freckle-face-ace

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X Trafalgar Law

2

Law sat out back on a stack of overturned milk crates with a sigh. Opening had been particularly rough that morning, after losing track of time and studying all night. There wasn't much time between rushes, soon the shop would be filling up with people on their lunch breaks, so this would be his only chance for a moment alone for a few hours. Tattooed fingers slipped into the pocket of his navy peacoat retrieving a fresh cigarette without much thought. After lighting the smoke he closed his eyes taking a slow drag, waiting for his nicotine buzz to settle in.

Winter had finally arrived bringing with it the season's first snow. While others wrestled with seasonal depression from being cooped up and all of the cold dreary weather, Law felt surprisingly content. He enjoyed the way the frosty air numbed his nose and fingers. He found days like this were his most productive.

"Shouldn't you know better than to smoke?" that smooth playful timbre launched Law's stomach into the ground.

The quick intake of air and smoke through his startled gasp made him cough and sputter. He hadn't heard that voice in weeks. Not since the night he attended the Newgate's party. Not since they almost…

"I didn't mean to scare you!" Ace called as Law sat forward smashing the smoke under his boot and trying to catch his breath.

A flash of heat swept up Law's neck and face, "Could have fooled me."

"I'm sorry," the younger chuckled, taking a seat on the crate next to him,"are you alright?"

"Except for my pride, yes." Law kept his eyes forward, still attempting to settle himself, "I didn't know you were back in town."

Ace rubbed his nape, "Yep, home for the holidays, and my birthday. Luffy said you'd be out here so I thought I'd say hello."

Finally Law gathered the courage to turn his gaze to his friend's brother, "Hello. How's the tour?"

Ace smiled lopsidedly, "It's going well, but it's nice to be home."

Law's gaze lingered on the freckled male before standing, "Welcome home then Ace-ya. We should head back in before we freeze."

Quietly Ace followed Law inside through the back door of the cafe. They skirted passed back stocked supplies and storage.

"Am I allowed to be back here?" Ace asked glancing around.

Law nodded, leading him through the small kitchen up to the service counter, "I'm the manager, you can be back here if I allow it."

"What an honor."

Law held up the portion of the bar that led to the store front so that Ace could pass under.

"Right? I'm so nice." he smirked.

Ace shivered appreciating this new expression and playful cockiness.

"And very humble."

He wasn't prepared for the low chuckle that rumbled through the soon to be doctor. His admiration was interrupted as his little brother barged into the room bringing back the soft frown that seemed to be Law's default setting.

"It's time to get ready for the next rush."

Just like before Ace took a seat at the bar while Law worked diligently on his coffee without actually having him order. He noticed the darker than usual circles under his half lidded stormy eyes. There's no way this man had been sleeping.

Why did that bother him?

"Ace!" An energetic voice called as the patron at the front of the line slapped the middle of his back harder than intended.

Law glanced over as Ace let out a soft grunt from the impact. A tall person with long tri-colored hair tied up in a high ponytail practically vibrated with excitement while their sunset colored eyes filled with adoration. Law continued to observe with a neutral expression after placing Ace's coffee in front of him.

"Hey, Yamato," the freckled male chuckled after recovering from having the wind smacked out of him, "it's been a minute."

"It has! I missed you the last time you were in town!"

"I wasn't here long and I heard your dad had dragged you along on a hunting trip." Ace pulled his cup closer.

"I've kinda started to enjoy the trips. They aren't so bad. Oh excuse me," Yamato called getting Law's attention, fiddling with the strings of their hoodie, "can I get a white chocolate cocoa please?"

Law nodded and got to work while Ace let out a teasing laugh.

"You're just like Luffy. An adult that orders like a kid."

"It's rude to tease your elders." they chided swatting his shoulder.

Law cleared his throat gently interrupting their banter to deliver the drink order and collect payment.

Ace and Yamato continued to chat and laugh while Law worked nearby. Initially he'd tried to gauge their conversation. Yamato was certainly attractive, and their personality seemed to vibe well with Ace's. But very quickly he could see that they were just old friends having a catch-up. He did envy how they could make Ace laugh so candidly.

It wasn't that Law wasn't funny - his sense of humor just wasn't for everyone. Though he had made his freckled counterpart laugh at his snarkiness - he just didn't realize it was a sound that he would miss.

After the crowd died down Law gave Luffy a short to-do list and returned to the bar to clean and restock. Ace had been looking at his phone so Law decided to make him a new drink. When he finished and turned to slide it across the bar he found Ace already watching him. Those lazy ruby eyes sent a shiver down the aspiring doctor's spine.

"You hum when you work, like you're so lost in the zone." his warm fingers brushed over Law's as he accepted the new beverage.

"I hadn't really noticed." his neck and ears felt hot.

Ace smirked watching Law flush so adorably over his observation giving him the courage to continue, "It's cute," he chuckled, shifting forward on the bar stool, "it makes me wonder if you do it during practicals at school."

Suddenly Law felt like a gazelle caught in a lion's sight, "I couldn't really say."

He needed to move and busy himself so it would stop being so hot. Turning to the small sink he flipped on the faucet and got to work.

"Thanks for the drink. I can't believe you remember my order." Ace smiled seeing Law's ears go pink.

"You like all that sweet crap." Law commented with a slightly playful tone.

"You don't like sweet stuff?" Ace tapped the lid of his to-go cup.

Law turned a bit to glance at Ace briefly and scoff, "Not in my coffee."

Ace shivered at his timbre, "Let me guess, you prefer either a cup of black coffee with no more than two sugars or a plain shot of espresso."

"Why mess with perfection?" Law chuckled before turning completely back to Ace,"You could work here Ace-ya."

"I'm afraid I'd be too distracted." he replied coquettishly.

Law did his best to remain neutral but this last implication managed to scramble his brain.

"So," Ace spoke up as tension began to roll off of him,"I did stop by for a reason."

