Chapter Eight: Making a friend

A/N: (9_9) Hi everyone, I know I said I would have this chapter out way earlier which didn't happen, so sorry about that. I can explain that I had lost this chapter along with some others so had to start again from scratch.

Anyway, this chapter is really to help where we left off before I do another time skip. So hope you all are still there and satisfied with this chapter.

ACE

He had screwed up. Correction. He had fucking screwed up, big time. Many times his temper has caused trouble, even if he tries to keep it in check. But once again he had let his temper get the best of him, opening his mouth. Why did he open his damn mouth?

A night passed since Sabo had left him on the beach. Which Ace hadn't left, he'd considered going back to the ship, but he'd rather sleep on glass than go back to that human stench filled ship, alone. Instead, he spent the night sulking, pacing even roaring at the ocean at one point, anything to relieve the stress. But just made him more frustrated restarting the cycle again and again 'til he became exhausted, sitting down, fiddling with Luffy's straw hat.

'Luffy would be so disappointed seeing me now.' Thinking how his youngest brother would get really upset when they fought, even try to make things right. At one time they had such a big argument that they hadn't spoken to each other for days, so Luffy had decided to trap the two in a cave. He couldn't help the longing smile, remembering that was actually a den of a giant bear, that the two had to fight to get out. In the end, they made up and both scolded the hatchling before eating the bear. 'If only you were here, Lu. Then you'd come up with one of your lunatic idea's.' Feeling the tiny flutter of comfort next to Sabo numb mark, as expected Sabo had blocked his bond, that was so him. Probably trying to hide their argument from the hatchling.

He thumbed Lu's mark, finding how ironic it was that his little brother was worried about them when only moments ago it had been the other way round. Just the thought that someone would harm his little brother has him over the edge on multiple occasions. Sure Sabo would be there to reassure him; however, this time was the first he had taken it out on Sabo. He groaned, "What am I supposed to do, Lu?"

LUFFY- At breakfast

"Then Marc woke up surrounded by fruit with a pink bow on his head, it was brilliant. That's why I call it the 'fruit basket' prank." Thatch laughed loudly. "Of course he got me back, afterward he dropped me right from the sky, luckily for me he caught me just as a Seaking surfaced, or I would have been lunch. Not that Marco would've let happen. But that week I made sure not to turn my back on him."

Luffy silently snickered at the man's story. He had taken a liking to the strange looking human, called 'Thatchy'. He gave him delicious food so far, along with stories of his many pranks. It was especially funny when this guy 'Mango' was involved, Luffy guessed the two were close considering how the other seemed to put up with Thatchy's pranks. It sort of reminded him of how he was with his brothers, of course, Luffy being the one to cause trouble.

A pot on the stove began to clatter, with hot steam squeezing out from beneath the lid. "Food's ready." Thatch got up, moving back to the kitchen, Luffy watching patiently by small eager eyes.

But something bothered Luffy as he observed Thatch flinching at random points. 'What's he doing? Is he trying to be funny?' Luffy watched the human as he shook. It was then Thatch was forced to put a dish down and grip his bandaged arm. 'How'd did he get that?' Suddenly yesterday flashes back, Luffy realized what was the cause of the man's pain. It was him. Luffy knows he doesn't regret doing what he did at the time and wasn't sorry for it, even other had mentioned that he wasn't to blame. However, it didn't stop the small guilt to wedge itself in.

He stared thoughtfully at Thatch's face then to the arm, and back again. Slowly his face turned red, overworking his mind. He wished his brothers would tell him what to do, but they hadn't given him any sign. They'd been very quiet recently, maybe this was one of those moments they thought he needed to learn by himself, he hated those. He huffed, finally the colour returning to his face. 'Thinking hurts,' he whined.

THATCH

Unknown to the turmoil taking place, Thatch poured the thick soup then picked it up, this time with his better arm.

