They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, I didn't really have a plan of what I was doing after Marineford… but we're just going with the flow xD I've got some sort of game plan in mind. We'll see.
I just want to play a little bit on Ace's mindset and emotions following Marineford because we didn't actually get to see anything of how he would canonly react so most of this is self-indulgent because that boy needs to have a good cry. He won't be over the top like he was in the last chapter. He is pregnant so hormones do play a factor into his emotional state. Just keep that in mind! As someone who has gone through two pregnancies, hormones are freaking stupid and annoying and can just disappear for all I care. I literally cried during my first pregnancy just because the store didn't have Cheesy Tuna. It was terrible. I hate pregnancy, but the outcome is worth it.
Speaking in regards of Ace's reaction, I personally think he would harbor some type of guilt for his nakama coming after him and dying for him. Even though he was happy in the end that they came for him. Since it was because of his own actions that they were there in the first place. So, that's what I'm playing on here. To keep him as in character as possible, I'm going to be mixing a lot of guilt and anger. He does seem to react more with anger over anything in canon outside of him and Luffy. Of course he's not fully his canon character, because of the whole Roger thing but I can try my best to keep him as close as possible since we are so far out of canon territory now.
We will have some more of LuLaw and the others too. This fic is more Ace centric but doesn't mean I'm not going in on the others. I already did backstories just for specific people xD why stop my flip flopping now? xD
Additional Notes: Just a reminder that updates will be wonky due to Kinktober and Whumptober. I'll be having multiple fics coming out at a time and over the course of the month so my focus will be on that. I'll be having more than 62 fics coming out within the next month so I'm going to be very busy! I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter Warnings: ASL being little shits
Chapter Nineteen: Everything I Own (by Vanessa Hudgens)
Chapter Summary: Ace reels on his emotions in the days following Marineford. Marco and Shanks have a heart to heart. Luffy explains what the straw hat means. Law succumbs to exhaustion. Luffy decides something good needs to happen and enlists his brothers to help him. Ace's emotions get the better of him with Mihawk.
Only a few days had passed since that fated day at Marineford. Word spreading fast about the revelations provided during the war. Newspapers coming to the ships, showing to them how the rest of the world was reacting to the news. Outrage was the biggest that came from it. The newspapers telling of the riots towards Marine bases taking place all over the world. The pirates had truly won in the eyes of the civilians. Outrage for the attempted execution of a pregnant Omega. The lies spread throughout the war in justification of why Ace had to be executed. Rayleigh's trump card shining through in civilian testimonies that had been included within the pages. Stating opposing the World Government.
Everything was falling back into place despite the clear signs that the world might be spinning into chaos following the War.
Nothing would ever be the same.
Ace sat on his bed, staring down at the newspaper with blank eyes. He had barely left his old room since he had came back to the Red Force. Luffy's straw hat still sitting on his head. His brother refused to take the hat back, not stating why he had passed the hat to him. He couldn't make sense of Luffy's decision but took comfort in the item. There was more too it than just the simple action. Luffy might not think before he did an action, but that was different when it came to this very hat. He always kept it with him. It was never far from him. Just like Shanks had done over the years before it was passed to Luffy as a child.
His former nakama would come to try and speak to him, but he wouldn't say a word as they pleaded with him through the door to come out. The only ones who had came into the room where his parents, Rouge, and his brothers. No one else dared to actually enter the room.
The first night, he had fallen asleep in a mixture of limbs with his brothers. Relishing in the fact that they were all alive. Sabo had explained exactly what had happened with him. Ten years prior, when he had tried to leave Dawn Island, the explosion from the Celestial Dragon had caused a chain reaction into Sabo having trauma to his brain that had caused amnesia. Sabo had forgotten them. He had been fished out of the water by Dragon and raised by the man at the base of the Revolutionary Army. A year after Sabo had been taken in, he had been officially adopted by the man. Bearing the mark on his wrist that showed his physical bond to the Revolutionary Leader.
It was almost ironic. A sworn brotherhood as well as adoptive cousins.
It wasn't the strangest thing to come out of Marineford.
Rayleigh, their own honorary uncle, turned out to be their adoptive grandfather. Bonding with Rouge despite his relationship with Shakky in order to protect Shanks and his future children from the World Government.
Roger sure thought of all the possibilities before his death. Ensuring that nothing could go after his son following his demise in Loguetown.
Ace couldn't help the way of protectiveness he now felt. What Roger and his own parents must have thought. He was going to be a parent. A life that he would be responsible for raising and giving all the tools to survive in this world. Shanks had done it with two. Raising him and his brother on the seas despite being a notorious pirate on the seas. Eventually gaining yonko status. If Shanks could do it, becoming a parent at just age sixteen, Ace could surely do it too.
At the same time, it scared the hell out of him. He had left the safety of his home in pursuit of Teach not even knowing that he was carrying a life. He could have ended the life before it even had a chance to live.
Something he could never forgive himself for.
He refused to talk about it. Talk about the implications that followed. The World Government was more than willing to kill him despite their own laws protecting him. He shouldn't have even been on that scaffold. He had been used as bait to try and lure Whitebeard out. Bait that had worked. Bringing the entirety of the Whitebeard Pirates and their allies straight for Marineford. Willing to put their lives on the line in exchange for his.
An act that he could never repay them for. No matter what he did.
He didn't deserve his position anymore. Not that it was even his at the moment, having public announced his resignation. He wasn't a part of their crew anymore, despite their protests stating that they wouldn't accept it.
He couldn't bring himself to face them. Not right now. He had made so many mistakes. Mistakes that he would have to atone for before he would even toy with the idea that he could return.
For now, he would remain right where he was. Back in the place where it had all began.
For a moment, he had wished that he never met Whitebeard. Whitebeard could have and would have died if it hadn't been for his family. For Law. Whitebeard would have died at Marineford. It became more obvious that his former Captain was planning on dying at Marine Headquarters to ensure that his sons got away. That Ace got away.
If Whitebeard had died at Marineford, Ace would never be able to forgive himself. His actions would have caused them all to lose the very man they saw as a father. The man who had given them all a family when they needed one. He would have been the cause that ripped their very livelihood right from out beneath them.
So many of his nakama had died for him. Spilling their blood. He hated himself for the fact that he had cried out in happiness just knowing how far they were willing to go for him.
