Thank you all for reading my stories, I've been really enjoying writing them it's so much fun xD It's fun to write things other than romance and more about action, comedy and drama. Heheheh. Sorry about the mistakes, I'm slowly cleaning them up, hopefully they're not too drastic.

Recap: Ace and Ran have sort of made out at some secret hot spring spot ;) Ran has announced that she may be leaving the Whitebeard Pirates. She has given some gifts to the commanders, but before she moves onto Ace her friend has asked her a very important question.

"….."Means Ran is speaking in her native language.

Last time:

"Lam Ou Ran, would you become my betrothed, my partner, my Queen?" He proposed, looking up at her, opening the box to see a large ornate golden necklace that was decorated with carvings and jewels. They all stood still, looking at the whole scene. Ran, unsurprisingly had no expression, not saying anything at all, the rest of them in perfect silence.

Then Ran began to laugh manically, close to what a crazy person would laugh like.

"Oh my God. No." She denied clearly, shutting the box, and still laughing.

The four commanders just stared awkwardly at what had happened. Ran was still laughing, wiping away the tears from the corner of her eyes. She offered her hand to help her friend up from his knees, smiling at him kindly. Her friend seemed a little embarrassed rubbing the back of his neck, looking down at the wooden deck, flushed with embarrassment.

"Of course, I didn't expect that you would really accept it, since you are from the Royal family and I'm just a mere bounty hunter." He looked down, he couldn't quite believe he pulled a stunt like that. The four of them were still taken aback about what they had just witnessed.

"You know that's not why I turned you down. I know you only offered because you felt it was right for our newly liberated Kingdom. And that shouldn't be the basis of any marriage, or any relationship." Ran reasoned, still smiling kindly at her friend. The commanders raising their eyebrows at them. "Although it is extremely admirable." She praised her friend "And extremely odd coming from you since I'm pretty sure you're gay." Ran smiled sweetly and friendly at her friend.

"I really can't hide anything from you can I?" Not even trying to deny her accusation. The four of them extremely confused at what was happening.

"I appreciate your offer but I don't think I can accept." She graciously declined, bowing her head respectfully as he did the same as well. She looked over at all the commanders"Also I'm pretty sure I've fallen for the freckled orange hat cowboy." Winking at them, making them even more suspicious and confused.

"Who wouldn't? He's even more charming than his wanted poster. I can see why would want to keep travelling with them. Even the pineapple one isn't half bad, not bad at all. I wouldn't not want to travel with these pirates." He sassed, making Ran blush, which was very suspicious in the commanders' minds.

"Would it be acceptable if I continued?"

"It's up to you. You are the ruler." He reminded her. The four commanders still worried about what was going on, since they could only understand half of it. Before any of them could ask what was going on, Ran had dragged her friend behind her and was mounting her horse.

"I'LL BE BACK!" She screamed at them as she rode off away from the boat.

"So maybe we should think about hiring a translator when Ran is with her friend." Thatch advised, the rest of them silently agreeing.

In the next two days they didn't see Ran at all and all they knew was from Whitebeard himself that Ran had a special announcement and they weren't leaving until she had announced it.

The four commanders were pondering what could she possibly want to announce? Ace seemed a lot quieter, the three of them noticed it and didn't know how to cheer up their friend and comrade since well, they were pirates. They lived their lives on adventure, romance with other romantic partners was short and brief usually unless they were both pirates or were travelling together, and other than that they had short affairs that just turned into distant memories of lost intimacy. They asked Whitebeard for advice, like a son to a father, and Whitebeard merely groaned and said for them to just let Ace ride it out, thus letting nature take its course. They took his advice and just continued holidaying in the Yuht Kingdom, trying to help Ace ease his mind, but they failed miserably.

After a couple days had passed and the sun was setting, Whitebeard had commanded his entire crew to meet at the main plaza in front of the central palace and they did as they were told. The all did as they were told, meeting with the natives who were also buzzing with excitement. They asked the natives if they had any idea what was happening however they were just in the dark as much they were. The noise was starting to die down as the politicians and executive ministers filed out neatly waiting for their leader to come out. The crowd had silenced immediately as they saw the immaculate face of Lam Ou Ran, (her friend following being her) dressed in gorgeous red robes that are intricately embroidered in golden auspicious designs, patterns and animals. Her hair wrapped around ornate, fine jewellery with moving ornaments and other precious stones that caught the last glimpses of sunlight, with various brightly coloured flowers that were neatly arranged in her hair. Her mismatched eyes contrasting and matching her face all at the same time, haunting and mesmerising. All of them bowed to her, as she bowed back at them, smiling, viewing everyone. Ace (stupidly) forgot that Ran was able to take his breath away, he felt like he was watching a phenomenon every time he saw Ran. Yes it was rather cliché on Ace's part but he couldn't help it, in fact he didn't mind at all, he just knew he just wanted to see her and keep on seeing her.

