They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, don't worry about Marco and Ace, I have an idea that I'm rolling with it. They aren't over! Ace just going through some shit. I'm really glad you guys are enjoying the fic! Thank you so much for all your comments and kudos! They mean so much to me! On with the fic!
Additional Notes: I'm debating and second guessing myself again on things again which could in turn effect this fic. I don't think it will. I might end up mentioning something in future author's notes. I've literally just wanted to restart this fic because of second guessing but I'm pushing through that.
I have posted an alternate that is in all technicality a separate fic called "Hold On" that I planned on doing a long time ago. Just has the same family dynamic as this one does. Cause, fun xD it does have a darker side to Omegaverse in it, but it won't be the darkest like my other idea that I have in mind. You don't have to read those unless you want too.
I'm going to admit that I completely forgot about "Right Here, Right Now" and that I even posted it so um… yeah. Updates for that soon. Oops.
Chapter Warnings: None.
Chapter Twenty Two: A Thousand Years (by Christina Perry)
Chapter Summary: The wedding of Shanks and Mihawk. Ace realizes that he might have lost the one thing he wanted more than anything. Luffy schemes some more. Marco approaches Ace. Later, new bounty posters are released following the war.
Shanks was absolutely stunned, staring at the golden band now on his ring finger. Mihawk had been wanting to marry him for over twenty years? But he had been waiting for finding Roger's grave first? It was probably by far the best present other than their pups that Mihawk had ever gifted him. The tears prickled his eyes as the smile on his face made his face hurt. Ace stepped forward, a smile of his own as he called out Izou's name before he was being dragged off towards the Moby Dick. Rouge following after them. He peered over his shoulder just in time to see Luffy and Sabo grabbing both of Mihawk's arms and pulling him in the opposite direction.
Shanks moved his gaze back over to Ace. Looking down at his son to see the content smile lingering on his face. It was probably the happiest he had seen Ace since leaving Marineford. He could still see the lingering hurt in his eyes, but nonetheless… he was happy. Shanks moved his arm, wrapping it around his eldest's shoulders and placing a kiss to the top of his head.
He had been the first to notice that when Ace had returned to the dining hall the day before that his courting necklace was gone. It didn't make the slightest sense to him. He had seen just how much Marco meant to his son and vice versa. There was something more underlying within that action. Shanks knew that in his gut. He was sure that he wasn't going to be the one who could fix that issue.
It was also clear to him that it wasn't only Ace suffering within the aftermath. All focus had been placed on his eldest, almost as if everyone was diverging from their own trauma from the war. Luffy most of all. Shanks was even guilty of it. Being riddled with nightmares about the possibility that he had almost lost both of his children. Had he just been a second later, Ace would have been taken from them. His mother was the only one who knew the true extent of what Shanks himself was going through. For the moment, he would cast it aside if it meant making sure his children were no longer in pain. He could easily put on a smile and laugh to his heart's content. He had done it before. He could do it again. Ace and Luffy would always be his main priority. Over himself. Over Mihawk. Over his crew. All of them. His pups would never stop being his pups.
It was another reason that he could see just how Luffy was spiraling. It wasn't just Ace. Though, Ace's was more readable at this time compared to what they could see with Luffy. Normally, it was the other way around. Ace being the one to put up the walls that blocked others from getting in, and Luffy wearing his emotions on his sleeve. It was almost unsettling.
Luffy had been throwing himself within training. Forcing his body to go past it's actual limits. Attempting to get stronger. In reality, if he kept going at this pace, he might just end up killing himself before he could get there. Luffy was an explosion waiting to happen. It just happened to be in what moment would it. Neither of his children have ever wanted to have to rely on others to get them through their pain. Choosing to do it alone or within the comfort of their brother.
Ace and Luffy had an unbreakable bond that went further than blood.
One in the end would probably be the reason that they could heal the emotional scars that littered them.
Luffy had already started the cycle with placing the straw hat upon his brother's head. Refusing to take it back from him. The only ones who would truly know what that hat stood for was Shanks, Ace, and Luffy. Maybe even Rouge, and possibly Rayleigh. Ace was already slowly starting to heal. Especially with the help of Trafalgar Law. Though, Shanks felt like Luffy played a role in Law's actions that morning. Luffy knew Ace better than anyone aside from Shanks himself. Ace was a fighter. The best way to break through his defenses were exactly that.
Though, Luffy was the exact same way.
His heart screamed out to help his sons. They were in so much pain. The other Strawhats were too. Even Law was. Law was probably the best at masking it out of all of them. Using his medical knowledge to hide behind what happened to him at Marineford.
From what he had witnessed during the war, none of the newer generation of pirates were ready for what was ahead of them in the New World. Luffy was a small possibility, but the way Shanks had seen his recklessness and lack of actually using his knowledge. It would get the best of him quickly.
Ace would be okay. He had already lived in the New World for years. So had Luffy but Luffy didn't have the same experience his brother did. That was their difference.
He let the smile come to his face. For the moment, his sons were smiling. They could put the pain aside for a moment. It was clear that the boys – Sabo included – worked hard to put this together. Having managed to do so without Shanks or Mihawk ever finding out about it. The least he could do was actually allow them do complete their little plan. He did now have a ring on his finger to go with it.
You better hurry, Marco. I'm getting impatient.
He had been brought to the Second Division Commander's quarters. He could see a mixture of Ace and Rouge's belongings within the room. To think his son ended up in the same position as his mother. He remembered how ironic he thought it was when he had seen it all over the papers.
"Here you are, Red-Hair." Izou stated, walking ahead of them, and picking up a white button up shirt and a pair of black pants off of the bed. "Tailored to your specific sizes. Should be good for you. Now put them on! We have a wedding to attend!" Izou exclaimed.
He was already being pushed into the connected bathroom before he had a chance to blink. Stumbling on his feet before he caught himself without a second thought.
Well than. That was a way to do it.
He placed the clothes down, looking at his appearance in the mirror for a moment. The dull ache that he normally felt whenever he saw his scars wasn't there anymore. It made the smile get bigger as he looked away, stripping out of the clothes he was currently wearing before pulling the new ones on. He recognized them as clothes from his own dresser. One of his better button ups and pants that he had only worn once before. Just by looking at the fabric, he could see the alterations that Izou had done. He actually kind of liked it. Made them look better than what he had bought.
He was quick to get himself dressed, stepping out of the bathroom once he was done. Izou moved forward, making small adjustments that he deemed not representable. It felt weird to have his shirt all the way buttoned and without a sash around his hips. His shirt was tucked neatly into the pants compared to how he just left his shirt hanging out as he had been more recently instead of caring too much about his appearance.
Rouge had moved behind him, combing out his hair and putting it neater around his head. Her fingers gently carding through his hair. Ace wasn't far from them, leaning back against the wall, picking at his nails. One of Ace's many nervous ticks that you would only notice if you watched close enough. It was something he had picked up from Shanks.
He let the laugh slip from his lips as he watched Ace's movements. It was obvious to him the last few days were getting to Ace, but he was trying to push it away for his brother. "I'm the one getting married and you're more nervous than I am." Shanks stated, catching Ace's attention.
His son froze for a second before a smile slipped onto his face. "I'm not nervous. Just thinking." Shanks didn't have the chance to say anything else before Ace was turning and grabbing what he could only call a crown made out of flowers off of the desk and smirking at him. He had noticed quickly they were a mixture of hibiscus and rose flowers. "If I'm forced to wear a flower in my hair, so are you." He stated as he crossed the room, reaching up and placing the crown on his head before Rouge was adjusting it.
"Perfect." Rouge muttered, stepping back, and smiling. Tears glistening in her eyes. "I never thought I would actually see the day that my son was getting married."
"Technically, I could have asked him to marry me a long time ago." Shanks retorted, the smirk still on his face.
Rouge snorted, waving her hand as she backed up more, letting Izou put on the finishing touches. "I'm sure Mihawk is more traditional than you may think. Especially after he asked me personally if he could even marry you."
Shanks laughed, letting his fingers glide across the flower petals on his head. "I suppose you're right. Did you know he was looking for my father's grave?"
"I did. He told me on Baterilla that he was going to use his Warlord title to gain access into the files." Rouge replied.
"What goes on in that man's head?" Shanks muttered, looking back over to Ace. That look had returned back to Ace's eyes, but his son was still grinning as he grabbed his wrist and started from the room. Practically dragging Shanks along with him.
"C'mon, mom, you have a wedding to attend."
X
Mihawk had allowed himself to be all but dragged by Luffy and Sabo. Each one of the boys grabbing one of his arms and starting off in the direction of the conference room. Mihawk let the smile settle on his face. The euphoria still lingering from the moment. He had actually finally asked Shanks to marry him. He had been wanting Shanks to marry him for years. Now it felt all too real. Maybe he should have done it back at Baterilla, but nothing can change that decision. He had made his and it had still worked in his favor. Their favor.
He eyed his son for a moment. He had the large, bright grin on his face that he had always had. Even since he was a baby. Never losing that smile no matter what happened. What he had witnessed. Luffy always radiated such naivety and innocence despite knowing the harsh realities of the world. It was something that Mihawk hoped Luffy never lost. No matter how much he grew. Even when he matures more into the fine young man that Mihawk knows that he will be.
But he could see it.
The lingering hurt and pain that flowed through him. It hadn't been there when he and Luffy had seen each other at the Baratie. Something else had happened between then. He had heard word that Kuma had taken care of the Strawhats back at Sabaody. That had to be what happened. Being away from their ship, including their break in at Impel Down. Luffy was starting to understand more with just how dangerous the Grand Line truly was. Luffy wasn't much like Mihawk in that sense. He always saw the brighter side of things. Looking past the callousness that came with the life of piracy. Luffy definitely took after Shanks for his love of adventure, even if Luffy and Shanks couldn't be more different. He would say that Luffy radiated more like Roger than anyone he had met. They all did share one thing. Their infectious smiles. One thing he hoped would never be taken from his son.
Luffy was nothing short of a bomb waiting to be set off. He could only mask his pain for so long before it would all come crashing down. Luffy was diverging his own pain. Using Ace and even this wedding as a way to cope.
Sabo stood next to him with a smile on his face. A scar over his left eye. A bruise on his cheek that Ace had given him. Mihawk couldn't be happier to know that Sabo was alive. That some of the emotional wounds that his sons carried would finally be healed. Sabo was here and he was alive. Mihawk knew his presence would be a reassuring one. One that would help his brothers through this dark time.
Luffy was laughing the entire way as they entered the conference room. Laying on the table was a simple button up shirt and a pair of Mihawk's finer pants that he only wore on occasion. The nicest pair that he had left on the Red Force.
Luffy still had the grin on his face as he scooped up the clothes and all but tossed them at Mihawk before he was shoving him into the nearby bathroom. Mihawk snorted as he slipped his jacket off of his shoulders, replacing it with the shirt before buttoning it up. Leaving the top unbuttoned like he normally wore his shirts. His Kogatana hanging around his neck directly in the middle of where the shirt was open. He changed the pants next, toeing back into his boots once he slicked out the slight wrinkles on the clothes. Straightening his appearance before he was stepping out of the bathroom.
He was actually doing this. He was actually going to marry Shanks.
Before he had always thought it was Shanks who was the traditional one. Seeing his mother's courting necklace around his neck as a child. Believing he became from a traditional family. Maybe he did and he didn't know about what Roger had done. In reality, he hardly knew the man outside of some lunches, duels, and advice over swordsmanship. The only in-depth conversation they had that didn't relate to power had been when Roger had given him the push he had needed to understand his relationship with Shanks.
The smile stayed on his face as Luffy, and Sabo stayed grinning at him. Sabo stepping forward and fixing his – already perfectly fine – collar.
"I can't believe this is happening!" Luffy exclaimed, fists balled as he bounced on the balls of his feet.
"You're acting like you're the one getting married." Sabo laughed, nudging Luffy with his shoulder.
Luffy grinned, folding his hands behind his head as he said, "Maybe I'll marry that cute guy. The one with the tattoos. I like him. He'll be my wife one day."