It never should have happened in the first place.
If only he had heeded all the warnings given to him.
Though, that would mean that Teach would still be alive. Meeting his death at the hands of all of his parents. It was over. Thatch's attempted murder had been avenged. Whitebeard's pride restored. Everything that Ace had set out to do was completed, even if it wasn't by his hand.
He had tried to leave the room to face his former nakama, every time he tried the feeling of guilt would flood through him and he couldn't press himself forward. He had always just reacted, never fully thinking things through. Yet, here he was. Unable to move forward.
It was so unlike him.
He should just be able to march out of this room and set out his demands. Set out his apologies to his family for what they had to do.
He couldn't bring himself to face him.
No matter the words that came from those closest to him. The only reason he had even left this room was because of Shanks. Shanks' way of being able to influence his words into giving Ace that little bit of reassurance to walk out.
It pissed him off more, finding himself unable to face those he should be thanking with everything that he had. The only reason he was alive was because of them. Because Shanks blocked Akainu's attack after yet another mistake that he had made.
He hated himself for it.
How could he bring a life into this world if he couldn't even trust his own actions now?
Staring at the paper again, the headline read: Fire Fist Ace: The Bait. He eyed the paper more, letting himself read the passage underneath:
Portgas D. Ace, more commonly known as Fire Fist Ace, is the Second Division Commander of the notorious pirate crew underneath Edward Newgate, known as Whitebeard, the Whitebeard Pirates. His execution had been scheduled at Marineford for three pm. The World Government, as stated by Akainu, where aware of the pregnancy of the Commander and the order for his execution had been expedited. Sources say that Fire Fist underwent a blood test during his imprisonment at Impel Down, and documents have been revealed proving this information. With the actions of yonko Red-Haired Shanks, revealed to be Fire Fist's mother, Fire Fist's life had been spared from Admiral Akainu. The war was ended in an exchange between Red-Haired Shanks and Fleet Admiral Sengoku, calling for a cease fire. Fire Fist Ace left Marineford with Red-Haired Shanks. Information revealed that Fire Fist is the son of Warlord of the Sea, Dracule "Hawkeyes" Mihawk. Inside sources state that the immediate family of a Warlord have a frozen bounty and are legally sanctioned if they are criminals. Thus, Fire Fist's execution being a set up to bring the Whitebeard Pirates to Marineford.
Ace didn't bother to read anymore as it started going in further into Ace's family and how his execution was further used against Whitebeard and the Whitebeard Pirates. He growled, grabbing the newspaper, and lighting the paper on fire. Watching as it burnt away right before his eyes. Disappearing in ash that fell onto his bedsheets.
Even the damn newspaper still called him the Second Division Commander. Why wasn't anyone listening to him. It almost felt like the world was spitting back in his face for the very action that he had done back when he had left.
How. Fucking. Fitting.
He pushed himself up, adjusting the straw hat on his head as he marched his way out of the cabin. His bare feet hitting the wood, soft sounds echoing through the hall as he walked. He listened in for where the others were. For the duration of the trip back towards Sabaody, the crews had been alternating over the ships. Dragon would be splitting away from them soon from what he heard from Sabo, giving enough time for the brothers to spend time together before they had to return to their base. The Strawhats were aboard the Red Force, their ship also back at Sabaody, since according to Luffy, they had been sent flying to Amazon Lily by Warlord Kuma.
It left Ace in limbo. He couldn't return back to his nakama. At least not yet. He could theoretically stay on the Red Force, he knew Shanks would never turn him away. That also left the issue of his entire pregnancy. Neither Rouge or Shanks went through their pregnancies on a pirate ship. Instead staying on a island throughout the course of it until they gave birth.
Ace could do that instead. Pick an island that he liked to go through his pregnancy, give birth, and even possibly stay to raise his child.
The very thought made him twist in a wave of emotions. The sea was his home. Where he wanted to spend his life. He couldn't just walk away. Not when his pup's father happened to be Marco. He couldn't do that to him. He also knew that Marco wouldn't leave the Moby Dick either. He would try and talk Ace into staying if he tried to leave again.
Ace didn't even know what he wanted to do.
He didn't even know what to feel. He felt guilt. Anger. Hatred. Just a swirl of emotions flooding through him that he couldn't stop. He had cried. He had screamed. He had almost burned down the entire deck of the Red Force until Shanks had intervened and stopped him.
He couldn't stop it. Which made him even more angry.
He wanted to know what to do. He wanted to return home, but everything in him screamed that he didn't deserve to call himself one of them anymore. Marco tried to talk to him, but Ace couldn't even face him without that flood of emotions going through him again. He wanted to know how he was going to go through with a pregnancy and raise a pup when he didn't have the slightest idea on how to do so. He was still learning and growing himself. It bugged the question in him. If he was even ready for something like this.
X
The last few days had been tense. Between Luffy exploding on his brother and Ace locking himself in his room, it left the others wondering at what the future might hold. Marco had to be patient. Wait for Ace to come to him when he was ready. It was an overload of information spread out from Marineford that he was sure the Omega was reeling. It was clear on his face any time that he actually came out of the room. Shanks being the only one who could actually talk Ace into leaving. Luffy and Sabo took a different approach, staying within the room themselves instead of trying to talk Ace into coming out.
No matter what Marco had tried, Ace wouldn't come out and speak with him. He had to give it time. He had to keep reminding himself that in Ace's mind, he had caused everything. Just from the display of Ace's anger before, it was even more clear that he just needed time to think. They couldn't force anything. It was all dependent on Ace.
Ace could say he was no longer a Whitebeard Pirate. No longer their Second Division Commander. They all knew what it stemmed from. It came from the Omega's guilt. Marco knew as much. He had to play his cards correctly if he was going to draw Ace out.
Even if Ace hadn't put in his verbal resignation, that brought up the problem of active duty with the pregnancy looming over them all. Their family was getting bigger with the new addition. Something would have had to be done about Ace's position as a Commander. They could no in good faith keep Ace fulfilling his duties. Not when his Division was one that was sent out on the most missions, even if Ace most of the time remained on the Moby Dick to oversee the operations day to day. The world knew of his pregnancy which would put him at greater risk. The entire world knew his face. There wouldn't be a place safe enough for him. He was safest either on the Moby Dick or the Red Force. With people that could protect him when he would be at his most vulnerable. He knew Ace would hate to hear those words come from him. The Omega always striving to be a protector not the protected. Ace used to tell him how he always had the goal of never needed to be protected. Now, that wasn't the case. Not when they were all wanted outlaws. Even if Ace was protected by Mihawk's Warlord status. It could have easily been taken from the Warlord at Marineford for his interference with Ace's execution. He was fully surprised it didn't happen. Sengoku had probably been so distracted by the fact that someone had interfered to even think of revoking Mihawk's position from him.
