Merry Christmas everyone !

Hello readers. First, I'm really deeply sorry I haven't updated last week and I haven't let you know beforehand. Last week was hectic as I had an assignement to hand on Thursday and, let's say I prefer sleeping over writing, sorry. As for this week I was feeling slightly under the weather – nothing serious – so I couldn't write because I didn't feel like it and the words wouldn't come to my mind even if I already had the outline done. And then with Christmas, my beta and myself had other things to do. So yeah, Sorry. Hopefully you'll have a chapter next week ? To make it up to you, this chapter is longish (5.700 words, the longest chapter of this fic!) and a lot of things happen ! Some awesome – and by this I mean "full of dramaaaa" – conversations, if I may say so myself ^^

PS: Thank you for reviewing, it gave me the necessary kick in the ass to write again and get out of my lazy mood !

NB: Thank you Wonderful_Vanilla_Ice_Cream for beta-ing this chapter because I've been good this year ^^

Chapter 8 : Tying loose ends.

The music was loud. Too loud. Chopin's Nocturnes drowned every surrounding noise, the aching melody overwhelming his tired mind. Ace was lying on his bed, earphones stuck in his ears, curtains drawn, smoke swirling slugishly around, rising from the burning end of a cigarette, his eyes resolutely closed. All he could see was blackness. All he could hear was the heart wrenching music of Chopin. All he could feel was... nothingness. Or he would have prefered feeling nothing. His mind wasn't numb enough to allow him this respite.

But he wouldn't fall into the same trap again. Numbing one's mind was only a temporary solution. And he needed to be there for Luffy while he could. Not wallow in self pity. Or take drugs.

It was already Saturday night. A week after he had been diagnosed with ALS. He had been to the doctor's office twice more; he hadn't felt like going but went there anyway. Maybe he would live ten more years from then on if he was resilient enough. Why not take the chance ? It was worth a try. He couldn't give up, could he ?

Luffy wasn't here yet. He only had Sunday and Monday nights free. It worked well as Ace's shop was closed on Mondays. They always spent their Sunday night together. He would be alone tonight. As he had been for the last week. He missed his brother; and lying was taking its toll on him. He felt guilty. Awfully guilty. Still, he stayed silent. No one would know. For now, at least. Everything in its own time. He would come clean. Someday. Probably. Or he would run and take his secret to his grave. Because it was too heavy a burden for him to carry; and asking for someone's help was not fair. It was his problem. His life.

He couldn't let other people bear it with him, for him. Especially Luffy. He already had Sabo to take care of, no need to burden him with this.

He could tell Kid; his friend would discover it sooner or later. Ace couldn't work any longer for obvious reasons. That and the fact that just going there, to his shop, was like rubbing salt on festering wounds. Painful. Unbearable. It drove life's point home rather harshly.

Should he sell his shop to Kid ? He couldn't trust his hands so what was the point of keeping his tattoo parlor ? Was it worth risking an accident ? Still, he couldn't just sell it and leave it behind. His shop was his entire life. He had poured his soul into creating him. Selling it would feel like a betrayal... He trusted Kid, that wasn't the problem. He just didn't feel like giving up.

Still. Tattooing people was no longer possible. He couldn't risk his clients' safety for the sake of his pride. So he was left doing paperwork. Still, his heap of paperwork would dwindle and dissapear rather quickly and he would be left with nothing to do... Kid was looking at him strangely ever since he got back from the hospital. He knew something was up. He didn't know what exactly but he was probably waiting for Ace to tell him what was wrong. Still, Ace wasn't going to say anything. He would just find a lie to explain why he couldn't tattoo people any longer. Something serious, but not too serious so Kid wouldn't worry too much.

What disease would leave him paralyzed for a short while ? He would have to think of something. For now everything would be alright as long as Kid didn't ask any question. If it came to this, Ace could say he wanted to do something else. That tattooing people was getting boring and that he wanted to become a cook... or something like that.

The music blaring in his ears didn't soothe him. It was calm. Too calm and too sorrowful. He needed to get up, to move, to dance even. But he was afraid. Afraid he would fall and get hurt. He fell Wednesday night. Thankfully he was at home. No one had seen him crumbling on the floor. He had lied there, on the ground, frustrated tears streaming down his face, till he had begun crawling piteously to the couch, trying to get up, to make his legs carry him. Frustration had gotten the better of him and he had started beating his legs with force, trying to make them obey. They were his fucking legs. They should do what he wanted. Not become a dead weight. Exhausted, drained and feeling hollow, he had fallen asleep there, only to be found by Luffy late into the night. He had lied, saying he had simply fallen asleep here because of his narcolepsy. Luffy was used to this at this point. The narcolepsy, not the lying.

The music changed. Chopin's Nocturnes fading in the recess of his mind to give way to a livelier music. Some old pop song about love he used to listen to and hadn't bothered deleting from his playlist. He hated this song. Ace got up and removed the earbuds from his ears, sighing. He rubbed his face tiredly and made his way to the kitchen. He was starting to feel rather hungry. What time was it ? He looked at the clock and noticed it was nearly ten at night. He had lied there for a long time. He had time to listen the whole Nocturnes. So two hours. Doing nothing and pondering. How productive of him...

He put some milk in the microwave deciding on eating cereals because what the hell, he didn't feel like cooking. While waiting for it to heat up, he went to his room to fetch the ashtray and dispose of it, airing the room. Luffy didn't know Ace smoked. It would stay that way.

After rinsing it in the sink he hid it in his closet. He then went back in the kitchen to eat. He made his way to the living room and sat on the couch, switching the TV on. It was stupid thinking there would be anything interesting to watch. But well, it would provide a background noise. Staring listesly at it, he left the sound of the TV wash away his thoughts, munching his cereals without thinking. Christmas was drawing near. All the publicity showed either toys or perfume. The actors were faking being happy at a family gathering, all of them sitting around Christmas trees, singing some stupid old christmas song, opening gift that they probably would sell come January. But they looked happy.

When he thought about it, everyone around him was happy. Why would they be sad when they would see their family, their loved ones, their friends.

Ace wasn't happy. That, at least, he could admit.

He pretended to be but well. He couldn't lie to himself. Seeing everyone preparing for the celebration was a torture. It drove home the fact he didn't have a family. Sure, he had his brothers, but Sabo wasn't there to spend Christmas with him and Luffy would probably want to spend Christmas Eve with Trafalgar. And who was he to tell him no ? He wanted his brother to be happy. And if accepting this Trafalgar made Luffy happy, then he could at least try to tolerate him. They didn't need to be friends but... if Ace died, Luffy would need someone to lean on.

So except his brothers, he didn't have anyone he could call family. His mother had died giving birth to him. His father was dead too, but the man was a waste of space anyway so it didn't really matter. He wasn't a figure one wanted to identify with... Being the son of a criminal wasn't something to be proud of.

But what if his father had lived ? Ace would probably be some kind of criminal figure now. He would be strong. Feared. Respected. But still dying.

It wouldn't have changed anything, really. Just one thing, maybe. He wouldn't have known his brothers. And that made his father's death a blessing in some strange way. Maybe Ace wasn't a crimelord or a revered out-law, maybe he wasn't rich, maybe he wasn't strong... but he had his brothers. They were everything to him. He couldn't regret the path he had taken. Or the path life had mapped out before him. With his brothers, he felt whole. Content. But they wouldn't be there for him at Christmas. He would be alone...