Sabo choked on the air in his throat as Mihawk cocked an eyebrow at him. That Law kid? The one who singlehandedly probably is the reason that half of the injured are still alive. Luffy and Jinbei included. Mihawk owed a lot to that kid. Seems like Luffy had gotten his first crush and never realized it. "You can't call him wife! If you are even going to joke about it… at least say husband!"
Luffy laughed, waving his hand. "Nah, don't worry about it. It's not like we don't call Dad, mom a lot." The Alpha Captain stated. "Doesn't change the fact that he will be one day."
"Luffy, you can't just decide that for him." Mihawk stated, placing his hand on top of Luffy's head that had his son stopping. Luffy eyed him for a second before the grin was back.
"Didn't you think the same about dad? When you two met?" Luffy questioned, the light shining back in his eyes.
Mihawk let out a short laugh as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You should already know this. We met when he was eight and I was twelve. It wasn't exactly on my mind that he was the person I would spend my life with." The Swordsman stated. "Though, I knew he would end up being the person who piqued my interest the most. I suppose you could say that I knew."
"See! I told you, Sabo!" Luffy stated, stretching his arm around Sabo's shoulder.
Sabo chuckled. "You believe what you want to believe. It doesn't matter what it is. Is it?"
Luffy shook his head. "Just like how Ace still likes that bird guy but won't admit it."
Mihawk could see the visible sweat drop on Sabo's forehead as the blonde sighed. "Please don't go meddling in our brother's love life. You know Ace has to see for himself."
The grin on Luffy's face turned almost mischievous, "Oh, just like you like that one girl? The cute one with the orange hair like Nami?" Sabo choked again, his face flushing over as he put his hands in front of him. Waving them around almost comically.
"Luffy! I already went along with this plan! Let Ace go at his own pace." Mihawk grinned as he cocked his head, watching the two boys go back and forth for a moment. It was almost as if he could see them as small children again back on Dawn Island, thinking of their next plan that had the Red-Hair Pirates on the tips of their toes. Always such a handful these boys.
"C'mon, Sabo! It'll be fun! All we have to do is knock him into bird guy! Or knock bird guy into Ace and then they will just have to talk!" Luffy exclaimed. "It'll totally work! Either that or I'm locking them in the closest."
"Oh, for the love of seas." Sabo gasped. "Don't we have a wedding to be attending?!"
The realization came to Luffy's face as he grabbed ahold of both Mihawk and Sabo, rushing out of the room in a shout of, "Oh yeah! I forgot!"
X
Ace couldn't help the grin of his face as they all reunited out on the deck. Shanks and Mihawk now dressed in their finest clothes that they had on the ship. He didn't miss the way that the second that Mihawk's eyes landed on Shanks, they didn't even move. Almost widening slightly as Ace could have sworn he heard the air catch in his throat. Luffy was still bouncing on his heels, letting out a low chuckle as they all took a step backwards. Whitebeard was already in place, ready to do this part. When Ace originally asked him to participate, Whitebeard had happily agreed almost immediately. The large smile on his face and the light in his eyes that Ace was so used to seeing. The gentle, fond look plastered over his aged features.
It made Ace miss home.
He looked back over to his parents. The two completely lost within their own world. Ace hummed, leaning against the rail as he settled his chin on his palm. This was actually turning out to be a good day. It had genuinely surprised him to learn that Mihawk had held onto an engagement ring for all these years. What he had believed before was being proven wrong. Just in these small moments. He let his gaze settle on the ring on Shanks' finger. It really was a beautifully crafted band. Well taken care of. It did puzzle him that Mihawk did keep it on him for all this time. Mihawk had mentioned wanting to find Roger's grave first. It was one of the mysteries among the pirates. No one knew. Apparently, Mihawk did now. Was it really worth it? All those years of holding onto something just so Shanks could have some closure? Now, they were actually taking that step and making it formal.
He looked over to Mihawk's hand. The naked finger had his gaze narrowing. Speaking of formal. There was one thing they didn't think of.
Mihawk didn't have a ring.
"We forgot something." Ace muttered, pulling the attention of his brothers to him.
"What could we have?" Luffy questioned, giving him a puzzled look.
"Papa… he doesn't have a ring." Ace stated. "Marriage has two. One for each person."
Luffy's jaw dropped before his hands were flying to either side of his head. "Oh, no! How could we forget that?!"
"To think about it, we didn't even know Mihawk-san had a ring for Shanks-san anyway. We didn't think that part through. Though they aren't necessary." Sabo replied. "The point is that they get married."
"But it's not fair! Papa needs one too!" Luffy exclaimed.
"We can't exactly pull one out of thin air." Ace added. "He'll just have to get one later."
A small chuckle from next to them had the three boys looking over to where Rouge was leaning against the rail. Rayleigh standing next to her alongside Jinbei, Buggy, and Law. Ace eyed his grandmother for a moment, noticing her toying with a chain around her neck. It was the first time he had noticed it. The fond, loving smile on her face as she opened her palm as she looked over. Revealing what she had been concealing. "Don't you worry about that. I knew the second you boys started plotting this."
In her palm was a simple golden band. Ace couldn't see the decal on it, but there was a carving within it. Almost vine looking. "Gran?"
"You just happen to have a ring that would fit Mihawk-san?" Sabo questioned, the smile on his face as the disbelief laced through his voice.
Rouge looked back over to Shanks and Mihawk, the smile still on her face. "I know he would want him to have it." She simply stated, pushing off of the rail and walking forward. Ace watched her for the moment. She slipped the chain off of her neck as she approached the two, gaining their attention. "Can't exactly have a wedding without a set now, can we?" Rouge questioned.
Shanks' gaze moved down, the shock coming to his face for a moment. "Mom! You can't be serious!"
"Absolutely am." Rouge simply said as she unhooked the chain, slipping the ring onto it and handing it over to Shanks. "Me and your father may have never made it official, but I held onto this for all these years. Aside from you, it's the last thing I have of him." She whispered. "So, please, take good care of it."
Mihawk nodded, the small smile on his face. "Of course, Rouge-san."
"Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's do this!" Rouge exclaimed, clapping her hands together as she started to usher the two over to where Whitebeard was.
X
Shanks and Mihawk were standing before Whitebeard. Shanks couldn't stop the smile at was on his face the entire time as he looked straight at his mate. If he had to say anything, this was the most laid-back wedding he had ever seen. Well, he had never been at a wedding before, but he would assume it was more proper than this. They were pirates. It didn't matter. They were finely dressed and had everything they would need. Their boys sure did a good job in getting this done in so little time.
Mihawk looked absolutely stunning before him. The rest of the world didn't matter to him. Staring into those golden eyes. He was actually doing this. He would probably be jumping around just like Luffy if it wasn't for Mihawk's hands grounding him where he stood.
Roger's ring felt comforting in his hand. All he remembered about it was Roger had it for the longest time, always tucked away within the confines of his Captain's quarters. He didn't even remember it until now. He was absolutely astonished by the fact that Rouge had given it to him to give to Mihawk. It had belonged to Roger. He would expect her to keep ahold of it.
Shanks was brought out of his thoughts as Mihawk tucked some of the strands of red that had came loose behind his ear just as he heard, "We are here today in this very spontaneous union of Red-Haired," Whitebeard paused, clearing his throat as a smile lingered on his face, "Gol D. Shanks and Dracule Mihawk." Shanks let out a quiet laugh as he looked down at the deck before looking back up at Mihawk with the smile on his face. "I like to tell my sons and daughters that we are all children of the sea. Coming from all over, no matter where you came from, to roam these waters wild and free to follow our hearts and dreams. This very instance has brought these two souls together in a bond that time has not shaken." Whitebeard started.
Shanks looked back over to Mihawk, the grin coming to his face as Mihawk's smile only got bigger. A rare sight to see on the Alpha's face. Usually void of emotion or a perfect poker face. This time, Mihawk was showing everything out in the open. Allowing others to see just how he was feeling. Shanks curled his fingers into Mihawk's hand as the Alpha pulled him forward slightly. Gaining a chuckle from Whitebeard before the Alpha Captain was continuing.
"The sea is a vast place. Full of many people who have overcome all odds. No matter what it may be. We stand here in this moment, following one of the darkest days of our lives. Many revelations have come and gone but lead to this. Something special. A large family. Unbreakable bonds. Newfound life. Reuniting those we thought have been lost. This has taught us to never live life with regrets. Seize the moment and cherish those around us." Whitebeard stated, his voice booming over the deck. "It has shown that no matter what blood may run through your veins. It has shown the greater picture of coming together and fighting for what we believe in. Overshadowing the doubt. The pain."
Shanks looked over to Whitebeard to see the older yonko's gaze move away from the audience around them, directing it at him with that large grin on his face. "Roger would have loved to see this. Be here to rejoice with his family. I am honored with the privilege to stand in his place." Shanks felt the tears come to his eyes at the mention of his father. The very same man that made it even possible that he had met Mihawk in the first place. The person who had always backed Shanks up in whatever he wanted to do in life. Giving him the strength that he needed to live out his own dreams. "Shanks, as tradition, would you like to give the ring?" Shanks paused, opening up his free palm and smiling down at the ring that was settled there.
Looking back up to Mihawk, he grinned before untangling his fingers from Mihawk's and sliding it onto his ring finger. A small laugh left him, noticing that it felt perfectly there. Curling their hands back together, he gazed back up. Letting his own gaze settle back onto Mihawk's.
"Dracule Mihawk, do you take Gol D. Shanks as your beloved? To cherish and to hold. No matter where you may go… as long as you may live?" Whitebeard questioned, directing it at Mihawk.
"Without a doubt." Mihawk stated, almost not letting Whitebeard finish talking before he was already saying it.
Whitebeard laughed, eyes moving to Shanks as he said, "Gol D. Shanks, do you take Dracule Mihawk as your beloved? To cherish and to hold. No matter where you may go… as long as you may live?"
"Of course, I do!" Shanks explained, his face heating up with how much enthusiasm he had put behind his statement.
"With the power of the sea, I now pronounce you husband and husband. In a bond that will only get stronger. You may now have your first kiss as a newlywed couple." Whitebeard proclaimed.
Mihawk's arm wrapped around his waist, pulling Shanks closer to his chest, leaning forward and capturing the Omega's lips with his own. Shanks smiled into the kiss as he wrapped his arms loosely around Mihawk's shoulders. The thundering cheers erupted around them as the Alpha lifted him off of the ground, a hand moving into his hair. The two broke apart as Mihawk placed Shanks' feet back onto the deck, leaning their foreheads together as Shanks let out a small laugh of happiness. The grin plastered on his face .
"This is one of many special moments to come. Dream to follow. We have bonds here that will never be broken. No matter where this sea may take us. Let's continue to seize the moment and come together in celebration of living our lives to the fullest. Wild and free." Whitebeard finished, pausing as he looked back at Shanks almost expectantly, "Shanks?"
Shanks turned his head to the others, the knowing smirk on his face as most of them knew exactly what he was about to say. "This calls for a banquet!"
Ace and Luffy rushed forward, their arms wrapping around their parents as soon as the excitement broke out among the pirates. Everyone moving out to start the festivities for that night. Shanks looked back to Mihawk from where he was leaning his head against Luffy's. The smile only getting bigger as Mihawk motioned towards the others. "Well, let's go."
X
Food had been quickly brought out by the Fourth Division, Sanji, and Nash. Spreading it out on the tables for everyone to get whatever they liked. Zoro had helped Sanji pull the cake out after the food had been set out. Booze was quickly served to those who wanted it – Ace excluded, who had just taken tea that Thatch had made for him – and glasses were being passed around and toasts being made.
Luffy sat at the table with his parents, Ace, Sabo, Rouge, Dragon, Rayleigh, Whitebeard, and a few others. Gorging himself full on the meat platter he had made for himself. Ace was sitting next to him, picking at his food, unlike normally eating through his plate. The Alpha put it off for the moment, instead choosing to listen to an old story from Shanks' childhood from Rouge.
