#op ace

You sigh “I found Luffy...”

Nami pinches the bridge of her nose “Of course he has to scream…”

Usopp points ahead “Hey! Who’s that?”

Standing on the roof of a small restaurant there’s a tall man wearing an orange cowboy hat with two strange faces on it.

Freckles and a confident grin on his face.

He jumps down easily “Luffy!”

The two laugh as they crash into each other in a hug, making everyone smile automatically.

Well… everyone but you.

Because the second he lands in front of Luffy...your heart stops and you freeze.

That can't be...

He turns his head and his eyes meet yours.

Your brain suddenly throws you years into the past, in a small port town, with rain outside and a crowded tavern.

Too much drinking and too much laughing.

A handsome stranger with freckles. His smile… his voice asking “Want to get out of here?”

The next morning his jacket was on the floor and your clothes everywhere. And you remember leaving before he wakes up because staying felt too embarrassing.

He was…

‘Did he tell me his name...? No… Or maybe he did and I forgot? Oh my god… Please don’t recognise me… please.’

Ace blinks once, then his eyes become just a little wider.

‘He remembers. HE REMEMBERS.’

Luffy grabs Ace by the shoulders “Everyone! This is my big brother, Ace!”

Ace waves “Nice to meet you all.”

Everyone starts introducing themselves.

“I’m Nami.”

“Vivi!”

“Usopp!”

“Sanji.”

“Chopper!”

Luffy throws an arm around your shoulders and Zoro’s “This is Y/N and this is Zoro! They just really like bodyguarding!”

Zoro just gives him a small movement of his face while you just smile and then offer your hand, saying “I’m Y/N. Nice to meet you.”

Ace stares at you and doesn’t shake your hand.

‘Please don’t.’

Then he says “…Didn’t we meet before?”

Your soul leaves your body.

Sanji immediately steps between you “Oi.” his smile disappears “That’s a strange thing to say to a lady you’ve just met.”

Usopp quietly leans toward Nami “Is he about to say ‘We met in my dreams’?”

Nami whispers back “If he does, Sanji will kick him into another country.”

You laugh… maybe a little too loudly “Haha! No, I don’t think so!”

Ace tilts his head, still staring “Really?”

“Yep.”

“Huh…” he scratches his cheek “That’s weird.”

‘Please stop talking. Please stop remembering.’

He looks genuinely confused “You look really familiar.”

You shrug “Maybe I have one of those common faces.”

“Yeah… no.”

Luffy laughs “Y/N is easy to remember!”

“That’s not what I—” Ace stops himself.

You silently beg him with your eyes: ‘Please. Don’t.’

He notices and then his eyebrows move up slightly.

A few minutes later everyone enters the restaurant.

Ace immediately starts eating.

Actually he destroys food, just like Luffy. Plate after plate disappears.

Sanji watches with horror “He’s almost as bad as Luffy…”

“Almost?” Luffy asks.

“Don’t make me compare you two.”

Ace laughs “Sorry.”

Another mountain of food arrives.

You quietly sit between Nami and Chopper. Far, very far, from Ace.

Perfect and safe until Ace casually gets up, walks around the table and sits right across from you.

‘Why? WHY?’

He smiles politely “Mind if I sit here?”

“Actually…”

“Great.” he sits.

You blink.

He eats another piece of meat while looking at you every few seconds and you pretend to not notice, but of course you’re failing very badly.

Then, as everyone is busy fighting over dessert, he speaks quietly enough that only you hear “You’re really sure we’ve never met?”

Without looking at him, you answer, “Pretty sure.”

“Huh…” another bite “Because I have a really good memory.”

You get nervous and instead of thinking, you say, irritated “No you don’t.”

He says nothing and just keeps watching you.

You drink your water too quickly and so you cough.

Chopper immediately jumps up “Are you okay?!”

“Y-Yeah!”

Ace hands you his cup without thinking “Here.”

Your fingers touch for one second and another memory flashes through your head.

His hand holding yours, his laugh and his warm skin.

You immediately pull back “Thanks.”

Ace narrows his eyes.

Then something around your wrist catches his attention, a tiny faded scar, very small, almost impossible to notice.

His eyes suddenly become wide.

Years ago… that night you met you accidentally cut yourself while trying to open a bottle with a knife, he had laughed and then gently cleaned the wound himself.

That’s how it even started.

You almost choke again.

Ace slowly looks up, right into your eyes.

He figured it all out.

A slow grin appears on his face, not teasing but a little shocked and definitely a little amused.

He leans forward just enough that only you can hear, again “...Oh.”

You smile through pure panic “What?”

He whispers, “Now I remember.”

You whisper back immediately “No, you don’t.”

“…I definitely do.”

Your smile becomes painfully stiff “You definitely don’t. It wasn’t me.”

Ace tries very hard not to laugh, and unfortunately Luffy notices “What are you two whispering about?”

You both answer at exactly the same time “Nothing!”

Everyone at the table turns to look at you in silence.

Usopp slowly points at the two of you “…That’s suspicious.”

Ace coughs into his fist, while you suddenly become very interested in your drink.

Sanji’s eyes move from Ace to you and then back to Ace.

His eyebrow twitches “…I don’t like this.”

Ace smiles innocently “Neither do I.”

You kick him under the table, hard enough that he nearly bites his tongue, but somehow he still has the nerve to smile.

The group leaves the restaurant together.

Vivi looks around seriously before turning to everyone “We should split up for now and look around for information. We might hear something useful.”

Nami nods “Good idea.”

Luffy stretches his arms behind his head “Sounds easy enough!”

Then he suddenly turns toward Ace “Ace! Are you joining us?”

Ace’s eyes flick to you for the shortest moment, and a smile slowly appears, the kind of smile you already hate.

He simply says “Why not.”

‘Oh no.’

The groups begin forming naturally.

Nami gestures toward you “Come on. Let’s check the market.”

You take one step toward her.

“I’ll go with you.” Ace’s voice comes from right behind you.

You stop and very slowly, you turn around. You look at him like he just suggested walking through the desert barefoot and ask him “Don’t you want to spend time with your brother?”

Ace glances over.

Luffy is already dragging Zoro and Chopper toward a food stand “LOOK! MEAT!”

