Chapter Thirteen: Enjoying New Friendships
A/N: Ey baby! I'm back! And might not update for a while again because that's what I happen to do! No I am not crying….
Now this chapter is a mix of emotions from myself. I hated it but then edited and liked it, but hated it again. But now I'm happy with it besides a dab of hatred. It's weird and I don't know how exactly to feel. And sorry if there are any misspellings, I try to find them all but usually I miss one. Or a few.
Warning: Inappropriate and non consensual touching towards the end but nothing serious. It's a hand on the thigh.
Read and Enjoy~
Next Morning…
"Roger loved to join in on mine and Buggy's pranks. He had a better chance at pranking Rayleigh than we did."
"Miss Rouge would teach us about navigation sometimes and tell us stories of where she had traveled. She loved maps and always had a snappy comeback if anyone was out of line."
"Rayleigh was more stern in his younger years but now he's more relaxed and carefree. But back then he'd crack up here and there, tell jokes sometimes and smile if one of us did something hilarious."
Those were the first thoughts that entered Ace's mind when he woke up. He winced at the sharp pain that flared up in his neck and chest as he moved to sit up. Sleeping on the ground with nothing but Shanks and a wall to cushion him was probably not the best nor the smartest with his injury. Deuce was going to have his head once he found out.
At the thought of his first mate Ace almost jumped up but settled for face palming. Deuce - and his crew oh shoot - were probably worried because they knew he left to talk to Shanks and fix things between them but then he never came back. Shanks had led him to his quarters and told him stories about his parents and the Roger Pirates until they passed out. The pictures and papers were still scattered around them.
His crew were probably thinking the worst because that's what they did and they worried like crazy-
Ace's thoughts halted to a stop when his gaze landed on a photo of his parents. They looked so comfortable and happy with each other, not to mention how in love they looked. With all the stories he heard it wasn't just a love, it was a deep love. Something that became so deep and strong that nothing or nobody could break it. It was something beautiful that should've had a happy ending but didn't.
Ace felt a deep pang in his chest and it wasn't from his injury.
He then slid his gaze over to Shanks, the man who would've been his big brother, before looking back at the photos. It was weird to think about it and not just that but Buggy would have been his older brother also. And speaking of him, Ace needed to figure something out. While Shanks told him Buggy could be trusted he couldn't bring himself to, or at least not fully. The only trust he had was because of Shanks's word but that didn't outweigh his worry.
"Ace?"
The teen looked over and saw Shanks staring at him with light concern as he rubbed his eyes blearily. "How- ow, my neck," the redhead groaned. He moved his hand to his neck and winced in pain.
Ace couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, I think sleeping on the ground wasn't a good idea," he said a bit miserably. He was probably going to feel a little stiff all day.
Shanks laughed with him. He was about to speak before the door opened and both teacher and student looked to see Benn. The elder looked at Ace before towards his captain then at the photographs and bounty posters surrounding them. Unfortunately his face was carefully blank so Ace couldn't tell what he was thinking. So the teen decided to be upfront and not dance around the subject.
"Benn, I know you know about my secret. Shanks told me he confided in you," Ace said quietly, not wanting to speak too loudly in case anyone else heard.
Benn and Shanks shared a look before the first mate let out a sigh and leaned against the door frame, not needing an explanation on what secret. He went to open his mouth but Ace cut him off saying, "I want to talk with you. Shanks, can I borrow your room for a second?"
By the tone of his voice Ace clearly wasn't going to take no for an answer and determination was hard in his eyes. Benn admired that.
"Sure thing, Ace," Shanks answered casually, not wanting to sound too worried. He crossed the room quietly but quickly and gave one last smile before shutting the door. Most likely he was going to be worrying since that was something Shanks was good at and did constantly.
Ace went to stand up but was greeted with Benn's hand. The younger eyed it for a moment before taking the offer and letting the man pull him up. Now it was time for the talk. "How long have you known about my parents?" he asked.
"Since the beginning, before we left the island to start our travels together," Benn answered.
Ace widened his eyes. Seriously? He thought Shanks told Benn maybe later. Like a few days or weeks later in their travels but not literally the beginning before the decision of travelling together came up.
"I'm guessing you told him yesterday?" Benn asked suddenly, interrupting his thoughts. He got his answer with just one look at Ace. After a minute of silence he asked, "Did you want to tell him or did you feel like you had to?"
That took Ace by surprise but more so was the genuine concern he heard. "I wanted to tell him and I actually feel better that I did," he said honestly. It felt freeing while also bringing a new set of feelings. One of them was that he didn't feel as alone. That someone else knew and understood his pain of not having a family and having them ripped away.
Benn nodded, feeling pleased. But that was cut short when he noticed the fire-user tense and shifting slightly. "Are you alright?" he asked.