"Here you go, Toothy." He placed the food down into the vent, before moving away, giving the little chap some space. Though It had only been a day Thatch was enjoying feeding his new company, especially since Toothy seemed to enjoy his cooking. So far he's only met 'Toothy', but he then remembered Numar claiming there were more due to the various scent's. 'Maybe it's nestlings, would explain a lot, especially the amount he eats. Wait, that would mean Toothy was female, right? Or is he a male caring for the expectant mother?' Thatch groaned, rubbing his forehead. There were just too many unknowns, for now: he decided to just leave it as it is, figuring he'll find out eventually.

Thinking about it he should've been demanded seconds by now. Glancing to the side of the vent, Thatch was confused seeing empty dish sitting halfway out of the shadow. 'Huh, guess he's not that hungry.' However, as he reached in, the dish vanished back into the shadows. Thatch was momentarily surprised before realizing what had just happened.

"Okay, very funny. Good prank, now give me the dish back." He tapped his forefinger on the edge of the vent. Again the dish just poked back out from the darkness innocently. Satisfied, Thatch finally gripped the plate but all of a sudden the bowl is yanked back into the vent along with Thatch's arm. The unexpected pull resulting in Thatch face palming the wall just over the vent.

"What the f* was tha-" His yell dying on his tongue as he felt something was touching his hand. That something being wet and lapped slowly up his palm to his wrist. 'Oh Davy, maybe Marco was right. He's had a taste of me and wants the rest of me.' He was about to pull his arm right back out from the danger, however, he heard something akin to purring? The licks turned to nudges, feeling a strange texture briefly caress his hand.

Tensing when it moved up the arm, more precise to his clothed wound, despite Thatch's concern the gentle touches continued. Until a long whine is released with Toothy prodding at the bandage, whining once more followed by more licking. It sort of reminded him when Stephan would get upset when Pops got hurt…

'Oh,' Thatch began to chuckle as relief overcame him, connecting the dots. 'So that's what this nonsense is about.'

"You know; you have an interesting way of apologizing." Sitting back up, rubbing the strained shoulder. "You sure are a weird little guy. You don't usually knock a guy down when saying sorry, not that I'm complaining. A little unconventional but hey I've had worse. Not to mention it's the first time I've made friends with… well… whatever you are." Thatch grinned. "Maybe one day I'll-"

'Boom!' Suddenly the room rocked hard followed by more explosions. Thatch fell onto his side with a yelp, as the floor swayed again. The booming became louder, along with more yelling outside, increasing the headache Thatch just received from the floor.

He tried to clamber up but there's striking pain before he collapsed again. Groaning it wasn't hard to assume that falling onto his arm had probably torn a few stitches. Glancing down confirmed that, as red slowly appeared through the bandages.

There's a concerned whine. "Yeah, I'm good." Using the other arm, he managed to get up while keeping the other tuck closely to his chest. When he makes it to a window, what he saw didn't surprise him. An unfamiliar pirate ship shooting at them with more pirates jump from it to join the fight on the Moby's deck. For a normal person it was a terrifying thing but for them, being a pirate and a strong one at that, it was just a regular thing. It was just another sight of some newbie crew trying to take Pop's head, barely something he had to worry about. After all, they weren't the strongest crew for nothing.

"Don't worry little guy, just another pirate fight on the seas. As long you're in here you've got nothing to worry about." He reassured his companion, which a yip replied excitedly. "Oh you like pirate fights, well maybe I'll tell you some of my own tale-"

'BOOM, CRACK!' A cannonball came crashing through the galley. It wasn't long before a second one shot through, this time everything went flying. The galley's instantly transformed, food, pans and, cutlery had been tossed to every area and anything that was wood was now debris. Unfortunately, amongst said wreckage Thatch laid motionless. A distant whine calling out, only increasing when met with silence.

That is until finally fitful groans and coughs erupt from Thatch, which disturbed the dust causing him to cough more. Moaning, Thatch gripped his head hoping to stop the constant ringing. Slowly opening his eyes, he discovered just how lucky he was. Nearly everything was lying over him, some planks with not so friendly nails pointing down at him. Fortunately, he'd fallen next to the fridge which was taking most of the weight.

