Hello every, so yes I know this is super late for Christmas… but it took a longer to type it up from my journal than I thought it would. Anyway I hope you like it. Merry late Christmas and Happy New Year! ~Choreboy Out

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece, the only thing I own here is my character and any I make up to progress her story

Christmas Special

I stare at the dark water off the stern of the Moby, the dull roar of a party in full swing even reaching this end of the massive sailing vessel. Closing my eyes I heave a sigh, the guys had every right to party after crushing the attacking marines. Me on the other hand, I don't quite feel up to sharing in the celebration not since realizing what the date is, December 24th, Christmas Eve. A time of year I'd be spending with my family and friends. Only this year… this year I'm here. Who know how far away from home and family I actually am. Heaving another sigh I pull my cell out of my pocket, type in the passcode and stare at the picture I have set to my background.

The smiling faces of my parents and brother stare back at me and I can't help but choke down the lump in the back of my throat. It's been months since I arrived here, months since I've seen or heard their voices and yet there has still been no progress in finding my way home. I can honestly say my hopes of ever returning home are beginning to dwindle. Another sigh escapes my lips as I click my phone off to continue preserving power and wipe at the moisture around my eyes, not noticing the other body that has joined me at the railing.

"You okay?" a warm male voice questions causing me to jump slightly as I turn to look at the intruder. Ace is standing on my right leaning against the railing and looking out at the water. Staring at him a moment I turn back to the dark waters.

"Yeah why do you ask." I lie without missing a beat, then chew the inside of my cheek hoping he will leave it at that. I don't want to ruin the good mood of victory.

"Oh, then why don't you come join the celebration?
" at the question I bite down on my cheek hard enough to fill my mouth with the taste of copper. I ignore the pain unwilling to alert him to my distress. Instead I force myself to smile at him.

"Come on you should know me well enough by now, I'm not the drinking type." I remind him but clearly he isn't buying my excuses, because despite my lack of participation in the drinking of booze I'm usually always joining in on the other festivities. Better think of something quick, I think as I gain a side long stare from him. I can just imagine the next comment from him. "Plus," I begin before he can, "I'm thinking about hitting the rack. It's been a long day and I'm exhausted." I say and just barely manage to fake a yawn.

Pushing away from the railing I wait for his response as he mulls over my reply. I hate to lie to him but this also isn't a topic I want to talk about at the moment. After a few awkwardly silent moments Ace also pushes away from the railing with heaving a sigh.

"Alright fair enough." He concedes with an air of casualness which causes me to relax. "I guess you still aren't used to the constant battles." He chuckles a hand behind his head. I smile as well, that is technically true, I'm still not used to the constant fighting even with my devil fruit powers, but it is getting easier.

"yeah." I agree yawning which surprises me. Guess I really am tired. Ace chuckles again softly and wraps an arm around my shoulders squeezing.

"Night short stuff." He says releasing me, smiling I nod heading for the door to the interior of the Moby. Glancing back as I reach the door Ace waves at me and I give a half wave before disappearing inside. As soon as the door clicks closed behind me I race down the hall no longer able to hold back the tears that threaten to spill over. Reaching that door to the room Ace and I, I burst through it and slam it close again. Tears stream down my cheeks as I lean back against the wood, I just want to go home.

Ace watches as Amber disappears inside the ship, heaving a sigh he glances up. "You can come out now." He announces loud enough for the two ease dropping to hear. Marco and Thatch both drop down from the deck above landing next to him with ease. Giving the two a questioning look, "So what do you think?" he asks.

"She's clearly upset." Marco comments and Thatch nods in agreement his eye closed and rubbing the scruff on his chin.

"Well yeah but what about? Did we do something wrong?" Marco shrugs causing Ace to sigh. He know she misses her family but she's been getting better with time so what made today so different? Suddenly Thatch clears his throat gaining his two comrades attention. A dubious smile forms across his lips and the two give him a questioning looks.

"I think I might be able to answer that." He states dramatically then reaches into the depths of his shirt as his two friend watch curiously. Moments later he produces a leather bound journal which he holds out for them to see. Instantly Ace leaps back in a fit of shock and fear, his eyes the size of dinner plates, jaw literally hitting the deck, arms thrown up in defense. On the other hand Marco remains in place with a quirked brow at the fourth division commander.

