Chapter 5

"Whitebeard stand down." Smoker overheard Garp bark out, the pair were glaring at each other outside the waiting room, the pair now beyond pissed off.

"This is none of your business Garp-"

"You're going to endanger my grandson. Dammit I know what happens-" Garp eyes landed on him though, the man instantly scowling. "Oi Smoker brat, get back inside and stop listening in you nosy brat!"

"Yes sir." Smoker grunted, unamused but obeyed, walking straight back in and mentioning for Tashigi to go outside and keep an eye out for anyone suspicious.

The one who stabbed the Whitebeard's fourth commander might be lingering around.

He froze at the sight before him. Ace, pale and trembling was curled up against the first commander, Marco who held him gently, murmuring to him before pausing to look up at him with a glare.

"Get out Smoker. The police ain't wanted here." Marco ordered, even as Ace mumbled something against him, only to be ignored.

"Ace is my boyfriend." Smoker replied with as he approached. "I'm taking him home. He doesn't look well."

Marco bristled at that. "Piss off. We can take care of our own."

"Funny that you say that considering you couldn't even take care of the fourth commander of your little gang." Smoker snapped back, instantly freezing, stunned that he had just blurted that out with Ace so close by.

Marco looked beyond pissed at that and even moved to get up, but they both froze as soon as Ace whimpered in distress. He gaped at that, watching as Ace curled up tighter, looking so stressed out. He had never seen Ace so fragile before and it hurt him, he hated the sight. Smoker saw a hand stroke through Ace's hair and looked back up at the first division commander who looked sad.

"Pop's accidentally overwhelmed Ace with his soul. He managed to pull it back but it still affected Ace rather badly when he hadn't even recovered from the Human Lord yet." Marco murmured, his voice soft as Ace settled again. "Ace is still very young, compared to most Vault Keepers at any rate. They must consider him to be just a child."

"If most of them were still alive at any rate." Smoker grunted out quietly, keeping his eyes on his lover who seemed to fall into a light doze.

"There would be more born if people stopped killing them." Marco snapped back quietly. "Nobody has heard anything about any Vault Keeper births since Ace was born after all. It was a rare thing in the bloody first place. I've only ever heard of two being born into the world and I've been alive for centuries."

That was the ironic thing about Marco. If the reports were correct, he was a Phoenix who had accidentally eaten the phoenix devil fruit. He had no idea if anything about the blonde had changed or if he had remained completely the same after eating that devil fruit.

He was interrupted from his thoughts when the door reopened and both Garp and Whitebeard entered the room, Whitebeard looking grim as he stared at him.

"Boy, when does your shift end?"

Smoker scowled, he had barely started the bleeding thing! He opened his mouth to answer but Garp caught him off, grumpy looking.

"He's taking his bloody holiday the day now. I'll get someone else to cover his shift with Tashigi."

"Then would you be able to keep an eye on Ace while we investigate back home?" Whitebeard asked, a careful, blank expression on his face, making him actually worry at the look he was being given.

It felt like a bit of a test actually.

"Of course. I was planning to take him back home anyway." Smoker scowled, crossing his arms stubbornly.

He wasn't going to let this criminal walk all over him or intimidate him. That wasn't how the situation was supposed to work out.

Marco instantly protested though. "But Pops!"

"Hush Marco." Whitebeard urged gently. "Ace is exhausted and we both know he won't be able to rest well back at home considering whoever hurt Thatch might still be there. We'll investigate while Ace recovers."

Ace stirred at that, looking up at Whitebeard who knelt down, his whole form actually softening as he stroked Ace's hair back and murmured something to him that Smoker couldn't hear. Ace shook his head as he leaned over, wrapping his arms around Whitebeard as best as he could and giving him a hug. The Bigfoot Lord smiled at that and hugged him back, speaking to him again, his voice ever so soft. It frustrated him that he couldn't hear a thing they were saying but he guessed Whitebeard was deliberately doing that for a reason.

The criminal pulled away after a long moment and ruffled Ace's hair before his eyes met his own. "Smoker brat, bring my son back in the morning. I want to speak with him when he's more coherent."