He had friends, yes, but he didn't feel like putting on a mask and pretending everything was alright when everything wasn't. Spending Christmas alone was going to be a first but well, at least he would be left to his own devices and wouldn't have to put up with inquisitive friends. Izo and Thatch were probably spending it with their family. Kid with Squardo. Or maybe not, as they fought last week. Ace hadn't seen Squardo since then but it wasn't unusual as his job was rather time-consuming

He, too, was expected to be happy. He had not decorated the tree yet despite Luffy's constant nagging. He had to. Well, they would do it tomorrow. There was still a week before the 24th. Now, he needed to think of a gift for his brother. Letting his eyes close, he drifted into a restless sleep.

- Letting go -

It was Tuesday afternoon when Izo finally came in, looking chastened. Bonney and Bartolomeo were busy with clients and it was Kid's day off. Ace was sitting behind the counter, scribbling on a sheet, seemingly busy. He looked up when the bell chimed and scowled as soon as he saw who it was.

Izo had wondered if going to see Ace was a good idea. He knew that if he didn't make the first move, Ace wouldn't. When Ace was angry, it was better to let him calm down; but Izo didn't want to wait. He had already made this mistake once. He wouldn't do it twice.

He stayed in front of the door, fidgeting, not daring to take another step in the shop. No need to anger Ace further.

"What do you want ?" Ace demanded more than asked..

"To say sorry ?" Izo asked weakly. "I.. I know I overstepped my boundaries."

He could admit that. He knew that he had a tendency to be nosy... but it was only because he wanted to help. Still, as Thatch often told him "Mind your own business love, or it'll come bit you in the ass."

"I was worried but still. I shouln't have meddled into your business or talk about it to Luffy. It was your call, not mine."

He still felt that he hadn't done anything wrong. Ace had ran away and they all had been worried... but he was willing to admit to being wrong for the sake of their friendship.

"I won't bother you anymore... I'm really deeply sorry."

If it meant being able to hang out with his friend again, he could put his pride aside and apoligize.

"I... I miss you." He murmured, ending his tirade, honesty shining in his eyes. Even if he wasn't convinced of being wrong he could admit that he missed his friend and that he would stop being so nosy. Ace's friendship was worth more than his wounded pride.

Ace sighed.

"And I'm sorry I overreacted. You were trying to be my friend and I just... got angry because I didn't feel good." He finally said.

He had taken his anger out on Izo and he shouldn't have. Still he hadn't seeked his friend out because Izo had been a nosy bastard. It would at least be a lesson to him, Ace thought.

Izo laughed a little before smiling half in earnest, half in jest.

"We're both idiots, aren't we ?"

"You are, definitely. As for me..." Ace began, winking. Even if his friend was always snooping around, he was still his friend. Ending a friendship because of a silly argument would have been ridiculous. They were closer than that.

Izo huffed but shook his head, amused by Ace's antics and happy that his friend seemed to have forgiven him or at least had put it behind them.

"Do you wanna go drinking with me tonight ?" Ace asked suddenly.

Slightly taken aback Izo replied after a little while, a gentle smile stretching his lips.

"Yeah, sure. Where and when ?" He asked.

"Let's say at eight, New World ?"

"Okay, I'll be there, see you then." Izo said.

What better way to put an argument behind than to drink yourself under a table with the friend you argued with ? Even if it was somehow a barbarian pratice, Izo was more than delighted to go with Ace. Waving his hand he turned back.

"I'll leave you to your work then, I still have things to do myself."

"Yeah, see you." Ace replied cheerfully.

Seeing Izo fluttering kimono nearly getting caught in the door made him laugh and he was bend double over the counter when he caught Izo's glare through the glass door, perfectly aware of the reason for Ace's amusement.

Ace mouthed a "see you" and grinned before going back to his scribble, Izo no longer in sight.

The young man sighed wearily. He was going to die, one day. He had up to ten years but it didn't mean that he would live ten whole years. It could be two. Or even less. So he had to put his affairs in order. Not let bitter feelings in the wake of his death. He didn't hate Izo. Far from that. So dying on him while his friend still thought he was hated would be cruel. And unfair.

