OK. This is my first fanfic so please be nice guys. I wrote it for Ace's birthday. So enjoy
"Was it good that I was born?" Ace shoots up in bed, gasping for air as words linger in his mind. Looking around he reaffirms that h e is on the Moby Dick and not back on Dawn Island. With sweat clinging to him, he gets ready to face the day even though it's still pretty early in the morning. He heads to the deck, hoping the fresh air will do him some good. He doesn't know how long he stood there until a hand on his shoulder startles him.
"You ok yoi?" Marco questions with concern. Ace looks around and is surprised to see that is quite late in the morning and so many of his crewmates milling about.
"Y..yeah, I'm good. Just… just remembering that's all." Marco doesn't look convinced but he doesn't push it. Marco knows his brother will talk about it when he's ready so replies instead, "Breakfast is ready yoi so let's head inside."
Ace nods at Marco and turns to go but Marco's voice stops him,"You know the crew love having a younger brother and can't help but worry even if he believes he doesn't deserve it. I'm happy that you joined. "
Ace turns to Marco, mouth open to question him but Marco passes him and disappears into the Moby. He shakes his head and follows. He hears the underlying message. You are not ok but here when your ready.
Sitting down with his food at the commanders table, Thatch immediately latches onto Ace and starts telling him about the latest prank he pulled. He half listens while looking around the galley at all his family members. He smiles contently at all the laughter and cheers.
Ace looks toward Marco who was looking back at him and the tension eases away from his shoulders. Ace snorts to himself, "Marco, the mother hen, always worrying." Smiling at the other knowing Marco will understand. I will be ok.
Ace knows that to himself, he might not have answer to the question that's been plaguing his mind for years but he is not worried about it anymore. He has oyaji and his brothers and to them the answer will always be yes.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACE