Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
Christmas is now and Sabo is still the most amazing brother there is, and more happen and a bit about the past comes up
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Marco gave a small chuckle, seeing Ace and Sabo who just walked into the galley, both looking happy. It was good to see the kid happy, to see her smile and laugh.
Today was Christmas, so everyone was in a good mood. He also knew Sabo would leave today, but hoped it wasn't before the evening, or early in the morning tomorrow. Having him here was a good help for Ace, helping her settle. From what Pops had said, she had gotten the mark before the blond brother was here, but he obviously helped her show it and be more comfortable here. He was pushing her, that clearly shown by him making her get the braid from Izou, and the shirt yesterday. They wouldn't have done that, and hoped she would be more comfortable with all of this.
Ace still had the braid in her hair, although it was starting to small slip out, most likely from sleeping. She also had the binds on, but they were much looser than normal, most likely since Sabo kept her from doing it too tight. The first commander was sure she would go back to the fake bob when it slipped, or when Sabo left, same with the binds. He still had a hope she wouldn't, but there was still something that made her not like her female self. They needed to help her with that, and they would do their best to make her accept herself. Maybe he should try and ask Sabo about it? No, that would be wrong. It wasn't the blond's job to tell about Ace, it would be better if the woman told herself. The two sat down and started eating, the two of them talking together, Sabo inviting a few into their conversation. Yeah, Sabo was a good help.
As they were eating breakfast, things being calm and happy, a sound of something resembling a cannon and the ship shaking had many startled, Josh, who had watch, coming into the door opening and telling someone, a few marine ships, attacking them.
Marco kept a sigh down. It was Christmas, why did the marines need to attack today?
Not much to do about it, other than go and fight them off, hoping it wouldn't ruin the day too much. The marines had awful timing. Everyone in the galley got out on deck, seeing three marine ships not far away, readying their cannons to shoot at them again. They needed to keep damage to a minimum, and the ships weren't big, but they were a bit away and would be a hassle to take out since there were more than one. One ship was a bit closer than the others, the main captain being on that one as he was standing at the front of the ship, looking at them with a grin, sure he had the upper hand. "Pirates!" Started the marine man, "Today will be your last day! Kahaha!" The first commander hated when people who underestimated them appeared, even worse seeing what day it was. It would take some time to rid of them, but it would go fine, hopefully without damage to their family or ship.
He could see Pops on his way to retaliate, most likely give them a chance to get away, seeing as it was Christmas, but seeing how the marine captain acted, he doubted he would. But, before Pops could speak, to everyone's shock- beside Sabo it looked like- Ace spoke. "Okay, so this is my brothers last day here, and I kind of want to be with him and not with morons like you, so could you please just 'shoo'"-the kid made a 'shoo' motion with her hands- "and never return, okay?" The marine captain laughed again. "And what if we don't, Baby Doll?"
The first commander heard Sabo give a sigh. "He said it," before he saw Ace's eye twitch. "Baby Doll?" The woman said, face getting a forced smile, an angry look in her eyes, before she moved on hand into a fist, flames starting to come from it, before she pushed at one of the ship- not the one the marine captain was on- completely vaporizing the ship, making everyone, both pirates and marines stand shocked, aside from Sabo, who just shook his head. The woman then sent a deadly look at the marine captain, who gulped, understanding he shouldn't have said that. Before the marine captain could utter anything, Ace lifted her hand.
"Never call me Baby Doll." Then the woman snapped her fingers, causing the marine captain to catch fire, making him and his crew panic, Ace just turning around with her head high and eyes closed, giving a 'humph', walking back to the galley.
Everyone could still stand shocked, the marines panicking. Sabo gave a chuckle. "Don't piss of Ace, it will make your life hell- literally." Hell was fire, and Ace could make fire, so that was a good saying. Thatch gave a whistle. "Remind me to never piss her off. Damn, that was amazing." Everyone nodded. Ace was strong, more so when mad, and that name was just degrading. She was a pretty person, but names like that was not okay. She had won over Jinbei, so that was saying something. She hadn't been much of a fight to Pops, but better than many. She was strong willed and stubborn. They had just not seen her in action since then. And she didn't even move from the deck, just threw a punch and snapped her fingers. Even Pops looked impressed. Sabo gave a chuckle, before he followed Ace into the galley. The marines managed to put out the fire the marine captain was in, the man having really bad burn, before they turned and sailed away with their tails between their legs- serves them right- after fishing up the ones from the destroyed ship.