"Oh? Not just to scare the crap out of me in the alley?" Law attempted to ease the edginess.

The younger male took a deep breath, seeming to find some resolve. Law's stomach dropped a bit, things suddenly felt serious and he wasn't sure what to expect.

"I uh, wanted to see if you wanted to do something while I'm in town?" his eyes flickered away from Law waiting for his reply.

Law was sure he was misunderstanding, "H-having another party?"

Ace met his gaze again with a small smile curving his lips, "No, just you and I."

Law's eyes widened a bit, "Like…a -"

"A date!" Luffy interrupted rounding the corner, "You're so slow sometimes Torao."

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X Trafalgar Law

There are two chapters of this. It was meant to be a one shot, but my brain summons the ship sometimes.

1

Law leaned over the counter bored as he watched Luffy round the corner happily chatting away to whomever was a few steps behind. The younger raven flailed his arms emphasizing whatever dramatic part of his story he happened to be telling. That's when his companion came into view.

He ran his hand through his jet-black jaw length waves as a large grin spread across his freckled face. Law let his eyes wander to the stranger's exposed chest. Though fall was settling in he wore a pale orange short sleeved shirt lazily buttoned halfway and a pair of long black shorts.

"Zoro ended up kicking his ass!" Luffy laughed shoving the glass door open causing the bell the jingle wildly.

Law straightened himself out averting his gaze to the muted television on the back wall.

"That isn't surprising." Chuckled the unfamiliar male.

His voice was deep but soft. It hit Law's ear with a velvetiness he hadn't experienced before.

"Ace this is Traffy. Traffy this is my brother Ace." Luffy grinned.

"Law." He corrected evenly, reaching for Ace's already extended hand.

Ribbons of warmth tingled around Law's fingers spreading over his hand as Ace gave his palm a friendly squeeze. Was he running fever? How could a person possibly be this warm without sweating?

"Your hand is freezing." Ace chuckled, "Sorta like a doctor."

"Traffy is in medical school!" Luffy chimed rounding the counter to grab an apron.

"Ooh~ you must be popular with the ladies." Ace wiggled his brows.

"Yeah." Law grunted.

Not that he minded being popular with women. He'd had a girlfriend or two even a couple of heated one stands. But he wasn't particularly interested either which made it hard for him to put any effort and time into a relationship. He already had a demanding school schedule on top of a full-time job to pay for said schooling, there was no time for romantic endeavors.

"Anyway, Luffy you're late the lunch rush will be here soon. Go get more lids and cup sleeves from the back." Law crossed his arms over his chest.

The small coffee shop was located near the college and the clinic which made things convenient for Law. He'd become the shift supervisor within only a few months.

Luffy bounced around the shop cleaning and refilling things while Law made sure he had enough supplies for the most common orders placed.

Ace sat quietly at the counter his garnet eyes occasionally darting up from his phone at the aloof raven behind the bar. He'd noticed Law's unusual sunny eye color almost immediately.

He must be popular.

His rolled-up sleeves revealed thick black tattoos that traveled further up his arms. His slender tattooed fingers worked quickly with a practiced rhythm as he made Ace's order.

The freckled male chuckled admittedly a little impressed - surely this was a skill Luffy could never accomplish, which explained why the older raven kept him busy with simple but tedious tasks. Luffy didn't have the attention span or patience for this.

Ace actually found himself wondering why Luffy even worked here.

"Med school sounds interesting." He chirped getting Law's attention.

"It has its moments." He replied coolly, "What do you do Ace-ya? You're the only brother I've never met."

Ace chuckled, "What an interesting colloquial; the 'ya' I mean. Do you do that to everyone?"

Law almost immediately regretted speaking. He couldn't control his unique vernacular and was suddenly very conscious of it.

"Dunno." He shrugged expression as distant as ever.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to-" Ace stopped himself from pointing out the other male's embarrassment though it had only been a flicker. Instead he circled back to Law's initial question.

"I'm a musician so I travel a lot." He flashed a brilliant smile.

"Anything I've heard?" Law questioned still shuffling around behind the counter.

"Honestly probably not." Ace let out an airy laugh, "I just open up for small acts but it's a living, right?"

Law hummed back looking over Ace's shoulder at the line of people beginning to trickle in.

"Luffy-ya! Register!" He called setting cups out or easy access.

Ace continued to watch his brother and his friend work fairly harmoniously through the lunch rush. The crowd of people kept them busy enough for Ace to admire the fluidity of Law's motions while he filled orders with a small crooked smile that only faltered when he tried reading Luffy's chicken scratch.

"Trafalgar." A sultry female voice floated up to the counter beside Ace.

His eyes rose from his phone immediately recognizing the dark-haired woman. Her emerald eyes flickered to him as a small enigmatic smile graced her lips.

"I'll have your order in a moment Robin." Law murmured.

"Thank you. Watch out for the blond girls at the end of the line." She warned turning back to Law, "They're certain they'll get your number this time."

Law rolled his golden eyes with a sigh. A reaction Ace for some reason appreciated.

"Back from your tour?" Robin turned back to Ace.

"Yeah I'll be home for a little less than a month." His response didn't go unnoticed by the barista.

If Ace was going to be in town for a while surely Luffy would be dragging him along to functions and work. Law certainly didn't mind his presence, he was calmer than expected, sense he was the only brother who looked to be blood related to the hyper active raven.

"We're having a big party on Saturday you should come....Traffy can come right?" Luffy looked to Ace while Law locked the front door of the shop.

"Of course." Ace smiled.

Law turned slowly, he usually turned down invites to the Newgate's parties. Even when their father was there things tended to get out of hand. Besides he hardly had free time to waste drinking with a bunch of delinquents.

"Sure." The response tumbled from his lips before he'd even had a chance to mull it over.

The brothers grinned.

"See ya tomorrow Traffy~" Ace winked over his shoulder strolling away.

