😊

If you've learnt anything from the Whitebeard pirates, it's the fact that they knew how to have a good time. Never in your life had you been surrounded by so much testosterone. Drinks were passed around left, right and center, people where laughing and chatting and everyone was having fun. There was some familiarity in the scene, it reminded you of Shanks' crew.

'I hope they don't deplete their resources...' you sweat dropped.

You talked with Whitebeard for a while about how you met Ace and he expressed that he would've been insulted if you'd taken Shanks' Jolly Roger and not his. You both laughed and talked.

'He's like a really cool dad or uncle' you thought to yourself.

Ace got bored and decided he wanted you back. He snatched you away to introduce you to some of his friends. You'd been introduced to some more of the division commanders: Izo no.16, Jozu no.3, Vista no.5 and Haruta no.12. All of them praising you for your bravery, with the occasional compliment. Izo in particular had many questions about your skin care routine. Naturally you laughed it off and answered as best you could.

'I think that I've recieved enough praise to last me a millennia' you thought to yourself.

There was plenty of food prepared by Thatch. Clearly he was used to this sort f thing cause he didn't even break a sweat as he served people with colourful dishes. Ace didn't hold back and started eating... only to fall asleep. You were about to assist him but the commanders just used it as an opportunity to talk to you more. Of course when Ace woke up he started a fight and the crew got really rowdy.

'Why are they like this...' you sighed as they continued to brawl.

Suddenly music began to play and people started to calm down and sing. Braver, or maybe drunker, men got up to dance and display their moves. You were quite content watching them from the sidelines, clapping and tapping to the beat of the music, laughing when some crew members did a silly dance in an attempt to impress you.

Ace walked over to you and stood in front of you; his cowboy hat on his head and his face all red. He was trying to look you in the eye but kept getting embarrassed and looked away as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Hey (y/n)?" Ace muttered.

His hand shot out, and you jumped slightly from the sudden gesture. You raised a very questionable brow at the hand in front of you.

"Ace what's wro-?"

"Do you want to dance with me?" he offered; his hat pulled over his face to hide them embarresment as some of the second division whistled and cheered.

Ace whipped his head around to yell at his division to grow up. Obviously they just laughed at his outburst seeing as how he was one of the youngest. The most distinct laugh was from one of Ace's close friends Teach.

"Zehahahahahaha! Go get her Ace! Before someone else takes her away!" He teased.

"Shut the hell up Tea-!" Ace barked

Your face lit up from Ace's request.

"I'd love to dance with you!" you beamed as you gently took his hand.

In that moment all of Ace's doubt and embaressment melted away. He seemed a bit shocked at first, like he hadn't actually expected you to say yes, but soon a massive grin etched its way onto his face. He pulled you up and led you to the dance floor. In that moment you were both led by the music. Neither of you knew the dance moves to the song but you both managed to make your own. You twirled around around him while Ace clapped his hands. Then he'd do some very fancy footwork while you clapped for him.

'Well someone's been practicing!' You giggled as Ace took your hand and did some more crazy footwork with you.

The crew was cheering and shouting and Whitebeard was drinking some sake whilst, laughing or choking in approval.

You spun around some more but when you turned to look back at Ace he wasn't there... he was replaced by a smiling Thatch with his hand outstretched.

"May I?" He smiled

"You may!" You laughed and took his hand to continue dancing.

Now you and Thatch were dancing as the crew laughed. You'd been stolen from Ace so quickly. In the corner of your eye you saw him being held down by Teach who was swinging a little pouch. It jangled as it swung and Teach just laughed.

"Zehahahaha! What did I tell ya boy!" Teach placed the sack on his hip and patted it.

"Let go if me Teach!" Ace hollered

You watched in amusement at Ace's futile struggling and then looked back to Thatch.

"Did you pay him to do that?" You laughed

"I'd prefer to think of it as a worthy investment" he said spinning you round and kissed your hand.

'These men are crazy' You laughed to yourself.

"My turn-yoi!" Your free hand was grabbed and you were snatched away from Thatch.