Ran waited until everyone was standing straight and watching her, she sighed, breathed in and gazed at the masses.

"Thank you everyone for attending especially after such a short notice." She took a breath, she was feeling jittery, trying to get rid of her nervousness. She saw the Whitebeard pirates, all the commanders and even Whitebeard himself came to attend.

"Since this country has been freed and heading into a new era, a new hopefully prosperous age, a time of dynamic and change, we all decided, it's time we had a change." The crowd instantly bursted into noise and chatter at what Ran was hinting at. The Whitebeard pirates were no different, they also wondering what Ran was talking about.

"We, the executive ministers, politicians other high ranking officials and myself have decided that the royal family will no longer exist. My family and my ancestors are not descended from gods, we were not demi gods. We are human like each and every one of you, no different from the next." Her legs were starting to shake a little.

"So to lead this new era in the Yuht kingdom, should be a new, refreshing ruler. Someone who has lived through the harsh times, who has lived like the locals, who is in touch with their country so they know what choices to make to avoid those mistakes, but someone who isn't bitter and who is optimistic enough to take risks and make a future for this magnificent kingdom." She gestured to her friend, who bowed deeply to the natives, to show his humbleness and loyalty. All of them started shouting, rallying. Not in anger, but in confusion, even the Whitebeard pirates were arguing loudly.

"To answer any further questions." She started loudly the crowd started to quieten down a bit. "I will step down as ruler." Ace's eyes widened, the Whitebeard pirates also turned quiet as they heard what Ran was about to announce. "I, Lam Ou Ran will continue my travels with the Whitebeard pirates, acting as a foreign correspondent and assist in running the kingdom with the other ministers and leaders." Confirming to everyone that she was travelling with the Whitebeard Pirates; they started screaming, cheering, the crowd was also very noisy.

"So will you please welcome our new leader!" She announced, holding hands with her friend and raising their hands together to let everyone see their clasped hands, and she followed up with a three finger salute and raise, holding her hands high and proud for everyone to see. Everyone else copied except the Whitebeard Pirates.

"And for a reason to further celebrate, I am happy to announce that Emperor Whitebeard as stated the Yuht Kingdom under his protection. We are safe under one of the most, in fact the most powerful emperor, powerful man. The only man that has ever gone head to head with Gol D. Rodger, has put this country under his protection. So please show your appreciation to Emperor Whitebeard." She demanded of the people, they all bowed towards Whitebeard and his pirate crew, he viewed them, smiling, and laughing.

"Please. Everyone is a child of the sea, no one should be harmed and if I declare this kingdom under my protection to help you, then I would happily help you." He humbly replied, standing tall, proud and smiling at the natives, happy that he could help his newest family member in such a simple way. As the nation was rising to their feet, some musicians started to play their instruments, in a happy upbeat tone. They all started to sing a familiar tune, all of them uniting, singing the words in unison and in harmony, slowly growing in volume, cheering Ran and her friend. They all watched Ran's friend lower himself onto one knee, bowing his hand taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. Ran brought him up to his feet, then she herself, in her rich traditional, expensive gowns and robes knelt before her friend, bowing her head to the ground to show the change in leadership, the head ornaments swinging as her head touched the ground. Her friend almost fell over due to the shock of her drastic actions, he hurriedly brought her up on her feet, allowing her to walk out in front of him, walking down the stone steps everyone following her. The natives sang in their language, dancing with each other in happiness, singing with confidence and increasing in volume as Ran walked down towards them, so loud that they didn't need the instruments anymore.

"I'm a successful woman who climbed on this cliff
It's not easy to get through with hesitation
Who would agree that I should be put in history
I'm the only one who knows the story" Everyone was singing loudly and proudly, dancing along to the song in their native tongue.

Ran finally reached the last step, smiling, grinning at everyone, singing in her usual unique singing voice, leading the song. The crowd separated as they walked, the ministers, leaders, politicians followed after her, bowing at the people the people bowing back showing respect, as they all sang after Ran.

"Remember how I was first treated when I first came.
I endured the pain that lasted days and months
I've had millions of celebrations so what." They cheered, grabbing Ran's hands, bowing deeply towards her, she bowed just as deeply as they did, tears starting to escape her eyes. She tried to not cry before she got to the Whitebeard pirates however it was impossible now. It seemed that everyone was following Ran as they were crying and singing just like Ran, in fact some of the pirates were wiping their eyes.

