The next day, Ace was feeling more like himself, than he has the previous days. The pain he had was still there, but far more bearable. And, he had actually gotten some decent sleep yesterday, when Smoker had come back. The man hadn't left his side yesterday, at least not that Ace had known of, and he's pretty sure that Smoker's responsible for him actually being able to get the rest he needed. He wasn't bothered by a nurse once. Although curious as to what means his boyfriend used to make them back off, he didn't bother to ask. He was just happy that he was no longer feeling like one of the undead.
However, not everything could be rainbows and sunshine on this day. Ace wouldn't be here with Ember. Yeah, sure, he could come see her but, it's different. He wouldn't be here to make sure that she was okay on a hourly basis, or less, and that had dread creeping up into the pit of his stomach and had him wishing that in some ways, he could stay here.
Right now, he was all ready to go. All the IVs have been taken out of him. The machines unhooked. He's had a shower and was dressed in a fresh set of clothes that Thatch had brought earlier that morning. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to budge from where he sat at the edge of the bed, staring down at the floor, or rather scowling at it.
His concentration was only broken when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked behind him, to see none other than Smoker.
"Thatch is waiting for us at the car." The man said.
Ace sighed softly. "I know I'm holding everyone up, I'm sorry. It's just hard." He replied, scooting off of the bed.
Despite the uneasiness with displays of affection, Smoker brought Ace into a hug. "Ember is in great care here. She will be alright."
Ace felt the tears coming forth again, so he quickly shut his eyes, burying his face in Smoker's shirt. "I'm her mother, I'm finding it extremely difficult to trust her life being in someone else's hands..." He spoke, his words coming out in a mutter and barely audible.
Smoker held him tighter. "I understand, Ace..." There wasn't much he could say on the matter. Inside, he felt like breaking down too, but he couldn't. He needed to hold himself together more than ever now.
After a moment of silence, Ace pulled back from him, wiping the tears out of his eyes, sniffling. "I... I guess I'm ready to go now."
Smoker nodded, wrapping an arm around his waist and began to lead him out of the room.
Outside, Ace was greeted by a smiling Thatch, although, Ace himself didn't smile back.
Thatch's smile then faltered too. He knew exactly what it was that was bothering Ace. He also knew just what to say to hopefully ease some of Ace's concerns.
"It's okay Ace. Chopper is staying behind to help see after her."
Ace nodded, finally letting a small smile of sorts cross his face. "I know. But, it's just natural for me to worry, I suppose. I know she couldn't be in better hands, especially with Chopper helping. But, I just feel like there's more I could do." And then he sighed.
Smoker sensed the change in mood again, taking hold of Ace's hand in his and Ace squeezed tightly.
A moment after, Ace made his way into the passenger's seat of the car. Smoker took his place in the back and Thatch of course was on the driver's side.
The whole way home, only minor chit-chat was exchanged between the three of them. Although surprising to Thatch, he understood why Ace was choosing to remain quiet and just stare out the window though. He wanted to be left alone with his thoughts. That was just him. One could look at him, and tell something was up, but that didn't mean Ace always wanted them to question him on it.
Returning home was like a slap to the face all over again. It was dull, and quiet, too quiet. Depressing, that's what Ace could call it.
Before this could be considered a warm home again, before family could be complete, Ember must be able to come back. Until then however, Ace would just have to take being here one day at a time.
Taking in a deep breath, Ace ignored all else in the place, even the kitchen for once, and made his way to the baby's room.
Smoker decided to follow him because he for one hadn't gotten to see the room yet.
Ace took a seat in the rocking chair within the room, after grabbing a stuffed bunny from the crib, clutching it tightly as he watched Smoker look around the room.
Smoker's gaze then landed back on Ace after a moment. "It looks great... I'm surprised you didn't paint the walls pink though." He attempted to lighten the mood, chuckling.
Ace shrugged his shoulders. "Didn't want to go overboard with it." He answered, glancing around at the teal walls of the room.
Smoker released a soft breath. "Are you hungry?" He questioned.
Ace gave a slight nod. "Somewhat." He added and then, as if on cue, his stomach gave a deep growl.
Smoker had to smile at that. At least he hasn't lost his appetite that much yet. "I'll go fix something for you, in the mean time, try to relax." He said as he leaned over to place a kiss to the top of Ace's head and then made his way out.
Ace gave a roll of his eyes, muttering under his breath. "You should be the one relaxing..."
It was true. Smoker should be. After all, he's went two days now, no rest pretty much. He spent all of yesterday keeping watch over Ace and lying in bed with him just so he could sleep. Not to mention before that, he was dealing with the Navy. He's the one that needs the rest but Ace just can't bring it in himself to be the one taking care of Smoker for today. He'll make it up to him, eventually.
Ace stood from where he sat, giving one final look over the room, at the empty crib, before exiting, bringing the stuffed bunny along with him.
He went to his and Smoker's room, settling down into the bed, holding the plush toy close to him, eyes fluttering shut. Despite the rest he had actually gotten yesterday when Smoker had arrived, he was still very much tired and right now, a nap sound pretty good... At least until Smoker had the food ready.
Later that night...
Smoker settled into bed, thankful that this day was finally over. There for a little while, he wasn't sure how much more he could do or how much longer he could keep his eyes open. It's been rough and it made even the Navy seem quite easy at certain times.
He spent most of the day just like yesterday, being there to comfort Ace and help him with whatever he needed. It was hard. It was harder than he could've ever imagined. He's never had to be that kind of person before, who was there to chase away somebody else's fears, to ease their mind. It was strange and time and time again he was afraid he was going to screw it all up. He was afraid he would say something wrong or just saying nothing at all would have Ace in tears again but somehow he's managed to pull it off perfectly.
