#xpyre

         It had  been  perhaps,  months  in  the  making  since  discovering  the vacant  island.  Having  embarked  solo  on  a  journey  one  day,  the  Fire  Fist  stumbled  upon  the  potential  fruits  the  island  could  provide  him,  that  is  to  say,  had  the  right  person  decided  to  plant  the  seeds  and  put  in  the  labor.

         A  vision  was  formulated  and  put  into  action  in  secrecy.  Days he  would  keep  from  his  beloved  hummingbird  as  he  ventured  off  with  a  select  few  others  when  the  need  of  assistance  caught  up  with  one  ever  so  typically  determined  to  work  independently  on  his  project  ——–  Physical  work  he was  always  more  than  capable  of,  but  what  could  one  man  achieve  within  a  set  deadline  and  without  the  tools  and brains  required  to  make  his  vision  come  to  fruition?

         ❛❛    I’ve  got  you,  Rosa.    ❜❜    he  speaks  softly  whilst  guiding  the  hand  so  much  more  softer and  smaller  in  comparison  to  his  own.  Doe-eyed  indigo  blues ensured  to  be  blinded  temporarily;  petite  digits  having  been  instructed  to  hold  in  place  the  tilting  of  his signature  hat  over  delicate  features  until  given  a  signal.

         A  pathway  was  cleared  prior  to  this  special  day,  ensuring  it to  be  nonhazardous  for  the  very  person  he  bothered  creating  this  for  at  all  ——–  but  useless  it was,  really.  Especially  when  impatience  got  the  better  of  him quarter  of  their  journey  through  overgrown  green.  Ace backpedals  in  a  manner  quite  abrupt,  releasing  of  her  hand momentarily  before  sweeping  the  petite  off  her  feet  entirely  ——–  and  readily,  after  giving  a  quick  word  of  warning,  the  male springs  through  the  forest  with  quick  ease,  holding  tightly onto  his  princess  in  arms,  of  course.

         It  is  only  once  he  slows  (  which  doesn’t  necessarily  take  long  considering  his  speed  ),  that  the  birthday  girl  is  carefully  placed  back  onto  her  own  footing  and  that  the  very  hat  serving  to  conceal  of  her sight  was  finally  retrieved  by  the  owner.

         ❛❛    You..  like  this  sort  of  thing,  right?    ❜❜

        Before  indigo  irises,  there  stood  a  bridge  of  stone  above  a  running  river,  as  if  a  scene  stolen  from  right  out  of  a  fairy  tale.  One  leading  out  to  a  clearing,  contrasting  the  messy  forest  behind  them.

        Beyond  the  bridge  was  where  the  magic  truly  began  ——–  Soft  lights  of  pink  and  redish  hues  decorated  the  scene.  Few  shipmates  caught  enjoying  the  little  wonderland  in  the distance,  having  already  prepared  a  banquet  of  sorts  (  including  a  grand  table  of  luxurious  desserts  for  hers  truly  )  and  awaiting  for  the  rest  of  the  party  to  arrive;  particularly  the  princess  of  the  very  world  Ace  worked  so  hard  to  create  ——–  but  the  most  brilliant,  most  magical  of  the  scene?  There  stood in  the  very  center  a  carousel  of  vibrant  colors,  emitting  music  so  nostalgic,  so  similar  to  what  you  would  so  often  hear  from  a  music  box.

         ❛❛    I  found  it  abandoned  a  little  while  ago..  It  was  in  rough  shape,  but  for  some  reason  I  couldn’t  leave  it  alone  out  here.    ❜❜    A  heartfelt  smile  is  presented  to  her,  speaking  as  if  the  ride  itself  was  alive.  The  truth  being  he  couldn’t  so  much  as  ignore  it  when  the  vision  of  her  smile  had  followed  him  everywhere  just  simply  entertaining  the  possibility  that  he  had  he  could  actually  bring  it  back  to  life.

         A  hand  swiftly  catches  her  own,  wanting  to  simply  join  her  across  the bridge  before  she  proceeded  on  her  own  towards  the  scene resembling  the  pictures  inside  the  fairy  tales  he  always  knew his  girl  loved  so  much.

         The  others merely  observed  in  delight  when  the  couple  made  their  way towards  them.  A  few  cheers  towards  the  birthday  girl  before it  was  her  partner  that  gingerly,  however  swiftly  seats  her upon  the  back  of  a  glowing  hummingbird.  One  not  originally  there,  but  crafted  just  for  hers  truly.

