A Life We Live
Summary: One Piece Soulmate Bingo Card: Growing Old. Requested by Angel. Marco/Ace. When a soulmate is in danger, they activate a special ability that allows them to instantly get to their soulmate. This changes the lives of Portgas D. Ace and Marco as they get to fulfill a promise they made each other.
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome to A Life We Live! My first piece of One Piece Soulmate Bingo 2022! I hope you enjoy this Angel! Love you!
Pairings: Marco/Portgas D. Ace, Dracule Mihawk/Shanks, Monkey D. Luffy/Trafalgar D. Water Law, Sabo/Koala
Warnings: Canon Divergence, Alternate Marineford Events, Alive Thatch, Portgas D. Ace Lives, Whitebeard Lives, Character Death, Soulmate AU, Teleportation.
A Life We Live
It was said that every person in the world was given a soulmate, rather it was platonically or could develop into something else. One person in the world that was supposed to be their perfect match. Ace never put much thought into it. He learned about soulmates from Sabo. Sabo had told him everything that he knew. Soulmates had a special ability that only they could use with each other.
Apparently, it was teleportation.
Teleporting to each other's side at any given time.
According to Sabo, it could only be activated after they had met their soulmate, but they wouldn't know. It was rumored that it would first activate in the second that their soulmate was in danger. It was almost bittersweet. Finding out you have a soulmate just as they are in impending danger. That their lives had to be on the line before you actually knew. It was even speculation that no one could stop the mysterious power. It wasn't known when it originated or why it happened. If it happened, there was nothing to stop it.
It made him wonder how many people met their soulmate before finally realizing they had one. Ace had been in many near death experiences, and it had never happened to him. Not once over any of the years. He had concluded that he didn't have one.
He didn't need a soulmate.
Over the years, he had gained so many people in his life that he treasured. He wouldn't change it. Even if he did meet his soulmate. At this point, he didn't need one.
X
When he was seventeen, he came in contact with the Whitebeard Pirates for the first time. He had done everything that he wanted and needed to do when he got to the New World, but meeting Whitebeard face to face and fighting the man was at the top of that list. Now here he was. The only other thing he had wanted to do was thank Red-Haired Shanks for what he had done for Luffy. It had surprised him when Shanks went from preparing to attack him to instantly telling him they were having a banquet in his honor from the mention of Luffy being his brother. Shanks had listened to him. Listened to what he had planned. He should have known from that smirk on Shanks' face that his plan wasn't going to work out. It hadn't gone as he thought.
He had joined up with the crew. Intergrading his own crew with the Whitebeard Pirates. No longer being known as the Captain of the Spade Pirates, but rather a Whitebeard Pirate. Not exactly what he had in mind, but it had completely changed his life.
A year after he joined and after he became the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, he found himself in a relationship with the First Division Commander. Marco the Phoenix.
For the next two years, he remained as a Commander and forming his relationship with Marco. What he did know was the second he heard the words, "We're going to grow old together. No matter where we are. I would make it happen." He knew that soulmate or not, Marco was his and he was Marco's.
It had been some of the happiest time in his life.
That was until it all fell apart.
Late one night, Thatch had been attacked by Marshall D. Teach. One of the members of Ace's own Division. They had barely found him in time to save his life. Thatch had gone into a coma from the blood loss, and no one was sure if he was going to survive. Only time would tell. Yet, it fueled all the hatred and anger in Ace. He had to hunt down Teach. Take care of him.
No one messed with the Whitebeard Pirates and didn't feel the wrath of the crew coming down on them.
It had surprised him when Whitebeard had told him not to go. Not to take care of Teach for what he had done. It only fueled Ace on more. He refused to let anyone spit on the good name that was Whitebeard. On the crew. Everyone had tried to talk him out of it, but it didn't work. He was so angry about what Teach had done. What he had inadvertently said about their family. He wouldn't stand by and watch it happen.
He would take care of it.
No matter what was said to him, he jumped over the side of the ship and onto Striker before he was gone.
X
He didn't see the Whitebeard Pirates or Marco again until months later. He had found Teach and lost. Getting handed over to the Marines by Teach for the elder pirate to gain the open Warlord position. He had been scheduled for his execution and yet the Whitebeard Pirates still came for him. It had taken him completely by surprise. He had completely disobeyed orders. Gone against all of their advice, and they were still here. All of the Commanders were present. Even Thatch was there. Thatch had survived. It gave him some relief to see, but not enough. He still failed them all. He failed Thatch. All their allies were present, giving the leeway to the Whitebeard Pirates to sneak into the bay, bringing the battle directly to them.
They were all here.
Fighting for him.
He had been forced to watch it all go down. Watch as they fought for his life. Their blood spilling in his name.
As much as he wanted it to end, it made him happy to see they were willing to go great lengths for him.
