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Navi just wanted a normal life but she would never have it. She had been abandoned on some random island in the middle of the North Blue at age 12 and had to navigate the world alone when she should’ve been going to school and making friends. Instead she was always running and never trusting a soul from monsters who controlled most of the world. It wasn’t even like her parents were there to begin with but to still be dropped off and never seeing her parents again hurt the girl. During that time, she ended up a test subject for Germa. She never wanted to but it offered berry so she did. She ended up being one of the few escaped “failures”, though she only knew of one other, and hid herself well. After brutal genetic testing, her natural caramel hair faded to a steel, nearly grey, blue and she developed into a scared woman. Navi also didn’t grow much after the testing, staying a mere 5 feet tall. Although small, she had a body most women would kill for. Mid-sized chest that was perfect for whatever her partner wanted, and hour glass shape with fairly nice legs. Navi thought this, her body, was the only good thing to come from Germa. She was 18 now, living in the supply closet of some no name diner on some no name island in the East Blue. She found a nice normal in her own messed up way. She still looked over her shoulder and kept a knife on her but it was normal. That was until she had to run again.

She didn’t sleep the night before; they finally found her. They had sent one of the Vinsmokes, which terrified her more. She knew the Vinsmoke family were powerful and that they were the perfect Germa creations. Navi knew she wouldn’t be able to escape their clutches. The blue haired man found her simply gathering groceries for the diner and shoved her into an alleyway before she could even register his presence, much less take out her knife before he swiped it. He gave her two days to come back with him or be killed.

“Germa doesn’t appreciate failures” the man sneered, Niji, she thought his name was.

“If I am a failure, why do you still need me?” she practically whispered as the man pinned her, the groceries long forgotten.

“Because Germa also doesn’t fail, maybe,” he said petting her hair quickly and then aggressively holding her body, “they’ll be nice and make you a little pet for me” Niji laughed, basking in her shaking form, loving the fear he was causing her.

“There's 3 of you,” she replied, trying to ignore the man who was clearly getting off on her fear of him; his erection basically stabbing her thigh. “Where are the other two?” Niji laughed at this question.

“You aren’t special enough to send more than one” he replied coldly in her ear, shoving himself closure to her. A loud crash at the light end of the alley made Niji look up and chuckle. “Two days, collect whatever shit you have. If you’re not at my ship, I will hunt you and take pleasure in raping you before you die.” He let her go at this point; she salvaged what she could of the groceries and ran to the diner locking the door behind her. Little did she know another big name arrived on this nothing of an island on their own mission. No one other than the Fire Fist, Portgas D. Ace.

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Navi decided after hiding in the supply closet she called home for several hours; she would start the morning preparations for the diner afterwards. She sighed, folding up the blanket she used and pillow hiding them behind a crate so the owner wouldn’t get in trouble for sleeping there. She was meant to be just a waitress here but because she lived there and their cook was lazy she also did the morning preparations in the kitchen. She often worked doubles doing the night shifts cooking and morning waitressing. Navi had just finished the preparations for breakfast and the beginnings of lunch when the small bell rang signaling someone came in. She flinched.

We don’t open for an hour. Did they not lock the front?! Oh no… fear hit her harshly. What if that Vinsmoke guy found me?! She peaked over the small window carefully so the person wouldn’t see her.

Navi could not believe who she saw because it was definitely not Niji Vinsmoke. The man sat at the breakfast bar, which of course was her section (let's be honest the whole dining room was), she groaned. The man patiently waiting at the counter was tall, skinny but clearly muscular (she was very distracted by the lack of shirt) with mid neck length shaggy black hair and a red beaded necklace hanging loosely. He had sun kissed skin that highlighted his freckled face and shoulders. The clear ASCE with S crossed out branded his left arm. The bright orange cowboy hat somehow complemented his skin tone. As she looked, more like gauked, from the window at how his waist slimmed to cargo shorts showing muscular legs and combat boots. He had a small smile on his face that grew as grey eyes locked with her own brown ones.

“Eek!” Navi quickly hid back under the window.

“Excuse me? Miss? May I order some food? I can go somewhere else but there was no one in here so I figured I’d give the business,” the man said, his voice a deep smooth and kind sounding one that made Navi’s heart soar. She mentally prepared herself and came out from the kitchen facing the man in her uniform from the diner, her name tag placed on haphazardly since she rarely wore it (the diner mostly had regulars so they all knew her name).

“Sorry sir, we don’t open for another,” Navi looked at the clock helplessly, “45 or so minutes and even then it's just me for a few hours..” She trailed not wanting to admit that most days she ran the whole diner alone until lunch because none of the other employees cared about some stupid girl from the North Blue.

The man chuckled at that and Navi blushed, “Well, Navi, if you don’t mind me asking for an exception, that would be wonderful.”

How does he know my name? The waitress stiffened at the thought before looking down. Oh, I forgot I put it on since he’s not a regular. “Um, I guess so, we don’t usually have anyone come in till 11 or so anyway” she shrugged casually, “what can I get you.. Uh..?”

“Ace.” he cut her off quickly. That's when it clicked, this was the man from the newspaper that she found fascinating, Fire Fist Ace. Nice move Idiot, one of the most famous pirates of the age and you don’t even recognize him. She shook her head at the thought. Not like you read about all his exploits either.

“Right,” she smiled at Ace “What would you like, Ace? I can cook anything on the menu and some simple dishes.” Ace grinned wildly at her before it fell to a soft smirk.

“Surprise me, just make a lot of it.” She nodded and darted off the kitchen to catch a breath she didn’t know she was holding. I have to serve the fire first Ace and I probably looked pathetic. She sighed and began cooking absentmindedly. She cooked at least a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, a couple steaks and a little bit of everything in between. She brought it out on a service cart for the White Beard pirate. He smiled at her kindly and began digging in before quickly passing out about a third of the way through the food being consumed.

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“Holy shit!” she panicked and shook his shoulder lightly. His skin is so warm, she thought to herself with a slight smile. I wonder what it's like to always feel warm and probably safe too. She still held the gentle soft smile as the man perked up and looked at her, some egg stuck to his face as he looked around and finally landed on her. He smiled shyly scratching the back of his head.

“Sorry that happens sometimes,” Ace continued speaking with a mouth now full of food. “Ham gud doe” he smiled a toothy smile filled with random bits of food on his teeth before concern fell across his features. Swallowing whatever was in his mouth he continued “Are you okay? You have a smile but your eyes look sad.” his voice laced with the same concern his face showed.

Navi hesitated, most people didn’t catch those things on her. This was probably due to no one caring about her as a simple waitress. I can not tell him I am gonna be killed in two days if I don’t get on some ship with a sociopath. “It's nothing.” she lied trying to hide the pain in her voice. She looked past Ace, seeing in the windows of the diner Niji was watching her closely. She visibly stiffed at that, which caught the fire fist’s attention. Ace caught the change in her body language and went to look at what she was. “Uh, so you’re Fire Fist Ace, right?” trying to return to her casual tone.

His smile faltered a little, “yes.” he looked at her critically, sensing no ill intention he continued, “but that means you know my story. What's yours?” She gave her usual customer service smile at the question.

“An unimportant one,” she looked up again seeing Niji gone and she relaxed, “just some orphan trying to get by with a waitressing job” she elaborated slightly. Ace seemed to accept that answer and continued to eat the food she had cooked.

“Why do you keep looking at the window? Boyfriend or something mad he caught you talking to the Fire First?” he half joked. She tensed again and shook her head no, “Then someone is bothering you?” She gave him a confused look at the question as she filled his water absentmindedly with her devil fruit powers instead of the pitcher. Maybe he’d rescue me like those stupid fairytales if I told him, he seems genuinely concerned, she thought not noticing the curious look Ace gave at how she filled his glass.

“Just someone trying to take me away from here,” she replied vaguely. “I want to leave here but.. Not like how he wants me to.” she added in almost a whisper. Ace nodded at that, drinking some water. “Do you need more food?” she added the question quickly, clearly not understanding the pirate’s concern.

“No. But I would like to stay talking to you, since the customers still haven’t shown up if that’s okay?” he raised an eyebrow at her. She blushed at that, Why would you wanna talk to me? She thought confused, Maybe it's just because he’s concerned about me? But why would he care about some random waitress in the East Blue? “Because the random waitress has shown me kindness and, for me, that makes her a friend.” he said plainly as she blushed at the thought of him reading her mind.

“you said that outloud” he added quickly a light blush covered the freckled cheeks. “Now tell me, how exactly is that man who I can feel staring down my back taking you away in a way you don’t want to.” his carefree tone completely disappeared into a serious tone. This must be the Fire Fist talking, she made sure to actually think and not accidentally say out loud.

“I’m not from the East Blue, I.. uh.. ran away here from where I’m from… but he-” she paused now feeling the cold stare of the second eldest Vinsmoke brother. She knew she had to word this next sentence carefully or she would be dead. Ace gave her a very serious look, his grey eyes like steel and his features showing he was ready to protect this girl who simply gave him food. “He wants to take me back to the place I ran away from. I am considered…” she hesitated “.. important there… but I was not happy there and I was not going to die with any regrets.” she ended simply as she watched something she couldn’t explain flash in Ace’s eyes.

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“Will he come for you if you stay here?” he asked coldly while still eating but there was obviously less need in his movements, he was trying to make it look normal so Niji didn’t catch on.

She turned away pretending to place a plate on the counter behind her so the blue haired bastard couldn’t read her lips “yes.” it was a pitiful reply barely audible.

“Do you know how to use that devil fruit well enough to defend yourself?” He sat up taller as if to make himself more intimidating to the Vinsmoke. She shook her head at that, she only even ate the thing to have some protection if anyone tried to harm her. But no one told her how to do so, she only knew how to use it to help with the basics like filling Ace’s glass. “Do you have a place to stay, besides here I mean?” she shook her head again. He looked to the side, his face never wavering from the cold expression.

“Ace..” she said softly, still confused as to why the man had such a simple ideal. Someone feeding you or showing kindness shouldn’t mean you risk your life for them. The cold gaze warmed slightly as he looked back at her. Fire fist smiled and collected the now empty dishes.

“I already took up your whole morning, at least let me help you with the dishes!” his tone reverted back to the cheery one as he got up throwing away any trash in the bin by the front door subtly locking it so Niji couldn’t get in. After doing so, Ace swept the dishes up in his arms and guided her in the back. He heard the door rattle but nothing more as he stayed behind her. “Where are your things?” he asked, low enough that the running water would cover it. She pointed to the closet. “Grab them. Leave a note we clean these and leave” his instructions were clear and tone left no room for argument. I don’t understand how showing him basic kindness leads a man to risk his life for a girl he's known for two hours. She thought very confused but the way the man spoke left unable to say anything against it.

“Ace..” she tried to find a reason not to as she looked at the man doing the dishes so she could run. “If I run he will hunt me down.. and he’ll… “ she shuddered at the man’s threat.

“He isn’t gonna do shit because you’ll be with me until I find somewhere safe for you. You showed me kindness and gave me food when you could’ve kicked me to the curb. It may seem insignificant but I want to live my life without regrets and I would regret leaving knowing you’re in danger after you helped me, even if it was just a bite to eat.” His voice filled with a passion Navi couldn’t connect with as she nodded knowing she was not gonna win this. Ace smiled nodding back, solidifying her agreement, the toothy smile returning as he finished up and the dishes leaving quickly to grab his bag leaving some berry in the till for what Navi had made.

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Navi sighed as she changed into her clothes from the night before as they were all she had aside from the uniform and slipped out the back, a protective arm wrapped her waist. She looked up to see Ace. He leaned down low enough that his hat brim covered his mouth as he whispered to her. “I don’t care how this looks for me, just cling to me, I’ll protect you, who am I looking for?” his tone was quite calculated as he scanned the environment. Navi nodded trying to cover her eyes with her hair as she leaned into the pirate basking in the warmth that came off him.

“Blue hair, curly eyebrows, stupid outfit,” she said as quiet as she could for only Ace to hear. There were dog whistles as they walked by. They probably think I’m some whore that convinced Ace to come to my bed; but who else wouldn’t brag about sleeping with someone like him? She snuggled tighter to him as she felt the cold stare of Niji Vinsmoke.

“To the right,” she whispered quickly. Ace perked up but his hat hid his eyeline. The cold look from earlier came back as he watched Niji begin to follow them, very unstubly if she had to add anything. I thought he was meant to be the stealthiest, well besides the dead one. She thought or maybe he’s doing it on purpose. She knew the stealthiest of Vinsmoke brothers was killed in some accident before she came around. Navi never got the details but those who even gave her this much of the situation barely were able to tell her that. Just maybe that one was nice.

She shook her head and focused on the task at hand, running away. No one from that family would be kind, at least Navi assumed. The other two brothers were also quite cruel to her during her time in that kingdom. The steel haired woman never wanted to go back if it meant suffering again like she had when she was 16 and now she had to trust Ace to do just that: never let her go back.

Ace took a sharp turn, Navi almost tripping but was caught bridal style before she could. The woman’s face became completely red as she was pushed tightly against the 2nd division commander’s chest. She saw an electrified blade just missed Ace’s shoulder as he made the dodge. “Be careful he’s-” she was cut off by more quick movement as Ace ran and his legs turned into flames propelling them forward to her shock.

“Just hang on” Ace responded smugly as Niji appeared before them, also very smug.

“I hate to do this to ya but I need that girl, orders are orders, no offense Navi, I kinda liked you. You were always a little feisty when we tried to do anything with you,” He smirked “but also not many people have the balls to try and escape Germa” Ace tensed a little at the name and looked down at her. Navi tried to hid herself in his bare chest shaking.

“Navi, I might have to put you down,” the 2nd division commander warned, she clung to the man, she was much more afraid of the demon before her. Niji simply took a cocky pride in fighting Ace and winning a prize. Ace was a very well known and powerful pirate, helping Germa take him down would be a bonus to getting the stupid failure in the other man’s arms. Ace continued to dodge Niji, meeting his speed despite the extra weight in his arms.

“Please don’t hurt him, Niji, I’ll go with you,” she whimpered trying to get out of Ace’s grip but the man didn’t let go. “He was just trying to help me” she bowed her head to try and show submission to the man before them.

“Doesn’t work like that sweetheart,” his voice threatening as it was sweet. “I told you my orders and the consequences of you not going quietly. You didn’t listen, so now you get those consequences.” His smirk growing as she could see the twisted lust forming in his eyes even as snuggled into Ace as she was.

Navi tensed, realizing the true meaning of the words Niji was saying. Navi wasn’t gonna die, she would most likely be a plaything for the Vinsmoke brothers if Ace lost. At this point she didn’t know what was worse: being theirs or being dead. She only heard stories of the Vinsmokes when she was going through that hell. The boys cocky emotionless soldiers willing to do whatever they were ordered. They also took what they wanted…. At least, she only heard until they decided she was what they wanted. She tensed more hiding her face in the crook of Ace’s neck now trying to avoid the man’s stare. He smells like cinnamon and a nice campfire she thought to herself finding comfort in the smell.

Ace stood still ready to move, analyzing every movement as Niji spat these things at this poor woman he’d just met. “I don’t know why you want her, but clearly whatever it is she doesn’t wanna be a part of it anymore. So why don’t you just give up!” He growled, matching the cockiness of Niji with its tone.

“You’re funny Fire Fist” Niji laughed at this, finally lifting his sword again. “You really think you can win this? You can barely use your devil fruit or fight how you usually do with her in your arms,” Electricity wrapped around the blade as he lunged forward towards Ace, the blade knicking his right shoulder opposite Navi’s head.

Fire fist shook it off. Niji lounged forward once more, Ace dodged it again. How is he so fast? She clung to Ace in shock. This time she felt the electricity skim her as Ace dodged and everything went black

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When Navi woke up she was on a small boat. The boat was genuinely meant for only one person but it looked like Ace made it work. One end of the boat had Ace’s green and black striped bag with some other small bags that probably held supplies and the other had a pole with a small sail and some mechanism she couldn’t quite figure out. Navi was currently against said pole, a couple pillows and a blanket across her lower half. Ace was sat up right in the middle of the boat looking out to the sea. The small woman scanned her body for injuries, finding only a small bandage where Niji nicked her shoulder. “Ace?” she said groggily, still trying to get out of the haze of sleep.

Ace snapped from the trance the sea gave him and faced her. “Navi! You’re awake, are you feeling okay?” he leaned forward a little, the smallness of the boat making them almost completely on top of each other, his face too close for comfort.

The blush covered her face due to the closeness of the clearly attractive man as she responded, “y-y-yeah, what happened? Is Niji still after us?”

“No.” the 2nd division commander pirate scanned her expression “I managed to knock him out, you’re safe for now. You can stay with me until we come across a place that you feel safe. I know the conditions aren’t ideal but you’re gonna have to spend more time with me” his honest and kind tone eased her worry of his proximity. Navi never dreamed that the man she read about in the paper would now be her savior. She also would be lying if she didn’t have a silly celebrity-esc crush on the man.

“That’s okay, I’ll try my best to not get in your way for whatever you were doing when you found me.” the steel haired woman broke eye contact with Ace when saying the next bit “I would hate to burden you after you also showed me great kindness.” Ace gently grabbed her chin at that to have her face him again.

“You’re not a burden. You were obviously dealt a bad hand in life and you can let people help you make it better” Ace smiled at that, keeping solid eye contact with her as she was probably red down to her neck at this point. “Now, lets go off to the next destination” Ace added quickly and pulled away at this point. Navi could only nod in agreement as she watched the man place his hand next to her at the weird mechanism shooting fire into it making the boat move faster.

The sudden movement of the boat made Navi fall into Ace as she grabbed on to him out of instinct. “S-S-sorry” she stuttered, the blush creeping back onto her face. “I’m not used to being on a boat, after I left the North Blue I haven’t gone on one…” she tried to excuse her clumsiness.

Ace shook his head with a small chuckle at that “This boat is only made for one person, luckily you’re small so it's not a terrible squeeze. But I do apologize for the circumstances, I’m sure that you don’t wanna be stuck on a small boat with a stranger.” Ace responded holding her still as the boat adjusted to the little waves it was going over.

“Any woman attracted to men would kill to be in my position right now,” she grumbled “do you not realize how many people are attracted to you?” she asked genuinely. In her experience, any man in this close proximity to an attractive woman would have tried to sleep with them at this point. But Ace seemed different, kinder than what she was used to and she enjoyed not being worried about being objectified constantly.

