Chapter 9 - Problem Sleeping

A/N: Good day my fellow people. How is everyone? Is everything going alright?

If you're feeling sad, know it's ok to be but don't let it control you. Do things that make you happy, like listening to your favorite song(s) or sitting out in the sun.

Make sure you guys take care of yourselves.

Also no warnings for this chapter. It's mostly going to be humorous and fluffy. Ace and Deuce have a talk later but it's more of a realization than anything depressing or sad.

There is another author's note at the bottom that you gotta read.

Now onto the chapter!

Read and Relax~

Three Days Later...

Benn could say many things about Ace. That he was kind, polite, strong, and funny to just name a few.

But the biggest quality he could say the fire-user had by now was strange.

He's caught Ace three times, this moment being the third time, fast asleep in odd spots. To only shoot up and act like nothing was new. It was strange, in fact just plain weird. And odd.

"What," he began, pinching the bridge of his nose and startling Ace, "happened this time?"

The kid blinked blankly at him from where he was sprawled out on his back before looking around at his surroundings, as if he didn't recognize the deck of his own ship.

He seemed to have remembered that the older man was waiting for he coughed expectantly.

"Um, I was just taking a quick rest," he said, but it sounded more like a question instead of an answer. Benn didn't look impressed. Nor did he believe him.

"Uh huh, sure. You decide to take a 'quick' rest when you're supposed to be training with Shanks right now. Did I get that correct?" he drawled, the tone of his voice indicating he wasn't going to give this up.

Ace winced as he stood. Should've came up with something more convincing if that was possible.

"Kinda. I was just feeling a little out of it, not quite like myself, and I didn't want Shanks to get upset seeing me like this. So I sat down but accidentally fell asleep," he lied quickly.

It was so smooth that Benn almost believed him if it weren't for the fact that he's caught him in a similar position yesterday.

He sighed, feeling much older than his age. Something was wrong with the kid but until Ace opened up…

"Best hurry, before Shanks tears the ships apart looking for you." He offered a smile but knew it couldn't even be called one. More like a tired grimace.

Ace, though, gave him a grateful smile, happy that he wasn't pushing the issue anymore.

He pulled his hat on and left without another word, feeling the elder's gaze on him.

Gremma could feel his 'Ace Senses' - as he's dubbed them whenever his captain was about to do something stupid or something was going to happen - go off as he walked up to said person.

And sure enough his captain's eyes rolled into the back of his head and he began to fall dramatically slow, face about to hit the floor.

But just in time he caught his young captain, sliding down on his knees and arms outstretched. Yet poor Ace's face was pressed against his chest.

But in that moment Lucky Roo decided to appear.

"Uh, what the heck happened?" he asked, concerned and confused. Mostly confused, because what he was seeing was just a bit weird.

Gremma felt his brain rack for an explanation to give to the Red Hair that would be believable, but could only blurt out, "We were doing trust exercises and Ace freaked out and ended up fainting."

...

Did… Did he really just say that?

Lucky Roo made a face that was between disbelief and done. He looked so done that he didn't say anything else and turned around, walking back to wherever he came from.

Just when Gremma couldn't see the older pirate anymore that's when Ace woke up.

"Wha-... Gremma, why are you holding me?" his captain asked, voice muffled by his face pressed against his chest. Oops.

The Spade slowly let go of him and watched for any signs if the freckled pirate was about to pass out again. When all seemed good he finally met his eyes.

"Uh you did one of those things where you randomly passed out, and I caught you. But this time Lucky Roo saw and asked what happened…" he trailed off, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. He noticed the color draining out of Ace's face.

"What did you say?" he asked hesitantly, fearing the excuse his subordinate came up with.

Gremma gulped. "That we were doing trust exercises and that you uh, freaked out and fainted."

The look Ace gave him sent shivers down his spine.

"Gremma."

"Yes sir?"

"Please leave."

"With pleasure sir."

One Day Later...