Ace needed to make everything right. To do everything so he wouldn't die with regrets. Or leave people with regrets.

They would already regret not helping him out, no need to add more regrets to that. They were bound to resent him for lying to them but it was better this way. For all of them and especially for him. Maybe it was selfish instead of being selfless as he had first thought. But it was his death. He could be selfish.

- Letting go -

"It might be time you move on." Izo said, sipping his drink slowly.

Ace couldn't find it in himself to glare, deciding to sluggishly stir his cocktail with his straw.

"I want you happy." He insisted.

"I am." Ace lied through his teeth, trying to be convincing.

"Don't make me laugh." Izo chided him gently. "Anyway, let's talk about something else, I promised I wouldn't bother you anymore about this."

"Thank you." Ace replied, a jaded smile on his lips.

Izo hummed and motioned for the waiter to give him another drink.

"Are you free for New Year ?" He asked.

"I don't know what I'll do..." Ace replied after a short lull, suddenly looking unsure.

I'm dying but I can't tell you. I might be dead come New Year.

"We're doing it at Father's... he would be happy to see you." Izo wasn't looking at him anymore, staring straight ahead.

Ace didn't reply anything and Izo didn't press him. After all, even if he didn't say it, they both knew that Marco would be there.

I have at least two years according to the internet. This disease can't evolve in two mere weeks. In most cases.

"Or if you're more comfortable with this, we could do it at my place with Thatch and Luffy." Izo suggested, looking him in the eyes.

"I... hum. Thank you Izo, but I know that you usually spend New Year with your family. I will ask Kid. We'll probably go drink somewhere, don't worry about me." Ace replied trying to brush Izo's concern away.

Ace was definitely going to be alone at New Year because he didn't feel like celebrating it. This year hadn't been a piece of cake but his life had gotten a bit better. He was beginning to move on, to be happier somehow. Next year would bring so much trouble, so much pain and so much heartache. He knew it.

"Are you alright ?" Izo asked, worried.

"Hum ? Oh yeah, sorry, I was lost in thought." Ace laughed sheepishly.

"You sure ?"

"Yes, don't worry all the time."

"I can't help it !" Izo said a little embarassed. "I just... worry about the people I care about."

"Thank you. I care about you too Izo."

Izo was left flustered, not habituated to Ace's spontaneous declaration of love and friendship.

"Anyway. You'll do it with Kid ?"

"Yeah, probably. I haven't asked yet but it's a given, really."

"I don't like him but he's a good friend of yours isn't he ?"

"Oh yeah, I guess. He really helped me out... and still does. I don't know what I'll do without him." He said, smiling wistfully.

A comfortable silence stretched between the two friends, each nursing their own drinks in their hands.

"Maybe... " Izo started but stopped abruptly, frowning.

"Maybe ?"

"No, nothing, I was going to meddle again and I swore I wouldn't do it anymore."

Ace chuckled and his eyes twinkled with laughter. Izo couldn't change. But he tried to. It was refreshing seeing the man trying to weight his words. Lesson learnt then. Shaking his head Ace, let out an amused chuckle.

"I command you for trying to hold to your word. But I'm curious now. What were you gonna say ?"

"You promise not to get all angry with me and bristle like a displeased cat ?"

"A displeased cat ?!" Ace spluttered.

"Yeah, you really look like one when you're trying to be angry. It's actually pretty funny."

Catching Ace's glare, Izo coughed to hide his laugh and resumed talking.

"Anyway. I was going to say. Kid is your friend... He's nice if you bother to put up with his attitude I guess..."

"Izo..." Ace snorted, casting him a meaningful look.

"I don't want to slander him or anything. I'm just stating facts."

"If you say so..." Ace replied, unconvinced. He knew that Izo and Kid weren't exactly on good terms. They were too different.

"Well, as I was saying. He's nice and single. You're single too... And as it's time you move on I thought that..."

