Chapter 4 - Healing & Propositions

A/N: I love you guys

Also would you like to see Isuka in here or no? Sorry if any words are missing or spelled wrong or whatnot

~oOo~

When they got back to the ship Ace was walking on his own but still held onto Shanks's hand, trembling slightly and not trusting himself. No one stared at them, which Ace was grateful for.

They ran into Benn, who had blood on his clothes. Deuce's blood.. Ace snapped himself out of it, not letting himself fall into another panic.

The man had said he was in surgery and that it'll be awhile until any updates were given. Shanks thanked him and so did Ace albeit more quietly.

"Kid." Ace looked up and saw they were in a bathroom. Shanks let go of his hands to turn the sink on and then guided Ace's blood stained hands underneath the cool water.

The red head captain helped him wash it off and dry them. Not saying anything nor judging him. In fact he was gentle, kind.

He whispered reassurances whenever he saw him space out, almost getting lost in his thoughts. Ace jumped when there was a knock on the door but steadied himself.

Shanks got up and opened it which revealed a fresh clean Benn, holding a pair of clothes. "Thanks, I'll meet you guys out there in a minute." His First Mate nodded and left as soon as he appeared.

Shanks shut the door with his foot and set the clothes down. "I asked Benn to find you a set of clothes. Shower up and come see me on deck when you're done, ok?" Ace nodded and just before Shanks left, he ruffled his hair with a warm smile.

"Just focus one step at a time," he said softly. With that the man left, leaving Ace who felt hollow.

~oOo~

"How is he holding up?" Benn asked as soon as Shanks showed. "He's calmed down. Still a little spaced out but that's fine," he informed.

Benn nodded and turned his gaze out towards the sea. "Can't believe he has Conquerors haki…" he muttered. Shanks scoffed and shook his head.

"Me either. Well, knowing who his father was it's not that hard to believe," he said distantly. Benn flickered a glance him and then back to the sea.

"How're the rest of the Spades?" Shanks then asked, deciding to change the subject. "Shaken up, worried for Deuce and Ace. Other than that they're ok." Benn said with a heavy sigh. Together Captain and First Mate stood there in silence, thinking of what happened.

"Shanks?" Both men turned around to see Ace. He looked better, more grounded in with reality. His hair though was dripping wet and making his borrowed shirt slightly damp.

Shanks was really glad he got rid of his cloak. He was sure the kid would probably grow downer at the sight of the blood of his First Mate.

With a warm smile Shanks approached him while making eye contact with his crew, silently telling them to keep working. "Hey kid, you alright?" he asked cautiously. Ace gave a slow nod, until he nodded more confidently.

"Uh, yeah. How's my crew?" he asked, his face expressing concern. Shanks gave a sad smile but that also held comfort.

"They're fine, shooken up and concerned for Deuce, but holding strong. And for Deuce...no word yet." He said lastly with regret. Ace felt his heart drop but steeled himself. His crew needed him calm and focused.

With a nod Ace bowed his head. "Thank you for helping us, I'll never forget it."

Well dang. Ace just may be the politest pirate.

"Of course kid. No need to thank us," he said kindly. Ace lifted his head up and sighed, his breath sounding better.

"I'm gonna go see my crew now. If um, any news comes forward-" Benn nodded and said, "We'll get you first thing." Ace gave a grateful smile and then took off.

They watched him leave with worry.

~oOo~

Ace wasn't surprised at the depressing mood that greeted him when he got onto the Spade ship. He found his crew in their plotting room. Scattered anywhere and everywhere.

Nora was the first one to notice him. "Captain!" Immediately everyone swarmed around him.

"Any word?" she asked, anxious. Ace gave them a regretful look and shook his head. They all deflated and slunked back down.

Nora though stayed by him. "It wasn't your fault y'know," she whispered under her breath. Ace hunched over.

"Thanks, but- nevermind. Um, how're you holding up? You need anything?" He wanted- no, needed, to do something. He couldn't stay still.

His second mate looked like she wanted to say something but stopped herself. "Wanna eat?" she suggested almost boredly.

For once he wasn't hungry. If he ate he was sure it would come right back up. But he didn't want his friend to be alone so he nodded. With a small but warm smile, Nora grabbed his hand and together they walked to the kitchen.

They walked in silence but it was Ace who spoke first once they entered. "So what do you wanna eat?" She raised an eyebrow. "You can cook?" she asked in mild surprise.

Ace smirked. "I have a little brother, so I had to learn."

Nora grinned. "Well then, I would like…"

~oOo~

Three Hours Later…

Soon enough Ace cooked for the rest of the Spades. It helped distract him and it helped his crew relax.

But suddenly the door slammed open to reveal a grinning Shanks. "Hey- woah! What happened?" he asked as soon as he saw plates of food lined up.

Ace turned around holding a wooden spoon and bowl. "Me."

Shanks blinked. "Figured. Is that cheese- wait nevermind! I came to tell you that Deuce is going to be fine!" Immediately everyone cheered with relieved smiles.

