Above her outfit^^^^^

"Aniki.."

The soft whisper made him turn his head. He soaked in her appearance. Her hair had grown out, reaching below her shoulders and she was taller, well, taller than when he saw her the last time. She was still short for her age. He smiled so softly in years, a smile he had definitely not reserved for her.

"Alice..." He whispered, but it still reached her. He watched as his one word seemed to trigger her even more as she struggled against a blonde guy's hold. Turning back he held up his hand in front of him and sent out a flame, stopping the marine from sending a smoke towards their crew.

"Give me a moment, love. I'll be right there."

She pulled away from Sanji, who was stopped by Zoro to not go after her. Hesitant to leave her be, he followed his crew back to the ship, along with Luffy.

Alice took a few steps towards him and started bawling her eyes out at his sight, sobbing her heart out. She couldn't believe he was here.

"Aniki," She called out in her trembling voice and immediately Ace turned around, running towards her. He hugged her, pulling her towards him before jumping on top of a shop. Alice held on to him and wrapped her legs around him like Luffy did when they met, having nothing else to hold onto. He had no shirt on.

"Hello there, my little Alice." She couldn't see him but tears made their way through. She buried her face in his shoulder and cried her heart out. Something in her felt safe. He was the oldest of three and Alice just felt safe with him when they were younger. She used to always get hurt one way or the other, so Ace took it upon himself to save her. That made her look at him like the most important person in her life. A protective brother, unbreakable and unbeatable.

Every sob and cry made him tear up, but the smile so wide never left his face. Finally being reunited with his little sister. This was one of the best feelings he ever experienced.

"Hey, don't make me cry too. You can't keep crying after seeing me for the first time in years. Show me your face will you?" He asked gently before lowering to the ground, they were now on a random rooftop of a house. She looked up at him, tears in her eyes.

He chuckled lovingly before lowering himself, kneeling on the ground and wiped her tears while looking up at her. "You are still adorable and little."

She didn't argue against it. She would gladly go with his words if he wanted to believe as such. Her lips pulled down into a frown, tears rolling down rapidly.

He squeezed her nose lightly before tapping it. Her ears still got red whenever she cried and those unique pairs of mesmerizing eyes looked at him like he was everything she ever needed, making him slightly blush.

"Hey, come one now, don't look at me like that." He chuckled, cupping her face and wiped her tears. "You are still a crybaby, even after all these years."

"No!" She exclaimed while pushing his shoulder but didn't take her arm back. "I've grown up. I don't cry without a reason. And I will let you know that I've only cried like 5 times since I was 11. Including this time."

He didn't care about that. He focused on her voice. It was the same. Sweet, slightly raspy and so adorable. Pulling her into another hug, he let her cry her heart out. "Let it out, my sister."

"I was so scared.." she cried out, her voice muffled by his shoulder, making him tighten his arms around her as his eyes widened when he realised what she was talking about. "And even though I made many friends, I missed you and Luffy! They were evil and disgusting."

"I'm so sorry, it was all my fault. I shouldn't have let you go that night. Please forgive me, love." He said, tears rolling down from built-up regret and guilt. She shook her head and pulled back. "I don't blame you. I never did. I always loved you..."

Ace smiled through the tears and connected their forehead with a sad chuckle.

"You are so brave for this, my Alice."

She smiled widely and closed her eyes. Her bandaged hands reached out to hold his face. "I'm Ace and Luffy's little sister, of course I'll be brave!!"

He chuckled and turned around. "That's my girl. Now, come on, we gotta get to your ship! You have so much to tell me!!"

She jumped on his back causing him to yelp from the rough impact. "Jeez, no mercy to big bro?"

"No mercy!"

(⁠ノ⁠￣⁠皿⁠￣⁠)⁠ノ⁠ ⁠⌒⁠=⁠=⁠ ⁠┫
I'm like some kind of supernova

"That's your boat?! How haven't you died yet!?" Alice exclaimed in disbelief as she stared at a small boat her brother traveled in. "You know, that's too small...."

"What? You think your big brother would just die while traveling in this? You really think like that about me, eh?"

He jumped down the platform and on the boat making it rock violently. She deadpanned at him and gently sat on the platform before dropping herself beside him, the boat didn't rock like earlier making him grin in amusement.

"With how reckless you are, I can just imagine you trying to take a dip in the sea to take a bath and then succumb to your death..."

"NO, I WOULDN'T!! Also I don't need a baby to tell me what to do when she, herself is covered in bandages!! Why do you even have them? Are you hurt!?! Oh my god-"

"I'm fine! They are old ones, I just don't like showing them." She replied, staring at her hands. "You wanna see?"

She removed them even before she got a reply and held out her hands in display. There scars around her palm and the back. Ace held her wrist and pulled them closer and his eyes bulged out of his sockets and let out a scream.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!? WHO DID THIS!?"