Brook and the other musicians were already playing music. Having already ate their food as the others were finishing up. It felt nice. He hadn't seen one person who didn't have a smile on their face. Laughter echoing over the deck as the crews conversed together.
He looked over his shoulder, spotting his nakama among the tables. Sanji was talking with Thatch. Zoro at his side, more interested in the booze in his glass. Robin was talking with the girl that he always saw hanging around Sabo. Nami was with girl Commander that Luffy had already gotten the name of. Chopper was talking with Deuce, who Luffy remembered being Ace's former First Mate. Usopp was happily engaged in a conversation with Yasopp. The two being practically inseparable since they left Marineford. Franky was with the Red Force's shipwright. They were all happy. It made Luffy happy to see it. He turned back towards his table, digging further into his food. Listening in on the conversation now.
"Actually, I wouldn't put that past Roger." Rouge was saying.
"Wait, what?!" Shanks exclaimed, his face turning into a shade of red that was getting dangerously close to the color of his hair.
Rayleigh laughed, taking a drink of whiskey before setting his glass back down. "He actually did. Roger was one of the biggest meddlers I have ever met." The Alpha stated. "Whenever Mihawk would come to challenge him, not only would he offer up Shanks but there were a few times he had used haki to knock him off of the Oro Jackson."
Shanks' jaw had dropped as he hid his face behind his hands. "Oh, seas and all this time I thought I was just clumsy?!"
"No, that would be Roger." Rayleigh said.
"Wait, Grandpa Roger knocked mom off of the ship?!" Ace exclaimed.
Rayleigh nodded, the grin on his face as he looked down at his glass of whiskey. Reminding Luffy of the way he spoke about Roger back at Sabaody. Just looking fondly towards the liquor. "The first time was more on curiosity to see if Mihawk would let Shanks fall. Roger could be a complete moron at times, but he knew when his instincts were correct."
Shanks gave a fond smile as he balanced his chin on his palm, looking over to Mihawk for a second. "There are still things about that man I will never understand." Mihawk stated, taking a drink from his wine. "Meddling in other people's affairs."
Shanks snickered. "You're just mad that you couldn't ever beat him."
Rayleigh looked genuinely surprised for a moment, but the smile on his face either way. "So, he finally did cave and duel you."
Rouge started laughing at the look that had came to Mihawk's face. The scowl that was settled there for a split second. "Please, he was too busy thinking no one would notice him looking at Shanks." Rouge stated. "Roger did enjoy watching the infamous Hawkeyes becoming completely flustered."
Luffy chuckled as he took another bite of his meat, watching Shanks smirk at Mihawk. He didn't pay attention to them any further as he turned his gaze to Ace. His plate was pushed away from him and he back to pick at his nails again as he tried to look like he was paying attention to the conversation that was going over the table.
Luffy frowned. He didn't like seeing Ace like this. He could only figure it was probably as a result of his pup. Ace never turned down food. Even after Marineford. He had eaten pretty much every time. He put it in the back of his mind to ask Law and Sanji about it later. First, he had to get Ace to talk to the bird guy. "Hey, Ace—" He paused as the familiar riff of Bink's Sake started to play, he peered over to his shoulder to Brook who was strumming the cords. His skeletal face warped into the closest thing to a smile he could get.
Silence fell over the deck as eyes turned to the musicians. Brook's playing was always so calming. Never failing to bring a smile to someone's face. Luffy could see through the corner of his eye that Ace had the soft smile on his face as too watched Brook. The other musicians joined in. One on the piano that had been brought out. Another also on the violin, and a few other instruments. Brook hadn't stopped playing the entire time they had been out here. Since the second Rouge and pushed Shanks and Mihawk towards Whitebeard.
Luffy grinned as he put his attention back on Ace. Sabo was already standing up, grabbing Ace's wrist as Ace grabbed ahold of Luffy's. Ace smirked as Sabo twisted his arm, forcing him to turn before they were dancing along to the beat. Luffy rushed away long enough to grab Shanks out of his seat, bringing Mihawk long with him. Sabo had moved towards the other pirates. Ushering some of them up. Ace was doing the same. Going after Rouge, Dragon, and Rayleigh.
Tables were being pushed out of the way as more pirates joined in. Luffy couldn't help the laugh that left him as Brook's voice radiated over them with the words. One by one, someone joining in before everyone was singing along to the words of what Luffy would call the most well-known pirate's song.
He shared a look with Sabo the second he realized the bird guy was close to them. Sabo shook his head, trying to wordlessly communicate with him. Luffy snickered as he stretched out his foot, watching to make sure that Ace didn't notice. Sabo rolled his eyes as he turned his attention back to other Revolutionaries. Luffy was careful, keeping an eye on other partiers around them just as Ace backed up. Directly into his stretched-out shin before he was falling backwards.
With his task complete, he brought his leg back to him as Ace stumbled backwards. He balled his fists, biting his lip as the bird guy noticed. Making a sound before he was lunging forward. Arms wrapping around Ace's waist before he could fully hit the deck below. He watched the flush come to Ace's face before he was turning on his heel. Letting his eyes scan the others before they settled on where Law was leaning against the rail now. He maneuvered around the others, stretching his arm out and wrapping his hand around Law's wrist before the Omega could even blink.
"Dance with me, Traffy!" He exclaimed, just loud enough that Law looked to his face before he was pulling the Omega to him. Law crashing into his chest, stumbling slightly to keep himself from falling over.
"You don't ever actually ask, do you?" Law questioned. Luffy blinked when he noticed the pink shade on Law's face. Luffy grinned and shook his head.
"C'mon!" He exclaimed before he was rejoining where Ace and Sabo were. Sabo was dancing with that one girl now. A bright smile on her face as Sabo twirled her around. A laugh leaving her. Ace still looked slightly flustered but had joined back in anyway.
Law let out a slight growl as the two finally made it back into the middle of the dancing pirates. "Maybe I don't want to."
"Live a little, Traffy. You've been taking care of everyone. Just let loose!" Luffy exclaimed, going back to his own dancing before Law could utter another word. He heard a mumble before Law finally caved and joined in.