Ace nearly collapsed in relief. "He's currently sleeping but tomorrow he should wake up. Then you guys can see him but only one person first," Shanks said.

Immediately the crew nominated Ace. At his confused and bewildered expression they hastened to explain. "Because you're the Captain and that's your First Mate. It'd be better if Deuce saw you first anyway."

Ace smiled at them gratefully. "Well let's eat! And when Deuce is fully recovered we'll throw a party!" he shouted, pumping a fist into the air. His crew cheered and pumped their fists in the air also.

Shanks couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. Ace looked so close to his crew, like a family.

Would Ace ever want to join his crew?

…

Could he take that away from him?

~oOo~

Next Day…

Ace exhaled a shaky breath. He was finally going to see Deuce.

A nurse saw him approach and quickly walked over to him. "Hello Captain Ace, I'll take you to see your friend." Ace gave her a nod and felt his palms sweat as he followed her.

He didn't know what he expected to see when he saw Deuce. But honestly what he saw was a lot better than what he originally did think.

He was sitting up partially, his mask on, and bandages wrapped around his torso like a mummy. He perked up when he saw his Captain.

"Ace! I didn't know you were coming." Ace smiled and shrugged. "Wanted to surprise you. I mean, I am fantastic to be around," he joked with a wink. Deuce rolled his eyes.

"Sure Cap, whatever you say," he drawled. Both men chuckled until Ace grew somber.

"Deuce...I just, wanted to say-" Deuce held a hand up, stopping Ace from speaking.

"If you're going to say you're sorry, I will personally get up and slap you," he warned. Ace opened and closed his mouth, confused. Deuce closed his eyes and sighed.

"Ace, it's not your fault that I got injured. When I decided to become a pirate I knew what I was getting into. And I don't blame you...I remember hearing you actually." He admitted softly.

Ace frowned, not understanding. Deuce looked away, thumbing the hem of his blanket.

"When the natives got me, I didn't instantly pass out," he said slowly. The young captain didn't say anything. Feeling a coldness wash over and freeze him. It wasn't difficult to put the pieces together.

"You heard me." Deuce nodded with a sigh. "Yeah, I heard you. I would've spoke but I was already feeling weak." He finally looked up to see his captain staring at him with a blank face.

Ace then moved to sit next to him beside his legs. He twisted his lips up as if tasting something funny. His bright orange hat covered the upper half of his face.

Neither of them decided to speak. Just sitting in silence, letting their thoughts storm around.

But Ace did something that surprised Deuce. He hugged him.

He hesitated for a split second before returning the hug though slowly. "Cap?" he questioned carefully.

"Don't ever get in that position again. Understand?" I was scared for you.

"...I understand." I won't put you through that again.

"Good, because that's an order." I'll be watching out for you.

"Yes Captain." Thank you my friend.

~oOo~

Ace left an hour later, and had to leave for Deuce to rest. Which was actually good because he needed to see a certain red head.

After scouring high and low for him it was Benn who told him where the Yonko was. Ace thanked him and sharply took off towards the Captain's quarters.

He knocked briskly and heard a 'Come in.' He opened the doors to reveal Shanks standing over a map on his desk.

Said man knew something was up but decided to play it out. "Hey, how was Deuce?" he asked. Ace walked over and leaned against the wall near him.

"Good, we talked and hung out for about an hour til the nurse had to have me leave...can I ask something of you?" Shanks raised an eyebrow and straightened up.

"Depends. What exactly are you asking?" he inquired. Ace sucked in a breath and stood up, facing him and looking him straight in the eye.

"Will you train me?"

~oOo~

Shanks had to be honest, he was not expecting that from the kid. But it was perfect actually.

Shanks curled his lips up into a pleased smile, which made Ace a little wary. "It's actually good that you mentioned that, because I was going to tell you later that I wanted to train you."

Now Ace was the surprised one.

"Wait what? Why would you want to train me?" he asked bewildered. Shanks placed a hand on his shoulder and stirred him to sit in his seat. He sat down on his desk.

"Because you have so much potential and I want to help you become strong. I remember you telling me back on that winter island how you wanted to become strong to protect the people you care about and well, after what happened now it seems good to help you."

Ace had forgotten about that. He and Shanks had talked early in the morning the day they set sail. The man had asked him what was something he wanted to work on.

The freckled-pirate had said he wanted to work on being strong. To protect the people cared for. He didn't think Shanks would have remembered.

Ace paused. "Are, are you being serious?"

Shanks nodded. "I wouldn't offer this willy nilly."

When the teen didn't say anything Shanks decided to sweeten the deal. "I can also talk to my crew about training yours."

Now that had Ace.

"Seriously? Do you think they would?" he asked almost desperately. That would make his crew stronger to protect themselves and less at risk to get hurt.

"I don't see why not. So what do you say?" Shanks asked in anticipation. Ace grinned.

"I would love to train under you."