Ace swallowed thickly and hoped what he was about to say wouldn't be offensive. "Benn, I trust you. But I need to hear you say that you won't tell anyone, not even your fellow crewmates." For a split second Ace wondered if he hurt the man's feelings of wanting to double check but that vanished. He needed to know that his secret was safe. While he loved being around the other Red Hairs and trusted them - because he knew they wouldn't harm him unless he went crazy and started attacking them - he didn't trust them like that.
Benn let out another sigh - something Ace believed the man to be incapable of not doing - and placed a hand on his shoulder, carefully squeezing it in reassurance. "Ace, I promise that I won't tell anybody. And if I ever find out someone knows I will deal with them personally," he assured.
Ace blinked, feeling himself be taken aback a bit. But he felt calmer now, not as worried anymore. "Thank you, Benn… I didn't really expect you to care this much," Ace instantly regretted saying that, fearing it sounded rude and especially when the elder had just showed him kindness.
But Benn slightly tilted his head back and chuckled. "I care because I like you, Ace. You're good, trustworthy, and I enjoy your company. You also make Shanks happy, I haven't seen him like this in a long time," he said the last part in a low voice, as if sharing a secret.
If Ace was honest, he would say he was a bit starstruck. Good thing he was never honest.
Yet that stood out to him. He made Shanks happy. For some reason that made him feel nice. He makes Shanks happy by what? By being there? And that was the kicker, Ace didn't have to do anything. Shanks was the one who did everything. From training, to being a shoulder to lean on, and someone to just hang out with. All the Yonko would ask in return was that Ace would be honest with him if there was an issue and that was perfectly reasonable. So what did Ace do to make Shanks so happy that Benn - and probably the other Red Hairs - noticed a difference?
Just by… being there. Being him. He made someone happy by being himself. Not only did that make Ace extremely happy, but even more so because the person he made happy was someone he looked up to.
Ace realized he was being quiet for too long so he coughed and nodded. "Right, well, thank you," he said awkwardly, not exactly looking the elder in the eye and scratching his neck in embarrassment.
Benn gave him an amused smile. "You're welcome," he chuckled.
Ace shook his head and carefully shoved Benn's shoulder. "Anyway, thanks for talking with me. I really appreciate it," he said earnestly.
"Of course. Now, let's go before a certain redhead overfills with worry." Benn winked before heading to the door with Ace close behind.
As they were heading towards the deck Ace went back to thinking about the earlier issue he worried about before Shanks woke up. How was he supposed to go back to doing his normal tasks when a stranger million of miles away knew his deepest secret? And that he just had to accept that because what else could he do?
"Ace?"
Ace paused his train wreck of thoughts and noticed Benn staring at him. "Yeah?" he asked, feeling unsure.
The gunslinger frowned and asked, "Are you feeling alright?"
Ace mentally scoffed. Of course he wasn't alright but he didn't want to talk about it, especially not something so sensitive out in the open where anyone could stumble in on their conversation. So he gave a shaky smile that couldn't even be called a smile and said, "Just got some stuff on my mind, don't worry."
Benn hesitated, as if contemplating what to say. When it seemed like he found the right words he said, "I can tell there's something on your mind and before you say anything, you don't have to tell me. I just want to tell you that when you're ready to talk about something that's bothering you, do it, but only to someone you're comfortable with." Benn then gave him an amused smile. "Though that would be Shanks, seeing how close you two have become," he teased.
Ace rolled his eyes at him but felt a bit better at Benn's words. "Pfft, whatever. Anyway thanks for talking with me and uh, for the other thing."
Benn frowned for a second before realizing what Ace was getting at. His amused smile turned soft. "Anytime, kid. Anytime."
They found Shanks talking with Yasopp and Lucky Roo when they walked onto the deck. Yasopp noticed them first and grinned brightly. "Ace! I didn't know you were here," he greeted cheerfully. He seemed happy despite knowing something was wrong yesterday.
Ace wondered if he was only pretending to be happy and trying not to outwardly ask what was wrong with Shanks and him, since all the Red Hairs knew he spoke with their captain privately in the woods. He knew they knew that something had happened between them but they didn't know exactly what had happened.
"I was just talking with Shanks and Benn but I'm heading back to my ship now," Ace said, wanting to cut off any conversation quickly. He didn't want to waste anymore time to see his crew before they fully freaked out and did something stupid. Like march over to the Red Force and ready to fight an already lost battle.
Lucky Roo perked up at the mention of his crew. "Speaking of them, how are they? I know you guys got some injuries from the fight with the Dominant Pirates."
Ace bristled at that and but forced himself to calm down. The crews were fine and Shanks assured him that there was nothing to worry about. He shouldn't get protective for nothing- though that was hard, since at the thought of any sort of danger towards his family, whether nothing to worry about at all or something to worry about, he couldn't help but, well, worry. It was in his nature.
"They're fine, some bruises but nothing serious," Ace assured. He looked at Shanks and was ready to say goodbye but suddenly he had an idea to his problem about his crew. "Actually, could you come with me Shanks? I could use your help," he asked.