Ace would fit in their family perfectly.
-x-
Whitebeard sat in his chair, looking at his children having fun and enjoying themselves.
It was still early, meaning many hadn't started drinking yet, but the party had started, many singing, dancing, and a few had a beer or something, but not many. He was sure many would join in on that soon. Sabo was sitting with Ace a bit away, not too far away from a group of people who was a bit more calmer. It would become a big party, and they hadn't had that around Ace yet, so that would be interesting. He hoped she would find it in her taste, or be okay with it, he knew it could be a lot, especially for newcomers the first few times.
As a song ended, people cheering as it was a happy day and everyone wanting to have fun, Thatch walked over to where Ace and Sabo sat, looking at the two. "Ace! Any songs you like? You should join in on the party too!" Ace looked to be on her way to decline, or something along those lines, when Sabo gave a chuckle, standing up. "Got a guitar? I know a song Ace likes." Ace gave a small frown at it, but the chef, and the others around lighted up at that, glad to see Sabo joining in, meaning Ace might too.
The chef quickly got his hands on a guitar, handing it to the blond, who moved to sit on a crate, being in the middle of many people. The captain wondered what kind of song it would be. The blond checked the guitar out and how it was strum, before he looked over at Ace. "I know it has been a long time, but I'm sure you remember this one." The woman gave a small frown, obviously not sure what song it would be. Sabo then started to move his leg, the one the guitar was on, in a rhythm, before he started playing on the guitar, playing a few tones, which the captain had not heard before, not knowing the song.
But, the second it started, Ace lighted up, smiling and giving a laugh, standing up and walking to Sabo.
As she stood up, Sabo started singing. "Hey, brother. There's and endless road to rediscover." Ace was now next to Sabo and moved to sit on the crate, joining in on the song. "Hey, sister. Know blood is thick, but water's sweeter. Oh! If the sky comes falling down, for you! There's nothing in the world I wouldn't do." Ace then started to clap her hands to the tune Sabo was playing, having a big smile and seeming to really enjoy herself.
And that song sounded just amazing, made for the siblings, maybe Sabo making it. The captain could see all of the ones who were close and heard the song really liked it, clapping their best to the tune, smiling. It was an amazing song. After a minute, the two started singing again. "Hey brother! Do you still believe in one another? Hey sister! Do you still believe in love, I wonder. Oh, if the sky comes falling down, for you! There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do."
Ace moved her head closer to Sabo's eyes closing, Sabo doing the same, both having big smiles. "What if I'm far from home? Oh brother, I will hear you call! What if I lose it all? Oh sister, I will help you hang on! Oh, if the sky comes falling down, for you! There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do." Sabo continued playing a bit, Ace clapping her hands to the tune, before it ended, Sabo ending the song with a strum. Everyone around them cheered as it did. It was an amazing song.
When things calmed down a small bit, Ace gave a small smile, looking at Sabo, tears in her eyes. "You still remember it." The blond smiled and nodded. "How can I not? It's the most amazing song, and we used a week to make it. I will never forget it, and I never did." Ace gave a small nod, a tear falling down her cheek, Ace moving to dry it away. Everyone stopped cheering, understanding it was something special, and it made Ace sad, or happy, many looking shocked. She had looked so happy a moment ago.
Sabo put the guitar down, moving to hug Ace. "Hey now, not this." Ace shook her head, head in Sabo's shoulder, the captain barely hearing her muffled words. "I've missed you so much, Sabo. And I miss Luffy too." Sabo gave a nod. "I know, I've missed you too. And Luffy's fine, I met him last week." Ace gave a nod at that, giving a sniff, using a bit to gather herself again.
