Warnings at end of chapter.

Set list:

Message In A Bottle, Taylor Swift

Paradise

"Ok so I FINALLY dig Luffy out of the crocodile's stomach and he is just covered in mucus and bile and who knows what. But I finally get him out and then he just sat on the river bank for a minute saying how he thought he was going to die. But I turned around for literally a second and the dumbass jumped back into the water and got swallowed again!" Ace said, finishing the story he had been telling about his little brother.

I laughed and said, "Well he certainly sounds like a handful."

"That's putting it mildly! The kid has been a never ending tornado of chaos since the day I met him!"

We both laughed for a little while. After a minute I glanced at the clock on the wall and said, "Oh man is it seriously 3 in the morning?"

"Well you know what they say, time flies when you're sitting around talking."

"That- that is not correct."

"Pretty sure it is."

"Alright whatever. I need sleep and so do you." I said.

"Fair yeah it has gotten pretty late." Ace said while standing up and stretching. "Ugh, maybe we shouldn't have been sitting on the floor for this whole time."

"I didn't realize you were such an old man."

"Hey! Don't age shame me!" Ace said with a perfectly straight face. That is until I raised a single eyebrow and we both burst out laughing again. "Ok I'll see you in the morning Air."

"See you then- Oh shit." I said, my face falling.

"What?"

"The crew. I really don't want to have to go through everything with them in the morning."

Ace shrugged and said, "If you want I can try and talk to them. They are worried about you but I can tell them that you're ok and not to bring it up. If that would help?"

Is it even possible for you to stop being amazing?"

"I would appreciate that. But please don't tell them everything that I told you. I don't like advertising my problems any more than I have too."

"I get that. So don't worry about it. I'll talk to them."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. It's a captain's job to look out for his crew right?"

"yeah it is."

Ace smirked and said, "Night Air." Before walking out.

"Good night." I said right before he closed the door. Once I heard his footsteps drift away from the door I flopped back onto my bed.

So how the hell am I supposed to get a guy like him to be interested in me?

Ok so this is it. You got this Ari just walk up to him and tell him you like him. How hard can that be? Right not at all. So just get it over with. Ok go.

I walked quickly up to Ace before taping him on his shoulder. He turned to look at me and I said, "Hey Ace do you have a minute I was hoping to talk to you."

"'Course what's up Air?" He said while smiling.

Oh no. Not the smile! Ok keep it together! Just say it!

"I really like you." I blurted out.

Ok there you did it!

Ace's smile widened and he said, "Awh thanks Air. I like you too."

He what? Ok keep it together! Don't blush!

STOP BLUSHING DAMN IT!

"Really? Uh ok then do you want to maybe go out together when we get to the next island?" I asked while feeling my face flame up. That is until Skull rounded the corner and started walking towards us.

"Yeah sure that'd be fun! Oh hey Skull do you want to hang out with us on the next island? Oh wait let's get everyone to go! That would be awesome! Hey, great idea Air!" Ace said happily before he jogged off.

"Uh yeah…"

Ok that did not go as planned…

Alright last time was just a warm up. Now it's time for the real deal! Just walk in there and give that boy a piece of your mind! You can do this.

I nodded to myself before walking into the galley and locking eyes on Ace who was sitting at the table with Deuce and Skull.

Ok there he is now just tell him- Who the hell is that?

"Who the hell are you?" I asked the tall man wearing a top hat who was standing in the middle of the galley.

"I-I-I-I'm Mihar." He stammered.

"He's Mihar." Skull piped up from across the room.

"That's nice, why is he on our ship?" I asked.

"He joined the crew." Skull said.

"I um I uh um joined the crew." Mihar added quietly.

"When the hell did this happen?" I asked.

"Back on Vira. Remember he was the one who was hiding."

"Uh huh alright whatever." I said before turning to look at Ace. "Hey, can I talk to you?"

"Sure what do you need?" He asked.

"I didn't get a chance to ask earlier but I was wondering-"

"Kotatsu! Get off the counter! What are you doing?" Ace interrupted suddenly and jumped up to get Kotatsu off of the counter that he had just jumped up on.

"Meow!"

"Yes you're adorable but you can't be up there!" Ace said while grabbing the large cat and putting him back on the floor. "Sorry Air, what were you saying?"

"Oh nevermind it wasn't important."

"You sure?"

"Of course." I said before walking out of the galley.

I was standing against one of the railings out on deck rubbing my temples when I sensed Skull walking towards me. I ignored him as he came to stand next to me.