Shanks tilted his head in curiosity but nodded. "No problem, buddy. I'll see you guys in a bit," he said to his crew before facing Ace again.
The elder and younger waved goodbye to the Red Hairs before heading towards the Spadille. Shanks looked at his student and raised an eyebrow. "So why do you need my help?"
Ace glanced at him before looking back ahead. "My crew thinks you and your crew might be angry at us and uh, might attack. Deuce is especially worried, since it's you that I had an argument with," he explained. And his best friend was going to be absolutely livid at him. Not only did he stay the night on the Red Force without letting him know but he was not going to be happy when Ace told him that he told Shanks his secret. Needless to say Deuce was a worrier.
The redhead frowned. "Really? I mean I can see why since we're a Yonko crew and who wouldn't be nervous about potentially angering one. But I didn't think you guys would be worried about us attacking you." That made Shanks feel awful. He thought they bonded enough with the Spades that they wouldn't think that but it seemed they failed.
But another thing stuck out to him. "Wait, why would Deuce be worried that you 'angered' me? I get I'm a Yonko but it feels like there's more to that," Shanks questioned.
Now it was Ace's turn to frown. "I didn't tell you? Deuce is the only one in my crew who knows about my parentage. So he worried even more that we fought since we have a certain pirate in common but since I never told you my secret until yesterday he didn't give in too much to his extra worry. Yet now I have to tell him that I told you and he's not going to be happy-"
"Wait wait wait, Deuce knew the entire time?" Shanks interrupted.
Ace nodded. "Yeah, he actually knew way before I formed the Spades. We were stranded on an island and eventually met each other and well, there's more to the story but Deuce doesn't like to talk about it," the teen said, hoping his teacher wouldn't push.
Shanks seemed to understand and said instead, "You said that only four people knew your secret before you told me. I'm guessing Deuce was one of them but who's the other three?"
Ace instinctively scanned their surroundings before continuing talking when he found no one nearby. Besides you, Benn, and Deuce it would be Luffy, Garp, and Dadan the bandit who raised me… and um, Sabo knew before he uh… you know," he trailed off sadly.
Shanks looked at his student sadly. "Yeah, I know." He wanted to say something comforting but nothing came to mind so instead he lamely pointed to the Spadille and said, "Well we're here. I hope I don't give your crew a heart attack with my presence."
Ace snorted. "Please, your ugly face would do that. I know I nearly did when I first saw you," he joked, changing the subject.
Shanks let out a laugh and flicked the young pirate on the head. "I may look ugly but have you seen yourself? You're scary to look at, with your angry eyes and hot headed attitude. I'm surprised you haven't sent the kids on this island screaming to their parents!" he joked right back.
Ace playfully scowled at the elder before schooling his expression to be serious as they walked up to the deck of his ship. Sure enough his crew was there and when they saw Shanks they paled immediately. Ace looked for Deuce and when he caught his first mate's eye he himself paled. Deuce was giving him the silent look of doom. Ace decided it was best to hurry to explain himself.
"Guys, I brought Shanks here because I told him that you were worried about him and his crew attacking us because of what happened. I thought it was best to have him explain in person that they wouldn't do that," he informed.
Shanks nodded in confirmation. "It's true. Me and my crew would never attack you because we like to think we're friends with you. We truly wish to continue all of your training and progress further in our relationship as friends. We all like you and don't want to hurt you in any way, I hope you understand that."
The Spades collectively raised their eyebrows together, surprised and shocked that Shanks, probably the most powerful Yonko, was reassuring them and saying that he wished to further their friendship.
Friendship.
When no one else was going to speak Deuce stepped forward. "Um, thank you, Shanks. We really do appreciate it," he said earnestly.
Ace beamed at his friend - which got him a death glare - and faced Shanks once again. "Thanks for coming, I'll see you later?"
The Yonko nodded before a gleam appeared in his eyes. "How about you all join my crew tonight for drinks? Nothing wild or crazy, just a nice time to enjoy the night," he offered.
Ace didn't see a problem with it but knew his crew were probably still nervous. He looked at his friends but was pleased to see them accepting. "Are you guys up for it?" he asked, wanting to make sure they weren't doing it for his sake. He loved spending time with Shanks and the Red Hairs but his crew's feelings and problems came first.
Nora sighed before saying, "Why not. I've been wanting to beat Fin in a drinking contest for a long time."
Fin smirked at her. "Not gonna happen, but at least you can beat Pakky."
Suddenly arguing and teasing between the Spades broke out and soon their worries about the Red Hairs were forgotten. Ace rolled his eyes at his crews antics. One minute they could be stressing out and the next fighting each other over the most ridiculous things. Like food eating contests but in this case a drinking contest.
The teen looked at his mentor and gave a half smile. "Well, thanks for talking to them. What time should we meet you all?"