It was obvious Ace really cared about her brothers, and she hadn't seen them in long, and everything that had happened the last few weeks didn't help that at all. The captain looked over to his left, seeing Marco there, having a thoughtful look, the captain giving him a nod, which he nodded back at. They would see if they could get in contact with Luffy. If Sabo had met him last week, he couldn't be too far away, hopefully. He was sure Ace would love to see Luffy too. It would be the perfect welcome gift for Ace, to show they cared for her.
After a couple minutes, Sabo let go of Ace, the woman seeming more gathered. Marco had said Deuce had mentioned something about an accident happening, and that might have something to do with why that was something as emotional for Ace. He would try and ask about it later, either ask Sabo or Ace, or both if possible.
As Ace was more gathered, everything more normal, everyone asked Sabo about the song, telling how amazing it was. Sabo did tell he, Ace, and Luffy had made it years ago, it was their song. It was an amazing song, and it showed the bond the three siblings had, they had to be close. Sabo and Ace seemed close, and he was sure Luffy was as close, the trio being amazing siblings to each other.
Things continued normally after that, a new song starting and everyone enjoying themselves. Ace and Sabo sat close, speaking softly to each other. After half an hour, lunch was ready, and many headed in the galley for that. Lunch was generally calm, having a late one as it would be a late dinner, which would be big, seeing as it would be a Christmas meal. As dinner was coming to an end, Deuce came and got Ace's attention- the captain not hearing what the man said- and the two headed out, Sabo just shaking his head. As more and more left, finishing eating and continuing their day, the captain decided to ask Sabo about earlier, seeing that there weren't many close, just Marco and Rakuyo close, and the two had their own conversation.
He turned his attention to the blond, getting his attention. "Sabo, earlier, when you sang the song- which was amazing- it seemed to be emotional for Ace when you said you never forgot it. Why? You don't need to answer, but Deuce have mentioned something about an accident years ago, but not more." The blond gave a small nod, looking around and seeing few close, still only the two commanders. The blond gave a small sigh. "When we were 9, I needed to get away from the island we were at, fast. I didn't tell them and just left, not having time. But, someone shot the ship I was on, destroying it and killing everyone, well almost. The Revolutionary Army was close, and they fished me up, barely alive, and managed to get me back to me feet again."
The blond gave a sigh. "But I didn't remember anything about myself- my name, my age, my life, or anyone- just blank. So, I joined the Revolutionary Army, at that point that was all I knew. It wasn't before 6 years later, when I saw a picture of Ro- Ace's father, and I remembered Ace, and went to look for answers, anything, and found her- and Luffy- and I remembered. But, the song, I never forgot that. That was the one thing I always remembered and made me think I had some kind of family. Luffy always thought I was just lost- which was true in a way- but Ace was older and knew what 'dead' meant. From what I was told, it broke her heart thinking I was dead. Only Luffy kept her okay."
The captain gave a nod. He understood why that was an emotional thing for Ace. She had thought Sabo was dead, to find out years later he had had amnesia and forgotten about them, but had thankfully remembered them later it seemed like. But for him to never have forgotten the song was amazing.
The blond was truthful, and that was good, wanting the best for Ace, and the captain wanted to ask one more thing, having wondered about it for some time. "I know who Ace's father was, and I knew the man actually. He always said that if he had a daughter, the name would be Ann, but it would be Ace if male. You most likely don't know why, but I always wondered." After he found out who Ace's father was, he had had this question, and he was sure Ace wouldn't be comfortable with it, not seeming to like the fact the man was her father. Someone must have said bad things about the man to her, maybe to her too.
The blond gave a chuckle. "I know the answer to that actually. I'm surprised she have told who her father is, but I'm glad. It proves she is at a good place. But, the reason for her name, is that the man who took her to safety- or as safe as he could- told the name was Ace. Actually even told she was a he, and even after they found out the truth, we just kept Ace. Never understood why that man lied about it, but might be because she would have a hard life, and this might help keep her hidden." The captain gave a nod, that made sense. "Thank you for telling, that does make sense." He was glad Sabo thought they would be a good place for Ace, they wanted her to feel comfortable and at home. They would do their best.
After a few more minutes, the door opened and Ace came inside, grabbing Sabo and leaving, making the blond chuckle.