乁⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠o⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠ㄏ
Imma get it done~

Alice held onto her brother tightly as he sped towards their ship which was moving towards the side port on the rocks.

"Here, and hold on tight now." Ace spoke, giving her his bag and patting her arms around his waist and bent down slightly. She unwrapped her arms around his waist, taking the bag, only now noticing the tattoo on his back. Catching on, she placed her arms on his neck and circled her legs around his waist, chuckling happily. "Been so long I haven't got a piggyback ride from you!"

Ace chuckled before he heard his younger brother saying something about beating him. Smirking he jumped up with his powers and pushed him off his place from the rail, standing on it. Alice clung onto him from behind making the crew smile at her.

"Who can you beat exactly?"

Jumping down, he let Alice down slowly and patted her head making her close her eyes, stars around her, smiling like a kid. Seeing the reaction Ace chuckled warmly at her and turned to Luffy who grinned widely at him.

"Ace!!"

"Hey," he smiled at Luffy, glad to be reunited after three years before he bowed at the crew. "Greetings, all. Thanks for looking after my kid brother and my baby sister."

The crew was quick to bow back. "Don't mention it."

"What are you doing in Alabasta, Ace?" Luffy asked grinning at his older brother. Nami looked back and forth from Luffy to Alice, taken aback by how hard they look up to their older brother. Especially Alice. Stars danced in her eyes and saw the universe in her brother's brown ones. And for the second time ever since she met Alice, she was lost in the yellow-green eyes, terrifying yet threateningly beautiful.

"Huh? Didn't you get my message on drum island?"

At the mention of his hometown, Chopper tilted his head. Luffy and Alice looked confused.

"Message?"

"Nevermind. It's no big deal anyway." He replied and Alice jumped in her spot excitedly. "But I'm glad I got to see you," he said before turning to Alice, who smiled widely at him. "And this little gremlin, whom I haven't seen for over ten years!" He ruffled her hair before leaning against the rail.

"I'm here resolving a minor matter of business and I wanted to meet you two."

He smirked and tilted his head. "So how 'bout you two join the Whitebread pirates? Your friends can come too."

"No thanks." Luffy replied and hit Alice's head who didn't reply.

"What he said." Alice replied holding her head but didn't frown like she used to when she was younger.

Ace chuckled happily, already predicted such a reply. "HA HA HA HA!! Well, just thought I'd ask."

"Whitebeard," Usopp mumbled nervously. "Is that tattoo on your back his mark?"

Ace looked up and smiled at him, nodding in reply. "Yes, and I'm very proud of it."

"Whitebeard is the greatest pirate I've ever known. I'm gonna help him become king of the pirates. It's not gonna be you, Luffy!!"

Alice was taken aback by the comment. One, she was itching to meet Whitebread, whom her brother changed his dream for. Two, for saying that Luffy won't be king of the pirates.

"Okay by me! Then I guess we gotta fight!!" Luffy replied making Alice nod in determined.

"Yeah! Just you wait, Luffy is gonna be the king of the pirates!!" Ace laughed loudly, not shocked to see her backing Luffy up. "Ah, you two haven't changed a bit."

"Hey, come on! I've grown stronger and braver, ya know!?"

"Sure, love."

She was back to smiling.

"Why don't you sit down and talk? I'll make some tea." Sanji asked, smoking his cigarette. Ace shook his hand. "Don't bother. My business here is almost finished."

"What?" Alice questioned.

"Won't the Navy be coming after us?" Vivi asked questioningly.

"Not likely. I took care of them with my flame-flame powers." He replied making Alice frown. Taking out something from his pocket, he tossed it to Luffy. "Here,"

"I wanted you to have that."

Alice walked behind Luffy to see what it was and blinked in confusion. "It's blank."

"Hang on to it! Always. Alice, never leave your brother's side, ya?"

Both the younger siblings looked back at him confused. "Huh?"

"It's just a piece of paper." Luffy said.

"Yeah, but that piece of paper will bring us together again." He replied, sitting on the rail and looked at Alice who looked excited.

"Really?"

"Yeah," looking at Luffy, who was still confused. "Don't you want it?"

"I want it!!"

He went silent, tilting his head down to cover his eyes and smiled sadly.

"Kid siblings like you....makes a big brother worry."

Alice and Luffy exchanged a look. The latter pulled her close when she looked sad.

"Wait, you can't just leave. I just met you!"

She reached forward and placed her hands on his knees. "Please, Aniki. Don't leave." She pursed her lips, holding back the tears which threatened to fill her eyes.

Placing a hand on her head, Ace looked at her. "Sorry, Alice. I can't stay too long. I have somewhere I need to be."

As if planned, the tears dropped from her eyes dramatically making the crew smile at her solemnly.

He looked at his sister's tears and immediately gave a sad smile, wiping them, he placed his hands on her shoulder. "Now, don't frown. We'll meet again, remember?" He cooed and lifted his hand to caress her head.

"But you just came...." She mumbled, her eyes filling with sadness. Looking down, hoping to guilt trap him into staying a little longer.

Chuckling, he cupped her face, looking at her face. "Little Princess, I'm sorry...I can't stay. Your big brother has some bad guys to catch." He babies her, making her embarrassed as everyone giggled or hid their smiled. She pouted, glaring at him slightly. "Why are you talking like that..?"

He pinched her cheeks and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so sorry, princess. I wish I could stay but I can't. But I promise the next time I see you, I'm kidnapping you from Luffy's crew!"

"Hey!! You can't kidnap her!" Luffy yelled in annoyance making Nami and Vivi share a laugh, followed by Ace. "Well, keep her close, eh? I don't want anything happening to our sister, Luffy."

Even though they were having fun, Luffy knew Ace was being serious. Do not make the same mistake again. We can't lose her.

Luffy nodded. "Of course!!"

Pulling away, he cupped her face again, giving a kiss on her forehead. "I love you, my princess. I'll be back, okay?"

She nodded sadly before something flashed her mind. "Wait here!"

She ran back down to the men's + her sleeping quarters and looked through her treasure bag and pulled out a necklace she made.

It was a leather pendant with a small lime green stone in the end, attached with a wire.

"I have something for you!" She called out running up the ladder but slipped and fell down, a loud and painful thud resonated through the lower room making everyone on the deck grimace in pain.

"Are you okay?" Zoro asked looking down the ladder to see her already up and climbing out. "Of course!"

Though the bump on her head said otherwise.

"Here," she held out the necklace she made. "I made this myself!"

Ace didn't object and lowered his head for her to place it on his neck. Happy that he agreed so easily, she grinned and placed it in his neck, tightening it before taking a couple of steps back to see how he looked and grinned at him in awe. The long pendant hung below his chest, enhancing his looks.

"Ha ha! It looks so nice!"

"Thanks," He said, ruffling her hair. "I'm never taking it off."

"Guess I should also give you something, eh?" Reaching in his bag, he looked around to find something for his little sister. "Aha! Here you go."

He brought out a small chain watch in which he had personally craved A²SL in a messy handwriting. Alice took it in her hands and gawked at it like Nami does when she sees gold.

Alice let out a squeal and looked up at Ace who hadn't really bought anything but decided to give his watch. "Thank you!!"

"Eh, it's nothing compared to yours. I hope you like it."

"I love it!"

The crew stood near the rails while Luffy and Alice stood on top of it to send Ace off. Both waving their arms wide, grinning ear to ear. Acce wished he could capture their smile and lock the picture away from everyone, safely.

As Ace sped up, he waved them back happily. Part of Alice wished to go along with him since she hadn't seen him for so long but she knew she couldn't. That's also when she realised how granted she took having Luffy by her side.

Since she is always by him, it never really occurred to her for not seeing for so long. It felt like they were with each other the whole time, but now that she saw Ace go, she realised how she would feel if she did the same with Luffy. Maybe she would be heartbroken, not having her brothers by her side.

Frowning, she lowered her hand, watching the horizon where he slowly disappeared into. It felt like he was disappearing forever, a childish thought really. She would see him again.

"Yosh!!"

Luffy got down before turning to Alice, who was still in the earlier position. "Alice."

She turned her head and saw Luffy grinning at her. She turned to the crew who smiled at her, waiting for her.

The crew.

Luffy.

Vivi.

All waiting for her.

Grinning widely, she hopped down and cheered with her hand high. "YOSH!!"

"What did your brother give you?" Usopp asked, looking at the paper. Alice sat the rail, admiring the watch and tied it around her coat belt, taking extra precautions to make sure it would fall from any movement.

"Just a piece of paper."

"There's nothing written on it either." Alice added.

"I don't get it."

"Well, whatever it is, Ace told me to hang on to it." Luffy said watching Nami take care of sewing. "And I'm gonna!! So sew it in real tight."

"Okay, it's in the band." Nami replied, making a knot and cutting the thread with her teeth. "Here you go."

"Thanks." He inspected the hat and gave it a good shake. "Great, Nami! Now it's safe! I'll never lose it!" He wore it, satisfied with the sewing.

"But what is it anyway?" Usopp was determined to know about it.

"He said it will meet us again. I didn't understand what he meant but at least it's gonna be safe now!" Alice commented and shrugged her shoulders.

"True! Also you gotta stay by my side all the time."

Sanji hit Luffy on the head, his ear glaring at him fiercely. "Moron!! You were the one who left little Alice behind and ran head straight into the city!! Did you know how sad she was!?"

"I was hungry!!"

"Alice is more important than food!!"

".....yea."

"Then act like a responsible brother and don't make her upset!"

"Okay!"

He reached his long rubbery hands around Alice and pulled her towards him making them crash and squash against each other. "Good to go!"

"Luffy....I can't walk like this."

"Ace told you to be by my side."

"Doesn't mean you gotta kill me!"