Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
A small trigger warning for suicide is still needed I think, just to be sure
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Thatch gave a small sigh as he watched the still covers. He didn't like what had happened yesterday, when Ace had just cried like that, not seeming to understand or able to comprehend and follow what was happening. He seemed better now, not fine, but better, at least based on what Marco said. When Pops asked him to take over from Marco and Trevor, he was shocked when he found Marco asleep under the covers with Ace. It was cute, but he was a bit shocked Bay had let him. But, again, Ace had tried to… kill himself, so the rules where a bit changed.
After a small bit, he heard a sound from the covers, uncertain whether Ace was waking up or not. He decided to stay quiet until Ace said something or decided to have his head outside of the covers, as Ace may not be ready for conversation just yet. However, Ace breathing became louder, uneven and ragged. Thatch gave a small breath, trying to think of what he should do. He wanted to help, he just didn't know how right now. He wasn't good with this, but he had a feeling anything was better than just sitting by and doing nothing.
As he was about to move and see if Ace was fine, Ace suddenly spoke in a loud tone, sounding to be in pain and panting. "Get Trevor." Thatch blinked, frowning in worry. "Why? What's wrong?" He asked as he moved a hand to what he believed was Ace's shoulder, making Ace give a sound as if in pain. "Now!" Thatch went to the door, opening it and telling someone to get Trevor and Bay now, something was happening with Ace. He then went back and sat with Ace, not sure what to do, he just sat in silence.
After a few minutes, Trevor, Pops, Marco, and Bay came through the door, the chef grateful they came so quickly. "What happene-" Trevor didn't get to finish as Ace spoke, voice sounding desperate. "Estoy padeciendo el sìndrome de abstinencia!(I'm going through withdrawal)" Thatch blinked. What? Trevor gave a sigh, looking at Bay. "Go get some Benzodiazepines and Methadone." The doctor blinked and frowned, on her way to speak to Trevor, but a look from the man had her move, most likely to get the medication.
Trevor then went over to Ace, one hand moving to his head and the other to hold onto Ace's hand. Thatch could now see that Ace was really sweating and had a pained expression on his face as his eyes were tightly shut. "Try and relax, it will go fine." Trevor said in a calm voice. Was this a reaction to the drug? Did he have a bad reaction? As he was about to ask if he could help, seeing Pops and Marco on their way to do the same, Trevor looked at them. "Go. You shouldn't stay here for this. I'll explain later. Get Daisuke on a line." Thatch didn't know what was happening, unsure if wanting the assassin on the line was a good or bad thing, or how Trever was speaking to Ace. Before he could finish the thought, Marco moved a hand to his arm and dragged him out of the infirmary.
When they were out, he looked at Pops and Marco, both having worried frowns. "I don't...What was happe-." Pops held a hand up. "Not here, son." Thatch blinked, looking around and seeing others out, who didn't know Ace was in the infirmary, nor why. The chef gave a nod in understanding. He would explain when they got to a more private place.
They walked in silence to Pops' room, Thatch trying to see if he could figure out what had happened, coming up blank still. When they got to the captain's room, Marco having asked someone to grab a Den Den, they all sat down. Thatch tried to explain what had happened, how Ace awoke seeming to be in pain, breathing raggedly and body moving, giving sounds at times. When he had explained, the others were just as confused as he was. Just then, the door opened and Paul gave them a Den Den. They called up Daisuke, stating that Trevor needed to speak to him, and that they were unsure of what was happening. When the door opened a few minutes later, Trevor coming in, the man didn't say anything though he looked on edge, taking the Den Den and speaking into it.
"How did it get so bad that Ace is literally going through withdrawal symptoms already. It's only been two days since he got his stomach pumped and been on detox."
What? Ace was going through withdrawal? The Den Den gave a sigh. "What kind of withdrawal? He shouldn't be going through it because of the drugs he took now, not this bad." Trevor shook his head. "It's not that, not only that, at least. This is a legit and full withdrawal. God knows from what - alcohol, drugs, smoke - but it's bad. How can Ace's situation have gotten so bad without either of us knowing?" The Den Den gave a sigh. "We haven't been able to watch him as closely as we would have liked. I had a small thought, that he was taking something, but that was it. This might be good for him though."
Trevor gave a nod, hand on his face. "Why didn't I know? That's what's bothering me. It will hopefully not be too bad. Also, do you know what he might be hooked on?" The Den Den was quiet for a few seconds, before it spoke in a calm voice. "Alcohol, smoke, sleep drugs… and a sedative-hypnotic." Trevor gave a swear. "I'll keep you updated." The Den Den nodded, the two giving a goodbye, before they hung up.