___________

"You two get along." Sabo took Law's place next to his brother.

"He's Luffy's friend. Why wouldn't we?" Ace questioned eyes still on Law as he stalked into the kitchen.

"Luffy likes almost everyone." The blond rolled his eyes, "He just isn't really a people person."

"I hadn't noticed." It wasn't a lie, he really hadn't.

All of his interactions with Law had been pleasant, refreshing even. He'd spent the last three days following Luffy to work so he could talk more with the phlegmatic barista.

A tennis ball came sailing across the room landing in Ace's lap quickly followed by their enormous chocolate Labrador. Ace yelped spilling his drink down the front of his shirt while the dog crushed his manhood.

"Chopper!" Luffy shouted as the room erupted in laughter.

"You little shit." Ace coughed pushing Chopper off him.

"He didn't know any better." Sabo murmured.

"Not the dog." Ace stood pulling his shirt off revealing his large back tattoo, "Luffy, ya got three seconds!"

The younger raven leapt over an arm chair and bolted for the sliding patio door laughing wildly with Ace on his heels.

"You've been doing that a lot the last few days." Robin pointed to her lips as she stepped up to Law in the kitchen.

He let the corners of his mouth droop in protest.

"It suits you." She added, "You don't have to brood all the time."

Law snorted.

"You seem to enjoy his company."

"Maybe." He shrugged a small smirk ghosting his lips.

She smiled nudging his shoulder before joining the group in the living room.

Law stationed himself in the kitchen silently waiting for Ace or Luffy to return so he could thank them and take his leave. It was getting late and he had rounds in the morning.

The kitchen door that lead out to the front porch swung open sending a crisp breeze through the room. Ace stepped inside panting, still shirtless with a stream of blood trickling from his left brow.

"Little bastard socked me in the face." He chuckled smearing the blood over his eye.

"First aid kit?" Law asked tearing a paper towel from the roll above the sink and handing it to Ace.

"Upstairs bathroom." Ace nodded toward the small stairwell across from the kitchen door.

He led the way skipping every other step.

"Aren't you cold running around like that?" Law watched the muscles under his tattoo shift and contract with each extended step.

"I don't get cold." The raven chuckled reaching the top of the stairs, "Bathroom is third door on the left." He instructed stepping into what Law assumed was his room.

After collecting the kit Law crossed back into the room Ace had disappeared into. It was a pigsty. The back wall was lined with guitars, a few missing strings and collecting dust while others were in cases cluttered with stickers and patches. Law's eyes fell to the freckled male sprawled out on the unmade bed. He cleared his throat getting Ace's attention.

"Sorry I was dozing off there." His ruby eyes flitted over Law's slender form as he sat up still holding the paper towel over his brow, "Think I'll need stitches?"

Law took a seat in front of him on the bed slipping a glove over his right hand as Ace removed the bloodied paper.

"Hmm it's not so deep. A couple of butterfly band aids will be fine. It probably won't even scar." He rummaged through the small white box and began cleaning the small cut.

"Your hands are cold." He shivered under Law's touch.

"You're just too warm Ace-ya." Law smirked.

Ace's face only got warmer. Law had been avoiding addressing people by name in front of him for the last few days. He hadn't intended to embarrass him - he'd actually thought it was sort of endearing. He watched Law focus on stopping the bleeding, wincing as he applied more pressure.

"Maybe that's why you're bleeding so much. Your circulation is too good." Law chuckled.

That did it. Why was this guy allowed to just walk around being this cute? Why didn't anyone else see it?

Law gently placed the second band aid on his brow and removed his glove glancing over Ace's now flustered face.

"What's wrong does it still hurt?" He asked now searching for other injuries.

Ace shook his head slowly throwing caution to the wind and leaning into Law's personal space smiling when Law didn't move away. He took it as permission inching closer. Both of their hearts sped up intensifying the moment. The air around them pulsed with electricity almost making it hard to breathe normally. Eyes remained locked as their noses brushed against each other. Law parted his lips slightly anticipating contact letting his eye lids drop when Ace's warm breath fanned over his -

A sharp bang on the door jolted them back retracting from each other.

"Everything ok in there yoi?"

Fucking Marco.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

<typed>

«signed»

17

Rosinante chuckled from your kitchen table as he sat with your tablet propped up in front of him.

Your face was burning as you sat across from him thoroughly embarrassed. His amused eyes flickered from you back to the screen.

"I didn't know you were gonna watch it in front of me." you groaned.

He was reviewing the project he'd assigned you - to translate one of your favorite songs into sign language.

«Sign only, please.»

It wasn't that you had done a bad job, but your discomfort and embarrassment was very apparent in the video. It made you stumble and sigh often. Also something you weren't aware of, was Ace's voice singing along as if he'd known the song his entire life between chuckles and celebratory words when you managed to get a whole sentence correct. It wasn't just funny, it was down right adorable.

«Mean.» you pouted.

He rolled his hazel eyes and leaned forward locking the tablet.

«This was very good.» he smiled encouragingly, «There are still some words and letters you need to work on.»

«OK» you sighed and rubbed your face, «I'll work harder. »

«You aren't in trouble.» his smile remained, «We're going at your pace. You've come a long way in the last month and a half.»

«If you say so.»

He shook his head at your behavior as Kuma rested his chin on your lap. You wish you could say you didn't know why you were being so difficult, but you knew.  Signing forced you to make movements you weren't entirely comfortable with. It was like dancing - you hated dancing. Not only that, it wasn't something that was incredibly common. At least you had never met a hearing impaired person before, which meant when you were at the store with Ace having a conversation people were staring. You felt it. Being on display like that was the last thing you wanted.

Kuma left your lap drawing your attention back up. He waddled to the door excitedly and sat with all of his attention focused on the doorknob.

Ace was home.

You glanced back at Rosi who was gathering his things.

