#time to watch the movie now about luffy getting over ace's death | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

carnivorousmossbeast · 3 years

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Have a smol flavorshot. Couldn’t sleep last night so I did the mech suit/dystopia/sci-fi thing. Enjoy!!

2000 tons of carbon fiber enforced steel and titanium plates stand before him, staring down at him. Somewhere in there, he knows, is a beating heart keeping the eyes so alert and posture straight. There is a conscience in there. An awareness. Intelligent life. 80 meters tall, five meters wide encased in enough protective material to build four underground shelters. And even then, sometimes the pilots die. Normally he’d have some qualms about enslaving living beings but since no one really knows what the Weidmanns are, only that after they arrived everything started going to shit, he’s hard pressed to find anything more serious and founded to say against it.

Zoro pilots one of the older ones, one that came with a name and wasn’t grown in a lab. The swirly heart on the chest plate and weird face-thingy on the back shield and DEATH spelled across its heavily armored knuckles apparently came with the Weidmann and it didn’t work until someone thought to transfer the weird designs onto the armor. Sometimes it’s a bit touchy, Trafalgar D. Water Law, but it’s yet to fail Zoro. Or earth and humanity, for that matter. And Torao, how Zoro’s predecessor Luffy liked to call the Weidmann, seems to be oddly fixated on the green-haired pilot.

For example it won’t shut down if Zoro is close by.

The World Defense Council would rather play it as though the Weidmanns are machines, not creatures forced into submission by running so much electricity through their brains that they became effectively zombies, because obviously that is seven kinds of wrong, but Torao ruined that notion when Zoro entered the picture.

The first time Zoro’s in the command panel there’s abnormally high latent brain activity. Back then the technicians called it a power surge but to Zoro it had felt different from the power surges during sims. Because the pilots are put through what essentially is torture to be sure that they have it in them to steer a Weidmann. Some bullshit about neurological overstimulation. Now he knows that sometimes, the Weidmanns wake up and devour the humans that enter their spinal canal. And fighting Kaiju while keeping, essentially other Kaiju, under control, is a task in and of itself. That explains why the command panel is designed the same way landing modules are. They’re nigh impossible to break. As though the massive armoring wasn’t protection enough. Zoro soon learns the hard way that, only because the Weidmanns help, they are not allies. Not even close. He watches a pilot lose control over the neural bridge, watches the Weidmann gain its consciousness through the eyes of Torao. It’s quick, but ugly. Sometimes he still hears the screams of his comrade turning into static as he watches helplessly how Mihawk tears the control panel out of his spinal canal and crushes it in his massive fist before dropping it into the ocean carelessly. He remembers a rumbling purr of satisfaction coming from Torao’s conscience. The next two Kaiju attacks he doesn’t let himself sink as deep into the neural bridge as he normally does, even if the soft, warm whisper of Torao is oddly comforting normally. Not then.

Primal fear dictates he remain at the surface, barely submerged enough to feel the long, insanely strong limbs. These Kaiju he doesn't slice apart with the ridiculously long sword Torao's been outfitted with. He brawls, because so close to the surface, so barely there, he lacks the fine motor control to properly wield a 70-meter longs word with electrical currents running down the blade that has teeth running up and down like a chainsaw.

Kikoku is a masterpiece of engineering. Someone really did their research for effective weaponry - and ended up choosing Texas Chainsaw Massacre as reference. Sharknado as well. Perhaps Sharknado is more fitting, since the Kaiju appear from somewhere deep within the Pacific Ocean. They're not sharks, nowhere close, with their huge legs and claws and less than aerodynamic bodies, but a terror from the ocean none the less.

The next Kaiju is one of the strongest yet.

Zoro knows without Kikoku he hasn't the slightest chance to get past its long, leathery winged arms that sport massive claws, or the insanely long tail that has a bone structure at the end of it that Zoro takes one short look at and knows, painfully aware of the implications for his neural bridge - he'll have to go in deep this time - that one hit will smash through Torao's armor like a wrecking ball through a massive wall of reinforced concrete. It will take the entire Weidmann down and damage it beyond repair.

There are two other Weidmanns running point, "got your six, Zoro" crackles Ace's voice through the comms. Boa Hancock is arguably the prettiest out of all the Weidmann, and Ace is definitely the prettiest pilot. And the fucker knows it. But Ace also knows his stuff and is one of most well known pilots. Most drops, but not the most kills. Ace is happy to run point and let others take the kill. Boa Hancock isn't strong, it heavily relies on others and teamwork isn't quite Zoro's strength. Especially not in the Weidmann. But then again, few people are good at teamwork when their attack and defense is directly tied to a 70-meter monstrosity of titanium with a serrated running blade and coated in 4000 Volts of electricity. The other Weidmann is Sir Crocodile, among the heaviest defense humanity has, and the pilot is the most cryptic bitch ever.

In her presence Zoro always gets a distinct feeling like he's the butt of a joke that only she understands. Nico Robin the strangest out of the bunch. Except she really isn't. They're all weird in the Tokyo Shatterdome.

But then again you have to be somewhat messed up in the head to even be considered for pilot training.

He takes a deep breath before sinking into the neural bridge. Torao's consciousness envelopes him like warm, summer air, smelling softly like heat and sweat and sleepiness in the shade of a tree. He's in deeper than he was with the last two Kaiju, deeper than the WDC says is green, but not where he used to go. Torao and him, they used to synch. Zoro would leave the dock being submerged at the green levels and slowly slip in deeper once the control and directing electrodes were off.

He'd be pulled from Torao the instant he crossed over the yellow into the orange line, and where he goes is deep, dark red.

Rumor has it that once you're past yellow, you start becoming part of the Weidmann. The general public is fed a pretty tale of too much neurological input and synaptic overload but the ugly truth is - you're waking the beast. You're lending your tiny, insignificant brain for them to regain their consciousness and that fries you. Only Torao has never truly been gone. It's the one Weidmann they couldn't really tame and eventually it burned through all its pilots.

Zoro sees the charts stabilizing, the brainwaves lining up sort of on top of each other, enough that he'll be able to move Torao without getting consumed. Or overpowered, torn out and crushed. He relays his data to command and gets the go. Transfer out to the ocean is oddly silent. Torao is unusually still and Zoro doesn't like it. Something is off.

They land, knees slightly bent and hands at the hilt of Kikoku, and then they wait. The Kaiju is moving towards Tokyo, but it's taking its time. While its predecessors have always taken the most direct approach, this one circles around, tests their patience. Tense silence rules between the three monsters humanity tamed to defeat their unknown enemy, with only crackling updates on how far away the monster lurks. Little crackles of static in the silence. Zoro could probably hear a pin drop if he were to unlock his helmet. Even the ocean is deceptively calm.

Zoro thinks he can see movement at the horizon, thinks he can feel a tingle of excitement, adrenaline, rushing through his veins, but he's too deep in the Weidmann to still feel his body like that. Zoro frowns. Now is not the time.

The Kaiju rears out of the water like a monster straight out of old Japanese Kaiju-movies. It's ugly, with thick leathery skin and glowing green eyes, a maw full of crooked teeth, and the leathery skin flaps attached to its arms make a good imitation of wings. He draws Kikoku and readies himself, only to be hopelessly overpowered by the monstrous creature. He forgets about the tail, sees it a moment too late and can only narrowly avoid being hit by the bone club at the end of it. The long appendage hits the Weidmann around the middle and topples him over into the ocean. Alarmed red lights blink in his peripheral vision, damage assessment is still running when the Kaiju descends on the downed Weidmann again. Zoro can hear himself growl - something isn't right he shouldn't be able to hear himself - and yanks up his arm to protect the face.

A new alarm starts blaring when the neural bridge starts to disconnect. Zoro curses up a storm and tries to disengage the neural input dampening systems that are supposed to keep the pilot from experiencing the damage. The pain of being torn apart. The Kaiju shrieks over the still body, the sound shattering through the Weidmann's massive body armor and the command pod and Zoro hears a massive growl in return. And then Torao moves. Zoro isn't in deep enough to be initiating the movement, so this is all the consciousness he's been hijacking for the last two years. Zoro slams his hands against the emergency eject panel, the weapons panels, anything really, that he can reach without disengaging the pilot safety straps. A whole lot of nothing.

He growls. It's not that he's afraid to die, because he dropped that particular piece of humanity the first time he stepped foot in a drop sim, and thoroughly erased the idea of fear when he made his first kill as the backup pilot for Mihawk, it's just that Zoro really hates the idea of not being able to put up a fight.

There's a click and a whirring noise and Zoro finally feels himself sinking deeper into the neural bridge. He stops where he is comfortable, where he went before he witnessed Mihawk tearing the command pod out of his spinal canal. There's a growl rumbling in his - no, in Torao's chest - and a very sudden yank on his mind. Zoro feels like he stumbles and for a second everything is numb and dead, and then it feels like he slips into his body, only that his body is suddenly unfathomably huge and strong. He can feel the bruised organs and muscles of his - Torao's - abdomen, the tingling in the fingertips where the insulating coat doesn't quite manage to keep 4000 Volts on their side of Kikoku's blade.

Zoro hesitates for a moment and suddenly there's a voice echoing through his mind: "Zoro-ya... Didn't take you for a coward."

#ZoLaw #AU #dystopian AU #sort of pacific rim and NGE #there’s Kaiju #because I’m too tired to make up any other names #also Kaiju literally means big unknown monster or something so sue me #I could have named them Godzilla just be happy I didn't do that #fanfiction #will update as i go #can’t promise this’ll ever be anything close to an actual story #I just had some pretty ideas and couldn’t sleep so here we are #YOU GUYS PLEEEEAAAASE ADD ANY EDITS OK?!#I’m hyperfocusing on this rn so really #you’d be doing yourselves (and me let’s not kid anyone) a huuuge favor

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thewildomega · 4 years

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Star in the Sand Ch. 2

Sitting at the table with your second cup of tea in your hand you watched as he flipped through another one of the manga, this time one of Impale down.

"Straw-hat is the main character of these books?" he asked and heard her hum. Rolling his eyes he looked over the scene where they made their escape. "How far back does his story go?"

"Well it starts off with him in a barrel on Alvida's ship. He had just started out and didn't even have any crew members yet."

"Alvida? How did he get in a barrel on her ship?" he asked.

"He ate all the food in it and fell asleep, he was drifting in the ocean and this cargo ship picked it up not knowing he was inside. Alvida attacked the ship, took he barrel onto her own ship and left it there. When he woke up he busted out and defeated her. He takes one of the small ships and goes to Shell Town where he picks up Zoro." you told him, lifting your cup to take another sip of your tea.

That boy was strange, nothing about it. "And how far along does this story go? How does it end?"

"It hasn't yet, where are you at? What was the last thing that happened?" you asked him.