Shanks and Ace collided feet, Armament Haki coating them. They grinned and jumped away from each other, enjoying the thrill of the spar.

He watched the kid pant heavily for a split second before charging right back at him, determination brimming in his eyes and bringing more power into his punch.

The Yonko couldn't deny the awe he felt at how much stronger Ace had become. The kid was adapting and growing so much every day, along with his crew.

Suddenly the power of consuming fire began to rush at him, indicating Ace was using his Conqueror's Haki.

He retaliated by using his own, sending crashing and tossing waves of power at the boy.

Usually he would've saved Conqueror's Haki for seperate training sessions but today he wanted to push his apprentice.

By making him fight continuously and staying quick on his feet, to using Armament Haki at random moments which included Conqueror's Haki.

At first the kid was a little uneasy, not knowing if it was safe, but Shanks had assured him it was. Telling him he wouldn't let anything happen and that he did this with his own mentor.

As soon as Ace took that in he didn't hesitant.

He would release a powerful burst of haki that Shanks would block but to then have the kid quickly drop it to only come at him with Armament Haki coated fists.

Not to mention that Ace was already skilled in combat. The potential and power the kid had was incredible.

Maybe he would even become…

Shanks immediately shook those thoughts out of his head, bringing himself back to the present and sparring with his pupil. He could think about that later.

"Alright, training's over!" he announced once he noticed Ace was swaying on his feet, no doubt tired.

He went to say something but heard a noise behind him and he went to look, only to see a bird kicking another bird. Huh, weird.

Thump!

Shanks turned around to see what that noise was, only to see the kid laying down on his side, fast asleep. He frowned, not expecting that at all.

Was the kid seriously that tired?

He walked over and crouched down beside Ace, gently prodding his shoulder. Which did nothing. Kid didn't even budge.

"Ace, buddy, wake up," he called softly. His only response was a soft snore.

His frown deepened. Did he overwork the kid too much? Or was Ace just really tired today?

He pressed the back of his hand against the fire-user's forehead. It was a little warm but that was probably because of his devil fruit. So was the kid really that tired to just collapse?

But before he could dwell on that thought, Ace snapped his eyes open and shot straight up, knocking his head against his chin.

"Ow!" he yelped. He rubbed the growing sore spot as Ace just blinked. "Shanks? What're you doing?"

The elder captain huffed. "Well you passed out and I went to check on you. Did the training wipe you out that much?"

For a moment Ace didn't say anything and stared at him confused, until something flickered across his face and he nodded. "Yeah. The training kinda wiped me out."

Shanks raised a brow and eyed him curiously.

After an uncomfortable minute passed for Ace, his mentor then sighed. "How about we get something to eat, yeah?" he suggested, dropping it.

Now that was much better. The teen nodded and Shanks went to stand to help him up but before he could Lucky Roo walked out on deck and stopped mid-tracks when he saw them.

He stared for a second before slowly saying, "Another trust exercise I'm assuming?"

Ace could only stare at him, feeling deflated, while Shanks looked confused.

With that the Red Hair retreated back to where he came from, just looking like he wanted no part in this.

"Trust exercise?"

"Don't ask."

Later That Night….

Yasopp slowly smiled, enjoying the nightwatch duty. Since no Marine or pirate really dared to challenge their crew, it was more like a relaxing walk.

When he turned around the corner he didn't expect to see Nora, the second mate of the Spades, hunched over and muttering under her breath.

It looked like she was trying to pick something up or… drag somebody.

Deciding to not say anything, Yasopp hid in the shadows and watched her carefully, feeling suspicious.

"Stupid Captain… gotta take care of you…"

The sniper widened his eyes at what he just heard. That didn't sound good.

He peered closer and soon enough she moved positions and with horror he saw Ace laying flat on his back. Nora was grabbing her captain by the ankles and attempting to drag him.

Finally he decided to step out and question her.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, arms crossed.

Nora yelped in surprise and whirled around to face him with wide eyes. She dropped her grip on Ace's ankles and the young man's legs went down hard, causing both to wince.