The musicians started to play their instruments again, for the last verse with their powerful percussion, as Ran was making her way to the Whitebeard pirates.

"As the flowers bloom I am still staying in your palace
As the flowers die, when can I see your face again?" She reached the back of the crowd to where the pirates were, stopping just before she met the pirates. They all were singing the last lines of the songs, facing the pirates, as Ran smiled at the Whitebeard pirates, happy tears leaking out of her eyes, down her cheeks as she saw all her friends. She raised her arms above her head, to bring down a shower of rain on everyone. Making everyone squeal, dance and start to sing the song again. Her smile seemed to get bigger as she walked towards the Whitebeard pirates.

The noise of the natives singing the song did not quiet down, but the Whitebeard pirates still managed to hear her.

"See I told you I was going to be back." She simply sassed. She pulled the sleeve of her robe to present to Whitebeard himself and the crew the proud emblem of their symbol and Whitebeard's Jolly Roger tattooed on her arm and bowing her head towards them to show them her loyalty. Whitebeard laughed his usual laugh and welcomed his daughter back, and all of them piled on top of Ran, happy that she was back.

Extra scene (comedy scene)

"Oi oi Ace! Stop eating everything!"

"Hey hey, didn't anyone ever tell you that snooze you lose. And survival of the fittest." Ace slurped down multiple foods.

"How do you not gain weight since you eat so much?" Ran quizzed "I mean like you never really get bigger or smaller."

"You seem disappointed Ran." Thatch snidely remarked as he lit up a cigarette. Ran threw some utensils at him, as he chuckled.

"Anyways what I was saying, how do you stay so healthy despite feeding the bottomless pit you call a stomach. I mean if I ate like you did and trained my clothes would be a really tight fit." She thought out loud, Izou ruffled her hair, telling her that she was his adorable little subordinate either way.

"I don't know. Always been like this with me and my brothers. To be honest I wear shorts, it's not a lot."

"Well you do have a pancake flat ass." Izou remarked, smirking at them. Marco laughed at that sentiment.

"What's wrong with my ass?" Ace asked, a little confused. "Do girls actually like a guy's butt?" He mumbled with meat in his mouth. Marco and Thatch looked at Ran for an answer as Izou was laughing.

"Ran would you care to answer that?" Izou supplemented, somewhat dying with laughter on the inside. While Ran just turned completely red, Marco and Thatch chuckled.

"Well uh, it's kind of hard to tell since those shorts seem kind of stiff so anyone who has or hasn't got a big butt would seem flat in them." She evenly answered.

"So are you saying Ace has to take off his shorts for you to assess his ass?" Thatch slipped in, causing Marco and Izou to chuckle and Ace and Ran blush madly.

"You know what Ran, I don't think you're right. I think someone who has a big voluptuous ass would be able to stretch that material, it's just that guys don't usually work on their ass." Izou mused after finishing laughing. Ace continued eating, still blushing. Ran looked off into the distance, trying to not engage into the conversation again. Marco and Thatch were still chuckling, Marco patted Ran's shoulder soothingly, still chuckling.

"What are you suggesting Izou?" Thatch egged on Izou, seeing that was an opportunity to mess around.

"Thatch do not encourage Izou-sama." Ran tried to limit the troublemakers.

"Raaaaan I think you should try on Ace's shorts and see if I'm right." Izou smirked, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. The three of them stopped what they were doing, Ran just tried to make a break for it. Marco pulled her back, knowing escape was now a dream.

"No. I mean we can't make Ace strip, what else he would wear?

"Your trench coat." Ran just coughed in shock, Marco and Thatch trying to hold their laughter in.

"Do I get a say in this?" Ace piped up.

"Oh shush Ace, don't act as if you don't want to see Ran in your shorts." Izou whipped back, silencing Ace, who just continued eating, and blushing. Marco and Thatch just raised their eyebrows, Ran still struggling from Marco's grasp.

"Fifty Bellies that he'll rip her coat."

"Fifty Bellies that her ass will pop like cork from a champagne bottle-yoi."

After Ace finished the rest of his food, Izou drew up some sheets to cover up the people who were changing. Ace walked out his broad shoulders stretching out the coat at the top his bare legs sticking out of the bottom, with his boots. Marco, Thatch and Izou were rolling down on the floor with laughter at the sight, Ace obviously embarrassed. His arm movements were rigid and restrained, he tried his hardest to not turn into fire and burn this coat.

"Shut up." He merely remarked, trying to sit down comfortably, but couldn't, constantly crossing and uncrossing his legs.

"I-I don't think I can fit." Ran's nervous voice piped up behind the sheet.

