Happy Update Sunday! Thank you to all who have taken their time to drop by and read. It's much appreciated!
Also, I'd like to note that the amazing Thenotsofantasticlifestory over on Tumblr is the creator of my beautiful cover image of Ashina. She did an awesome job working with me to create an image of my OC!
Now, for the next chapter! Enjoy!
Chapter 18
"Wanna go on an adventure?" Ace asked as soon as he reached her side. Over a month had passed since their fight and the making up that came after, and Ace wanted to get away from the crew. They needed a day to themselves. He wanted a day with her to himself.
Ashina giggled at his eagerness. "What kind of an adventure?"
"Just you and me. Have other plans?" His hopeful smile faltered a bit.
Ashina beamed at him, her smile and eyes bright. "No. Let's go."
Ace grabbed her hand and pulled her to the side of the ship. He dropped her hand and launched himself over the rail before she could shout his name. She leaned over, fully prepared to dive in after his dumbass, only to see him standing on Striker.
"You coming?" he teased. "Wait. Did you think I jumped in the sea?"
Ashina gave him a sheepish grin. "Wouldn't be the first time I've had to fish you out." She vaulted over the rail and landed gracefully in front of him.
"Those times weren't on purpose," he whined. "I've never once jumped in on purpose."
Ashina giggled and stretched up to kiss his jaw. "Yet. Come on. Let's adventure."
It wasn't the first time they rode Striker together. She quickly turned around, pressing her back to his chest. His hand slid to her hip as flames erupted from his feet. The flames propelled the engine and they were off, gliding easily across the waves.
"Destination in mind?" she questioned, leaning her head back against his chest.
His fingers left blazing trails of heat as he skimmed under the hem of her shirt to let his fingertips dance across the flat of her stomach. "Marco said there's a little uninhabited island nearby. It's got some wildlife, but no people. Wanna check it out?"
"What's an adventure without a little exploring?"
Ace grinned and leaned down to press his lips to the tender spot behind her ear. Ashina twisted around, her hands finding his shoulders, as she melded her mouth to his. Breaking away from the kiss, she dropped down to her knees and flicked her eyes up to meet his lusty gaze. Nimble fingers worked to undo his belt and the button of his shorts. She unzipped them slowly, releasing his semi-hard cock from its confines.
Her fingers wrapped around him gently and her tongue flicked out to lick his tip before she ran the flat of her tongue up the length of his cock.
The flames disappeared and they slowed to a stop as Ace leaned back against the mast. He threaded a hand through her hair as he watched her work her hand in time with her mouth.
"Oh, yes, Ashina."
Her eyes met his and she held his gaze as she continued to suck his cock. Her hand dropped to his thigh while her lips slowly slid down him until she had swallowed his entire length.
Ace let out a deep groan and he couldn't help but tighten the grip he had on her hair. He held her there for a second before letting her pull back. She hollowed her cheeks, sucking hard, before she slid the flat of her tongue down and then up his length again. She swirled around his tip before deepthroating him again.
A loud moan tore from his chest as he watched her. She let him guide her movements as Ace took control, so desperately close to coming down her throat. He watched his cock disappear into her mouth. His slow pace faltered and she gagged slightly, her throat muscles working around his length.
"Fuck, Ashina. I'm going to come," he groaned.
The vibrations from her moan sent shivers up his spine. Her fingers gripped his thighs and her green eyes stared up at him. Ace moaned as he released, pumping his hips once, twice, before stilling, letting her milk his cock and basking in the sensation of spilling his seed down her throat.
He pulled away and watched her swallow as she wiped her mouth. Ace slipped a hand under her elbow and pulled her to his feet. He crushed his lips to hers, and she hummed against his mouth as he drew her closer. Sliding his hands up her back, he tangled his hands in her hair while she deepened the kiss. They both moaned and then with a grin Ashina pulled away.
"Ready to continue the adventure?"
Ace did up his pants as he replied, "You started it."
Ashina smirked as she turned around, leaning back into his chest as they took off across the water again. "You can repay the favor later."
Ace chuckled and bent his head to kiss her cheek. He straightened and turned his eyes to the horizon, searching for the little strip of land Marco described to him. Ace pointed out the speck of land on the horizon.
"There it is."
Ace ignited the flames at his feet, propelling them forward at a faster speed. His hand tightened on her hip, holding her close to him as the flew over the waves. As they drew closer to the island, Ace began to be able to make out the trees and pale, sandy beach.
"So, it's safe to explore?" Ashina asked as Ace circled the island, deciding where it would be best to go ashore.