When they were gone, he gave a chuckle himself. That was a good talk. He could see Marco sending him a look, obviously overhearing and now understanding more of the siblings bond, but also most likely wondering about the father thing. The first commander did know it wasn't his place to tell, it was Ace's.
They would work to make Ace comfortable here and to like herself.
-x-
When dinner time came and everyone was let into the galley, all the tables was filled with Christmas food, like ribs, meatloaf, and sausages. Having porridge, ice cream, and creamed rice desserts at the tables too It would be a perfect celebration.
The dinner started calmly, and when almost everyone, aside from the few on watch was there, they shared a toast and wished everyone a Merry Christmas, everyone cheering. Chatter and joyful singing and everything soon started up, everyone seeming to enjoy themselves. The captain could see Ace sitting next to Sabo and Deuce, more from her crew close to her, them seeming to enjoy themselves, which was good. As dinner was going on, everyone did give away the present they had bought- or made- for each other.
They didn't have a thing where everyone needed to get something for everyone, but get a thing for those you care much for, or new arrivals, like Ace and her crew. Ace's present was Sabo, so that was accounted for. Deuce got a set of new guns, sunglasses, and a belt, which he really appreciated, the other spades pirates getting things that seemed to fit them. They didn't know them too well and had tried their best. It was usually a thing that each division got a thing for their commander, and everyone had a thing for him, but many got together for it. It was a jolly day.
As dinner was coming to an end, many started to drink, being jolly and singing, many starting to get drunk fast. Not everyone kept their alcohol good.
The captain could see Ace uncomfortable at times, obviously not comfortable with the loud ones that was drunk. It was a thing one usually got used too. She might have had a few bad experiences with drunk people. While most on the ship got drunk, many passed out drunk, they would never harm anyone. He could see Marco keeping Ace in his vision, being sure she was fine. The first commander wasn't called 'the mother hen' for nothing. It had the captain chuckle, seeing everything going okay. He was sure Ace would settle, it would just take time.
As the night progressed, many got more and more drunk, many starting to pass out after a few hours, a few staying sober, aside from those on watch who needed to be. As it got with every party, Marco was sober, the phoenix not able to get drunk, same with Jozu, Vista, Namur, and Rakuyo, keeping a watch over everyone and making sure no one fell over the railing drunk- that had happened. A few did approach Ace, and he could see the woman being a bit unsure, making the blond beside her be on the alert, but everyone just congratulated her and wished her a Merry Christmas, maybe going for a half-hug or a toast, before moving on. It was good no one was pushy. Thatch had been small pushy at one point, but had been distracted by Izou. The man still was himself.
Whitebeard had a smile as he took a chug of his sake. Today was a good day.
-x-
Ace gave a sigh, looking at Sabo who also gave a sigh. "Do you really need to leave now?" Her brother gave a nod. "I do, I'm sorry. But you're good here." Ace gave a small nod. She did sort of like it here, but still would have liked to have Sabo here for another day. She got why he couldn't, he should have gotten back yesterday, and had stayed longer. The clock was just shy of midnight.
Sabo gave a smile to him, bringing her into a hug. "Now, don't be sad. We'll see each other later, I promise." Ace gave a nod to it, and Sabo moved to whisper in her ear."Try to trust them more, they are good people." Ace gave a nod, she would promise Sabo that. If he said that, after having been here for a few days, he meant it. And, they did seem nice, she just wasn't good at trusting.
They hugged for a bit more, before they parted, Ace giving a smile at Sabo, who smiled back. The bond gave a small laugh, before he gave her a pat on the head. "Have fun here, Acey. And be nice." Ace gave a small laugh herself. "I will. Bye, make sure to get on Dragon's nerve." Sabo laughed. "Careful now. I have been close to give him an aneurysm before." Ace gave a chuckle. She could see that.