«I'll see you on Friday, keep going over your alphabet and the words we discussed.» he swung his messenger bag over his shoulder and turned somehow getting his feet tangled.

"Rosi!" you gasped hopping to your feet as he caught himself on the side of the counter.

Ace rushed passed you to help the blonde up, "Are you alright?"

Rosi straightened himself out, «I'm fine, sorry to startle you.»

"As long as you're not hurt." you stepped next to your freckled mate.

You really should have been used to his clumsiness by now, but every time was a complete surprise.

After some reassurance and some small talk with Ace, Rosi made his exit.

You were stretched out on the sofa, the back of your head resting in Ace's lap while he brushed his fingers through your hair and watched TV. He'd been a bit down the last few days, after having a dream about Pops. He claimed it wasn't a dream - who were you to deny him? For him it was a very real experience that apparently Thatch had as well one night a couple of months ago. Finally reaching the closure he didn't know he needed with his father figure.

Finding out about Pops' death hit Ace harder than even he ever thought. He knew the old man would pass away eventually - he'd been very ill over the last year. Something about knowing they perished on the same day in the same place hit him in an unexplainable way. There was a silver lining, as there often is with this sort of thing - he was free of that illness. He also died knowing he was loved by his sons.

Your gaze rested on his melancholy expression. His eyes were cloudy but fixed on the television as he mindlessly messaged your scalp. You knew he was in some place far away. Slowly you reached up caressing his freckled cheek forcing his rubies to focus on you.

"You ok?"

You couldn't hear what he said but you were getting better at reading lips.

"I am." he smiled softly and rubbed his thumb over your bottom lip.

With a small smile you reached for the tablet laying on your stomach.

<I have an assignment from Rosi for tomorrow. Have you seen Kuma's service vest?>

His brows pinched together as he read, <You're going out?>

You nodded, <I'm meant to have my first public experience alone, well, with Kuma at least.>

<Should I have Thatch take you?>

You could tell he really wasn't ready for you to go out, hell, neither were you.  It was going to happen eventually and as Rosi said, "the sooner the better."

<I'll just Uber. I've got some work to get done.>

His pout tugged at your heart, <Where are you going to go?>

<Just the craft store, I'm more comfortable there. Nothing crazy I promise.>

<Promise you'll text if you need me.>

You nodded and pulled him down for a sweet kiss.

_____________

The next afternoon you waited on the porch for your Uber driver to arrive. After loading Kuma into the back seat you tapped the driver on the shoulder and showed him the note on your phone informing him that you were hearing impaired. He nodded and proceeded to take you into town.

Kuma's head rested against your shoulder, having sensed your anxiety beginning to peak. You hadn't been in a car many times after the accident, and when you were, Ace was with you. You rubbed his head until you arrived at your destination.

It was so strange to enter a busy store and not hear anything. You almost missed the 90's pop music playing over the store's speakers, it would have been better than the overwhelming nothingness.

With a soft sigh you tightened your grip on Kuma's lead and grabbed a cart. Looking around, you realized everything in the store had been reset.

Not off to a great start.

You were hoping this would be a quick trip with minimal human interaction. Now, unfortunately, to make it a quick trip you were going to have to ask for help.

Reluctantly you made your way to the nearest employee and tapped her shoulder. She turned and glanced at you, then down at Kuma.

As her lips began to move you held up the same note you'd shown your driver.

«I sign a little.» she smiled sweetly, «What can I help you find?»

Your anxiety ebbed a little, which was unexpected. You didn't expect to find someone who could sign.

«Paint, fabric and...» you paused and snapped your fingers trying to remember how to sign what you needed, «wooden...» you could feel your face heating up with embarrassment.

She watched you patiently.

"Dowels." you muttered.

«Still learning?»

You nodded bashfully, «Car wreck.»

«That must be hard. You'll get the hang of it.» she gave your shoulder a reassuring pat.

«Thank you.» you gave her a small smile.

With that she walked you through the store to find the things you needed.

___________

Ace sat at the bar in the restaurant flipping his phone in his palm while he waited for Thatch. He was a little worried that he hadn't heard from you. After your accident leaving you alone was difficult for him. This was the first time for you to go out without him, and you didn't check in when you got home.

If you got home...

A huff pushed passed his lips as a hand came down over his left shoulder.

"Calm down, you're weirding out the customers."

"She didn't text me." he muttered turning to the brunette.

"You said she had work to do. I'm sure she got busy." Thatch assured checking his phone, "C'mon, let's go."

The drive home was more or less quiet. Ace couldn't stop being bothered but Thatch managed to distract him with stories of things that happened before he'd arrived in your world.

Trailing off his laughter the raven glanced out the window a bit alarmed. They'd driven passed the house and were on a dirt path that led to the man-made pond near the forest where you discovered Ace. As they approached he spotted you standing in front of a small paddle boat with Kuma not far away.

"What's going on?" he asked looking at his brother.

"You'll see." Thatch's demeanor had gone a bit serious suddenly which made the younger male cautious.

Finally he parked as Kuma nudged you alerting you of their presence. You turned toward them, an adorable smile up turning your lips as the setting sun warmly lit your features. Ace's heart pulled in his chest. Seeing you so happy just to see him made his chest flutter.

After hugging you tightly and kissing your head he stepped back, «What are you doing out here?»

«I wanted to help...» you stumbled a bit with your signs, «with close.»

"Help with close?"

"Closure, I think." Thatch interjected.

You huffed and pulled your tablet from your hoodie pocket, <Come look. I'll explain.>

The brothers followed you the short distance to the bank of the pond where you had beached a small beat up wooden row boat. Ace's eyes widened as they scanned the very familiar jolly roger painted on black fabric that was pulled taut with dowels over a neat little pile of logs.

You handed a large smooth stone to Thatch and gave the second to Ace.

<I know that in some sort of dream scape you both got to say goodbye. Part of saying goodbye usually involves a ceremony. In our world pirates were honored by their crews and given back to the sea.>

Thatch was already sniffling as the app on the tablet read your text aloud.

