So here is the next chapter to Little Miracles! I wasn't sure on it at first, but after getting it wrote (finally, at the last minute!) and reviewing over it with my boyfriend (I have achieved my fangirl goal of getting him into my weird, gay stories! :D), we both decided it couldn't have went any better than what it did so here it is.
Now, I had someone ask me how far along Ace was, and I had Maybelady tell me it was too soon for him to feel as if things are off... Well, here's my explanation to that and I swear I'm not trying to be mean about it. :O ... But, in a previous chapter, I did mention that Ace was 6 months in. In this chapter, he is already 7 months in. In Thanksgiving, he was 6 months. This chapter is set already in December, like, almost the last of December, sooo, he's 7 months in and there is a reason why I had him feel off about it. You'll see as you read but let me just say, things won't be easy for Ace. It's going to be a difficult road ahead of him.
Also, my time frame of things might be off slightly... I had all this stuff figured out perfectly like half a year ago until I decided to re-write this story from the very beginning... So my time line of things kind of got, just a little off key.
Anyways, without further word, here is chapter 7!
Voices and the echo of footsteps could be heard just outside of Smoker's door, as soldiers passed down the hallway, some stopping every now and then to converse with another. It provided no distraction for Smoker however, no matter how much he wished it would've.
Yet, his mind was locked on one thing, and one thing alone... The blank piece of paper sitting upon his desk that he's been glaring at for the past half hour now.
He's taken Tashigi's words to consideration, really, he has. But, no matter what he tries, what he thinks, this letter to Ace is seeming more of an impossible task as the minutes tick away. The crumbled up pages laying around the room are proof of that.
Smoker however, takes in a deep breath as he seemingly drags his hand that holds the pen back to the paper. Such a little thing feels as if it weighs tons at the moment. It seems so daunting to move the pen, but he manages and takes another shot at writing this letter, again.
"Dear Ace,"
"No." Smoker immediately growled, gripping the paper and tossing it aside, starting fresh on another sheet.
"Hey there, kid..."
"God that sounds odd." He said to himself, growing more frustrated as he once again tossed the paper aside, in a crumpled up ball just like the previous ones.
"Hello Portgas,"
A sigh escaped him, his hand stopping in its tracks and he stared down at the paper. He still didn't think that was good enough, but it was better than his previous attempts. It sound like something he'd say after all...
"Hello Portgas, how's it going? Are you missing me already? I should've known... You can't go a day without me..."
"No, that won't do." Smoker said, voice full of irritation now as he slammed the pen down onto the paper. He's never had a problem with anything in his life, up until now. Why was it so hard to just write the damn letter? To just express his feelings as well?
"This is ridiculous..." He continued to say, bringing a hand up to rub his eyes. He was frustrated, and tired. He couldn't deny the fact that he's stayed up later than should be, thinking about the man he left back home, and how to tell him just how much he wants to come back than be here. For once in his life, he has something more important than the Navy, than justice; yet he can't even be there where he's honestly needed most.
To make matters worse, he hasn't heard a thing about what they're doing, supposed to be doing or anything new on this so called mission they've set out on and that has him even more on edge.
Smoker hated this, he truly did. Everything about this situation. He hated how he had a thousand thoughts running through his head at once and no way to actually put them into words. He hated that he was beginning to feel as if he was here on a wild goose chase and nothing would come of all the fuss with the Navy.
Not to mention, there was still something weighing heavy on his mind and an uneasiness settling in his stomach. He was truly and honestly worried about Ace and their daughter. The way he spoke in his letter raised concern with Smoker and since reading it, Smoker's went through a hundred different scenarios in his head as to what could have happened exactly.
The more he thought of that, the more he wished he could go back. He needed to know, he needed to be there... Otherwise, there was no way in hell Ace would tell him. The younger was too stubborn to give much detail away and Smoker was honestly surprised that Ace even told him he wasn't feeling right. It couldn't be good if he had done that, Smoker concluded. Ace didn't like to worry anybody, certainly not him after all.
Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Smoker swept the piece of paper away with his hand, focusing back on the letter again.