"Yes. Marco and the others have been here before. There are some big predators, but none bigger than any I've encountered before."
Ace studied the landscape. It reminded him a bit of Mt. Colubo with the rocky cliffs and hills, the tall variety of trees, and the sounds of wildlife echoing from within the forested island. It was large enough for the animals that inhabited the island to thrive, but no humans had ever stayed on the small island long enough to build homes.
"We'll be fine. The island's pretty small, we've already circled it," Ace said as they rounded the bend to see the sandy shore where they first arrived.
"That's because you're going so fast."
Ace laughed and wrapped both of his arms around her chest. "Going fast is fun. Come on, let's land on the beach and go explore."
She nodded her agreement, leaning back into his chest.
Ace maneuvered the craft into the shallow waters and let the gentle crashing waves guide them onto the shore. He jumped out first and pulled Striker farther onto the sand, ensuring the tide would not drag her away. Extending his hand to Ashina, he gave her a grin.
"Let's see what we can find, Missus."
Ashina took his hand, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth matching that boyish grin of his. He helped her out and they started to trek up the sandy beach. Ashina knew she'd follow Ace anywhere. She'd told him as much before and it was true. Seeing his grin, and knowing his determination and strength, she would go wherever the sea took them. She wanted to go with him just so that she could spend all her days with him.
"Ace," she said, stopping just before they reached the cover of the trees.
Ace stopped and turned around to smile at her. "What? You're not scared, are you?"
She shook her head. "I love you," she blurted out before she lost the courage to say it.
He blinked slowly before a wide grin spread across his face. His hand squeezed hers and his free hand wrapped around her waist as he stepped closer to her. He let go of her hand, only to bring his up to her face. His fingers caressed her cheek, his eyes following his fingers until he met her gaze. He cupped her cheek and tilted her head up slightly. His gray eyes stared into hers, hardly able to believe the words he heard fall from her lips.
"You really love me?" he asked softly, unable to stop the self-doubt from creeping in.
Her smile brightened and she pressed herself flush to his body. Her arms curving up over his shoulders. "Yes, Portgas D Ace, I love you."
Ace kissed her lips quickly. "I love you, too," he said gently, and then swung her around in a circle. Her delighted laughter music to his ears. He scooped her up and slung her onto his back easily. "Come on, Missus, we'll find the best spot on the island for me to repay you that favor."
Ashina kissed his cheek as her arms wrapped around his front. "Let's go, Flame Boy."
Ace carried her partway into the forest, but eventually set her on her feet. They hiked side by side, pointing out different animals they spotted as they explored the island. The terrain grew steeper as they neared the rocky cliffs that erupted from the center of the island. The moss and fern covered rocks were a dark slate gray and weather-worn smooth.
The trees grew sparser as they climbed and the terrain opened up to a small clearing nestled in the rocky side of the cliff. Water ran off the face of the cliff, trickling down the rocks to form a small stream that fed a small pond. Lush, bright flowers in shades of purple, blue, and yellow dotted the perimeter of the pond and under several of the surrounding trees. Birds were chirping in the trees and several butterflies floated around, drifting from flower to flower.
Ace turned to see Ashina's expression, taking pleasure in the smile on her face and her wide, inquisitive eyes. "I think we found a good spot."
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It was Marco who tossed down the rope ladder when they returned to the Moby Dick. The sun was beginning to sink into the sea, half of the sky already a deep purple-blue. A few stars dotted the horizon, already twinkling in the oncoming twilight.
Ashina went up first, jumping down beside Marco before she stepped out of the way for Ace to join them, clutching the rope that would anchor Striker back to the side of the Moby Dick.
Marco helped Ace secure the rope while he teased them. "I didn't think you'd be back before nightfall."
"Didn't want you to sail off without us," Ace shot back with a grin.
"Don't let him fool you. His stomach brought him back."
Ace glared at her playfully. "You said you were hungry too."
"I did, but you brought it up," she countered. "Or rather, your stomach made it known. Loudly."
Marco chuckled at the pair. "Thatch is making fish stew, some sort of pasta, and he roasted a few chickens and some vegetables."
Ace was practically drooling, and Ashina nudged him. "Let's go get cleaned up and then we can eat."
Marco rolled his eyes, knowing the pair too well. "Don't you two take too long. I'm not saving you anything if you get distracted and don't make it to dinner on time."
Ace wrapped an arm around Ashina's waist and headed for the door. He waved his free hand in the air. "We'll be done in time for dinner!"
