Work Text:
You could ask anyone who knew them that the ASL brothers were competitive. Each brother always trying to outdo one another on the biggest catch they could get, who could get somewhere fastest, gather more treasure. It was all good competitiveness and it kept them happy, even years later, even when several seas separated them.
What is more common knowledge among those who truly know them is that Ace and Sabo are even more competitive when it comes to earning their adorable little brothers' favour. Always trying to one-up the other in spoiling Luffy, in making his eyes turn to stars and laugh rise high above the clouds.
Though, some would say it never used to be like that. Ace and Sabo were equal in regard to how their gifts to their baby brother were meant to be, until well, they lost Sabo. Four years they thought he was dead, four years where Ace was the only one to carry on the promise between the two that their little brother wouldn't ever know he was unloved, that he wouldn't know that he wasn't celebrated.
Then Sabo came back, he had returned on the eve of a massive storm, tears in his eyes as he suffocated his brothers in a tight hug saying that he had amnesia from the Celestial Dragon shooting his boat… that he couldn't even remember his name and only knew it because of his cravat that Makino sewed in once.
He explained everything how he was saved by the Revolutionaries, how after an accident and a knock to his head jolted everything back. He came back to them, but he couldn't stay long. He found happiness with the Revs and neither Ace nor Luffy would hold him back. In fact, the brothers basically kicked him off the island themselves after two months with their brother and told him to get stronger and visit when he can.
The first of Luffy's birthdays after Sabo was alive started the rivalry between the brothers. Sabo had gotten Luffy rare exotic meat from an island in the Grand Line, earning a crushing hug and several loud shouted 'thank you's' as he devoured the meat. Ace had obviously thrashed his brother for the sheer audacity.
The following year Ace had scoured the entire island for the perfect present and doing so with only sheer luck. Keeping the beetle alive till he could get it back to Luffy was the hardest part, but it sure beat Sabo's present.
Years went on like this, even once Ace set sail, only now the presents got grander.
Which led him to now.
"What…?" The question rolled off Ace's tongue in sheer disbelief as he stared down at the Den Den in his hand which was flicking between Luffy's wide grin and Sabo's smug smirk.
'Sabo took me to this mystery island and it had so many bugs! They were as big as the Tiger Lord and I got to ride one Ace!' Luffy explained again excitedly as Sabo laughed in the background.
Ace felt his temple throb as he held back the growl and threatening hiss towards his brother. Not now, I'll do that later… For now, he was going to enjoy his brother happily telling him of his adventure with Sabo to an island… without him…
"I'm glad you had fun Lu, I'm sorry I couldn't make it this year." Ace apologised once his brother stopped to take a breath. He had never missed Luffy's birthday, even traversing the Grand Line, Ace always made it back in time for Luffy's birthday but this year some upstart pirate crew tried to take one of Pop's territories and Ace couldn't leave. "Did you get my present?"
He was able to send the book "Entomology on the Grand Line" though and it was a win too because it was the complete set, which was hard to find but it was something his brother loved and the only book Luffy actually read.
'It's okay Ace! Only one more year and then I'll be on the seas with you both! It'll be easier than when I'm on the Grand Line.' Luffy replied cutting through the shame and guilt that always plagued Ace. 'Yes! I didn't know there were so many bugs! I can't wait to see them! I used one today on my adventures!'
"Oh yeah? What'd ya find Lu?" Ace asked with a smile as he leaned back against his bed.
'I found a Brush jewel beetle! I haven't seen one of those before! It was so big and fluffy!' Luffy started, both brothers completely ignoring Sabo's groan in the background. 'Sabo wouldn't let me bring the giant one home.'
A smile pulled at Ace's lips as he heard the pout of his little brother loud and clear. "I would have let you keep the bug."
'I know! That's why you're the big brother!' Luffy giggled back causing Ace to bark out a laugh in glee as Sabo curses and whines in the background.
There was a time in Ace's life when he didn't know joy, didn't know love or brotherhood… where he believed himself a monster, spawn of the devil… then came along Sabo, his first friend and brother, followed by Luffy who shone a light into every crack and crevice of Ace's broken soul. They showed him love, laughter and devotion. Luffy showed him how to live. He is reminded of that every time he speaks with his brothers, every time he hears their laugh.
Davy Jones, he loves them.
Still… he is going to murder Sabo the next time he sees his smartass twin.
Several bangs caught Ace's attention in the distance followed by a familiar wave of Haki, turning his warm smile wicked. "He Lu, something's come up that I need to check out, give me say five or ten minutes and get Sabs to call back 'kay?"
'Okay, Ace! Sabo, I'm hungry!' Luffy replied before the familiar click filled the room indicating Luffy hung up.
Ace was on his feet the following second and racing out of the room towards Haruta with a dark laugh. He dodged and weaved through his brothers that were dragging up kegs of ale and supplies from the kitchens and storage rooms with cheers.
"Haruta!" He yelled as he pushed off the wall over his ship-brothers heads and dove into Haruta's office. "I need a visual Den Den!"
Haruta's unimpressed stare was all he got in reply as he signed off on several papers. "The last one I let you 'borrow' you burnt, why should I loan you one of the visual Den Den's? What on earth do you need it for in the middle of the sea?"
"Blackmail," Ace replied simply, causing Haruta's gaze to snap to his with interest gleaming in his eyes.
"On?"
A vicious grin pulled at Ace's lips. "Shanks."
"Oh, now this I have to see." Haruta chuckled excitedly as he grabbed a Den Den. "Though I am going to record whatever chaos you are about to ensue.
Ace agreed and quickly made his way up towards the deck, he didn't have much time till Luffy called him back and he wanted to see Shanks's reaction when he answered the call to a very excited Luffy when he found out.
Oh, this was going to get him those big brother brownie points and one-up Sabo for sure.
Nothing beats Shanks in their book for Luffy.
By the time he got to the deck the party was gearing up for a good one, he could see Pops in his usual seat in the Pit, Shanks and Benn by his side and Marco who was rubbing his temple with exasperation.
Ohh now this is something I can take advantage of too… Ace chuckled silently to himself as he made his way towards Marco.
"Berry for your thoughts?" He asked as he slid into the spot next to Marco who had removed himself from the Pit.
"Pops. Drinking." Marco replied exasperated. "He needs to wait another hour at least for the medicine to finish but Pops refuses like always and it doesn't help Shanks is an enabler."
A laugh escaped Ace's lips once more, his hand coming up to clamp at Marco's shoulder. "What if I can keep Shanks from drinking for an hour or two, give you enough time to occupy Pop's?"
"I'd say you're my favourite brother, but that's a miracle in itself-yoi." Marco replied deadpan. "But who am I to stop you, you never listen to me anyway… so If you do, what do you want because I know you, Ace, you always want something in exchange."
"You know me too well Marco!" Ace replied with a grin, Davy Jones his cheeks hurt, when was the last time he had smiled so much? "Save the lecture next time I do something."
Marco squinted at Ace and hummed. "Very well, if you can by some miracle get Red-Haired Shanks to not drink so I can get Pops to finish this medicine then I'll save you a lecture on idiocy for the next three idiotic things."
The laugh that followed drew the attention of those closest to them, mainly it drew Beckman's and Shanks' attention who lit up like the very sun. "Firecracker! Come join us! Someone get Ace a drink!"
"Ah but Uncle, I'd rather yours," Ace replied just as loud, earning a double take from his ship brothers, including Marco. He turned his gaze towards Haruta who was waiting with the Den Den recording right next to Marco and nodded while giving his pops a wide D smile as he took a seat next to Shanks.
Shanks laughed and playfully slapped away Ace's grabbing hands from the drink before him. "Now, now brat, this is my finest Sake, you know I don't share."
"Oh, but you will," Ace replied with a cheeky grin. "In fact, you won't even care if I drink it all in the next… ohhh say… minute? In fact, you'll give it to me gladly."
Shanks roared in laughter while Beckman raised his brows, gaze flickering from his captain to his nephew of sorts with an inquisitive gaze. There was perhaps only one thing that could distract Shanks like that, and he was nowhere near them, safely tucked away in the east for a little while longer.
"You are so sur…" Shanks started only to stop when the Den Den now in Ace's hands started ringing.
Ace placed it in front of Shanks nonchalantly. "That's for you."
Blinking Shanks glanced around at everyone around him and reached for the Den Den, "This is Shanks."
'SHANKS!' Luffy's screech filled the silent air. 'SABO! SABO! ACE GOT SHANKS! I CAN SPEAK TO SHANKS! BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!'
Everyone's eyes bugged as they listened to the voice yell out of the small Den Den, every gaze swinging from the practically glowing snail to Shanks who was resembling a stunned fish. Though the most stunning thing was Shanks who had picked up his bottle and handed it over wordlessly to a very smug Ace.
"Anchor!" Shanks replied bewildered and so, so, so happy. "Happy birthday my little Anchor!"
'Daaaaaad! I'm too old to be called that now! Big meanie!' Luffy whined while Sabo's angry curses at Ace were growing fainter and fainter as Ace laughed and laughed.
The Red-Haired pirates blinked stunned, several of them spitting out their drinks at Luffy's address and swung their gaze to their Captain whose smile was so soft, so fond. It was a look they hadn't seen since they left Dawn, a look that only Luffy could bring out. Their little Anchor was full of surprises.
Shanks in the meanwhile was both having a mental breakdown and trying not to burst in joy at the address. He loved Luffy like his own son, how could he not? The boy was a free spirit in such a small, tiny body, so vibrant and easy to love… but he had always assumed that Luffy would never see him as something other than an idol… convinced himself into believing that Luffy would never see him as dad and yet here he was, calling him that loud and clear.
"Ah but son, no matter how old you get you'll always be our little Anchor." He replied with a grin.
'Big meanie!' Luffy blew a raspberry drawing a laugh from everyone that knew him. 'Did Ace find you for my birthday? He didn't tell me!'
Ace chuckled and leaned over. "Well, it wouldn't have been a surprise then Lu, hope ya don't mind."
'nope! This is the best birthday!' Luffy replied with a soft shishishi. 'Sabo is mad, muttering bad things at Ace. But I have all my family with me, even though you can't be with me.'
"Yet. Can't be with you yet." Ace replied with a tisk. "Only a year to go and then you'll find your own way to us on the seas."
'Ah! Yes! Shanks I only have a year left till I can set sail! I can't wait!' Luffy exclaimed. 'I still have out promise to live up to! Going to find the best crew to beat you! The best first mate and sniper and navigator and…'
Shanks roared in laughter, collapsing to the side on Benn who raised his hand to his heart in mock offense.
"Someone better than me kid?" Benn replied with feigned hurt. "I thought you loved me Anchor, you wound an old man."
'Mom! Of course, I love you, but a promise is a promise!' Luffy replied and Ace wheezed, hand slapping the ground as he watched Beckman double take, the cigarette falling from his lips as the rest of the red-haired pirates roared in laughter. Even Pops let out a booming laugh at the view. Shanks was no better, laughing so hard he was wheezing silently.
Beck stared down at the snail in soft fondness. "You brat."
The rest of the red-haired pirates began to talk over one another, joining in on the chaos and none of the Whitebeard Pirates could look away, all of them were stunned at the sheer chaos that Ace had unleashed, and Newgate couldn't help but grin. He hadn't seen that red-haired brat this happy since he was still sailing on the Oro Jackson.
He hadn't seen his son smile this much or even grin as wide as he does in this instant, reminding him painfully of his old friend.
'Dad, tell me a story, like you used to! You must have new ones!' Luffy cried out over the pirates screaming over one another as they argued who was better.
Shanks grinned and leant back, pulling the snail closer to him as he began to tell Luffy all about his adventures, the child-friendly versions mind you. He told Luffy all about the giant Sea Kings and how on one island you can wrap your ship in a bubble to sail to the depths of the sea to an island. He smiled as his son aww'd and ahh'd, he laughed when Whitebeard interjected with the true happenings when Shanks tried to lie about embarrassing moments before Benn could.
Fondness and warmth swept over him as he watched Luffy wrap another Yonko around his tiny – not so tiny anymore – fingers. His eyes flickered to Ace who hadn't stopped grinning Rouge's smug smirk the entire time as he drank Shanks's best Sake.
It may be Luffy's birthday, but this was the best gift Shanks had received in a long time.
Soon the night grew long, and Anchor's familiar snores filled the line along with a chuckle. 'He's fallen asleep, big smile on his face, wish I had a Cameko on me.'
"He always slept with a smile," Shanks replied softly.
'Not like this, being able to speak with you for the first time in years made his day. I'll never hear the end of it now while I'm here.' Sabo replied dryly though you could hear the fondness still loud and clear. 'I better go and put him to bed. Oh, and Ace? Watch out, this was a dirty trick since I know you didn't plan this.'
"You took him on an adventure Sabs," Ace replied with a faint scowl. "Of course, I was going to use this to earn Big Brother points, I beat you this year."
The scowl that translated across the Den Den was deadly. 'That's cause you cheated! Watch your back brother, Lu can only save you for the next three days and then I'm coming.'
"Sure." Ace snorted. "Night Sabs."
'Night, asshole.'
Ace chuckled as Sabo hung up and plucked the Den Den from Shanks's hand and put it back in his pocket, looking over to Marco who was still looking bewildered and Haruta who had been cackling for hours as he went over everything that was recorded. Ace would have to get copies, one for him, one for Sabo and one for Shanks.
"He called me dad," Shanks whispered faintly as the silence settled in around them, the rest of the pirates off merrymaking around them.
"Course he did, 'cause you are," Ace replied simply with a shrug. "He's been calling you that since he was eight and overheard kids talk about Father's Day. Never heard the end of it really, been waiting for a time to get you to actually hear it. Haven't seen you since the winter island and it's only been recently Sabo was able to get Den Den's for us no one can overhear."
"Thank you, Ace, this means… more than you can ever know," Shanks whispered once the words and meaning behind those words sunk in.
He missed Luffy so much, missed hearing him and speaking with him. Missed so many of his life goals and watching him grow.
Ace shrugged and leant up against Pop's leg, giving the man a fond grin. "Don't mention it, but next time if you bring me some of this Sake again I'll even give you copies of all the pictures Makino sends me and that we have from mine and Sabo's visits."
"Done," Shanks replied before grinning brightly up towards the night sky. "Now let's get this party truly started! We have to celebrate Anchor's birthday boys!"
The cheer in reply was loud and long.
The party lasted well into the following day and when Shanks departed from the Moby, he held the number for his Anchor, Ace, and Sabo along with a copy of the recording from Haruta of Anchor calling him dad for the first time.