"Portgas, what's going on? Are you alright? If something's wrong with you or our daughter, you better tell me as soon as possible and you better tell Chopper. You can't keep things to yourself anymore... You have another life to think about other than just yours... Now, I'm not there to talk you into seeing Chopper so it's up to you; you have to look out for our little girl until I get back home. You have to put your stubborn nature aside right now... Don't do it for me, do it for her. I trust that you'll listen..."
A knock on the door interrupted him in his writing.
Smoker sat the pen down, as his gaze went to the door. "Come in." He said, having a fairly good guess already of who it'd be. It had to be Tashigi worried about him again. Damn that girl, he thought. Sometimes he felt as if she was a mother to him, even though she was younger...
Yet, to his surprise, when the door was open without care, it wasn't the woman who stood in the doorway, but none other than Monkey D. Garp.
Smoker's eyes widened momentarily, and he gulped. If Garp was here, this couldn't be good. Again, many thoughts went into his head as to why one of his superiors was here in his office.
"Smoker!" The man immediately exclaimed, startling the younger man.
"Y-yes, sir?" Smoker questioned as he attempted to find his nerve again. There wasn't much that scared him in this world but Garp certainly did. Not only was he above him in ranks, just had to be the grandfather of the damn man Smoker chose to spend his life with and that made things all the more terrifying.
Garp, not being one to beat around the bush (especially with his soldiers), held up a white envelope for Smoker to see.
"What's that?" Smoker questioned, unsure of where the older man was going with this.
"Apparently it's a letter from my grandson, that was sent to you a little while ago." The man responded, his gaze never leaving Smoker.
New terror set in with the Navy captain as he realized what this meant. "W-what? How did you get a hold of it!" He demanded to know. Last time he checked, that letter was stored in a safe place.
"I was doing a routine search of the rooms, and found it." Garp explained and that was nothing new. He did that from time to time, just to make sure nothing was being snuck aboard that shouldn't be there.
"That is my personal business!" Smoker growled, now feeling violated of his privacy. Yet, he knew damn well he should've had it hidden better. "If you read it, that is considered a federal offense you know!"
"Don't use your petty threats against me!" Garp retorted, and once again Smoker was startled, frozen where he sat and just staring at the older one.
"This is my grandson and it is my right to know how he is doing, which apparently, I don't know shit the past few months..." Garp trailed off for a moment.
Smoker knew what to expect however, and oh was he dreading it. He's seen the way Garp has done his subordinates, as well as his grandchildren and Smoker could already feel the hit coming and a thousand questions following after.
"Why the hell didn't either one of you two tell me that he is having a baby?!" Garp asked, anger flowing clear through his voice.
Smoker swallowed hard, diverting his gaze. "Ace didn't want to tell you... Until she was born... He wasn't sure what you'd think..."
"What I'd think?" Garp questioned, in a more calmer manner. Smoker only nodded his head however.
"That's ridiculous! I'm going to be a great grandfather, I think I have the right to know! And, Luffy too?! What is Shanks thinking? I swear... The damn boy's just seventeen... He's a thousand years too young to be thinking of that stuff, let alone doing it!"
Smoker grimaced at the thought. That was something he didn't care to know about. As far as he was concerned, those two could do whatever the hell they wanted in their private life, as long as he didn't have to hear about it.
"Eh... You know how Shanks is. All someone has to do is give him the green light and he's ready..." Smoker grumbled, hoping to take a little of the heat off of him. It didn't work however.
"And you! Weren't you using your head on this? Ace is only twenty himself! And yet, you went and knocked the boy up and didn't even say a word of it. If I'd known, I'd never let you come here with us. You should be there, with him."
And suddenly, Smoker felt like shit again. He sighed, looking back to Garp. "I didn't know. We didn't know, until much later... I didn't even know men could go through this... I'm still lost on that..." He trailed off for a moment. "Wait, it wasn't my choice to come here! But, if I didn't, what would happen? There was no other alternative." He fought back.
Garp took a moment to consider this and to Smoker's surprise, he was being far more calmer in the matter than originally expected.
"Ace should be number one priority. If you two would've told me, we could've worked something out together... Hell, if my grandson is going to have a kid by someone, I at least want to know that they're worthy of being a father."