They were even starting to team up with Luffy. His idiotic and stubborn as hell brother who literally broke into Impel Down, caused a massive breakout alongside other prisoners, and fell from the sky into Marineford.
Nothing was stopping them from getting to him.
The entire time, he could feel this itch under his skin. Screaming at him to move. Even when he was bound in sea stone cuffs. Keeping him in place. He was helpless to do anything. Watching the battle unfold. He would scream for it to end. Telling them all to leave. Luffy didn't help much. Refusing the back down which fueled the fire that the Whitebeard Pirates were igniting. It was a blazing inferno that would never stop.
When they finally broke through the plaza, the upper hand the pirates had seemed to go downhill. The Commanders were being taken down. It had the itch worse as he looked down, eyes settling on Marco. Marco's attention was torn between the fight, him, and Whitebeard. Whitebeard wasn't fairing the best due to his declining health. They all knew it. There was a slim chance that Whitebeard could get out of here alive. Marco knew it and reacted as such. The Marines must have been banking on it since it gave them time to get a sea stone cuff on his wrist, giving Kizaru the chance to attack him without his regenerative powers from his Phoenix form.
For a split second, it felt like he was light as air before he was grounded again. Still on the scaffold. He blinked, unsure of what had caused it. It was a feeling he had never had before.
From that moment on, the Whitebeard Pirates still kept fighting. Luffy kept fighting. All for him.
Whitebeard had made the call, telling his crew to aid Straw Hat Luffy in his endeavor to get to Ace. They had gladly did so, going alongside him and making it possible. Giving him the opening he needed to get onto the scaffold.
Ace had been left in pure astonishment seeing Luffy standing before him. A big dopey grin on his face as he proclaimed, "See! I told you I could do it!"
They had managed to get off of it, landing on the ground after Ace had saved them from an onslaught of Marine cannon fire. They had worked just as flawlessly as he thought they would as they made their way through the Marines. They were going to get out of here.
Here he was, in his brother's debt.
He never thought he would see the day that the little brother was saving the big brother.
All of them were running. All of them heading to get out of the plaza as Whitebeard stayed behind. Getting those Marines away from the man he viewed as a father. Using his Flame Net to keep them at bay. He had to speak to him. Had to show how much he truly cared and loved Whitebeard and his nakama. This crew was his family. They showed him as much. How could he have been so blind to it?
He had bowed. Bowed low enough that his forehead was touching the cement. Neither of them saying a word for a moment. Just pure silence as the two of them realized what was about to happen. Ace didn't want it, but he knew that Whitebeard wouldn't give him the choice. He had already defied him once. He refused to let it happen again. Whitebeard was only here because of him.
Finally, Whitebeard spoke to him, "The time for words is done."
Ace was still heaving. Almost breathless from the events of that day. From the running. The fighting. All of it. What could he possibly say to Whitebeard now?
Whitebeard was about to give his life for all of them.
This was it.
Ace never meant for this to happen.
"But tell me one last thing." These words had Ace looking up. Making direct eye contact with the yonko. Whitebeard's gaze was soft despite the harshness that had been this battle. Despite everything. He still looked so fond. It had all flashed before his mind. Everything that happened over the last three years. All the memories.
Meeting the man for the first time. Whitebeard reaching out to him and asking him to become his son. Whitebeard's distain against some of his actions. His happiness of seeing him thrive. The smiles whenever he did something to amuse him. To him, Whitebeard was his father. He treated him like a son. Even if he was like that for the entire crew. Ace never knew the love of a father. Whitebeard gave him that.
Gave him the chance to have the life he did now. Now, he was giving him a second chance.
He could get out of here. He could go on the live his life. He could live a life with Marco. Just like they talked about. Growing old together on the seas or even on land. Seeing Luffy become the Pirate King and achieve his dream. Fulfil a promise to Shanks about seeing him again and having a drink with him whenever he found what he was looking for. Now, he was even wondering what Shanks had truly meant during their conversation three years ago. Had Shanks known this was going to happen? Whitebeard knew everything. Or at least had a feeling about it. He had known when Marco and Ace had started a relationship even before they admitted to the others. He had even thrown a party for them. Happy to see the two of them, well, happy with each other. There was so much he was going to get to see.
Even if his life would be different now.
The world knew. They knew he was Gol D. Roger's son. They knew the bloodline lived on. He would never fully know peace. The Marines and the World Government would never stop until they killed him. Made sure that his blood was wiped out of this world.
He could still never fathom why Whitebeard had been so accepting of his parentage. Why the man didn't seem to care who his parents were. Where he was from.
It had definitely swayed his decision to become the Second Division Commander.
He had belonged with them.
Whitebeard made sure he knew that.
They were his home.
Marco was his home.