Shanks smiled brightly and patted him on the shoulder before starting to leave. "You're welcome, Ace. And at about sunset is fine!" With that the Yonko disappeared and went back to his crew, leaving Ace with his own.
Nora and the others were now all laughing and looking a lot more relaxed but when Ace looked at Deuce he smiled nervously. He was in so much trouble and he couldn't blame his first mate. "Talk in private?" he suggested though knew the answer.
Deuce scoffed. "No duh, genius," he snarked.
Ace groaned in his head but walked with Deuce to his bedroom for privacy. His bedroom was the most private and in the beginning Ace had felt guilty for having his own room while everyone else shared rooms but it was for the best. When he had nightmares Ace would sometimes mumble or half shout in his sleep.
Ace made sure to shut his door firmly before facing his doom aka his best friend. "I know I should have checked in with you-"
"Yeah, you should have, Ace. I was really worried and so were the others. I knew Shanks probably wouldn't do anything but can you blame me for worrying?" Deuce interrupted, his expression tired. In fact his whole body seemed tired and Ace knew his friend well enough to know that he didn't get much sleep. Or any at all.
Ace bit his lip and looked down. "I'm sorry, I really am. I would have checked in but Shanks wanted to show me something and well, I got to see photos of my parents," he said quietly.
Deuce froze. "What do you mean?" he asked slowly.
Ace glanced back up at him and sighed. "I told Shanks who my father was."
Deuce widened his eyes at the information before dropping his hands into his face. "You told him? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it's not your secret, Deuce, it's mine. I made the choice to tell Shanks that and I'm glad I did. He told me so much about my parents and about the Roger Pirates, and I feel so much better. I understand I messed up not checking in but telling Shanks isn't something you can get mad at me for," Ace said, eyes narrowed and body posture defensive.
Deuce snapped his head up and stared at Ace in disbelief. "Seriously? Ace I'm happy that you feel happy but I'm mad because you don't know how worried I was. I know how big your secret is and if something went wrong I want to be there because I care about you. You're my best friend."
For a moment it was silent.
Ace stared at Deuce in shock and slowly started to speak even though he didn't know what but Deuce continued before he could get a single word out.
"I know I'm not your keeper or mother, but your secret means death in the wrong hands. I'm not saying Shanks is bad or anything, but if someone overheard or stumbled in I would've liked to have been there to make sure that wouldn't happen. I would've liked to have your back because that's what friends do," Deuce finished and crossed his arms, looking down at the ground. He looked like he lost all of his energy.
Ace opened his mouth but couldn't form words. How on earth did he get someone as amazing Deuce to be friends with him? He hadn't had a friend like this since… since Sabo.
Don't get him wrong, no one could ever replace Sabo. That was his first best friend and his beloved brother. Sabo was everything to him and so important. No one could come close to being Sabo, his brother was first along with Luffy. But what Ace meant was that he hadn't had a friend like that in a long time. A best friend who had his back and would be there to comfort and protect him.
Without saying a word Ace slowly approached Deuce and hugged him, feeling his first mate tense up in surprise. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, Deuce. I promise I'll try to be more open and to talk to you more. I can't say I'll be perfect at it, it's hard because keeping it in is all I know how to do but I'll try to do better. Thank you for being my best friend, I haven't had one in a long time," he murmured.
After a second Ace felt arms wrap around him also.
"...Thanks, Ace. And don't be too hard on yourself, I'm sorry too."
"It's fine, I get where you're coming from."
For a few more moments they hugged before pulling apart but when they did Ace slightly winced, his hand partially coming up to his chest. Deuce noticed and sighed. "Go sit down so I can look at the bruising on your chest, no arguments," he commanded.
Ace grumbled but did so. "It's gonna look the same, what makes the difference of checking it again when you already did?"
Deuce pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's to make sure there isn't any further damaging- why do we always have this argument? I'm your doctor and not to mention your best friend, as you so lovingly said," he teased, knowing it would embarrass Ace.
Sure enough it did and Ace gaped at him. "I was being nice! I mean I meant it but I was being nice by telling you because you are my best friend you- you jerk," he grumbled.
Deuce laughed before sobering up, not wanting to embarrass Ace too much. So to make things up, he asked, "Why don't you tell me about your parents and the Roger Pirates? That sounds interesting to hear.
Ace looked taken aback until he happily began to. "My mom apparently was a bit mischievous and one time she…"
Deuce listened to his friend with a smile. He hadn't seen Ace this happy in all the time he'd known him.
When Benn finished the tasks for today he decided to check on his captain. He found him on the crow's nest leaning on the rails, looking peaceful. His body posture was relaxed and the gunslinger could see a soft happy smile.
"You look like you're in a good mood," Benn greeted. He walked over and leaned on his back against the railing.
Shanks glanced at him before shaking his head with a laugh. "That's an understatement, I'm thrilled," he grinned.
Benn raised an eyebrow with knowing. "I don't suppose this has to do something with a certain young captain does it?"
