Hello everyone, here is another chapter
This is an addition to Depression and I hope it is good
This was something that was requested
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Ace moved to his room, Biggie with him as he had asked the other to come over. He did speak to Biggie now and then on the Den Den, but this wasn't something that could be told over a Den Den. When they got to his room and sat down, Biggie looked at him. "Hey, anything wrong? You don't usually want me to come over." Ace nodded, he knew that, but he really needed the other one right now. Ace fidgeted with his hands. "I just… not really sure how to tell this." Biggie nodded, frowning. "You told me you felt a bit worse two months ago, has that passed?" Ace shook his head, sighing. "I… no… but… I think- I think I don't want to live."
Biggie blinked, before he looked worried. "What?" Ace shook his head, bringing a hand to it. "I don't know, there is this thought in my head, that keeps saying it. And it makes me unsure. And…" Ace felt tears in his eyes, not sure he could do this. Biggie looked more worried. "And what?" Ace took a breath, feeling a tear falling. "I just… I've been having these dreams where I feel awful and things are bad, then I kill myself and things get better. I know the world doesn't work like that, but it makes me unsure… It makes me think that if I do it, I will feel better." Biggie moved a hand to his face. "Oh my God, Ace. Why didn't you tell me before?" Ace shook his head, feeling some tears falling. "Because I'm scared. Because I am scared I feel like this, and don't want to feel like this. In the last months, things have just gotten progressively worse. I thought things would be fine since I stopped my medication." It had been a year since he had stopped the medication, and things had been fine for months, but not now, not the last months.
Biggie nodded, bringing a hand to his leg. "Ace, this really isn't good. We need to act. Now." Ace nodded, he knew that. Biggie then sighed. "I need to tell Bay, and there is a chance she will tell the commanders and captain." Ace blinked, he didn't want that. "I don't want that. I don't want them to know." Ace really didn't want that, he didn't want the others aside from Bay to know this. Biggie sighed. "Ace, I know, but this is really bad. These are thoughts you really shouldn't have." Ace nodded, he knew that. And he felt really bad now, not as he usually felt when depressed, when he hid away, but this felt worse. He didn't know why that was either. Ace wanted to feel good again, he hated this, he hated the feelings he had now and the dreams he had.
He hoped Biggie and Bay could fix this.
-x-
Marco sat in the meeting room, Bay wanting a meeting now, which was rare. What was even rarer, was how Biggie was with her. This hadn't happened since they were told of Ace's depression, and he was worried for what they would be told now, it seemed to be something serious as Bay looked serious, even Biggie did, so he had a feeling this was about Ace. He had noticed Ace being a bit more down lately, and being more alone. But not nowhere as bad as it had been when he was off his medication as he hadn't shut himself completely off.
As they were all seated, Pops looked at the two doctors. "What is this about?" Biggie sighed, and motioned to Bay, who spoke, looking serious. "I just spoke with Biggie, who has spoken with Ace. I guess you all have noticed him being a bit more… secluded the last weeks, maybe months." Everyone nodded, they had, but it didn't seem to be anything too bad. But Marco couldn't help but think the times Ace smiled it seemed forced, same with his laugh. Maybe Ace was more depressed than he thought. Bay sighed. "I have just put him on some emergency, fast working, medication. But why we're here is this; Ace is thinking of killing himself."
Marco felt his face fall, something cold settling inside his stomach. Ace was what? "What, yoi?" Bay nodded. "It is true." Then she motioned to Biggie, who sighed. "He just told me. He never has before, not like this. I'm worried now. There is a voice telling him to do it, and he's been having dreams. Dreams where things go bad, you ignoring him, you being mean, him just being miserable. But then, he kills himself in the dream, and things are suddenly much better for him. This is making him unsure about what's reality and not. I am scared he will think he is in a dream and actually do it." Yes, that was a huge concern. Ace was thinking of killing himself. He could see the others being shocked as well, not believing this.