Taking a deep breath he leaned back in the chair and looked at her. "I left after the war, I plan to head to the New world." he told her.

"Ah, so you are in the two year time skip. Okay well I am a little past that."

Narrowing his eyes he looked at her, "What do you mean two year time skip?"

"There is a time skip in the story, two years where you don't see anything that happened, everyone mostly goes their separate ways. Luffy is very distraught over Ace's death, the Straw-hate pirates aren't even together where you are now." you said with a shrug.

"But they get back together after this... time skip?" he asked and saw her nod. Humming he thought on it all before looking back into her eyes. "You said you are further into the story than where I just came from, am I still alive?" he asked.

"Yes." you answered simply.

Humming he tapped his foot. "So you also know everything that is going to happen in the near future."

"Well that's not set in stone and I am not that much further." you said with a tilt of your head.

"Everything that I have read in that book has been true to my knowledge." he stated. "So tell me what happens next." he said with a smile.

"I'm not telling you." you said with a small grin and saw his smile drop.

"Why not?" he growled.

"Because that's foreshadowing and it might throw things out of wack." you told him, finishing you tea. Standing you moved towards the sink, "Besides you're not even in the next arc." you told him, putting your cup in the sink.

Getting up he moved after her, "I am not asking, I am demanding you tell me." he said, not used to people telling him no. Seeing her turn around and look at him he saw the same calm look on her face. "You know me woman, you know what I am capable of..."

"Yes I know who you are but I am willing to bet that you haven't been able to use your powers since you got here because there is no such thing as devil fruits here." you told him with a sigh. Seeing the angry expression on his face you looked up at him and gave a small grin, "I can tell you that none of things that have happen will affect you. You have not been caught by the marines and you are not dead so let the rest be a surprise." you said with a shrug. Glancing towards the clock you saw it was well past midnight. "Look I really have to go to bed, I have to go to work tomorrow. There is a second bedroom you can stay in until we can figure out how to get you back if you would like." you told him in a calm voice.

Looking down into her ever calm eyes he again felt his temper dwindle down and let out a deep sigh. He just couldn't seem to stay angry at her, the thought of causing her harm in any way making him feel strange. Gritting his teeth he nodded and saw her give him a small grin before she turned off the kitchen light and showed him to the guest bedroom where a simple bed waited for him.

Seeing him standing in the door way you looked down, you knew it wasn't much, not high class living like he was used to but it was all you had to offer. "Goodnight Crocodile." you said in a soft voice before walking down the hall a bit to your own bedroom.

He didn't say anything as she bid him a goodnight and when he heard her door shut he didn't hear the click of the lock follow. Did this woman have no fear? Perhaps she was just stupid? Looking back towards the bedroom that would be his for the time being he stepped inside and closed the door.

.................................

Waking up he put the too tight shirt back on along with his hook before walking out of the room. Her bedroom door was closed still but he coudl hear what sounded like water dripping. Going across the hall to the bathroom he turned on the light with the switch and saw there was a folded pile of clothes on the vanity, his clothes. Quickly pulling them on he buttoned his shirt but decided to leave off the scarf for now. Brushing back his hair with his hand he glanced up at his reflection to make sure he looked decent before leaving the room. Making himself busy by looking over her books he heard her door open and glanced over as she walked into the room.

"Oh good morning, I see you saw your clothes." you said before walking past him into the kitchen. Opening the fridge you grabbed a bottle of water and closed it to see him leaning in the entryway. "There is coffee up there if you would like some, cups are in the cabinet above along with sugar, creamer is in the fridge." You told him. Grabbing your keys and purse you turned back to him when he spoke.

Watching her walk around and grab things he let his eyes glance over her body. She was wearing a pair of jeans that were tight fitting down to about her mid calf where they flared out some. A button up black shirt adorned her upper half and he noticed she had the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her long red hair was left hanging down her back in waves. She looked... nice, attractive. "How long will you be at work?" he asked.

"I don't get off until twelve tonight."

That was a long time, "Where do you work exactly?" he asked.

"I'm a bartender at the local bar in town." you told him. "You are welcome to whatever you want, there isn't much food wise, I haven't been shopping yet but I am sure you can find something."

Grunting he looked around the home, "And what exactly am I supposed to do all day?" he asked.

"I don't know, read a book, watch TV, go for a walk... plan your next country domination." you told him with a shrug.

Ignoring her sarcastic comment at the end he narrowed his eyes at her, "What is a TV?" he asked.

Walking towards the living room you grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. Seeing his shocked and confused expression you held back your grin. "You can flip through different channels with these buttons and these control the volume. This one is to turn it on and off. There are like 300 channels so I am sure you can find something to watch." You told him, pointing to the buttons and flipping through a few channels until you saw something familiar and giggled, "Oh look Peter Pan is on, the writer of One piece based your character off the pirate in this movie." you told him.

Furrowing his brows he watched the moving picture, seeing a young boy dressed in green flying around. "What pirate?" he asked as she handed him the remote and moved towards the door to put on her boots.

"Captain James Hook." you told him and saw his brows drop further. "Don't look at me like that I didn't name him. I have to go, see you later, if you're not sleeping."

................................

Getting home you parked your truck and let out a heavy sigh as you opened the door and headed up the steps towards your front door. The TV was still on, you hoped he hadn't fell asleep in front of it again. He had now been here for three days and he had been doing well at keeping himself busy. He had already finished four books, one being Treasure island. For the most part he kept the house clean, there would be a few dishes but nothing more than that. Opening the front door you stepped inside and quietly took off your boots. Glancing towards the couch you saw him sitting there watching something. Looking towards the TV you rose a brow and moved over to sit on the couch, leaving a space between the both of you. Handing him the bag of food you relaxed for the first time today. "You are watching Pirates of the Caribbean?" you asked, a little amused.

"It caught my attention, they had been on for the past few hours." he said simply. Looking into the bag curiously he took out the thing wrapped up in paper.

"It's a burger and fries, I didn't know if you ate." you said, your eyes closing as your body begged for sleep.

Humming he unwrapped the thing and looked it over before taking a bite. It was good, most of the things she had brought him were to his liking but none of it compared to her actual cooking. Glancing at her out of the corner of his eye he saw her eyes were closed and her head was resting on her palm. Over the three days he had been here she had worked everyday, leaving at around 8 or so and staying gone until she got home around 12:30. Every morning there was some sort of breakfast waiting for him meaning she woke much earlier that eight. Three days straight of working sixteen hours or more, no wonder the woman was exhausted. Not once had she complained though, he hadn't heard a single bad word out of her the whole time he had been here. "Do you work tomorrow?" he asked, seeing her eyes snap open before they hung heavily over her eyes.

Sitting up you rubbed your eyes and nodded. "Yes, I don't have to be in until two though. If you would like we can go into town and see about finding you some new clothes before I have to go to work." you told him, forcing yourself to stand on sore feet. Going to the cabinet you pulled out the bottle of pain medicine and dumped two into your palm, hoping to kill your headache before it became a migraine.

She would buy him clothes? So far he had been trying to deal with the ones he had been wearing and then the too small ones when he had to. Watching her moved about the dark kitchen he raised his chin. "If it isn't too much of a problem."

Shaking your head you sighed. "No you need more than one set of clothes. They won't be as high fashion as you are used to but I'll do the best I can." you told him. Realizing how that probably sounded you bit the inside of your lip and looked down. "I'm sorry. I.. I'm going to head to bed. Good night Crocodile."

Furrowing his brows he watched her walk from the room and heard the soft shutting of her bedroom door. Had she apologized to him because she couldn't afford nice clothes? Humming he looked around her home again, it was fairly bare and simple. Other than books he hadn't seen any personal touches, there wasn't even any pictures of her family on the walls. Finishing the food she had bought him he stood and tossed the paper bag in the trash before turning off the TV and heading to the room to call it a night.

......................................

Waking up the next morning you looked to the clock and saw it was almost ten, shit. Quickly getting out of bed you pulled on some clothes and brushed your hair and teeth. Walking out into the kitchen you saw Crocodile sitting at the table drinking his coffee, a book in his hand. "I'm sorry, I overslept." you told him but heard him reply in his normal deep voice.

"Do not apologize, you need rest." he assured her.

Sighing you slowed down some and moved to make yourself some coffee. Grabbing the pot you looked back to his own cup. "Would you like a refill?" you asked.

Giving her a small nod he watched as she came over to refill his cup for him before moving to put it back and add creamer to her coffee. Looking her over he blinked slowly, "Your mother and father must be proud to have a daughter as well mannered as you." he said, meaning to pay her a compliment but when her brows lowered and her lip moved back between her teeth he knew he had said something wrong.

Releasing your lip you took a deep breath and stared at your cup as you steered the brown liquid inside. "Actually I.. I was an orphan." you told him, keeping your eyes down. Tapping the spoon on the rim you gave a small grin, "But thank you all the same." you told him. "I treat people how I would like to be treated." you said softly. Taking a deep breath you turned towards him, leaning against the counter and holding the hot cup in your hands. "What are you reading?" you asked, glancing down to the book now resting on the table as he lifted the cup.

So that was why there were no pictures, lifting his cup to his lips he took a sip before looking to her when she asked him about the book. "Dracula." he said with a sigh. "I haven't gotten too far yet."

"It's a good book, a classic. There are like a hundred movies based on it." you told him. Seeing him raise a brow you grinned. "If you like it and you want to, we can watch the best one, well in my opinion."

Grinning he nodded, "Very well."

After the both of you finished your coffee and a small breakfast you cooked you walked him out to your truck seeing him look at the thing with one brow raised. "I've told you all about it, it isn't going to bite you." you said with a small grin. Seeing him give you a small glare you rolled your eyes. He was already annoyed when you told him he couldn't wear his hook into the stores in town, explaining that no one wore things like that here. After a stare down he finally removed the heavy thing and pulled his sleeve down over his scared wrist. Opening the passenger for him you waved you hand towards the inside, "Age before beauty." you said with a teasing grin.

Huffing he moved inside the 'Truck'. "I'll have you know if you were anyone else you would be dead by now." he threatened but it only made her let out a small giggle. The sound making something flutter in his chest for a moment before he quickly looked away from her.

Shutting the door for him you rounded the truck to get in the driver's side. Buckling your seat belt you looked to him and raised a brow. The ever stubborn man let out a deep sigh as he reached behind him to grab the belt and mimic your movements. As soon as it snapped into place you started the vehicle and started driving to town.

He mostly just glanced out the window as the moved, there were lots of trees and he could see a few mountains in the distance. Seeing a large body of water he lifted his chin, "Is that the sea?" he asked.

"No, that's the Missouri river, the ocean is probably about a good 2 days drive from here." you told him.

Humming he looked at her, "Have you ever been to it, the sea?" he asked.

