Hello everyone. Here is the next chapter
And I can't believe it, I have written over two hundred thousand words! I never believed it would be this long or that so many would like it. Thanks to everyone for sticking around and supporting the story, it really means a lot.
Big thanks to OhMy56 for betaing
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Ace gave a sigh as he landed in his room. He had just returned from his first assignment after getting the brace off. He had taken on some other blue blooded patricians, who for some reason had been especially active and gruesome the last weeks, taking more slaves. It was something that concerned Ace to some extent, but since they were extra active, it was easy to stop them from doing too much since he or someone else managed to stop them. Ace took off his mask and placed it on his desk and his cape soon joined. He needed to wash them, seeing as both were bloody. It always got a bit messy when he dealt with blue blooded patricians, they rarely got any mercy.
As the two items were off, Ace grabbed some clean new clothes from his closet, needing a shower since he was also covered in blood. He should try to not get as messy, but he often wounded up enjoying himself a bit too much, especially when he knew the ones to get killed were evil, being torturers themselves. After seeing what most people he took out did, he got some pleasure in taking them out. He hoped none of the pirates would see him enjoying it, most people couldn't understand the feeling he had when he killed the evil ones. Ace shook his head as he headed out of his room, trying to not think about it as he headed for the shower. When he got to the door and opened it, he saw Izou and Thatch there, both turning to him when he opened the door.
And when they looked at him, he could see their eye widening in shock, especially Thatch's.
Ace held his hands up, giving a shake of his head. ¨I'm not injured.¨ He said, knowing they were reacting to the blood he was covered in. Izou was the first to gather himself and gave a nod. ¨Messy assignment again?¨ Ace gave a nod and a somewhat sheepish look. This was the first time he had run into anyone when he went for a shower. Izou gave an understanding nod and elbowed Thatch, who was still frozen. ¨We're heading out now, so the showers all yours.¨ Ace gave a nod, now also seeing Izou was not wearing any make up and Thatch's hair not in it's usual pompadour style. They had probably just finished. Ace walked in to the bathroom as the other two walked out, also closing the door.
When he was alone in the room, he gave a small sigh. They did let him continue his work, but he could see how uncomfortable it made them, even seeing a bit of fear shining in the chef's eyes. They would most likely never get used to it either, not everyone at least. Ace made his way over to a stall and undressed before stepping under the shower. It always felt good to shower when he had been covered in blood for some time.
-x-
Marco stood beside his father on deck, overlooking everyone who were doing their chores on the deck, like cleaning. That was a thing most hated, which was understandable, it was a big boat. He didn't do much aside from watching that they didn't slack off, as many tended to do if they weren't watched. The ones to clean the deck, was often those who had done something wrong and got cleaning duty as a punishment. It did happen, often actually, seeing the size, that some others needed to clean it as a normal daily chore. It was regulated from week to week, changing from division to division, so everyone had their time to do it. The commanders were in charge on who it was to do it, but the other commanders was allowed to say if someone was to join in, if they had done something to deserve it.
As he was continuing to look over the deck, he noticed Izou and Thatch coming out on deck, Thatch looking a bit uncomfortable, making him wonder why. When they were closer, Thatch walked off to the kitchen as Izou walked towards him, probably to see how the ones on duty were doing, seeing as it was his division on duty this week. When he was closer, Marco lifted an eyebrow at him, ¨What's with Thatch, yoi?¨ Izou shook his head. ¨We ran into Ace, who was a bit dirty from his work.¨ Marco gave a small frown. ¨He wasn't injured, I hope.¨ Izou shook his head. ¨He looked fine and said he weren't. He seemed to only need a shower.¨ Izou shook his head again, looking to the door Thatch had gone in. ¨He was shocked I think, and looked uncomfortable, maybe even a bit scared. it's going to take time to get used to it.¨
Before Marco could answer, he heard laughter from his father and both turned to him. He was smiling a smile, looking at them. ¨We'll get used to it with time. It is an adaption that will take time.¨ Both of them nodded. It was true. It was an adaption they needed to do. They always had to do some small adaptions to every new member, everyone had their quirks, but they had never had one with Ace's work. He was young, the youngest of them for now, seeing him covered in blood was something that would be a shock, especially since they weren't used to see anyone covered in blood. Some might not completely adapt to the point they wouldn't react, it was normal to react to someone covered in blood, but they would take everything with time. They shared some more words, before Izou went to check on the rest of his division and Marco went back to watching everyone on deck.
After 10 minutes or so, Ace came out on deck, hair still wet from a shower. Marco gave a smile when he saw him, ¨How did everything go, yoi? A bit messy we heard.¨ Ace gave a small laugh as he nodded. ¨It went fine, just some wrong moves which caused some small mess.¨ Marco gave a nod, same as his father. ¨Do it often get messy, son?¨ Asked the captain, looking at Ace. Ace gave a somewhat nod. ¨It usually gets a bit messy, but how much depends. Sometimes it gets bad like this, sometimes worse and other times it's just some small barely noticeable and easily washed off.¨ They nodded. That gave a lot of sense, and Ace seemed not a bit fazed at speaking about being covered in blood. It was probably something that happened often.