Sabo gave a smile to everyone out on deck, many drunk, but more passed out, thankfully. She was never too fond of drunk people. They weren't handsy here, but she still was unsure about them, having stayed close to Sabo, Deuce, or the others who were sober. Sabo waved at the ones out. "Goodbye. Thank you for letting me stay." She heard the captain chuckle. "You are welcomed at any time, Sabo. Hope your travel back is safe." The blond gave a nod and thank you, before he left for his small boat, sailing off with a last wave to Ace, before he needed to concentrate to steer the boat.
Ace stayed at the railing and seeing the boat sail off until it was gone, Ace already missing Sabo. It had been way long since she had seen him, and it was good to see him.
-x-
Marco gave a chuckle, seeing everyone having fun. At least the ones who were still awake. Most was out drunk, having passed out here and there. It was a warm night, meaning they didn't need to worry about anyone freezing.
As Marco looked over the deck, he noticed Ace sitting alone at a crate. He first thought Deuce had left her, but soon saw said man passed out on the deck beside the crate, seeming to have a comfortable position. That was usually how it went, and it was getting late, the clock closing in on 2. He made his way over to the woman, going to check if she was fine, leaning against the wall beside the crate. When he did, the woman looked at him, making him start. "How are you, yoi?" The woman gave a small nod, turning to look at everyone out on deck. "Fine." She was silent for a few seconds, before she slowly spoke again. "...Is this how it usually is?" Marco gave a small nod. "With big celebrations, yes. Smaller ones, also yes. We just like to party, yoi. And most can't hold their liquor for shit. What do you think about it?" He knew many didn't like it.
The woman gave a nod. "It's good to see them able to have fun. It's just a bit… intimidating? I'm just not too used to it." The commander gave a nod. That made sense. "It's fine. Most feel like it at the start, yoi. We are a large family." Ace gave a nod, looking at him. "What about you? You don't seem drunk, or even buzzed." He gave a chuckle. "I can't get buzzed, yoi. My devil fruit keeps me from it. I maybe can be buzzed if I'm chained to seastone." The woman gave a nod. "Yeah. I feel you. I usually burn through it fast. Although I can get drunk." He gave a nod. He had seen her nursing a drink, but not more. He guessed she was still sceptic to them- understandable, especially seeing how drunk most was- but he hoped she would be more comfortable later.
He stayed beside the woman for a bit, and after half an hour, he noticed her yawning, which had him look at her. "You know, if you're tired, you can head in for the night. This will go on until morning, maybe longer." The woman gave a nod. "That sounds… I don't know, tough. But yeah, maybe I should." Marco gave a nod, moving to stand up and motion with his head. "Come on, yoi. I'll follow you." The woman stood up, giving a smile to him. "You don't need to." He shook his head. "Nah, I want to. Not much else to do anyway." The woman nodded, and they headed for her room.
As they walked and was closing in, not speaking, he noticed Ace moving, or trying rather, to move her hand a bit through her hair, giving a small flinch. She had slept with the braid, and it looked a bit worse now, half slipping out, but also still in. It looked to be tough to remove, small tangles at the back. When they got to Ace's room, the woman saying a thanks and good night, he gave a smile. "It's nothing. But, would you like help with the braid, yoi? It looks tangled at the back." The woman frowned, moving a hand to the back of her head. "It does..?" It was muttered to herself, but he nodded to it. "Yeah." Ace gave a small nod, looking at him. "Could you maybe..? If you have time." Marco smiled. "Of course I can." He walked with her into the bedroom, her sitting down in a chair and Marco moving to get the braid loose.
But, as he tried, and managed a bit, something happened and a piece of her hair just seemed to form a knot, tangled itself into a big tangle. When he tried to rid of it, moving his fingers through it, he pulled-tugged- a bit-harder than he thought- to rid of the tangle, making the woman flinch, obviously pulling to hard. As he was on his way to apologize, the woman moved a hand to the back of her head, turning around.
Ace moved her hand and felt a big knot, sure that had not been there before. And what the man had done had hurt.
She turned around, not wanting Marco to try more, not liking when someone pulled at her hair. She was sensitive to that, and had a bit of bad memories. She looked at the man. "I think that's enough. I can do the rest myself." It would be hard to get this out, feeling the big knot there, being tight. What had the man done to make this? Marco shook his head, lifting hands in an apologetic notion. "I'm sorry, yoi. I did something to make a knot, I didn't mean for that. Please let me try and fix it. I promise to be careful. I will stop if I can't fix it, and Izou can do it."