He had more than one promise to keep before this all ended.
Now here Whitebeard was, asking him for something.
The man owed none of them anything. He had done absolutely everything for all of them. Loved them. Gave them a home. Let them do as they pleased with very few – sacred in his mind – rules.
This was about to be the end of it.
"Are you happy to have this old fool as your father?"
That one question had brought tears to his eyes. It was all cemented in stone. This man was and always would be his father. No one could ever change his mind on that. This man gave him the chance to live his life. Despite knowing everything. Calling him son.
His tears fell as he leaned his head even further down and he bowed his head again, sobbing as he screamed out, "Of course, Dad!"
And Whitebeard just laughed. Laughed in glee before he was muttering, "Go now, son. Go rejoin your brothers. Live your life. Live your life with him. It will be okay. You're my son, Ace."
Ace only cried harder for a moment before it pushed all the feelings to the side and pushed himself up. Giving Whitebeard one last look before he was turning and rushing off. He was doing exactly what Whitebeard told him to. He would obey his Captain's final order. Rather he liked it or not.
He had caught back up to Luffy fairly quickly. They had kept running, at least, until he heard Akainu. One of the three Admirals. What he was saying about all of them. He hadn't reacted until he spoke about Whitebeard. The words that made him so angry that all he saw was red.
The others were yelling at him to turn back around. To keep running. Jinbei. Luffy. Marco. Izou. All of the Whitebeard Pirates and their allies. Akainu was not a man he could take down easily. He knew that. He possessed the Magu Magu no Mi. Everything in him screamed that he didn't care.
That itch was back under his skin. A bubbling feeling in his chest that was trying to tell him to just get away. He refused to back down. He wouldn't.
He could feel his flames dancing on his shoulders as he marched towards where Akainu was standing. The flames on his back in the shape of a crescent as he hissed out, "You're wrong!" He gritted his teeth for a moment, keeping his gaze down, trying everything to keep himself calm. "There is nothing fake about the family he gave us. I wouldn't expect a heartless bastard like you to appreciate that!"
"Like I said, he convinced you punks you meant something to the world." Akainu's arm covered in magma again as he spoke, adding in, "But your kind doesn't deserve a home. You deserve the gallows!"
Ace popped his head up, his flames getting bigger as he shouted, "Can it!"
"You know it's true! You will all die as failures, and Whitebeard is just a lowly old fool!" Akainu shouted back, the anger and hatred written all over his face.
Ace matched that energy, screaming out, "Whitebeard is the greatest pirate who ever lived! You hear me! You don't know anything about the man who saved my life!" Just as he finished talking, his flames moved around him. Casting him over in a wave as he prepared to attack. Akainu would not get away with the way he was speaking about Whitebeard. He wouldn't allow it.
"Get away from him, Ace!" He barely heard it. The pleas of his nakama screaming at him to run away. He wouldn't. He couldn't. His blood was boiling. It screamed at him to attack. Even that itch under his skin continuing. Trying to pull him away. He wouldn't listen. He refused to listen. No one spoke badly about Whitebeard in Ace's presence. Never.
"This is his era!" He shouted, lashing out in his attack as Akainu moved. "Don't you forget it!"
He screamed out in determination as their attacks met in the middle. He refused to back down. He wouldn't let Akainu break through. He would land his attack. No matter what happened.
"Your Oyaji will end up the same as you, boy!" Akainu stated, "Dead! And by my hand!"
Akainu's attack got stronger. The light was blinding. Moving around the two of them in a mixture of fire and magma. Ace knew he was screwed now. The heat was even starting to hurt him. He was made completely of fire, but he didn't truly take into account of Akainu's magma. It burned hotter than his flames. He screamed out in pain as he was forced back, rolling across the ground before he stopped on his stomach. The burn on his arm radiating through his body. It had been so long since he felt pain. He almost forgot what it felt like.
"How… did it burn him?!" Izou yelled out in shock.
"Ace! Just get the hell out of there!" Marco screamed. There was begging there. Pleading for him to turn around. Even if he wanted to. He couldn't. Not know.
He forced his body up. Shaking from fatigue and now the pain. His tolerance for pain had clearly been affected by his Logia powers. It hurt.
"Thanks to your Logia type fruit, you're not used to getting hurt. It's made you too cocky." Maybe Akainu was right, but he would never admit that. He would never admit to something said by a Marine of all people. "Other than that, you are just like Whitebeard. Second rate to the bitter end."
"Ace!" He heard the gasp from Luffy. It had caught his attention. Next came the sound of Luffy falling. Through the corner of his eye, he could see him. Kneeling down. Heaving and reaching out for his vivre card. Luffy's lips were moving but he couldn't hear what he was saying. It definitely grabbed Akainu's attention.