"Stop right there Izo. I won't go out with Kid."

"Why ?" the kimono cladded man asked, surprised. "He would be good for you."

"That might be true but... he saw me at my lowest... We can't be together."

"I saw you too and I'm still your friend." Izo interrupted him.

"That's not the point Izo. I'm not sleeping with you, am I ?" Ace sighed, mirth twinkling in his eyes.

Izo was unable to utter a word, totally flabbergasted.

Kid had asked Ace out. Maybe, over a year ago ? Ace had said no. Neither because Kid wasn't attractive nor because he didn't feel anything for him. It simply didn't feel right. Ace had berated himself for being an idiot refusing an opportunity to find happiness. Still, he couldn't say he regretted saying no. Kid was a friend, a brother, not a lover. Ace had never been able to love Kid back. He had tried. But it wouldn't have been fair to Kid. Pretending to love him when Ace just couldn't let go of his love for someone who had discarded him harshly was not fair. That and he felt broken. He wasn't whole anymore. It wasn't right to drag his friend into this.

"He asked a year ago or something like that. I said no."

"He asked ?" Izo exclaimed, astonished. He had seen how Kid's eyes followed Ace's every move. Even now.

"He did yeah. But..." Ace trailed off. But he wasn't Marco.

"I... still think he feels something for you Ace." Izo told him, frowning.

"Does he ?" Ace asked, surprised. He had thought Kid had moved on since then. Did Kid still feel something for him ? Or was it Izo wishful thinking ?

"You should look at him closely. His eyes follow you everywhere. I never would have brought a possible relationship with someone I knew wasn't interested, Ace." Izo informed him matter of factly.

Izo was always spot on with everything that had to do with love. He was quite the perceptive bastard.

"... I... should talk to him then."

"You should."

A lull followed Izo's statement and soon they found themselves talking about something else, the subject closed. What gift they had prepared for Christmas, what they would do next week, how beautiful Izo's Christmas kimono was...

"Hello there." A sweet voice purred in Ace's ear.

The young man started and looked back. An handsome man, probably older than him by a few years, stood behind him, a charming smile on his lips. Turning fully Ace noticed the stranger undressing him with his eyes, a seductive smirk adorning his features. He winked when their eyes met and took a step closer, nearly brushing his chest to Ace's own. Oh. He was being hit on.

"Do you want me to buy you a drink ?" The man purred.

Had he been in his right mind, Ace probably would have told him to fuck off. But as it was, he was tired of being alone, of trying to piece his life together and have it crumble down in front of him every time. He needed to live in the present. And it could start with sleeping with this drool worthy stranger.

"Sorry but he's with me." Izo interrupted.

Casting a look at his friend, he mouthed "sorry" before turning back to the stranger.

"I would be delighted. See you Izo." He said getting up, grabbing the strong hand that was held out in front of him.

Life was short. And his more than most. He should at least make the most of what he had left. Shooting a quick text to Luffy to warn him not to wait for him he let himself be led deeper into the bar.

- Letting go -

It was the first time he had a one night stand. The first time he slept with someone he didn't know and didn't like. His eyes wide open, he was gazing at the ceiling, feeling the weight of an arm across his waist. It didn't feel intimate. It felt strange. Not really good and not really bad, just off.

Getting up, he picked up his clothes that had been thrown everywhere in their haste to get to the bed. He made his way to the bathroom and took a quick shower. It was five in the morning. A little early to go but he would feel better to sleep the rest of the night – as short as it would be – in his own bed. And he didn't look after the morning talk. Usually people left after having sex, didn't they ?

Feeling that he still owed this man whose name he couldn't remember a goodbye, he grabbed some paper and a pen, wrote quickly that he had left and concluded with a thank you. He put it on the pillow, and left.

Making his way back in the cold night wasn't a good idea. He was left shivering, his hands quickly turning to ice. He had decided to walk home, it was a bit far, thirty minutes at least, but it gave him time to think.

He got off last night. More than once. This stranger was quite skilled that was for sure but... Usually sex was mind blowing and tonight, with this stranger, it had been good but emotionless. Instead of it leaving him satiated and happy, Ace felt surprisingly hollow and drained. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea after all.

But well, he couldn't wait for the world to take pity on him. If he wanted to have sex, he could, even if it was with someone he would never see again. No need to involve feelings into this. Love wasn't for him anymore anyway. He couldn't decide to go out with someone and die on them... So if he wanted to have sex, strangers would have to do. People went out with people they didn't know every night after all. Maybe Ace could too.

- Letting go -

He had barely slept a wink. He had gotten home at twenty to six in the morning. Sleeping would have been either a waste or impossible to achieve, so he had changed his clothes and turned on the TV, shutting his eyes yet unable to fall asleep.

At seven, Luffy woke up and made his way to the kitchen to eat something. Following their routine, Ace prepared breakfirst and they ate in silence. Soon, Ace was ready and Luffy buried in his cover.

Ace didn't want to go. It was a first. Never had he thought his shop would be so worry inducing. First he had to lie to his employees and friends and soon he would have to find a better lie. Second, Kid was starting to worry and it showed. Third, Kid. He had never thought that his friend still had feelings for him. Ace had been clear though. He had told him not to wait, not to hope. But when did Kid listen to him really ? Still, it was worrisome. He couldn't let his friend hope any longer. He needed to tell him once and for all. So Kid could move on.

Sighing, he took his keys, closed the door and made his way to his shop.

Kid and Bonney were already there, bickering about yet another chocolate bar which had vanished.

"Hello." He greeted them.

"Hi." Kid said.

"Hey Ace ! Do you know where my chocolate bar is ? The golden edition almond and caramel special one ?" Bonney suddenly asked, whirling around to face Ace.

"No, Bonney, I don't know." Ace replied, amused.

Grabbing Kid's collar, Bonney growled threateningly.

"Give it back."

"I don't have it." Kid replied frostily, taking Bonney's wrists in his hands and trying to make her release him.

"Liar. It's you. It can't be anyone else !"

"It's. Not. me." He repeated, anger seeping in his tone.

Leaving his friends to their own devices, he quickly made his way to his office, containing his laughter.

Sitting at his desk he opened the drawer to get some paperwork he might have forgotten but found none. He had already done everything he could. Sighing he lied back in his chair, feeling exhausted. Not sleeping at all hadn't be a good idea. He felt drained and tense. Closing his eyes, he decided to rest for awhile before searching something else to do.

The clearing of a throat jerked him back to reality. He opened his eyes only to shut them as soon as light hit them. Urgh. So much light. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and yawned.

"Sorry, I didn't think I would woke you up." Kid began, frowning.

"No worries." Ace answered sheepishly. "I shouldn't be asleep in the first place."

Kid hummed and took a sit in front of Ace's desk, staring intently at his friend.

"Did you need something ?" He stuttered. Having Kid's undivided attention wasn't a pleasant experience, especially because Kid's attitude screamed "We're going to talk and you're not going to like it".

"You seem down." Kid stated matter of factly.

Ace looked up and locked eyes with the red-haired man. After a short lull, Ace decided to tell him the truth. No need to beat around the bush.

"I am. I'm a little under the weather lately. I think I need to take some vacation."

"What's wrong ?" Kid asked concern shining in his eyes.

"I may need some time to myself."

"Is it because of him ?" He spat.

Ace hummed noncommitally.

"I sometime think it would have been better if it had been you..."

Kid stiffened and looked at Ace warily, probably not understanding what Ace meant. Or maybe he understood but didn't dare hoping. Ace could have bashed his head on a table. Great way to begin what would definitely be a painful conversation. Still he had spoken the truth. Sometimes he wished he had fallen for Kid.