Not to mention he had to do the cooking for both of them and at dinner, he was very much surprised that he hadn't burnt the place down. At that point, the only thing on his mind was sleep. But he had managed and if he had any bragging rights at this moment, which he thinks is only fair that he does, he's proven to be a talented man today.
Now it was all over though. The dishes were cleaned, the countertops wiped off and the floor swept; all chores Ace would normally do. But Ace, he hadn't budged all day practically, just to go to the bathroom is all.
Perhaps him coming back home this early wasn't the best for him... Where he's reminded of Ember even more. Perhaps they should've stayed over with Shanks, or somebody else.
Smoker sighed softly, shaking the thoughts from his mind as he pulled the blanket up over him. Upon doing so, Ace shifted from where he was lying, rolling over to face Smoker.
"I thought you were asleep." Smoker spoke, voice low.
Ace stared at him for a moment more, before answering. "No. Can't sleep. Mind's too plagued with thoughts... I think I'm starting to develop O.C.D and instead of my problems with Narcolepsy, I think I'm becoming an insomniac."
Smoker refused the urge to chuckle. Any other time, this would've been somewhat funny but now most certainly wasn't the time for him to laugh.
So instead, he'd attempt to bring Ace's racing thoughts to a screeching halt once more. "I bet right now Chopper's in there, checking on her. You know, he probably never leaves her side, actually because that's our baby, she's a part of the family."
Ace considered this for a moment then released a soft breath, scooting closer into Smoker and the older man securely wrapped his arms around Ace, giving him the much needed sense of protection and comfort.
"Tell me about the Navy... What was it like this time? How's Gramps?" Ace questioned, deciding to change the subject in attempts to get his mind off of his daughter.
"Boring, the same as always. Pointless paper work... And Tashigi being our number one fan girl..." Smoker trailed off for a moment and for the first time today, Ace had let out a small chuckle.
"Garp's as much of an hardass as he's always been." Smoker continued.
"Tashigi... Oh, yes, that's right. She came with you, didn't she?" Ace asked. He vaguely remembered seeing her a some point yesterday, only once though and the visit was short. He hadn't bothered to ask questions then.
"Yeah. Garp wanted her to assist me." Smoker answered, not all that thrilled on the matter.
"Wait... How did she even find out?... Or did you tell her right away?" Not that it mattered. Ace was just curious is all.
"No, I did not tell her right away. Only when Garp found out, did she. And of course, with Tashigi being Tashigi and all... She had to go do her research on the matter of men having children. Not that it's a bad thing I guess, I suppose I know more now thanks to her."
"Oh, okay." Ace smiled, taking Smoker's hand in his, intertwining their fingers together, letting silence fill the air for a moment before he spoke up again. "Sometimes I wonder what life would've been like if I'd joined the Navy like Gramps wanted."
Smoker gave a roll of his eyes. "Kid, I don't think you could've made it... Besides, if that would've happened, we might not be here, where we're at now."
"I guess that's true. Our relationship is the stuff movies are made of. A simple person like me, slaving in some restaurant, meeting somebody like you by chance and falling completely in love." Ace responded, finding himself in a much more happier state than earlier.
"Hell you wouldn't leave me alone. You completely ditched all of your other customers just to sit and talk to me." Smoker retorted truthfully, imagining it all vividly... Of how one day his life just made a complete turn all because some freckle faced kid with deep, intriguing eyes and a smile that could suck even the straightest of men in, sat down at his table and wouldn't let him eat his meal in piece.
"You weren't even legal then..." Smoker muttered. "I don't see how my ass didn't get thrown in jail over you." That was another thing. When he met Ace, the man was only sixteen but he hadn't known any different at the time.
Ace snickered, nuzzling into the older man. "I had you believing I was of age for two years until I actually did turn eighteen..." He trailed off for a moment, smirking against Smoker's collar bone. "I have no shame. I knew damn well what I wanted and I got it."
"And now, here we are, four years later... At a point in life that we assumed was out of our reach... It's amazing when I stop and think about it." Smoker replied, his voice taking on a more sincere tone this time.
Ace chuckled. "Thank you, babe."
"For what?" Smoker questioned, now looking down at the younger one.
Ace released a soft sigh, smiling. "For giving my life meaning. You've helped me over come more than you could ever imagine and now, we have a family. We are parents. What more could I ask for? Being with you... It's the happiest I've been, even if we have struggles to face ahead of us and I know... I know I won't hear all this mushy, feelings stuff from you but deep down, you feel the same. I can see it when I look in your eyes and I can hear it when you speak... I feel it when you touch me-"
"You should write poetry, really." Smoker grumbled.
Ace however only giggled. "You would be my number one fan."
Smoker gave what sound like a soft growl, that revealed to Ace that yes, Smoker would be.
"Get some rest... Brat."
"You can't call me that anymore, hun." Ace said, smirking to himself.
"Okay, Ace, get some rest." Smoker retorted playfully.
Ace rolled his eyes, knowing that Smoker couldn't tell. "Okay... Promise me one thing..." Ace trailed off, his grip tightening on Smoker's hand.
"Anything." Smoker answered assuring.
"Promise you will be here with me when I wake." Ace said, knowing he sound pretty pathetic for asking such a thing of Smoker but he really did not want to sleep without knowing the man would be here when he woke.
Smoker unlaced their fingers, wrapping his arm around Ace, bringing him into a warm embrace once more. "I'm not going anywhere."
Ace sighed softly. "Thank you... Love you hun..." He muttered, eyes fluttering shut as his narcolepsy started to set in with him once more, replacing the insomnia he was certain he had begun developing.
"Love you too... Kid." Smoker whispered, placing a kiss upon the younger's head before the exhaustion began to catch up with him too, once again.