She raised her hands in a defensive manner. "Look, I know this seems weird and strange, and it's going to sound unbelievable but, Ace just fell asleep and I was only going to bring him to his quarters," she explained.

He raised an eyebrow. "By dragging him like a corpse?" he deadpanned.

Nora grimaced at that. "I could've carried him but crossing ships while carrying him is too much, and he's a bit heavy. So I was going to drag him to the crossing point and then yell for Deuce to help me. He's on watch on our ship."

His suspicions lowered but didn't go away completely. "Why not get Shanks or one of us?" he interrogated further.

He received an 'Are you stupid?' look from her.

"Shanks would get worried and ask questions. So I was just going to avoid you guys in case one of you told him," she explained.

That was fair, he had to agree on that. Shanks would ask question after question and while they all knew the Yonko meant well, it was a little overwhelming.

Yasopp sighed heavily before scooping Ace up into his arms. "C'mon, I'll help you out. Don't want the kid to get splinters," he mumbled.

Nora beamed and gave him a thumbs up. "Thanks, I owe you one. But let's try to avoid detection, yeah?"

Yasopp was sure this girl was crazy.

Two Days Later…

Ace could hear footsteps climbing up to the Spade's crow's nest and turned around to see Deuce.

Automatically he smiled in greeting which caused his first mate to smile back.

"Hey Cap, there you are. I'm surprised you're here, you usually go on the Red Force's crows nest," Deuce said as he walked up and leaned against the railing with him.

His captain shrugged. "Just felt like being here. What's up?"

Deuce sighed before looking at him pointedly. "You haven't told Shanks you're narcoleptic," he admonished gently.

Just as he expected Ace stiffened. "No I haven't. But I will… eventually," he mumbled under his breath. Unfortunately for him, his friend heard.

Deuce narrowed his eyes. "You're making him and the Red Hairs worry, Ace."

The fire-user shuffled in his spot and looked away. "I know and I feel really bad, but…" he trailed off, his cheeks turning pink, surprising the masked man.

"But what, Ace?" he prompted, not letting this go. The teen huffed and crossed his arms defensively.

"But..." Ace paused again, flicking a quick glance at him before looking resigned. "But if I tell Shanks he'll care and worry."

Deuce frowned. "So?" he questioned, not understanding the dilemma.

Ace narrowed his eyes down at the ocean. "I've opened so much to Shanks already, and he's comforted me and helped me and I realized that I, well… like it."

After he said that he dropped his face into his hands and groaned in embarrassment.

Deuce carefully placed a hand on his shoulder, still confused. "And that's bad because?"

Ace groaned again, this time louder. "Something in me wants to seek out Shanks's kindness, approval, or whatever you call it. My Gramps and Dadan, the bandit who raised me, care about me sure but they were so… tough, about it. We didn't sit down and talk if something was bothering me."

Deuce processed what he said until it clicked. "But with Shanks he does, and it feels nice, doesn't it? Almost like you can finally breathe a bit better after, huh?"

He was right when his friend nodded.

"But I feel like I don't deserve it but I can't help it. Is it wrong to want that?" he asked, finally looking up.

Deuce shook his head. "No. You haven't had an adult figure in your life who properly cared for you, not saying that your Gramps and Dadan don't care for you, but in a way that you needed comfort at times, someone to talk to properly. With Shanks it feels like you can talk without it feeling gruff and still needing to be tough."

Ace looked down and bit his lip while Deuce continued.

"It's normal. You aren't used to an adult letting you talk freely, without shouting, and you want to explore that." At that the teen looked back at his friend.

"Yet I feel weird. Like parts of me are different."

"That's just the bad stuff fading away, because you've resolved it or handled it better. Got it out of your system."

Ace exhaled a long, tiring breath. "I won't deny that I feel lighter, in a sense. I wouldn't say that everything is better and resolved, no. But some things don't hurt as much. Not as heavy."

