Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
And we'll have some work in the Thatch and Ace thing. Finally more about that. I couldn't fit it in the last chapter, so here it finally comes
Also, smut scene. Skip from where it starts until the -x- to skip over it.
I hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Ace was in a good mood during dinner. He had really enjoyed himself at Mara island. He really enjoyed being there and hadn't been there for almost 3 months. He usually visited every month, at least every other month, but hadn't had the chance the last three, since he had had a lot to do after joining the pirates and in his work. But it was really nice to see his horse, which he really needed to name, but the stubborn horse was stubborn. And he really enjoyed seeing Stacy again. He did enjoy being around the other horses too, but those two were the main ones.
He could remember when he and Azuruko used to come there and ride them and relaxing in the clearing. He really did miss that.
When Marco had come when he was with the herd, Ace though about asking him to join him for a ride, it was always nice to ride and he needed to try to get more used to being closer to the first commander. The island and the horses usually calmed him down and made him think of the good times. When he saw that Marco also was enjoying himself after they had started running, Ace felt happy, more so when Stacy seemed to enjoy it herself. Ace never really did let others use Stacy, Sabo had once, but that was it. She was special, she used to be Azurukos after all.
Ace knew Marco wouldn't hurt her and he hadn't planned on telling him it was Azuruko who used to ride her, but when he had asked, he felt he should, just because he did trust Marco. He would understand she meant a lot to him. He did understand that, even commented on how amazing she were, which she were. Stacy was amazing. And during the ride to the clearing, Ace had felt the same feeling he had when he used to ride with Azuruko. He felt calm, relaxed and happy. It was really nice to have someone to ride with again, even better since it was with his horse and Stacy, and that it was Marco he was with. It felt really nice and he really would like to do it again.
When they had been at the clearing and Ace had cleaned Stacys foot, he had felt the calmness of the place and felt his body relax. He hadn't been here for a long time and he always relaxed here. And he hadn't slept for almost 3 days either. He was starting to slowly feel that. When he had cleaned it and saw Marco sitting at the root, looking comfortable. Ace had thought this might be an opportunity to get closer to Marco, to show he was opening up. He was just not used to it and would need time.
When he had leaned his head on his shoulder and asked to let him sleep, he could feel the shock Marco felt, before he relaxed and said of course, using a hand to slowly massage his head.
Ace rarely slept on others like that, it was a bit too close for his usual comfort. But he could feel the place they were, as well as the horses presence calming him down and made him able to sleep for a while, to really relax for almost an hour. It felt good. Ace wished he was more okay with touch sometimes. He did feel like he was shunning Marco when he avoided it or didn't feel comfortable with it. He really did like Marco and would need to use a lot of time to get used to the normal kind of closeness for people.
But Ace hoped he would get there one day. And Marco was patient and seemed to understand it and let him use the time he needed. Ace had never been okay with touch after his first run in with nobles and it had only gotten worse after that. None of the assassin really were comfortable with touch. They did trust each other to some extent, some more than others, but they were often weary. They wouldn't go around and be as open as usual people, which Ace actually liked. He liked that they weren't too close to each other, but could still care for each other. It was something he was used too. He had been around assassins most of his life, it was what he was used too.
The way the pirates worked together, like a big family, was foreign to him. Just having them care and worry for him was something he still hadn't gotten used too, especially the captain. Ace knew he acted like that with everyone, like a father, mentor and captain. Ace just wasn't used to it, used to worry like that from others. He was used to the stoic kind of worry Daisuke might have, or the nonchalant worry Azuruko had. But that was it.
Sometimes Ace wondered if he was too damaged to fit in with normal people, fit in with the pirates. Ace weren't like normal people and he knew it, but he couldn't change. He was terrified to change and trust someone.
Sometimes Ace wondered if joining them was a good idea. He didn't regret it, he was just a bit unsure at some points. He needed to handle it as it came along.
As dinner was coming to an end, Ace got another assignment. Going on an assignment might help him clear some of his thoughts. He was also starting to feel crowded and could use the time alone on the assignment. He had been with the crew at the morning and Marco until dinner, before being in the crowded galley. It didn't seem to be anything bad, just an information run. He gave a quick note to Whitebeard that he would be gone until around supper, then he left, getting the usual 'be safe'.
Ace was starting to get used to he smaller things like that, the small words he got when he left or returned. It would just take time. At least that was what Ace kept telling himself.
