You'll notice that Zari and Ace seem to be good friends. I'll give you a brief bit of Zari's history to explain: Zari was raised on a naval ship since childhood. Thus One night, years later, a fierce storm around and Zari was thrown overboard. She managed to survive the night and was saved the following day. Zari found herself aboard Whitebeard's pirate ship; however, whitebeard wanted her cast back into the sea, fearing she might be a spy for the navy. There was one person that convinced him and too sole responsibility over her, Ace. Whitebeard agreed she could stay but only until they next make port.
Chapter 2
"So how's the crew?" Ace asked casually.
"Good, but I'm leaving for a little while - to clear my head." Zari said walking up beside Ace. Ace noticed that she became solemn.
"Things not going so well with the swordsman?" Ace asked softly.
"I'll tell you the same thing I told Luffy and Sanji - I got tired of Zoro's indifference towards me." Zari said seriously. Ace remained silent as they continued to walk.
After a few minutes of silence, Ace cleared his throat to get Zari's attention. "Why don't you come with me, Zari?" He asked with a soft grin.
"You want me to come with you?" Zari asked softly in slight shock. Ace nodded with a grin still on his lips. Zari's face grew red, and she nodded slowly. I just have to get a few things first." She said softly as she tried to calm her rapid heartbeat. Ace followed her around as she got what she needed.
After she was done, Ace led her to his little ship. He stepped on first one foot on dock and the other on the ship, stabilizing the small vessel by holding onto the mast. He offered her his hand so she could get on okay. She took his hand and carefully stepped on. Sit at the bow - it's the only place where you won't get burnt. Hold on tight, we'll take off like a bullet, but it will smooth out." He said calmly. Zari did as she was told, sat down Indian -style and placed her bag tightly in her legs.
"Ready," He asked taking his casually position.
"Hai," Zari replied and took firm hold of the sides of the bow. Ace lit the engine with his mera mera powers from his feet. They rocketed forward and Zari was forced to grip the bow tighter, so she wouldn't go flying back into Ace and his fire.
"I'm really glad that you decided to join me. I've been feeling rather lonely from time to time." Ace said loudly over the flames and waves. Zari turned her head towards him, afraid to turn any more than that.
"I'm glad you asked me." She laughed just as loud. Often I found myself worrying about you."
"Worry? About me? Why?" He asked back curiously.
"I just hadn't seen you in a while, I missed you and I wanted to know you were okay." She called to him. Well, you on the sea and your narcolepsy - it's a little concerning." Zari said and blushed at bit. After that there was a period of silence between them.
"I'm kind of glad you got away from that swordsman - I don't think he treated you right. Ace said sounding serious. "When last we met, I wanted to tell you something, but my itoutou introduced you two as a couple - even though I didn't see much evidence to that. Still I held my tongue." Ace said calmly.
"You can tell me now," Zari replied curiously.
"Zari, I wanted you beside me for a long time now. After we met five years ago, I thought about you often and wished you were with me. Last time, I couldn't tell you this confession." Ace said looking down at her. She gave him a quick glance back and then looked in front of them.
"Ace! Watch out!" Zari shouted, grabbed the bow in reflex, and braced for impact. However, Ace quickly maneuvered around the raising sea monster. That would have been a horrible wreck! If this confession is that distracting maybe it should wait until we reach land." She said, and Ace nodded in response.
Late that night, Ace found an island town for them to bunk down at. He led her to a booth, and they both ordered a pint. "Now what confession do you have for me?" Zari asked softly. Ace pulled the curtain, which was provided for privacy. Zari had her arms folded on the table as she sat up to it. "You're nervous! Oh man Ace! What have you done?" Zari said fearing the worse. She placed her hands on his. "Whatever it is - I'll help you through it!"