Even if Ace was safe from the World Government now, that didn't protect him from other criminal that might want to capitalize on the fact that he now has another life to protect. His pregnancy easily being able to be used against him if it came down too it. Something that Marco would make sure never happened.
Bringing a child into the world was terrifying.
Though, Marco was ready for it. Ready to put his life on the line to protect the life he had created with Ace.
They had all came to an agreement that Rouge would step back into her old position and fill in for Ace. Reinstating herself as the Second Division Commander until the moment that Ace could return. If he returned. They were sure Rouge would end up with an updated bounty, and she couldn't return back to her home now that the world knew she was alive. She would put those on the island at risk if she went back. They all knew she could take care of herself, protect the island from anyone who might take the risk of attacking them.
It was almost bittersweet that this is what was bringing Rouge back to them. They had only seen her once since she had left the crew over twenty years ago. Even if it was a brief encounter. Now, she was going to be back with them for the unforeseeable future.
Shanks had also came forward, telling them that he was going to stick with them until Ace came to his decision. No longer how long it took for it.
Marco leaned against the rail of the Red Force, looking out at the vast ocean ahead of them. They were still days away from Sabaody where they would coat their ships again before making their way back to the New World. It would take a while with just how many ships needed to be done, but they would get there. All of it was worth it. Ace's life was worth it.
His attention was only taken away by a newcomer leaning against the rail next to him, a cup of coffee in hand and passing it over to him. He only looked over to see Shanks standing there, eyes fixated on the ocean.
Marco didn't even know where to begin with a personal conversation with Shanks. Not with their history, and also the small fact that Marco was sleeping with the man's son. A man just also happened to be younger than he was. It was an odd situation if he had to say. The thought had crossed his mind of the possibility that Ace might have told Shanks about them, but Shanks' reaction at Marineford had told him otherwise. Shanks looked genuinely surprised when he found out it was Marco who had impregnated his son. The red-haired Omega hadn't said much to him since then. Just keeping everything strictly business the entire time. He was fully prepared for the possibility that Shanks might hit him with a haki covered fist. He was sure no one would keep it from happening. Shanks had shown very well what lengths he would go to for Ace. Even breaking his own moral code to do so.
Instead, he chose a safer route for the moment, saying, "So, you're Roger's son?"
Shanks eyed him for a second, his gaze returning back to the sea not even a second later. "Yeah, I am."
Originally with Roger, he had only assumed that the man had treated Shanks and Buggy like his sons because they were so young. Being apprentices on his ship from such a young age. The man raising them from the second they boarded the Oro Jackson. Marco felt like a fool that he never put together the signs. How close Rouge had been with Shanks. How Roger reacted to Rouge any time she was close by. It was all right in front of them and not one of them had seen it. They didn't even hide it. Though, Shanks referred to Roger as Captain in front of them all. Rather that was another one of Roger's attempts to hide him or just out of respect for the man being the Captain.
He could commend Roger for his actions. He didn't fault the man one bit for hiding his relation to Shanks. It was dangerous being a pirate. Let alone a pirate with a family. Shanks could have been used against him at any time. If he was Roger, he would have hidden that fact from the world too. Only telling people he trusted with the information.
Something that neither him or Ace would be able to do. Not with the world knowing about Ace's pregnancy. The only thing for sure protecting Ace right now was the public knowledge of his parents and his crew. No one in their right mind would go after him without the fear of having more than one crew coming for them.
"Make sense." Marco replied, taking a drink from the coffee that Shanks had given him. Sighing as he looked back out to the ocean himself. "You know Oyaji is going to make you an honorary Whitebeard Pirate now, right?"
Shanks chuckled. "I figured as much."
Marco took a deep breath as he looked over to the Omega. "Red-Hair, I just want you to know… I would never hurt him."
"I know." Shanks said almost instantly, a smile on his face as he looked over. "But if you do, I won't hesitate." He paused, looking over his shoulder to where Marco knew Mihawk was glaring at him. The Swordsman hadn't stopped with the piercing gazes ever since he had boarded. "Mihawk wants to serve you up on a platter."
Marco shuddered at the imagery in his mind. "I'm aware." He replied. "I know that this seems bad. I truly care for him. His age had nothing to do with anything."
Shanks laughed, taking a drink from his own mug that had been in his other hand. "I'm not worried about that. As strange as it might be that my son is being courted by a man older than me… and one I grew up around… anyway, my parents were twenty years apart. It would be hypocritical of me to say anything. As long as if he's happy, I'm fine with it. It's not like Ace would listen to me anyway if I tried to say anything."
Marco snorted. That did sound like something Ace would do. He looked down at the mug in his hand. Mind venturing off to Ace once more. Everything in him screamed to go to his mate to be, but Ace refused to open up to him. It was almost infuriating how stubborn Ace was being. Marco was practically helpless in trying to help him. "How is he?" He questioned softly, toying at the warm mug.
"On the verge of a mental breakdown." Shanks replied.
"How do I help him? I've never seen him like this." The Alpha inquired.
"It's hard to say." Shanks started. "Ace has always been good at concealing what he's truly feeling. Aside from anger. He's always been a hot head. Reacting with anger before anything else. He doesn't want anyone to see him as weak, so he hides whatever it is."
"I would rather him be screaming instead of hiding it." Marco stated.
"Yeah… that won't work. Not this time." That statement caught all of Marco's attention as he looked back over to Shanks. The Omega turning away from the ocean and facing Marco fully. "Ace is pumped full of hormones. It won't cloud his judgement, but it will heighten his emotions. Pregnancy can do a number on a person's emotions. Ace… he's feeling more than just anger. I'm sure you know that he feels guilty about what happened."
Marco nodded, sighing as he placed the mug down on the rail and turned to face Shanks just as the Omega had done for him. "It's not his fault. None of it is."