“I’m not carrying you if you eat too much.” Zoro grumbles.

Chopper smiles innocently.

Ace chuckles “Seems like he’s having fun with the green head and the reindeer.”

You let out a long sigh and before you can answer him, Sanji suddenly appears between the two of you and says “She’ll go with me.”

Ace raises an eyebrow “Will she?”

Before either of you can continue Usopp rushes over with tears already forming “WHAT ABOUT ME?!”

He grabs Sanji’s arm dramatically “Please don’t leave me aloneeeee!”

Sanji groans “You’re unbelievable…”

For exactly two seconds his attention is on Usopp, and that’s all Ace needs to reach over, grab your wrist, and start walking.

“Come on.”

“W-Wait, Ace!”

You stumble after him.

Behind you, Sanji finally notices “OI!”

Nami cups her hands around her mouth “Back at the Merry in one hour! Don’t be late!”

Ace waves without even turning around “Got it!”

A few minutes later the noisy streets become quieter and the crowd grows thinner.

You finally pull your arm free “You can let go now.”

Ace does immediately, and then he looks at you, his teasing smile returns “So…”

He slips his hands into his pockets “Why are you pretending not to know me?”

You freeze “I…”

Your voice comes out much weaker than you wanted “I don’t remember you.” a pause “Maybe you’re confusing me with someone else.”

Ace laughs quietly, making your cheeks warm.

“Oh, dear.” he shakes his head “I remembered you the second I saw you.”

He smiles softly “You think I’d forget that night? Forget you?”

Your face immediately burns, so, without another word, you walk past him very quickly… anything to hide your expression.

He follows “For the record…” he speaks casually, like he’s discussing the weather “it was probably the best night of my life.”

You almost trip but he continues “I remember everything about it. I remember your laugh, your body, the way you—”

“STOP.” you spin around, grab his arm, and pull him into a narrow side alley before anyone can hear.

The street is cool and shaded and, most importantly, empty.

You immediately point a finger at him “Okay, listen.”

You lower your voice “I didn’t know my captain would have been your brother!”

Ace crosses his arms, still smiling.

You throw your hands into the air “You never even told me your name! So every time Luffy talked about ‘Ace’, I had no idea it was you!”

Ace scratches the back of his neck “Didn’t you ever see my wanted poster?”

You stare at him, then narrow your eyes “Did you see mine?”

His confident smile disappears and he thinks for a second, then sighs “…Fair point.” another second passes “Who actually spends time looking at other pirates’ wanted posters?”

A tiny smile almost escapes you but instead, you shake your head “Exactly.”

You take a deep breath “Look...”

Your voice becomes quieter, more serious “No one has to know what happened years ago.”

You meet his eyes “Just forget about it.”

Without waiting for an answer, you walk away and Ace follows after some seconds “What if I don’t want to?”

You don’t answer, because your attention shifts to a little boy sitting on the ground nearby. He sniffles while rubbing his knee and a basket of fruit has fallen beside him.

You kneel immediately “Hey.” your voice becomes gentle “Are you okay?”

He nods, even though tears still fill his eyes.

You notice a small scrape on his knee, nothing serious.

You smile “You’re very brave.”

You help him stand, brush the sand off his clothes, and hand him the fruit that rolled away.

The boy smiles shyly “Thank you, miss.”

“Be careful next time.”

He nods happily before running away.

Ace hasn’t moved, he simply watches the whole thing quietly. His teasing smile is gone.

You walk past him, without even looking at him, your voice is calm and cold “Do whatever you want.” a few more steps “I just don’t want the crew to know.”

Finally, you glance back over your shoulder, your expression is firm “Can you do that? Can you just keep your mouth shut?”

For the first time since ever, Ace is at a loss of words and just nods before you keep on walking.

For the rest of the hour you don’t give Ace a single chance. Every time he opens his mouth you’re already walking away.

A merchant selling spices? You go ask for information. An old woman carrying water? You go ask things like “Sorry to bother you. Have you heard anything about the palace?”

A fisherman. A traveler. A baker. A family.

You move from one person to another without stopping and Ace simply follows, hands in his pockets, watching and waiting.

Every now and then he opens his mouth only for you to immediately interrupt.

“Thank you for your time!” you say and leave.

He sighs.

Five minutes later… he tries again “Y/N—”

You turn toward another stand “Excuse me! Can I ask you something?”

Ace rubs his forehead “…You’re doing this on purpose now.”

You smile sweetly “Doing what?”

“Ignoring me.”

“I’m helping my crew.”

“You’re hiding.”

“Working.”

“Running away.”

“Gathering information.”

“Coward.”

You stop, turn around and smile at him, obviously irritated by that and you say “Idiot.”

He laughs “That’s the first honest thing you’ve said to me today.”

You stick your tongue out before walking away again.

Half an hour later Ace has somehow become your unwanted shadow.

You ask another shopkeeper a question, Ace leans against the wall nearby.

You help an old man pick up dropped vegetables, Ace helps without even being asked. You thank the old man and Ace is already carrying the heavy basket for him.

The old man laughs “You two make a lovely couple.”

You almost drop the vegetables “WE AREN’T!”

At the same time Ace smiles “Thank you.”

You elbow him hard.

“Ow.”

“Good.”

A few streets later a little girl runs into you by accident and then she immediately hides behind her father.

You kneel “It’s okay.”

The girl peeks out and she notices the flower tucked behind your ear, a flower the old man gave you as to thank you for your help. Her eyes sparkle “Pretty…”

You smile and take the flower out “Do you want it?”

She nods excitedly and so you gently place it in her hair.

The girl beams while her father bows gratefully before walking away.

Ace watches quietly.

When you stand up you meet his eyes and he’s smiling.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re staring.”

“Am I not allowed?”

“No.”

“That’s rude.”

“You’ll survive.”

He chuckles “Maybe not.”

The sun begins to lower.

You sigh “We should head back.”

Ace nods.

Then after following you in silence, Ace finally speaks and his voice is softer than before “I don’t think Luffy would care much about us.”

You stop walking immediately and, slowly you turn around, the smile is gone from your face “This is where you’re wrong.”

Your voice is calm “Because there’s no ‘us’, Ace.”

For the first time all day, his smile disappears… he actually looks offended, which surprises you, because you expected another joke.

“There was.” he says and pauses “And there is.”

Your heart skips.

He takes one slow step closer “Otherwise...” he points gently toward you “...you wouldn’t be panicking this much.”

You open your mouth but nothing comes out, so Ace continues “You really think none of them noticed?” he takes another step closer “Or that they won’t notice?”

Your brain completely stops working.

Ace folds his arms “See?”

You finally find your voice “I’m not panicking.”

He raises one eyebrow “Really?”

“Really.”

“You’ve avoided looking directly at me for almost two hours.”

“Because you’re annoying.”

“You’ve called me an idiot three times.”

“Only three?”

He laughs “Actually...” he pretends to think “Four.”

You cross your arms “You deserved all four and even more.”

“Probably.”

He smiles again, but smaller this time “Still doesn’t explain why you’re nervous.”

You point a finger at him “I’m nervous because you keep talking about something that happened years ago without us even knowing our damn names!”

“A very nice thing that happened years ago.”

“Ace!”

A woman walking past glances at you both and she smiles knowingly saying “Young love.”

You almost combust “NO!”

Ace rubs the back of his neck “...Maybe?”

You stare at him “Whose side are you on?!”

“Mine?”

“Wrong answer.” you start walking again, much faster.

Ace easily catches up “You know...”

You refuse to look at him “No.”

“I haven’t actually lied today.”

“Good for you.”

“Everything I said was true.”

You don’t answer, because a small, dangerous part of you believes that too, everything he said. That night wasn’t something you regretted and meeting him now is embarrassing and unexpected, but… you could never forget his laugh, his freckles and even how kind he had been afterward, before you ran away.

You just never expected to see him again, especially not as your captain's older brother.

You shake your head to stop overthinking everything again.

Beside you, Ace steals another glance and thinks “She’s even cuter when she’s flustered.” and that thought definitely doesn’t help him.

By the time the Going Merry comes into view the sky has already turned orange.

You both stop to look at each other.

“…They’re going to kill us.” you mutter.

“Probably, you’re late and got no information.” Ace agrees far too cheerfully.

You climb aboard.

The second your feet touch the deck—“YOU’RE LATE!” Nami’s voice echoes across the ship.

You flinch “Sorry!”

“One hour!” Nami points accusingly “I said one hour!”

Usopp crosses his arms dramatically “We thought desert bandits kidnapped you!”

Chopper nods rapidly “Or giant scorpions!”

Sanji walks over but his eyes immediately land on Ace and then on you.

His eyebrow twitches “Everything alright, my lady?”

Before you can answer Zoro speaks, without even opening his eyes “Took you two long enough.”

You blink “…What?”

Zoro lazily shrugs against the mast “Figured you two wanted privacy.”

Silence.

Your face goes warm “W-WHAT?!”

Even Nami turns toward Zoro “You noticed too?”

“It was obvious.” he replies simply.

“OBVIOUS?!” you squeak.

Usopp gasps dramatically “WAIT! WERE YOU TWO ON A DATE?!”

“NO!”

Sanji slowly cracks his knuckles “…Ace.”

Ace lifts both hands innocently “Hey, don’t look at me.”

He is honestly trying not to laugh, but he’s failing miserably.

You point at him “Don’t you dare smile.”

That only makes it worse because a laugh escapes him and soon he’s laughing so hard he has to hold his stomach.

You glare “You’re the worst.”

“I’ve been told.”

Between laughs, though, he catches your eye for a second and the teasing fades as his smile softens, almost worried, as if he’s silently asking: “Did I push too far?”

The look disappears before anyone else notices, except you… and somehow, that soft, worried glance embarrasses you even more than all of the teasing did.

The teasing slowly dies down.

Mostly because Vivi claps her hands together “Alright.”

Everyone looks at her.

“Did anyone find useful information?”

The smiles disappear and you let out a quiet sigh “No…”

For a second, nobody says anything.

Then Ace speaks “Yeah...”

Everyone looks at him and he scratches his cheek casually “She talked to almost everyone we passed but we didn’t find anything interesting.”

You know exactly why he says it… it’s his quiet way of telling the others not to misunderstand and let them know you weren't distracted by him but you were actually doing your work.

Nami nods “That’s a shame.”

Vivi sighs “At least you tried.”

The conversation moves on and then they begin talking about the next plan.

You glance toward Ace and without saying a word, you give him the smallest smile and a tiny nod as if to thank him.

He gives you a small smile back.

A little while later, Sanji ties on his apron “Dinner will take a while.”

He points his spoon toward everyone “So stay out of my kitchen.”

Luffy immediately tries to sneak closer “Can I taste—”

“NO.”

Luffy pouts dramatically, making Ace laugh “Still the same.”

The brothers sit together on the deck.

Luffy begins talking so fast that half his words don’t make sense.

Ace somehow understands every single word.

The two laugh, shove each other, and argue over food they haven’t even eaten yet.

You find yourself smiling at their cuteness… Luffy looks so happy and Ace laughs with his whole face.

Without realizing it you keep looking for a little too long.

“So…” a voice beside you makes you jump.

Nami and Vivi are both smiling.

Nami crosses her arms “He’s hot, huh?”

You nearly inhale your own saliva “WHAT?!”

You cough so hard Chopper turns around “Are you okay?!”

“Y-Yeah!”

Vivi tries very hard not to laugh and then she says innocently, “We meant his Devil Fruit.”

Nami nods “He’s fire.”

The two of them burst into laughter while your face burns and you say “You’re terrible.”

“Your face says everything.” Nami grins.

You immediately point across the deck “Look! Luffy is eating before dinner again!”

Luffy hears his name and turns around “Huh?”

Then he notices everyone looking at him “What?”

Nami smiles innocently “Y/N thinks Ace is hot.”

...

...

...

You freeze “NAMI!”

Luffy’s eyes become huge and he looks at Ace, then at you and then back at Ace, as a massive grin appears “REALLY?!”

Ace nearly drops the apple he was holding and playing with “What?”

Luffy runs over “Y/N! You like Ace?!”

