You were a new member on Whitebeard’s ship, welcomed with rough pats on your back and boisterous laughter; the parties weren’t something you were used to, but after a few brief conversations and mingling, you learned they had parties for just about anything; it was something you had to get used to.

At one point in the night, you had gone off to find something to eat when you noticed a crowd forming, cheering and whooping when whoever was in the center managed to take an absurd amount of shots in a row.

Your feet led you through the crowd, you being pushed to the front until you saw Fire Fist Ace there, being lifted onto shoulders with a bright, proud smile on his face like some college frat boy. His eyes drifted across the audience of people he managed to entertain, until his eyes found yours, and they did a double take. You could see his expression change for a moment, one of a nervous awe as he straightened his back and swallowed, giving you a small wave.