Deuce nodded, understanding. "I get it, and I'm glad."

To that he was. There was no denying that Ace had monsters that tormented him. But ever since they started sailing with the Red Hairs, he could see his captain's smile becoming a little more genuine, his laughter sounding more happy.

After a few moments of comfortable silence passed, Deuce then said, "You do know you have to tell them about your narcolepsy still, right?"

A sigh. "I know I know, I'll tell them."

At Deuce's unrelenting stare Ace grumbled. "I'll tell them tomorrow after we dock at the island. At dinner time, when everyone is together including the Spades, alright?"

His first mate regarded him for a second before nodding. "As long as you do."

Though he then grew a humorous smirk. "It'll reassure Yasopp that Nora isn't trying to kill you," he laughed.

Ace couldn't help but laugh along with him.

Yeah, hopefully after he told everyone the truth that would make the sniper stop eyeing his crewmate as if she was going to attack at any moment.

Next Day….

Ace could feel his palms begin to sweat. His stomach flopped and twisted as worry bumbled up inside him.

It was time to tell everyone.

But how? Should he just walk in and announce it?

Probably his best bet, and the only way to really just say it. Yet the only problem he was worried about was Shanks's reaction.

He knew his crew would be upset and worry but only for a little bit. They'd accept it and adapt, nothing would really change.

But Shanks was a mother hen. He would worry and fret until the situation was deemed good enough to let go. For example it took Shanks two days to calm down after finding out about his large appetite, and it was only because Lucky Roo promised to look out for him on eating.

Ace suddenly felt his heart drop. He told Shanks that he would tell him about any medical issues and he didn't.

The Yonko was so serious about knowing that type of stuff that now Ace was sure he was going to get into massive trouble probably.

He stopped just before entering the Red Hairs galley, feeling himself freeze.

The laughter and chatter emitting from there would usually make him happy, but dread replaced any form of happiness.

He sucked in a deep breath, and with that he forced himself to enter.

Everyone knew something was up. But they couldn't tell exactly what and they had no clue. So they went on their business but kept an eye out, waiting for anything.

Shanks especially was on lookout. Only Benn could tell the captain was anxious, looking for a certain fire-user.

The Spades including were on edge except for Deuce, who looked calm but ready to drag someone by the ear.

Shanks leaned towards the young first mate casually without gaining any looks. "You seen Ace?" he asked quietly.

Deuce looked at him with knowing eyes but shook his head. "Haven't seen him since we split up after going onto the island together. But he should be showing up soon, I expect him to."

Shanks frowned and opened his mouth to ask what he meant, but just then the doors opened to reveal the person he'd been looking for.

When Ace meant his eyes the teen looked nervous and quickly averted his gaze.

Then he walked over and plopped down next to Deuce, whispering. The Yonko couldn't make out what they were saying and to be honest he was a bit concerned.

But then the kid faced him and said under his breath, "Shanks, I uh, have an announcement to make. For everyone."

He blinked before waving a hand, gesturing around the room. "Floor's yours, kiddo."

Ace gulped before nodding and exhaling. He tossed a glance at Deuce before standing up, backing up a few steps so everyone could see him.

"I have an announcement to make, it's going to answer questions that you no doubt have about me."

Of course that got everyone's attention, which he wanted, but he still hated it.

Ace glanced at Shanks before facing the crews once more. "You've all seen me asleep at random places and that's because I'm narcoleptic. Meaning I can fall asleep anytime and anywhere, without warning."

Everyone immediately began chattering and exclaiming shock while Shanks just stared at him.

"That explains a lot."

"I thought he was just tired all the time."

"I knew it wasn't trust exercises."

"Nora isn't trying to kill you…"

Ace looked at Shanks, feeling horrible and guilty. He slowly walked back towards him and for a minute he didn't know what to do until he bowed low.

"I'm sorry for not telling you. Thank you for everything."

A hand lifted his chin up and Ace was met with tired but kind eyes. Shanks suddenly looked older and he was sure the man felt that way.