Smoker reluctantly nodded at that, deciding not to get into an argument about leaving Ace with dangerous criminals. He went to his boyfriend instead and carefully gathered him up into his arms, his blonde friend looking reluctant to hand him over. Once he made sure Ace was secure he walked out but slowed down as Garp followed him out too, the pair soon outside where his police car was.

"Ace will be disorientated for a while so don't be too alarmed by it." Garp warned. "That Human Lord awakening was bad enough but then Whitebeard erupting like that made things worse for him. Luckily Whitebeard can control himself and managed to ease his soul's weight off of Ace's."

Smoker frowned, irritated. "I don't understand this whole 'soul' thing."

Garp lowered his voice as he glanced around, ensuring they were alone. "A Lord's soul is a powerful thing. They carry on through time until the game is ready to begin again and when that time comes they are reborn into the world. Their soul always remains the same while us? We change. Their pawns don't though because their Lords are keeping them whole while we, without a Lord, develop and change as we die. Ace is special in the case that his race was created by One Piece itself, though of course Ace is a special case altogether considering he was born and not created."

"So what does it have to do with them overwhelming Ace?"

"Souls can grow but because ours changes so much when we die ours don't get to. A Lord though, someone whose soul carries on throughout the years, can grow into something powerful, it's why they are so strong and overwhelming at times for those that can sense them. Of course only those that play the game can, and we aren't players."

"What does that mean?"

"Pawns." Garp grunted. "They get to grow too because they are selected. People like us who aren't chosen don't get to be reborn exactly the same, with our soul intact. We just change. Pawns and Lords don't change at all, they just keep growing. Vault Keepers though, because they are created by One Piece, share a connection to a Lord since it created them all."

"So Vault Keepers and Lords are kinda like siblings or something?" Smoker raised an eyebrow.

"If you wanna put it like that, then sure." Garp shrugged. "They share that one common connection, which is all they share in fact. But yeah, that's why Ace can sense them, even if he isn't a pawn, he is still apart of the game, and sadly always will be. The poor boy won't ever get a break."

Smoker frowned at that, glancing back down at Ace who dozed against him, thankfully already starting to look a bit better, colour coming back to his cheeks now.

"What can I do?"

Garp nodded in approval at that. "Just keep him by your side as much as possible. He needs us to keep him safe with so many people after him."

"I'm fine gramps." Ace murmured against him, startling Smoker. "I wanna help Pop's find out who killed Thatch..."

"You need to recover brat." Garp said firmly. "Smoker, make sure this little brat gets back to your place safely alright? And keep an eye on him. Something doesn't feel right about this whole Whitebeard situation."

"Is that why you're here?" Smoker asked, frowning at the thought.

"Ain't any of your business why am here. Now get!"

"This is your hideout?" Kid scowled as he, Law and the kid approached an old and seemingly abandoned warehouse, graffiti covered it, all sorts of drawings there but the one that caught his eye was a picture of a jolly roger with a Straw Hat on it.

He frowned, struggling to remember that far back but the kid interrupted his thoughts, laughing as he rushed towards the door.

"Guys! He's here! Sanji you gotta cook us up a feast!" The brat yelled.

The door opened, a blonde haired man with a swirly eyebrow stood there, scowling. "What did your brother say about your manners Luffy?!"

"Please!" Luffy beamed as they headed in, Kid startled at the sight of the well renovated warehouse.

"Cyborg-ya keeps improving the place." Law murmured as he walked past, heading to what appeared to be the 'living room' where a lot of people seemed to be lounging.

"Hey Law!" A reindeer greeted, smiling happily up at him who nodded back.

"Chopper-ya. I'm sorry you had to cover my shift yesterday, surgery is my speciality but I couldn't help at all with Thatch-ya."

The reindeer looked upset by that. "It wasn't your fault! He had lost too much blood and bled out, I couldn't believe he had actually survived where the knife landed, i-it was horrible. He must have been in so much pain!"

"Okay, why the fuck is the reindeer talking?" Kid couldn't help but ask, glaring at the tiny thing who yelped and 'hid' behind Law.

"Don't upset Racoon-ya." Law scolded. "This is Chopper, Luffy-ya's doctor. He's a reindeer who ate the Human Human fruit."

"It tasted funny." Chopper frowned.

"They all do." Law grimaced.

"Ah, so that is Eustass-san arrived then?" A dark haired woman smiled at him, looking pleased. "I was quite worried he was never going to awaken from his coma. We would have had to watch his body rot away."

