Happy Sunday lovelies! Thank you to all who have taken their time to check this story out and then go a step further and fav/alert/review. Much appreciated. I doubt you see this, sweet Guest reviewer, as per your review you may not be coming back to check it out further, but thanks for your time, too, and no, this story doesn't revolve around the Straw Hats, so we won't see much of them. But we will see some glimpses of them later! :D

Enjoy!

Chapter 26

Ace stared down at the little bundle in his arms. The little boy was sound asleep, content in his father's embrace. Holy shit, Ace thought for the thousandth time since his son had been born, he was a father. The Gol D bloodline lived on, but so did the Portgas bloodline. Ace wondered what his mother would think of this, of Ashina, and of his son. Portgas D Sabo.

Ashina was asleep, exhausted from bringing their son into the world. Marco had reassured him several times that he and the nurses were checking her each day, several times a day, as a precaution, but Ashina was going to be fine. She was strong and healthy, just like their son. His eye color was not for sure yet, but he had Ace's dark hair and freckles. He hoped the boy had his mother's eyes.

The newborn stirred and made a noise of discontent. Ace panicked for a moment, before gently rocking him and shushing him softly. "Sorry, little man, I'm new to this being a father thing. Didn't expect to be a father really, but here you are, and I wouldn't give you up for the world. It's scary though, Sabo, the world. Full of hate, but full of love, too," he rambled, staring at the now quiet baby who stared back up at him, dark eyes semi-focused on Ace. "Your mama loves you. I love you. There's a whole huge crew that loves you, and I'm sure Shanks, your grandfather will love you. I have a grandfather, Garp, Gramps. I'm not sure if we should tell him about you. See, Gramps is a marine, unlike the rest of your family. Daddy, and Mama, Pops, and Shanks, and all your Uncles… we're pirates… we'll your mother is a Revolutionary Pirate, but I'll let her tell you her story. One day we'll talk about mine, maybe when you're older. If the Marines or the World Government find out about you, they'll hate you like they do me, for having the blood of the Pirate King, but don't worry Sabo. I'll always protect you."

Sabo closed his eyes, and Ace smiled down at his son. "I love you."

Ace leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to the newborn's forehead. He squirmed for a second, but then let out a soft sigh and went back to peaceful slumber.

Ashina stirred in the bed, drawing his attention, and he turned his head to look at her. She was lying on her side beside him, legs tangled in the sheet. She woke a moment later with a start, green eyes darting around quickly. When they landed on Sabo, cradled in his father's arms, she visibly relaxed. She blinked a few times, and yawned, before her eyes lifted to meet his.

"What time is it?"

"A little after three, I think."

"You should sleep. Is Sabo asleep?"

His eyes went back to his son. "Yeah. I can't sleep… I'm… I'm a father, Ashina."

Ashina smiled and reached a hand up to brush back strands of his dark hair. "For three whole days now. A lifetime to go."

Ace grinned at her. "I think you need sleep."

"I do need sleep. You do too. Lay him in his cradle and cuddle with me."

Ace chuckled softly at her demand, but slid carefully out of the bed. "You'll have to learn to share my warmth with Sabo, now. You can't horde all of the cuddles."

Ashina snorted, rolling over to watch Ace lower Sabo carefully into the cradle that sat beside her side of the bed. Ace was going to be an amazing father, despite whatever nerves and doubts were lingering in his mind.

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Ace stirred, reaching for Ashina. When his hand touched nothing but cool sheets, he opened his eyes. Blinking a few times to clear the sleep from his vision revealed that Ashina was not in the bed beside him. The cradle was empty as well. Ace propped up on an elbow, eyes scanning the room and landing on Ashina in the corner. Little Sabo, now one week old, was cradled to her breast, nursing, as she rocked slowly in the rocking chair. She was staring down at their son, so lost in the peaceful moment that she had yet to realize Ace was awake and watching her.

His son might have inherited his looks, but little Sabo did have his mother's emerald eyes. They were a touch darker than hers, although Marco said that his eye color could still change within the next few months. Ace was positive they were going to stay green. The only physical feature, it seemed, their son inherited of hers at the moment. Ace smiled as he watched the two most important human beings in his life.

