It was decided that Sabo and his friends would attend the party in town. Naturally, everyone in town was invited so it was a chance to catch up with people. For Ace, he wanted to meet Trafalgar Law to get some information. For Thatch, he wanted to hook up with cute girls. For Marco, well, he probably just wanted free drinks.

For Sabo, on the other hand…

He wondered if Luffy would go to the party as well. It would be great if they could see each other there. Did he know there was a party? Maybe he should ask him if he was going.

After much consideration, Sabo decided to text Luffy.

-Hey, Luffy. Are you going to the party later?

It didn't even take long for the reply to come.

-Yes! Are you going too!? Wow, it'd be cool if we saw each other there!

Sabo blushed a little. Luffy seemed excited to meet him again. Maybe this was progress…?

-Yea, I'll be looking forward to it!

"Hoho? What're you grinning about? Are things with your crush going smoothly?"

Thatch interrupts Sabo from his thoughts. Sabo rolled his eyes. Here we go again…

"What's with that reaction?" Thatch pouts, looking offended.

"I'm sorry, but I've gotten tired from the relentless teasing," Sabo replied, looking back to his phone and ignoring Thatch's disappointed look on his face.

"Look at how much he's grown, yoi."

"But mom! It's only been a week!" Thatch cried, shoving his face in Marco's chest.

"Did you just call me mom?" Marco raised an eyebrow, pulling Thatch by the hair off his chest.

"Yes. You're mom, I'm dad, Sabo and Ace are our children," Thatch said blankly.

"You're so ridiculous yoi," Marco paused. "Wait, why am I the mom?"

"Mom, lend me your homework… I was too busy thinking about my brother to do it," Ace suddenly joined in the conversation.

"Yea, mom! Lend it to dad too!" Thatch chirped.

"Oh, for the love of god…" Marco breathed.


They arrived at the huge mansion, which would be used to hold the party for the town. They were welcomed personally by the host, Shanks. He reeked of alcohol, but he wasn't drunk. At least he didn't look so.

"Long time no see, kiddos! Eat and drink as much as you want, it's all on the house! Enjoy your youth to the fullest!" Shanks gave a hearty laugh and a pat on Sabo's back.

Sabo smiled and nodded in gratitude while Marco smirked, saying, "Well don't mind if we do."

"Is Trafalgar in?" Ace asked the redhead.

"Yea, he was one of the first to arrive!" Shanks answered, taking a sip of alcohol from the bottle in his hand.

"Are you going to find the guy today?" Marco questioned.

"Yea. Can't get a peace of mind if I don't, y'know?" Ace sighed.

Sure enough, they find Trafalgar Law by the table of drinks. He was wearing his famous spotted hat, in addition to the black jacket and jeans. The jacket was zipped halfway, exposing the bright yellow shirt with a big smiley face on it. Law was slouching against the wall, sipping away the drink in his cup.

When they got close enough, Law looked up, as if he was expecting them. Sabo could see the dark eye bags under his eyes. How long had it been since this guy last slept?

Law put his cup on the table and smirked. "I see you have questions for me, Ace-ya."

Ace twitched at the mention of his name, but remained determined. "If you know what I'm here for, then that makes things easier."

Law shifted his eyes to Sabo. Sabo felt cold sweat drip down his neck. Law's smirk grew even wider. "That aside, it seems that things have gotten pretty interesting around you, hasn't it, Sabo-ya?"

What was this guy talking about? Did he know about Luffy? Sure this guy had loads of information, but this was getting a little creepy. Sabo felt like his privacy had been breached. This guy felt like a stalker!

"Ugh, my business is more important than Sabo's love life! Now, tell me what you know!" Ace hissed.

"Oh, is it?" Law raised an amused eyebrow. "Anyway, before that, let's talk about payment, shall we?"

Ace clicked his tongue, pulling out his wallet and began to count the number of notes that reside in it. He took out the notes and put the wallet back into his pocket. "This enough?"

"A little short, but I'll take it," Law snorted, taking the notes to recount them. He then slid a folded piece of paper into Ace's palm. "Here's the picture of the man you're finding and the location he is at now."

Ace tucked the piece of paper into his free pocket. "Thanks," he mumbled before shuffling out of the mansion.

"You sure you don't want our help?" Sabo called out after him, only for Ace to wave his hand dismissively.

"Leave him be, Sabo. Just enjoy yourself tonight yoi," Marco patted Sabo's shoulder while sighing.

That's right… he was a little concerned about Ace, but he was strong and could handle himself. Sabo should just concentrate on what's in front of him… yes, he was going to see Luffy again later. He glanced at the friends he came with. Ace was gone, Thatch was obnoxiously trying to pick up some girls in the corner, and Marco was taking drinks for them, looking softer than usual.

"Hm, so you like being called mom, eh?" Sabo chuckled, receiving an annoyed look from Marco.

For now, he'll enjoy the presence of his dear friends. But somehow, he couldn't wait to see Luffy again. Luffy was probably coming with his friends as well. He wondered if they'd have a chance to be alone.

It'd be nice if they could talk alone later, just the two of them.