When the Den Den went back to sleep, Trevor moved his hand off his face, before he looked at them. "For a day or two, Mika and I will always be with Ace." Thatch saw Pops frowning. "Why?" Trevor looked at Pops. "Ever seen someone go through withdrawal? Especially on a sedative-hypnotic?" All of them shook their head, making Trevor continue. "It's bad. And I know Ace takes it too keep nightmares, thoughts, and such at bay. Those will now come back, and when they do, it will be bad. The withdrawal itself, isn't that bad. But, the rest is worse." Thatch felt his insides twist a bit. Ace had been addicted to drugs and alcohol, so much so he went through withdrawal now, this fast.
"Did- That drug Ace took, was it that kind, yoi?" Asked Marco. Trevor shrugged. "No, maybe, yes. I don't know. No one does, not even Ace. He asked for one thing: 'something to fuck him up', he got that." Thatch clenched his teeth, not liking that information. He didn't want to know what had made Ace do this, but still, he was curious. "Wh- what made him do that?" Trevor gave a sigh. "Remember Nina?" Everyone nodded, remembering the girl he and Ace had mentioned.
"Well," continued Trevor. "Her father experimented on her, tried to hide it. Ace believes he could have stopped it." Thatch frowned. "He couldn't?" Trevor shook his head. "No. No one could have known." Thatch was on his way to speak, when Trevor spoke, whilst heading out. "I won't tell you the details now. I'm going to head back. Please send Mika in when you see her." "Can I join, yoi?" Trevor gave a breath, halting in his steps, before he nodded. "Yeah." Marco gave a breath at that as he stood up, heading after Trevor.
Damn, Thatch had no idea what to even do or think. Ace was so strong and calm, and yet he did this. He sent a look at Pops, not sure what to do with the thoughts and questions running through his mind.
-x-
"Have you heard?" Jensen looked at Paul. "What?" Paul leaned in closer. "It's Commander Ace, in the infirmary."
Jensen blinked, before he frowned. "What? Why do you think that?" "It's clear." started Paul. "We know he's back; his bird is out. And, we can speak to everyone, but not him. And, the commanders are acting weird." Jensen thought it over. Well, it sounds plausible, but still. "Why would they have him in lockdown?" Paul looked at him. "I spoke to Jasper. He was on Bay's crew, before she joined us and became the doctor. He said this has happened once before."
When the man didn't continue, Jensen leaned in closer. "Why was that?" Paul gave a look to him. "Because someone tried to kill themselves." Jensen blinked. "No. Why would Commander Ace do that?" Paul seemed to have issues with the next part. "I don't know. But, I do get it. Look at his work and how he acts at times. He drinks, he's secluded, he has a lot of responsibilities. But still, he's so young. Barely considered an adult." Jensen didn't know what to say. When Paul said it, he got it. Even he had gone to the commander earlier with issues, forgetting he was so young. He didn't know what to say. When the man left a few seconds later, giving a quick goodbye as he needed to leave for duties, Jensen headed out onto the deck, not sure what to believe.
When he got out on deck, he saw a familiar pair and headed over, hoping, and needing, answers. "Commander Marco," The first commander stopped, looking at him, yet looking to be wanting to leave. He was heading to the infirmary, making what Paul said so much more believable. "Yes?" Jensen took a breath, needing to before he spoke. "Is… Commander Ace… Is the infirmary on lockdown because of him? Because he tried to kill himself?" The first commander's features stiffened at that, not answering. Jensen didn't like that. As he was about to ask again, needing to know, Trevor was suddenly there and looked at him with a deadly glare.
"You go and keep to yourself, now. Whoever you heard it from, tell them to do the same. Don't want rumors to be out. Neither true or false."
Jensen tried to speak, now sure it was true based on that. Trevor made a motion to the first commander, which made him follow, Jensen needing to take a few deep breaths. "Is he okay? I need to know. Please." He didn't want the second commander to be in the infirmary, to have done something like that. Commander Marco turned to look at him as he walked. "Ace will be fine, yoi. Go relax and don't spread any gossip." Jensen stood still for a minute, not wanting to believe it.
The infirmary was on lockdown since Commander Ace tried to kill himself.
He needed to do something, but didn't know what. He didn't know what to do with this information. He took a breath before he headed to Pops' room.
-x-
As Marco and Trevor both sat down next to Ace's bed. Trevor moved a hand to stroke a bit of Ace's hair away from his face, which was wet with sweat, Trevor give a breath. "Finally asleep." Marco was sure Ace had issues falling asleep earlier, even with the drugs. "Will he be out long, yoi?" Trevor gave a sigh. "I hope so, but I don't know for sure. The longer, the better. He needs it now." Marco had to agree to that. Ace slept little normally, and now, with all of this, he really needed the sleep.
Marco leaned back in his chair, moving a hand to Ace's hand, softly holding on it, hoping Ace would be fine, that this would pass, and that things around them wouldn't escalate. It was bad enough others had come to the right conclusion of why the infirmary was on lockdown. They needed to figure out what to do about that, he would be sure to speak to Pops. They couldn't hide this forever.