A few 'unkind' words left Thatch's mouth as he protested about only having you for a short time. Marco just laughed dancing and guiding you away from Thatch.

'This is gonna be my whole afternoon isn't it' you giggled

"Hope you're enjoying yourself (y/n)-yoi!" Marco smiled as he held you close and danced with you.

"I'm having a blast thank you!" You beamed as he spun you around.

You weren't wrong when you said it was going to be your whole afternoon. You danced with most of the commanders having short conversations with each one. Even Teach got a chance to dance with you. Whitebeard could only laugh at his sons childish antics as they all schemed in ways to get you back. You, however were just happy to be able to dance freely.

The songs were coming to an end and somehow you'd lost your partner yet again. You were spinning and kicking to the beat as the crew cheered you on and just as the sing finished and hit the climax you bumped right back into Ace's arms.

"Did you miss me?" He smiled victoriously at the fact that he finally got you back.

"Nah" you laughed and panted.

Ace feigned mock hurt which only mad you laugh more. You were a bit red from all the dancing and some of the compliments you'd received.

"You're gorgeous (y/n)!" some guy from the crowd called out.

"uhm... Thank you!" you called out as you scratched the back of your neck. 'I have no idea who called my name...'

"Gurararararara! Brilliant show young lady!" Whitebeard clapped as he drank some more.

'His alcohol tolerance is incredible!' you watched in awe. 'Briggs would kill him'

Soon you saw bags of what you assumed was money fly over yours and Ace's head. People were catching them and snickering, others sulking and grumbling.

"What are they doing?" You asked

"They places bets to see which guy would get to you in the end" he explained with a smirk as the blood rushed to your face.

"I-I see..." you laughed nervously as more bags flew across the ship.

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Almost everyone was passed out. Only you, Ace, Whitebeard and a few of the division commanders were still awake. There was a cool breeze in the air but it wasn't cold. You were sat around a small fire. Everyone was talking about how Ace had just randomly brought you up out of nowhere and how surprised they were. Then how they were amazed when Thatch and Marco came back seeming even more excited then Ace.

"We weren't that excited!" Marco and Thatch protested.

"Gurararararara! It seems you took good care of my sons (y/n), but you don't want us to hang our flag on this island... why is that?" Whitebeard questioned.

"I already have your name for protection whitebeard..." you smiled and looked at the bracelet on your wrist and sighed. "Besides everyone on that island just wants to be free from their past..."

"Hey (y/n) you don't have to talk about it if you don't-!" Ace started but you raised your hand.

"It's ok Ace, I've accepted what happened" you smiled. "Would you like to know? It's not exactly a happy story" you laughed.

All the commanders looked at each other then looked back to you and listened eagerly.

'I guess that's a yes'

"The reason Ace and I were separated as children was because we were forced into labour by pirates. I couldn't keep up with workload and so they decided to sell me for my body. I was dragged to their ship, thrown into a cell and chained up. Everyone on that pirate ship was going to be sold or killed and that was that. I met Alivia there... and we did our best to keep each other alive. She-" You paused.

'Breathe (y/n)...' you took a shaky breath.

You felt a large warm hand cover your own and saw Ace looking straight into the flames. He was listening but wouldn't face you. You nodded and continued.

"When the pirates got drunk, they would find entertainment in whatever they wanted. Whether it was throwing people overboard with rocks attached to their shackles, throwing slaves into animal pits and make bets on who would survive or in more intimate ways... Liv would always try to make herself more appealing so that the pirates wouldn't touch me and always go for her... I would have to sleep alone in the cell and listen to the screams of other people. When Liv came back I'd have to preform first aid so that they wouldn't think she's useless and kill her. I wasn't touched by them but I wasn't left alone. The ship was built to carry animals and sometimes they'd chain me up and dangle me over a pit of hungry wild animals. I screamed and cried for my life as they teased the chains so that the animals would be jump up and try to bite me. Whenever I woke up; I'd be laying on Liv's lap as she stroked my hair. I've developed a huge fear of being chained up since those days" you looked up at Whitebeard.

