Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other side pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 28 of ?
Summary: His story is never really told, yet his death impacted so many people and altered everyone's course in life. This is Portgas D. Ace's story. All the love, pain, and tears will be shown. Understand his story and learn just why he was meant to live. Char Death, Res, Slash, Yuri, Het, Yaoi, Nudity, Language, Strong Violence and Sexual Content. You have been warned. Read and Review.
Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from this story; all props go to Eiichiro Oda.
Author Note: Ohai everyone! Hope you all had a good Valentines if you celebrate it. Enjoy!
Shout Outs: Thanks to ThePoliceLlama for reviewing!
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!

Kuzan Aokiji

Aokiji's black dress shoes scuffed the deck as he approached the side rail and looked out at the Marine ship his crew had told him about. He sighed and adjusted his sleeping mask, "Half sail men."

"Aye."

The admiral dug into his inner breast pocket, pulled out a baby den, and dialed a code on the shell, taping his finger against it as the snail began to ring. After a few moments of no one answering, Kuzan cocked his head to the side and looked back up at his friend's ship. Once they were close enough, he ordered for the two vessels to be connected as he jumped over the rail.

"Oh?" The lean man looked around for any signs of the commodore's crew and not seeing anyone in the crow's nest caused him to become heedful as he made his way towards the rear quarters, but before he could pass over the threshold a small figure bumped into him. Aokiji grabbed her arms to keep her steady and raised an eyebrow when she looked up at him through crooked glasses.

Ensign Tashigi jerked back and saluted to her superior, "Pardon me, sir. I didn't see you there."

Aokiji nodded, "Why does this ship resemble a ghost one?"

Tashigi rubbed her tired eyes, "It would be best to start from the top, sir."

She led the admiral back to the deck of the ship where the jungle and the dead town was in clear view. "Our orders were to investigate what was causing the odor and noises from this island and also to evacuate any remaining civilians."

"That's correct. Did you accomplish your task?"

She clutched her Wazamono sword. "Just about. There were three teams dispatched–one watched the ship, one searched for any remaining civilians, and the other went to scout the outskirts of the jungle. A special unit went to visit Dr. Thaddäus to gather more information regarding… well," she adjusted her glasses, "everything."

Kuzan pulled at his curls, "What information did the doctor give you?"

"Nothing that was useful. We wanted to search his lab and living space but he's under the protection of the Scientist Union Clause. Once we figured that out we had to leave, however, on the way back…" Tashigi tapped Shigure on the deck and let out a shaky breathe, "On the way back, Commodore Smoker fell ill. We believe the doctor has given him a concentrated dose of some poison called Dying Sleep Virus. We–"

"Wait," he held up his hand and looked Tashigi in her eyes, "you said Dying Sleep Virus?" When she nodded in affirmative he turned his body towards the entrance to the rear quarters, "Where is he?"

"He's currently in the medical bay–" The admiral brushed passed her, "Wait, where are you going?" She yelled to him.

Aokiji extended his long legs, swiftly walking across the deck and down the stairs to the med bay, faintly hearing the patter of Tashigi's feet as she ran to catch up with him. When he saw the doors marked with a red cross he pushed them open only to be halted by Zion.

"Admiral Kuzan," he greeted. "What can I do for you?"

"How is he?"

Shaking his head, Zion slowly led him towards the far corner of the room and peeled back the sheer curtain to reveal his friend. Smoker's skin had completely turned gray and a thin layer of sweat covered his body, giving off a slimy appearance.

Aokiji bent down to better look at the commodore, "Has he said anything since the incident?"

Zion hooked another IV bag on the stand, "He would moan occasionally, but that's about it."

Finally having caught up with her superior, Tashigi caught her breath before clearing her throat, "Sir, I'm awaiting your orders."

The admiral called upon Hie Hie, covering the palm of his hand in a thin layer of ice before placing it on Smoker's forehead. The commodore moaned and shifted but otherwise had no other reactions. He removed his hand and stood to face Tashigi, "What information did the other units bring back?"

"The citizens have been evacuated and have boarded boats to go to the next island. There are runoffs with human remains in them. We have the belief that they are coming from Dr. Thaddäus's lab."

"Hmm, he's been busy then." Aokiji rubbed the stubble under his chin and the room fell silent as they waited for his order.

When he opened his mouth the door to the med bay burst open and a Marine with turquoise hair kneeled over to catch his breath. Kuzan walked over to the man, putting a hand on his shoulder, "Catch your breath, seaman, and tell me what's going on."

Jesse gulped in a huge amount of air before he spoke in a rushed voice, "Here's the vial with the cure for Commodore Smoker. We need reinforcements at Dr. Thaddäus's home! He's doing sadistic experiments on humans and set fucking man eating people on us! Perry, Roy, and Ace are still back there!"

Standing to full height, Kuzan handed the vial to Zion, "Will this cure work?"

Zion took the vial and passed it to his assistant. She took an eye dropper and squeezed a small amount onto a slide and placed it under the microscope. She hummed and took a little bit of the blood they drew from Smoker earlier and placed it in the same slide. Everyone held their breaths as she adjusted a nob on the side. Her head shot up and she nodded to Zion who sighed in relief. She placed some of the curing liquid in an injection needle before giving it to her commodore.

Seeing that one problem had been solved, Aokiji addressed Tashigi and Jesse, "Come with me to the deck."

The three walked in silence while Aokiji devised a plan in his head. As soon as they were in open air he turned to Tashigi, "Gather your men and have them go into the jungle and approach Dr. Thaddäus's home. Arrest him and his assistants as well as help relieve those who are in captivity. My unit will start the operation and place bombs around the island."

As the pair was about to go about fulfilling their given missions an explosion rippled through the air; the blast making the water and boat to rock furiously. Kuzan gripped the rail to keep himself steady as he looked towards the tropical forest.

Another bang.

The second explosion was just as fierce as the first causing fire to erupt from the point of detonation. As the jungle ignited in flames Jesse grabbed at his hair, shock and disbelief written across his face, "They're still out there!"

Tashigi shouted orders to her men and the Marines jumped off the ship and rushed into Bay town. From their position they could see Roy coming out of the fiery jungle with smoke trailing off his person with a few women and men on his tail. Jesse jumped off the boat and ran to him, looking around for the others, "What happen to Perry and Ace?"

"I was told to go ahead. Last I saw them they were fighting off those crazy fucks and Dr. Thaddäus."

Kuzan approached the men, "Solider report."

"Sir! Perry and another are caught in that fire! We have to go back and get them!"

Tashigi voiced from her position near the docks, "I can have a team dispatched–"

"No, you won't." He looked at the burning forest then to the surrounding chaos, "We will wait until the fire dies out, then we'll take a team and search for any survivors."

Just as the two petty officers were about to protest he held up his hand and shook his head, "I know they are your comrades, but we can't risk the whole unit. We go in after the burning has ended and that's final." Aokiji walked back towards the ship, leaving his subordinates to stare at the raging flames behind them, giving one last order, "Tashigi, tell me when the fire has burned out."

Instead of going to his ship, he went back towards Smoker's and made his way to the medical bay. He took a moment to actually look around at his friend's ship and noticed a hole in the wall of the waiting room. He raised an eyebrow before he proceeded inside and pulled up a chair next to Smoker's bed. Just a few minutes into the cure and his skin color was already starting to look a little bit better. Kuzan slouched in the chair and pulled his sleeping mask over his face, waiting for the moment to act.

K.A

Some time had passed since the admiral had begun his nap and the feeling of his devil prodding at him made him peek an eye out from underneath his mask. He saw Smoker shift on the bed and cough before his eyes fluttered open. Aokiji pushed the sleepwear up on his forehead and he watched his long-time friend finally open his eyes.

"How are you feeling, Tensa?"

Said man turned his head to the side to locate the person behind the voice and grunted when he saw who it was. His attempt to speak was hindered by a cough. He caught his breath before trying once more, "What happened?"

"You were given a concentrated dose of a virus. We're lucky to still have you with us."

The commodore was about to respond when Zion walked in and sighed a breath of relief upon seeing the man awaken, "Commodore, we were worried about you."

Smoker groaned in pain, "I'm fine, Zion."

Zion shook his head at his superior's stubbornness, "I beg to differ. Please try and relax so the cure can fully work through your body."

The white-haired male pushed himself into a sitting position with the help of Kuzan, "Where is Tashigi?"

As if she heard her name being called, his ensign appeared, "Smoker-san you're awake!"

He gave her a small smile before nodding his head, "Report."

"When you collapsed we hurried back to the ship. After being told that you only had a few hours to live, a group of Marines went back to find a cure."

"You let them go alone?"

Tashigi shot a glance towards the high ranking Marine official before giving a look to her commodore, "He was leading them, sir."

Smoker sighed, glancing at Aokiji before he questioned, "Where are they?"

"Jesse and Roy have made it back but the others haven't." She turned to Kuzan, "The fire has burnt out and we are ready to move out."

The admiral nodded his head and stood as the commodore spoke, "Fire?"

The medical doors bursting open halted the conversation as Jesse and Roy entered the room, "Cap, you're ok!"

"Mate, you gave us quite the scare."

Smoker eyed his men and nodded his head in respect, "I'm better thanks to you all for getting the cure." When he didn't notice his pirate, a flash of worry flitted across his face, "Where are the others… where is he?"