"Gold Roger, the King of the Pirates, and Dragon the Revolutionary. What a victory it would be to end both bloodlines. Everyone else can escape. The two of you are the only targets I'm after." That itch only got stronger as Akainu's words set in. Within seconds, Ace knew Akainu's plan. He knew what he was going to do. He didn't even like the mere implication of it. Luffy was in danger. Far more danger now. "Say goodbye."
Ace gasped, popping his head up as he screamed, "Wait! LUFFY!"
His body moved before he had a chance to even think. Lighting his body completely on fire. Knowing the impact was about to come. He knew that Akainu's powers would tear right through him, but he couldn't find it in himself to care. He would die for Luffy. If it meant that Luffy could get out of here. The itch under his skin got worse by the second. Everything screaming out to try and stop the danger. To reach out for it to end. That would never be the case.
This was the end for him.
It was like time stopped. He could feel the heat from Akainu's magma on his back. But something had stopped it. He looked down at Luffy, heaving for a second with wide eyes. Seeing his brother had fallen back on his back staring up at him with just as wide eyes. There was not a word being said before he looked over his shoulder and Marco was there. Beautiful bright blue flames ignited. Wings spread out as he let out a determined shout.
"Marco…" Ace muttered.
Marco didn't look at him. Ace looked over to where Marco had been kneeled down getting the lock picked on his wrist. It was sitting on the cement, wax out of it by the same man who helped Luffy on the scaffold. Marco had been too far away. There was no way he should have made it over here.
How the hell did Marco get to him?
Let alone in time to save him?
"You are not going to kill him!" Marco screamed. "Men! We are still under orders to work with Straw Hat Luffy! Ace has made it clear that he will do anything and everything to protect his brother! Any family of Ace is family of us! Protect him!"
Ace felt the weight being lifted off his chest as he muttered out, "How?"
"I…" Marco turned his head enough, a smirk on his face, "Teleported."
X
Marco had been watching helplessly as it all went down. For a moment, the plans were to get onto a ship and have Haruta pick the lock, but the second Ace had turned around. Hearing Akainu's words, he knew what was about to happen.
This entire fight. Through everything. There had been an itch lingering under his skin. An extreme need to get to Ace. Get to him by any means necessary. Marco loved Ace with everything he had. He was willing to die here for him today if it meant that Ace got to live on. That he would get out of here alive. He would do it. Make sure of it. Ace had proven everything. He was everything to him. It felt like time had stopped as he watched Akainu's magma and Ace's beautiful flames hitting together. An explosion of heat between the two before Ace gave a shout of pain.
It had made Marco move into action. He had to get to him. He grabbed the man that helped Luffy. Forcing him to use his powers to free him. He needed it. He needed to get to him. Nothing would stop him.
The itching only got worse as he stared at Ace kneeling on the ground and cradling his arm. The way that he was hurt. The overflood of feelings screaming at him to get over to him quicker. Even with haki, he wouldn't make it.
Please, don't let this happen.
He had seen Akainu's attention turn to Luffy just as the man – Mr. 3 he thought he heard Straw Hat call him – got the cuff off. Akainu had leapt, Ace screaming out, "Luffy!"
He had seen Ace move. Within a blink of an eye, casting himself between the two. Ace was about to scarfice himself.
Then it happened.
The world turned into a blur, and he felt his body move. Within a blink, he was standing before Akainu, his back to Ace's and he activated his abilities. Just a second before Akainu's magma hit him square in the chest. His flames ignited to keep up, swirling around him and keeping him safe.
He could hear Ace's shock. His soft voice as he realized just how close to death he was. Ace was alive and that's what mattered.
Even more importantly.
They both discovered one thing.
It didn't take him more than a second to realize what had just happened. He had teleported. The known ability that soulmates share. Activated within the moments that a soulmate is truly in danger. It had activated in time so Marco could intervene.
Ace had asked him how he got there. Not putting the pieces to the puzzle together. Marco had smirked. They had the upper hand now. With this event, both of them could teleport. They would never catch them if Marco could get to the skies. Ace could teleport right to him and get him out of harms way. He could take flight now, but it would risk Akainu's attention being brought to Ace again or place it on Luffy again. Ace wouldn't leave without Luffy. He shouted to the other Commanders. Encouraging their help. They should have known what just happened and how much in their favor it could work.
"Marco, why would you risk it?" Ace questioned. His voice was so soft. Unsure.
Marco smiled as he managed to get Akainu to stumble. The others had rallied around them. Placing themselves as human shields between Ace and Luffy and Akainu. "Don't you understand, Ace." Marco stated, "You're one of us. You're my lover. I would rather die here than see you die." He looked over his shoulder for a second again, adding in, "Besides, we're supposed to grow old together."