"Not since before I could remember." you told him, pulling down the road going into town.

"If you can't remember then how do you know you were there at all?" he asked when her words made no sense.

"Well I was told that I was found in a basket that had washed up on shore when I was only a couple months old." you told him.

Frowning he looked to her, "All by yourself?"

"Yep. The lady at the orphanage said that some fisherman found me when they heard me crying. Said there wan't any one else around or anything in the basket with me but a wool blanket and a locket."

"Was anything in the locket? What did it look like?" he was honestly curious about the whole ordeal, it was like something out of a storybook.

Reaching into your shirt you pulled the gold locket over your head and held it out for him. It was funny you had never let anyone touch your most prized possession before but you... trusted him. Probably stupid since he was a pirate and all.

Taking the golden locket into his hand he looked it over, seeing a wave looking design carved into the top that had been almost rubbed almost smooth, age most likely. Seeing a small button on the side he pressed it with his thumb and saw it flip open. Looking on the inside he saw a badly faded and water stained black and white picture of a man and woman, a small babe int he woman's arms that he assumed was her. On the other side was what looked sort of like a log post. "These are called compasses here correct?" he asked.

"Yes but that one is broken." you told him.

Reading the engraving around the edge he turned it in his hand, 'Your heart will be your guide.' Humming he closed it and handed it back to her as she stopped the truck and tuned it off.

"Thank you." you told him putting it back around your neck and tucking it into your shirt. "Okay so this is the only place that is probably going to have your size." you said as you opened the door and got out of the vehicle, tossing your purse on your shoulder and tossing your keys inside. Walking to the front you saw Crocodile come to stand by you, his eyes looking around at the small shopping center. "Ready?" you asked and heard him hum.

Sitting in one of the chairs by the fitting rooms you played a game of chess on your phone while Crocodile tried on the clothing he had picked out. Hearing the door open you glanced up at him and saw some of the clothes hanging over his left arm. "Find some you like?" you asked.

"Yes, this should been enough." he said in a deep voice. He had picked out three pair of pants and three shirts, one being a shirt that he saw her looking at. It was a dark blue button up shirt with long sleeves and made of a cotton material, surprisingly it was very comfortable and he liked it was easy to button. He had also go a single pair of lounge pants that he could wear at nighttime.

"Okay. Well bring them over to the counter." you said as you stood and walked with him towards the counter.

Watching the woman at the front counter fold and place the items in a bag.

"Your total is $127.53." the woman said.

Feeling his brow twitch a little at the price he next saw as y/n took out a card of sorts and swiped it through this machine. When the woman behind the counter handed her a piece of paper and told them to have a good day he quickly grabbed the bag before y/n could. It was bad enough she was buying him clothes he wouldn't make her carry his bags as well. Seeing her grin softly up at him he bowed his head some and walked out of the store with her.

Unlocking the truck you looked to him, "Are you hungry?" you asked him, seeing as it was lunch time. When he nodded his head a little you grinned at him and tilted your head.

Shutting the door to the truck he followed her to another place a few ways down from the clothing store. When she opened the door and held it open for him he felt his brow twitch again. He had always been a traditional person and the way he saw it a man should be the one doing things like this for a woman, not the other way around. He knew she wasn't doing it because she thought he was handicap, well she better not be, no he had come to notice she was just a kind person. An extremely kind person. Had this been the other way around and she had showed up needing help he would have no doubt laughed in her face and kicked her to the street. For some odd reason though she had saw fit to help him and had yet to ask for anything in return. He had been waiting for it over the past few days but nothing came. Sitting at a booth in the far corner he saw as a young man came over and handed them menus.

"Hey there y/n."

"Hello Lance, how are you doing today?" you asked with a kind smile.

"Doing good, hope you are too. See you brought company today. What can I get you to drink sir"?" he asked.

She must come here often. "Water will be fine." he said and saw the boy nod.

"Okay be right back."

Furrowing his brows he looked to the woman in front of him. "He didn't ask what you wanted to drink."

Grinning you looked at him, "That's because I get the same thing every time I come." you told him simply.

"And what would that be?" he asked as he lifted the menu to look it over.

"Freshly squeezed lemonade." you smiled.

Humming he saw the boy set both glasses down on the table and heard him say he would be back to take their order in a few minutes. "So any suggestions?" he said with a sigh.

"Well I like all the food but the Ruben but that's because I don't care for rye bread." you said with a shrug.

"What is a hot dog?" he asked.

"Do you want the honest answer or the more appealing one?" you asked and saw his brow raise. "Pretty much all the parts on a pig that people wouldn't normally eat ground together and made into a long stick like thing that is slapped on a bun with some mustard and ketchup."

Knitting his brows he closed his mouth and took a deep breath before dropping the menu and reaching for his drink. "I'll go with the fish." he said and heard her giggle again. Once his food was set before him he looked down at it and hummed, it smelled good at least. Looking up he saw her just sitting there sipping at her lemonade, "Where is your food?" he asked.

Snapping your eyes up to him you shook your head, "I don't eat lunch." you told him.

Frowning he glanced down at his food before looking back up to her, "Then why did you bring us here?"

"You said you were hungry." you shrugged.

"If I would have known you weren't going to get anything I would have just waited until we got back to your home." he growled, not liking the fact that she was again doing something for him.

"It's fine Crocodile, I am fine with my lemonade, you eat." you told him.

Taking a deep breath he glared at her. She was back to looking down at her phone, completely missing the hard look he was giving her. Gritting his teeth he let out a deep sigh, why couldn't he stay angry at her? Lifting his fork he placed a piece of fish in his mouth, the food now tasting bland in his mouth knowing he was the only one eating. "What are you doing?" he asked.

Looking back up at him you tilted your head some, "Playing chess, it's a strategy game." you said.

"Go on..." he said, wanting something to talk about.

After telling him about the game you saw him nod.

"Is it a game you can only play on that thing?" he asked.

"No, there is a physical version, I don't have a set at home though." you told him. Thinking you bot your lip, "I think there s one at the bar though, if I can find it I'll bring it home and we can play... if you want to that is." you said, looking down when you realized how desperate you probably sounded.

"It sounds like a challenge, I like them." he nodded. Finishing his food he took a sip of his drink, "I would like to go to this bar you work at, it is growing bore some at your home." he said.

Shocked you looked back to him and nodded, "If you want to go that's fine but I won't be able to take you back home, you'll have to stay there until I get off and that won't be until 12 tonight. Also it's kind of a rough place." you warned.

"I have spent plenty of nights in shady bars before, I think I will manage."

"Okay if you are sure." you said. Standing you tossed down a few bills on the table, leaving Lance a tip as well.

Standing he slid out of the booth and walked with her to the door but this time he stepped forward to open the door for her. That fluttering in his chest returning when she smiled at him and gave him a small thank you.

#sir crocodile #Sir Crocodile x reader #one piece #one piece fanfiction #Soulmate AU

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anniedeodair · 4 years

Text

Video calls in quarentine

Plot: The worst thing about not being able to leave the house was boredom and not seeing his friends or Law. Luckily there are video calls and until the quarantine ends, Luffy would talk to them through the camera.

From: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23424109

Video calls in quarentine

Luffy opened the bowl of ramen as he sat at the desk in front of the computer. Ace hadn't felt like cooking that night and ordered delivery at Sanji’s restaurant, which was one of the few things that was still working. Also, they didn't have much food in the house anymore. The next day Sabo would go out with the car to buy food at the market that could last them for the whole next week.

His room was a mess. Ace forced him to clean every day, but he just swept up and let Sabo disinfect. His clothes and things were thrown everywhere, but he didn't care much. He crossed his legs over the chair and looked at the computer anxiously. He wanted it to be time for everyone to get online. He was terribly bored and fed up with being locked in his house without being able to leave, and talking to them was one of the few fun things he could still do. That if the internet didn't collapse with everyone using it at the same time.

"Luffy, are you eating already?" Ace asked, peering into his room.

"Yes, I just grabbed the ramen," he replied, turning his face to see him. He brought a mouthful of noodles to his mouth. "I added the meat you had made today at noon to make it better"

Ace laughed because he knew of his little brother's quirky taste for meat.

"We’re going to talk to Marco, Thatch, Koala and Hack by video call in the living room," he informed him, saying goodbye.

"Okay, I'm going to talk to the guys, too."

The ringing of the video call application turned his attention to the computer and he saw that Franky had started the chat. He accepted the invitation and eight boxes appeared on his screen. The faces of his friends appeared one by one.

"Hello guys!" Luffy yelled happily. He waved his hand effusively to greet them.

"Luffy!" Chopper appeared in one of the upper boxes and Luffy watched him. "How's everybody?"

"Eating," he laughed, showing him his bowl of ramen.

"Ace didn't cook today?" Sanji interjected, under Chopper.

"We don't have much food left, tomorrow Sabo is going to buy. I hope he brings a lot of meat"

"He doesn’t need to go outside, Luffy," said Nami, next to Chopper. "He can buy online and have it delivered to the house"

"I didn't know that," Chopper replied in amazement. "However here at home they go out every day, so they buy outside"

"Do your parents have a lot of work, Chopper?" Robin asked, sitting next to Franky in their living room. Their camera appeared below Sanji.

"Yes, they are both in the emergency department at the hospital, so they attended many suspicious cases that ended up negative, and several that were confirmed"

Chopper's parents were a pair of doctors, Kureha and Hiluluk. Chopper was a student, but he still didn't work or practice in hospitals, so he had to stay home during quarantine.

"What about you?" Nami asked Franky and Robin. "Classes were suspended, do you have to go to college, Robin?"

"I went the first week just because the teachers had to go, but since the mandatory quarantine was decreted we also stayed at home. And Franky opens the workshop less hours"

Franky's workshop was installed next to their house and he didn't have to go out to work. In addition, hardware stores and workshops were exempt from quarantine because citizens may need home repairs.

"At least there are some things to do," Franky said." Otherwise it would be suuuper boring"

Luffy laughed as he shoved a large bite of noodles and meat into his mouth. Knowing that he wasn't the only one who was bored to death during those days made him feel very accompanied.

"What about you, Sanji?" Robin asked. "The other day I passed near the restaurant when I was returning from shopping and I saw it closed, how are you doing?"

Sanji was sitting in a chair by the open window of his room, smoking. He looked at the computer, which appeared to be leaning against his bed since the camera focused him from beneath.

"Zeff decided to close the shop to eat there, but the delivery is still open" he answered taking a drag on the cigarette.

"Today we ordered the ramen there, it’s delicious!" Luffy added, his eyes bright with excitement.

"I didn't work today, who brought you the food?"

"Paty came, it looked like they had a lot of work," Luffy replied.

"With the quarantine, people in the neighborhood are asking for more food there whenever they don't want to cook. We are cooking a lot even though we closed the restaurant"

The box next to Sanji was black and suddenly Zoro appeared.