<Sorry this isn't the sea but it is a place you can visit and hopefully feel a connection.> locking the tablet you slipped it into your hoodie pocket.

The brothers stepped closer as you motioned them to place their stones at bow and stern. After that you opened the white container that had been sitting on a tree stump with a box of matches. You squeezed the bottle dousing the vessel and its contents in lighter fluid.

Ace and Thatch gave the boat a push as you struck a match and quickly tossed it into the logs igniting it. The sun had gone down quickly allowing the flames to be perfectly mirrored on the water as boat drifted out. Ace's arms wound around you tightly while you all quietly watched it begin to sink.

His damp freckled cheek nuzzled against yours as he muttered into your shoulder.

The End

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

16

Waves lapped against the sides of the ship, gulls could be heard outside the porthole indicating land was near. The room wasn't familiar, but the jolly roger hanging on the wall was; it was a ship in the fleet. His heart skipped a few beats as he rubbed his eyes and made his way to his feet. He couldn't hear any voices out on deck but continued to walk the halls running his fingers over the timbers lining his path.

A harsh briney wind whipped through his waves as he stepped fully onto the deck. Land was in fact near, they'd been docked. He could see the bay from where he stood as the sun was sneaking up passed the horizon behind the ship. Perhaps they'd gone to stock up or moved the banquet to the shore, as he'd taken this as a sign of victory at Marineford.

"You finally made it brat."

The voice stopped Ace in his tracks, it felt like forever since the last time he was called out by his father.

"Pops?" The raven spun to face the enormous man.

Even sitting on bare timbers the old man towered over his adopted son. Why was he on this ship? Maybe the Moby Dick had taken too much damage during battle? Right now Ace's mind was too all over the place to really care for answers.

"You never were one to be on time, were you lad?" Pops chuckled.

"On time? So they are having a banquet?" Ace perked.

"Not at all." the old man answered, "They've been waiting for us."

"Did you drink too much? You're not making any sense."

"You'll see soon enough." Pops rose with ease to lead Ace off the ship.

The men walked in silence around the bay and up a steep hill. Morning light cast over two monuments that Ace couldn't quite make out from so far away but as they approached his heart sank. The ground around the carved granite was littered with swords of all sizes. Whitebeard's gigantic coat swayed gently in the breeze as it hung over his bisentō, a tattered jolly roger waved from above. Ace's rubies slowly moved to the right where a smaller head stone sat, perched atop were his dagger, beads and hat. A ridiculous awray of flowers covered both stones and the ground around them.

"Red-Hair..." Marco's voice drew Ace's attention from the head stone, "I don't know how to thank you enough."

He looked awful and worn out, tired eyes swept up the towering memorial as he adjusted the bandages wrapped around his head.

"No need for any of that," Shanks sighed stepping next to the blond, "he may have been my enemy but Whitebeard was a man worthy of respect."

Ace moved forward confused, "Oi, Marco!"

Neither male acknowledged his presence.

“Shanks, what the fuck-" the raven was silenced as his father's hand enveloped his back turning him, "Pops I - what are they talking about? What is this place?"

"Take a seat lad." Pops rumbled.

Ace did as instructed facing his father. The old man took a moment to find his words and stroked his mustache thoughtfully.

"I know that you are aware of your death lad." Pops smiled softly, "I also know you've fallen in love."

"It wasn't a dream." Ace murmured running a shaky hand through his hair.

He'd thought he was back, that you and your world were some sort of illusion he had while recovering, it always felt too good to be true.

Pops shook his head, smile still present,"It wasn't, and F/N needs you more than anyone here ever did."

"Thatch." Ace whispered.

“Ah, I've seen him already, he wasn't allowed to tell you, so don't hold it against him. This is a place you must find on your own."

"So..." Ace paused before voicing his thoughts, "so you died too? When? Why didn't you come where Thatch and I are?"

"I didn't survive Marineford either." he answered flatly, "You and Thatch had someone waiting for you, someone from beyond our world." his golden eyes swayed over to Shanks' retreating form and back to Marco, "I had many friends and many enemies and many more shameless, brainless sons. There is no other world for me."

Ace swallowed passed the lump in his throat. He'd never considered Pops' death, especially not after finding Thatch, he just assumed the man would appear and they'd be together again some day. He stood and placed his right hand on Marco's shoulder.

The blond closed his tired dry eyes and bowed his head, "We will make you proud, yoi."

"It's time to go." Pops rumbled.

Ace turned back toward his father, "I just have one more question. Is Luffy safe?"

"He is and he has a great path to follow." Pops moved to wrap his enormous arm around Ace's shoulders, "There are some things that are difficult for an old pirate to say, but you will always be my son and I will always love you."

Ace rubbed the tears from his eyes, "Love you too Pops."

With a gasp he opened his eyes to see your calm sleeping face. He slid from his pillow to your chest while you instinctively wrapped your arms around him and nuzzled into his hair.

"You ok babe?" you murmured sleepily.

He nodded and burrowed further into your warmth.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader NSFW

< > is typed dialogue & introducing  « » as sign language.

15

"Rooossssiiiiiii." you whined dropping your hands into your lap, "my hands hurt."

<You sound like my son. Well except he doesn't call me by my name.> he grinned.

<awe you have kids?>

<Just a six-year old, Luka.> he then opened a photo on his tablet of himself, a small boy with dirty blond hair and clearly his father's grin and a beautiful brunette with an enigmatic smile.

<Is that your wife?>

<Yes, Carly. We met when I was traveling abroad. It took quite a bit of convincing to get her to settle here. But she was able to open her own practice and it's quite successful.> he smiled.

As you were about to ask more questions Ace rounded the corner.

«shouldn't you be off the tablet?» he signed.