He could hear the sharp intake of air as Ace moved forward, his hand wrapping around Marco's for a moment. Hearing the soft, "Thank you." As he reached up, placing his palm on the back of Marco's neck. Leaning their foreheads together as he ignited his hand into flames. The one that had been intertwined in Marco's. He could see the glow of the mixture of hues. The colors that danced together. Marco used his other hand, bringing it to the arm Ace lifted. The burnt one. He wasn't sure how Ace managed to move it, but he had. It gave Marco enough time to heal the wound. Watching the burnt skin turn back into the soft pale skin. The light dust of freckles that was on his skin returning.
Marco smiled. Placing a chaste kiss on the inside of Ace's wrist before looking back over to Akainu. "You really think you'll get to them now." Marco snarked. "Not with all of us here and ready to fight for them."
Ace turned, looking at Akainu, "I'm not finished with you."
Akainu growled before suddenly he froze completely. Wheezing like he was gasping for air. The fear came to Akainu's face. The shock and realization. The others froze as Marco felt it. It was so calculated. He knew it immediately.
They had reinforcements.
Through the corner of his eye, he could see him. Moving right past where the Warlords had been standing. A smirk on his face as he kept his eyes locked to Akainu.
"What's happening?" Ace whispered.
Marco shook his head, "Someone has to show off." He stated, nodding his head in the direction of the newcomer.
Ace gasped, muttering out a quick, "Shanks?!"
The panic set in on the battlefield. The Marines panicking at the sight of Red-Haired Shanks. Akainu was now on his knees, wheezing as he attempted to breathe. "Get out of here. I can handle this." Shanks stated, not even looking away from Akainu. Marco knew what he meant. He was telling Ace to get out. Telling them all to get out. For a split second, Marco's mind went to Whitebeard. Shanks must have caught up on it as a second later he added, "Don't worry, I'll make sure he gets out of here too."
Marco nodded, pulling Ace's hand before rushing over to Luffy. "We have to hurry while they are distracted."
Luffy looked out of it. He was sure it was exhaustion at this point. He was surprised the kid was still up. He transformed into his full phoenix point. "Marco, we can't just—"
"It's fine!" Marco exclaimed, "They will handle this. Just get Straw Hat on my back." Ace nodded, pulling Luffy up. Muttering small reassurances as he placed Luffy on Marco's back. "Teleport to me when I'm in the air. They will try to attack the second I fly up, so this is our trump card. I can easily dodge with one person, but when I'm high enough I'll be out of their line of fire. Once I'm there, teleport. I'll catch you. I promise."
Ace looked unsure but he nodded. Marco pushed off of the ground getting high in the sky. Sure enough, the fire came after him as he weaved through it. Bullets hitting his wings, but he kept moving and using his own body to keep them from hitting Luffy. Just like he thought, they were more focused on him. Ace had moved too. Using his flames to keep them at bay as they stopped. He could barely see Ace anymore but didn't miss the mesmerized look before he was disappearing off of the ground. A second later, Ace appeared before Marco's eyes, and he swept down. Feeling Ace collide with his back and his hand curling into his feathers as he let out a laugh of disbelief.
"Holy shit." Ace gasped. Next, he was laughing again, and they were getting past the plaza. He peered down, seeing the Red Force pulling in.
Shanks had this handled.
Ace was out of Marineford.
They had won.
X
They had stayed in the air until the Red Force came out of Marineford followed by other ships. A few Marine battleships that were being commanded by Whitebeard Pirates. Ace was in shock as Marco swooped down, landing on the deck of the Red Force. The relief going through him as he saw all of the Whitebeard Pirate Commanders and Whitebeard.
They had made it out. They had won the war.
Ace was ready to bow down and beg for forgiveness, but he was stopped as Whitebeard's arm wrapped around him the second that his feet hit the deck.
He would ask questions later. Sleep hit him full force as the dots covered his vision and he collapsed into the safety of his Captain's chest.
X
He hadn't woken up again for days. When he woke up again, so was Luffy. Luffy was completely bandaged, but it surprised him to see Trafalgar Law standing there quietly. He wasn't sure where he was at now, but it was dark in there. The only light coming from the lamp on the desk. He did recognize Hongo from the Red Hair Pirates so he would assume he was still on the Red Force.
Ace went to speak but he was stopped as Law said, "He's fine. I promise."
"How did you get here?" Ace questioned.
Law hummed, shrugging, "Well, I kind of teleported here by accident. My crew showed up at Marineford then suddenly I was here." Law explained, closing the file in his hand, and taking a seat in one of the chairs. Ace blinked. He teleported.
"You… teleported." Law nodded to Ace's statement.
"Apparently, your idiot brother is my soulmate." Law stated, sighing for a second. "His injuries were severe, but he'll be fine now."
Ace sighed in relief.