"Ar…are you insane Thatch?" Ace demands agitatedly, "If Amber finds out you have that she's going to kill you." He snaps at his friend holding said death sentence, but Thatch only continues to smile merrily.

"I have to agree with Ace on this one," Marco comments sounding almost board. "Nonetheless stealing from nakama isn't permitted." He adds coldly, turning a steely gaze on his shipmate. Thatch immediately throws up his hands in defense backing away from the irritated first division commander.

"Oi, oi now wait just a minute, no one said I stole it." Thatch defends causing the two to stare at him incredulously. "Really! I'm only barrowing it to help out a friend." He attempts to explain with a stammer. Marco rolls his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest still unapprovingly of the man's lack of respect for personal belongings. Seeing this Thatch smiles broadly and throws an arm around Marco's shoulders, "Don't worry bird brain. I'll take all the heat if miss short cake finds out." He jokes causing the veins in Marcos forehead to pop.

"Thatch how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that, yoi?" Marco grinds out irritation still growing across his usually calm-bored features. Staring at the dark rectangle in Thatch's grasp Ace can't help but feel a bit apprehensive. On one hand Amber is his friend and he wants to help her in any way he can so if the journal could give them a clue as to how, he's willing to take that risk, but on the other hand she is also hi nakama and respecting her privacy would be the right thing to do. Confliction rages a silent war in his head until the sound of Thatch and Marco squabbling catches his attention bringing him back to reality.

"Oi Thatch," Ace questions pausing the two mind step. Marco has Thatch in a head lock ready to give the man a noogy from hell, while Thatch grips Marco's arm, maw gapping and ready to bite down.

"Yeah?" Thatch replies, both men now staring at the younger second division commander.

"Do you really think something in there could help?" Ace asks and the two men release each other at the seriousness of their friends tone. Thatch moves to clap Ace on the shoulder reassuringly.

"Maybe." He affirms smiling down at his counterpart. Marco heaves a sigh but steps up as well.

"I wouldn't normally condone this behavior, but I suppose if it'll help." Marco adds also giving Ace a reassuring look, then glances to Thatch, "But we are only going to look at the most recent entries and only for the things troubling Amber. Nothing more and then as soon as we have this figured out, Thatch you will return the journal back to her. Is that clear?" Marco instructed authoritatively staring pointedly at the yellow scarved man.

"Kill joy." Thatch mutters with a pout across his face as the other two laugh at him.

I wake with a start heading lifting off my pillow eyes fluttering against the gritty feeling of just waking after crying myself to sleep. Flopping back onto the pillow I close my eyes and burry my face into the pillow hiding from the morning light seeping through the port hole. I dread getting out of bed knowing what today is. I wonder if anyone would blame me if I did… I could always use the excuse of not feeling well. Yeah maybe I'll have Ace tell everyone I'm sick and stay in bed I think to myself as I snake my hand over to his side of the bed.

I don't except what I find. The sheets are frigidly cold and still made up. Opening my eyes again I push myself onto my elbows and look at the empty space next to me confused. Did he fall asleep on deck again? I wonder the shiver as my breath billows into a tiny cloud before my eyes. And why the hell is it so damn cold? Scrunching back down beneath the covers I stare at the door hoping the human heater will come stumbling in like normal, but the door remains shut. Even after I wait a good ten, fifteen minutes. Where? I begin to question as I reach for my watch on the night stand I notice something else unusual as I glance as the time. Ten thirty seven and yet the usual sounds of the crew waking to being the day are absent.

Pushing myself up again, what the heck is going on, I wrap the bedding tightly around my shoulders. Climbing out of the bed I scurry over to the port hole to stare out it dumbfounded by what I see. Outside is blindingly bright causing me to blink a few times before actually seeing the scene beyond. SNOW?! What the? Did we really enter a stable climate?

Spinning on my heels I throw the bedding into a pile at the end of the bed, quickly striping out of my pj's. I tug on a pair of jeans then grab my bra off the back of the chair and secure it into place. Digging in the chest at the end of the bed I finally find the only sweater I own and tug it on over my head before swiftly moving back to the bed. I yank on my boots as quick as possible and race out the room grabbing my jacket on my way.