He had some small conversation with Trevor after that, nothing happening the next hour, Ace thankfully asleep. But, he had gotten some drugs to help with the pain and to calm him down. That would make Ace sleep for a while, maybe because he has been in pain for a small while. Bay was busy fixing things in the infirmary, now having the time to. After the hour had passed, the door opened and Pops came in, having a small frown. When the man was inside and sat down, he gave a sigh as he looked at them. "I just spoke to Jensen." Marco felt a sigh leave him, knowing what this was about.
"I know, yoi. They, or at least he, knows. We spoke to him too. I didn't know how to respond, Trevor did." The assassin nodded to it, telling what he had said, not wanting to deal with that at the moment. Pops gave a breath. "We need to figure out how to handle this, what to say. We need to say something. It's better we do, than rumors. Weather they are true or false." Trevor nodded at that too, thinking. "We should ask Ace. Even if I think we should just say it, I know he might not want to. Let's see how he is when he wakes up." Both of them nodded at that. Ace should decide what to say himself, seeing as it was about him. They then settled with some small conversation, not doing much as they relaxed and waited for Ace to wake, hoping this wouldn't be too bad.
After half an hour, Marco noticed Ace starting to move a bit in his sleep, breathing starting to go a bit ragged. He didn't like to see Ace like this, hoping it would pass quickly. Ace, even in sleep, looked to be in pain, or starting to feel pain, maybe the thing waking him up. Maybe they could give Ace something to help with the pain now, so it wouldn't get to bad? As he was about to run that idea past the others. Ace sat up with a startled breath, looking panicked, starting to cough, even noticing a few tears going down his cheeks.
Trevor moved first, grabbing Ace's hand and holding onto it, the other moving to his back, stoking, sending a look at Bay, before looking back at Ace with a calm look. "Hey," started Trevor in a calm voice. "It's okay. Calm down, breathe. You'll get something to help in a moment." As Trevor said that, Bay was beside Ace with a couple of syringes, injecting the content into the IV, giving a nod to Trevor. "There. In a few moments, it'll kick in. Try and breathe." Ace, still coughing and seeming to be half-panicking, nodded as he looked to try and calm down.
After a minute, Ace seemed to calm down, still sweating a bit, but better. "You okay?" Ace gave a nod to Trevor, lying down and trying to relax, taking deep breaths, a hand wiping his cheeks a bit. As Ace was lying down, Marco noticed something on his chest. "Is your heart beating hard, yoi?" Ace just gave a nod, trying to calm down still, eyes closed as he was trying to relax. Trevor gave a sigh, moving a hand to Ace's chest. "Heart palpitations is common with withdrawal. Just uncomfortable most times." Ace seemed to like the hand on his chest, most likely for reassurance. It didn't look comfortable to have heart palpitations, but guessed Ace had experienced it before.
Ace moved an arm to lie over his face, still trying to relax. Trevor stood up and started to walk a bit away. "I'll get a cold cloth." Marco moved to have his hand on Ace's chest. "How do you feel, yoi?" Ace took a couple breaths before he spoke, sounding out of breath, almost panting. "Like Hell." That was an honest answer at least, which didn't surprise him. Pops looked understanding and gave a sympathetic look, not liking that Ace was going through this, or the reason why.
When Trevor came back, he handed him a cold wet cloth, which confused Marco for a second, until Trevor motioned to his hand on Ace's chest, making Marco understand. When Marco placed the wet and cold cloth on Ace's chest, Ace did a small shudder, most likely not expecting it, before he looked to manage to take a real relaxing breath. He guessed the wet and cold cloth helped a lot with the heart palpitations, and seemed to help with the sweating and breathing, allowing him to relax. When Ace was able to breathe normally, he moved the hand away from his head and eyes, them being real bloodshot. Trevor handed Ace another cloth, which Ace held over them for a few seconds, making his eyes look better. Going through withdrawal looked awful, and he had a feeling it would only get worse. But, as Daisuke had said, this would be good for Ace. To get it out of his system.
As Ace started to look better, he sat up slightly, taking the cloth from Marco's hand and holding it on his chest himself, still wanting to have it there. Marco now noticing Ace's hand shaking. Pops seemed to notice it too, giving a pensive look, understanding it was because of the withdrawal. It showed how bad it was.
"So," Started Trevor, sitting down. "Any thoughts on what we should tell everyone? They have started to figure it out." That was one of the reasons it was good to have Trevor here, he knew how to just go for it. He didn't beat around the bush.
Ace gave a breath. "A miscalculation. Leave it at that." Trevor gave a sigh. "But, it wasn't a miscalculation." Ace looked at Trevor. "And they don't need to know that." Trevor gave an angry breath. "You can't just hide what happened. Face up to it." "And," Started Ace. "What if I don't want to face up to it." Trevor leaned closed to Ace. "Then I'll make you." Marco didn't like that, and was on his way to interfere when Ace spoke with a sigh. "Fine. Fine. Just don't be too bold." Trevor gave a small snort. "Says you." The man then got a calm look. "I won't outright tell in detail, but that it happened in the moment, drunk." Ace gave a small sheepish smile. "Thank you." Trevor gave a chuckle. "I'm not an asshole." Ace gave a snort and chuckle. "Could've fooled me."