"What do you mean you can't fit? Ace is a pretty big guy." Izou suggested, winking at them.

"As much as I believe that I think that men have slimmer legs in general than woman. And I think I have much thicker thighs than most men." Izou shook his head, as he went behind the sheet, as the other three were wondering what the outcome would be like.

"Ran you can definitely fit these on, you just have be a bit more forceful."

"No Izou! Stop tugging there! You'll rip it!" The other three commanders' eyebrows were raised at what they were hearing.

Izou walked out, tucking a lose strand of hair.

"You have to wear it exactly like Ace as well." Thatch added, Izou highfived him. They both chuckled, Marco smirked as Ace just sat there nervously in the trench coat. They saw the movement of the sheet, seeing Ran's head pop out, with naked shoulders and arms crossed over her chest. They were trying to concentrate on Ran's angry face, but they couldn't help but notice her cleavage spilling out of her crossed arms. Ace seriously tried hard to not tackle Ran, covering her with his body and set the three of them on fire.

"I will not wear it like Ace and I will fight you all and hang you by your underwear." She threatened.

"I'm sure there is room for compromise." Thatch suggested calmly as Izou ran to Ran's room and coming back with some garments, handing them to Ran behind the sheets. Finally after a few sounds of movement, Ran walked out with her hair down, shyly tucking it behind her ear, the long thick, black, wavy tendrils touching the top of Ace's shorts that were worn low on Ran's full hips. They finally saw her entire figure, it wasn't extremely curvy and slim like Nami, who had a true hourglass shape. She had full ample breasts covered by a pale yellow bikini top that was tied in neat bows. A toned, flat muscled stomach, her waist wasn't nipped, it was a soft curve that then widened into her very round, big butt that was tightly packed into Ace's shorts. To finish off her thick thighs fitted extremely well into the legs of the shorts.

"You owe me fifty bellies Pompadour-yoi." Marco clapped Thatch on the shoulder, as they all saw quite distinctly Ran's ass filling out quite nicely. Marco looked over at Ace had just instantly discarded the coat instantly and wrapped Ran up in her coat so no one else could see her.

"Now one hundred."

"No come on."

"You said he would rip out of it, but he only took it off." Thatch cursed as he paid Marco. Izou was just smirking at Ace and Ran.

"Come on I think we've done enough." Ace muttered, wanting Ran to be covered by her trench coat.

"Oi oi, Ran if you can wear it for a whole day I'll pay you one hundred bellies and a week's worth of your favourite food twenty four seven if you wear Ace's outfit out in town for the rest of the day." Thatch wagered.

"Ran don't-"

"Deal" She shook his hand vigorously with sparkle in her eyes. She shed her coat, covering Ace once more and took his hat, smiling up at him as she placed it on her head. Ace just let her take his hat, blushing as he could easily see down her chest.

"Alright then let's go shopping for groceries. Ace you might want to put some more clothes on." Thatch snickered as he left, with Ran following. Ace just huffed as he went back to his room to put on his usual shorts. Following the rest of his comrades. All of them were expecting a few cat calls from men for Ran, however they were surprised that Izou got a lot more which made Izou's ego soar into unimaginable arrogance and Ran laugh as she strutted around, stretching her body, cracking her bones. Ace watched, his fingers twitching in case any guy tried to get too friendly with Ran.

After they got a dozen ingredients, stocking up, they stopped by a weapons store to see if there was anything new.

"Ten o'clock hot chick at the counter." Thatch announced quietly, as he noticed the cute girl (Imagine Tashigi but it's not Tashigi, just someone similar) was carefully cleaning a sword.

"She's pretty cute I guess. Not my type really, but I get why Pompadour would want to go after her. Maybe we should warn her." Marco wisely offered, taking a look at her, as he looked at some of the weapons in the locked glass case.

"Ace? What do you think?" Thatch asked, Ace was watching Ran and Izou who were looking at the guns and some spears, giggling to each other.

"Whatever just don't screw it up." He mumbled, his eyes following her long obsidian wavy hair that streamed under his orange cowboy hat.

"Kids these days." Thatch waved off Ace's half-hearted reply. Marco chuckled, shaking his head watching Thatch go up to the cute girl at the counter, calling the other's attention to watch Thatch try and hit on the girl.

"So is it only you working today?" Thatch asked simply, making the girl look up.

"Yes. Is there something you would like me to help you with?" She offered.

"Yes I'm wondering if you could help a lonely sailor to accompany him to a dinner under the moonlight?" he asked smoothly. The girl looked at him, with a slight blush.

"Wow he might actually be successful."

"I doubt it." Izou doubted heavily.