Shanks shook his head. "He doesn't see it that way." He paused, letting out his own sigh before continuing, "I know that boy better than anyone. He's avoiding you guys because he doesn't know how to express what he's truly feeling. The last time I saw him like this was when we believed Sabo died. This isn't between me, Mihawk, and him. It's between him and the Whitebeard Pirates. Ace will come around once he realizes that he has nothing to be sorry for."
"We keep telling him that, Red-Hair." Marco retorted.
Shanks nodded, making a noise in his throat. "That's the problem. People died at Marineford. An entire war breaking out while he was helpless to do anything. When he was finally freed, he turned around despite orders to leave." The Omega paused, taking a deep breath as he leaned back against the railing. "Words won't work in this situation. Actions will. He doesn't need to be told what he already knows. He has to see that nothing has changed."
Marco gave him a puzzled look. That nothing has changed? Nothing that they have done was out of character for the Whitebeard Pirates. Doing exactly what they were known to do. What did Shanks mean by that? It didn't make sense. Actions he could get behind. Words were just that… words. Actions proved far more than a single word could ever. Were their actions somehow different in Ace's eyes that would cause him to shy away from them? That didn't make sense either.
They had been keeping their distance. Choosing with let Ace come to them, just like both Shanks and Mihawk recommended. Shanks wouldn't stir them in the wrong direction. He would know Ace better than any of them. Since he literally gave birth to him.
He stopped. While they had been trying to talk to Ace, get him to open back up to them, Straw Hat had taken a different route. Almost immediately when Ace had first came out the day of the war. He had all but told Ace that he could feel what he wanted but that wouldn't stop Luffy from doing what he desire. Practically condemning the thoughts that they were all positive that Ace was having. The Omega basically saying most of them. Then placing his hat on Ace's head. The hat that Ace had been clinging to ever since Straw Hat placed it there. All Marco knew about the hat is that it had belonged to Shanks years ago before he had given it to Luffy. Many of them had questioned what happened to it when Shanks started running around without it. More about Shanks' actions in the past were starting to make sense.
It worked into understanding more about how to get through to Ace. It reminded him a lot of when Ace had joined their crew. Even if it wasn't completely willingly. Ace had tried to go after Whitebeard numerous times, the yonko actually allowing it and "facing" Ace head on rather than letting his sons handle it. Though, in the end, it had been Marco's words that got through to him. Ace had seen firsthand for himself before words ever worked on him. It was similar to the incident between Luffy and Ace. Luffy placed the hat on his head before the fight broke out between the two.
Maybe, Shanks was right.
Showing Ace what they meant compared to just saying it would be the better course of action. Now, that would be a bit difficult considering Ace was avoiding them. Marco couldn't help but wonder if Shanks knew more than he was letting on. The red-haired Omega always seemed to know something they didn't. Ace was his son after all. Who better to explain Ace to them, than the person who created him.
"I think I know what to do." Marco stated, which had brought a smile to Shanks' face.
"I'm sure you do." Was the last thing Shanks said before he was pushing off of the rail and walking away.
X
They were all back on the deck of the Moby Dick. Luffy had started to push himself further, doing small training regimes much to the dismay of Law, to pass the time. It felt odd without his hat on his head or near him but in time he knew that Ace would get his message and it would be back where it belonged in no time. He had seen Ace at the door of the cabins for a moment before he was disappearing from sight again, which only pushed Luffy to work even harder. His brother was stubborn, but he was hurting. He couldn't even imagine what was going through Ace's head. Being helpless as his friends – no family – had been risking their lives to make sure he could live to see the sun rise again.
The straw hat was a symbol. A symbol that Ace would understand even if the others didn't. Ace had been hanging onto the hat like a lifeline within the last few days. Only confirming Luffy's suspicion that his brother was spiraling. Ace needed to let out the pint up emotions but didn't know how within in shock over Marineford.
Marineford in its entirety was nothing short of traumatizing. For all of those involved.
His body screamed at him to relax, but he couldn't. Not after the events of Sabaody. Impel Down. Marineford. He needed to get stronger. Not just for himself anymore. He needed to for his nakama. For his family. For his pack. He had people to protect. His own vow had almost been broken at Marineford. Watching Ace cast himself between him and Akainu.
Luffy was absolutely furious with his brother. Ace could have gotten himself killed because his refusal to run away from a fight got in the way. Ace had promised him years ago that he would never die and leave Luffy alone. Luffy knew that they would eventually die, but he refused to let himself be the reason that Ace died. His big brother was always protecting him. Rather Ace liked it or not, Luffy would get strong enough that he wouldn't need Ace's protection. Ace could get mad at him all he wanted too, it wouldn't stop Luffy from ever letting Ace pull a stunt like that again.
Not when Ace had another reason to live for.
Even if he had been willing to lay his life down for Luffy. He would never let that happen again. Let someone else take the fall for him.
He sat within his pack, eyes glued to the Commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates. More important, the blonde one. He was the one who knocked up his brother. He didn't exactly know what to make of the guy. He was willing to die for Ace. Saved Luffy at Marineford against Aokiji. He seemed like a good guy, but was anyone ever good enough for his brother? Ace was avoiding this guy. It irked Luffy. Why avoid the guy who he was willing to let court him? Went as far as to create a life together. Mates fought for each other, so why was Ace so dead set on hiding from him. The guy had came to the cabin more than once to try and talk to Ace, but his brother never would talk to him.
It was frustrating.
He wanted his brother to be happy. If this guy made his brother happy, that's what mattered. But at the moment, he was a symbol of distress. Something that Luffy couldn't allow.
"You're growling, Luffy." Zoro's voice cut through his mind, bringing Luffy's attention to him.
Luffy grinned at his packmate, stretching his arms to pop his sore back. Zoro wasn't fairing much better than him. Having gone through treatment from Law that morning after the Surgeon had realized how extensive the Swordsman's injuries were. Practically dragging him to the medical bay to make sure his injuries were taken care of.
"Captain, I've been meaning to ask…" Sanji started, pulling Luffy's attention to his cook. "Your hat…"
"You want to know why I gave it to Ace." Luffy replied. Sanji nodded, making a noise of confirmation as he lit a cigarette, leaning back against Zoro. Luffy chuckled, leaning back on his bandaged arms. "Well, you can say it's special. You already knew that… Ace, he's hurting. Hurting more than any of us. Dad used to put that hat on our heads when we were little when we would be sad. Since it was so special to dad… it always made us feeling better. A promise that he was always there when we needed him." The Alpha explained.