Trevor shook his head a bit as he chuckled. "Now, relax. You need the rest. It will be one Hellish night." Ace gave a sigh, lying down as he nodded, not looking forward to it. As Ace was lying down, he moved a hand to be over his head again, trying to relax, most likely a bit tired from all this and from what he got from Bay earlier, even seeming to fall asleep quickly.
Trevor looked at the rest of them. "You should go actually. As I said, it will be a hellish night. Ace would like it best of you aren't here for that." Marco blinked. "But, I, we, want to be here for Ace, yoi." Trevor gave a sigh. "And I get that. But, believe me, his first withdrawal night, the one he will have, is hell. He won't want others to see. Just, let this go. It's not pretty." Marco gave a nod. He would let it go for now. With a last look to Ace, he and Pops left, even though Marco, nor Pops, didn't want to. But, they understood why.
When they got out, Marco spoke with Pops about what they should do about Ace, what they should tell to the others, and how. What Trevor had said seemed like a good idea, and they should go with it. Tell Ace had, with a drunken mind, an overdose on drugs, but was better now, that he was being kept alone until it was fully out of his system. They would keep the withdrawal out, not needing to mention that. As the two decided that, they first told it to the other commanders, who agreed on it, asking how Ace was. Marco and Pops did tell them that Ace was going through withdrawal right now, telling them that he had apparently been taken some drugs and gotten hooked on them, not the kind he overdosed on, but Ace would be fine.
Later that evening, during dinner, with help from Mika, they informed the crew of Ace's situation. Everyone was shocked, but Marco could see a few having come to the same conclusion, just glad Ace was better and would be alright. He, and the others, answered a few questions, at least what they could. Marco hoped Ace would be let out of the infirmary soon. He guessed the withdrawal would pass quickly, due to Ace's ability to heal quickly, especially with enough rest. If he remembered correctly, it could last from 2-5 days, 3 being normal. It had been a day already, and would reach its peak over the course of the night. Afterwards, things would be better.
He didn't see much of Mika or Trevor during the rest of the evening. Marco really wanted to go and check on Ace, but would wait until morning. He would listen to what Trevor said. He didn't sleep much during the night, worried, but did his best to sleep a bit. He would be glad when Ace was allowed out of the infirmary. It would mean he was better, which would be good. Surprisingly, he managed to get a couple of hours of good sleep, as he doubted he would be able to fall asleep at all. After breakfast was finished, he headed to the infirmary, hoping Ace was feeling better and over the worst of his withdrawal symptoms.
When he went through the door, he got a few steps before a horrid smell assaulted him, making him move a hand over his nose. What was this? Bay was cleaning something up close to Ace's bed, Mika helping, the bed unoccupied. He got the doctor's attention, "What is that smell, yoi?" Bay gave a sigh as she stood up. "Puke. Well, that the drugs we administered which only amplifies the smell. A difficult night to say the least." Marco felt worried about that, having no idea that it would have been that bad. "Where is he, yoi?" Bay gave a small sigh. "Took a shower, then went on a small trip outside the infirmary with Trevor." Mika stood up and looked at him. "Most likely on the mast, out of view. They needed some fresh air, especially Ace." Marco nodded, understanding that.
As Marco left the infirmary, he looked up as he walked, seeing something on top of the main mast, out on the edge. The first commander changed into his phoenix and flew up, seeing Trevor and Ace up there, Ace relaxing with his eyes closed, most likely really enjoying being out of the infirmary for a small bit. When he landed beside Ace, Trevor on the other side, he changed back into his human from, settling on the mast and relaxing himself, glad to see Ace out. "How are you, yoi?" Ace gave a small hum, eyes still closed. "Much better." Trevor gave a chuckle. "Puking for 8-9 hours usually helps. That, and sweating." Ace gave a small shudder. "It was awful." Trevor chuckled. "Usually is. But, it's over now." "Yeah." Answered Ace with a sigh.
Ace did look better, at least compared to the last few times he was with him, maybe even before all this. "Does everyone know?" Marco gave a nod, looking at Ace, who had his eyes closed still. "Yeah. But, they won't judge you by it. They understood it, many having figured it out." Ace gave a small sigh, eyes opening and looking at the sunrise. "I guess it was bound to happen." Trevor gave a hum too. "Yeah. Just don't let it happen again." Ace gave a nod. "I'll try." Marco understood that Ace wouldn't promise that, but hoped it would never happen again.