"I'm sorry, I work really late and my father really wouldn't be to be dating pirates." She smirked, as Thatch just stood there, not knowing what to do.

"When would you-"

"I wouldn't be persistent. I get violent very easy over small things." She threatened. Thatch just smiled walking off.

"Charming little lady." He remarked to the rest of them.

"Ran if you do better than Thatch I'll give you 250 bellies." Marco offered. Before he could shake hands with her she was already walking off towards the girl.

"You guys better get your check books ready." They watched her approach the girl via the sword the girl was polishing. They watched avidly, watched her push her chest subtly, for the girl to stare at. Due to Ran's smooth easy talk that was very clearly interested in the sword so the girl was unaware of Ran's intentions.

"So has it been busy here?"

"It comes and goes, mainly depends how many marines and pirates stop by."

"Doesn't it worry you? I mean I know you must be great at handling weapons. However pirates who can lose control and carry powerful weapons scare me. I always wonder how I survive with all these pirates and marines." Ran pouted, sighing, as she looked at the glorious sword that the girl was polishing.

"Oh do you live in fear a lot?" the girl asked softly, blushing a lot as she looked at Ran's sad face.

"I don't live in fear, I'm just on constant alert. I mean I only have a baseball bat as a weapon, since anything that is a true weapon is too expensive these days. I have to send money back home as well, I mean nothing has happened, but it would be nice to sleep one night without fearing a raid, or you know other horrible things." Ran suggested softly. The girl looked very sympathetic, but didn't know how to help the customer.

"But I decided to take out my savings and invest in a weapon, and I was hoping you could help me." Ran brought out her little wallet that held some small wads of notes and jingled with some coins. She put her money on the counter to count, shaking the purse empty her purse. So coins fell over the counter edge, on the girl's side. Instantly Ran handed the sword to the girl to hold as laid over the counter to reach for the spare coins. Allowing the girl to see Ran's thick, luscious hair that swam down her back, leaving only a sliver of tanned skin of her back to be on show. With her plump ass on display as well, as Ran scrambled to grasp some coins.

Ran straightened herself up, pushing her away, apologising profusely to the girl who was blushing a lot, at the sight she just saw. Ran leaned forward, looking directly at the shy girl.

"You'll help me won't you?" She pleaded directly, the girl nodded furiously. After discussing they had decided on a long staff with broad and sharp metal head, with rings along the back of the blade.

As Ran began to start counting her money, another man put down some money.

"A pretty thing like you shouldn't be putting her savings on such a dangerous thing. You should be dressed up in some fine clothing, or rather in my sheets waiting for me." He suggested heavily, the four commanders on their haunches ready to attack.

"Oh is that so?" she mused, as she collected up the rest of her money, tucking it in her little purse, not really paying attention to the man.

"Although you look fine in less clothing." He mused as he looked up and down her front, smirking at the sight her ample breasts, licking his lips at her image. She bowed her head respectfully at the girl who wrapped up her weapon. The four still watching avidly, slowly moving closer in case the guy tried anything 'physical'.

"Really I never noticed." She smirked at the guy, giving him a look of disdain.

"Although I do think you would look better without the hat." He tried to take off Ace's hat on her head, Ran instantly battered his hand away, keeping it firmly on her head. Ace accidentally set on fire the wooden case he had has hands on.

"Your opinion really. I like it. It protects me, like its owner." She hinted.

"You belong to someone else sweetie?" He moved towards her, she distanced him with her newly bought weapon, holding the blade out close enough to cut him deeply. He tried to push it away, but unknowing to him, she was made out of stronger stuff, and held her ground.

"No, but you will. To God and heaven in the clouds if you keep this up." She threatened sweetly, holding the blade dangerously closer to his body. He walked off cursing, as Ran started swearing at him in her angry mother tongue.

"Tch see what I have to deal with. You're so lucky that you have such a nice weapon shop." Ran faced the girl, pouting again, sighing and running her fingers through her hair, looking distressed.

"H-here." The girl handed her a business card, after writing on the back of it. "You can reach me here, and this is my personal number, you can reach me here anytime." Ran bowed to her deeply, the girl flushed, saying it was no problem whatsoever. Ran smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, shyly looking at the girl. Then kissed her on the cheek, making the girl turn bright red, making her stutter. Ran felt a bit bad, so she gave her an extra fifty bellies, and waved her goodbye, leaving the shop with her new weapon. The other four commanders leaving.

"So Marco the Phoenix I think you owe me some money?" She grinned, showing the girl's messy handwriting on the back the business card, to prove that she did it.

"Oi oi, so cocky and loud. Fine you win." He handed her the money, as she danced around, sticking her tongue out. Thatch just had a depressed cloud above him.