"Robin!" A long nosed man wailed. "Don't say stuff like that!"

"Robin's so cool! She's a banshee!" The kid interrupted, looking amazed before poking the long nosed man, grinning brightly. "And this is Usopp, he's a human like you!"

Usopp paled. "H-Hi! I am the brave M-Master Usopp!"

"Long nose-ya is their sniper while Nico-ya is their archaeologist." Law supplied, looking rather bored.

"Why do you need a historian exactly?" Kid grumbled.

Robin wouldn't stop smiling, it was fucking creepy. "I'm trying to discover the history of The Void Century."

He stiffened at that, stunned but the kid thankfully ended the silence that had enveloped the room, his arm now wrapped around a green haired man. "And this is Zoro! He's funny! Him and Sanji fight all the time!"

Kid sighed, he didn't really care, as long as they were strong. "And why do they do that exactly?"

"They have a love/hate relationship." Usopp sniggered. "Also he's a werewolf and Sanji's a vampire, it's like they're natural enemies or something."

"Don't say stupid things Usopp." Zoro warned. "That shitty cook is a terrible vampire."

"Shut it mosshead." The blonde with the swirly eyebrow was back, carrying plates with him which he was quick to hand out before Luffy dived at him.

Kid scowled. "Did I only get humans as my pawns? How the fuck is that fair?"

"I'm not a human." Law pointed out.

"I didn't mean you obviously."

"If you like we could just leave." Bonney sneered, the pink haired woman glaring at him from her place on one of the couches, swallowing down as much food as she could.

Killer interrupted though. "If you gave us some time we could finish off our introductions. I'm the only human you have though, so stop complaining so much Captain."

He twitched at his old friend's calm voice, he was sitting beside a very familiar hatted guy with dark hair, the guy munching on some food too. The pair seemed rather cosy, which also seemed familiar and made him pause, trying to think.

The guy was some kind of bird. Pelican? Pigeon?

Ah fuck this was annoying!

"Yo Kid! It's been awhile!" A very familiar blue haired guy greeted him cheerfully.

He actually couldn't help but grin at the sight of the old man. "Franky! Shit it's good to see you again, you've been working on yourself again!"

"You two know each other Franky?" Robin asked, looking surprised.

"We did mechanical engineering together, though unfortunately Kid had to quit for health reasons." Franky offered up easily enough, looking laid back and chilled.

"You still owe me money for those parts Franky!" A redheaded woman huffed, looking irritated.

"Sorry Nami-sis! I'll get that back to you soon." He grinned back.

"Your interest has gone up on it already!"

"Nami-san is our witch." Robin told him as Nami sat down beside her, looking bemused.

"You took forever to wake up! Jeez, we're in this alliance with you and you decide to take forever this time!"

"Shut it!" Kid scowled as he moved to sit beside Law who raised an eyebrow at him. "And don't you start either Trafalgar."

"Don't speak to a lady that way, shitty Lord!" Sanji snapped, though the green haired guy said something snarky and the blonde was instantly at him instead.

"Yohohoho, lively in here today isn't it?" A skeleton walked in, somehow looking amused.

"What the fuck is wrong with these people?! Are these all your pawns kid?!" He barked out at Luffy who only laughed, looking so pleased with himself.

"Of course they are!"

"Brook is a Soul Keeper. One of the Grim Reapers creations." Law remarked but Bonney seemed confused, tilting her head.

"What do you mean the Grim Reaper's creations? I thought they were just old souls that never moved on? The old fart has hundred's of them roaming about."

Robin chuckled softly. "Legend has it that Grim Reaper-san is also a Lord and that when he used the One Piece he created Soul Keepers to help guide the dead and their souls to their rightful places in the world. I believe what your Mother has is different though because of her Devil Fruit powers."

Bonney huffed. "That bitch ain't my Mother."

"I've waited a long time to see all of you again. It is certainly nice to see none of you have changed." Brook smiled, looking fondly over them all.

"Wait, you remember everything?" Kid frowned, confused by that statement.

"Of course I do. I can't die after all."

"Oi kid, trade with me." The redhead called out. "I'll give you Bonney."

"HEY!"