"Well that was painful." He said.

"What?"

"You trying to ask out Captain Ace. Painfully awkward."

"Shut up. I'm trying my best here alright?" I groaned.

"If that was your best then we are doomed to have a loveless ship 'cause damn that was pathetic." He said.

"Leave me alone I'm new to this!"

"Oh please you have got to be one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, how new could you possibly be to this?" He asked with a laugh. I just glared at him in silence. "Holy shit you're being serious. Ari are- are you a… virgin?"

I immediately felt my cheeks explode in blush before harshly whispering, "Why would you ask something like that? Have you no manners whatsoever?"

"Holy shit you are. Wait, have you ever kissed anyone?" He asked and he must have seen my blush deepen because he continued to say, "Have you ever been on a date before?"

"Why are you even here right now? Did you just come out here to mock me?" I asked.

"No! Of course not! Ok don't worry my sweet innocent Ariadne I will help you through this! I will get you in Captain's pants even if it is the last thing I do!" He shouted while clenching his fists in determination.

"Will you be quiet? I'm not even trying to get in his pants!"

"Then what are you trying to do here? I need to know your goals so I know how best to help you."

"I can't believe I'm having this conversation… Ok fine. I just thought maybe we could, you know, hold hands?"

"Ok good go on." He nodded.

"I don't know, maybe it would be nice if he…"

"If he?"

"...kissed me? Maybe?" I said quietly as my cheeks burned.

"You are so adorable!" He shouted.

"FUCK OFF! I CAN SINK AN ENTIRE NAVY FLEET IN UNDER FIVE MINUTES YOU BITCH! I AM NOT ADORABLE!"

"Oh hoho, but that blush says otherwise!"

"Shut up! You're stupid!"

"Well obviously. But at least I'm not fumbling around trying to tell a guy that I'm into him."

"I'm doing my best okay…"

"Alright alright. I know. Ok so fortunately for you I know for a fact that Ace is into you just as much as you are into him. So here's-"

"Ace likes me? How do you know that?" I asked in a voice a bit too loudly.

"Well given the fact that he is just as subtle as you are, it wasn't that hard to figure out. But like I was trying to say, Ace is into you but he doesn't think that you are into him."

"But I am."

"Yes honey. Everyone knows. So what you need to do is not waste time by trying to be subtle. You need to tell him flat out what you want."

"I tried that! But I don't know, I'm just not good at talking to people who matter I guess."

"Ok then don't say it."

"How am I supposed to get what I want across if I don't say it?"

"You're the musician you tell me."

I paused to think for a minute.

Sing a song to Ace? No, about Ace. Can I do that? I haven't tried to sing anything serious since-

Ok don't go down that path. Focus on Ace. Can you do this or are you going to be pathetic and spend the rest of your life alone?

"Ok so say I do sing something to try and get his attention." I said to Skull. "Would he even get that I'm talking about him?"

Skull shrugged and said, "I think that depends on your skills as a musician."

I smirked. "Well then I guess I should get writing."

As soon as Kyuka island appeared on the horizon I grabbed Skull by the neck and dragged him into my cabin so that we could plan.

"Ok so I wrote a song that should make it abundantly clear what kind of relationship I want with Ace but when am I supposed to sing it. I can handle the performing part but what about everything else?" I asked, feeling only mildly frantic.

This isn't going to work. I have no idea what I'm doing! What was I thinking why would this-

"First, relax. It'll be fine." He said, interrupting my stress spiral. "Ok so here's what we're going to do, we already are going out as a crew tonight so we just need to find a place that will let you sing. Which honestly shouldn't be that difficult."

"Right. This island is known as a tourist island so there should be plenty of jazz bars around. I know of a few and so hopefully we can- actually, I think I might know the perfect place."

So long as that old fart hasn't drunk himself into a hole or gotten himself arrested he should let me sing, right? Right.

"Have you been here before?" He asked.

"I used to come here fairly regularly, a long time ago. But I remember that there was one rooftop bar that wasn't open mic but they always had live music. I sang there occasionally and the owner seemed to like me. But I don't know if he will remember me."

"Well it's worth a shot."

"Right. Ok so when we dock I'll go look for that place and try to set it up. But what am I going to do if Ace doesn't get it?"

"Then we will figure it out! Don't worry Ari, I promise I won't rest until Ace's panties have dropped!" He said loudly.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I said as my face burned.

"Nothing, I'm just a dedicated wing man." He said, which just made me blush even more.

I gaped at him before saying, "Please put those words back in your mouth and never let them out again."