Ace’s face went red to that comment, “oh… I didn’t even consider.. Are you uncomfortable being so close? We can figure something out until we get to the next island” Navi shook her head now she was the one giving a chuckle.

“No,” her voice was softer than she intended, “this is the first time a man hasn’t wanted to grope me as soon as he gets me near him. I like it here with you. It’s comfortable and I.. uh.. actually feel safe for once…” she smiled innocently, genuinely grateful the man was not like the horrors before him.
Ace perked up almost like an excited puppy at her words “Really? I’m glad!” He gave her a hug before pulling away but still keeping his arms around her waist loosely. “To be honest, I’ve gotten a little lonely doing this solo. I planned on meeting up with my kid brother at some point, it seems like he’s heading towards Alabasta.. Would you like to join me?”

Navi giggled at that “I don’t have anywhere else to go considering I’m wanted from what’s basically the underground mob of the world government” Ace beamed more at that. Navi swore if he had a tail and dog ears they’d be perked up with the tail wagging quickly. He is so different from how the newspapers describe him. Well, I like this version better. Navi smiled to herself at the thought of traveling the world with this man knowing she would be safe with him and his allies. Though she was slightly annoyed at herself for trusting the first person who showed her kindness, she felt that Ace would not take advantage of this trust.

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They had been sailing together for roughly two weeks after that. During this time, Ace told Navi all about his “kid brother” and another boy named Sabo. She quickly caught on that his kid brother was Strawhat Luffy that she had been reading about. A new pirate that was taking the East Blue by storm. Sabo, on the other hand, had passed away after he had to leave the island Ace and Luffy were from. She frowned at that tale when Ace told her about it, much of Ace’s early life story made her sad because she did not realize someone so kind could suffer so much. After recounting her own life story, Ace had told her he was glad he kicked Niji’s ass then and gave her a hug.

Navi was trying to cook using Ace’s hands as a makeshift stove so they could eat something before docking the Striker; she finally learned the boat’s name. Navi had also learned that the commander’s cooking skills were abysmal and she was lucky she at least knew the basics. But knew Ace would probably still need something when they docked because he ate for a small army.

After a few hours trying to find Ace and an apparent fight with Marines later, Navi was sitting on the rail of the Going Merry with Ace as they met up with Luffy and his crew. Navi nodded and smiled at everyone who she introduced with until a blonde man came out from what she assumed was the galley. The man turned to the group and she immediately stiffened, almost falling off the rail (and would’ve if Ace didn’t catch her). The blonde man was wearing a mixed blue garment for the desert covering his usual clothes, a cigarette hung from his mouth; but that wasn’t what terrified her. What terrified her was his eyebrows. They were just like the men who instilled fear in her, except they swirled in the opposite direction which confused her. “Sanji” she heard Luffy say as she came out of her thoughts.

Ace caught on to her worry and quickly whispered in her ear, “Luff wouldn’t have taken him in if he was like those guys you can relax” she nodded to him, her expression still worried. In her heart, Navi trusted Ace and his judgment. This allowed her to, by extension, trust Luffy’s judgment because Ace valued Luffy so highly. “He’s about to cook lunch, why don’t you go help him and see what's up and if anything happens come find me or Luffy, okay?” He smiled sweetly at her, keeping her close and secure to him.

“Ace! You didn’t introduce us to your girlfriend!” Luffy said innocently, she didn’t know if he knew what his words implied as she blushed furiously.
“Hey, don’t be disrespectful, she can introduce herself!” the cook, Sanji she reminded herself, snapped at Luffy. Wait, Sanji? She thought back to the names of the brothers who tortured her remembering all of their names responded to a number. Why would his name mean 3? She decided to not think about it since she knew the third Vinsmoke son was dead.

When she didn’t respond and hid her face in Ace’s shoulder, he responded, “This is Navi, I found her on my way here, she had a run in with some bad guys and needed somewhere to go so I took her in.” He blushed at the next part which she had noticed him doing more recently. “She’s not my girlfriend, Luff” he said quietly, as if he didn’t want the girl in his shoulder to hear it. “Navi is also the only reason, I’ve had a decent meal recently, why not let her help you with lunch, Sanji?”

Sanji’s laid back and somewhat passive body language goes to an excited and over dramatic one and she could have sworn his eyes were hearts as he gushed “I would be honored to share my kitchen with such a beautiful lady!~ I cannot wait to have the honor of feasting upon your delicious cooking!~ ” Navi visibly cringed at the sudden attitude change. Zoro, the swordsman Luffy had told her, made a comment she couldn’t hear just for Sanji to dramatically change to a rage.

“Ace is exaggerating, I just know the basics because I worked in a diner, I am not trained or anything,” Navi shyly replied not knowing if the cook heard her since he was now in a fight with the swordsman. Her question was answered when he went back to the dramatic body language and he came close to her. Ace sensed her tense at the cook’s sudden closeness and pulled her closer to him. “But I can help if needed” she smiled at the cook shyly as he gently took one of her hands in his.

“Please bless me with your presence, wonderful goddess!!~~~” he gushed, his body becoming like a noodle(?) she watched confused as she reluctantly left Ace’s safe and protective hold and was led to the galley.

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When she entered the immaculate kitchen, she noticed things out already prepared for lunch and the quantity shocked her. “Do they both eat enough for 10?!” Navi questioned knowing only Ace would have a need for that much food but Luffy being his brother would not be past the assumption. She watched Sanji grumble at that as he grabbed even more food solidifying her assumption. Sanji began cooking silently and she stood there in awe of his swift movements around the kitchen.

“Beautiful, will you please cut the vegetables?~” a flirtiness in his tone “Or if your hands are too delicate you can mix the drinks?” A soft purr in his voice as he smiled at her sweetly.

“Can you answer a question for me first?” she replied worriedly needing to know in order to ease her worry about the cook’s past.

“Anything for you, my sweet!!~~” he turned to look at her then his eyes closed as the sweet smile grew.

“Are you from the North Blue?” Navi looked down covering her face with her bangs as she could not look at the person before her.

Sanji’s woman loving persona faltered slightly at the question but he quickly bounced back. “Why, yes my sweet~” he walked over to her after quickly placing the stove heat to a lower one and lifting her chin to look at him. “Why do you ask?” The persona dropped completely, concern filled his features but fear flashed in his eyes.

“Just.. “ she couldn’t look at him, Niji’s face flashing over his for a moment and she shuddered at the thought of that man before her, “I saw your eyebrow and I..” Sanji understood in that moment.

“My full name was Sanji Vinsmoke if that is what you are implying” Sanji said as he stood straight his height towering over her and the deadly tone of his voice held so much venom and anger it scared her. Navi was about to respond when Sanji continued to explain himself “I ran away when I was 10 from Germa. I hate those people and hate what they do to people. I hate what they tried to make me..” his voice trailed and pain was deeply apparent in his eyes as she scanned his body language. She realized then he was reliving something he’d already buried deep within himself “but I would never hurt you like those pigs. That genetic stuff didn’t work on me” Navi felt relief at his words.

“Did they hurt you? Is that what Ace is protecting you from?” His tone was still serious and he kept her close in that moment almost like he wanted to hide that she knew his past and even protect her from it, understanding the danger she felt. Navi just nodded and recounted the events from two weeks ago to him. Sanji looked horrified at the tale and stood away from her at that moment. “Let's work on lunch. I’m sure Luffy will convince Ace to stay a bit, let me prove to you I am not like my family.” He nodded like he was agreeing for her.

“But they told me the third son was dead” she responded numbly as she did what she was told and began cutting vegetables for Sanji to saute. “They said there was an accident a few years before they took me, that the third one ‘gave up on life and passed away during the accident’” she put the excuse in air quotes. Sanji laughed at that.

“Let's stop talking about Germa and focus on just how beautiful you are, princess~” the persona returned as he smiled at her, his body language betraying him as it was still tense. Ace walked in soon after that moment, concerned about Navi after seeing how scared she was of the cook and the possibility of him being like the man they encountered two weeks ago. He only relaxed after seeing them working together peacefully.

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“Navi? Are you ok?” Ace came behind Navi, his hands gentle at her waist in almost a romantic gesture. He watched her carefully as she continued to cut the vegetables and leaned against him basking in the warmth that came off of the fire fist.

“Yes, I talked it out with Sanji, I’m alright” she looked off her shoulder to him as he leaned a little to be at her eye level. Navi smiled at him and he smiled back, finally landing his head on her shoulder as she cut the vegetables. Sanji observed the interaction, seeing the distinct change in Navi as she became completely comfortable around the man. “Is that all you needed, Hotshot?” Ace chuckled softly at the nickname, the vibration in his chest soothing her further giving her comfort after the tense conversation with Sanji.

“Maybe” Ace responded coyly. She caught Sanji staring at them with a small confused expression on his face. “What is it, Sanji?” Ace asked, catching the look as well.

“Are you sure you’re not dating?” his words hung heavy in the air. Navi blushed and so did Ace, both not realizing their behavior is inherently romantic.

“We were alone together for two weeks, we are just acting how we are comfortable,” Navi responded, finishing the vegetables and moving herself deeper into the hold of the 2nd division commander. Ace was still close to her and ready to protect if needed even though they practiced her devil fruit powers and knew full well that she could defend herself now. The fire fist just wanted to do it now because he grew fond of her over the last couple weeks with her. “Is it strange for that to happen? Plus I am somehow always cold so Ace’s power helps keep me warm. Do we really have to define what we are?” she shrugged. Navi figured that being from the North her body was meant to be always cold but hated the cold so Ace’s warmth made her feel happy and safe. She looked to the raven haired man who kept his head on her shoulder as they watched Sanji cook.

The strawhat cook refused to let Navi do any more after she finished the vegetables as “beautiful ladies deserve to be served not serving” as he belittled Ace for not treating her correctly by defining their relationship. Ace rolled his eyes as Sanji went on his flip flop tyrant about how beautiful Navi was and how brutish Ace was for wasting her attention. “Do you want to define whatever this is? I don’t want to put you at risk, Navi, I am a highly hunted pirate. The last thing I want is to put you in more danger by being an important person to me.” His voice keeping his ever gentle tone laced highly with concern.

“If it means I get you by my side for a little while longer, I am okay with that sacrifice” she smiled at him turning herself to face Ace better. “You are the first person to make me feel like a person and safe. I’ll never give that up without a fight” Ace grinned at that getting that same puppy look from when he asked her to come along with him.

“Then it's settled, Luffy was right then,” She blushed at that, not expecting him to take that from her words even if that's what she wanted from the statement. Ace kissed her cheek and moved away to help Sanji plate the food despite the cook’s protests. Navi’s cheeks grew more red at that.

Fire Fist Ace is my boyfriend? She thought as her mind went through the last few weeks and how quickly her life went from absolutely nothing to something actually worth doing even if it meant she had to become a pirate.

Chapter Text

The trip on the Going Merry was pleasant afterwards. Sanji treated Navi like the other women on the ship like she was above human which made no sense to her but didn’t mind since it was totally opposite to his brothers. It was time to go to bed on the ship and Sanji insisted a woman not sleep on the boat Ace and herself had been sharing and that she needed to stay on the Merry. “Sanji, I understand the sentiment but Navi should be able to sleep where she is comfortable,” Ace defended her against Sanji’s treatment of women, even if it was positive it was quite excessive. Ace passed a look to Navi to silently ask what she wanted to which she slid herself comfortably under his arm and her own arm around his slim waist as she looked up at him.

“I’ll be okay here Ace, if anything happens, Luffy and Zoro will handle it, I’m sure,” there was a grumble from Sanji at her words. “Besides it might be nice to sleep here, before sleeping in the boat with you I was sleeping in a closet after all” Ace nodded at that and kissed the top of her head sweetly. He jumped down to the Striker and grabbed some sleep wear for her before jumping back up as he was handing it to her and letting her go to the dorm. “Where is the girls room?”

“About that..” Nami, Navi remembered from the intros was the navigator and could have quite the temper, chirped in. “there's only 2 beds in there. So Vivi and I are using them…” she mumbled a bit as Navi tilted her head confused.

“We can’t share one?” Navi asked, looking between Nami and Vivi confused.

“No!” Nami said immediately “There's an extra hammock in the boys dorm though”

“She can use my hammock!” Sanji peeped in “but a lady should not have to share a room with men, we can sleep on the-” Sanji was cut off by the swordsman before he could finish.

“Oi shit cook, she’s already been sharing a boat to sleep in with a guy, who cares if she’s gotta share a room with ‘em for a couple nights!” Zoro crossed his arms over his chest, clearly annoyed with Sanji’s behavior. A barrage of insults left the cook’s mouth as he swiftly went to kick the swordsman in the head, who dodged the attack. This statement started a large fight with many insults being exchanged.

“Its alright Sanji, I can sleep in the boys dorm or Ace can and I’ll sleep on the Striker, if you’re that concerned.” Navi tried to ease the cook’s nerves. “I will even use your hammock if it just stops you from beating up Zoro!” With that statement, Sanji stopped and gushed over the girl but Ace quickly pulled her away from the cook as he noticed she was uncomfortable with the attention. She looked at him gratefully and kissed his cheek as a thank you. Navi heard Luffy laugh at that interaction.

“Shishishishi, Ace I thought you said she wasn’t your girlfriend!” The rubber man stretched his neck so his face was in front of his brother's. Ace blushed in embarrassment and mumbled something along the lines of ‘I changed my mind’ as Navi excused herself to change in the bathroom.

Alongside the sleepwear, which was a simple t-shirt and shorts, Navi noticed desert clothing for her wondering when Ace would’ve had the time to get them considering he was eating or fighting marines. The desert wear he got her was a simple pale sky blue with slightly darker blue water designs at the bottom and a white trim. The girl smiled at that as it paralleled Ace’s own near desert wear and put the clothing pile on. When she came out she was whisked away by Sanji to show her where she’d be sleeping, “Sanji, it's been a long day I would just like to sleep, I don’t need an elaborate tour of the dorms” as she said this she could catch Zoro rolling his eyes at Sanji who was indeed pouting at her.

“But darling~ I must make sure a lady is properly taken care of!~~” she shook her head, chuckling softly at Sanji’s displays of affection. She found them adorable but a tad overbearing in the large quantity she had already endured today.

“Sanji, I appreciate your kindness but it's a little much I’m perfectly fine with a pillow, blanket, and a spot on the floor if need be there's no reason to get overzealous” Sanji nodded at that still smiling at her kindly almost like taking a mental note of the boundary she subtly set. He opened the door to the boys dorm for her without an obnoxious trail of affectionate words and led her to a small hammock with nothing in it. Sanji signaled for her to wait a moment before darting into a side room and returning with 2 pillows and a simple blue blanket. He handed them to her with a smile and a nod. “Thank you Sanji” unease still a little in her voice as she took the items from him.

“No problem beautiful” he said, his tone not the usual frilly one he was using but his normal casual one she had caught him using with Chopper and Ussop earlier in the day. “Just shout if you need anything, Ace or I will come help. Zoro is on watch tonight so if the moss for brains doesn’t fall asleep on us, we should be safe.” Sanji grumbled that the persona dropped almost completely. She smiled at him for that and gave a quick hug and a thank you to which he blushed at the sudden display of affection. “Anything for a lady” he said softly before leaving her alone in the dorm. When he drops that over exaggerated persona, he's actually kinda sweet. She thought to herself as she climbed into the hammock and went to bed.

Chapter Text

Navi woke up to her hammock being flipped over and Sanji yelling at whoever did it. She dismissed Sanji’s protests to have Chopper look and see if she “hurt any of the beauty on her head” and simply just walked out the dorm to find Ace. The man was seemingly doing a push up contest with Zoro (which from her point of view the latter was winning). Ace noticed her out of the corner of his eye “eh time out I need to wish my lovely lady good morning” a huge grin on his face as Zoro simply nodded in response and continued his own push ups. With that, Ace walked up to her bringing her into a loose hug. “Good Morning beautiful” he kissed her forehead after saying the words.

“Good morning, Hotshot” she responded, kissing his cheek and hearing a blegh behind them to see Zoro glaring at them. “Sorry, we will take this somewhere else, finish your training Zoro!” She smiled kindly at the swordsman who just nodded back. Zoro mumbled to himself and she hugged Ace close to her. Sanji darted to the kitchen and everyone else did whatever they wanted to while they waited for breakfast. Vivi had informed everyone that they should arrive at the shores of the Alabasta kingdom by the end of the day and should prepare accordingly. Ace and her sat in a little corner on their own as Ace went over with what they had been practicing with navigating as she read his log pose and quickly moved on to sparing since Ace was fairly satisfied with her new knowledge.

Zoro piqued an interest at this since her weapon of choice was a boa staff because she enjoyed that it allowed her to keep her enemies at a distance. With her beside Ace and them having a very touchy relationship no one would’ve guessed she had issues with touch since leaving Germa. Not to the point she would avoid it all together but enough to want to keep human contact at a minimum.

“So, how’d you learn to use that?” Zoro strode over in maybe two steps. He is so ridiculously tall she thought to herself as her form faltered slightly at his intimidating presence. The swordsman noticed this and adjusted her form waiting for a response.

“Uh.. no formal training, just some books so I could defend myself with the broom from creeps at the diner I worked at…”

Zoro nodded at that “I’m not well versed as swords with this weapon but I can help if you’d like?” Navi thought she saw a small smile flash on the stoic man’s face as he adjusted her form a little more.

“That sounds good! Ace mostly uses his fists or his knife so it's mostly fight practice than actually making any technique” she responded sheepishly to the swordsman. Zoro nodded at the information and pulled out one of his swords, she noticed he favored the white one. When he was standing, his arm rested on it often in the brief time she had been on the Merry. Zoro began giving her stern instructions as she followed the movements he told her. They did this for a few minutes before Sanji strode out of the galley, his eyes landing on the trio (Ace was diligently watching).

“Stupid fucking Marimo! What are you doing with the lady?! Making her a brute like you!!?” Sanji growled out as he basically bum rushed towards the swordsman. Navi stepped between the two of them making Sanji stop in his tracks and pout at the girl. “My lady please let me prevent this stupid grass head from joining him in being plant life fighters” he told her gently, making sure to jab at Zoro any chance he got.

“Sanji, I asked Zoro to help me,” she half lied because it was more so she accepted the man’s help but it would ease Sanji’s aggression if it was her idea since she noticed his favor for women. “Ace isn’t exactly helpful in this area so I figured Zoro would know at least a thing or two about boa staffs since he is a swordsman.” Sanji shook his head and put a cigarette in his mouth out of frustration.

“The two are very different,” Zoro noted and Navi nodded quickly, shooting an apology at the swordsman.

“Breakfast is ready,” Sanji said, quickly striding back to the kitchen out of frustration. Navi heard Luffy cry out in excitement at the announcement and rushed to the kitchen. She laughed at the silliness of the ship’s captain and Ace joined her.

“Breakfast should be fun, now let's go eat some before Luff steals it all,” Ace said with a smile on his face as he grabbed her by the waist leading her to the kitchen.

Breakfast was as chaotic as anyone would expect and as food flew she could’ve sworn that if any of it went on the floor and not either of the brothers mouths, Sanji would’ve had a heart attack. The day followed the same chaos as they went towards Alabasta but she managed to get in some excellent training with Zoro, who she found to be quite an attentive and kind teacher. Sanji watched the whole time as if Ace was not her sparring partner and Zoro just barked orders. “Is he like that with Nami and ViVi too or just me because I’m new?” she asked Zoro during a break for some water.

“That shitty cook is like that with all women but it seems more intense with you, like he’s got something to prove,” the swordsman grumbled, drinking some sake, like it was in fact water. He then shot a calculated look at Navi. “But does he? Most women accept the dotting but you shot it down.” the way his eyes stayed locked with hers as he took another swig of sake implied a why at the end of the sentence. Ace looked like he was about to defend her when she placed a hand on her partner’s chest to stop him.

“If Sanji feels the need to prove something to me that’s on Sanji, I.. I already told him that he doesn’t have to prove anything to me. As for rejecting his care taking, it is overbearing and I have taken care of myself long enough to make it feel uncomfortable, I don’t mind it a little but right off the bat it is off putting.” Navi responded to Zoro honestly, gathering that he was a fairly blunt person over the last two days and that he is a man who valued the trait. She received a grunt as a response as someone called out they had reached land. Ace got up from the corner they had settled in, holding out his hand for her to get up and walked her to the rail of the ship to see a rocky desert ahead of them. “You think that guy who fought Blackbeard is somewhere near here? Or is that lead going to be a bust?” Ace shrugged in response.

“I’ve gotta try everything I hear, plus if I didn’t we wouldn’t have got to see Luff and you wouldn’t have gotten to meet his crew. They could be good friends for you, a safe place.” the pirate responded simply the last few words soft almost like he was trying to have her not hear them.

“Ace, you’re acting like you’re either gonna leave me with them after we just became a couple or that you’re telling me that hunting Blackbeard is gonna get you killed and you need to know I have somewhere to go,” Navi responded seriously not wanting to think of the second option whatsoever. While she knew it was always a chance that Ace can die in any battle, these past two weeks getting close with him, even meeting a few of the White Beard pirates on the way, and her own attachment issues from growing up with unloving parents who decided to abandon her; she grew highly attached to the man and the thought of him dying crushed her. All these thoughts ran through her head as Ace looked deeply in thought himself.

“I won’t ever die,” he chuckled. “I already promised Luffy as much. However, the slim chance it does happen, I’d feel better knowing that you have people like him and his crew to lean on.” Ace smiled at her, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before jumping over the rail and holding out his arms for her to be caught so they could join the group. “Navi,” he continued as he caught her putting their foreheads together. “I promise you, I won’t ever die and if that promise is ever broken I’m making a second one to make sure I will do everything in my power to make sure you are never alone again.” his tone was serious as he looked her in the eyes but his smile was soft.

“That’s a big promise for a girl you’ve known for two weeks,” she teased to which he just grinned sheepishly at her.

“Like you told the cook the other day, two weeks alone with just one other person does a lot,” he responded matter of factly and kissed her softly to which she reciprocated.

“Glad you two are having a good time but we need to get moving!” Nami interrupted them and they pulled apart and Ace let her down as they set off for the kingdom of Alabasta.

Chapter Text

Their journey through Alabasta proved to be quite the eventful one. Between the many dangerous creatures and the cruelness of the landscape, the Strawhats, Ace and Navi had no time to rest until they found the cover of some rocks come nighttime to camp. There was a small argument about tents but since there were three, the strawhats decided to give Navi and Ace the final tent together, giving the couple privacy. Navi believed this notion to be silly as Ace and her literally only made this relationship a thing a few days ago when they arrived on the Merry. She chalked it up to not having a partner before and only knowing things that came with those relationships from books. “Would you like to help me cook princess?~” Sanji purred at her, snapping her out of the thoughts of expectations in this new relationship with Ace. Navi was currently just staring at the stars sitting besides Ace as their knees touched and the others settled into their little camp.

“Sure Sanji,” she smiled at the cook, beginning to feel more at ease around him as she spent more time with the cook. Navi noted that while the cook had a quick temper he always meant well. She was surprised how much of an open book nearly all the strawhats were, especially Luffy.

Rubber arms came to give her a large bear hug as an excited noise escaped the captain. “Please Navi! The meals you’ve been helping Sanji with have been extra goooooooooddddd!!!~” Luffy cheered not letting her go. Navi began to feel uncomfortable at the notion, despite the touch being out of positivity, she could feel the panic attack coming.

“Okay Luffy, just please let go,” she whimpered slightly, her voice wavering as she could feel herself shaking.

Luffy just turned to her in concern, “are you okay?” Navi looked him in the eyes, it frightened her how quickly Luffy could drop his happy tone when any of them had shown unease or fear. She had overheard this shift before when they discussed how to help ViVi end Baroque Works’ reign on her kingdom. Luffy had let go but he had sat in front of her patiently waiting for a response. Ace cautiously wrapped an arm around her waist. She leaned into the touch and felt more at ease.

“I’m okay Luffy, I’m not good with touch sometimes,” Luffy tilted his head to the side as it probably didn’t make sense with how touchy Ace was with her. “Ace appears to be an exception,” she turned to smile at the man she was growing to love dearly as he grinned wildly appearing to get excited at the notion.

“Is it because of the thing Ace rescued you from?” Luffy asked bluntly, his head still tilted. Sanji was still there carefully watching the conversation, shooting her a worried look. Navi simply nodded at that slipping from Ace’s hold and getting up to help Sanji with their meal. She heard a soft thank you come from the cook as they began to make the food. “Do you wanna talk about it, Navi?” she tensed as she began stirring whatever Sanji was making since he never allowed her to do much grunt work.

“No, Luffy, it is ok. Just no bear hugs, ok?” Navi smiled at the captain enjoying this small semblance of a family it appeared to be forming. She never thought she'd experience this type of life but by some random chance, Ace came around, saved her and brought this joy to her.

At some point during the preparation of the meal, Ace had come over and helped the fire keep roaring without much effort and stayed beside her as she aided Sanji. “Feeling okay, babes?” Ace smiled at her warmly, the gentle warm flame light dancing on his sun kissed skin making him an even more beautiful enigma to her. Navi didn’t speak in response, just giving him a quick kiss and remained captivated by the man before her. Much like her thoughts on having this familial space, she never believed a man as kind as Ace was would walk into her life. Navi was highly aware, as well, how quickly Ace crashed into her life and made it do a complete 180; which made her think something bad was going to happen to them at any moment. The crew stared at them silently, as the pair were oblivious to the world around them, it was evident that there was a deep affection for each other between them. Sanji was the first to look away an unreadable emotion on his face as he finished dinner. Ace lifted one of his hands to cup her face gently rubbing his thumb on her cheek. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered in a volume only meant for her to hear. Navi blushed at that, as Ace leaned closer giving her their first proper kiss. Ace’s lips were soft against her own as he pulled her closer gently. Navi returned the kiss savoring the sweet tasting smoke from the campfire. The kiss ended quickly as they were both suddenly aware of the eyes on them.

“Dinner is ready,” Sanji said, what appeared to be a slight jealousy in his tone to which Navi didn’t understand because the man knew her for literally three days and all three of those days she was in a relationship. Navi nodded at that and grabbed the plates and such to pass out everyone’s portions. She tried not to think about it as Sanji took the objects from her and smiled looking down at her as it seemed all the men here were ridiculously tall aside from Chopper. “I’ve got it darling~ You stay here looking pretty with Ace” his smile forced as she nodded at him holding her own and Ace’s first serving. The steel haired girl handed Ace his food to which he smiled at her with a soft thank you and carefully pulled her into his lap while they ate.

Ace quickly finished his first serving and she went to get up to retrieve another for him but Sanji was already on it, switching the plates for her. Once Sanji was a good distance away from the pair, Ace spoke to her “He really is trying to be there for you and prove he isn’t like that guy from before”

“I know,” she said almost in defeat “its kind of nice to meet such kind people,” she smiled up to him and he, as always, smiled back to her.

“Well, at least you know you have a family now, Luffy won’t say it in many words but I have a feeling if I didn’t find you, he would’ve and made you join his crew, not giving you a choice either.” Ace laughed, it was like music to her and filled her heart with joy. “He has always brought people together, I just hope you give him a chance to let you in his family.” Navi looked at Ace in wonder, she could never understand why these people had shown her such kindness.

“I like this here, with you, and with them,” her smile grew, “I hope that we can have more moments like this together, Ace,” he nodded in understanding.
A few hours later, after a nice little party, good food and Navi decided to go to bed, feeling tired from both the party and desert trek from the day. “Do you want me to wait out here while you change, love?” Ace asked her respectfully.

“No, you’ll see me naked eventually anyway,” she laughed at the blush creeping onto Ace’s face and Sanji’s who overheard the conversation as he cleaned the dishes. Navi walks into their tent and rummages through her pack as she finds some more comfortable clothes to wear. While she told Ace not to wait, the pirate didn’t come in the tent until she was pulling her t-shirt down her bare upper body. “I told you that you didn’t need wait for me” was her only response to the man entering the tent. Ace began stripping his boots and gear leaving only his boxers on.

“I know, but I always respect you enough to do it anyway,” Ace smiled brightly as always to her. He slipped off his hat, which was rare, she never saw him without it unless he needed to like washing his hair. Ace did something she couldn’t imagine and plopped it on her head. His ever present smile softened upon seeing the sight he created for himself. “Looks good on you” he whispered, pulling him closer to him.

“Ace…” she whispered softly, keeping herself close to the man. “I don’t understand.. why did you?”

“You matter to me, and so does this hat, so I wanted to see what the two things looked like together,” Ace responded, keeping her secure in his lap and moving some hair from her face that the sudden friction of the hat made fall. She had a feeling it wasn’t that simple but she just smiled back accepting his answer.

Chapter Text

This moment felt so intense between the two of them. In the books Navi had read, this was the moment. The moment the two come together in a moment of passion. Navi contemplated engaging in this moment. But she hesitated. She had no idea if Ace even wanted that. Not three fucking days into their relationship. Navi sighed as Ace smiled up to her as he played with her hair. If anyone looked at that it would be insane. However this intense feeling, everything she was near Ace held this intensity that she knew wasn’t normal. Maybe, just maybe, that meant that their relationship didn’t have to be normal.

Navi put their foreheads together, Ace’s hat tipping upwards on her head. “Ace,” she whispered softly and he responded with a gentle ‘hm’ and she continued, “tell me what you want right now in this moment. Everything is so intense in my head and heart that I can’t.. I just need you” her voice a gentle desperation.

“I want to feel as close to you as I can,” he whispered, removing their foreheads from their touch to say it in her ear. That was all she needed. She knew what those words meant.

“But we’ve..-“ she started to say but she was cut off.

“Babes, we are pirates! We don’t have to follow any rules.” Ace laughed and pulled her close, there was barely any space between them. The heat in the tent was intense, whether that was from Ace or just them being this close, Navi couldn’t tell but she didn’t care. “Let us just do this thing we got going how we want to. Nothing defines us, besides us.” Their breaths mingled as they were so close to each other it was unbelievable. Navi could’ve sworn she could actually count the freckles on Ace’s cheeks and nose.

Fuck it, she thought crashing their lips together, letting her arms fall loosely onto Ace’s shoulders as they began a heated licking of lips.

Ace understood the assignment as soon as their lips came together. He held her tightly with one strong arm so she remained against him. The other hand going to the back of her head digging his fingers into her hair. As their lips battled, Navi moaned softly as Ace shifted his hips a little to make her more comfortable in lap. They broke apart briefly for some air and broke apart quickly so she could straddle herself in his lap now fully facing the flame flame fruit user. Ace made the move to bring them back together this time with the same intense passion.

Ace leaned back so he was laying against the mat they had sprawled in the tent making sure Navi was still on top of him never once separating the two. The arm that was holding her was now used to prop himself up slightly as he kissed his love passionately. Navi wrapped her arms around his neck securely, her fingers tangled in the dark locks fiercely. Navi would’ve been fine if it ended there, an intense locking of lips out of fierceness between the two she could never understand; but Ace made the move to push it further.

The fire fist gently opened his mouth a little so his tongue could brush Navi’s lips gingerly asking for its entry to her mouth. Navi happily granted it, not fighting Ace for dominance as they came together in an even deeper way. Navi gripped the raven locks like her life depended on it earning a moan from the 2nd division commander. They had to break away again from breathing in hard pants. “Ace” she panted out “I’ve never.. I don’t..” Ace put a finger to her lips.

“Then let me help you learn,” he whispered, his voice husked and coated with lust as he looked up at her panting. Navi looked down at the brim of Ace’s hat falling in front of her eyes. Ace took that opportunity to bring them back into a kiss, removing the head gear and lovingly placing it next to them as he eased them into a new position so Navi was beneath him.

Ace’s hands wandered her body as they remained in a passionate make out session. Navi gasped as she felt Ace’s warm hand slip under her t-shirt. He broke away briefly to give her a look as to ask her if it was ok to remove the article of clothing. Navi nodded desperately, wanting their contact together to continue.

Ace removed the shirt and soon returned to kissing her, his hands now desperately clinging to her bare skin. He lowered his hips and began grinding gently against her. Navi’s hips bucked instinctively at the touch, breaking their kiss as she moaned out at the sudden friction. The kiss was already creating a warmth in her stomach and a wetness in her lower half and the movement only intensified the feelings. Ace chuckled at that moving to trail gentle kisses on her neck. “Am I allowed to mark you as mine, love?” The husky lust filled voice of Ace sent shivers down her spine in the greatest way possible. Navi didn’t trust her words and was unable to think she simply nodded at his request. Ace smirked at that, “good girl” was all he responded with it.

The praise shot through her like a deadly bullet of pleasure and she began to move her hips in rhythm with Ace’s as he started more intense kisses on her body, some leaving marks on her skin. Her arms that were loose on the man’s shoulders tightened as she pulled him closer earning another chuckle out of him. “So you like praise. Noted” he whispered in a seductive tone in her ear. She tried to grumble a ‘shut up’ but it was quickly stopped as he captured her lips again moving into more of a kneeling position as he held her up with one arm a little the other using his hand to play with her breasts.

“Ace~” she managed to gasp out. Ace grunted at that as his grinding got more intense. One of Navi’s hands remained locked in his dark locks as he went back to kissing her neck passionately. Her other hand’s nails digging into his back desperately as she was a pile of mush in his arms, unable to do much besides moan and occasionally croak out the man above her’s name.

Their breathing was ragged as she heard Ace begin to speak between his pants. She could feel his covered cock against her own covered private area. “Fuck..” he gasped out “Navi I need you” he managed to out before laying her back down completely. “May I feel you?” He whispered out grabbing the waistband of her shorts.

“Please~” she gasped as some of their touch disappeared and she arched her back to try and keep their touch together. Her shorts were quickly forgotten as were Ace’s boxers in a quick motion. Navi’s eyes scanned his full body in its glory as it was covered in sweat from the activity. She’d never seen him completely naked before and now she wished had because god damn Ace was packing. Ace moved one of his hands to her mouth as he hovered above her.

“Beautiful, you’re probably wet enough to take me as you are but you deserve proper treatment” his voice composed but still heavily laced with lust as she took the slim calloused fingers in her mouth. Navi wrapped her tongue around the appendages sucking gently as she moaned against them. Ace groaned at that beginning to stroke his painfully hard cock. “God babe you’re so good,” he moaned out.

Once his fingers were covered to his liking, Ace removed them from her mouth and a string of salvia connected them. He smirked at the sight of them breaking and the spit falling on her chin as she panted and moaned for him. He brought one of the fingers down to her lower region, rubbing her entrance gently. The sensation sparked a gasp from her as it never felt that good when it had happened to her previously. It was always harsh and rough.

“Ace~ please~ don’t tease me~” she managed to get out and his smirk grew as he slipped the first finger in easily moving it every so often trying to find the spot to make her feel even more high on the pleasure he was giving her. While his fingers prepared her for his cock, his other hand gripped her hip to stop her from bucking on his finger as he added a second.

Her own hands gripped the mat that was under her. The only words at this point she was able to muster were curse words and the man above her’s name once more. Impatiently, Ace added two fingers at once, finally finding the spot and she nearly screamed out in pleasure as he began his attack of kisses once again on her body.

“You’re doing so well for your first time baby,” he whispered, nipping her ear lobe. She moved one of her hands to grip his hair and force him to kiss, needing more contact with the man again. He pulled from her grip quickly. The pleasure throughout her body was unbearable, she had no idea how she’d lasted this long. Ace’s heat, his touch, everything about him sent shocks of pleasure throughout her body. “Do you think you’re ready for me, baby?” He said putting their foreheads together.

“Please~” she managed to get out as she moaned his fingers constantly brushing that spot inside her. Ace broke away from her briefly to grab something from his bag. She whimpered at the lack of contact. Her whole body aching for Ace to help her to her climax. She was so close, Navi needed Ace and she needed him now. “Ace~ please~”

“Just making sure we’re protected babe” he said lust still costing anything he said. He fiddled with something that she assumed was a condom before he lifted her hips and lined his cock with his entrance. “You ready dear?” He pulled her up so she was sitting up right hovering above his throbbing member. Navi nodding pulling their chests together. Ace eased her gently, he was large so it hurt a little but it quickly faded to pleasure as he began to roll his hips a little. “Now baby I need to move your hips with me, ok? Can you do that for me baby girl?” He whispered in her ear as he panted. Navi nodded following his motions and there it was. Ace’s cock hit that spot inside her that made everything feel like it was exploding with pleasure.

“ACE!~” she moaned out loudly, it was more than enough that if the others in the opposite tents were sleeping they definitely would not be now. “Fuck!~ Ace~~ right there please~ harder right there~” she moaned, moving her hips more aggressively. Ace listened as he moved his hips to match hers. If she was close before she was definitely about to burst now. “Ace..” gasp “I’m.. “ pant “gonna..” moan.

“Me too babe, you did so well taking me for your first time” he whispered seductively as his own rhythm became disjointed as tried to reach his climax with her. She felt the heat in her stomach completely spread across her body as she came all over Ace’s cock and thighs.

“Fuck, Ace~” she moaned out as she could feel his own moan when he reached his own climax moments later. Gripping him close not wanting to leave this position she half heartedly kissed his neck between pants trying to catch her breath.

“I’m gonna ease you down ok babe?” He cooed gently as he eased her off his cock and laid her down. Luckily there was some water in his pack and he grabbed it, dripping some on a cloth to clean her up from the remnants of their love making. After making sure Navi was all clean and taken care of, he took care of his own part of the mess; cleaning his thighs and removing the condom.

He put the cloth by his bag to clean in the morning as Ace pulled her head to his chest putting them in a comfortable position to cuddle. “Holy shit, that was amazing..” she breathed out as Ace’s body warmth lulled her to sleep.

“No that’s all you,” Navi heard Ace respond as he pulled the blanket over them and she fell into the sandman’s clutches to Ace gently rubbing her back and listening to his strong steady heartbeat. Ace kissed the top of her head softly before falling asleep himself.

Navi woke up the next morning to Ace and herself having changed positions. They were now on their sides spooning, Ace behind her, a protective arm around her waist as he slept soundly. She turned herself to face his chest and look up admiring how truly handsome the man was. Navi was still in disbelief that Ace had chosen her. She could feel Ace having a little morning wood on her thigh and she giggled as she played with his hair absentmindedly. Ace groaned at the touch and pulled her closer.

Navi decided to be bold and wiggled a little out of his hold. Ace grumbled at that but didn’t wake. She had never done this before but there was no harm in trying right? Navi took Ace’s semi-hard cock in her and stroked it, getting it fully stiff before taking the sex organ in her mouth. Navi started by pushing her tongue up the length before taking the head in her mouth, sucking on it gently before attempting to take the whole length in her mouth. She made it most of the way, only missing a little bit. Navi did the same as she did with the fingers the night before. Ace moaned above her and she smirked on the object in her mouth as Ace began to wake, tangling his fingers in her hair. “What a way to wake up babe,” he chuckled, the vibration moving down through to her mouth. She continued her quest of giving Ace a blow job. Navi used her tongue to play with the head of cock gently sucking him happily. She decided to try something she’d only read about and cupped his balls playing with them as she used her mouth to give the organ pleasure. “Fuck,” he groaned out gripping her hair tighter.

Navi happily continued to pleasure the organ as Ace became a moaning mess above her. His hips bucked as she sucked a little harder letting her instincts take over and her head bobbing. “Just like that babe,” he groaned pulling her hair earning a moan from her that appeared to shoot pleasure to the man she currently had full control over. It continued much like this until she felt Ace’s hips buck again as he attempted to fuck her mouth. “Navi.. I’m gonna..” she gently nodded her head on the organ ready to take on whatever he blessed her with. Ace came soon after unleashing the load into her mouth to which she gladly swallowed some dripping on the side of her lips mixed with spit.

Ace pulled himself from her mouth grabbing the cloth from last night and cleaned her mouth. “Let’s get dressed, dear, Sanji probably has already finished breakfast,” Ace smiled at her, kissing her forehead and going to grab his hat and clothes. They both quickly got dressed and left the tent to see the faces of the straw hats staring at them in a semi shocked expression, Nami had Chopper’s ears covered much to the confusion of the doctor. Sanji cleared his throat and spoke first.

“If you’re done having each other, breakfast is ready,” he lifted a bowl towards her with some porridge. “and please learn to keep quite, I don’t get much sleep as is.” Sanji grumbled as she took the bowl and he repeated the action with Ace. Navi’s face was completely red and Ace had a small blush on his own.

“S-s-sorry.. I didn’t realize we were so loud…” she looked away from the crew, making the porridge the most interesting thing to stare at out of embarrassment. “It was just… kinda intense.”

Luffy laughed, breaking the awkward silence between the group. Everyone’s eyes fell on the captain and looked at him curiously. “It’s okay! As long as we have fun!” Everyone laughed at that and continued on with their breakfast and ignored the burning evidence of their night of fun all over Navi’s neck. Ace pulled her to sit in his lap with her back against his chest and they happily ate their porridge ready to start the day.

Chapter Text

The day continued to be like the previous as they made their way towards the capital. Ace informed the others to be on the lookout for the bounty hunter, Scorpion. The man was the reason for Ace’s presence in Alabasta and allowed Navi to meet the rowdy pirates. At some point, Ace had wandered off, probably losing his sense of direction, which was funny because she had heard the crew joke that this was a problem with Zoro and not her lover. Some of the others had wandered off as well, making distinct groups. However once Ace was gone, Sanji took this as his sign to protect the woman.

“Do you need anything, beautiful?~” the cook cooed and she shook her head, continuing her walk. Eyelash the camel would’ve carried her but Navi didn’t like the thought. Sanji stayed silently beside her, occasionally offering her water to which she would look at him weirdly reminding him she had the water water fruit and was considered to be literally made of water.

“Sanji, I know you feel an obligation to prove you’re not like…” she thought hard on how to phrase in case the others heard her, “other men from where you were born, but it’s not necessary. You’ve already proven to me you’re not.” Sanji slouched a little at her comment and looked at her as he attempted to formulate his thoughts.

“Maybe that’s not the reason I’m doing it,” the cook finally retorted.

“Why else would you? I know you like to be more attentive towards women but when it comes to me it’s still excessive…” she trailed being completely honest with him about her thoughts.

“I just want to see you happy,” Sanji said automatically.

“You just say you’re in love with Nami and then you ignore her existence as soon as Ace isn’t around me, you got upset that Zoro was even-“ she was cut off by the cook.

“I don’t care if you asked the stupid moss for brains to help you with your weapon! He doesn’t know how to treat a lady. He was probably totally brutish with you when training!!” Sanji snapped at her and she gave him a ‘seriously’ look.

“You skipped the first part of that statement.” Her voice dry as she spoke to him.

“Well that’s because Nami can take care of herself and she has Luffy with her. So when Ace isn’t with you it’s my job to protect you.” He nodded to himself almost in triumphant sense of a ‘gotcha’ moment.

“And Zoro, Chopper or Ussopp can’t?” Navi raised a brow at the strawhat’s cook.

“No.” Sanji responded nearly immediately.

“I’ve read about Zoro in the paper. I know perfectly well he could protect me if a situation where I was unable to protect myself with Ace not around happened.” She stated simply back at him, “Chopper is a doctor and with heavy point could protect me. Ussopp is an excellent snipped and he’d find a way” she continued, ready to say how even Eyelash could protect her when Sanji sighed.

“I get it, I just want to okay? Like I said I wanna see you happy and I can see that fades when Ace isn’t around,” he grumbled in his defeat. A gunshot rang out not far from where they were and Navi jumped. Sanji moved in front of her to protect her. Navi weaseled past him and ran towards the noise, afraid that Ace was hurt.

When she arrived at the scene, Ace was crouching, holding the bullet in his fingers, giving two young boys a lecture. She watched as Ace was gentle with the boys and it made her smile. They recounted that they were looking for their dad who just so happened to be looking for Ace. Navi stiffened hearing that coming out of her hiding space and approaching Ace’s side. Navi had managed to make a holder for her boa staff to hide under her desert cloak, the weapon falling easily in her hand but she didn’t extend it to full length just yet. Keeping a strong assessment of the boys on the forefront of her mind as they continued to talk.

The group came to the conclusion that the boys were of no danger and were merely in search of their father who had gone out to the badlands in order to find Ace. The boys wished to find Ace in order to stop their father from doing something stupid. However, the conversation ended quickly as they were interrupted by Luffy who was riding an unrecognizable animal to Navi. With Luffy was a man who was shouting but Navi could not understand the man from where she was standing beside Ace. Ace assessed the situation carefully and pushed Navi behind him as a strong protective gesture.

When Luffy, the animal and the man came closer into view, Navi heard the boys beg their father not to do this, that Ace was too powerful. Navi frowned as she now understood that their father was Ace’s lead. “Boys,” she gestured to them kindly to enter a hug with them, to which they responded with cries that they didn’t want their father to be hurt. “Ace isn’t gonna hurt your dad, ok?” She smiled gently at the boys. “We just wanna talk with him, is that alright with you two?” The boys gently nodded, hugging Navi tighter as Luffy’s cries of joy got louder towards them. Once the group was fully formed, everything explained by the small family, turns out this lead was a bust. Ace sighed and it was decided, they were gonna leave the straw hats now and move on to the next lead.

Once Luffy also realized this conclusion, his crew and himself comforted the pair. “Ace, are we gonna meet again?” Luffy asked, more determined than usual.

Ace nodded at his brother and handed him a piece of paper. “Make sure you hang on to that Luff, it's how we will find each other again,” Ace smiled and turned away from the crew starting to walk back towards the ships, giving Navi a chance for her goodbyes as well.

Navi gave a quick hug to everyone, even surprisingly Zoro but he didn’t hug back for some reason. However, she stopped at Sanji, Navi pulled out a piece of paper, “it's a mini transponder snail number. I bought two for Ace and I in case we lost each other on an island. This is the number to mine since Ace always forgets he has one.” Navi smiled at Sanji who smiled back. “Use it in case of an emergency, ok? But please keep me posted on any new recipes! It’ll help a lot keeping Ace’s tummy full” she fully laughed, finally giving Sanji a chance to speak. These last 5 or so days together helped her connect with the other ‘failure’ of Germa but also made her see the wonders being away from that did when you are loved. Navi hoped these moments and her further journey with Ace will allow her to heal as Sanji appeared to have.

“Of course, I’ll call when I can so you can have the merry’s as well, beautiful.” Sanji smiled at her with a soft and kind smile. His eyes filled with a happiness and joy she didn’t really understand. A wolf whistle broke their staring contest. Navi looked over to see Ace waving at her.

“Navi! Let’s go darling, we got a pirate to catch!” He called out teasingly.

“Coming Ace!” Navi called back before giving a gentle hug to Sanji like the rest and he embraced her fully with the same gentleness, unlike Luffy who nearly strangled her. They hugged each other a little too long and she parted from the cook running after Ace. The cowboy hat wearing man took his hand in hers before engulfing them both in flames and they appeared back on the Striker.

“Damn, I thought we were sappy but you and that fine cook really do take the cake,” Ace teased her as he detached Striker from the Going Merry to set sail for the next destination on Ace’s mission. Navi blushed at his comment and looked away from the man.

“I wouldn’t leave you for the cook,” she tried to tease back. “He may have shown me that he isn’t like his siblings but that doesn’t mean I want to be with him.” The last part is a slight grumble on her part.

“I wouldn’t blame you though babes! He is handsome, can cook and knows how to treat a lady? If I was one I’d be swooning,” once the Striker was drifting off Ace made a fake swooning act as he chuckled looking back at her. “But I’m just teasing babes~ I know I’m the only one who catches your eye,” he teased, taking her in his arms and giving her a soft kiss on the cheek. “You don’t look at him the same way you do me. I can tell.” Navi gave Ace a look to say ‘what do you mean?’ But Ace didn’t respond, just held her there in his arms gently swaying.

“Ace, how did you figure out your dream?” Navi asked, looking up towards the man as she basked in his warmth.

“It just kinda came to me one day,” Ace said simply with a small shrug. “What about you? What’s your dream darling?” He placed his head on her shoulder as they watched the open ocean. Navi paused and thought about it, did she have a dream? No, she didn’t dare to have one before these past weeks. She was too afraid to and was too focused on hiding. She didn’t have one. “Darling?” Ace repeated the pet name in response to the pause and taking her from her thoughts.

“I never thought I was allowed to have one… until now at least.” Navi answered honestly and looked down at her hands resting around the arms Ace had around her own body. “You allowed me to have a dream, Ace,” Navi whispered softly, turning in his arms so they were chest to chest. “Thank you.” The last part was a whisper.

Ace lifted her face to have her look at him. “Then, am I your dream?” A serious look formed in his eyes as she looked up at him with tears welling in her eyes. Navi smiled up at him.

“A little full of yourself there now are we, hotshot?” She laughed and then went on her tiptoes to kiss his forehead under his hat. “But not completely,” she answered truthfully, “I think my dream is to have my own- fuck, what was the word Zoro used?” Navi thought carefully for a moment of the word Zoro had been using to describe the crew and it came to her. “Oh! Nakama! My dream is to have my own Nakama.”

Ace smiled at the declaration and kissed her softly. “Then you’re just getting started. I’ll help you find your Nakama. I’ll also start it, if that’s what you want?” He smiled to her, Navi smiled at Ace’s comment and nodded in agreement. “I promise to do what I can to protect your dream, Navi.” Navi just stayed in Ace’s embrace. She knew now what it was like to be cared for and the start of what it meant to be in a family, a Nakama, she thought peacefully to herself. “Now get some rest. I’ll do first watch.” With that, Navi rested.

Chapter Text

It was Navi’s turn for watch but Ace insisted on staying up with her. It was nearing dawn as Nav could see the whisks of color appearing on the horizon. “Babes, I hope that you get to meet some more of my brothers from Pops’s crew! I know you’ve met a couple but not the big guys like Izo! Or maybe Marco! I love those guys!” Ace said happily as he chewed into some jerky that Sanji had made for them before their untimely separation in Alabasta. “There’s more about Marco! He’s a doctor like Chopper but he’s got devil fruit powers to help him, so maybe that’s cheating..” Ace thought plenty to himself.

“I would love to meet them if we run into them Ace, you always meet such interesting people. Though if they’re all as chaotic as Luffy and his crew I might need to take baby steps.” Navi smiled as the man gave her a cheeky grin with a thumbs up.

“By the way babes, did you want to try and go on a date? It might be risky with me being famous and all but I’m sure if we pick a more isolated island it would be okay!” Ace asked her with a clear excitement in his voice as he spoke to her. Navi sighed at his comment.

“If you think it will work hotshot, I wouldn’t mind but you’ll need to put on a shirt if we go anywhere nice!” She teased pulling him into a hug. Navi never minded that Ace never wore a shirt. She knew why he didn’t and the looks he got from people attracted to him were fairly ignored from her experience. Ace, however, did grumble about that and pulled her tighter to his chest falling backward so they were laying down in the Striker. Navi blushed at the contact, while Ace was clearly an exception to her touch aversion, she still was not used to the amount of touchy contact they had all the time.

“Ok good, I think the next island we are meant to come across is more isolated let me check the charts,” Ace pulled out a navigation log and looked up the next island and nodded at the confirmation. “Should be good. But we will still have to gauge when we get there, okay darling?” They never left that lying position as the boat drifted to its next destination. Every so often they would exchange quick kisses and giggles with each other out as they drifted. When they arrived to the island, it was very quiet and they saw no other boats docked. “”Odd, this island is isolated but I didn’t think that there would be no boats. Maybe they saw us coming? But the Striker doesn’t have a jollyroger. Why don’t you go ahead and I’ll stay here just in case, ok babes?” Navi wearily nodded at that and hesitantly disembarked from their shared boat. “I found the transponder snail you got me so just call that if you need help” Ace gave her a thumbs up as she went to the island’’s small port that was a little ways away from the little dock they found on the west side of the island.

Navi explored the populated part of the island finding no danger but the townspeople appeared to be heading towards the east end of the island for something. “Excuse me?” Navi called to a burly looking man pushing what looked like a food cart. “What is going on here? Why is everyone heading east?” The man stopped and looked her down. Navi didn’t get a chance to shop for many clothes in their journey so far so she had stolen a yellow button up from Ace’s bag and wore it loosely around her but buttoned up enough to at least be a little modest with some jeans. Navi also hated heels so she was wearing simple black flats. The lust appearing in the man’s eyes made Navi uncomfortable but she still waited patiently for his answer.

“The WhiteBeard pirates are here! They showed up at the east town a couple hours ago! Hopefully they’ll take care of the gang that’s been trying to take us over,” the man told her absentmindedly. “Those bastards have been giving us trouble for years and no one has done anything about it!” Navi nodded and the man walked away feeling satisfied with the information given.

“Thank you sir!” She called out to the man and decided to follow the crowd as there appeared to be no danger and no need to call Ace. If it really was the WhiteBeard pirates, they would recognize the Striker and grab Ace themselves. The island was small so the walk was pretty short towards the east end of the island. There was a large crowd huddled in front of the ginormous ship at the east port. Several men stood in front of the ship smiling and waving at the crowd. Navi gasped as a sudden flash of light blue and gold swiftly took her away from the crowd.

“Only one person I know would wear a shirt that bright so how’d you get it from him, you, yoi?” Nav finally registered the flash as a man. The man before her was clearly older but still somehow young looking. He was slightly pale with glasses and large tuft of blonde hair that reminded her of a pineapple. Over his shoulders he wore a purple button down, unbuttoned of course, showing off a tattoo that was shaped like a cross with a little u and capri jeans.

“I took it from his bag?” Navi responded nervously. The man’s tired eyes narrowed as if he really did not like that answer. The man pinned her to a nearby tree, his height towering her but not nearly as bad as Sanji or Zoro.

“And how did you get his bag, yoi?” The tone was more deadly.

“It’s on our boat, I didn’t have any more clean clothes so he gave me this.. from his bag!” Navi’s tone is still cautious but less afraid. This must be one of the WhiteBeard pirates, she thought to herself. They won’t hurt me. If they realize I’m not a threat to Ace right?

“Your ship, yoi?” The man began to have blue and gold flames around him.

“HEY MARRRCCCOOO!!” She heard a voice call but it was too far to distinguish if it was recognizable. The man, Marco apparently, looked over to see who it is. Marco was the equivalent to first mate on the WhiteBeard pirates, Ace had told her and he had a healing style devil fruit so why the flames? Navi was confused as Marco turned his attention back to her.

“Well? Answer me, yoi?”

“I’m traveling with a man named Portgas D. Ace, he took me along after he-“ Navi was cut off by the voice from a few seconds ago and an arm around her waist. She relaxed, noticing Ace next to her as Marco did not seem to relax at what she was saying.

“Marco, why are you interrogating my girlfriend? You don't have to be so protective of me, man, I can handle myself” Ace chuckled and Marco put some distance between the pair and himself. Marco sighed at the comment.

“She was wearing your shirt, yoi.” The tired man gave him a dull look as if he was already done with Ace’s shit. “I thought something may have happened to you since it's the only one I know you own, yoi.”

“Other people can own yellow shirts, Marco” Navi daringly argued back at the 1st division commander. Marco shot her a glare and looked at Ace curiously as if to judge his taste in women. “Unless that devil fruit of yours helps you smell better but Ace said it was something to deal with healing but I swear you had wings at one point and there was fire-” Marco cut her off.

“I ate the phoenix Tori Tori fruit.” Marco explained bluntly. Navi made a silent ‘oh’ and felt really stupid as she put the pieces together. “Also it wasn’t just the shirt, when I was doing land surveillance up in the sky I saw the Striker. Though I doubted this woman could kick your ass Ace”

Ace burst out in laughter, “Navi is a lot tougher than she looks Marco! Now stop being silly and let's go introduce my girlfriend to the family!” Ace moved his arm from her waist to loosely across her shoulders as he led the two to the huge ship the crowd was cheering in front of. Marco was still cautious of her like an overprotective sibling but she understood. From what Ace had told her, he was the baby especially with the commanders so she chalked it up to protecting his family.

“Ace, I didn’t call you on the transponder snail so how did you know to leave the Striker? Did you see Marco?” Ace nodded and pulled her closer to him as the approached the plank to walk up to the deck of the ship.

“Saw him shoot down pretty quick, figured something was up so I went to help him out. Turns out he was just protecting me from my own girlfriend,” Ace teased kissing her cheek as they came onto the deck.

As soon as they reached the deck there was a bombardment of people coming over to them, and especially Marco who suddenly disappeared from the sky. At some point in the quickness of these moments, Ace was pulled away from her and Navi stood awkwardly at the edge of the deck as everyone was happy to see Ace again after a while. Eventually (which was in reality all of 2 minutes), Marco walked over to her with an open hand. “Now that the chaos has died down a little, come meet the family, yoi” his tone was a much more laid back, almost lazy, one compared to the seriousness from when he initially spoke to her. Navi didn’t take his hand back not fully trusting the man despite the stories Ace had told her about Marco mentoring him a lot once he joined Whitebeard’s crew. Navi found her boyfriend with his ever present happy grin as he was surrounded by many people. “Unfortunately, Pops is on the main ship so you don’t get to meet him but we’ve got most of mine and Ace’s division here and a few of the other commanders, yoi.”

Marco presented her to a group of people all hugging Ace and speaking with him casually. Navi picked up on Izou pretty easily as he was beautiful, so beautiful it made Navi jealous. The 16th division commander had a simple white kimono on and, what Navi assumed to be, a traditional warrior hairstyle containing his long black hair. He held himself in an elegance that Navi dreamed of. There was also a small child in what appeared to be period clothing and a sword at his hip. The name was Haruta for the child if she remembered correctly (Ace went through every member and there was a lot to remember) and he was happily jumping for Ace’s attention. There were a few others in the group but the only other who caught her attention was a blue haired man that was roughly Ace’s height and an odd mask covering part of his face. This was Deuce, Ace’s former first mate and dear friend, Navi observed his wardrobe was not much different from her lovers opting for a green jacket, some simple blue pants and boots. Deuce had his arm around Ace’s shoulders as they laughed at something Navi didn’t hear as her and Marco approached the group. As they got closer, Deu (as Ace would lovingly call him) eyed her closely looking up and down her body but it was clear it wasn’t to check her out, it was clear he was assessing something. Ace looked at his former first mate confused at the sudden stop of laughter and followed his line of sight to her. The commander grinned more wildly, noticing her and closed the distance leaving Deuce’s hold. Ace told her he joined the medical team soon after the Spade pirates mirages with Whitebeard’s so she assumed he was here to help Marco but was excited to meet Ace’s second family.

“Navi! Babes! Come on! Finally you get to meet the man who’s saved my ass on more than one occasion,” Ace said, putting his arm easily around her waist and stopping in front of the masked man. “Deu, meet Navi! She’s my girlfriend! Honestly the best woman I’ve met!” Navi could feel the smile on his face as she noticed Ace’s pattern of being extremely proud of the people he cares for and their achievements, always ready to brag about them. Navi drowned out Ace bragging about her as Deuce eyed her carefully and cautiously, to the point Navi realized it was probably Deuce who kept everyone alive and not Ace if fighting wasn’t involved.

“Ace, there’s no need to make it seems like we’ve been together for months, we haven’t known each other that long,” Navi interrupted the various bragging with an embraced blush. Her response piqued Deuce’s interest.

“Yet you’re his partner?” His voice was not what she expected. Deuce sounded like a gentle dad to her, one that was stern but still caring and understanding. The former first mate crossed his arms over his chest and faced her more properly now. “Since he’s all love struck, why don’t you explain.” There was no question in Deuce’s voice as he rolled his eyes at Ace. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the commanders nod in agreement.

“Um… well, I was working at a diner and I fed him food when I didn’t have to because we weren’t open yet and then he saw I was in danger from some people and he kinda just whisked me away? After 2 weeks alone at sea together later, I met Luffy and he called me that.. his girlfriend.. we talked it out and well now we’re here,” Navi explained shyly, playing with her fingers as she spoke, Ace rubbing small circles on the small of her back providing some comfort. “Not that I mind, it just happened fast which is weird for people and-“ she was cut off by Deuce before she could make an idiot of herself.

“Some things happen quicker than others and if you and Ace decided that for yourselves that quickly then we can’t stop you. However, we would like to know more about you since Ace is clearly smitten,” Deuce’s smile returned as he looked at Ace who was probably having that puppy dog excitement he had when he asked her to join him.

“Um.. I guess ask away?” Navi responded shyly but before any of the crowd of commanders and Deuce could ask her anything, food came out as well as barrels of sake. “But let's do so over some sake I guess!” Navi giggled shyly and looked over to Ace, who simply had a reassuring smile towards her like an ever present beacon of hope.

Navi could never understand the intensity of what she felt for Ace. The only word she could put to it was intense. In her mind this intensity was most likely the reason they moved so quickly. It was genuinely like she knew Ace her entire life and he simply completed it. It was insane how easily they fit into each other’s lives and she understood that feelings like this were not realistic in any sense of the word. But when Ace was around the world stopped and it was only him who mattered. If Ace was alive and in her life, the world was and would remain perfect. It also creeped in her mind that it was unrealistic to put all this emotional weight on Ace but a small piece of her didn’t care. Ace gave her hope back whether he knew it or not. If this is what love was meant to be and feel like, she would not give it up. Navi decided for herself in that moment as she looked up at Ace with his comforting smile surrounded by his found family, that she would do anything for this man and even give her own life if it meant his safety. In this moment looking into those steely eyes, she knew she could never love anyone like this ever again. Maybe she could love again but not this. This intense, pure and fairytale love would never happen again. Ace, she decided, is the love of her life.

“Looks like the feeling is mutual,yoi,” Marco chuckled, nudging Deuce playfully with a tease in his tone. Navi blushed darkly as it creeped over her entire face and by instinct hid it in Ace’s chest. A small mumble of ‘shut up’ on her lips as Ace laughed pulling her closer used to the playful and teasing nature of his fellow brothers. “I guess our first question would be what happened in those two weeks at sea for you two to be so cozy, yoi.”

Someone was passing out the sake and Navi took it right away, nervous on how to answer the question. Nothing scandalous happened, they just told each other their stories, trained and did typical things for each other when at sea like taking watch turns, fishing and navigating. But when you’re asked by the equivalent of your boyfriend’s big brother, it was nerve racking. The most couples-like thing they did was cuddle but that was for the sake of room on the Striker. But in that time, the intensity of that emotion grew and her admiration for Ace from his deeds in the papers became the love she held now for him. Ace broke her train of thought by replying “What do you think happens when two people are alone for two weeks at sea on such a small boat, Marco? Ya didn’t hook up or anything but that’s still a lot of time.” he defended, the group appeared satisfied with Ace’s defense but still looked at her for an answer. She gulped down her sake, taking tips for Zoro and basically making it water.

“I grew up like shit,” she hiccuped forgetting how much of a light weight she was, the sake went right through her, “I don’t know how I am not a shit person from it but Ace has been the first person to show me pure kindness. So when he saved me from..” she paused not knowing if she should say where the dangerous men were from, “some bad people and then we were alone all that time and I just kinda.. Fell in love I guess. Ace is a pretty amazing person,” she smiled up at the man sitting beside her blush across her face, whether that was from the alcohol or admitting she loved Ace no one would tell. Ace gave her signature grin back and leaned down giving her a quick peek on the lips. The Whitebeard pirates around them shared a look and now seemed fully satisfied with the response.

The night followed much like that with various members of the crew asking about her and Navi getting way too drunk, Ace needing to carry her to the room they gave the couple for the night on the ship Marco commanded. Navi clung to the warmth of Ace joyfully as he placed her on the bed, he said some words to her but they didn’t process. Navi however did not let go of the man as he tried to move away from her. “AAAACCCCCEEE~” she cried out for him “please don’t gooooooooo~” she whined, clinging to him dearly. The man sighed and picked her back up beginning their walk to get their supplies for the night from the Striker. “You’re so pretty” she mumbled snuggling into his warmth. “The prettiest of the pretty” she mumbled into his shoulder as she snuggled. Marco had caught the pair and stopped them.

“I thought you were bringing her to bed, she needs rest, yoi,” The 1st division commander commented. Navi could hear them talking to each other but didn’t try to pay attention to them as she was busy basking in the warmth that Ace provided her. Navi grumbled into Ace’s shoulder.

“Shut up, stupid pineapple,” mumbling against Ace’s shoulder, not caring she just mocked one of the most powerful men in the sea. Navi didn’t bother to look at Marco’s reaction, instead keeping her face secure against the crook of Ace’s neck and his shoulder. “Ace, can you make the mean man be quiet? I really don’t know why someone would think I’d hurt you~ I’m just a weak little baby compared to my big strong hero~” she purred drunkly. Navi felt Ace chuckle at that and she smiled up at him, her face red from drunkness.

“Once we get your jammies on we can spend all the quiet time you want away from the stupid pineapple,” Ace responded and laughed at the drunken nickname she’d given Marco.

“Yay! Jammies!” She cheered falling out of Ace’s arms and crashing onto her ass “ow” she frowned. Navi motioned her hands up for Ace to pick her back up. Ace complied and the rest of her memory was hazy but she vaguely remembered bullying Marco a little more about his hair and his little ‘yoi’s. Navi also remembered Ace taking good care of her and giving in to her silly demands. The last thing she remembered clearly was Ace’s soft, kind smile and the feeling of his warm hand playing with her hair until she drifted off to sleep. However before sleep could take her, Navi snuggled into Ace like he was her life line and now tiredly mumbled to him “I love you, please don’t ever die, I can’t lose you,” her voice whispered at the end of the words. Navi almost didn’t catch the words as sleep took her but the last clear memory she had of the night was Ace’s words.

“I love you too and I’ll keep my promise, you won’t lose me,” Ace’s words were strained almost like he thought they were lies but Navi didn’t care. He loves her.

“I love you so much, Navi..” a whisper, like he didn’t want her to hear.

These words did not sound like lies.

Chapter Text

Navi woke up the warmth of Ace and less of a headache than she thought she’d have considering how much she drank. She was in that semi-conscious state but didn’t feel like opening her eyes basking in the natural warmth Ace’s devil fruit provided. Her interest also peaked when she heard Marco, Deuce and Ace discussing something while they assumed she slept. “Order 66? Do you know the danger you put yourself in?” It was Deuce’s voice, he seemed worried. “You want the government to figure you out? If they have their eyes on you-” he was cut off by Marco.

“Listen to his reasonings, yoi,” his voice was stagnant and cold.
“I didn’t know it was them till some guy with 66 on his headphones attacked us, I wasn’t gonna leave her to be killed! Them knowing I saved her isn’t gonna reveal shit, guy seemed to already know how I fight so if they knew I’d be in Impel Down by now,” Ace sounded annoyed at them, like he was protecting a secret that he hadn’t told Navi.

“Yes but if they figure out you’re-” Deuce started and Ace quickly got him off.

“That man is not my father, Pops is now shut up and leave, you’re gonna wake Navi and Marco said she needed all the rest she could get after drinking so much last night.” Annoyance was heavy in his voice. Once she heard the door close behind them, Navi groaned as she was now fully awake and completely worried about Ace. Navi looked at her boyfriend, her head still on his chest as he smiled down at her. “Go back to sleep love you need rest,” his voice shifted to a completely different tone, kind and soft.

“I heard yelling, are you okay?” Navi’s eyes filled with concern as she looked up at him.

“They’re worrying about nothing,” Ace grumbled

“If it's nothing, can you tell me?” Navi lifted herself a little, her hand on his chest and her hair falling to the side draping across his abdomen.

Ace had a concerned look on his face like if he said the wrong thing she'd run away from him. The man sighed and responded with a question, “Can you promise me something first?” Navi nodded “Promise me you won’t be disgusted with me, that you won’t hate me, or run away, when I tell you.” She simply nodded again but her look was confused as nothing could ever make her hate Ace.

“Ace, I was sober enough last night to remember telling you that I love you last night, I’m not taking that back” her tone was an attempt to be stern and serious as she looked at Ace trying to read the swirl of emotions the man was expressing. A war with himself, she imagined.

“Pops isn’t my real dad” Navi looked at him confused.

“I know. you told me your biological parents died and Garp sent you to live with Dadan.”

“My last name isn’t really Portgas.” Ace responded bile coming from his tone. He looked away from her, the brim of his hat covering all emotions on his face. “It’s Gold.”

“I like Portgas better.” Navi responded by moving his chin with her hand to face her. The devil fruit user’s face was filled with shock from her lack of care about his origin. “Ace, I don’t care who your biological parents are. It seems like you hate them but, to me, they clearly loved you and had you because they loved each other. If that wasn’t the case, Garp probably would never have taken care of you or at least took you to be raised by Dadan.” Navi smiled at Ace softly. “I wasn’t that lucky, I’m jealous.”

Ace shot her a questioning look. The look also told her that he did not believe her that his parents having him was an act of love. “What do you mean?”

“When Fevlance was burned down, my village relied on it, a lot, for trade and we quickly became a poor village. The neighboring town put us under their government and basically paid people to have kids for child labor and gave parents extra money for having kids. I was a paycheck, a convenience, whatever you wanna call it. I got the bare minimum of the bare minimum. Once they stopped those checks, they abandoned me. Which led me to the situation I had to escape from and you then saved me from.” Navi responded with pain in her voice. While Ace knew she was abandoned and treated poorly in her childhood she never really went into detail about things because she really didn’t need to. Ace looked at her sadly, and she took her turn to look away, unable to handle if there was any pity in those eyes she could get lost in.

“You deserve love, Navi.” While there was little distance between them, he pulled her close to his chest and began playing with her hair. “You deserve to have someone better than me.” Navi flicked his hat at that with a pout, taking her opportunity to hold the back of his head forcing their foreheads together with a clear upset pout on her face.

“Don’t you ever say that Ace. You deserve love, this found family. You deserve all of this,” she shifted herself to be in his lap, her arms laying loosely on his shoulders and fingers tangled in the hair his hat wasn’t covering. “I deserve someone worse than you. I don’t deserve the kindness and love you’ve given me!”

“I really don’t, I can never understand why you chose me,” Ace whispered looking up at her.

“Ace…” she searched her face “In my eyes, you deserve the whole world. You gave me the first semblance of hope I’ve had since I managed to escape Germa and that fucking idiot, Niji. Even the other two shitty brothers” Navi gave him a quick soft kiss before she continued, “ I am making a promise to you, Ace. That I will love you from now until the day I die and I will show you deserve love. Even if it kills me.”

“I am so lucky to have you darling,” Ace crashed their lips together and she happily responded. The kiss didn’t last long as he pulled away and continued, “I promise the same to you. Now, what would you like to do today?” A big grin on his face.

“Sleep,” she mumbled and let herself lay back down against his chest. “My head still hurts from all the drinking.”

However long later, Navi woke up to Ace playing with her hair. It was soothing for Navi when the raven haired man did so. “Babes?” A small groan was his answer “I’m curious. If Germa didn’t really care about finding you like that guy said, why’d they sent one of Order 66’s best? Considering you could barely defend yourself at the time as well. If you are comfortable of course”

Navi shifted at that and simply stared forward as she recalled the 2 years she remained in the clutches of that kingdom. “Of the three brothers, Niji was the only one who showed me some semblance of kindness. I, personally, believe that whatever modification those siblings went through, it did not fully work. Niji, in his own fucked up way, gave me kindness. This kindness was simply treating me like an object in a non-sexual way. But, of the three, I favored him because he gave me those ‘outs’” she put the last word in air quotes. “They sent the man who would most likely get me to go back.”

“And did he give you an out? To go back I mean,” Ace responded.

“He gave me two days to come up with a way to disappear with the option to go to his ship at any time or if I didn’t come within those two days, I die. Then you walked into that diner and wanted to help me. I decided then if someone like you was going to help me, even if this” she motioned between them, signaling their relationship, “didn’t happen, escaping being a plaything for those men was worse than death for me. I had decided to run or die trying to escape Niji. You truly saved me Ace” she whispered and finally looked up to see his reaction, a steely concern across his face. “I became that plaything for them because I failed tests to try and make more people like them after the womb and all that but they couldn’t let me out in the world so,” she shrugged. “But I managed to escape with one of Niji’s outs so I guess I got lucky.” Navi smiled at the man, feeling joyful as she knew being with Ace and feeling this sense of belonging was making the suffering worth it in a way. A knock interrupted the thoughts of the pair.

“Come in,” Ace yelled a little to the direction of the door. While Navi was not in any scandalous form of dress, Ace pulled the sheet over her shoulders so only her head and neck was visible. Marco walked through the door with water and some medicine.

“I’ve come to check on Navi,yoi.” the phoenix said simply holding out the things in his hands more towards the pair. Navi cringed as she remembered drunkenly making fun of the vocal tic she just heard. In her drunken state, she found the tic annoying but realized now, it was probably something the man could not control. She blushed from embarrassment.

“I’m sorry about last night, even drunk I shouldn’t have made fun of you,” Navi looked the tired looking man in the eyes. Marco shrugged, brushing it off and just gave her the medicine. “It was seriously really rude of me to do that. Especially after you let Ace and I stay here when you didn’t have to. It was also hella awful of me because I don’t know if it’s something you can control.”

Marco shrugged again as she finally took the medicine. It didn’t bother the man, clearly but Navi felt the need to apologize anyway. “Deuce is cleaning the med bay and wanted to talk to you, yoi.” Was Marco’s only response as she finished the meditation. “And I would like to talk to you Ace, yoi.” Navi nodded at that and moved out of Ace’s warmth with a whine. Marco’s tired look only grew at the display of affection. Since she was in a t-shirt and shorts, Navi decided to just meet Deuce like this and left the room to find the sick bay like Marco told her to. Deuce was working at one of the beds changing the sheets when Navi walked in with a gentle knock by the door to make sure her entrance was heard.

“Deuce?” She hesitated getting closer to the man who appeared to be tense. “Marco said you wanted to speak with me.” Deuce finally turned to her with a fake looking smile on his face. Is this those ‘hurt my best friend and I hurt you’ talks from books? Navi thought to herself as Deuce approached her. Deuce motioned for her to sit on one of the clean beds.

“Navi, I just wanna talk to you about Ace, he’s-“ Navi cut Deuce off with a giggle.

“I know, if I hurt him not only you will hurt me but all the WhiteBeard pirates and Luffy?” Navi retorted half sarcastically.

“That too. But no, I was gonna say that Ace is a kind guy and he does a lot for others, a lot more than he should. I’m asking you to take care of him because he sometimes doesn’t take care of himself.” Deuce admitted to her shyly and rubbed the back of his head. Navi nodded in understanding Deuce’s concern for his friend. While she thought of a response she took a moment to observe the sick bay. It was what you would expect, various medical equipment in the corner with heart monitors by the beds. There were roughly ten beds in the room and a desk for the doctors for when they were on. Deuce had cleaned more or less of the room, aside from a couple of the beds still being stripped and needing new sheets. Deuce cleared his throat and broke her observing and thinking.

“I owe Ace my freedom and life.” Navi admitted honestly to her lover’s former first mate. “I’ll do anything to keep him safe and healthy, it’s a pretty dramatic declaration but I’d be in a really bad place without him. He made my world good,” she smiled to herself at the thought of the man who saved her life. “He’s like my sun.” Her voice trailed as she looked off into space thinking of how she had never been so happy in life since Ace stumbled into it. The whirlwind that was Portgas D. Ace had so quickly made her life of running, hiding and being fearful to one that was still running and hiding but was filled with joy and even a family. Deuce gave a wide smile at her response. “I love him, Deuce, but I don’t think he believes I do.” Deuce’s smile faltered and he put a supportive hand on her shoulder. Navi tensed a little at the touch and Deuce quickly moved the hand away giving a nod of support instead.

“Ace is a complicated guy.” Deuce replied matter of factly. “However, I can see his walls fall when you’re around. There has always been some form of a wall there but with you, nada.” Deuce told her like it was the most casual thing in the world. Navi looked at Deuce with surprise, was Ace really like that with her? She only saw the happy go lucky man who made the world sunshine and gave her hope. Navi would get hints of sadness in the man she loved but she never dwelled on it as it was always gone as quickly as it was shown. Having a feeling that Deuce knew Ace better than anyone she decided to take this chance and discuss the man she loved with him.

“When Ace told me who his dad is earlier.. he made me promise not to hate him or run away.” Navi whispered in response to Deuce’s declaration. The masked man’s smile faltered and faded to a softer and more meaningful expression that Navi had trouble describing. “I don’t understand… why would that matter? Ace isn’t his father.” Deuce nodded at that and looked away from her lost in thought and remembering.

“Ace told me a lot of people assumed he’d be a violent monster like the world government made Roger out to be. Putting a kid in responsibility for the sins of his father before he could even talk, walk or defend himself. I don’t know how Ace didn’t turn out bitter and mad at the world-“ Navi cut Deuce off immediately knowing the answer.

“His brothers.” Her words spoke like it was the most obvious answer in the book. She knew just how Ace recalled his time with Sabo and just how beaming with pride he was about Luffy and his budding pirate crew. She never knew if Ace would say those things out loud but she did know that how Ace decided to live reflected the joy and love he had in childhood despite Dadan not always being the kindest soul, or Garp beating the shit out of them for wanting to be pirates, or even the harsh treatment of the nobles in the town near where the boys grew up. Despite these burdens, Ace decided to bring sunshine, joy and kindness to the world. Ace decided to help others and not destroy. Even before she had actually met the man, from what she read in the papers anyone could see his causes were not to bring negativity but positivity. Deuce laughed and brought her out of her thoughts.

“Seems like you’ve realized one of the best parts of Ace. His overwhelming kindness.” Navi nodded in response to his words. “You should get back to him, Marco is probably done grilling him for still being stubborn about the whole Blackbeard situation.” Navi shook her head and smiled at the man before her. Deuce didn’t catch it and continued “I don’t think Marco will give up on that, he just wants to see Ace be the best he can but-“ Navi cut Deuce off again.

“You know as well as I do that it is Ace’s morals holding him to this and it’s wrong to ask a man to give up his morals.” Deuce nodded and stood, holding his hand to her in order to lead her out of the med bay. “I can finish the cleaning, go find Ace or go to town. I’m sure keeping Ace in line isn’t the easiest job.” Deuce chuckled and opened the door for her to find Ace there like the silly grinning idiot he was. The pyro man was holding some flowers in his hand with a simple looking bouquet that had simple fern greens to fluff up the flowers and show off their blue gray color. Ace handed them to her.

“They reminded me of your hair so I got you some,” Ace rubbed the back of his head awkwardly with a blush across his cheeks. Navi’s face was completely red if one looked at it as her face held a gentle shock. “I’m sorry, do you not like them?” Navi shook her head and brought him into a hug with her hands against his back so she didn’t crush the flowers.

“Thank you, hotshot,” she whispered and she could feel his chuckle in response as he played with her hair. Deuce clapped his hands once to remind the pair that the medic was still there, they must have lost track of time enjoying this moment of romance. The pair smiled at Deuce. Navi looked back at Ace quickly, the blush having softened but she was still in awe. No one had ever gotten her flowers or anything really before this moment. “We’ll get out of your hair Deuce, so sorry,” Deuce shook his head with a small chuckle.

“No worries, I just have a feeling Marco wants you to help with the issue we came here for and Navi should probably get your supplies. We are leaving tomorrow afternoon. So if you two wanna do anything without the military bothering you it would have to be tonight.” Deuce was obviously giving them this information to allow them to have a moment together. This may be their only chance to be a genuine couple with nothing holding them back. Navi beamed at the idea, it wasn’t something she’d ever assume she’d get even before Ace. Deuce held a smirk as Ace gave him a little two finger salute. Ace took her hand, bringing out to the open deck of Moby Dick’s sister ship. Marco was there with Izou and the others waiting for Ace to most likely get rid of the gang the cart merchant mentioned. Ace tipped his hat to her before joining the others and jumping off the ship. Navi smiled at the gesture and went to the galley to find a vase for the flowers her lover had gotten for her. For once, Navi felt she actually had a future. Whether she followed Ace forever or ended up with Luffy and his crew didn’t matter, she just knew that her future would somehow be happy and bright as this simple day that was beginning. A day filled with friends laughing and understanding each other.

Chapter Text

Navi was taking her watch on the Striker and Ace had finally passed out. She assumed that it had to do with his narcolepsy or just being tired. She didn’t care and was just happy that he was getting rest. The fight with the gang on the isolated island went hugely well because the gang simply saw Whitebeard’s jollyroger and the 4 commanders and were like dogs with tails between their legs. Ace told her that it was most likely due to the reputation of the pirate. “Navi, it was so amazing! I never thought I’d genuinely see people cower!” Ace laughed as he recounted the tale to her. Navi listened intently and Ace continued. “Also, Izuo gave me a lead for Blackbeard but I don’t think that I can sneak both of us into a military base-“ Ace was quickly cut off by the sound of transponder snail ringing. Cha-lick! “Hello?” There was screaming and chaos on the otherside of the little snail. The normally generic looking snail formed to be a pale color with a blue and white shell giving Sanji’s distinct eyebrows. Navi had never seen one change before and she looked shocked while Ace just laughed hearing Sanji trying to rangle Luffy and the others in the background, his yelling loud over the sound of the transponder snail.

“Hello? Navi, you there?” Sanji’s voice calmed over the snail as he spoke the words. ed completely floored over the gang’s reaction. Navi smiled seeing the joy Ace had from seeing his family again, and especially so soon after seeing that joy with Luffy. The sadness in the man had expressed just a day and a half earlier. While she hasn’t known the man long, seeing a person that was normally so happy and kind so distraught stuck with her. The promise he made her make that she wouldn’t be disgusted with him, wouldn’t run away from someone she loved simply because of the blood in his veins seemed ridiculous to her. But to be cursed at birth, she could never understand. Yes, she was cursed herself in a way but she was still wanted in some capacity. Ace on the other hand, grew up not wanted until, she assumed considering his importance on the pair, Luffy and Sabo walked into his life.

“Ace.” Navi interrupted and he looked up at her curiosity in his eyes. “Why did you make me promise what you did?” Her voice almost a whisper as all she could picture was his hurt face. Ace hid his face with his hat as he formulated his answer. Deuce had told her a brief moment but Navi knew there was more.

“Most people would leave.” Ace’s voice was utterly cold, his face a scowl, it was a total shock to her.

“Luffy didnt, neither did any of the Whitebeard pirates or Deuce!” Navi retored, the scowl grew.

“They’re exceptions.”

“That’s a lot of exceptions.” Navi glared at Ace’s stubbornness.

Ace moved his eyes away from her and looked at the ocean. A scowl still on his face and the pain flashing in his eyes again, it reminded Navi of a scared child. “So? Doesn’t change the fact that I’m a good for nothing.”

“A good for nothing would not have done the things you do. Let alone save me from Germa.” Navi kept her voice steady, “a good for nothing wouldn’t be described as ‘kind to a fault’ by his best friend.” She started to list all of the good things Ace has done and he just glared.

“None of things matter if no one actually wants you around,” Ace whispered bitterly.

“I want you around” she whispered back to him and made him face her. “Ace I’ve wanted you around since the moment we walked through the dinner doors. Maybe if it was me being selfish and wanting to know the pirate the military makes you out to be or what was underneath but just your presence made me want that.” She smiled and continued “saving my life and turning my world upside down is a bonus!” Navi laughed.

Ace looked to be on the verge of tears as he leaned a little to kiss her. Navi returned the kiss happily. She would do most anything to make him happy. She had recognized this a few times especially after seeing the man with his brother and his own found family. Ace pulled away first and looked at her like she hung the stars in the sky. “You deserve the world even if the world has rejected you, Ace. But, if it makes you feel better, you have become my world and I will let you have any part of it. You are the first step towards my dream.” Ace smiled weakly to her as he pulled her into a loose hug as his sign of thanks. As quickly it appeared, the hardened Ace disappeared back to the happy, polite and goofy one returned as he grinned at Navi giving her another quick kiss on the forehead. “I know that it is hard for you to accept but people love you and we will fight for you and your happiness.” Navi added as one last note in the conversation, at least for now because she will forever try to help Ace understand that he was loved and deserved that love. Ace nervously chuckled at that and started up the Striker towards the next island.

Ace chuckled nervously, “I’ll pretend to understand how you can totally read me and breakdown my walls. But I am grateful that you can though, I think I needed it,” Ace used the little bar to adjust the sail and they moved on. Navi was happy that there was at least an understanding between the two of them as she watched Ace’s hair blow in the breeze as she pushed her own back to watch the man she loved in his element. Navi noted that Ace was actually wearing a shirt today. It was a cute button down like the yellow shirt she has now stolen and claimed as hers but it was a deep red that matched well with his bright orange hat. It surprised her that he would wear one since he usually proudly wore the symbol of WhiteBeard on his back and barely ever covered it. But she loved the man all the same despite his love of lacking the article of clothing.

“The shirt looks good,” Navi teased and he just huffed at her continuing to look forward at the sea, every so often looking at the log pose. Ace worked towards the next location that had a lead towards Blackbeard. A look of worry was on his face about the lead as he went forward. Navi watched as the sun make Ace look like a radiant angel as it glinted behind giving him a small halo. He was so beautiful and wonderful in her eyes, the sun just highlighted it to her. The world was just like this when Ace was around; a bright, sunny, and warm day where nothing is bad. Ace made her feel complete, warm and secure in her place in the world.

Bada bada bada bada bada bada

Navi broke her thoughts and rummaged around in her bag for her transponder snail. The snail appeared to have Sanji’s eyebrows, a yellow color and a black suit-like shell. Sanji was finally calling. They must have been busy in Alabasta the last couple days, she thought to herself.

CHA-LICK!

“Hello? Navi? Or maybe Ace?” Sanji’s voice was quiet on the other side of the snail. Navi smiled upon hearing the cook’s voice. Ace smirked at that and continued his navigation.

“We’re both here Sanji, what’s up?” Navi asked meekly. She was still exhausted from seeing the Whitebeard pirates as there was many of them and her social battery was very slim.

“We’ve made it to the Alabasta kingdom, Luffy and the others got things taken care of and saved the country.” Sanji’s voice had a lack of passion to it. “After you left things were fun. However it was less interesting without you and Ace” Sanji chuckled. “Vivi is staying behind to help her dad rebuild things but not before she kissed our dear Nami! I couldn’t believe it!” Navi smiled to herself enamored by the cook’s story telling as he told his point of view of the events in Alabasta. “Oh! During the rest I got some wonderful recipes! Lots of meat Ace will love them as much as Luffy did” Sanji added as he told the party the kingdom had to honor them before listing off the ingredients. Ace laughed at Sanji’s comment and the trio continued their talk over the transponder snail for what Navi felt like to be hours. She never got tired of hearing either man’s voice.

“I’ll have to try them soon! We are heading to the next lead for Blackbeard and Ace is finally wearing a shirt, not buttoned or anything but a shirt nonetheless!” She joked with the cook, having a Hardy laugh. Ace glared at the laughing snail.

“I know how to be a gentleman sometimes!” Ace finally butted into the conversation and gave a subtle pout at the snail and his partner. Navi giggled at that and Ace continued to pout with a small sigh. Ace steeled himself and then cleared his throat and decided to add to his speech “Sanji,” his tome serious “what are the Merry’s coordinates?”

“Why?” Sanji sounded confused.

“Next lead involves sneaking into a marine base and I won’t be able to get us both in safely and I’m not leaving Navi alone on the Striker when I’m in there.” Ace seemed to have a large amount of protective affection in his voice as he explained. “She can use her devil fruit to get to you guys, I’ll show her how, I just need the coordinates.” The snail nodded as if to indicate Sanji had nodded and Sanji gave the coordinates.

“So you’re making Sanji my babysitter?” Navi questioned feeling hurt at the fact that Ace would think she would need one.

“I am just ensuring that you are safe because I don’t know if I am able to keep you safe on this one,” Ace defended himself as Sanji stayed connected to the snail listening in as the snail did not return to rest. “Sanji, you get what I am trying to say right?”

“This isn’t my fight Ace. We can gladly accommodate Navi if needed but you need to respect Navi’s wishes if she wants to go with you,” Sanji played the middleman over the phone. “You should always respect a lady.” He added quickly before Navi huffed and pouted at Ace.

“Ace, I can defend myself but if you already knew this; why wouldn’t you leave me with Marco, Deuce, and the others?” The woman asked honestly as she began putting her hair up in a ponytail in order to focus on gathering fish for Ace and herself. Keeping herself occupied while they argued felt like a form of grounding to her. Navi felt she needed it or she would begin to lose herself if she had to lose Ace over a matter of whether or not she can defend herself. Ace went to open his mouth to answer the question but shut it right away taking a moment to think.

“You don’t like Marco very much,” Ace finally concluded with a soft nod of triumph. Navi shook her head as she prepared the fishing rod and gave Ace a ‘are you kidding me?’ look.

“That doesn’t matter, there was Izou, Deuce and the other commanders that I could’ve stayed with if I didn’t like Marco.” Navi retorted and Sanji made a small huff with his nose indicating that hiding a laugh at her response.

“I just think you’d be happier going with Luffy and his crew. A lot of the Whitebeards aren’t around our age so it can get pretty boring and stuff if we aren’t partying.” Ace admitted kindly and almost defeated as he looked at her with sad and bittersweet happiness. “You and Sanji are the same age and I’m only a year older than y’all. Luffy and everyone else is a little younger, just I don’t know. I think you’re better with Luff than me.” Ace looked away and Sanji cleared his throat.

“It’s alright Ace just if Navi wants to send her here. I need to start working on the snack for the crew.” Sanji sighed at the end of the sentence.

CAH-LICK

The snail closes its eyes and falls asleep signaling the end of the call. Navi looked up at Ace as she waited for the fish to start biting. “I’ll go with Luff and the others. You seem really worried and I want you to focus on doing your mission but I want to discuss this because I’m not fucking off to Sanji anytime you get the tiniest inclining I’ll be in danger.” Ace nodded and moved closer to her.

“How do you wanna go about this then, babe?” Ace asked honestly looking at her with lots of love in his eyes as he went to kiss her cheek. She blushed at that and smiled. Navi couldn’t understand why Ace was so kind and treated her so equally when he was clearly better than her in every way.

“I’ll go with Sanji and the others if there is a high risk, like breaking into a marine base, but only then. I want to help you not be a hindrance.” Navi gently explained to Ace. “So let me help and fulfill your mission so we can go on our own private adventure.”

“Maybe even settle and start a family,” Ace blurted out without thinking. Navi got more red in the face as he did so and made the steady pole as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Ace chuckled at her response and gave her a quick kiss.

“So how do I do this, making myself into water and suddenly appearing on the Merry thing,” Navi teased and reeled in the pole when she felt a fish going on their bait for Ace to eat later. Ace explained the process to her and they tested it with one end of the small boat to the other. Once Navi was able to, she did what she was told and pictured the Merry ready to surprise the other strawhats with her presence. Navi crashed on top of the cook as she actually made it work. “Sanji!” She cried as she heard the forgotten Vinsmoke grunt in pain. “I’m so sorry!”

The cook got up and laughed after her furious apologizing and trying to make sure he was not hurt. “Navi, I’m okay. I was just finishing up dinner, why don’t you help me with the finishing touches so we can surprise the others.” Sanji had a soft smile as he looked back at her stirring the soup that was meant to feed the others with some rice. “I made a curry with some spices I found at an Alabastan market. Do you like spicy things? It’ll have a bit of spice.” Sanji lifted the ladle showing off a thick curry with some chunks of meat and very nicely sliced & diced vegetables. Navi shook her head yes, as she enjoyed a spicy dish every once in a while. “Dinner will be done in about ten minutes, can you gather everyone up, my princess?” Navi blushed at the pet name not expecting Sanji to do his women praising act knowing she was in a relationship. Sanji responded to the blush with a mischievous smirk as he began portioning out the bowls. One bowl appeared to be different as that was most likely for Chopper who hated anything spicy. When Navi stepped out of the galley she was attacked by rubber arms as she was tackled to the ground.

“Shishishishi!” Luffy laughed and sat on top of her letting go of the bear hug expressing the boundary she had made for the captain. “You miss us already, Navi? Ace mustn't have as fun adventures! Shishishishi” Luffy continued to laugh and got off of her. She looked among the group and got forms of acknowledgement from each of the members she met previously, Zoro giving her a small nod of acknowledgement was the start. Chopper came and hugged her leg as she went to pat him on the head. Nami and Ussopp were in a heated poker game and just waved at her. However, it was the new face that surprised her. A tall lean and tanned woman was sitting in one of the lounge chairs reading a book; her hair black as night in a neat hairstyle with square bangs and deep blue eyes that seemed to always be calculating. The woman looked up from her book and smirked. It appeared she was wearing one of Sanji’s white button ups and some of Nami’s leggings with simple black flats. Navi looked to the bouncing rubber boy for clarification as to who the woman was but before she could ask Luffy yelled out in the woman’s direction. “ROOOOOOBBBBBIIIINNNNNNNNNN, COME MEET NAVI! SHE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE JUST LIKE YOU DID!” Navi flashed a concerned look to Zoro who appeared to be the only one paying attention since his nap was most likely interrupted by the commotion. The swordsman just shrugged and decided to find a new place to nap as the dark haired woman “Robin” came to greet her. Upon closer inspection, the woman appeared to be Nico Robin, an infamous girl who had an extremely high bounty from when she was a child. The thought of children being hunted by the marines always made Navi uncomfortable so she just paid attention to the wanted posters and not the full stories when a child looking person was on them (Luffy was included in this category, alongside Haruta).

Robin held out a hand to Navi, “Well hello there Miss.Navi and what role may you have amongst this rowdy crew?” Robin’s voice was like velvet and held a strong air of elegance. Navi thought she could listen to the woman read aloud all day with how soothing it felt to her. Navi shyly took the hand of Robin and shook it gently noting that it wasn’t only her voice that was soft and velvety.

“I’m not part of the crew, really.” Navi replied and Robin made a ‘hum’ sound at that with a tilt of her head. “I’m Ace’s girlfriend. But he sent me here for a bit.” Robin’s eyes narrowed a little but it didn’t appear to be from suspicion, rather confusion. “The lead he found is too dangerous I guess and he thought I’d have more fun here.” Navi shrugged at that and Robin seemed satisfied with the answer, letting go of each other's hands. In Navi’s peripheral she noticed Zoro watching the woman with one eye open, Navi giggled to herself thinking Zoro would make a handsome one eyed pirate. “Oh! Sanji said dinner should be ready now so you can all go to the galley!”

Zoro was the first to rise and strode over to Navi in a few steps. “Had to visit the cook first, eh?” He teased. Navi blushed and shook her head before looking up at the grinning swordsman who simply gave a playful nudge on the shoulder. “I know, I heard the snail call before I went to take a nap. Curly brow doesn’t know how to lower his voice when it comes to women.” Zoro grumbled at that last bit and strode into the galley like a predator after its prey. Luffy jumped over her while the others waited for her to follow the two men first. Navi smiled and enjoyed how silly the captain could be as she sat beside Zoro waiting for the curry to be served by the grinning cook. The rest of the crew filtered in with Chopper to her left, Luffy across from her, Robin and Nami on either side of him. Sanji had an open seat to Zoro’s left and Ussopp would be placed to the opposite side of the swordsman. Sanji placed the less spicy curry and rice in front of Chopper after serving all three ladies then continued the process with the various drinks to the crew. Once everyone was satisfied, Navi noticed Sanji sat down with a small huff as he went to eat his own meal with tired and lazy gestures. Zoro finished first and collected his dishes, placed them beside the sink and looked around for the alcohol, which was obvious to Navi last time she saw him drink sake like water. “Oi! Cook! Where’s the sake?” Zoro grunted out.

“Far away from you, shitty swordsman!” Sanji yelled back rather unnecessarily aggressively. Zoro groaned and looked back at the cook rather pissed off and stormed out of the galley with a grumbling Sanji now angrily eating his curry. The rest of crew ignored the small spat and Navi watched it carefully. The woman knew the two didn’t get along very well but she did not realize that it sent Sanji from 0 to 100 so quickly. Navi helped Sanji with the dishes afterwards in a calm silence. “Navi, would you like to help me with the meals till Ace decides to tell you that you’re good to come back?” Navi looked back up to him and smiled fondly. Even in the low lamp light of the galley at night, Sanji shined. Similar to Ace, she felt that Sanji shined but, unlike Ace, Sanji was the moon. A cool brilliance that gave hope to those lost in the dark. Ace joking about leaving him for the cook flashed in mind. If she hadn’t met Ace, would she be with Sanji? Navi shook her head at the thought.

“Of course, Sanji! I love cooking with you! It’s always so wonderful,” Navi blushed a little as they stayed in that moment, their fingers touching as he handed her the last dish to dry. There was a small spark and an intensity. Yeah, she could’ve dated Sanji in another life, despite his overbearing love for women and need to serve them; Sanji was kind. Sanji was an all consuming being that made the world better. Ace and Sanji paralleled each other in that sense. But she knew that she couldn’t have, more like deserve, two loves like that in this world. She was just a failure after all. The moment was hanging too long and her face became covered in red as she quickly took the dish and dried it. As she went to leave the galley and see what the others were doing, Sanji grabbed her wrist to stop her.

“Navi, I know we got off on the wrong foot with our pasts being connected and all but you don’t have to be afraid of me giving you affection. Ace is extremely lucky to have such a goddess to give his love to, I would just like to make sure she gets treated right in all ways; especially with friends, considering the brutes that are on this crew.” Sanji smiled with a soft blush dusting his cheeks as he pulled her closer. Navi was suddenly in a gentle embrace, but brief, with the cook. She felt panic build inside herself until she looked up and still saw the kind smile of her moon keeping her safe. My moon? She thought taking herself out of his embrace Sanji is just my friend and not mine in any way. God Ace’ll kill me, she thought to herself as Sanji looked very confused.

“I’m going to bed,” Navi said quickly heading towards the boys dorm, assuming that Robin took the bed Vivi was using so she needed to use their hammocks again. Once she was alone, she allowed herself to feel the confusion she felt for the cook. Maybe it was some weird coping mechanism because his brothers treated her so poorly? Her mind had to go the opposite extreme because she was so violently afraid of the other Vinsmoke sons. The three men with their wild hair colors seemed to appear before, their wild smirks and stupid raid suits making them more intimidating. Navi shook her head and the vision of the men disappeared. Navi knew however, Ace was the love of her life and maybe, just maybe, Sanji could be that platonic soulmate she read about. Yeah, its time for bed, she thought to herself.

The hammock that Sanji had made was way too fancy for her and still set up. She climbed into the swaying cloth and rested her head in the pillow basking in the warmth of several blankets. Navi had a brief thought that this warmth wouldn’t match Ace’s but she would have to try. It was the first night since meeting the man that Ace was not within a close distance to her and she was worried about that as well but managed to fall asleep.

The blackness took over. She could hear their laughs as they taunted her. Flashes of blue and green come into her vision. Navi feels them touching her, feel their cool hands on her skin. Suddenly her hair is pulled and a smirk with flashes of red are in her field of view. “You may have failed the experiment but you haven’t failed at pleasing the idiots it seems.” Ichiji’s cold voice came into her ears like a haunting brand. Yonji was grabbing at her chest, his hands were the bigger of the two roughing her body up. She memorized who was who by touch, she would be punished if she moaned the wrong name. Ichiji chuckled and let go of her hair, roughly making her head slam on the hard bed they provided her. Navi risked letting the eyes open that she didn’t realize shut.

“Please..” she whimpered. All three Vinsmoke brothers laughed at her. “Please stop..”

They never did. They always touched her, violated her. Navi was just lucky their father forbade them from impregnating her. Something to do with “tainting blood” as they at least wore protection and she wouldn’t have to bear the thought of having monsters like them come from her. “Come on you little slut,” Yonji growled. “Keep begging,” she could hear the other two laughing as she suffered. This was the daily routine and she resigned herself to this suffering.

Suddenly, Navi felt different hands but they seemed outside of herself. These were soft and gentle pulling her into an embrace. “NO DONT TOUCH ME!!” Navi screamed out pushing the person away “GET AWAY!” She cried shaking as she tried to move away but the hammock didn’t allow her to. Navi remembered that giving up the fight meant less pain “Please.. just stay away…” Navi’s voice fell to a whimper as she held onto herself shaking and rocking back and forth to try and soothe herself again. The soft hands didn’t listen and pulled her back into an embrace.

“Shh.. Navi.. it’s okay,” that was Sanji’s voice, what was he doing here? Sanji wasn’t one of the ones who hurt her in these ways. As Sanji continued to tell her it was okay, she finally registered that this was real life as he began rubbing soft circles on her back and shushing as he tried to comfort her. “No one is not gonna touch you here except me.” Sanji’s voice was finite and strong as he said the sentence. Navi’s breathing was ragged and she gripped onto Sanji’s nightshirt for dear life. She didn’t dare look up at him though, as stupid as it was, Navi didn’t want Sanji to see her cry as she felt the tears come or what would happen if she looked up and didn’t register Sanji as himself but one of the other brothers. Sanji continued to coo, reassure and rub the small circles on her back until Navi’s breathing settled and the crying wasn’t a choked sob anymore.

“I’m sorry,” Navi’s voice barely audible as she rubbed her face into Sanji’s chest.

“Never be sorry,” Sanji replied, moving her face so the side was resting against his chest. “I heard you crying and the hammock creaking, I figured it was a nightmare.” Sanji said matter of factly while he continued the gestures even though she wasn’t in a state of panic anymore. “Then I heard one of my brothers’ names and I knew I had to help you come down from whatever nightmare you were having” Sanji’s voice was purely gentle, loving and reassuring.

“Thank you,” Navi sighed, resting onto Sanji with a soft yawn as she closed her eyes again. Navi could feel Sanji chuckle at that. She could also feel the man start to remove himself from the hammock. Navi gripped onto him “no. You can stay.” Her voice wavered as she said the words.

“Okay,” Sanji moved them into laying position on his back. Navi snuggled against his chest, their legs tangling in the hammock. Just like Ace, the nightmares didn’t come when Sanji was there. The crew found Sanji actually sleeping for once when they woke and a smile on Navi’s face as she clung to the cook as if he’d kick all the monsters away, much like how she thought Ace would punch anything that sent her harm. When Navi woke to a hungry Luffy flipping the hammock demanding food from Sanji. Navi nervously laughed and apologized for making breakfast late.

Chapter Text

That morning, Navi woke again in the arms of the cook after the rude interruption, gently cradling her in the blanket-filled hammock. Her head was relaxed on the space between his shoulder and chest, his head softly leaning on her own. The cook’s arms were wrapped around her loosely. Sanji smelled like smoke and spices and it gave her comfort. To put in a joke, he smelt like food and food was always a comfort. The cook surprisingly had simple pajamas, she hadn’t noticed that when he was bringing her down from the nightmare. Sanji wore a simple t-shirt that said ‘gentle cook’ and some shorts, his hair loosely falling to the side exposing both sides of his face. In sleep, Sanji’s features were soft and the man looked like he couldn’t even harm a fly, let alone be one of the best fighters on the crew. Navi was in awe that Sanji had even managed to fall back asleep after Luffy was so loud. The guest of the crew wiggled out of the cook’s arms and went to the galley. She knew that Sanji didn’t necessarily like other folks like others in their kitchen but Navi also knew that he deserved a break cooking for someone like Luffy. Sanji had already started the prep work for breakfast so Navi just continued it, as she started to begin cooking Sanji strode in with a cigarette in his mouth. “Sorry beautiful, didn’t mean for you to have to work,” Sanji came behind her and caged against his own body as he took over the cooking. Navi ducked under his arms smiling at the cook, avoiding an awkward moment.

“It’s no big deal, Sanji!” Navi smiled wider and went to make the juices and coffee for the crew. “You needed a break with how quickly you fell back asleep after Luffy barged in.” Sanji smiled at her with a light blush on his face. Navi assumed that it was from shock that someone would care about him considering how dotting Sanji is with none back.

“Oh there is no need to be so kind darling!” Sanji cooed as he sautéed the potatoes and switched the heat on the eggs. His smile was sweet as always when he was worshiping women. The cook was like a blur through the kitchen as he continued breakfast while Navi cleaned the dishes that were used for prep. As Sanji showered her with compliments and thank yous for helping him with the task he will have to do later. They stayed in that comfortable silence for about an hour before Sanji cleared his throat, catching her attention as she began lunch prep so Sanji could finally catch a break. “Navi, what was one of my brothers doing to you for your dream to have you react that way?” Sanji’s voice was stern but laced with heavy concern as he faced her with a soft look filled with kindness.

“Sanji.. I… uh.. it was actually all of them..” she looked away as pity flashed in Sanji’s eyes and his face dropped to a mix of sadness and shock. The cook went to hug her but Navi backed away a little. She knew the crew would be looking for breakfast soon and she didn’t wanna have this conversation with a hungry Luffy hanging all over her.

“O..oh..” Sanji’s face dropped as he realized the implication of her words and just how truly afraid her reaction was when they had first met. Navi thought Sanji would think less of her because of the things Germa and by extension, his family had done to her. “What did those assholes do, Navi? I really don’t wanna push you, but I need to know so if I ever see them again, I can kick the shit out of them” his tone was fully serious as he looked at her directly, the princely love cook gone. All that remained was the hardened, abused and cold Sanji but also the Sanji that had passion, love and dedication to those he loved; the Sanji that believed in the All Blue, dare she say the ‘real’ Sanji.

“When the scientists realized that the genetic modification wouldn’t work postpartum, they didn’t wanna let me go so I was given to your brothers as..” a pet, Navi thought harshly to herself. Navi hugged herself trying to find comfort without Ace around. “Having no emotions made things worse…” Sanji seemed to understand and took her into a hug. Navi felt everything tense within her and a strain on her heart and throat. This touch with anyone but with Ace felt terrible and gross to which extent depended on the person. If this was Marco she’d probably be having a panic attack. Navi hid her face into Sanji, it didn’t help the short breaths but the smell of his cologne mixing with his natural scent of spice and the breakfast they had made somehow allowed her to ground herself. She took a couple of deep breaths taking in the warm and comforting scent of the cook. “You’ve never.. you’ve never made me feel unsafe since that initial moment. You’re an amazing and kind friend, Sanji.” She whispered to him, unable to keep her voice any louder. Sanji held her closer, a warmth washed over her as if they had just had the weirdest trauma bound of their lives. Due to them both being used and thrown away by Germa, maybe they’d make a good pairing of friends for a long time. There was a small tense from the cook after her referral to him as a friend but Navi ignored them and kept Sanji close to her.

The galley door slammed open upon the silence from cooking sounds. “SANJI! NAVI! FOOD!” Luffy roared as he slammed into the pair knocking them over. Sanji fell on top of Navi but he caught himself with enough time to cage her head with his arms. Navi blushed and so did Sanji.

“I am so sorry, princess,” the love cook mask quickly returned and helped her back up. “LUFFY YOU IGNORANT BRUTE WHY WOULD YOU PUT ME IN POSITION TO HURT A LADY!!??” Sanji gave a swift kick to the captain and Navi got up to finish setting the table. Navi ignored the protests from Sanji as she did the work as he did cook most of breakfast despite her trying to give the tired cook a break. Luffy just laughed and went to his spot at the table picking up his silverware. After the commotion died down, the other trickled in while Sanji portioned out everyone’s breakfast. Navi sat next to Zoro again but her other seat partner ended up being Chopper. The little reindeer happily told her about new medicines he was making using some of the plant life he found in Alabasta and excited about what he could find in Jaya, which Nami had reported to be the next island the Log Pose has pointed to. When Sanji finally sat down to eat his breakfast beside Zoro, Navi sent him a half hearted smile because she could see just how tired the man really was.

They arrived at Jaya within the day, Navi helped Sanji get groceries. But there was a loud crash at a nearby bar. Sanji tilted head to signal that the two should investigate since it was most likely Luffy being an idiot. When they walked in the bar Luffy was in an argument with a fairly large blonde man in capri style white pants and an old military officer style jacket but it was blue instead of the typical white. The man was taller than Zoro and Sanji making him at least 6’5” or so. He was also bulkier than Zoro, who was probably the bulkiest guy she had encountered in her journey so far, completely both Luffy and Nami as the straw hat wearing boy stood. The man had a bowl haircut that swooped low enough to end a little past his ears. Navi was extremely intimidated by the man by only seeing the back of him, Luffy did not share that sentiment. Navi half heartedly heard Luffy order Zoro and Sanji to stand down after this huge man had punched their captain. The blonde man looked over to Navi's direction and the woman stood still. His front was just as intimidating as the back as his muscle bulged out of a pink tank top and a green and gold sash loosely hugging his hips. A women begged the man for her to leave the women alone, referring to him as Bellamy. Bellamy snarled and screamed for the strawhats to leave, which they did. The rest of Jaya was a blur especially after running into a giant of a dark skinned man who appeared to love pie. What Navi would learn later was that this man was Blackbeard. Ace had never mentioned the man’s appearance before so she was unaware or else she would’ve immediately called her lover. Returning to the Merry, Sanji prepared a snack and Navi trained with Zoro. Most of Navi’s week without Ace played out like this day. Cook with Sanji, train with Zoro and occasionally take Chopper’s watch (the little doctor needed his sleep after all). Throughout the week, Sanji tried to be kinder to Navi than his brothers had ever been to her. He also helped with the nightmares even though she told him it was not needed. Ussopp, catching them snuggling together in the hammock attempted to make a new bed but failed miserably; Chopper even offered a bed in the medical bay of the Merry. Navi admittedly denied needing a bed with Sanji because it was becoming weird that the two came together so quickly, nearly mirroring her life with Ace. It was like both men were magnets to her. Sanji, however, felt differently in its magnetic pull; almost like the two were supposed to bond over their shared abuse in Germa.

Sanji, to his dismay, had to constantly hold himself back from being subservient to Navi. The cook was not used to having a woman to fawn over that A.) already had a partner and B.) almost rejected his advances completely. That was truly evident when there was a small battle between two ape-like brothers and ended up on an island that would lead to the Sky Island or Skypiea. Navi caught and gave Sanji a sorrowful look when he mentioned being from the North Blue after the Nolan descendant told the story of Nolan the Liar and the Sky Islands. Navi could feel Robin’s eyes on her as she was worried about Sanji giving a signal that she knew something about Sanji’s past that the rest of the crew did not. Navi tried not to put emphasis on this by looking away and paying attention to the tale that she had heard in her childhood.

While the strawhats prepared their journey to the sky islands, Ace called Navi on the transponder snail for her to come back because the lead was a bust. Navi did so and came back to her lover quite easily using the technique he showed her a week ago. As always Navi was falling into Ace’s arms and seemingly a damsel in distress but she doubted Ace minded as he grinned wildly at her and gave her a kiss on the head. “Welcome back babe,” the sun shown behind Ace like he was the burning planet itself. Ace was her sunshine and she adored anything he could give her, she was just overjoyed that it was his love. Navi just hoped her sun would never shine too brightly. She wouldn’t know what she would do without him. “Did you have a good time with Luff and the others?” his grin wide and happy as he still remained bright as the sun as she looked at Ace with pure love and joy. It was a different brightness from Sanji to Navi. Sanji’s brightness was also warm but it was gentle warmth almost like an autumn breeze whereas Ace’s was the intensity of summer, harsh but an unbelievably comforting feeling of the breezes of the sea. Sanji was cool, soft, gentle and kind. Ace was also gentle and kind but with a burning intensity that made Navi addicted to him. Navi sighed as she mostly ignored Ace’s question. Wait.. was she falling for the cook? Was it trauma bonding? Navi tossed the thoughts away, Sanji would remain a dear friend. No one could replace Ace in her heart, Ace was everything to her. Ace basically saved her life, how could he not be everything to her?

Chapter Text

Navi woke from another fit of nightmares. They’d been happening more and more lately, it scared her. Ace pulled her into his arms, the warmth of the man completely consuming her in the best way possible. “Breathe Navi,” Ace was always kind and his tone always gentle as he comforted her. “It’s only me.” Navi was tucked closely into Ace’s arms and her head was secure on his shoulder as she nuzzled his neck. “We aren’t near the North Blue. It’s okay,” he whispered reassuringly and repeated the comforting words. “Here,” Ace pulled her face away from hiding against him and kept her secure in his lap as he carefully held her wait with one arm. The other grabbed his hat and placed it on her head gently. It was a small gesture, a kind one. Navi was never told about the hat’s story but she knew he had it when he went out to sea and it meant a lot to him. It reminded her of Luffy’s straw hat. “It’ll keep you safe.” His words are true and finite. They gave Navi extreme comfort. 

“Thank you, love,” Navi smiled at her boyfriend. She kissed his cheek and adjusted herself as she sat with him on the Striker. It was another day or so till the next island. She tried to get some snacks together so Ace wouldn’t pass out (hopefully). Not even an hour later, Ace was passed out on one end of the small boat and Navi continued to navigate the seas to the next island by removing Ace’s log pose. She sighed as she watched him sleep peacefully. Navi thought back on many things. Her life in Germa, running away and finally being found. “He is such an idiot,” she sighed again to herself contently as she just soaked in the sun. Ace jolted awake about a half hour later with a wild grin on his face. 

“Guess what babe!” he said excitedly and pulled her close. His arm rested happily on her shoulders as he looked on the horizon. Navi shrugged in response. “I love you!~” He happily responded and nuzzled his face against her shoulder. Navi laughed and playfully shoved Ace away laughing. 

“Got any real news you silly idiot,” she laughed as he playfully pouted. The sun framed him as if he was angelic. As his black locks shined and his tanned skin glowed highlighting the freckles that graced his skin. Her features softened as she smiled at him lovingly. “I love you too, hot shot.” Over the last few weeks, Navi assumed her genetics mutated again as she had suddenly developed vitiligo and her right eye changed color to a deep forest green. Ace teased her relentlessly about it but still called her beautiful. Navi still felt dread though at the thought of all the bullshit Germa put her through would go on the make her more of a burden to the world. The news seagull landed on top of the flagpole holding the day’s paper in its beak. “Thank you my flying friend,” she smiled and took the paper while handing the bird the appropriate amount of berries. The headlines were always the same filled with various pirate shenanigans but two newer ones caught her eye. 

NORTH BLUE IN FEAR: SURGEON OF DEATH, TRAFALGAR LAW CAUSES MORE CHAOS AS HE LANDS QUICKLY APPROACHES THE GRAND LINE. BOUNTY INCREASED TO 90,000,000 BERRIES

Attached to the headline was a wanted poster of a smug looking man whose hair was mostly covered by a black and white spotted hat. His sideburns gave Navi the impression his hair was a blackish blue color and, what caught her eye the most, was striking golden eyes that felt like he could see everything her soul had to bear. He was in a fighting stance with one of his hands held out lazily and the other holding an extremely large sword. He wore tacky looking spotted jeans, heeled boots and a disgustingly bright yellow & black hoodie with his jollyroger on it. She also noted he has vitiligo too that was bright under his tattooed hands. He looked like someone you did not wanna fuck with despite his skinny looking body. So this was the man that Luffy had to compete with, or at least one of them. The second article that caught her eye had an even more scary looking man. The headline read: 

SOUTH BLUE SAVED FROM TERROR? EUSTASS “CAPTAIN” KID  ALREADY DESTROYING THE GRANDLINE, BOUNTY INCREASED TO 200,000,000 BERRIES. FIRST MATE, THE MASSACRE SOLDIER, KILLER, BOUNTY ALSO INCREASED TO 130,000,000 BERRIES.   

Captain Kid was more terrifying than this “Trafalgar Law”, even if the poster did not show his full height, you could tell he was a tower of a man with strong taunt muscle exposed under a spiked jacket. His red hair wild as the grin on his face as his clawed nails took over the left half of the image. Ugly spotted pants, a blue sash, a mixed amount of jewelry covered him and strong tough looking boots. “Those guys are still consuming the news? They were just starting out right before I ran into you and Luff. There’s no need to worry, Navi, I’ve got us if we come across them.” Navi finally observed the bounty poster of “The Massacre Soldier” as well that was with Captain Kid’s. A blonde, skinny, but strong, looking man was lunging towards the camera. Two curved blades ready to move as they were held by bracers on his hands. He was wearing chap style jeans held up by a red sash, brown boots and a black & white polka dotted button up that was so unbuttoned she wondered why he put in the effort to button it at all. What seemed to consume Navi’s thoughts was what the man’s face looked like as it was covered by a striped blue & white helmet. “The next island will be here tomorrow, why don’t we rest there for a little while? My leads say the village has mostly been abandoned since Teach showed up there, so you’ll be ok!” Ace reassured her. Navi simply nodded and put the papers away. However, she could not shake the feeling that these people were not a danger to her despite their intimidating appearances. 

“As long as you’re careful. You tend to be reckless, Ace and I worry about you,” she replied to him worriedly.  Ace grinned and kissed her forehead, lifting his hat slightly for a better area. Navi handed him the garment back. “Keep it till we get to the island, ok?” he flashed another quick grin before taking over the navigating. “Now rest little lady. You deserve to sleep as much as me.” Navi nodded and grabbed the blanket that they rarely used since Ace was always so warm and lulled herself to sleep. That rest, she dreamt of Captain Kid and the Massacre Soldier but there was no harm to Navi. They were in a bar, being rowdy and having fun. It was a joy that she really only felt with Ace as they partied to their heart’s content. Little did she know that this was a developing rare version of future sight haki that was coming to her. But could such violent and ruthless men really give her the same warmth as Ace? No way. She wouldn’t believe it until she got the experience for herself. Ace saved her life, he owned her heart. She secretly prayed they never found Blackbeard because there was always a chance that Ace would lose and she would be alone again. When she woke, Ace had a pout on his face while looking at her. “I fumbled saying that earlier huh?” Navi laughed and pinched her fingers together to show him it didn’t work a little bit. “Damn, and I thought I was good at being all knight in shining armor!” He laughed in his always carefree tone. “We should be at the island in a few hours, why don’t you cook something so our bellies are full when we arrive?” Navi nodded and got out what supplies they had left, and that Sanji gifted her. 

“You and your brother’s bellies are never full,” she teased and got another playful grin at that. Life was good like this and she knew having Ace by her side would keep it this way even if it was for a brief period of time and he got tired of her. Navi knew that Luffy would still show kindness to her and allow her to come around if she needed it. Sanji would not allow otherwise, she assumed with how he acted with her and women in general. The island looked foreboding and Navi’s gut instantly dropped as she got the worst feeling in the world. “Ace, I think we should skip this one,” she said hesitantly as he pulled towards the completely abandoned looking and metaphorically had a black cloud over it.  “While we still have a chance to see if the log pose will last somewhere else.” Ace flashed her a worried look, almost as if he recognized something she didn’t. 

“When did you develop haki?” Ace held a serious look on his face as he asked the question. Navi gave a confused look. What the fuck was haki? “Do you not know what that is?” She nodded and looked to Ace for an explanation. “It’s an ability someone can have, there’s a bunch of different kinds but having it to begin with is a big deal. I’m guessing you have some kind of future sight. What do you see, babe?” Ace kept a nice tone and seemed to genuinely want to educate her on the topic. 

“I didn’t see anything. I just have a really bad feeling about that island. Kinda like something telling me not to go there. I don’t know, I’m just worried about you going to that island.” Navi replied with complete worry in her tone as she reported it to her lover. The worry and fear on her face was clear as she looked to Ace for answers. He was quiet for a moment and then nodded to himself, grabbing the trademark hat off Navi’s head. 

“I’ll check it out alone first and then come get you when it is safe. You stay on the Striker and if anything happens and I’m not back within the hour you leave, ok? I don’t care, you get out and away from the island and find my little brother." His tone left no room for argument on her end and she knew that she wouldn’t win if she tried. The serious look on his face made her worry more. Was this future sight haki thing really that absolute? But if she didn’t say anything then Ace and herself could get hurt. She sighed in defeat. 

“Fine, Ace, but you keep your transponder snail on and are able to speak to me,” Navi argued back. Ace nodded with a big grin on his face and gave her a thumbs up. With the agreement in place, Navi finished up the food and kept quiet as it seemed like Ace needed the time to think. Navi thought too, what if Blackbeard was on this island? What if Ace couldn’t beat him? Worry took over her whole body as she plated up food for Ace. He took it quietly as he watched her. 

“Is everything ok?” His voice was kept calm and trying to be reassuring. 

“The feeling is getting worse.” It was all she could say, what else was she supposed to? It’s not like she could fight Blackbeard! He was a supernova for heaven’s sake!! She was just some genetically modified girl from the North Blue that had gotten lucky so far! It was obvious that this island was a totally bad idea but Ace obviously didn’t care because he was very determined to find and kill Blackbeard. Ace brushed her off and acted like nothing was going wrong. It felt like everything was going wrong. It physically hurt her to go towards this island. “Ace please.” Ace made a noise as his focus came upon a large ship with a jollyroger. 

“He’s here, or at least someone on his crew is.” Ace looked back at her, worry covered his features. “Do you want to go back to Sanji?” Navi shook her head and hugged Ace closely. 

“I’m with you until the end, hot shot. Even whatever happens after this mortal realm, I love you Ace so much. I just want you to be safe.” He sighed in response to that. 

“I understand babe, let me just follow this lead since it’s on the log pose ok?” Ace begged and Navi finally gave in. 

“You know my conditions.” She sassed back at him and flashed her a wild grin. 

“Anything for you, beautiful.” Ace kissed her head and brought them into the docks. “The village is not far, an hour tops and I’ll keep my snail on for you.” Navi breathed a sigh of relief as Ace got his bag together to make sure he had everything prepared in case Blackbeard was there and there would be a fight. “Finish your paper and I’ll be back before you know it babe! I love you,” his features softened as he said the words. Navi’s heartbroke at that as the feeling just got worse like she was physically ill. Ace was her everything. The thought of losing him made her tear up. He gently wiped her tears. “I’ll always protect you and those I love. Don’t worry, I love you too much to leave you behind.” 

“I love you too, Ace.” she kissed his cheek and let him go off. The feeling being pushed down and she focused on the paper. She had to, Ace wouldn’t lie to her. 

 With the help of one of the Whitebeard technicians, the Striker was modified to accommodate both Navi and Ace’s devil fruit and it allowed for quick and ease escapes. Navi was  continuing to read the paper as she waited for Ace. That man was truly the love of her life. These months with Ace had brought her so much joy, freedom and love. She met some amazing friends and while she now knew that Nakama meant the word, crew; her time with the strawhats gave that word a lot more meaning and was something completely stronger than simple camaraderie. Her time with the strawhats, the few encounters with Marco and the whitebeards, and simply just with Ace made Navi think that Nakama was an unbreakable familial bond that only life at sea with a group of people could make. Navi was truly finally having a family. She smiled to herself as she read the paper despite it discussing a grim tale of a buster call on Enies Lobby and Luffy’s crew somehow being involved. None of the crew were picking up the transponder snail which also worried but they were resilient enough for Navi to know they’d be alive. A large boom broke Navi’s concentration on the paper when she heard a big explosion. She turned to the sound of a large eruption of flames and some black substance consuming the island. “Oh… no…” Navi leapt from the Striker ready to go help him when she crashed into a large mass. She fell onto the ground behind her. “Out of my way asshole I-“ Navi was immediately grabbed and thrown farther down the beach. The woman looked up to see none other than Blackbeard. Shock crossed her features as she saw Ace hanging on his shoulders, passed out. Navi made a new attempt to run away before black consumed the ground around her. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!” Navi cried out as the blackness began engulfing her. She tried to fight back but the more she fought the weaker she became. 

“Showed him just how weak he really is,” was all she heard the larger than life man tell her before the blackness consumed her completely. All she could hear was his laugh as the blackness gave her one last glimpse of her lover, still conscious on the large man’s shoulder. But he never loses his hat , she thought absentmindedly. The entire world was now in darkness.

Chapter Text

Hey there everyone! 
I started writing this story before I genuinely started to flesh Navi out so a lot of the early chapters are slightly altered for her canon timeline so going forward it will follow her canon and I’ll put the part that is relevant for this piece of the story below. However there is some visuals that did change for her: 

she now has heterocromia with her left eye being brown and left being green. She has large jagged burn like scars on her left arm and leg. She additionally has dark skin spots all over her body. These are meant to be café au lait spots in an exaggerated form as I have NF and it affects my appearance a lot and I want to deal with that part of my experience. She also now has a spade tattoo on her left shoulder with an A in it for Ace. 

her story with the relevant need to know changes. They are relatively minor just making her relationship with Ace longer and moving a couple things around but here you all go: 

Seasmoke Navi is a girl from a small trading town outside of Flevance. Her town was very poor and relied on Flevance’s commerce for trade and items infused with amber lead. Despite her dad being the leader of the town, her family was much poorer than most and with their town not being big enough to be recognized by the WG they were low key fucked. Her father tried to set Navi up to be married with the son of the famous Dr.Trafalgar in order to help their town be recognized but that fell through quickly (Navi teases Law about this all the time when they meet but he never knew about it) When Flevance burned, her town was essentially destroyed as well so Navi was sold to Germa kingdom in order to be wed to one of Judge’s 4 sons (Niji). Instead she was used to see if the genetic mods the family had could happen post partum. She failed most of them aside from strength and the exoskeleton. This is how she gets her hair color and skin spots (those are more so based off a symptom of a genetic disorder I have). After being deemed a failure she was subjected to being a “play thing”, if you catch my drift, to the Vinsmoke brothers from ages 12-18. During this time she was branded with the 66 and the boys carved “V1,V2 & V4” into her pelvis/hips respectively. Once she managed to escape at that age on a trade boat and was on the run until about a year and a half before the main story. At this time she’s working a diner on some no name island and Ace is there on his journey to find the One Piece. Niji (who believed he was “in love with” her) had finally tracked her down when Ace comes into the diner and makes him hesitate. She feeds Ace regardless if she was supposed to due to the diner not being open because she lowkey had a celebrity like crush on him from the papers. Ace catches on quickly something is bothering her and offers to have her help cook for his crew. She agrees to avoid being taken back by Niji. Soon after the battle with Whitebeard happens and she stays by Ace’s side like most of his crew. During the events leading up to the main story they fall in love and start dating. She goes with him on his hunt for Blackbeard out of fear of losing him and believes she can protect him using her devil fruit she ate while on the run as she’s figured out how to manipulate all water. When they run into Luffy and the strawhats, she is terrified of Sanji due to his eyebrows and that’s when it comes out where she is from and Sanji tries to show her he is not like his family which she accepts. The events of alabasta remain the same except for Navi being there and Luffy declaring them an official couple. Everything is the same leading into impel down/marineford except Navi is used as collateral to make Ace behave. They don’t know she has a devil fruit so she’s very much not watched and is able to get to Marineford.

That should cover things! I’m working on the impel down chapter at the moment! See you all soon :)