Hi everyone!

I should probably feel somewhat apologetic, that I'm rolling out new fics when I've yet to complete my prior ones. Regardless, I've been feeling rather restless and I keep having this fixation on Ace's sleeping disorder. So, I figured, why not a series of oneshots that features his struggles with it and how the Whitebeards rally together in response?

This fic won't be too dramatic. It's just a series of snapshots, and can be a standalone. It is, however, a follow-up to my other fic (Eternal Flames), so check that out if you haven't, yet?

Please enjoy!

Chapter I: Restless Tides

"You're free to stay on your ship while we sort out the logistics, yoi. That said, you're always welcome to join us on the Moby Dick," Marco offered, his smile warm as he looked over the new faces of his brothers and sisters. He wanted to ease their way into the family however he could. The Spades had agreed to join them, but the bonds of siblinghood had yet to take hold.

Across from him, the pirates – now the former Spade Pirates – shifted, their restlessness unmistakable. They eyed him with a cautious wariness Marco didn't take to heart. It was understandable. Only last week they had been on opposing sides, and unlike him, they hadn't had the benefit of seeing the gradual changes in Ace. Now that they were to rally under the same flag… Well, anyone would need time to come to terms with the change. Besides, just because their hot-tempered (former) captain agreed to join the Whitebeards didn't mean the Spades were fully on board.

Ace himself sat quietly next to the commander. It was an unexpected surprise in itself, though not necessarily a bad one, but Marco would have thought the teen would have wanted to address his crew himself.

Masked Deuce returned his smile, though his own was tight with reserve. "Thank you, Commander. For…everything."

Marco's smile remained steady. Their loyalty to their former captain was admirable. It spoke of a loyalty deep enough to guide them along this path, no matter how uncertain and different the future now seemed.

"Right then," Marco continued, "Ace, if you'd like to–" His words trailed off as he felt a sudden weight slump against his shoulder. Turning, he saw Ace leaning heavily into his side. "Ace?" his hand hovered, patting his shoulder with a touch of concern? Was he ill? Was he having second thoughts and couldn't bear the disbandment of his first crew?

Before he could worry further, Deuce interrupted, his voice oddly disbelieving. "He's asleep. You don't have to worry."

"Is this…normal?"

Deuce hesitated, then shook his head. "Not…quite." He stepped forward, giving Ace a brief once-over. Marco remembered then that the former first mate was a trained doctor. He briefly entertained the thought of helping but decided against it. It wouldn't do to overstep when he was still new to them.

Once he was satisfied, Deuce met the commander's gaze with an expression that had softened ever so slightly.

"Ace can be…stubborn and set in his own ways. He wasn't an easy captain, and I have no doubt he'll be just as impossible as a little brother," he admitted. "Thank you for welcoming him, in spite of all the trouble we have caused."

Then, in an unexpected show of reverence, Deuce lowered himself into a bow, his back parallel to the deck. The other Spades exchanged looks before silently following suit.

"Thank you!"

Marco's lips curved in a helpless smile. Interesting siblings, he mused, glancing down at the slumbering Ace. The most interesting of all was right here on his left, already fast asleep during what should have been a major milestone in his life.

"Of course, yoi," he replied, the warmth in his voice more genuine now. "It's the least we could do – even for those who don't yet realise they're family."

Marco had the oddest feeling he was missing something.

He had met many people over the years and, no matter how unusual or far from the baseline of normality, it wasn't often that anyone fell asleep so abruptly. Had they been pushing Ace too hard? Perhaps the strain of joining their crew had been overwhelming for him. Given the teen's pride and fiery temperament (and wasn't that a remarkable fit with his Devil Fruit powers?), it was likely he hadn't wanted to reveal his inner feelings to his new crewmates.

Part of Marco wondered if Ace might be having second thoughts. His decision had been an emotionally charged one. The blonde remembered the peculiar mix of relief and despair flickering in those stormy grey eyes. Ace had looked up at Whitebeard as if pleading for a reprieve from whatever it was that plagued him.

Whatever it was, Ace was Marco's younger brother now – the youngest, in fact – and as first mate, it was his duty to ensure his transition into the crew went as smoothly as possible. And as head doctor, it was his duty to see that Ace, along with his former crew, were in sound health.

Life at sea was unpredictable, after all. Best to sort out these sleeping concerns sooner rather than later.

That's it. Very short and sweet, I would think. Please leave a review or comment :) Keeps me going even in my roughest of days. Thank you!