Smoker frowned, biting his tongue. Frankly, he didn't think Garp had any room to talk. "Do you not think I'm good enough for him?"
Garp didn't answer for a moment, and even so, he gave a cough to clear his throat beforehand. "Ace doesn't have his father or his mother to look out for him... I'm the one that's dealt with most of that brat's shit... I'm the one that's watched over him... The one that still, secretly, looks out for him and with that being said, in my eyes, there is no one out there good enough for him, nor Luffy."
"I'm doing the best I can by him." Smoker nearly growled. "I want to be there, but what good would it do? What would I accomplish? If a man can't provide for his family, then he's not worthy of having them in the first place." He retorted, eyes narrowed in irritation. At the current moment, he felt as if he was being stripped of his manhood, and he didn't like that whatsoever.
Again, Garp let a silence linger in the air for some time, as he debated his reply. And when he did speak, it was no longer in argument against Smoker. "How long has Ace been carrying this child?"
"He should be within range of seven months already. Last time he went to the doctor, when I was there, was around six months. It's already December now though... Like I said, we didn't know until later. Well, Ace knew before me... But,"
Garp released a deep breath, shaking his head in disapproval.
"How could I know?! When he keeps everything to himself?!" Smoker snapped, glaring dangerously up at Garp.
"I know that..." Garp frowned. "And what I have read in this letter concerns me... Just all for the fact I knew what happened with his mother, when she was carrying him."
Smoker's expression softened some, turning to mild confusion. "His... Mother?" He asked, thinking back. Now that Garp mentioned it, Ace had never really mentioned his mom to him. In fact, Smoker knew nothing on who Ace's parents were exactly.
"Yes. It's complicated history, and Ace himself doesn't know it all... He doesn't want to talk about it either. The topic of parents are a touchy subject for him..." The older male answered, his eyes darting down for a moment.
"What happened?" Smoker was almost too scared to ask, in fear of history repeating itself with Ace.
"After Ace was born, she died."
Dread settled into the pit of Smoker's stomach. "But Ace, he will be alright, won't he?"
"I'am not sure..." Garp trailed off. For once, he didn't have an answer.
Smoker swallowed deeply. He regretted the fact he couldn't be there with Ace even more now. "Do you... Do you know anything about this kind of stuff? I mean, it's not typical for men to have children, is it?" That was another topic that has been bugging him. Ace was the first he's come across, then Luffy.
"That's been going on before your time... But, it's a very rare occurrence, very rare... But, that's nothing to fear! If nothing else is going on, then Ace will be fine." Garp assured, with a smile.
It didn't ease Smoker's worrying though or answer any of his questions. "Exactly how will this baby be born? Last time I checked... Well... Uh... You know what I mean..." He muttered. He didn't exactly feel comfortable talking about this, let alone with Ace's grandfather but to be honest, he was so lost on the matter.
"To be honest with you, I can't explain it because I've never actually been close to someone who's gone through it." Garp replied, with a slight chuckle.
Smoker let out a huff of air, once again finding himself growing annoyed. "There's not a book or anything on it?"
Garp merely shook his head.
"Perfect..." Smoker grumbled, glaring down at his desk once more and at the letter still unfinished.
"Well, I suppose I should let you get back to work... Since you are here after all, and not there looking after my grandson..."
Smoker attempted to ignore the words. He was getting real tired of these guilt trips... Mainly because he's been inflicting them upon himself since he left Ace. He didn't need Garp or anyone else rubbing it in further though.
"But before I go, I'll say this... When it's nearing the nine month mark, you are going back there to him, whether you like it or not. You are not going to miss the birth of your daughter. Believe me when I say, it'll be the thing you regret most." Garp added, before he exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Smoker was left staring up at the door in surprise then, but didn't bother to dwell on it too much afterwards. In fact, it brought a bit of excitement to him. He couldn't wait to go back to Ace within a matter of two months.
Ace sighed, watching the snowflakes fall outside of the living room, landing in the white surface outside that seemed ever so tempting and inviting.