Who knew that both Ace and Luffy would activate their soulmate abilities on the same day? Ace leaned back, sitting back up for a second as he exclaimed, "Marco!"
It was almost out of the darkness that Marco came out, taking a seat on the edge of the bed with a soft smile on his face. "Sorry, I knew you'd ask about Luffy first." Ace shook his head, his arms immediately wrapping around Marco's shoulders. He couldn't even get the words out before Marco was muttering, "Don't you think of apologizing. You have nothing to apologize for, Ace."
Ace quickly replied with, "But I need—"
Marco pulled back, his hands falling on either side of Ace's face with a soft smile on his lips. "Ace, you did what you thought was right. Do not apologize for that. All of us are just happy that you're alive."
"I almost died back there… a lot." Ace muttered.
"I know." Marco replied, his thumb swiping over Ace's bottom lip. "But as I said… we're going to grow old together. Now, we know we are soulmates."
Ace smiled, laughing slightly as he leaned his forehead against Marco's shoulders. They had gone through their entire relationship not actually knowing if the two of them had that type of bond. It made him feel complete. Knowing that there truly was a perfect half for him in this world. "We are, aren't we."
They sat in silence for a while before the door opened, bringing Ace's attention up to Shanks. Shanks didn't venture too far in, stopping at the edge of Ace's bed. "How are you feeling?"
Ace smiled, "Better now."
"You've been asleep for close to a week." Shanks stated.
Ace choked on the air in his throat, looking at Marco for a second, "What?!"
Marco shrugged. "You needed the rest."
"For a week!?" The Second Division Commander gasped.
"We have a lifetime." Marco muttered, leaning over, and pressing a kiss against his forehead.
Shanks was chuckling for a second as Ace looked back at him. "You really got them all out?" Ace questioned. Shanks nodded. "How can I ever thank you?"
"By continuing to live your life the way you want to." Shanks stated. "I just came in to check on you guys really quick and the doctors seem to have everything handled."
Shanks gave a final excusal before he was heading back for the door before Ace looked between Luffy and Shanks. "Hey… Shanks. How did you get to us from that side? The sea was on the other side of me."
Ace paused as he saw the fond smile come to Shanks' face for a moment. Shanks looked back at him as he said, "Well, I teleported there."
Ace was confused for a second. Who could he have possibly transported too? A second later, Marco was laughing and shaking his head, "I should have known."
"Wait, what?" Ace questioned, looking to Marco for a second as Marco looked at Shanks. Ace turned his attention back to the red head, shaking his head, "Your soulmate was at Marineford? I thought your soulmate was Benn?"
Shanks laughed, looking at Ace again. "No, he's not. A lot of people misunderstand our relationship." He stated, "Mihawk. I teleported to Mihawk."
Ace made a small, "Oh." Sound as he let the smile come to his face and shook his head. "That wouldn't have stopped you from getting there quickly though, would it?"
Shanks shook his head, "No, but surprising people using teleportation is fun. Just ask Mihawk. He once scared the shit out of few of my nakama doing it. Made a couple faint. I had to ask him to stop freaking my crew out by just randomly," Shanks paused for a second as he made a motion with his hand like a explosion, "Popping out of nowhere. Try it some time. It's great. Teleportation for soulmates is formed from a person's natural haki. When two match up well enough, it causes a connection directly to each other. All you have to do is think of that person and you can instantly go to their side. I knew Mihawk was there, and I could get behind the Admirals by doing so, so I did it. It worked out a lot better than I could have imagined. Get some more rest, Ace. Lucky and Thatch are getting dinner prepared."
Shanks gave a final goodbye before he was walking out of the room. Leaving them once again in silence.
Ace could get used to this new teleportation ability they had. Now that he knew Marco was his soulmate, he could be able to get to him. No matter where they were. He never expected to have to use it, but he might just take a page out of Shanks' book here. He could have fun with it.
X
They had all recovered. They had stayed with the Red Hair Pirates through that time. Luffy had gone into the care of Law and Silvers Rayleigh. Being taken to Amazon Lily to finish recovering. He would be safe there. The island was under a special protection clause from the World Government between them and Boa Hancock. He had said his goodbyes to Luffy, telling him that he would see him again in the New World. Ace would be getting help from Shanks for his haki. Learning how to harness his own power. Whitebeard had been the one to urge him to do so. Thinking it would do him good to work with the red headed yonko in getting stronger.
Ace knew it would be a good thing. It just meant being away from home for a while.
Before Luffy did depart from them. Ace and Luffy took a moment alone. Speaking to each other and for the first time, they hugged. He once again told him they would meet again in the New World. That they would both be better than they had been before. They would both be stronger.
Luffy had smiled at him, telling him they would. He would be training with Rayleigh for some time. Getting stronger after the effects of Sabaody Archipelago and Marineford.