-x-
Marco was out on deck after supper, enjoying the evening and waiting for Ace. He knew Ace might be able to get to his room and not appear out on deck, he had done that a few times he was aware off, probably more than a few too. He had just talked with his father, asking to put the island they had just been at too their usual route, also explaining why. Pops had agreed and said they should do that. They had many island they had put on their route because others on the ship had family or something there. Doing it for Ace would show they cared and did want to include him. Marco was hoping to tell Ace the good news when he returned.
After waiting for almost an hour, the raven appeared.
When Dust noticed him, he gave a shrug. When nothing else happened, Marco gave a frown as he looked at the bird. ¨Isn't Ace coming, yoi?¨ Dust gave a nod, before moving his head so he looked behind the first commander. When Marco looked to where the bird was looking, he saw he was looking towards the commander's quarters. Marco looked back at the bird. ¨Ace is going straight to his room?¨ The bird gave a nod and gave a shrug as he opened his wings to fly. Before he could; Marco asked one more thing. ¨Could I join? Or would Ace like to shower or something first.¨
Dust lowered his wings and looked at the first commander, before giving a nod and caw.
Marco felt himself smile, glad he could meet Ace when he returned. As he was about to turn around and head to the commander's quarters, the raven flew to land on his shoulder. Marco was mildly shocked, before he gave the raven a pet as he started to walk to the assassin's room, having a feeling Ace would like that more than his room. There was probably a reason he wanted to go straight to his room and not out on deck.
When Marco got to the assassin's room and closed the door behind him, Dust cawed and a bloodied Ace appeared.
Marco was stunned for a second, but when Ace took his mask off and dragged a hand over his face, ridding some of the blood, not seeming to be injured, the first commander relaxed. As Marco got a better look at Ace, he noticed it wasn't as bad as he first thought, and it was mostly his clothes that was bloodied. Marco gave a smile, now relieved Ace wasn't injured. ¨Messy assignment, yoi?¨ Ace gave a small smile as he nodded. ¨But it isn't so bad. It's mostly on my clothes. It probably looks worse than it is. Some people stand the wrong way when they die, creating a mess.¨
Marco gave a nod, ¨It's just a bit shocking to see someone covered in blood, yoi.¨ Ace gave a chuckle. ¨That's a normal reaction. It takes times to get used to seeing it.¨ Marco nodded, giving a smile. He got that, it wasn't everyday one saw someone covered in blood, at least they didn't. Ace was probably used to it and wouldn't bat an eye if one of them was covered. Not that it was a surprise, Ace had been around assassins for most of his life and was used to different things than they were. They would get used to it, it was as Pops had said, it would be an adaption they had to do.
As Ace started to take his cape off, Marco leaned against the desk, giving Ace a smile. ¨We decided to do some changes in our regular course, yoi.¨ Ace gave him a curious look as he folded his cape, making Marco continue. ¨We decided to visit the island we were just at when we are around if we have the time.¨ Ace gave him a shocked look, ¨But wouldn't that be off your course?¨ Marco shook his head as he smiled. ¨It won't be, since it's now a part of your regular course.¨ Ace looked stunned for a second, ¨Why did you decide that?¨
Marco smiled more, ¨We thought it would be nice to have an early stop, yoi. And you seemed to like it there and care for the horses. This will make it easier for you to visit too.¨ Ace gave a thankful smile to the first commander, ¨Thank you.¨ Marco shook his head, smiling. ¨It's nothing, yoi.¨ Ace placed his cape on a chair and turned back to Marco, having a sheepish smile, ¨You didn't need to do it. I can go there on my own, I've always done that.¨ He said as he took his gauntlets off, placing them on the desk.
Marco shook his head, ¨If it means alot to you, we can make time for it. And it was a really beautiful island.¨ Ace gave a nod, still having the sheepish smile. Marco took a step closer to Ace, giving him a kiss. ¨We care for you, we want you to be happy. I want you to be happy.¨ Ace gave a more genuine smile, although it still had an underlying sheepish look. ¨It really means a lot. Thank you, Marco.¨ Said Ace, leaning in to give a kiss back. Marco felt himself leaning into the kiss, eyes closing as a hand came to Aces back as he deepened the kiss.
When Ace leaned back, he looked happy, having a beautiful smile. When Marco tried to lean in again, Ace stopped him and lifted an eyebrow. ¨I'm bloody.¨ Marco shook his head, ¨It's just blood, I don't care. Guy probably deserved it anyway, yoi.¨ Ace gave a small laugh. ¨She did. But still, it's blood. Not the most alluring thing to be covered in.¨ Marco lifted his own eyebrow, ¨Didn't you say it was mostly on your clothes?¨ When Ace gave a nod, Marco moved his hands upwards, holding onto his shirt. ¨Then why don't we take them off?¨
Ace sent him a curious look, ¨I'm not sure if I should be flattered or worried that you don't care that I'm bloody.¨ Marco gave a small laugh as he slowly started to pull the shirt up, giving Ace the possibility to stop or protest. ¨What can I say. I'm not easily fazed, yoi.¨ When the shirt was off, Ace lifted an eyebrow, ¨Who was it that was fazed by some scars the first time.¨ Marco gave a small snort, dropping the shirt to the floor. ¨To be fair, I was more surprised than fazed.¨ Before Ace could say anything more, Marco connected their lips again.