"Staring is creepy, you could at least have made a noise," Ashina said softly.

In the moonlight, Ace could see her smirk, and he chuckled as he sat up fully. "I'm not creepy, I think you're beautiful. Why aren't you in bed?"

Her smirk slid into a tired smile. "Your son has your appetite."

He chuckled again as he watched Ashina burp their son. She cradled him to her chest and stood from the chair when she was finished. She changed his diaper first at the end of the bed, and then carefully slid in beside Ace.

Ace pulled her to rest between his legs, wrapping his arms carefully around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. The tiny infant was cradled in her arms, snuggled up to her breast and sleeping peacefully. Ace stroked a finger over his soft dark hair.

"Have I told you he's perfect?"

"I think so, but it's okay, you can say it again. I think he's pretty perfect too. He's going to look just like you," Ashina added softly.

Ace felt the smile tug at the corners of his mouth and pressed his lips to her temple. "Long as he doesn't act like me."

Ashina snorted softly, turning her head so she could press her lips to his jaw. She wanted her son to be like his father, and she told him as much. "It would be good if he turned out just like you. Strong, brave, kind, smart," a smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth "I might be able to do without the bold reckless streak."

Ace chuckled, loud enough that the newborn stirred. He stopped, cutting off the noise and looking a bit abashed for having woken the sleeping baby. But, Ashina was a natural it seemed and quietly soothed the baby back into peaceful slumber in seconds.

"Think he'll become a pirate like his parents?"

Ashina grinned. "Seeing as he'll be sailing for most of his life, yes. Now, if Garp was to ever find out about him, I have this strong feeling that he would be demanding for the boy to become a marine."

"See how well that worked out for Luffy and me?"

Ashina rolled her eyes. "I didn't say it would happen, just that he would be gunning for it. I think two grandparents being yonkos is going to be way cooler than one great grandpa being a marine."

Ace grinned. "Not to mention his really amazing mother is a Revolutionary Pirate."

Ashina smiled, leaning back into his chest. The drowsiness and lack of sleep started to creep into the edges of her vision, blurring the moonlit room, so she let her eyes close. She felt Ace's fingers trail down her arm, before the weight of her son was lifted. Her eyes snapped open, the sudden missing weight shocking enough to bring her out of the drowsy haze with a jerk.

Ace grinned. "Easy there, mama bear. I've got him. Lay down. You need to sleep. I'll put him in the cradle."

Ashina relented without a fight, much to Ace's surprised amusement. He lifted the baby fully into his arms, an action that was becoming easily familiar, the fear and worry of holding his son and either dropping him or just not doing it correctly subsiding with the passing days. Sabo stirred, making a soft noise of discomfort at the change before his little cheek pressed to Ace's warm chest. The contented sigh that left the baby made Ace's heart soar as he carefully extracted himself from the bed. The little life in his arms, his own flesh and blood, was the most incredible gift Ashina could and would ever give him.

Ace laid the sleeping infant in the cradle, and with a glance over to the bed to see that Ashina was fast asleep promptly sat on the floor beside the cradle. He knew he should get some sleep too. The lightening of the sky a telling sign that dawn was fast approaching, but he'd rather watch his son. The sleeping infant lost in sweet, blissful dreams, unaware of how cold and cruel the world around him could be. Ace reached out to gently touch his belly, feeling the subtle rise and fall with each of his breaths.

"Your family may be full of pirates, Portgas D Sabo, but… ya know, if you wanted to follow in Gramps footsteps one day, I… I don't think I'd be mad about it. Well, as long as you don't go after your mom and dad," Ace added with a grin.

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Marco held the infant in his arms, giving the young parents a chance to shower and dress for the day. The boy was content, belly full and slowly drifting off, as Marco strolled down the little lane connecting the houses to the camp.

Several men greeted him with good mornings and hellos, which he returned as he made his way to Pops, Thatch, and Izo.

"Hand the little man over," Thatch ordered, holding out his hands and flicking his fingers in a 'give me' motion. "Jeez, if his parents don't have him, you do."