You wave your hands wildly “NO!”

“Are you sure?”

“YES!”

“Because he’s pretty cool!”

“Luffy!”

“Maybe you can join the family!”

You cover his mouth immediately “STOP TALKING.”

Luffy muffles something against your hand. Ace is laughing so hard he has to look away… even Zoro snorts.

Thankfully Sanji saves you from more humiliation… dinner is finally ready.

Sanji places enormous plates on the table.

Luffy and Ace race toward the food.

“MEAT!”

“HEY! THAT ONE’S MINE!”

“YOU ALREADY HAVE THREE!”

“SO?”

The brothers begin stealing from each other’s plates making Sanji sigh “Animals…”

You quietly sit beside Vivi… unfortunately the only empty seat left across from Ace.

He smiles when he notices but you pretend to be fascinated by your soup.

Dinner is loud.

Usopp tells another exaggerated story as Chopper believes every word.

Zoro eats silently.

Sanji keeps serving Nami, Vivi and you.

Everything feels normal… until Usopp suddenly looks at Ace “So…” he points his fork “What was Luffy like as a kid?”

Ace laughs “Hungry.”

Everyone nods “Makes sense.”

Ace smiles “He’s always been like that.”

Nami tilts her head “Was he always this reckless?”

“Even worse.”

“HEY!” Luffy protests with his mouth full.

Ace begins telling stories about little Luffy, making everyone laugh, even you.

Then Nami asks “And your crew?”

Ace’s smile grows and talks proudly about the Whitebeard Pirates. About how loud they are, how everyone argues and how Whitebeard treats them like family.

You listen carefully, it’s nice hearing him talk and he looks…happy.

Then Ace starts asking questions too “So...”

He looks around the table “What’s it like traveling with Luffy?”

Usopp immediately answers “Terrifying!”

“Fun!” Chopper says.

“Expensive.” Nami sighs.

“Good.” Zoro mutters.

“Wonderful!” Sanji smiles.

Ace laughs and then his eyes move to you “What about you?”

You blink.

He's waiting for your answer.

You clear your throat “It’s…” a small smile appears “…never boring.”

Luffy grins proudly “SEE?”

Ace keeps looking at you, like that answer matters more than the others, and it makes your stomach flutter.

Later, at some point of the dinner, Usopp suddenly asks, “Does your crew have girlfriends or boyfriends?”

Ace nearly chokes on his drink “That’s... random.”

“I’m a curious romantic!”

Ace laughs “Some do.”

Then he casually asks “What about you all?”

Usopp dramatically sighs “Unfortunately… we’re all tragically single.”

“Speak for yourself.” Sanji says, placing a hand on his chest “My heart belongs to every beautiful lady.”

Nami rolls her eyes “That’s not how that works.”

Everyone laughs and Ace smiles before he asks THE question “Anyone here secretly in love?”

Silence.

Then every head slowly turns… toward you.

Your eyes widen “Why are you all looking at me?!”

Usopp shrugs “You looked at Ace for, like... five minutes earlier.”

You nearly fall off your chair “I DID NOT!”

Nami innocently hums “Maybe four.”

Vivi smiles into her drink “It was definitely more than three.”

You hide your face behind your cup “I’m changing crew.”

Luffy immediately raises his hand “You can never leave!”

Ace watches the scene with a smile and then, very casually and very innocently, he asks “So…” his eyes meet yours “None of you secretly have someone waiting for you somewhere?”

The table suddenly becomes much quieter.

You know that question wasn’t really for everyone… it was for you.

You lower your cup, your cheeks are warm again “…No.”

Ace nods once and the corner of his mouth lifts ever so slightly “Good to know.”

You kick him under the table, hard enough to make him hiss through his teeth.

No one notices as they're all too busy answering the question… everyone except Vivi and Nami.

The two women exchange one very amused look but neither of them says a word.

They don't need to.

The way you keep avoiding Ace’s eyes and the way Ace keeps finding them anyway, is becoming harder and harder for everyone to ignore.

Dinner slowly comes to an end even if Luffy is somehow still eating.

Sanji has given up asking where all the food keeps disappearing. Usopp and Chopper are arguing over which desert animal would win in a fight.

Zoro has already fallen asleep against the mast. Nami and Vivi go over maps one last time before calling it a night.

One by one everyone disappears below deck and eventually, the Going Merry becomes quiet.

Sleep doesn’t come.

You quietly go onto the deck, careful not to wake anyone.

The desert night is surprisingly cool.

You lean your arms on the railing and groan quietly at the thought of that loooong day “I don’t think I’ve ever been this embarrassed in my life.”

“Really?”

You jump so hard you nearly fall overboard but a hand catches your elbow before you lose your balance.

Ace.

He lets go immediately “Sorry.”

You press a hand against your chest “One day you’ll give me a heart attack.”

He grins “Worth it.”

“No.”

“Maybe.”

You roll your eyes and then you just sit and Ace sits beside you… not too close but not too far… enough that your shoulders almost touch.

For a while neither of you speaks but the silence isn’t awkward anymore.

Ace looks up “Nice sky.”

You nod “Much better than the desert during the day.”

“Definitely.”

He yawns and you laugh “Already sleepy?”

“Always.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“It’s a talent.”

You smile “I’m not sure sleeping counts as one.”

“It does if you’re really good at it.”

You snort “You’re impossible.”

“I’ve heard that today.”

“More than once.”

“Mostly from you.”

You smile again, without thinking.

After another comfortable silence you sigh “Everyone really liked embarrassing me today.”

Ace laughs quietly “Well…” he looks out at the sea “At least they think you just have a crush.”

You hide your face in your hands “Please don’t remind me…”

Then he continues and his voice is calm, almost thoughtful “They don’t know that you made me spend the most beautiful night of my life with you...”

You slowly lower your hands.

“…and then left me alone like that without even telling me your name.”

You blink.

“…making me search everywhere for you...”

Your breath catches.

“…only to randomly find you in my little brother’s crew.”

You stare at him as he keeps looking at the sea, like he didn’t just completely change the conversation.

You quietly ask “…You searched for me?”

Ace looks over and a small laugh escapes him. He rubs the back of his neck and then nods “Yeah.”

Your heart skips.

“I looked around the island for days.”

Your eyes grow wider “Days?”

“Mm.” he smiles sheepishly “But I never looked into pirates.” he points at you “You told me you were just a traveler.”

You immediately answer “Because I was!”

Your voice echoes a little louder than you intended so you freeze and then take a breath before you continue much more quietly “I mean…”

You look down at your hands “I never even thought about becoming a pirate before meeting Luffy.”

Ace nods slowly as a knowing smile appears “Yeah.” he laughs softly “I get it.”

You tilt your head “You do?”

“That’s how my little brother’s influence works.”

You laugh and the smile stays on both your faces for a while.

Then Ace speaks again but quieter this time “Can I ask you something?”

You nod “Sure.”

He looks at you “…You never looked for me after that night?”

You freeze.

He scratches his cheek awkwardly, then laughs once, but it sounds... nervous and then he asks “Was I so terrible?”

Your head snaps toward him “What?!”

You immediately shake your head and without even thinking the words leave your mouth before your brain can stop them “You were even too good!”

Silence.

Your eyes slowly become wider.

Ace blinks, then the corners of his mouth start lifting.

Your entire face catches fire “I…” you stand up so fast you almost trip “I should go. It’s late.”

You turn around but then a warm hand gently wraps around your wrist, not pulling hard but enough to stop you.

You look down at the hand and then at him.

Ace is trying not to laugh.

He gives your wrist the tiniest tug “Sit.”

You sigh dramatically “…Fine.”

You sit back down beside him, but this time you refuse to look at him.

After a long silence you mumble, “…That was embarrassing.”

Ace smiles “Nah. I’ve been embarrassing myself all day.” he chuckles “This was nothing.”

You finally glance at him and see he’s smiling at the stars, looking completely relaxed.

For some reason… that makes you laugh.

Ace smiles a little wider when he hears it.

The tension that had followed you around the entire day slowly disappears.

Then you feel like answering his question from earlier “About what you asked earlier…”

Ace tilts his head “Hm?”

You take a slow breath “I didn’t look for you.”

He stays quiet, waiting for you to continue.

“…But it wasn’t because you weren’t… good.”

He immediately grins “I figured after your little confession.”

You cover your face “Can we pretend I never said that?”

“Never.”

You sigh dramatically “Worth a try.”

He chuckles.

You look back at the sea “It was just…”

You struggle to find the right words “I never did anything like that before.”

Ace’s smile fades into something gentler.

You continue quietly “I’d never had a… one-night stand.”

The words feel strange to admit out loud.

“I don’t even know why I did that.” a small laugh escapes you “Maybe the drinks.”

Ace smiles “Maybe.”

You shake your head “When I woke up…” you look down at your hands “…I panicked.”

A long pause “So I left.” the memory still makes you cringe “I didn’t even stop to think.”

You laugh awkwardly “I just grabbed my things and left the island.”

Ace listens without saying a word.

“Later…” you shrug “I was way too embarrassed to go back and look for you.”

You smile weakly “Eventually… I hoped I’d just forget about it. Obviously it didn’t work.”

His eyes lift to yours and you laugh softly before you continue “It wasn’t just that night that made me think about you.”

Ace blinks.

You look out at the ocean again “It was everything. The before… when we met.”

A small smile appears “You were funny. You listened. You were kind.”

You laugh quietly “Honestly… at first I thought you were going to be a jerk.”

Ace places a hand over his chest dramatically “I’m wounded.”

You smile “You had that confident smile and that smirk.”

“I still do.”

“Exactly.”

He laughs.

You shake your head fondly “But you weren’t.”

Your voice becomes softer “You were nice before.” a pause “You were sweet during it.”

Your cheeks warm immediately and you cough it off “…And afterward too.”

Ace looks at you quietly.

You continue before you lose your courage “I don’t believe in love at first sight.”

He nods slightly.

“Never have. So I convinced myself…” you sigh “…that you only wanted it to be one fun night.”

Ace opens his mouth but you gently stop him “I know now that I was wrong.”

Finally you look directly at him “I really panicked today when I realized… that you were the Ace Luffy always talked so much about.”

Ace rubs the back of his neck “He really talks that much?”

You laugh “Constantly.”

He groans “Sounds like him.”

You smile and then your expression softens “…But…” you meet his eyes “I’m also happy we got to clear everything up.”

Ace scratches his cheek, looking oddly embarrassed, then he laughs “Wow.”

You blink “What?”

“I’ve never heard you talk this much.”

You gasp dramatically and then you lightly punch his arm.

“Ow!” he laughs anyway “Violence!”

“You deserved it.”

“Probably.” he smiles impossibly softly.

“I’m glad I found you, Y/N.” his voice is barely above a whisper “…Even after all this time.”

Your smile slowly grows and neither of you looks away.

Then Ace shifts, turns his whole body toward you and lifts one hand toward you.

A playful smile returns to his face “Why don’t we reset the game?”

You tilt your head.

He clears his throat dramatically “Hello.” he offers his hand “Nice to meet you.”

A tiny bow follows “I’m Portgas D. Ace.”

His grin grows “You’re cute.” a beat “Are you single?”

You burst into laughter and then, still smiling, you turn your body toward him too.

Your knees almost touch.

You take his hand “I’m Y/N.”

You pretend to think “…And yeah… as a friend of mine with a very long nose likes to say…”

You sigh dramatically “…I’m terrifyingly single.”

Ace laughs so hard he almost loses his balance “That’s a tragedy.”

“The greatest one.”

He doesn’t let go of your hand and neither do you.

The laughter slowly fades, and only smiles remain.

Then, very quietly, Ace asks “Do you kiss on a first date?”

You grin “Apparently… I kiss and do much worse with complete strangers.”

Ace lowers his head with a laugh “Then…”

He looks back at you “…We’re lucky we’re not strangers anymore.”

You nod “Yeah.”

The word comes out almost as a whisper.

Slowly the distance between you disappears. You meet him halfway.

Your lips brush softly against his.

The kiss is slow and gentle. The complete opposite of the first one you shared that first time, because that night had begun with curiosity, and this one begins with honesty.

When you pull away you’re still smiling and so is he.