The halls are devoid of any life, the chow hall, even as I burst through the door to the main deck it is empty of life. Shielding my eyes from the light I stare at the cloud covered gray sky. I shiver from the cold as a gentle wet flake lands on my nose.

"Ahh cold, cold, cold." I stutter rubbing at my nose then quickly pull on my jacket. "Where the heck is everyone?" I state voicing my frustrations at the world.

"Amber?!" I pause a moment having heard my name, wha… where? Suddenly I look up just in time to jump out of the way of a falling figure. Stumbling back I fall on my ass just as a large figure lands on the deck.

"Namur!" I yelp looking up at the eighth division commander. He smile toothily down at me offering a webbed hand to help me back to my feet.

"Hey shorty." Namur laughs pulling me up and I smile at him. "What took you so long to get up?" he questions causing me to stare at him quizzically.

"What do you mean? I haven't seen anyone all morning as I assumed everyone was still sleeping. Also where are we?" I ask looking around the empty deck. Just beyond the port side railing of the ship I can see the tops of snow covered conifers which has me truly curious. Namur rubs the back of his head laughing nervously.

"Um well everyone is on the island. It's called drum or I think that's what pops and Marco said." he explains and I nod with the intensions of joining the other only as I turn from Namur to leave he grabs my arm. "Wait Ace wants you to wait here for him." He informs a questioning look rising over my features.

"What? Why?" I pout and Namur shrugs with a chuckle. Heaving a sigh of annoyance I drop to my ass on the deck continuing to pout. "Well he could at least hurry up." I state stubbornly.

Twenty long minutes pass by and my frustration has surpassed that of which I have when Thatch tries to come on to me. I fidget uncontrollably, constantly roaming the deck kicking at the snow. Namur glances at me nervously every couple a minutes like he's afraid I'll burst or something. What the hell is taking him so long? I frown falling back into the snow now covering the deck and glare up at the clouds. This is ridiculous, why the hell do I have to wait on the ship while everyone else is out enjoying themselves. Stupid Ace.

"That's it!" I yell bolting up right and scaring Namur causing him to jump back. "I can't take it anymore. Namur please tell Ace when he gets here that I got tired of waiting for him." I call as I race toward the side of the ship and jump over the railing.

"Wait Amber!" Namur calls after me but I'm too focused of willing the snow in the air to cluster under my feet to soften my landing. Once on the ground I begin trudging through the snow which is up to my knees, ignoring Namur's pleases for me to wait. That jerk why would he have me wait for him if he's not even gonna show up. I ought to give him a piece of my mind… my internal ranting continues as I traipse through the snow, I am so engrossed in my own thoughts that I don't notice the figure in front of me until it is too late and I bounce off its furry hide.

Landing on my back in the snow I blink up at the gray sky. What did I just hit? I push myself up to look around. There in front of me standing in the snow and towering over me, eyes glowing red, is a large white rabbit. It growls dangerously while baring its teeth at me which happen to reassemble jagged fangs. Oh it's just a cute little bunny… I think hysterically as fear grips my chest. Just a cute oddly large fanged rabbit… You've got to be shitting me.

A paw large enough to rival that of a bears swipes at me and I just barely manage to duck under it. "Phase shift!" I snap using my powers to move myself a good distance away from the creature. Frozen in place I stare at the large rabbit, it glares at the spot I was, then looks at me its eyes narrowing. Crap. Suddenly it throws its head back and howls briefly. Hesitantly I step back, oh this can't be good.

All around us more larger than life rabbits pop out of the snow. Yeah definitely not good. I don't have time to think as the army of rabbits begins its charge at me. swiftly turning on my heels I book it in the opposite direction, a scream ripping from my throat.

The roar from an enraged creature carries for miles causing the small blue nosed reindeer to look up from his work. His ears twitch as he listens for any sign that the creature could be heading his direction, but he doesn't pick up anything else. Good the lapin's aren't heading this way, he thinks nervously returning to his work. Moments later a scream pierces the child air gaining his attention.

"Oh no, someone's in trouble." He voices dropping the herbs he'd been collecting. In a blur her form shifts and he races of in the direction of the scream.

"Namur, I'm back is Amber up yet?" Ace calls as he launches himself on to the deck, landing with a thump. The eighth division commander is waiting for him leaned up against the main mast. Unfortunately the platinum blond haired girl in question is nowhere to be found. "Really she's not up yet? What a lazy bum. Better go wake her, everyone's waiting." He turns to head inside when Namur stops him.