"So, just like you did for me back at my home village." Nami inquired.
Luffy smiled, thinking back to the moment that Nami finally asked for help. "Yeah, just like that. My brother doesn't like asking for help. Letting people know just how much he's suffering. He doesn't want to rely on anyone. He's always been the protector. Now, it's his turn to seek out what he wants. He'll come around." His nakama didn't seem sure about Luffy's answer. Even Law was side eyeing him, acting as if he wasn't paying attention even though he was engulfed in Luffy's reasoning. Sabo was quiet where he sat which made Luffy realize that everyone was listening to him. He sighed, sitting forward, and crossing his arms over his legs. "Ace… he's always tried to go through things alone even when me and Dad were right there. After watching what our dad had to face every day… he wanted to be stronger than anyone else. That's been taken from him. Blackbeard had taken everything from him."
"He can't fault himself for not knowing about Blackbeard's power though." Chopper stated.
Luffy shook his head, a sad smile coming to his face as he looked over his shoulder to the Red Force. "Not to him. From what Ace told us in Arabasta… Blackbeard broke a rule on the ship. Ace has witnessed that before."
Shock came from his nakama as Luffy looked back over to them. "Another Whitebeard Pirate was killed?" Robin questioned, shock in her voice.
The Alpha shook his head again. "No… it was when we were little. One of Dad's nakama stole from him and he was caught by Jules. That bastard stabbed Jules because he was a coward. Ace was one of the ones who found Jules." He explained. "Ace's loyalty is one of his strongest traits. After Sabo died, he refused to ever allow someone he cared about to get hurt like that again. Blackbeard had hurt Ace's friend. I would have done the same thing if it had been one of you." Luffy continued. "Blackbeard took the one thing Ace had worked for away from him. Going to Impel Down and Marineford only added onto it… he'll be fine, eventually. Once he realizes that he's not alone. Our promise was to live life with no regrets. He's regretting his actions… actions he shouldn't regret. That he's not to blame for wanting to protect his family. Once he realizes that, he'll be fine."
"So, he's avoiding seeing his crew because he… regrets leaving?" Zoro questioned.
Luffy hummed. "It's more complicated than that. Yeah, he has regrets but place yourself in his spot for a moment." The Alpha said, looking over to the Swordsman. "He couldn't do anything as his family were fighting in a war to save him. He couldn't do anything to help them. Help us. He watched members of his family die and all he could do was sit there."
"What do you think will help him?" Nami questioned.
"We can host a party!" Brook stated. "I can play music for him!"
Luffy laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, that won't work. Though, my brother likes to party just like Dad does." He stopped, looking over to the Commanders this time. "Ace has never been that good with his emotions. Training and fighting has always been his way of showing what he feels. Let him just fight it out. He'll tell you what's on his mind."
Sabo sighed. "Luffy, that might have worked when we were kids but he's pregnant now. Training isn't an option." The Revolutionary stated.
Luffy shrugged. "Dad didn't get the memo then. He trained when he was pregnant with me. With Ace, he couldn't. Papa said he kept fainting… but he also almost bleed to death after giving birth to Ace, so that probably didn't help."
Jaws dropped around him at the revelation. "Red-Hair almost died giving birth to Ace?" It was the same blonde from before. The one that was with his brother.
Luffy eyed him for a second before nodding. "Yeah. Dad had a pregnancy scare like five years ago. Ace found out because of something Papa said. I don't remember exactly what happened. Just that it freaked Papa out. I don't think I've ever seen Ace that shocked before." The silence followed as Luffy finished talking, pushing himself up and stretching. "Now, for some more training."
That statement caused Law to stand up, anger written on his face as he placed his hands on his hips. "Don't you dare, Straw Hat-ya. I've sat by long enough as you've been overexerting yourself. You are still healing. You need to rest."
Luffy waved his hand, snickering, "Calm down. I'm fine. You fixed me right up, Traffy." He replied.
"Not the point! If you keep this up, you'll reopen your wounds and all the work I put in will be for nothing!" Law exclaimed.
Luffy grinned, folding his hands behind his head. "Ah, don't worry about it. I'm fine. I feel great."
Law deadpanned at him, frowning as he folded his arms over his chest. "I don't believe you."
The Strawhats sighed. "Luffy can't lie worth a damn. He gives himself away every time. Trust me, he's fine." Sanji stated.
Law's eyes narrowed on Luffy again. "I'm your doctor, and you're my patient. I say you need to be resting."
"He's right, Luffy. You had serious injuries. You almost died." Chopper added.
Luffy grinned again. "I promise I won't work too hard. I just need to keep getting stronger. We all do." The Alpha Captain paused and looked down to his bandaged hands. Flexing them as his mind raced. "I almost broke my own vow. I guess I actually did. I wanted to be strong enough to protect my nakama. Back at Sabaody… I wasn't. I need to get stronger. We all do, or we won't make it in the New World."
Law huffed, the frown deeper on his face as he glared at the younger Captain. "You won't ever make it to the New World if you kill yourself training." The Omega Captain paused. Luffy's eyes narrowed as his Observation haki spiked. He watched the look on Law's face the entire time. His body language. Something was off. "If you get yourself killed, so help me I'll bring your ass back to life just to ki—" Luffy's eyes widened as he saw Law go slack and his eyes roll into the back of his head.
"Hey! Traffy!" He exclaimed, rushing forward as the Omega started to fall bringing shocked exclamations from the Heart Pirates who were on the Moby Dick's deck. Luffy fell down to his knees under the added weight of Law falling into him. "Hey, are you okay?" He questioned, only not to receive an answer from the other. His hands settling on Law's biceps as he pulled back enough to look at the Omega's face.
Chopper and Marco came forward, kneeling on either side of Law as Chopper checked him over. "He fainted." Chopper muttered.
"I was worried about this." Bepo stated as he padded forward, kneeling next to Chopper. "He hasn't properly slept since before Marineford."
"Added in with using his abilities, he's exhausted himself." Penguin added.
"He'll be okay once he rests." Marco stated.