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.
Like every big event, especially birthdays, the crew turned it into a chance to celebrate. No party aboard the Moby Dick was complete without food, alcohol, and music. Thatch made her favorite meal, courtesy of Ace's knowledge, along with plenty of roast meats and sides. Ashina stuffed herself on ramen and takoyaki, Thatch's special fried rice, and cake.
"I don't think I've ever seen you eat that much before," Ace said in awe as he stared at her with wide eyes as she finished off the last of her slice of cake.
"It's my birthday. Unlike Tama, a true Kunoichi in training, I eat small portions every day, instead of training my body to not feel hungry. On my birthday though, I eat whatever I want and however much I want."
Ace shrugged in agreement. "Thatch did go all out for you."
"Well, she is Pops' only fighting daughter, that isn't a subordinate captain," Marco said, grinning as he approached the couple. "And speaking of Pops, he wants to see you. He has something for you."
"Ooo!" Ashina hopped up with excitement in her eyes.
Ace and Marco trailed behind her and she made her way over to Pops, who sat in his giant chair, a cup of sake in hand. A little blue box with a purple ribbon sat on his knee, which he held out to Ashina.
"Seeing as I'm never going to be able to get you to bare my mark like my sons do," he teased her with a half grin. "I got you this for your birthday."
Ashina took the box with eager hands and pulled one of the ribbon strings. The ribbon fell away and she pulled the lid off, sliding it under the bottom of the box. Her eyes widened as she stared at the contents of the box.
Nestled in plush purple velvet was a gold necklace. A gold charm, a perfect replica of the Whitebeard Jolly Roger, hung from the thin chain. She fingered the charm for a moment, running a fingertip over the cross bones. She lifted the necklace from the box and turned to Ace.
"Put it on for me?"
Ace stepped forward, a grin on his face, as he took the necklace from her. She turned so he could fasten the chain behind her neck, and pulled her hair to one side. Once the chain was fastened, Ace dropped a kiss to the curve of her shoulder and pulled her hair back to cascade down her back.
Ashina looked down, fingering the delicate Jolly Roger once more, before she launched herself at Pops. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Thanks, Pops."
"Gurarara! Your gonna make your boy mad giving kisses to old men."
"The only old men I give kisses to is you, Pops."
Ashina hopped down and was instantly wrapped in Ace's arms.
"The birthday girl needs a drink."
Almost instantly, Ashina had a drink in her hand. The large mug of beer was followed by another one as Ashina drifted around the deck, chatting with different crew members. With the music playing and a good buzz started, Ashina found Ace sitting with Mihar and Saber and pulled him up to his feet.
"What are you doing?" he asked on a laugh, as she spun around.
"Dancing. Dance with me."
Ace chuckled, letting her pull him around in a circle as she continued to move about.
"I can't dance."
"Nonsense, you can fight. That's like dancing but with weapons."
Ace snorted, grinning like a fool as she spun into his chest and let out a soft 'oof'.
She glanced up at him with bright eyes. "You're supposed to spin me back out now."
"Oh." Ace attempted to spin her, but it didn't quite work and ended with Ashina in a fit of giggles.
"Yoi. Step aside, Fire Fist." Marco said, bumping Ace with his hip and taking his place. "Watch and learn."
Marco took Ashina's hand and spun her into his chest, before spinning her back out, keeping ahold of her hand and easily tugging her back to his chest. His other hand fell to her waist and he pulled her a step closer.
Ace watched, trying to learn from Marco's steps as he waltzed Ashina around the deck, but he was more captivated by her. She moved gracefully, easily matching Marco's lead.
He dipped her, her long hair brushing the boards of the deck, and her laughter rang out.
"Jealous?" Thatch teased, coming up beside Ace.
"Only that he's a better dancer than me."
Thatch hooted with boisterous laughter. "The Phoenix does have some good moves. Came in handy during a mission a few years back."
Ashina, having overheard, stopped dead in her tracks, causing Marco to stumble in an attempt to not knock her over. Her wide eyes looked up at Marco inquisitively. "Ooo! Do tell!"
"It's really not that interesting, yoi," he said, letting her go and taking a step back.
Ashina rolled her eyes. "I call bullshit."
Thatch snorted, but it was Izo who placed a drink in her hand and looped his arm over her shoulder. "We had to go undercover to get out of a sticky situation. It ended with Marco and I dancing our way out of trouble."
Thatch hooted with laughter. "They made it back to the ship with Izo dressed and made up as a woman and Marco was wearing a poorly tailored suit."
