Full Summary: Being reincarnated into the One Piece universe is not what one would expect after death. Especially when the 'character' you've been born into is someone who technically doesn't exist. Were things supposed to remain the same, or were you suppose to change them? Only time will tell, supposedly.

"I am an informant. I know things. Most of them unfortunately not pleasant." - Portgas D. Roux

Warning(s): Slash/Yaoi, Timeline Alterations, Reincarnation.

Main Pairing: Undecided

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece, obviously.

"Imouto... Are you sure this is safe for the baby and yourself?"

Her brother placed a hand on her flat abdomen, his frown and pouty face making her want to coo over how adorable he was.

It has been eight months since Roger's execution.

Eight long months she had mourned for his death.

She had once been tempted to give up and just fall into depression, but the child in her womb kept her from doing such a thing. Roger's legacy would live on if she had anything to do with it.

What her brother was concerned over was justified, though. She was supposed to have given birth long ago, but she used Haki to delay her child's birth.

It was painful and strenuous, but she persevered. The Marines were still scouting the island for any newborns and pregnant women who were almost due for delivery, believing that any of them could potentially be Roger's.

Just a month more and they'll be gone, she told herself repeatedly. She just needed to wait two more months, a month extra, to be safe. A total of twenty months.

The experts in the military had tracked Roger's movements over the year, and it led them to Baterilla. They suspected that he had been visiting a lover. They were right, of course. Not that she would tell any of those assholes. The satisfaction of hiding just beneath their noses made her want to climb the tallest mountain and cackle down at their futile attempts.

"For the last time, nii-san, yes, it's safe. And even if it isn't, I'll make sure it's safe for him, at least."

In order to protect their unborn child, she had no choice but to delay her childbirth. She had to make sure that they had no connections to the Pirate King whatsoever. In fact, even Roux would've been endangered if she became known. So it was with that train of through did she keep reminding herself that it wasn't time yet.

Not yet.

Not yet.

Not yet.

She could only thank her lucky stars that her brother was with her throughout this difficult period. His support gave her the strength and determination needed to persevere.

Roux removed his hand, his lips pursed in disapproval, but was quick to shift his attention elsewhere. Now he was staring at the front door, his eyes narrowed. Sometimes, she had to wonder if he truly did not know Haki - Kenbunshoku Haki to be more precise. His whole body was tensed as if prepared for flight. Just as she was about to ask him what was wrong, there were three sharp knocks.

He gently guided her to the sofa and sat her down before he opened the door.

"Is anything the matter, Commodore?"

She fought to keep her body from tensing when she heard him. The Marines sure were persistent - having sent even a Commodore to scout the villages on this island.

She strained her neck to see, but it was impossible due to the furniture blocking her line of sight.

"Sir! Fleet Admiral Sengoku was under the impression that you were ill. He sent me to check on you and if you're well enough, to give him a visual."

Her breathing picked up at the news. Was her brother in cohorts with the Marines? Wasn't he working for the newspaper company? And even so, why was a measly wanted poster photographer even in touch with the highest ranking Marine officer? What has her brother been hiding from her?

"That is kind of Sengoku-san to worry about my health, but as you can see, I am perfectly fine. I am simply taking time off, Commodore. Will you pass that message to him on my behalf?"

"I'm afraid that you'll have to tell him yourself, Red-sama."

Red-sama?! What?! Who?!

Rouge was dizzy from even hearing that. Someone was actually referring to her brother with -sama?! Why?! And who was Red?! Sure, the name Roux meant red, but was it a code? An alias? A secret identity?

"... And why is that so?"

"May I come in?"

"We can talk at the back. Follow me."

The front door was closed and she heard footsteps fading away. They must've gone to the garden, where she had installed a few outdoor benches a few years back.
Her hands were balled into fists as her mind worked overtime.

It was an hour later did her brother re-enter the house. She was instantly by his side, patting him up and down in search of any injuries.

"Imouto." He grabbed her hands and brought them to his chest, his expression tight. "You have nothing to worry about. I am not wounded."

"Thank goodness... After Roger, I'm not sure I can trust a Marine to not take away another one of my precious people."

His smile was weak as he chuckled, his golden colored eyes dull and tired.

"I'm afraid that my services are needed elsewhere, imouto."

She sucked in a lungful of air at hearing that.

"W-why?"

"I... Look, Rouge. Let's take a seat first."

They moved to the sofa again, but this time, he sat next to her, their thighs touching in a comforting manner.

"Nii-san?"

"I love you, Rouge. You know that, don't you?"

"Of course. And I love you too, Roux. What's wrong...?"

He blew out a sigh, causing her to interlock their fingers together in reassurance. His hands were noticeably colder.

"I work with the Marines. Only the higherups know of my connection to them, though. And some errand boys, like the Commodore earlier. I didn't tell you this because I didn't want you to worry. Especially after what happened to... Roger..."

"Shh... It's fine. No matter who you work with or what your job entails, I will always worry about you, nii-san. You may not be a fighter, but I know you are quick on your feet."

Her brother rested his head on her shoulder, which made her return the favor by resting her cheek on his head.

"Your trust in me truly warms my heart, dearest imouto." She brought her free hand to run through his silky hair, which made him lean into her touch all the more. "But I can't stay any longer. It's been nine months and they're getting anxious."

"... Two months. Just two more months... Please, nii-san. I don't care what your job is, or who you are connected to. I just want my brother at my side when I give birth."

"I know. I know, imouto. That's why I'll come back on that day."

He moved slightly so that his head was resting on her lap. She touched his frowning brows and smoothened them, causing his eyes to flutter slightly. She loved the color of his eyes; of how they reminded her so much of the setting sun. Beautiful and alluring, but with a tint of bittersweetness that would always make her wonder 'why?' and 'who put it there?'. She loved them, but feel them too weary, too jaded, for someone in his early twenties.

"Isn't there any other way to delay your return?"

"I can't excuse myself with maternity leave. I dare not tell them about you. In their eyes, I am the last of my family."

"Why is that so?"

His lips pursed and he looked away, refusing to answer. It made her close her eyes in resigned acceptance. She knew that everything he did has a reason. And usually, those actions were done to protect their tiny family of two.

Sometimes, she truly hated how weak her body's condition was. Everything fell onto her brother's shoulders the second they had ran from that horrid orphanage. And she could do nothing but watch as he takes on dangerous jobs in order to put a roof on their heads and food on their table.

"It's ok. I trust you."

"Thank you, Rouge."

"Just make sure you're back by the 1st of January, Roux. I want him to be a new year's baby."

"You have my word."

"When will you be leaving?"

"Tonight."

"I'll cook up a feast."

Brother and sister smiled at one another, their eyes bright with familial love.

She breathed in and out, mentally counting ten seconds before pushing again. The agony made her scream; it was worse than any pain she has ever felt before, but she bit her bottom lip to silence herself. There was no need to alert her neighbours to what was happening.

However much she persevered, she was exhausted and at her limit. It has been hours since she went into labour, having lost track of time after the pain became too much to bear.

The tears wouldn't stop as she lay in bed and balled her fingers into the sheets, squirming and trying to push the baby out of her womb. If her arms were long enough, she could image herself pulling out the cause of her pain. Having to give birth alone was a nightmare. And the reason she did not admit herself into the hospital was that she didn't trust them. Patient Confidentiality was not something a small village like theirs would have.

She started her ten seconds countdown again, but she only made it to five when she had to force down the scream from leaving her lips. The contractions came back with an absolute vengeance, clawing down her pelvic region and stabbing her womb mercilessly.

"Rouge!"

The voice was like a ray of light to her.

She struggled to turn her head, but she didn't need to. Her brother was already by her side, hovering like a protective shadow and wiping her forehead with a cloth as his tearful eyes stared straight into hers.

"I'm sorry for being late. H-how do you feel? Do you need anything? Water? Towels? P-pain meds?"

She huffed out a slightly delirious giggle, pain all but forgotten as amusement took over. His polite gentlemanly way of speaking was finally broken. He had even stuttered, too! So cute~

"Ju-just you, R-Roux."

She gave him a gentle smile, which he returned. He held onto her hand and allowed her to squeeze it tightly as she continued to push.

He helped her count and continued to encourage her, and whilst she was screaming at the sensation of her entrance being torn as the baby came out, she swore she heard his bones cracking under pressure.

At the sound of a baby's cry, she went completely limp from exhaustion.

Knowing that everything else would be taken care of by her brother, she allowed her eyelids to close. Maybe she could rest for a minute or two.

She hadn't noticed she had passed out until she was shaken awake by him.

"How are you feeling, Rouge? Have some water. We must keep you hydrated."

She gave him a weak smile as he helped her into a semi-sitting position with her back resting against the headboard. Whilst she was fed water, she noticed how the sheets and her clothing had been changed, and her body clean of perspiration and bodily fluids. When she moved, she felt her entrance was numb, yet taut.

She was slightly embarrassed at that, but thankful at the same time.

"Did you stitch me up?"

The delightful blush that spread across his cheeks was worth asking such an embarrassing question.

"S-sorry."

"Fufufufu! Why would you be sorry? I'm thankful. Where is he, nii-san?"

Her eyes searched eagerly for her baby, which only caused him to grin almost dementedly.

Her twin walked to a cot nearby, ready to scoop up the baby. Whilst he had his back turned, she grimaced and held onto her chest. She knew her time was coming, having sacrificed her lifespan in order to accomplish her goal of twenty months.

Her fragile body truly was hateful. She inwardly wept as she knew her death would destroy him. Hopefully, her child, his nephew, would give him a reason to persevere.

When he turned to face her with an armful of her child, her expression had already reverted back to happiness. He transferred the precious bundle to her, making sure to support the baby just in case.

Just by that, she knew he would be a marvelous and caring uncle.

"Ace. Gol D. Ace. He picked the name."

"It suits him."

The two siblings looked at each other with matching grins as the baby yawned cutely.

"He's beautiful..."

"Just like his parents. What a looker he'll be when he grows up. Imouto, I'll be right back. You need to eat something."