"Son, take him to the medical bay and ensure he gets everything he needs." Whitebeard stated. Luffy had almost forgotten he was there throughout the entire conversation.
When Marco reached out for Law, Luffy let out a low growl, barring his teeth at the Alpha. Hands tightening on Law as he pulled the Omega closer to himself. He blinked, noticing the stunned look on Marco's face. Even the rest of them looked just as shocked from Luffy's reaction. Luffy scratched the back of his head, muttering an apology.
When Marco reached out again, this time Law curled in closer to Luffy. Hands curling into the fabric of Luffy's shirt. "I think I'm just going to leave him here." Marco muttered.
"Yeah, good idea." Luffy replied.
Well, looks like Law was getting what he wanted. Even if he wasn't awake for it. Luffy instead made himself comfortable, leaning back against the deck and arms behind his head as a pillow.
The sound of feet tapping on the deck caught their attention next and Luffy craned his neck to look over at who was walking over. A smile broke out on his face when he saw Ace standing there. Though with the uncertain look on his face, and hat tilted over his eyes, his brother made his way over until he was standing next to him. He noticed the blanket in his arms almost immediately. Noticing it was the one that Ace had stolen off of Shanks' bed that they had been sleeping with for the past few days.
Ace didn't utter a word as he moved, settling the blanket over Law. Law moving almost instinctively closer to the blanket and curling it closer to his nose. Ace eyed him for a moment before he was turning on his heel. Instead of heading back towards the Red Force like Luffy thought he would, he was walking over towards Whitebeard. Sitting down by the old man's leg and leaning into his large shin. Hat tilting on his head to reveal the look of defeat within his eyes. Luffy felt the curiosity flood him. He had never seen that look in his brother's eyes. He kept his gaze on his brother. Watching his movements. Ace was shielding his stomach, arms wrapped around his stomach. Legs brought up to his chest, ankles crossed over each other as he leaned against Whitebeard.
Marco had walked away from where he was with Luffy, making his way over and taking a seat directly on Ace's other side. Not reaching out or saying anything. Setting the bar for allowing Ace to decide what he wanted.
It wasn't just the look in his eye or the way he shielded himself. Ace was tense. His entire body rigid. Eyes surveying those around him with the hint of guilt that Luffy had seen when Ace proclaimed he was no longer the Second Division Commander. It was also clear to him with the way that he sought out Whitebeard, he wanted to be around his nakama. Ace was conflicted between his want to be with them and his emotions regarding Marineford.
Luffy was stumped at what exactly they could do. Ace always used to vent out his emotions and anger through fighting it out. Though, now Luffy wondered if that would actually work this time. Words would never reach Ace. Actions would. Now, it was finding what action would do so.
For now, this was enough for the moment. It was more than what Ace did the day before.
X
When Law finally woke up, it was closer to lunch time. The Omega Captain sputtering out apologies before he was rushing off with the excuse of checking on some of the patients within the medical bay. Luffy grinned the entire time as Law made his escape.
Ace had stayed out on the deck the entire time. The others around him sparking up conversations with him. Not one person mentioning the war. Mentioning what happened at the Marine Headquarters. It seemed to work for the moment as Ace was laughing and smiling along with his nakama. Leaning against Marco with the Alpha's arm thrown over his shoulder. Ace looked like he was at home. It brought a smile to Luffy's face at the thought. After everything that they all went through, Ace was finally making some headway.
Luffy knew it wasn't the end of it, but it was a start. Luffy was positive that Ace would be juggling this for the time to come.
Desperate times called for desperate measures. They needed something to lighten the mood. Ace's pregnancy definitely wasn't a good start. Not until Ace came to terms with himself.
It had to be something else.
He turned on the deck, looking back over to the Red Force where Shanks was busy at work with his crew. Talking to Benn. Mihawk had disappeared off to God knows where. That man could always mysteriously vanish and come back before anyone even noticed. It used to annoy him. He never got away with anything whenever Mihawk was around. It just never worked. His Alpha father always seemed to know what they were up too. At least with Shanks, they could screw around and get away with it or even sometimes Shanks would get involved.
That's when the light bulb lit up in his head, the shit-eating grin on his face whenever he was devising a plan. "I don't like that look, Luffy." Sabo stated.
"I have an idea." Luffy replied, grabbing ahold of Sabo's wrist before marching over to Ace. His brother looked up at him just in time to see Luffy stretching his arm and pulling him over as well. "I need you both."
"Luffy!? What the hell?!" Ace exclaimed, stumbling slightly on his feet from the sudden movement, now standing by Luffy instead of where he had been sitting.
"Luffy, can you at least tell us what you have planned before you drag us into it?" Sabo questioned.
Luffy turned towards his brothers, looking away from Shanks once more. The conversation he had with Vivi in Arabasta was the best place to start. "Simple. Our parents aren't married so… we'll do just that. We're going to throw a wedding!" He exclaimed.
Ace and Sabo blinked at him while the rest of the deck fell into silence. "My dad is technically Dragon." Sabo muttered.
Ace cast him a look, a dark glint coming to his eye that Luffy ignored for the time being. He had better plans in mind. "You're our brother. So our parents are also technically your parents, so shut up." Luffy stated.
Sabo rolled his eyes, a smile on his face anyway as he crossed his arms. "I'm listening."
"It's easy really. Basically, just have to surprise them with a wedding! We all know Dad has said he would marry Papa before, but they never did it." Luffy explained, bounding on the balls of his feet as his excitement rose.
"Yeah, but Mihawk hasn't shown anything about caring enough to actually marry Mom." Ace growled, crossing his arms and looking away.
Sabo gaped at Ace. Eyes wide. "Mihawk? Since when have you called Mihawk-san that?"
Ace glared at him, face darkening again. "Since Mihawk threw a bottle at my mother's head."
Luffy froze.
Mihawk did what?
"Papa did what?" He muttered.
Ace paused, eyes wide as he looked over at Luffy. He quickly masked the look, huffing as he put his hands into his pants pockets instead. Looking away with a frown settled on his face. "Nothing. Forget I said anything."
Luffy blinked, shaking his head, and looking back at Sabo. "Anyway, basically what we have to do is set it up and make them."
"That's not how marriages work, Luffy." Ace retorted.
"Well, it does now." Luffy fought back.