"But I'm too broken. You saw me crumbling down..."

Kid looked quite taken aback but then he began to catch on where this conversation was going.

"I don't care Ace. You're you, Ace. And you're definitely not broken." He assured him.

Was it hope that shone in his eyes ? Ace couldn't bear to see this in his friend's eyes. Izo had been right. Kid still felt something for him. Even if Ace was dense he could see it clearly.

"I am. Don't try to tell me I'm not. But ... I'm sorry." Ace said, looking down, bitting his thumb nail.

"What for ?" Kid asked, puzzled. He suddenly got up and came to kneel in front of Ace trying to take the dark-haired man's hands in his own. Evading him, Ace got up and took a few steps back, going to stand in front of the window, turning his back on Kid.

"I'm sorry I was never able to love you back." He finally said, gazing outside.

"Ace... I..." Kid's voice sounded hollow and... hurt ?

"I needed to tell you." Ace went on. Better rip the band aid quickly. No need to drag this on any longer. "Cause I don't want you to get hurt."

A heavy silence stretched between them.

"Or hurt you anymore than this." Ace murmured finally looking back at Kid. His friend's features were hidden by a curtain of red hair, his eyes downcast.

"I..." Ace resumed talking, not standing the silence between them. "I'm sorry Kid. I – I ..."

What could he say really ? Feeling guitly of having hurt his friend, he quickly left the room before Kid could say anything. Ace didn't want to have to do this but it was necessary. Kid needed to move on. Ace would just drag him down and make him unhappy. He would ultimately die so he wasn't a good match anyway.

It was ten in the morning but Ace couldn't stay here any longer today. He needed to do something else.

"I'm leaving everything in your capable hands today Bonney. I'm needed elsewhere." He called out to her before running out, deaf to the woman's shout.

-Letting go -

"So, how long have I left ?" He asked his doctor, looking straight in her eyes.

It was Thursday morning. Ace had not gone back to work yesterday and wouldn't go today either. What a lousy boss he was becoming... Still, not going to work allowed him to relax, even if guilt gnawed at him. He had chilled out yesterday, buying unhealty amount of sweets and wolfing down all of it before Luffy came back home. Sharing with him meant kissing your food goodbye... So Ace wasn't going to share with his stomach on legs of a little brother.

"I can't tell for sure . From what we can see with your analysis, you should have a few years in front of you but we need to monitor your disease so we can give a better estimation."

Ace stood up and began pacing. Sighing heavily, he flopped down on his sit once again.

"So, all I have to do is hope it's not progressing too quickly and wait ?"

"Yes. For now. I really can't tell you anything else."

Ace droned on after this, listening to his doctor saying the same thing over and over again was getting boring. Bla bla bla medication. Bla bla bla exams.

"See you in a few days then. Normally it would have been the 25th but if you're busy with you're family, we can schedule it on Monday." She said, finishing her speech.

"Oh hum, yeah. Monday it is then."

"Don't forget to take your medications, and don't hesitate to come back if you're not feeling well."

He gave her a funny look, as if asking "When am I suppose to feel "well" exactly ?" but said nothing. He was about to leave when Dr Lenoir spoke again.

"Have you thought about going to see a psychologist ?"

He didn't bother turning around, she asked him the same thing the last two times. He had replied the first time. Not the second. And he wouldn't reply now.

"Goodbye Doctor." He said. "And Merry Christmas."

TBC

Thank you for reading !

So some light has been cast on the story but not much... Next chapter will definitely live up to your expectation as we see quite a lot of Marco ! And some "truth" are revealed... fufufufu

Leave a review and tell me what you thought about this chapter ! About Ace's attitude, Izo's perceptiveness, Ace's one night stand, Ace's telling Kid he can't love him, Kid's reaction to this, or whatever you wish to point out !

See you next week ( hopefully ? I'm not making any promises ^^)

Next chapter: The art of deception