Archive of Our Own ^beta

Sabo walked under the Coliseum, head distracted and unaware of what was going on around him. 

He knew that was something he shouldn’t do, but something was taking his attention away from his mission. He had no idea why, but earlier he caught sight of a challenger. It was like his eyes were magnetized to the man, unable to look away. He saw a slight scar under the man’s left eye, and something about the Devil Fruit abilities made something in him clamor. He had no idea why, but Sabo couldn’t ignore it.

His feet carried him below the Coliseum, absentminded. His cloak flowed behind him, covering his face and characteristic scar. Sabo may not have a bounty, but his position would net a good amount of money if he was caught or traded for information.

Sabo paused, hearing voices in the next hallway. He put his back to the wall and glanced around the corner, making sure the shadows covered him. He blinked, seeing three people. 

He recognized the green-haired pirate, Bartolomeo the Cannibal. Sabo saw his fight earlier. His Devil Fruit looked troublesome, but Sabo knew all Devil Fruits had an opening. It was just how fast you could find it in a fight. 

Sabo was an expert at that. 

It had gotten to a point his coworkers called him the Killer of Devil Fruits. Sabo thought it was too edgy, but his coworkers called him that, and it wouldn’t change anytime soon. He knew Koala was laughing her ass off at his face when he first heard it. 

“Luffy, I can take care of this. Go take care of your friends.”

“But Ace-”

“Don’t “but Ace” me. I can take care of myself, but you have a job to do. Go help your friend, Luffy.”

Sabo watched the man who caused the reaction in him to shuffle his feet, not looking happy at the other man. Sabo squinted his eyes at the other black-haired man. Sabo didn’t recognize him from fighters in the tournament, but he recognized the man from somewhere. The taller one was wearing an orange vest that was open in the front, only covering his back. He was wearing a hat covered with another hat, making it look odd to an outsider. Sabo glanced at the man and noticed a tattoo on the man's left arm, and he knew who this man was. Well, his name should have been the clue already. 

He was Portgas D. Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. He was also known as Fire Fist Ace, the son of the late Pirate King. And that must mean who he was talking to…

“I can’t leave without it.”

Fire Fist sighed, rubbing his nose past the shitty disguise. It was a fake black beard. 

“Fine. I can do it. I-”

““-hope your friend appreciates this.””

Sabo flinches, and his mouth moved before he was even aware. The words came out of his mouth unbidden, and he was confused, mind empty, but shocked all the same. He had no idea why he spoke, but it felt natural, of all things. Sure, he had always had a few peculiarities when he tried to talk, especially when he first joined the Army, but they faded with the time spent with the Revolutionary Army. 

Sabo realized he shouldn’t have thought about it right then and there when a hand grasped his shoulders and threw him into the light. 

Sabo tried to land on his feet, but his shoes caught on the edge of a brick. He tripped and rolled, getting to his feet quick enough but not enough time to miss the look Fire Fist sent his way. It was fierce, filled with a potential for violence if Sabo made one wrong move. 

Sabo subtly moved his back, still feeling his pipe where it was, but knew that would be an action that might set off Fire Fist. Sabo didn’t want to fight a Commander of Whitebeard since there was no use to do so. There was no gain. And Sabo had a mission to do.  

Sabo raised his hand in surrender since he didn’t feel like there was a threat to him. Yet, at least. He knew pirates weren’t the best people at temper control. Especially the famous hot head of the Whitebeard Pirates. He had a reputation for setting things on fire if they pissed him off.  

Sabo studied the two men in front of them, and the air in his lungs didn’t seem to do its job. He was oddly breathless, like no matter how much he wanted, he couldn’t breathe. The hard light of Fire Fist’s grey eyes and the hidden energy of Strawhat made a spike of ice form through his heart. Sabo blinked, the images behind his eyes still shadowed, but he thought he could start to see more characteristics. 

“Who the fuck-”

““-are you?””

Sabo blinked some more, eyes blank, but a hand came to his mouth. Confusion and apprehension came to his expression. Ace started to scowl more, and a light of fire blazed in his eyes. Sabo looked into his eyes absentmindedly, trying to figure out why his voice seemed to not want to listen to him. It was like when he did something out of habit, like how he twirled his pipe and used it as a cane. How he tilted his hat in greeting, body moving before he was aware. 

Sabo put a hand to his throat, swallowing the spit in his mouth, his mouth was dry, but he knew that shouldn’t be.

“Why-”

““-are you copying me?”” 