Pop chuckled. "You hold him all the time too. Ignore him, son, give Sabo to me. Boy needs his Grandpops."

Marco chuckled as Thatch frowned, knowing it was useless to fight Pops for the baby. The boy, barely two weeks old, rarely spent any time in his cradle. Almost all of the second division had held the infant, only a few too scared to hold such a small, fragile baby, claiming they'd wait until he was a bit bigger and more durable. Tenshin and Yukichi liked to try and entertain the baby in his brief moments of wakefulness with silly faces and noises. The Commanders and Pops were the worst, doting on the boy and arguing over who held him last. It was in those moments that Jora, Tana, or Banshee would swoop in and snatch up the baby.

Placing the infant in Pops' hand, Marco watched as Pops brought the boy up to his chest. Sabo was small enough to fit in the palm of Pop's hand, but the baby didn't stir at the change.

Pops grinned at the sleeping baby. "Looks like his Papa."

"Looks like a newborn baby," Marco quipped. "But he does have Ace's dark hair."

"And freckles," Thatch chimed in. "When's he gonna do more than sleep, eat, and shit himself?"

Marco rolled his eyes, shoulders shaking with silent mirth. "In a few months. He's two weeks old. Learn to be patient. Even in a few months it will only be babbles and cooing, some head control practice."

"Cooing is more than sleeping."

"Marco, what did you do with my baby? Who has him now?" Ashina smarted, as she approached the group, Ace at her side. When she caught sight of Pops cradling the little boy in one hand she grinned. "You good Pops?"

"If he needs to eat or if he shits himself, I'll let you know. Until then, I've got him."

Ashina shrugged, reaching up on her toes to peck Ace's cheek before waving at the group of Commanders. "I'm off to find Jora and Tana then. Later losers, except you Pops, and my baby."

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The soft cry stirred Ace from sleep. Ashina shifted against him, but he squeezed her hip. "I'll get him," he muttered softly, smiling as she hummed softly in response, snuggling back down into the warmth.

The early dawn was beginning to lighten the room as Ace stood from the bed. The cradle sat on Ashina's side of the bed, so he padded softly around to gaze down at his son who was still fussing softly.

"Hey, what's the matter, Sabo?" Ace asked, reaching for him and lifting the boy into his arms, the action as easy as breathing now.

Little green eyes focused on his face, his fussing quieting as Ace cuddled him close to his chest. "Just wanted to snuggle? Huh? Not gonna lie, dad would have appreciated a few more moments of sleep, but snuggles are good too."

Sabo gave a soft gurgle, making Ace smile. Ace's grin widened when Sabo's small mouth stretched into a smile.

"Well, since you don't seem to be hungry, what's say we change you and go see Uncle Marco. I bet he's awake at this dreadful hour. We'll let your mama sleep. Huh? What do you say, son? Yeah? Okay."

Once Sabo was changed and dressed in a blue footed onesie Ace pressed a gentle kiss to Ashina's temple before he left the room. Despite his own warmth to keep the boy warm, Ace still draped the baby blanket over Sabo as he stepped into the crisp morning air. A few of the crew were beginning to stir, habits of ship life still ingrained in their internal clock.

Marco opened the door before Ace could knock. "Saw you coming through the window," he said as he stepped aside. "You're up early."

"Says the early bird," Ace retorted quietly, stepping into the house. "Sabo woke up, thought we'd sneak out and let Ashina sleep in."

"Thoughtful, and you're not wrong, I've always been an early riser. How's parenthood?" Marco asked with a chuckle.

Ace's warm grin stretched across his face as his eyes fell to his son, sleeping peacefully cradled in one arm to his chest. "It's not what I thought it would be, not that I had any idea anyway. Pops is the only father I've ever known."

"You had your Gramps, right?"

Ace snorted softly. "The fist of love might say differently, but maybe… when he showed up for a few days at a time. It's just… Sabo is so little and fragile, and he needs me," Ace's grin stretched into a smirk, "well, he needs his mama a bit more, but…" Ace trailed off, still staring down at his sleeping son. "I took care of Luffy, watched out for my brother, but Sabo's not my brother, he's…"

"Yours," Marco finished for Ace, making the younger man look up.

"Yeah. You ever think of kids? Do you have any somewhere?"

"None that I know of," Marco replied with a snort. "I've had my share of trysts over the years, but never anything serious enough for a family. Been a pirate almost all my life, never settled anywhere long enough for something serious. You got lucky finding a woman like Ashina on the seas."

Ace couldn't keep the dorky smile off his face. "I know. I thought I'd be more anxious to get back on the open water, but it's the opposite. Time's moving too fast, he's already two months old."

"Won't be long now before we'll venture back out to sea," Marco replied. "Let little man get a bit bigger. Ashina begging to train yet?"

Ace snorted again. "Not yet, but she made a mention of being more active. She's tired of feeling like she's sitting still."

Marco rolled his eyes. "She went through an extraordinary change, she should savor her break."

"You tell her that," Ace snapped back playfully. "I don't want her to train if it's going to cause her injury, but I like sparing with my woman."

Marco chuckled then. "She does give it her all."

The two men fell into a casual silence, enjoying the quiet of the early morning as the soft, morning sunlight began to peek over the tops of the trees. Sabo began to stir in Ace's arms. Ace glanced down as the baby stretched, opening his mouth wide. The infant relaxed before wiggling a bit more, a soft coo filing the otherwise silent house. Ace shifted his son, whispering soft, soothing words, as he became more distressed, but Sabo wouldn't settle despite Ace's best efforts.

Sabo let out another noise of discomfort, this one louder than the others, just as the front door opened. "I was wondering where you ran off with my baby." Ashina spoke softly as she came into the house.

"You're just in time, too," Marco said.

Ashina grinned as she lifted the squirming baby from his father's hold. He settled into her arms, soothed by just her presence. She turned her back to Marco as she shifted her kimono open enough to allow for the infant to nurse. Once he was properly latched, she turned back and sat down in the chair beside Ace.

The trio remained in comfortable silence until the noise of commotion reached their ears. It was Deuce who threw open the door to the house.

"Commander Ace, Commander Marco, a ship's been spotted on the horizon."

Ace and Marco exchanged glances before Marco stood from the table. "I'll check it out. Stay here, wake Thatch and Izo. Deuce, inform Pops."

"Tenshin and Yukichi already have."

Marco nodded in acknowledgement as he brushed past the blue-haired man. As soon as he was out of the doorway, Marco burst into blue flames, wings propelling him into the skies.

Ashina caught Ace's eyes, and he noted the worried look she gave him. He reached out, clapping his hand on her shoulder and giving her a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay. Probably nothing to worry about."

Ashina nodded, but Ace could tell by the straightness of her spine that she wasn't at ease. Both Thatch and Izo stumbled out of their rooms upon Deuce banging on their doors.

"What's the excitement about?" Thatch grumbled. "Red's already had the baby."

Ace chuckled, shaking his head. "Ship's been spotted on the horizon. Marco's flown to check it out."

Thatch pushed his hair back, flopping down into one of the chairs. "Then we'll wait here. No sense in getting riled up over nothing. Relax, little mama," Thatch said, eyes shooting over to look at Ashina. "We'd be able to deal with any unwanted visitors long before they reached this far onto the island."

Ashina shifted her hold on Sabo, sitting straighter in her chair. "I know that," she retorted defensively.

Marco strolled back in the house moments later, a lazy grin on his face. "I've got good news and bad news."

"Well?" Thatch smarted back. "Don't keep us waiting."

"Good news is there won't be any fighting. Bad news is it's Red Hair."

"Papa?" Ashina perked up, her worry instantly replaced with excitement.

Marco's lazy grin stretched wider. "Yeah. He's finally made it to meet his grandson. Pops is already griping about having to share the baby cuddles. He should anchor soon. We've sent a few men to meet him at the shore and escort them to the village."

Thatch was the next to speak up, "Well, we'll need extra breakfast helpings then." He stood from his chair, stretching before running his hands through his loose hair again. "I'll get my guys started on that."

"Booze, too," Izo said on a laugh.

Thatch nodded thoughtfully as he turned on his heal, heading for his room.