Winter had just fully set in, bringing with it a beautiful snowfall, covering the street he lived on for miles on end. It was a lovely sight but one that troubled and tortured Ace at the same time. More so because right now, Luffy was outside in it, with Shanks and Thatch, having a snowball fight amongst each other.
He couldn't go out though, not because he had anyone forcing rules upon him or restrictions but just for the fact he physically couldn't go out there. Lately, the troubles he's been dealing with have only gotten worse, preventing him from doing much of anything other than just sitting around and dealing with the pain that came and went.
"Ace, Chopper said he'd be here soon." Marco announced, from where he stood in the doorway.
"Oh... Okay..." Ace replied, with a frown, before another surge of pain coursed through him, and he clenched his teeth, growling.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Ace?" Marco asked, in a concerned tone. To be honest, he was more worried than he led Ace to believe. He didn't know much on pregnancy but he's pretty certain that Ace shouldn't be in this much pain, this soon. If he had to guess, it was almost as if Ace was already in labor but with only being seven months in, that was impossible, wasn't it?
"NO!" Ace hissed, glaring over at Marco. "No..." He said in a more subtle matter, as the pain subsided momentarily and thinking that he could finally get a moment of ease, he leaned back against the couch once more, trying to relax.
Yet, it didn't last long, until he jolted up once again, and this time the pain that surged through him was enough to bring a whimper out of him as he wrapped his arms around his stomach, hoping that would help in some way.
Marco frowned, feeling completely and utterly helpless that he couldn't help Ace. Nobody could, not even Shanks, hence why he wasn't in here and nor Luffy but outside keeping him occupied. Luffy didn't exactly need to see his brother going through so much agony.
"It hurts..." Ace whined and right then, Marco knew this had to be pretty bad to bring Ace to that.
The blonde moved closer to the couch, placing a hand upon Ace's head and stroked through his hair soothingly. "Yes, but perhaps when Chopper gets here he can help you." He said, offering his other hand out to Ace, who grabbed it without second thought and squeezed tightly.
"I need him now!" Ace demanded.
Marco clenched his teeth, baring the pain. "Soon, Ace, soon." He managed to speak. "You have to hang in there until he gets here though..."
Ace gave a slight growl and then a hiss of pain, his grip on Marco's hand tightening. He didn't understand this. Why was he feeling this? It was practically as if he were having his daughter right then and there but he knows damn well that it's too soon for that. He still has another two months at least...
Marco shut his eyes tight for a moment, until Ace's grip had loosened and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Just remember Ace, it wasn't me who brought this upon you..." He grumbled.
"Yeah, well that bastard isn't here! Some man, huh?" Ace questioned, giving a sarcastic chuckle although it hurt like hell.
"Shh, don't worry about him right now... I'm sure you'll give him hell when he gets back." Marco attempted at comforting the younger, all the while he wondered where the hell that reindeer kid was...
Then suddenly, there was a knock at the door and Marco's hand was finally released and he ran to go open it. To his relief, it was Chopper.
"Please, come inside." Marco spoke up, stepping aside to allow Chopper in.
The young boy hurried in, with his medical bag in hand. He went straight over to where Ace was and sat the bag down, kneeling beside the couch. "What seems to be the problem, Ace?" He questioned.
"It hurts!" Ace whimpered, hands clenching at his stomach. "It's an indescribable pain... It just.. GAH!" Ace's words were trailed off in a howl of pain, followed by deep breaths soon after.
"What's wrong with him Chopper?" Marco questioned, shutting the door as he made his way back inside and locking it. Luffy definitely didn't need to barge in right now and witness this. He was much better off with his snowball fight outside.
Chopper studied him for a moment and without even having to touch a tool in his medical bag, he could almost say for certain that he had the situation figured out. "Um... I think he's having contractions..." He trailed off, his eyes meeting Ace's again. "Do you feel anything else?"
"Pressure..." Ace panted. "Lots of pressure but nothing's happening... Then comes the pain."
Chopper's eyes widened in realization. "We must get him to the hospital then, immediately!"
"What?!" Marco retorted, equally as surprised.
Chopper's gaze turned to him quickly. "He's in labor and there is nothing I can do for him here. He requires a cesarean section and I'm not skilled enough to administer that and it wouldn't even be safe at home.."
