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Chapter Text

The deafening sound of quarreling waves crashing against the sand and gleeful chirps of grasshoppers flood your ears as you stroll across the shore of Fallwind island, the only place you've ever known and also call home. The fresh breeze blowing the salty air through your hair guides your wandering gaze towards the longing horizon. It divides the brightly lit night sky spangled with tiny shining dots and the wide, glistening ocean surface, bathing in the milky light of the moon perfectly in half. Roaming past this familiar view, with your trusty sword rested on your hip, would've been comforting if it wasn't for the reason you're forced to trudge through the outskirts of your town so late.

There have been three separate attacks on your hometown, Kariko, this past week.

It's not like it is unusual for your island to be under attack by pirates, since it's quite central in the large scheme of trading islands, but three during a single week is a lot, even for your town. Sadly, this doesn't surprise you as the attacks have only begun occurring more and more frequently over these past few months, slowly creeping up on you and the other townspeople like a shadow you can't seem to shake off. You can't really help but worry, and at the same time also feel quite pissed since these attacks are the reason you're stuck patrolling in the middle of the night for the fourth time in one and a half weeks.

You barely have enough spare energy to do this job on a normal basis since you have a 13-year-old little sister to take care of during the day. Even though she's not your sister by blood, Mila's the only family you have right now. The two of you met nine years ago but have been inseparable ever since. Neither of you had anyone else to rely on, so you quickly became each other's anchor. Even when your situation improved, you only found yourself appreciating the company of your sister even more. To this day, you're still continuing to have her back every single time she proudly stomps forward into chaos, no matter how tiring it might be.

You deeply sigh as you begin to feel the pain of the last four patrols in your aching feet as they sink deeper into the chilly sand. You know this beach by heart, so you're aware you're not even halfway through your route, but it still sure feels like an eternity has passed since you stepped foot outside. You stretch your arms above your head with a loud yawn. As your drowsy eyes travel up to the stars, you silently plead that you get to have yet another peaceful walk where you won't have to do anything.

Just as that thought begins to fade away, your gaze, which has lowered and is now moving across the shoreline, notices an orange, cone shaped object being brushed by the waves and onto the sand. Intrigued, you lightly jog towards the curious item. As you walk closer it becomes clearer to you what that strange, orange object actually is and once you're finally beside it, you're eager to crouch down and pick up the completely drenched cowboy-shaped hat.

The strong smells of salt and crusty seaweed reach your nostrils almost immediately after the hat is in your hands. You can't say you're surprised, considering how it just arrived onto mainland after drifting on the sea for god knows how long, but you're not exactly ecstatic about it either. A chain of shiny red beads acting as a band around the hat's crown catches your eyes. They're guided to the front of the hat where you find two blue smileys intensely staring at you. One frowning and one grinning widely. Raising an eyebrow at this odd design you continue studying the hat. It turns out the hat is way more intact than you first thought, considering the treacherous road it must've passed, so it couldn't have been in the water for too long.

You hurriedly lift your gaze and stretch your neck to see if you can find trails of where the this peculiar hat could've come from. Could it have been from a ship passing by? There have been a lot of them recently. It could be from a pirate ship... But you've never seen a pirate wear such a goofy hat, though it does look familiar... Maybe it's from town. A lot of people loose things by the pier, so there was probably an unlucky guy today.

Eventually you glance down at the two blue faces again, their eyes piercing straight through your gaze.

"Might as well put it on," you shrug. "It's a nice hat."

Spotting your reflection in the clear seawater, you continue trudging through the sand, wondering if orange might be your color.

Your mind is still pondering over the distinguished hat, when your eyes encounter the large boulder sticking out from the sand on the end of a peninsula. You let out a sigh of relief since this is the stone marking the halfway point of your patrol, meaning you'll soon be able to peacefully slumber again. That's until another faraway object in the shadows of the looming rock catches your eye. You squint, attempting to get a closer look, and see the large lump of junk laying perfectly across the shore to be in the splash zone of the raging waves.

Must suck to be that thing. you scoff. It must be getting sand and salty seawater everywhere. As you walk closer you eventually make out that the big lump of junk, getting owned by the waves, is laying down with his bare back turned against you...

"Holy shit, it's a human."

Chapter Text

You arrive out of breath beside the unconscious man. As you stand over him you look around to get a grasp of the situation. The first thing you notice about him is the giant tattoo on his bare back, facing you. It is a cross made of purple bones with a very familiar white-mustached skull in the middle. You can't really put where you've seen it before, but you know what it symbolizes.

"He's a pirate," you sigh.

The second thing you notice is how badly hurt he is. He has scratches and bruises everywhere, even some deeper cuts around the shoulder area with stiffened blood around it. Those are sword cuts, so he must've been in a recent fight. Contemplating what to do about the mysterious, dark-haired man, you decide you cannot just leave him there to die. He might be a pirate, but he has not done any harm to your village and is currently a person in need. You sigh once more and crouch down beside him.

You see he has a sword on him, so you decide to take some precautions before giving him first aid. Turning him on his back, you take the long blade he has attached to his black cargo shorts and put it on your hip beside your own sword. Then you pat down his pockets searching for any more weapons, but can't find any.

Moving on you to the actual first aid, you put two fingers on his neck to check his pulse. His skin feels cold on your warm hands, but you can feel his heart beating. You breathe out a sigh of relief. He is still alive. That's when you notice some familiar red beads around his neck. You sigh again, this time in disappointment, as you take off your brand new orange hat and put it beside him realizing it must be his.

"I really liked that hat..."

Your gaze wanders up to his face, which is covered by dark, soaked locks reaching down to his chin. You brush them away to reveal two closed eyes and a face filled with freckles and cuts scattered all over. You let your eyes rest on his face for a bit. You tilt your head as you realize you find the man quite handsome for someone who just got lumped onto a beach. Your gaze travels further down to his chapped, blue lips. They were slightly open, allowing room for air to travel through... which it wasn't at the moment. Wide eyed you immediately turn to look at his bare chest only to find out that it is not moving.

Without a second to lose you quickly start doing chest compressions. How didn't you notice he wasn't breathing sooner? You're ashamed to admit it, but you were too busy studying his features to notice his life threatening situation. But to be fair who wouldn't be a bit distracted? If you randomly stumble upon a person washed up onto the shore of your home island, it's only natural to be curious. Right?
With a slightly redder face you continue doing the compressions and to your surprise the man starts coughing and spitting out the seawater in his lungs way sooner than you expected. You stop doing the chest compressions while he slowly sits up, still choking and shivering. Relieved that he is alive, you realize you don't really know what to do next. This is the fastest you've ever seen anyone wake up after drowning... Amid your confusion, you decide that the most natural thing to do, was to pat him on the back. The man, still coughing, slowly turns around to stare at you with his deep brown eyes.

"what the fuck," he says to you in between choking.

Taken aback by his very valid, but still rude, response you can't help but cringe a bit at yourself and feel offended as he continues coughing and spitting out water.
"Not even a thanks..." you mumble back.

Then you hear a bush rustle from the forest behind you. Both you and the man quickly turn around facing the sound.
"Stay back. I got this," you tell him as you stand up in front of him.

"No... *COUGH*, I can- fight..." he says while trying to stand up as well, only to fail and fall down on all four, coughing even harder and spitting out more water. Umm ok. Not removing your eyes from the direction of the rustling sound you shoo him behind you.

"Well, well, well. Isn't it a mere patrol guard and a hurt pirate? What are you doing out here all alone? You know it's dangerous out in the dark..."
What you assume to be another pirate emerges from the bushes with a semi-large crew behind him. The pirate talking has a large red nose and blue hair in two pigtails sticking out from his orange pirate hat, He is wearing striped shirt with a large, orange coat on top.

"Do you know them? Is this your crew?" you ask the dark-haired man behind you, your gaze still focused in front of you on the other pirate.

"No!?" he almost laughs out. "I do not, *COUGH*, surround myself with weaklings like them."

"WEAKLINGS?" the captain laughed looking back at his crewmates. "Let's see if you are so tough after the great pirate Buggy the Clown and his crew beat you up huh?" smirking Buggy started walking towards the two of you. However, you stand your ground by taking a step forward and putting your hands on the shaft of your sword, ready for a fight.

"Oh? Now, who do you think you are island dweller?" Buggy asks.

"Doesn't matter. What does matter, is that you need to get through me if you want to lay a finger on him."

"HA! I don't think you know who you are up against young lady. I AM THE GREAT PIRATE BUGGY OF EAST BLUE. THE CAPTAIN OF THE BUGGY PIRATES." He laughs doing a hand motion as to show off his crew. Looking back at you he continues. "So, since I'm feeling quite generous today, I will give you another chance... If you help us kill this quick-witted kid, I won't hurt you. Sounds good?"

"No thanks."

"DID YOU JUST SAY 'NOSE ANKS'!?"

"what- no...?"

"RAHHHH FEEL THE POWER OF BUGGY THE CLOWN AND HIS PIRATE CREW!!!" he screams as all of his crew mates surrounds you and the weakened man behind you, leaving no room for running away.

You swiftly draw out your sword and manage to block and disarm the first three pirates coming at you. The next five took a toll on you because you couldn't just flee away like you normally would've when facing large quantities of opponents. As you deflected a few other hits directed at you and the man behind you, you start to feel how outnumbered you are by the Buggy pirates and their captain and also how tired your body is from all the previous night patrols.

Your arms start to tire even more from deflecting so many blows. Kicking away a pirate, you stretch your neck to see if you can spot Buggy in the large crowd. If you can take out their captain, the crew members may surrender too so he should be your focus. Looking at the same spot Buggy stood only seconds ago you see he isn't there anymore. Confused you desperately look around only to catch a glimpse of a flying object in your sideview. Turning halfway around you see a blade you have no chance deflecting coming straight at you. Aiming for your neck...

You didn't even get the chance to react before the dark-haired man you were supposed to protect pulls out the blade on your hip (the same blade you took from him) and swiftly stands between you and the sword. Standing back-to-back with you he blocks the sword just a few centimeters away from your neck with a loud cling. You let out a breath you didn't know you held and shakily get out a word of gratitude. "Thank you."

He grunts as he sends the blade flying away. "No problem, miss," he nods.

As the blade zooms away you notice it's not just a flying sword, but a flying hand holding a sword. Because that makes wayyy more sense. It returns to the place where it first must've come from, the same place Buggy stood last time you saw him with a whole body intact. Now, he was still standing there but his body is split into at least a dozen different body parts flying around his head. Shit. He is a devil fruit user. You realize this is going to be a tough fight but at least you're not fighting alone anymore.

"Are you sure you are able to fight now?" you ask the man behind you with a teasing tone.

You look over your shoulder to see him nodding as an answer, but swear you also see a hint of a smirk in the corner of his mouth.
With an extra person by your side the rest of the fight goes with ease. Now you only need to take on half the number of people from before.
Slicing your way through the pirates and flying swords coming at you, you and the dark-haired guy manage to defeat all the pirates. Leaving only Buggy left, staring dumbfoundedly at the two of you with his jaw on the floor.

"THIS WAS NOT HOW IT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO. EVERYONE GET UP IMMEDIATELY!" he shouts at the top of his lungs, with his lungs being literally above him. Some of the fallen pirates starts grunting and slowly standing up.

"FEEL THE FURY OF THE BUGGY PIRATES AND THE BARA BARA NO MI FRUIT" he says as his body parts starts accelerating at high speed, flying straight ahead towards the two of you.
Already exhausted from the fight, you have no idea how much longer you can keep fighting. You ready your sword and brace yourself to continue the fight, but the dark-haired man stops you with his hand and gently pushes you behind him.

"Stand back. It's about to get heated," he says not even looking back at you.

"No. You are in no condition to fight. I cannot let you do it alone," you answer him almost offended. He is the one you both should be worrying about.

"I'm fine," now he turns his head slightly to look at you with his firm, dark eyes. "Trust me. I don't want you to get hurt. Just stand back."

Looking at him you could clearly see he was not "fine". Or- I mean he is, but not in the sense of his current physical wellbeing. Like he is badly hurt with like bruises and everything and... ugh forget it.

You want to protest once more but seeing him drop the sword he was holding to the ground, his only weapon, you are left too stunned to speak. You think for a second that he has gone insane, but then his right hand starts sparking up into small flames as he slowly walks towards Buggy and his crew. Standing there you figure out that the smart thing to do right now is to listen to the burning-fist-man and stand back. Taking shelter behind the large rock you observe the fight as you do NOT want to get caught in the middle of a crossfire between two devil fruit users.

Even though Buggy, or pieces of him, keeps on accelerating with an incredible speed towards him, and more and more of Buggy's crew start to get back on their feet running towards him, the seashore man still walks towards them in the same speed, completely unfaced and don't even glance up at them a single time. He stops after walking far enough away for you to not get hurt. The fire-man is now only waiting for Buggy to fly into correct position for the punch. Far too late some of the pirates realize their mistake.

"WAIT, THE TATTOO ON HIS BACK-" a buggy pirate screams. "IT'S- IT'S FIRE FIST ACE! RUUUUUUN!"

"WHAT?" Buggy's smug expression fades at light speed from his face. You see him visibly struggle midair, desperately trying to slow down all the speed he's build up. Sadly, his attempts end in vain. Still at full speed, he comes crashing straight towards the man, who is now completely on fire and standing ready in position to throw the first punch. All the other crew members drop their weapons as they make one last attempt to flee.

"FIRE..."

"NO WAIT, I'M SORRY! IT WAS ALL A BIG MISTAKE- I CAN EXPLAI-"

"-FIST!!!"

The shore-man shouts as he finally throws the punch and the whole world goes up in flames with a loud bang.

You cover your ears and watch with wide eyes as both Buggy and the flame-guy disappear in a hot smoke of ashes and flames. Feeling the warmth of the massive wall of fire and death heading straight towards you, you quickly duck down behind the large rock and pray it's enough to protect you. Just the sound of the explosion is so loud that still with your hands pressing hard against your ears, you can't help but feel like your eardrums are about to explode. The wall of fire and death finally crashes into the rock, surrounding you with a warm, black sea of ash and smoke. You cough as you accidentally breath in the warm dust and hot ash floating around. Just being a bystander to that fight was though, you couldn't even begin to imagine what it would feel like to take a direct hit as poor Buggy did. You almost feel bad for the guy.

With your ears still ringing, the smoke lifts from the chaotic battlefield. You cautiously peek up from behind the rock to see is a lone silhouette emerging from the thick, black fog moving steadily towards you. His right fist still fuming with heat. Behind him, a scattering of smaller and rougher figures run away in the opposite direction, carrying pieces of what you believe to be Buggy's body parts.

You stare back and forth between the man's burning fist and at the slightly fried Buggy pirates fleeing back to their ship in the distance. You are not even sure what's more impressive, the fact that the man you just saved can set his body on fire or that he is able to stand up with all those injuries.

"You're not too bad at fighting," the man reaches out his hand to you.

"I'm Ace."

Chapter Text

You shake away your surprised expression as you would not give Ace the satisfaction of letting him know you are impressed. "You neither," you answer as you shake his hand. "I am y/n."

"Pretty name. Anyway, where am I?"

"Wait a second, I should be the one asking the questions. Who even are you?"

"I just told you. I am Ace."

"I mean- ugh, never mind." You mentally facepalm yourself. Then you remember your first concern and point towards the fleeing pirates. "So umm, is Buggy going to be alright? Did you– kill him?"

He looks back at the where you're pointing and shrugs. "Nah, I didn't go all out on him because I knew he was weak. He is badly hurt though, just not dead."

You nod your head slowly as you take in the information from that sentence. First of all, he seems like a good guy since he doesn't go around killing random people, even though they attack him first. Secondly, that enormous explosion he made wasn't even his best.

"So, where I am?" he repeats.

"I am not done with my questions yet." You stand your ground. Looking him up and down, you are reminded how bad his physical state is. "Also, sit down. You are badly hurt, and your wounds need to be treated quickly so they don't get infected."

"No, it's ok. These bruises are nothing."

You roll your eyes. Ok tough guy, you think to yourself. "Well... they will be something if not treated soon. I have a travel med kit with me, but there are better treatments back at the village. It's a bit far, but if u can't walk, I can carry you."

[ok mommy]

"I appreciate it, Y/n, but I am good. Thank you for saving me though, and I'm sorry if I was rude earlier. All that I need to know right now is where I am and how long I've been knocked out for."

Being the stubborn lil shit you are, you don't give in just yet. "I'll tell you where you are once those wounds are treated." You cross your arms.

Ace sighs, but reluctantly slumps down right where stands, his gaze restlessly scanning the area. With a satisfied expression, you crouch down beside him to open your tiny med kit. As you are about to clean the cuts on his shoulder, you stop with your hand poised a few centimeters away from him. Your fingers are not even touching him, yet you feel the warmth radiating from his skin. If you didn't know any better you would just think he has a terrible fever, but that's not the case since he was just on fire! Fascinated you begin cleansing his wounds, feeling like your tending to a broken oven.

"Wow, you're so hot."

He smirks as he raises an eyebrow and looks down at you. "Thanks."

Your face turned red as you realize what you just said. "Wait, no- I meant-" this time you actually facepalm yourself and hide behind your hands. "never mind..."

You can see him try to hide another smirk in your side view as you flustered continue to clean his wounds, avoiding eye contact at all cost. Desperately you try to think of a way to change the topic.

"What I meant to ask with my first question was; those pirates... they called you fire fist or something?"

"Yeah, Fire Fist Ace. That's my nickname," he answers before cheekily adding: "Can you see where I got it from?"

You sigh before responding. "Hmm, I don't think I quite caught that. Can you show me again maybe?"

He grins proudly down at you before returning to his hopeless search.

"I think I've heard the name before though, I'm just not sure where..." Your mind start to wander since that name seems familiar. Maybe you've read it on a paper once?

"Maybe you have, but it's not a big deal if you haven't." he shrugs, successfully ending your trail of thoughts.

Done with cleaning the wounds you start bandaging his arm and continue the quizzing round.
"What kinda devil fruit did you eat?" you ask him. "Cause you have eaten one, right? Only devil fruit user should be able to do this—" You motion towards him. "— kind of thing."

"Yup, I ate the Mera Mera no Mi. It gives me the power to control and transform my body into fire." He lights a fire on his index finger.

Ugh that's so cool. You have to bite your tongue in order to not say that out loud. This man doesn't need yet another ego boost from you, but you can't help but start to wonder what you'll do if you had a such inhumane powers. You would definitely use it to protect this Island. Maybe travel the seas too, if the Island manages itself without you. Having superhuman powers must be so freeing, but there was a catch to these abilities. You remember you read it in an article on the weekly paper once. A great pirate who drowned...
"I think I've heard that devil fruit user can't swim. Is that true?"

"Yep, that's true-"

"Is that why you were so helpless in the ocean?" you grin looking up at him.

He decides to ignore your sassy question but raises an eyebrow as he continues. "-which is a big deal for a pirate."

You focus on the wounds again and nod your head. "I can imagine." It would be sad, not to mention scary, to give up the ability to swim. Especially if you are out on the sea all the time. Are the extra powers even worth it? They might make you a superhuman, but do they weigh out the constant risk of drowning? Done with the cuts on his arm he turns around so you can look at his back. You frown as you see all the damage. He must've been sliced by a sword, just not as deep as his shoulder was. In addition, you see many smaller bruises scattered all over.

"How did you even get these wounds?" you ask him concerned.

He scratches the back of his head and sighs. "Got into a fight with a marine ship and was a bit too cocky..."

"You fought the marines? So you are a pirate?"

"Yeah."

"Don't worry I won't report you," He hasn't done any harm yet, quite the opposite actually, so no reason for you to report him to the marines or town. At least not yet.

"Good to hear."

"But what happened to the rest of your crew? Were they captured?"

"Huh, no? They weren't there."

You raise an eyebrow. "What do you mean they weren't there? You were alone?"

Ace nods as an answer.

"You- you took on a whole marine ship alone!?"

He nods once more gazing out to the ocean. Too stunned to even say anything else you just continue what you were doing. While the two of you fall into a comfortable silence, you let your thoughts wander once more.

Where did this guy get this confidence from? He must be very strong if he believed he could take down a whole war ship alone. The fighting you just saw him do just further proves his capabilities. There is nothing stopping him from killing you, even in his current condition, and then go burn down the entire village. You should not help this man, quite the opposite actually. You should do everything in your power to put him down. Although you truly doubt you can do anything, you doubt anyone on this island could even put a scratch on him. You have no other reason but to trust him. And for some reason you can't help but trust him. He just saved you from Buggy, so why would he try to kill you again? And there is also something else you can't quite explain about him. He is different from the rest of the pirates you've met, different from anyone you've ever met. You can feel it. His whole presence is more powerful, and kinder. It makes you want to trust him.

With his back done, you decide to treat the wounds on his face too. You stand up in front of him, a head taller than him, and clean his bruises.
"Close your eyes" you say as you pour alcohol down at his wounds. Following your command, Ace closes his eyes but flinches as you pat one the cuts under his eyes.

"Listen, this really is too much, I told you I am good." He lightly pushes you away. "I already owe you one for saving me, you don't need to do anything else. Can you just tell me where I am on so I can start sailing again?"

You sigh. Done with the worst injuries, you figure you can let the pirate go. "You're at Fallwind Island."

"Fallwind?" He looks at you with wide eyes as you nod. "OH!" Confused, you watch as gears turn in his head. "Has someone... special... arrived at the island yet?"

"No..?" You narrow your eyes as you look at him.

"Ok that's nice timing! Looks like I can stay here for a while!"

"Hm? What do you mean by that?"

He smirks at you. "You'll see."

"Is this a threat?" You tease. "Is this where I report you to the marines or something?"

"No please don't." He has an actual worried expression on his face which takes you a bit aback. "I promise, you're going to like it. Have I done anything to make you not trust me?"

You look up to think about it for a second. He hasn't really, but at the same time you've only known him for about an hour. And that's including the time he was unconscious.

"I mean... ok. I trust you." You shrug and look down seeing him already staring up at you. You both lock eyes and you find yourself in an involuntary staring contest. You catch a glimpse of a certain orange object a few meters behind him, so you figure that is a good enough reason to end this unofficial competition.

"I believe I found something that belongs to you." You smirk as you look past him and walk towards the object, his gaze never following you, never leaving your face. Picking up the orange hat you look back at him.
"Is this yours?"

His face lights up when he sees the hat. "Yes! How did you know? Where was it?" He almost jumps up and starts walking swiftly towards you.

"Just a couple hundred meters from where you washed up. Your necklace has the same read beads as the hat, so I figured you might be connected." You give him back the hat and it's like you're watching a child spotting the largest present under the tree at Christmas eve.

"I must say, it's a really nice hat." You jokingly say reminiscing back to when that hat was yours :,) He looks up at you with the biggest grin on his face before doing something catching you really of guard. He hugs you. Like a real, warm embrace crushing your arms and sides. Unsure of what to do you decide to pat him on the back, for the second time since meeting him.

He lets go of you and looks into your eyes once again. "You really need to stop doing that."

"WELL I'M SORRY. I WASN'T EXACTLY PREPARED FOR THAT." You blush, your voice an octave higher than usual.

He throws his head back and starts laughing. "I'm sorry, I'm just joking. But truly, thank you." He puts his hat back on. It fits like a glove, bringing the whole outfit together.

"So, where are you going now?" you ask him.

"Well, I just told you can I stay here for a while. And if you don't mind, would it be ok if I join you?"

"I mean, sure. You seem like nice company." You smile. "I'm currently patrolling the island, so if you want to walk with me, we need to get going."

"I was just about to ask why you are out here so late, but it makes sense now."

"Also, I'm not sure if you're allowed to stay in the village if u want to sleep there tonight. The villagers don't really have a great relationship with pirates, you know. But you saved me, so maybe they will change their mind about you-" you start.

"Hold on, pause. What do you mean I saved you?" He looks genuinely confused. "You were the one saving me. I almost drowned remember?"

"I mean I guess, but you deflected Buggy's blade away from me-"

"While you defended me from the other pirates." He interrupted you. "If I hadn't been there, you would've been ok. The pirates were after me, after all. I only brought you trouble. So, to keep things clear, I am currently in your debt, and I won't leave your side until it's paid back." He finishes his statement

Stunned, you realise your first thoughts about him were true. You also realize that having a strong person like him on your side for a few days, might not be too bad.

"Well ok then." You smile. "Let's go!"

Chapter Text

As the first rays of sun hits you in the face, you proudly gaze upon the entrance to your town with your newly acquired companion beside you. You figured you couldn't just let Ace sleep outside in the forest, so you brought him with you to Kariko. Not sure how the other townspeople will react, you decided it's the safest for him to crash at your couch for the time being at your home, the towns Community House. The place that took you and your sister in as children. The only reason you're alive right now. You drag Ace with you through the entrance and let yourself get swallowed by the succumbing alleys between the houses.

[Now for a short description of Fallwind Island Wikipedia style:

Fallwind is and island with a population of around 7000, most of it concentrated at the largest port town Kariko Village in the north. Fallwind is one of the lesser islands in a large archipelago on the Grand Line, New world, all sharing the same log pose location. Since this area is a pretty famous trading route, known for it's wide range of wares and different products, the economy on all islands are mainly funded by travelling merchants and sailors passing by. Since these routes are well traveled, it also means that a lot of Pirates are passing by as well, regularly robbing these port towns. Ever since Gol D. Roger's death and the beginning of the Great Pirate Era, these attacks have only risen in frequency. Most of the Marines position on these islands fled due to this increase, and most of the towns couldn't afford to pay the celestial tribute to keep them here either, so the towns remained helpless.

That is when the Protection movement appeared and the Community house at Fallwind Island was established, along with the other island's respective counterparts. These places funded by the scraps of what the townspeople have were made to train people of the island to protect themselves. Today the C.H. take in people in need at the island, and offer them a warm meal every day as well as a place to stay. In exchange these residents have to protect this island, involving dedicating all your days to becoming stronger, regularly patrolling the island and step up to defend town whenever pirate attacks happen.

story continues here:]

“It is still pretty early in the morning so I don’t think anyone will be outside right now, except for a few guards and maybe some drunkards,” you say to ace beside you.

“It’s not gonna be a problem anyways," he says smirking. "I’m sneaky," he winks and points a finger gun at you. You raise an eyebrow at him, questioning if what he did was sarcastic or not… At this point you got no idea.

“Are we far away?” he asks.

“We live at the towns Community House, so it's quite central." You nod. "That's why I have to do this job. Since the town funds it, I have to

“We?" his eyes light up with curiosity.

“Oh, yeah! Me and my kid-sister, Mila." You smile. "We met a while ago and have been living together there for a few years. So, she isn’t my sister by blood atleast, but our family bond is still strong.”

“Mhm, I get you. I have brothers too." He grins losing himself in his thoughts for a while. "We shared drinks together and made a promise, so it basically makes us real brothers.”

“Yeah! That’s exactly how I feel about Mila!" You nod in agreement. "What’s their names?”

“Luffy is the youngest. Monkey D. Luffy.”

“That makes you Monkey D. Ace?” you raise an eyebrow at him.

He lets out a chuckle and shakes his head. “No, no. I'm Portgas D. Ace.”

"Oh. What does the D stand for?" You raise an eyebrow. "Is it your family name?”

“Hmm, you could say that.” He tilts his head.

Despite your aroused curiosity at the ominious answer, you decide to not press the matter further. A comfortable silence sets for a few seconds, but as you round a corner of the next building you decide to break it.

“How old is he? Your brother?”

“He turns 17 next year. So he's not a kid anymore, but will always be my baby brother." Ace grins. "He's still back home, but he'll set sail soon. I was 17, as well, when I left.”

“Does he want to be a pirate too, huh?” You smirk.

“Yeaaah." He shrugs hopelessly. "It’s in the family.”

You playfully roll your eyes before continuing. "What about your other brother?"

His face darkens for second but is quickly covered up with a longing expression, probably reminiscing about past times. "His name is Sabo..." Ace pauses for a few seconds before continuing. "Even though he was younger than me, the two of us still protected Luffy together. He was supposed to set sail together with me."

"Supposed to? What happened?" you blurt out. Realising your mistake the second the words leave your lips, you cover your mouth and clumsily try to recover with wide eyes. "Oh, wait- no... I didn't mean to-"

"No, it's ok," Ace interrupts, giving you an understanding smile. "It happened a while ago." He lifts his head and gazes up at the clear morning sky, painted in pink and yellow strokes by the sun. You study the man deep in thought for a moment before sighing and looking down with flushed cheeks. The two of you walk quietly like this a few steps before Ace breaks the silence.

“How old is your sister?”

You look up at him and see him staring at you, his eyes slightly blank. “She’s 13. So definitely still a baby." You give him a soft smile. "At the moment she's practicing like crazy to protect Fallwind like I did at her age. However, she is not old enough to patrol yet, but that doesn't stop her from trying her best to become stronger," you continue rambling. "She’s really insane, staying out there from sunrise to sunset every day.”

“She must be very dedicated to her goal," he comments. "I guess it's easy when she has such a great role model.”

You turn to him rasing your brows. “Who, me?”

He nods firmly, not moving his gaze from the road ahead of him.

Quickly you turn your head forward again as you blush at the compliment, hoping he didn’t see it. “Thanks, but I won’t take all the credit. She is very determined herself. Also, I have been slacking off recently… Me and her don’t see each other as much as we used...”

“Don’t be so harsh on yourself," He harshly pats your back. "That’s what happens when they grow up. I’m sure you’re a great big sister.”

You smile again at his comforting words. “Thanks. I’m sure you’re a great brother too.”

You turn to see Ace' absent look, gazing down at his feet before quickly grinning at you, noticing his audience.

At last, you and Ace finally catch a glimpse of the roof of the Community House. Without drawing too much attention to yourselves, you hide behind a nearby building to figure out the next line of action.

“I don’t think we should use the front door. There is always someone sitting at the reception.” You cringe just at the thought of him. That nerd Henry never skips a single shift, and he is ALWAYS out to get you. One time, he made you clean the whole cafeteria after he found you sneaking an extra sandwich for your patrol. It’s not your fault that you need to eat a bit extra. You’re the one running around defending this island while his lanky ass just sits behind the reception all day, nagging and snitching on anyone lucky enough to walk by. He’s always doing his job… so annoying, ugh.