Ashina shifted Sabo, covering herself as she moved to burp him. Ace and Izo chuckled at the two loud burps the boy emitted.

"Takes after his father," Marco teased.

Ashina giggled at that, bringing her son close to her face as she cradled him in her arms. "You gonna be just like daddy? You're already a bottomless pit. Yes you are."

Sabo cooed back at her, his arms moving as he tried to reach for her. She caught a little fist, and his long, tiny fingers wrapped around one of hers. "Let's go change your diaper. Grandpapa is coming to meet you. Yes, you get to meet your other grandfather."

"Two yonkos for grandfathers. It's one hell of a legacy," Izo commented. "His father a famous Super Rookie turned Whitebeard Commander, and of course his mother is none other than Missus Spade, the Revolutionary Pirate."

Ashina hid her grin against Sabo cheek, making smooching noises as she peppered his soft skin in kisses. The other men in the room didn't know about Ace's, or Sabo's, true legacy, a much grander one than just yonko. The legacy of a King.

"Yeah," Ace said, scratching the back of his head as he stood from the chair. His hand came to rest on Ashina's back. "Ready?" he asked, looking down at her before flicking his eyes back up to Izo and Marco. "We'll catch up with y'all at the campground."

Ashina giggled softly as soon as they were outside the house, cooing to Sabo as she looked down at him. Tucked close to Ace's side as they walked, she whispered, "Such a famous family you have sweet boy, we'll stick to just two yonkos until you're older."

Ace frowned. "Maybe never," he muttered. His son was a Portgas, just as he was, Ace's father having no place in his son's life except for sharing his blood.

Ashina nudged him softly, and when he looked down at her she graced him with a warm smile. "One day. When he'll understand why he's Portgas, the same as you. Until then, the only grandparents that matter are the ones he'll know on his own."

Bending his head, Ace pressed a kiss to her temple before leading her up the stairs of their little house. Ashina was right, one day he'd want his son to hear it from him, before he somehow learned from someone else, quite possibly his loud mouth Uncle Luffy. "Come on, let's get Sabo all fixed up to meet his grandfather."

Ashina looked back down at Sabo, wide awake and staring up at her with his big green eyes. Stepping inside, she lifted him up carefully, making sure to support his head, and held him above her head. "Do you need a diaper change? Huh? You're not stinky yet, no you're not. Did daddy get the stinky one this morning when he snuck you out?"

Sabo cooed at his mother as she moved to lay him down on one of the large, soft cushions on the floor. Ace handed her the basket containing the diaper changing materials and sat beside her.

"We were trying to let mama sleep, weren't we buddy?"

Ace had to give it to her, Ashina was definitely more efficient in the diaper changing department. Before she could reach for him to dress him once more, Ace scooped up Sabo, peppering the half-naked infant in kisses.

Gurgles filled the air as Sabo flapped his arms, his legs kicking slightly. Ace rested him against his forearms, bringing Sabo closer to his face. "I like that he has your eyes," he commented, staring at his son who stared right back.

Ashina leaned over to press a kiss to Ace's cheek. "That's the only bit of him that looks like me. Otherwise, he looks like his daddy."

Ace chuckled. "Maybe that means he'll act like his mama."

"Doubtful," Ashina retorted with a smirk, heading toward their bedroom to dress properly for the day.

Ace watched her go before turning his attention back to Sabo. "I'm holding on to hope that you'll be like your mama," he whispered, brushing the tip of his nose to his son's.

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Ashina sat beside Ace with a small group of the second division. Nervous anticipation could be felt throughout the campground as everyone waited the arrival of Shanks and his crew. The only one who was peaceful was little Sabo, sound asleep in his father's embrace, cradled carefully in one arm and tucked against his warm, bare chest. Despite Ace's internal heat, Sabo seemed to enjoy the warmth his father projected and often snuggled closer, pressing a chubby cheek to his father's chest. Ashina thought it was adorable. Ace worried he'd make the boy too hot.

Ashina felt him before she spotted him, that trickle of cocky confidence that he let leak out, the slightest touch of Conqueror's Haki. She knew why he did it. In the presence of Whitebeard, a fellow yonko, it was a show of strength. She turned on her stool, her smile widening as she watched him greet Pops. The haki he exuded being reigned back in once the formal greeting was over.