Sabo felt his lungs constrict, legs feeling shaky as if they would collapse at any second. His arms were weak, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Sabo wanted to stumble back, away from the two men, but his feet were stuck in place, unable to move. It felt like there was concrete around his ankles, holding him in place. Sabo looked at Fire Fist, who looked more unsettled by the second. It didn’t look like he knew why this was happing any more than Sabo. Sabo didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. 

Fire Fist grabbed Sabo’s cloak, pulling him forward with strong force. Sabo went forward, miraculously keeping his balance on his shaky legs. 

““Oi bastard, stop that!”” 

Sabo’s mouth continued to move without his consent. He felt out of his depth, floundering in the sea without an island in sight without a life raft. His mind swirled, coming up with empty thoughts, trying to push through, but something stopped it. 

Sabo saw out of the corner of his eyes that Strawhat was looking between them with confusion, but Strawhat started to look at him, squinting his eyes in what could have been recognition. But that couldn’t be right. Why would Strawhat recognize him? 

Sabo’s eyes widened, remembering a forgotten fact. The brothers were from the Goa Kingdom, the same kingdom Dragon picked him up from. Could Sabo have known…?

Sabo looked back into Fire Fist’s eyes, seeing the anger, but also the concern, probably for Strawhat, but that made the proverbial dots connect. 

A light burst in his mind, making everything sharpen. 

Ace, Luffy. How could I forget them?

All his missing memories came rushing back, and it took all he had to stay on his feet. The memories were so powerful that it hurt his brain, but he finally, finally, could remember. 

He knew why he left that day. He knew what his childhood was like. He could remember the instant all of the attachment he had for nobles, as infinitesimal it was, was finally snuffed out. He knew why the pipe came so easily to him. He knew why fighting came easy to him. 

He knew why these two men created such discord in his mind. 

It was because they were his brothers. The two people Sabo cared for most in the world, and all that came rushing back. 

Tears began forming in his eyes, not yet fallen, but they were gathering, and it was only time before they fell. 

“It’s been a long time, Ace, Luffy.”

Ace widened his eyes and let go of Sabo, taking a few stumbling steps back. Sabo stood, mind still whirring and legs still shaking but only with strong will did he not collapse there. 

Sabo smiled wide, happy tears slowly going down his face. He finally got the part of his brain online, taking off his cloak and showing his noble clothes. Sabo reached behind him, grabbed his top hat, and put it on. Sabo smiled wider, seeing the two equally shocked faces, disbelief and incredulity plainly seen. 

Luffy stuttered, voice cracking, and pointed at Sabo with a shaking finger.

“You can’t be-!”   

Sabo smiled wider, and tears started to fall more honestly. They were happy tears. 

“We all exchanged cups of sake. Ace stole the bottle from Dadan.”

There was a bout of silence, the two coming to terms with what was happening, and the next thing Sabo knew, he was being tackled to the ground. The air was knocked out of his lungs with the hard contact with the cold stone, but he couldn’t get the wide smile off his face. Sabo glanced at the two who knocked him to the ground, both crying to some measure. Sabo’s heart hurt at the sight. 

He couldn’t believe he forgot his brothers and caused them such pain, thinking he was gone for the past, god, twelve years. He never thought he left anything behind when he joined the Revolutionary Army since Dragon said he was running when he first met Sabo. That Sabo was a noble child horrified by the actions of his community, wishing to run away from the horrible place. Sabo didn’t blame Dragon for his version of events since it was the truth, but Dragon couldn’t have known Sabo had already run away from that place before and created a family of three with two other slum rats.

Dragon couldn’t have known Sabo was leaving behind two other boys who would have missed him more than anyone. 

Sabo saw Ace crying quietly into his jacket, silent tears trailing down his face, face scrunched up like he was in pain, holding in his sobs. Luffy was doing no such thing, sobbing loudly into Sabo’s neck. They were holding him down with all their strength, causing Sabo not to move for fear of cracking bones. Not like he wanted to get out of the hold of his two brothers he didn’t know he missed so much.  

Sabo was still crying silently, managing to hug his brother back even from his position. Luffy gripped his jacket harder, Sabo feeling the hand clench from behind him. 

“Sabo!!”

Sabo laughed wetly, swallowing the stone in his throat. 

“Hey, Luffy. I’m right here. I am not going anywhere.”

Ace growled, not that threateningly because his voice was audibly weak, but the meaning came through. 

“You better, you bastard. I have words for you.”

Sabo chuckled, not even afraid of Ace’s ire. That could come later when they all weren’t crying. Sabo set his head back on the stone, feeling safe under the weight of his brothers. He could remember the last time they had a dogpile when they were children. But they weren’t children anymore, all powerhouses on the Grandline and bright futures ahead of them. Sabo smiled proudly, happy to see how far his brothers had come. 

He would have to collect their bounties after he got back to Baltigo. 

The two let go of him, allowing them to stand up. Sabo shuffled his feet, unsure of how he should start. Luckily, or unlikely for him, Ace glared at him, crossing his arms. He tried to look intimidating, but Sabo still saw the bloodshot eyes. Luffy was sniffling, whipping his nose with his shirt, watching Sabo with watery eyes. It looked like Luffy was still a bit of a crybaby. Sabo smiled slightly at the thought, but Ace’s glare got him back on track. 

Sabo sighed, taking off his hat and brushing a hand through his hair, visibly nervous. It wasn’t like Sabo could have been prepared. Who could have thought he would have gotten back his memories today and would meet the two people he remembered the best? 

“Ace, Luffy, I…”

Sabo swallowed, putting his hat back on his head. He wanted to do something with his hands, but he knew that would show just how much his emotions were getting a hold of him, so he stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets. He tried not to hunch his shoulders, but the look in both his brothers' eyes showed they noticed. Sabo mentally slapped his cheeks, getting himself together. 

Sabo bit his lip but shook his head, sighing again. 

“I… didn’t know. I didn’t know anything.”

Ace’s eyes narrowed, hands uncrossing, and now hung at his sides. He came closer to Sabo, Sabo bowing his head, unable to meet his brother’s eyes. Sabo suddenly felt ashamed, unable to meet the eyes of the people he hurt unknowingly, but he hurt them anyway. 

““What do you mean by that?”” 

Sabo chuckled at the unison of voices. It looked like they still did that without Sabo. He was glad. He knew how much that made Ace happy. Sabo stopped chuckling, fiddling his fingers in his pockets. 

“I forgot. I forgot everything. How shitty is that?”

Sabo took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down from having an anxiety attack. He was close to hyperventilating as it is, didn’t need to add another thing to that. A hand on his shoulder snapped him out of it, partially. Sabo looked up slowly, seeing Ace look concerned at him. Sabo didn’t know what he looked like, but it probably wasn’t good. 

“Sabo.”

Sabo heard the concern in that, making him try to talk again, calmly.

“The sinking…”

Sabo took his hands out of his pockets, miming the sinking of a ship with his hands, just to do something because he was nervous as fuck. 

“... It… the injuries I sustained weren’t pretty.”

Sabo gestured to his face. The Army’s doctors said it was lucky Sabo wasn’t blinded in his left eye. The scarring was worse when he was healing, more vivid and rough, with what it is now, a smoother pink scar tissue. It was a horrible injury, taking some of his nerve endings with the initial hit. Part of it was numb, and even when he was hit there full force, Sabo sometimes couldn’t feel it.

Ace poked his scar, a frown on his face. Sabo didn’t swat his hand away as he would do to anyone else. Luffy was still crying, but it was silent this time. Luffy somehow got to his side and was now attacked like a stubborn barnacle, wrapping his rubbery limbs around Sabo’s body.

“It hasn’t healed as much as a facial scar should.”

Sabo smiled wryly, the two probably seeing how paper thin the smile was. 

“It was worse. Anyway… When I woke up initially after almost drowning, I didn’t… I didn’t remember anything.”

Sabo made an explosion gesture, making a “poof” sound.

“Nothing. It was like my brain was a blank sheet. I couldn't even remember my name. The only reason why I knew my name was because of my handkerchief my rescuers found. The one with my name embroidered on it.”

Sabo unconsciously half-hugged Luffy back, almost desperate for closeness. Sabo never thought he was touch starved, but with his memories coming back, he was almost desperate with proving this was real. That he got his memories back, and his brothers were at his side. 

Sabo looked up, shifting through his memories, new and old. 

“I stayed in their care since I didn’t know I had anything for me back on Dawn.”

His brothers flinched, making Sabo feel like shit. Ace looked close to murder or crying again, and Sabo didn’t know which one Ace would land on. It was a toss-up, really. Luffy only hung onto Sabo tighter. 

“And that’s history. I joined the people who found me, swearing on their cause. I actually like to work for them, so…”

Sabo’s feet twitched, wanting to move somehow, anxiousness exuding from every pore. He didn’t know what Ace was thinking, but the way his face shifted every moment only showed how close Ace was to doing something stupid. 

“What organization did you join? It better not be the Marines.”

Sabo barked out a laugh at that, shaking his head with mirth. 

“God no. It’s the opposite. I joined the Revolutionary Army. I am quite influential if I do say so myself.”  

Ace huffed, a half smile on his face.