«It's hard!» you fumbled and switched back to the tablet <How are you so good at this already?>

<I'm just a fast learner babe.> he typed back and winked.

You didn't know if you wanted to pinch or kiss that smug freckled face of his.

<It's ok, lesson is done for today. F/N, you know your homework.>

<Yeah. I'll email you the video over the weekend.>

With that Rosinante gave Ace's shoulder a pat and left for the day.

Your lessons were coming along but it took a lot of getting used to and you fumbled quite a bit. Ace wasn't always able to be there, so he made do with YouTube tutorials and as it turns out had sort of a knack for it. He could have most of a conversation with Rosinante without being corrected. But the blond had endless patience with you and you loved how you could distract him so easily. He told you countless stories about his past life as a double agent for the marines.

You were only a few weeks out of your hospital stay, bruises and other injuries were finally healing. Though you were still self-conscious about scars and your hearing loss Ace never failed to comfort you.

He squeezed into the armchair with you eventually moving you into his lap, letting the tablet that was now a fixture in your relationship rest on your thigh.

<What's your homework? Do you want me to record it for you?>

"No, it's embarrassing," you muttered.

He shifted behind you, what could you have to record for another person that was embarrassing?

<You didn't answer my first question.>

You chuckled now feeling his discomfort with whatever his imagination decided your project was.

<I have to translate a song I like.>

<How is that embarrassing? You used to sing all the time, and this is just with your hands.> he handed the device back to you.

<That was just around the house...and for you. Like what if I mess up and accidentally say something perverted?> you slouched against his chest.

You felt a laugh rumbled through him, <The chances of that are pretty slim. It's more likely that you'll just accidentally speak gibberish, and that's what he's testing you for anyway.>

"Fine." you pouted.

<Do you know what song you want to pick?>

<Nah I'll figure something out though I guess.>

<Let me know if you'll be taking requests.> he sat the tablet on the small table to his left and wound his arms gently around you.

A lot of your alone time was spent like this, wrapped up in Ace watching TV with the closed caption on. He seemed to have an endless amount of cuddles to keep you comfortable, he may have been better for your anxiety than Kuma. You were also very aware that he was seeking physical contact that the two of you hadn't shared since his birthday. Your body wasn't in any sort of condition for that, and now you were self-conscious of what awful sounds you might make.

Knowing how people with hearing loss sound, you didn't want to whimper or moan off key or too loudly and ruin the moment. Sure, you spoke often but there wasn't a mood to maintain.

He moved your hair and nuzzled into the crook of your neck, tickling you with feather-light kisses while his hands roamed over your torso. You knew he'd been holding back while you healed and honestly you were ready despite your nerves.

Fingers made their way into his black waves encouraging him to continue his actions. Once given the nonverbal go ahead he turned you in the chair to have better access. His lips finally met yours fervently, stealing your breath and igniting a need in you that hadn't been present in over a month. After leading you into a fuzzy euphoria he pulled away.

«Room?» he signed.

You nodded sliding to the edge of the chair. Ace didn't wait for your feet to touch the floor before swiftly picking you up forcing your legs to wrap around his waist.

Once you reached the bedroom he fell with you onto the mattress, kissing you sweetly as you giggled. He bucked against you sending pleasant shivers up and down your spine and a small huff slipped through your parted lips spurring your boyfriend to continue.

Clumsy digits played with the hem of your shirt tugging upward to reveal a few scars that now littered your torso. Warm lips grazed each, showing sweet appreciation for not snatching you away. His hands slid up and down your sides eventually making their way into your leggings and panties to grope your rear. You hummed absently unbuttoning his shirt and letting your fingers glide over the scarred expanse of his chest feeling a pleased rumble vibrate through him. A slow hard thrust let you know how excited he was and also reminded you of how very clothed you both were as he nipped a licked the base of your throat.

Quickly he remedied the clothing situation sitting back to completely remove his shirt and pants while you wiggled out of your own. His warmth brushed over you as he reached for his drawer in the nightstand to pluck a condom from the box stashed inside. After taking precautions he leaned back over you sliding his arms between your back and the bed. He wanted to ask if you were comfortable since intimacy had been an issue as of late, but the tablet had been abandoned in the other room. You smiled softly at the almost pout that formed on his freckled features and lifted your hand to caress his cheek. Leaning into your touch he took that as his answer and moved down to take over your lips once more.

Hooking your legs over his hips you welcomed him into your warmth with a small gasp.

"Fuck," he murmured against your neck.

You didn't need to hear him to know what was said. You wanted to say it too after all. You'd forgotten how good he felt, how he fit you perfectly, how his scent took over your senses. Everything seemed amplified without the distraction of sound. You closed your eyes losing yourself in the rhythm Ace had set occasionally rising to meet his thrusts.

He had to collect himself every time you rose, unknowingly mewling beneath him. It was a sound he wasn't sure he'd hear again, and it nearly drove him to the brink. You had lost yourself in pleasure, acting on instinct and pleasantly drowning in the waves of amorous affection rolling between the two of you. Somehow this was better than the first time.

When Ace wasn't sure he could possibly love you any more you unexpectedly whispered his name forcing his eyes open to roam over you. Neck arched back, and hair splayed out over the sheets he watched your chest rise and fall with every sigh; you were the most gorgeous thing he'd ever seen, and he needed to somehow be closer. Lowering himself to kiss your décolletage caused more friction against your clit tightening your grasp on his waist.

"Ace," you whispered, "yes."

That was all the encouragement he needed, remaining close he picked up his pace not wanting the moment to end but desperately needing it to. Your eyes opened but remained half-lidded, drunk on this beautiful man above you. A crooked smile bent his lips as you moved your hands through his hair, trailing down to the back of his neck to pull him into a deep kiss that eventually forced your both to unravel.

For a few moments, you remained swathed in each other catching your breath. Ace rose, propping himself up on his left elbow as his right arm moved from your waist. His eyes searched yours for a moment before he placed a chaste kiss on your nose.