X
The festivities had been going on for most of the night when finally Ace decided to head towards the back of the Red Force. Taking a moment of fresh air and silence away from the drunk pirates. He wasn't the only one who wasn't drinking – even if his was more because he couldn't – but there were enough drunk pirates that they probably wouldn't notice that he walked away.
He sighed as he leaned against the rail, letting his gaze move up to the stars in the sky. It really was a beautiful night. He could still hear the music playing and laughter ringing out through the air. Everyone was smiling. Almost forgetting the devastating war. Even if it was just for a night.
Luffy's idea had worked even if it was incidental. His parents were happy.
The Omega reached up, pausing as his fingers touched nothing. For the moment forgetting his own actions from the day before. The sinking feeling that came to his stomach as he dropped his hand. He had ruined everything. With so much on his mind ever since the war, it had felt like if he had let Marco go that he wouldn't feel the hatred for himself for allowing himself to be in such a position. It only made it worse.
Remembering the hurt lingering on Marco's face as he all but broke the Alpha's heart. Giving back the one thing he treasured more than anything. He could get past his stuff being gone, but that was the one thing that had given him a reason for the longest time.
He let his eyes flutter close as inhaled the scent of the ocean. The feel of the wind in his hair. The sound of the waves hitting the ship. To think, he never would have had this feeling again. Being on the sea. Smelling the ocean waters. Seeing the night sky. He would have lost it all.
For just a split second, he was thankful to be alive.
He wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his nakama – no, former nakama… he left – and his family. He would have been killed because of actions that he had taken leading to his capture. Yet, he didn't regret a thing. Not after taking the time to reflect on what had led him here. Sure, it would have been different had he known about the pup. He wouldn't have left. He had left because it felt like what he needed to do. He couldn't continue letting himself regret something that he knew he would have done anyway.
Though, in the end, his actions were what got people hurt. People killed. Lives that didn't need to be lost if he had just listened to Whitebeard and the others. Heeded all the warnings given to him about his pursuit of Teach.
"Get out of your damn head, Ace." The Omega growled, talking to no one in particular as he opened his eyes and looked back out to the ocean. It felt like he was getting better. Dealing with the mixture of hormones and emotions running through him. He could look at the Whitebeard Pirates without the instant guilt flooding through his veins.
He missed the Moby. His missed Whitebeard. He missed his nakama. He missed Marco. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to do the simplest thing.
Because of Law, he had barely had the reoccurring nightmare of his pup dying. Now mostly just the events of Marineford itself. He was almost happy with his little situation.
He had just had to go and ruin everything.
"Shouldn't you be at the party?" The new voice made Ace jump slightly as he looked over his shoulder. The smell of sage and citrus fruits roaming through the air. His eyes landed on Marco, who was standing there still in his finer clothes. Shirt now open again to display his tattoo to the world. The Alpha stood there with his hands in his pockets. The gentle smile on his face as he crossed the rest of the way over and turning to lean his back against the rail next to Ace.
Ace sighed, leaning his chin against his arms. "I just wanted a moment of quiet."
Why did Ace feel like this exact scenario had happened before?
Marco was close enough that he could feel Marco's bicep against his own. The heat radiating off of the Alpha. His scent soothing and calming to the conflict feeling that was going through Ace. They hadn't had a proper conversation alone since their conversation in Shanks' quarters. Ace eyed him through the corner of his eye. Marco was looking up to the sky, that smile still lingering on his face. "I never thought I would ever have attended the wedding of Red-Hair."
"Honestly, me either." Ace said, finally turning his head as Marco was moving to look at him.
Marco snorted and Ace couldn't stop the laugh that erupted from his chest. After a moment, their laughter calmed down as Marco reached up and ran a hand through his hair. The blonde strands falling over his forehead. "I never would have guessed it. Red-Hair and Hawkeyes. Let alone the two having pups." Marco said. "I would have guessed Beckman before Hawkeyes."
"Life has a strange way of working I suppose." Ace muttered, looking back out to the ocean. "I think I'm starting to understand my parents."
"How so?"
Ace hummed. "I never could figure out why my parents were together."
"If they weren't. You wouldn't be here." Marco retorted.
The Omega chuckled, running his hand through his hair before he was settling his elbow against the wood and leaning his chin against his wrist. "I guess I painted my father as this bad guy for so long that I just started to believe it. They are so different. Papa was always gone and Mom… mom just took care of us. No matter what he was doing. He was there." The Omega sighed again, the smile coming to his face. "I've never seen them more in love than today."
"Love is a strange thing." Marco muttered.
"Sure is. Even my kid brother has a crush now. They grow up so fast." Ace felt his stomach flutter as Marco turned towards him, still leaning against the rail. Those beautiful blue eyes directly on him. He was still madly in love with the Alpha and couldn't even deny it anymore. "Marco, I—"
Marco smiled, reaching forward, letting his fingers card through the wavy hair framing Ace's face that had the air catching in Ace's throat. "You know, Ace… I can't even begin to imagine what is going on in that pretty little head of yours."
"Trust me, you don't want to." Ace replied.
The Alpha made a noise as he let his hand fall back down. "You could always rely on me again. Tell me what it is."
Ace shook his head. "It's fine. I'll get over it."
"You can rely on your nakama, Ace. No one is upset with you over what happened."
Ace growled, clutching his fist. "How can you not be!? Most of all… you!" He snapped, turning on his heel to face Marco fully. Nails digging into the wood of the rail. "How can you even stand to look at me?!"
Marco's expression never changed. "Because I know what it's like to feel completely lost." The Alpha sighed, looking out to the ocean for a moment before he was turning his gaze back to Ace. "I haven't been able to stop my own guilt from knowing that you left the Moby, and I could have possibly done something to stop it."
"You know I wouldn't have listened." Ace mumbled.
Marco made a noise again. "Sure, but we both have times where we thought we could have done something different. It's alright though. You're here. You're alive. That's all I can be thankful for." The Alpha looked down to his hand, igniting it in blue flames as he twirled his fingers. Ace smiled softly as he watched the flames dance around Marco's hand. He had always had a fascination with Marco's flames. They weren't hot to the touch. It was always like a gentle caress that had just the right touch to calm and sooth. Marco had more than once used those flames to heal injuries that Ace had sustained over the years. "I've had a wonderful life. One that only got better when you came into it."