"Compared to most people, I got off easy. The people on that island are scarred for life, and so we don't want the world to know our existence too much. We're here to live our lives our own way" You smiled "so please don't take offence when I say we don't want your flag. My people just don't want to feel like they're being controlled again."

"(Y/n)..." Thatch started but his voice got caught in his throat.

What could he say. What could any of them say. The sound of the fire crackling filled the space as the men tried to find the right words to comfort you. You laughed nervously as you started playing with your hair again.

"You don't have to feel bad guys!" You waved your hands infront of you. "There is nothing you could've done and despite all the things that have happened to us we're all happy now. We've made our own lives for ourselves and we look after each other. We've grown so that the past won't affect our future" you smiled.

"To think you've seen such traumatic events and still turned out this way..." Izo sighed as he inhaled from his pipe.

"I'm happy it turned out this way" you smiled

Everyone was amazed at your outlook. You harboured no malice or disgust towards them even though you'd seen the worst side of pirates. You had every right to but... you didn't.

"Look... If you guys really are thankful for my minor act of hospitality then all I ask is that you don't mention me or this island to anyone. And when you get the chance you should come back and visit me!" You smiled at them.

Marco walked round to you from behind. He then wrapped his arms around your waist and picked you up and squeezed you.

"Ahh! Marco! Wait!" You squeaked

"Of course we'll visit you-yoi!" Marco exclaimed.

Everyone laughed at your sudden outburst and Marcos antics. He'd somehow sliced the high tension that was being built up.

"We won't let you face something like that again (y/n)!" Thatch smiled reassuringly

"Ace..." Whitebeard said. "It's time..."

Ace sat quietly and nodded his head. He stood and took you from Marco.

"We'll be taking our leave now!" Ace bowed and you looked surprised.

"Ace put me down for a sec" you patted his shoulder and he did as you said.

You stepped forward and bowed. "Thank you so much for having me. I had a lot of fun. At first I saw you as Ace's friends but I hope after this I can see you as mine as well" you stood straight and gave a genuine smile.

At that point the grown men lost it. All of them leapt towards you and crushed you in a massive dog pile.

"Of course your our friend (y/n)!"

"We're gonna miss you so much!"

"Are you sure we can't just keep her-yoi?"

"No we have to let her be free!"

"Guys I can't breathe" you gasped.

A huge hand batted the crying bunch of men off of you and gently helped you up.

'Oh my gosh are those guys alright? How can the same hand that batter those men be so gentle and help me up!' Concern washed over your face

"You boys are gonna kill my beautiful daughter!" Whitebeard boomed "As you can see, we're gonna miss you too (y/n)! Please stay safe and don't worry we'll look after Ace!"

After that you waved goodbye and Ace picked you up and sailed back towards the island.

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You made it to the beach with less screaming than earlier. But Ace had been quiet the whole time. The sand was cool and there was no wind. Everything was still.

"You're friends are wonderful Ace... I'm really happy for you" you squeezed his hand and for the first time in a while he looked you in the eyes.

He looked sad... no heavyhearted. His usual smile was replaced with a sympathetic frown and In that moment. You knew what was coming. Tears pricked the corners of your eyes as you tackled him. An overwhelming sadness consumed you as you cling to him.

"Idiot... you should've told me... you should've told me this was the last day..." you sobbed into his chest.

"If I did it would've played on your mind all day..." he smiled sadly.

You knew he was right. In the end you knew it was coming as well. You looked up at him and he looked down at you. Your foreheads made contact and you calmed down. All you could hear was your breathing and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

"(Y/n)... I promise to protect you. I lo-... I will come back and no matter where you are I'll find you... I'll find home..." Ace whispered as he pulled out the piece of paper from his hat.

It slowly moved towards you and nodded in understanding.

'What was he going to say before...?' You thought but pushed the thought to the back of your mind.

You stood in each others embrace for a while. But eventually you out your hand on his right cheek and brought him down to plant a kiss on his left. His eyes widened and then he smiled at you. It was time to go. You rubbed the freckled boys face with your thumb and he kissed your hand and pulled away.