They had never seen Ace blood covered, aside from the time when his assignment had gone foul. It seemed Ace had a plan for when it happened. He did probably use Dust when it happened, so he could teleport to a place where no one would easily notice him. He was probably used to people looking at him in fear, which the first commander could understand. Seeing someone covered in someones blood was unnerving to say the least. But they knew it was from someone who deserved it greatly, doing something horrible to others. It would take time, but they would get used to it, at least more than what they were.
The day went in a relaxing manner from there, nothing really happening. When they were having supper, Ace got an another assignment. They had just started, but Ace seemed to be quickly taking a piece of toast, making them think he would leave at once. When the captain had asked, Ace had nodded. ¨I need to leave at once, it will take about three days I believe.¨ The captain had nodded, giving his usual goodbye and stay safe, before Ace had hurriedly walked out of the galley, heading to his room to change. This made some of them frown, Ace had never seemed this rushed. He hadn't given anything away as usual, no frown or reaction.
There probably were assignments that needed him to get started quickly, many did wait until the last moment, maybe even longer, until they admitted they needed help. Ace had said that himself, that many could have been alive if they had asked a bit earlier. It was probably something many didn't want to do, admit they needed help. Had it not been for Shanks all those months ago, they would have never called for him to help in the first place. Which would most likely have gone differently. They were lucky none of them were injured.
The evening went along calmly after that, nothing happening. There would most likely be nothing big happening until they were in the New World, something might happen at Sabaody Archipelago, seeing as many were there, it being the entrance to the New World, but it was kind of a neutral zone, but they were the Whitebeards, strongest crew in the world, many things could happen. But they would take it as it came. It was no use in overthinking what may or may not happen.
Nothing really did happen during the time Ace was gone. They did meet some bad wind, making so they would get to Sabaody Archipelago a bit later than they thought. Instead of arriving in 2 days, it would take 3, making them arriving the same day Ace would return. It would take about 3 days to coat the ship, making so many of them could relax. That did sound nice, the island was a calm one which had a lot to show and things to see. It was known as a place that many liked to stay for a bit, to enjoy themselves. But they were already going to use three days there and they wanted to use a day or so on Fishman island, especially Namur, who really liked to be places were mermen and other merpeople and fishmen were, making him feel more relaxed.
The days went by, Thatch playing some pranks, seeing that Ace weren't around. He was still a bit unsure about doing pranks around the assassin, in case he was actually hit by one, but the incident the other day had made him feel less unsure. But it was one of the things they would get used to, Thatch needed to find out himself how Ace might react. No one did think Ace would overreact or get mad, like Marco did most times, while others thought managing to hit Ace with a prank was impossible. He was the best assassin out there, who avoided real traps on a regular basis, some prank from the chef was probably nothing compared to that. And Luffy was his brother, who seemed to annoy Ace a lot.
But they would take it as it came, all they needed to do was to wait for Ace to return and go to the New World, enjoying their stay at Sabaody Archipelago and Fishman island.
-x-
Ace appeared in his room, feeling the relief of being back again. Ace took his mask off and took a step towards his desk, when he stopped, feeling his emotionless mask slowly disappearing as a shaking hand went to his mouth. Ace tried to keep the sob that wanted to leave him as tears started to flow down his cheeks as Ace slid down to his knees, another sob leaving him as he tried to keep them inside. Ace closed his eyes as the tears continued to stream down his cheeks, everything being too much. Right now, he felt weak and alone.
He could feel Dust calling to him, concerned, but couldn't answer or concentrate on it. Ace tightened his hand around his mouth when he felt more sobs coming on, trying to gather himself, to stop the tears and sobs, but not being able to. Feeling the wall around himself collapsing as he couldn't hold everything in anymore, everything becoming too much.
-x-
Marco stood beside his father on deck. It was a calm day and they were going to reach the entrance to the New World during the night, around midnight if the navigators were right, which they most likely were. Marco was also glad to know Ace was returning today, he didn't like it when he had long assignments that went over a day. Ace had been gone for 3 days now and Marco hoped he would be back before the evening, before they reached Sabaody Archipelago. He mildly wondered if he had been at the island before, which he probably had, but it was still a sight to be seen. Many of them was still impressed with the bubbly island.
It was only noon, but the first commander did still hope Ace would return soon. He had this weird feeling he couldn't shake off, which made him nervous. One of the reasons he had decided to be close to his father, who had noticed it and gave him comforting glances now and then, which helped to some extent. It was an hour later, that Dust came flying, making him smile, glad to see the bird, knowing it meant Ace either was back, or on his way. But his smile quickly disappeared at what the bird did.
Dust landed on the arm rest to his father's chair and used his beak to drag on Whitebeard's coat and let out a caw, flapping his wings.
Everyone who saw this, frowned. The bird seemed to be upset, if that was possible. They were shocked and didn't know what it meant, so they stared at the bird, trying to figure it out. When no one moved, Dust let out a caw again and pulled the coat twice, before flying down to the deck, standing ready to fly away as he was looking back the captain as he cawed again. Marco could see his father frown, ¨Do you want me to follow?¨ Asked the captain, looking at Dust, now having a concerned look. Marco looked at Dust as the bird nodded quickly, giving a fast caw, as if telling them to hurry. As the captain stood up, Marco looked at the bird. ¨Is Ace injured, yoi?¨ He asked, thinking that might be it. Dust shook his head, making him and the others frown. ¨Is he okay?¨
Dust shook his head, making their concern and worry spike.
The captain was now upright and looked at the bird. ¨Where is Ace?¨ Dust quickly flew and headed to the commander's quarters door, waiting for them, cawing, like he thought they were to slow. Something had to be wrong for Dust to act like this, really wrong. When they were with the door, Marco went and opened it and Dust flew inside, landing in front of Ace's door, giving a caw again. This made Marco wonder what they would find behind the door, what could cause the bird to behave like this. As Marco walked to the door, he noticed there were many following them, mostly commanders, but there were some others too. Marco didn't pay to much of mind to that now, to worried about Ace as he walked to the door and opened it, his father right behind him. When he opened the door and saw inside, he froze at what he saw.
Ace had his back to the door, sitting on his knees, one hand on the ground as the other was over his mouth. And he was shaking, his entire frame giving trembles as he heard small, subdued sobbing noises.
Marco could not move or say anything as he saw the scene. Ace was crying, sobbing, trying with all his might to keep it down. Before he could even think about doing or saying anything, both Dust and Whitebeard walked past him, heading into the room. When he saw Whitebeard was on his way to crouch down next to Ace, Marco closed the door. Dust had gone to Whitebeard, specifically him, dragging him here. Meaning his and the others presence would not do any good, not now. When he turned around, he saw many shocked and worried faces. ¨Marco-,¨ Started Thatch, but Marco shook his head, cutting him and anyone else off from moving or speaking. ¨Dust got Pops, not us, yoi. He will handle it. You should leave, everyone being here will not do any good right now.¨
Marco used his authority, leaving no room for arguments. Having everyone of them here would only make matters worse. Ace didn't like to be the center of attention regularly, and now that something was obviously wrong, he didn't need everyone around. Right now, Ace needed someone to be with him, and right now, that was Pops.
Marco could see the others reluctantly nodding, recognizing the tone he used and gave a last worried look at the door that led to their distressed family member, before slowly heading out to deck, listening to his words. Marco leaned against the wall, making sure the others left. After a short minute, there was only him and Izou left. The cross-dresser went up and stood beside him, also leaning against the wall. Marco looked at him and was about to speak when Izou gave a small glare and spoke up himself. ¨I'm not letting you stay here all alone. If something happen and Ace comes out or you go in, I will leave. I'm your brother, there is no way I am leaving you alone after seeing that. I care about you and Ace. And Pops is there for Ace, so I have decided to be here for you.¨
Marco gave a nod. ¨Thank you, yoi.¨ He said as he slid down to sit on the floor, having a feeling it would take time before anything happens. He was glad Izou stayed, knowing he would work himself up with worry and such if he was left alone. Izou gave a nod, also sitting down on the ground, not caring that his kimono touched the floor, which he basically never did. Izou cared about them, also knowing about him and Ace, that they were closer than the rest. Both of them just sat there in silence, not having anything to say. But it was what Marco needed now, his father was helping Ace through what was bothering him, and Izou was just there, making him feel grateful.
Marco closed his eyes as he leaned his head against the wall. He could only imagine what had Ace this distressed. Marco didn't think he even could imagine what it was, but he knew one thing. Whatever it was, it was something horrible, probably worse than anything Marco had ever seen or heard. But whatever it was, he would be there for Ace, even if that meant to sit on the floor the entire day and night.
-x-
When Whitebeard saw the clearly distressed Ace, he had automatically walked inside and crouched down beside him. He could see Marco closing the door in his peripheral vision and was thankful for that. Ace didn't need a lot of people around now. When he saw the kid's face, he saw tears streaming down as his hand tried to keep the sobs inside, eyes closed. Ace looked small and vulnerable, looking like the young kid he were. He could see Dust was trying to comfort him by rubbing his head on his arm, but Ace didn't seem to react to it, making Dust look at him, clearly upset Ace was this distressed and asking him to help.
It didn't even seem like Ace knew he was there.
Whitebeard slowly brought his hand towards Ace and softly and carefully touched his right arm that was one the floor. Dust had probably gotten him when he didn't manage to get to Ace, making the bird worried for Ace. Ace had probably no idea Dust had even went and got him here, the reason the captain did a slow and careful motion, not wanting to scare the kid. This would be the first time he was going to comfort him, the first step, a huge step. He only hoped it wasn't too soon, Ace weren't used to this and he didn't like to be vulnerable, this could go both ways. As soon as his hand touched Ace's arm, he could see Ace's entire form giving a startle in shock as Ace turned to look at him.
The moment the captain saw his face, he saw so much distress, pain, loneliness and sorrow in tear-filled eyes it made his heart ache.
Whitebeard offered a small smile, not moving or saying anything. All the times he had seen Ace in turmoil, albeit nowhere close to this, he never wanted to speak, and the captain had a feeling words would do no good. When Ace looked at him and saw the small smile, he seemed to be having issues with what to do next, seeming to trying to hold everything back, but not being able to. Ace really was in distress right now. Whitebeard gave a small shake of his head as his and carefully nudged Ace's arm again, keeping the small smile, as if saying it was fine, he didn't need try to hide it.
He saw Ace's face constrict in distress as he let out a choked sob and leaned on his hand and took the comfort he offered.
The captain gave a somber smile, seeing Ace closing his eyes as a hand went back to his mouth again. But he was leaning on his arm, taking the comfort he offered and Ace needed. Whitebeard, glad to see Ace took the comfort, held his hand steady as he completely sat down and made himself comfortable. This would take time and he wasn't planning on leaving, he was going to be here with Ace. As he was more comfortable, now also sitting closer to Ace, he moved his arm a bit, making so Ace was now leaned against his forearm as it now rested on the floor. The captain moved his hand a little, so he could use his thumb to softly stroke Ace's back, giving the comfort he wanted to give. Whitebeard wanted to hug Ace close, to not let go until everything was better. But Ace would most likely not like that, Ace wasn't fond of touch. But Ace seemed okay with this.
Ace had closed his eyes as tears continued to fall, hand still over his mouth as his form shook with silent sobs. Whatever it was that had made Ace like this, had to be something horrible, something connected to his work since he was still in his assassin's outfit. The captain wouldn't pry on it, if Ace wanted to share, he would do it. Him prying would not do anything good right now. And to be truthful, he was almost a bit nervous to find out what it was. Ace was one of the strongest and most durable people he knew, despite his young age, for him to be this upset about something, only showed how bad it must be. But if Ace shared, he would listen, he would be there for him.
Whitebeard wasn't sure how much time had passed, but Ace's form slowly stopped shaking as the hand that was over his mouth went to rest by his side. He could hear Ace giving shaking breaths as he still had tears flowing down his cheeks. After some time, he heard the breaths calm down as Ace moved a bit, sitting more upright and dried his eyes as he gave a small sniff. As Ace was more composed now, he held his eyes open as he turned to face the same direction as the captain. Whitebeard gave a smile as he put his hand behind Ace, to show he was there. He wouldn't leave until Ace said or showed he wanted him to leave. Ace somewhat sat on his bent legs, hands hanging by his side, not seeming to want to move them, looking tired and worn out.
When Dust jumped in Ace's lap giving a small caw as he tilted his head, Ace gave a small smile as he petted him, Dust seeming to like the touch as he settled down. After a few minutes, Ace leaned his head on his leg, making him smile. Whitebeard shifted his gaze to the wall in front of them, deciding to not look at Ace all the time, just be there for him.
After some time, he felt Ace's mouth moving on his leg, seeming to contemplate if he should speak, trying to, but not sure what to say. Whitebeard didn't say anything, neither looked at him, only bringing his hand a bit closer to him, so it rested against the turmoiled kid.
He heard Ace taking a deep breath, ¨I did this assignment,¨ Started Ace in an emotional voice. Whitebeard sat still as he just listened to what had him this upset, not looking at Ace, who was either looking at the wall or Dust. ¨I was supposed to get a boy and girl, siblings, from-, from a place. The boy, only 11, was in terrible shape, he would have died, no matter where I took him or how fast. He would have gotten a slow and painful death. Which he seemed to know himself as he looked at me with pleading eyes.¨ He heard Ace taking a shaky breath. He had a feeling where this was headed, but hoped he was wrong.
¨I killed him. A completely innocent 11 year old. So he didn't have to suffer anymore.¨
Whitebeard unconsciously held Ace a bit closer as Ace took another shaky breath. He could feel Ace shaking his head a bit, ¨I know it was the right thing. Taking him out of his suffering.¨ Ace took another breath, collecting himself before he continued. ¨The girl, few years younger, I brought back to their parents, she being beat up but would be fine. Also bringing the body, so they at least could get the closure of being able to bury him.¨ The captain could feel Ace opening and closing his mouth a few times, having issues with the next part, making him think the parents were furious that their son was dead. He heard Ace taking a shaky breath again, letting out a small sob.
¨They thanked me. They thanked me for taking him out of his misery and giving the body to them. They thanked me for killing an innocent child.¨
Whitebeard sat shocked for a few seconds, before his features softened with a somber look and tightened his hold a bit again, giving some reassurance. He could only imagine what that was like, not only seeing a young kid close to death, pleading to be killed. But to actually do it. The captain was sure that was something he never could do himself. It was the right thing to do, Ace was right about that. But to do it must have been horrible for the young assassin. The boy was only 11. For people to injure and torture kids where someone who deserved to die and Ace had probably killed them. But to be thanked for killing the child, thanked for killing an innocent child, was something that probably caught him off guard. Ace was probably emotional and upset for killing the young child, the parents thanking him was probably something that made it worse, the thing pushing him over the edge.
And Whitebeard could understand the parents.
If one of his children died, he would want to have something to bury, to get that closure of saying a proper goodbye. The captain closed his eyes, needing to keep his own emotions in check. Just hearing what had happened was painful. He couldn't even imagine what Ace must be feeling, how doing that must have been like.
Whitebeard sat with Ace in silence, the kid just taking calming breaths and collecting himself again, leaning on the captain, who somewhat held around him with his hand, it being like a makeshift backrest. They both now just sat in silence, the captain moving his thumb in a small stroking motion on Ace's upper back in a comforting manner.
They sat like that for some time, Ace slowly relaxing and calming down. When Whitebeard looked at a clock on Ace's desk, he saw he had been here for almost 3 hours. It wasn't a bother for him, he would gladly sit here the rest of the day, even stay the entire night if Ace needed it. When half an hour had gone by and Ace hadn't made any movements, the captain was thinking Ace might have fallen asleep and looked down on him. Ace weren't asleep, but he was looking tired and pensive, looking at the wall in front of him, one hand petting Dust. He seemed better, more composed, but not ready to place his usual mask back. Ace had a lot of burdens he hid behind that mask, the captain knew Ace would put it back on when he was ready, most likely pretending this never happened, at least not in front of them.
He had a feeling Ace usually hid away when everything got too much. Making him think that if Dust hadn't come and got him, he would never have seen this side of Ace. The side he knew existed, but Ace always hid. Being an assassin couldn't be easy, and this showed that. He could understand why many wanted him to quit, realizing it was affecting him in a negative way. He had a feeling very few had seen Ace like this, Ace did a lot to hide. Either hiding away as, he had noticed he did a few times, or drinking. Both was a bat way of handling the emotions and feelings, but Ace had probably been going it for years. Old habits was hard to change, but he would try and help Ace to change them, holding everything inside was never good.
After another half hour had gone by, the captain used his thumb to stroke Ace's head, making the kid make some small movement, slightly changing his position. Ace moved his legs a bit, so they were now cross-legged as he moved his head a bit, still leaning it on his leg as he gave a small content sigh, closing his eyes for a second, seeming to enjoy the motion, making the captain give a small smile as he continued. After some minutes Ace opened his eyes again, continuing to stare at the wall, eyes a bit downcast. After some minutes, Ace gave a small sigh as he sat up straight, using his hands to dry away the tear tracks that he had on his face. When he had, his hands went back to Dust in his lap. Ace somewhat shook his head. ¨You don't have to stay, I'm feeling better.¨ Said Ace, sounding almost like his usual self, only some small emotions could be heard underneath.
The captain gave a smile and a small shake of his head. ¨It's no bother, I would love to stay, as long as you don't mind.¨ Ace gave a small nod, not seeming to mind he was staying, making him smile. The captain then watched as Ace started to open his gauntlets and taking them off, placing them close to the desk which wasn't far away, his cape soon joining. As his cape was now off and Ace went back to petting Dust, Whitebeard brought his hand back to Ace's back, thinking of going back to the earlier motion. But as soon as his hand touched Ace, he could feel the kid tensing up. Whitebeard gave a small smile and just let his hand rest behind Ace, to show he was still there. Ace still wasn't fond of touch and the captain would respect that. Just the fact Ace had taken the earlier comfort was a big step, making him glad.
Both of them sat in silence. The captain could see Ace closing his eyes at one point and taking some deep breaths before opening them again, now looking much more collected and composed, like his usual self. The captain could still see some emotions in his eyes, but that was it. It was almost unnerving to see how quickly and easily Ace could put the mask on. The worst part was how natural it looked. If he didn't know it, he would never have guessed the kid was in turmoil. This was the first time he had seen the mask slip, and that was clearly something that rarely happened, at least when others could see. It was something the kid probably had been doing for years, not showing any negative emotions, showing he was in pain and turmoil.
After some time in silence, the captain spoke up, looking at Ace. ¨Would you like to hear the rest of how I met your father?¨ Ace gave a slow nod, also seeming to be contemplating on something, making him not start the story, waiting to see if he wanted something. After a second, Ace spoke up having a somewhat calm look in his eyes. ¨Marco can also come in.¨ Whitebeard looked at Ace for a second, wondering what he meant, before he felt it. Marco's presence was still outside in the hallway. He could also faintly feel Izou, but he could feel Marco was deliberately making his presence known. Whitebeard gave a smile, seeing Marco being there and making so Ace also knew it. They had been here for almost 5 hours, and Marco had apparently not left, showing how much he cared and how patient he was. Marco would probably even stayed there for the entirety of the night too, if it meant he could show he cared.
Whitebeard gave a nod as he leaned a bit back, his hand going to the handle on the door. Being his size had it's small perks now and then. As he opened the door, he could instantly see Marco and Izou, both lifting their gazes to him. When they did, he gave a smile and motioned for Marco to come inside. As soon as he did, he could see Marco giving a small smile, as well as Izou as they both stood up. When they were up, Izou gave a nod and left silently. Marco sent a smile after the other male, before he went inside the room, carefully closing the door behind him.