Biggie sighed. "Ace is also really upset about this, and not only that, but scared. Scared he might do something unconsciously, thinking he is in a dream. The medication should work within 3 days, but I thought you should all be aware of this". They all nodded, and Marco was glad they were told. This was something serious, really serious. They should be aware of it. He felt worried for Ace, but he was also glad Ace had told Biggie, told someone about this. They spoke a bit more, and said what to be on the lookout for. Being a mix of always being sure they saw Ace at least once a day, hopefully with each meal, and then be on the alert for any kind of damage to his body he could have inflicted himself. And that if Ace seemed to be really down, to not leave him alone, to be around him. It all was good to know, all in case, but he hoped they wouldn't need to do anything drastic.
The two doctors then left, and they stayed a bit in the meeting room after they left, discussing this. It was decided that they would keep an eye out on Ace, always checking in on him when they could, but not too much either. But try and check each meal. Breakfast was okay to skip, as it was early at times for Ace, but not lunch or dinner or supper. They would take this seriously. Everyone was worried for Ace now, and he was sure everyone would do their best to be there for Ace.
They then left the meeting room, and it was still early in the morning, breakfast just over. They didn't see Ace out, but Marco said to not worry, not yet. Ace had just spoken with Biggie, and Biggie hadn't said to check on him right away. But, when lunch came and still no Ace, Thatch wanted to go check, but Marco stopped him and said he could do it. Thatch was needed in the kitchen, and he looked really worried. It wouldn't do Ace any good to have someone looking really worried to check on him. Not that Marco wasn't worried, but he could hide it. So, he walked to Ace's room, knocking and walking in when he heard a small come in. When he opened the door, he saw Ace was sitting in bed, holding a pillow and head down in it. "You coming for lunch, yoi?" Ace shook his head, and Marco walked in, sitting down next to him and moving a hand to Ace's leg. "Are you sure? We would really like to see you, yoi." Ace moved his head up, sighing. "Maybe I can." Marco gave a nod. "We would really enjoy it, yoi."
They then headed out, and when they got to the galley, he could see the other commanders and Pops looking at Ace in worry, but it seemed to calm down when they saw Ace was fine. But, Ace didn't really look like himself, he seemed down, which he could understand, and maybe he was noticing it more now that he knew what was going through Ace's mind. It was never good to have thoughts like Ace had, and he hoped it would be better. He knew Ace had gotten some pills to help, and he really hoped they would work fast.
When Pops had asked Ace how he felt, he had just shrugged. He probably didn't feel good today, he didn't look to be feeling good. He still hoped Ace would open more up. He had opened up a bit, telling he had bad days now and then, but nothing more. He hadn't heard anything the last weeks, and now realised that was a bad thing. Ace probably didn't want to admit he felt worse, and make them more worried. The lunch went by fine, and Ace never smiled, not that he had much the last weeks, and the times he had, it looked forced. Ace also might not like the fact they knew about his thoughts, but they needed to know.
The day then went by fine, and when evening came, he had the night shift, and he noticed Ace out by the railing, looking out at sea. So, he moved out to Ace and sent a look at the kid. "Hey, yoi." Ace gave a nod, not taking his gaze away from the sea. After a minute of silence, Marco spoke. "Want to join me for a round, yoi?" Ace nodded. "I would actually really like that." That was good, so they started to walk, and Marco gave a hum. "How are you feeling?" Ace sighed. "I'm not having the best day… or week… or month." Marco nodded. "I know. I hope you will feel better soon, yoi." Ace nodded. "I do too. It should only take a few days." That was good to know. He had a feeling Ace was more depressed now than what he had been before, just now, it was harder to detect and Ace felt much worse. Had it been like the first time, Ace would only have shut himself off. Not that that was good either, but it was better than thinking about dying and pretending everything was okay. Marco moved his arm to be over Ace's shoulders. "I hope you realise we really care for you, yoi. We really want your best." Ace nodded. "I do, and I really appreciate it." There was no change in his face, not even a hint of a smile. Ace usually smiled when they spoke about how much he meant. But not now. He wondered how long Ace had felt this way.
The trip went fine, and when they were about halfway in the round, Ace spoke up in a low voice. "Marco?" Marco hummed, making Ace continue. "Why are you so kind to me?" Marco gave a sigh internally, before he smiled at Ace. "Because I love you, you're my brother. A family cares for each other. And I really like you, all of you. Your personality and everything about you. I know you're feeling bad right now, but we all care for you, yoi." Ace gave a small nod, and he could see Ace's eyes being a bit blank. Ace really must feel low. Ace was with him on the entire round, and seemed to enjoy himself, or Marco tried to say that to himself at least. Ace had said he wanted to walk with him. Ace then joined him for 2 more rounds, before he left back to his room.
Marco hoped things would go fine.
-x-
Ace looked at Biggie, it had been 5 days now, and he felt absolutely terrible. "I feel worse." Biggie frowned. "You do? It's been 5 days, you should feel better." Ace nodded, he knew that, but he didn't. "I don't. I feel worse. I feel... down… Really down." Biggie looked worried with that. "We'll up the dosage." Ace blinked. "Can you do that? Aren't I on max?" Biggie sighed. "You are, but you should be feeling better." Ace hoped he would, but he didn't. And he knew the others were worried about him. They always checked on him, multiple times a day, and included him in everything they could. Marco didn't even yell at him when he helped with a prank. They were really worried for him. And he got it. He was worried himself.
The dosage was then upped, and after a week, he still felt like shit, he felt lower than lowest. He only felt worse and worse each day, and he knew that wasn't good. But, as another week passed, a week of feeling horrible and low, the dreams only getting more and more frequent and realistic, Biggie came to him with an idea. "Ace, I have an idea, but you can say no. How about we try electroconvulsive therapy, more commonly known as electroshock treatment." Ace blinked. "I- what? Electroshock?" That sounded painful. Biggie nodded. "It has proven to help against depressions. Normal medication doesn't work right now. And I don't know why." Ace nodded, that he knew, medication didn't work right now, he didn't feel any better. "Can I- can I think about this?" Biggie nodded. "I can give you 2 days. But no more. We need to plan this." Ace nodded, that was something.
He then left the room, trying to think, but as evening came, he headed to Marco's room, asking to speak with the other, which Marco said was fine, and when he asked what he wanted to speak about, Ace took a breath. "Biggie and Bay want to do… electro… electrocon… basically electroshock therapy." Marco nodded. "Electroconvulsive therapy, yoi." Ace nodded. "Yes, that. And, I don't know what to do. " Ace looked at Marco. "What do you think?" Marco sighed. "Honestly?" Ace nodded, and Marco gave a breath. "I think you should do this. It isn't good for you to have these thoughts or feelings, yoi. I want you to feel better, feel good." Ace nodded, he got it. "It just… sounds so painful." Marco gave a small frown. "What do you mean?" Ace shrugged, moving his hands around himself. "They're gonna shock me. Multiple times." Marco hummed. "Yes, but you will be unconscious for it. Didn't Biggie or Bay say that?" Ace shook his head. "No… I will be out?" Marco nodded. "Yes. Years ago, it wasn't like that, but they found out it didn't matter if you're awake or not, so you will sleep through it. They will reset your mind, yoi." Ace nodded, that made him feel more sure, he would be sure to speak with Biggie or Bay when he could. It was late, so he didn't want to bother them.
Marco then sent a look at him. "Aside from that, how have you been feeling, yoi?" Ace sighed. "Not any better…" Marco nodded, moving to bring a hand to Ace's leg. "I get this is hard, Ace. Your thoughts are not in a good place right now, and we just want the best for you, yoi." Ace nodded. "Yeah… I didn't want Bay to tell you actually. But I didn't get a choice." Marco sighed. "I get it. But it was good that she told us. This is important information, yoi." Ace nodded, he got it. He just didn't like it. Marco moved closer to him, moving a hand around his shoulders. "You mean a lot to us, yoi. We care a lot for you," Ace nodded, feeling his eyes go watery. He really did feel loved, but he didn't feel loved at the same time. He didn't feel anything than just… sad and down. Marco then gave a breath. "Speak with Biggie or Bay, ask how electroconvulsive therapy works, ask for the steps. Maybe it will help, yoi." Ace nodded, maybe it would. He spoke a bit more with Marco, before he left for bed, lying and staring at the ceiling for a while, thoughts running through his head, not good ones, before he fell asleep, hoping he wouldn't have another bad dream about killing himself.