"Where's my grandson? Oh, and my little girl," Shanks asked loudly, his voice carrying over the gently rolling hills.

Ashina caught his eye as she stood from her stool and rushed across the soft grass to jump into his embrace. "Hi, Papa."

There would never be a feeling in the world that could match the security and safety of her father's warm embrace. There was something different about the way he hugged her, the strong presence and reassurance he provided all her life. No matter what she did, Shanks would always love her.

His lips pressed to the top of her head before he let her go. "Where's my grandson?" he asked again.

Shanks's eyes fell on Ace as the young man stood, the blanket wrapped infant cradled in his arms. Shanks was momentarily at a loss for words as he watched the young man walk toward him. The resemblance to his former captain always left Shanks breathless for a split second before he remembered that Ace was not in fact Roger, and Roger had never gotten the honor of holding his own son the way Ace did now.

"Good to see you again, Shanks," Ace greeted.

Shanks smiled gently. "Good to see you, Ace. It's always good to see you're keeping a smile on my daughter's face. Hope she keeps you on your toes."

"Always." Ace grinned, eyes flicking down to Ashina's as he offered her their son.

The switch was effortless, an action Shanks didn't miss. A fond smile crept upon his face as he watched the pair for a second.

"Papa," Ashina said, turning slightly so that Shanks could see clearly the sleeping baby in her arms. "Meet Portgas D Sabo."

Shanks stared down at the little boy, amazed at the gorgeous little life his daughter had created. He was perfect, all chubby cheeks, soft lips, and dark hair.

"Can I hold him?" Shanks whispered softly.

Ashina giggled, but it was Pops who replied. "Long as you don't drop my grandson, Red-Hair."

Ace tensed, worried Pops' teasing may be taken the wrong way, but he relaxed as soon as Shanks barked out a laugh.

"Just 'cause I've got one arm doesn't mean I'm gonna drop my own grandson," he called back, before gazing down at the boy again, and whispering softly, "Give him here, Ashina, I won't drop him."

Ashina gently placed her son in her father's arm, watching with adoration as Shanks effortlessly shifted the baby into the crook of his arm. Shanks swayed side to side, cooing soft, unintelligible words.

It was in that moment that the crew who had been hanging back, giving the new grandpa a moment alone, came forward.

"It's good to see you, Ashina," Benn greeted first, pulling her in for a hug which she gladly returned.

Lucky Roo swept her up next, his big bear hug squeezing her before he dropped her carefully back to her feet. "Motherhood looks good on you, Little Mama."

Yasopp caught her around her shoulders, dragging her into a hug bigger than Lucky's. "You did good to leave the Old Man speechless."

"Where's the rest of the crew?" Ashina asked, seeing that it was only the four of them that came.

"Stayed behind on the Red Force," Benn answered. "They send their congratulations, but we thought it best to not bring everyone onto Whitebeard's island."

"Appreciate that," Marco said, coming to stand beside Ace. "Although, we did give an invitation."

Benn nodded. "It's appreciated. Captain's been beside himself for weeks now, eager to see both his brats." At Ashina's scowl, Benn added, "His words, not mine."

Shanks paid no mind to the others around him. His entire focus was on the little boy in his arm. His grandson who was only a handful of days shy of sharing a birthday with him. The infant took after his father's strong features. The dark hair, the speckling of light freckles across his cheeks, the little nose that Ace had to have inherited from his own mother. Sabo stirred in Shanks' embrace, little mouth stretching wide before his eyes squeezed tight and then opened, staring up at the new face that held him.

A soft gasp left Shanks' lips as he stared at the green orbs looking back at him. Tsuna. The boy had inherited Tsuna, and Ashina's, green eyes. "Well now," Shanks whispered, too soft for anyone else around to here. "Looks like you've got a bit of Captain and Tsuna in you. Bet they're causing a ruckus up in heaven right about now over you."

"Yo, Cap'!" Yassop's yell pulled Shanks out of his own little world. "Quit hogging the baby! I wanna hold the little one too!"