Disclaimer : I don't own One Piece and never will.

"Nee-chan!"
Ace could only stare in shock as an all too familiar face stared back at him from underneath the mask.

"Hello, Ace." She greeted, her demeanor taking an immediate 180.

"Uh...hi?" Ace returned the greeting uncertainly, not completely sure how to respond to the assassin who was apparently, his sister.
"Surprised?" She chided, her posture relaxing as she reached out to ruffle his hair. Around them, the sounds of weapons being drawn could be heard, and the atmosphere on the Moby Dick intensified. Behind Ace, Marco tensed, his phoenix waking inside him, ready to burst to life.

L's hand stopped short of Ace, and her face tilted towards them, a dark light gleamed in her eyes, hidden by her mask.

"It seems I'm rather unwelcome." She said. Her voice was as monotonous as before, yet this time, there was a dangerous edge to it. The Whitebeard Pirates simultaneously took a step back, not even realising they had. Ace did too, but he managed to stop himself as soon as he started to move. His sister was already starting to get annoyed, if he was reading her right. Better not to add oil to the fire. Hoping to turn her attention away from the idiots he called his brothers, he held out the dial from before.

"Uh…nee-chan?"He felt her gaze slid to him, an indication that she was listening.

"What's this?" He asked lamely, not quite sure how to put his questions into words. "I mean, I know it's a tone dial, but, um…you know?"
Tearing her gaze from the crowd of pirates ready to attack (read:bolt), she took the dial from his outstretched hand, and pressed down on the apex.
A beautiful voice sung the words along a melody that was equal in beauty.
The song was short, but it brought about a strange silence. Even Whitebeard in his chair at one end of the deck, was watching everything with aged, wise eyes, waiting for an answer.
"This was supposed to be your seventeenth birthday present." She said simply, handing the dial back to Ace. Before Ace could ask, she explained:"I didn't feel like tracking you."
Well no shit, because that explains why he got this three years later than intended.

"You're taking this pretty well."
"Shit happens on the Grandline all the time."
"True."

The Whitebeard's suddenly felt a little out of place as they watched the two talk. It wasn't until Marco yelled at them to snap out of it did they remember that the woman that was so casually chatting with their second commander was now a somewhat confirmed friendly and that they should probably sheath their various weapons before she gets pissed off. Again. Seeing as there weren't much to see, they dispersed by Marco's orders, heading back to continue doing whatever they were doing before this interlude. Of course, that didn't mean they weren't curious…

The commanders, seeing the crowd disperse, approached the three standing in the middle of the deck, crowding around Marco as they waited and watched.
The siblings conversation coming to an end, Marco, who was closest to Ace came up, a hand clamped onto Ace's bare shoulder. When Ace turned a questioning gaze onto the pile of people crowded behind his friend, he tilted his head in the assassin's direction.
"Well, Ace? Aren't you going to introduce us?"
Ace slammed a fist onto his open palm in the universal gesture for realisation.
"Oh yeah! Nee-chan, this is Marco, he's the…"
She held up a hand, stopping him before he could say more.
"I know who they are, Ace." She reminded, only then did Ace remember, his sister was an assassin-and one of the best, if not the best-of course she knows who everyone is. That's like part of the job description after all. Clearly, the commanders had forgotten that fact too.
One by one, she listed all the commanders, their names, epithets, favored combat methods and a few extra tidbits including Ace's. When she was done, their jaws were all hanging as they processed what was just said.
"Did I miss anyone?"
No one answered.
"Hmm. Guess not."
Laughter boomed across the ship as Whitebeard laughed at his son's display. A few seconds later, he ceased his laughter to catch his breath, and meeting L's gaze despite the mask, beckoned her over.