"Ace wait." The fishman sighs gaining the fire users attention, "She left already." He informs.

"What?"

"She got tired of waiting for you, said if you were too busy she'd go exploring by herself." Namur continues relaying Amber's message.

"Why'd you let her go?" Ace demands frantically moving to the side of the ship and looks at the snow covered scene.

"I tried to get her to wait but, well she's stubborn. I'm sorry Ace." Namur laments and his friend turns back with a sigh and smile.

"Yeah I guess she can be pretty stubborn. Okay well I'll just go find her then." Ace laments with a snort while Namur nods. Only before he can jump of the ship a loud howl fills the air freezing the two in place. Seconds later a scream follows and every muscle in Ace's body tenses while his blood runs cold at the recognition of the scream.

"Amber!" he shouts, leaping off the ship. Namur reaches the railing just in time to see the second division commander hit the ground at a run. "Tell Marco we'll be late." He calls back to the fishman before disappearing.

Why do these things keep happening to me? I think desperately as I dodge another attacking rabbit. Leaping over its large form I stumble on the landing and tip to far forward. "Shit!" I yelp throwing my arms out in front of me to brace against the fall. Tumbling head or heels I stop abruptly on my back dazed. Near by the growls grab my attention drawing me back to reality. I stare wide eyes at the four large rabbit creatures surrounding me leaving no room for escape. I should have just waited for Ace on the ship, I think somberly and close my eyes just as the white balls of fluff lung at me. I've already exhausted all the energy I could spare to use my devil fruit and with all the gaps covered there was no way to make a brake for it… so I'll just except my fate, even if it is a crappy one.

I wait for the pain of claws tearing through my flesh, but it never comes. Instead strong arms wrap around my waist and under my knees lifting my into a sudden gust of wind that has my hair whipping in every direction. My eyes snap open and I almost immediately regret it. I am soaring through the air a couple hundred feet above the snow covered earth. Now usually I don't mind heights in fact I rather like them, that is when I have something solid and stable under me not just free falling through the air with the guarantee of hitting the ground.

Glancing up I half expect to see Ace's face smiling down at me, but what I find is a shock to say the lease. Brown course fur, antlers poking out of a bright pink top hat, a blue nose; I almost don't believe it. We're in the air for another few seconds before this thing lands in the snow. It glances down at me with dark eyes then carefully sets me back on my feet.

"You aren't hurt are you?" it asks in a soft sweet voice causing me to just stare at it with wide eyes slowly shaking my head. It nods it's bulky head then turns to watch the approaching monster rabbits. I peek around it as well. Not good, their numbers have seemingly doubled in size. Where the heck are they coming from? Glancing at the creature to my side I notice it has changed forms, now instead of being tall and lanky built for speed, it's gained bulk and resembles something like a sasquatch but with antlers. Gorilla reindeer? I question to myself.

As the first of the giant rabbits attacks the creature defends. It easily swats the attacking rabbit away like its nothing. Unfortunately these fluffy white creatures are seriously persistent and as quickly as it can smack them away they pop right back up as if nothing had happened. They're going to overwhelm him, I think. That's when I notice the snow rise just behind him.

"Look out!" I scream but it's already too late the snow bursts upwards as the rabbits launch their sneak attack. My mystery savior doesn't have enough time to turn and take the brunt of the attack. I don't take a moment to think I just throw my hands up. "NO!" I cry focusing all my control on the rabbits hoping to stop their attack. After a moment I peek open an eye to find all our furry friends have frozen in midair. Did I really do that? I stare at my own hands, well that's a new trick.

I don't get much of a chance to think about the new ability as I remember there's still an army of killer bunnies angry at us. Rushing forward I grab the large fuzzy hand of my savior and tug him in the direction of the Moby Dick. At this time it's the safest place I can think of. I swing an arm at some of the oncoming terrors.

"Electron wave!" I shout while continuing to run. I need time to focus on my next move, but with attacking rabbits flying at us from every direction I can't. Damn it! Finally there's a break the attacks and I can focus long enough to remember my companions molecular structure. Without hesitation, "Phase shift!" I phased us out of there.