"I can't believe Ran was better at picking up chicks than I am." Izou just patted his back. Ace just pouted, but secretly happy that she protected his hat, and sort of complimented him.

"Ahh its okay Pompadour I'll teach you." She squealed, so happy.

"You know what I think. I think you caught Ace's recklessness when you tried on his shorts. Maybe that's the secret." Thatch cried, grabbing Ace's own shorts in desperation. Which led to flames being thrown everywhere and the other three sweat dropping and walking off pretending that they never knew the two of them.

"You guys want some ice cream? My treat." Ran bragged, waving the money in Marco's face, then Marco tripped Ran on purpose.

"Don't be such a sore loser Marco!" Ran picked herself up, grumbling. "I'll get you an ice cream, topped with pineapples your favourite!" she joked, knowing full well that Marco detested pineapples, and dodged the next attack.

"You know Ran, do you like to live?" Izou joked, as they walked away from the Ace and Thatch fighting.

Another scene comedy scene

Marco and Ace had come back recently from their mission, enjoying their break from after their mission.

"Watch out! Ran is coming back!" Someone on the crow's nest shouted, they looked at the sky and saw the familiar shadow of the massive bird, Zao slowly getting larger as it descended.

The boat slanted to the side of where Zao perked. He lowered his tail so Ran slowly slid down onto the deck, petting the bird, thanking it. She nodded slowly towards the people, as she walked into the middle lowered platform in front of Whitebeard, kneeling down.

"Oi oi! I told you before I am not your brethren!" Marco shouted trying to distance Zao from him, since Zao was trying to hold Marco to him. The pirates were laughing at Marco trying to walk away from bird, however Zao just followed Marco around.

"I AM NOT YOUR BRETHEN-YOI." Marco shouted, trying to walk away from the bird. The pirates were on the floor laughing at the sight of Marco walking in a fast pace away from the bird, who just earnestly followed Marco.

"Zao, sit." Ran ordered kindly, Zao did as he told, perching on the boat. Marco sighed in relief, however they saw the bird move to sit directly behind where Marco was sitting.

"So I guess mission complete." Whitebeard assumed.

"Yes father, I did everything you asked for and more."

"And more?"

"Things should run ahead of schedule, everything we discussed."

"I'm impressed this was a difficult mission, I was a little afraid that you wouldn't be able to complete it on time. Sorry for doubting you. Guarararara!" Whitebeard commented, laughing and drinking his sake.

"No worries. I'm not offended at all." She said slowly.

"So mission complete. Well done, have a drink and relax."

"Before I have a drink, may I ask for something?" Ran asked softly still kneeling.

"Of course, ask away." He laughed.

"Can I please seek some medical assistance? There were a few complications whilst on the mission." She explained calmly. Everyone turned to see Ran shed her trench coat, to see her torso bandaged, and a lot of injuries decorating her skin from the neck down, then watched her slump down. Whitebeard's nurses rushed over immediately putting her on a stretcher and wheeling her off. Whitebeard continued drinking his sake shaking his head, groaning. As the rest of the pirates were worried, and talking loudly.

"That Ran. Idiotic girl." He groaned, taking another swig of his sake, letting it dribble down his mouth, groaning.

After a couple of hours of Ace, Marco, Thatch and Izou and the rest of the pirates who were curious, looking in at the medical bay, the nurses and doctor had deemed Ran stable and fine for recovery. Although the four commanders tried to get in, the doctors and nurses prohibited everyone trying to enter the room, and said that Ran had remain under supervision for another 24 hours. So after a day the four commanders were in the main cabins that held the library, the nurses placed Ran under their care. They sat her down next to Izou, letting her lean on him, since she was asleep.

"So what's the situation?"

"The doctor has said she can be discharged, but she has to be looked after by one of you at all times in next couple of days, because someone needs to make sure there is no bleeding from her wounds."

"Was there a lot?"

"She had sustained a few injuries, to be honest we're surprised that she flew on her bird and walked up to Whitebeard. She managed to keep her wounds clean, and prevented further blood loss. It seems that the last day of her mission she got the biggest injuries, since those wounds seem quite new. I think she got caught in cross fire or something, she got a bullet and a decent size shard of glass in her back. Anyways we've cleaned them up and she's fine. Just make sure she isn't sleeping all the time, until you guys actually go to sleep. Keep her hydrated, fed and don't lean her back on anything, since the wounds on her back are still healing majorly. Check on her bandages every so often, and bring her back to us every four to six hours. Take care of her, she's on anaesthetic, so be really careful." The nurses nodded and left Ran asleep on Izou's shoulder.