"Hey when surrounded by marines, and you don't want to draw attention to yourself, you do what you have to do, yoi."
Ashina giggled. "That's not so bad," she said, taking a sip of her drink. "Sounds like Izo had it worse, having to dress like a woman."
"I make a damn fine woman," Izo said, making everyone laugh.
"I bet you do, Izo," Ashina teased, taking another sip.
Ace was about to say something when Haruta blew past, dragging Ashina away with him, saying something about playing a dice game. He enjoyed watching her with the crew, she had her own friends and got along well with his brothers. He was glad for that. He wasn't sure what he would do if Ashina, his lover, and his brothers, his new family didn't get along.
It wasn't until later, when Ashina was swaying on her feet that Ace swooped back in.
Ashina smiled and giggled as Ace approached her. "Hi, Flame Boy, come here and cuddle with me, but turn off your heat, I'm already hot." She giggled again.
Ace smirked and nodded as he came closer. One hand slid to her waist as he used the other to brush a stray strand of hair from her eyes. "Yes you are. You're also drunk."
"So?"
Ace chuckled. "Come on. I'm taking you to bed."
Ace smirked as Ashina pouted, her lower lip sticking out. "But I'm not tired."
"Who said anything about sleeping?" Ace raised a brow and then swept Ashina's legs out from under her. He lifted her, an arm hooked behind her knees and the other behind her back.
Her hands slid to wrap around his back as she sighed. "Okay, maybe I am tired," she muttered, laying her head against his chest.
Ace chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her head. He nodded to Pops, Marco, and Jozu as he passed, heading for the Commander's Hall.
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.
Ashina stirred as warm fingers trailed down her side, following the natural curves of her waist and hips. A warm palm pressed against her satin-covered lower abdomen before it trailed slowly upward to cup her left breast.
Ashina sighed and shifted back, pressing closer to the warm, strong chest behind her. The hand on her breast squeezed gently. Her lover's lips pressed to the curve of her neck and she hummed.
"Good morning, Ace."
"Morning," he whispered against her skin. "Hungover?"
"No," she whispered back, her chest shaking softly with silent chuckles.
"Good. I have a present for you. Look at the nightstand."
Ashina opened her eyes at his command, blinking a few times until her vision cleared.
A lacquered wooden box sat on her nightstand. The rectangular box, adorned with an ornate metal clasp, was wide and thin.
Ashina sat up and grabbed the box, setting it on her lap. Her eyes flicked over to Ace to see him resting on his side, head propped up with his hand, a grin stretched across his face.
"Happy Birthday, Ashina. Open it. I found them back in Wano, and I knew I had to get them for you when I saw them. I've been waiting for the right time to give them to you. Your birthday seemed good."
Ashina smiled at him and then turned her gaze back to her present. She eagerly unlatched the clasp and lifted the lid. She let out a soft gasp. A pair of kunai sat nestled in blue velvet. The metal of the blade was dark, and sharpened to a silvery, deadly edge. The handles were made of smoothwhite wood. Strands of silver ran through the wood, making each handle unique. The heavy ring of the back was made of the same dark metal, but was perfectly smooth.
"Ace they're gorgeous. I love them. Thank you!"
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The snake slithered across the path in front of them. Ashina let out a shriek and climbed the nearest person like a tree.
Marco chuckled, glancing up at Ashina perched on his shoulder like a monkey. "Scared of snakes?"
Ashina shuddered. "Yes."
Ace laughed and added, "That was nothing compared to the ones on Dawn Island."
"Fuck that. I hate snakes, lizards too."
"You gonna come down from there?" Marco asked.
"Nope."
"Just gonna hang out on my shoulder?"
"Yep."
Marco sighed, "Whatever." He kept walking, as if it was no big deal to have her perched on his shoulder. When blue feathers began to sprout and his wings expanded, Ashina hopped down quickly just as his feet lifted off the ground with one powerful flap of his wings.
"Nope. Fuck that, too."
"I wouldn't drop you… maybe," Marco teased. He kept himself afloat in the air for a few more moments as they walked along the path before his wings disappeared and he was back on the ground.
Ashina rolled her eyes. "Sure."
"It's not so bad. Marco's a good flier," Ace added.
Ashina stopped walking. "You mean to tell me you've ridden on his back and gone flying?"
Ace and Marco exchanged a look and both men nodded.
"Yeah," Ace answered. "Late one night. It was fun."
Ashina just smiled and rolled her eyes. "I'll take your word for it."