Ace made a tsking sound, shuffling on his feet as he said, "Mihawk does what he wants. Just telling him to do something isn't going to work and you know that."
"Sounds familiar." Sabo whispered.
"What was that?!" Ace growled, eyes glued to Sabo again. The chill going down even Luffy's spine from the sudden drop in Ace's demeanor.
Sabo smiled, waving his hands in front of him. "Oh, it was nothing."
"As if." Ace hissed. "The last time I saw you I was ten. You don't know anything about me."
Sabo sighed, running a hand through his blonde curls. "Ace—" He was cut off by a fist slamming into his jaw, forcing him into the deck. Luffy could only stand frozen as he stared at his brothers. Ace know kneeling over Sabo, using his knee to keep the Beta pinned to the wood. One hand laying flat on Luffy had only been joking at Marineford when he told Sabo that Ace would punch him. He didn't think Ace actually would.
"Don't Ace me." Ace growled again. "You've been gone for ten damn years. We thought you were dead. We watched your boat get shot down. I've never been able to get that out of my head. Knowing I couldn't protect my brother!" Ace brought his fist back again. Luffy went to move in when he noticed the wet droplets falling onto Sabo's cheek. "You could have done anything… you didn't have to leave on your own. Mom would have brought you with us. Gram would have fought tooth and nail for you… it didn't have to end that way!"
Sabo just smiled, curling his fingers around Ace's wrist. Sitting up, he pulled Ace into an awkward hug. His other hand on the back of his neck. "You're right. It's been ten years. Ten years without my brothers… because I couldn't remember them. In the end, I gained the man I call father, but I had lost the people most important to me. I might as well have been dead." Sabo stated. "But, from what I've seen, you are the same kid. Just older and more mature now. Still has the best interest of others ahead of yourself. Putting others before yourself. Putting Luffy before yourself."
"Damnit, Sabo." Ace cursed, pulling back enough to wipe his face with his arm. Keeping his face secluded from their sight. "Why did this have to happen? I was supposed to protect you… and you went back to them."
Sabo smiled again. "I did it because you were my brothers. I did want you to get hurt for me."
"It's my job to protect you!" Ace shouted, finally looking up. The pleading and torn written on his face. "I was your brother, and I wasn't there when you needed me."
"Sure." Sabo shrugged. "But we are just that. Brothers. We protect each other. I know that you'll always have my back. It's been so long. You don't need to keep blaming yourself for something you couldn't control."
Ace growled, pushing himself back away from Sabo. "I let you go—"
"No, Ace. I went on my own accord. They would have killed you. We got involved with another pirate crew, and that's not your fault." Sabo shot back before Ace could continue his statement. His gloved hand moved out, fingers grazing over the crossed-out S on Ace's bicep. "You carried me with you, didn't you? You carried on my will, and now here we are! Back together again! So, like old times, let's drive our parents crazy. We have a wedding to trick them into."
Ace snorted, sitting back and throwing his arms over his knees but a smile came to his face as he leaned his head down to hide his face again. "Man, you piss me off."
Sabo laughed, grinning as he replied with, "You love me though."
Ace kicked at him, the grin back on his face as Luffy laughed, hand out to each of his brothers. Pulling them up to him. "Feel better?" He questioned as the two dusted themselves off.
"You can say that." Ace muttered. "Anyway, your plan?"
X
Setting up for a surprise wedding was not an easy task. Not when the person who you had to hide it from was everywhere. Ace wasn't even sure why he was doing this, other than the fact it seemed to make Luffy happy. If it was making his brother smile, he would do it. At least for now.
He didn't exactly like the idea. Shanks was already tied to Mihawk through a mating bond, what would a wedding do? Yeah, it was more formal and technically what was supposed to happen before a mating bond was exchanged. They were pirates. Why did it matter so much to Luffy? He only knew of two married couples. Garp and Shay and Thatch and Izou. Izou was a traditionalist. Wanting to play everything by the book. Garp was just… old. Did it really matter that much to Luffy that Mihawk and Shanks never officially tied the knot in formal matrimony? If you loved the person, why did it matter? It just changed titles from boyfriend or girlfriend to husband or wife.
Ace couldn't help the thought that went through his mind about Shanks' mating mark. Mihawk had never showed an interest in marriage. Let alone interest in anything outside of swordsmanship. Ace fully believed that Mihawk didn't want to ever make things official with Shanks, rather using the mating bond as a way to keep Shanks tied to him. Mating bonds could be broken but it was a painful process for both sides.
That's what lead him to distracting Shanks for the day. Seemed easily enough. All he had to do was to have chocolate and ask for Shanks to stay with him in the confines of his cabin. His Omega father would comply easily. He always did.
Honestly, he would rather hide out within the cabins then be more a part of Luffy's plan. He wasn't completely on board with it. Just a reluctant piece to Luffy's game play. Ace had an excellent poker face. The one person who it never worked on was Shanks himself. It was the worst match up for him. Shanks could – and would – get him to talk if he got suspicious. Ace would rather jump overboard than admit to meddling in his Omega father's love life. Even if they were setting up a wedding for a couple that been together longer that Ace was even alive.
Would they even want to get formally married?
The Red-Hair Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates were all in on it. Luffy, somehow, managed to talk them all into it. Whitebeard even stated he would officiate it if Mihawk and Shanks decided they actually wanted too.
Mihawk had returned back to the Red Force more towards dinner time. Ace had only ran into him on the deck as they were heading towards the dining hall on the Moby Dick. Ace froze the second he laid eyes on his Alpha father.
Mihawk was giving him such a soft look. "Shouldn't you be resting? You still have effects of sea stone in your system. I'll bring you your dinner. You need to be in bed." It was an innocent question. That's all it was. Except, it set him off.
He couldn't even place why all he felt in that moment was pure anger. A growl leaving him as he balled his fists and marched over to Mihawk. The Swordsman pausing as all eyes turned to them the second Ace screamed, "You can't tell me what to do!"
Even Shanks was looking at him in shock. Everyone stopping what they were doing. Even those who were on the other ships could hear his voice carry. "Ace—"
"You don't have the right to tell me what to do!" Ace screamed. "Why can't you just leave me alone?!"
Mihawk looked stunned. Golden eyes wide and mouth open as the Alpha blinked at him. It was replaced by that same emotionless mask that Mihawk preferred to wear instead of showing exactly how he felt. "I am still your father, rather you accept that or not. I'm not telling you this as an order, but as a concern father."