When the door was shut, Marco made his way over to him in a calm manner and sat down on the floor like them, leaning on one of his legs. He was not far from Ace, maybe a couple feet or so away from his form. Marco didn't say anything as he made himself comfortable and leaned back on his leg, relaxing and closing his eyes, seeming glad Ace was doing better and that he was able to come inside. When Marco had settled down and Ace had a somewhat small smile, he started the story, continuing from where he thought Ace had fallen asleep. After he had talked for some minutes, he could see Ace switching hand, making so his left was now petting Dust. After he had, his now unoccupied right hand went closer to Marco's left one slowly entwining one of their fingers, as a small hold. He could see Marco giving an ever so small reassuring squeeze, making Ace give a small smile, relaxing a bit more.
This made the captain extremely glad. This was the first kind of affection he saw between his sons, aside from the small kiss almost 2 weeks ago. But this was different, this time Marco gave affection back, seeming to like the small touch. The captain pretended he didn't notice it and continued to tell the story, letting them have this small touch in peace.
Whitebeard finished the story after an hour and half, both of his sons sitting in silence and listening, seeming to enjoy themselves. Ace looking a bit content with everything, but also having a small secluded look. Making the captain think it was time to leave, maybe give Ace some time for himself. This had been a tough day for Ace, he might want some peace now. He hadn't been sleeping for some time now either, and might want that, he did look tired. Whitebeard moved a bit, making Marco open his eyes and look at him, and Ace do some small movement.
The captain looked at his sons. ¨What do you say about heading to get something to eat?¨ He could see Marco giving him a curious look, but understood after giving a look to Ace. Ace gave a small nod as he let out a sigh, ¨I think I'll stay here for a bit more.¨ The captain gave an understanding look as he nodded and moved to stand up. ¨That's fine, son.¨ He gave a small comforting and reassuring brush to his head, making Ace nod, a thankful look in his eyes. When he turned to the door, he could see Marco also nodding, before leaning in and give a small and quick kiss to Ace's cheek, making the captain smile. Marco then stood completely up and walked over to him, having a content look in his eyes.
The captain gave a last glance to Ace, who hadn't moved yet, ¨See you later, son.¨ He said. After Ace gave a nod, he and Marco left, leaving Ace to himself for a bit, which he probably also needed. It had been a tough day where a lot had happened, Ace needed to to take everything in, it had maybe been happening a bit fast for Ace. When they were out in the hallway and closed the door behind them, they started to walk towards the deck. When Marco had his hand on the door handle, he paused for a second. ¨Was it bad, yoi?¨ Whitebeard gave a small sigh. Bad was nowhere close to what that had been. ¨It's not my place to tell. But don't it mention around Ace, if he wants to tell, he will.¨ Marco nodded and opened the door and headed out. When they got to the main deck, they were met by many worried faces. Izou seemed to have calmed them down a bit, him knowing it must have calmed down to let Marco join.
When they saw the smile the captain had and the usual expression Marco had, they had a feeling everything was fine, or at least a lot better than what it had been. No one did ask about what had happened, even though they did want to know, they knew none of them would share. Thatch did ask if Ace would join them for a late dinner. Whitebeard answered with shaking his head and saying Ace was relaxing, needing some time for himself. Everyone had nodded, still looking worried, but knew Ace was better. He would never have left if he thought Ace wasn't better. They had gone to the galley, where some were still eating. Dinner had been a couple of hours ago, but they had not washed up or anything, seeing as the captain wasn't there, and they were worried for Ace.
They sat down and ate their food, talking as usual and keeping the mood up. They spent a long time in the galley, Whitebeard wanting to be around his children, since it made him feel calm. He always enjoyed to stay around them, more so when experiencing or hearing things that made him feel emotional. That story Ace had told was horrible, for him to be forced to make a decision like that, to either let the child die slow and painful or to kill him himself, only to be thanked for it. Only hearing it made his heart ache, he couldn't even imagine what actually doing it was like and hoped he never did. Ace would probably be back to his usual self next time he saw him, showing how used to this he was and how strong he were. He had a small wish Ace didn't think he needed to be as strong all the time, not around him. But that was a long road ahead.
After being in the galley for over an hour, Marco stood up and grabbed a plate with food, saying he would bring it to Ace. Which was a good idea, Ace needed to eat too. Thatch had tried to go with him, but Marco had given him a stern no and a glare, making the chef sit down with a nod, understanding he was not allowed to join. Marco had then left, leaving Thatch to somewhat pout, wanting to see how their youngest was. Whitebeard had given a smile as he had started a conversation with him, to keep his mind off Ace for a bit, so he wouldn't worry.
When Marco got to Ace's door, he gave a soft knock. When he got no answer, he slowly opened the door and peeked inside, only to smile when he saw Ace asleep. Marco slowly walked into the room and placed the plate on the desk. When he looked at Ace, he had his hand over Dust, probably fallen asleep while petting him, Dust seemed to like it as he looked at him from where he lay. When he looked at Ace again, he saw Ace didn't have his covers over himself and carefully dragged it over him, one usually slept a bit better with some covers over themselves. Ace didn't even make any movement as he did, making Marco think he was somewhat exhausted. It had probably been a hard day, maybe even days.
Before Marco left, he caressed Ace's head a bit, glad to see him better, giving a small smile when he still didn't make any movement. Ace really was tired. As he took his hand away, Dust gave a small caw. When he looked at the bird, he saw a thankful look in its eyes, making Marco smile. He gave a quick pet to Dust before he left, going back to the galley to be with his father. Who seemed to want to be with them, which he usually did when something bothered him. Making him wonder what Ace might have told, what had made Ace this upset. He decided not to think at it and sat down in beside his father again, joining their conversation. Ace would be better after he had relaxed for a bit.
-x-
Ace sat on the floor for some minutes after the other two had left, not wanting to move just yet. He had been shocked when he felt someone suddenly touch his arm, not hearing or feeling the captain had come inside. When he had seen the captain, he had tried to take a deep breath, to gather himself again, but felt it was a lot harder than he thought. But when Whitebeard had shook his head a bit, offering a small smile, a sob left him as everything felt too much. He decided to not think about it, to not overthink everything as he leaned on the man, taking the comfort the man offered. He could feel the man moving, sitting down and moving so he was instead leaning on his forearm, his hand being almost behind him, feeling a thumb stroking his back, giving some comfort.
It did feel comforting, especially when the captain didn't speak, only giving the comfort of not being alone. Ace still tried to silence his sobs, not wanting to seem weaker than he already felt. He felt small and vulnerable, which he didn't like, but he couldn't stop the emotions he felt, to stop the pain right now, he was far too gone. So Ace took the comfort, closing his eyes, trying to not think of anything for a bit, hoping to get himself back under control. It did take time, but he did manage it to some extent, at least stopping the sobbing and trembling, making so he could focus on his breathing and calm down, the captain still not speaking.
It was then he had noticed the presence of the first commander in the hallway, telling him even more he wasn't alone. It brought comfort, feeling him and Izou there, knowing he weren't alone, making some of the loneliness go away. When he felt more composed, he had sat up, wanting to seem like he was more in control. He felt even more glad when Dust jumped in his lap, making his running mind calm down some. After some contemplating, he had decided to lean on the captain a bit again, feeling drained. The feeling of sitting there, leaning on the captain and having the hand behind him, giving some small comforting strokes, no words being spoken, reminded him off his late mentor. This was almost the same as he had done when Ace was turmoiled, when he was in pain.
Ace had used some minutes thinking, thinking if he should say what had happened. He was always told speaking about it helped, to say it out loud. When he felt the arm somewhat tightening, he made the decision to tell, to share what it was. The captain staying silent the entire time. He could not get rid of the image of the young boy looking at him that pleadingly, realizing he would die, no matter what he did. Ace had given him some reassurance that the pain would be over soon, making the small kid give a thankful look, understanding what he would do. The sister was only out in the hallway and had heard the gunshot, yelling at him, crying and not understanding. He had decided to bring the body back with the girl, placing the body in a blanket to hide it from the girl, also softly blowing some smoke at her, erasing it from her mind. She didn't need to see it.
When he got to the parents, they were glad to get her back. When he explained about the boy, he expected to be yelled at, to be told he wouldn't get any payment or anything, seeing how the kid was dead, killed by his hands, which he did mention. Saying how he would have died, him taking the young child out of his misery.
But they had looked at him in understanding and gratitude as they said thank you, taking the body. Saying thank you over and over, glad to know he didn't suffer anymore.
It was the small thing that just made everything too much. He felt awful for killing the child, the innocent child, and wanted them to yell, saying how he shouldn't have done it. He could take that but he couldn't take this, to be thanked for doing it. Thanked for killing a young innocent life, something he had only done once before, but he wasn't thanked for it. It was the right thing to do, but he didn't want to be thanked for it. It was wrong.
He was glad the captain hadn't talked, only tightening his hand a bit, but not much. It felt good to say it, to share it with someone. After that, he slowly managed to place his mask somewhat back, but not completely. When the captain had stroked his head in a caring manner, he had realized how long they had been there, the reason he said he didn't need to be there, he was feeling better. But the words made him happy, glad to know he would stay a bit longer. Ace didn't want to admit it, but he didn't want to be alone right now. Taking the gauntlets and cape off felt good, making him feel a tiny bit better. When he felt Whitebeard's hand on his back again, he had tensed up, more on basic instinct that anything. The captain seemed to understand as he let his hand rest behind Ace, not touching, but there.
When some time went by and the captain offered to finish the story he had fallen asleep to, he had nodded, wanting that calm steady voice to ease his mind. To have some noise to keep his mind of the other things for a bit. He could still feel Marco in the hallway, and felt like he wanted him there too. Marco always helped him calm down, seeing how calm he was, offering calmness. When Marco had joined them, he could see him relaxing against a leg, seeming content with it. Ace wished he could manage to one day just sit down like that, not minding being that close to someone. But that was a long way to go, maybe something he would never reach.