As the kiss depended, Marco moved his hands to Aces butt and lifted him to sit on the desk. Ace had let out a surprised and startled noise, hands grasping his arms.
When Marco had placed him on the desk and felt the hands loosening, he gave a sheepish look, having felt Ace tensing up as he was startled. ¨Sorry, yoi.¨ Ace gave him a look, before shaking his head. ¨It's fine, just give me a warning next time.¨ Marco gave a nod, before connecting their lips again. Hands starting to open his shoes and taking them off, Aces hands untying his sash, making him give a moan. As he got Aces shoes off, he started to open the pants, noticing Ace holding around him with his legs as a leverage, so he could slip the pants and boxers over his button and hip, before taking them off.
As Aces pants and boxers were off, Marcos sash also fell to the floor. As his pants was loosened and he felt Aces hands move to his chest, Marco moved a bit away, panting as he looked at Ace, who also were panting, cheeks flustered. ¨Do you have lube, yoi?¨ Ace gave a nod and moved a hand to open a drawer and grabbed a bottle and handed it to him. Marco grabbed it and coated his finger, when they were coated, he connected his lips with Ace and moved his hand to his entrance and carefully inserted a finger. As he started moving it in and out, Aces hands moved to his shoulders as he arched, back stretching and a moan leaving him.
After a bit, he inserted another finger and started to scissor them, loving the moans Ace let out. As he inserted the third finger, he started to kiss the chest in front of him, feeling Ace giving a strained loud moan as he arched, making him do it more carefully, feeling it was a mixed reaction. Marco felt Ace tense at some spots, making him change the place and finding out which spots Ace liked and what spots were sensitive. He found a few and tried to concentrate on them, especially at Aces collarbone, where he gave a real big arch as he moaned.
As he felt Ace was loose enough, he carefully slipped his fingers out and coated his member as he connected his and Aces lips, the kiss instantly deepening. When they parted, both was flustered and panting. Aces hands to came to hold on his shoulders again, making it easier for Marco to lift him, not that he was heavy, and lowered him on his aching member. Marco felt himself groan as he felt the tightening and hot feeling around his member, hearing Ace moaning and feeling him arching as he pressed further in.
When he was fully seated, he felt Aces legs around his hips, arms on his shoulders as he leaned in to kiss him, cheeks flustered and breathing harsh as he panted. After some seconds, Marco felt Ace starting to rock his body, making him give a groan as he started to move, making Ace moan and arch. As he continued to move, Ace moved his hands from his shoulders and placed them on the desk behind him, leaning on it as a leverage, half sitting on the surface. As Ace was somewhat perched on the desk, Marco moved a hand to the Aces thigh, caressing it, the other still around Aces hip, as a small support. It was easier to move and give thrusts as Ace was half sitting at the desk, giving some leverage.
As he continued to move, feeling his finish approaching, he moved the hand from Aces hip to Aces member, stroking it with his thrusts. Making Ace give an arch, his back arching perfectly as he moaned. When his body relaxed again, moans continuing from the moving hand on his member, giving small arches. Marco leaned in and connected their lips in a deep kiss. As he felt felt Ace panting more, arching and meeting his thrusts, he speed up the hand on his member, giving a deep thrust.
And that was it for Ace. His back arched and let out a moan of his name, feet pushing into his back as his face filled with pleasure, cumming on his and Marcos stomachs. When Marco felt Ace tightening around him, he groaned and managed a couple of more thrust before he also reached his finish with a moan of Aces name, riding out his pleasure.
As Marco came down from his orgasm, he felt Aces legs moving and the sounds of a chair scraping across the floor. A second later he was pushed down to sit in the chair, also slipping out of Ace. When he was sitting, Ace moved down from the desk, sitting on his legs as he panted.
As he got his breath back, he heard Ace give a chuckle, a hand coming to wipe something off his shoulder. When Marco looked at what it was, he saw it was blood that had come from Aces arms, and stained his shoulders and chest, probably back too. When Marco made a small grimace at the fact he was somewhat covered in blood too, Ace gave a snort as he wiped the hand on his face. ¨Who said it was 'just blood'? No grimacing now.¨ Marco gave a snort himself, using a hand to wipe it off his face. ¨I don't look good in blood, yoi.¨
Ace gave a snort, grabbing his shirt and taking it on. ¨And I do?¨ Marco couldn't help the small laugh that escaped him and looked at Ace as he moved to grab his boxer and pants, putting them on. ¨You at least look good in red, yoi. I don't. And it's sticky.¨ Ace rolled his eyes as he threw his sash to him, ¨A shower will take the awful red color away, your cleanliness.¨ Marco snorted at the nickname, looking at Ace as he grabbed some clean clothes. ¨I know you like cleanliness too, yoi. I know you're going to head for a shower.¨ Ace gave a sheepish look to the first commander.
Marco gave an understanding look, ¨Go shower. I can wait for a bit.¨ Marco understood Ace was going to shower and he would like a shower too, he would have loved to shower with Ace again. But he could see Ace had had enough closeness and touch right now. He had been with him and the others the last days, all the time actually, unless he was on an assignment. It was more than what he had been until now.
Ace gave a sheepish smile as he nodded, coming up and giving him a kiss on the cheek. ¨Thank you. It was amazing.¨ Marco gave a nod, ¨It was. And have fun in the shower.¨ He heard Ace give a chuckle as he walked out the door, closing it behind him. Marco let out a small laugh as he moved to somewhat tie his sash around his waist. Ace was opening up and seeming to be more open and himself around him, but it was still a road to go. But they were getting there.
Marco waited in the room for a few minutes, before he moved to his own room, grabbing some clothes and sitting down on his bed to wait until he was sure Ace was finished with his shower. It was 10 minutes later that there were a knock at the door, before he could move or give a come in, he heard Ace tell the shower was ready, before he moved to his own room.
Marco gave a chuckle. Ace did seem to get more and more used to being around them and him. It was a good feeling. He had a smile as he headed for his own shower, glad to know Ace was slowly opening up more.
-x-
After Ace had showered and told Marco the shower was now unoccupied, Ace spent some time in his room, relaxing and reading a book. He was getting used to everything, but it was still new to him and it took time to adapt. As Ace had been reading for almost an hour, he felt Dust telling he had a new assignment. Ace made Dust appear in his room so he could read the note. Ace had sent Dust away when Marco mentioned removing his clothes. Dust would still know what he was doing because of their connection, but he was at least not in the room. And Ace could block the connection.
When he read the note, he gave a small sigh, he had hoped he could get the evening off, but he needed to leave at once for this. Ace put his assassins clothes on, and as he was fastening his gauntlets, he went to his door and looked it the hallway. And sure enough, Namur came out of his room to head for watch. Ace quickly got his attention and said he would be gone for a few hours, 4 at most. After he said he would tell Pops, Ace left, heading to do this assignment.
The assignment went fine for the first hour, then everything got worse.
It was an easy assignment, he was supposed to free someone from a mansion in the west of the grand line. He had managed to free the woman easily, using his powers to put her in a sleep like state, before having Dust get her to a peaceful island where she could live or leave, giving her the choice on what to do. As she was on safety, Ace checked the mansion more out.
The person who lived here, just a regular sadistic person with money. It was thankfully not a blue blooded patrician, as he had been thinking at the first glance at the mansion. It was good to know they were still keeping it low, him not getting any assignments that had to do with them, knowing Daisuke hadn't gotten something either, he would have told him if he did.
But when he had moved to the basement, the woman for some reason not being held there, Ace felt himself sigh.
There was at least 30 bodies lying around in a cell room.
Ace had taken a deep breath, before starting to see of he found anyone alive. It had happened that he had found someone hiding underneath other bodies, hoping they wouldn't be noticed. It did happen that someone thinking that had managed to survive, since they were out of view and no one usually checked under other bodies.
As he had checked half of the bodies, he found a body that was still warm.
At first, he had thought the boy wasn't dead, but when Ace had gotten a closer look and better access to his throat to check for a pulse, he found out the boy was dead. His lips was blueish and there was no pulse. When he touched the boy's hand, the hand was cold, but the chest and neck was still warm, telling that he hadn't been dead for long, maybe an hour or two at most, and that was pushing it. The fact that the boy had been alive only a short time pryor, made him think one thing.
And that was, if he had been faster or gone to the basement first, the boy could have possibly survived.