Ace made a tsking sound as he let his nails dig into his palms. "Now you're concerned? That's rich coming from you." Mihawk's face never changed, which only worked for making Ace angrier.
"Calm down, Ace."
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Ace snapped.
Mihawk sighed. Ace barely heard him say, "It's Shanks all over again." He paused, reaching out for Ace, only for the Omega to slap his hand away.
"Don't touch me." The Omega hissed. "You think you can just walk up to me, tell me to go lay back down when you weren't even here all day?! Where were you even?!" Ace exclaimed, changing the subject. He knew exactly what Mihawk had meant with his small assertion. Rather Ace was supposed to hear it or not.
"I was taking care of business." Mihawk replied.
Ace snorted. "As if I haven't heard of that before."
Mihawk's gaze narrowed on him. "What is this truly about?"
Ace laughed in disbelief. Shaking his head as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You really don't know? The one thing that I've always cared about? You have eyes that literally gave you the nickname Hawkeyes and you are blind to see what is going on?" He questioned the Alpha.
"I see my son misinterpreting situations into what he wants to see." Mihawk replied almost immediately.
Ace gritted his teeth, nails tightening on his arms. "I can only go based off of what I see." He said. "What I saw was my so called father never home. Always preferring to travel away from us instead of staying home with us. Traveling the seas as a family. Instead, you did whatever the hell you wanted."
Mihawk sighed, crossing his arms across his own chest as he leaned back against the railing. "Me and your mother have always had different desires. He wanted to travel the world. I wanted to fight. Even your brother knows that."
"And you couldn't do that at the same time?!" Ace shouted. "That's where me and Luffy aren't the same! I saw my father leaving. He saw it as you going on a new adventure. Did you even know what Mom had to do to keep us safe?! What he went through any time we were on an island?! When we needed you, you weren't there."
That soft look returned to Mihawk's face as he made a small noise in his throat. "Ace, Shanks didn't need me there to protect him. He could take care of himself. He could protect you without my help." The Alpha stated.
"That's not the point!" Ace exclaimed, throwing his arms up. "I needed you. When I needed you, you weren't there. Did you even care about us at all?!" He watched the unknown glint come to Mihawk's eye as his eyes widened. His entire body going tense. After a moment, Mihawk was looking away. Down at the deck below his boots. Tears had welled up in Ace's eyes as he threw a punch towards Mihawk. The Alpha easily dodging. Shifting his body to the side with each strike that Ace tried to hit him with. Each punch coming with a new question. "Did you know that mom would cry for you? That I would? That Luffy did? I never cared that you were a Warlord. I wanted my father!"
Ace froze as instead of dodging again, Mihawk caught his fist with his palm. Eyes widening as his arm was pulled and he was now pulled against Mihawk's chest. Hand on the back of his head, and the other around him tightly. "Of course, I do. Nothing would ever stop the fact that I would end this entire world for you. For Luffy. For Shanks. You are my family. Every time I left, I wanted to turn back around. I wanted to be with you every moment I had. I couldn't. I would put you at risk, and that was something I wasn't willing to do. I sought out fights. Your mother sought out adventure. We couldn't be more different from each other, but even so we created two beautiful children together." Ace felt like he couldn't breathe as Mihawk's nails curled in his hair. He noticed the rigid breathing that followed quickly after. "I see now that I was the one who was blind. I couldn't see what was right in front of me this entire time." Ace didn't miss the way that Mihawk's voice hitched, breaking as he spoke. "My child was in pain, and I have been powerless to do anything. You are strong, yes. I have no doubt that someday, you might understand my reasoning for keeping our lives separate. You have been carrying this burden on your shoulders for so long. I see that I have much to learn about what it truly means to be your father. Even if it takes years, I will show you what you mean to me, my son."
Ace's eyes widened as he felt the wet droplets hitting his shoulder. The tears that had been in Ace's eyes spilling over as he reached around and twisted his hands into Mihawk's jacket. His mind flashed back to Marineford momentarily, when Mihawk had flashed something to Sengoku. That had the Fleet Admiral changing his mind. Ace pulled back slightly, cursing at the fact that he had tears on his face again. Wiping them away with a sniffle. "What did you show Sengoku… at Marineford?"
Mihawk looked up finally, showing his own tear-stricken face. He reached into his jacket, digging for a moment before he was pulling out the same photograph. He turned it around, showing it to Ace. Ace let out a wet laugh as he saw that it was a picture taken when they were on Dawn Island last. Right before Shanks had passed on the straw hat. Within the picture, Shanks was sitting in the grass with the hat on his slightly curled hair, Ace leaning over his lap, tossing a peace sign at the snail. Luffy was on Shanks' back, throwing the same symbol that Ace was. A large grin on his face. Mihawk was sitting behind Ace. No hat on his head, his signature jacket thrown over Ace's shoulders, but he was wearing a button up shirt. A fond smile on his face as he looked over at Shanks. Ace remembered that day, it had been his parents' birthday. They were in the middle of the party when Rouge had taken the picture on her den den mushi.
"It's not the only one I keep." Mihawk muttered, reaching back in and pulling out three more. One was just of Shanks. It was definitely an older one. Shanks was still wearing his striped shirt in it. A hand on his hat as he grinned back at whoever was taking the photo. His back was slightly towards the den den mushi, like he didn't even know a picture of him was being taken. The other was of Ace and Luffy the day that Ace had set sail on his own. Their arms thrown over each other shoulders. Both smiling at the camera. Hats on their heads with their signature peace signs that they liked to do in whatever picture they were taking. The final one was right after Ace, Luffy, and Sabo had created their bond of brotherhood. Fresh marks on their wrists that they were proudly showing off to the camera. The three children grinning. "These never leave me." Mihawk stated, sliding the photos back into the safety of the pocket within his jacket. "They remind me why I must remain as the strongest. What I have to protect in this world."
Ace let the smile slip on his face as he threw himself forward again, wrapping his arms around Mihawk's shoulders. "Papa…"
Author's Note: I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! We will be having more LuLaw coming up. I think I have an idea for what I will do later and maybe even do just a strictly LuLaw spin off cause for now everyone is sticking together. We shall see! I will see you guys next time!