Ace felt the heat come to his face as Marco held his hand out in front of him. He looked at the Alpha's hand for the moment before he ignited his fire hand, reaching out and slotting his palm against Marco's. Their fingers crossing over each other as the flames changed colors. Adding in Ace's orange, yellow, and red into Marco's yellow, blue, and green. The mixture swirling together and changing to a color of purple hues. Marco's flames getting brighter to combat the blistering heat that comes from Ace's.
It was such a natural movement at this point. Going on two years of this. It was always unspoken words within those flames. It always made Ace beyond happy when he saw them. Always a bubbling feeling in his chest whenever he saw the dance of their mixed flames.
It had only been a day and Ace already missed him. Even if they were sleeping on different ships, Marco had promised to be his mate. No matter how long it had been. Marco was waiting for him. Came for him at Marineford. Marco had never given up on him. Not like Ace had.
"Marco…" Ace muttered. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." It wasn't even a second later with Marco's reply before he was flooding his fingers over Ace's. The Omega repeated the action, enjoying the feeling of the heat of Marco's hand. The weight against his skin.
He was a fool for ever letting him go.
Ace took a step forward, lifting himself onto his tip toes. His lips lingering over Marco's. He blinked as Marco backed up slightly, the smile still on his face. "I'm not going to stand here and go into an entire speech about how you should feel." The Alpha stated. "All I know is I love you and I want to be with you. More than I have ever wanted anything. I want us to raise our pup together. We'll figure it out."
"Marco…"
Marco reached back into his pocket, pulling the chain out of it. The familiar pendant hanging from it. "I will never be able to fully express into words what you and this pup mean to me, but I would love for you to give us another chance."
Ace grinned, looking down to the deck as he smiled. "I would love that." It felt like the weight that he had on his chest had been lifted as Marco walked around him, holding the pendant out before he was clasping it back around his neck. The familiar weight made Ace's stomach bubble as he turned to face Marco but stopped short noticing that Marco was no longer standing.
He was down on one knee.
"I want more than just that. I know that the second you came into my life, I found everything that I was missing out on. I can't imagine my life without you, and I don't want to spend another second away from you. I wanted to ask you a long time ago, but I never knew exactly what to say." He paused as he reached back into his pocket. Ace felt like he couldn't breathe as Marco opened up his palm. A small ring sitting there. He could see small little jewels on it. The color of their flames in an infinity sign with the connecting one being a small purple stone.
Absolutely fitting.
"You can say no. Hell, you can run if you want. I'll never give up on you or our pup. I would fight for you until the second I stop breathing. Portgas D. Ace, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
Ace was pretty sure his brain short circuited for a moment.
Even after everything, Marco still wanted to marry him?
"Yes." Ace muttered, not even giving himself a chance to think. Marco grinned as he slipped the ring onto his finger. The Omega didn't give him the chance to stand before he was falling down to his own knees, arms wrapped around his shoulders as he crashed their lips together.
X
The next morning, almost everyone was hung over as they made their way out onto the decks of the ships. Shanks wanted to curse Mihawk's excellent luck at never experiencing a true hangover as he rubbed his eyes of the fatigue. Back in his normal clothes minus his sash as Benn offered him up a mug of coffee the second he had came out of the cabin. He muttered a quick thank you as he took a drink, groaning as he sat down next to his First Mate.
He couldn't recall anything after they started dancing and more booze had been brought out. He was sure most of them couldn't. Though, the deck was already cleaned off and free of tables and decorations. As if the day before had never even happened. He wasn't even sure where most of the crew was. He had already seen Whitebeard Pirates asleep inside some of the cabins for his own men. The Strawhats were nothing short of a pile of bodies. He hadn't seen Sabo, Luffy, or Ace that morning yet. Probably still asleep inside their old room.
"Good morning sleeping beauty." Benn said, the smell of cigarette smoke reaching Shanks' nose as he turned his head to see Benn flipping the page of the newspaper.
Shanks snorted as he leaned back in his chair, taking another sip from the coffee. "I feel like shit."
"You look it." Benn retorted.
Shanks gasped, placing a hand over his heart and his wrist over his forehead as he pretended to faint. "You wound me, Benny boo."
Benn snorted, flicking the ashes off of the end of his cigarette as he looked back down to the paper. "Updated wanted posters came out. It's practically the size of a book. I haven't gone through them yet."
Shanks nodded as he adjusted the way he was sitting, propping a foot against the edge of the table as he sighed. Mihawk was already gone when he woke up, off to God knows where. He sighed, looking out to the deck where his nakama were busy already with their tasks, despite the clear signs of most of them being hungover. "What happened last night?"
Benn hummed, putting the paper down as he grabbed his own mug of coffee and taking a drink. "Well, Luffy got drunk off his ass, hung over that Law kid. I thought the poor guy was going to combust for a minute there." Benn started. "Sabo and Koala ended up in the crow's nest. The Strawhats started a drinking competition cause of that swordsman. We had to fish a couple of guys out of the sea, but everyone is accounted for."
"How drunk were we?!" Shanks muttered.
"All of you? Very." Benn confirmed. "You ended up in a contest against the Commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates. Rouge ended up winning."
Shanks snorted as the grin came to his face. Figures.
"I don't think I've ever seen Mihawk glare that much at someone before." Benn added in.
Shanks paused as he noticed Ace coming back over the gangplank connecting the Red Force and the Moby Dick together. Wearing a pair of his black shorts and one of his older black button up shirts that he had left open. The straw hat was back on his head, but Shanks could see the pop in his step as he approached.
"Did he actually sleep on the Moby last night?" Shanks questioned, looking back to Benn.
Benn hummed. "Yeah, him and Marco left the party early. Didn't see them again until now."
Shanks' grin only got bigger. "Really now?" Benn made another noise of confirmation as he turned his attention back to the paper. "The papers are still doing headlines over the war. It's all anyone looks to be talking about.