-x-
Marco frowned as he moved away from Ace's room. He hadn't seen Ace at all today, and he wasn't in his room. It was only lunch, but he had a bad feeling in his stomach, the reason he went in search of him. And, they usually checked on him now if he hadn't been spotted. He then moved and checked his usual hiding places, but found no Ace. He didn't know why he had a bad feeling, he had had the talk with Ace yesterday evening, where Ace seemed unsure about this electroconvulsive therapy. But Ace had said he didn't feel any better, maybe that was why he felt worried? When he had searched every place one more time, he went to Pops, asking if he had seen Ace, which he shook his head to. "No, why are you wondering? He's probably in his room." Marco shook his head. "He isn't. I've been searching for him for an hour now, he's not in his usual places. I actually can't find him, yoi." Whitebeard frowned. "Why are you searching for him, son?" Marco sighed. "I don't know. I have this bad feeling in my gut, yoi." Pops frowned a bit with that. "I am sure he isn't far away. Why don't we help you search?" Marco nodded, he wanted that. They then started to search, and more and more joined in. Especially the commanders, who knew what Ace was thinking. They knew Ace had thoughts of dying.
They did search every place Ace usually was, even checking his Striker, which was untouched, which meant Ace was on the boat somewhere. They just needed to find him. But as time moved by and they found no Ace, a few started to panic, running around to find Ace, but they couldn't find him, it was as if Ace had vanished. It had Marco close his eyes, he hoped Ace was on the boat, and not underneath it. Not that he would tell that to the others, but he had a feeling they were in on the thought themselves. He could see a few being panicked.
They really needed to find Ace.
-x-
Ace walked out of the shower, drying his hair. Not that he needed to, he could just use his powers, but sometimes it was good to act normal. But as he walked out, he quickly walked into a stall as he heard people coming, not wanting to be caught naked. His clothes were to the side, Ace always somehow hi his clothes, a habit he had from when he was younger. He heard some talking, but kept himself silent. Before they left in a hurry. Huh, what were they looking after? They sounded to be in a rush. He then walked back to his room after dressing, being sure to avoid everyone, he didn't feel like being around anyone right now. He didn't know why, but wanted a bit of time to himself.
When he got to his room, he stayed there for a bit, just relaxing. He felt… a bit better. Which was something. But he had had small periods of time where he felt better, but it always went back to feeling bad after a bit. He then stayed in his room until dinner, when he walked out and to the galley and when he got there, he was suddenly engulfed in a hug by Thatch, shocking him. "...Thatch?" Thatch gave a relieved breath. "Where have you been! We've been searching for you!" Ace frowned. "You have? I have been here and there." Thatch nodded, letting go of him. "Don't disappear on us! We don't like that!" Ace nodded. "I'll try." He was then hugged by a few others, and Marco even looked glad to see him. Had he really worried everyone? He didn't mean that.
The day went by fine after that, Ace being out with everyone, as he had used most of the day by himself and now felt he wanted to be around everyone. Or, he didn't really feel like it, but he needed to be on better thoughts. He couldn't sit in his dark room and think bad thoughts. He needed to be out. He did speak with Biggie after supper, asking for the steps, and it was pretty simple. He would be put under an anesthesia, before they would shock him, then wake him, he wouldn't feel a thing. The only thing he might feel as side effects was fatigue, headaches, nausea, short term memory loss, and confusion. But, it would all pass, nothing lasting, other than a 'reset' to his brain that would help him feel better. He might not notice anything the first few sessions, then feel better after it. That sounded good, he was tired and scared of feeling like this.
He then headed out after speaking to Biggie, and then he headed out on deck, it was late, but he saw Pops was out and headed over, making the man smile. "Ace! How are you this evening?" Ace gave a shrug. "The usual. ...do you have the time to speak?" Whitebeard nodded and motioned to his armrest and Ace moved to sit on it, and when he was, Pops spoke. "What do you want to talk about, son?" Ace sighed. "Do you know what electroconvulsive therapy is?" Pops frowned. "Can't say I do. What is it?" Ace sighed. "It is basically electroshock therapy, and… Biggie and Bay want to do it to me. And I… don't know how I feel about that." Pops nodded. "I see. Why do they want to do it?" Ace let out a breath. "They think it can cure my depression. It is known to help, but only used in serious cases." Pops nodded. "I see. What I think, is that if there is a chance for you to be better, to feel better, to take that chance. I know you haven't been in a good place the last few weeks, and it hasn't gone any better with medication. I only want what's best for you." Ace nodded, he knew this.