As Ace moved the body, placing it next to the others he had checked, he softly held the hand for a second, as an apology for coming late. He hated it when he was late like this. All the other bodies were cold, meaning he had been alive when everyone was dead. It was a horrible thing to be alive around a lot of dead bodies, especially seeing as the boy couldn't be older than 14, but he could have maybe been saved and lived for many more years. But instead, he had died alone next to 28 other dead people.
Ace didn't usually bode on thoughts like this for long, knowing he would only fester and that was never good. But he always paid his respect to the ones like this. And when he was done with everyone, everyone being placed in a peaceful position, Ace would give a small moment of silence to everyone, paying his respect and giving a small apology for not being able to save them. Before he left heading back to the ship.
When Ace got to the ship, he grabbed his body with whiskey, feeling a sigh leave him as it wasn't the strength he usually had.
The one he usually drank was sold out and the man he bought it from had been for a month now. No one else Ace knew made anything in that strength. So he had to be satisfied with this, it wasn't as strong as the usual, but it was strong, about 83% if he remembered correctly. Ace always took the labels off if they had any, in case someone stumbled across it and saw how pure it were. He knew it wasn't good to drink anything this strong, much less what he usually drank.
As Ace had changed out of his clothing, he walked out on deck, thinking of going to the small ledge at the whale's teeth and drink there. It was a perfect place to sit, since he didn't think people knew off it. He knew Marco knew off it, but that was fine. One person wasn't so bad and Ace liked to have a place he could be in peace outside.
But as Ace was at the front of the skip and about to teleport to the ledge, a raindrop hit him on the forehead.
Ace looked up in the sky, at the dark clouds, and felt another few drops hit his face. As the rain continued, starting to rain heavily, Ace closed his eyes, head tilted upwards. Rain was sometimes a blessing, and right now, Ace felt like it was. Ace decided to remain out on the deck, not heading to the ledge. There wouldn't be any rain there, the top of the whale's teeth serving as a small roof. But this was perfect, there was rarely anyone out at night anyway, even less when the weather was like this.
Ace took a swig of his bottle as the rain continued, Ace feeling like he could somewhat let go. This felt good.
-x-
Whitebeard walked out on deck. It was late and he couldn't sleep, he had gone to his room to relax early and was now awake in the middle of the night because of it. He would have tried to go back to sleep or just stay in his room, but when he had looked out his window, he had seen that it was raining.
Not that it was anything special. They were in the New world after all, the weather was unpredictable and changed often here. But they hadn't had any bad weather for a while, they had been extremely lucky. Not that it was any storm or anything now, but it was raining, raining harshly yes, but only rain. He wanted to check if his gut feeling was right, he was also almost certain he was right and wanted to be there if he were.
As he walked so he could see the front if the ship, he saw the familiar back standing against the railing. Having his cape on as it blew in the wind, but the hood were off, head tilted slightly upwards.
The captain had a small smile as he walked up to the railing to stand beside the assassin. He had a feeling Ace would be out, it was raining, something it hadn't in awhile. It was no wonder the kid was out, with the hood off no less. It was one of his ways to deal with things. As he came up to stand beside the kid, the captain sent a look at the kid before he reached the railing and saw he had his eyes closed and a relaxed expression. But the captain frowned as he looked for a second more.
He was expecting the kid to be out like this, what he didn't expect, was the bottle of clear liquid in his hand.
The captain gave a small sigh inside himself. Not only was Ace out in the rain like this, but he was also drinking. He had a feeling the assignment hadn't been the easiest one and the kid was coping his own way by drinking, the rain most likely being a plus as he could relax and let go a tiny bit like this.
As the captain came to the railing, standing beside the assassin, Ace opened his eyes and looked at him, giving a small smile, but didn't say anything. The captain offered a smile back, before Ace turned his head to the sea. Ace was smiling and seemed to be in a normal mood, but the captain could see some redness in his eyes, also seeing some distinctive drops that fell down his cheek in a different way than the rain. Normally it was hard to see, but the captain had seen this a lot of times and could easily see the evidence of tears through the heavy rain. He remembers how long it took to make Marco stop. The captain had even used some time before he realised why Marco was out in the rain.
When Ace lifted the bottle and took a swig of it. The captain felt his heart clenching, giving an ache as it was clear Ace was having issues with keeping everything on check, therefore resolved to drinking.
The captain knew it would take time for Ace to get used to being around them, even longer before he would lean on them. Whitebeard did understand the standing in the rain and was sort of okay with it, it wasn't anything harmful. But the drinking was another issue. Especially now that he knew how strong the liquor was. The way Ace drank it, he would never have guessed it was nowhere as strong as it was. He almost treated it like water, not minding the burn or awful taste it must have. Which saddened him.