'Safe in here, eh? I've really got to quit jinxing myself.' The situation only got worse as he looked himself over, he didn't mind the scratches or the bruising that would sure appear later but a completely blood-soaked bandage was another thing. "Uh, the Doc's gonna have it in for me." Hopefully, he'll be able to talk - beg - his way out of bed rest again. It certainly didn't help when he tried to crawl out that his foot refused to move, wedged tightly under the rubble. 'It's REALLY not my day.'

Twisting and squeezing but his foot refused to budge. Usually, this stuff wasn't a problem, since he usually had his swords. But today he had left them in his room since he wasn't allowed to use them for awhile, and he couldn't very well lift the wood off him, that would only damage his arm further. 'Guess I'm going to be stuck here for awhile.' Thatch huffed, hoping someone to come soon. "At least I should stop the bleeding." Using one hand he unlatched and removed his belt. Wrapping around at the top of his bleeding arm, he grunted, buckling it tightly.

"Do my eyes deceive me? Looks like a commander of the Whitebeards had a nasty accident." Looking up at the new voice, Thatch spotted a stranger walking through the galley's broken wall. The man was plain looking to say least, nothing Thatch would have considered a threat before. But right now in his situation, the sword the pirate was dragging over the floor was definitely looking menacing. "Or it's just my lucky day," Each step bringing the man closer.

Thatch's face became serious and eyes challenging. "Think you can handle it? Don't believe that there's a chance you'll be getting off our ship, once you raise your sword."

"Big words for a man that's about to be at deaths gate." The pirate standing before Thatch grinned evilly.

"What, you so weak that you can only attack if the opponent is already down? Or are you just that cowardly?" Thatch snared back.

"The f*ck you say?! I'll show you weak!" He spat. Quickly the furious man raised his sword threateningly and Thatch prepared himself. Blood was shed and a frightening scream followed by a clang and a thud.

In a blink of an eye, the pirate was no longer standing over Thatch, but thrashing in agony on the ground next to him with the sword long forgotten. "Make it stop!" He repeatedly cried. Watching in awe, Thatch tried to see what was happening but the enemy's lower half was being dragged into a pile of broken planks. However, the continuous snarls and growls coming from the pile only revealed it as something beastly. It's then Thatch's mind registered what just happened. He had just been saved. By Toothy.

"I'll kill you, M*F!" The pirate pulled out a hidden pistol, quickly firing it into the wreckage.

The shot snapped Thatch back to reality, upset that the man had shot at Toothy Thatch snatched up a scattered pan then without mercy hit onto the hand, knocking the gun away, then whacked the man upside the head, knocking the man out.

"Thatch, You alright?!" Jozu came storming through the door, followed by Namur.

"Over here." He called to his brothers, which they rushed over that is until they saw a motionless body with a pan wielding Thatch next to it. Many questions went through their minds looking at the whitening figure and their pan wielding brother.

"Did you seriously kill a guy with a pan?" Numar looking bewildered.

"He's not dead. Not yet." Thatch said, tossing the pan away. "By the way, I could use a little help if it's not too much trouble."

"Half the kitchen's fell on you. Are you hurt?" Jozu noting Thatch's position, carefully checking the wreckage.

"Na, the fridge is taking most of the weight. Apart from a few torn stitches and my leg being pinned down, I'm dandy."

"Okay. Numar you grapple him, and on my signal, you pull him out." Jozu reached into the mess, meanwhile, Namur moved to Thatch as instructed. It wasn't long 'til Thatch was free, but once he had been he immediately got up.

"Thatch you should rest. You need to see Doc, quick." Namur stating his concern, but Thatch ignored their comments to settle down. With his sore ankle Thatch limped passed the pirates body, before crouching in front of a pile wood.

"What you doing?" They asked, becoming confused when Thatch started to rummage through the wreckage. Jozu moved forth, hand onto Thatch's shoulder but the man's too distracted to notice. "Thatch, stop. You can't ag…"

"Jozu," Namur interrupted Jozu, the larger man looked to him confused. "I smell a lot of blood", was the only words Namur spoke with a grim face. Gradually the wreckage was cleared but what laid beneath was something out of a horror show. One of the pirates now had the appearance similar to Thatch arm. Flesh tore apart, on the other hand, this looked more vicious, the tearing being deeper, the creature was even strong enough to snap the bone leaving it the bottom half of the leg completely bent in an unnatural twisted way. it was clear from the amount of blood loss puddling round it that the pirate wasn't going to make it. Not that they cared, only pitied the dying man like any other that death was caused in such a terrible way. The two were so dazed by the scene that they didn't notice Thatch picking something out.

