I do not own One Piece.
This starts out in the OC's P.O.V. and then switches to Ace's.
I am so sorry this took so long to get out. My computer died and I just recently got a new one, and I have had a lot of things going on so it has been hard to find much time to write. I should, hopefully, be able to update more frequently.
"Are you alright Zahara?" Marco asks leaning against the railing beside me. I turn to look at him, sending him a small smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just hate that you all got involved in all this. I haven't talked to Ace in years because I didn't want anyone to know that he had a connection to me. I didn't want him to be put into danger for me. But it looks like it didn't matter." I reply softly, staring out at the sea.
"I'm sure he doesn't mind. You are important to him, so he wants to help you...and we don't mind either. Anyone important to Ace is important to us as well." I let out a sigh, smiling softly.
"I'm really glad Ace met you all. He was always so angry before, but he seems genuinely happy now." I say with a small not of sadness. Marco obviously caught it as he turns to look at me for a second before replying.
"I think he was happy before, he just wasn't sure how to show it." he replies before turning back to the ocean. "He is pretty excited about having you on board, I'm surprised that he isn't sticking by your side all of the time," he continues with a laugh.
"I think my story bothered him a bit. I figured it was best to give him some time alone." I reply. He nods his head, before sending me a smile and heading back towards the front of the ship. I let a soft sigh, before limping back to the infirmary, a lot had happened today and my leg was starting to ache.
"I can't believe she has been through so much and I didn't even know," I complain, laying on the bed Thatch and I share. I hear him let out a sigh as the bed dips down slightly as he sits down next to me.
"I know you feel guilty, Ace, but you didn't even know she was still alive. You can't blame yourself for everything that has happened to her." he says, run his fingers lightly through my hair. I let out a sigh before turning to fully face him.
"I know that. But, I want to help her, even though I know she won't let me. I already lost her once, Thatch, I really don't want to lose her again...Especially since I know that I could help her, if she would only let me," I reply, pouting slightly, causing him to smile softly at me.
"Well, if it makes you feel better, I am pretty sure Pops is planning on trying to convince her to stay. Marco and I will help as well, she doesn't deserve to be hunted like that. She shouldn't have to spend the rest of her life hiding." he comforts before leaning down and giving me a soft kiss. "I need to go start dinner love. Will you be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll probably go find Zahara, I kind of feel bad about running off like that." I say with a smile, sitting up. I give him another kiss, before following him out of the door and heading to the infirmary, figuring it would be the best place to find her. I knock lightly on the door, hearing a soft 'Come in'.
"Hey Zahara," I greet with a small smile, closing the door behind me. She looks up, smiling back at me.
"Hey Ace," she greets back. I take a seat next to her bed, not really sure what I should say. "...are you okay, Ace?" she asks, looking at me in concern.
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. What about you? Are you okay?" I ask, glancing at her. "I know, thinking about all of that must have brought back some bad memories." She let's out a soft laugh, before smiling brightly at me.
"I'm fine, Ace. I actually kind of feel better, now that I let everything out." I smile back at her, before scooting closer. We sit around talking for a few hours, until the call for dinner. I help her down to the galley, we we take a seat at a table with Marco and Thatch. We talk and joke through dinner, not mentioning anything about what had happened earlier in the day.