"Finally!" Usopp shouted when he saw him appear. "Why did you take so long? Don't tell me you got lost ..."

Everyone laughed at the absurd joke and Zoro shouted some things at him that no one heard. The video call was more chaotic than their meetings, although they were naturally messy already.

"I was sleeping," he said to apologize.

"How strange of you, sleeping," Sanji murmured to annoy him.

"What are you saying, perverted cook ?!" He yelled annoyed.

"Brook didn't show up yet, either," Chopper added. His box, next to Robin’s and Franky's, underneath it all, was still black.

"I'm sure he's sleeping, surely he's going to show up anytime soon," Robin replied, smiling.

"Hey, Zoro!" Luffy called out to him. "How’s everything over there? Did you close the dojo?"

Zoro's father, Mihawk, was a well-known martial artist from the area and had a kendo dojo in which Zoro gave some classes and trained. They lived in the house behind the dojo, in an area far from the city, surrounded by some valleys.

Zoro said he used to get lost when everyone got together because he lived further away than the others. Sanji believed it was because he had a lousy sense of direction. And that always led to absurd and fun fights.

"It's closed, but we train every day," Zoro commented, settling into bed with the computer on his legs. "Although it's boring not being able to get out of here"

"I get you," Luffy gasped with a weary expression. "I'm sick of being locked up at home! I go out to the yard and I have nothing to do. Sabo won't even let me go do the groceries!

"He knows you're going to run away if you go out," Usopp said, and Nami nodded.

"It's just for a few days Luffy, we don't want you to get sick!" She exclaimed to reaffirm the point.

"I know, but it's sooo boring!" Luffy dropped his head on the desk table and his friends laughed, understanding his sentiment, because they were all mortally bored from being locked up. "If the virus doesn't kill me, boredom will"

"I go out to the yard every day to practice my marksmanship, at least I have my equipment at home," Usopp said. "I brought it from the club before quarantine"

He practiced shooting and arrow and various other aiming sports, but he was lucky because in Usopp's house there was a big yard where he could spend the day if he was tired of being indoors.

"At home we don't know what else to do," Nami said, rolling her eyes. "Being locked up in an apartment is much worse. Yesterday we walked the dog with Nojiko and took a few more laps"

"See! I'm not the only one!" Luffy yelled at the screen.

"Nami, don't do that please!" Chopper interjected. "It is better to take him out to pee and nothing else, even if you want to walk a little. It is dangerous to expose yourself"

"I know, I'm sorry… today we purchased some clothes online! They will send them home, so at least that was fun.

Underneath them all, Brook's black box formed into an image. The man was lying on the couch at home drinking tea and the computer seemed to be on his legs.

"Hello Brook!" Usopp greeted him, waving his hand effusively.

Brook saluted even though he wasn't looking at the camera.

"On the top of the notebook, Brook!" He indicated, laughing. Usopp gave him some classes to use the computer a few years ago and now he knew much better how it worked but he had never made video calls with it yet.

"Oh, there you are," said the older man, and he started laughing when he saw them all. "How are you guys?"

"Hello, Brook," Robin said with her kind smile. "We are fine, you?"

"Suuuuper bored over here," Franky added.

"I am grand," Brook replied, drinking his tea. "I am an average retiree, this was already my lifestyle"

Everyone laughed at his joke and Luffy saw behind Brook his guitar.

"Have you been practicing with the guitar?" He asked excitedly.

"Today I wanted to play something for you guys, if you let me."

"Yes!" Luffy yelled excitedly.

Brook was the older of the group, and therefore the most vulnerable to the disease, so he was confined to his home. Usopp lived close enough and did the groceries for him. He couldn't stay long, so he left the food at the door, greeted each other and left.

"By the way, thank you for today’s groceries, Usopp-san," he said with a smile and picked up his guitar.

The man might be old, but he was rocking like no other. In his youth he had been part of a band that became fairly well known. Franky had been a huge fan in his teens and had the entire Roringustonzu discography. Sabo also liked them so Luffy knew some songs, but Brook had done others that no one else knew.

He played the song everyone liked best, Bink’s Sake, an ode to the adventures they had created after a movie night at Franky’s and Robin's. They had seen Pirates of the Caribbean and fantasized about being pirates until the wee hours. Their version ended up being much better than the movie.

Everyone applauded when he finished playing. They had sung in chorus, which with the delay came late to all the computers and made a mess of sound that made the moment even more delirious and fun. Brook bowed and laughed with them.

"Hey, Brook!" Sanji called out as he smoked. "How’s Laboom?"

Brook got up from his seat and took the computer to the fish tank in a corner of the house, where the little goldfish he had had for years danced to the tune he had just finished.

"Here he is, his food comes by online delivery, so he is kept fed," he replied.

Luffy greeted Laboom as if the fish could hear or recognize him, but everyone else did too.

"What about your dog, Luffy?" Chopper asked, poking his nose very close to the screen.

"Get a little further from the computer, Chopper," Zoro warned him. The boy pushed away the computer.

"Sorry, my books had fallen and I was arranging them."

Luffy lifted his pet off the ground and brought it closer to the screen.

"Say hello, Shushu." The dog barked at the camera and everyone interpreted it as a greeting. "I think he is the only one who has a good time because nobody leaves the house"

"Same thing happens to me," Nami said with a smile.

The noise of a door was heard but they could not identify which camera it came from, until Perona appeared in Zoro's camera, behind everything, peeking out of the frame of the room.

"Food’s ready!" She yelled in her bossy tone. Sanji straightened up and began to greet her effusively.

"Hello, Perona-chan!" He shouted with bright eyes and Zoro glanced at him with a murderous face. "Do you want me to send you free food from the restaurant?"

Nami covered her face with shame. Luckily Sanji had understood, at least, that he couldn't flirt with her and Robin, because they were his friends, but that didn't stop him from going after Zoro's sister.

"That would be great!" Perona cried contentedly in her high-pitched voice, and Zoro shoved her out of her room.

"I'll go, now get out," he snapped annoyed.

Luffy laughed because the antics of his two friends always made him laugh. In the corner of his computer, a WhatsApp Web sign popped out. It was a message from Law.

[3/28 8:46 p. m.] Torao: Hello Luffy-ya

are you free?

"Torao wrote to me!" Luffy shouted happily with the cell phone in his hand and showed them to his friends.

"Send him greetings!" Nami shouted.

"Tell him to call me later," Chopper added. "I have a bunch of things to ask him"

Law was Chopper's tutor at the university, but when classes were suspended, so were face-to-face meetings with tutors and study sessions in the library. Everything had turned towards virtual meetings. However, in a complicated pandemic situation like this, and Law as a doctor, he had a lot of work in the hospital and could not pay as much attention to his little student.

"Okay, I think he wants to make a video call with me."

"Don't let things get too heated, Luffy!" Nami raised her eyebrows and started laughing out loud. Robin covered her mouth, giggling.

"Be careful, you live with your brothers!" Franky said very seriously.

Luffy felt his face going red because of his friends’ teasing, but he looked at the cell phone hoping that Law would write to him again. He had told him that he was there and that if he wanted to talk, his computer was on.

Instead of an answer, a video call notification came through.

"He’s calling me!" He announced happily. "Okay, guys, we’ll chat later, okay?"

His friends greeted him and said goodbye to him. Luffy closed that session and opened Law's video call. The screen showed the doctor in a huge box. He was in his apartment, surely he had just returned from work, although due to his clothes, he had already changed.

"Torao!" Luffy yelled happily. They hadn't seen each other in person in weeks. Law worked a lot in the hospital and even before the quarantine began he didn't want Luffy to see him in case he could infect him.

"How are you Luffy-ya?" He asked with a smile. That kind of sideways, very soft smile that Law only gave when he was relaxed and calm.

"Fine, bored, but I just talked to the guys and it was fun seeing them," he replied with a smile. "How about you? Have you just arrived from work?"

"Yes, I showered and left the clothes on the balcony with disinfectant. Today was a long day at the hospital."

"Why? Many new cases?" He asked curiously. "I hope you are taking care of yourself!"

Law laughed and the sound of his deep voice was refreshing. There were days when he was so stuffed with work that they couldn't even call each other. Luffy missed him very much.

“We confirmed five cases at North Blue"

Luffy saw him move around the house, it seemed that he had called him from his cell phone. Law sat at the kitchen counter and began to drink coffee.

"Shachi took care of two and I saw only one," he continued informing him. All of Law's friends were from the hospital, so he got to see them often.

Luffy envied that, at least a little.

"The ones we took care of are young and have no previous illnesses, so they will be fine. I investigated the other two cases and they are more complicated, but my prognosis is not bad. They were taken to Dressrosa’s hospital, which was built for patients with the virus specifically."

Luffy liked to hear Law speak, even though he didn't understand half the things he was saying. He knew that Law was a fairly prestigious doctor and that he was running for the position of North Blue’s director . Luffy wasn't sure if he wanted Law to have such an important position, because it would mean even less time than what he already had, but it would also get him out of that front line in which he was so exposed to the virus at the moment.

But he knew that, in the end, Law would do whatever he wanted and considered best. Luffy would do the same in his position.

"Do you wear the facial mask and the gloves?"

"We always wear them, Luffy-ya."

He laughed at his answer, because it was true. However, he was surprised to see his face so red around the eyes and with some injuries and irritated areas.

"Why are you so hurt?" He asked with a frown. He focused his eyes better.

Law touched his face and looked into his camera.

"Because of the use of the equipment," he replied, massaging his face. "The masks are tight and cover the entire face. In addition we have the face masks and the whole suit. Using them so much irritates the skin"

Luffy clicked his tongue, because he didn't like seeing him hurt, but he understood that it was needed to take care of himself too.

"Does it hurt much?"

Law shook his head and took a sip of his coffee.

"No, it just burns a little. I'll put on some moisturizer later. Don't worry, it's nothing"

He had seen Law many times when he was working, before the pandemic. Luffy liked to pick him up at the hospital and go eat somewhere. Sometimes he passed Law's friends and greeted each other. Luffy liked them very much.

He missed that.

"Don't be sad," he heard him say. He raised his head to see the screen. Law was really good at reading him, mainly because he knew him very well. Just as Luffy had managed to break him apart and know all of his reactions. "I am not the most optimistic of all, you know that, but I am confident that we will get out of this situation. The isolation is temporary, remember it"

Luffy complained as always, jaded just like a whimsical child.

"I'm very tired of being home", he groaned. " I wanna see my friends, go play soccer, see you. It's not fair"

Law looked at him with a warmer smile. It wasn't a common sight, but Luffy liked when he got to see it, though it usually meant that he was sad and Law did it to cheer him up.