Open his palm revealed a small round bullet. Thatch lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, seeing not a single speck of red on it. 'Thank Davy Jones,' he thought, believing the pirate had missed. Toothy was alive, he was safe.


LATER, THAT EVENING

It wasn't long before the whole of Moby Dick had gotten word as to what happened in the galley, well at least the part about the dangerous creature had struck again and Thatch had been trapped during the attack. Hearing this had many of his brothers swarming him with worry, and every time Thatch assured them that he was fine and was hardly in danger- from Toothy at least, but he left that out otherwise there'd be more questions. Despite his words, none of the crew believed him demanding him to see the doctor, some even shoving him to the infirmary. So here he was now, being stitched back together like a rag doll.

"Can't stay out of trouble, can you?" Thatch flinched as a needle pierced his skin.

"Isn't my fault that lady luck is against me," Thatch retorted.

"You're in here most of the time because it is your fault. This time was no exception, your suppose to be resting so what were you were doing in the galley anyway?" The Doc sent a suspicious glare.

"Nothing," Thatch is too quick to reply. Next thing he knew the stitches tightened unpleasantly. "Ouch! What was that for?!"

"Nothing," the Doc repeated sarcastically, obviously catching onto the lie but the other doesn't press further into it which Thatch was thankful for. "I just need to wrap your arm and I'm done." He grabbed the salve from the side, applying it carefully before the bandages were put on. "You'll need to rest for about 3 days before you walking on that foot, I'll give you some medication to cope with the pain for your arm. You'll need to take one with your meals, your dinner has already been brought in." He gestured to the tray of food, settled on the bedside. "Someone will be bringing your meals while…"

Unfortunately, for the doctor Thatch wasn't listening anymore instead he was waiting for his chance for escape. He was finishing up with the bandage, - waiting- he says something, which Thatch just nods –waiting- the Doc gets up, moving to his desk- Now!

Thatch gritted his teeth, ignoring his aching ankle as he swiftly limped for the exit. He inwardly laughed at his victory hearing the Doctor yelling in anger far behind him, demanding him to return to the bed. Fat chance. Reaching the door, Thatch swung it open to finish his escape. There was one problem, he wasn't expecting Marco to be standing on the other side. 'Crap'.

Stopping in his steps Thatch was faced with an unimpressed Marco, obliviously he was in big trouble. Thatch gave out a nervous laugh. "Hey, Marc. I was just going for a stroll."

"No. Yoi."

"Oh give a brother a chance." Eyeing the gap beside Marco, leading to his freedom. It doesn't go unnoticed. Yet Marco doesn't block it, just raising his brows as if daring him. He dared. Thatch bolted for freedom, momentarily confused as Marco let him pass. His confusion is soon replaced by pain, followed by the sensation of falling.

Thatch was partially grateful for Marco catching him otherwise, he would've been kissing the deck for Nth time that day. Still, he wasn't happy that Marco had caught, unfairly might he add.

"See, you're in no condition to be strolling. Yoi."

"See what?! You tripped me! what sort of brother does that to an injured person."

"So you admit that you're injured." Thatch just gave him a raspberry.

Marco sighed in frustration at his brother's childish behavior. Since Thatch wasn't going to return willingly there was only one other choice. In the end, he was carrying his brother like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder, which Thatch weakly fought and protested to, in vain. Seriously it was like dragging a screaming child to get their shots.

Despite Marco being shorter than the other he was remarkably strong, something one would compare to inhuman- well someone not from the New World would. So carrying the fourth commander back into the infirmary wasn't a hard task.