The redhead sighed and then smiled. "Really? You could have told me earlier, I've dealt with narcolepsy before."

Ace felt his chest lighten. His mentor didn't look or seem mad.

Shanks scooted over and Ace sat down next to him carefully. Without looking at him the elder said slowly, "My Captain had it, so I'm no stranger to it."

Ace felt his jaw drop. The Pirate King, a powerful man and also his father, had narcolepsy?

Shanks smirked. "Oh yeah, Roger had it but it was nothing too bad. Me and my friend Buggy would actually put feathers in his hair and sometimes draw on his face. Rayleigh would laugh as our Captain chased us down."

A fond smile grew on his lips as Ace shared a look with Deuce. Now that was a surprise.

His first mate smiled. "See? No reason to be scared to tell the truth."

Ace hissed at him as a blush bloomed on his cheeks, making Shanks laugh.

"Aw kid! There's no need to be shy! How adorable!"

"Shanks- Deuce- you jerks!"

A knock on his door made Shanks sit upright in his bed. He had a feeling he knew who was at his door this late in the night.

He was right when he called them in and it revealed Ace.

"Hey kiddo, what's up?" he asked lightly. His apprentice hovered by the door and Shanks felt like he was hit with deja vu.

"I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out. I can't really sleep," he mumbled the last part.

The Yonko raised his eyebrows, a little surprised, but then shrugged. "Why not, can't sleep myself. Been a weird week." He threw a wink at the kid which made him duck his head sheepishly.

Ace walked over and sat beside him, getting comfortable. Once he was he faced his mentor. "Could you tell me more stories about Roger?"

Now that surprised the redhead. "Why? Not that I don't mind," he answered.

The kid concealed a flinch before forcing himself to relax. "I like hearing more about the real Pirate King. Besides, hearing how reckless you were is fun," he laughed, instinctively trying to throw a distraction.

Shanks decided to let it slip, not wanting to pressure the kid. He could, but it wasn't right and it wasn't his place.

He smiled and decided to tell him one of his most stupidest moments he did with Buggy.

"Well, not only was I reckless, but self-preservation was not with me either. For one day, me and Buggy tried to scare our Captain, which was a mistake since the man didn't hesitate to punch the first thing that jumped at him."

Ace raised his eyebrows. His father sounded… ready for a fight, to say the least.

Shanks scoffed. "You think that's bad? We also tried to dye Rayleigh's hair blue. Technically I roped Buggy in but I decided then that if I was going to die, then I wasn't going alone."

When he finished that story he continued on, wanting Ace to hear more of his father but also for himself.

While the old, lasting pain of the reminder that those days were gone, he reminisced in those memories.

Eventually he felt a weight on his shoulder and saw Ace passed out, slumped against him, just like the last time he told the kid stories.

He sighed before bringing the blanket up and over the kid.

"If only Roger could see you now, Ace. He'd be proud of the man you're growing into, so would your mother," he whispered gently.

He closed his eyes leaned back against his pillows.

Yes, his captain and his lover would be very proud of their son.

What is up my homedogs! It feels like forever since I last updated!

Even though last time I updated two chapters basically in one day…

Anyway, there is something I need to tell you. I'll be working more on A Different Family than Together Forever.

Now that doesn't mean I've given up or/and stopped the story. I'm just more focused on this story. It's also easier because trying to juggle two stories with way different plots is kinda hard and I have enough stories going on.

I got this and that for Together Forever while having this and that for this story. I don't want to accidentally mess up one story because I wasn't that into it and just wanted to hurry up and get a chapter done.

I hope you understand and aren't that upset. I will update here and there for Together Forever, but I'll be focusing more of my attention here.

Thank you all for your support for these stories, it means a crap ton to me :D

Also Deuce knew about Ace's narcolepsy because well, he's the Spades doctor and first mate. And if you don't remember, in the last chapter Shanks said they had one week until they reached the island so these days were the days of that week leading up to that moment.