Ace rests his forehead lightly against yours “Hi.”

You laugh quietly “Hi.”

The next morning, when everyone gathers for breakfast, you and Ace are sitting on opposite sides of the table.

You don’t look at him and he doesn’t look at you, or at least that’s what you’re both trying very hard to make everyone believe.

“Morning.” you say politely.

Ace nods once “Morning.”

Short and simple.

Luffy looks between the two of you “…You’re weird.”

“We’re always weird.” you answer a little too quickly.

“Not this weird.”

Ace calmly drinks his coffee “Maybe we didn’t sleep much.”

You nearly choke on your bread but he doesn’t even glance at you and yet yhe corner of his mouth twitches.

For the rest of the day you both become surprisingly good at acting.

When the crew is together you barely speak. If Ace asks the group a question, you let someone else answer. If you have something to say, you direct it at Luffy or Vivi instead. If your paths cross, one polite nod.

Nothing more.

But… the problem isn’t your words… it’s everything else.

Every time someone makes the group laugh your eyes automatically search for each other.

Whenever one of you disappears for a few minutes, the other somehow always ends up wandering in the same direction.

Later that afternoon you volunteer to refill the ship’s water barrels.

You lift one bucket.

“Need help?”

You don’t even turn around “No.”

Ace laughs “You answered before checking who it was.”

You sigh “Because I knew.”

He steps beside you “I’m offended.”

“Why?”

“You didn’t even sound surprised.”

You pick up another bucket “You’ve been following me for three days.”

“Has it only been three?”

You give him a flat look “Ace.”

He grins “Y/N.”

You try to walk past him but he casually reaches out and catches your hand for just a second. His thumb brushes lightly across your knuckles.

You look down at your joined hands and then back up at him. He’s smiling and you can’t help smiling back and then you just say “You’re impossible.”

“You keep saying that.”

Footsteps.

Both of you hear them at the same time and your eyes widen. Without thinking you shove him away, hard enough that he stumbles backward.

“Ow!” he whispers loudly.

“Someone’s coming!” you hiss.

Ace barely has time to recover before Chopper appears “Oh! There you are!”

You immediately lift the bucket “Just getting water.”

Ace nods seriously “I was... supervising.”

Chopper tilts his head “Why?”

Ace opens his mouth but nothing comes out.

You bite your lip to stop yourself from laughing.

The same thing keeps happening again and again and again.

You see Sanji busy, so you volunteer to help him by bringing vegetables from storage.

You kneel to pick up a basket.

Ace quietly appears behind you “Busy?”

“Very.”

He leans closer… close enough that you can feel the warmth of his shoulder.

“You haven’t smiled at me in...” he pretends to think “…almost fifteen minutes.”

You roll your eyes “What a tragedy.”

He lowers his voice “Maybe you should fix that.”

You smile despite yourself “There.”

“Much better.”

You hear Sanji calling from upstairs, asking if you’re ok.

Without hesitation you place both hands against Ace’s chest and push him away.

He stumbles into a barrel.

“…You know,” he mutters, rubbing his shoulder, “you’ve pushed me away a lot these last few days.”

“Because you keep sneaking up on me!”

“I’m starting to take it personally.”

Another day… you’re standing alone, enjoying the wind.

Ace quietly walks up beside you and neither of you says anything, just your fingers slowly brush against each other.

Then he hooks his little finger around yours, such a tiny gesture that makes your heart melt.

You glance at him and quietly hook your finger around his too.

A soft smile appears on both your faces.

Then—“Y/N!”

Usopp’s voice echoes across the deck, so you both immediately let go at the same time.

“…You know,” he says under his breath, “one day you’re going to throw me overboard.”

“Good.”

“Cruel.”

“Careful. Someone might hear us.”

By the fourth day the crew starts exchanging looks, because your acting has somehow become even stranger.

Ace treats everyone exactly the same, except you. With you, he’s almost too polite.

“Could you pass the salt, Y/N?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

A long silence follows.

Usopp slowly looks at Nami. Nami looks at Vivi. Vivi hides a smile behind her cup.

Sanji narrows his eyes. Luffy keeps eating.

Finally, Zoro opens one eye and looks at you and then at Ace before he quietly says “…You two are terrible actors.”

The entire table goes silent.

Your heart stops and Ace blinks once asking “…What do you mean?”

Zoro shrugs “Nothing.” he closes his eye again “Just saying.”

You and Ace exchange the quickest glance in history, then immediately look away again.

Neither of you notices Nami trying very hard not to smile, or Vivi quietly hiding a laugh behind her drink.

The following morning is peaceful, which usually means something is about to go wrong.

You are down in the Merry’s small storage room, quietly counting what little food is left.

“…Three bags of rice…”

You move one aside.

“A few vegetables…”

Another pile.

“…And Luffy definitely stole half of the dried meat.”

A familiar voice answers from behind you “He absolutely did.”

You don’t even have time to turn around.

Ace wraps his arms around your waist from behind, pulling you gently against him.

“Ace…”

He laughs into your hair “Finally.”

You can hear the smile in his voice.

He turns you around before you can protest and his face is much closer than you expected.

“You’ve been avoiding me all morning.”

“I’ve been working.”

“Same excuse as always.”

You open your mouth to answer but instead, he leans in.

His lips are only a breath away from yours.

You place a hand against his chest “Ace.”

He stops for exactly one second, then he tilts his head with a mischievous grin and instead presses a quick, warm kiss against the side of your neck.

You shiver “Ace!”

He rests his forehead against your shoulder with an exaggerated sigh “Damn it…”

Another sigh “I can’t take this anymore.”

Despite yourself you smile and then gently push him back but not very far, just enough to look at him and say “This is too dangerous, Ace.”

He pouts immediately. You can’t believe the feared commander of the Whitebeard Pirates is looking at you like a disappointed puppy.

Several quiet seconds pass, then his eyes brighten “I’ve got an idea.”

You already don’t like that smile “…That’s never a good sign.”

“Do you want to go on a date with me tonight?”

You blink “…What?”

“A date.”

He says it as if it’s the simplest thing in the world.

You stare at him “How? The crew is going to ask questions if we suddenly disappear together.”

Ace crosses his arms confidently while a smug grin spreads across his face “Don’t worry.”

He taps his chest “I’ve got the perfect plan.”

You narrow your eyes.

He continues “…Just let me handle it.”

You sigh “That’s somehow even more worrying.”

He laughs softly “Everything’s going to be okay.”

You sigh again “Oh. Now I’m definitely worried.”

Lunch arrives and everyone gathers around the table.

Luffy is already eating before Sanji finishes serving. Usopp is telling another impossible story.

Everything is normal… the only strange thing is Ace who’s unusually quiet.

Every few seconds he glances at you and then smiles to himself.

You kick his foot lightly under the table, he looks up and you mouth “What are you planning?”

He smiles wider and after a few more minutes Ace suddenly clears his throat “Hey, Luffy.”

Luffy doesn’t even look up “Hm?” still chewing.

Ace speaks with complete confidence “I’m taking Y/N on a date tonight, so don’t worry about her.”

...

...

...

Silence.

Somewhere at the table a fork hits the floor with a loud clink.

You freeze completely.

Luffy calmly swallows another bite of food, reaches over and steals meat from Nami’s plate as he simply says “Okay.”

He keeps eating, like nothing unusual was said.

Ace slowly turns toward you with the proudest smile you’ve ever seen on his face.

You slowly stand up and point at him “Are… you crazy?!”

Your words finally break the spell that froze the crew.

“WHAT?!” Usopp shouts.

Sanji slams both hands on the table “HOW DARE YOU!”

Then he spins toward Luffy “AND YOU!”

Luffy blinks “Hm?”

“How can you just say ‘okay’?!” Sanji clutches his chest “My dear Y/N can’t go out with...” he glares at Ace “…another man!”

Nami immediately smacks the back of his head “Sit down.”

Sanji obeys instantly “…Yes, Nami-swan.”

Nami turns back toward Ace, much calmer but also much more dangerous “…For how long has this been going on?”

Ace doesn’t hesitate “Way before she even became a pirate.”

Your head snaps toward him “Hey!”

The words leave your mouth before you can stop them “We agreed that doesn’t count!”

Ace smiles at you warmly “It counts to me.”

His voice is so casual it almost doesn’t register. 

Then he adds “That’s when I realized I wanted to see you again.”

Your mouth opens but no sound comes out and slowly you sit back down.

You stare at your plate, you take your fork and roll a piece of food around without actually eating it.

Your face is burning.

Luffy finally looks up “Oooh!” he points between the two of you “Before we became brothers?”

Ace sighs dramatically “Not that before, idiot!”

“Oh.” Luffy nods “Got it.”

Usopp suddenly shoots to his feet “WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT!”

He points wildly “YOU TWO KNEW EACH OTHER?!”

“WHEN?!”

“WHERE?!”

“HOW?!”

“WHY DIDN’T ANYONE SAY ANYTHING?!”

You immediately pretend your lunch has become the most interesting thing in the world.

Ace, meanwhile, answers every question with surprising patience.

“Years ago.”

“Different island.”

“We lost touch.”

“Found each other again here.”

Usopp gasps after every answer as if hearing the greatest adventure ever told.

The whole table erupts into questions, even Chopper joins in.

You don’t answer a single one, instead your eyes drift toward Luffy.

He’s smiling and watching Ace with the happiest expression.

Nami notices where you’re looking and she lowers her voice, quiet enough that only you can hear her “…Did you think Luffy wouldn’t approve?”

You don’t answer immediately but then the noise around the table fades into the background, and from your left Zoro speaks without even looking up from his food “He’s happy if you and his brother are happy.”

He shrugs “Isn’t that obvious?”

You look at him in surprise.

Zoro keeps eating and drinking as though he hadn’t said anything important.

A small smile appears on your face and then you let out a quiet breath “…I guess I worried for nothing.”

Across the table Ace is laughing as Usopp fires another impossible question at him.

His smile is bright and relaxed… lighter than you’ve seen it since the day you met again.

He catches your eye for just a second and smiles only a little wider, and without realizing it you smile back.

A little later, Nami casually slips an arm around yours “Come with us.”

You blink “Where?”

“Shopping.”

“What?”

Vivi smiles “For tonight.”

Before you can protest, Luffy appears beside you “Can I come too?”

Nami sighs “Why?”

He shrugs “I’m bored.”

The markets of Alubarna are crowded with fabrics, jewelry and colorful clothes.

For the next hour you become Nami and Vivi's personal doll.

“Try this one.”

“Too fancy.”

“This?”

“Too plain.”

“Turn around.”

“Not bad…”

Luffy sits on a nearby crate eating fruit and every now and then he looks up and says “That one looks nice.”

Nami blinks “…You actually have an opinion?”

“Yep.”

He points toward a simple outfit hanging nearby, it isn’t flashy, just comfortable and elegant without trying too hard.

Very... you.

You change into it and when you step out Vivi smiles first and says “There she is.”

Nami nods “Ace isn’t going to know what hit him.”

Your cheeks immediately warm.

While paying, Vivi quietly asks, “So…” she smiles “How did you two actually meet?”

You hesitate and then you tell them everything… not every little detail, but enough.

When you finish neither of them laughs and neither of them judges.

Vivi’s expression softens “…That’s actually really sweet.”

Nami nods “A little messy.” then she smiles “…But sweet.”

You laugh “Messy is one way to describe it.”

Luffy suddenly speaks up “Ace told me.”

You look at him “About what?”

“That you were scared I’d be upset.”

Your shoulders tense.

Luffy frowns, genuinely confused “Why would I be?”

You blink.

He grins “He’s my brother.” then he points at you “You’re my best friend. You’re family.” another grin “That sounds awesome.”

You feel something unclench inside your chest.

Luffy laughs “As long as he doesn’t make you cry.”

A pause and his smile becomes surprisingly serious “Otherwise I’ll punch him.”

You laugh so hard you almost cry but say “What if he’s the one crying?”

Luffy laughs harder and answers “Means he deserves it!”

This makes you laugh again.

The sun begins to set and the sky turns orange.

You return to the Merry just before dinner.

Ace is already waiting near the dock and the moment he sees you he forgets to breathe.