"No, it isn't," he agreed. "It isn't, especially, for those who get sick or for those who cannot see their loved ones who are sick"

Law always helped him get everything in perspective. If he thought it that way, Law was right. He didn't know what he would do if any of his friends, brothers or Law became ill.

"I know, you're right, but Sabo won't even let me go get the groceries!" He protested.

"He knows you would go too far if he let you out," he replied, laughing.

"Why can't I stay with you during the quarantine?" He said with a whimsical pout.

"Because I work and I already put myself at risk, I don't want to risk you too."

He knew it. It made sense. But it was difficult to stay still locked up in his house when his nature was so free and adventurous.

"I miss you too, Luffy-ya," he said quietly, looking directly at him on camera. "I don't work early tomorrow so we can talk till late. Want to see a movie?"

He felt like a child when Law spoke to him like that, but he also liked him thinking of things to do with him.

"Okay, we can use Netflix Party," Luffy added. "It’s the extension that I told you about the other day, to watch Netflix at the same time. We used it with the guys the other day to watch the last movie of Pirates of the Caribbean."

"Okay, I’ll install it, what do you want to watch?""

"Not Grey's Anatomy, please," Luffy asked, rolling his eyes. "I don’t understand anything..."

"Okay, not series. A movie? An anime?"

Luffy went through the Netflix catalog looking at what they could see. Action movies, some interesting series, and anime.

"Zoro recommended Kingdom, the South Korean series. Usopp is watching Dr. Stone, maybe you like that, he's a scientist like you, Torao!"

Law laughed from the other side of the camera and put on the headphones to hear Luffy better.

"We can also see Kimetsu no Yaiba…"

"Shachi told me it's not that good," Law said.

Luffy looked back at the camera and saw his boyfriend on the couch with headphones and a blanket. He really wanted to be there, in that same tiny space. Cuddling.

"Kingdom sounds fine to me, but it's a series, doesn't bother you?" " Law asked.

Luffy wasn’t a series lover because he didn't have much perseverance to watch them. If he got bored in a chapter, he generally didn't watch more or forgot to follow it. But Zoro told him that ‘Kingdom’ had a lot of action and that he would surely like it.

"We’ll give it a try and see if we like it."

"Okay," Law replied. "I already have the extension, so we can see it whenever you want."

Luffy looked in his closet for a snack bag that he kept there for these moments and moved to bed with the computer.

"You look good like that, Torao," he praised him with an insinuating smile and Law felt a little nervous.

He wasn't used to Luffy's advances on him, no matter how much he always did it. He coughed and settled into the couch.

"If you go stray, we're not going to watch the series ..." he warned when his voice returned.

Luffy laughed as if he had made a prank. He opened the app and the series to play at the same time and put on the headphones.

"What's wrong with it?" He asked innocently. "You said we could stay up late."

Law put play before Luffy made him feel more embarrassed and started the series.

That night they went to bed at three in the morning. It was customary for Luffy to fall asleep late and more in quarantine when he had nothing to do. He made Law promise that they would speak the next day when he returned. Now that he couldn't see him, like his friends, he wanted to make a video call even more often with him.

When the pandemic passes, Luffy will take care of filling his schedule visiting all his friends, playing soccer and sleeping a lot with Torao on his couch; where they were tight and uncomfortable, but very close. So that it never occurs to any fucking virus to want to separate them.

#LawLu #mugiwara no luffy #trafalgar law #lawxluffy #one piece #nakamaship #nakam #quarentine

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chizyk · 5 years

Text

Death is only the beginning

MarcoAce Week 2019, promt “Monsters”;

@marcoaceweek AO3 “ “Ankhreshet?” he whipped his head round at the sound of a raspy voice so fast he almost got whiplash. He could feel his body going completely cold as he saw the mummy’s empty eye sockets staring right at him. ”

Heavily inspired by the movies “The Mummy” (1999) and “The Mummy Returns” (2001).

Mummy AU, Modern AU; Rating: T (just in case); Italics = speach in ancient Egyptian.

A bit late for this promt, but better late than never xD. Enjoy <3

“’It's just a book. No harm ever came from reading a book,’ he said.” Ace kept ranting under his breath, mocking his brother, Sabo, as he ran through the corridors of the ancient Egyptian city that had been believed to be lost for several millennia. The situation that they had gotten themselves into was out of this world, even by their standards. If he were to tell it to anyone, they would, no doubt, think he was insane. It’s something you’d expect to see on TV or read in a book – in the fantasy section, mind you. He still hoped that this was just a dream, or maybe he actually went insane and they hadn’t brought a cursed mummy back to life!

“For fucks sake!” he cursed as he rounded the corner of the long passageway, only to find yet another dead end. The place was like a maze, hieroglyphs doing very little in giving him directions at all.

He remembered reading about Hamunaptra in his ancient Egypt classes at his university, and how the modern historians and Egyptologists regarded it as nothing more than a myth. But when Luffy returned from one of his crazy trips with his friends and actually brought back an artifact that contained a map of the location of the city, it lit a fire in Ace, one bigger than ever before. He had an intense feeling that he simply must go and see it with his very own eyes.

He loved ancient Egypt, had done ever since he was a child; but it wasn’t just a random fascination, there was something else, something that he didn’t share with a lot of people.

He’d had dreams that he couldn’t explain ever since he was as young as four. Dreams so vivid and real, that at that age he could not separate the dreams from reality. And he had known it wasn’t just childish imagination, but no one could explain it. As Ace grew older he started to have visions, just like his dreams, only while he was awake. They got him into plenty of awkward situations, but that had been when he finally knew there was a lot more to it. They weren’t just random dreams he was having, or some crazy paranoia or delusion. He wasn’t crazy. These dreams and visions had continuation – the same place, same people. It was like a puzzle, piecing everything together piece by piece. He had vivid visions of two men, both tall and strong. One of them was older and looked like a pharaoh, judging by his attire and authority that he displayed. The other was also of high importance but of lesser stature; Ace believed he was either the pharaoh’s adviser or a high priest.

As for himself… he had thought he was a servant, but as he grew older and went into puberty, some of his visions started to get some sexual undertones and later became downright explicit, involving both the pharaoh and the high priest. He never knew their names – they rarely talked in his dreams – and he was able to understand parts of it only when he started to study and learn ancient Egyptian.

From what he could tell and puzzle together, both his dreams and information found in his research and studies of their societal norms and customs from back in the day, he was most likely a concubine of the pharaoh, but was having an affair with the high priest. The forbidden love scenario.

He tried to find historical records of the people he saw and managed to trace only the pharaoh – Akhenaten. He wasn’t the most popular ruler – as a matter of fact, finding information on him was almost impossible and what information he did manage to get on him was very limited and brief. All Ace could find out was that he ruled for approximately 20 years, but wasn’t loved very much by his people.

He believed his visions and dreams were memories. Memories of his past life. He read many articles about reincarnation and perhaps he would’ve been skeptical in other circumstances, but he couldn’t ignore everything that had happened to him. The possibility of ever being able to find more clues on what he saw in his dreams and what it meant was what drove Ace to go into studying ancient Egypt in the first place.

When they received full funding for the expedition to find the city he was beyond excited. He felt like he was about to discover something important not just historically, but personally. For some reason he always believed that City of the Dead was not just a myth, and perhaps his past life had a connection to that place.

It was risky to go out and wander around the desert to find it, but when they did, it was far greater than whatever they imagined they would find. It was magnificent! Most of the buildings were, shockingly, still intact and in good condition. Simply extraordinary. The moment Ace set foot on the grounds he felt as if he were…home. As if he was where he was supposed to be.

But now he was regretting ever thinking that coming here was a good idea. Discovering Hamunaptra was possibly the biggest historical discovery made in recent years, but they had fucked up. They had fucked up and now everyone was fucked along with them!

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He knew something was off the moment they stepped foot in that unmarked tomb under the statue of Anubis. He tried to brush it off –he was so, so excited, after all – but when they found the sarcophagus with a mummy still decomposing in it, Ace felt the feeling return tenfold, especially after seeing all the writings and warnings across his burial place.

He knew he shouldn’t have let Sabo open the Book of the Dead, let alone read from it. He had a bad feeling about that too, yet he couldn’t place his finger on it, simply knowing that nothing good would come of it. Yet he still let them do it, let them convince him that he was being silly and superstitious. Now they were stuck here, separated from one another, in the chaos and panic that unfolded at the camp when they discovered an empty sarcophagus and dead bodies of their two colleagues who looked like they had been mummified alive. And it turned out that now they had a rogue undead mummy risen from the grave, killing everyone in sight and apparently bringing its curse upon the world.

Ace rounded another corner and cursed under his breath again as he faced another dead end. Unfortunately, though, he couldn’t stop in time and ran straight into the wall and hit his shoulder, but instead of just bouncing painfully back the wall moved on the impact sent Ace to the other side of it.

He barely managed to regain his footing rather ungracefully, almost landing on his face. Movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention, and when he turned his head towards it he wished he hadn’t done, because the sight that greeted him chilled his blood.

There, right before him, stood the newly awakened mummy, holding Alex, his colleague, by the throat and literally sucking the life out of him. He watched horrified as in mere seconds the mummy dried his colleague’s body to skin and bones, rejuvenating his own rotting bones and muscle tissues in the process. The sight was grotesque. Ace had seen many unpleasant things in his life – he and his brothers had a knack for getting themselves into trouble more often than not – however, this was something else.

Disgust and horror gripped Ace’s body as he watched his colleague being killed. He tried to move back, pushing the wall behind him, trying to make it open back up, but this time it was not having it, appearing to be a one-way entry. Just his luck to be stuck alone with a life-sucking mummy!

He looked around frantically, panicking internally and searching for an escape. His back pressed against the wall in futile attempt to make it move, even if he knew damn well it wouldn’t.

“Ankhreshet?” he whipped his head round at the sound of a raspy voice so fast he almost got whiplash. He could feel his body going completely cold as he saw the mummy’s empty eye sockets staring right at him. Ace wasn’t a feeble man in any shape or form. He knew how to fight and defend himself and could land a pretty good punch on guys who were several times bigger than him, however he wasn’t stupid and knew how to pick his battles. This was beyond him, and he had no chance.

As the creature continued to move towards him, he began to feel more and more claustrophobic. He had an urge to wail out of frustration like a wounded animal backed into a corner. He tried to move away from the creature as far as he could, sliding along the wall before he was stuck in a corner with the creature looming over him, no escape in sight. The mummy blocked his path, not that he thought he had a chance to begin with. He felt his legs going weak. He only experienced that kind of fear only one time before in his life. After the fire broke out in their house, Sabo had got badly burned and needed surgery on one side of his body. He almost died that day and the thought of losing Sabo or Luffy was unbearable for Ace. At least he hoped that they would be able to escape the city before the creature got its hands on them. Better him than them.