It only showed how used Ace were to drinking. Even he himself wouldn't be able to just drink something that strong and not have any reaction to it. Much less almost an entire bottle and not have any signs of a hangover. It showed how used he was to it, but also that he had been doing it for a long time. Just how long was something he was unsure of and he had feeling he started way before he could legally drink. Not that it stopped many from drinking in a young age, but no one usually drank something that strong.
When Ace took another swig of the bottle, the captain turned his gaze to the horizon.
He didn't need to look at Ace or watch him, he most likely didn't like that. He could just be here and not speak, he had done that a lot of times. He wanted to show that he cared, and if he could do that by just being here and not speaking, he would do just that. He didn't want to make Ace more uncomfortable and be more reluctant that he already were to ask for help or maybe lean on them.
When the rain stopped an hour later, the captain saw Ace drying his face with his hands in his peripheral vision.
It was done in a nonchalant manner. Using his hands to quickly wipe over his face, especially his cheeks, where the captain saw Ace doing it a bit slower, to be sure any signs of tear stains wouldn't be visible. After that, Ace stood still, taking a swig from the bottle, that he saw was almost half empty, now and then. If this was the same kind of alcohol he had been drinking when Marco found it, which it most likely were, Ace was really closing in on drunk. A normal person would have been either really drunk or passed out by now. Ace took another swig of the bottle and leaned on the railing.
¨I sometimes hate my job.¨
Whitebeard looked at Ace, shocked to hear Ace speaking, he never did when he was like this. Ace was looking at the horizon, eyes woeful. Whitebeard gave a nod, turning to the view himself, keeping the assassin in his peripheral vision. ¨Is tonight a night like that?¨ He saw Ace give a small nod, gaze staying woeful as he looked at the distance. The captain gave a nod himself, ¨There is nothing I can say to take away the pain. But know that I will be here when you need me.¨ He could see Ace sending him a look, before nodding, turning back to the horizon.
The captain knew Ace was used to be by himself, but he was opening up. Just that he said he sometimes hated his job and said he did that today, was something. Saying he weren't in perfect shape in some way. Whitebeard still wouldn't force his comfort on Ace, but he would mention it, that he were here, they he would always be here.
They stayed in silence after that. They didn't need to say anything more. Empty words would do no good anyway, they wouldn't help Ace any, the captain knew that. He didn't need to say more than he had. All that was left was to be there for Ace. If he just wanted this, the comfort of not being alone, he would give that. If he would want more, want to speak about it or anything, he would listen. But Ace would choose what.
When the captain could see faint rays of the sun raising, Ace straightened himself and stood up, sending him a look. ¨I'm going to head in now. Thank you for staying out with me.¨ The captain gave a smile, ¨It was nothing.¨ Ace gave a last nod before turning around and heading towards his room.
The captain could only look as Ace walked away perfectly normal, the bottle a bit over half empty. There was no way Acer weren't drunk. And yet, he walked like nothing, spoke like nothing. It was just as if he hadn't drunk any. It saddened him to see how used Ace were to drinking.
The captain stayed out for a while longer, before heading in to relax a couple of hours before breakfast.
-x-
During the next day, Ace got an assignment in the morning, making so he had to leave during breakfast and wouldn't be back before around lunch. When the kid had left, after notifying the captain during the breakfast, Whitebeard couldn't help but send a worried look after the kid. He had been drinking only hours pryor, and he had been drinking a lot. He had been drinking more before, when Marco had found his bottle, it was almost empty, it was only half empty when Ace had left for his room.
But for him to still be able to look as good and instant go to work like normal, was worrisome.
No one should be able to just brush off drinking a half bottle of whiskey like that. Even if it was a regular strength, he should have been having a hangover, at least a headache. But Ace, who he knew drank something much stronger than normal, didn't seem to even have any reaction to it. And to see it first hand on how little it affected him, made him really worried. Not just the fact Ace drank something as strong, but the lack of reaction to it. He knew that to be able to have such a small reaction to it, meant that Ace really was used to drinking. Something that saddened him. But he wouldn't force him to stop, many, almost everyone actually, were drinking on the ship, just not as strong.
Unless he saw some signs of it being a problem, someone accidental getting it or Ace getting sick from it, he wouldn't bring it up. He knew it might be a bad decision to let Ace continue like this, but he would trust it would be fine, that Ace knew what he was doing. This wasn't something new, it was clear Ace as used to it. The reason he made this decision.
When lunch came, Ace was back and still seemed to be fine and in the usual perfect condition.