"Good work, Marco." The Doc praised, satisfied his escapee being returned, then instructing which bed to put Thatch on. The doctor put the medication he had been previously searching for next to the tray of food. Thatch didn't miss the warning look the Doc sent him, making it clear what would happen if Thatch didn't take them when he was told to. "I'll leave him to you," The doctor said to Marco before making his leave, out the open door.

"I'll just leave later when no is looking."

"Oh, that's not going to be a problem." Marco pulled out a small item from his pocket. Dandling it mockingly at Thatch, who became bewildered, recognizing the key as the first commander's skeleton key. It's a second 'til it clicked to what his brother was implying.

"That's imprisonment!" He gasped.

"No, it's Thatch keeping," putting the key back when Thatch tries to swipe it.

"I won't survive the boredom, I'll rot away."

"I'm sure you will survive, yoi. I'll have Izo drop some book off so you can pass the time or maybe you could use this time to catch up on your reports if you're that bored." Thatch's complaint ceased at the mention of doing paperwork instead, grumbles about unfair brothers and overprotective Mother hens.

Marco ignores that last comment, satisfied Thatch had quietened at least for now. "It's only for a few days, you're lucky it wasn't worse, yoi."

"I handled it, wasn't going to let some no named rookie take me down."

"That's not what I meant, it could've been you laying in the galley right now. It's like Namur said it was waiting for its chance and took it."

"You're exaggerating."

Marco shook his head, "Thatch-"

"Don't say it. You promised you'd let me handle it, you can't go back on your word now. Besides my plans working." Marco gave a doubtful look yet inquires about it. Thatch excitedly mentioning how well the feeding went and how he would tell it stories. Marco making a comment 'only you'. Of course, Thatch had conveniently forgotten to mention his close encounter with Toothy earlier, sure he had promised to tell Marco everything but he didn't say when. For now, Thatch decided it was best to keep the moment to himself, especially knowing that the stupid bird brain would more than likely overreact, scolding him for being careless, he wouldn't doubt that Marco would go so far to go to Pops. Nope, he was going to keep quiet for now.

"Well, he did save me."

"That was just a coincidence." Marco returned, why couldn't Thatch see this animal was just too dangerous. It had taken down a fully grown man for Davy's sake! Yet it was clear that Thatch had his mind set on making friends with said beast. Knowing the man, he wasn't going to budge the slightest. Marco released an exasperated sigh. "Just be careful, yoi." Not that he had to really say it, but hoped Thatch wouldn't do anything too risky. Animals were unpredictable, anything could set them off especially one that was territorial. One wrong move would surely have his brother losing a limb. If that happened he'd exterminate the creature himself, after all, they were whitebeard's, if anyone -be it pirate, marine or even beast- hurt one of them, they will make sure they ever regret crossing their family. For now, though he'll stay cautious. If in fact what Thatch said is true, the creature had purposively protected him then they had nothing to worry about. He highly doubted that was the case.

Thatch tried to sort out his position on the bed, it was quite difficult moving to the center of the bed with his injuries. He suppressed the wails as his body winced in distress. 'Davy, it feels worse than before.' He moaned.

"Here," Marco reached out his hand to the arm, lightly laying over it before blue flames ignited from his hand. Drawing closer the flames engulfed Thatch's arm if it was someone else other than a whitebeard pirate they would've expected a burning sensation. Instead, the flames were cool as they danced over the injury, the pain fading slightly into a comfortable numbness.

"How's that, yoi?"

"Better. Thanks."

"Don't try to move it, I only relieved the pain so it's- What did I just say?!" Marco chided, spotting his brother about to do the exact opposite to what he just said. Being scolded, Thatch gave an apologetic smile as to say 'My bad', rubbing his nape unconsciously. "You know my Flames of rebirths has its limits, yoi." Marco said, lightly shaking his hand as his flames died down. "Even though it will heal faster now, you still staying here."

Thatch pouted, but didn't argue.

Satisfied, Marco took his leave out the open door. "See ya Later," Marco gave a curt wave as he left, closing the door behind him.

At the sound of the lock clinking he slumped onto the bed with a huff, staring frustratingly at the ceiling. He hated being stuck on bed rest, it was so dull. After all there was nothing to do besides well… rest obliviously.

