You lifted one eyebrow.

«Are we boarding strays... again?»

Vista burst in laughter as your crewmates brought the unconscious Spade Pirates on the deck.

«Come on, [Y/n], don't be so strict!» he exclaimed with his thundering voice, patting you on your back and almost sending you in overboard.

«Ups, sorry! Anyway, you know that pops has a soft spot for the strays.»

«Of course I know.» you grumbled, massaging your muscles where he hit you «It's just that most of them are reckless weaklings! And you know what that means? More work for me, that's what.»

«I thought you were pops' personal doctor.» commented Izo, eyeing you.

«I should be, but he sells me cheap for all his beloved sons.» you huffed.

They finally brought the captain of that crew on the Moby Dick. That fool who was stupid enough to attack pops.

You prepared your best scowl of contempt as they carried him to the infirmary, but your expression bent in front of his raven hair and the seductive freckles.

«Well, helloooo...» you muttered, following him with your eyes.

«Just what did you say, [Y/n]?»

Shit!

The familiar voice made you shiver.

«Hi Thatch.» you sighed.

«I understand you are not complaining anymore, mh?»

«Mind your own business, you banana.»

He laughed heartedly, ruffling your hair.

«We finally have someone for you! Pops will be so happy to walk you down the aisle! He's worried about you, you know. With that awful temper no one is going to take you!»

Thatch was prepared to run as you chased him down the deck, screaming curses at him.

Izo facepalmed.

«He really is a troll, isn't he...»

«What's going on here-yoi?»

Marco had just finished checking on the newcomers when he reached the other commanders. Well, some of them. [Y/n] was trying her best to murder Thatch, again.

«Same as always.» Vista explained «Thatch teased [Y/n] because she apparently finds one of the newbies hot.»

Marco frowned, maybe, but just for a second.

«I see. C'mon guys, we've got things to do-yoi.»

The newbie turned out to be Fire Fist Ace, a reckless hothead.

During his first days he attacked Whitebeard hundreds of times, only to get beaten as many.

And, of course, you where the one in charge of patching him up.

Around the twentieth time they brought him in, you scoffed, hitting him on his head with your percussion hammer.

«OUCH! What the hell are you doing, woman?!»

«I've got a name, and since you get here five times a day, you better stick it in your head!» you cried out, hitting him again.

He muffled some curses in his lips, holding the growing bump on his forehead.

You sighed, proceeding to the examination of his injured leg.

«Okay, let me see here...»

You had been working quietly for a few minutes when he broke the silence.

«So... are you the only woman of the crew?»

«Not really.» you answered, keeping your eyes on his leg «I mean, I probably am right now. But you noticed we kind of come and go, don't you? This is the main ship, but there are many others, and many affiliated crews also.»

«Yeah, you're quite a lot... there are a lot of strong men here. I wonder why you all accepted Whitebeard as a captain.»

He sounded unusually calm.

You furtively glared at him, stepping back from his limb.

«Well, I can't speak for the others, but... I guess he gave me a family. I was convinced I was worthless of anyone's love... he says I'm his daughter and treats me like that.» you shrugged «It may be silly, but it makes me happy.»

Ace stared at you.

«I see.» he mumbled.

He didn't think it was silly.

«[Y/n] I loooveeeee youuuuuuuu, marry meeeeeeeee!»

You partied hard that night, on the ship. Teach was beyond drunk.

Most of the crew was laughing uncontrollably as you were throwing anything you could grab to the huge man, trying your best to keep him at a safety distance.

«I don't want to! Leave me alone!» you screamed as he hugged you, squeezing the life out of your body.

You were also a bit drunk, and Teach used to play around with you all the time, so there was nothing to worry about, actually. Plus, being temporarily the only woman on the ship made you an easy target.

At least while Whitebeard wasn't looking.

The far end of the big spear hit Blackbeard on the forehead, sending him flying to the other side of the deck.

«Stay away from my precious daughter, Teach! You're not the kind of man I'm going to give her!» roared Whitebeard, then he laughed as well.

«Ouff, thank you pops, but... are you drinking?»

Free from Teach's unwanted attentions, you climbed on the huge throne of the Yonko till you reached his shoulder. He eyed you suspiciously.

«What do you want, woman.»

You rolled your eyes.

From "precious daughter" to "woman". That always happened when you inquired on his habits and he knew he ignored your medical advices.

«I said no alcohol!» you stated, jumping in the attempt to grasp his enormous tankard full of sake.

He moved it out of your reach, and you miserably fell on his lap.

«Shut up, [Y/n]! I'm the captain, I do what I want!»

«I don't give a shit! I'm the doctor and you are the patient, you must do as I say!»

Most of the crew was following your typical quarrel in amusement. It happened at every party.

«I SAY I'M THE CAPTAIN AND I DO WHAT I WANT!» roared Whitebeard, bolting on his feet.

He was drunker than you thought, and so were you, since you lost your balance and slipped.

Thatch was among the ones laughing hard, but he also realized pretty soon that it was a long fall from the throne of the Yonko to the wood of the deck.

He jolted towards you, but someone grabbed you before him, landing gracefully on the ground.

«Oi, I cannot lower my guard for a second with you guys-yoi.»

«Marco!» you muttered, grasped on his purple shirt. He gave you his calm smile, letting you down gently.

«Good job, Marco.» grumbled Whitebeard, getting back to the seat. He awkwardly looked away, feeling guilty. Seeing a Yonko like this was hilarious for the rest of the commanders.

«Pops! Try not to break your precious daughter!» Rakuyo screamed.

«...and future wife.» Teach added, quietly.

«Shut up, you ungrateful sons!»

«We have Marco, luckily.» Thatch observed, patting his shoulder «The big brother of the crew!»

«Yes. Thank you, Onii-san.*» you said, wrapping your jacket around your torso. The night air was getting colder.

He sighed, smiling lightly, then he flicked your forehead.

«Pay more attention, next time-yoi.»

«Ouch! Mean.» you whined.

After a few hours, people started to pass out from the booze. This wasn't unusual even.

The ones still on their feet took the task to put the mates back in their beds or hammocks. Of course, Marco was among them.

«Hey.» you cheered, offering him a glass of the last bottle of sake.

He shifted his attention from a heavy and non-collaborative Teach to you.

«Hey.» he replied, taking it.

«I saw you with the newbie, before. Is he still all grumpy and solitary?»

«You mean Ace?» Marco took a sip «I think he's starting to question himself-yoi. He asked me why we call him pops.»

You nodded.

«And what did you tell him?»

«Because he calls us sons.»

You smiled.

«You sure are the first son.»

Marco swallowed the rest of his drink, heading for the railing of the ship. The sea was black and a bit agitated, in the night. You leaned beside him.

«Nah, we're all the same for pops-yoi.»

He seemed to think about it.

«Except for you, maybe. You're probably his favourite daughter.»

You pouted.

«Because he has such a few daughters! And they're mostly ugly nasty witches.»

He hummed.

«And what would make you different from them?»

You widened your eyes, shocked.

«WHAT?»

He burst in laughter.

«Sorry, couldn't resist-yoi.»

«You damn pineapple, you're a troll like all the others.»

He didn't reply, and both of you went back staring at the sea.

Behind you, Thatch was trying his [drunken] best to convince Teach to go back inside. Unnoticed by the rest of the crew, Ace slowly made his way on the deck, observing those strange men. Pops was heavily asleep on his throne.

At that point you couldn't know, but that moment would have came back to your mind many times, during the next two years.

Because everything was still perfect.

You just couldn't know that.

«What do you think about him-yoi?» Marco asked abruptly.

You blinked.

«Who?»

«Ace.»

«He will join us, won't he?»

«Most likely.»

The shadow of a smile slithered to your lips. Marco noticed it.

«Pops will probably approve.»

«Approve what?»

«Nothing-yoi, don't worry. Goodnight, [Y/n].»

He left you on the railing, maybe a little puzzled.

But he was Pineapple Marco, the first commander of the Whitebeards, he had the right to leave you puzzled if he wanted.

Ace joined the crew, indeed.

Not just that, but he quickly became an essential member and the second commander of Whitebeard fleet.

Before you could realize it, you two became close.

First, because he was such a silly reckless and he ended up in you infirmary more than anyone else. Second, probably because you had more or less the same age.

Third, well.

«ACE IS BAAAAACK!» somebody yelled on the deck.

A lot of men ran outside to greet the beloved commander.

«You don't go say hi to your favourite brother, [Y/n]?» teased Thatch, leaning towards you on the table you were having lunch on.

«No need.» you answered unimpressed, continuing to eat «His first stop will probably be the infirmary anyway.»

Surprisingly, it wasn't the case.

After messing around a little with the other crewmates, Ace entered the lunchroom.

«Oi, stupid brothers! I didn't find you greeting me on the deck!»

On the other side of the room, Marco lazily lifted his glass.

«Hi, Ace. You seem healthier than usual-yoi.»

«I'm shocked.» you confirmed.

«[Y/n]! You're like the little sister, you should come running when one of your older brothers comes back from a long and dangerous journey!» Ace taunted, in a good mood as always.

«Yes, except that my older brothers' favourite hobby is teasing me all the time.» you huffed «And I'm the doctor here! I'm the smart one of the litter!»

«What did you just say?»

You didn't like the smirk on Ace's freckled face. You liked it even less when he moved a step towards you, motioning his fingers in crawling waves.

«Uh-oh. No.»

You abandoned your plate in a rush, trying to jolt to the other side of the room, but it was no use. Obviously. Like you could escape Fire Fist Ace if he wanted to catch you.

He jumped on you, straddling you to the floor.

«Marco, save me!» you squinted, a desperate look in your eyes. But Marco just hummed.

«Apologize to your older brother!» Ace ordered, digging his fingers in your sides. You started to laugh uncontrollably, squirming under him.

«NAHAHAHAHFAHAHAHAHAHIR ACE!» you screamed.

«Yeah.» Thatch sighed to Haruta, sat beside him «She's happy he's back.»

No one noticed Marco had left the room.

The Moby Dick was the main ship of the crew, the one where Whitebeard himself stood, and that was exactly the reason why it was actually the safest and calmest.

There weren't a lot of pirates strong or insane enough to challenge it, so the main action usually took place within the minor divisions, on other ships.

That was why Ace, being the restless hothead he was, used to travel around a lot, to run in help of affiliates and far comrades.

You, on the other hand, were the personal doctor of Whitebeard, and used to leave the ship very rarely, also due to the worsening condition of your captain.

«Oi, Ace!»

You ran on the deck, reaching him just before he jumped overboard to be back god knows when.

«Oh, [Y/n]!» he cheered you happily, weaving a hand.

«You forgot your pills!» you uttered, patting a finger on his chest.

His well toned chest.

He tilted his head aside.

«My pills?»

«Against your stupid narcolepsy. Here.»

You handed him a small package.

«I made it with some new leaves I collected on the last island. It's more like an experiment, so...»

«You shouldn't have! Actually, I don't think I need these...»

Ace weighted up the package in his hands, then he looked at your disappointed frown.

The pirate grinned, shoving the pills in his sack.

«I really don't think I'll use them, but I want them! It's like a gift from my little sister, who's almost neeever cute.»

A soft dust of pink tinged your cheeks.

«You stupid wood-head...»

On the opposite railing, Whitebeard and Marco were observing the two of you starting one of your quarrels.

«What do you think?» the Yonko asked in a low tone.

«About those two?»

Marco watched as Ace bent on you, who were protesting over something, and placed a peck on your cheek before taking his leave. You blushed even more.

Whitebeard nodded.

«You know I'm a little overprotective with her,» he admitted «but I suppose every father has a soft spot for his little daughter. Anyway, I think I wouldn't mind if it was Ace.»

The second commander was long gone now, but you were still staring at the horizon.

«I agree.» the first commander said.

Not so long after that moment, the nightmare began.

It all started with the corpse of Thatch being found on the deck, under a pouring rain.

You cried and screamed that night.

The only thing you could see in front of your eyes was Thatch, smiling and pranking you, ready to flee and mock you more.

The image didn't match at all with the lifeless body on your feet.

You were the ship doctor, so you knew there was nothing to do as soon as your orbs landed on him.

Still, it took both Ace and Marco to tear you off from Thatch.

You couldn't believe what happened. That Teach was the one who did it.

He was never one of your favourite brothers, but you did trust him. He had saved you more than once in battle, and you had treated his wounds.

Yes, you trusted him.

Ace went berserk, instead.

As you despaired in your room, he yelled for revenge on the top of his lungs.

Whitebeard and the other commanders tried their best to stop him. You all had a bad feeling about it.

Ace didn't listen.

Hearing the screams from outside, you finally got out of your room to reach your comrades.

«Ace...»

Your voice sounded weaker than you wanted, and you didn't expect anyone to hear you. So you were surprise when Ace turned immediately to you.

«[Y/n]!»

He freed himself from the various arms that were restraining him, and in a second he was holding you tight against his chest.

It was so warm.

Well, pretty obvious since the man was fire itself, but also another kind of warm.

Once again, you couldn't stop the tears.

«[Y/n], I'm sorry.» he whispered. His voice was almost cracking, and your fingers tightened around his shirt, as you buried your face in his shoulder.

He held you for a while.

«I'll find that bastard. I'll make him pay.»

«But–»

Ace pulled you back, cupping your face with his hands, forcing you to raise your watery eyes.

«I had to! For Thatch.»

You hesitated, then you nodded.

He pressed his lips on your forehead.

«I'll be back soon.»

You felt him dethatching from you and moving fast towards his weaver.

«I entrust [Y/n] to you, Marco!»

«Ace, wait, don't–»

But he was gone.

It was really hard to get through Thatch's and Ace's absence. Moreover, Marco seemed distant.

You couldn't blame him, though. A lot had happened, and he was still the commander of the first division, with many things to take care of.

Also, you imposed yourself to be strong.

No more whining, no more little sister crap. So you wouldn't bother Marco just because you missed your brothers.

Somehow, you managed to regain a sort of normality. There were times you caught yourself staring at the sea, buried in nostalgic memories, but you guessed that couldn't be helped.

Shanks came to visit, asking Whitebeard to call Ace back.

As if.

You stood on the deck next to Marco and Jozu, as the weaklings of the crew fainted.

Red-Haired Shanks was really a cheeky bastard, you decided after he shamelessly proposed Marco to join his crew.

«Oi!» you barked «Watch your tongue, Red! You can't have him!»

Beside you, Marco smirked.

«And you must be [Y/n]! I can take you both if you prefer!» he happily continued.

Whitebeard caught his attention back by pounding his spear on the ground.

«Careful, Red-Haired. Don't be cocky with my daughter or I'll have to kill you.»

When the news of Ace's capture and execution came, your world fell apart once again.

This time, though, you really tried your best not to freak out.

There was an emergency meeting of the commanders, The ones who were not on the Moby Dick were called back immediately. Haruta was the last to join, two days later. Meanwhile, Marco had to leave to call some other allies.

During those two days, you had a hard time not to collapse and focused on taking care of Whitebeard's worsening (and secret) health issues.

You hardly slept or touched food. Maybe you didn't at all. You were not even noticing.

The morning on the third day, both the sky and the sea were grey. A storm was approaching, and the ship was rolling more than usual. You were holding onto the railing, empty mind, empty stomach, empty chest, your glare lost in the greyness. Until you spotted far blue flares.

«Marco.»

The name escaped your lips in a breath.

He landed gracefully on the balustrade, still half phoenix, while the first light drops of rain started to fall on the ship.

«[Y/n].»

His eyes met yours, and he paused.

You knew you looked terrible. Pale as snow, ruffled hair, deep bags under your eyes.

«I'm sorry I wasn't here-yoi.» he just said, crossing the railing.

You shook your head, getting back on your feet.

«Don't be. You do what you have to. Our allies?»

«They will come. All of them.»

You offered a weak smile.

Marco looked as calm and confident as usual. But he just couldn't be.

«Listen, if you need something, anything... I mean, I know you are the second in command, but you don't have to act though with me, okay?»

The man hummed, bringing a hand in his blond tuft.

«Jeez, my little sister is trying to comfort me-yoi. I must be a terrible older brother.»

You crossed you arms, staring at him.

«Cut the "little sister" stuff. I'm a Whitebeard pirate, just like you. You don't have to protect me, I can also take care of you.»

Marco stayed quiet for a moment, observing you. The rain was getting heavier, no one else was on the deck, but you stood right in front of him, resolute.

«You've always been so proud.» he said, serious «I know you're strong. Not just a strong pirate-yoi. You are a strong woman.»

He moved a step closer, grabbing your shoulder within his big warm hands.

That simple gesture, and you painfully realized how stronger, older and wiser he was.

«But I will always protect you. You and the rest of the crew, this is what a commander does-yoi. So now we're gonna take Ace back.»

The meeting between Whitebeard and the commanders lasted hours.

You were not invited, actually, so you sneakered in a secret corner of the adjacent room, from where you could eavesdrop the situation. Some of them immediately spotted you with their Kenbunchoku haki, but everyone trusted you, and you always did that anyway.

At the end of the meeting, most of the commanders left the room.

«Just one last thing, pops.»

«What, Marco?»

«I'd prefer [Y/n] to stay back.»

What?

Whitebeard hummed.

«What are you saying?» Haruta stepped in «You know she'll never agree to that!»

«It's not like she's actually vulnerable.» Vista observed.

The first commander didn't reply.

«What are you thinking, Marco?» Whitebeard asked.

«You know that sometimes she just doesn't listen. And it's Ace we're talking about-yoi.» he replied «I'm afraid she could hastily run into the battle and get hurt-yoi.»

«YOU THINK I'M SOME SORT OF IDIOT?!»

You stormed into the room, eyes widened with rage. No one was really surprised.

Jozu sighed.

«[Y/n], you weren't supposed to listen...»

You banged your fist on the table, ignoring him, orbs fixed on Marco's.

«You said right! IT'S ACE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT! I'm not gonna back off!»

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

«Listen [Y/n], I know what he is for you, but–»

«No, apparently you DON'T know! There is no way I'm not going to fight, so give up already!»

«[Y/n].»

«And you also gave me all that "strong pirate-strong woman" crap! NOW I SEE HOW YOU REALLY CONSIDER ME! How the fuck can you–»

«SHUT UP!» he barked, and your mouth clamped shut «I LOST THATCH AND I'M LOSING ACE, THERE'S NO WAY I'M RISKING YOU!»

You unconsciously pulled back.

He had never raised his voice with you, not even once.

The silence fell heavy on the room.

You sharpened your eyes, staring at him.

«This is not for you to decide.»

You headed out, without looking behind.

«I think I owe you an apology, Marco.»

The blond lifted an eyebrow.

Whitebeard and his first commander were alone in the room, for the first time since the meeting.

Marco suspected his health was worse than what the Yonko was letting through, so he came to inquire, and of course he was right.

«What are you talking about, pops?»

«Seems a long time ago now, but I told you I was hoping for Ace to be the one for [Y/n].»

Marco hummed.

There was no point in denying anything to his captain, he knew better.

«I'm sorry. I didn't pay enough attention.» Whitebeard concluded.

The other man sighed.

«You don't have to worry-yoi. They are perfect together. I'm too old for her, by the way.»

Whitebeard paused.

«I wouldn't mind if it was you either.» he finally said.

Marco shrugged.

«It's okay-yoi. I'm her older brother, I'll watch over her.»

«You better, because there's no way she's staying back.»

He sighed again.

«I'm sorry I yelled at you.»

The blond man massaged his temple. How come everyone was apologizing to him, that day?

After the quarrel, you felt terrible for attacking Marco.

Izo, always calm and rational, convinced you to look for the commander and talk things out.

«I'm sorry too-yoi.»

«It's just... I can't stay back knowing that Ace's life is at sake.»

«I know.»

«I have to be there.»

«I know.»

You shifted your weight from one foot to the other, unsure.

«Is it... okay then?»

«Yes, I know you can be trusted in battle. Plus, you're our best doctor-yoi, we need you there. I was being overprotective.»

You smiled a bit.

«Good. Hey, I know you will be busy with some big shot from the Navy, and that actually scares the shit out of me. But I promise I won't try to handle what I cannot.»

«Well, that's a relief-yoi.»

Your smile wavered as a freckled face suddenly claimed the space of your mind.

You didn't realize you went silent for a while till Marco flicked your forehead.

«Ouch!»

«We are the Whitebeards. We're taking him back-yoi.»

You blinked, rubbing a finger where he hit you.

«We are.» you stated.

*Onii-san means "brother", in a respectful way.