It did calm him to see Ace was fine, it was always good to know his children were fine and happy. But he always wished everyone was comfortable enough around him to speak about their problems. Everyone always used time to open up and do that, but they usually did it after they realised he wouldn't judge them. But Ace had a hard time to trust or lean on someone, which wasn't surprising, but he still wished he made more progress than this. He had been a part of his family for 2 months, and he knew Ace trusted him more, but just barely. But he wouldn't give up, he would do his best to give Ace a family he could trust.
As lunch was coming to an end, he noticed Ace giving a yawn at one point. Something he had realised he had never seen him do.
He mildly wondered if Ace had slept the other night, but had a feeling he hadn't. When lunch did come to an end and everyone went to do their things, he noticed Ace leaving to the commander's quarters, hopefully to his room. Since it was a good and sunny day, many was out on deck and enjoying it. After being out for half an hour, Dust came and perched himself on his armrest, ruffling his feathers as he settled himself. When the captain looked towards the mast, where Dust usually were, he saw the nest he had made was nowhere in sight. It must have disappeared during the night or something, he would need to give the bird some new material to make a nest, the bird should be comfortable too.
As the captain saw there weren't many near him right now, only Marco that was a few feet away from his chair, he looked at the bird. ¨Is Ace asleep?¨ The raven only looked at him, tilting his head. Whitebeard gave a soft look to the bird, ¨He seemed tired at lunch.¨ Dust tilted his head the other way, before giving a nod. The captain gave a nod to himself, using a finger to pet the bird, which it seemed to like. It was good to know Ace was sleeping, to show some sign that he is tired, yawning as he had during lunch, did probably mean he was really tired.
The day continued to be calm, and he didn't see Ace before dinner time, making him hope Ace had managed to sleep for a while. But he also remembered if Ace slept long, he didn't sleep for days. That must be hard to live with that, but it would hopefully be something they could help him with as Ace got more used to being around them and trusting them more.
As they ate dinner, being in good mood as usual, he noticed Thatch sending Ace looks now and then, seeming to be in thoughts. He hoped Thatch would approach Ace so they could talk about it, he knew they hadn't talked together yet, it was clear based on the look Thatch had. Ace didn't seem to mind it and acted normal, which was good. Thatch needed to see that Ace really didn't blame him, that it wasn't his fault. Which it wasn't, he didn't have anything to do with his old family.
When dinner ended, the weather turned again and it started raining. Most was in the galley and had fun there, playing cards and other games, being in a good mood. He had noticed Ace going out of the galley, but he seemed to be heading towards his room and not to be out on deck, which was good. As the night rolled around, the weather getting better, not clear, but at least not raining, the captain was out for a bit, before heading to his room early to relax, reading a book.
After he had been in his room for an hour, someone knocked at the door. When he gave a come in, Thatch came in. The captain gave a smile, ¨Son, how are you?¨ Thatch gave a nod as he sat down in a chair, looking at him with a small uncertain look. ¨I want to try to talk to Ace.¨ The captain gave a nod as he put his book down.
If he could help Thatch speak to Ace and come to terms with that he wasn't to blame, he would do his best to do that.
-x-
Ace sat in his room, doing some paperwork, when there was a knock at his door. Ace placed his pen down as he gave a 'come in'. Stacking the papers as the door opened. When he was satisfied with it, he turned to the door to see who it were and gave a smile as he saw it was Thatch. ¨Thatch, did you need anything?¨ That gave a nod, fidgeting a bit. ¨Could we speak? About the… mark.¨
Ace gave a nod. He had been waiting for the chef to approach him, understanding this was something that really went deep for the chef. ¨Would you like to speak here, your room or somewhere else?¨ Thatch gave a small nod, looking at him. ¨Could we do it with Pops? If that's okay.¨ Ace nodded and stood up, giving a smile. ¨That's fine.¨ Thatch gave a nod and started to head out, waiting in the hallway. Ace walked out and closed his door, walking beside the chef to the captain's room.
When they came to the captain's room, he seemed to be waiting for them. When they got inside and closed the door, the captain gave a smile, motioning for two empty chairs that were placed for them. They sat down and Ace sent a look to the other two, waiting to see who would talk first and take it from there. When Thatch was fully seated, he sent a look to the captain, who gave a reassuring look back, before looking at him.