         ❛❛    It’s  a  little  stubborn,  this  one..  Hold  on.    ❜❜    He  explains,  half  circling  the  carnival  ride  of  restructured  and  repainted animals.  The  mechanics  behind  it  having  been  inspired,  and   therefore  similar  to  his  Striker.  Meaning  a  line  of  wild  fire  would  be  needed  to  be  lit  so  as  to  propel  the  acceleration  of  the  carousel  itself  ——–  it  quite  irritated  Ace  initially  to  learn  it  couldn’t  so  much  as  run  without  his flames,  thus  a  brief,  disappointed  frown  is  visible  across  freckled  features  at  the  reminder  before  brushing  such  off  once  the  ride began.

         Lights  danced,  as  did  the animals  of  various  colors.  To  witness  of  any  expressed  happiness  from  his  beloved  delighted  him  immensely.  In  fact,  the  pace  of  which  the  carousel  spun  was  dependent  on  the  strength  of  his  wild  flames.  And  during  the  fun,  he would  be  laughing,  either  accelerating  the  ride  or  the complete  opposite,  simply  for  the  birthday  girl’s  entertainment.

         Sooner  or  later,  after  the  first  ride,  the  rest  of  the  party  would  join  in  on  the  fun.  Some  either  complaining  of  the nauseating  spinning  or  thriving  off  it.  Eventually,  as  the  golden  skies  transformed  into  a  night  of  glowing  stars,  the  crowd finally  dispersed,  leaving  the  two  alone  once  more.

        This  time,  the  male  spent  his  first  and  Rosa’s  final  ride  right  along  with  her.  Both  perched  upon  the  back  of  the  hummingbird  with  his  arms  laced  around  her  petite  waist  protectively,  as though  she  were  treasure.  And  tiredly,  his  chin  would  lean  upon  a  crown  of  strawberry  blond  curls  whilst  a  soft  tune  follows  the  couple,  his  tamed  fire  visibly  glowing  as  they  propel  the  carousel  from  beneath.

         ❛❛    Never  thought  I’d  ride  something  like  this,  even  as  a  kid.    ❜❜    Being  that  as  a  child,  he  didn’t  have  the  luxury  to  do  so.  Nor did  he  ever  want  to  entertain  the  thought  due  to  the  ride  being  deemed  only  for  girls  by  a  ten  year  old  boy  ——–  To  think,  several  years  later,  that  same  aggressive  child  now  a  grown  man  would   willingly  rebuild  one  for  the  sake  of  a  woman’s  smile.

         Cue  a  loving  smile  of  his  own,  silver  irises  ever  so  gentle   beneath  the  moonlight  as  a  hand  gingerly  guides  feminine features  to  one  side,  himself  moving  in  ever  so  slowly  to  place  a  kiss  upon  what  was  deemed  the  softest,  most  delicate  and  most  heavenly  touch  he’d  ever  been  given  the  luxury  to  taste.

         ❛❛    Happy  birthday,  Rosa..    ❜❜

        VACANT  LAND  BATHED  IN  WARM  TWILIGHT  HUES,  light  bouncing  off  the  stone  walls  resembling  picturesque  images  straight  from  worn  out  pages  of  ancient  fairy  tales  and  stories  from  untouched  worlds  of  fantasy  —  an  enchanting  view  but  one  which  is  as  quickly  taken  away  from  mesmerized  and  blinking  indigo  blues  as  instructed  by  her  most  beloved  to  temporarily  conceal  of  her  vision.

        His  signature  hat  he  entrusts  the  petite  with  and  she  clings  to  it  protectively  over  strawberry  blonde  waves,  not  daring  for  a  moment  to  steal  a  single  peak  ——  all  the  while  digits  interlock  with  the  one  she  trusted  to  always  keep  her  safe  and  guide  her  way,  a  promise  she  knew  to  be  as  true  as  the  ring  he  adorned  around  her  finger.

        Peacefully  they  march  together,  when  an  abrupt  halt  draws  confusion,  his  name  echoed  through  the  vast  space  in  question.  ❝Ace?❞  she  softly  inquiries  but  the  answer  is  given  before  she  could  even  ponder  on  it  ——  in  swift  movements,  the  ground  is  taken  from  below  her  feet,  instead  replaced  with  the  feel  of  strong  arms  securing  her  tightly  within  their  hold  prompting  a  loud  squeal  to  escape  in  surprise,  however,  almost  instantly  it  is  followed  by  timid  giggles  and  ecstatic  laughter.  