At that Shanks rolled his eyes. "Wow Benny you're so observant. Of course it's about Ace, who else?" At the mention of his student the redhead's grin grew bigger until his cheeks hurt. "Benn, he told me his biggest secret. He told me! He actually told me, and do you know what that means?"
The first mate frowned in confusion. "Uh, yeah. He trusts you-"
"He trusts me!" Shanks interrupted cheerfully. "Ace trusted me to tell me a secret that could cost his life. Can you believe that? He really does trust me and I just- that's just- just huge! Benn I'm so happy!"
The Yonko looked seconds away from crying tears of joy. Though Benn couldn't blame him. Gaining the full trust of someone like Ace is huge and incredible. That's not something easy unless you really proved to that person that you could be trusted.
When Shanks started talking about how he was finally able to tell Ace stories about his parents and about the Roger Pirates, Benn smiled fondly.
It seemed what was hurting Shanks all these years was slowly starting to heal.
Slowly but surely.
"When you're ready to talk about something that's bothering you, do it, but only to someone you're comfortable with."
Those certain words of Benn's stuck with Ace as he sat in the warm sand at the beach he and Shanks were near yesterday, when he told the man his parentage.
He trusted Shanks and showed that trust by telling him his secret. He showed that trust when Shanks told him Buggy could be trusted about keeping his parentage a secret and not pushing it. But wanting to be extra sure and really confirming that was nagging at him.
Ace had been in a good mood and it felt nice but that nagging feeling was underneath all that joy. He was excited and overjoyed to learn more about his lost family but in the end he couldn't stop wondering about Buggy. Shanks may know him but Ace never even heard of him until his mentor talked about him.
Buggy would have been his older brother but that information wasn't enough nor even close to have Ace accept he was trustworthy. If in the beginning of his friendship/training with Shanks where they knew nothing about each other and Ace found out the man was supposed to be his older brother, he wouldn't have trusted him still. Because there was nothing to show that Shanks was trustworthy but Ace got to know him and see that he was.
Ace sighed heavily. What should he do? He didn't want to wait to one day meet Buggy. That might take years and he was sure that the stress and anxiety would kill him before that moment even happened.
What was a good-
Ace widened his eyes. He had it. He had the perfect idea or at least the closest thing to a perfect idea that might work. It was the only thing he could think of and it might help him. But first he needed to talk to a certain redhead about it.
Ace groaned loudly. He didn't want to accidentally hurt Shanks's feelings if he told him his idea. Yet he had to because Shanks was the only one who could make what he wanted to happen. It wasn't that he didn't feel comfortable around Shanks he just… worried, because Buggy is his friend and Ace was basically doubting Shanks's word about his friend.
With an old feeling of weariness Ace sat up and scrubbed his face with his hands. He knew his choice and if he has to he just has to explain to Shanks that it wasn't because he didn't trust him but that he couldn't trust a man he had never met.
So Ace got up and walked back to the ships. He headed on to the Red Force and once he found Shanks he told him he needed to talk to him and they headed to the elder captain's quarters. When Ace finished explaining about his idea he was relieved to see the redhead smile.
"Ace, it's not a problem. In fact I think that's a great idea. When do you want to call him?" Shanks asked.
The teen bit his inner lip before saying, "Tonight but after our crew's party thing. That way everyone will be in their rooms and not overhear anything or barge in."
Shanks nodded and stroked his chin. "Alright we'll do it then." The man hesitated before saying carefully, " Are you sure you want to do this? I can talk to him myself if you want."
Ace shook his head. "No, I want to do it. I have to talk to him or I won't feel better. I might not even feel better at all but it's the only option that I have."
But the twisting nerves in his stomach made him want to cut off his idea.
Ace wanted to enjoy his night with his crew and the Red Hairs but the weirdest thing was preventing that. He'd catch someone eyeing him but whenever he'd try to ask why one of the Red Hairs would jump in, pulling him into their groups.
Benn was the first one to nab him. Ace was just refilling his drink until he felt eyes on the back of his neck so he turned around and saw a lady sitting alone at a table staring at him. She was wearing a black kimono with blue and purple flames on it. Her makeup was heavily done but not where it was horrible. Not knowing what to do Ace simply waved politely at her but was surprised when she blew him a kiss and a wink.
"Ace, there you are. I was looking for you," Benn's voice rumbled suddenly beside him.
Ace turned to look at him and smiled. "Hey Benn! Did you need something?" he asked, forgetting entirely about the lady.
The gunslinger gave him smile that seemed strained. "Nothing, kid. But who was that lady you were just looking at?" he asked nonchalantly.
Ace blinked dumbfoundedly. "Oh you mean the lady wearing the kimono? I don't know her, I felt someone watching me and I turned around to see her staring at me. I waved at her because I don't know what she wants but she blew me a kiss and a wink."
Benn's face went as hard as stone. "Did she now?" he said slowly.