"Yohohoho, no offence Kid-san, but I'll never go with you. My place is by Luffy-san's side." Brook said firmly, Kid could feel the darkness creeping out of him. "Now please, don't ask me that ever again."

Kid cursed quietly, he felt the urge to hide creep up on him all of a sudden but instead he tried to change the subject. "Fine whatever, I don't need ya anyway. I wanna know who the fuck my guys are."

"Killer-ya is human. I'm a Spirit Healer, Shachi is Cerberus, Penguin is a Shadow, Bepo is a Mink, Bonney-ya is half Bigfoot, half troll and Jean-Bart is a Golem." Law remarked dryly.

"Law! Why did you ruin our introductions?!" The brunette wailed, looking horrified. "I was gonna go for a cool and intimidating intro-"

"Why bother? What I said makes it easier." Law pointed out.

He was still stuck on the Cerberus part though. Did Law actually mean the Cerberus? The demon, guard dog of Hell?!

"Wait, that brat there is Ceberus?!" Kid gaped, horrified at the tiny thing sitting before him.

"I'm not a brat!" Shachi instantly protested.

Kid scowled. "Why do I feel suddenly so annoyed by you? Jesus you should be awesome if you're that demon dog of Hell."

"You just suck." Shachi scowled back.

"You've barely spoken for five minutes and you're already at it again?" Killer asked, sounding bemused.

"If he wasn't such a little shit." Kid sneered but flinched when Law smacked the back of his head, making him scowl. "What was that for?!"

"Stop picking fights."

Nami scowled. "So what are we going to do? Can your Lord even fight at all? Or is he useless?"

"HEY!" Kid snapped, pissed off at the insult.

"He has his devil fruit, and with a few training sessions with Luffy-ya and some information drummed into his head he should be fine with everything." Law noted. "He only just woke up yesterday so I believe his memories are still getting worked out."

"Some things are still fuzzy." Kid grunted. "I definitely remember that fucking pink bastard burning me alive though."

"We'll work on that." Robin mused. "We managed to work everything out with Captain-san, you should be easy after him."

The kid was a moron, anything the brat could do, Kid could easily do better. He had nothing to worry about, the whole Lord thing was going to be such an easy win.

Law pressed on the buzzer for Ace's and Luffy's apartment, frowning curiously when there was no reply. Luffy was shifting beside him, seemingly getting bored with the waiting so with a sigh he opened up a Room and teleported all three of them back inside. Eustass-ya immediately complained while Luffy laughed, looking delighted.

"Ace didn't answer the buzzer." Law offered, to try ease the redhead who grumbled.

"Why didn't you just call someone else?"

"They rarely answer." Law reminded him as Luffy skipped on ahead. "You have the keys to your apartment Luffy-ya?"

"Yep!"

"Then why didn't you use them to get through the front door?!" Kid snapped.

Luffy tilted his head at that. "I forgot?"

"Jeez, how the fuck is he a Lord again?"

Law shrugged. "Don't ask me, One Piece apparently picked him, but really, Luffy-ya where is Ace? I'm not sure I can trust you in the house yourself again after last time."

"He nearly set fire to the carpet again, didn't he?" Eustass-ya grunted.

"Pompadour died so Ace is probably with the moustache man." Luffy said sadly as he opened up his door.

Law froze when he heard the terrified cry from the younger Lord and whirled around, seeing a giant man punching Luffy-ya's head, crying out something about a 'Fist of Love'.

"How dare you not give me a proper greeting!" The old man yelled. "You're as bad as Ace!"

"Why are you here Grandpa?! Where's Ace?!" Luffy wailed, holding the large lump on his head and wincing.

Garp, an old Boggart, sighed. "Ace got overwhelmed today so I managed to convince Whitebeard to let Ace's brat of a boyfriend take him to his house to let Ace relax. The Whitebeard's will be searching for the fourth division commander's murderer during that time."

"He'll be okay though right?"

"Ace will be fine. He just needs to rest. His race grow up differently from us remember?" Garp grunted. "And you Luffy better stay out of trouble. Things are getting chaotic pretty quickly now."

Luffy only laughed, making Law sigh. "I don't think he knows how to stay out of trouble."

"Oh I remember you! You're Rocinante's nephew aren't you?" Garp recalled, looking strangely happy before frowning again. "Shame your father dragged him back but it is nice to see you still running amok. The little Smoker brat and his little girl were both really surprised to see Vergo acting so aggressively towards you. He's usually so calm."

Law noticed how tense Kid was after Garp had mentioned his 'father' but decided to ignore it in favour of speaking to the older boggart. He was more important right now considering how violent he usually was when you did something he disliked.

"It's fine. Vergo and Doflamingo are just overprotective." Law said dismissively.

"You're old enough to live on your own anyway so it's fine. Just don't get into any mischief like both my grandsons tend to do." Garp ordered before giving Eustass-ya a strange look.

Kid had stiffened up further beside him, scowling. "Something you want old man?"

He watched on as Kid was punched, sending him straight to the floor. "Don't be rude little brat! Jeez, you really do have a chip on your shoulder don't you?"

Luffy gave him an odd look at that but Garp only gave him another 'Fist of Love' and left with a goodbye, leaving the hallway quiet and subdued with a cheery 'goodbye'.

"Perhaps I should give you both examinations. You might have concussions." Law pointed out once the old man was finally gone, receiving groans in return.

"Ace? Feeling up to some food?" Smoker asked while Ace blinked, finding himself sprawled out across the couch, a blanket over him and the room darker.

"Um, why is it so dark in here?" Ace couldn't help but ask, confused.

It had been sunnier earlier, at least he thought it had been. His head hadn't been too clear at the time so he wasn't too sure. His boyfriend was stood over him, looking amused and out of his uniform.

Ace pouted. "And you stripped out of your uniform without me there."

"Really Ace? That's what you're most concerned about?" Smoker grumbled. "Well, at least I know you're starting to feel better Portgas."

"Sorry about that." Ace apologised softly, curling up and wrapping his arms around his knees. "I hate it, I must look so weak..."

"Don't be silly Ace. It's not your fault." Smoker reprimanded gruffly. "You had plenty of messages sent to you while you slept. You might want to take a look at them while I get you something."

"Thanks babe, I... Um... just something small please?" Ace asked, nearly chuckling at the alarm his lover showed him. "I still don't feel all that great."

"So two plates worth?"

"Please." Ace nodded as he reached for his very old and out of date mobile, glancing through it, a warm smile quickly taking over as he read the texts.

Izo says:
Hey you, how are you holding up? You better be getting plenty of rest instead of doing naughty things with your boyfriend ;)

Ace snorted at that, he didn't even have the energy for anything like that at the moment. He wished that he did but then again, he wouldn't be here, he'd be helping find out who murdered Thatch and burn their ass- No, he didn't want to think about it, just the violent rush made the room spin.

Marco says:

You better be resting Ace. Seriously, if I find out you didn't I'll be pissed. We'll see you at home tomorrow alright? Just relax and try and recover first.

Marco, always the mother hen.

Pops says,
I'm so sorry son, I couldn't control my willpower for a moment there and nearly hurt you. Try and take it easy alright Ace? I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well son.

He didn't want everyone to worry about him. That wasn't fair on them. Ace was the one who couldn't handle it! He was still too weak! It had been his fault.

He fidgeted on the couch though, everyone had told him how much they all loved him. Marco, Thatch, Pops, Izo, Haruta- Everyone- They all loved him and wanted him to be happy. It was still his fault though, but they were allowed to worry because they all loved him right?

They were a family.

A chirpy beep interuppted his conflicted thoughts and he looked back down at his phone, pausing at who messaged him.

Teach says:

Hey Commander, mind if we meet up when you visit tomorrow? We can chat over a few drinks! I heard what happened, a damn nightmare it was. Hope you're handling yourself okay, better not be hitting the drinks without me! ;)

Ace chuckled softly, he wouldn't miss out on drinks with Teach, Teach and him were drinking buddies. Or at least when it came to rum. Thatch had been the one to introduce him to everything else until he had started to fall asleep even more often and made Marco fret.

He missed Thatch so badly... He couldn't believe Thatch was just gone like that...

"Oh Ace, hey..." He heard Smoker call out gently, warm arms wrapping around him as he cried softly. "It'll be alright. Not now but one day."

"Thatch is dead!" Ace sobbed, burying his head into Smoker's chest, because he really wanted the comfort right now, even if he didn't deserve it.