They sat and did some small talk for a few minutes, before Trevor said they should head back, the two in the infirmary were probably finished tidying up. As Trevor said that, Ace sighed. "How much longer am I on suicide watch again?" Trevor gave a small chuckle. "You'll soon be let out of the infirmary, but not the watch. Maybe later today, but the watch, might be for a small bit. Daisuke is still coming by, maybe Hanzo too." Ace gave a nod. "Well, we should get back then. Hopefully, it'll be time for my next dose of Benzodiazepines and Methadone." Trevor shook his head. "It will be the last one if you do. But, you might need the calming one, your hands are still shaking." Marco looked at Ace's hands, seeing that Trevor was speaking the truth. Ace gave a sigh, nodding, before they headed down, choosing a route where they wouldn't be noticed as easily, going slow because of Ace's shaking hands, which only got worse.
When they got back to the infirmary, it was clean and no longer smelled. As Ace sat in the bed, he was given another shot of medicine, which did help with the shaking in Ace's hands. They then sat and relaxed, speaking about different things. Pops did drop by after a small bit, glad to see that Ace was fine. When Thatch dropped by with some food, the chef also glad to see Ace fine, he stayed for a small bit, all of them just enjoying themselves.
After a couple of hours, Marco bid farewell, explaining that he needing to do take care of a few things: the first was showering, feeling like he needed that, before he moved to the door on the other side of his.
Marco knocked on Izou's door, hoping that the other male was still awake. Now felt like the right time, he just needed to wait for the perfect moment. But first, he needed to collect two items which Izou was holding onto for him, or withholding from him as he refused to be left out of the important occasion. After a few seconds, the door opened, Izou giving him a look, most likely wondering why he wasn't with Ace. "I want what we spoke about last month, yoi." Izou blinked, before smiling. "You better have all of us included you know? That's the deal." Marco nodded. "I will try. But, seeing Ace's state, I don't know how many or how long we'll be out."
Izou gave an understanding look. "I understand. But, do you think you should do this now?" Marco nodded. "I think now would be good. I think Ace could use the reassurance too." Izou nodded, seeming to understand it. "Let me get them." Marco nodded as the other commander turned and got the two small boxes, handing one to him. "This is yours, and," Izou handed the other one to him. "This is Ace's, because of the marks. I'm sure he'll love them." Marco nodded, putting them in his pockets. "Thank you. I won't do it yet, but when it feels right, yoi." Izou nodded, giving a smile. "I'm sure it'll be perfect and Ace will love it. He's allowed out of the infirmary, at least. Thatch told me." Marco nodded and smiled too.
"I hope so too, yoi. I will see how Ace is and take it from there." Izou nodded, agreeing. He gave a goodbye to the other as he left to head back to the infirmary to Ace. He was going to be let out, but he still needed to return for regular checkups.
Marco hoped things would go fine. He had a few things to tell Ace too.
When he went out and towards the infirmary, he noticed that both Trevor and Ace were outside. Ace most likely having been discharged from the infirmary, seeming to be heading back to his room. He was sure Ace was a bit tired, and was probably glad to be let out of the infirmary. But, Marco would do this now, it felt like the right time. He gave a small look to Izou, who was heading over to Thatch, giving a nod in return. Now would be perfect.
-x-
Ace walked towards his room, wanting to relax for a bit. He was feeling better, greatly so, the drug was almost completely out of his system now. The use of his powers were a little unsteady, which he only now noticed. He hadn't guessed those drugs would make that happen.
He would still be watched for a while, but he was okay with it. It was mostly Marco and Trevor who would be with him in private, which made it bearable. He should be with them for a while now, needing the reassurance. He really hoped things would be fine somehow, go back to normal. But, he felt like he may have ruined things between him and Marco, though he hoped not. He didn't really know how to handle it. Marco was beside him now and would probably join him inside his room, so he could try to speak to the other a bit then.
"Ace, yoi." Ace stopped, turning to Marco, who also had stopped, looking directly at him. He could see the others were also watching them, which had him wondering what was happening. He felt like there was something he didn't know. He didn't like that. Before he could speak, Marco continued. "I know the last few days haven't been easy on you, or us, all of us, yoi. But, I still love you. I want to be with you, and that won't change, ever." Ace blinked. Was Marco...? No, Ace was certain that Marco didn't want to be with him anymore, he was only saying that to be nice, until he was better.
Marco moved down to one knee, a hand moving into his pocket, taking out a small box, opening it and showing a ring with a phoenix symbol on it.
"Will you marry me, Ace?"
Ace didn't know what to do, how he should react. He could feel everyone looking at him, but could only seeing Marco looking at him, looking more and more worried by each second, especially when he felt tears start to rundown his face. "Ace?" He heard the man ask worriedly.
When Ace got his mind working, to understand that this was actually happening, he moved down and hugged Marco.
He didn't know Marco still wanted to be with him, to marry him, let alone propose again. He felt Marco move his hands to hug him back, Ace feeling a sob leaving him. "Ace, yoi?" Ace nodded. "Yes." Ace tried to take a breath, to calm down, not sure why this was making him this emotional. He was glad, overjoyed, Marco wanted to be with him, but he didn't know he would be this emotional with it. Ace didn't know what to do, what to say. He felt Marco stand up, him following, so they weren't crouched on the ground any more. When they were up, Ace hugged Marco more, trying to stop the tears, to at least stop sobbing, only crying. He was really happy.