You stop a few steps away, suddenly feeling shy “…Hi.”

He stares for another second, then smiles “Hi.”

He scratches the back of his neck “…You look beautiful.”

Your heart immediately forgets how to function “Thank you…”

He offers his arm dramatically “May I steal you for the evening?”

You laugh and loop your arm through his “You may.”

Nami, Vivi and Luffy who were with you simply waves at the two of you. You wave back then you see Luffy is about to yell something but Nami hit him and shit him up before he can do anything.

The date is... simple.

A small restaurant tucked away from the busiest streets, with warm lanterns and good food.

Ace insists on pulling your chair out before you sit.

You raise an eyebrow “Trying to impress me?”

“Is it working?”

“…Maybe.”

He places a hand over his heart dramatically “Victory.”

You laugh.

Most of dinner is spent talking about simple things, like favorite foods, childhood stories, places you want to visit, and dreams.

Every now and then your hands brush across the table.

After dinner you walk slowly through the quiet streets, neither of you seems in a hurry for the night to end.

Ace suddenly clears his throat and a teasing smile appears “…So…”

He looks ahead “Should we get a room?”

You glance at him and he’s clearly joking, trying to make you nervous or something.

Instead… you simply nod “…Okay.”

Ace stops walking “…Wait.” he looks at you, then points at himself “…Really?”

You nod again and his confident smile completely disappears “…Are you sure?”

You smile softly “I’m sure.”

He tells you to follow him and then a few minutes later… he leads you through a different street and you notice a small inn.

“…For someone who was joking…” you smile “…you found an inn awfully fast.”

Ace immediately waves both hands “Hey! It’s not like that!”

He laughs awkwardly “I was staying here before I met you guys.”

You giggle “Mhm, sure.”

He blinks “…You’re teasing me?”

“Maybe.”

“…You’re evil.”

“I’m learning from you.”

The room is quiet and for a moment, it’s obvious neither of you knows what to do or say and by the tenth gaze you give each other, you both laugh at exactly the same time.

And like that, the awkwardness disappears.

You step closer, lift a hand to his cheek and kiss him softly.

When you pull back, you smile and say “I loved the date, you can relax.”

He lets out a nervous laugh “I’m trying.”

After he stares at you for a moment, he finally closes the distance and kisses you with softness but also with a bit more hunger than before.

As you kiss him back, the kiss deepens and then you feel his hand going down, to where your shirt ends. He grabs it and pulls it off you, slowly and gentle.

Then he breaks the kiss and looks at you again to ask “Are you sure?”

You have no strength to talk, so you just smile at him and nod.

He nods back and then he removes his own shirt.

The rest of the evening passes wrapped in quiet affection, gentle kisses, and the warmth of finally being together without fear or misunderstandings between you.

It’s totally the opposite of your first time together but it still has that much tension, maybe even more, amplified from love too, now.

Later, you fall asleep curled up in each other’s arms.

The next morning, you wake up first, and careful not to disturb him, you quietly slip into the bathroom and start the shower.

A few minutes later the bathroom door suddenly opens.

Ace appears like a mess, his breathing is uneven and his eyes are wide with panic.

You blink, then it clicks and your expression softens immediately “…Wait. You thought I left again?”

He doesn’t answer, he only gives a small, embarrassed nod, making your heart aches.

You reach for his hand “Hey.” and you smile gently “I’m here.”

He looks at you for another long second and you smile again “Come here.”

You gently tug him toward the shower and the warm water falls around both of you.

Neither of you says much, you simply stand together, close enough that your bodies constantly touch.

Ace wraps his arms around you and then you wash each other’s hair, laughing quietly when he gets soap on his nose.

He cleans you with soap and he steals little kisses from every part of the body he’s cleaning… from your forehead, your shoulder, your cheek, making you smile every single time.

Just tenderness.

When you finally leave the inn later that morning, hand in hand, neither of you knows exactly how you’ll make it work with two different crews sailing different seas, but somehow, neither of you doubts that you will.

After all, you’ve already found each other once against impossible odds.

.

.

It's currently almost 2 in the morning and your getting ready for bed after drinking and partying all night.

Knock

Knock

Knock

You try to ignore the knocking, wanting to go to sleep.

Knock

Knock

No matter how much you tried to ignore it, the knocking just got louder and louder until you couldn't stand it anymore.

Standing up from your bed, you storm towards the door ready to throw hands at the person behind the door.

Pulling the door open, you open your mouth, ready to shout at the person but then before you could react, a pair of large arms suddenly wrap around your body.

"Huh?" You yelped.

"Y/n" he mumbles.

Your eyes widen, recognizing his voice.

A deep flush of red spreads across your face.

"Ace? What are you doing" you try to move away slightly but failed.

His grip on your body tightened slightly at the feeling of you moving.

"Mhm, why baby?" He whispers in your ear.

"Why won't you m'just look at me?" he sniffled.

"What? Why huh?" you asked, confused.

He trembled against you, and you could feel tears soaking your shirt.

"Ace?" you pull back a little, just to meet his gaze.

His hold on you loosens a little, letting you pull back a little.

His black hair was messy and all over the place. A flush of pink spread across his face. He looked drunk and exhausted, trying hard not to let the tears in his eyes fall down again.

You cup his cheek, and wiped the tears falling from his eyes. "What's wrong?"

He leaned onto your touch, tilting his face onto your hand.

"You're what's wrong" He grumbled.

“You looked so happy talking to that guy tonight,” Ace muttered, refusing to meet your eyes.

“The one that kept flirting with you.”

You frowned slightly. “Really? I dont even know the guy.”

“That doesn't really matter” he whispered.

“He got your attention so easily” He chuckled

“And I’ve been trying forever and you just brush me away”

Your chest tightened at his words.

“Ace…”

“I know I flirt a lot,” he explained. “But Im serious about you”

For a moment, all you could do was stare at him.

“I thought you were joking around” you admitted softly.

“You act like that with everyone, so I didn’t think you were serious and I was scared of embarrassing myself” you explained.

Ace finally looked up at you, eyes red and glassy. “So you really didn’t know?”

You shook your head before pressing your lips on his cheek.

“Idiot,” you mumbled, smiling a little.