When the story had started, he had felt his mind coming to a small stop, the reeling stopping for a second, liking the small distraction. He had slowly inched his hand closer to Marco's and intertwining their middle fingers again, feeling himself smile when he gave a reassuring squeeze. It was the perfect amount of touch right now. It felt good to listen to the story, having the soft embrace on his finger from Marco and Dust sitting in his lap, being calm himself. He felt his mind completely calming down, now starting to feel more like everything was better. This also made him feel tired and exhausted, as everything calmed down, also making him wanting some time alone, to think and relax. When the story was finished, the captain seemed to understand this as he mentioned heading back out.
The small brush the captain had done and the small kiss from Marco, made him feel like he wasn't as alone as he had felt when he had returned. He was a part of a crew now, a family as they called it. It felt nice.
Ace took a breath as he stood up from the floor, carrying Dust with him to the bed and sitting down, taking the shoes off as he laid down on his side, stroking Dust. The bird looked at him, giving a small caw. Ace shook his head. ¨I'm not mad. You did nothing wrong.¨ Ace stroked his neck, knowing Dust especially liked that. ¨It was right of you to get him. I'm sorry I scared you.¨ Dust leaned into the touch, feeling glad he was fine now and not mad. Ace made himself a bit more comfortable as he stroked the bird's back, making Dust also settle down. Ace petted Dust until he fell asleep, falling in a thankfully dreamless sleep.
When he woke up a couple of hours later, he had his blanket covering him and some food on his desk. Ace gave a smile as he sat up on his bed, rubbing his eyes a bit. He always felt them sting to some small extent after he cried like he had, which was rare. Ace slowly made his way over to the desk and sat down, doing some small paperwork as he ate, also feeding a bit to Dust.
He did feel reluctant to head back out, knowing the captain and most commanders had seen him like that. But he told himself that they wouldn't hold it against him, he needed to face them anyway, he couldn't hide away. He did believe the pirates wouldn't keep it against him, think anything less off him. But he had never liked to show his weak side to anyone. The few who had seen it, had either been someone he trusted greatly and knew for a long time. The other few who had seen it, had tried to use it against him, the reason he was as careful as he were. He needed to have some faith in the pirates, everyone he had talked to had said they were good people and they had not done anything to prove them wrong.
It was still a long way to go, but he needed to start to trust them to do the right things. They had not done anything to show they didn't care, being understanding and letting him be himself, letting him continue his work. He did like it here, even though it was still a bit weird. Having people this close and able to be as carefree as he were. Maybe not carefree, but more relaxed than he usually were around others.
-x-OUTTAKE-x-
Trafalgar Law was looking out at a window as they headed towards Sabaody Archipelago, going to head to the New World. One of the perks of having a submarine boat was that they didn't need to wait to coat their ship. But he had just found out the brat that had run him down also were headed that way. He was surprised to see the young kid headed that way, he couldn't be older than 16, and even that was pushing it. He looked more like he was around 14 or 15. But the biggest surprise was who they had seen him traveling with.
They had seen the Dark King Rayleigh on the boat with the kid, Luffy, and the blond guy.
They had accidentally seen it when they had been checking the surface out. Rayleigh had not been seen doing anything for years, so for him to suddenly be on a boat with two kids, was a surprise, making him think who these kids might be. They had to be someone special to get to travel with the man. Had he figured out this a month earlier, he would have confronted them, to see if they might pose some threat to him. But he had been told by the assassin that he needed to be careful, that he was being watched.
He might be a bit paranoid, even had some of his crew-members say he were, even Corazon at one point. But he needed his help, he needed the assassin as his acquaintance, so he would not take any chances. Rayleigh was a known and powerful man, who had been around for long, meaning he might had some connection to either the assassin himself, or one of the others. He had been notified by Corazon, that if he did something wrong to one of the assassins, he would lose all his chances. This was what Doflamingo had done, pushed his luck to far and not taking them seriously. He had been told by Corazon that Doflamingo should have been dead, he was almost killed by an assassin, by the same one he is now acquaintances with. Had it not been for Corazon, Doflamingo would have been dead, making him think it was also his connection to the man that made the assassin accept as easy as he did.
But that kid, the kid he had seen on that island a few days ago, there was something about him that intrigued Law. The reason he wanted to try to run into him again, especially now that he had found out he was traveling with Dark King Rayleigh. When the kid had asked for his name and he had sworn at the kid, making his face fall, he felt something, he wasn't sure what, but he had said his name, making the other smile and the feeling disappear. He had not told anyone about it, wanting to figure it out himself. But he wondered what was so special about this kid, this one kid that seemed like a regular annoying kid.
But there was something, and he would figure out what.
And that's chapter 24, hope you enjoyed
We did need some real hurt/comfort and we needed to have Ace be human and show how his work might be, how it affects him. And a baseline for Ace to start trusting them and start to ease up to them.
And if you like this story, please check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots and different events from this story.
If you have any requests, questions or if you're wondering about something in the story, feel free to ask. And if you liked the chapter, feel free to leave a review/comment