We reappear in a wooded area I had passed through earlier along my hike. Everything around us is quiet and it looks like we've lost out giant white friends. I sigh from relief releasing my grip on my companions hand, "that was way to close." I stammer glancing over my shoulder. My large hat wearing friend stares at me untrustingly.

"You have devil fruit powers." He mumbles accusingly and I can't help but laugh.

"So do you." I throw back playfully and he blushes intensely shuffling about nervously. I watch him curiously.

"Aren't you afraid?" he finally asks while looking down at the snow covered ground. The brim of his pink hat shadows his eyes, he sounds dejected and a bit accusing again. That's a strange question.

"No, why would I be?" I answer truthfully with a wide smile but it doesn't seem to help the situation. He only seems to become more agitated.

"Because!" he snaps suddenly; frustration evident in his voice. Right before my eyes the large creature shrinks down to about fifth it's size. Becoming more round around the middle with frail twig like arms. A sniffle sounds from his little blue nose making my heart clench for the little guy. "I'm a Monster." He mumbles softly and those words hit me deep. That same word having been applied to myself not long ago.

"You're hardly a monster." I correct him gently, "A monster wouldn't have saved me now would it? I'm pretty sure you're a hero. Plus I live with a bunch of monsters and none of them a quite as cute as you are." I add encouragingly, hoping to cheer the little guy up. He sniffles a few times rubbing at his leaking nose with the back of his arm. Glancing up at me it looks like he might smile at me but suddenly I hear my name rise over the soft quite of the forest around us.

"Ace?" I question as I stand straight searching the trees, "Ace!" I call a tad louder and a moment later I see his orange hat come bounding over a snow drift. I all but forget my tiny companion. My annoyance from before refueled as I march toward him as he gets within arms reach I slam a fist full of snow in his face effectively stunning him in place. "What took you so long." I yell at him as he heats up to melt the snow. He's wearing an apologetic look when the snow has all melted.

"I'm sorry it took longer than we thought to set everything up." He apologizes but I continue to pout while crossing my arms over my chest turning away from him. That is until I realize what he's said.

"Wait what took so long to set up?" I ask over my shoulder. Suddenly he realizes his mistake and grins sheepishly at me.

"It's a surprise." He informs and I'm not so sure I like that answer. With this crew a surprise could mean anything. The last surprise I got was a face full of Thatch's bare ass, it turned out to be a prank on Ace. Unfortunately no one really knew at the time that I'd taken to sleeping in Ace's room with him due to the nightmares, so it was kind of a back fire. I look up at Ace skeptically and he knows exactly what I'm thinking. "Oh no, it's nothing like last time." He reassures but still I'm skeptical. "Anyways why'd you scream?" he asks quickly changing the subject.

"Oh that, I was attacked by giant vicious rabbits, but don't worry I was saved by this little guy." I inform and turn back to my pink hatted little friend. Only he's no longer standing where I'd left him. Quickly I trudge to the spot and look around, searching behind the trees, digging in the snow, but I find nothing. No tracks or anything. "Where did he?" I begin to question.

Ace stares at me without a word and after a while I pause completely confused, "Are you sure there was even someone here?" he asks glancing around confused. I glare at him pointedly, pursing my lips together with my hands on my hips.

"Yes I'm sure." I hiss causing Ace to put up his hands defensively.

"Okay, okay I believe you but they aren't here now. It's starting to get late. We really need to get going." He explains and I almost want to stay and look for the little guy. I never got to say thank you, but whatever the others seem to have planned seems like a more pressing matter so I nod and Ace turns to lead the way.

Standing a moment longer I turn back to where my little hero had been standing. Kneeling down I pick up a clump of snow and carefully mold it until it turns to crystalline ice in my hands in the shape of a little reindeer. I leave it on the ground in front of me.

"I never got to properly thank you for saving me Mr. Reindeer. So here's a little Christmas gift from me to you." I say softly while standing. "oh and you're no monster. I'm the real monster after all I did destroy an entire island." I add cheerfully with a lingering sadness in my tone.

"Amber?" Ace calls questioningly causing me to spin around.

"Coming!" I answer and glance on last time at the icy figurine. With a smile I quickly run to catch up to Ace, silently pleased with myself.

"Ace where the heck are we going?" I ask as he carefully guides me along some unknown path. After we'd gotten back to the Moby and I explained my run in with what Ace called Lapins. He blind folded me before we could leave again. I had insisted on knowing where we were going but he only answered with it's a surprise.