“Huh, a Rev. Hm...”

 Ace put a hand on his chin, looking Sabo up and down, then tilting his head with a slight grin. 

“I can see it. But Sabo…”

Sabo let the smile fall off his face, seeing the seriousness Ace exuded. Luffy seemed to pick it up as well, looking up at Ace from his perch. Ace crossed his arms again, simmering in repressed anger. 

“Why did you not meet us when you got your memory back? Luffy and I are easy enough to find if you have the right contacts, which you probably do, so why? How long did you have your memories?”

Sabo chuckled hesitantly, brought his hand up, and counted fingers.

“Maybe two minutes?”

Ace blinked, not expecting that.

“What?”

Sabo scratched the part of his head that wasn’t covered by his hat. He held up two fingers, not looking into either of his brothers’ eyes. 

“I have had my memories back for two minutes.”

Ace gapped, looking close to a crisis. 

““You’re an idiot.”” 

Sabo shrugged, not as if he could refuse it. Koala certainly agrees. Oh, no. Koala. He could not let her meet his brothers. They would have way too much fun at his expense. Yep, keeping those two far away from his partner is the goal.

Sabo started smiling more softly, looking at the two of them. They tilted their heads at the same time, curious at his expression change. The smile grew softer, and regret started to blossom in his chest. He missed so much. 

“You two kept up with it. I’m happy.”

Luffy blushed slightly while Ace looked away, still embarrassed at showing his emotions. Guess Ace got a little better at expressing his emotions since they were kids, but not by much. Better than the nothing Ace used to have. 

““It wasn’t a joke anymore. It’s a habit now.”” 

Sabu hummed, realizing that could happen if they kept up with it for the amount of time they spent together without him. Another pang of regret formed, but he pushed it away. Not the time. Sabo smiled wide, the glee on his face.

“Does it still freak people out?”

Ace matched his smile and nodded, and Luffy was making happy noise at his side. 

“Oh definitely. My crew, specifically the Commanders, half of them think we are just two little shits, while the other half think we are possessed by a demon hellbent on creating chaos in the world. They’re taking bets.”

Sabo smirked at that, remembering his odd speech patterns when he was first with the Army. That makes sense in hindsight.  

Luffy chirped at Sabo's side, still hanging on his coat like a koala.

“They’re funny. They make funny faces when we talk. It’s even better than messing with Dadan.”

Sabo chuckled, patting Luffy on his disguised hatted head. 

“I bet.”

Sabo was about to say more, but there were cheers above them, causing the brothers to frown. Sabo looked to Ace, still keeping a hand on Luffy from doing something stupid. 

“What were you guys talking about earlier?”

Ace sighed, gesturing to Luffy, who was pouting. 

“One of Luffy’s friends had a friend who had a Devil Fruit. They died, and that friend wants it, not like he said that by Luffy’s explanation. It just sounds like Luffy wants to help his friend.” 

Luffy scowled, shaking a hand at Ace. Sabo could still see Luffy through the disguise, especially with his actions, but maybe other people couldn’t. 

“Torao is my friend. I want to help him get his friend's fruit!”

Ace rubbed the bridge of his nose as if he had said it before, which was likely he had. 

“And that same friend needs help since they were taken by Doflamingo. Let me take care of this. I can get the fruit.”

Ace made a gesture, a gimme gesture, and Sabo thought it was for what Luffy was wearing as a disguise. Sabo thought it over and shrugged. Ace was probably the best person to imitate Luffy, but Sabo was not the best candidate because even though he could imitate Luffy, he had blonde hair. Ace had black hair, and the helmet would block his freckles. And the cloak and shirt would cover his distinguishable tattoos. 

Sabo was surprised he wasn’t caught already with his name tattoo out and about. 

Luffy pouted but nodded with no argument. Guess Ace whittled him down earlier so he didn’t fight too much now. Ace moved his shoulders, almost like he was warming up right now.

“Well, now we have to get Luffy out without being discovered.”

Sabo grinned, a light glowing in his eyes. His brothers noticed, and Sabo was smug while he rubbed his nose.

“I can do that. I have a few tricks up my sleeves.”

Ace slowly smirked, and Luffy smiled happily, still looking a second away from crying again, but it was better than earlier. 

“Let’s hear it, Sabo.”

Sabo matched Ace’s smirk and started explaining. It was a good day to be the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army.    

After Ace got the fruit and made a mess of the Coliseum with his firepower, causing panic and mayhem, Ace and Sabo met up in the tunnels. 