"Ace... come home soon..." you smiled

Your (e/c) orbs sparkled under the moonlight.

And Ace nodded and then he was gone. You watched for a while.

'I think this beach is gonna see many sad and happy moments...'

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[A little bit extra]

"(Y/N)!!! (Y/N)!!! Look what we found!!!" Luffy jumped up and down.

"Shut up Luffy! She's still asleep!" Ace whisper yelled.

"You didn't have to hit him Ace... Now look you made him cry" Sabo sighed

You hadn't exactly had a good day today. Some of the customers where very rude and they'd given you a lot off work. You were tired and a bit upset. You didn't even go to find the boys to see how they were. You locked yourself in the private area of the tree house and refused to come out. You just wanted some sleep.

Your friends were really worried. You had skipped both lunch and dinner. Even though you responded to them when they asked you questions. Your voice was dejected and your replies were short. After a while Sabo seemed to get the picture and dragged both Ace and Luffy out of the treehouse so you could rest. Or so you thought.

'Why are they being so loud? Isn't it really late' you peered out of a small window to see the moon high in the sky. 'What are they doing up at this time?'

You cracked the door open to see a crying Luffy, a disappointed Sabo and an angry Ace.

"Luffy! You know I hate cry-babies! If you keep crying I'll beat you up!" Ace growled.

Luffy stopped crying instantly. His eyes were still brimming with tears and the occasional hiccup escaped here and there, but nothing more.

"You shouldn't threaten your brother Ace" you walked towards Luffy and rubbed his head in a soothing manner.

'How hard did you hit him Ace?!' you internally cried as you massaged the large bump on Luffy's head.

"He shouldn't be so weak" Ace grumbled

"You shouldn't be so harsh... violence doesn't always solve everything" you recited and he huffed. "You ok Lu?"

He nodded then stuck his tongue out at Ace.

"Don't provoke him Luffy! You should know better!" you scolded

"You contradicted yourself again (y/n)" Sabo sighed but then looked up at you. "It's good to see you (y/n)"

It was at that moment you realised you hadn't seen the boys at all today. Ace and Luffy flinched in realisation.

"(Y/N)!!! We were so worried about you!" Ace and Luffy yelled in unison.

"I'm sorry I worried you guys I jus-" Luffy jumped up and cut you off.

"We have something to cheer you up! And it's not picked flowers It's-!" Luffy was suddenly tackled by his two elder brothers

"Shut up Luffy!" Ace yelled.

"Idiot! Don't tell her! It'll ruin the surprise!" Sabo whisper yelled

There was a moment of struggle and then Luffy calmed down. After that Sabo and Ace released him from their grasp.

"What is going on with you three?" you asked as they all stood.

Sabo just turned to you and smiled. "Do you trust us (y/n)?"

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When you said yes you expected them to smile sweetly and then let you go back to sleep, you didn't (but probably should've) expected them to smile evily, blindfold you and then drag you out on a midnight stroll.

'Seriously where are these guys taking me? We've been walking for ages...' you complained in your head.

"We're almost there. Just a little bit further" Sabo squeezed your hand as he directed you blindly through the dense wood.

Luffy tried to lead you at first but ended up guiding you smack bang into a tree. Ace tried but he lost his patience when you kept stumbling over tree branches. In the end Sabo had to take your hand and direct you.

"Oi! (y/n)! hold still!" Ace ordered.

He then lifted you up and started climbing? 'no seriously what's going on. He's not climbing a tree... are we on a tall rock?'

"Guys what's going on?" you whined.

"Shishishi! Just stay there for a minute (y/n). We'll call you when it's time to remove the mask" Luffy giggled as his voice faded.

'Great I'm alone on a rock in who knows where' you sighed 'what a lovely day'

"Alright! We're ready!" Sabo called to you.

You slowly untied your mask. The thin piece of cloth slipped down to your neck and when your eyes fluttered open and slowly adjusted to the light you were... underwhelmed. you were overlooking a grassy field with Ace Sabo and Luffy standing in random places.

"What are you-?"

"Just like we practiced Luffy! Go!" Sabo yelled and started sprinting.