Ace sighed. "I think I might want to try. I don't like feeling like this. I feel… horrible, useless. And just bad." Pops nodded, moving a hand to his leg. "It is okay, know we all love you, and we want your best. Nothing more is important than that." Ace nodded, he should probably do this. To get better. He was really feeling bad. And he still had his nightmares, making him wonder what would actually happen if he killed himself. Would things get better? Was all of this another dream? Or was it not. He didn't know. And that scared him, scared him a lot. He spoke a bit more with Pops, before he headed to his room, but didn't stay long as he headed to Biggie, he didn't want to be alone, and Biggie got it. He did also tell Biggie he wanted to try this electroconvulsive therapy, which had the man glad. They would dock in a few days, and borrow some equipment, so they could do this therapy. And he was nervous about it, but had a feeling it would go fine.
But the next day, Ace felt really low, so he wanted to spend the day in bed, but had a feeling he shouldn't do that. But it was what he wanted to do. And he didn't see anyone for a few hours, not until there was half an hour until lunch, which was when Marco came and checked on him, asking if he wanted to join lunch, and Ace shook his head, he didn't want that, he wanted to be in bed. He had moved to a sitting position a bit ago, covers still over his shoulder and around himself. He didn't even feel like speaking. He was really having a bad day today.
When he didn't answer for some seconds, he heard the door close, and was sure Marco left. He wasn't looking towards the door but towards the wall. But he soon heard footsteps before the bed dipped a bit as Marco sat down, moving a hand to his leg. "How are you feeling, yoi?" Ace just shook head, he didn't feel good, he felt horrible. He was sure that if he spoke, he would cry. He heard Marco letting out a breath, before the hand moved to his shoulder, moving to drag him a bit towards the first commander in a half hug. "I really hope you will feel better soon, yoi." Ace nodded, he did as well. He hated feeling like this. He did enjoy the half hug from Marco though, it felt nice, made him feel not as alone as he felt.
Nothing really happened the next couple hours, he was glad Marco was with him. He didn't want to be alone, but didn't want to go and bother anyone. He wanted to be alone, but also not, it was very confusing and made him feel worse. After a few hours, Ace let out a breath. "I'm scared about the electroconvulsive therapy." Marco gave a nod. "Have you decided to do it, yoi?" Ace nodded. "I think so." Marco nodded. "That's good. I really hope it will help, yoi." Ace hoped as well, this was the last thing they had. Medication didn't work. He leaned against Marco, just enjoying this moment, and it wasn't long before he fell asleep.
-x-
Marco gave a sigh as he felt Ace falling asleep, Ace probably needed the sleep and he didn't want to leave Ace alone, he really looked to be in a bad place today, the reason he had walked in and stayed. Ace didn't even seem to want to talk, but was glad when he did talk. He got that Ace was nervous about the electroconvulsive therapy, and it probably did sound scary to him, which it was. He would be electrocuted. But, it could help. Ace needed to get to a better place, or else he had a feeling Ace wouldn't stick around for too long. He got Ace was feeling really terrible, this was a different kind of depression that the other time, than what happened a year and half ago. Ace had just hidden away then and not eaten for a small bit. He knew that wasn't good either, but felt better than this, than the fact Ace felt he didn't want to live.
As he was sure Ace was fully asleep, he moved Ace so he laid in Marco's lap with his head, Marco stroking his head. He hoped it would help Ace not have a nightmare. The nightmares Ace had really sounded terrible. Dreaming that they were mean to him, dreaming that he felt horrible, only for him to kill himself in the dream and things fix itself. That was dangerous dreaming. He really didn't want to lose Ace, Ace was so lively and amazing usually, so this was way out of character, but was how it had been the last months. He really should have picked up on it earlier, he felt bad for not having done that. Ace had grown more seclusive the last months, but he hadn't thought much about it as it did happen that Ace wanted some time to himself. He felt like a bad brother.