Leaving the commanders to sort their minds out, she approached Whitebeard.
"Good to see you're already up and about, Whitebeard-san." Inclining her head politely, she greeted the giant man, who in turn greeted her with a large grin. "Gurarara. Cheeky girl." He raised his tankard, downing another mouthful.
"You've grown up well, eh? First time I see you in twenty years and you're already breaking my sons."
"I did nothing of the sort. But I see you're still drinking limitlessly." She replied, gesturing to the tankard. Whitebeard merely shook his head in laughter. Tilting it, he allowed a few drops of the clear liquid inside to fall. "I'm only drinking water. My daughters took advantage of yesterday to confiscate all the ale."
"With good reason." A chorus of voices said dryly from beside the large chair.
"Nonsense." He snorted. "What pirate doesn't drink?" The voices, which came from the group of nurses who had been setting up his medical equipment, retorted heatedly, counting off the many reasons why their oyaji should NOT drink.
L watched, amusement hidden expertly.
Having listened to his daughters' harping for a good five minutes, Whitebeard slammed his tankard down, and declared with a tone of finality that he was a pirate and he'll damn well do as he pleases.
They didn't bother telling him off after that.
"You would do to listen to your daughters every once in awhile." L commented, arms crossed across her chest.
"You would deny an old man his drink?" He raised a brow, shooting an amused glare at the assassin standing a few feet away. She countered him easily.
"You're not denying you're old."
"He drinks too." The aged captain stated.
"He's half your age."
"Hmph. Did you see him yesterday?"
"No." She shrugged. "I was otherwise occupied."
"I see."
Whitebeard stroked his moustache, a familiar glint entering his eyes. If his sons had been paying attention, they would've recognised that look easily. It was that look their captain and father-figure always had whenever he wanted something. Or someone.
"L." Whitebeard spoke, drawing her attention. "My offer still stands."
Said assassin went silent at his statement, only responding a few heartbeats later.
"Sure." She drawled. "An offer that's two decades old."
"An offer nonetheless."
"I didn't accept twenty years ago. What makes you think I'll accept now?"
The captain didn't say anything at this, but his yellow eyes held a gleam that told it all. He was sure that she would accept.
Suddenly, L had to wonder. Was Whitebeard reading her too easily? She thought, thinking back her meeting with Whitebeard twenty years ago. He had offered her a place in his crew then too, but she had declined, and she never saw the elderly captain again until now.
"Whitebeard-san, I thank you for the offer." She turned, sensing movement behind her."But I'm afraid I'll have to decline once again."
"Of course you will." His eyes glinted as he smiled down at the young woman. "But you will keep it in mind, I hope?"
-=v=-
From where they stood around Ace, they watched as their father conversed with the assassin, broken out of their stupor when Whitebeard made his offer.
"There he goes again…" Haruta commented offhandedly as he watched the two. The other commanders nodded in agreement. They knew that look too well. He had worn that exact same expression when he took an interest in a certain fire logia rookie captain.

"Oyaji wants her, doesn't he?" Ace asked, though the way he voiced it told people that it wasn't really a question. "Nee-chan won't accept though."

Izo, skeptic that he was, immediately narrowed his eyes at the younger commander.
"And why is that?"
Ace's grinned, shooting the sixteenth commander a look that said 'I know something you don't', and Izo's hand itched dangerously towards his pistols.
Ace shrugged, sitting down crossed legged on the deck. "She's nee-chan."
Rakuyo, who had been absently stroking his weapon Macey, rolled his eyes at his answer. Because that explained so much he might as well have said nothing at all. The other commanders had similar reactions except Marco.

In truth, the only explanation that was ever needed was indeed the one Ace gave. He calls L 'nee-chan' right? That meant they were family, and Ace's family members were all-for lack of a better description-stubborn as hell.
Marco had long since learned to read between lines and how to figure out deeper meanings behind seemingly simple answers.

In short, 'Queen' L, most dangerous assassin in the world, was as stubborn as a D. bearer. And that meant a lot coming from one of said D.'s.
Marco wonders how many other things did one Portgas D. Ace deem unnecessary to tell them.
Who would've thought? Ever since they first heard the name 'Luffy', the thought had never once crossed their minds that Ace would have another sibling other than Monkey D. Luffy, least of all someone who was apparently older than him. And a girl to boot! Not to mention said girl was a world renowned assassin who was said to be scary as hell. But then again, they shouldn't be surprised anymore, should they?