Sabo guided Ace back to the meeting spot, and soon enough, he saw Koala and Hack. Koala waved for him but visibly studied Ace. He was still wearing the disguise. Sabo walked to them with a smile, the leftover happiness of meeting up with his brothers still there. 

“Sabo, whose this?”

Ace waved but was busy getting the disguise off. He throws off the fake bird and the glasses, takes off the cover for his orange hat, and puts it on his head. He shed the shirt and cloak, and Sabo could finally see the Whitebeard mark on his back. Ace grinned, a smirk on his face, showing his confidence.  

Sabo sighed and pointed with his thumb back at Ace. 

“Ace, Koala, Hack. Koala, Hack, Ace. There, you guys are introduced.”

Koala widened her eyes, looking between Sabo and Ace with shocked eyes. She pointed between them, confused as all hell. 

“Sabo, do you know the Second Divison Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates?”

Sabo opened his mouth but was stopped by an arm over his shoulders. He looked over to see Ace leaning on him, a playful smirk on his face. He looked ready to be a menace. 

“Sabo, you didn’t tell them about me? I’m hurt.”

Ace put a hand over his heart, fake hurt, but Sabo could see the hidden amusement in his eyes. Sabo huffed, shrugging.

“You know why.”

Ace's smile thinned a bit, but it came back the same. Koala looked to Sabo, who smiled slightly, relief in his eyes. Sabo clapped because he really didn’t want to have this conversation right now. It could wait for later. Sabo spoke, voice purposefully louder than usual. 

“Sooo~ it's time to go people.”

Ace shrugged and let got Sabo, bounce in his step. Koala looked at Sabo with narrowed eyes, and Sabo was sheepish. 

“How do you guys know each other?”

Sabo looked back to Ace, who only saluted him with mock sympathy. Why did he decide to be friends with him again?

Sabo looked back at Koala and beamed even though Ace was annoying. The circumstance was a happy occasion, and he wouldn’t change it for a thing. 

“He’s my brother.”

Koala stared blankly at Sabo for a moment, then screeched.

“What?!!!” 

Ace couldn’t stop smiling,

Sure, everything was going to shit, and chaos abounded, but it couldn’t dampen his happiness. He was riding a high, and he was sure he wouldn’t come off of it until he could calm done from everything plus the fighting. The adrenaline was certainly not helping, but Ace couldn’t care. Sabo was a steady presence at his side, and Ace was floating. 

It had been so long since Ace felt this great. In fact, the last time he felt this happy was when Pops welcomed him into the family, one of the best days of his life. Finding out one of his brothers was alive was certainly a great occasion. 

Knowing that they were all alive was something Ace didn’t dare to hope for. But now with Sabo at his side with a pipe in hand, Ace couldn’t think of a place he would rather be. Sure, it could be better since they were fighting through a battlefield. The entire island of Dressrosa was in chaos, with fighting everywhere. But Ace didn’t mind. With every metallic hit from his side, his grin grew wider. 

Fighting next to Sabo was easy as breathing, and Ace could feel the bond reforming. They were starting to sync up again, and Ace had a skip in his step. 

Ace got serious again when he saw a Marine battalion moving toward where Luffy was. Ace saw the lead man, an Admiral. Ace had heard of the new Admiral who replaced Aokijji. From everything he had heard, it seemed like he was an okay guy, but Ace always knew there was more to a person than rumors. Especially Admirals. Ace was still looking forward to fighting Akianu again, looking forward to punching his face in. No, it doesn't matter to Ace that he was now the Fleet Admiral, it just gave Ace more motivation to go through with it, despite his crewmate's words on why that was a bad idea. 

Hah, Ace was filled with bad ideas, and that was not one of them. He was just waiting for that moment to strike, and Akainu wouldn’t know what hit him. 

Ace gestured his head to the Marines, and Sabo saw it too. His eyes narrowed but smirked slightly at Ace. Ace grinned, dark intentions swimming in his eyes. He looked to the Marines and the Admiral. This would be fun. 

Ace set the scene with outstretched arms, making a ring of flames surrounding the marines. The Admiral frowned but didn’t lose his cool like his underlings. Ace walked through the fire with a dark grin, making the flames go higher, and with more heat. 

Sabo made his entrance, spinning his pipe while knocking out a Marine who got too far away front he main force to get help. Sabo smirked and set his bloodstained pipe on his shoulder. Ace made sure that his flames wouldn’t hurt his brother. Ace and Sabo caught the other's eyes, and their grins grew wider.

Ace set his feet, fist in front of him, and Sabo pointed at the Marines with his pipe. 

““Don’t even think of going forward. You have to deal with us first before you get Luffy.””

The Marines shifted while the Admiral was frowning. The Vice Admiral was making some odd movements, so the two switched to glare at him, telling him to try it. Ace cocked his head and grinned menacingly, letting his flames grow even higher. He had his Devil Fruit for five years now. He knew some tricks.

“"If you take another step, I will fry” “beat” “you up so bad no one would recognize your body. Don’t try it.””

“For your sake, at least.”

Ace scoffed lightly at Sabo’s added words but figured it was on brand for him. Ever the polite one, even while threatening people. The masked Marine seemed to take offense at that, saying something or another that Ace only took as a person who needed a reality check. Ace made his flames spread, creating a smokescreen of fire when Sabo rushed forward. Ace made a path free of fire, and Sabo used it to get in front of the Marine faster than he could react. 

The Marine swung down with his cleaver, Ace blocking the Admiral with a blast of fire before he could help, and Sabo caught the sword with a hand. Sabo looked up and grinned, clenching down, and the metal broke like it was tin foil. Sabo cackled darkly, and it unnerved the Marines. Sabo didn’t let up, immediately jumping up and grasping the Vice Admiral's head with the same claw gesture, and started to clench.

The Admiral got through Ace’s attacks easily since Ace only wanted to stall him. He gave his flames more full and allowed them to blast anyone who wasn’t Sabo full of heat. Sabo moved while the Marines were distracted, coming back to Ace’s side without interference. Ace’s smile quirked up, and he allowed the fire to dim. 

Once the Marines could see them again, Sabo was still smiling, his darkened glee of a smile, and held up a mask that disintegrated in his hand. Ace whistled, impressed. It looked like Sabo wasn’t goofing off on his training. 

The Admiral stepped forward, holding out a hand for the other Marines. 

“Stand back, you men are not a match for them. Let me handle this.”

The blind man seemed to be looking in their direction, a frown on his face even though Ace didn’t think it was because his men refused to leave him. 

“I know why Fire Fist is here, but why is the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army at his side?”

Ace tilted his head and looked at Sabo. Sabo shrugged like it was out of his hands. Ace scoffed and shook his head. 

“You, the Chief of Staff of the Revs. I am surprised they’re still up and running with your dumbass in charge.”

Sabo gasped, hand over his heart in mock betrayal as he did earlier. Bitch. He pointed aggressively at the smirking logia. 

“I’ll have you know I am very good at my job.”

“Oh yeah? Then tell me the last time you did any paperwork.”

Sabo opened his mouth, paused, and closed it with a pout. He kicked his feet as he used to when they were kids and crossed his arms. 

“That’s foul play. And you, mister, are a Commander of Whitebeard. I think that question goes for you too.”

Ace shrugged, unrepentant, and everyone knew it. 

“Yeah, well, I am a pirate. I don’t need to do paperwork when I only have to punch people. If I can’t punch it, it’s not my problem.”

Sabo raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. 

“I could have never guessed.”

Sabo blinked, and Ace realized Sabo never answered the Admiral’s question. They both turned to the Admiral that watched the interaction with a frown. Sabo twirled his pipe and tapped it down on the ground like a cane. He smiled and cocked his head, looking straight at the Marine. 

“Because I am their brother. I would be a shitty brother if I don’t keep you guys off our little brother’s back.”

Ace nodded in agreement, liking how Sabo phrased it. The Admiral frowned harder when the Marines behind him freaked out. Ace looked at them and then shook his head. Marines always got caught up in the weirdest things. Some Marines looked at them in fear, and Ace let it go right over his head. Ace got used to the looks after he became a pirate.

“Strawhat’s brothers…! His brothers are the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army! What are these three!!”

“What a terrible set of brothers.”

That was what the Admiral said, and Ace and Sabo both reacted with a grin. 

““Yep. That’s us.””  

Ace put his fists up, and Sabo leaned forward, realizing that the talk was over. The Admiral unsheathed his sword and held it out, face set in seriousness. 

Well, at least he wasn’t alone.

The fight against Fujitora was a pain. It ended in a draw, but Ace knew he and Sabo could have taken him down if they got enough time, which they didn’t have. It also should be noted Ace didn’t get an overall feeling of malice most Admirals gave off. In all actuality, Fujitora seemed… kind in a sense. They were still enemies, but Ace didn’t have much of a problem as he did with him than other specific Marines(cough Akainu cough). 

Well, Ace didn’t dwell on it much, with more important things keeping him occupied. Most importantly, keeping his brother safe when he was out of haki and clearly recovering. He and Sabo did guard duty, always keeping an eye on where he was and taking care of any who sought to harm him. They took them out before they could get near Luffy. 

They were just that good. 

Ace and Sabo didn’t get involved with Luffy’s fight, only watching with pride when Luffy gave that final punch to the Warlord. Ace and Sabo high-fived each other, beaming with pride at what their brother accomplished. Luffy had come a long way from the boy who punched himself with his own rubbery fist. Now he was at the stage where everyone knew he was strong and should be careful when engaging. 

Ace was so proud.  

They kept their distance, not wanting to interrupt Luffy’s more-than-earned rest. Ace and Sabo got caught up during that time, something they didn’t have a chance for earlier. Sabo tried to retreat into a guilty ball, but Ace pulled him out of it with a scoff. Ace didn’t give a shit that Sabo was guilty, he was still his brother, and it was his job to make sure his brothers weren’t beating themselves up for something out of their control. 

Sure, Ace still wanted to get at least one good hit on Sabo for the shit he pulled, but he was waiting for the second Sabo least expected it.  

Ace told Sabo all about the Whitebeards, and Sabo told him about the Army. Ace was surprised to find out it was Dragon that saved Sabo, and he truly felt the world was a small place. From what Ace gleaned from Sabo’s words and expressions, Sabo loved being in the Army. As long as Sabo was happy, Ace wouldn’t say anything, even though he had a few… thoughts about Dragon. 

Ace might have a chance to convince Sabo that pranking Dragon was a good idea, but that plan was for later. 

Ace didn't realize it was night until the sun went down, too enraptured in talking to his missing brother. They both looked at each other and nodded. They made their way to the little house in the middle of a flower field, the place they followed the Strawhat and Co. to earlier. 

Ace could hear conversations from behind the wooden door, including something about alcohol. Sabo opened the door without a preamble, and Ace could hear the beginning of a sword being unsheathed when Sabo threw a bottle inside, apparently at the person who was asking for a drink. 

“Sabo!!”

“Yo! Nice to see you, Robin.”

Sabo walked into the shack, and Ace poked his out from behind Sabo’s shoulder, giving a small wave to his brother’s crew and allies. 

“Hey, guys. It’s been a while.”

“Ace!”

Zoro and Usopp grinned, the only Strawhats here that Ace met in Alabasta, the rest of the ones he met were not here at the moment. Ace nodded to the crewmates of Luffy’s he hasn’t met before, giving a friendly smile. The people in the house relaxed, seeing Ace and knowing he wouldn’t bring in someone who would threaten his brother. 

Nico Robin, the crewmember Luffy got after Alabasta, only looked between them with curiosity. 

“Sabo, why are you here? The Revolutionary Army should have left by now.”

Sabo shrugged, sitting on the bed Luffy was passed out on. Ace leaned by the door, seeing it was crowded enough on the floor. Sabo looked down at Luffy with a small smile and looked back at Nico Robin.  

“Some circumstances came up, and Dragon gave me another day to stay around.”

Ace shook his head wryly, chuckling. 

“Why do you have to be so cryptic all the time, Sabo?”

Sabo stuck his tongue at Ace, pulling down the skin below his eye, making a raspberry sound.

“I have to keep up my reputation.”

“Yeah, you're an idiot.”

“I don’t want to hear that from you!!”

Nico Robin raised an eyebrow, “Sabo, you didn’t tell me you knew my Captain’s brother.”

Sabo’s smile thinned, and Ace sighed, shaking his head. Ace raised his eyebrow at Sabo, knowing it wasn’t his place to explain. Sabo pouted at him, and Ace shrugged. Sabo sighed and looked at Robin, who was more curious than before. Everyone was, even with how tired they all seemed to be. Zoro kept an eye out for threats, but Ace knew he was relaxed. 

Sabo turned to Robin, a wry smile on his face.

“Robin, you are aware of my situation, right?”

Robin nodded, poker face on, “You have amnesia, not remembering a time before you joined the Revolutionary Army.”

Sabo nodded, looking down at his gloved hands. 

“That used to be the case. I recently got all my memories back. And well…”

Sabo looked up at Ace, and Ace could give him this. Ace walked to Sabo, sitting next to him, and made sure not to bother Luffy’s sleeping figure. Ace looked at Robin, gesturing with his head to Sabo.

“Before Sabo forgot everything and joined the Army, Luffy and I knew him quite well. He’s our brother.”

There was a burst of surprised shouting, and Ace swore he heard, “There’s two more?!”

Robin looked surprised, and Sabo continued. 

“It turns out seeing both of my brothers in the flesh was the thing to give my memories a jumpstart.”

Sabo started to look guilty again, so Ace elbowed him in the side. Hard. Sabo let out a grunt of pain and curled over, glaring at Ace over his shoulder. Ace smirked, mentally saying “what could he do?” 

“Don’t start with that shit Sabo. We don’t blame you. Oh, but do expect a punch when you least expect it. It’s for thinking you were dead for twelve years.”

Sabo opened his mouth, and closed it, unable to give Ace a good enough reason to not punch him.

“Just don’t use your fire. I can live without that.”

Ace grinned smugly, cracking his knuckles. 

“Okay, I can live with that.” 

Usopp looked between them, pointing at them with leftover surprise on his face.

“So if you guys are all brothers, do you two do that weird-”

Ace and Sabo gave matching grins at Usopp, who looked close to dying in fear. 

““You mean this?””

Usopp nodded, and Zoro groaned, the only two that knew Ace’s and Luffy’s antics when they were near each other. Yes, fresh victims to unnerve.

Ace leaned back, and Sabo leaned on his fist, legs crossed.  

““We may not have seen each other in years, but a habit couldn’t be forgotten that fast.””

Ace started, Sabo grinning madly. Ace could tell he missed this, even though he didn’t know why when his memories were locked away. 

“In fact, when we were young-”

“-I was the one that said it was a good idea. It-”

“-made our guardians freak the fuck out, something-”

“-we enjoyed doing. You should see it when all of us are together. I-”

“-heard that it was really creepy. My crew thinks me and Luffy are possessed by Demons.”

Sabo grinned widely, and Ace knew he was going to enjoy this. Sabo looked at Ace, uncaring for the looks they all got with that exchange.

“I can come over sometime with Luffy, give that rumor more biases.”

Ace rubbed his hand in glee, chuckling with dark glee. His eyes were alight with humor, and god, he missed this.

“That sounds like so much fun.”

Sabo nodded, their thinking on the same wavelength. Zoro looked between the two and shrugged, his expression saying it wasn’t his problem. That thought was shared with everyone in the shack, including Trafalgar Law, who looked to be regretting everything. 

Sucks to be him. He should have expected this when he allied with Luffy. 

After a few more hours, everyone passed out except Ace and Sabo. They were quiet, not wanting to wake the people who deserved the rest. Ace pointed at the door, and Sbao nodded, both of them making their way out of the wooden house, steps silent. The door close behind them, and Ace walked forward until he was in the middle of the flower field and sat down, looking up at the calm night sky, not a cloud in sight. 

Sabo sat by him, Ace catching the movement out of his peripheral vision. They were silent for a moment until Sabo spoke.

“I will have to leave tomorrow.”

“Hm.”

Sabo sighed, laying down on the bed of flowers and eyes looking up. He caught Ace’s eyes and then covered his own with his arm. The top hat was next to his head, and Sabo breathed out heavily. Ace looked back up to the sky, hands in his lap. 

The silence went on for a long time until Ace broke it. He knew what Sabo was thinking, and Sabo knew what he was thinking. There was no need for words when they knew what they would say. They knew their lives would go on but in different directions. Sabo to the Army and Ace to the sea. But Ace knew he would see him again, so Ace didn’t say what was in his head. It was too much like a goodbye, and Ace didn’t want to say goodbye to Sabo, not again.     

“Hey, Sabo, a question for ya.”

“What is it?”

“Do the Revs actually use guillotines, or is that just rumors?”

Sabo stared at Ace, and Ace did a cutting motion at his neck and made a death sound. Sabo looked to be regretting getting his memory back at this point. His moping was gone, and Ace gave himself a pat on the back. 

“They are just rumors. We don’t do that.”

Ace tsked, and Sabo narrowed his eyes at Ace. Ace gestured further out of the field of flowers to where the Marines most likely were. 

“Here I thought the Revs were more interesting than the Marines. Chop this head, chop that head with two swords. It gets boring after the first couple of times.”

Sabo sat up, looking at Ace with done eyes.

“Ace, what the fuck?”

Ace shrugged, a shit-eating smile on his face.

“What? A man needs variety, you know?”

“Not at his own fucking execution!!!”

Ace tried to keep a straight face, but Sabo’s righteous fury made it hard. Ace couldn't stop himself, and burst out laughing, bellowing laughs that almost hurt. He had his hands on his stomach, rolling around with laughter. Sabo screeched in fury. 

“Ace, don’t laugh at me!!” 

Ace just laughed harder, tears coming out of the corner of his eyes. 

“Ace!!”

Ace tried to stop laughing, but every time he saw Sabo’s face, it started up again. 

Laughing in the middle of a field of flowers, both of his brothers safe and sound, Ace couldn’t be happier.