He felt Marco hug him back, hand stroking his head. Ace gave a small laugh, hands moving to dry his cheeks. "Ignore this." Marco gave a nod and small chuckle. "It's fine, yoi." Ace gave a nod, hugging Marco again, who hugged back, giving a small chuckle again. Ace could hear the others around starting to clap and cheer, glad on their behalf. Whitebeard knew they were married, but not the rest, who thought this was the real thing now.
Ace was so happy Marco still wanted to be married to him. It was all he wanted now; to know Marco still liked him.
-x-
Marco gave a chuckle, moving his hand on Ace's back, a bit shocked when Ace started crying. He hadn't expected it, but knew Ace was still emotional. He knew Ace self-esteem was extremely low right now, this might make Ace feel better too, better than words could do.
When they let go, many was around them and congratulating them, sure they were now fiancées for real, even the commanders. Only Pops knowing the truth. Everyone gave their congratulations, but didn't linger too much, knowing that Ace might be on edge, only just leaving the infirmary. He was sure that would go back to normal soon, when Ace was more himself. Right now, it was kind of good that they stayed a bit away. When the ones out had given their congratulations, he and Ace headed back towards his room, wanting to relax. They walked in silence, Ace having a smile on his face, looking glad by all of this. Marco still had a few things he needed to say though. But would tackle that in a moment. They were just a couple of feet away from the door to the commander's hallway.
Marco grabbed Ace's hand when the door to the commander hallway closed, leaving them alone, Ace turning to look at him, wondering what he was doing.
"Ace," He started. "That out there, was the truth, yoi. I love you, I trust you. But, I need you to trust me too. I need you to trust me, to speak to me. I can't do this if you don't. I need you to not go through things alone, don't shut me out. Okay? I need you to be open with me, speak to me, please." He felt his voice break a bit at the end, feeling his eyes watering. He needed Ace to speak with him and not go through life by himself.
Ace gave a nod, eyes a bit teary himself as the other nodded. "I will. I will try, okay. I love you too, Marco. I do. And I will try. I promise." Marco nodded, hugging Ace again, hoping things would be fine, that Ace would open up.
-x-
Marco lay on his bed, a hand moving through Ace's hair, the other lying with his head on his chest, having just fallen asleep.
They had just gotten to his room and laid down to relax, Ace seeming a bit tired. Marco didn't feel that tired and didn't mind Ace sleeping for a bit. He was sure Ace was glad to be let out of the infirmary now, to be able to relax in his room. Ace knew he couldn't be allowed to be alone yet either. But, he seemed okay with it, or as okay as one would expect. He was at least with him now, and that was perfect, he thought. Ace was getting better, slowly and that was all he wanted. He still meant what he said outside in the hallway, but he wouldn't push it now, knowing Ace was still a bit affected by the drug.
Marco sat with his eyes closed, leaned back against the pillows behind him, relaxing. He had a hand moving through Ace's hair slowly, hoping it was helping the other stay asleep. It felt good to relax like this, especially with Ace. It felt nice.
After almost an hour, he felt Ace moving a bit, taking a small deep breath, most likely waking up- Marco was not able to see his face- but staying with his head on his chest, relaxed. Ace moved a hand to lay beside his head, half-holding on his shirt. As Ace was awake, Marco moved his hand to the other's back, stroking between his shoulder blades, not minding relaxing some more.
After a little while, he felt Ace giving a small breath. "That earlier… I don't know what to say or where to start. It… hurts."
Marco realised Ace was hinting at what happened before they went inside his room, him telling Ace to open up and trust him, to let him in. Ace said that he would try, and that he might have some issues with it. "What hurts, yoi?" He asked in a calm voice, hand moving to Ace's head and through his hair comfortingly. He could feel Ace opening his mouth, on his way to answer, but wound up letting out a sigh instead, not saying anything. When Ace was quiet for a few seconds, he spoke up. "Ace, look at me, yoi." It took the other a few seconds, but he moved his head to look at him, making him move a hand to Ace's cheek, stroking.
"No matter what you say, it will never change what I feel for you, yoi. Never be afraid to tell me anything. You don't need to tell now. You don't need to tell anything bad. Just don't shut me out, yoi." Ace gave a small nod and small smile, head moving down again, his hand returning to Ace's head, still stroking. Ace moved his hand to his chest, moving over Marco's mark.