"Don't worry we're almost there." He reassures as he leads me forward. I heave a sigh of impatience and roll my eyes under the blind fold. We've been walking for almost half an hour now, I've been completely blind folded the entire time and walking through this frozen wonder land has left me frozen to the core. I can't help the chill that comes over me causing Ace to pause. "You cold?" he questions, I nod shoving my free hand into the pocket of my parka. Moments later Ace is pulling me into his embrace, arms wrapped around me and he heats up, "you should have said something." He comments and I shrug.

"Unless you can crawl into my boots and keep my feet warm I'm just gonna continue to be cold." I mumble into the collar of my jacket which I have buried into. Above me Ace chuckles lightly still greatly entertained with me. Elbowing him in the ribs he stops laughing before releasing me so we could continue on.

"We're here." he announces a few moments later stopping right in front of me so that I bump into him. To prevent me from ripping the blind fold off he grabs both my hands. What the hell is he waiting for? I wonder impatiently shuffling from foot to foot.

"Ace?" I question.

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to let me take this thing off or am I just going to sit here in the dark?" I question with a raised brows. He again chuckles at me as he relieves my hand. Hesitantly I reach up to pull the blind fold off, wondering what this surprise could be and if I really want to take the blind fold off. Taking a deep breath I grasp the cloth over my eyes and tug it down. A soft warm light filters in through my closed lids and as I open them it gets brighter.

I freeze the moment I focus on the sight before me, tears brim in my eyes as I bring a hand up to cover my mouth. A good majority of the Moby's crew, including Whitebeard himself are gathered around a decently size pine tree. It's gleaming beautifully courtesy of Ace's Hotarubi. The small globes of soft flickering fire light illuminates the other objects that decorate the tree's branches. It looks like treasure, gold coins and trinkets, shimmering gem stones of every shape, size, and color, there's even a fine silver chain draped throughout the branches like garland. The sight is breath taking and as my gaze climbs the tree I notice that at the top there is a soft glowing blue light. It emanates not from one of Ace's flaming globes but from a cluster of feathers elegantly arranged from Marco's phoenix form. The perfect topper for such an untraditional tree.

As I continue to stand there and stare through watery eyes, Marco steps up from Whitebeard's side and clears his throat. From there the most wonderful version of "White Christmas" I've ever heard rises from the crew. The words are garbled, sometimes unintelligible and the pitch is a bit off but the crew is no choir and they are trying their best which is all that matters. Tears finally spill over and I don't bother to wipe them away. Next to me Ace wraps an arm around my shoulders smiling brightly at the scene before us.

"How did you know?" I sniffle glancing up at him for a moment. His smile turns on me and his hold tightens.

"Thatch my have barrowed your journal." He confesses easily ratting out his friend. I smile knowingly, Ace knew better then to mess with the journal and would willingly give up anyone to save his own ass from my wrath. "What're you going to do to him?" he questions equally as knowing.

"Nothing for now, but tomorrow is fair game." I answer just as the song comes to an end. Without hesitation I begin applauding their effort. Everyone looks happy at my reaction.

"Merry Christmas Amber." Everyone shouts in unison which causes me to cry and laugh even more. You idiots! I think while I rub at my eyes. Thankfully Ace steps in front of me hiding me from the others so they can see me crying. I bury my face in his jacket as I continue to cry; I'm both over joyed and a little sad. Happy that the crew is trying to cheer me up but sad that I can't be with my own family.

It takes me a few minutes to calm down and Ace just continues to stand there until I'm good and ready. I rub away the dampness along my cheeks before peeking around him. The rest of the crew has finally arrived with Thatch and Namur at the lead, several carts are being drug through the snow behind them. As they pass Ace and I catch a whiff of the food under the covers over the carts, it instantly causes my mouth to water. Looking around everyone is in motion, flattening out a patch of snow, setting up tables and chairs, bringing out the food. Jozu's division has gathered enough wood for a weeks' worth of regular sized bon fires, but they have stacked it all and he calls Ace over.

"You okay?" Ace asks looking down at me before going over to Jozu, I nod with a smile.

"Yeah I'm good." My voice is soft but nothing about it is cause for worry.