«I love you.» he signed.

"I love you too." you smiled tugging him back into your chest. 

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

14

"Like...Donquixote," Ace paused unsure if he should finish the question, "Doflamingo the Shichibukai?"

Rosinante gaped, eyes wide and dropped to the foot of your bed.

<You know Doffy? He's a Shichibukai?>

"Saw him recently." Ace recalled, "But I didn't know him."

You clapped your hands gaining the attention of all three men, "What?"

<He's from our world.> Ace typed.

<Pirates?> the blond interrupted.

Thatch lifted his shirt and tugged at his jeans revealing a tattoo of a jolly roger with a white crescent shaped mustache on his hip.

"Whitbeard." Ace confirmed.

Rosinante was brimming with excitement. His fingers couldn't seem to keep up with his racing thoughts.

<When you saw Doffy...did you see the family? One boy in particular...well he'd be a man now.>

"Family?" Ace quirked a brow, "I don't think so. What man?"

<Trafalgar Law. I'm sure Doffy took him.>

"Oh... The Surgeon of Death." Thatch confirmed remembering the man's wanted poster.

<What?!> Rosinante  gestured frantically.

"He's the captain of the Heart pirates." Ace added.

The blond's expression fell as his brows knit. He was happy that Law had survived and was not connected to the family or so it seemed. But he was also a little disappointed that he became a pirate with such an aggressively haunting epithet.

A small smile bent his lips realizing he'd called his crew the Heart pirates which seemed to be a clear nod to his code name. He hadn't played over those last memories with the boy from Flevance in such a long time. It hurt too much knowing he'd failed him.

After collecting himself and getting settled with you, Ace, Grace and Thatch he told his story. You sat back wondering just how many people lived among you from that world. And why did it seem they all landed in Portland?

<It seems something happened with my devil fruit when I crossed over. Since then I've been mute. Doctors haven't been able to explain it. I just can't make a sound.> he sighed and continued to type, <For the last fourteen years I've been teaching sign language to help ease others into this life.>

"Thanks for sharing with us." Grace smiled politely.

<I'm so sorry it seems I've taken up all of our time.> Rosinante frowned, <F/N, you'll be released in two days. Once you're settled at home I'll come by for two hour lessons three days a week. I'll email you the schedule.>

You smiled and nodded as the blond stood.

___________________

Four days after being discharged, you laid awake staring at the ceiling with Ace enveloping you. His head resting on your chest, you could feel the vibration of his snores. It was strange and frustrating only being able to remember the sound of his voice, hearing it ring though your mind but not your ears. You hoped you wouldn't forget the smooth deep tone, especially his laugh and his sultry timbre you'd only just been introduced to. Your favorite song, babies laughing, Kuma's playful woofs, none of that compared to Ace.

Suddenly the raven in question was shifting to lean over you a concerned look in his eyes. His right hand came up to thumb away tears you hadn't realized were falling.

"I'm ok." you managed to whisper, though it was obvious to him you weren't.

He rolled over to get his tablet sparing you the closeness you were desperate for. Having to use a device to communicate wasn't helping your mental state. All you had to do before was lie there and talk. Hearing your defeated sigh Ace placed the tablet in your lap and sat up against the pillows before gently pulling you between his legs to rest your back against his chest. Reaching around you he picked up the tablet and began to type while resting his chin on your shoulder.

<Bad dreams again?>

Though that had been a problem lately you hadn't even been to sleep yet. You shook your head raising your hand to type a reply.

It was a little too embarrassing to admit you wanted to hear his voice.

<It's too quiet.>

Ace frowned against your skin placing a chaste kiss over the dip of your shoulder. There wasn't anything he could do to really fix that. He hummed trying to think of a way to cheer you up, noting how you shivered at the action.

<You can feel that right?>

You nodded, <It's the closest sensation to sound I can experience.>

Ace placed the tablet back on the nightstand and shifted you to face him as he snuggled back down into the mattress. He ignored your puzzled glace as he began to hum one of the many songs you played while you worked. You focused on the rumbling in his chest while he encouraged you by drumming his fingers over the small of your back until the words bubbled up your throat.

"When you hold me, in your arms so tight, you let me know everything's alright. I~ I'm hooked on a feeling." it came out off key and slurred but to Ace it was beautiful.

A soft chuckle escaped you, surprised by how much better that made you feel. Ace kissed your forehead and continued to hum until you finally fell asleep.

You were driving, admittedly a little distracted singing along to the radio. Something slammed into your bug jerking you sideways and sending you airborne. You watched in horror as the road made contact with the passenger side door jostling you violently about in your seat. The sound of screeching metal and shattering glass filled your ears.

When you came to you were lying in the snow, a familiar voice shrieked nearby. Scrambling to your hands and knees you saw Ace writhing on the embankment screaming for Luffy. His voice slowed down like a broken record player, not matching the desperate movements of the freckled male. Eventually the scene was void of sound and you were too weak to reach him. The ground beneath you rumbled dragging your gaze back to the beetle as it shifted forward sending nearly a ton of steel on top of you.

A loud gasp raked up your throat while you sat up blinking frantically. Ace's arms wound around your waist pulling you back into his embrace.

"S'ok, I'm here." he mumbled forgetting in his drowsy state that you couldn't hear him.

He opened his eyes as your sweaty shivering body made contact with his. Knowing it was the same dream that has been plaguing you since the accident he reached for his tablet just as his alarm went off to start the day.

<Let's get in the shower.>

You shook your head slowly not really wanting to leave the bed.

<I have to get ready for work and it won't hurt you to feel a little refreshed. You can go right back to bed after.>

Wanting to spend time with the raven before you were alone for the day you sat up slowly earning a triumphant smirk from him. You were still terribly sore and couldn't stand for long periods of time without being in pain so, it helped to not shower alone.