Whilst her brother went to get some food, she continued to stare at her baby's features. Ace had her freckles. He was, however, too young so she couldn't make out if his features followed hers or Roger's or if he was a perfect blend of them both.

The third option was more likely, but deep down, she had wanted to see a miniature version of her brother before she departs to the afterlife. She had joked about not wanting Ace's face to turn out feminine like Roux's, but to be truthful, she kind of hoped for it.

Hahaha. Even on her deathbed, she was a little demon to her brother.

She wished she could continue watching over her boys, she tearily thought.

"I know this is too much to ask of you, my dear son, but please, protect your uncle's heart. He likes to act tough, but on the inside... He's delicate."

She whispered into Ace's hair, knowing it was silly of her to do so. Maybe it was because she wanted to reassure herself that this was all she could do for her brother.

When Roux came back, he set a bowl of porridge on the nightstand.

"Here, let me hold him."

Without hesitation, she handed her precious treasure to her brother. His smile when he held Ace was the most beautiful she has seen by far.

As she slowly ate (her senses were beginning to leave her), he sat next to her so that she could see Ace clearly without turning away from her food.

"You know, nii-san, a Vice-Admiral came a few days ago." When he froze, she was quick to continue, not wanting him to misunderstand. "His name is Garp-san. Roger sent him to protect Ace."

"Then that's fine. I know Garp. He is someone you can trust. I'll protect this little spitfire too, Rouge."

"Promise?"

"I give you my word."

"Thank you, Roux-nii-san."

Brother and sister sat side by side on the bed, leaning against the headboard. They both cooed at the baby in Rouge's arms, both couldn't be happier with the newest addition to their family.

It was too bad this couldn't last.

"I'm s..sorry... Roux. Forgi..ve me for being... so... selfish..."

"No! Don't leave me, Rouge! Imouto, please... Please! Don't leave me...! Rouge! Rouge!"

Roux stared straight into the sunset, his expression of sorrow naked for all to see as he stood at the edge of the island's cliff. In his arms was a sleeping child wrapped in a red blanket, blissfully unaware of his new status as an orphan.

When Roux heard footsteps stopping near him, just a few steps behind, he tightened his hold on the baby whilst turning around slowly.

As expected, Garp was standing there with an expression of sadness and sympathy.

He couldn't help but fall to his knees, unable to prevent the tears from leaking as he stared blankly at the Vice-Admiral, his golden eyes dulled from grief. He wasn't one to cry, especially in front of others, but the heartache of knowing what has to be done was crushing to his consciousness. His shoulders felt heavy from the expectations of the future - of knowing that Ace was to live a painful childhood filled with questions of his own birth, grow into an exceptional pirate with many brothers and sisters, and die young for the sake of the plot.

It hurts. It hurts so badly that he was knowingly breaking his promise to his precious imouto.

And all for this man's grandson.

Never has he been so hateful of having been reincarnated into this world before. Why him? Why not someone else? Why?!

"I didn't know Rouge has a brother. Or that you had a sister. Clearly, I must be blind to not see the family resemblance. Now that I think of it, Roger did say that both of your names have 'red' as their meaning. Roux, was it? Roger heard only good things about you from your sister."

The Hero of the Marines murmured, his voice, for once, soft and gentle.

"I didn't know of her pregnancy until nine months later. I suppose we all have things we know nothing of."

"Touché. Will you be the one who takes care of him, Informant Roux? You are what's left of his family."

"No. Both Roger and Rouge trust you to protect their son. You're his family now."

Even though he said that... his legs were jelly and his hands refused to release his hold on his nephew.

"I know you'll make a great uncle. I can talk to Sengoku about you taking a vacation-"

"My answer remains the same, Vice-Admiral Garp, regardless of your words. The only favor I ask of you is that you treat him as your own grandson."

With a shaky resolution, he pushed himself to his feet and stumbled to Garp, his arms trembling when he gently placed Ace into the hands of the Marine. He stroke his nephew's chubby cheeks as he bowed his head, his fedora's brim shadowing his eyes. His fingers then rested lightly on his nephew's chest, feeling the steady and strong heartbeat as his shoulders hunched forward, a slight shudder wrecking his frame.

"Ace." If this was any other time, he would have felt mortified by the way his voice croaked. Of how his masks had cracked. Now, he was just too tired to care, "Gol D. Ace. That was what R-Ro-R... Rouge called him in her final moments. Roger chose his name, from what she told me."

"Will you visit him?"

At those words, he snatched his hand away from the baby like it burnt. He swallowed a few times, but he didn't know what to say. Ace needed to be with Luffy and Sabo. Not Roux. He wasn't even supposed to exists. He shouldn't disrupt the plot any more than he already did.

Without anything else to add, he turned on his heels, striding quickly away from Garp. Because his fingers still felt the soft skin of his nephew, he clenched them into fists.

He needed to be strong. If he were to look back now... He knew his resolve would shatter.

"Portgas D. Roux!"

Having his full name spoken out loud only made him let out a dry sob. Never has anyone but Rouge (his breath stuttered at the memory of his twin's final promise) said his full name. He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve to be called a D.

His voice was watery as he replied, not once turning back.

"Have a good evening, Vice-Admiral."