Ace couldn't wait to see where he went from here.
Following that, they headed out again. To make a new home for all of them. Nothing would be the same as the Moby Dick, but as long as if they were together, they would be okay in the end.
X
As soon as they got their new home, the nightmares started. Nightmares of what happened with Teach. What happened at Marineford. The what if. With his narcolepsy, he couldn't escape them at any time of day. He had attempted to stay awake but, in the end, he would fall asleep. Marco would seemly come out of nowhere. He knew exactly what Marco was doing.
Marco was making sure to check in on him with every chance he got. Making sure to be there with each nightmare he had. To reassure him each and every time.
Each time, Ace would fall into him. Whispering that they would grow old together. That it would not end for them.
Over the last year, Ace had researched anything and everything to do with the teleportation technique. Even getting help from Shanks as the two trained together.
Ace had done the same back. Popping in on Marco had random times. He was having fun with their new abilities. He had scared Marco a few times doing it. Watching for a moment when his Devil Fruit powers would momentarily show some of his bird form. Marco always had his guard down near him. It was like he knew it was going to happen, but it still caught him by surprise. They had stayed close to the Red Hair Pirates. Making it easy for the two of them to travel within in a decent time. Shanks had also made sure of it because of Whitebeard. Trafalgar Law didn't just help Luffy. He checked over Ace's injuries. Summing him down to fatigue, dehydration, and malnutrition but otherwise would make a full recovery. Luffy had needed more care. His going much further. He had also needed surgery. He didn't know what it was for, but according to Marco, Luffy know how a large X over his chest. He had been told that Akainu's magma had gotten around both of them and somehow splashed onto Luffy's chest. Luffy apparently hadn't reacted from it due to the extreme adrenaline and the fact he was completely out of it.
Marco and the others were keeping him updated on everything. He also owed Law a lot for what he had done. From what he was told, the Whitebeard Pirates had extended an invitation for the Hearts Pirates to join their allies. To have the backing of their crew if they ever needed it. Law, so far, hasn't given them an answer.
They were finally getting some peace and harmony back in their lives.
X
Two years after Marineford, Ace discovered Sabo was alive almost immediately after Luffy resurfaced on the Grand Line with the Strawhats. It had taken him completely by surprise to see members of the Revolutionary Army standing there. Not just any Revolutionary Army member, the Chief of Staff.
Sabo had survived the blast from the Celestial Dragon. Ironically, he had been found by Monkey D. Dragon. Luffy's father. Sabo had explained to him that he had traumatic amnesia that had caused him to forget everything about his life on Dawn Island. Only the excessive need to get away. Ace couldn't even be angry. There was so much relief and happiness from seeing that dopey grin on Sabo's face as he held his arms out.
He had been so much in shock that Marco had appeared beside him asking him if he was okay.
He was more than okay. Sabo was alive.
Both of his brothers were alive and well.
They all were. Here on the Grand Line.
Of course, Ace immediately had taken Sabo to introduce him to his family. They needed to know about Sabo just as much as he told them about Luffy. His brother was alive and that's what mattered to him. To think, he wouldn't have been here to see this.
X
The years had started to pass. Luffy had become the Pirate King. He had sparked up a relationship with Law. Sabo had pretty much taken control of the Revolutionary Army for Dragon even though he was still technically the Second in Command as the Chief of Staff. Whitebeard was going further into old age, and it was becoming harder for the yonko to continue traveling the sea.
So, they had decided to return to Sphinx. Whitebeard's home island.
They had made him comfortable. Surrounded him by his loved ones. All their allies were there. Shanks had showed up, upon the request of Whitebeard. Luffy and Law were there. Sabo was there. Silvers Rayleigh had even showed up. The most shocking of all Garp showed up. Kotatsu and Stefan were laying with Whitebeard. Stefan had his head on Whitebeard's chest. The knowing look on the dog's face.
None of them were ready for this moment, but it was inevitable.
The only thing he had requested was to officiate a marriage. Marco and Ace's. Neither had thought of marriage but with just a smile and a mixture of their flames. They agreed.
Whitebeard married them that night. A large party being thrown before they had settled down for the night. Making sure that their Captain, their father, got to bed comfortably.
They all sat with him. Marco was directly on his right side. Ace sat by his left side. with a teary smile as Whitebeard told them all one last time how proud of them he was. How much they loved him.
That night, Whitebeard passed away peacefully in his sleep. Surrounded by his loved ones.
X
Marco had taken over the crew. He refused to be called the Captain, still going by his Commander title. They remained the Whitebeard Pirates, but they continued sailing together. They made sure that all of Whitebeard's territories were taken care of. That his name would live on.