"Good to hear." He responds rubbing my head playfully before trotting off to help Jozu with starting the fire. Watching him go I roll my eyes, turning my attention away from the shenanigans of the bon fire building. I stare at the tree again. It's not the most symmetrically decorated tree but it is beautiful. I slowly approach it to get a closer look, something I didn't notice before, is there are different thing to symbolize the different divisions. A latte with a four and yellow sash for Thatch and the fourth division, Namur's division created the number . . . out of coral from fishman island, Haruta decorated on of her ruffled neck pieces, they were all so creative and fit each division perfectly. As I continue to look over the tree I notice a small poorly wrapped package tucked among the branches. Unfortunately I don't get to inspect it further because Haruta has joined me at the tree.

"Pretty isn't it?" she questions with a wide smile to which I return.

"It's one of the most beautiful Christmas trees I've ever seen." I reply and that seems to make her smile grow twice as big.

"It was a lot of fun to decorate. I never knew a holiday like this existed." Haruta explains. For a moment I'm surprised to hear her say that but then I remember we're from two different worlds. I look back at the tree, it's so strange with e ach day I feel a little less home sick even now. Although I'd like to be home with my family, I realize this is really nice too.

"Oh yeah there're lots of fun holidays where I'm from." I add cheerfully as we continue to study the tree. Whitebeard clears his throat gaining everyone's attention. Haruta and I join the crew at the set up tables; she breaks off to join her division while I find Ace, Marco, and Thatch sitting together and join them. Once everyone is settled we all look to the captain, he raises his overly sized sakazuki out in front of him.

"Amber," he addresses me gaining my attention causing me to stare up at him. One thing I'll probably never get over, how large the people of this world can get. "This world may not be home to you and this crew may not be related by blood; but I am honored to consider you as part of my family as one of my daughters. As I am sure everyone else here is as well." He toasts and everyone cheers in agreement. I already know my face is beat red and I quietly whisper a thank you which makes Whitebeard laugh heartily. Once the toast if finished everyone begins to dig in to the feast that the fourth division had prepared.

The meal is delicious and about half way through I realize that a lot of the dishes are things that I have mentioned to Thatch as being my favorite. Roasted meats, friend rice, fresh fruits, hot rolls, cheesy potatoes, grilled cheese, and so much more. There's so much food I'm not sure how I'm going to try it all.

The party is in full swing now, booze is free flowing and even I partake in some of the drinking games. A group from the sixth division has started up in song and everyone is laughing and having a good time. After everyone has finished eating Marco gathers us all around the tree with much grief for a picture and as soon as it's taken the masses disperse hastily to go back to enjoying themselves.

Sometime during the fray Thatch, after having returned my journal, begins running around with a little bundle of mistletoe over his head; finding her very much liked the tradition. I have to duck behind Ace or Marco every time he comes by. Of course it is all fun and games until he tries to get Haruta involved and the fiery little division commander decides his head would make a good tree topper. It also gets a little awkward when the two team up and jump Ace and I with the entire crew watching. Thankfully I never specified what type of kiss was involved in the tradition, so a quick peck on his cheek satisfies that obligation. After all I'm fairly sure we're both embarrassed enough as is.

The celebration last well into the night, possibly the wee hours of the morning before the crew starts to slowly trickle back to the Moby, either worn out or completely shit faced. Everyone able and willing helps out division four packing up what's left of the feast. As they pack the tables and chairs I join Marco next to the still blazing bon fire.

"Wonder how long this will continue to burn?" he huffs with a yawn causing me to glance up at him.

"I might be able to do something." I offer, he looks tiredly at me then nods and steps back. I smile broadly focusing on the matter around me. "Neutron Field." I state creating a barrier of neutrons around the fir with a wave of my hand, "Alright, now molecular separation." Slowly the oxygen within the barrier begins to flitter out through the invisible field and the fire sluggishly suffocates. I leave the barrier up until I'm one hundred percent sure the fire has burned it's out then release it. "All done." I say cheerfully while looking over my shoulder at Marco. He smile sleepily and lightly ruffles my hair.

Once everything is cleaned up the only thing left is the tree still standing beautifully at the center of the clearing. Jozu and Vista stand in front of it trying to figure out where to start taking down the decorations. It's sad to see such a wonderful tree tore down so soon, but the treasure and objects belong to the crew. Lost in my thoughts I don't even realize Ace has come to stand next to me until he waves a hand in my face.