"I just…" Ace gave a sigh. "I don't know what to tell, not sure where to start or how to tell. It won't be told in an hour or two." Marco moved his hand on Ace's head. "And, I don't expect you to tell me everything in an hour or two. It will take time, but I want you to do that, to tell me, yoi. Even if it takes months, even years." He gave a small breath, before attempting to give Ace as small push. "How about we start with something we've spoken a bit about before. I know you don't want to speak about it, but need to. About the rape." He knew Ace didn't want to speak about it, but it was a topic they had been on before. Ace was silent for a bit, before he gave a small sigh. "What do you want to know." Marco didn't want to know, but he wanted Ace to open up. "How old where you, yoi? Let's start there."
Ace was silent for a little while, before he answered in a small voice. "13."
Marco gave a nod as he stroked Ace's head. That was very young. He knew Ace would be young, but had hoped that he was at least 16. Not that it would have made it any better, but he wouldn't have been that young. "Is that the reason you can't be underneath?" Ace gave a nod. "Yeah. I just… forget where I am at times… when I feel someone above me or being pressed down." Marco nodded. "I understand, yoi. Just tell me if I do anything you don't like." Ace gave a nod, but didn't say anything, and Marco felt satisfied with that. He leaned down and placed a kiss on Ace's head. "Thank you for telling me, yoi. Let's just relax for now, unless you want to continue." Ace gave a small hum. "Maybe later." Marco was okay with that and stroked Ace's head a bit, enjoying this moment of relaxation.
He was sure things would be fine. It would just take time.
-x-
The next day went by calmly, Marco and Ace staying in his room for the evening and night prior, just relaxing.
When Marco had woken up in the morning, having slept well, Ace wasn't in the bed. He wasn't surprised, especially seeing as breakfast had already passed. He hadn't slept that long in a while. When he got up, he didn't find Ace out on deck, but was sure Trevor was with him, seeing as no one reacted on him being out without Ace, even Mika.
When he got to Pops' chair, the man greeted him with a smile. "Son. How are you?" He gave a smile back to his father. "Good, yoi. Ace was really glad to be out of the infirmary." The man gave a chuckle. "I can imagine. Where is Ace? I would like to ask him what he wants me to share with the others. Many are asking questions, and I don't know what I can and can't say." Marco gave a nod, sure many asked him questions. "I don't know where he is, yoi. I just woke up." The man gave a smile when he heard he had slept in, the rest he gave a frown too.
But, before the man could say anything else, Mika spoke. "He's in the kitchen, with Trevor and the chef. The chef is making cake apparently." The woman said it with an amused smile, knowing something neither of them did. Did Thatch make cake for a specific reason? He did at times, but he hadn't heard anything, and based on Pops look, he didn't know either. The two decided to head to the kitchen, curious about what had amused the woman.
When they got to the kitchen, Marco had to blink at what he saw.
Ace was sitting on top of a counter, Trevor next to him and reading a book whilst Thatch was putting the finishing touches on a cake before it went into the oven. They were all amused by the fact that Ace was calmly sitting with the used cake bowl, which held the last remnants of the cake mixture, slowly eating it with his fingers, while speaking about an island with animals whose meat tasted amazing.
"Cute, right?" Marco looked at Trevor, who spoke with an amused look. "Bunny has always liked doing that. Especially speaking as he does it." Marco turned to look at Ace when he gave a hum and shrug. "I like it." Trevor gave another chuckle. "Seeing you acting your age is just adorable." That was true. Ace looked like the child he was, which was a rare sight, and a bit cute.
"Why are you here?" Marco gave a chuckle, moving to sit on the counter beside Ace. "Pops wanted to ask something, yoi. Can I taste?" Ace gave a nod, taking another bit himself before he looked up at Pops. "What did you want to know?" The man gave a small chuckle, whilst taking a seat on a chair. "About what happened the last few days. How much would you like for me to share? The others have asked questions." Ace gave a hum. "Easy. Tell them what you're comfortable enough to, as for the rest, tell them to ask me." Pops nodded at that, it was a good and easy answer to it. Marco, who now tasted the cake mix, blinked, looking at Thatch. "It tastes different, yoi." The chef nodded. "Yeah. Ace's idea. Added mayonnaise. Of all things, mayonnaise. Makes it better apparently." Marco nodded, taking another taste. "He's right. It does, yoi."
Thatch shook his head, looking flabbergasted. "I know! It's so weird." Trevor chuckled. "Learned it from Moira. That woman made it like that. Gives it a fuller taste." All of them nodded, agreeing. Marco was now sure that the next time they met the woman, Thatch would ask her if she had any other tips. Ace gave a small noise as he jumped down from the counter, handing the bowl to him. "Which reminds me. I need to call Daisuke." Trevor gave a chuckle. "We'll arrive at Fishman Island tomorrow, and leave after 2 days, heading on, but not to the Grand Line." Ace nodded as he went. "I know."
