Chapter 11: Ace/Isuka: Contact

Being stuck together, literally.

Notes: For you Pirate_Plunder!

"Listen, whatever you do, you can't tell Vice Admiral Garp about this, got it?"

Isuka glared at the campfire before her. She'd never even met the Navy Hero, and why would she tell anyone about this?! This was EMBARRASSING! This was just, ugh! Her prey, the pirate she'd been hunting turning out to be…

Their backs were touching, stuck together. And they would be for another hour as their souls merged and greeted one another, much to both Isuka and Ace's dismay. "I've never even met him, why would I tell him of all people?!"

Ace cringed. "He's my gramps so he'll probably come give you a hard time at some point 'cause you're hunting me down and all, right?" Haha, was Portgas joking?! Isuka waited for Ace to say he was kidding, or pulling her leg.

"He's WHAT?!"

Ace sighed. "You think that's surprising, hopefully you never learn who my father is…" Many thoughts flew around in Isuka's head, splattering into the corner of her mind. The question about his father paled in comparison to the cosmic hilarity that the universe seemed to find in the girl who is afraid of fire and the boy who was fire being soulmates.

"You are going to quit hunting me now right?" Ace asked. He sounded almost sad about it.

"Of course, you're going to join the Navy now right?" Isuka grumbled. The campfire crackled. Ace was so warm against her back, if she pushed away everything, she could even consider this nice. Enjoy the feeling of joy at finding her matching half, enjoy being close to him.

"Hell no!" Of course he wouldn't. Stubborn, and dumb!

"Then I'm still going to catch you, stupid!" Isuka rolled her eyes and huffed, though her lips turned down into a frown as she pulled her knees into her chest. He was far too nice to be a pirate, but there was no way she was quitting the Navy. That would mean people like Brand would win, and she couldn't let that happen.

"I'm sorry…it is kinda unfair huh?" Ace muttered. Isuka said nothing, already adjusting to the odd feeling of being able to feel his emotions. Genuine regret. From both of them.

"But, I'm kinda glad you'll still be chasing me," he added. Isuka looked over her shoulder, Portgas' black hair touching her face. He turned too, their faces almost touching. "Because then we can keep seeing each other," he smiled, the fire in his eyes warm and sending a thrill through her.

"Like I want to keep seeing your stupid face," Isuka huffed. Ace laughed. This wasn't so bad.