Ace tilted his head in confusion. "Uh, yeah? Is there something wrong?"
Benn looked like he tried to give him a smile but it turned out murderous and tight. "Say Ace, why don't you join your crew over in the corner? I think Nora is trying to outdrink Fin."
That got Ace's attention. He whipped his head over in the direction and shouted, "No contests! Remember last time and all that fish?!"
Lucky Roo and Yasopp were the second - or third since there were two of them - to do the same thing. Ace had been talking to a fisherman about his travels on the sea when he felt another person looking at him.
He looked to his left and saw it was another lady staring at him. She was leaning against a wall in a booth and smirking. "Uh, can I help you?" Ace asked, raising an eyebrow and glancing around for his friends or Shanks. This lady was giving him the creeps and who just watched someone without saying a word?
Sure enough she laughed and it sounded creepy, especially since she was dressed in all black and painted her face in all black makeup with blood red lipstick. "Oh yes you can. Say, why don't you come over here-"
Slam!
Ace and the fisherman jumped when Yasopp slammed his hand down on his table. "Ace! Lucky Roo and I need you to help settle a debate, you up for it?" By the way of his tone it seemed like Ace had no choice. He glanced back at the lady to see if she was done staring at him but he was cut off by Lucky Roo standing in front of his view.
"How about it, kid? I need someone to agree with me that I'm right and this idiot isn't," he laughed. Lucky Roo's voice also sounded like Ace could hold no argument.
"Uh, sure. Seems like I have no choice," Ace muttered the last part under his breath. Before standing up to leave with them.
The last person was Shanks and this time the fire-user was grateful that he intervened. Ace was sitting alone at the bar counter, wanting a break from his friends because they were too much, when it happened. But instead of finding another woman staring at him the lady appeared out of nowhere and sat next to him very closely. They were practically touching shoulders and already Ace was uncomfortable.
"Hello dear, mind if I sit here?" she asked in a smooth, silky voice. She batted her eyelashes and leaned in closer, as if trying to share a secret.
Ace quirked an eyebrow up and shifted away from her. "You kinda already made that choice for yourself. But sure, not like I can make you leave anyway," he slightly grumbled. He didn't want any trouble and having the Red Hairs pop up and drag him away wasn't fun either. Maybe he should find Shanks and stay by him. The man would stop his friends from dragging him away.
His thoughts were interrupted when all of a sudden he felt a hand on his knee.
Ace widened his eyes and stared at the lady in shock. "Uh, look lady, I don't know what you want but I'd like to just be alone and have a nice time with my crew," he said, hoping that would make her leave. It sounded stupid but he couldn't just yell at a lady. If it was a man he'd have no problem but sadly this wasn't a man.
The lady blinked before grinning widely. "Aww, you're adorable when you're flustered. And crew? I didn't know you were a pirate," she purred, batted her eyelashes once more. It seemed she didn't take the hint that Ace wanted to be alone and scooted even closer to him, and she didn't remove her hand. In fact she moved it an inch higher.
That did it. Ace tried to be polite but the lady wasn't giving him much options so he opened his mouth, ready to tell her to piss off and get her hand off of him, but out of the blue he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders protectively. He looked up to see Shanks smiling though it was tense and tight, like he was restraining himself to not be angry.
"Ace! I've been looking for you! I asked the others if they've seen you but they said they didn't know where you were, so imagine how relieved I am to finally find you." The man glanced down at the lady's hand on his thigh and narrowed his eyes. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked in a cold voice. It sent shivers down Ace's spin despite knowing it wasn't aimed at him.
The lady paled and snatched her hand away as if Ace was on fire (which was a good idea for future reference) and shook her head vigorously. "N-no! I was just leaving!" she squeaked, shrinking away at the dangerous gleam in the Yonko's eyes. She scrambled out of her seat and quickly walked away. Once she was gone both pirates relaxed.
Shanks looked down back at Ace and frowned worriedly. "Are you ok? She didn't do anything else or ah, touch you-"
Ace blushed bright red and waved off the rest of his sentence. "No! Nothing else happened! But thanks for saving me, I was about to tell her to get away from me but you rescued me before I could." He gave his mentor a lopsided grin. "I guess you could say you're my hero," he chuckled.
Shanks rolled his eyes with a laugh himself before saying, "Very funny, brat. How about we head back to the Red Force now to call a certain friend of mine?"
Any humor Ace felt was now gone and replaced with nerves. He wanted to fix his problem about Buggy knowing his secret but now that he was actually about to do it made him nervous. He swallowed a tight lump in his throat and nodded, determined to get this done. "Yeah, it's best to do it now," he agreed. He stood up and followed Shanks out the door after waving at Deuce to let him know he was leaving. Also meaning he was in charge of their drunk crew.
He should really get Deuce a thank you gift.
"Shanks, what if this goes bad?"
"It won't, but if it does I'll take care of it. Also I made sure everything's secure."