Roy looked down at the floor, "When we got in there we saw all sorts of crazy shit. He came up with the plan of Jesse running the medicine back and for me to gather as many of the victims as I could and make my way back for reinforcements. About halfway through the jungle I heard an explosion and turned back to see what it was and the area we had come from was up in flames. I rushed the group back to the ships and... here we are," he shrugged his shoulders helplessly, "waiting for orders, sir."

Aokiji, who was now standing near the door ready to leave, addressed his friend, "Stay in bed, Smoker. I'll get your men to safety."

The commodore shook his head in protest and yanked the covers off himself, despite all words of discouragement, and swung his legs out of the bed. "It's not just my men I'm concerned about," he attempted to stand only to start a coughing fit.

Zion rushed to his side and handed him some water, "Sir, I'd really advise you to stay in bed to better your health."

"No." He said in between coughs, pushing the water away.

Tashigi tried to persuade him, "Admiral Kuzan will handle everything else from here. Please rest."

He pushed away the hands of the doctor, "Damn it, I said no."

Aokiji turned to look at his friend suspiciously, "Why are you so adamant about this, Smoker?"

It was silent as red eyes glared at curious black ones, sending a silent plea. Sighing, Aokiji walked back to the bed and helped the man stand up, "I wanna meet this person you're so infatuated with."

Smoker chuckled, "Just get me to the deck; I won't get in your way."

The group slowly made their way to the deck and Tashigi rushed ahead to bring a chair for her commodore to sit in while they worked. Once he was settled, Aokiji spoke, "Roy and Jesse, you'll take me and Tashigi back to Dr. Thaddäus's home so we can see if there were any survivors."

A Marine ran up the plank and saluted to Kuzan, "Sir, all bombs have been placed and are ready for detonation."

"Good. As soon as we get back, light them. We've already spent too much time on this island as is." He turned to Tashigi, "Ensign, are you ready?"

She nodded and they began their walk to the mad scientist's home. Halfway through their determined march, a commotion gathered their attention. Aokiji observed a unit of Marines rushing towards the edge of town where the jungle started to help a man and another solider back towards the ship. When they were close enough to recognize who it was, Roy and Jesse ran to the dirty and wounded men's aid.

Roy lifted an unconscious Perry off of Ace's back and Jesse slung Ace's arm around his shoulders so he could help him walk. They made it to the other two and Tashigi sighed in relief, "I thought we wouldn't see you guys again."

Ace coughed and chuckled, "Yeah, it was sketchy there for a moment." He noticed the quiet high ranking Marine behind Tashigi and groaned, "Ah shit."

Recognizing the man, Kuzan called upon his devil, making the temperature drop, "Release that man, Jesse. He'll be coming with me."

Roy shifted Perry on his back, "Sir, if it weren't for him Smoker would be dead as well as the rest of us."

Blood streamed down Ace's leg, making its way inside of his boot. He to shift his weight only to cringe when felt the soaked sock make a squishing sound. He could no longer feel Mera and he knew he was in no condition to fight his way out of this situation but no way in hell was he going to go willingly. He pulled away from Jesse and limped into a fighting stance.

Seeing the pirate was going to resist arrest, Aokiji gave him a lazy look, "I'm assuming that bullet in your leg is seastone. You are hindered, Portgas D. Ace, and yet you still wish to go against me? Whitebeard didn't make you his second division commander for nothing it seems."

Before he could reply he heard his lover's low pained voice drift down to them, "Kuzan… all of you… back to the ship."

Ace's heart skipped a beat when he looked up to see the sweaty face of Smoker. His lips tuned up in a smile and Aokiji noticed the look of relief pass on the pirate's face. He nodded to Smoker and walked back up to the deck, waiting for the rest of the Marines to join them.

When they were all onboard, Smoker gave out his orders, "Tashigi, make sure everything is set for Admiral Kuzan's unit to progress. Roy, take Perry to the medical bay. Jesse, inform Zion we will have a guest who will be need of medical attention."

With their commands given the lower ranked Marines left their superiors and the pirate on the deck of the ship.

Aokiji waited to hear an explanation but Smoker turned his attention to the pirate, "When we get done here, go see Zion. He'll get that bullet out of your leg."

Ace hobbled over to Smoker's side, "What makes you think I'll take orders from you?" He gave a pained grin, "Are you even supposed t'be outta bed?"

Smoker ignored the question and pulled Ace into his lap, "I want you to meet my friend, Kuzan Aokiji." He looked up at Aokiji with a pained but happy grin, "Aokiji this is Ace."

Understanding the full picture, Kuzan nodded his head, "It is an honor to meet the lover of my friend." He eyed Smoker, "Though as a Marine, and a high ranking one at that, you know I have duties I must complete."