"Hello earth to Amber? Are you there?" he teases and I act like I'm still off in lala land. So when he steps closer I catch him off guard and nail him right in the gut with my fist. He keels over at the waste holding his gut.

"Ha gotcha." I snap back at him equally as teasing. I get ready to attack again when he puts up his hands.

"Uncle, uncle!" he calls giving up and we both laugh. I look back at the tree again heaving a sigh. "Still home sick.?" Ace questions and as I look back at him I can see a hint of worry in his dark eyes. To put him at easy I smile brightly.

"Sure I am but you know, being here… it's not so bad. Also it's sad to see all your guys hard work go to waste." I explain while motioning to the tree. Vista and Jozu have already begun pulling down the treasure that adorns the branches, a feeling of melancholy washing over me. "It's amazing that everyone did all this just for me because I was feeling a little home sick. You guys really are the best." Turning to Ace I throw my arms around him hugging tightly at first he seems surprised but moments later he returns the gesture, warping his arms around my shoulders. "Thank you so much, I really appreciate this. It's been one of the best Christmas's ever." I mumble into his jacket continuing to hug him. I don't want him to see the tears swelling in my eyes again and as soon as I rein them in we part.

Ace jabs me in the arms playfully with a goofy smile, "Don't worry about it." He reassures and we both watch silently as the Christmas tree is undone and returned to it original state as a normal ever green. As Jozu reaches up to pull down the topper Ace stops him. They speak quietly for a moment as I watch, they glance at me for a sec and I swallow awkwardly. Jozu smile briefly which is a rarity before handing over the topper to Ace. I'm a little surprised when he walks back over and hands the ornate decoration to me.

"Really? I can keep it." I question inspecting the beauty of each iridescent blue-gold feather.

"Yeah, also this." He states gaining my attention and as I look up I find he is holding the small poorly wrapped package I had seen early in the night. I stare at it then up at him, he wears a sheepish look on his face, avoids looking me in the eyes, and there's a hint of pink tinting his cheeks. "It's my gift to you. The rest of the crew wanted to get you gifts too, but Marco thought that might be overwhelming and that you might feel bad about not being able to return their kindness. But it's okay I don't expect anything in return." He explains causing me to smile. I look back at the package in his hands, it's poorly wrapped in brown paper tied off with twine nothing to fancy. Exchanging the topper for the package I turn it over in my grasp before ripping into the paper. Inside I find a simple wooden box with Whitebeard's mark burned into the top. Obviously Ace's handy work but who knew he could be so artistic.

Carefully I pull the lib up and peer inside. Placed in the interior is a simple red and white bangle much like the one Ace wears all the time. I stare at it then look up at him, I don't know what to say. It's such a simple thing but it has a lot of meaning behind it. Taking it out of the box I hold it up to the flickering light studying the carefully crafted bands.

"I wasn't sure what to get. Then I remember how much you like to steam mine." He explains staring at the ground, and before he says anything else,

"It really nice and the box is beautiful, thank you." I say hugging him again. This time he doesn't hesitate to hug me back. When we break apart I slip the bangle onto the wrist of my left arm and take back the tree topper.

"You ready to head back to the ship?" he asks and I nod with a yawn. Who knew I was so tired. Ace notices this as a sluggishly place the gifts into my bag that I always carry. He chuckles at me then kneels in front of my. "Come on you hop on." He sighs, I smile as I climb onto his back, my arms wrap around his neck and he grips my thighs before standing. As he adjusts I lean into him resting my chin on his shoulder eyes closing, he begins walking back to the ship.

"Tonight was nice." I mumble sleepily causing him to chuckle while shifting my weight.

"Oh yeah?" he wonders aloud, he glances at me questioningly but I'm staring up at the sky and its endless expanse. There are so many more stars in the sky then I've ever seen, they twinkle like diamonds against the black back drop.

"Yep, makes me wish I could have both. Home and here." The words a hardly above a whisper and filled with a bit of heartache. Unconsciously I hold tighter to him and bury my face in his shoulder. "Thank you so much for everything Ace." I mumble.

"You're welcome." He replies warming slightly as we continue to the Moby.

Happy Holidays everyone!