Ace crossed his arms nervously watching Shanks get ready to contact Buggy. Even though it was his idea to call Buggy he was still worried. Ace couldn't wait to eventually meet Buggy which could take months, so he came up with the idea to call him and see if talking to him would help him calm down. Buggy knew his secret and Ace wanted to see what the man was like, even if it was talking through a Den Den Mushi.
Shanks placed a hand on the younger's shoulder and smiled reassuringly. "Ace, I know Buggy very well. He'll be more nervous than you and probably might stumble over his words." For a fact Shanks knew that his friend would. Talking to Ace might even make Buggy freeze up.
Ace licked his lips nervously and asked carefully, "Could you stay? Just in case if something goes wrong or I mess up." He felt his cheeks flush slightly and he felt stupid for asking, what was he? A little kid? He should be fine talking to an ex-crewmate of the Roger Pirates who was supposed to become his older brother and who knew his secret-
"No problem, Ace. I can stay as long as you want," Shanks said softly with a gentle smile.
Ace raised his eyebrows up but smiled warmly at the redhead. "Thanks, Shanks."
The man ruffled his hair before turning back to his Den Den Mushi. "Like said, kiddo, no problem." After a few seconds he turned back to his apprentice and said, "Alright it's dialing. Buggy should still be up, he likes to party late or stay up reading." After another few more seconds Shanks spoke into the Den Den and said loudly into it, "Buggy! How are you my dear friend?"
Ace could hear faint yelling on the other end. He raised an eyebrow and looked at Shanks questioningly but the Yonko smiled brightly, brushing away any concerns. "Yes yes, I missed you too - I know how much you miss me - but I'm calling because I got a certain kid who would like to speak with you."
It was quiet for a minute before Shanks said, much more seriously, "Yes Buggy it's Ace. He wanted to talk to you since- well, that's for him to say. I'm gonna give him the receiver now."
Shanks pulled the receiver away from himself and held it out for Ace to take. For a moment Ace stared at, feeling unsure, before taking it. He glanced back at his mentor who gave him a nod. Ace swallowed thickly and said slowly, "Buggy? Um, hi. It's me, Ace."
That was stupid. He looked at Shanks miserably but the man gave him an encouraging smile and thumbs up. When Ace heard nothing for a minute straight he worried if Buggy hung up but before he could tell Shanks he heard the man speak.
"Ace?"
The teen sucked in a deep breath. "Yeah, it's me. Is it ok that I called you? I have some things that I need to ask if that's alright," he questioned.
"Yeah, that's… that's fine, definitely fine. What can I do for you?" Buggy's voice sounded rough.
Here goes nothing, Ace thought. "Shanks told me that you know about my heritage and I'm not trying to be mean but, I don't know if I can trust you. I can't exactly trust someone I don't know, so I wanted to call you to see if I can, I guess. It sounds stupid but I thought calling you would be my best bet. I don't want to wait months to eventually meet you to find out," he said, feeling both extremely nervous but relieved to get it out.
He heard Buggy clear his throat before speaking. "Ace, I understand, I really do. You don't know me and I'm a stranger who knows something that could get you killed. But I mean this when I say that I would rather die than give up your secret. Sounds intense I know, ha. But it's the truth. I haven't even told my own crew and I never will. I know it's hard to take a stranger's word but I can promise you that your secret is safe with me."
Ace grew quiet. He wasn't expecting… that. Buggy sounded more than sincere and Ace felt himself torn. He wanted to trust Buggy but years of being cautious and wary made him unsure. But either way he didn't have a choice. If he didn't trust Buggy he would still have to deal with the fact that the man knew.
Ace felt fingertips slightly brush his shoulder and he startled, but only saw Shanks staring at him in concern. "Is everything ok?" he mouthed quietly.
Ace bit his lip before looking down and squeezing his eyes shut. Every feeling in his body was telling him to hang up and not trust Buggy. Years and years of wariness and caution were screaming at him. He felt like he was going to be sick. How could he just say he was ok with a stranger knowing about his heritage? Yet Buggy sounded so sincere and earnest that Ace felt himself very slowly believing the man.
"Ace, I'm not saying you have to trust me. But trust Shanks when he says that it'll be ok, because if there's one thing I know about that idiot is that he would never lie to the people he cares about. He would never put you in any danger," Buggy promised, his voice assuring and gentle.
A minute passed before Ace slowly cracked open his eyes and smiled shakily. "Yeah, I know that. Thanks for talking with me, Buggy… and I'm sorry that I can't fully trust you-"
"You don't have to apologize, Ace. I understand why you can't and I'm not upset, I'd be the same if I were you. And if you want, you can call me anytime and we can talk about anything," Buggy suggested, almost sounding half hopeful if Ace thought so.
"I'd, I'd like that. Thanks again, Buggy, it means a lot," Ace said kindly, wanting to at least give some kindness back.