When Ace was out, Marco looked at Trevor. "You're not going to follow him?" Trevor shook his head. "I know he wants to speak to Daisuke, so he will head there. And, it'll give him a few minutes alone. I just want to make sure he doesn't get his hand on any drugs or alcohol yet." That was understandable. He guessed that was more important now, sure Trevor knew Ace better on that than them. He still had a thought it was also to half-watch if Ace did anything that was a danger to himself. "Also," Continued Trevor. "Ace might act more like his age now, seeing as he's not allowed to go on assignments." Marco blinked. "He's not?" Trevor shook his head. "He is off duty until further notice, banned from doing work. Just to be sure he is okay and stays okay." Marco nodded, understanding that. Also glad about it. Ace deserved a break, though he was probably unhappy about it. He liked to work. It was for Ace's own good. Trevor then started up some small talk again, making them stay, not seeing a reason to leave, especially when Trevor mentioned Ace would be back.
After a few minutes, Ace returned, jumping up on the counter again and taking the bowl back, starting to eat the small bit that was left. "Daisuke is almost at Fishman Island, just a few hours away. He also says hi." All of them nodded, before the conversation started back up Ace seeming happy.
The rest of the day went calmly. Them staying in the kitchen until dinner, before going off and relaxing after that, Ace still seeming tired.
Marco was glad that Ace had some time off now.
-x-
Whitebeard sat out on deck and relaxed, glad to see everything going fine, hoping this stop on Fishman Island would be good. Ace seemed much more relaxed than normal, and even enjoying himself, even though he was being watched. Which was good.
Trevor seemed to think that this place would be a good place to stop for a bit, not that he understood why. He hadn't asked, but was sure that the man wanted the best for them, and especially for Ace. The only things he knew that might be here were Jacob and Evie, but there might be something else too. He would be sure to ask Trevor if he would watch Ace on the island, knowing this was the place Ace could buy the really strong alcohol. Ace was not allowed to drink any kind of alcohol for now, needing to stay away from it until he was better. Him hoping Ace wouldn't drink the strong stuff again later.
As they were preparing to dock, someone walked on to the ship, which confused the capital as no one usually dared to board his ship unannounced. to dock, But, after looking closer, he saw it was Hanzo, remembering him from those months back, and the fact he looked like Raiden, just with black hair, but the same white eyes. Before he could ask what the other was doing here, he also saw Daisuke boarding too. The two probably came together to help Ace.
Before he could bid the two hello, Hanzo walked, a bit hurriedly, over to Ace, giving the other a hug, Ace seeming almost shocked for a second, before realising who it was, hugging back.
He saw Ace had a small smile when they parted. "Thank you for not asking." The other gave a small laugh. "I don't do that. You know that."
The man let go and gave Ace a pat on his shoulder as he started to walk away. "Now, come on. I've already spoken to Malik. He's waiting." Ace gave a small laugh and smile, following the other, halting for a short second when he walked past Daisuke. The man moved a hand to Ace's, whispering something to Ace. Ace gave a nod and small smile, Daisuke giving him a pat on the back as he moved, Ace giving one back before he followed Hanzo again.
The captain guessed Hanzo had planned something for the two of them to do, that also involved Malik somehow. He was sure it wasn't anything dangerous, sure Hanzo only wanted what was best for Ace, Ace seeming to like that the man was here. For now, it was good to have Hanzo here, the man was making Ace smile.
He could see Marco sending a look after the two, obviously a bit worried, but also seeming sure Ace would be fine. Hanzo could watch over Ace and seemed to know how to act. As Ace and Hanzo were off the boat, Daisuke walked over to Trevor, who stood still and looked relieved, letting the older male hug him. The captain was sure Trevor was mentally tired after all of this, using a lot of himself to help and be with Ace.
He was sure things would be fine for the next few days, there might be some ups and downs, but things would hopefully be calm.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed it
I know it was a bit short and fast paced, but if you want to, I can add things to the One Shot series. I just wanted to get this part over with and progress further with the story, but there will be at least one more chapter focusing around Ace and his suicide.
If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback
If you want to, come follow me on Twitter, where pictures and such will be posted, as well as updates, and if I'm late. My twitter is Azuruko You can leave comments, requests, ideas, or just say hi (Link also on my profile)
Or, you can join my Discord server, Azuruko's fiction, for the same reasons as my twitter. Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR
Also, another story of mine called 'Black Heart' will be finished soon, so I will be starting a new series afterwards. I have a poll on what the next story will be. You can vote in the comments section, on the poll on my site (wherea more descriptive version of the ideas will be) or on my Discord or Twitter
Ideas for next story:
Naruto and One Piece crossover (Focusing on the Whitebeard pirates with Ace as the main character)
Supernatural and One Piece crossover (Focusing on the Whitebeard pirates with Ace as the main character - no Dean or Sam - Sorry)
Avatar (Legend of Korra) and One piece crossover (Focusing on the Whitebeard pirates with Ace as the main character)
Descendants (Powerful beings with power passed down from others. No one knows much about them)
Mafia (Modern World)
Police/investigator (Future/Sort of Sci-fi World)
Competition AU(Music)(Modern)
I would love your votes on this