        Rosa  had  been  no  princess  and  her  man  no  royal  prince,  rather  both  but  mere  pirates  yet  in  his  arms,  she  could  almost  swear  she  had  been  one  ——  rather  more  than  any  princess,  she  had  been  certain,  no  girl  in  the  history  of  time  had  ever  been  as  blessed  as  she  is,  simply  to  have  him  be  the  love  of  her  life.

        A  short  journey  it  had  been,  but  finally  indigo  hues  are  granted  their  sight  again,  and  they  couldn’t  have  possibly  unveiled  to  a  more  breathtaking  view;  a  gasp  escapes  glossy  lips,  clumsily  losing  her  footing  in  all  her  awe  as  she  clings  to  him  for  support.  ❝Ace,  it’s…  —  ❞  lost  for  words,  she  turns  to  freckled  features  and  the  stunned  expression  upon  her  own  delicate  ones  say  it  all  as  she  vigorously  nods  to  the  query  voiced.

        ❝I  do  ——  ❞  more  than  simply  like  ❝It’s  like  a  fairy-tale  ——  I  love  it  so  much❞

        For  long  months,  days  in  and  out  would  be  spent  occasionally  deprived  of  her  firefly’s  warmth  with  no  hint  nor  clue  where  his  adventures  would  take  him,  only  that  it  had  been  far  away  from  herself  —  perhaps  a  cause  for  concern  when  particularly  seeking  the  company  of  a  select  few  individuals  but  never  her  among  them,  however,  Rosa  had  not  been  of  little  faith  for  her  man  and  any  worries  which  may  arise  are  almost  instantly  forgotten  the  second  he  is  back  safe  into  her  loving  arms.  

        Now  before  her,  stood  in  luminous  vibrant  colors  the  source  of  her  king’s  distraction  and  absence  all  this  time,  emitting  melodies  so  soothing  to  the  hummingbird’s  heart  which  had  been  about  to  burst  in  joy,  unable  to  quite  contain  its  excitement.  

        ❝That’s..  that’s  where  you’ve  been  going,  all  this  time  —  ❞  she  speaks  softly  as  realization  slowly  sunk  in  —  indigo  glistening  with  love,  touched  beyond  words.  ❝You  fixed  it  up..  all  for  me?❞  the  hand  she  is  holding  is  given  a  gentle  squeeze  before  her  gaze  is  redirected  to  the  ride  he  had  worked  hard  to  prepare,  just  for  her.  

        Grateful  loving  words  would  undoubtedly  follow  had  the  petite  not  been  too  taken  by  the  scene  to  rush  on  with  innocent  enthusiasm  ——  so  much  she  resembled  no  more  than  a  little  girl,  the  very  same  one  to  spend  years  coped  up  inside  her  small  room  keeping  busy  with  picture  perfect  fairy  tales  yet  now  they  paled  in  comparison  to  the  real  thing  surrounding  her.  

        Cheers  of  their  loving  family  drew  shy  giggles  from  the  musician  as  she  hides  of  embarrassed  rosy  features  in  her  lover’s  chest  but  it  is  not  enough  to  conceal  of  her  happy  giggles  and  laughter,  evidently  thankful  for  everyone’s  love  and  hard-work,  before  she  is  but  swiftly  carried  away  by  her  prince  again,  this  time  guided  to  her  throne,  or  rather  what  resembled  it  to  her  ——  a  seat  evidently  made  just  for  her.  

        ❝It’s  a  hummingbird..❞  she  states  the  obvious  in  awe,  soft  digits  gently  touching  of  its  glowing  surface  as  she  did  not  for  a  moment  believe  this  particular  seat  could  have  been  here  out  of  mere  coincidence  ——  a  realization  prompting  her  to  lean  in  and  greedily  steal  a  loving  kiss  then  another  from  his  lips  just  before  his  flames  could  bring  the  wonderland  to  life.  

        After  that  it  had  been  nothing  but  innocent  laughter  bubbling  through  the  clearing  all  the  ride  long  ——  her  heart  held  by  none  other  than  him  as  though  through  his  flames  not  only  did  he  control  the  carousel  but  her  happiness  as  well,  at  which  at  some  point  she’d  clearly  voice.  ❝I  feel  like  a  princess..❞  one  riding  in  her  own  kingdom  —  or  rather  the  little  piece  of  heaven  her  prince  had  constructed  for  her.