The mummy stopped right before him and when it reached out its bony arm towards him Ace turned away and shut his eyes, knowing what was about to happen and not wanting to witness it. He’d rather imagine the faces of his brothers before he died.

However, instead of being gripped by the throat and life being sucked out of him like he expected, he felt cold and slightly moist fingers brush against his cheek. He involuntarily jumped at the contact. The touch was gentle and completely out of place. A shiver went down his spine as Ace felt those fingers slide along his jaw and down his neck. It made him think that maybe it liked to play with its victims before killing them, which made the whole situation even worse – he’d rather die fast and be done with it.

His nerves were tingling; he could still physically feel the mummy’s fingers on his skin even as it moved on to gently brush the stray lock of his curly hair behind his ear. His eyes shot open as it gently but firmly gripped him by the chin, forcing him to look it in the eye.

Whatever he had expected to see, it wasn’t that.

“Do not fear me.” it said in ancient Egyptian, it’s voice was gruff and raspy. It spoke slowly as if it was trying out its vocal cords that were probably not in the best of shape, judging by the state of its body.

Obviously, what it said did very little at calming Ace down; all it did was make him confused. What did it want from him if not to kill him?

“W-what… do you want?” he could read ancient Egyptian with no problem, but it was one thing to work with ancient texts and hieroglyphs and quite other to work an actual conversation in a dead language. Everything that was happening didn’t make sense!

He got even more confused when he saw the features on its face softening. It’s gaze, even with hollow sockets and rotten flesh, read sad and full of longing as it stared at him.

“You,” it said simply, making the little hairs on the back of Ace’s neck stand.

“Why don’t you kill me, then?” He knew he probably shouldn’t be so bold, but beating around the bush was never his thing, despite how many times it had gotten him in trouble in the past.

“I do not wish to harm you, Ankhreshet.” It attempted to pull its mouth into something akin to a smile, although it only succeeded in making Ace feel even more uncomfortable and disturbed, and he didn’t like where it was going at all.

Gentle touches and those looks. Ace knew those looks. That was how one looks at the person they love. Ace wasn’t an idiot; he was able to connect the dots and realize that this mummy was confusing him for someone else.

“I-I’m not who you think I am,” he said quietly, not being able to look into its face. That was probably a nail in his coffin of his own doing. Perhaps he had seen too many horror movies to know that this sort of thing never went down well with evil spirits and alike. To his surprise, which shouldn’t even be a surprise, considering he shouldn’t be judging this like a cheesy horror movie, the creature smiled again (or at least attempted to) and this time leaned in so close that their faces were mere inches apart.

“Aren’t you?” Ace’s breath caught in his throat and before he could retaliate, the creature grabbed him around the waist. He gasped and stared in complete shock as everything around him started to transform before his very eyes. The walls around him changed from dusty and faded to become new as if just built and freshly painted. The corridors were brighter and everything around him had more color. It didn’t look like a dig that was abandoned for several thousand years, it looked as if they were sent back in time.

But most importantly the mummy in front of him shifted from decomposing flesh to a man from his visions! The tall, blond high priest with the weird hairstyle that he saw in his dreams was right before him, and all Ace could do was stare in astonishment.

“You…” was all he could say, still in shock. He must be dreaming, surely. This just couldn’t be happening. But it looked and felt real – he could feel the man’s arms around his waist, but they didn’t feel cold or moist anymore, as they had been moments ago. They felt warm, human. The man smiled again as he lifted one hand to cup Ace’s cheek and gently brush his thumb along his cheekbone. The look in his eyes made Ace’s legs go weak, but this time it wasn’t with fear.

This man has plagued his dreams ever since he was a teenager. He would never admit it to anyone, but he even jerked off to those dreams when he was awake. He felt disgusted every time he would wake up from a dream where similar scenarios would play out with the pharaoh. Even if he knew it wasn’t actually happening, it still made him feel violated and dirty. He would spend at least hour and a half in the shower afterwards, trying to scrub the invisible hands off him.

But with this man…he relished those dreams. Every look, every touch… just thinking about it would make Ace hot all over. He had never met a man in his life that could actually make him feel like this man could. He knew it was ridiculous; he’d had multiple failed relationships simply because they couldn’t fill the void that his visions had created. Every single man he dated just wasn’t enough to make him forget and it was absurd, he knew it, to be in love with a man he saw in his visions.

“Stay with me.” and by god Ace wished he could. The man being a cursed mummy be damned; all Ace could think about was having those full lips on his and those big, strong hands roaming his body, making him tremble with want like they did in his dreams.

As if reading his mind, the man leaned down and captured his lips in a soft kiss. Simple, just lips pressed together and nothing more, yet Ace could feel a spark of electricity going through his body. He wanted more. He grabbed the man by his face and angled their mouths so he could deepen the kiss. He licked over the man’s lower lip before pulling at it with his teeth gently, earning a deep, throaty growl from the man. Without warning the man plunged his tongue into Ace’s mouth, making Ace moan and part his lips, giving the blond man access to lick and map his mouth as he pleased. And Ace didn’t mind in the slightest. He threw his hands around the man’s neck, bringing their bodies even closer. He moaned again as he felt those large arms on his waist moving downwards towards his hips and squeezing them firmly.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!”

They both jumped as they broke apart to look in the direction where the shout came from, only to see Sabo and Luffy both looking terrified and shocked. That brought Ace back to reality, breaking the spell that he was under and remembering what was actually happening. The mummy roared at his brothers, ready to advance at them, but Ace intercepted it, getting in its way and grabbing it by the shoulders.

“Nay, I’ll stay with you! Just don’t hurt them.” He pleaded, looking into its eyes. “Please.”

“What the hell are you doing, Ace? Get away from it!” He could feel Sabo’s furious gaze on his back, no doubt angry and scared that he has gotten himself into more trouble already.

“It’s fine Sabo, just go!” he pleaded with his brother, hoping he’d listen.

He didn’t.

“What do you mean, ‘it’s fine’? What the hell is this?” Ace couldn’t blame him really – he would’ve reacted the same if either of them were in his place – but as their big brother it was his duty to protect them.

“Yeah, we ain’t going anywhere without you, Ace. And I’m ready to fight that damn mummy!” Of course he was! Luffy just had to chime in his own two cents; it didn’t help that both of his brothers were extremely stubborn and overprotective, just like he was. It was beyond frustrating.

“No, guys, you don’t understand—” He wasn’t able to finish his sentence as he was grabbed around the waist again. The second he looked into the mummy’s eyes the world went black and he slipped into oblivion.

Before anyone could react, the mummy picked Ace up bridal style, engulfed them both in sand and disappeared, leaving two distraught and horrified brothers behind.

The creature walked slowly through the dusty corridors of an empty temple, gently cradling the body in its arms. It laid Ace down onto the ritual table with the same reverence, softly brushing his cheek with its fingers.

________________________________________________________________

“I am willing to be a monster and set the world ablaze, if it means we’ll be together again, my love,” it rasped as it watched Ace sleeping soundly, blissfully unaware of his predicament and what the future held for him.

#marcoace #marcoaceweek2019 #marcoaceweek #marcoace week 2019 #portgas d. ace #marco the phoenix #the mummy au #ritawrites

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the-flaming-spade · 5 years

Note

30, 32, 34, 36

//This one’s cover’s some NSFW topics, you have been warned. HC’s under the cut…here we go!//

30. Sex

//It would have to be with a s/o, Ace is not a one night stand kind of man. Its a symbol of love and trust with him, to see Ace naked and vulnerable.

He is willing to be a top or a bottom, depending on the mood of his s/o. He can be really possessive and will leave bite marks wherever he can reach, don’t think you’re leaving the bedroom without a dozen hickeys from Ace.

Being rough and commanded is fine, to an extent, if he has a panic attack due to memories, respecting him saying no means the world to him.

He can be very frisky when he is in the mood. Groping, banter and teasing are all fair game. He especially loves making his s/o blush and a stuttering mess. With some gentle convincing and patience he is willing to try somethings, if it means a lot to his s/o. After sex he is all for cuddling, either holding or the one being held.//

32. Birth

//During the pregnancy he is the most doting father. Mother has weird cravens? You bet anything he is either up making it himself, going to get the food. Pickles and chili? He isn’t judging. His s/o and baby want it and their going to get it, no matter what time it is.

In modern its easier for him to accept having a child. In regular verse he is terrified of having a child, terrified of the entire world hating the child simply because of who their father is. He never wants what happened to him and his mother to happen to his s/o and their child.

He would be by their side throughout the entire labor, patting sweat from her forehead and coaching her through it, the whole time internally panicking because: “Is it suppose to hurt that much?! Why is it taking so long?! Oh fuck she’s gonna break my Goddamn arm!”

After the labor, when the child is finally placed in his arms, the look of pure love and awe would over take his ebony eyes. This tiny person in his arms was made from love. He can’t see this ‘horrible demon’ that his bloodline demands that he, and any offspring from him, should be. All he see’s is the sweetest little thing in the world that needs him. He would tell his s/o what an amazing job she did and would just be so overwhelmed by everything he would need to sit down, but he’s got the biggest, dorkiest grin on his freckled face.

The nurse would have to fight him to take the baby, because Ace isn’t putting them down for anything. Like, they will have to go get Marco to get the baby from his arms.

After giving birth, he would be doing everything for his s/o, to the point she needs to tell him to just stop hovering over her. She will also have to tell him to stop picking the baby up every 5 mins. And you can be damn sure, that he has, and is, reading every book he can get his hands on about raising a baby. Also, knowing that they can’t raise a baby on a pirate ship, Ace would have scoped out an island, had a home built or purchased, and will be living there the first few years of his child’s life.

Ace wants to be the father Whitebeard was to him, that his child will know that they aren’t a mistake, that they never have to question if it was a good thing they were born. The rest of the world may hate them, but their father loves them with all his heart. And you can be damn sure that Ace will fight EVERYONE that tries to hurt his child or s/o. He would keep their existence hidden from the rest of the world for as long as he could, so they could have a somewhat normal life.//

34. Affection

//PDA’s (Public Displays of Affection), are not easy for Ace to show. You never know who is watching and if they would mean harm to his s/o or not. Ace is terrified that loving him would put the other in danger and that worry and concern keeps him distant around people he doesn’t know. He may link his hand in theirs, especially if their in a crowd and it would be harder for people to notice a small thing like that. He will certainly stand close to them, as if a reminder to them, and himself, that they are there and he is keeping an eye on his s/o and the people around them.

When he’s somewhere safe, you can bet your ass he is a lot more affectionate with his s/o. Brushing their hair back, stroking their cheek, hugging them and holding them close, nuzzling into their neck, he does all of that.

He will pull them into his lap, if they are just sitting together, and just hold them. He will bury his face into their chest and just enjoy their scent and warmth. Almost like its a comfort to have them there. And he is totally into the pet names, (cough Moon Dragon cough). But if there is a pet name for his s/o you can bet he calls them that, just as much as he calls their real name. If their shorter, or sitting, he will rest his chin on top of their head.

He will also put his hat on top of their head. His orange hat is special to him, its part of his identity and holds a visual representation of the question he asks himself: Is it a good thing I was born? Words aren’t always easy for him to say, so sometimes he will place the hat on top of his s/o’s head and just smile and walk away. His way of letting them know that THEY are the answer to his question and that they are the most important thing in his life.

If you think he won’t buy the cheesiest gifts, just because they make him think of his s/o, you are wrong.

Like, there’s a little figurine in a shop, does his s/o need it? Probably not, but it made Ace think of them so he would get it and leave it somewhere he knows they’ll find it.

Or, respectfully, they made a comment about liking something and he will wait till they leave the store, or go with them and come back later, and buy it for them without shame or hesitation.

When he is having a hard day, he can be slightly clingy, simply just needing to hold them until he can regather himself.

Giving little kisses on the cheek, neck or wrist when he can sneak them if their somewhere PDA’s might not be in their best interest, or full on kisses where they are somewhere he feels comfortable.

He would definitely get one of those necklaces or bracelets that have two halves, usually in the shape of a heart and would wear one half all the time. His brothers and family are welcomed to tease him about it, but anyone else will get an earful. Also, he is the type of person, especially if he’s fully relaxed, will just sweep his s/o off their feet and nuzzle their noses together.

He can be so freaking cheesy, but as long as his s/o is happy than Ace is happy. They mean everything to him, the only person that means as much to him as them is Luffy, just a on a different level. Also, total snuggler if they are sitting somewhere (or in modern their on the couch and watching movies) kinda like a big dog who thinks he can fit on your lap.//

36. Sacrifice

//Ace’s life means less to him than his s/o, they are is everything. The reason he keeps going when he feels like he can’t, the reason he pushes harder back against the world when it pushes against him. They (along with Luffy) are the reason he refuses to let the world devour him completely in darkness. They are the one ray of light in a bleak world that, if he didn’t have, he may not have a reason to keep going.

With that being said, if it was between him living or them living, he will chose them every time. Ace would lay down his life for anyone he loves, if that’s what his life is good for, than at least he can guarantee they survive.

During Marineford, Ace came to terms with his death. He had literally been on death’s door, he had confided in Luffy his inner most thoughts and feelings, and although he no longer wishes for his own death, he will throw his life away for someone he deems more important. Now, does that mean if there is a chance to do something without dying will he take it? Yes, because he promised Luffy (and most likely his s/o) that he wouldn’t die.

This also means he works on keeping a level head in battle, an ongoing process as his temper can burn very bright and make it hard for him to think of anything else than destroying the person that has either wronged him or the people he loves.

Now, if we are talking about someone sacrificing themselves for him, Ace will have none of that. His life is not worth them trading their lives for. If someone moved to take a blow that was meant for him, he would try to, desperately, get them out of harms way.

The entire time he would be yelling at them about how stupid they were and that they shouldn’t be so reckless with their life and that they have so much more worth living for and he is the last person they should be willing to die for, that he isn’t worth their blood being spilled.

And yes, Ace is aware he is being hypercritical, that he holds someone else to a different, and higher, standard than he holds himself and truly he couldn’t care less.

Sacrificing himself for someone more important is done without a second thought, but he is also well aware that his devil fruit does give him added protection against most things, and after training with Rayleigh, he has a good understanding of Armament, so their aren’t many things he is afraid of truly hurting him. Their are only two people in the world, that if Ace was shielding someone from them, would he be concerned that he would actually die. Akainu and Blackbeard, and given what he knows they can do, especially Blackbeard, he rather go through that again then let someone he loves suffer.

Against those two, especially Blackbeard, Ace is well aware there is a high chance he would not escape with his life…and he would not let the person he cared for and was defending anywhere near that man. Never would he wish what he endured on them and if they tried to sacrifice themselves in order to protect them, he would certainly knock them out, with regret for hurting them, and make others get them out of there. He would face down his greatest fear, just for the small chance that the people he love would get away. Ace’s life means very little to him, he finds worth in protecting the lives of the people he loves.

#the fire is out tonight //ooc//#the person behind the mask (mun talks)#//headcanons//#burning passion (NSFW)#was it good that I was born? (ace's question)#//trigger warning: suggestive themes//#//sex//#//birth//#//children//#//affection//#//sacrifice//

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ohshanksno · 6 years

Text

Sorry for the blurriness @wineismyname because I honestly don’t know how to reblog replies. I’ll tag as opspoilers just in case because I talk about Whole Cake Island based off on what I know.

In all honestly? I’m pretty damn excited because I’m so curious as to what he’s gonna do as the big bang. I got a gut feeling about this shit. I know someone’s (or some people, maybe?) gonna die (I have bets on Marco, and a small bet on Shanks. I’ve heard rumors about Zoro. I doubt Sabo would die again but it’s gotta be a death that, like, transitions the ending for One Piece. It’s gotta be something that makes Luffy rethink his choices in some way or fashion. Now, if it was Teach, then....well...aight then.)

...

Now this is me just rambling about it. I might be wrong, but it’s just some thoughts. This is my envisionment for the ending of One Piece and I got too excited and it got waayyyyy too long so it’s under a read more, hah.

This question reminded me of the time where Mum and I went out to go find some steel toe shoes for me, and I was driving and fell asleep at the wheel (VERY dangerous, kids! Don’t do this, EVER! If tired, please pull over and rest or switch with someone else!) Mum woke me up by talking to me, and she asked me to talk about One Piece and that really woke me up.

I remember telling her specifically about the ending, and how Oda was gonna do something much more extravagant. I have a feeling that Luffy would be devastated, especially (if) going against Blackbeard. Knowing little about Teach, he’d probably take Luffy on one on one, instead of the usual fight where he comes across the minions before coming to the big boss. Like, in a video game!

Right now Luffy’s suffering huge losses due to Cracker, that mirror lady, Katakuri and losing Sanji, and he still hasn’t gone against Big Mom yet. That’s as far as I know because Tumblr. He still has yet to go against Kaido (my bro reminded me this the other day when I mentioned the alliance he was still in with Law) and going against Blackbeard? All of this would look like child’s play when Teach comes into the screen.

I envision the fight like, something that won’t be so...childish, like the rest of them. They both got a grudge (Teach with Luffy being in his way? and Luffy with Marineford) so of course this is gonna be the most serious fight ever since Lucci and Arlong. It’s not gonna be like Eneru, or Crocodile, or Moria, or...I know I’m missing some people. Oh, Doflamingo! He was serious but not serious serious. I kinda breezed through that arc, sorry.

So they finally meet up, right?

“So, you’ve decided to come down this road, Strawhat?”

Luffy points at him. “I’m here to beat you.”

Blackbeard’s crew is gonna be watching this shit like they’re in a movie theater, and Luffy’s crew/fleet (if Sanji and Zoro are still there, hah, and Law and Marco and maybe Shanks might be there too? Who the fuck knows) are gonna be watching too but they’re cautious, especially with Kuzan on their side. I bet Robin’s gonna have a few words with him about that. Money goes for Robin possibly fighting Kuzan. More money if Shanks and Marco do show up and try to plan together to whip Blackbeard’s ass.

Most people would probably believe Luffy to make the first hit, right? Nah, not this time. He’s probably gonna stand there and Teach is gonna wonder “why aren’t you doing anything aren’t you pissed?”

“I am. But I’m not gonna be careless about this.” because he’s impulsive and he’s seen what happened. His impulsiveness here would and will get him killed. He’s come too far to die here.

Now, there’s an 94% chance that Burgess is gonna ruin everything and attack first so he lunges at Luffy because GOD was his captain taking forever at this and Laffitte is like “you’re a fucking dumbass did you not remember the plan that we went through 5 times before we got here” and Luffy’s about to defend himself but I think that Jinbei might be the first to step up, right? Or Zoro, if he’s still alive? Then suddenly it’s an all out brawl between a fleet and 12 people.

Luffy and Blackbeard are on their own battlefield and they’re just staring each other down. They’re not moving.

“So we meet again, Strawhat?”

Luffy doesn’t say anything.

“Hmm. You’re a lot smarter than what you let on.”

Luffy’s haki is going up and Blackbeard starts his D.F. powers.

“Although, I must admit, Ace was much more impulsive than you are.” Teach probably would say something to get Luffy to be angry so he can gain the upper hand.

And that little bit of shock and unfocused attention is what’s gonna cost him and before he knows it he’s getting sucked into the Black Vortex and there’s a beatdown going on. Yeah Luffy’s getting his ass kicked but so is Blackbeard with Luffy’s Gum Gum Pistols because he doesn’t have enough time to form his haki anymore.

Then, Blackbeard grabs him again but this time he holds Luffy close to him and gabs his face and looks right into his eyes. Luffy can’t help but look into him and Blackbeard starts smiling.

“Ahh...I see it now...that restless fear. Are you scared? What are you so afraid for?”

And Luffy can feel his powers being sapped and he’s struggling, bu tht more he struggles the more his powers get drained (if you Played One Piece: Unlimited World Red and got to the end of the game, you’d understand what it’s like in this envisionment) and there are people calling Luffy’s name and he can’t really hear them because it feels like he’s dying.

“Tell me, Strawhat...what’s your worst fear?”

And Luffy’s brought into pure darkness and he can’t see anything. Luffy then understands. There’s a reason why everyone’s afraid of him. There’s a reason why he’s so strong. Because his devil fruit feeds off people’s fears. (I hope to god that’s what it’ll be like because if it isn’t then Blackbeard isn’t shit)

#one piece #opspoilers #this is like #part 1 of 2 #lmao #I GOT CARRIED AWAY IN THIS I'M SORRY #vin talks #vin cackles #vin writes

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graveyard-tales · 7 years

Text

“So what’s the story this time?” Ace raise his brow as Sabo took the offered sausage links from his hand.

“Yes, tell us how the daring Ace risked his life to feed all us poor starving children.” Koala chimed in mockingly. Ace tried to swipe the links offered to her by Sabo but she quickly danced out of the way. Zoro got his next, then Sanji, the two paused in their bickering over some movie on their old, run down tv.

“Well” Ace started with a snort. “It’s hardly life threatening when you can slip away from anything.” Sabo rolled his eyes, elbowing Koala for encouraging him. But they smiled regardless, leaning in for tale. Sanji sat back while Zoro leaned against the wall, both now paying attention.