¨Thatch and I have talked about this before, when you were in the infirmary. The circumstances that he saw the brand, was something that we didn't plan and he understand why he wasn't told. But he still have issues with the fact it's his old family crest.¨ Ace gave a nod, he had realised as much. Ace looked at Thatch. ¨I get that you may have felt mad or betrayed since we didn't tell you. But what I don't get is why you feel guilty. You weren't a part of it.¨
Thatch sat still, trying to think, looking lost for a few seconds before he started talking. ¨I-, How can I not? It's my mark!¨
Ace shook his head, ¨It's not your mark, it's theirs. You have nothing to with them anymore. You haven't for a long time, even before you abandoned them you weren't a part of it. You never held the same views.¨ Before Thatch could speak again, Ace continued. ¨I can't change your feelings, only you can do that. But if you need to blame someone, blame them. Blame the one who held the iron.¨
Thatch opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, looking helpless at Ace. When the captain used a hand to stroke his back, the chef managed to speak. ¨You really don't blame me?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨I don't blame you. I never did and never will.¨ Thatch gave a nod, still having the unsure and lost look. ¨I just… I don't get how you can't blame me…¨ Ace shook his head again, giving a small sigh. ¨It's not your fault if people do bad things. Unless you do them yourself, you have nothing to blame yourself for. You are not responsible for their actions.¨
Thatch gave a nod, before looking at him. ¨A-are they dead?¨ Ace sort of nodded. ¨Your biological parents are alive. The ones responsible for this are dead.¨ Thatch gave a nod, before looking at him with an uncertain look. ¨Who… who was it?¨ Ace gave a sigh, he had a feeling Thatch would know what had happened if he said who, but he couldn't not answer, that might make everything worse. ¨It was Theodore.¨
Thatch looked horrified by that. ¨That means… you were in the game.¨
Ace gave a nod. He had hoped Thatch didn't know what that man had done with his prisoners. Thatch looked at him, still horrified. ¨You got out… that mean… you won the game… right?¨ Ace gave a nod.
A second later, before he could even comprehend it, Thatch had risen and was hugging him.
Ace tensed, not expecting that. He managed to somewhat relax and patted the chef on the back. After a few seconds, Thatch leaned back. ¨I'm so sorry you had to go through that.¨ Ace shook his head. ¨I'm fine. It was long ago, and he's dead.¨ Thatch gave a nod, still looking somewhat horrified.
It was Whitebeard who then spoke up, having a frown. ¨Game?¨ Thatch gave a nod, giving an uncertain look to the captain, before looking at him. Ace gave a sigh and nodded. ¨Game. He would play a game where we had to choose between two things. We could either electrocute yourself, or the person to your right. Gouge out the eye to the person in front of you, or slice the eye of the person to your left. And so on. The game continued until one was left, and that person could leave.¨
¨I just didn't leave when I got released from the cuffs. I took the man out.¨
Ace could see the captain nodding, not liking what he heard. It was a sick way to play with his victims and Ace was glad he was dead. He wouldn't tell them how he took him out, that was something he didn't need to tell.
Ace gave a look to Thatch. ¨I'm fine. You don't need to blame yourself. I know it won't just happen like that, but try not too. It wasn't your fault. No reason to feel guilty.¨ Thatch gave a nod, ¨I get that now. I just… need time.¨ Ace nodded. ¨Take the time you need. No reason to rush it.¨ Thatch nodded, actually giving him a smile. Ace gave a smile himself. Maybe the chef would stop avoiding him now. He didn't like that, especially when it wasn't his fault anyway.
They changed a few more words, before Ace had to leave because of an assignment Dust came with.
-x-
When Ace returned from the assignment next morning and went to breakfast, he was glad when he got a genuine, or more genuine smile compared to what he had gotten the last days from Thatch. It was good to know Thatch at least didn't have the guilty look all the time. He did still sometimes look uncertain and had a guilty look flash across his eyes, but it was a lot better than before. Ace didn't change how he acted. Just because he now knew, wasn't going to make him change anything, he had no reason to. He didn't blame Thatch before or held any resentment towards him before, and he still didn't.
He knew it would take time for Thatch to completely accept it, that Ace didn't blame him. But they didn't need to rush it. It would take the time it needed too.
As the day progresses, they had amazing weather and a good wind in their sail. If the weather would continue to be like this, they would reach Palmido faster. Ace also wondered on how Stefan and the other wolves there would react to each other. They would probably not have any issues, they were a nice pack of wolves that cared for each other greatly.
It would be more interesting to see how she reacted to Stefan, seeing as he was on a pirate ship. After all, she was really protective of her wolves.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
And I know it was a bit shorter than normal, but there have been some extra long ones before and the next will maybe also be a bit longer than normal.
And just a small thing for the next weeks. I'm doing some project work the next couple of months via school. This might mean I don't get to write as much as I would like and will be delayed. This go for both Ace of Spades series and my other story that I'm working on, Psychosis. If I'm really late, more than 2 days, I'll put a notice on my profile.
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