Skull just laughed before heading back out onto the deck.

Once we had docked I quickly jumped off the ship.

"Well bye I guess!" I heard Ace yell to me.

"I'll see you guys later! I have things I have to do!" I shouted back before turning to walk into town.

While this island wasn't particularly big it was LIVELY. The town along the shore consisted of several tightly packed multistory buildings. While that made for a fun time what was particularly interesting about this island was the massive tree in the center, whose branches provided shade for the rest of the island. On top of this tree was where the nicest and classiest businesses were situated. Which is where I wished I was heading. However the bar that I was looking for was nowhere near classy enough to claim a spot up there. While I was making my way through the town I spotted a cute little dress shop.

Hello there. I will be coming back for you soon.

I forced myself to keep walking and soon found the building in which the bar was located. I walked in and headed for the stairwell that would take me up to the roof.

Ah, this place hasn't changed a bit…

The small rooftop bar was exactly the same as I remembered from when I was last here. While the bulk of the bar was inside there was also a large balcony that had a gorgeous view of the ocean. Inside there was a pretty standard set up of a bar and tables strewn about. There was also a small stage in front of the bar.

"Hey we aren't open." I heard a voice say from over near the bar.

"I can see that. But I wasn't looking for a drink." I said while walking over to the bar. Once there I leaned over the edge to see a man kneeling on the floor and arranging bottles in the cabinets.

"Then what do you want, lady?"

"I was looking for Daemeon. Does he still run this place?" I asked.

"Yeah I do. What do you want?" He said looking up at me.

"Oh do you not recognize me? That hurts. I thought what we had was special." I said while resting my head on my palm.

"Look girly I think you have the- wait. Admi?"

Wow it's been a long time since anyone called me that but at least he remembers me.

I forced a smirk and said, "Been a while huh?"

"HOLY SHIT! It's been nearly a decade! Where have you been!" He shouted.

"I've been busy. Unlike you given the state of this place. Seriously, shouldn't you have expanded by now?"

"I would have if you had come back. Everyone on the island only came here for the views and the prodigal 'Little Admiral'. But once people figured out that you weren't coming back they stopped coming."

"Right, blame it on me. You know I didn't have control over where I went back then! I was just a kid." I said.

"Okay okay. But what brings you here now? Heard a crazy rumor a few years back that you became a pirate. Obviously that was a lie so I'm glad to see you're doing alright." He said.

I looked down at my hands as they curled into fists on the bar top before saying, "Wish it was a lie. Unfortunately, I didn't exactly have a choice. Kid remember? But that's not why I'm here. My crew just got here and I was wondering if it would be possible for me to steal your stage for a little bit this evening."

"You want to sing? Shit why are you asking like that's an actual question? You know there ain't no one in the world with a voice that compares to yours."

I felt my cheeks heat up slightly before I said, "Well thanks but that isn't an answer."

"Yes you can make me a boat load of money and put my bar back on the map."

"Oh please. I'm nowhere near as famous as you make me sound." I said with an eye roll.

He chuckled and said, "I don't know about that. Even if people don't remember you they will after they hear you sing."

"I'm not looking to establish myself here, or even do a full set. I just need to sing a few songs then we'll be moving on in a few days."

"No complaints from me. You sing one and I'll be happy."

"Thanks, I'll be back later tonight. Probably around 9? Does that work."

"9 tonight. See you then."

I smiled and nodded to him before pushing off the bar and walking out.

When I got back onto the street I let my haki fan out so that I could find the guys. They had mostly stuck together and were in town but Mihar had apparently decided to stay on the ship with Kotatsu. After finding them I started heading down towards the seedier part of town where my crew was. I found them in a pawn shop where Skull was once again drooling over the vaguely pirate related items.

"Hey Air! Where have you been?" Ace asked once he saw me.

"I was talking to an old acquaintance of mine." I said.

"You know people on this island too?"

I rolled my eyes and said, "Yes Ace, I know a lot of people on a lot of different islands. Are you ever going to stop being shocked that I know someone?"

Ace started rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly and said, "I just- it surprises me alright? Anyways Skull are you almost done here? I want lunch!"

"Why are you asking me? Deuce is looking too!" Skull said while pointing to Deuce who looked to be very engrossed in a book.

Ace groaned loudly which caused Deuce to look up from his book. Looking at Ace he said, "Why don't you and Ari go get lunch?"

Ace immediately started blushing and said, "I-I- um I guess we could do that." While I stood there without even a hint of blush on my cheeks.