After all, the kid's family was way beyond what one would call 'messed up'.
Nope, it was completely screwed to the end of the Grand Line.

He already had Monkey D. Garp for a grandfather, the late Pirate King Gol D. Roger for a dad, and the Revolutionary Monkey D. Dragon's son Monkey D. Luffy for a brother. What was one more world's most dangerous assassin Queen L as a sister?
Honestly, they really wouldn't be surprised if some other big shot turned out to be a long-lost brother or something. (And how right they are, but they don't know that.)
Wait, maybe he does have a long-lost brother…is that even possible?
Okay, NO, he is not going to go there. Too much to think about and too much trouble.
However, everyone else had also come to the same conclusion. As soon as he pushed that thought out of mind, somewhere behind him, a chorus of cheers erupted.
He didn't even need to look to know what was going on.
Somehow, when he was distracted, a betting pool had started between the commanders on whether their second commander would have a third sibling.
Izo, Haruta, Vista and Blenheim betted that he would. The others betted none.
"Seriously, do you guys have nothing better to do?"
"Other than watching those two? Nope."
"Hey Marco, wanna join in?"
"What're we betting on?"
"Whether or not Ace has a third sibling." Of course.
"Hmm…Three hundred belli says yes."
"You're on!"
-=v=-
Law had made himself comfortable on the Moby Dick's wooden railings the moment attention shifted completely to L. Bepo stood next to him as they watched things unfold.
It had only been a few minutes after the first commander left that one of his targets stormed up onto the deck, demanding to see the assassin.
He obviously didn't recognise the assassin if the way he spoke to her was any indication. Law half-expected L to assault him, she was after all as the rumours say. Cold and brutal. An emotionless killer.

He didn't, however, expect Firefist to call her 'nee-chan'.
He most definitely didn't expect it to be actually true.
No wonder she saved him.
No wonder she asked him to come, besides the fact that he was coincidentally in the area.
Stuff made sense all of a sudden.

He watched as she spoke with Firefist, the Phoenix and then Whitebeard.
She turned, and he met her cold gaze with steely gray eyes.
"So that's why you wanted me to come." Law raised a brow as L approached him. "Hmm. Partly true, but not all." She stopped a few feet from him. From seemingly out of nowhere, she pulled out a considerable thick file. "These are the information you requested. You know the rules." Law nodded, taking the file. Giving it a quick flip through, he handed it off to Bepo with instructions to store it in his room on the Polar Tang, and after the mink had gone off, he turned to the assassin. "So do you still need me to check on Strawhat-ya? Firefist-ya is obviously fine if he can still wrestle like that." He asked, jabbing a tattooed finger in the general direction of a soon-to-be brawl. L didn't reply, instead, she turned to meet the Whitebeard Captain's strong, knowing gaze. A few seconds later, she broke eye contact, and returned her attention to Law. "You're clear to go. I assume you can find your way?"
"Hmph. Of course I can." Without another word, he activated his powers and disappeared, presumably to wherever the Strawhat captain was.
"Well, now that that's over with…"
She abruptly disappeared. A split second later, Ace had his head caught in a vice-grip, courtesy of his nee-chan, who then proceeded to force him into a kneeling position, much to everyone's confusion. Ace on the other hand, paled as soon as he felt her hand on his head.
"Don't you have something to tell me, dear little brother of mine?"
Shit.
He was so dead.

"I'm not proud of you, Ace." Standing behind him, L stated her displeasure icily. "I know." He mumbled, suddenly much more aware of his sister's dominating aura and his ship-brothers curious stares. "Did you now?" A pause. "I must say, Ace. I am rather disappointed." Moving in front of him, she leaned down so that they were face to face. And before he knew it, her fingers had latched onto his left ear, twisting it all the way.
"OWOWOW! Nee-chan! That's my ear!"
She was even using haki to prevent him from turning into fire.
"What the hell were you thinking, Ace?" He could hear the anger and worry that she didn't even bother to hide, and the guilt that had been sitting on his chest suddenly seemed to increase tenfold. "Running back to face an admiral just because he insulted your captain? Ace, if that isn't being stupid than I don't know what is." He wanted to retort. It wasn't stupid! It wasn't! He was defending Oyaji's pride. What was wrong with that? But somehow, he couldn't find the courage to speak if reading his thoughts, she spoke again. "Defending his pride? And at what price? Your life?" She sighed. "If I know Whitebeard, he would call you stupid too. Your life is more important than his pride could ever be. He went to war for you, to bail you out of the pit you threw yourself into and damn near gave his life to save yours." Deep breath. "And what do you do? Turn around to face Akainu, all prepared to waste his efforts and throw your life away, just because that mutt couldn't keep his mouth shut."
He remained silent, unable to make up even the simplest of excuses when the truth was blatantly staring him in the face.
He had tried to throw his life away.
And to Akainu, the marines resident mad dog no less.
He really is stupid.
He didn't deserve to live.
A warmth enveloped Ace as clothed arms wrapped themselves around him in an embrace. Pulling her brother close, she held him tight as she allowed the worry to flow out of her.
"Don't ever think that you don't deserve to live." She whispered. "No matter what, Ace, know that you are worth all we do for you. You deserve to live, just like everyone else."

Because you are so much more than they will ever know.
Because you are our precious family.

Ace stills, all of sudden conscious of the looks being directed at them. His family was watching. Slowly, he reached up to return the hug, drawing comfort from his sister's words. Memories of a similar event came to mind and words repeated themselves in his mind.
"Does what others think matter as long as those you love understand?"
That was what she had asked him. It was a long time ago, but to Ace, it would always seem like yesterday.

He hadn't answered.

He hadn't understood at the time, still a child who had only seen a small edge of the world.

But now, Ace thinks he understands a little.

Under his father figure's knowing gaze, and the silent encouragement from the crowd he'd come to call his family, he smiled, and hugged his sister closer.

Thank you, Nee-chan.

For saving me.

Even with her mask in the way, Ace could feel her smile against his shoulders.

Idiot.

...

Ace, being Ace, just had to say something stupid just then.

"Hey, Nee-chan."

"Hmm?"

"I'm taller now."

"..."

Smack!

"You're an idiot, you know that?"

"Shut it, birdbrain!"

Ah...well, i don't know about you, but this chapter might be kind of weird. I don't know, I mean, I've been planning the whole 'Ace gets scolded' scene since I started this story and now that it's out it feels weird...Ace isn't that compliant right? He isn't but he's seen L get angry before, like actually angry and not just simply annoyed like at the start of this chapter...how to put it, it's kind of like how he and Luffy feel towards Garp. They weren't even scared of Sengoku or Akainu or etc, but they're scared of Garp. It's like an instinct that's been ingrained into them: never go against nee-chan when she's angry. That sort of thing.

And L was...well needless to say she was worried to no end. So yeah, that's normal reaction. Even if the whole thing doesn't really fit her assassin's image. Right now, she's in nee-chan mode. Hence the title.

So, anyways….
I have some questions I would like to ask. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to, but I would be really thankful if you did. The first two questions are based on this story's pairing, and I'm pretty sure you all know who the oc I'm shipping with Marco is already, If not, ah...I don't know? Read the questions?

1) Who should develop feelings first? Marco/L?
2) Who should confess first? Marco/L?
3) Should Blackbeard be caught at Marineford, or should he have escaped?
4) What do you think of the story so far?
5) What do you think will happen between the Whitebeard Pirates and L? (SPOILER : L will be with them for a week or two, not sure. I won't say why. Give me interaction ideas please.)
6) Is anyone curious why Whitebeard knows L? And who the he they mentioned is? ;P

And last of all…

Big THANK YOU to all who read this story, reviewed it, followed it, and favourited it. You have no idea how happy I get when I receive notifications from .

And i really hope you'll reply to my questions, I don't care if you criticise me or flame me or whatever, because that means I have a chance to improve.