Nothing much happened the next hours. Thatch had come and checked up on them once, but had left when he saw Marco was there. Ace was cared for. Ace was also asleep for almost 3 and a half hours. When he did wake up, moving to sit up, Marco moved his hand to Ace's leg. "Do you feel any better, yoi?" He hoped Ace did after sleeping. Ace gave a breath as he shook his head. Marco nodded, he wasn't too surprised, but he had a hope. He sent a small look at Ace. "Do you want to join dinner? It is soon, yoi. Maybe some light will help you." Ace gave a small nod, which was good, so they headed out to dinner, Ace not seeming to get any better and everyone got Ace was in a bad place today.
When dinner was over, Ace was a bit out, before he left for his room again, and he was on his way to join, when Izou did instead, and he knew Izou could handle Ace. He just hoped Ace would feel better soon. He didn't see Izou before evening came, and he said Ace fell asleep, so he left after a bit. Ace would most likely sleep until morning. He slept a lot now. But he knew that was common with depression. But as the next day came, Bay and Biggie arranged a meeting, telling that Ace would do the electroconvulsive therapy, which many didn't know what was, and they explained it, and a few were shocked that it was a thing, as it sounded bad and hurtful. But, the two doctors did say Ace would be asleep for the entirety of it, he wouldn't feel any pain. Which had them calm down. And the doctors explained that it could help Ace's depression, which made many glad. They then explained about the side effects, which were fatigue, headaches, confusion, memory loss, and nausea. And if Ace experienced any of this, to help him along. He might also be a bti out of it at times, forgetting things or being confused. Everyone nodded and said they would do their best.
Marco hoped this would work.
-x-
Ace sighed, sitting in his room. Biggie and Bay had informed the commanders of the treatment, so they knew how to help him if he had any side effects. And everyone was glad there might be a thing that could help him feel better, not feel depressed or bad. The days went by slowly, which was nerve wracking, but they would dock tomorrow, and Ace would do his electroshock therapy. He was still nervous about that, but he hoped it would go fine. The rest of the day went by fine, Ace being out with the others most of it, just taking a couple breaks now and then when he felt overwhelmed. When they docked the next day, Biggie came and got him, telling they were ready. And Ace took a deep breath and headed after Biggie and to the infirmary. He was glad when Marco joined too, so he wouldn't be alone. He was then prepped, before he was given some drug to make him sleep through it. He was still told about the side effects again, that he could be confused and have memory issues for some days, but it should all go over with time. They had also informed everyone on the ship about it, that Ace might be a bit out of it, and to help him if he was confused. They would borrow the island's equipment, as it would take a couple to three weeks to do this thing, as he needed multiple sessions, and Ace didn't want to be on an island alone. So, they would borrow it. It was fine by the island.
He then fell asleep, and waited to wake up. He didn't feel anything as he woke up later, which felt weird. It was just as if he closed his eyes and opened them, he didn't dream. When he did open his eyes, he moved a hand to his head, which hurt a bit. When he felt a hand on his shoulder, he moved to see Marco there. "How do you feel, yoi?" Ace shook his head a bit. "Headache." Marco nodded. "Which is normal. You feeling fine aside from that? Do you know where you are, yoi?" Ace blinked. Wasn't he on the boat? He looked around and saw he was in the infirmary, why was he here? "I'm in the infirmary…" Marco nodded. "Do you know why, yoi?" Ace tried to think, but came up blank. "No?" Marco nodded. "You just had your first electroconvulsive therapy session, yoi." Ace nodded, that made sense. "Oh. Okay. I feel fine, just a headache." Marco nodded. "That's good, yoi." Ace nodded, it probably was.
Biggie then came over to him and asked how he felt and he said the same to him as he said to Marco, and Biggie seemed okay with that response. He was told he would get one day to gather himself, then they would do another session. That sounded good. The day went by fine, his headache disappeared after a bit, which was good. And that was it, he felt fine after it. Not any better, but not worse either. The day went fine, and the next one went fine, before he had his second session, and he didn't notice much, aside from a headache again. But as the week moved by and he had his 4th session, he suddenly found himself standing in the galley, which was weird. How had he gotten here? He had just been in his room, or heading out from it. "Ace?" Ace looked to his left, seeing Thatch there, making him frown. "How did I get here?" Thatch blinked. "What's the last you remember?" Ace tried to think. "I was going to my 4th session." Thatch nodded. "You were done an hour ago. We're having lunch now." Oh, that made sense. "Oh, okay. I don't remember that." Thatch nodded. "Which is normal, I was told." Ace nodded, he had been told that as well.