        With  the  royal  couple  of  the  day  left  alone,  basking  in  the  starlight,  Rosa  rests  her  head  against  his  chest,  listening  to  his  heartbeat  in  the  silence  of  the  night,  only  pulling  away  when  hearing  of  what  had  been  deemed  the  most  adorable  confession.  It  prompts  the  softest  smile  to  her  lips.  ❝Me  neither..❞  she  confides  slowly;  growing  up  to  sounds  of  gunfire  and  explosives,  it  had  been  difficult  for  her  to  so  much  as  believe  in  the  possibility,  but  she  could  only  ever  fantasize  about  a  better  life,  one  of  bright  colors  and  happiness  as  the  one  he  showed  her  today,  or  rather  every  day  of  her  life  since  coming  into  it.  ❝—  I  never  thought  it  could  be  possible..  but  I’ve  always  dreamed  of  it…  every  day  reading  those  stories..❞

        Captivated  by  the  beauty  of  silver  brighter  than  the  moonlight  above,  she  gently  leans  into  his  touch,  welcoming  the  delicate  kiss  of  the  only  lips  she’d  ever  touched  yet  forever  the  only  ones  she’d  ever  crave  ——  deepening  it  further  until  he  could  taste  her  overwhelming  emotions  of  rapture  through  tears  of  joy.

( xpyre/kids! ) " QUIT CRYING ALREADY!! " that oughta shut her up, right? he's pointing right as her, seemingly raging however evidently flustered in the eyes of others. " YOU'RE UGLY WHEN YOU CRY, STUPID!!! " ah yes, insulting her further will certainly do the trick.

           IF  HE  THOUGHT  YELLING  AT  HER,  would  get  the  little  girl  to  stop  crying,  the  young  boy  was  definitely  mistaken  —  in  fact,  his  statement  would  only  cause  her  to  stop  for  a  moment,  a  good  moment,  indigo  wide  and  glimmering  with  tears  staring  up  at  him  hurt  before  a  whole  new  shower  of  tears  began,  this  time  accompanied  with  loud  sobbing.  

           ❝Ace  is  soo  mean!!  Ace  is  too  mean  to  Rosa!!  Ace  is  stupid  and  mean!!❞  She  didn’t  often  cry  at  home,  not  at  all  —  that  upset  her  aunt  Maria  after  all  but  around  Ace,  Rosa  was  more  vulnerable.  It  is  only  until  the  latter  remark  that  she  would  sniffle  and  attempt  to  bite  back  the  tears  (  in  vain  of  course  ).  

drabble: realizing she is in love with ace? was there any particular conversation or scene where the realization hits her like a wave?

                send me something to drabble about ( ♫ )

           |    ♪    CONFIDENCE, COURAGE AND FREEDOM, the fire fist is never short on any, so much that indigo hues simply can not help but watch his every move; admiration so easily filling her heart since the first day she laid eyes on him. A spark which only grew into an inferno with time. 

           The hummingbird didn’t realize of her growing feelings yet the attachment is hard to dismiss when it is his side she is always found by. Friends — is an excuse given. Someone she looked up to, someone she enjoyed the presence of — nothing less, nothing more. 

           In time, the flutter of her heart around him became quite difficult to ignore yet even then such feelings could not truly be called love; a crush had been developing, one she was certain would crush her if she were to rush into them so carelessly, hence such feelings she kept locked safe.

           Bravery, and kindness draw her to Ace like a magnet, awed by all his strength but it isn’t until the hummingbird witnesses his flaws that she truly fell, deeply, head first and with no possible chance of return. 

           A query he directs at her, wondering if it’s any good he had been born and for the first time, she sees past the confident demeanor he wears so well. A glimpse of truth and reality into the heart she realized was so much bigger and deeper than she ever knew, haunted by insecurities — yet he had never appeared more real nor beautiful in her eyes. 

           The image of the perfect commander she had painted him to be, set on an impossible pedestal shattered — yet it is his imperfections which rendered him truly perfect in her eyes — human, real, touchable.

           |            ♪            A STORY NOT OFTEN TOLD, yet one close to the hummingbird’s heart as it had been the day her true love walked into her life, a firefly glowing in the dark and guiding the lost bird back to shore. 