"I didn't introduce you as Marine and pirate." He gave the best glare he could in his condition, "You are my friend meeting my lover."

The admiral raised an eyebrow, "Are you telling me to look the other way?"

He tightened his grip on Ace's hip as he glared at his comrade.

Feeling lightheaded, Ace stood from Smoker's lap, "I'm going to head to the doc to get this slug removed. I'll let you two discuss," he waved his hand around, looking for a word and when none came, he shrugged his shoulders, "ya know, whatever."

He turned to leave but not before pressing his lips to Smoker's, "I'm happy to see you're doing better. Fucking scared the shit outta me."

Smoker pecked the busted lips again, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Go."

With one last look, the pirate left the Marines.

Smoker patted his pants pocket and upon finding a half-smoked cigar, he quickly put it to his lips and lit it. He choked on his first inhale but the second was smooth and he sighed before looking over at the taller male.

Aokiji stuffed his hands in his pockets, "When Hina said you were interested in someone, I never would have thought she meant a pirate."

Smoker shrugged his shoulders, "It wasn't expected, that's for sure."

The superior eyed his subordinate, "He's dangerous."

"I know." Smoker said, flicking the ashes.

Kuzan rubbed his eyes, "You could be stripped from your position or even worse… killed."

The commodore looked up at a passing seagull, "He's worth it."

They sat in silence for a moment before the other Marine voiced a question, "This isn't a fleeting attraction, is it?"

Smoker sighed, "Nope."

"You love him?"

Smoker felt his devil shift as he watched some subordinates run back and forth in haste to complete their duties, "Yes."

Kuzan hummed, "I'll look away this time, but if I run into him again, based off principle alone–"

He cut his friend off before he could go into a speech, "I know, I know. Thanks."

It was quiet again before the admiral spoke again, "Be careful with who you let know about this."

The red-eyed man nodded, "I will."

The darker of the two shoved his hands in his pockets, sighing as he turned to walk towards the gangplank, "I'm happy he got you the cure and that you're doing well. I'm going to complete my job here then head to Marineford. There has been a meeting called on the subject of the next Shichibukai. I'll call after."

Smoker watched his friend depart from his ship before he spat out his burnt out cigar and dragged himself out of the chair, shuffling toward the rear quarters. He'd made it all the way to the stairs before a subordinate offered his assistance. Denying the man, he continued on to the medical bay. Upon his arrival, a nurse guided him to a bed where he rested with his back against the wall. He observed his men getting treated for their wounds and sighed, patting himself down for another set of cigars. He'd almost died and lost some good men. It would be one hell of a report.

Speaking of report, he grabbed Zion as he passed by his bed, "Where is Ace?"

Before he could light them, the Marine doctor snatched the cigars from his lips, giving him a disappointed look, "Almost done getting bandaged, then I'll send him to you."

Smoker sighed at the lack of energy to fight the doctor to get back his cigars. "This gets out to no one, Zion."

Said man pulled his arm free from the weak grasp, "With all due respect sir, the crew already knew it was a pirate that you'd chosen to share your bed with. He saved your life and the life of our crewmate; we owe a lot to him."

Smoker nodded and before Zion walked away, he trashed the cigar, glaring at his commodore, "I said no smoking. When will you stop being so hard-headed?"

"When I die."

Zion laughed and disappeared behind a white curtain. It was a while later when Ace appeared and hobbled towards Smoker. The older male moved over to make room as the other plopped on the bed. They lay in silence, content with watching the nursing staff go about their way to treat the hurt Marines. Smoker traced the outline of Ace's hand before he spoke, "What happened up there?" He grazed his hand over the bandage wrapped around the smaller thigh, "How did you end up with this wound?"

The pirate yawned, "Mm, you want the short version or long one?"

Feeling a headache growing, the Marine rubbed his forehead, "Short."

Ace adjusted himself to lay his head on Smoker's lap, "We went back to go find you a cure. Found the missing people from the town. Confronted the bat shit crazy doctor. He set man eating humans on us. We fought. Jesse got the cure. Roy freed the victims. Thaddäus shot me. I killed him. Explosion." He muttered as he shifted to get more comfortable, preparing for sleep, "Yeah… after the explosion I woke up to find Perry knocked out and fire around us. Picked him up and carried him to the ship. That's kinda that."

Smoker's head lolled back as he felt the medicine given to him earlier start to kick in, "Hm, interesting. Thanks for saving my men."

Ace mumbled out, "Anytime." And the pair drifted into a healing slumber.

T'was kinda sketchy there for a moment. Thanks for reading; review if you can. Stay tune for next chapter: Usopp - Huredhiel. :3