He then started lunch and felt a bit better. He then had conversation with the others, and things were fine. He would have his 5th session tomorrow, and after it, when dinner was, he suddenly felt himself grow nauseous. When Marco asked if he was fine, Ace didn't get a word out as he ran to a bin and threw up, Marco did move after him and stroked his back. "It's okay, yoi." Ace nodded, he knew this could happen. He just didn't like to throw up. When he was done, he felt better, not as nauseous, but still a bit. He then continued the meal, not eating much as he felt nauseous. He hoped it would pass. And it did after an hour, and when supper came, he blinked when Marco spoke to him. "What happened then, yoi?" Ace frowned. "What are you talking about?" Marco gave a small breath. "You were telling how you fell a huge animal when you were younger." Ace blinked. "I did?" Thatch nodded this time. "Yeah! And it sounded amazing!" Ace frowned, he didn't remember anything like that. "How far did I get?" Marco hummed. "You were just telling how it suddenly charged at you, yoi." Ace nodded, that made sense, he then continued the story, a story he didn't even know he had started. But, it was all a side effect from the electroconvulsive therapy.
He was sure things would be fine.
-x-
Marco looked around the galley, seeing no Ace. Ace shouldn't skip meals. So, he headed to Ace's room, and Ace was in bed, and Marco spoke up. "Ace? You okay, yoi?" Ace gave a sigh. "I feel tired." Marco nodded. "Fatigue was common with this treatment, yoi." He remembers Bay having said that. He saw a nod from the bed, and he moved over, sitting down beside Ace, hand moving to his back. "Are you feeling better? Mentally, yoi?" Ace gave a breath. "Maybe, I think so, actually." That was something good. "Are you sure you don't want to come out for a bit? Just sit with us, yoi." He heard Ace give a sigh. "Maybe…" Marco moved his hand on Ace's back. "I know you feel tired, but maybe you will feel better being out in the sun, yoi." He knew the sun could help you feel better, more energized. Ace gave a nod and sat up. "I can try." They then headed out, and Ace did seem a bit sluggish, but okay. When the next day came, Ace having his 6th session and dinner was, Ace seemed to be… well, happy. Which was good to see. He was laughing and smiling, more so than what he had done the last weeks, if not months, and it seemed more genuine than it had been before now. Ace was doing better.
The next week was a bit tough for Ace. He often found himself confused, not sure where he was or why he was there he was. A few times throwing up, and other times he suddenly forgot what he was talking about in mid sentence. But, they all helped him along, and Ace seemed to do better and better, seeming more happier and happier, more like himself. He even felt happy one time after Ace had done a prank, on him, but Ace was laughing, really laughing, which he hadn't heard in months, and it felt so good to hear it again. He almost didn't yell at Ace, not wanting to ruin the moment, but he didn't want to change, he needed to be the same as he usually was. But, he did feel glad, glad Ace was better.
The next week went by fine, Ace being a bit out of it now and then, forgetting things and being confused. But, they all helped him along, and it really did seem Ace was better, he was more himself, he was happy, he even said so himself. When they were done with the treatment, which was 9 sessions, Ace seemed to be completely back to himself a couple weeks after it. He hoped it would last, but knew it often did after electroconvulsive therapy. It really did reset one's mind.
Marco was glad things were fine.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
Ace has chronic depression, which can grow worse at times, and usually doesn't get better, especially when medication doesn't work, just feeling bad and horrible. Since he also didn't get the depression from the narcoleptic drugs, I decided to give another type of depression, one that is harder to detect, but often is worse as thought of taking one's life is there. And, something that is known to help chronic depression is electroconvulsive therapy, and usually is between 6 and 12 sessions done within two or three weeks, and the result is something one can see really fast as the brain gets a new start, and I hope it made sense and was a good read
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