“It’s alright, just tell me the window to your room and I can get there.” Ace does a few quick squats and stretches his arms over his head.

“It’s the one farthest to the right there,” you mumble, pointing to the window. “Hmm, maybe I can go alone inside first and open the window. But Henry might be suspicious since I'm late–”

You didn’t even get to finish your sentence before the orange-hat-wearing man scoops you off your feet and does a giga jump straight towards the closed window. Before you get a chance to realise what's going on, you and Ace are already crashing through the window, feet first, breaking all glass there is. Luckily, he reacts fast and shields you from the scattering pieces of glass hurling all over. Both of his feet firmly plants themselves in the middle of the small, rectangular room with you grabbing onto his arms for dear life. He gently lowers you down before looking at you with a terrified expression. “You ok?”

You look up at him slightly shakingly, but nodding your head, still in too much shook to say anything else.

After checking if you really are ok, he turns around to face the mess he’s made. There is glass all over the small dining table right beside the window, and you can spot hundreds of glimpses of light all over the floor and under the bed. Ace immediately squats down and begins picking out the small glittering pieces. Your eyes wander to the top bunk located in the right corner of the room, where you spot a head covered by messy light brown hair, peacefully slumbering. Mila didn’t even flinch at the sound of a thousand glass shattering. You want to be surprised, but you know how much of a heavy sleeper she is. Well, at least she wasn’t scared half to death.

You first sigh in relief, before glaring at the 'sneaky' man in front of you, hunched over all the mess he’s made while desperately scraping away the remains. “What is wrong with you.”

He immediately freezes and slowly turns to face you with wide eyes. “I thought the window was open…” he whispers, almost inaudibly. “I am terribly sorry. I will pay for all the damages.” He slowly lowers his head to the floor as a way to apologize.

You feel incredibly conflicted wanting to both kick his head right off and start laughing at this comically stupid situation. This guy is the same person who can knock out a pirate captain with a single punch, turn himself into a fire hazard, and be washed ashore like a ragdoll. It might've been because you are completely exhausted from all the recent late-night patrols, or the fight with Buggy tonight taking all your energy, but for some reason you couldn't stop your laugh from coming bubbling up at the sheer stupidity of the situation.

Ace looks up at you with even wider eyes and a terrified expression. “I mean it. I can pay for it. I am so sorry-” “No, no that’s not it, it’s just- This whole situation is so dumb…” You facepalm yourself and sigh. “Just close the curtains, we can manage one night without a window. But you’re still paying and cleaning up.” He nods his head. “Of course.” He offers his hand to help you stand up again and you gladly accept it.

"Sneaky my ass," you mumble under your breath as he pulls you up. You figure Ace must've heard you comments as the hint of a slight smirk flashes on the corner of his lip, but you just shrug it off. That's until he tugs your arm, pulling you in so close there is barely any space between you. He slowly lowers his head so his lips are only a breath away from your ear before whispering in a teasing tone, "Watch your mouth."

Your eyes narrow as he pulls back. You tilt your head up slightly, a mischievous smirk curling at the corners of your lips as you let his words hang in the air for a moment. "You should too... if you want a place to sleep tonight." A cheeky grin forms on his face and he sighs in playful defeat. Just as he opens his mouth to respond, three quick knocks sound on the door behind you, cutting him off.

The two of you stare at the door with widened eyes. You frantically start to look around for a hiding spot when your half opened closet in the corner catches your eye.

“Get in the closet,” You hurriedly push Ace towards it. He nearly sprints in it, barely managing to close the door behind him before the frontdoor rips open revealing a curly haired ginger, in a perfectly tidy white shirt completely opposite to his boiling red head about to explode.

“Hi Henry…” you greet the tiny guy.

“I KNEW something was up with you... What happened here, y/n?! What was that sound?” Henry sticks his pale face inside your room, adjusting his square glasses to get a better view.

“I don’t know." You shrug innocently. "I think someone tried to be funny and threw a rock at our window.”

“And where is that rock, huh?" He frowns. "You know I have to report this to the boss.”

“What? Why? It wasn’t my fault.” Technically it wasn’t your fault. It was that airhead Ace who made all this mess. And to think he dares speak to you like that afterwards even when you are the one cleaning it all up.

He opens the book he always carries beside him. “This is a damage on public property and according to the rulebook—” He double taps at the cover to make sure you know that the book he is holding is, in fact, the rulebook. “— you must report any suspicious activity to the office. And right now, y/n, you are very suspicious.” He finishes his statement standing proud and straightening his back, still having to turn his head slightly upwards to look you in the eyes. You stare him down and can see a bit of his proud façade fall as he fumbles into his next sentence. “Wait, when did you even get in here. I didn’t register you in the book-” he stutters, scratching his head.

An evil smile emerges as a light bulb lights over you head. “My patrol ended an hour ago, I came in through the front door. Didn’t you see me?” You couldn't ask for a more perfect moment to catch Henry off guard and start your villain arc. Since the trouble with Ace caused you so much problem you arrived later than usual, but he doesn't know that... “Maybe you fell asleep?”

“WHAT?! Impossible!” He shakes his head and stares at you with a disgusted expression. “I NEVER fall asleep while working. You know that!”

“Oh, so did you just slack off? This is something I should report to the office. We can’t have our receptionists dozing off while working late night shifts.” Licking your teeth in excitement, you deliver the final blow. “Juliette never does that. I’m sure she can take over some of your shifts if it’s too much for you.” You know Juliette and Henry have a not-so-secret-beef ever since they both aimed for the same position. Plus, she has been winning it a lot recently, so this is a touchy topic for Henry right now. His reaction proves it.

He gasps putting a hand on his chest, his pride severely hurt. “Juliette could NEVER dream of taking my night shifts.” The panic in his voice rises a bit more as you start closing the door to end the conversation. “WAIT, Y/N! PLEASE DON’T TELL ANYONE ABOUT THIS. I DIDN’T FALL ASLEEP. I PROMISE!”

Opening the door slightly, you smirk. “Ok I won’t tell, but only if you don’t report about the window. I'll fix it myself, so no need to worry.”

He gasps once more. “THAT’S UNNACCEPTABLE!”

You raise an eyebrow at him.

“UGH! I guess I can let this one time go! Good night, y/n!” He angrily stomps away, not offering a single glance back at you.

“Good night, Henry.” You smile kindly and wave after him, finally closing the door.

[henry x juliette rivals to lovers when??]

You take a deep sigh, proud of what you have accomplished today. As you let your victory sink in, you make your way to the closet hiding the real window-breaking-culprit. Opening the door you are met with Ace putting all his weight on his right hand leaning on the top of the door rail, only for the door to open a bit farther than he expected.

“That Henry guy sure isAAAH-” His hand slips and he faceplants the ground beside you holding onto his hat.

Not so impressed you roll your eyes. “Idiot.” You playfully kick him in the stomach.

“Ow!” He laughs, curling up into a ball. You offer him a hand but he jumps up easily on his own and starts brushing away the dust on his clothes. You decide to aid him and brush off the dust on the top of his head. He sighs in defeat. “What I meant to say was… that Henry guy sure seems like a bother.”

Agreeing with him you let your head fall back and slip out a light chuckle. “YES! He is! He never lets anything go. Luckily, I had something on that lil fucker this time.” You smirk viciously.

Ace sighs and rests his hand on his neck. “Again, I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble.”

“Yea you should be…” You give him a sideye. "But it's ok i guess." You look down and lightly box his bandaged shoulder. “Your debt is just gonna grow though~” you smirk gazing up at him only to find that his dark eyes were already staring into yours. You didn’t notice how close the two of you were standing until you felt his breath brush your skin. His eyes traveled down your face before the sound of rustling from the top corner made the two of you break eye contact and take an awkward step back. Releasing a breath you didn’t know you held you scratch the back of your head and look the way the sound came from.

“Huh, who owes who what?” The tired voice came from the top bunk. Mila seems to have awoken from her deep slumber and looks down at you and Ace.

“Oh, so that is what wakes up.” You roll your eyes.

Mila slowly sits up rubbing her eyes as she points at Ace. “Who’s that?”

“His name is Ace. I found him at the beach, and we are keeping him for a few days.” Ace smiles and awkwardly waves at her.

She yawns as an answer. A cold breeze travels through the room and Mila shudders as she finally notices something from the room is missing.

“What happened to the window?”

Chapter Text

You wake up the next morning to birds chirping and a cold breeze tickling your feet. You usually sleep with your head facing the window, but had to turn around this night as the cold wind surging from the closed curtains kept biting your ears. That solved one problem, but sadly made your toes the next victim, since your white oversized blouse and baggy pants weren't enough to keep you warm. Tucking your feet into the warm sheets you close your eyes and let your thoughts wander to last night.

You told Ace he could sleep at the burgundy sofa parallel to the bunk bed, at the condition that he had to pluck the tiny pieces of glass scattered everywhere first. You remember seeing him crouched on the floor, still looking for glass when you fell asleep on the sofa. You feel kinda bad thinking back at it, but not bad enough let it go. Hmm, wonder how he's doing now. Hope he atleast got some sleep.

You stretch your arms and barely open your eyes to take a peek at the burgundy sofa, expecting to see Ace laying there fast asleep. Your eyes widen as the only sight you are met with is an empty spot at the place where Ace should've slept. You shoot up from bed a bit too fast crashing your forehead into the top bunk.

"Ow!" you rub the spot that got hit and curse the short bedframe while your head aches.

"Morning sleepyhead."

You turn to the direction of the sound and see Ace seated at the dining table gazing out the window, or all that's left of the window. He turns his head to look at you and raises an eyebrow before smirking at your clumsiness in a mix of amusement and mild curiosity, like he is waiting for an explanation.

You feel a rush of embarrassment as you meet his gaze. You awkwardly try to compose yourself and even manage to sneak out a sigh of relief. For a second you thought Ace had just left you already...
without paying for the damages.
You found yourself feeling surprisingly sad about it. Not all just about losing the money (of course it would've been sad), but also losing his presence. You shake the feeling away as you look back at him, your head still aching.

"Um... good morning," you give him a crooked smile as you scratch the back of your head.

"What was that?" he asks teasingly as he nods towards you as he comfortably leans back in his chair, resting his hands behind his head.

"Hm? Nothing," you brush off his question with your cheeks slightly red.

You try avoiding his eyes by sitting at the side of your bed and attempt to detangle the hair tie from your messy bun, which is now located on the side of your head. Sighing, as you realise it's going to be stuck there for a while, you stretch your legs and get out of bed. Ace's eyes follow your movement as you stroll towards the table with a nice view and pull out a chair to sit beside him.

Ace tilts his head studying you for a second before he in one swift movement leans forward and gently reaches for your hair, stroking his hand at your cheek as it passes by. His face is only a breath away from yours, like last night, and his dark eyes are focused, looking straight past you, when you feel him slipping the tie on to your lap before he proudly leans back into his chair again.
You look down at the crumpled tie you reach from your previously tangled hair, who now feels a tad less messy.

"Thank you," you smile looking up at him.

"No problem miss tanglehair," he nods his head and start gazing out the window again.

Your smile has never turned faster into a frown before. You do not appreciate the new nickname, but decide to let it slide for now.

Upon hearing some muffled muttering outside, you decide to take a look out the remains of the window as well. A warm breeze hits you in the face when you peek out and you have to shield your eyes from the piercing sun right above you. The birds were chirping and the streets were as lively as ever. The sound of merchants hanging around and traders scamming tourists is like music to your ears. It all reminds you of this familiar and comfortable place you call home.

You let your eyes wander across the town scene. A few blocks away you see a large crowd of people moving together somewhere. A few of them are holding the large red posters you've seen all over the town this past month.

"What's the clock?" you ask Ace as you squint your eyes trying to interpret the poster.

"Soon 1 pm," he answers. "Why? Do you have places to be?"

"No, I'm just wondering," you nod your head towards the window. "I think those people are heading to the town square. I heard a festival is taking place there today and I think it has started already," you look back at him. "Do you want to go?"

His face lights up. "Yes! That sounds like so much fun!" His excited expression quickly fades into worry. "But, I mean, can you? I don't know if you are busy today with your responsibilities and stuff."

"Nope, I'm free all day!" you happily inform him. "Since I patrolled last night, I have the whole day off."

Sadly, you can't say the same about Mila. She is already outside training and must've woken up several hours ago. Due to the strict routine, she is spending whole days at the training grounds outside the city. Since your patrol starts right after you eat dinner together, there is no wonder why the two of you don't see too much of each other these days.

"Great!" His eyes light up again. "Then let's go out and explore!" He jumps out of the chair and immediately starts stretching his legs.

"We also have some errands to run, remember? So, we're not just gonna blindly walk around alright?"

"Huh like what?"

You gesture with your hands towards the broken window raising your eyebrows at the elephant in the room.

"Ahhh..." he freezes and looks down at the floor for a second, a bit ashamed.

"Yea," you sigh at him.

He shrugs. "As long as I can get out of here," he quickly gets back to warming up. "Sitting still inside is making me reckless."

You look him up and down, wondering where he got all this energy from. "Look who's all fired up today. Did you get a good night’s rest even though you were on cleaning duty?" you teasingly ask furrowing your brows.

"Nah, I barely slept. Was too excited." He says stretching to the side.

You wanted to be more shocked at the answer but kinda expected something out of the ordinary. "Your body needs rest too, you know," you soften your gaze at him.

"I rested when I was unconscious."

Your worry fades into annoyance again. "Ok, off we go I guess,” you roll your eyes, smiling slightly. “Let me just change-"

Ace is already by the door, his hand right above the handle when the blending sight of the large tattoo on his back catches your eye.

"Wait, wait, wait," you rush out of your chair and hurriedly grab after the orange hat around his neck, making him stumble backwards.

"Huh what is it?" he asks.

"You need something..." you put a finger on your chin and let your eyes search for the perfect clothing to cover up his tattoo. An amazing idea for revenge is born into your mind once you catch a glimpse of the shiny pink raincoat you haven't worn in ages hanging in your closet. Smirking you pick up the wrinkly jacket and blow the dust off as you hand it over to Ace.

"Why are you giving this to me?" he reluctantly accepts the gift.

"You can't go wandering around in this town with an enormous pirate sign on your back. This will cover it up."

He narrows his eyes looking at it. "You're right... but like, do you maybe have another jacket or something that I can wear instead?"

You rest your hand at your chin and pretend to think about it. "Hmm no I don't think so."

His mouth hangs open as he looks down at the ugly ass coat and then up at you.

"Not to sound ungrateful or something, but this coat isn't..." he pauses for a second and looks up, trying to find the right word. "... it isn't exactly my style..."

You shrug. "I mean at least you are prepared for the rain."

He stares at you with his eyes wide open. "There is not a single cloud in the sky?!" he impatiently gestures out to the bright blue sky outside.

Swallowing a laugh, you bend down a bit to get a better look at the sky. You pretend to analyze it for few second, before looking back at him barely holding a straight face. "Well, you are the flame guy. I don't want you to get extinguished."

He chuckles in disbelief at your comment before finally noticing the smirk forming on your face. "I hate you," he sighs.

Figuring you are busted you can't hold back your laugh anymore.

"Is this revenge for the window?" He slightly chuckles resting his head in his hand. "I told you I will pay for it."

"This is only for the extra trouble." You smile menacingly, still chuckling lightly. "Please, let a girl enjoy her revenge," you cross your arms and innocently bat your eyelashes.

This time he rolls his eyes at you. "Well, as you said, I am the flame guy. So, this isn't enough to embarrass me..." He reluctantly starts putting on the coat. You can see his eyes widen as he realizes it also is a bit too tight on him. "It just kinda ruins my aesthetic..." he mumbles.

"Sure hotstuff..."

He slips his other arm into the sleeve and lets the fabric slide over his shoulder. The sleeves are comically short on him, only reaching halfway down his forearm and the torso a bit too tight around his waist. You proudly look up and down your creation and enjoy the sight of the perfect revenge playing out in front of you while you put on your own outfit.

"You ready?" you ask him with an evil smirk as he fails to button up the coat.

"I'm only going to look more suspicious with this on," he protests one last time.

"We'll take it as it goes. You ready to leave?"

He takes a deep sigh and slowly nods his head.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Chapter Text

After successfully sneaking out of the community house, you and Ace happily stroll down the streets of Fallwind, following the large crowds walking towards the main event of today. Already a few blocks away the muffled sound of carefree laughter from the festival reaches your ears, making you feel a warm tingle in your chest. You've always appreciated a large gathering of people having fun.

As you round the corner of the last block down the street, you see the usually empty town square now filled with endless rows of stands with merchants selling food, clothing and jewelry from all over the four seas. Smiles and curious eyes are plastered all over the faces of both the children and adults walking around, even passerbys can't help but take second glances at the colourful banners painted in warm colours and bright lights perfectly tying the whole place together

"Wow," Ace's eyes light up at the sight.

"It's so beautiful," you say admiring the view.

He turns to you, studying you for a second. "Yea..."

"Let's go take a closer look!" You excitedly grab his wrist and drag him with you through the crowd, not too afraid of loosing him, since he sticks out as a sore thumb with his new jacket.

You hurry through the crowd past the first few stands with Ace barely hanging on behind you. The colourful stands and dim lighting really create a comfy atmosphere despite the overwhelming gathering. You slow down as the glimpse of a beautiful stand in a lone corner catches your eyes. It is filled with all kinds of flowers poking out and green vines climbing up its walls. A comically large medieval wheel the size of you is hidden behind the green leaves and you can't help but wonder if it's actually usable or just there for aesthetics. Your eyes wander to the slanted moss roof that has succumbed to wildflowers spreading like a breathtaking plague on top of it, bringing whole whimsical vibe of the wagon together. You can't help but stare in awe as you walk by and see a cluster of your favourite flower, moonflower, surging up the mast of the wagon, overlooking the whole festival. In contrast to the other flowers, it's petals are completely closed off, as they often are during the daytime, like it's hiding something precious that only the night sky is allowed to see.

"Look at that stand! It's so pretty," you excitedly tug Ace's sleeve. "They even have moonflowers!"

He didn't seem to notice your comment because something else has already caught his eyes, or rather nose. He unexpectedly stops, accidentally dragging your arm in the process.

"Ow!" you stumble onto his shoulder. "What was that?" you frown and get back on your feet.

You try to look up at him, but his head is already facing somewhere else, looking at an old rusty homemade sign on top of the wooden stand in front of you.

"The Baratie specials?" you read out the words written in neon.

"Yes, that's us ma'am!" you and Ace look ahead simultaneously at the cook popping up behind the counter in front of you.

He is wearing a traditional white chef hat, an apron around his wide waist and a pair of round, red glasses. With a big smile plastered on his face he hands you two menus.

"The Baratie is the famous floating restaurant in East blue! It's our duty to serve any hungry traveler at the wide sea," he continues. "I am the one in charge of the meat, Carne, and I'm here to spread the taste of our specialties out to the Grand Line. May I recommend some of our most popular starters?"

You and Ace look at each other locking eyes. And as if cued, your stomach starts loudly rumbling making you blush.

You missed both breakfast and lunch today so you're starving. And it's not like you could've gone and eaten it by yourself either. You'd feel bad if you went and left Ace hungry and alone in your room. You're not even allowed to bring shares with you outside the cafeteria anymore after that incident with Henry. Damn that guy.

Ace's face lights up in victory at the sound of your stomach. With the biggest grin ever, he turns to the chef. "Sure! Whatcha got?"

The vendor smiles, knowing he just caught some new customers and gives you a tour of the menu.

"So which one do you want?" Ace asks after Carne has finished talking.

"Ummm..." feeling overwhelmed by the choices you struggle to chose a dish.

After thinking for a bit too long, getting even more nervous with both Carne and Ace's expecting eyes staring at you, you pick [favourite food]. Too busy overthinking your own choices you don't catch what meal Ace picked, but figure it can be a surprise.

You reach down for your pocket, ready to pay, when a hand stops you.

"Don't worry, this is on me," Ace smiles and points his thumb proudly towards his chest. "I have already brought you so much trouble so this is the least I can do."

Surprised you just nod as an answer, cause he's not wrong. Treating you for breakfast is the least he could do right now, but doing it is still a kind act.

Carne disappears behind the counter to prepare your meal and shows up with the most appetizing looking [favourite food].

"Enjoy your meal miss," he kindly smiles and hands you your food before turning around to take a deep breath. "And here- UGH, is your food... sir...," Carne breaks a sweat putting the dozen steaks stacked on top of each other on the counter. "Thank you for dining with us at the Baratie," he sighs forcing a smile.

"No, thank YOU," Ace grins looking eye-level at the large tower of steak drowned in brown sauce topped with a dash of mashed potatoes.

You watch in disbelief as he carefully lifts up the plate and balances the tall tower through the crowd. His meal sure was a surprise.

"Hey, y/n! Can you watch out, so I don't crash into anyone?" he shouts over his shoulder bumping into innocent civilians.

You roll your eyes and make sure to thank Carne a second time for the food before running after the scrambly tower looking over the whole square. You manage to guide Ace through the tight crowd and find a small, kind of isolated table to sit on in between a colourful stand selling silks and fabrics from Alabasta and a dark metallic stand handmade by a wordsmith, displaying some of her weapons.

Sitting in front of you, Ace has already begun devouring his meal. Your jaw drops to the ground as you, once again, watch in disbelief as he swallows steaks whole, making the tower slowly but surely lose its stories.

He notices you staring and stops eating for a second, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"Oh, sorry for my bad manners," he says in between chewing the remaining food in his mouth.

He picks up his utensils and makes sure to wipe his mouth an extra time before going back to classily stuff his face, the exact same way as before just this time using a knife and fork.

"THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM!"

He peeks out from behind the steaks and just shrugs at your comment.

Sighing at his response you take the first bite of your own meal. As the delicious food melts in your mouth you have to pause, wondering if the magical taste is just from your endless hunger or from the otherworldly meal. As you continue to eat and your stomach slowly fills up, you realize it's the food that's just so goddamn good. Impressed you look up with wide eyes at Ace downing down his sauce.

"This is delicious!" you exclaim continuing to stuff your face almost the same way as him. "How did you know the food was gonna be this good?"

"The smell," he nods seriously and taps his nose. "I can always locate the best place for food by the smell."

"Really?" you ask kinda curious to know more about his other weird superpower.

"Nope. I'm just messing with you," he chuckles.

"oh..."

He throws his head back laughing even more at your disappointed response. "Nooo, did you actually believe me?" he teasingly asks.

"no..." you can feel your cheeks turning red.

"Now I feel bad," he grins.

"You don't look like you feel bad," you jokingly roll your eyes.

He laughs once more before continuing. "No, it's just I've been to this restaurant a looooong time ago. It's close to where I lived before," he says as he takes a large bite of a steak. "Just as tasty as it was back then."

"You're from east blue?" you ask him surprised. You kind of expected him to be from the Grand Line since not just anybody can enter here from the four seas.

"Yea, that's where I grew up."

"Wow then you must've traveled far to get here... and seen a lot," you get lost in thought for a moment thinking about how his journey to the Grand Line must've been.

Since you have spent all your life here on Fallwind, you haven't really explored anywhere else. However, to satisfy your own curiosity about the seas, you've read and researched as much as you possibly can about the outside world from the books and articles you can find here on the island. Looking up at the stand from Alabasta, you know you can answer just about any trivia about the country and visualize a pretty accurate map of the island in your head, while still never having stepped a single foot in the country. To say the least, you're pretty confident in your knowledge about the outside world, but can all this research even compare to someone who might've experienced it all firsthand?

"How is it out there?" you decide to ask him, taking another bite of the [favourite food] as you wait for him to answer.

The silence stretches a bit longer than usual, so you look back at the man in front of you to find his head face down on his plate, his arm standing uptight beside him holding a fork with a large bite of steak on it. The longer you stare at his completely still figure, the faster your heart starts to race.

Did he just die??

This bitch better not be dead after you went through so much struggle to save his ass, only for him to eat your lunch and break your window. You desperately look around, your eyes searching for someone to help, but nobody seems to have noticed him yet. Stunned you shakily tap his shoulder, checking if he really is dead.

A few painfully slow seconds pass before he suddenly shoots up, his whole face covered in mashed potatoes and brown sauce. "Huh, what is it?" he looks around confused.

Staring at him in disbelief you silently watch him wipe/ lick away the food from his face before he continues eating like nothing happened.

You shake your head to get back to your normal senses and reach under the table to kick his foot.

"Ow!" he furrows his brows at you.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU WHAT HAPPENED?" you say a bit louder than you meant to.

"HUH WHATDYOUMEAN" he answers in the same volume with a stuffed mouth.

"YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. WHY DID YOU PASS OUT?"

"I DIDN'T PASS OUT I JUST TOOK A NAP," he swallows before continuing. "WHY ARE WE SHOUTING?"

"WHY DID YOU FALL ASLEEP WHILE EATING?" you pause for a second, wanting to rephrase your question. "HOW DID YOU FALL ASLEEP WHILE EATING???"

"I DUNNO NARCOLEPSY?" he takes a quick look around. "AND I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD SHOUT ANYMORE PEOPLE ARE STARING."

"THAT'S WHY I TOLD YOU TO-" you stop yourself as you process the last part of what he said. You slowly turn to scan the area.

People were indeed staring.

You felt your cheeks start flushing at all the confused and worried expressions directed at you, so you slowly turn back around to sink down in your chair, using a napkin to hide your face. Ace continues eating his food, completely unbothered by this unwanted attention before passing out again after just a few more bites. Annoyed, you punch his head, successfully waking him up.

"I'm awake. I'm awake," he states, a bit hesitantly before continuing eating.

The rest of the meal went quite silent on your part while Ace started yapping something more about food and meat. After you both finish the amazing meal, you and Ace continue strolling around the square passing some interesting stands.

"Ooo look! That one has more food!" Ace points at another snack stand before noticing the silent side eye you give him. "I promise I won't fall asleep anymore..." he sighs.

"How did you even do that in the first place!?" you frown.

"I don't know!" he exclaims, throwing his hands out. "I just felt like napping that instant and then I napped!"

"That doesn't seem healthy!? Did you actually not sleep tonight?" you furrow your brows. "Maybe that's why?"

"I did sleep..." he says hesitantly. You raise an eyebrow. "Or at least I tried..." he sighs.

"It's not normal to fall asleep in the middle of conversation. While eating too???" you soften your gaze at him. He notices the concern on your face and laughs it off.

"It's ok, y/n. I am fine," he grabs you by your shoulders forcing you to stop walking and look him in the eyes. You raise an eyebrow and cross your arms as he continues.

"Don't worry I can take care of myself. You don't have to protect me y/n," he locks eyes with you for a moment before they trail off somewhere past you. "Look, that stand has jackets! Maybe I can get a new one" he winks dragging you to the stand. You roll your eyes slightly smirking, but let him pull you with him with just a tiny bit resistance.

The two of you continue walking around, of course not buying Ace a new jacket (it's perfect as it is) and just browsing the different stands even doing some challenges and enjoying the lovely atmosphere for a few hours.

You squint up at the cloudy sky turning pink as you take a bite of the cotton candy you just won. You and Ace competed in a water balloon throwing game. Of course you crushed him, since all the water just mysteriously vaporized from his balloons, sadly.

"Hmm it's starting to get late," you take a small bite of your cotton candy. "We should get going. We need to find a window too," you turn to Ace and see the area around his mouth covered with blue sugar. The cotton candy you won him is nowhere to be seen.

"Aww but I don't wanna leave yet," he protests with full cheeks, attempting to make a sad face.

"It's your fault we have to do this. Don't blame me," you remind him, teasingly rolling your eyes.

He quickly shuts up as he realizes you're right, just nodding sadly.

On the way out, a large green and black poster on a pole, completely in contrast with the warm tones of the festival, catches your eye.

"Performing tonight at the festival: The Longarms!" you read out loud stopping in front of the poster. "Is that a band? It sounds like a band."

"Yea I think so. Wow they have long arms-" Ace admires the poster.

"That's so cool. I haven't been to a concert in a while," you reminisce back to the first, and last concert you went to with Mila. It's starting to become some years now, so you don't remember much. However, the feeling of experiencing live music for the first time still sticks with you. You would love to go and experience it once more.

"We should go there! It says here it's free too," Ace points at the poster.

"Yea! It sounds fun!" you tilt your head smiling. "I haven't heard of the band before though."

"Me neither... What if they suck?"

A slight chuckle slips out of you before you lightly push Ace's shoulder and look around worried. "Shh, don't say stuff like that. Maybe some fans are nearby."

"If the band is good, fans wouldn't be bothered by my comment," he shrugs. "And since nobody said anything, it means they don't suck. So, let's go see them together!" he grins.

You can't help but smile at his stupidly confident grin. "Yea! Let's go togethe-" a rough shove on your back interrupts your sentence, pushing you forward into Ace's arms. Your half eaten cotton candy slips out of your fingers on the impact and down on the ground.

"Hey! Watch out!" you didn't even have time to mourn the loss of your snack before Ace frowns at the large back that pushed you.

"Huh? My bad didn't see you there," the man, a head taller than both of you, turns around revealing eyes hidden under his red bandana and a face you've really started to despise recently.

"Well, well, what do we have here," the man smirks. "The little thief, y/n," he crosses his arms over his green shirt and looks down on you.

"Fuck off Gonzo," you roll your eyes. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

"No I don't. Because you stole all my loot!" he takes a step closer. His hostile tone makes Ace protectively put his arm in front of you.

"I did not!" you shove Ace a bit to the side, wanting to properly face this crybaby. Ace obediently takes a few steps back, but he still stands close behind you.

"The treasure i stole from the pirates didn't have your name on it? Did it?" you mockingly raise an eyebrow at him. "You don't have to right to reserve treasure, especially with your lack of skill."

"HAHAHHA! You're making me laugh y/n!" he forces out a clearly fake laugh. "Just because you can swing your little sword fancily around you think you can talk like that?"

"This little sword has defeated more pirates than you ever will," you frown at him.

"Well since you're so high on yourself... let's test these skills of yours down at the training grounds and see who's really the strongest. Huh?" his tone got serious.

"I'm not gonna waste a nice evening on a weakling like you," you grab a wide eyed Ace and start walking away from the conversation, not looking to cause a scene.

"Ah I see, so you're just taking all my stuff and then running away!?" he shouts after you, but you just roll your eyes ignoring it.

"You're just pussying out of a fight. Exactly like your whore mother!"

"Excuse me?" you turn around left completely speechless at his provocative shouts. "What the fuck did you just say?"

"You heard me!" he smirks, taking another step forward with his newfound confidence.

Gonzo's uncalled-for behavior leaves you unable to react when he reaches for the grip of his sword. To your relief Ace places himself between the two of you, stopping Gonzo from coming any closer and pulling out his sword.

"Get out of my way pink boy," Gonzo looks down at Ace and tries to push him backwards, but his hands just pass straight through Ace's chest.

"Huh?" Gonzo frowns, looking down confused at his hands and takes a step back.

Ace tilts his head back, his eyes sharply piercing Gonzo from behind the shadow of his orange hat.

"Get away from her," Ace says coldly.

His voice sends shivers down your spine. It's the first time you've ever heard him seriously pissed off. Gonzo, now a bit thrown off, decides to shrug off Ace's comment and look past him to insult you one last time.

"You're letting Mr. raincoat over here take care of me instead!?" he shouts over Ace's shoulder, his loud voice making a few heads turn. "Being cowards is in your family apparently! Both you and your mother are fucking pussies!" You flinch at the last comment. Wanting to say something you open your mouth, but not a sound comes out.

Ace looks down and sighs. "Ok, that's enough buddy," he takes a step closer and pats Gonzo on the shoulder.

Gonzo's previous smug expression quickly fades into a terrified one before he suddenly loses consciousness and falls to the ground with a loud thud. The sound makes a few more people turn their heads and those already staring gasp looking up at Ace.

With blank eyes, you watch as Ace slowly walks away from the man he somehow knocked out without punching. He stops in front of you, looking past you with serious eyes, and takes off his hat and firmly putting it on top of your head.

"Let's go y/n," he gently grabs you by the shoulder and leads you away from the crowd starting to form around the fallen man.

Confused you look over your shoulder to try to get a glimpse of Gonzo, but he disappears behind the backs of people surrounding him.

You try to gaze up at Ace to take comfort in his expression, but your borrowed hat blocks the view so you can only see his pressed lips and the familiar freckles scattered around his cheek. To calm yourself down you try to take a deep breath, only for it to come out more shakily than you imagined making Ace's grip tighten around your shoulder.

"Thank you..." you softly smile up at him.

"It's nothing."

You take another shallow breath and as you glance down, a single tear rolls down your chin and drops to the ground beside you. Following it, a few more other water droplets fall, this time from the rainy clouds above you.

Seeing the sky breaking down before you do, you allow yourself to let all the emotions you so proudly kept bottled up come bubbling to the surface. The tears that so persistently kept pressing behind your eyes floods out and a sob you didn't know you held escapes your throat. It was as if that single tear that ran down your face was somehow the only thing keeping you together.

With Ace's hat laying comfortably on top of your head, shielding you from the world around and offering you a brief refuge, your silent sobs went unnoticed by everyone but the darkhaired pirate walking closely by your side, wearing a pink raincoat perfectly suited for the weather.

Chapter Text

You sigh, squinting your puffed eyes up at the dark clouds, fully covering the grey sky that was blue just a few minutes ago. The loud sound of raindrops rhythmically tapping at the short overhang you found shelter under, just a few blocks away from where the festival was held, doesn't help calming your nerves. Sitting on a wooden staircase, you shudder at a cold breeze cruising through the now empty streets to bring a moment of bitter cold to those unlucky enough to find themselves outside in this storm. Only moments ago, you enjoyed yourself bathing in the warm sunlight with the chilly breeze comfortably cooling the hot summer weather down. The whole city was outside and alive, the sound of people laughing and muttering filled the air. Now, the streets are hauntingly empty filled with only the thundering sound of several liters of water crashing down at the stone-cold ground.

That's the unpredictable Grand Line weather for you.

"Th- that's why i told you to wear the raincoat," you sniff, giving a half-smile up to Ace leaning onto the wall to the right of you.

He softly gazes down at your completely drenched ass with a slight smirk. "I appreciate it."

It's been a few minutes since you calmed down from your little breakdown. It was cut short due to the rain that started pouring down out of nowhere since you had to find shelter. Ace still continued to comfort you while leaving a respectful distance, without asking any questions. You both appreciated it and found it kind of annoying.

How much self-control does this man have? He didn't ask a single question during this whole ordeal or try to pry more about your past. He didn't give in to his curiosity once! Maybe it's because he isn't curious at all? Maybe he doesn't care about your emotions or why you were sad. Cause why would your emotions matter to him? You thought he would at least feel something for you... Or maybe... he didn't ask a question because he don't need a reason to be able to comfort you? You being sad was all the reason he needed.
You choose to believe the latter.

Anyway, all these conflicting feelings leaves you feeling like you owe him some kind of explanation.

You take a deep breath, not as quivering as it was before. "Sh- she sailed away when I was 8-" you begin shakily. "My mom..."

Ace's head turns slightly towards you. Even without doing much or saying anything you feel like you have his complete attention. It makes you both more comfortable and more nervous.

"Th- that's why he sh- shouted... those things..." you pause taking another deep breath and look down at the large stream of water flooding the drain beside your feet.

Ace keeps quiet but you notice his head slowly nodding in the corner of your eye.

"I thought I was over it- but yea, no- it still hurts," your voice breaks and tears begin pressing behind your eyes again. You quickly wipe them away with your arm before they start running. "Sorry..."

A warm touch on your back helps you fight back the tears. Ace squats down beside you and pats your back.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," his soft smile helps you breathe more calmly.

"I don't know..." you desperately throw your hands up. "If she had just- if she just had left earlier. It would've been so much easier," you pull your knees close and drop your head down while letting your words ring in the air for a moment. "No sorry, maybe it was a bit too harsh..." you shake your head and wipe away your reappearing tears.

Ace is silent for a while before speaking.

"I get where you're coming from. However-" His palm removes itself from your back causing you to curiously glance up at him from behind your hat. He seats himself more comfortably beside you and thoughtfully gazes over the empty street, carefully choosing his next words. "I don't think you should take those 8 years you had with her for granted," his calm gaze travels down meeting your red eyes and snobby nose.

You watch as water droplets drip down from his dark wet locks and onto the sympathetic smile he gives you.

"You're right," you sigh. "The time we got to spend together wasn't too bad. I'm just not in the right mindset right now to reflect on it..."

He nods understandingly.

Another cold breeze swiftly blows past you, making you shiver.

"You want my jacket?" Ace asks upon noticing, with a teasing tone.

You roll your eyes, but figuring nobody is here right now to see his tattoo, or you in that ridiculous coat, you take up on the offer.

"It's actually my jacket btw," you correct him, snatching your jacket back with a light smirk.

"Ok!" he puts his hands up in defeat. "I was about to ask if you wanted me to make a fire or something to keep you warm, but now I'm not so sure anymore..."

"Oh- wait no... I didn't mean it like that..."

Ace laughs as your previous teasing smirk turns to a desperate frown.

"No please," you jokingly plead as you zip on the jacket. "I'm really freezing to death."

He sighs at the sight of your doe eyes and overexaggerated shivers. Looking away from your pitiful self he lifts his arm, leaving room for you beside him. "C'mere."

You grin in victory and happily hop your way beside him. He places his arm around your back and starts rubbing the side of your arm.

You leave a bit of distance between the two of you, but find yourself leaning closer towards him as you slowly feel the heat return to your body and your previous worries melt away. His devil fruit really is something. Just being close to him gives you the sensation of sitting by a cozy campfire and his own presence shoos away your own concerns. For just a moment not even the uncomfortably tight and drenched clothes or the cold wind biting your ears are bothering you.

As your head falls in closer, you feel the brim of Ace's hat, on top of your head, hit his face.

"Oh sorry. Did my hat poke you in the eye?" you lean away from him to take a proper look at his face.

"No, it's alright," he looks back at you. "And it's actually my hat btw," he says mockingly.

Your shoulders drop and you can't help but chuckle at the irony. "Yea you're right sorry," you sigh in defeat. "Do you want it back?" You lift your hand up to take it off, but he stops it.

"Nah, you can keep it for now," his eyes meet yours. "I like the way it looks on you."

You're taken aback by his compliment and feel your cheeks slightly flush. Somehow you still managed to keep your cool. "What's with the compliments?" you smirk up at him.

He rolls his eyes. "No... That's when you say: 'Thank you Ace! You are so kind! Lending me a jacket and your cool hat while keeping me warm. Even buying food for me!' Not whatever you just said now."

"My bad, my bad," you laugh. "You're right again sorry. Thanks Ace, I appreciate the compliment."

A satisfied smile appears on his face before he continues to look over the empty street and the never stopping rain. You decide to observe the town too, as well as enjoying his warm company.

"Do you have parents?" the stupid question just slips out of your tongue in an attempt to make the mood more lighthearted.

A slight smirk appears on his face. "Yea. Yea I do."

You breathe out a sigh of relief, glad he just went on with the question.

"He's my captain," Ace straightens his back [as you should too] and you glimpse a spark in his eyes.

"Your dad is your captain?" you raise an eyebrow. "How does that family dynamic work?" you ask him in a light tone resting your head in your palm.

"His whole crew is his family! So, it works pretty well," Ace grins and leans forward. "The old man treats anyone who joins the crew like they're his own children. And even though me and him had a... *ahem* rough start, he still took me in and treated me like one of his own. Even before I actually joined the crew."

"So, he's like a father figure to you all?"

"Yea, I guess. It feels more real than any parent connection I've had."

You nod. You can feel the respect Ace have of this man radiating off him. He must admire his captain, or dad, a lot if he talks so highly off him. You start to imagine what kind of pirate he is. What kind of things he must've done to earn so much respect from his fellow crewmates that they would consider him their own father.

"He sounds like a great guy," you conclude.

"Yea he is! He cares for his whole crew! He also helps islands who don't have anybody who cares for them. Which is why he will arriv-" Ace stops himself.

"Hm? What is it?"

"Um... nothing."

You raise an eyebrow. "That's incredibly suspicious."

"It's just- umm... I don't want to spoil anything."

You shrug. "Alright."

Another silence sets and you're the first one to talk again.

"I never had a father figure like that," you admit. "My own dad died before I was born. So I never got to know him. I don't even know anything about him."

He looks at you concerned. "Nothing?"

"Nope," you scoff. "Not a name. Not a face."

"Your mom never talked about him?"

"She wasn't exactly the talkative kind. Especially not about him," you shudder just thinking about it.

"I see..." he nods.

"Still I somehow find myself thinking about him," you sigh. "And wondering what kind of person he is."

"Why do you want to know so much about him?"

"He's my dad i guess. I care about him."

"Why?" Ace frowns. "He wasn't there for you. Isn't that enough reason for you to at least slightly dislike him? Not start to care for him."

"Maybe it should be. But I don't still can't convince myself to hate him," you shrug. "I just wished I knew something about him. Like just his name is enough."

"But what if he was a bad guy. Like not good at all."

"Like the Pirate King?" you raise an eyebrow teasingly.

"For example."

You gaze ahead thoughtfully. "Not like that would be possible tho," you shrug. "I was born two years after he died. No way a human can hold in a baby for that long..."

Ace just raises his eyebrows and shrugs while you think about his question for a while.

Is the feeling of an empty legacy really worth to hide the fact that your father was comparable to the devil? A truth so ugly that you're doomed for a whole life filled with unanswered questions and such a grand part of you completely unknown?

Right now you would probably give anything just to find out a small detail about you history. Something about your dad, about mom and why she left or just anything about your family and why they couldn't love you. Like if you found out today, that your dad was an evil man who only created chaos and death everywhere he went, what would you do? Would it make you feel fulfilled? Will you make up for all the bad things he's done? Would people turn on you because of him? Maybe you should just keep it a secret and silently aim to undo all the bad things he's done, if possible. What do you even do in such a situation. Information like that might completely overwhelm you and render you frozen, unable to do anything.

However right now, your thirst for knowledge is stronger than the fear of the slight chance that you might wound up being ashamed of your dad.

"Even if my dad is this terrible guy..." you face Ace. "Like Gol D. Roger was. I would rather know that, than not know anything at all," you conclude.

"But what if the whole world knew it too? That you were the child of an evil man?" Ace's eyes lights up curiously, like he have been searching for far too long about it and somehow you knew the answer.

You tilt your head thinking about it for another second before you speak. "Why should I care about that? I'm not my dad," your voice is steady as you lock eyes with the freckled man beside you. "And if the world thinks I am, I'll just prove them wrong."

A slight smirk appears in the corner of his lips. Ace lets your words hang in the air for a moment and leaves your piercing gaze to look outwards.

"That's what I would've done too..." he mutters quietly, almost like the only one meant to hear it is himself.

You tilt your head and gaze softly at the thoughtful man, dying to know what goes on in his mind. This conversation only left you with more questions than it gave answers, but you can't say you mind it. It felt like a preview of who this mysterious pirate Portgas D. Ace might be. Just a slight glimpse of his past and what other secrets he migh-

"WOOOHOOOO!" Ace jumps up shooting his arms to the sky, making you flinch and completely disturbing your trail of thoughts. "The rain has stopped!" he grins.

You look up at him, wide eyed and at the verge of a heart attack. It is true what he said though, the rain has calmed down. The previous aggressive taps on the roof are now several times gentler and the river running down beside you feet and down the drain is now just a small stream. You were so busy admiring his mysterious persona you didn't even notice. That image of him is slightly ruined now though.

You sigh, not completely over how depressed he looked just for a moment. "You ok?" you softly gaze at him as you stand up.

He nods. "Never felt better! Let's get going to the next stop!"

You give him a faint smile, and continue the conversation as he wants. "We're going to the post office. That's where we can put in an order for a new window."

"Post office! Nice!"

"It's by the shore, that way," you point down the street. "I know the owner's daughter so I might get a discount as well."

"Well then let's keep going!" Ace was about to march away before he paused in the middle of his movement to turn back to you. "But are you ok?"

"Yes I am," you give him a smile. "Thanks to you,"

He firmly nods his head. As you watch him continue marching forward you are reminded of how he stood up for you today.

"Oh, btw!" you catch up to him. "How did you knock out Gonzo before? You didn't do anything to him and he just fell over."

"Conquerors Haki," he smiles proudly.

Your eyes light up. You've read about Haki before, but never actually witnessed anybody use it. Now it also hits you just how powerful the idiot walking beside you is.

"Really? You have mastered conquerors Haki?" you grin. "You can knock out people with just your presence?"

"It's not that surprising, is it?" he raises an eyebrow. "I better be able to take out a weakling like Gonzo."

"No, no! It's just, I've never seen it be used before," you say in awe. You remember trying to unlock conquerors Haki when you were just a kid and first heard about it. Staring contests with a bunch of squirrels you held captive and all that. Just children stuff. Of course you didn't make any progress. But to now see a guy that has fully mastered your own dream? You can barely believe it.

"Really?" he grins. "Hope I gave you a nice demonstration."

"Have you mastered armament Haki and observation Haki too?" you basically fangirl over his abilities right now and he seems to enjoy getting showered by this attention.

"Yea," he scratches his neck grinning widely. "Haki is kind of a must have in the New World, it's no big deal," he shrugs, obviously fishing for more compliments.

Of course you notice his clear ego boost, so the admiration in your eyes is quickly switches to a cold stare.

He spots your unimpressed gaze and coughs awkwardly. "Umm, I mean having at least one Haki unlocked is good enough for the seas though."

"Looks like I'm not going out there for a while then," you sigh.

"Huh, why?"

"I don't have Haki."

"Yes you do?" he furrows his eyebrows.

You tilt your head frowning at him. "Uhhh, no?"

"Uhhh, yes," he mocks you. "You possess armament Haki, you know?"

You stare blankly at him.

"How else are you able to punch a man made out of fire?" he gestures down on himself.

You blink twice, continuing to stare at him for a moment, before the realization hits.

"HOLY SHIT I CAN USE HAKI," you gasp looking down on your fist. "SINCE WHEN?" you look back up at Ace with wide eyes.

He throws his head back laughing. "You didn't know?" he grins.

You shake your head, completely in disbelief. "DID MY TRAINING AS A KID REALLY PAY OFF? NO WAY."

Ace just shrugs, still chuckling at your unawareness.

You look down on your fist again and back up at Ace once more, before making a split-second decision to throw a punch at him.

Him, being in the middle of a laugh, is taken off guard and accepts the punch to his gut.

"OW?" he covers his stomach and looks up at you with eyes filled with a mix of anger, sadness, confusion and betrayal.

Realizing what you've done you gasp. "Oh shit sorry!" you quickly run to his aid, gritting your teeth. "Just wanted to make sure..." you awkwardly motion your hands around him trying to find a way to help before settling on patting his head.

He shakes his head chuckling. "So you really didn't know you had Haki huh?"

"Nope," you shake your head. "I remember I tried to unlock it as a kid, but I really doubt I actually did it then," you try to think back to when you possibly could've unlocked it. "It was probably some time when I fought against a strong pirate."

"Yea, it's often in dire situations when you unlock the true potential of your powers," Ace confirms.

"Hmm, interesting viewpoint."

"Thanks, it's true though" he grins.

The two of you continue walking down the road in silence again, before you hear him muttering something.

"Did you really think this was a nice evening?"

"Hm?"

"What you said to Gonzo..." he coughs making his voice a bit more clear. "That you didn't want him to ruin a nice evening. Did you really think so?"

"Oh, yea," you blush slightly. "I think this is a nice evening."

He nods and tries to avoid your eyes, but you catch him smiling. "I- also think it is nice."

Chapter Text

Standing on the steps up to the front door of the post office, you and Ace gaze up at the old building placed on the wharf. The red paint on the walls is slowly starting to flake off, exposing the splintered brown planks under. The black tiles on the slanted roof are stubbornly hanging on, but you catch a glimpse of some remains in front of the window that must've fallen off. Years of wear and tear from the unforgiving shore weather is really starting to show on the poor old office. Not like you could say the other buildings beside it looks any better.

Just with your luck, the previous bad weather has returned and you get the full experience of what this building had to withstand for decades, as the wind and sea have teamed up to make your visit here as unpleasant as possible. Behind you the waves crash against the pier, splashing your boots and already soaked pants while the howling wind whips your hair to your face and ensures that your exposed skin doesn't miss a single second of the bitter cold. Shivering you gaze at Ace standing beside you, completely unbothered as he admires the old building. He seems to handle the coast weather surprisingly well, considering his whole upper body is exposed. Moments like these really makes you wish you were made out of fire too.

You pull your jacket tighter as you take a peek inside the large smudged window, framed by white beams. The long room is surrounded by roof-high shelves filled to the brim with letters and packages covering every usable wall. The comfy, but worn out, leather chair behind the usually manned counter in the back of the room is now suspiciously empty. You frown trying to catch a glimpse of anyone inside but give up, taking a few steps back.

"Is it closed?" Ace presses his face against the glass, blocking out the light with his hands to get a better view of the interior.

You sigh dragging him away by the shoulder from the now fogged up window.

"The lights are on, so I hope not," you continue gazing inside the barely lit up room but catch a glimpse of hot pink reflecting on the window. "And before I forget..." you slip off the raincoat and hand it back to Ace, feeling the wind creep up under your skin.

"Do I really have to?" he sighs. "It's so small..."

"Gotta cover up that giant pirate sign on your back I'm afraid," you pat his back before turning around to face the door. "Now let's find out if they're still open," you let out a short breath and step up the stairs leading to the front door.

As you gently press down the door handle, the familiar sound of a bell merrily rings from above you as the door creaks open. Welcoming you into the cozy office, a heat wave crashes into your face, instantly vaporizing the cold raindrops on your skin. A rather interesting welcome, but you appreciate being able to flee from the raging storm outside.

"I'm coming! Give me a second!" a light muffled voice sounds, coming from the slightly open door behind the counter.

"Not closed," Ace proudly smiles.

You take a few gentle steps inside, not wanting to dirty the vintage wool rugs on the floor, with Ace following up closely behind you. The smell of freshly opened books fills the air around you as you take in the cottage-like interior of the room. Your eyes travels to the empty cushioned chair behind the desk, creases of the leather flaking off it's backrest from all the time it has served here. Your eyes continue wandering to all the dusty letters overflowing from the half-opened drawers on the counter. They only leave you wondering what kind of adventures and experiences is written down on them.

Letters and writings are some of the most valuable ways to learn and preserve history. You're a firm believer of caring for even the most trivial written exchanges between people, because if not we might end up creating another void century. Zero written information from a whole decade with the only thing remaining a few stones covered in a dead language nobody speaks. A historians worst nightmare. That is why you respect places like post offices so much, they take care of these minor experiences. This whole office will probably be as valuable as a whole library for future archeologists.

Your thoughts are interrupted by a smile forming on your face as a familiar red-haired girl, around your age, wearing a long black dress hurriedly emerges from the backrooms, too busy to even glance up at you and Ace. She is carrying a large load of boxes stacked on top of each other and let's out a sigh as she drops them down on the counter in front of you.

"Sorry we're kinda busy today-" she wipes away the sweat running down on her forehead and tightens her low ponytail before her red eyes finally travels up, meeting your expecting gaze. "Y/N!" she nearly jumps over the counter in excitement to embrace you.

"Nice to see you too Medri," you tightly hug her back. "I'm sorry are we interrupting?"

"No, no. I always have time for you," Medri warmly smiles. "I haven't seen you in a minute, how are you?"

"I'm good. Just been a bit busy," you sigh. "I'm sorry for not visiting."

"It's alright. I know how hard it can be to be the peacekeeper of this island," she proudly studies her old friend for a second, before her eyes trail past you noticing Ace in the back.

"Hm, and who's disss~" she grins and gives you the look.

You raise an eyebrow. "This is Ace," you say and motion towards him. "He's... a friend of mine. I met him a few days ago."

She skeptically analyzes, staring him up and down making him break a sweat. You find yourself kind of enjoying watching his usually proud facade shatter at her firm gaze for a few seconds.

"Nice jacket," she finally speaks. "I am Medri, also... a friend of y/n," you ignore the discreet wink she gives you. "I haven't seen you here before, are you a merchant?"

"More like a sailor," you add in.

"Umm, yea. You could say that..." Ace scratches his neck. "Nice to meet you too, Medri," he bows his head slightly down.

Medri raises an eyebrow at his unusually formal behavior. She shortly nods before grabbing your arm and dragging you to the counter, leaving Ace standing awkwardly behind.

"So what are you here for today?" she pulls out a pen and starts scribbling down some words.

"Our window broke so we're here to put in an order," you explain.

Medri pauses for a second and raises an eyebrow. "Can't C.H. [community house] get it done for you?"

"Well technically yes..." you drag out the silence to come up with an excuse. "But it was kinda my fault it broke," you give Ace a cold side-eye hoping he could physically feel it, even with your back turned against him.

"Ah I see," she continues writing. "If we put in an order now, we can get it fixed sometime this week. You can pay later, of course. Just sign here."

"Perfect!" you smile and take the pen from her.

Medri stretches her neck eyeing somewhere behind you. Once you're done writing she waves at you to follow her. "Just- join me in the backroom for a second."

"Umm ok," you narrow your eyes before mouthing back at Ace for him to wait here. He gives you a thumbs up before he suddenly gets caught up studying the super interesting shelf behind him.

You walk into the cramped backroom, just as messy as the main area outside. You have to navigate through a bunch of half opened drawers, unable to fully close them because of all the stuff poking out, to get enough room for Medri to gently close the door behind you. She slowly turns around, a neutral expression luminating her face.

"So why did you pull me back here?" you ask tilting your head slightly, careful not to bump your head into a shelf. The serious atmosphere she makes it out to be is keeping you on your toes.

"Y/n..." she starts off in a deep tone. "...Why didn't you tell me you have a boyfriend!?" she grins, barely containing a giggle.

Taken aback, your cheeks immediately flush and your jaw hits the floor. "What, no- it's not like tha-" a few words stumble out.

"And he's so cute too!" she interrupts loudly. "His freckles omg, and have you seen his abs?"

"Yes- I mean no! Medri what are you talking about!?" you shush her, worriedly looking back at the door, wondering how soundproof it really is. You shake your head trying to make sense of what she just said. "Ace is not my boyfriend!" you whisper aggressively.

She doesn't seem to take a hint and continues in her previous volume. "Then why are you hanging around with some random sailorboy if nothing is going on?"

"Cause well-" again you struggle to explain yourself. "He owes me... something..." you manage to mumble out.

Medri crosses her arms. "Sureee..."

"It's true!"

"Well say whatever you want," she scoffs. "I think you look cute together."

"Ugh Medri," you sigh.

"What? It's true!" she teases.

Unimpressed, you roll your eyes. "Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

"Uhhhh..." this time she struggles to find the right words. "Of course not! I also wanted to see my girl again. How's the patrols going?" she raises her arms coming in for another hug.

You smirk at her obvious attempt at turning the situation around, but give in, hugging her back.

"It's alright... Just late nights are starting to take a toll," you sigh not letting completely go of her. "But I'm free tonight and tomorrow! I still want to use that time training though."

"Y/n, you work so hard. Remember to take care of yourself too," her eyes soften.

"It's ok, Medri. I'm fine," you comfort her. "I'm not gonna do this forever, it's just a short rough period right now," you attempt to speak in a light manner, but deep down you're still concerned about how short this little 'rough period' really is. The long nights are really starting to catch up with you, and it's not like the attacks are occurring less.

"You sure?"

"Yea..."

She tilts her head, not convinced by your act, "Has the community house recruited anyone new recently?"

"No..." you hesitantly say. "We barely have enough to feed the ones already living here. You know we can't afford to raise, let alone train, anybody else."

"Yea, I know... How is it going to be with your workload then?" she gives you a concerned smile. "I remember back when Gonzo was leading the patrols. He had double as many folks as you have now."

"I- I'm not sure what's going to happen," you admit. "The C.H. really needs more financial support if we want to continue doing this. If we want to keep Fallwind safe."

"Yea, at this point maybe it's better to suck it up and gather enough money for the celestial tribute," Medri chuckles halfheartedly.

"No," you interrupt her. "We're not giving a single berry to those corrupt people," you shudder just thinking about them. "The marines didn't help us when we needed them the most... so I won't put my trust in them now, or accept help from them. Ever."

Your sharp gaze meets her soft eyes and you realize maybe you took her joke a bit too seriously.

"Would it be so bad tho..?" she sighs. "Getting some heavy weight lifted off your shoulders and maybe you can finally manage to leave-"

"But I like it here..." you lightly smile. "I don't want to leave yet. The seas are dangerous you know... and maybe- maybe I'm not ready, I'm probably not ready. How would I even survive out there? Devil fruit users left and right. And- and who's going to take care of Mila-?"

"I know..." she smiles, stopping your rambling. "There's... a lot going on... but you can't wait forever till the perfect moment arrives. Time flies... and you'll achieve nothing by staying here..."

"I'm achieving peace by staying here," you narrow your eyes. "That's not nothing."

Medri sighs. "Y/n, what I'm saying is that you're far too promising to waste your life here on Fallwind," the lighthearted tone from earlier fades away.

You stay silent, fixing your eyes elsewhere to avoid her piercing gaze.

Medri breaks the silence with another deep sigh, and shakes her head softly before stepping in closer to embrace you once more. You do not resist as she hugs you tightly, shielding you from the weight of the harsh reality.

After a while she slowly let's go of you to check if you are willing to meet her eyes yet. This time you are.

"Let's go back," she gently brushes a hairlock away from your face.

You nod, blinking away a tear.

She tilts her head and the warm smile on her face slowly transforms to a light smirk, "Yea we better get moving. I don't want to keep your boyfriend waiting."

"Not my boyfriend!" you sniff, slightly chuckling.

She smirks back up at you, teasingly boxing your shoulder. You will forever be amazed by how smoothly Medri can change the mood of a conversation.

"We'll see," she smirks.

You roll your eyes as Medri opens the door for you, revealing Ace in the exact same place you left him, still staring at the same super interesting shelf.

Chapter Text

"HAHAH NO WAY," Medri almost falls off the chair laughing.

"YEA I KNOW! And that's when Juliette-"

"Umm, I hate to interrupt you two... but it's getting kinda late."

You stop mid-sentence to frown at Ace, but see him gesturing out the window where the sun has finally set, revealing the dark night sky and glistening waves reflecting the crescent moon. Realizing that the short goodbye you were supposed to have with Medri quickly turned into a long tea session, you hurriedly glance at the clock hanging above the front door and see it's way past 7.

"Shit, you're right. We should probably leave."

"Noooo, already?" Medri sighs as you stand up. "You know you don't have to worry about overstaying? You're always welcome here."

"Aw thanks, Medri!" her heartwarming comments always brings a smile on your face. "I would love to stay, really. But we kinda have to go if we wanna make it."

"Make it to what?" her eyes light up with curiosity and you realize you've slipped up a bit too much.

"To the concert!" Ace jumps in resting his arm on your shoulder. "Some band called The Longarms is playing at the town square tonight!"

"You two are going to a concert... together?" Medri arches an eyebrow.

"Yep, we decided to go after seeing a poster of them when we were at the festival," Ace nods.

"You two went to the festival... together?" she glances back and forth between Ace and you before settling her eyes at you, giving you the look again.

"Yea..." you avoid her piercing eyes as you try to hide the blush spreading across your cheeks.

"Well, then I won't keep you up," she smirks as she lifts her hands up in defeat. "Have fun!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to just leave so sudden..."

"Nah, it's alright. Just make sure to visit soon."

"Of course I will!" you hug her goodbye. "I'll see you around."

"You better!" she squeezes you tightly before she leans her head over to whisper in your ear. "But also wtf? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't tell you because it's nothing!" you whisper a bit more loudly back.

"Mhmm sure..." she finally let's go of you. "Nice meeting you, Ace!" she waves over your shoulder to Ace as he opens the front door, letting in the cool, evening breeze. "Take care of y/n for me, ok?"

"Of course," he nods shortly and waves back.

You give her one last frown, which she answers by winking, and you resist the urge to jump out the window, before finding peace and walk out the door Ace holds for you.

The first steps outside again are quite refreshing, making you shake away the embarrassment of this encounter. The clouds are finally starting to clear from the night sky and the previously bitter wind is now only a gentle breeze lightly brushing your skin. Curious about the previous pouring rain you reach out your hand past the roof above you. To your relief, not a single raindrop touches your skin and the only water remaining from the storm is running down the slanted roofs and down the drain.

You grin happily as you jump down on the dock to enjoy the calm weather.

"So, new window this week?" Ace walks up behind you.

"Yep!" you let out a sigh of relief. "No more windy nights."

"Again, sorry 'bout that..." he avoids your eyes. "But don't worry, I'll cover it."

" I know," you faintly smirk studying his guilty posture.

"And Medri seems cool though," he smiles. "But idk about that jacket comment..." he fiddles with his collar.

"What do you mean?! It is a nice jacket," you chuckle while lightly punching his shoulder. "And it suits you pretty well."

"Of course it does. I mean, what doesn't suit me?" he playfully grins.

You roll your eyes. "Maybe laying face-down and half-dead at the shore?"

"Nobody's perfect," he shrugs.

"Anyway, the concert!" you change the subject. "I'm looking forward to it!"

"Same!" Ace grins "It's a great way to end a successful day, if you ask me," he stretches his arms up to the glistening night sky.

"We are kinda late tho. Sorry about that," your gaze travels across the stars lighting up the dark alleyway. "Didn't the concert start at 7? And when do you think it ends? I also really want to eat something too... I'm starving."

"SAME," he groans holding around his stomach. "We can grab something quick on our way there. I have a few berry left so dinner on me!" he points a finger gun at you with a grin spread across his face.

You can't help but match his excitement. "I won't say no to free food!"

"Also, there's no way we are that late to the concert. Bands are always late. And we probably won't get front row seats, but it's alright. Like, how many do you actually think would show up? I mean there's barely any people in this town! And nobody's even heard of that band before."

"I guess you're right," you shrug. "We'll manage."

"See, no need to worry. Let's go get some food!"

You thought the festival was packed previously today, but as you gaze over the vast oceans of heads stretching from outside the entrance, where you're standing, to past the endless rows of stands, it seems like the whole island has showed up tonight just to see The Longarms perform. Taking a bite of your newly acquired [favourite dinner], your shoulders drop as you realize it's hopeless to even try fighting your way through the dense crowd rocking out.

"'NO NEED TO WORRY', HUH?" your shouting is barely audible over the piercing screams and loud music. "IS THERE EVEN ANY ROOM FOR US HERE?"

"I'M NOT SURE..." Ace takes a bite of the third hot dog he's eaten on the way here. "OOO LOOK THEY REALLY DO HAVE LONGARMS!"

You lightly box his shoulder, getting him back on topic.

"CAN YOU EVEN SEE ANYTHING Y/N?" he asks.

You struggle on your tip toes and get a tiny glimpse of the band in the distance. "BARELY..." you sigh.

Ace signals for you to come closer as he moves away from the entrance and the crowd.

"I can get you to the front row-" he offers once you're far enough away from the deafening shouts and ringing bass.

"NO!" you respond a bit too quickly. "Uhh, I mean, no thanks. I'm alright."

He laughs once he notices your worried expression. "Okay, I may have not given you the best first impression with my traveling skills..."

You raise an eyebrow.

"-but seriously. I can get us up on a roof nearby or something. From up there even your shortass can see what's going on."

You roll your eyes at his cheeky comment, but surprisingly his idea doesn't sound too bad... for once. "That- that actually sounds nice," you hold chin.

"So, yes?" he raises an eyebrow, a tiny smile hopefully lingering on his lips.

"Yea let's do it," you nod.

"Hold my hot dog," he whips out his hand, forcing his hot dog into your arms. You accept the food and follow him as he moves to an even more secluded area.

"Which roof looks nicest...?" he mumbles as he stops by a lamppost to stretch his legs.

Your gaze traveling across the tall buildings eventually meets his eyes and you realize he was waiting for you to answer the question this whole time. "Oh! Umm... I don't know. I haven't spent a lot of time on the roofs..."

"That one over there seems comfy," he nods towards a red building overlooking the whole festival.

Its gray slanted roof has a wide ridge spacious enough for a few people. From up there you can most definitely have a great view of the concert and maybe even the rest of the town as well.

"I like it," you tilt your head studying it.

Ace grins at you satisfied. "Then, without further ado..." he doesn't hesitate as he scoops you up the second time since you've met.

You barely manage to clutch around his neck before he sends you out flying. Opposed to your first time traveling with Ace-Airlines, you now dare to open your eyes and watch as the ground beneath you gets smaller and a bright trail of flames follows the arch of Ace's leap. You can't help but wonder how you missed such a large detail the last time. Especially when the heath from the fire brushes against your cheek. You squeeze your eyes shut once the wind gets too strong and the top of the tall lampposts are in your field of view. It's first when Ace softly lands on the ridge and gently puts you down on your feet again that you hesitantly open your eyes and let go off him.

"Wow..." despite living in this town your whole life, you've never seen Kariko from this point of view.

Your gaze travels over the dark roofs and down through the empty streets. The beautiful scenery of dimly lit windows erases the line in the horizon between the town and the glistering stars above. You've never really liked the cold night as it usually feels limiting and hides unwanting surprises. However seeing everything from this perspective gives you a certain comfort and predictability. What would usually be nestled in the shadows at the end of an alley can easily be spotted from way up here. You take a deep breath, enjoying the sight for another moment.

"Y/n..."

Ace's soft voice startles you, and you quickly turn to see him standing closer than expected. His black hair blends in with the dark night-sky behind him, reminding you of when you first met him. Your gaze ends up at his eyes, only to see that they're not staring into yours, but have rather traveled down on your face and body before stopping, fixed at something.

"Can I get my hot dog back?"

"Oh, umm. Yea, of course..."

He happily accepts his food and plops down at the edge of the ridge, dangling his feet over the sudden drop. You let out a breath you held and watch as he swallows the hotdog whole before taking off the raincoat and neatly fold it beside him.

"I don't have to wear it up here, do I?"

"No, you're good."

He quickly nods at you before going back to fold and enjoy the vibrant scenery of the concert down below. You gently sit down beside him, not as close to the edge as he is and take in the view as well, letting the delightful smell of [favourite dinner] fill up the air.

"See now you can see their long arms too!" he excitedly points down at the band. "They remind me of Luffy. He stretches his arms even farther tho. It's more like this!" he puffs his chest and stretches his arms and legs out as far as he can.

"Huh, what do you mean?" you take a bite of your food.

"Oh, I didn't tell you? Luffy also ate a devil fruit. The gomu gomu no mi! It makes him a rubber man so he can stretch his limbs really far."

"Both you and Luffy ate devil fruits? I can't imagine the trouble you guys must've gotten into," you teasingly grin.

"Yep! We were troublesome kids," he returns your smile. "But he was the only one with abilities when we were young. I got mine after I set sail. I was quite the handful tho-"

"Don't worry. I don't doubt it."

"And even without a devil fruit, I still beat Luffy's ass."

"You better have! We can't have anyone messing up the older sibling reputation!"

"Of course not! I would never disappoint the council like that." he chuckles. "Luffy got no chance back then, and he definitely won't win against me now either."

You chuckle before gazing down at the band again. "I doubt the Longarms ate the gomu gomu no mi tho."

"Yea, it's weird how people can look so different without any weird abilities. Like how could anyone have so long arms?"

"Well, I'm assuming by the band name that they're from the Longarm tribe. That tribe is known for having an extra joint, giving them a second elbow and making their arms abnormally long. That extra elbow is called friend elbow. I remember it bc it's like the lonely elbow got an extra friend. The longarm tribe also has distant cousin tribes, if you want to call them that, like the Longleg tribe with extra long legs. They live together on Totto Island, in Big Mom's territory I believe. So they must've traveled far to-" you lock eyes with Ace in time to see the blank look he gives you before immediately turning away with flushed cheeks.

How long have you been rambling for? Why did you go off for so long about a topic he doesn't even care about? He probably didn't even hear shit of what you said either.

"Sorr-"

"That's so cool tho!" his eyes light up. "I would love for my elbow to have a friend..." he sighs.

You whip your head around and see him studying his own arm with a discouraged face. His comment took you by surprise, making it impossible to stop a smile from forming and your heart from fluttering a bit.

"But I could never live in Big Mom's territory so I'm glad I only have one elbow!"

"Uh, yea same..." you shyly look away again.

"Hey y/n, how do you know so much about..." he takes a minute to find the right word. "...stuff?"

"I read a lot," you smile. Ace leans in, showing how you have his full attention. "Especially books about history and geography. And to be fair, I don't really know that much about stuff. I have a very limited access to books and most of them are probably censored in some way by the World Government. So i don't know if I'm such a reliable source."

"Why do you care to read so much?"

"Well, I can't go out and explore the world physically. So, I'm exploring it through books!"

"Huh, why can't you explore?" he tilts his head in confusion.

"I can't leave Fallwind," you shrug. "Someone has to stay and protect the island."

He stays quiet for a while, taking in the view of the town and your words.

"Is it your dream to go on an adventure around the world?" he finally asks.

"I mean, if you put it like that then yea," you pause to think about it for a second. "Or maybe it's more like; to learn about the world. Freely research the restricted topics I can't do here and learn about history through experiencing it and not just a book."

"Hm," he gazes out thoughtfully.

"But I mean, it's just a silly dream. Like I'm fine here! My family, my friends, my job, my whole life is on this island. I don't really mind staying," you gaze out over the festival as well, but can see in the corner of your eye that he's turned to study you.

He is doubting your words, you can feel it. But it is the truth! You don't mind staying here at Fallwind. Since the situation calls for it, you have accepted your fate. And frankly, it could've been much worse. You're happy here on Fallwind, there is no need for you to go out exploring.

"I guess you want to be a pirate then," he comfortably leans back giving you a slight smirk.

"No?! What makes you say that?" you frown at him.

"Your dream is to roam around the seas while defying the world government by studying forbidden knowledge. Right?" he raises an eyebrow.

"I mean yes... but no! That's not what pirates are like."

"What are pirates like then?"

"Well, they're thieves who steal from people who can't defend themselves and only think about their own wellbeing. They leave people they don't need in the dust."

"I'm a pirate. Do you think I'm like that?"

You pause for a second. Why did you say that to his face? Of course Ace isn't like that, or at least you haven't seen him act like that. He has saved you and even treated you to food! Your whole town would've been burned to the ground ages ago if he even slightly resembled the previous pirates you've encountered. He's nothing like a pirate, quite the opposite actually. But he still claims he's a pirate like them?

"No..."

He doesn't try to hide the satisfied grin emerging on his face.

The current song fades away and a screeching noise sounds as the vocalist grabs the microphone.

"It's been a pleasure performing here for you today!" he's met with a loud applause from the crowd. "Sadly, our show is coming to an end... so for our final song...! We are dedicating it to all the lovebirds out there! Go grab a partner and dance!"

As the slow music drifts through the air, a bittersweet feeling settles in your chest. Down by the stage, people start gravitating towards each other while their distant conversations and laughter blend seamlessly in with the soft melody drifting through the streets. You rest your head in your hands while longingly gazing over the large crowd. A chill breeze blows by, sending a shiver down your spine and forcing you to pull your clothes tighter. It seemed like the night only would get colder from now on, but a light tap on your shoulder proves you wrong by instantly erasing the bitter wind around you.

As you turn around, your gaze first lands on a hand steadily extended towards you. The moonlight illuminating its skin guides your eyes upward to the familiar freckled face you've spent a lot of time looking at recently. A slight smile curls up the corner of his lips as he hopefully gazes down at you, his eyes patiently waiting for you to answer a question that hasn't been spoken yet.

"Do you wanna dance?" Ace's piercing eyes stare into yours.

You are left with your mouth agape and unable to form a clear answer. He wants to dance with you even after what you said? You were even too caught up in your own thoughts to notice how he had moved so smoothly up behind you.

As if your body suddenly has gotten its own free will, your hand lifts itself up to his, answering the question your tongue couldn't.

Ace swoops you up as you accept his hand, pulling you closer. His other hand places itself firmly on your lower back, barely leaving any breathing room between the two of you. The cold wind brushing harshly against your skin no longer bothers you as his tender touch spreads his warmth across your back and down your spine.

'Then why are you hanging around with some random sailorboy if nothing is going on?'

Your cheeks blush as you remember Medri's words. Seeing as you're about to dance with this 'random sailorboy', you can't help but wonder maybe there was some truth in them...

Wait... I'm about to dance?

But I can't dance...

You take a panicked step back on the ridge that suddenly feels incredibly narrow.

"Umm, I have never really danced before..." you stutter out.

"Don't worry, just follow my lead," he smiles reassuringly, not letting go of you. "First put your hand here on my shoulder..."

His persistence puts a light smirk on your face, so you decide to do as he says for now and rest your free hand on his shoulder.

"Then you can take a step forward with your right foot as I move my left foot back..."

He continues guiding you through the music flowing in the dark night while you try your best to keep up. You remain insecure about your stiff posture and can't help but occasionally take a peek down at the 20-meter drop, only a single misstep away from you. In the need to break the building tension, you start a conversation.

"Where did you learn to dance?" you tilt your head. "I didn't know there were dance classes out at sea," you cheekily add to bring in a lighthearted mood.

He rolls his eyes. "A better question is, how have you not learned to dance?" he matches your cheekiness.

"Well, you know... I've been busy fighting off pirates and protecting this city," you scoff, playfully rolling your eyes at him. "And being an orphan living on the streets isn't the most effective way to learn dance moves."

"I am an orphan too, remember? So, no excuses!"

You open your mouth, about to make another comment, but Ace interrupts you by spontaneously twirling you around, catching you off guard. The world spins around while you desperately grab after the air trying to find something to hold on to. As dozens of different scenarios of you falling off the edge plays in your mind, your frantically flailing arms finally get a hold of Ace again. Once your coordination returns, your panic quickly vanishes, fading to anger directed at the freckled man before you.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU? WHY DID YOU DO THAT?" you harshly shove him away as you nervously glance at the drop beside you. "I COULD'VE FALLEN OFF."

"No, you wouldn't," his words roll of his tongue so easily, not wavering at all. "I got you."

The large grin he gives you throws you off. Despite being pushed away and shouted at, he's completely unfazed. The confidence he radiates and puts into his words makes you want to put your trust in him... Or you feel like you should put your trust in him. Like he said, he got you. So why doubt it?

Feeling conflicted by your thoughts and emotions, the only option remaining is punching his shoulder.

"Ow?"

You take a quick step forward to grab his hand again, going back to the starting position he showed you without meeting his eyes.

"Just don't do it again," you mumble.

He hesitates for a second before fully accepting your hand and, like it never left, his other hand places itself perfectly around your waist, making you feel a bit more at ease.

"I'm sorry if it frightened you. It wasn't my intention," his soothing voice allows you to catch your breath.

"I wasn't frightened... what are you talking about..." you try lightening the mood, still not looking in his direction.

"Whatever you say, miss."

He quickly eases into the correct steps again and you follow shortly after, while the music waltzes through the air. You feel your previous awkward movements starting to flow more smoothly even though you still trample on Ace's feet a few more times than you'd like. However dancing with him is overall a pleasant experience, and he seems to notice your sudden shift in mood as well.

"Heyyy, you're doing it!" he smiles reassuringly.

"Yea... Am I ready for dancing with the sea stars yet, coach?" you jokingly ask him.

"Uhhh..." his eyes looks everywhere but at you. "Not a chance," he teasingly adds, purposely mumbling the last sentence so it's barely audible to you.

You give him a slight smirk before harshly stomping on his foot.

"Ow!"

"Oops!" you exclaim innocently. "Looks you're not that good at teaching, Ace. Maybe I should get a new partner?"

"Good luck finding one," he scoffs. "They're gonna have a tough job keeping up with your off-beat steps."

"What about that cute blonde down there?" you tease without missing a beat. "Maybe I can ask him? He seems pretty good."

"Who?" Ace's head whips around so fast it's almost comical.

A faint smirk of satisfaction escapes your lips as you watch as his eyes frantically search the crowd far beneath for the guy you gestured towards. While his mind's somewhere else, you decide to slowly glide the hand, rested on his shoulder, up to his neck to twirl one of his dark locks around your finger. He stiffens up at your gentle touch and is quick to turn his head back around. His expression softens the second he sees your face, a hint of confusion lingering on his eyes.

"Hey, Ace..." your gaze drifts from your fingers to his intense stare.

For a moment, you simply study him and his silver-bathed features, letting the tension hang in the air. Behind his pressed lips, you catch him swallowing hard, a sight that only fuels the villainous smirk threatening to form on your lips again. You take a step closer, tucking the strand of hair behind his ear before sliding your hand down to grab the red pearls around his neck. You tug it slightly, forcing him to lower his head to your level. The music echoing through the streets reducesto a low ringing in the back of your head as you lean across his shoulder and lift your chin, your lips only a breath away from his ear. The only sound filling this silent void is Ace's speeding heartrate beating steadily against your chest.

"You're off-beat," you softly whisper, each word sending a shiver down his spine as they brush his skin.

You slowly pull back and his hold around your lower back tightens, a reflex he doesn't seem to immediately notice. When your brow arches in a silent question, he quickly loosens his grip again. Hurriedly, he looks elsewhere while stumbling into the right rhythm again, his face a shade redder than usual.

"You're right, m-my bad " he mumbles in between a light chuckle. "Maybe you do need a new partner?" your gazes intertwine again, a playful smirk lingering on his lips.

"I think I'm good for now," you softly slide your hand back to his shoulder, not letting your eyes leave his gaze. "The one I have now isn't too bad..."

A proud smile starts forming in the corner of his lips and you can't help but return it.

"Does that mean I can skip a few of my dance classes?" he teasingly asks.

"Maybe..." you answer his question absentmindedly, your eyes getting lost in his.

He shrugs, "I can catch up with them when I'm out sailing again."

"Mhmm..." his words only hit you after you answer.

Oh... that's right... how could I forget?

Your heart sinks as you finally process his sentence, his last words echoing in your mind.

Ace notices your sudden frown and gives you a concerned look. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, no... I'm good..."

"You sure?" Ace leans in closer, and you instinctively take step back and let go of him.

"I- I think we should go..."

"Ok, let's leave," he firmly nods, his eyes still filled with concern.

You quickly nod back.

The faint applause erupting from the crowd beneath you throws you back to earth.

"*screeeeee* THANK YOU FALLWIND! IT WAS AWESOME BEING HERE! UNTIL NEXT TIME!" the vocalist's voice rings loudly over the piercing screams from the crowd.

You look over the sleeping streets lit up by the ending concert.

"Yea... let's head back."

Chapter Text

The sound of muffled giggling across the room, followed by some quick hushes wakes you from sleep. Your eyelids feel too heavy to even attempt opening, but the warmth from the morning sun seeping through the curtains gives you the push you need to softly gaze across the quiet room. You get a slight glimpse something orange hanging on the closet door as well as two blurry silhouettes sitting by the dining table. Their muttering conversation pauses as you grunt to pull your blanket closer. You find it suspicious, but still don't bother making out what the voices carefully discuss.

"shhh, ...too loud..." are the few words you hear from their conversation.

You shrug it off and let your tired eyes weigh down as the warmth of the bed embraces you and you fall asleep again.

You wake up a second time due to your sudden urge to sneeze. Annoyed, you lightly brush your tingling nose before rolling over to face the wall. You have no idea how much time has passed since you last woke up. It might be hours; it might just be a few minutes, but you're again too tired to care.

Your curiosity is slightly piqued as you hear a silent, "Shit," coming from a top bunk.

You probably would've dozed off quite quickly after the voice spoke if it wasn't followed by a suspicious amount of creaking keeping your attention.

"I can... still do it..." you hear a childlike voice whisper.

"No... not sneaky enough..." a different lower voice answers.

Intrigued, you quietly lay still to hear what the voices are planning. To your disappointment, you only manage to hear the conversation end with a heavy sigh and a "Fine..." from the deeper voice followed by an excited high-pitched giggling. The suspicious amount of creaking returns, combined with a bit more laughing and hushing as something, or someone, is slowly lowered down.

You figure it probably isn't in your interest to let this operation of theirs go by smoothly. So, to slightly mess with them you dramatically stretch your arms and yawn loudly while rolling over again. Your eyes stay closed as you only need your ears to enjoy the sound of panicked creaks as they hurriedly retreat to safety on the top bunk.

As silence sets once more, the creaking sound is back, and the presence of small shadow looms over you. Curious about what all this is about, you discretely squint your eyes open, only to widen them a second later when you're met with the sight of a white feather aimed straight at you, only millimeters away from your nose. The lightly freckled face pointing the feather is an upside-down Mila, held up only by some hands around her ankles. Her blue eyes widen as much as yours when she realizes you're awake.

"Abort mission, Ace! Abort!" she panickily shouts before happily squealing as she's pulled up in one quick swoop.

You shoot up from the bed matching her speed, even more confused about what's going on... and the safety concerns around it. Mila continues to giggle and this time you hear another familiar laugh as well. You hurriedly go to stand on your tip toes to get a look at the top bunk, but the second you get a glimpse, your face is met with a heavy pillow, thrown at you with such force you have no choice but to stumble back on the couch behind you.

"What the..." even more confused, and a bit pissed, you look up from where the pillow came from.

"LAUNCH THE AIRSTRIKE!" Mila shouts standing with one leg the top bed frame, pointing her hand heroically upward like she's commanding a thousand soldiers onto a battlefield (just switch out 'a thousand soldiers' with Ace and a dozen pillows stacked behind her).

Not even a second after she gives her command, the sky above you is filled with pillows hurling down at you. You helplessly try to defend yourself by grabbing the pillow first thrown at you to shield yourself, but it's to no use.

"AGH! WHAT'S HAPPENING?!" you attempt to smack away the pillows flying straight at you, but they're becoming too many for you to handle.

Luckily, they run out of ammo just as your arms begin to tire and the pouring of pillows slowly comes to an end. A huge sigh of relief leaves your lips as you finally can lower your defense, but to your surprise you quickly find out that they still have a last ace up their sleeve. [haha get it? 'ace' like Ace... Literary genius right here]

Looking up at the top bunk you see Ace holding Mila up by only by her wrists while flinging her back and forth. In contrast to your worry, Mila is having the time of her life, squealing of joy and giggling loudly (because everyone knows children love to be treated like a sandbag, duh). Wide eyed you try to lock eyes with Ace as you realize what he's about to do. He, however, is way too focused on his mission to notice your desperate gaze. You don't even get a word out before he yeets Mila off the top bunk and straight at you while shouting, "Special attack!"

Mila is giggling the whole way through the air and even more as she safely lands on her back in the pit of pillows beside you. You barely manage to let out another sigh of relief before Mila's back up on her feet again, pillow in hand, and continues to bombard you with attacks. Ace jumps down as well to join in on the ambush, which from your perspective is slowly turning more and more into bullying. You try to defend yourself by throwing in some counterattacks here and there, but it's all in vain as your attacks are only leaving yourself more vulnerable.

"AHHHH STOP," you crouch behind the tiny pillow in a pitiful attempt to hide yourself.

"NEVER! WE CAN'T LET YOU LIVE SLEEP MONSTER!" Mila shouts back.

"YEA! TAKE THIS!" Ace joins the slander and slams his pillow extra hard on your side.

"Ugh!" You give Ace a slight side eye he probably didn't notice over all the flying feathers in the air, but it doesn't stop you for trying to get revenge by hitting him back. Unfortunately you're immediately shut down by Mila counterstriking from the opposite side.

"AHHHHHHH!" realizing this is a lost cause, you figure there's only thing that can end this fight.

If you can't defeat 'em... join 'em.

"MY NIGHTMARE POWERS...! NOOO!" you grab your heart. "I'M-... DYINGGGGG...!!" you dramatically reach up to the sky and feel the blows from the pillows getting weaker. "MARK MY WORDS... THE SLEEP MONSTER... WILL BE... AVENGED... *blech*" you really exaggerate the fall on your back, spreading your arms and legs out and even sticking out your tongue to really emphasize the death of the sleep monster.

Mila shouts in victory seeing the evil monster die before her eyes. A smile emerges from your lips as you hear her familiar laugh, and you can't resist taking a peek to watch her and Ace celebrate in victory. With a large grin across her face, she tackles Ace's feet and trap him in her classic hug. Ace freezes for a moment, not really knowing what to do, before deciding on gently patting her head with a soft smile on his face. Afterwards he easily picks her up and puts her on his shoulder.

"ALL HAIL THE GREAT HERO MILA! SLAYER OF THE SLEEP MONSTER!" he shouts while celebrating her.

"Woooo!" you join in on the celebration as well.

"Shut up monster!" Mila frowns at you before jumping off Ace's shoulders to tackle you.

"Ugh!" your stomach is crushed by the weight of Mila's landing.

She looks up at you grinning, but once she notices your raised eyebrow, her smirk quickly fades.

"Umm, I mean... the monster is welcome to celebrate too... if she is kind..." she nervously corrects herself.

"That's what I thought," you grin in victory before trapping her in a tight hug.

"Agghhh!!! Nooo let goooo!" she jokingly says, trying to push herself away from the embrace.

"Never!" you tease her back. "The sleep monster needs her revenge!"

"Noooo!! Ace, Help!" she desperately reaching her arms for Ace who just lifts his hands up on defeat.

"You're on your own, Great Hero," he shrugs. "The monster is kinda scary."

You scoff at him before, with your free hand, throwing a pillow he easily deflects.

"Hey!" he chuckles.

"AHHHH! Let me go...!" Mila grunts.

"First... Tickle attack!!"

"NOO AHHHH!" she starts giggling loudly in fear as you tickle her stomach.

"nOOooOOO LET ME GOOO, AHAHHAH," she squeals.

"Ok, Mi. You can go..." you give in. "But only if you answer one of my questions first."

"OKOK, I WILL," she stops struggling as you loosen your grip. "What is it?"

"Why you are not at the training grounds right now?" you let go of her and she sits down on your lap. "I bet Nico would be mad if you skip training."

"Yea, but Coach Nico said he needs to prepare something at the wharf today bc a large ship is docking tomorrow, or something. So, he's busy all day and we get the day off!" she grins.

"Hey, that's nice! Then we can have sibling bonding time!" you smile at her.

"YAY!" she claps her hands before pausing to look up at Ace who awkwardly stands in the corner. "Ace can join too, right?"

"Of course."

"Good," she nods. "Cuz it would've been boring waiting for you to wake up without him here. He's very funny!"

"You say so?" you raise an eyebrow. "This actually brings me to my next question..." your tilt your head and scowl harshly towards the pirate. "Ace... what makes you think that holding a child up by their feet, headfirst, several meters in the air is a smart idea?"

"Uhhh..."

"Or, while we're at it, throwing one down from a bunk bed onto a thin layer of pillows?" You raise your eyebrows, impatiently waiting for an answer.

"Um yeaaa, it might not have been the safest idea..." he stares at the ceiling. "But it was fun! Mila enjoyed it and nothing happened!" he smiles reassuringly. "You know I would've never have dropped her! Look at these muscles. They could stop a seatrain if they wanted to," he jokingly flexes his arms.

A slight giggle sounds from Mila on your lap, but it quickly quiets down as you cross your arms unimpressed, not returning his smile. "Ace this is serious. You could've slipped."

"But I didn't," he quits joking around and matches your serious expression. "It's alright y/n. She's growing up, you don't have to baby her anymore."

"I'm not babying her?" you frown at him as you shoo Mila away to stand up. "I just don't want to put her in unnecessary risky situations. Especially when there's a chance she might get seriously hurt."

"Yet you send her away every morning to go train with sharp swords and fight people?"

"It's not like I have a choice!?" you snap, taking a step forward. "She needs a way to get by when she grows up and defending this island is the only option we have," you frown at him. "Also, she trains under safe circumstances where she doesn't risk cracking her skull open with a single slip up," your harsh words don't seem to bounce off him anymore. "Not that her training is even relevant right now," you scoff.

"You're right, sorry. It isn't my place to bring that up," his genuine apology took you by surprise and you almost forgot about the argument for a second. "What I meant to say was that there's more dangerous things than silly child games. We were just playing, and it was all good fun. Plus, she can benefit from goofing around a bit."

"I know you wouldn't intentionally harm Mila while playing, but accidents happen Ace..." your eyes soften. "And I don't want to take a risk that can be so easily avoided."

"Yes, I understand, but you know I would never drop-"

"No. I don't think you understand," you interrupt him. "Ace... see-, that's your problem. You're way too high on yourself and you never think about the consequences of your actions or the risks of what you're doing. You can't just go around believing you and everybody around you are invincible!" you scoff at him as your eyes meet. "Mila isn't made out of rubber, you know. She could've been seriously hurt if you lost your grip or if- I don't know... she made sudden movement or something. I- I just don't want to lose her... Especially not to a stupid reason just to suit your ego."

"Oh, sorry I think I missed the part where you suddenly knew all about my problems," he sarcastically throws his hands up defeat. "Have you ever thought that there might be a reason I'm 'way too high on myself'? That, maybe there is a reason I 'never think about the consequences of my action'? I'm capable of protecting the people I care for, y/n. If I wasn't I wouldn't be standing here right now. I understand if I made you worried, but I promise -"

"We both know you shouldn't be standing here right now," in the heat of the moment your words came out a bit more harshly than you meant. "You were washed up on the beach after losing a fight. How can you protect others when you can't even take care of yourself?"

"Well, here I am..." he shrugs and you roll your eyes. "... standing... but that's besides the poin-”

"Yea, because I saved you? I swear, I've had to protect you so many times up until now and clean up after you every single time you've messed up. Even offering a place to stay! And somehow, you still dare-!"

"WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING?"

Both of you quickly turn to see a blank-eyed Mila sitting on the couch behind you.

"I- I THOUGHT WE HAD FUN... I THOUGHT YOU WERE F- FRIENDS..." she sobs out.

Seeing Mila helplessly bawling her eyes out made your sibling instincts kick in. Your eyes immediately soften and you completely abandon your argument with Ace to crouch down beside her.

"I'm sorry Mi," you reach your hand out and gently stroke her cheek. "I shouldn't have brought this up in front of you..."

She just sniffles as an answer before rushing to hug you tightly.

"It's alright crumbs ..." you gently pat her head. [it's Mila's nickname ok?? Idk what else to call her T.T but crumbs is cute, right?]

You stay like this for a few moments while Mila calms down and catches her breath.

"You want some water?" you ask her.

She quietly nods.

"Ace, go get water."

He nods and quickly leaves to sink in the bathroom. [I just realized I completely forgot to add a bathroom, but let's just pretend I did lol. It's in the same corner as the front door, just on the adjacent wall.]

"Y/n..." Mila softly whispers once Ace disappear behind the door. "A- are you and... and Ace fighting be- because of me?"

You give her a faint smile while stroking her hair. "Of course not."

"Then... wh- why are y- you fighting?”

"Just some dumb, grown-up reason..."

"If it's dumb... can you please stop?" she sniffles.

Before you get to answer, Ace returns with a large glass of water a bit too big for Mila to hold with a single hand. She still faintly smiles as she accepts it and downs it in seconds with both her hands wrapped around the glass.

"I'm sorry, Mi..." you gently wipe away the tears under her puffy eyes.

"No, I'm sorry..." Ace crouches down beside the sofa and you. "Y/n's right Mila. We had fun, but there are other ways to play and have fun without risking injuring yourself too severely," he ruffles her hair.

Mila gives the two of you a slight smile and sniffles a second time before hugging you again.

You warmly hold her as you let your gaze travel to Ace who locks eyes with you, "I truly am sorry y/n... I won't do it again..."

You quietly nod at him as an answer. This conversation is definitely not over, but right now you need to change the subject and lighten the mood in some way. Mostly for Mila's sake, but also a bit for your own too. You don't want her sad all day, especially not now when you finally have time to be together.

Just as you're about to start brainstorming ideas Mila interrupts your thoughts by rushing out of your arms, "What are you guys waiting for? I wanna go outside!"

You can't help but smile at her happy expression. She is somehow in a better mood and the whole fight is probably out of her mind already. Ugh, you wish you could erase all your worries like that.

"Well, you heard her," you let out a sigh of relief. "Grab your coat, Ace. We're leaving!"

Chapter Text

The sun shines warmly on your face as you walk down a narrow path in the forest. You scan the nearby area holding tightly onto the sword on your side when Mila zooms by beside you, running in circles like she's got no worries on her mind. You can't help but become smitten by her contagious energy.

She's been over the moon ever since you agreed to go explore the forest close by (because staying in Kariko with the civilization is too boring, apparently). Ace was really delighted by the idea as well, and even though you can't seem to appreciate the woods the same way you used to, after spending an awful lot of time patrolling through these trees in darkness, you don’t mind walking here either.

You're blinded by the sun seeping through a gap in the trees as a low whistling tune cruises in the air. Your gaze moves from the lush trees above to the pirate walking carelessly beside you. His eyes wanders around admiring the green scenery while the green shadows from the cluster of leaves and branches above light up his skin, further enhancing his sharp features. The whistling melody leaving his pursed lips are harmonising with the cheerful birds perched in the trees, but is quickly interrupted by a grin spreading across his face upon seeing Mila trying to catch a squirrel with her bare hands. You don’t realise that you’ve been staring for too long until a brush of the warm breeze moves the dark locks away from his face, revealing Ace's bright eyes, looking directly into at yours. It's only after both of your smiles fade that you hurriedly look away.

The two of you haven't really talked after your fight hours ago. Your voice of reason says this for the best. There's no reason to further talk to him since he will eventually leave. So, the fight succeeded in creating the wall between you and him that you so desperately need to not falter once he’s gone. This is no different from what you usually do, so it shouldn't be that hard. Whenever you get too close to people you always tend to push them away. How you deliberately avoid Medri for days or your nasty attitude towards Henry (even tho he deserves it sometimes) are just a few examples. It's natural for you... though at times you can be ashamed of doing it...

The only person you would never push away is Mila. After taking care of her for all these years you've found she's the only person you truly trust in this world. She's your sister, your only family. You can't let your guard down with anybody else, not even with Medri, but with Mila it's like you're an open book... and somehow also with Ace?

For some reason you can't help but open up when talking to him. Even though you've barely known him for three days it feels like you've been friends for ages. He's just got this kind and familiar aura around him making you feel safe. But why him? What makes him so different from everybody else? Even though you're convinced you have to put up these walls, a tiny bit of you still tries to tear them down. This has never happened before and you can't say you're comfortable with the uncertainty.

A leaf crunches under you foot making the loud silence between the two of you really hit. It kills you be like this with him. Avoiding eye contact at all cost and not speaking a single word while just half a day ago you were dancing with him on a rooftop. As much as you hate to admit it, you actually enjoy this guy's company... and you miss talking to him...

Well, except when he talks straight out his ass.

'YeT yOu sEnd hEr aWaY eVeRy mOrNinG tO gO fiGhT pEoPle,' his voice rings in your head, and the more it repeats the more pissed off you get.

On second thought, you might not enjoy his company as much as you thought. You're glad you wiped off his annoying unbothered smile just now. Like, how can he be so carefree when he has the audacity to say stuff like that to your face? Even after you saved his ass several times and even offered him a place to stay! And this is what you get for a thanks?

That's not even the worst, he also broke your window! Who does he think he is walking around here while whistling cheerful tunes? [A man in debt is not allowed to be happy smh] And when is he even going to pay for it? How is he even going to pay for it? Didn't he say he was broke yesterday? Also, how long is he planning to stay here? It's already been two nights and you're not exactly running a hotel he can just check into.

You sigh as you realize you can't avoid talking to him forever and that there are a lot of questions in need of answers right now. Seeing as Mila is out of ear reach you decide this is the best time to ask him.

"How-"

"So-"

His voice startles you.

"Ladies first," Ace nods and gestures his hand towards you.

You would usually smirk at his politeness, but this time you just return the nod.

"How long are you planning on staying?"

"Probably just a few more days... If it's ok with you of course," he quickly adds in the last part.

You nod once more. After all, it was your idea to let him stay, so you have no intention of backing down from your word.

An awkward silence sets and for the first time since meeting him, you don't know how to keep the conversation going.

"I-"

"Also...-"

You both interrupt each other again.

"Sorry I thought you were finished." He gestures towards you again.

You repeat your quick nod before continuing, "Sorry for asking, but you said you were on your last berry yesterday... So, how exactly are you planning to pay for the window?

["My new career as a stripper, duh"]

"Oh, yea. I got no more on me rn, but don't worry. My crew will be here soon with the rest of-"

"Your crew?!" you interrupt.

He pauses for a second as if he's thinking about what he just said, "Shit. I didn't mean to spoil it-"

"WDYM SPOIL IT?!" you shout before catching yourself and quickly quieting down. You look over your shoulder to see if Mila's nearby before continuing behind gritted teeth, "Why are you bringing your crew here?!"

"Technically, Iam not exactly the one bringing-"

"You know that's the stupidest idea you've ever had." You look at him in disbelief. "You cannot just bring a pirate crew to a pirate hating town??" you find it hard to believe what you're hearing. This motherfucker went behind your back and invited his whole crew over to your island like it some sort of get-together?

"Well, as I said it wasn't exactly my idea-"

"Have you even thought about how this will reflect on me if the town finds out I brought not only one, but a whole pirate crew to this island?? I said I could trust you, but I've never met these other pirates before! W- why did you do this?" your voice turns slowly from anger to despair at the end of your rant.

"Listen-" before Ace finish his sentence, he is interrupted by the little blonde gremlin tackling your legs in a hug.

"LOOK AT THIS COOL BUG I FOUND Y/N!" Mila puts the shining blue beetle in your face, or as close as she can reach your face, forcing you to quickly blink your blurry eyes to focus on her hand.

You're barely able to admire the bug before she jumps over to Ace and does the exact same thing before running away and disappearing behind a bush, not letting any of you get a word out.

The two of you lock eyes before Ace continues to talk again.

"Listen y/n, trust me. It's gonna be fine-"

"No!? How can I trust you?" Tears press behind your eyes again. "You went behind my back to bring all your friends over. If this is how you get the money... don't even bother paying for the window. You don't have to anymore... Just- just leave...! Don't bring your crew into this, please..." you defensively take a step back as your eyes travel down to the ground.

You only dare to raise them once a few seconds have passed, only to be hit with his piercing stare.

A sad smile is forming on his lips and the usual glint in his eye has disappeared. "Are you willing to hear me out first...?" He doesn't let go of your gaze.

You're tempted to nod your head, but you know if you do you might regret it later. "Please, just go..." you gently whisper.

"Y/n… I can explain-" before he gets to finish the sentence a high-pitched scream echoes through the forest.

"What was that?" you quickly rub your eyes before scanning the surrounding area... not finding Mila anywhere.

Without exchanging a single word the two of you lock eyes and nod before sprinting towards the direction where the scream came from.

Chapter Text

You fly past the whining branches twisting in the wind. They threaten to whip your face any second if you dare lose your focus for only a moment, and it is quite difficult not to. The current situation made your mind desperately want to drift elsewhere, somewhere so far away where you don't have to face the fact that your little sister is missing. The only thing keeping you grounded is the uneasy feeling settling in your stomach.

Where the hell could she be? You know there's no way she could've run that far. You only took your eyes off her for a second... but you're talking about Mila here, so you never really know what she can be up to. You're aware that she is strong and can handle a lot on her own, so she's most likely fine, but still... she is just a child...

Ace is matching your pace beside you and scouting the area when his eyes land on you. They soften at the sight of the concern painting your face. "Don't worry. We'll find her," he reassures you with a confident grin.

His voice startles you. The two you haven't spoken in a while, so hearing something else other than the chirping birds and the leaves crunching under your feet took you by surprise. You swallow the anxious feeling bubbling in your chest before faintly nodding as an answer. The pitying smile he returns kills you. You can't afford to be vulnerable right now... or let him think that you are. Both you and Ace need to be at your sharpest to even have a slight chance to stumble upon her in this massive forest. Even a single distraction can make you miss a crucial trace. You can't let Mila down now that she's in trouble. She's counting on you...

No. You know that's a lie.

Whatever mess she gets tangled into, Mila fully believes she can handle it herself. She's not counting on anybody to come and save her. At best, her stomach starts rumbling and she hopes for some support to bring her snacks, and that's only if her own stock is empty.

"This way!" Ace cuts off your thoughts by taking a sharp right turn, straying off the path and deeper into the tangling, lush woods.

You follow him closely, struggling to keep up with him. His swift movements take you by surprise. He keeps a steady pace, timing his leaps so he doesn't overexert himself and perfectly avoids whatever is in his way without losing a single second. What's more impressive is that he's doing it all while calmly scanning the area, trying to locate your lost sister. He's not sparing a single thought to these extraordinary movements, exposing how he's clearly spent a lot of time wandering through this type of terrain before. You can't help but ask yourself; how does a pirate - who spends most of his time at sea - know so much about traversing a forest?

Another thing puzzling you is how confident he is in his route. You never worry about losing your trace on this island anymore as you've been roaming through these woods since you were a child, however Ace should not feel the same. He has only been in this forest once. So why does he behave like he knows this place like the palm of his hand? Maybe he is using some kind of advanced technique to track down Mila? Or maybe he has sharpened his senses beyond a normal human, so navigating every new territory becomes like a walk in the park? Your suggestions might not be that far-fetched since humans - especially those here on the Grand Line - have the tendency to gain some interesting abilities throughout their journeys.

Only a few moments later, your doubts about his sense of direction are erased. You hold your breath as some faint shouts start conversing with each other behind the bright sun reflecting on the ocean waves through a cluster of trees in the distance.

"...HEY KID! ...WHAT DID YOU DO TO CABAJI!?" a familiar voice barks.

"...KICKED HIS ASS!" an angry shriek sounds. "AND I'LL DO THE SAME TO YOU!"

"-REALLY? YOU? KICK OUR ASS?" the same familiar voice mocks.

A crowd bursts out laughing before he continues, "HEY BOYS! LET'S TEACH THIS KID A LESSON!"

Just as those last words leave the pirate's mouth, you and Ace leap through the last bushes and the forest clears around you. Time itself slows down while you soar midair and take in every spec of information from the scene in front of you.

The first thing you notice about the peculiar situation ahead of you is the giant, white, unbothered cat as tall as a tree stuffing his face with several pieces of steaks, not caring about the sand he swallows with it. By the waves behind him, are a mountain of bags filled to the brim with what you figure must be a variety of stolen goods. On top of all the junk lays an unconscious man clutching around one of the bags like his life depends on it. His long, achromatic, checkered scarf around the neck and black bangs covering half his face stand out like a sore thumb in contrast to the rest of his crewmates who are dressed in rather colourful attire. The lively dressed pirates are all marching in your direction but are yet to notice you or Ace yet. Their eyes are instead too fixed on the confrontation in front of their nose.

You shudder once you notice the quite difficult-to-forget blue pigtails and bright orange coat in the corner of your eye. You didn't expect to see the pirate captain again so soon... He's holding up a struggling child by the neck of their shirt, harshly shaking them, while laughing menacingly. The poor kid's legs are aggressively kicking the air as their bruised hand tightly clutch onto their slingshot while the other attempts to throw hopeless punches at the red-nosed pirate. Even though the messy blonde locks waving in the wind are covering her face, you don't doubt for a second who that kid is.

"MILA!" you scream at the top of your lungs, making everyone pause what they're doing to turn their heads.

You're ready to charge forward, reaching for your sword the second your feet touch the ground, but the raging flames suddenly appearing beside you are faster. Without thinking, you instinctively raise your arms to protect yourself from the burning sensation sent through your bones as the bright flames fly past you. You manage to catch a short glimpse of the fire snatching Mila from the hands of the clown before you're forced to close your eyes. A defeated sigh followed by disappointed "not again..." is the last thing you hear before the blazing Wall of Fire and Death™ shakes the whole island.

Once your dizziness disappears, you dare to discretely open your eyes again. The dust has settled so you desperately stretch your neck, coughing away the smoke and ash before your frenzied eyes eventually land on a kid's silhouette, sitting safe-and-sound behind the aflame, white-mustached jolly roger.

Ace crouches down beside Buggy, who has fallen face first to the ground, smudging his red lipstick more than it already was. "Hey, Puego! Why are you still here?" Ace grins with a forced smile. Some might perceive Ace's question as an insult, but you can tell by his tone that he is genuinely curious.

"I- it's... B- Buggy..." are the only words Buggy manages to mutter before passing out.

"Alright, Pudgy..." Ace's expression darkens. "Don't try to hurt my friends again. Ok?" he harshly pats the unconscious body on its back.

You let out a relieved chuckle as he slowly stands up again. You kick away the sand dragging you down and hastily make your way towards Mila who's stumbling back up on her two scrawny feet as well. Scattered around you, are the rest of the enemy pirates, knocked back on their ass and carefully observing your every move. Their eyes and pale faces scream how badly they want to run away, but despite this they're not moving an inch. Mila, on the other side, has found her balance again and doesn't hesitate for a second before she - to yours, and everybody else's confusion - harshly kicks Ace in the shin.

"WHY DID YOU DO THAT?" She scowls at him. "I WANTED TO BEAT UP RED NOSE!"

Confused and with a slight smirk, Ace looks down at Mila hammering at his leg, "What?"

"YOU HEARD ME >:(" [that was her exact face]

"Why do you wanna fight 'em?"

"CUS THAT 'CABBAGE' GUY OVER THERE BADMOUTHED KARIKO!" She aggressively points towards the unconscious emo boy by the pile of bags. You believe he must be the Cabaji guy Buggy talked about. "AND THE OTHER GUYS ALSO STOLE FROM US. SO, I'M GONNA KICK THEIR ASSES!" She impatiently stomps.

If any other 12-year-old with a running nose were shouting this at you, you would've never taken them seriously. But knowing Mila, she meant every word she said.

"Hmmm..." Not even batting an eye at Mila's attacks, Ace purses his lips and assesses [asses lol] the situation.

"MILA, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" You finally arrive by them and drag her away from Ace's leg.

"Uhhh-" She sheepishly avoids your gaze as you cup her face.

"ARE YOU OK?" You frantically brush away the tangled hair strands hiding her bruised face.

A streak of red is running down her nose and onto her chapped lips and she's covered in scratches and small cuts all the places your eyes search. You barely recognize the ponytail you helped her put up this morning, which has loosened into a messy crow's nest and is now resting on the collar of her wrinkled, stained shirt with new slit holes you've never seen before. If that wasn't enough to answer your question you could just check her heightened pulse or watch her try blinking away the tears in her blank eyes.

"I'm ok," she sniffles.

"Good." You squeeze her tightly into a hug.

She grunts lowly before she eventually eases into your warm embrace. "Uhhh, am I in trouble?" she mumbles innocently.

"Yes."

"Goddammit."

The corner of your mouth curves into a smile. It really does sound like your little sister is ok.

"So, what do you think y/n?" Ace interrupts your heartwarming reunion. He's been quietly observing the enemy pirates as they exchange unsure glances.

"What do I think about what?" As the words flee your lips, a dry gust of wind passes by leaving behind a tense silence.

"Should we let her fight?" Ace nods towards Mila, still not letting his eyes off the Buggy pirates.

Mila's tired eyes suddenly light up and her fatigue is nowhere to be seen anymore. "YES! CAN I?"

"Of course not! Look at yourself!" You frown. "You're in no condition to fight. Especially not experienced pirates like them."

"Awww, please big sis!" Mila pouts as she unsuccessfully smudges away her stained nosebleed.

"C'mon, they're not that strong," Ace plays along. "Plus, the other pirates are in the exact same condition as her, so she'll be fineeeee."

"That's- not a great argument..." you scoff.

"Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee," Mila begs. "Both you and Ace are here! So, I won't get hurt anymore."

"Yes, I got both of your backs!" he jumps in. "I can even watch from the sidelines and be ready to back up whenever, if that makes you more comfortable."

You look back and forth between the two of them sulking. When did you suddenly get ganged up on like this?

"Ugh, fine," you sigh, giving in to the peer pressure. "I guess it can be a nice workout."

"YAY!" Mila jumps happily.

"Don't be too happy. I will scold you properly after this is over," even though your comment was targeted at Mila you still side eye Ace, to make sure he also gets the memo.

"Oh..." she murmurs displeased.

"Also apologise to Ace. Is this how you treat someone who went out of their way to help you?" You push down Mila's head in a bow.

"Sorry for kicking you, Ace... and thank you for saving me," she mumbles with her head down.

"No worries." He smiles.

"Can I fight now?!" She pops up in excitement as soon as you let go of her head. Not a single trace of the previous guilt is left on her face.

"Yes... we can fight," you sigh once more, trying to hold back a smirk slipping. You really need to teach this kid compassion sometime. "Let's show these guys what happens when you mess with Kariko." You give Mila a wink before you unsheathe your sword.

"Ladies first," Ace politely gestures towards the pirates who's back up on their feet. He somehow manages to keep his charisma even in these tense moments.

You shift your focus to the enemy in front of you as you walk the first steps forward. You can tell from the desperate look in their eyes that they would rather be anywhere else in the world right now. The thought of fighting a logia user must terrify them. Still, you can glimpse their fingertips itching to raise their blades at you. It must be the sight of their captain lying face down in the mud that's fueling them with the motivation they need to stand up against you. There's a lot you can say a lot about these peculiar guys, but the dedication they have to their captain... even you can't deny their loyalty.

You lock eyes with a pirate in blue positioned slightly away from the rest of the crowd. He hesitates at the sight of your menacing smile but still decides to sprint up to you with all his might and slash his two swords at you.

"RAHH!" he lunges forward.

You crouch down, easily dodging his strike, before punching his wide-open stomach with the pommel of your sword. He hunches over at your heavy hit, serving you another free punch up his jaw on a silver platter. You can't help but smirk in satisfaction as the guy spins around and falls over, hitting the floor with a loud thud.

"WOOOOOW!" Mila grins.

You look over your shoulder and see her eyes beaming. It must've been a long time since she last saw you fight.

"ME NEXT!" She swiftly buckles up her slingshot before targeting the man trying to sneak up behind you.

Sadly, the pirate realises way too late that his plan has failed. A smoke bomb explodes in his face and Mila doesn't waste a second to fly-kick him while he's still disoriented. In a desperate attempt to hit her back, he slams his head into a tree trunk and knocks himself out while Mila proudly emerges from of the fog. [Mila used smoke bomb! Enemy is confused. Enemy damaged itself in confusion!]

By the time Mila had knocked out the poor guy, two other pirates attempted to charge at you, seriously underestimating your strength. Apart from being a bit offended you also got two new additions to your lump of defeated pirates.

"HEY SWORDSGIRL!" a ginger man stomps his way towards you just as the second pirate pirate falls to the ground.

The muscular man is wearing a misplaced green v-neck and hides his orange curls under a checkered bandana, matching Cabbage's scarf. Despite his terrible style, confidence is not something he seems to lack as he marches forward with his head lifted high, accompanied by two equally large men who hold themselves with the same certainty.

The guy to his left is threateningly cracking his knuckles and staring you down. You attempt to keep your focus on the danger he might present, however no matter how hard you try you can't seem to take his atrocious bowl cut seriously. The bald guy on the opposite side has an intimidating aura around him as well. He takes each step with conviction and his piercing eyes don't shy away from staring into yours. However, this crew proves once more that they're not only committing crimes against the law - but also against fashion – because he wears some fugly trousers and a skintight t-shirt that might've fit him if he wasn't constantly flexing his muscles.

These henchmen would've been a laughingstock if it wasn't for their large size and devious smiles. You know better than to judge a book by its cover, so you make sure to keep your guard up. Even though you've fought men this size before with no trouble, this fight somehow feels different, you just can't put your finger on it yet...

"YOU DON'T WANNA MESS WITH US!" the ginger barks loudly with a smirk. "WE ARE THE SUPERHUMAN DOMINGOS OF THE BUGGY PIRATES!"

"OH YEA-?" before you could spit out an insult back, the three Superhuman Domingos were already charging at you.

"Sure... just don't let me answer..." you mumble annoyed, taken a bit aback. You ready your sword and are about to charge back at them when you realize why this fight feels off.

All three of the pirates are unarmed. They're running towards you with only their bare hands, clutching their fists without a weapon in sight. Are these people really intending to fight in a swordfight without a sword? You feel a bit uneasy about the situation and remind yourself of how haki might be able to cut break metal...

"Um... a little support Mila?" you shout over your shoulder.

"ON IT!" Mila answers from above you. She must've climbed a tree like usual to fet a better view of the battlefield.

Her help takes a moment longer than you expect, so you're left to handle the first seconds of the Superhuman Domingos hauling at you alone.

Baldie leads the charge, barely missing your face with his first punch. You try to act smug about it, but it was a bit too close for comfort and the crack the size of your head appearing on the stone behind you don't exactly help your already lowered confidence.

Following up comes the foot of the ginger aiming for your abdomen. Since you wasted too much time hesitating it's now too late to dodge the attack, leaving you with only one option left and it's to block the kick with your arms. The powerful impact punches the air out of your lungs and throws you off your feet. You slam into the solid wall of stone behind you cracking your whole back as well as creating even deeper rifts stretching to almost your height. You don't even have time to catch your breath before bowlcut's fist is heading straight for your face. You make a hopeless attempt to dodge it but, again, it's too slow. You ready yourself to brace yet another painful impact, however it never arrives.

Instead, you open your eyes to see the fist ricochet away from you after getting hit by smoke bombs pestering all the three Domingos at once. They're shot with incredible precision, not a single explosion coming close to hitting you. A dense fog ensues and makes it easy for you to sneakily slither away and hide in the shadows. Even though you find the stinging air is difficult to breathe in, you're not as troubled by it as your enemies are. The countless hours you've spent being exposed to Mila's experimenting are finally paying off.

Their coughs are echoing through the shadows, giving up their precious location while you on the other hand manage to stay hidden. You've felt their inhumane strength, so you can't afford to let your advantage slip by giving away a single sound or hesitating to slice your sword like you did before. After following their raspy breaths, you find a large silhouette clumped together. The pirates are standing with their back against each other, desperately swinging their arms around, each sway powerful enough to crush an anchor.

You must say you're impressed. This is definitely the better strategy to handle a situation with minimal vision. Wandering off alone makes you way more vulnerable and open for attacks, but since they are covering each other's back, it doesn't matter whether they expose their location or not. You won't be able to lay a finger on them. Sadly for them they've overlooked one crucial detail. They're only guaranteed protection if one of them are able to completely block your attack. If not, then they're all out with one finishing blow...

"Single sword style..." your shaky grip around the sword tightens. It's been a while since you've had to use a sword style, yet you can't help but lick your teeth in excitement. You take a final breath to calm down before you launch yourself forward and slash.

The sword is back in your sheath only a moment later while your enemies silently collapse to the ground behind you. The ginger is the only one left standing, but he quickly falls to his knees and grabs after his eye, screaming in agony. You grit your teeth; you didn't mean to cut him that deep. He eventually faints and slumps down, face first, as well.

Mila hops down beside you.

"Did you kill them?" she asks, brushing off the dust on her shoulders.

"Nah, only gravely injured."

"Ahh,okay," she nods shortly.

You take a look around and see that all the remaining acrobats are either running away or lying unconscious on the ground. Regardless of which one, the remnants of explosions are reeking from them.

"Great job, Mi!" You nod impressed.

Mila grins proudly before turning towards the two last men standing. Only the lazy lion and what you believe to be his trembling tamer left.

"Y- YOU'LL NEVER DEFEAT US...!" he hollers. Even though his voice is raised, he treads warily with his words and carefully watches you and a not-so-impressed Mila’s every movement. "G- GO GET THEM RICHIE!" the tamer orders the oversized cat.

At first, Richie the lion stares blankly at the tamer before his gaze follows his pointed finger to you. He sighs, like he isn't paid enough to do this job, before he reluctantly starts stomping towards you. Despite the silly impression, you have to admit that you're not exactly eager to fight a ginormous cat today. Luckily you don't have to as Mila takes the charge by taking a step forward.

Intrigued, you examine her closely as she pulls out a spare rib from one of the hundreds of pockets in her green cargo pants and starts waving it in front of the giant lion. For a second, you glimpse an incredible lust striking the cat, but he somehow composes himself and returns to his neutral expression. Although he acts indifferent about the situation, you notice him contemplating whether to give in to Mila by looking back and forth between her and the treat in her hand. His motivation to finish the task fails quickly once the crispy smell of the meat reaches his nose.

You decide it's best not to question Mila about her peculiar inventory as she keeps dragging out steak after steak to feed the hungry cat. Her plan is a success, and Richie is happily rolling on the ground. A proud smile emerges before you quickly shift your focus to the petrified pirate shaking in his boots. Without his scary lion, the lion tamer is no match for you. He didn't even get time to react before you struck the back of his head. And so the last Buggy pirate smacks to the ground.

'Finally, that should be everybody...' You let out an exhausted sigh.

It looks like you're getting rusty. This fight lasted way longer than you expected, and they even got some good hits on you. You frown trying to rotate your stiff shoulder. Maybe you pulled something while blocking that ginger's kick... [these damn gingers smh]

"That guy is still conscious," Ace yawns from under the shadow of a palm. He barely moves his head in a lazy attempt to nod towards a beaten-up pirate reaching for a sword. Ace hasn't moved a muscle since the fight started yet dares to comment on trivial things like this.

"I know." You roll your eyes before you step on the defeated pirate's hand and harshly kick his stomach, making him grimace in pain. "You don't have to tell me."

"Sure." A smile slips as he confidently stretches his arms over his head. "You can consider me impressed though. I didn't even have to do a thing-"

"Of course not," you scoff. "This is my job. What do you expect? I don't need anyone else to- What are you smirking for?" You scowl at Ace who doesn't even attempt to hide his newfound amusement anymore.

"You know..." He shrugs innocently, as confident as ever. "You look cute when you're annoyed."

You have to physically stop yourself from audibly gasping in disgust. His unexpected compliment — if you even can call that a compliment — throws you off for a moment. Just long enough for you to not notice the flying sword propelling towards you until it's too late.

You curse under your breath as you're only able to watch as the shiny blade propels directly towards the temple of your head. Not even a heartbeat later, you feel the warm touch of a palm against your back, grabbing your shirt and harshly pulling you backwards. The blade zooms past you, barely grazing the tip of your nose, and pierces the tree behind you as you stumble into the firm stature of a hand gently catching you in a familiar grip around your waist. The other hand swiftly lifts itself, posed as a finger gun, before shooting a stray of fire in the direction the sword came from. Just a few moments later, a bush turns aflame and Buggy the pirate jumps out in distress, his body parts flying all over the place while his pigtails are on fire.

"CURSE YOU FIRE FIST!" he shouts while punching the air. "WE WILL BE LEAVING AND WON'T BOTHER YOU OR THIS ISLAND EVER AGAIN–! BUT STILL... CURSE YOU!" he snags before making the wise decision of sprinting the opposite direction with his whole crew following behind.

Your savior adjusts his hat and watches as the Buggy pirates become mere dots in front of the setting sun. "Looks like I got to do something after all!" Ace grins proudly.

You frown back at his thrilled expression. You can't express how much you want to wipe that charming smirk off his face.

"I didn't need your help..." you scoff as you push yourself away from his tight grip that you did not realize you were clutching onto.

"Oh really?" He playfully raises an eyebrow. "Zoooooooom-" Your eyes follow his pointed finger mimicking the blade's movement before it softly taps your forehead and motions an explosion with the same hand. "Pow!"

You lightly slap away his fingers. "If you weren't so distracting, I would've dodged it."

"A 'thanks for saving me' would be nice too." He shrugs.

"Oh, is that so?" you mock. "You wouldn't have had to save me if you could keep your mouth shut."

"I was only giving you a compliment!" he teases. "Didn't know it would affect you this much-"

"It- it didn't...! It was just- just unfitting..." You feel your cheeks flush. "In the middle of a fight is not exactly the best place to hold conversations."

"Well sorry. Didn't mean to distract you..." He tries to have a guilty expression, but you see a hint of the same taunting smirk lingering on his face.

"Ugh, you're so annoying..." You bite your tongue once you realise you mumbled it out loud.

"Hm?"

"Nothing." You simply brush it off. "Anyways, thanks for saving Mila. I really appreciate it."

"Of course." He nods firmly. "I'm just glad she's safe." A serious tone falls over the conversation, completely covering his previous teasing expression.

"Did Ace have to save you too?" You don't notice Mila or her disappointment frown until she's standing right beside you.

"What? No-! Or I mean technically yes-" Her question startles you.

"Wow..." She shakes her head, not even bothering to look you in the eyes. "I thought you were better than this."

At loss of words, you stare at her offended with your mouth agape.

"Are you not going to say thank you? You're not supposed to be mean to people who go out of their way to help you." She crosses her arms firmly.

A light chuckle reaches your ear, but it's quickly suppressed when your deadly glance shifts to the freckled man beside you.

"Mila..." You move your gaze back to your precious little sister, who you love and appreciate so much and would never wish any harm upon. "Just... go search the pile of bags for me, ok?" You force a smile.

"Yes ma'am!" She quickly salutes before merrily jumping over the battle scene on her way to the dozens of stuffed bags.

You let out a sigh and look down in defeat. Even though he doesn't say a word, Ace's presence is heavily looming over you like a human-sized question mark. You have to fight the urge to not sigh yet another time.

"I'll let you stay for a few more days, ok?" you mutter lower than you wanted, but still clear enough for the man behind you to understand.

"You sure?" His voice sounds uptight before he clears his throat. "I can manage on my own if I'm troubling you."

"No, it's fine."

"If it's just because I saved Mila-" he begins.

"I said it's fine." The tone of your voice probably didn't sound too convincing, but you meant what you said. It's true that you feel a tiny bit of obligation to help him after everything he's done to you, but that isn't the only reason. You can't help but want to trust him and his words. Even though he kept you in the dark, which you truly despise, you can't sense that he has any ill intentions towards you or the island. And if he does, why would he wait for his crew? He can easily wipe out this town alone if he desires to do so. Nobody would stand a chance. You still have no idea why his crew would want to dock here though, but it doesn't matter. Once they arrive, he'll leave with them and won't be your problem anymore.

"Just make sure to not draw too much attention to yourself while you stay here. I won't have time to keep you out of trouble anymore..." you continue. "But- yea. You'll manage on your own, right?"

He stays silent for a while and the two of you quietly watch the sun tuck a pink and orange blanket over the sky. A fresh sea breeze brushes your locks out of your face, gently caressing your skin and you enjoy the sound of the waves traversing to your ear before it's interrupted by Ace moving up beside you.

"Thank you..." he whispers softly. "Truly..."

"Don't worry about it." You turn your head and give him a faint smile.

Your eyes intertwine and he gladly returns the expression. You examine his sharp features glistening under the golden hour one last time before you decide to leave him alone with his thoughts and walk over to Mila. She has located the largest bag on the enormous and is now dragging it, or at least attempting to drag it, through the wearisome sand.

"Do you need any help?" You raise an eyebrow as her feet sinks halfway down.

"NOPE!" She violently shakes her head as a drop of sweat runs down her forehead.

"If you say so." You drop your head and sigh. "But we should hurry back with all this loot. I bet some of the folks in town will be happy to get their stuff back."

"MHMMM!" Mila strains trying to sound unbothered but the heavy sack pulling her down is really making it hard to even walk a single step.

You shake your head in disappointed as she's barely moved an inch. You're about to grab a bag of your own when you see Ace gazing distantly out into the open. "Don't just stand there! Come and help us, Ace!"

His head falls back from the clouds at the mention of his name. He restlessly shakes off his idle state and quickly notices you motioning to the large pile of junk. "Oh, yea!" His face lights up again, like the spark never left.

As he shuffles towards you, his mouth curls up in a teasing smirk just. You ponder at his unusual eye movement straying away from your gaze and wander to somewhere past you. Confused, you turn around only to be completely drenched in freezing water. You're in the middle of coughing out the bitter water sprinting down your throat when you meet Mila's devious smile. You can console yourself with the fact that she didn't come out completely unharmed from her own water attack as she stands knee deep in the water. However, she somewhat managed to prepared herself by pulling up the long cargo pants to resemble shorts, severely lessening the watery impact it has on herself.

Before you get the chance to offer peace with her, she has already flung her foot your direction, kicking even more water directly at you. This time you manage to dodge it and run into the water to counter splash. It's way more rushed than Mila's first perfectly timed hit, but it does the job and sprinkles her dry t-shirt wet with water. She doesn't even try to hold back her evil giggle which you are hopelessly entertaining by and you can't help but laugh with her.

"YOU WANNA JOIN TOO?" Mila shouts at the calm man observing you with crossed arms and a slight grin.

"Nah, I think I'll pass." He lumps two bags from the pile of loot on his shoulder, already beginning to do what you're actually supposed to do.

You roll your eyes. When did he suddenly become so boring? "That's probably for the best!" you shout back at him with a sly grin. "You would get extinguished in no time!"

He freezes in the middle of his steps at your words. You see his head dropping with a sigh and worry for a second if he'll actually leave you hanging, but that's only until you only see his mouth curving up to a smirk hiding under his hat. "Is that so?" He raises an eyebrow.

His certainty and piercing eyes throws you off guard. You are a bit concerned about what you might've awakened, so you hurriedly turn to Mila and call her in closer. "Let's team up against Ace," you whisper. "Together we can fight him for sure."

Her cunning smile returns and you can already see her gears turning to formulate the perfect plan to successfully land an attack. "Hehehe... ok, so we should-"

"Team up against who?" Out of nowhere, Ace and his crooked smile appears beside you, resting an arm on your shoulder like he's always been here.

"AHHHHH! RETREAT!!!" Mila shouts in panic as her plan-in-the-making shatters to ruins.

She doesn't even get to take a step away before Ace charges up a great wave. She screams even louder as he pushes — what seems to be — a whole bathtub worth of water her way. She desperately tries forcing herself through the clashing waves, but her attempts end in vain. Ace is finally done building up the momentum and puts Mila out of her misery. Her wide eyes close faster than lightning and she's hit by a, honestly, pretty mediocre and disappointing splash barely reaching the end of her long locks.

Her shoulders drop in confusion, clearly expecting a more fearful attack. You glance at Ace as well, bewilderment written all over your face only to see his hunched back and tired eyes fighting to stay awake. You were about to check up on him before you're reminded of why a devilfruit is called exactly that. It's a pact with the devil to gain inhumane powers, but in return you are cursed by the sea herself. This is the second time you've seen Ace so fatigued and you almost can't believe he would voluntarily expose himself to this torment again, just to prove a point.

Opposed to your concern, Mila's first instinct was not to help him but rather take advantage of his poor state. She didn't hesitate too use all her might and kick a major tsunami his way. The tired guy put in all his efforts to stand up to the charge while wobbling his way through the waves crashing onto him as well. He somehow manages to stay on his two feet the entire time despite the fact that he's out of breath at just the simplest of movements.

You wade your way up to him, your eyes softening at his pathetic shuffling, when he suddenly gains extra energy burst out of nothing but pure spite and competitiveness and hits Mila back with an equally large sea storm, drenching her perfectly modified cargo pants. Since you were close by, he did not hesitate to include you in the splash zone as well. Before you know it, this friendly bonding game became a full blown war. All three of you are completely soaked in no time and shivering your way through the ocean just to get the slight chance to splash a drop of water at each other.

You don't even notice the rising moon replacing the sun, ready to sprinkle the arriving night sky with its bright stars. Nor do you notice how all your worries seems to have suddenly faded away.

Chapter Text

“So… what exactly have you two been doing, again?” Juliette gives you a hesitant look of concern.

Even though her usual warm smile is replaced with a worried frown, she is still surrounded by her flowery aroma encompassing the whole room, creating a sweet and welcoming atmosphere. Behind the stacks of paper in her hands is her simple brown corset curving around her moss green dress complimenting her rosy cheeks and round amber eyes shining bright with curiosity. The ruffled sleeves covering her shoulders match the texture of her black, coiled hair swept up in a messy bun. Only a few strands escape loose, running down like a waterfall past her slender shoulders, beautifully framing her tender face. The shadows cast on her dimly lit skin soften her features, maintaining her approachable impression. She sweeps away a bunch of curled-up papers scattered on the counter and slumps the fresh stack in her hands downs before taking a quick look out the window to check if she missed a weather report.

Standing in the middle of the reception with trembling knees in a large puddle of water made from your own dripping wet clothes, are you and Mila who looks like you’re fresh out of a hurling hurricane. Your loose hair sticks like glue to your bruised skin and your baggy clothes are wrapping around your figure like their life depends on it. Behind you is a trail of slippery steps, leading up to the main entrance and leaving more marks at the dull and already worn-out carpets and making the innocent residents who involuntarily trace your steps stumble out the door. Blocking the window outside, glistens the suspicious mountain of stolen goods you’ve brought. As usual, not a single soul bats an eye while walking past. They're smart enough to know that this peculiar matter won’t concern them, unless they somehow involve themselves. This is different for wide-eyed Juliette however, who realises the hope she had of ending her shift early disintegrated the second you sat foot back into C.H.

“Eh, nothing out of the ordinary.” You wink down at Mila brushing away her soaking hair and barely containing a giggle.

“Ahh, I see…” Juliette forces an awkward but understanding smile at the two of you, not bothering to question things even further.

“Are you the one working night shift today?” you ask at Juliette, squeezing water out of your drenched shirt. “I thought it was supposed to be Henry?”

“Yes, it was. But he said he needed a rest day,” she sighs. “He mentioned something about imagining things…”

“That’s perfect!” You barely manage to suppress the smirk curling up at your lips as you reminisce about your flawless gaslighting back in chapter 4. “Imo you’re so much better at this than him,” you add quietly.

“Aw thanks! You’re making me blush, y/n.” Her carefree demeanor returns, and she tucks a curly hair strand behind her ear. “However Henry isn’t too bad at his job either. I’m aware he isn’t exactly fond of you, but I promise he has a soft side as well.” Her genuine smile almost convinces you to believe her.

“Sure.” You teasingly roll your eyes which she laughs as a response to. “Anyways, can you guys manage to deliver everything back to its owners?” y You nod to the pile of junk outside.

“Of course! I believe everything reported missing today is somewhere there…” She pulls out even more papers from the shelves behind her. “We’ll get it all transported safely back where it belongs in no time!”

“Wonderful!” You pat a jumping Mila on the head.

“How did you even find all of this? And manage to bring it back as well all by yourselves as well? You really are something else, y/n…” She gazes in awe past the two of you. “Oh! You too, Mila! You have a bright future as a patroller!”

“Hehe, thanks Juliette!” Mila blushes with a devilish grin on her face.

“Like I said, we just happened to stumble upon some pirates-” You shrug.

“MHMMM! We made them all go up in flames!” Mila interrupts while making a giant explosion with her whole body, splashing water on the two of you.

“Oh… really?” Juliette’s worried look returns.

“Or we didn’t exactly do it but-”

“Yeah!” you quickly jump in before Mila exposes your fiery friend. “What Mila is saying is that she tested out a new bomb she made…” you dryly chuckle as you firmly start guiding Mila away from the counter. “It’s a prototype.” Mila squints suspiciously at you through her soaked hair as you push her further and further away.

“Oh wait! Before you leave…” Only the top of her dark curly bun is sticking out as ducks down, scrambling in the drawers of the counter before jumping up with two pastel-colored towels in her hand.

“Here ya go! <3”

“Woah thanks, Juliette!” you happily accept her considerate gift.

“GIMME THE YELLOW ONE!” Mila happily squeals before ripping it straight out of your hands.

“Where did all your manners suddenly go, huh?” You side eye your sister.

“They all froze over!” She sticks out her tongue at you.

“What? It wasn’t my idea to jump into the ocean!”

“Of course it wasn’t! It’s your job to stop me!” She frowns. “You’re supposed to be the responsible one!”

“Ok ok! That’s enough.” Juliette softly chuckles at your quarrel. “No fighting by the entrance, please.”

You glance deadly over at Mila who scoffs at the sight of you.

“You guys are entertaining.” Juliette can’t help but laugh again. “I won’t keep you any longer. Remember to take care of yourselves and don’t catch a cold!”

“We’ll try.” You return her warm smile. “Again, thanks for the towels– and everything else, Juliette!”

She waves the two of you off before she slumps down in her chair with a heavy sigh and gazes at the enormous pile waiting for her. [justice for juliette✊ 😔]

♤

Wrapped in a blue hot towel, you creak open the door to your room. The chilly air from the hallway clashes with the surprisingly mild air from your room. It’s scented with the familiar smell of damp wood combined with an unusual, scorched aroma, as if someone had left the stove on for a bit too long. You’re not complaining though. If there is a time to transform your crisp room to a hellfire spawn, that time would be today. You and Mila have been trembling for a while, so letting your skin be enveloped in this warmth is much more preferable than the past alternative.

Mila swiftly slithers past your feet while your gaze travels across the dark room and lands by the dinner table where the culprit, who’s responsible for creating this sauna, is peacefully snoring. You can physically see the water evaporating off Ace’s skin, clashing with the cool wind crawling through the broken window in front of him and brushing his locks away from his freckled face. The remains of a puddle are located underneath his chair but, like the clothes he’s wearing, it’s almost completely dried up now. You’re happy to see that he’s gotten his powers back at least. Last time you saw him he was still completely drenched and struggling to light up his pinky. People were not joking when they said ability users are cursed by the sea. And to believe you’ve witnessed this twice… You still struggle to understand why Ace would happily go through that again after the first experience.

Mila and you quickly change into dry clothes and regain your warmth by treating your guest as a self-supplying bonfire before leaving for dinner. You don’t bother waking up Ace before closing the door as you figure he needs all the rest he can get. Besides who else are supposed to keep the room nice and warm?

As you open the door to your room yet another time, just with a full stomach and a happy kid sister by your side this time, you find Ace in the exact same state you left him. Mila, who’s following up behind you with a plate in her hands, sighs once she sees he’s not even moved a single muscle. After she went through the struggle of smuggling an meal, specifically for Ace, you can imagine she’ll be extremely disappointed if he doesn’t end up eating it.

“It’s alright. You can wake him up now, Mi.” you encouragingly pat her on the back as you stroll past her. “I think he would appreciate dinner.”

Her eyes light up and she excitedly jumps up to Ace’s ear while you slouch down in your own bed.

“HEY ACE!”

You have trouble containing your chuckle as Mila’s greeting almost knocks Ace off the chair.

“I gotchu some food.” Mila grins and shoves the stack of meat up his face.

“Oh, you do?” He shakes his head trying to regain consciousness, still disoriented.

Tucked under your warm blanket you hide your nose behind the book you’ve been reading and block out the muffling skirmish Ace and Mila have going on. How you’ve missed engulfing yourself in the palaces made of paragraphs and wandering through the monumental cathedrals built from the knowledge of others. The only thing missing is a simmering cup of tea by your side, but you figure you can enjoy this evening without it for now.

“Wow, thanks Mila! This looks so great!” Ace exclaims through a tired smile.

“Hehe!” Mila grins in response before slumping the rest of the food on the table and shuffles up to her top bunk.

Ace takes a few slow bites that slowly evolves into monstrous rampage where all the meat on his plate gets devoured within seconds while he regains all his strength. On the other hand, the usually energised Mila started drooling the second her head hit the pillow. Behind the comfort of her peaceful snoring, harmonizing with the creaky bed and Ace’s munching, you make a mental note to scold her tomorrow. She can’t keep getting away with all these shenanigans without any consequence. She’s bound to end up in a dangerous situation where you might not be able to aid her...

"What are you reading?" Ace interrupts your thoughts with an unexpected question in between his chews.

"Just a book about history," you answer dryly, trying to end the conversation.

"Ahhh..." he gazes out the window. You manage to read another paragraph before he breaks the silence again. "Do you often read like this?"

By ‘read like this’ you're assuming he's asking if you often tuck yourself away alone in a dark room during the ungodly hours of the night where nobody else is awake to accompany you.

"Yeah,” you respond, your eyes not leaving the page. “I usually read every night. I just haven't had the time to do so in a while."

"Aw that's a bummer. You seem to enjoy it." He shrugs, not realizing he is one of the reasons you haven’t had the time. "What kinda history are you reading about now?"

"Well, the book is about the Wano country."

"Wano?" His eyes light up.

"Mhmm, you've heard of it?"

He nods as he confidently leans back in his chair with a slight smirk. "I've been there."

You freeze at his words and look up from the book for the first time in a while.

He's been to Wano?

You silently watch the peculiar man take another bite of his steak while contemplating whether or not you should let your curiosity win over your pettiness this time. You know this man is well traveled, being a pirate and all that here on the Grand Line, but to have set foot on Wano is stretching it a bit.

"You're lying."

"Nope!” he happily exclaims. “I visited the place a while ago."

"But... how-?” You frown. “The whole country is surrounded by mountain-high waterfalls and all the borders are closed. It’s practically impossible to enter."

"It ain't that bad if you know what you're doing." He shrugs like his feat is nothing to brag about.

"Ahhh..." You hide your face behind the book again, trying to suppress the urge to question him more by mindlessly submerging yourself between the same repeating line over and over again.

"So... how was it there?" You curse under your breath at your lack of self-control.

"You don't know?" He furrows his brows in a genuine question. "Aren't you halfway through a book about the country?"

"Well, technically yeah…" you sigh. "But it's an old book, so it doesn't say anything about the current state of Wano. Plus, it's not written that well. The author leaves out a lot of details and some parts feel fabricated, I dunno..."

"I see..." His gaze travels outside the window again. "What do you want to know?"

He’s got a point… What do you want to know? You let your mind wander in order to find a more concrete question. There’s so much you want to ask about and so much he could possibly have an answer to, but you settle on the one you can gain the most honest answer from.

"What's your impression of Wano?"

"I really like the people," Ace doesn’t spare a single thought to his answer. "I met some cool folks there with good hearts. They have been through a lot, but somehow always keep a smile on their face..."

You subconsciously return his faint smile.

"I even met my best friend there, Yamato. Sadly, he couldn't leave with me, so we won't meet again in a while," he continues. "You know Kaidou, right?"

"I do." You straighten your back.

There's a lot of respect and fear tied to the name of the man who can't be killed. Kaidou is the owner of the mythical zoan-type devil fruit Uo Uo no mi, which grants him the ability to transform into a dragon. In other words, it’s a really powerful devilfruit. He has also earned the attention of the world government, who's tried to assassinate him a couple of times. They’ve even deemed him worthy of the title Yonkou, an emperor of the sea and gave him a bounty of well over 4 billion for his head. As of right now, Wano is considered his territory, making him the reason the country is so shielded away from the rest of world. Considering the massive influence he has, of course you've done your research on him.

"That's Yamato's dad."

"Wha-?" Your jaw drops to the ground as you process his words.

"YEAH, I KNOW! That was my exact reaction too!" Ace laughs without a trace of worry. "He's nothing like his father tho... In fact, he's quite the opposite. He wants to open the borders again and has even attempted to assassinate Kaidou multiple times."

"Woah, that's either incredibly brave or stupid.” You grin faintly. “Who's insane enough to try to kill an emperor?"

"Uhh yeah...” Ace scratches the back of his neck while grinning awkwardly. “You must have a few screws loose to be crazy enough to attempt that..." He avoids your eyes. "Anyways, with Kaidou in charge the residents of Wano aren't doing that great.” His whole demeanour darkens. “He produces some kind of fruit that poisons the environment and makes it hard for locals to find food and clean water. So, unless you live in The Flower Capital, your resources are severely limited"

"Oh..." Your eyes soften.

This doesn’t sound like the Wano you’re reading about at all. You’re well aware that you’re reading a severely outdated book, but still… You never expected the country to start going backwards. You admit you were never a fan of their Shogunate system, but you never thought he would turn out to be a bad guy.

"I was gonna beat him up while I was there, but with my luck of course he went away on vacation or smt-" Ace rolls his eyes.

"You wanted to fight Kaidou as well?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Of course!” he insists. “How else am I supposed to help out my friends?"

"Hmm, I suppose you have a point...” you decide. “But that alternative still seems pretty difficult though."

"Probably." He shrugs, biting into a meat skewer.

The silence after his response drags out for a few seconds as you wait for him to elaborate further, which he never does.

"Aren't- aren’t you going to say something more…?" You raise an eyebrow,

"Hmm?"

"I said that it sounds pretty difficult what you're trying to do."

"Well, duh."

"And...?" You motion for him to continue. "You don't want to add anything else? Like 'But nothing's impossible!' or ‘I’ll be the first one to kill him!' or... no- idk…" Your confidence slowly drains the more he lets you speak uninterrupted.

"Umm..." He stares at you blank-eyed.

‘Just kill me.’

"Never mind..." You slowly sink down in your bed, trying to hide yourself behind the book for the third time since this conversation started. How did you somehow manage to make yourself look like the idiot with him in the same room as you?

Ace raises an eyebrow. "Do you want to visit Wano?"

"Uhhhh." You stare at the roof, puzzled about the question that seemingly came out of the blue. "I mean if the opportunity arises, I wouldn't say no. But like I said, it seems kinda dangerous right now."

"I'm planning to go back there. I don't know when, but one day for sure." He leans forward, his determined eyes piercing through your soul. "You wanna join?"

"Ha!" you snort at him. This was not the way you expected the conversation to go.

"I'm not joking."

"That's what makes it funnier." You slam the book shut before jumping out of your bed and onto the cold floor. "I think that's my sign to leave."

"Hm… alright." He shrugs and jumps up from his chair as well. “Let’s get going.”

"Nope! You're not going anywhere." You quickly shut him down by pushing him back on his ass.

"What? Don't you want to know more about Wano?"

"Another time." You give him a forced smile. "Just stay here for now, ok?"

Did he forget that you're still mad at him? Just because you talked to him casually doesn't mean you've completely forgiven him. And what was all that about? What you meant by 'if the opportunity arises' was when your island is safe. Not when some random stranger kindly asks. Maybe that man really does have a few screws loose or something…

"Sure..." he pouts as he crosses his arms. “I dunno what to do though…”

You roll your eyes and pick up your change of clothes before walking to the toilet.

"Take a nap or something,” you mutter from behind the open door while unbuttoning your shirt. “I don't want you to fall asleep in the middle of a conversation again. You really need to do something about that."

Your mind wanders back to your conversation. Once again, you find yourself getting more pissed off when you think about his comments. He really asked you, stone faced, if you could drop everything just to go on a vacation to a dictator state with him. How could he possibly expect you to just- sail away from you whole life? The sheer audacity this man has… Not everybody has the privilege of leaving behind your friends and family to go on a grand adventure like he apparently does.

After a while, you realise you still haven’t gotten a response from Ace yet, so you decide to peek out the door to see what’s going on. You sigh once more as you’re met with the sight of him drooling by the table with his half-eaten meat skewer sticking out of his mouth.

‘At this point you must be doing this on purpose,’ you murmur.

You throw a blanket over Ace and take one last glance at Mila peacefully slumbering on the top bunk before you close the door behind you. Dressed in your mold-green uniform, that still doesn’t quite fit, you rest your hand on the pommel of your sword as you gaze up at the clear sky sparkled with stars mockingly glistening at you.

'Oh, you haven't been Wano? I was just there yesterday!' they taunt merrily.

A bitter feeling settles in your chest as you face the dark and gloomy forest in front of you. For once you appreciate the dense cluster of leaves shielding you away from the shining night sky. These long nights alone with your thoughts never get easier. At least you can comfort yourself with the fact that the stars weren't the only company you had last time...

You shake off that bleak feeling. You're working, you remind yourself. You can’t let your mind run off. This job is the reason you have a roof over your head and enough food to survive. It’s because of you doing exactly this tedious task that the island is safe and you have a place to return to. And you don’t ever want to be without it again. So sacrificing some childish dreams to instead mindlessly wander through the night is definitely worth it. In fact, you find it quite relaxing... sometimes...

Still, no matter how hard you try you can’t seem to suppress the resentment you've recently begun feeling for the stars. Why do they get the to travel across the sky, seeing the whole world in the span of a single day while you're stuck for years on the same ground, walking down the path you've walked a thousand times before and will walk once more. Why do they get to be free and without shackles? Why do they get to soar across the ocean, looking pretty and without a single worry. What did they do... to deserve this kind of life, that you didn't...?

If they did have a single worry though, you can imagine it would be to keep shining... It must be tiring, you realize, to always have to light up the dark world when the sun disappears behind the horizon. It's no easy task... Eventually they might burn out, and a dying star is always such tragedy.

You sigh heavily, staring at the green roof above you, only lit up by the moonlight peeking through.

You truly hate the night.

Chapter Text

You're greeted awake by the muttering of strangers outside your window as the morning transitions into noon. A fresh gust of wind — carrying the scent of the remaining herbs and spices still lingering in the air from the festival — flows from the giant hole in your window into the empty apartment, sending a shiver down you spine. You blindly grab after your glass on the rugged nightstand and let the lukewarm water run down your rusty throat while the tired sun peeks through the curtains, forcing your heavy eyes to open. Across the room, past the specs of dust dancing in the bright beams of light, you spot a neatly folded blanket, still smelling like a cozy campfire bristling under the glistening night sky. It's rested on the wooden chair beside the broken window in the stead of the freckled individual who was snoozing there just a few hours ago.

Ace had disappeared into the cold night while you were out, without a word and like he never even was here in the first place. The only thing he left behind of him to welcome you when you silently lurked back from your patrol is the fiery aura embedded onto every thread of fabric he was near. Even now it still continues to gently seep deeper into the walls of the room. Not a single other hint proving is existence is left.

You hate to admit it, but the fact that he's gone bothers you more than you'd like. Even the small remains of him, invisible to the eye, takes up too much space in your mind. If anyone else had left you in the dirt like this, it would've never even crossed your mind to spare them a thought, let alone, worry about them. But for some reason you expected more from him. You thought he would be different than the other pirates you've encountered.

It's not like you had high expectations it either. You know when to give up lost causes. For example, you knew for a fact that his broke ass was never going to pay back his 'debt' to you. And you've already accepted that there's no way he'll actually ever take you to Wano, whether you wanted it or not. However, after everything you've done, you were under the impression that he would at least have the decency to give you a proper goodbye... Guess you were wrong.

With a heavy sigh, you scramble out of bed and let your eyes wander, deliberately avoiding the corner with the blanket and chair, until they stumble back to a bright red dot on your freshly washed bedspread. You let out another frustrated groan and make your way to the bathroom, dragging the heavy sheets over your shoulder as well as the closest change of clothes you can find within an arms-reach. Despite the inconvenience it brings, you're still taken by surprise each time your period returns. It always comes back when you least expect it — or least need it — and you're never ready to face how another month of your life went by just like that.

Hurling the stained blanket into the slowly expanding hill of laundry, you catch a glimpse of your own reflection in the mirror. You frown upon noticing that the dark bags under your eyes have only grown larger these past days. They make it all too easy to tell how you haven't gotten nearly enough sleep to compensate for all the trouble that's been on your mind recently. You quickly splash away those worries with a wave of ice-cold water and slip into the old, brown, cargo shorts you brought with you and unsuccessfully try to scrub away the stains on the white tank top before accepting your fate and settling on that to be your outfit.

After refilling your glass with cold water, you slouch down in the chair beside the — still very broken — window and let both your mind and eyes wander outside, past the comfort of your own walls. The warm sun, caressing your face, shines lower than you expected, stretching the shadows of the meandering townspeople as tall as the very houses they live under. Despite your wishes, your gaze does not have the time to reside on its traipsing subjects for too long. It's forced to quickly jump from one human to another, barely managing to scan their character and demeanor before the person forever disappear behind the clamouring horde of ordinary people, continuing with their ordinary day, doing ordinary stuff.

Just as you lose a strange fellow with a green, pointy hat to the succumbing crowd, your eyes widen at a peculiar sight. They're locked onto what's beside the entrance of your own building. Or rather, what's not beside it.

The large hill of junk you, Mila and Ace spent the whole yesterday evening transporting is all gone, reduced to only a small rubble. You stare in disbelief as you come to the conclusion that all the stuff must've already been delivered back to where it belongs. You were aware that Juliette was quite an effective worker, but you never expected her to be done with everything before the sun had managed to set a second time.

Once more, a new sight diverts your frantic eyes and trail of thoughts. A scrawny guy dressed in red, with a size too large of everything, enters your field of view and jumps over the remains of your loot, carefully moving towards the postbox by the front door. You watch for a while as he clumsily avoids the leftovers by tip toeing around them, struggling to not break a sweat. Eventually, he makes it across, wheezing as he reaches into the battered saddle across his torso and pulls out a letter.

A light bulb ignites above your head, and you grin cunningly as you take a sip of your refreshing water. You've finally found something to do with your day.

Originally, you had planned to go to the outskirts of town again to further develop your blade skills, as that's how you usually spend your spare time. However, the temptation to rest has become too great and you can already feel yourself voluntarily fall into the arms of human laziness.

You guiltily glance over your shoulder to see the weight of your conscience rest on the shining blade hanging on the front door. It won't hurt to leave it at home for a single day. You do deserve a rest day after all your hard work. And you could gain a lot from not shouldering so many responsibilities, for once. Just the thought of the only worry on your mind being to make it home in time to eat dinner with Mila is freeing.

It's safe to say that you feel no remorse walking out the door of the community house free of heavy burdens and swords dragging you down. After all, you should try to feel lighter when visiting your dear friend around the corner.

Standing alone on the cold doorstep of the red post office, you face the rusty 'CLOSED' sign hanging on by a thread on the locked door in front of you. Despite the sign's warning and your previous failed attempts, you gently shake the door handle once more in hopes that the door somehow will open this time. To no one's surprise, it doesn't budge an inch.

In a valiant last-ditch effort, you put your face up to the smudgy window beside and peek into the dark, narrow room desperately trying to spot the redhead in between the crumbling plank shelves. The weeping letters, and dust particles gliding off the kerosene lamps are the only things daring to greet your sudden intrusion. Nothing else in the somber room catches your eye, except from your warm breath fogging up the glass.

You let out a disappointed sigh, stomping away from the abandoned office, and kick some innocent pebbles off the pier. You callously watch the rocks get swallowed by gloomy waves slamming into the dock as you curse your bad luck.

The post office never closes. Not even during the holidays do they dare lock their doors. You know very well that they pride themselves with their availability and the fact that they're open every waking hour of the day. So, you're definitely thrown off seeing that they're closed on an ordinary weekday. And of course, out of the entire year, the day they decide to close happens to coincide with the day you decide to be a better friend and stop by more often for a change.

You let out another deep sigh and let the salty breeze flow through your loose hair while you enjoy the view of the pastel-colored horizon. Your posture crumbles more and more as the grim hope of having a rest day slowly starts to dim. You can't say you're tempted to spend the rest of your day lifting every rock in town trying to find Medri, so the only reasonable option left is to train. The only annoying part is that you're missing your sword and, as you're aware, it's quite difficult to polish sword skills without a sword. Maybe you should just find a branch and go swing that around instead...

You pause for a second and feel the gears turn in your head. That idea might actually not be entirely half-bad. If you train with a stick, or some other dull blade, imagine how easy it would be for you to wield your sharp sword again! [her last two braincells are working overtime for this rn. give her a break] You can already feel your fingers itching to test your new theory. The only thing left to do now is to get your hand on some sticks...

A trail of sweat runs down your forehead as you close your eyes and take a deep breath, letting your shoulders drop as the air flows out of your lungs again. The sound of flies buzzing past you and the smell of resin filling your nostril helps you concentrate all your focus to the tip of your fingers as you plant one foot steadily behind you. The splinters dig deeper into your hand as you tighten the grip around the branch and stomp your front leg on the ground under you, creating large rifts through the soil before you successfully launch yourself forward at top-speed.

Within a moment you find yourself in front of your target, a sturdy rock able to peek over the walls of Kariko. Using all the momentum you created, you haul the stick forward with all your whole body, aiming to cut straight through it. Just as the stick makes contact with the rock, it snaps right in half, flinging one piece hundreds of meters in the air while your feet still haven't safely touched the ground yet.

As you finally land on your knee and empty your lungs for the remainder of air left, you lift your head and watch the spinning stalk continue accelerating and disappear into the darkening sky. Glancing down at the sad, splintered stump remaining in your hand, you sigh in defeat. In a sinister attempt to comfort you, the solid boulder towering over you — still standing proud and without a scratch on its rough surface — rests its cold hand on your shoulder. You let out another deep sigh, staring down the unbothered stone giant, before dragging your heavy legs through the dirt and over to the expanding pile of demolished twigs with a new addition to the collection in your hand.

You're about to repeat your tired search through the woods for a new stick when a slight panic fills your chest. You notice the sun disappearing behind the far horizon, giving the silver light enough room to twirl through the gaps of the leaves in the trees above you. You hastily lift your gaze and see the moon kindly smiling down at you. Cursing under your breath you immediately quit everything you're doing before sprinting straight towards Kariko, wondering how the hell it was possible for you to not notice all the time pass.

With your pulse rising the bleak hope fading, you still plead for the slight chance that you can make it back in time for dinner with Mila.

You rocket past the brick corridors inside the town's walls when a familiar voice reaches your ears.

"Y/N! HEY!"

You hurriedly step on your brakes and look around bewildered before noticing the short statured woman you've been wanting to see the entire day jog up to you.

"Medri– hi..." You gasp for air in between your words as she slows down beside you. It's first when she's within arms reach when you notice the new addition to her usually chromatic wardrobe. The red bandana around her neck intrigues you enough to raise an eyebrow, but not question it further.

"God, y/n, you look terrible! What happened?" She studies you with a tinge of concern in her eyes.

"I was– just outside... training..." you pant. "I have to– I have to make it back in time... dinner– for Mila..."

"Oh!" Her face lights up. "Then you're right on time! I just walked past her. She and her peers were still in the middle of sparring at the training grounds. Those poor souls..."

You cannot put into words the immense relief you felt as the guilt lifts off your shoulders. That was the only thing you wanted to hear right now. You don't know what you would've done if you had let Mila eat alone again. Although you do find it weird that they have not finished training yet...

"I'm assuming that means you have some time to catch up..." Medri smiles seeing your eyes light up. "So, please tell me what you've been up to, miss 'Hero of the Island'? I've heard all about your little adventure!"

You playfully roll your eyes. Of course, she has. As the daughter of the post office director, it's basically impossible for Medri to not get a sniff of the rumours blossoming around town.

"I'll tell you all about it later." You smile, finally winded down. "What I'm more curious about is what you have been up to. Why was the post office closed?"

"Oh, you know about that?"

"Yeah! I stopped by earlier today, but nobody was inside."

"Really? You came to visit?" Medri raises an eyebrow. Before you get the time to question what she meant, she continues. "Anyway, you know about the large ship arriving?"

You nod.

"We had to close up for the day in order to help prepare for it to dock."

"That's ridiculous." You frown. "What happened to 'accessibility'? The post office shouldn't be forced to close just to welcome some marines to spread their propaganda–"

"What makes you think they’re the marines?"

"Well, who else can it be?" you sneer. "It's not like we would welcome pirates."

"Yeah, I guess you're right..." Medri shrugs. "And it doesn't help that nobody wants to share any details either... This seems like something everyone should be aware of..."

You nod in agreement. Although you couldn't care less about what and who arrives in town, you aren't a big fan of Fallwind accepting foreign ships so easily. And learning how it messes up with local businesses certainly didn't improve your view on the matter either.

"Moving on~" You immediately recognise the shift in Medri's tone as her bubbly eyes lock with yours. "How did the date go?"

"It wasn't a date," you state, disappointed that you immediately knew what she was referring to.

She sighs as her head drops. "How did it go anyway?"

"Nothing to speak of." You keep your straight posture and neutral face as you think of ways to change the topic. The original reason you wanted to speak with Medri was to get your mind off Ace. However, you're not too surprised that the conversation eventually found its way to him. As you already know, she has a thing or two for gossip.

"Ugh, you're so boringgggg," Medri groans frustratingly.

You scoff at her, crossing your arms. If anyone here is to complain, it should be you. You're the one who was left in the dust yet another time.

"Come to think of it–" Medri's face lights up. "Ace is a sailor, right? Did he tell you anything about his journey? I know you're curious about that kinda stuff."

"Yeah... he did,” you sigh. "He said he's been to Wano–"

You carefully retell your conversation with the pirate and witness Medri's face go through a rollercoaster of emotion, before it finally, to your disappointment, settles on the complete opposite spectrum as yours.

"–And then he asked me if I wanted to join him..." you finish with a disheartened half-smile.

"Oh–!"

"I know! The craziest part is he was completely serious–!"

"But what did you answer?!" Medri takes an eager step towards you with a hopeful gaze.

“What do you think?” You quickly realise she's not on the same wavelength as you. "I laughed in his face, of course," you sigh hopelessly.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" she blurts out, grabbing your shoulders to shake your brains out.

"What do you mean!?" You wiggle yourself out of her tight grip. "I'm not leaving my home to sail away with some stranger!"

"Why not?!"

You could go on for ages about why this is a terrible idea, but Medri is not in the mood to be convinced right now.

"He's not a complete stranger–!" she argues. "And I don't get any bad vibes from him at all. He seems like a genuine guy and must know what he's doing. Plus–" She winks. "–it's only a bonus that he's cute."

You raise an eyebrow as she laughs it off, taking your silent response a bit more lightly than you'd hoped.

"I mean it!" she continues. "You shouldn't just let an opportunity like this slide. Just give it a thought–"

"Do you want me to leave?” you blurt out. “Is that what it is–?" For a terrifying moment, the world freezes and the crushing weight of your words slam onto your back, forcing you to carry it for a bit longer than you expected and can manage.

"No." Medri breaks the silence without a trace of the carefree laughter that was just there moments ago. "However, I am tired of seeing you spend all your days trudging through a dark forest alone, only to sulk about it afterwards."

"This again?" you sigh, straightening your posture. "I said I'm doing fine–"

"Y/n, you don't have to act though..."

"I'm not!" you protest. "I'm just doing what I have to! Who else is supposed to protect Fallwind if I'm not here?"

"You think too highly of yourself," Medri objects. "We can manage to protect Fallwind quite fine without you."

"What–?" you quickly snicker back at your friend. You can think of a million reasons on the top of your head as to why what she said is not true. "Then who's going to bring back all the missing stuff again!? Or take those extra shifts so you can walk safely around town at night–!?"

"Y/n..."

"–Why are you even outside so late, aren't you usually home at this time!?"

"That's none of your business!" Medri's cheek turns red for a split second, but her eyes are quick to darken again. "And you know what I meant." Her cold stare pierces straight through you, confiding you right where you're feet are planted, making it impossible to lift a finger. If your eyes hadn't diverted from her gaze right there and then, you fear you might've never been able to move again.

"I have to go," you mutter as you begin walking away from her. "I don't want Mila to wait."

"Y/n–" Medri nags after you. "Don't."

Despite her haunting words ringing without a hindrance through the desolate street, you shield yourself from them with a cover of guilt. To your relief, those resolute words are the only effort she sent to chase after you.

If the deafening silence flooding the streets of Kariko doesn't submerge you, the scattered thoughts— desperately trying to drag you under — definitely will.

You replay your conversation with Medri a thousand times over, trying to figure out what went wrong. You've never seen her be this mad before about anything, ever. The kind eyes you're so used to admiring was nowhere to be seen as she ruthlessly stared you down. The worst part is, you have no idea what you did to piss her off so much in the first place. Nothing you did or said was out of the ordinary, so what did you do wrong?

You're ripped out of your trail of thoughts by some humming from the across the street. Your gaze moves towards the quiet murmur and you notice the messy, blonde head happily jumping on the stone pavement a few blocks ahead of you.

A large smile emerges from your numb face. "HEY! CRUMBS!"

A puzzled Mila frantically looks around before she finally recognises you. "BIG SIS!" she sprints towards you and leaps straight into your arms with a loud groan. "I'M EXHAUSTED! HOW WAS YOUR DAY?"

"It was good...!" You grin, placing her dangling feet back on the ground. "How was practice?"

"Well... just the ordinary..." she sighs.

"Ahh–" You nod affirmingly.

"Oh! But today was different!"

"Okay–" The corner of your mouth quirks up as Mila begins skipping ahead.

"I got a lot of compliments for yesterday," she boasts. "Not only that, but I'm improving really fast too!" She lifts her head up high as you pat her on the head. "And~ coach even said that if I really want to... I can go patrol!"

"Oh! R- really?" you pause.

"Yup!" she exclaims proudly.

Your stomach drops as Mila naively grins beside you. It's true that she's older now, but you didn't expect her to begin working so soon...

"Is it true you started patrolling around my age?" she asks.

"Yeah." You smile weakly. "I was the youngest in my group."

"You were the youngest EVER!" She jumps in excitement. "People always talk about all the impressive stuff you've done!"

You roll your eyes. It's true you've done quite a lot for the town, but it's still nothing the brag about. You're only doing your job. The fact that you were a kid shouldn't matter that much either.

"I was way too young when I started patrolling," you begin. "Luckily, you get the opportunity to wait a few more years."

"But I don't want to wait!" she frets. "I'm ready to do it now!"

"Just because you're ready doesn't mean you have to do it." You lightly mess up Mila's hair.

"But i want to!" she complains. "Can't I join you on your patrol today? I can show you what I'm capable of!"

"Today?" You smirk slyly. "Didn't you say you were exhausted?"

"Ugh...! okay..." she grunts. "That's on me..."

"Don't worry, Mi," you chuckle as she sinks down to the ground in despair. "I don't doubt that you're ready. You can probably join me some other time–"

"LIKE TOMORROW?" Her head pops up.

You sigh defeated. "Yeah... why not?"

"YIPPIE!!!" she raves, running in a celebratory circle around you before ending with a jumping embrace around your waist. "I'M SO EXCITED! THIS IS GONNA BE SO AMAZING!"

"Yes! It will be amazing!" You weakly smile down at the little gremlin clutching onto you. "It will be ..." you repeat, tightening your grip around her.

Chapter Text

"YO! BIG SIS!"

A loud slam from across the room startles you awake. You quickly shut your eyes again and put all your effort into ignoring the hammering footsteps rapidly approaching you.

"WAKE UP! I GOT BIG NEWS!" Mila jumps on your bed and starts shaking your lazy body awake.

"Ugh..." You groan drowsily, your heavy head glued to the pillow.

"YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS! THERE'S A MUSTACHE GUY HERE." You've barely gained consciousness, yet Mila has already begun loudly bombarding you with random words. "WAKE UUUUP!"

"What? No!" You angrily roll over.

"UGH! NO, LISTENNNN!!!" Even with your back turned against her, Mila still doesn't give up on bothering you. She pathetically attempts to drag your blanket off — succeeding in nothing but annoying you even further — and you realise she won't stop nagging until she gets her way.

With a loud sigh you threateningly whip your head around. "What is it!?"

"A GIGANTIC boat has just docked at shore!" She lights up as she speaks. "It belongs to the guys who were supposed to visit a few days ago! And between you and me, I heard some whispers about them being big shots..." She grabs you by the shoulders. "So, if we don't want to miss it, we need to go now!"

You roll your eyes. Personally you've never understood the appeal of gawking at supposedly 'important' people strolling through town like they're on some sort of pedestal. You're aware that a lot of the townsfolk enjoy breathing in the fresh gust of freedom they occasionally bring with, but it just doesn't sit right with you. All their parades are often just a flashy facade to hide their true intentions anyway, so feeding into it is just a waste of everyone's time.

"You know I couldn't care less about these 'big shot' marines, Mila..." you sigh. "Don't be fooled by their–"

"OH, NO!" she gasps, grabbing her chest like she's offended on their behalf. "These guys are not marines..."

"Then what are they?" you yawn, more interested in tucking yourself under the warm covers again.

A sly grin curls up Mila's face. "They're pirates!"

And suddenly you're wide awake.

A cold wave of questions washes over you as the last word repeatedly rolls in your mind. Did you hear that correct? Pirates?! No, it can't be. Mila didn't say that. Because why would Kariko, in any way, shape or form, ever voluntarily welcome pirates?

"What?" You straighten your posture.

"Yes!" Mila exclaims, gleefully soaking in your full attention. "I heard that they're kind ones too, like your mom! And the captain has a goofy name as well! He's called 'Whitemustache' or something... I swear I've heard that name before–"

Mila's blabbering voice turns muffled as your own thoughts slowly submerge you. So she wasn't joking. Somehow, Kariko village, a pirate hating town, willingly took in pirates with open arms. No wonder this whole process was so secretive. About half of the population would've never let this slide even if the pirates were 'kind' as Mila says. However you know there's no such thing as kind pirates, especially if they're like your mom. And why would we even want pirates here on Windfall the first place? Plus out of all the crews we could accept, we choose one with a captain pathetic enough to call himself 'Whitemustache'? That silly name doesn't even sound pirate-like nor like anything you've ever heard of–

Oh.

You freeze. An image of the tattoo on Ace's back flashes in your mind, and suddenly you remember where you've seen that jollyroger before...

It's an understatement to say that you rocket straight out of bed, giving Mila a mini heart attack in the process. You curse you stupidity as you hurriedly fumble through your closet, throwing on whatever clothes you find. Your poor sister watches in a state of both confusion and terror as you fly past her, heading straight out the door. "Mila, I'm sorry but I have to go-" you shout over your shoulder, only to smash into a solid wall blocking the exit.

You trip over your feet and are about to taste the ground when a firm hand clutches around your wailing arm. Hanging on by only your wrist, your racing heart calms as your eyes veer up the strong grip blocking your blood flow. Your whole body stiffens at the sight of the charming pair of dark eyes partially hidden by the black strands of hair.

"You okay?" Although wide-eyed, Ace's freckles are as lively as you remember them and his sheepish grin is still plastered across his face while he pulls you back up on your feet.

"Mhmm." You blink, not daring to utter a word. It's first when you're standing eye-to-eye that you notice the sad sprout curled up in his other hand. Even though its silky white petals are sealed away from the outside world, you only need a single glance to immediately recognise what flower it is. You stare back and forth between him and the flower before finally daring to break the silence.

"How–" you begin.

"I just–" Ace bites his tongue.

Startled and slightly horrified, both of you lock gazes again.

"Usually I'd say ladies first, but may I ask to begin this time?" Ace takes the lead.

You nod silently, your face still as pale as a cloud when Mila jumps up behind you.

"Ace!" she cheers. "Have you seen the giant ship?!"

"Yes, I have!" He smiles warmly at Mila. "Doesn't it look cool?"

She excitedly nods as a response.

"Mi... can you do me a favor and go grab some breakfast for me downstairs?" You half-mindedly shoo her out the door.

"Breakfast? It's noon, silly!" she laughs. "But why do I have to...!"

"Just do it," you lightly insist.

"Okayyy..." she sighs as she drags her feet along the lengthy corridor, waving a sad goodbye to Ace.

As Mila disappears down the stairs you shift your focus back to the pirate in front of you. "You're–"

"Just let me explain myself first," Ace interrupts. "I'll start by apologising." His eyes lower to the flower in his hand. "It was blooming when I plucked it last night... I dunno why it looks so depressed now. Sorry..." He sighs as he reaches out the flower to you.

"It's a Moonflower." You accept it with a soft smile. "It only blooms in the evening and closes off in the morning, hence its name."

"I remember you said you liked them... Back at the festival." He scratches his neck.

"It's my favourite flower."

"I see."

The two of you stay like this for a few seconds, before Ace's eyes widen as he realizes he has yet to completely let go of the flower. "Anyways, I messed up..." he sighs, hurriedly pulling his hand back.

You nod as you quietly fiddle with the stem.

"I'm sorry that I left so suddenly yesterday. There was some business I had to get done." His shoulders weigh him down as he speaks. "But I should've at least left a note."

"It's okay." You smile weakly.

"You sure?" He raises an eyebrow. "Because what I did was pretty shitty."

"I mean, I was kind of worried... so a heads-up next time would be appreciated. But I'm good now." You shrug.

To your surprise, as your eyes steer back to him you are not met with the sympathetic look you expected but rather a sceptic squint. You swallow as his scrunched up face gets a bit too close for comfort, examining you from head to toe. Ultimately his eyes soften and he sighs with a smile. "I'm glad. But still–" Ace takes a step back, making enough room for him to lower his head in a proper bow. "I apologise for making you worry."

Even though you should be used to it by now, his formality still leaves you with speechless.

"And that fight about Mila..." He peers at you through his lashes before straightening his posture.

"No, l am sorry about that." This time, your steady voice takes him by surprise. "I said some things that I probably shouldn't have and I don't really mean it," you give him a half-smile. You do regret lashing out on him. Even if your worries were justified, he didn't deserve all your scolding. "I should've apologised sooner. I'm sorry, Ace."

A tiny smile curls itself up on his face. "I understand where you were coming from though, but thanks." A calm silence settles and before you wonder whether it's time to address the elephant in the room he smirks. "And again, you have no reason to worry. As long as I'm here there's no way I'll ever let Mila get hurt–" He takes a confident step towards you, standing so close that you're forced to lift your chin in order to see his face. "–or let you stumble down a rooftop." The wink he sends you makes your heart skip a beat and your wide eyes immediately travel down to your feet.

As you protectively cross your arms, you also cringe at yourself, realising how idiotic you must've sounded to him during that fight. It must've been incredibly insulting as well. Of course, a guy like him is more than capable of holding up a tiny child. There truly doesn't exist a world where he would ever drop Mila. Still, he understood that you can never truly overreact when your whole world is dangling upside down by their feet.

You dare look Ace's direction again and are met with the ever so confident grin, making the urge to roll your eyes hard to suppress. He is arrogant, cocky and a bit full of himself, but he is that for a reason. There's not much you know about him, however you do know that you can rely on this man.

"You're Portgas D. Ace ." You let your gaze linger on his face for a little longer.

"Mhmm." He nods as he leans his hand on the doorframe.

"Also known as Fire Fist Ace, the owner of the Mera Mera no mi," you continue with your head lifted. "Wanted by the marines for ages with a bounty of over half a billion berry... and also the second division commander of a Yonkou crew, the Whitebeard Pirates."

"Seems like somebody has done their research." He teasingly smirks.

"Oh, shut up." You quickly kill his lighthearted laugh with a playful punch to his abdomen. "What's wrong with you? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't think it was relevant." He shrugs. "Besides, you helped no matter what crew I was on, and that tells me everything I need to know about your character."

"Umm–" You avoid his soft stare. "Sure..."

"Anyway, about my crew–"

"Yeah, are you leaving?" Your eyes widen as you once again speak before you think.

"Straight to the point, I see," he chuckles as you mentally facepalm yourself. "Well, that's the other reason I came back here... Pops asked to see you."

"Hm?" Your mind goes blank. "Why does Whitebeard want to see me?"

"Well, you could say that there's a certain debt needed to be paid." Ace shrugs before offering you his hand. "So?"

With your jaw still on the ground, you hesitantly accept his hand. You barely manage to panicky leave the flower behind before he drags you out the door, a large grin plastered across his face. The last sight you see before the door slams shut behind you is the glistening moonflower on the dinner table, bathing in the strings of warm sunlight occasionally peeking through the flowing curtain.

Chapter Text

You can’t exactly say you’re overjoyed by all the intrigued stares following you as you storm past your fellow residents of the Community house holding the hand of a stranger. However, it would also be wrong of you to say a small part of you didn’t enjoy the attention a tiny bit. You pass the reception and lock eyes with a baffled Juliette who attempts to kindly greet you like normally but even she cannot mask the single raised eyebrow lifted in a silent question.

“Tell Mila that I’ll be back soon!” you shout over your shoulder. Juliette barely manages to nod in confirmation before you and Ace disappear out the front door.

You snap your neck trying to spot the crow’s nest hidden among the jungle of masts leaving cuts throughout the sky while you wait for Whitebeard to arrive. The increasingly impatient sun melting the skin off your face and the reeking air filled with rum certainly didn’t help your hopeless search for it either. You could’ve lost yourself among the tangled mess of ropes for days or been stuck letting your gaze slide down the endless sails so large they only need to be accompanied by a calm lullaby in order to tuck in a small town. Luckily, a joyful whistle — crowding the already full deck — pulls your head back from the clouds. The familiar tune roars over the cheering screams coming from Kariko pier ages below you and shields you from the threatening glares you’ve desperately been trying to avoid.

You’re aware you shouldn’t be standing in the middle of deck right now. The suppressed whispers surrounding you just proves it. You know you're nothing compared to the countless great captains who’ve stood before the legendary emperor the same way you're about to do now. Just the sight of your brittle self walking the footsteps of these heroes must be a joke in itself to the pirates around you. They can see, even more clear than you already do, how wrong your presence in the company of a Yonkou is.

These shrieking stares have been weighing you down ever since you set foot onto this ship, ever since you pushed your way through the dense crowd down at the pier this morning, ever since you — ages ago — stepped outside of the city walls for your first ever patrol with your sword in hand completely unaware of what you've signed up for. They’ve been looming over you like a dark shadow ever since that day at the shore, when she happily sailed away, leaving you in the dust, yet again. They have all been repeating the same phrase you’ve known since forever.

You don’t belong here.

Yet somehow, for only a moment, you find your tense shoulders relaxing despite those stares. That heavy burden is suddenly a hundred kilos lighter. All because of a single merry tone dancing through the air and offering a helping hand to carry some of that weight for you.

You quietly turn towards the peaceful whistle leaving the chapped lips of the freckled companion by your side. By the way he rolls back on the balls of his feet while his drooping eyes get lost in the mazes of tangled mess above him, it’s clear his head is everywhere but on top of his neck. If he was aware of the sea of eyes facing his way, he doesn't show it. Only traces of him are present on this grand boat right now, yet it’s enough for your tired mind to rest if only for a moment.

“It’s quite impressive…” Without lowering his chin, Ace’s gaze shifts towards you. “Right?” By the smug look on his face, you realise you must’ve been gawking for a while.

With a short breath, you hurriedly move your attention to the striking sails overhead. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

“Well, the Moby Dick is one of a kind.”

You dare glimpse over at him as his eyes return as glued to the waving flags and loose ropes breezing in the wind. The blinding sunlight pestering from above would’ve been too harsh on anyone’s features, but somehow bathing in it only made Ace’s skin glow brighter, complimenting the dimple on his sharp cheek as he sends you another sly grin.

A loud slam across deck knocks your heart up your throat, and the previous muttering around deck goes silent. The door that hasn’t moved an inch since you first set foot onto the ship is now wide open and creeping out of it is an oozing wave of something crawling up the neck of every man aboard. You take a sharp, involuntary step back as a dark silhouette blocking the whole doorframe rumbles out next. Rested on top of the figure’s broad shoulders is a bright white coat flapping in the wind. The hem, perfectly lined with gold, glistens in the fresh air while the dark red inner layer brings a calm contrast, grounding the first flashy impression with a sense of stability. You only notice the obscure white mustache grinning past both ears when the man carefully straightens his back, growing twice his already huge size as he crouches out of the door. Your jaw on the ground, you watch in disbelief as the elephant-sized man makes his way towards you, each of his thundering steps rocking the whole boat and sending ripples throughout the ocean.

The pirate standing before you is none other than the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates and the strongest man in the world; Edward Newgate. In his golden days, this man stood toe to toe against the Pirate King himself, and was a part of the legendary Rocks pirates, exploring the entirety of the Grand line even before he created a crew of his own. He has seen more things in a single adventure than you could ever dream of experiencing in your whole lifetime. He’s the pirate with the current highest bounty in the world, the man closest to the One Piece and right now he is—

“Yo, pops!” You’re ripped back to earth and your eyes widen as Ace casually strolls towards his captain. “This is her!” He points straight at you without looking back.

Whitebeard only grunts as an answer before promptly slumping down on a chair in front of you. While he still continues to tower over the whole deck — despite being seated — a blond, middle-aged man with a suspiciously pineapple-shaped head emerges from the same dark door, his purple coat flapping in the wind. You catch a glimpse of a tattoo on this mans chest, similar to what Ace has on his back. A blue cross with a crescent moon shape turned up in a smile. As he settles beside his captain you notice that the peculiar man, although a head taller than your pirate friend, is only like a tiny, chirping songbird in comparison to the giant white-mustached captain beside him.

A group of beautiful women dressed in light pink dresses with a nurse hat rushes out just after him. With them, they roll out a bunch of metal stands, carrying plastic bags filled with some type of liquid. All connected with white patches across the scar ridden chest of the very captain in front of you. It’s first when Ace proudly takes his place beside Whitebeard when you notice the old man’s pale skin and the heavy eyebags resting under his tired eyes.

“Ahhh…” Whitebeard downs the barrel-sized drink he’s been carrying in his hand, earning some annoyed glares from the nurses behind him before his determined eyes locks on you. “I have heard a lot about you, y/n…”

You swallow sharply at his dark expression hidden under the shadow of his black bandana.

“Welcome aboard my ship, The Moby Dick!” He dramatically flings his arms as wide open as his grin, accidentally bumping into the metals poles behind him and creating a clinging choir of rattling medical supplies. A loud applause follows, erupting all over deck with mugs colliding and rum spilling from every angle.

Stripped for the ability to form coherent sentences you just silently nod at the captain as the cheers die down. “T-thanks... sir…”

“I’ve been informed that you rescued my incompetent second division commander,”—With a large grin Whitebeard knocks the breath out of Ace with a single pat on his back— “and that you continued to generously lend him your aid during his stay here on this island… For that, I’ll be forever grateful.”

You straighten your back, holding back a smirk as you watch Ace fumble back to his previous position with a slightly askew hat. “It was nothing… sir.”

“No need to be so humble, child! And drop the formalities!” Whitebeard’s teeth glisten almost as bright as his coat. “I apologise for all the trouble my son has caused you. Truly, I am in your debt. Is there anything the Whitebeard Pirates can do for you?”

A dry gust of wind blows by, and you freeze as you process what exactly Whitebeard is saying. Ace really wasn't kidding when he said he'll pay you back.

“Well…” You clear your throat. “There’s this window that broke during his stay. So, I would appreciate it if you could pay for the repairs—”

A storm of laughter scatters across the crew. You stumble back in surprise, aimlessly flashing your wide eyes around before they finally land on Ace. He, as confused as you, can only offer a not-so-comforting shrug as their amusement slowly submerges you.

“THE MOST POWERFUL PIRATE AT SEA SAYS HE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU… AND YOU ASK HIM TO FIX A WINDOW?” A guy bursts out, almost dying at his own joke.

Your cheeks turn red and suddenly your only wish is to curl into a ball and forever disappear from the surface of the earth.

“Quiet!” Whitebeard sharply eyes the now speechless crew. Not even the crashing waves against the crusty hull dare to interrupt him now. “Y/n…” With a spark in his eyes, Whitebeard turns to you. “We will of course pay for the repairs for window. However, such small sum of berry could never possibly cover everything that you’ve done. So please, if there’s anything else you need, feel free to ask.” His warm smile shines like a ray of hope down the hole you just crawled into and for the first time since you put foot onto deck, you feel seen, not just stared at.

So, the most wanted pirate at sea says he’ll grant you anything you ask for. No pressure.

Your mind races through every want and need that has ever crossed your mind before. What is it that he could do for you? To be honest, there’s nothing you want that he could provide you with. You already have everything you need at home, at the C.H. Although, you wouldn’t complain if you had a few more berries in your pocket to spoil Mila and yourself with something other than the plain meals served at the C.H. for the next few weeks. You’re at the brink of opening your mouth when a glimpse of a news headline you’ve read a lifetime ago suddenly flashes in your mind.

Whitebeard’s feats are certainly something straight out a storybook. Nothing is better suited to tell those stories than the way pirates declare their superiority out at sea… their territories. What some pirates use as a way to demonstrate their might and influence; Whitebeard, on the other hand, expands his territory to help and protect people in need. He has explicitly been claiming islands who’re unable to fend for themselves for decades, so nobody would ever dare go up against them again. You've read about his endeavors before, but this news article of him was your first encounter with what you view as good pirates in this world. So maybe, just maybe, he’ll be able to help your island too.

You take a deep, final breath before answering, “Actually, there is one thing you can do...” What you’re asking for now is a big jump from simply fixing a window. It's not something a great pirate like Whitebeard would just give out to anybody at any time. But since you saved one of his crewmates, or one of his sons as Ace said he is, he just might make an exception. “This island you’re docked at right now, Fallwind…” You lift your chin, locking eyes with the tall figure. “We’ve been experiencing constant pirate attacks for these past years and the marines just won’t help us since we can’t pay the celestial tribute. Our only line of defense is me and a few others, so it’s only a matter of time before we can’t protect this place any longer and–” Your voice cracks and your previously proud gaze wanders down to the floor.

Realizing you’ve lost your composure, you take a second to summon your last bit of courage. “I’ve heard that you claim many struggling islands around the Grand Line as your own territory in order to protect them... Which brings me to my question. Could you, maybe, offer your protection to this island as well?” You quickly lower your head to the ground, not daring to look anywhere other than at the tree floor.

The muttering around deck dies abruptly as the last words leave your lips. The flapping ropes and flags swaying in the wind are the only sounds left except for your hammering heartbeat. After an eternity of silence you dare send an unsure glance upwards only to see a large grin starting to form under Whitebeard’s mustache. Beside him, the second division commander is smirking, his eyes shielded by the brim of his orange hat.

“You have a good heart, y/n. I can tell this island means a lot to you.” Whitebeard’s unexpected praise startles you back on your feet. “Listen child, the reason we came to this island in the first place was to grant it my protection. I have seen how the people here courageously fight despite their lack of defenses. So, I couldn’t just stand by and watch as you suffer.”

You stare blankly at him, your brain not really processing his words.

He leans his head back in a chuckle. “What I’m saying is… Fallwind island is welcome to be a part of the Whitebeard Pirates’ territory!”

You look at him with your mouth agape for a few more seconds, not believing your ears.

Fallwind is a part of Whitebeard’s territory.

There was no hope in trying to stop the tears pressing behind your eyes from storming out as your knees give in and you fall to the ground sobbing.

There’ll be no more pirates. No more patrolling. The town will finally be safe... Mila will be safe! You won’t have to worry about her or anyone on this island ever again. They're all going to be okay… You are going to be okay.

“THANK YOU SO MUCH, WHITEBEARD!” You slam your forehead onto the chipped planks on the floor in a deep bow. “You have no idea how much this means to me and this island!” you manage to utter in between your sobs.

“GUARARARA!” Whitebeard’s powerful laugh rumbles across the whole deck and down to the ocean floor. “LIFT YOUR HEAD, MY CHILD. IT IS MY DUTY TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF THE SEAS.”

You wipe away the tears running down your cheek as you slowly squint up at the captain. The blinding sun shines brightly behind him and highlights his strong silhouette standing proud. Everything from his majestic coat flowing in the light breeze, his clear teeth grinning widely and the barrel in his hand spilling out droplets of sake is captured with a bright ring of sunlight. For a moment, time stands still and only the flag with the mustached jollyroger standing tall in the distance waves down at you.

It’s now that you truly understand what a real pirate is. After all these years spent fighting off sad excuses who blindly robs and hurts innocent people, you finally meet a pirate who fights for the people. A person who stands up for the weak and protects them, just because. Whitebeard is nothing like the power-hungry devils out at sea who never seem to stop hurting your village. He is nothing like the pirates who abandoned you. He is the true definition of a pirate. The true definition of power. You finally understand why Ace so proudly wears his jollyroger on the back.

Whitebeard is a real pirate who protects his people. And now he protects your people.

“Well, I am still in your debt, y/n, as I’m only going to do what I came here to do.” Whitebeard looks down at you. “So, I’ll ask once again, is there anything else we could do for you?”

Before you even get to think about another answer or do anything about your runny nose, Ace takes a step forward. “If I may interrupt— [☝️🤓]”

You raise an eyebrow as a slight smirk reveals itself on his face.

“I think I might know what we can do…”

Chapter Text

You hold your breath as you softly knock three times on the cold, wooden door. As the chilly breeze sneaking through the gaps of the doorway skims past your impatiently tapping feet, you curse yourself for taking so long to return home.

You completely lost track of time while you were at the Moby Dick, too swallowed up in your own bubble to notice how much had passed. Only when the first peach strokes of the slumbering sun flung across the sky did you remember you had somewhere else to be. Mila is waiting for you at home, completely alone. Your heart breaks when you think about how happy she was to spend the day with you and show you the ship, but you managed to disappoint her once again.

The worst part is that you don't seem to regret it as much as you thought you would. A spark of excitement, despite your lingering guilt, lit itself during your entire stay in the presence of a Yonkou. No normal human wouldn't feel a bit prideful if a man as powerful as Whitebeard wants an audience with you. Even when Ace proposed the most irresponsible suggestion you've ever heard, you couldn't help but, for the first time ever, feel drawn to this selfish option. Now that you've finally gotten a taste of it, the idea of experiencing real freedom has consumed you and there's no way you'll ever let completely go of it. And the guilt you've been feeling ever since you thought of this is eating you up from the inside. [YOU KNOW WHO ELSE COULD EAT YOU—?]

As your first knock receives no response, you decide to slowly screech open the door. You cautiously peek your head inside the cold room illuminated only by the dim milky light seeping through the shut curtains. The moonflower Ace gave you is still peacefully resting exactly where you left it on the dinner table. Just this time it's fully abloom, its petals glistening as they bask in rays of the silver moonlight.

A glimpse of slight movement from the corner of the room catches your eye. You let out a sigh of relief and carefully tiptoe across the squeaky floor. The painfully loud creaks slicing through the dead silence increase tenfold as you climb up the bunk bed and lay down beside your little sister. She flinches at your touch, making you hesitate before you begin to gently stroke her soft hair again.

"Hi crumbs..." you weakly whisper, almost inaudibly.

No reaction.

You take another deep breath to muster up the courage to continue. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have left you."

The tiniest of a grunt leaves her lips.

"We can go see the ship together tomorrow, ok?" You smile softly. "I can even show you some super secret stuff there. How does that sound?"

This time, a shaky breath interrupts the silence. "I... I don't—" she whispers, not moving a muscle. "I don't think I like Ace anymore..."

"Oh?" You raise an eyebrow, puzzled as to how she came to that conclusion. "Why is that?"

"B-Because he... he always steals you away from me..." she breaks down in a quiet, sob, twisting closer to you in a tight hug.

"Aw, Mi..." You quickly embrace her back, a lump starting to form in your own throat. "Nobody in this world can steal me away from you. I hope you know that."

She doesn't respond. She just continues crying into your, now, soaked shirt. It's only after a few more hicks and sniffles when she's caught her breath that you decide to continue.

"You know..." You brush away a tear from her cheek. "I don't worry about leaving you alone for some time anymore. You're a big girl now and I trust that you can take care of yourself for a while."

"BUTIDONTWANNATAKECAREOFMYSELF!" she sulks as a waterfall runs down her face.

A faint smirk sneaks up your face. "Isn't that something a patroller should be able to do?"

She violently shakes her head. "I haven't patrolled yet..."

"So, you're still a little kid?!" She halfheartedly squeals and tries to wiggle away as you crush her in an involuntary hug. "Is that what you're saying?!"

She nods while her grip around you tightens.

"Then you'll be a kid for a long while." You smile, happy to deliver some positive news.

"Huh?" She rubs her nose, her blank eyes glancing up at you.

"I talked to the captain of that boat, and he said he'll protect Kariko for us." You grin. "And since he's very strong, nobody wants to attack him. So, Fallwind is safe for now."

Another silence settles, only interrupted by the occasional sniffles of Mila as she lets your words hang in the air.

"Oh." She finally sighs. "But I looked forward to our patrol today..."

"What?" You smirk. "I bet you only looked forward to patrol so you can run away from me again and pick fights with another circus," you tease her.

Mila tries to hide the guilty smile on her face by burying her face into your shoulder. "No..."

"You better not." You smile into her hair and softly kiss the top of her head.

"Don't leave me again..." Mila's muffled words barely reach your ears. "Ok?"

Without thinking you open your mouth to answer 'I won't' but quickly catch yourself.

You know that would've been a lie, but it still doesn't change the fact that you want it to be true. The only thing you want to tell her in this moment is that you'll forever be with her and that she'll never have to worry about being alone ever again, but you know you can't promise that...

Then all of a sudden this cold wave of guilt rushes over your head, submerging you in endless questions. Should you really break those news to her right now? This will be one of your last nights together in a while, and do you really want to ruin it for her? You're aware that you have to tell her eventually, but it wouldn't hurt to keep her blissfully unaware for just one night.

The temptation of taking the safe familiar path again, to comfort Mila and yourself, is quietly whispering in your ear, and it will only get louder the longer you keep this from Mila. You know if you wait any longer to tell her, you might just never get the courage to. Afterall, nothing is stopping you from pretending nothing ever happened today. Nothing is stopping you from going back to your ordinary life, following you ordinary routine like you always have and forget all about Ace and the Whitebeard pirates. You can forget what Ace told you at the rooftop and everything else he said about what you're missing out on in the world beyond. And, most importantly, what he and Whitebeard offered you at the Moby Dick. You would've been completely fine, actually, without all this knowledge. However, you know no matter how far back you tuck their words into your brain, you'll never forget them. It will always be lingering in the corner of your mind, gently reminding you of what could've been. You know if you don't take this chance then you'll live to regret it for the rest of your life. You can't go back to how it was, not when your dreams are within arms reach for the first time ever.

You have to tell Mila you're leaving.

"I'll never truly leave you,"— you tap Mila lightly in between her ribs — "Because I'll always be in here." With your finger rested so close to her, you can't help but tickle her stomach.

After a light giggle and slight glare she asks. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that even if we're apart one day, I'll still always be in your heart."

"But we won't be apart." She frowns at you. "Right?"

You swallow a sob, not managing to look at your sister. "I—"

How are you supposed to finish that sentence? How is anyone supposed to be prepared to tell the person closest to them that they will be leaving them and won't see them for a long while? No one could ever justify doing such a thing. You know for certain that you can't. Yet, you still can't help but feel like you have no choice but to leave her. Nothing is left to keep you back anymore. Or well, nothing except...

You finally gaze back at Mila. Although you haven't revealed anything yet, she still nervously twirls your hair around her finger like she instinctively knows what you're about to say, which makes it even harder to utter your next words. You take one final breath before ripping off the band-aid.

"I'm going with them." You shift in your seat. "They offered me a guest room on the boat so when— when the Whitebeard Pirates leaves dock in a few days... I... I'll be sailing with them too."

Neither of you dare to take a breath as a suffocating silence settles. The tiny fingers that were previously playing with your hair is now stiffened and clutching onto your shirt like if they ever let go, they'll never get a hold of it again.

"I-I won't be gone for too long." You attempt to lighten the blow. "And I will write to you! I'll write to you so much that you'll be tired of me even before I'm back. It'll be like I never left!"

"You... you're l-leaving me?" A quiet whimper leaves Mila's mouth, putting an abrupt stop to your ramble.

The half-smile on your face fades. "It's not like that, Mi."

"You're leaving me..." She repeats, her voice a bit sturdier.

This time, as her blank eyes lock with yours all you can do is choke and weakly nod.

"Why!?" She harshly shoves you away as a string of tears flows down her rosy cheeks.

"You know why...! But I won't be gone forever, you know? I'll be back before you know it."

"NO!" she lashes out. "YOU CAN'T GO..."

"I have to, crumbs..."

"TAKE ME WITH YOU AT LEAST!"

"I can't." You sigh. "It's too dangerous for you... you're still a kid. But maybe when you get older—"

"TAKE ME WITH YOU! TAKE ME WITH YOU! TAKE ME WITH YOU!" she angrily shouts in between her sobs, blindly hammering your shoulder with her bare knuckles.

"You know I can't let you." You can barely hear yourself over Mila's desperate shouts.

"TAKE ME WITH YOU! TAKE ME WITH YOU! TAKE ME WITH YOU—!"

"MILA!" The whole room shakes as your sturdy voice bounces off the walls.

A sting of regret emerges in your chest as Mila freezes in front of you. She's never looked at you like this before. Voided of any emotion in her wide eyes and raised eyebrows not knowing where to be with a mouth slightly open in a weak frown. You don't get the opportunity to study this expression any longer — not that you wanted to anyway — because she quickly collapses onto your lap in a loud sob. In a sad attempt to comfort your sister, you stroke her hair like you always do. You let your fingers run through the tangled waves, gently brushing away the locks from her face so she can cry in peace. She doesn't flinch a single time at your touch now. Instead it's like she drawn towards it. Whenever you let go she moves ever so slightly towards your direction until you pat her again.

"Don't leave, y/n." She whispers after calming down.

"I'll be back before you know it," you repeat, giving her a half-smile.

She sniffs once again, burying her face deeper in your shirt.

"I'll see you again soon, ok?"

"You promise?" Mila shakily lifts her pinky finger, her pleading, red eyes piercing straight through you.

You hook your pinky around hers. "I promise."

Chapter Text

You don’t remember falling asleep, but as you wake up with puffy eyes and your little sister curled up beside you, you were quickly reminded of the events that unfolded yesterday.

Although relief washes over you, your stomach still drops at the thought of you leaving your home. You quickly realise you made the right decision when you decided to tell Mila everything right away yesterday. If you prolonged speaking to her any further, you know you would’ve never gotten a single word out over your hammering heart or the ocean of guilt boiling under your shivering skin.

With a heavy sigh, you take once last glance at Mila’s calm expression before you silently sneak out of bed and down to the bathroom. You rinse your dry throat with some fresh water and splash your face awake. With another deep breath you let the sink run as you face your messy reflection. On top of your tired shoulders, crumpled into a bad posture, is a collapsing head struggling to keep itself from falling over. It’s clear that you’re fighting just to stay afoot right now and to keep the heavy eyebags rested on your mellow face from dragging your eyes and the rest of your body even further down. At the same time, harsh streaks of your messy hair are painting a rusty frame around your face, making it look like you just emerged from a storm. Where that storm might've come from is a mystery as the weather outside this morning is as quiet as an island surrounded by unforeseen sea weather can be.

Despite your shabby appearance, a tiny spark glistening in the corner of your eye that you’ve never seen before catches your attention. Although it doesn't take up much space, it shines brighter than the gloomy mood covering your whole face and it lights up the dark room like a beacon shining a ray of hope through the dense fog on the spiky shore. Your eyes are glued to your glowing reflection and you can’t help but wonder when this flicker appeared. Was it here yesterday too and if so maybe Mila noticed it? Is it even possible to notice it? Could other people distinguish it from first glance like you did or are you just going crazy?

A soft scrambling and quick steps from the other room yanks out of your thoughts and away from the mirror. You peek your head out the bathroom and see your sister standing in the middle of the other room upright and fully dressed. You send a questioning glare her way as she readies herself to walk about the door.

“So are we gonna go visit that ship, or no?” She grins, but it doesn’t seem like her eyes are quite following.

You softly smile back at her and grab your jacket. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go!”

Although you hadn’t quite made up your mind if it was a good idea, you still asked Whitebeard—on your visit yesterday—if it was possible for Mila get a look around the Moby Dick sometime. You knew that she would love to be immersed in this whole new universe of adventures and exploration, but you still weren’t sure if a pirate ship is the best place for a child to be. Especially after your own impression of this alcohol loving crew.

Either way, it was impossible for you to hide your excitement when Whitebeard gladly offered a tour of the ship the first thing tomorrow. After all, maybe showing Mila around could help her understand your decision better, or at least make her feel more comfortable knowing the place you’re staying at. However, you must admit that even though you knew she would enjoy every second of a visit like this, you were still quite nervous to have a free roaming Mila on a ship you’re supposed to respect.

Your worries quickly fade, though, as the trip to the Moby Dick is offputtingly silent. The gingerly humming usually accompanying Mila isn’t echoing through the alleyways and her happy skips are replaced with careful steps and a tight grip around your hand as she softly munches on the dry bread you sneaked out from C.H. cafeteria. Her bleak mood is even starting to affect you. Your feet already feel impossible to move and are getting heavier each time you put one in front of the other.

For only a moment, the thought of staying crosses your mind. Did you really make the right choice? If just the thought of your absence sets your little sister down so many notches, then maybe it’s not worth leaving. This painful thought doesn’t linger for too long since the rooftops in the distance begin revealing the hundred masts of The Moby Dick, casting long shadows as it looms over every single ship at Kariko pier and the small town. Above it all is the emperors jollyroger swaying proudly in the wind in front of the warm rising sun like a king ruling the ocean.

Mila faintly notices the view in the distance and within a second her whole face lights up. Her tired pace finally starts catching speed and she loosens the stiff grip around your hand, giving you enough room to take a well-deserved breath. You cast your previous worries aside, for now, and have a feeling that she won't be too bummed out by the end of this day.

Mila hasn’t stood still for a single second after you set foot onto this ship. She has run from one corner to the next, pointing at the everything from the sails covering the blue sky to crates ten times her size while asking a cascade of never-ending questions (involving both planks and whether she could walk them). She even discovered some ‘neat’ hiding spots which took you—with the help of a few second division members and their commander—half an hour to find. If it wasn’t for the involuntary hints like a loose trail of breadcrumbs or the echoing giggles from an empty barrel, you doubt any of you would’ve seen her for the rest of the day.

Not even meeting the great Emperor Whitebeard, put a stop to Mila’s shenanigans. Instead, she promptly asks, the second after the captain introduces himself, “Why are you called Whitebeard if you don’t even have a beard? Shouldn’t you be called Whitemustache instead?” Luckily a few laughs escape the stern faces of the crew and the captain himself, so you could let out a strained chuckle and a heavy sigh of relief.

Mila continues to bother the captain and you decide to take the opportunity to slip away to a silent corner of the deck. For the first time today you can let your tense shoulders relax and catch a break in your own company as you went completely unnoticed, or so you thought.

Ace approaches you, having successfully sneaked away as well, his shoulders heavy with a dark cloud hovering over his head. It didn’t take long after he welcomed the two of you to on the ship for Ace to notice Mila’s dismissive attitude towards him. Despite not knowing why she’s suddenly holding this grudge against him, he has tried everything in his power during the short duration of your stay to win her over again. And you mean everything. From funny grimaces to juggling kitchen knives to low-key impressive close-up magic, nothing seems to catch her eye. Not even the plate of warm cookies—baked by the ridiculously talented ship’s chef: Thatch—made her glance Ace’s way. You honestly expected her to fold right then after you caught a whiff of the dreamy cookie, but her resilience keeps surprising you. However, you did catch her sneaking in a bite later today behind his back.

Ace sighs, resting one of his arms on the railing beside you as both of you watch from a distance as Mila attempts to reach the emperors mustache. “Did I do anything wrong?”

“No.” You smile softly leaning backwards. “She’s just like that sometimes, but she’ll get over it.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah…” you hesitantly answer.

He sighs in defeat again, dropping his head back.

You lightly chuckle before a gentle breeze of salt air guides your gaze across the wide deck again. Although many of the crew members have already left to accept the warm welcome of the town, the deck is still pretty much crowded. People are dangling from ropes with mugs in hand, drinking despite it being the middle of the day, and curses are being thrown back and forth like a tennis ball between men playing checkers on barrels and whatever table-like surface is nearby. In the centre of all this chaotic comradery is the captain himself rested on his throne, cables and patches still attached across his giant body. By his side, as always, is the pineapple man—who you’ve later learned is named Marco—overlooking the place like a strangely laidback hawk, not too afraid of whatever danger might present itself as he knows it’ll be taken care of. Mila is still nagging the captain, just this time she’s not using his mustache as a vine anymore. Now, she has pulled up her sleeves and is challenging the statuesque figure towering over her to a fist fight. Some other crew members have taken notice of this unusual event and have even joined in to loudly cheer her on. You swear a silent smirk even tugged the corner of the Emperors mouth at one point.

Out of nowhere, a familiar tune pierces through the shouts of the crowd and straight to your ear, accompanied by the pulsing drumming of impatiently tapping fingers. Before you know it, this joyful rhythm is the only thing taking up space in your mind and the rest of the world slowly fades away.

You glance over at Ace and see his chin raised tall and his lips pursed as the gentle melody twirls out from the warm comfort of his mouth and out into the cold air before being stolen away by the breeze. Where might this tune end up, you wonder. Does it have any purpose? Any intention? As low as Ace whispers this melody—like it's a simple breath—he may have just created it for it to disappear without anyone ever hearing it. The wind couldn’t possibly carry it to the place he must wish for it to reach and nobody else within his vicinity can hear it over the rumbling ocean. Or well, nobody except you. [ORWELL?? GEORGE??? Any 1984 fans out here?]

Your gaze reaches his wandering eyes glued to the drifting clouds baking in the sun. Although his feet might be planted on the ground, nothing else of him is present on the deck at the moment. You can feel how painfully unaware he is of his cluttering surroundings and how he’s completely stolen all your attention without uttering single a word.

You don’t know when it happened, but at one point he must've stopped whistling because now his unmistakable cheeky grin is plastered across his face. Unlike the other times you’ve seen this expression, he puts no effort to hide it which only sparks your curiosity to what stupidity he’s planning.

“What is it?” You nudge him with a smile matching his own.

Your question must’ve startled him as he tenses up before smiling at you as brightly as ever. “Nothing!” He licks his lips and relaxes back onto the fence.

You raise an eyebrow. “Doesn’t look like ‘nothing’.”

He shrugs. “Am I not allowed to just be in a good mood?”

“What is it, Ace?” You nag.

“Nothing…!” He groans. “It’s just…”

“It’s just…?” you tease him as his eyes run to the sky again.

“Well, I just think it’s cool how you're a pirate now.” His gaze lands on you.

You wanted to roll your eyes at his obviously false statement — since you’re not a pirate at all, simply just a guest on board of a pirate ship — but his eyes didn’t falter once like they usually do when he taunts you. Instead, they’re firmly locked onto yours, not budging an inch. Even his impudent smirk has turned into a genuine grin, his dimples ever so present beside it like he’s spent a lifetime showing this exact expression.

The squeal of a seagull rips you back on deck, and the deafening cheers from the rest of the ship hits you like a truck. You bite your tongue as you’re forced to come up with a normal answer—instead of the teasing comeback you prepared—only to quickly fold under the pressure with a stammering mumble barely heard over the loud waves, “I-I’m not a pirate…” You instantly look away and cringe at yourself, praying this is the last you’ll hear from this conversation.

For a brief moment, your attention is steered towards the group surrounding Whitebeard that has now grown tenfold. The men all burst out in a loud clamour, and you get glimpses of Mila’s jump-attack on Whitebeard’s kneecap from in-between the the spectators, only to hear a collective sigh from the crowd as Mila only seconds later stumbles over her own feet and eats the ground.

A smug comment from your side—which you can only interpret as a challenge—brings your attention back to the man beside you who officially ends the conversation. “We'll see.”

The day passes by quickly. You had to quit the tour of the Moby Dick early both due to Mila’s unforeseen side quests taking way longer than expected and the slumbering sun eagerly falling behind the horizon.

With a stomach full on Thatch’s three course dinner, you and Mila wave your last goodbyes to the Whitebeard Pirates before they disappear behind the houses of Kariko. Even from afar could you see how glum Ace was about failing to get Mila to speak to him this whole day, but her wave—even though it might’ve not been directed towards him—still made his mood visibly lighten.

Your feet are screaming at you for each step you take down the muttering streets of your hometown, but you still had one final stop before you could tuck yourself into your cosy bed for the day: The post office. You told Mila beforehand that she didn’t need to join you, but she insisted on seeing Medri again despite her exhaustion and held her tired complaints to herself.

You haven’t seen Medri ever since your conversation with her two nights ago. That last interaction has been churning in your mind for a while, no matter how hard you’ve tried to suppress it. You have no idea where to even begin when you see her again. Does a 'sorry' cover everything? Or should you just brush over it like it was nothing? Despite the fact that you had the whole day to plan this conversation, you don’t feel more prepared. Rather the opposite. Your thoughts have been running wild in your mind for so long you can barely distinguish reality from imagination. Plus, having an audience present during this reunion doesn’t make this any easier for you either, but you can't just kick Mila out either.

You didn't notice how much time has passed, but as the front door of the post office towers over you, you realise you won't have any more time to think. With an impatient Mila shuffling beside you, you don’t waste time second-guessing your decisions and creak open the rusty door to the ringing of a familiar bell.

Chapter Text

The familiar smell of burnt dust and dry wood reeks from every wall and quickly engulfs you the second you open the door. With the company of ringing bells, your eyes—accustomed to the harsh evening sun—need a second to adjust to the dimly lit room. The only thing covering your vision is glimpses of differently shaded shapes that could be interpreted as furniture. How anyone could be able to work a full day, let alone just read a single letter while surrounded by these looming shadows is a mystery to you and yet another thing you respect about Medri. She’s known for having sharp eyes and can catch details most people would brush over, so this environment is no problem for her.

You blink a few times before taking a quick glance around the huddled office as your eyes land at the end of the narrow room. At the only spot the sunlight reaches stands a short figure over the counter. With her head in her hands, the girl browses a stack of papers so tall she could’ve easily hidden behind it. Medri’s tired eyes eventually drift your way, widening once they settle on you.

For a second you freeze, all the bravery you had leaving your body under the flaming gaze of your friend. You regret showing your face to her again, but fortunately a happy squeal beside you rips her eyes and the pressure off you.

“MEDRI! HI!” Mila sprints up from behind you.

Your sister flies over the stuffed counter before any of you can react, a tornado of pages brewing behind her as she hops straight into Medri’s arms.

“Mila!” Medri's face lights up as she catches Mila in a hug. “It’s been—ugh, a while…!” Not even she is an exception to Mila’s—literally— breath taking hug.

“We need to do stuff together more often!”

“Indeed—”

“AND I need to show you the new moves I learned!” Mila smiles innocently.

“Yeah! I look forward to it! But inside is probably not the best place for a showcase…” Medri gently puts a pouting Mila back on her feet. “We could do it sometime tomorrow, maybe? Outside, where you have more space and so I can spot every single detail.”

Mila’s sulking stops and instead she claps her hands in excitement before running off to roam around the small cluttered room. Medri sighs with a smile on her face before letting her worried gaze turn to you.

Her posture is the first thing you notice about her. It’s nothing like yours. Her head is held high and shoulders straight, it's a stance that never crumbles. What she may lack in height, she triumphs with in confidence and is easily towering over you or even any pirate you saw at the Moby Dick.

You straighten yourself up before taking a short step forward. “I—”

“You—” Medri interrupts you, tilting her head while squinting her eyes. “You... look great, y/n.”

You freeze in your path.

‘I do?’ Is the first thought that comes to mind.

You certainly don’t feel great right now. Your back is aching, your eyes can barely function after baking in the sun all day and your mind feels like a tsunami. You’re fairly sure it’s quite visible to the people around you that you’ve had some interesting past days. Still, your friend must see something really remarkable to be able to overlook all this…

Well, you’ve never doubted Medri’s astute observations before, so no need to stop now. Maybe you do look great today.

You dare glance her way again and see that her eyes have softened once more. Despite her heavy shoulders and sunken eyes, she still carries a slight spark along with the confidence. It's the same spark you saw last time you met, radiating something beyond her usual steadfast nature. Something more lively or even playful.

“You look great too.” You smile at your friend. This isn’t something you’re saying just to be polite. It’s simply the truth. Medri does look amazing right now.

A wavy hair strand has fallen perfectly down her face that has turned slightly red from working all day. A golden shine reflects in her eyes tainted by weariness but that once knew calmness. You believe her glowing olive skin is even lighting up her surroundings, as a sad smile arrives on her face. She crosses her arms, giving you that reassuring look, you know all to well, telling you she understands and it's all going to be alright. A look you might not see the next time you need it... let alone see for a while...

A drop of water falls down your cheek and on the floor beneath you. You look down and see that even more are beginning to rain. It takes seeing Medri’s confused expression for you to realise it’s your own tears that's running down your face.

“I’m leaving Medri,” You blabber out with a sob. “I’m so, so sorry. You were right… Y-You were right all along…” Your last words are barely cohesive as you break down.

Medri’s face falls and she rushes over to hug you. “Woah! Breathe, y/n... breathe…”

You rest your head on her shoulder, squeezing her tightly back. “I’m s-so sorry…”

“No, shh... I know you are.”

“No… you don’t understand. You… you were right…”

“Of course I was.”

You bite your tongue and nod as an answer. There is nothing more you want to or are able to say. Medri was right as always. She told you this ages agon but you were too dumb and self-absorbed to see it. So, the only thing left for you to do is to listen to her and to try to breathe. Of course, it’s easier said than done. Especially when it feels like the whole world is blocking your throat.

Your eyes wander and you spot Mila across the room. Her back turned to you and she’s fiddling with something that has caught all her attention it seems. She doesn’t spare a thought or a single glance your way and you’re inclined to believe she’s not even aware of your conversation. However, the heavy breaths and sniffles coming from her way say quite the opposite.

“Now, how are you?” Medri pulls back and you see her concerned eyes.

“I’m ok…” You answer quietly. Your friend raises an eyebrow, not quite convinced. “Or… maybe no… I’m not ok. I feel sad, but also h-happy.” You chuckle faintly as you brush away a tear.

“Good.” She embraces you again, this time a bit tighter. Her soft pats on your tense back spreads warmth across your whole body and you finally catch your breath. Medri seems strong, way too strong. You can't help but question how she's able to bear this burden, not only for herself, but also for you.

“What about you?” you decide to ask. “How are you?”

Medri stays silent.

You try to let go of her, but she clutches you back even tighter. “…Medri?”

A sniffle breaks the silence. “I’ll miss you, y/n.”

You swallow a sob and squeeze your friend just as tightly back. As you hold around your friend, both of you ugly crying on each others shirts as your sobs sync up, you remember there is something else you need to get off your chest. Before you get time to regret it, you, without taking a breath, mumble, “Also, Ace is not really a sailor, he’s a pirate and not only that but also one of the commanders on Whitebeards crew and apparently he wasn't kidding when he said I could join him because Whitebeard offered a spot on their ship which is why I'll be leaving in a few days when they depart...” You brace for impact after the last word leaves your mouth.

Medri's quiet sobs stop and the silence that settles is awfully quiet.

“WHAT?”