           ❝Ace and I?❞ she echoes the question softly, a warm smile to glossed lips, indigo eyes shining with LOVE, yet there’s a rosy tint to her cheeks as despite how much she adored her sunshine boy, Rosa was still quite timid to retell the tale publicly but she begins anyway.

           ❝I — We — Well.. Ace was a Whitebeard Pirate first.. they often visited my home island — b-back when Foodvalten was our —— the Whitebeard Pirates, I mean territory.. ❞ she pauses, voice dropping into a low embarrassed mumble of a lonely dejected girl despite how long it has been.  ❝Back then.. I was training so hard, to join them — to be a part of their family.. it was all I wanted… b-but I was too weak and small… I wasn’t ready…❞ despite appointing the blame to none other than her own weakness, she feels SAD as rejection is never kind. 

           ❝I was about to give up.. ❞ accept what everyone else believed, that she truly was no more than a small delicate girl, unfit for the harsh tides of the sea. ❝That was when Ace found me.. I suppose he heard of me from his crewmates then —❞ she giggles lightly and her expression lights up as though him finding her had cleared away all her storms. Cheeks burn bright red but she’s HAPPY when she retells of their meeting. 

           ❝He — He offered me his hand… and I knew — I couldn’t give up.. ❞ resembling sunshine he stood before the tearful broken girl, a smile as bright as the STARS when he extended his hand to her, saving her life by making the choice to befriend her and the lonely bird would never be alone again. 

ACE HAS A MESSAGE FOR YOU!

 ( pre ) traveling through dangerous swampy areas, her commander swerves an arm around her waist, lifting her petite figure to safer grounds. ❛❛ Watch out.. ❜❜ he says softly however sternly, carefully releasing her. ❛❛ Stay close to me, alright? ❜❜ meanwhile the rest of the second division were lagging behind the two, one or more clumsily slipping right into the quagmire he saved the hummingbird from.

          |      ♪      BREATH SNATCHED IN THE FORM OF AN ELICITED GASP, drawn from glossed lips in reaction to the unexpected touch around her petite figure carrying her to safety as though her O W N source of life support parachute. Overwhelmed by his proximity and the stern protectiveness he displayed alike, the response is to merely stare at her commander in wonder before T I M I D N E S S, takes the wheel. 

places confetti and glitter inside her umbrella so she'll be in for a surprise when it's opened.

     |      ♪      Startled, the petite figure would jump in place resembling no more than a scared little bunny, indigo blinking as she is caught off guard by the small surprise inside her umbrella but shock is quick to fade all too soon replaced with tiny giggles of joy filling the air. 

Why did he look so unlike himself?

Days before he left out to sea, he was set on the idea that he would go all by himself through the vast ocean, well-knowing that having someone else on his side could result on being backstabbed, but we know that was changed time later, with the offering of Portgas D. Ace to join him. That very idea was reinforced tenfold that day, but rather than swear revenge on Teach like so many did for being such a selfish bastard and dare to commit a crime so unforgivable after a decade of claiming himself a part of the ‘family’ they all belonged to, just for a forsaken fruit, Deuce stood in absolute silence at the infirmary. 

He couldn’t hold a grudge against Teach, much to his disgust —despite the fact that he grew fond of the commander. It was horrible for him to be so troubled with those feelings and yet he didn’t have it in himself to rage along with his crewmates. 

Deuce had, many years prior, tried to do the exact same with Ace —commit murder just so he could take possession of a Devil Fruit. For the masked male, both were the same, even if he failed and Teach succeeded. It didn’t matter to him why did any of them do it. Survival, or power. 

It would be the biggest act of hypocrisy, wouldn’t it?

But it doesn’t stop there. 

His crewmates cried for their fallen brother, and deep inside him, Deuce had never considered any of them like family, so for him, it would have been a hollow cry. Ace knew Deuce was only there simply because he was there —so can you imagine, the very first two Spades, alone in the infirmary, where Ace can clearly see the burden in Deuce’s eyes? Ace knows his feelings all the same, for her has been carrying the sins of another his whole life. Like I said before, Deuce doesn’t care about the reason as to why he or Teach did what they did, but hearing Ace say that there’s a huge difference in between them is enough to calm a storm raging inside him. 

Ace confesses he plans on going after Teach, to which Deuce begs him not to do it. Being pretty much the embodiment of misfortune, he knows things will go wrong if Ace decides to go on that path, and so they start arguing. Their discussion is cut short, and Ace leaves.