Buggy laughed warmly. "You're welcome, Ace. And it's not a problem, I enjoyed talking with you. In fact, if you want, I can tell you about the time Shanks got his fishing hook stuck in his shirt and tripped over himself into the ocean as a kid."
Ace couldn't help but start snickering. He looked at his teacher and said in disbelief, "Shanks, did you really get your own fishing hook stuck in your shirt and trip into the ocean?"
Shanks looked mortified. "Buggy, what the heck are you telling him?!" he shouted.
Buggy cackled over the receiver. "Tell that idiot this is revenge for the time he roped me into braiding Roger's hair with flowers! But anyway, he looked so embarrassed when Rayleigh had to save him! His face was redder than his hair!"
Ace started laughing even harder when Shanks cried out next to him.
"Don't slander me!"
"Tell him I'll do what I please!"
"Sorry Shanks, this is too funny to pass up!"
"I hate you both."
Bonus...
Luffy ran so fast to Partys Bar that he nearly tripped and fell flat on his face. But he managed to catch himself in time (Ace would be proud!) and entered with a bright smile.
"Makino! Did Ace send a letter back yet?" he asked as he skipped over to the counter.
Makino smiled in greeting and huffed a faint laugh. "Good afternoon to you to, Luffy. And yes he did, it came yesterday," she answered. She reached underneath the counter and pulled out an envelope. "Here you go!"
Luffy grinned excitedly as he opened it and remembered to read slowly, since Ace told him that it was important to read everything. And that he would smack him over the head if he skipped over things he wanted to say.
Dear Lu,
You won't believe what I have to tell you! I've seen so many incredible sights and met a lot of awesome people. But first things first, seriously? You rolled down a hill? Be careful and watch where you step! I'm thousands of miles away from home so I can't be there if you get hurt! And your aim is getting better? Please brat, last time I checked you nearly knocked yourself out! Heck, you took out another tree.
Anyway, I have big news. About over a month ago I sailed to find Shanks because I wanted to tell him something and when I did, we hung out for a week! He and his crew are amazing! Benn is actually hilarious and I think Lucky Roo has a soft spot for me- but he'll deny that. I saw him sneak his plate of food towards me one time.
Yet that's not even close to what I have to tell you! Shanks and I were talking before me and my crew were about to depart when he offered us to sail with him and his crew! He also offered to train me and the Red Hairs to train my crew. After telling and talking about it with my crew we accepted. So for a month we've been travelling together and seeing so many amazing sights. There was one time we fought a native tribe but that turned out horrible. We won but my best friend was severely injured. Though he healed and recovered nicely it was awful.
By the way, apparently I have Conquerors, Armament, and Observation Haki. It's a lot to take in and I don't have enough time to explain it all, but ask Gramps when he visits you next time. And when you see him don't tell him I'm with Shanks or else he'll come hunt me down.
I would write more but I want a certain idiot to write you something too. Take care of yourself and I can't wait to meet you out on the seas and show what I've seen. Until then, train hard and long but be careful!
Your big brother,
Ace.
Before Luffy continued reading the letter he screamed, "NO WAY! ACE IS TRAVELLING WITH SHANKS?!"
Makino looked up from where she was cleaning the counter and raised her eyebrows. "Really? That's amazing!" she smiled cheerfully.
Luffy was about to respond but remembered he still had more to read. He looked down and felt his jaw drop at who wrote the next part of the letter.
Hey Anchor!
I hope you've been doing well! Ace said something about rolling down a hill? I hope you're not hurt too badly but I know you're tough, so I'm not too worried.
Speaking of Ace, you sure got an awesome brother. He doesn't stop talking about you and I can tell he's very proud of you. And you don't have to worry about him, I'll keep an eye out for you. But how have you been besides rolling down a hill? No bandits I have to worry about? Also, you're not being too reckless are you? I know I or anyone can't stop your wildness - only Ace can tame you - but I hope you haven't got into any serious trouble.
There isn't a lot of space left so I have to wrap this letter up now. But I wish you all the best and luck in the world!
Sincerely,
Shanks
P.S. I hope your hat is still in tact!
Luffy giggled before reading the small hellos from the other Red Hairs. It was all so heartwarming and kind. From his big brother, to Shanks, to all of the Red Hairs it was amazing. He was really lucky to have such wonderful family and friends. He couldn't wait to see them all.
Ace, Shanks, I'll see you both one day! And I'll become the greatest Pirate King ever! Just you wait!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I sorta did and didn't but eh, it was still nice.
I know it's a bit goofy and serious which was what I did plan to do. I want to make this serious but also have it's humor to show that not everything is like life and death. There is a lot of seriousness in this story, because that's the point, but having humor brings light and reminds you that the Red Hairs and Spades didn't bond over just serious matters but also from joking and messing around with each other. Did I explain that right?
Welp, I hope you enjoyed and if you have any ideas/thoughts let me know! Please review, it makes me happy :D