"Let's mess with her" Thatch gleamed with mischief. Walked up close to Ran, clapped a couple times really loudly in front of Ran's face. Izou held Ran carefully, but tried to kick Thatch away, as the others tried to pull Thatch away from Ran, who was slowly waking up.

"So Ran-Ran how you feeling?" Thatch teased, seeing Ran's face twitch and shift, as she was slowly becoming conscious. Izou threw his fan at Thatch's face, whilst holding Ran gently, who was lifting her head from Izou's shoulder.

"Ran you okay-yoi?" Marco asked gently, looking carefully at Ran's face, which was in a slight pout which he found kinda funny and cute at the same time. Ace was trying to restrain himself, looking carefully as well, but wanted to actually look after Ran in his room, by himself. They watched her sluggish movements, wiping away at her eyes, blinking sleepily.

"Mhmm." She answered quietly, staring straight at them with sleepy eyes, pouting even more. "My back fweels numb." She lisped a little, Marco and Ace laughing at little at her cute little lisp.

"Yeah? Anything else?"

"This is boring, let's see if she answers truthfully."

"Good idea Thatch." Izou smirked, looking at his drugged up subordinate.

"Guys come on, don't pick on her." Ace tried to defend her, not wanting her to be exploited when she was at her weakest.

"Oh fire-fist, it be really useful for you."

"I don't know what you're talking about." He mumbled, although he would be lying if he wasn't a little bit curious. Also he was hoping to do something similar if he was left alone to look after her.

"Marco do you disagree with what we're going to do?"

"Why the hell would you ask me? You're just going to do whatever you want, so I don't know why you're asking me." He grumbled, sitting next to Ran, making sure she wouldn't lay down and fall asleep on the other side. "Just as long as it doesn't get out of hand-yoi."

"Alright so Ran how come you didn't marry your friend when he asked you."

"Real subtle Thatch."

"Who?" she asked in a slurred voice, her eyes closed.

"Your friend from your home kingdom. He proposed to you and you declined. Why? He seemed perfect."

"Ehhhhh. Why would I marry a gay guy?" They all just stared at her, they never expected that answer. "Also I wouldn't marry him, he's like my brother. You guys are weird." She sat there humming.

"I guess we are weird." Izou mused, looking at Ace's relieved expression.

"So what do you think about Thatch?" Izou asked.

"Who's Datch? Dutch?" She questioned, majorly pouting as she trying to rack her brains if she knew anyone by that name.

"No not Datch or Dutch. It's Thatch! T-H-A-T-C-H." he spelled out angrily, he couldn't believe he was so easily forgotten by Ran.

"Who?" She exclaimed, looking at him. "OH!"

"You remember now?"

"Pompadour." She gestured his large hairdo. "Yeah stupid hair, I always want to cut it off and shave your head, because it's really stupid. The girls in my kingdom thought it was stupid as well." She giggled, as she thought about it. As well as everyone, except Thatch himself.

"What about Izou?"

"Pretty Geisha." She instantly asked, earning her a kiss on the cheek from Izou.

"Marco."

"Phoenix and Zao's brother."

"For the love of God I am not that bird's brethren."

"Eh Zao is only trying to welcome you into his family. Why are you being so cold pineapple? Accept your family Marco! Family is family, no matter what!" Marco had a vein patch on his forehead, trying to not smack her head.

"What about Ace?"

"Fire Cowboy."

"Why the hell do you remember all of them easily and not me?"

"She refers to you as Pompadour, and not my by your name a lot. So she probably got confused." Izou reasoned, to the slightly irate, he looked at the smirking Ace and grinned.

"So Ran, who do you think is the sexiest commander in the Whitebeard pirate crew?" he smirked at Ace, whose face turned slightly dark, knowing full well what he was up to.

"Mhmmmmmmmm." She put a finger to her lips, tilting her head towards Marco, closing her eyes as she was thinking.

"Izou." She said simply smiling.

"WHAT?" Ace and Thatch yelled, as Izou smiled, Marco snickered.

"Why?" Thatch demanded, not expecting that at all. Ace caught himself, trying to seem less passionate although he saw Izou watching him, and tried to compose himself.

"Izou is very sexy. He's sexy as a man and as a woman, I mean he's sexy as both genders, isn't that amazing? If I want to be sexy woman, I would look up to Izou and if I want a sexy man full of vitality Izou is also great! He's the epitome of feminine and masculine beauty." She explained passionately and simply. All of the just stared at her from her explanation, it took them a few seconds to process what she said. Then Izou erupted, trying to glomph Ran, the others pulling her back in order for Izou to not attack Ran.

"Guys let me go, I just want to squeeze her so badly. She's so cute, I'm going to marry her I swear to God." He squealed, not handling himself at all, as Ran just smiled cutely at Izou, which only made him want to glomph her even more. They were trying to restrain Izou.

"Okay other than Izou who else is sexy?"

"Ace! Of course!" She answered excitedly, Ace just blushed at her blunt answer. "Then Marco. I really like pineapples." She grinned, Marco just snorted, smirking with a blush.

"What about Thatch?" Thatch asked.

"Pompadour."

"I have a name. Thatch."

"Pompadour."

"Fine, what about 'Pompadour'?"

"Meh." She stuck out her tongue childishly.

"Geisha gets the sexiest girl and guy, and I get a meh? What the hell?! I'm like half the age of Marco man, and I'm a lot more muscular, than the scrawny pineapple phoenix bastard."

"Oi, who do you think you're talking to?" Marco cut Thatch back. Thatch stopped talking, whistled, looking at the books.

"So have you been kissed yet?" Izou asked excitedly, but now a lot calmer. He grinned at Ace's sudden cough fit.

"Yup!"

"Who with?"

"Ace! At the hot springs spot!" Ran smiled innocently, feeding more of Izou's curiosity.

"Don't tell him everything so easily! At least try to hide it!" Ace fumed, blushing.

"Ehhh? Why?" she whined, Izou and Marco laughed, as they looked at Ace with questioning looks.

"Oh shut up." He directed at the two commanders, he huffed, crossing his arms, still thinking Ran was pretty cute.

"So have you gotten further with Ace?" Izou questioned. Ace tried to not show his nervousness, poorly.

"Nope." She answered simply, Izou was a little surprised.

"Oh really?" Ran didn't recognise Izou's devilish smile.

"Mhmm!" She answered honestly.

"Oi oi Izou don't do anything permanently damaging." Marco tried to restrain Izou, seeing Ace's worried expression.

"Tch pipe down phoenix." Izou shushed, in his element.

"So Ran isn't that strange that you've only kissed Ace when you've had such explicit dreams about Ace?" Izou had a very disturbing and sneaky grin on his face. Seeing Ace's turn bright red.

"Mhmmm I suppose." She mused sleepily.

"Have you had any more explicit dreams? I mean of other members" Thatch called out, Izou looked surprised at Thatch's question, looking at Ran with anticipation

"Mhmmmmmmm. Marco." She answered simply. Marco just turned away from her, not facing her, the rest of the commanders looking at Ran with surprise.

"Back to Ace, how come you've only stopped at kissing, if you obviously want to do more than just kiss?" Izou pressed on, Ace listening very intently.

"Hmmmmmm." They were all anticipating, they were a little worried once Ran started laughing her head off. She pushed away the hair away from her face, smiling happily at all of them. "I guess we haven't done more, because." She stopped, humming after stopping, building some anticipation.

"Cause of what?"

"Caaaausse" She slurred "I respect Ace way too much as a Commander to do to him what I do to him in my dreams." Her eyes closed smiling brightly as she answered, humming, not feeling the magnitude of what she had just said.

"What were you planning to do to Ace?" Thatch asked, his interest peaking.

"You really want to know?" Ran laughed.

"Thatch don't." Izou cut across.

"You're really drawing the line here? You of all people Izou."

"Yes, it's not our business. Only for her and Ace." Izou protected Thatch, who backed off. Ace was just blushing madly, his interest peaking. He walked over asking Ran to whisper in his ear what one of her dreams were. She smiled, as she pulled his head to her lips, he jolted a little at the start since he was a little ticklish. As she continued whispering in his ear, laughing and giggling in between, Ace was turning redder and redder, as if he was sun burnt and-

"Ace you have a nose bleed." Marco pointed out to the cowboy, who sluggishly wiped away his nose bleed as he was processing what he had just heard. He just stared down at Ran who was humming and tilting her head side to side, his lips a little far apart.

"Ace?" they asked. Wondering what Ace had heard, even Marco as a little curious and extremely curious about what dream Ran had, about him. He had to admit he was very flattered, and he couldn't deny that he hadn't thought about Ran once or twice, or multiple times.

"I'm gonna look after Ran for a bit." Ace quietly announced but determined. Ace picked up Ran carefully and to take her away. The rest of them calling after Ace, as Ran wrapped her arms around Ace's neck grinning, as Ace kissed her cheek, running down the halls with Ran in his arms.

This was super fun to write! The last chapter will be Ace x reader (lemons to come)

Thanks for reading

This really was super fun to write despite my shitty writing and even shittier storyline. But I am proud that I wrote something that was mainly focused on drama and action rather than romance. (I think so anyways). I will write more One Piece stories.

Many thanks

Much love

Chang

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