Marco and Pops and Izo were suffering even more than he was. They needed the comfort more than he did!

Smoker sighed, Ace melting into his embrace when his hand stroked through his hair. "It's been a long day Ace. I'm sorry. You didn't deserve any of this. I've got you, just let it all out."

He remained curled up into his boyfriend's side for the rest of the night, thankful for the warmth and how kind his lover was.

"I can't drive you any further in. You okay from here brat?" Smoker asked while Ace offered him a grin as they arrived in front of Pop's mansion gates.

"It's great. Thanks Smokey." He teased, leaning over for a kiss.

Smoker grumbled into it but pressed back, indulging in a small kiss before tugging at his hair, making Ace whine. "Yesterday you were exhausted, how did you liven up so quickly brat?"

"I'm young and full of energy!" Ace beamed, making his boyfriend scowl at him and flick his head, Ace pouting at that.

"Behave now you hear me? Don't go getting into trouble." Smoker ordered but Ace only stuck his tongue out as he slipped out the car.

"Don't count on it babe!"

"I'll arrest you Portgas!" Smoker snapped out.

"You'll never catch me!" Ace laughed, closing the door and running for the gates as Smoker shook his head in exasperation.

Ace typed in the password as his boyfriend drove away, and slipped inside once he was cleared through. He walked up the long road and straight inside, Izo greeting him with a warm hug and some tea. Ace grinned at that and happily took the offered cup, easily following Izo into the kitchen and sitting down at the table, already knowing his brother would want to catch up.

"Any news Izo?" He ended up asking first, disappointed when he heard his brother sigh.

"Unfortunately not." Izo grimaced as he sipped at his own tea, looking bitter. "They wiped the security system. Completely. We don't even know where to begin."

Ace frowned at that. "What about the others? How are they all doing?"

"The mood in the manor is terrible." Izo huffed. "Everyone knows now that someone on the inside did it, but now everyone is paranoid about each other too- Oi, stop biting your lip, you're making it bleed."

Ace blinked at that, startled as he registered that he was in fact, actually chewing on his lip now, a nervous habit he picked up years ago. He instantly stopped, already knowing that at least Marco and Pop's would had felt it.

It was confirmed when Marco walked in with a cup of coffee and a scowl. "Stop biting your lip Ace."

"I keep forgetting about that special ability of yours. Your kind all have unique traits when it comes to bloodlines right?" Izo marvelled.

"It's hardly useful." Ace complained as he wiped the blood off his lip, grimacing.

"You strengthen people you care deeply about whenever you bleed-yoi." Marco tutted as he tossed him a cloth, looking annoyed. "And then of course because of you being born you've got that second trait..."

"Good thing it's only on the closest people to Ace." Izo noted. "Otherwise everyone would be feeling it, considering how many of us Ace cares about."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." Ace apologised, feeling embarrassed at being told off.

"Finish your tea Ace." Izo encouraged before his lips curled into a smile, a smug smile. "So Ace dear, how has your nights been with the Captain?"

Ace couldn't help but grin at that, he could see Marco beginning to tense out of the corner of his eyes, looking a bit uncomfortable now. "Oh we've been having quite a few interesting nights lately. He really does take his time."

He nearly laughed when the pineapple's eyes narrowed.

"And how is his performance?" Izo crooned.

"He's very creative and he is really good at pacing-" Ace began, only to be cut off.

"I don't think I need to hear this you two." Marco scolded as he shook his head, as he hastily walked out the room.

Ace and Izo laughed exactly at the same time once Marco was gone. The laughter lasted for a brief moment before Izo relaxed, looking so much better. Ace frowned softly at the sight of his brother who looked exhausted, he had Thatch had been in a relationship for quite some time and it must have been killing Izo not being able to do anything.

"Izo... I-" He tried to speak up but a familiar, cheerful voice cut him off.

"Commander Ace!" Teach called out as he strode into the kitchen, giving him a good pat on the back. "It's great to see you home. I'm surprised you're back so early!"

"Hey Teach." Izo greeted while Ace grinned.

"It's great to see you Teach, you had something you wanted to talk to me about right?"

Teach nodded. "Yeah but I'd rather we talk privately if that's okay? No offence Commander Izo-"

"None taken." Izo chimed. "Just don't be corrupting poor Ace too much alright? His boyfriend gets that job all to himself-"

"Izo!" Ace protested as Teach laughed heartily, already pulling out a few bottles of rum.