Without even a tiny bit of blush I said, "Sure let's go."

Then without looking at each other and still without blushing we walked out of the store and went to look for a restaurant. Right before the door to the door shut I saw Skull give Deuce a thumbs up.

Later that day after Ace and I had had our very awkward lunch which was filled with blushes and suppressed smiles, Ace and I went our separate ways again. I quickly headed back to the ship to pick up the outfit I was planning on wearing for my performance that night before heading to the bar to set up. Once I got there I was met by a small band that were all eager to meet the "Little Admiral" as Daemon had made sure to talk me up as much as possible to every person he encountered. I gritted my teeth and tried to ignore their questioning glances when they saw that I was very much not a Marine and instead focused on figuring out the arrangements for the songs I would be singing.

Once the musicians were sorted out I turned to getting myself ready for the night by putting on the simple black dress I had worn back on the Baratie. The dress was floor length and the fabric was light enough to float around my legs with some movement while still being opaque. The bodice of the dress was fitted and the sweetheart neckline showed off just enough cleavage to be sexy without showing too much. The solid black dress contrasted nicely against my long blue hair that I had left down for once.

I looked into the mirror backstage and shrugged.

Good enough I suppose. But no matter what happens tonight at least you will look decent while it does…

I heard the leader of the band introduce me and so I took a deep breath and walked out onto the stage.

The second my foot hit the stage I instantly felt all of the tension and stress I was carrying disappear. Here on this stage I know that I am untouchable. I am strong. I am skilled. I am beautiful. And nothing can stop me. Without greeting the crowd I simply walked up to the snail mic and let the first line of my song roll off my tongue.

It was effortless to let my thoughts drift away and to give my body over to the music. So I just did what came natural. I sang.

Throughout my set I hadn't even looked at the audience. I had simply let the music wash over me and let the world cease to exist around me. However once the last note of a song faded I knew that it was time. I finally looked into the audience and saw Ace staring intensely at me from his seat at the bar.

Well here goes nothing...

I winked at him and started to sing.

.

I know that you like me

And it's kinda frightening standing here waiting, waiting

And I became hypnotized by freckles and bright eyes, tongue-tied

.

But now you're so far away and I'm down

Feelin' like a face in the crowd

I'm reaching for you, terrified...

.

As I sang I kept my gaze focused on him as his face grew redder and his eyes slowly widened. As I sang the final line of the song I felt a smile creep onto my face, then the moment was over as the crowd started to cheer and I turned to walk off the stage. I flipped my hair over my shoulder and looked out to catch Ace's eyes before walking out onto the balcony. I walked over to the railing and rested my arms on it and waited. He didn't leave me waiting for long and once I heard the door close I turned around to look at him. He was standing only a few feet in front of me with his hands shoved in his pockets and a slight blush dusting his cheeks.

How are you so beautiful...

"That uh that was some song Air." He said as he stood there fidgeting awkwardly.

"Thanks I wrote it special for tonight." I said.

"Really? Any- any particular reason?" He asked while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh no more than usual. Just trying to express something."

"Did it work then? Whatever you were trying to get across?"

"I don't know yet. Maybe you can help me find out." I said while leaning back against the railing and biting my lip.

Come on Ace, how long are you going to make me wait?

"Did you want me to go ask people about it or something?" He seemed genuinely confused.

Obviously I need to be more direct.

I grabbed the collar on his shirt and pulled him closer to me before saying, "No, what I want is for you to kiss me."

His eyes widened and he gaped for a second before saying, "OH. I- um I think I can manage that." While lightly resting his hands on my waist.

"Yea?"

"Yeah." He said softly before leaning in and pressing his lips to mine. After kissing me lightly for a few minutes Ace rested his forehead against mine and asked quietly "So does this mean I can stop correcting the guys when they say that we're together?"

"Yes please." I said before pulling his face back down so I could kiss him again. This time the kisses weren't as light as he moved one of his hands up to my hair before brushing his tongue against my lips. I responded in kind as I pulled him closer to me.

After a few minutes I pulled away to breathe and said, "We- we should go back inside. The guys will come looking for us."

"I don't want to go back in there. I'm not ready to share you yet. Especially not in this dress. Come back to the ship with me?" He asked.

When did his voice drop 2 octaves?

"Ok." I sighed before whining softly when Ace pulled away from me.

"I'm not going anywhere." He said as he grabbed my hand. We started walking back to the ship hand in hand, and if we shared a few more kisses along the way then who could blame us?

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