Tick Tock [Portgas D. Ace/Sabo Fan Fic]

Amber Fire

Disclaimer: I do not own OP or any of the characters involved.

A/N: This takes place only a few days after the last chapter. It's been about a week since Ace's trip to the hospital. Might get one more chapter out tonight, but no promises~ A warm welcome to my new followers!

"What would you do if you found out you only had half a year left to live?" Furious coughing filled the air and Ace bit back a laugh at the sight of his flustered friend. Alcohol down the wrong tube. It hurt just thinking about it.

"You-" More coughing. Ace didn't bother to bite back his laughter this time, leaning back in his stool as he set his own glass down upon the bar counter. "Are you d-drunk already?" Thatch shot Ace a stunned glance even as he gulped down a large amount of water. His shoulders were still shaking with the after effects of choking, a fact Ace easily took note of.

His glass was nearly untouched, Ace swirling the cup absentmindedly as he watched the swirls of amber gold dance from rim to rim, following the gentle pull of gravity as he tilted the glass from side to side. "You know I'm not." He was still smiling though it had faded some now, a small reminisce of what it had been a moment before. "Just a thought. Say someone told you tonight that you were dying. What would you do?"

Ace glanced up to meet the eyes of his shaken friend. Thatch was still looking at him like he was crazy. Maybe he was. Why else would he ask him such a question? It wasn't exactly the usual drunken conversation, even with only one of them near such a state.

Bright lights and city streets. They rushed by as if on fast forward as Ace turned his gaze up and beyond the window pane. Thatch was silent at his side, watching him. Ace was too past the point of caring to completely slide the mask in place. "Like, would you just wait for it to come? Would you try to fight it or just try to enjoy the time you have left?"

There was a sloshing of liquid besides him, Thatch evidently deciding that he wasn't drunk enough for this yet. "I guess it depends... On the person, I mean. Some would probably just waste all of their leftover resources- travel the world or do something reckless and stupid." He took another drink and Ace finally turned to meet his gaze. "Most people would spend that time with family, but you know me." He shrugged and Ace took another drink, nodding softly.

"We don't have much family..." It was just a fact. Sure, Thatch had a sister back home, but for the most part, they were the same. Neither had grown up with parents. Thatch and Marco kinda had Newgate for that role though.

Thatch laughed, clapping a hand onto Ace's shoulder in a familiar gesture. "Yeah, no kidding. Rather have this than a whole troupe of annoyances though." Ace smiled. "What about you?" Thatch leaned forwards, arms folding beneath his chin as he stared back at Ace. "What would you do if you found out you were dying?"

Ace's smile spread, not knowing why. He tossed a few bills on the counter before pushing himself up. "I'm still figuring that out. Thanks for the drink man. Drag the pineapple's ass with you next time. Marco's missin' out." He tossed the words over his shoulder, already slipping his jacket on over his dark shirt. Thatch laughed behind him and Ace was happy. If there was one person he could count on to avoid questioning, it was Thatch. Wickedly smart guy, but the one person willing to let sleeping dogs lie.

"I'll drag him if you bring that brother of your's around next time." Ace shook his head, laughing lightly as he began the walk towards the door. A hand was held up, dismissive wave sent behind him as the bell rang above the door.

"Don't hold your breath Thatch. I haven't seen that guy drink in years. I'm not sure if he even does drink anymore. I'll try, but no promises." More laughter was cut off as the door banged shut behind him. Ace glanced up at the rolling clouds above, rain a sleet of cold that washed over everything beyond the small overhand he currently resided beneath. The usual annoyance but Ace didn't mind for once. They needed some rain anyway. Besides, the sound was soothing.