“So there I was. I had almost got off scot free when I found myself backed to the fence of the old construction site. You know, that damn one they’ve been working on for the past five years?” Despite their jokes about the dramatics, all four were now paying close attention. “Suddenly he had me pinned, no way out on my left and no way out on my right. Back against the fence.”

“He?” Zoro asked, his one eye focused solely on Ace.

“He” Ace confirmed “had to be at least six foot ten.” Ace slung his hand above his head to show how the mystery man towered over him. “The darkest eyes I’ve ever seen and a long jagged scar down along his left eye.” He trailed his finger down the left side of his face. Ace stocked forward telling how the man did the same with all the menace he could muster when a creak in the roof drew their attention.

All five jumped back when something fell from the run down roof. Koala threw here arms up while Ace and Sabo snatched their pipes. They all stared at the withering bundle in the tarp. “I swear if this is the opossum, racoon hybrid monster you keep talking about I will never make fun of you for anything ever again.” Koala whispered to Sabo and Ace, who looked to each other.

They all jumped when the bundle yelled and broke through the tarp. All five teens stared at the young boy in the middle of the room, fists up and cheeks puffed up. “A kid?” Zoro finally broke the silence, relaxing his posture. Ace groaned and fell back to their ratty old couch. Sabo merely rose his brow at his brother before turning back to the kid.

“How did you get here runt?” Koala asked, kneeling down to look at him. A valid question. This wasn’t exactly some place you just stumbled into. The kid looked at her with wide, brown eyes before he looked around, taking in everything around him. Finally the kid’s gaze fell on Ace who was lounging on the couch, watching whatever vhs happened to be in their tv. Koala’s gaze flickered to Sabo for a second when the boy puffed up.

“I followed him here. He promised he’d share the meat if I helped!” Sabo leaned down and studied the kid’s face before he sat back, barking in laughter.

“That is quite the scar!” Sabo went over, leaning on the back of the couch as Ace avoided his eye.

“Must have been on a box or two.” Koala snickered.

“He does have scary eyes, doesn’t he.” Sanji walked over, offering the kid a hand up.

“Since when does the great Ace need help from such a menacing guy.” Zoro snapped stepping in front of the tv. This time Ace had enough and tackled Zoro to the ground. The kid puffed up his cheeks again, having looked at each person who spoke.

“Are you guys making fun of me?” He stuck out his chest and held up his chin. Sabo laughed and gently pushed his shoulder.

“Relax kid, no one is making fun of you. The name’s Sabo. Girl over there is Koala, that’s Sanji and the two idiots about the knock over our only tv are Zoro and of course Ace.” He paused as Koala broke them up. It wasn’t a serious fight of course but they really were about to break one of the only things entertaining around here. “What’s your name?”

“Luffy!” Ace snorted at the name but tossed a link his way. Luffy cheered and happily gobbled it up.

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop bringing back more strays!” A sudden gruff voice cut in, making Luffy jump. He turned to see a large, burly woman with thick orange curls, cigarette between her lips. Ace rolled his eyes and walked over to Luffy, placing a hand on the kid’s head.

“Good to see you too, Dadan.” Sabo greeted with a mock smile.

“Hey, I only brought back Sabo. They rest followed me on their own. Luffy’s no exception.” Sabo laughed and Dadan rolled her eyes. She gave a snort at the sight of Ace standing, almost protectively, next to Luffy. As if she was going to kick him out. Kick him out like she had kicked Sabo out, along with Koala, Zoro and Sanji. Curse her bleeding heart.

“Yeah, yeah” she said with a wave of her hand. “What did you brats get today?”

“Food” Ace and Koala replied. Ace looked over at her with his brow raised and she held up a bag of apples. He smile and held his hand out but Koala pulled them behind her back and stuck her tongue out. They just had those links after all.

“Gold watch.” Sabo said, pulling the device out of his back pocket. “Should pawn for a nice deal I think.” Dadan hummed, examining the watch before turning to Sanji and Zoro. The duo looked away from each other and avoided eye contact. Sabo pinched the bridge of his nose and Ace groaned.

“Alright, what happened this time.” Koala asked, hands firmly on her hips.

“It was Zero’s fault.” Sanji suddenly spouted, Zoro yelled in defense.

“You’re the one that started it!”

“Well if you hadn't of gotten lost!”

Dadan groaned and sank into the couch, trying to ignore their argument. These kids were going to be the death of her. “You brats all realize that none of this helps me right now, right?” Ace fell back into the couch next to her. He propped his feet up only to have her knock them down. He snorted and rolled his eyes.

“Relax, we still have time.” At her silence he looked up at her, she pointedly started at the fuzzy screen of the tv.

“Dadan.” Sabo spoke up, coming near her. Suddenly the room was silent. “We still have time right?” Dadan sighed but before she could come up with an answer there was a loud honking coming from outside. A car horn they were becoming all too familiar with.

Dadan sighed and stood up, making her way to the door. “Pipe down brats, I’ll be right back.” When she was gone, Ace cursed under his breath and sunk into the couch. Sabo ran his hand through his hair, and pausing on the large burn scar over the left side of his face. Koala put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Sabo smiled back but it was empty.

Years ago Dadan was forced to take out a loan,. To pay for hospital bills of all things. At age ten both Ace and Sabo had been trapped in a fire. Ace was burned but got out lucky, they were minor. Sabo wasn’t so much so. The burns littered all over his left side had left him hospitalized for weeks His ragtag family tried to reassure him but in the end he still left guilty they were in debt because of him.

Suddenly the door opened an Ace was on his feet in an instant. Sabo and Koala stood, squaring their shoulders while Zoro pushed Luffy in the corner. He was mostly hidden behind some boxes while both Zoro and Sanji stood in front of him. Luffy looked over the boxes when two men waltzed in.

“This place is somehow more of a dump then last time.” The tall slender man said.

“Perfect for rats!” The larger man laughed, lold and boisterous.

“Rather a free rat then a leashed dog, Burgress.” Ace spoke up, stepping in front of Koala and Sabo. Said man threw his head back and laughed again. He stepped forward and leaned down, sticking his his face in Ace’s.

“Careful, hot shot.” The large man said, his threatening tone loud and clear. Sabo stepped up next to Ace, placing a hand on his shoulder. The slender man stepped up and tapped Burgress on the shoulder causing him to step away. He began walking around the room while Laffitte stepped forward. Ace and Sabo kept an eye on him, trusting the rest to follow Burgress.

“Still acting so tall for someone so short, Ace-y.” Laffitte chuckled. “But it seems you managed to keep your little rat pack alive, somehow.” His red lips stretched in a mocking smile. Sabo’s hand tightened on Ace’s shoulder in an attempt to curb his growing anger.

“You’ll find we’re all quite capable of taking care of ourselves.” Sabo droned out in a faux polite tone. “No matter the situation.” He concluded with a pointed look. Ace may have been the first amongst them but he seriously didn’t like how they him singled out.

Laffitte looked around exaggeratedly before settling his sights back on them. “I see.” He stepped forward into the duo’s space when Burgress spoke up.

“Aw, would you look at that. Rats added a little mouse to their pack.” They all looked back to Burgress look over Sanji and Zoro at Luffy who glared back him. Zoro quickly snatched Luffy back when he pushed his small body between the two preteens. “How cute!” Burgress laughed.

Luffy puffed up his cheeks and wiggled in Zoro’s grasp. “What are you laughing you big, ugly butt!” The laughing stopped but his smile stretched wider. He squatted in front of the three young boys and started right into Luffy’s big brown eyes.

“Burgress” Ace growled out, a clear warning but he was ignored.

“That’s a big mouth on ya kid. Must fit in with the rest of these losers.” He didn’t get a chance to laugh before Luffy balled his small fist and hit him square in the nose. Burgress jerked back, cursing and holding his nose. Standing his full height, he pulled his hand back to see droplets of blood from his nose. “You gonna regret that you little shit.” He snapped raising his fist.

In an instant Zoro pulled Luffy behind him. Koala, Sabo and Ace were quick to step in front of them. Koala with her fist raised while Sabo and Ace raised their pipes, ready to defend themselves. Burgress looked about ready to plow through the group of teens when he was stopped by a honk outside. He looked over his shoulder at the door, feeling a little annoyed.

Burgress looked back to the group and Ace smiled tauntingly up at him. “Master’s calling, mutt.” Burgress smiled in return, though more strained than it was before he got sucker punched in the nose. He laughed, wiping his nose and flicking his blood a droplet falling on Ace’s cheek. Ace didn’t flinch or look away, refusing to back down.

“Burgress.” Laffitte , who had been leaning back against the wall, said when the honking rang again. With a sniff the man finally stepped away and the two men made their way to the door. “My, your face is quite a mess” He chuckled causing Burgress to growl out annoyed as they made their exit.

They all waited a moment before Ace wiped his face in disgust. He turned to Luffy with a scowl. “You wanna die, runt?” Sabo snorted.

“Don’t pretend you’re mad.” Sabo lightly socked Ace in the arm. “You’re only mad it wasn’t you who clocked him.” And like that the tension broke. They all laughed, forcing the anxiety back and relaxing their muscles. However it was broken again when the door was opened by a drenched Dadan shuffling in.

They waited in silence as she began tugging off her shirt. Sanji and Zoro were quick to advert their eyes, Sanji covering Luffy’s. Ace just snorted, he and Sabo used to Dadan’s unashamed behavior. Tiredly, after she pulled on some dry clothes, Dadan turned to the small group. “Alright which one of you idiots got that brute in his nose.”

Luffy was pushed forward, Sabo put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Dadan barked with laughter. “Bet Ace was pissed it wasn’t him.” Ace squawked and Luffy giggled. The rest followed in and even Ace couldn’t help but chuckle as well. “Alright, alright! Off to bed you little shits.”

“But what about a story?�� Luffy cried, shining big, brown puppy dog eyes up at her. Dadan looked down in surprise, her cheeks blushed ever so slightly before she threw Sabo a sharp look. How the hell did they find a kid so cute, she’d never guess.

“Well tell him a story, brat.” Dadan ordered, collapsing on the couch before Sabo could argue.

“Fine. It’s storytime. I guess.” They all got settled onto their large worn out mattress, each kid having laid in their usual places. Ace had just leaned back, eyes closed when a warmth snuggled up to him. He snapped his eyes open to see Luffy cuddling up right in between him and Sabo, arms around his waist. Looking to Sabo, the blond only laughed quietly before laying back himself. Ace just grumbled and tried to get comfortable.

“Once upon a time. . .”

#Portgas D. Ace #Monkey D. Luffy #Sabo #Koala #Roronoa Zoro #Sanji #One Piece #how any of you guess it was a short oliver and company au #don't ask me who jenny and gorgette is #maybe law a jenny #OR maybe vivi as jenny???#idk #I was watching this today #so I just type up something #This wasn't even suppose to be this long tho #what happened #lol

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