Ace still held the hand on the back of her head, on her way to say no. That had hurt and it felt deliberate. It was a really hard tug. She didn't want others hands in her hair, not from someone she didn't trust.
Before she could start to decline, she remembered what Sabo had said and what she had promised. She had promised to try and trust them. But, could she? Marco had been nice to her, and he hadn't done anything last time he had helped her with her braid. And he had apologized. Ace took a deep breath, going to trust Sabo's judgement, and nodded. "Okay. Just be careful." The man nodded. "Of course, yoi. Do you have a hairbrush?" She nodded and fetched the one she had- she did need a new one soon, her hair ruined brushes left and right- and handed it to the commander. The man took it and Ace turned around again, readying herself for the man to try again, not sure what to expect. She felt him move a hand to her head.
"I'm going to hold your hair- not pull- but hold it from keeping it being pulled when I brush through, okay? Just say stop and I will." Ace really didn't like that, but she would try. She gave a small nod, a bit scared. She had really sensitive hair.
The commander moved his hand to the top of her hair, moving to hold it tight, making her tense up, really not liking this, expecting it to be dragged, pulled, tugged, or something. A second later, she heard the brush being forced through her hair, making her give a small flinch, eyes closing at the sound. But, as it didn't hurt, she dared to open them, before she did the same when the sound came again. It still didn't hurt, she barely felt it, but Marco was clearly forcing the brush through her hair. The hold on her hair keeping the pain away.
After a few more sounds of the brush, the man gave a breath, hearing the brush being put down, before fingers moved through her hair, completely fine. "There, yoi. There is still a small bit left, but I think you should do that yourself, yoi."
Ace gave a nod, moving a hand to her head, feeling her hair fine, just the small tangles here and there, which was normal. She gave a small smile to the man. "Thank you." The man shook his head. "It was nothing. And I'm really sorry about the tangle I made. I didn't mean for that, or the tug." She gave a nod, now believing it a bit more. She was just careful about her hair, both since Luffy and Sabo cherished it, and since it was as sensitive. "It's okay." The man gave a smile to her, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "Sleep well, yoi." She gave a nod. "You too." Then the man left. When he did, Ace moved to grab the brush, brushing through her hair.
Marco did seem like a good man. Everyone on the ship seemed like good people. Maybe Ace could trust them? She didn't know completely yet.
Marco gave a small sigh as he was out of the room, door closed behind him.
He had obviously hurt the woman when he had tugged her hair, she must be sensitive to it. He really hadn't meant it and didn't know it was as big of a tangle, being a knot. He did understand why she didn't want him to help more, but he needed to try and fix it, and was sure she would decline. She had at least looked like she would. But, she had thankfully given him a second chance, Marco being careful and telling he would hold the hair to not make it hurt when he tried to untangle it with the brush. He could both see and feel the woman didn't like that, instantly tensing up when he held her hair. He would still try, ready to stop if she wanted.
When he had done the first brush and she had flinched, obviously expecting pain, he waited a few seconds, to see if she didn't want him to do it, before he did it again, getting the same reaction, although a bit less. She was obviously nervous, but let him do it, him thankfully managing to fix it. There were still small tangles left, which was normal after a long day and sleeping with a braid and what he had done to it, and he decided to let the woman handle them herself, not wanting to accidentally do anything wrong. She did seem happy with it and glad he managed to fix his mistake.
They would do their best to make Ace comfortable here.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
Things are calming down, Ace settling and Sabo being a great help, everyone doing their best, especially a certain commander. Hopefully a black-haired kid might visit too
For those who don't know, the song Sabo sung is called Hey Brother by Avicii, I just changed a few words. Go check it out if you haven't, it's an amazing song
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
Also, if you're interested and have it and maybe want to share something or anything with me, come join my Discord server. It's called Azuruko's Fiction. It has a small channel for all my stories, and one main channel that's general. You can come with requests, questions, or just join for fun. Everyone is welcomed. (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR)