One Piece Fan Fiction ❯ Smoke Tendrils and Flickering Flames ❯ The Road Back to You ( Chapter 3 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: tsubasa-fan 
Anime/Manga: One Piece Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 01.18.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 390 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: One Piece Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 01.18.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 390 | Status: Completed
Title: The Road Back To YouAuthor: youkohiei_fanFandom: One PiecePairing: Smoker/AceRating: PG-13Word Count: 2262Warnings: Yaoi, languageDisclaimer: Don't own One Piece or it's characters.Notes: This along with all my other fics will be apart of one long fic...eventually. For now just consider them snippets.
He had been with Luffy for two weeks now, whenever the Sunny docked none of them could dig up any new leads on Smoker. It left them disheartened. Ace had taken to sitting with his little brother around the ship, both of them just sitting there sometimes the younger captain would be asleep against his older brother.
It was at times like this when Luffy was asleep beside him that Ace would think back to when they were still kids, before he had left his home island, before he could tell the difference between different brands of cigars by the smoke.
It was also when Luffy was awake that he was reminded why he was here in the first place. When Lufy would half mumble in sleep at how soft the coat Ace was wearing was and that big brother's made the best pillows even if they did smell like smoke. Though it brought up memories that should have never been made, Ace was grateful for his brother.
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"What's this?"
"Just something I picked up at the last island, thought you might like it." Smoker strained to see the other behind him while lying down. Curious he sat up, the package sitting securly in his lap, Ace smiled up at him while he lay a hand on Smoker's thigh.
Opening it he pulled out a box of cigars, a good brand at that, hell the box they were in was expensive by itself. Smoker stared at the box in confusion.
"You got me a gift?"
"Your age is catching up to you if you can't even remember your own birthday."
"How the hell do you know my birthday?" Dark eyes looked at him through black bangs.
"Tashigi-chan told me." That left way too many questions for Smoker, he'd have to ask his first mate tomorrow about that.
"Aren't you going to try one?" He jumped at the feel of sharp teeth nipping his leg.
"I thought you were on a 'fixed budget?'"
"I saved up and besides I was going to get the same cigars you always smoke but do you know how hard it is to get anything by you?" He had wandered why he found cigars in random places in his cabin a few weeks ago, he had thought the brat had done it to piss him off even after he left.
"Damn brat." Removing a cigar he placed it between his lips, a spark from Ace liting it for him. He petted the head still resting on him as he savored the gift, not willing to admit that it was better than what he had expected.
"So, how is it?"
"Fine." Ace laughed against him, before lifting up to kiss the side of Smoker's mouth that wasn't occupied with a cigar. Making himself comfortable in Smoker's lap, Ace incircled his arms around the older man's neck.
"I'm glad." An arm wrapped loosely around him, bringing the pirate closer. They shared another kiss before Smoker leaned back against the headboard of the bed, Ace resting on him.
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At night Ace would toss and turn, and as they appraoached Loguetown he could feel the fire's inside him tugging, pulling, churning. Ace could feel the pull of his equal, could feel how his flames sought out the feeling of thick smoke even when they were this far away.
It was at night that he was given a semblance of hope.
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
"Fucking pirate." Ace's luck had managed to pull through for him once again. Smoker had come, he could feel the man's rage as a wet cloth wiped his brow. He would have smirked at how sentimental the marine was being but his weariness held him back.
He had finally done it, he had avenged his nakama, after the relief of it hit the man he had collapsed from his injuries. He was drained, powerless and vulnerable, sleep took over and Ace wished for the best on the charred battlefield.
He had never expected him to wind up in the taisa's bed, or at least not in a situation like this. He wouldn't complain though and he wouldn't tease the other man until he was certain he could escape if need be.
"Stupid brat, almost getting yourself killed and falling asleep in the middle of some fucking island were anyone could've come and..." The rest of it was lost as Smoker snarled. Ace decided they would have to kiss and make up for sure when he was feeling better.
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The crowds had gathered in Loguetown, from notorious pirates to crews of marines, all of them had come to see the demise of the White Hunter. Smoker willingly left his cell, a good sized group surrounding him to walk him to his death, he would be briefed in fornt of several of his superiors before he would be taken to the gallows.
Smoker would have laughed at all of this, he should have guessed after everything this is where he would end up, but for some reason he couldn't find anything wrong with it. He had resigned himself to dying in the place where it all began and he didn't really have any regrets.
Tomorrow he would look onto the crowd, with his head held high for all to see, just like he had seen on a famous face over twenty years ago.
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
"What's this?" Ace sat on Smoker's bed, flipping through a book.
"Some book that was laying around on deck." The marine sat at his desk, filing reports on a group of bandits he had taken care of on the last island.
"It's interesting, care if I take it?" Ace was scanning the cover.
"I didn't think idiots like you could read?"
"Hey, I have my moments, but I'm pretty smart."
"Whatever, you can have it." He had finally finished the damn thing; now all he needed to do now was send it out. He rose from his seat to join Ace on the bed and reached to pull the book from the kid's hands but was pushed away.
"Not now." Smoker stared in shock -Ace was reading.
"Brat."
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All of them were lucky. They had managed to rescue Smoker just as he was kneeled down in front of the gallows. The riot Sanji and Zoro had caused had been an effective cover for them and thankfully Nami had managed to unlock the seastone cuffs Smoker had in record time and the rest of the crew had run for the Sunny at breakneck speed. Robin and Chopper had made way for them straight to the ship where Franky and Usopp awaited to pick them up.
Of course they were stopped a few times by groups of marines and pirates alike but it seemed that they had had help all along. Ace thought he saw a familiar rifle and, when a pirate was punched through a wall, a familiar battle cry accompaniment, he knew Smoker would have been saved regardless if he and Luffy had made it in time.
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"Fucking brat, if I learn that you're following me and trying to rescue me, I'll escape just to kick your ass." Smoker hissed at him. Ace couldn't believe what he was hearing. He couldn't believe what was happening to them.
They had both been docked at the same island again and like their normal routine both would make the most of it by renting a room at a local inn and Smoker would usually treat Ace to a meal or four.
But it seemed this time someone had recognized them. In actuality it was only a matter of time before someone recognized his tattoo's and Smoker's coat and put two and two together.
"You really are loosing it if you think I'm gonna just run and leave you to fend for yourself." Ace whispered harshly back.
They had gotten back to their room a few hours ago after a few drinks at a local bar and a few grops in an alleyway. Smoker had been alerted first to the whispered voices and sounds of boots in the inn's hallway, he had then shaken Ace awake and both were arguing and waiting for the marines on the other side of the door to find their room and barge in.
"Listen idiot, I'm only saying this once more. Leave." Ace recognized the conviction in those eyes and clenched his fists in defeat. Standing abruptly Ace grit his teeth while Smoker stood up beside him.
"Old man..." He hugged Smoker's bare back and kissed pale lips before being practically shoved out the window.
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Ace smiled; he could see the Sunny just off the docks, waiting for the rest of it's crew. His smile faded however when he saw the few dozen marines standing between him and his goal. He stopped a few yards from them, measuring his opponenets, when several men fell over there limbs locked invisibly together.
A flash of pink hair and Ace's smile returned, along with his flames, as he jumped over the surprised marines and as he shot twin pillars of flames at the dock nearest the Sunny, using them as javelins his eyes locked onto a pair of dark eyes he had seen a few times on Smoker's ship. He would have to thank the woman later.
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Ace leaped onto the grass deck of the Sunny, landing in a crouch. Raising up he laughed at the sight of an irate Smoker being harassed by a concerned Chopper.
"For the hundreth time reindeer, I'm fine!" No one had noticed him yet.
"Ace, you're back!" Luffy tackled him, knocking the breath out of the older brother. A few sets of eyes stared at the two for a second before turning back to the duties. Ace sat up grinning at his brother before he but the young captain in a headlock and ruffled his hair. Looking up his locked gazes with the man he had come for. He stopped trying to hold on to Luffy as he froze.
"Ouch, you didn't have to be so rough." Luffy nursed his head, pouting as his brother stood and walked slowly over to the doctor and ex-junshou.
"Chopper, you did a wonderful job checking on the old man here but could I borrow him for a second to talk?"
"You idiot, I don't like flattery!" The reindeer danced and clapped his hooves together, before shooing the two men away and rushing to his captain to examine the latter's head.
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
"Mind explaining why you're wearing my coat?" Ace laughed; it figured the first thing Smoker would do to him was scowl at him.
"I went back to the inn and picked it up; thought you'd want it back after I came to get you." Ace had taken them up to the captain's room, deciding it was the most private place on the ship as no one used it.
"What about my jitte?" Smoker stared at him as he sat down on the bed.
"In the men's quarters. Honestly though, don't think the jacket suits me?" Ace put his hands on his hips. He stumbled as the older man grabbed the front of the jacket and pulled him forward.
"I thought I told you not to come after me brat."
"When have I ever listened to you, old man? I mean really..." Ace stood between Smoker's legs, staring at the man as hands cupped his face.
"Fucking pirate." Smoker gripped his hips, moving him even closer to himself as Ace leaned down to press their foreheads together.
"Bastard marine." It was their way of saying 'I missed you.' and 'welcome back', neither knew any other way. They knew who they felt for eachother, hell if three years didn't mean something nothing did.
It was when they kissed that Ace moved to wrap his arms around Smoker's neck, his blunt fingernails digging into the other man's shoulders. Smoker lifted him up to set Ace in his lap, before burying his face in dark hair.
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"Aww, come on old man, we have to hurry or Luffy'll eat everything." Ace prodded the man who was refusing to eat with the strawhat crew.
"Go away brat."
"Fine then, I guess I'll just entertain everyone with some stories then. I'm sure Usopp wouldn't mind me teling a nice story over dinner." Ace smirked as his arm was grabbed before he could leave.
"Do it and I'll throw your ass overboard." The hand left his arm but was captured by both of Ace's own, pulling the man forward and above deck towards the galley.
---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
"Wahh!" Luffy's hand snapped back as he stared at the knife that had almost stabbed him.
"You've got enough food; don't steal his or anyone else's." Sanji glared as he wriggled the knife out of the table. The blonde cook then turned to his beloved ladies, smirking as he saw the disgruntled look on a certain marimo's face.
Smoker snarled as Franky wrapped an arm around his shoulders, offering him a soda and telling him a joke. Ace, who sat beside him, chatted happily with a starry eyed Chopper and an awed Usopp. Luffy laughed merrily; his nakama were safe and his brother happy again.
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He had been with Luffy for two weeks now, whenever the Sunny docked none of them could dig up any new leads on Smoker. It left them disheartened. Ace had taken to sitting with his little brother around the ship, both of them just sitting there sometimes the younger captain would be asleep against his older brother.
It was at times like this when Luffy was asleep beside him that Ace would think back to when they were still kids, before he had left his home island, before he could tell the difference between different brands of cigars by the smoke.
It was also when Luffy was awake that he was reminded why he was here in the first place. When Lufy would half mumble in sleep at how soft the coat Ace was wearing was and that big brother's made the best pillows even if they did smell like smoke. Though it brought up memories that should have never been made, Ace was grateful for his brother.
--------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
"What's this?"
"Just something I picked up at the last island, thought you might like it." Smoker strained to see the other behind him while lying down. Curious he sat up, the package sitting securly in his lap, Ace smiled up at him while he lay a hand on Smoker's thigh.
Opening it he pulled out a box of cigars, a good brand at that, hell the box they were in was expensive by itself. Smoker stared at the box in confusion.
"You got me a gift?"
"Your age is catching up to you if you can't even remember your own birthday."
"How the hell do you know my birthday?" Dark eyes looked at him through black bangs.
"Tashigi-chan told me." That left way too many questions for Smoker, he'd have to ask his first mate tomorrow about that.
"Aren't you going to try one?" He jumped at the feel of sharp teeth nipping his leg.
"I thought you were on a 'fixed budget?'"
"I saved up and besides I was going to get the same cigars you always smoke but do you know how hard it is to get anything by you?" He had wandered why he found cigars in random places in his cabin a few weeks ago, he had thought the brat had done it to piss him off even after he left.
"Damn brat." Removing a cigar he placed it between his lips, a spark from Ace liting it for him. He petted the head still resting on him as he savored the gift, not willing to admit that it was better than what he had expected.
"So, how is it?"
"Fine." Ace laughed against him, before lifting up to kiss the side of Smoker's mouth that wasn't occupied with a cigar. Making himself comfortable in Smoker's lap, Ace incircled his arms around the older man's neck.
"I'm glad." An arm wrapped loosely around him, bringing the pirate closer. They shared another kiss before Smoker leaned back against the headboard of the bed, Ace resting on him.
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
At night Ace would toss and turn, and as they appraoached Loguetown he could feel the fire's inside him tugging, pulling, churning. Ace could feel the pull of his equal, could feel how his flames sought out the feeling of thick smoke even when they were this far away.
It was at night that he was given a semblance of hope.
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
"Fucking pirate." Ace's luck had managed to pull through for him once again. Smoker had come, he could feel the man's rage as a wet cloth wiped his brow. He would have smirked at how sentimental the marine was being but his weariness held him back.
He had finally done it, he had avenged his nakama, after the relief of it hit the man he had collapsed from his injuries. He was drained, powerless and vulnerable, sleep took over and Ace wished for the best on the charred battlefield.
He had never expected him to wind up in the taisa's bed, or at least not in a situation like this. He wouldn't complain though and he wouldn't tease the other man until he was certain he could escape if need be.
"Stupid brat, almost getting yourself killed and falling asleep in the middle of some fucking island were anyone could've come and..." The rest of it was lost as Smoker snarled. Ace decided they would have to kiss and make up for sure when he was feeling better.
---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
The crowds had gathered in Loguetown, from notorious pirates to crews of marines, all of them had come to see the demise of the White Hunter. Smoker willingly left his cell, a good sized group surrounding him to walk him to his death, he would be briefed in fornt of several of his superiors before he would be taken to the gallows.
Smoker would have laughed at all of this, he should have guessed after everything this is where he would end up, but for some reason he couldn't find anything wrong with it. He had resigned himself to dying in the place where it all began and he didn't really have any regrets.
Tomorrow he would look onto the crowd, with his head held high for all to see, just like he had seen on a famous face over twenty years ago.
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
"What's this?" Ace sat on Smoker's bed, flipping through a book.
"Some book that was laying around on deck." The marine sat at his desk, filing reports on a group of bandits he had taken care of on the last island.
"It's interesting, care if I take it?" Ace was scanning the cover.
"I didn't think idiots like you could read?"
"Hey, I have my moments, but I'm pretty smart."
"Whatever, you can have it." He had finally finished the damn thing; now all he needed to do now was send it out. He rose from his seat to join Ace on the bed and reached to pull the book from the kid's hands but was pushed away.
"Not now." Smoker stared in shock -Ace was reading.
"Brat."
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
All of them were lucky. They had managed to rescue Smoker just as he was kneeled down in front of the gallows. The riot Sanji and Zoro had caused had been an effective cover for them and thankfully Nami had managed to unlock the seastone cuffs Smoker had in record time and the rest of the crew had run for the Sunny at breakneck speed. Robin and Chopper had made way for them straight to the ship where Franky and Usopp awaited to pick them up.
Of course they were stopped a few times by groups of marines and pirates alike but it seemed that they had had help all along. Ace thought he saw a familiar rifle and, when a pirate was punched through a wall, a familiar battle cry accompaniment, he knew Smoker would have been saved regardless if he and Luffy had made it in time.
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
"Fucking brat, if I learn that you're following me and trying to rescue me, I'll escape just to kick your ass." Smoker hissed at him. Ace couldn't believe what he was hearing. He couldn't believe what was happening to them.
They had both been docked at the same island again and like their normal routine both would make the most of it by renting a room at a local inn and Smoker would usually treat Ace to a meal or four.
But it seemed this time someone had recognized them. In actuality it was only a matter of time before someone recognized his tattoo's and Smoker's coat and put two and two together.
"You really are loosing it if you think I'm gonna just run and leave you to fend for yourself." Ace whispered harshly back.
They had gotten back to their room a few hours ago after a few drinks at a local bar and a few grops in an alleyway. Smoker had been alerted first to the whispered voices and sounds of boots in the inn's hallway, he had then shaken Ace awake and both were arguing and waiting for the marines on the other side of the door to find their room and barge in.
"Listen idiot, I'm only saying this once more. Leave." Ace recognized the conviction in those eyes and clenched his fists in defeat. Standing abruptly Ace grit his teeth while Smoker stood up beside him.
"Old man..." He hugged Smoker's bare back and kissed pale lips before being practically shoved out the window.
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Ace smiled; he could see the Sunny just off the docks, waiting for the rest of it's crew. His smile faded however when he saw the few dozen marines standing between him and his goal. He stopped a few yards from them, measuring his opponenets, when several men fell over there limbs locked invisibly together.
A flash of pink hair and Ace's smile returned, along with his flames, as he jumped over the surprised marines and as he shot twin pillars of flames at the dock nearest the Sunny, using them as javelins his eyes locked onto a pair of dark eyes he had seen a few times on Smoker's ship. He would have to thank the woman later.
----------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Ace leaped onto the grass deck of the Sunny, landing in a crouch. Raising up he laughed at the sight of an irate Smoker being harassed by a concerned Chopper.
"For the hundreth time reindeer, I'm fine!" No one had noticed him yet.
"Ace, you're back!" Luffy tackled him, knocking the breath out of the older brother. A few sets of eyes stared at the two for a second before turning back to the duties. Ace sat up grinning at his brother before he but the young captain in a headlock and ruffled his hair. Looking up his locked gazes with the man he had come for. He stopped trying to hold on to Luffy as he froze.
"Ouch, you didn't have to be so rough." Luffy nursed his head, pouting as his brother stood and walked slowly over to the doctor and ex-junshou.
"Chopper, you did a wonderful job checking on the old man here but could I borrow him for a second to talk?"
"You idiot, I don't like flattery!" The reindeer danced and clapped his hooves together, before shooing the two men away and rushing to his captain to examine the latter's head.
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
"Mind explaining why you're wearing my coat?" Ace laughed; it figured the first thing Smoker would do to him was scowl at him.
"I went back to the inn and picked it up; thought you'd want it back after I came to get you." Ace had taken them up to the captain's room, deciding it was the most private place on the ship as no one used it.
"What about my jitte?" Smoker stared at him as he sat down on the bed.
"In the men's quarters. Honestly though, don't think the jacket suits me?" Ace put his hands on his hips. He stumbled as the older man grabbed the front of the jacket and pulled him forward.
"I thought I told you not to come after me brat."
"When have I ever listened to you, old man? I mean really..." Ace stood between Smoker's legs, staring at the man as hands cupped his face.
"Fucking pirate." Smoker gripped his hips, moving him even closer to himself as Ace leaned down to press their foreheads together.
"Bastard marine." It was their way of saying 'I missed you.' and 'welcome back', neither knew any other way. They knew who they felt for eachother, hell if three years didn't mean something nothing did.
It was when they kissed that Ace moved to wrap his arms around Smoker's neck, his blunt fingernails digging into the other man's shoulders. Smoker lifted him up to set Ace in his lap, before burying his face in dark hair.
----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
"Aww, come on old man, we have to hurry or Luffy'll eat everything." Ace prodded the man who was refusing to eat with the strawhat crew.
"Go away brat."
"Fine then, I guess I'll just entertain everyone with some stories then. I'm sure Usopp wouldn't mind me teling a nice story over dinner." Ace smirked as his arm was grabbed before he could leave.
"Do it and I'll throw your ass overboard." The hand left his arm but was captured by both of Ace's own, pulling the man forward and above deck towards the galley.
---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
"Wahh!" Luffy's hand snapped back as he stared at the knife that had almost stabbed him.
"You've got enough food; don't steal his or anyone else's." Sanji glared as he wriggled the knife out of the table. The blonde cook then turned to his beloved ladies, smirking as he saw the disgruntled look on a certain marimo's face.
Smoker snarled as Franky wrapped an arm around his shoulders, offering him a soda and telling him a joke. Ace, who sat beside him, chatted happily with a starry eyed Chopper and an awed Usopp. Luffy laughed merrily; his nakama were safe and his brother happy again.
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< br>