There would be many nights that they would decide to throw a party, talking about the old days of the crew. Talking about the times when they were all younger. Soon, they quietly started to disband. There was a harmony on the sea. Even the massive powers from before were calming down. Shanks didn't travel as much either. The Strawhats spent a lot of time traveling in peace. Even if Luffy caused chaos.
The Revolutionary Army had done their goal. Overthrowing the Government completely and leaking all the information they had gained from Luffy and his nakama.
The world had been revamped.
Even though they were pirates, they weren't being hunted anymore.
There was that kind of peace.
Yet, there would be those nights.
He could feel Marco's pain. He could be across the ship, and he would activate his teleportation and immediately be at his side. Seeing the tears going down Marco's face as he moved his glasses to try and wipe them away.
Ace would give him a soft smile, walking over and wipe his tears away for him. Just like Marco used to do for him. Marco needed him now.
X
As the time went on, the pain subsided. Even though it would always be there, they were content. They had come to terms with it. Slowly, the crew started to disband quietly as Marco started to get older in his age. Marco had decided he wanted to move to Sphinx. Use the last bit of his life protecting the island that Whitebeard had vowed to protect. They all stayed in communication, but it was time. It was time for them to live their lives completely in peace. Many of them had decided to stay with them on Sphinx. Izou had gone home to Wano alongside Thatch. Many of the other Commanders also went their separate ways.
Ace had stayed with Marco. Occasionally using Striker to go see Sabo or Luffy. Aside from that, he stayed home.
They had made Sphinx a safe place again. No one dared to come near it without facing their wrath. They might be getting older in age, but they were always going to protect their home. They had their own small home. It was comfortable for the two of them. Ace still missed the sea from time to time but being with Marco meant the world to him.
Late one night, Ace found Marco standing on the cliff that covered the cave that the residents of the island used to hide in. He was looking out to the sea. His greying hair blowing in the wind. Ace smiled, for a second, feeling the light weight overcome his body before he was right next to his soulmate. Marco chuckled, shaking his head.
"You really took that seriously." Marco stated.
Ace shrugged. "How many people have we freaked out at this point?"
"Plenty." Marco replied.
They fell into a peaceful silence as Ace reached out for Marco's hand. Without a second thought, both of them activated their Devil Fruit powers. It had always been their silent love language. Ace would never change it.
It had been going on thirty-five years since Marineford. Since the day that Ace was supposed to die. Thirty years of memories. Thirty years of time that they were granted because of this power. The fights. The tears. The making up. All of it.
"I meant it all those years ago." Marco whispered, turning his head to look at Ace. He could see the changes in Marco's appearance. He had grey hairs. He had some wrinkles from old age. Ace was well into his fifties now. Marco was hitting his late seventies. He had a bit more facial hair too, but it was still well kept. He needed glasses permanently now. Stronger than before. He was still healthy. As if he was thirty years younger. Perks of being a phoenix he supposed. It meant more time.
More time together.
"Meant what?" Ace questioned.
He knew what Marco was going to say. He had said it so many times over the years.
"That we were going to grow old together."
Ace smiled, leaning in and pressing a kiss to his husband's lips. "I love you, Marco." Ace muttered as he pulled away.
Marco grinned, "You know I love you, Portgas D. Ace."
Ace laughed, leaning into Marco's shoulder. "Marco, I want to go for a fly." He whispered.
Marco pulled away slightly, a smirk on his face. "We haven't done that in years."
Ace nodded. "Exactly. We haven't or do you just don't want to because you're an old man now."
Marco snorted, shaking his head, "Fine, fine. In my defense, you are also an old man."
"Seems like we kept that promise to grow old together." Ace stated, smirking as Marco rolled his eyes. Marco took a step back, twirling on his feet as Ace whispered, "Show off." Marco, in a burst of blue flames, revealed his phoenix point, turning slightly. He moved to show his back, waiting for Marco to climb on. Ace shook his head, "No, fly. I'll meet you in a second."
Marco looked confused for a second before his beak turned into a smirk and he nodded. He pushed off of the ground, Taking off into the sky as Ace watched him. For a second, his mind flashed back to Marineford. Just moments after finding out they were in fact soulmates. How they got out of Marineford.
Ace smiled. Closing his eyes. Feeling the wind in his hair. The sun on his face. The smell of the ocean. He felt the itch under his skin before it erupted, and he was light as a feather before he opened his eyes again and he was in the air above the ocean. He turned in time to see Marco turning his trajectory in the air, coming down just in time to catch Ace before he hit the water.
Ace laughed, wrapping his arms loosely around Marco's neck.
Despite all these years later, this was still them. They had lived wonderful and full lives.
He had lived a wonderful life. A good one. His one question had been answered over thirty years ago and it had felt like a weight had been lifted off of his chest.
They had grown old together and he couldn't be happier.