"It'll die down." Shanks stated as he grabbed the bounty posters and started to go through the pile. Separating those who belonged to the Red-Hair Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates. He paused on his own, seeing the updated picture. Only it was different. It no longer said Dead or Alive rather it said Frozen in the place of where his bounty should be. His name was also different.
Portgas D. Shanks
All of his bounty posters have only ever said Shanks on them. Nothing else. To most people he was just a stray that was picked up by Roger. It was almost bittersweet seeing his mother's name there.
Flipping to the next page he yelled out, "Mom!" who he had spotted on the Moby's deck. Rouge's head snapped in his direction, and he lifted the poster to flash it too her. "You doubled!" Her picture had been updated to the moment she had arrived at Marineford and her bounty being in the billions now compared to the millions she was before.
"That's more like it!" She exclaimed as she walked over, snatching her poster from Shanks' hand. "Ah, it's been so long since I've actually cared about my bounty." She paused as she noticed Shanks' on the table. "I can't believe they actually froze your bounty."
"I don't think they had a choice. Not after everything that happened in the war. If they raised his bounty, it would show even more they don't care for their own rules." Benn stated as he placed the newspaper completely down and in turn picked up the Red-Hair Pirates bounties.
Shanks turned his attention back to the stack in his lap. The next one was Law's. His name updated on it. Now reading Trafalgar D. Water Law instead of just Trafalgar Law like it had before when Shanks first saw the Surgeon of Death's bounty poster. He also had a raise in his bounty. The Heart Pirates' new posters were next which he sat to the side to remember to hand them over to Law when the Omega eventually made his rounds over the Red Force.
The next poster was Sabo. "Mom, look!" Shanks grinned, showing the poster to her.
"Monkey D. Sabo." Rouge stated with her own smile. "Dragon's going to either hate or love that."
"Probably both knowing Uncle Dragon." Shanks stated, leaving the paper to his mother. After Sabo was Dragon and more of the Revolutionary Army's posters which he also handed off to his mother.
He smiled as Ace's face was on the next one. The flames on his shoulders, a smile on his face. He couldn't place when the picture was taken but judging by the marks on his body it was from Marineford. Like his, in the place of Dead or Alive and his bounty was the word Frozen. Placing it down on the table, the next sixteen belonged to Whitebeard Pirates. More specifically Whitebeard and his Commanders.
Luffy's was next. Still reading the name Monkey on it and like Shanks' it also said frozen. "Well, he isn't going to like that." Shanks hummed, placing it to the side. Underneath Luffy's were the rest of the Strawhats. All having raised bounties and updated pictures. He paused as Sanji's.
Only Alive
Vinsmoke Sanji
"Vinsmoke?" He muttered. Rouge and Benn both stopped what they were doing as their attention turned to Shanks. "Isn't that the name of the Germa Kingdom's reigning family?"
"North Blue. At least last I heard. I think the kingdom has moved since then." Rouge stated.
"Whole Cake Island I believe." Benn added, peering over Shanks' shoulder to Sanji's bounty poster. "Oh, you have got to be shitting me."
"From what I heard Sanji had been with Zeff since he was a child." Shanks said, dropping his voice as others moved around them. "If he really is a Vinsmoke, this might not end well for him. That boy just got the biggest target on his back out of all the Strawhats." He placed Sanji's wanted poster at the bottom of the stack, placing it off to the side. "Luffy didn't say anything about this, so I'm going to guess Sanji didn't say anything to them which means he doesn't want them to know. I'll talk to Sanji myself to figure this out."
Benn and Rouge made noises of agreement as Shanks went through the rest of the posters. Separating them and handing the Whitebeard Pirates posters over to Rouge. Ace had made his way over, a plate in hand as he was humming. He paused noticing the looks on their faces. "What?"
Shanks placed a smile on his face as he shook his head. "Nothing. How'd you sleep?"
"Fine." Ace muttered, digging into his plate.
Shanks blinked as he looked at Ace's hand. Noticing something new. Not just new. A ring. "Holy shit." Shanks whispered. "He actually did it."
Ace paused what he was doing, eyes following Shanks' before a flush came to his face. "I… um."
Shanks let out almost a squeal as he was out of his seat and rounding the table. Arms wrapping around Ace's shoulders. Throwing his son off guard before the smile came to Ace's face.
"Well, congratulations, Ace." Benns stated, putting his cigarette out in the ashtray.
"Thanks." The Omega replied. "Mom, I can't breathe."
Shanks muttered a quick apology as he pulled away, readjusting the hat on his head before he was leaning back on the table. "Developments I see."
"You could say that." Ace stated, shielding his face within the hat on his head.
Shanks looked up as another pair of footsteps quickly approached, seeing the flustered face of Law walking over as he all but ducked behind where Ace was. "Law?" Shanks questioned.
Law looked up at him, finger over his lips. "He won't leave me alone. God, he got drunk and now apparently I'm going to be his wife. What the fuck did he drink last night?"
Ace laughed as Shanks gave him a puzzled look. After a moment Shanks realized who he was referring to and snickered. "Sorry about that. He's always been very blunt about things. Alcohol doesn't help." Shanks said.
Law snorted. "I can tell."
"Good luck with him." Ace said, reaching over and grabbing Shanks' mug off of the table before taking a drink from it and placing it down. "Once he sees something he wants, he doesn't give up. If you're lucky, he probably won't remember last night."
Shanks looked away long enough to see Luffy and the rest of the Strawhats emerging from the cabins. Luffy looking like a mess but in a fresh set of clothes. "I think I can keep him off your back for a while." Shanks muttered before he was standing up and making his way over to Luffy.
Luffy grinned the second his eyes settled on Shanks, laughing as he scratched the back of his head. "Hey, dad. I was just about to go train for a while. Sanji made breakfast already."
Shanks buried his hands into his pockets as he looked down at his son. "I want to see if you remember all your training." Luffy gave him a puzzled look for a moment.
"What?"
"I want to gage all of your strengths. The entire crew." Shanks stated. "I want you all to attack me with everything you've got."