"A what?! No! No, no, no! I can't, I can't have that!" Ace fought back, despite all he was currently going through.
"Ace, you have no other choice! She is ready to be born and that is the only way! There are no other alternatives because you are not a woman!" Chopper retorted. It wasn't like him to fight but this was a serious matter and he wasn't going to jeopardize Ace's life.
"It's not even time for her to be born yet, it's still two months, too early!"
"Ace, you can't fight it. You have to go." Chopper replied back, in a more calmer matter this time, realizing he had raised his voice perhaps a little too much previously.
"Shanks can drive us." Marco threw in, approaching the sofa where Ace laid, and knelt down beside it.
"Marco, what are you doing?!" Ace questioned as the other grew closer.
Marco gave no answer though, and instead put all of his strength into scooping up Ace. He knew damn well that this stubborn kid wouldn't go on his own free will so soon, thus he'd just have to use the gentlest means of force he could to make him go.
"Chopper, get the door." Was all Marco said, as he made his way over to the door, carrying Ace bridal-style.
"Marco, put me down now!" Ace growled, seemingly forgetting about his pain for the time being. Yet, his words went ignored.
Chopper hurried over to open the door and Marco proceeded out.
"Shanks, car door, now." Marco ordered, no longer considering it better if they stay out of this. It was unavoidable now.
Shanks turned his attention from his previous actions, over to the blonde who just so happened to have Ace in his grasp. "Is he okay?"
"Tell you on the way, just open the car door, now." Marco repeated in a more firmer tone.
"Oh... Okay..." Shanks muttered, in mild confusion, as he quickly reached into the pocket of his coat, retrieving the car keys out of it.
"Shanks, what's going on?" Luffy questioned as Shanks abruptly headed toward the car, pressing the unlock button on the keypad that the ignition key was attached to.
"Ace has to go to the hospital. He'll be okay though. You and Thatch stay here!" Marco said, as he proceeded to open the back door, and gently and slowly, he laid Ace in the back seat.
"Marco, I do-"
"Not another word, Ace." Marco cut him off. "You must go, or you will surely lose this child." He said with honest truth to the matter. Even he knew that if something wasn't done right now, it more than likely would prove to be fatal, perhaps for both Ace and his baby.
Finally, it seemed as if that sunk in and Ace said no more in protest and no longer fought against going.
"Here, I'll ride in the back with him, to watch over him along the way. You sit up front with Shanks." Chopper spoke, appearing beside Marco. The blonde nodded, stepping aside to allow Chopper to climb in, with the reindeer kid keeping in mind to watch himself, for Ace's comfort.
Once Chopper was in, Marco shut the door, briefly looking between Shanks and Luffy who was staring in confusion with Thatch. "We must go now... You two, I'll call you when we get there."
"Um... Okay." Thatch replied, unsure of what to say actually, unsure of what was really happening. Watching, it seemed so surreal, even to Luffy who still stood in place, not bothering to intervene and go along with them.
Shanks looked back to Luffy, frowning slightly. He hated to leave the boy behind.
"Shanks, now." Marco reminded, as he opened the passenger door.
"Right." Shanks opened the driver's door, climbing inside. He then wasted no time in shutting the door, and starting the vehicle.
Marco shut the door on the passenger's side and without further word, they were off.
"Is Ace really going to be okay?" Luffy questioned, looking back up to Thatch with worry in his eyes.
Thatch frowned. He couldn't answer that, and not even Chopper knew if it would be so when he spoke the words. But he couldn't tell Luffy otherwise and have the boy worry over Ace. Thus, he gave as much of a sincere smile as he could. "Yeah, he will be alright. Come on, let's go back inside while we wait for them to get there and call."
Luffy merely nodded, allowing Thatch to lead him back inside of the house, where he would have no choice but to wait.
I have a feeling this is going to be one long story. Not that, that's a bad thing. :D
Also, yes I'm aware I haven't announced how far long Luffy is yet but we'll say he's a couple months behind Ace for now. :P
Um, if you wanna review, feel free to do so. :D If not, that's kool too! :3
