'Is this really going to work?' I pondered. 'Is he messing with me?'
I let out a slow, deep exhale.
'Now or never.'
—
~Earlier~
"So, your going to ditch us?"
Sabo's smile did not fall from his face. "Yes," he glanced at Ace and Luffy's sparring match. "You will never get anywhere if you are around Luffy and me that way he doesnt have to approach you. So if you two are alone, then he will have no choice."
I bit my lip, unsure how this was going to work. "He doesnt talk to me when you guys are sparring. I dont think he will talk to me if you leave."
"Don't worry, I have just the plan." Never loosing his smile.
I opened my mouth to protest but snapped it back shut.
The look in his eyes told me to believe him.
"Okay, I trust you."
—
Sabo watched as Lucas headed off to spar with Luffy, and Ace took his place beside him.
He admired Lucas's determination to become friends with Ace, not many people would take the time to try and understand him. Well...except him and Luffy, of course.
Sabo liked Lucas, he reminded him of himself in many ways and they had simular interests. Sabo especially enjoyed their talks. And when Lucas approached him about Ace, he was a little suprised but happy.
"Hey, Ace," He turned to the freckled boy. "What do you think of Lucas?"
Ace blinked in suprise. "What?" he studied Sabo. "Where did this come from?"
"You keep avoiding him." Ace reeled back, trying to protest but Sabo didn't let him. "I know you like him. So why do you keep running away?"
Ace went silent as he stared at his fists.
"Because I'm the—" He was cut off from a hit on the head.
"Idiot! He wouldn't care about that!" Sabo huffed, ignoring Ace's shocked face. "I was awake when you asked him, I heard his response. He wont care."
Ace didn't seemed so convinced. "How can you be sure? What if— what if he tells someone?"
Sabo sighed. "You haven't even tried to get to know him but I have. Besides, if he does, Luffy and I are here and we will figure things out if it comes to that. Okay?" Ace continued to frown. "Just talk to him, okay?"
Ace sighed, giving up. "Fine," Sabo lit up. "Just talk okay, and thats it! Im not going to tell him anything."
Sabo continued to smile. "That's fine."
—
Ace was going to kill Sabo when he found him.
The bastard had told him to talk to Lucas. He would, okay!? He just needed time...
But then Sabo went and ditched him, taking Luffy and leaving him alone with Lucas.
Did he mention he was going to kill Sabo?
He had barely uttered a word to Lucas as they wandered through the woods.
'I guess I have to talk to him sometime.' he relented. 'It's now or never.'
He turned to face Lucas, finding that the boy had did the same.
"I—"
"I—"
Ace snapped his mouth shut, and so did Lucas.
Somehow, and without interupting each other again Lucas spoke.
"Y-you first." He stuttered.
Ace shook his head. "No, you go first."
Lucas shifted on his feet. "Uh okay," he looked at the ground. "I- I uh... I mean- You've been avoiding me... even when I try to approach you..." he trailed off.
Ace opened his mouth before snapping shut, his mouth set into a hard line.
Lucas looked up, eyes nervous and face open. The pure display of emotion scared Ace, and he took a step back, readying himself to flee.
Before he could make an attempt, though, Lucas grabbed his wrist.
"Wait! Please!" When it seemed Ace wouldn't flee, he continued. "I want to be friends!"
Ace felt his face brighten up, and with what emotion, he had no idea. He tried to procces the words, his eyes wide.
"What?" He asked, uncomprehending.
Lucas stsred at him with a pleading look. "Just give me a chance please." he begged.
Overcoming his initial shock, Ace's exspression hardend.
"Would you still want to be friends with the son of a devil?"
Lucas blinked, and Ace tore his arm back and turned to leave.
"Wait!" He froze, glancing back. Lucas's face flashed with recongition.
"That's why you asked about the pirate king, isnt it?" Fear flashed across Ace's face. "Your his son." It wasn't a question.
'He knows... now he will hate me...' He took a step, readying himself to run, but he was pulled back again. Panic set in but before he could retaliate he was pulled into a hug by the other boy, making him freeze.
"I don't care about your heritage... I just want to be friends, if you really hate me, I'll back off. Just— just give me a chance." He let go of Ace.
Ace's mouth fell open as he stared into Lucas's eyes. He saw no hidden intent, and he couldn't help but believe his words. But some part in him couldn't believe it.
'He's lying, he has to be—' his thoughts were cut off before he coukd finish them "Ace, just accept it already."
He whipped around to face Sabo, who was also with Luffy.
"Yeah! Can't we all be friends?" Luffy asked.
Ace blinked, turning back to face Lucas.
"Okay..." It was only one word, but it made Lucas's face light up and a smile appear on his face.
"Thank you!" He beamed, and Ace's face went red again.
"Hey, why's Ace's face red?" Luffy asked curiously and Sabo snickered.
"It is not red!" He retorted, and Luffy started laughing which, in turn, caused everyone else, except Ace, to laugh.
He yelled at them, but couldnt help in staring at Lucas, who had a smile on his face.
'Maybe this isn't so bad.'
—
The next day, Ace and I actually has a real conversation. He was still wary of me, but at least he was talking to me. I was scared that he wouldnt accept me, I had almost no hope.
In the beginning, I hadn't any idea how to respond to him or what to say. But I eventually swallowed any pride I had stopping me and spoke my mind, letting my walls fall.
I was glad to see that it worked out in the end.
When I had a chance to talk to Sabo, I made sure to thank him. He only smiled and said it was no problem.
The next few days were almost a blur, each simular as the rest. But I couldnt help the warm feeling in my chest as I felt Ace and I got closer with each passing day. Any previous tension had evaporated, and we shared smiles and laughs, sparring became more fun, and the trips to town even more memorable. Things were going great.
Until now, that is.
This chapter killed me... But it was relitevely fun to write. This chapter came out late because I was unexpectedly pulled into a new job. Full time... My free days are mondays and tuesdays, and I work nights (roughly 2 through 10pm)... No chapter on friday or saturday especially. My whole schedule is kinda sketchy, so I'll update as I go.
How did you like the chapter? It's been almost two-ish weeks since ASL first met Lucas. No flashback/dream today, but I will update that soon though. Next chapter I have some things planned. So stay tuned for that!
Reviews:
Push23-Thank you, I hope you enjoyed!