"Don't worry Commander, I'll keep Commander Ace perfectly safe." Teach grinned as Ace hopped off his chair, even as Izo scowled at the bottles.

"It's a bit early to drink Teach. Remember Ace's narcolepsy."

They only laugh it off though as Teach and Ace made a swift exist out of the kitchen and Izo's reach and to the safety of Teach's room. They parked themselves down on the carpet, Teach's bed a mess as was his desk and chair.

"Jeez, it's been awhile since we did this, right Commander?" Teach grinned at him as he yanked his bottle open, Ace doing the same and taking a 'healthy' gulp of his rum.

"Too long. We've both been busy recently huh?"

"Yeah, sorry I've been off travelling. There's been a lot to see and do and sometimes it's just easier being by myself than with the family." Teach offered with a shrug.

"It's fine. I'm glad you're back though. Staying long?" Ace asked but paused when Teach frowned at him, looking a bit more serious.

"Actually Commander, I wanted to talk to you about that. I'm thinking about forming my own clan. One separate from Pop's." Teach announced, startling him.

"A clan? But Teach, you're not even a Lord."

Teach nodded at that, taking another long drink from his bottle. "Yeah I know but I feel like getting my own independence now. I'm getting older Ace."

Ace snorted. "You're not that old."

Teach laughed. "If only I were twenty-two again, that's your age ain't it Commander?"

"Yep! Jeez, my little brother's nineteen! He's nearly an adult already!" Ace huffed, shaking his head. "I can't believe it, a few years back I used to tie him to trees and beat him up with a pipe."

Teach grimaces at that before chuckling. "Ace, how about you join my clan? I'll even admit to ya, I know all about you, you're a Vault Keeper-"

Ace tensed instantly at that but Teach raised his hands, looking embarrassed.

"Ah shit, that was a terrible way to say that! Look, Pop's and Commander Marco told me years ago, so I could help keep an eye out for you. I'm a demon remember? I live for ages and I'm hard to kill-"

Ace pouted at that. "I can protect myself."

He didn't like it. Pops and Marco wouldn't just share that information out. Perhaps Teach had overheard it and was just trying to not cause a fuss? Or perhaps they did tell him, when Ace had been unruly and angry all the time and trying to murder Pops, maybe they told Teach out of concern?

Teach chuckled though, interrupting his thoughts. "You've always been tough. Ya know, together we could find One Piece and break it! Break this endless game that keeps getting all of us killed!"

"I-Is this about Thatch?" Ace couldn't help but ask softly, a bit surprised.

The demon sighed at that. "Yeah, a bit I guess. Thatch was still so young and didn't deserve that. I'm just sorry this game got him killed. He was always so nice. I'm suspicious that one of our allies with the codes to our home or an infiltrator did it to catch us off our guards."

"Teach you're mourning. You've known everyone here for a long time." Ace said sadly. "I think you might be acting rash here, do you really want to leave?"

"Maybe that's true. Damn, sucks to think of it like that, thought it might be an idea there." Teach sighed before grinning at him, more weakly than before. "Would you run away with me though Ace? If this wasn't all just a big rush of an idea?"

Ace laughed at that. "Nah, I'm giving One Piece to Pops."

"Damn Commander Ace! How horrible to think you don't care about me enough to run off and steal One Piece with me to break it!" Teach mocked playfully.

"Sorry, just how it is." Ace admitted easily, laughing when Teach ruffled his hair.

"I'm glad you're such a loyal thing." Teach sniggered.

"You're still treating me like a kid." Ace pouted.

"Sorry Commander Ace, I can't help it. I still remember the sulky teen you were who was trying to murder Pop's all the time." Teach laughed openly, even as Ace felt his cheeks darken.

He had apologised for that so many times already!

.:End of Chapter:.

I was trying to show how Ace's family is trying to help him recover from his self-worth issues because Ace has a lot of those and the poor thing just needs love and attention instead of a magma fist (bloody Akainu). So I'm hoping I'm writing it okay enough, Ace is conflicted most of the time but I'm trying to write it in a way that he's trying to break out of that mindset, even if he has trouble with it.