"Uh~ So boring. If only there was something interesting to do." Thatch said. There was an agreeable whine, "Exactly", Thatch pouted.

Wait… whine? Sitting up he glance around, confirming no one else was with him. Thinking about it, it wasn't a sound a person would make.

"Toothy?" calling out curiously.

Realizing his company his mood brightens, scanning the room for a vent. However, was confused when he didn't see one. 'Is it hidden behind the desk?' He thought, maneuvering to the edge off the bed. Then as soon as his feet graced the floor, a growl erupts from under the bed, pulling them back up out of reflex. 'When did he get under there?' amazed by…the only possibility would be when Marco brought him back or at least during his visit. That's being amazing on a whole different level as he had sneaked passed Marco. Marco! On the other hand, he shouldn't be that shocked after all Tooth has slipped past the whole crew for who knows how long.

Putting his feet back down was greeted with another growl. Thatch was confused by the aggressive sound, he paused though raising the limbs slightly. Silence.

'Wait a minute…' he lowers one foot, nothing so far. Then his bandaged foot, oh did he get one hell of a growl. 'That little bugger is scolding me?!' He thought. "Oh hell no. I can put up with Marco but no way will I let you boss me around as well." Ignoring the warning he began standing, his mistake. He yelped feeling something nip one foot, falling back onto the bed.

"Okay, Okay! You win, I'll stay put." He surrendered, rubbing his newly assaulted foot. It didn't hurt much but he wasn't willing to go against his little friend's demands again, especially if next time he'll might get something a little harder than a nib. So he ends up laying across the bed in defeat.

It seemed Toothy was happy with his words, because soon there was mewls, along with kitten licks to his swollen ankle. Thatch chuckled at the ticklish tongue, but doesn't stop Toothy, thinking this was an animal's way of showing affection.

"Becoming quite attached to me aren't you?" Thatch teased, still the pampering continued. 'Very affectionate,' his grin widened. Honestly he was slightly dumbfounded that his new company was acting so devoted, he had at least expected it to take days for Toothy to warm up to him. Considering it had taken a whole month for Pops' dog –Stefan- to let someone pat him other than Pops no to mention Stefan would eye anyone that came close to Pops.

"Guess I have my own bodyguard," He snickered at the confirming yip. It was nice to know there was someone else watching his back, besides his family.

"Well, I'm going to be here for a day or two." Thatch sat up, hearing Toothy shuffle back under the bed, out sight. 'Definitely a shy one.'

"So if you want maybe you can pop by, it'll be nice to have the company." He quickly received a snort 'sure', it almost sounded eager. "Great." He smiled.

"Oh, one more thing." Leaning over and plucking a plate from the tray, Thatch placed it carefully on to the floor. "Can't let my savior go unrewarded, got to say thank you for back then." Nudging it under the bed. "It's not much but once I'm out of here, I'll treat you to an amazing meal as my appreciation."

Soon after settling into the medical bed, Thatch was content for once in the infirmary listening to the pleased munching sounds. He waited patiently and soon the noise faded into a comfortable silence. "So how about another of my amazing tales?"

To be continued...

Uh finally. Yeah I know it's short but I didn't want to do a time skip until I had at least some sort of a bonding moment between Thatch and Luffy.

I will soon be adding a scene to this just sorting out the kinks (which I've done now), I posted this part since so many have asked for me to update. Which I thank you for getting my ass in gear. I have been slow for reasons I mentioned at the top, another is that I have lost my beta reader as she is busy with university, so if anyone wants to volunteer for a chapter that would be great.

TessL: I do apologize that this hasn't helped with your question earlier. I did have a long part in this chapter about why Sabo didn't want Ace to go but I felt it was a bit forced so I have put it in the next chapter. But I will explain that Sabo didn't want Ace to go due to his own past actions and what he saw when he did return to his brothers from Goa.

Please continue to comment and post your ideas, I have been doing wonderful changes because of them.

Oh! And a big thanks to my new beta reader, Chiki24! They were a great help for my infirmary scene which I just just kept on improving by their opinions.