Ace held you close under the hot water before helping you wash your body and hair, the shame of him bathing you having long since passed. He was right it, did seem to help refresh you and bring you out of the trauma of your nightmare.

You realized he was humming again, aside from feeling it from the source you could sense it reverberating off the tile walls. It was something upbeat that you couldn't quite place, but that didn't matter as long as your raven seemed content with the current situation. Who wouldn't want their naked girlfriend pressed up against them in the shower? It was the best way to start his day.

After your joint shower you slipped into one of Ace's shirts and crawled back into bed. Your boyfriend entered shortly after you in his work clothes, hair tied halfway up he leaned over tipping your chin up for a kiss.

<Thatch is here. I'll text you on my break. Just get some rest.>

"Have a good day." you muttered receiving another kiss.

"How is she?" Thatched asked as Ace slid into the passenger seat.

"I think it'll be a while before she's over the trauma. She's still having nightmares." the raven sighed.

"If you don't want to leave her alone we can find someone to cover your shift." Thatch offered.

"I would much rather stay home. But there are bills to pay, plus Kuma is here for her."

The elder chuckled, "Look at you."

"What?" Ace asked defensively.

"Fire Fist Ace settled down and paying bills." the brunette teased.

"If it were anyone else I wouldn't be here."

Thatch took that last statement in for a moment before breaking the brief silence, "Pops would be proud."

Ace hoped that was true. For the second time in his life he felt like he belonged and was truly loved without condition. For the first time he didn't have the urge to keep exploring; he wanted to stay here with you.

After the short drive the brothers arrived at the restaurant.Thatch headed to the kitchen to make sure the staff was prepping for brunch while Ace headed to the break room to get his apron and notepad.

"Acey!" he sighed at the sound of Katie's voice entering the break room.

"Uh, hey."

"Hey," she rubbed her nape ruffling her purple locks, "I just wanted to say I was sorry for Christmas. I was a mess and I don't remember everything but Thatch said I broke your phone and you still managed to make sure I had a safe place to stay for the night."

"It's no big deal." he avoided eye contact tying his apron.

"Well, I still wanted to thank you." she hugged him.

"You're welcome." he stepped back a little uncomfortable by her proximity.

"Oh I heard what happened to your roommate. Must be tough for the poor thing." the purplette clicked her tongue in a pitying manner, "Will you be moving out?"

"What? Why would I move out?" he couldn't hide the offense in his voice, "She has a name and you know it. I really don't appreciate the way you talk about my girlfriend."

Katie took a step back a little shocked by his stern tone and the news of your status. An embarrassed flush crept up her throat as she swallowed passed the knot that was threatening to suffocate her.

"Ah ...Oh. I'm... I'm so sorry." she spun on her heel and ran for the restroom.

Ace sighed, he could have been a little less gruff but it did feel nice to announce your relationship to someone other than Thatch and Grace.     

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

13

A/N - < text > = typed dialogue. 

The room was dark and smelled heavily of cleaning products. Despite the darkness you were enveloped in familiar warmth, though unlike every other night this time your head rested against his chest. You could feel his body rise and fall with the even breaths of his slumber, surprised he wasn't snoring. Shifting you attempted to raise your left hand to rest on his arm that reposed across your chest, stopping with the sharp tug the I.V. implant.

So, it hadn't been a dream. Your beetle was gone and you weren't even aware of the extent of your own injuries.

Ace startled with your movement lowering himself to be face to face with you. He greeted you with a guilty smile, eyes searching your features carefully. You smiled back meekly just happy to see him again.

His lips began to move but you were met with silence. Come to think of it you hadn't actually heard anything since waking. Not Ace's breath, not the movement of the sheets, not even the air moving through the room; just simply nothingness.

Ace saw the panic reflected in your eyes as your heart monitor began to beep at a quickened pace. Quickly he removed his phone from his pocket and opened a notepad app and began to type. Calmly running his fingers through your hair he drew your panicked attention back to his face before turning the phone to you.

<You've ruptured your eardrums. We don't know how permanent it is.>

<I know it's hard to process. Please breathe>

You exhaled the breath you were involuntarily holding and gasped for another. Placing the device aside momentarily Ace cupped your face and forced you to focus on just him. You felt your heart begin to steady as the dull ache of your fingers told you to unclench your balled up fists. A new wave of white hot pain rolled through your head.

"It hurts." you murmured squeezing your eyes shut.

Ace's warmth left your side; you opened your eyes to see him vanish from the room. Seconds later he reentered with a nurse. She moved to your side fiddling with the tube attached to your hand. Your gaze shifted to Ace as he typed a message out on his phone.

<Morphine. You'll be able to relax soon.>

The fear in your eyes was nearly heart shattering for the raven. But he smiled calmly letting his thumbs pad over your cheeks hoping to give you some comfort as a fuzzy warmth spread from your hand through the rest of your body. You hadn't noticed the nurse leave the room while you focused on your boyfriend's freckles.

<If you get tired sleep, I'll be right here>

You nodded wanting to speak but it felt strange to know sounds you couldn't hear would be leaving your lips.

                                                                                                 _______________

It took a few days to feel somewhat normal and get moved to a different floor.

Ace had gone to get something to eat in the cafeteria while your morning shift nurse, Michael entered to change your bedding and help you bathe. This was the first time you'd have a shower in the hospital and you were not a fan.

<I'm fine really I can wait until later.> you typed on the tablet Ace brought from home.

<It's standard procedure. I'm afraid you don't get much say.> the nurse typed back.

Your real issue was that he was extremely attractive aside from being a complete stranger and opposite gender. You knew he was a medical professional but your medicated mind only intensified your chronic stubbornness. He huffed scooping you out of the hospital bed after carefully removing your IV and monitor.

"Noooo." You whined out loud settling in the wheelchair.

Ace entered and spoke to Michael before giving you an inquisitive look.

"He's trying to get me naked." You slurred your words unknowingly, a side effect of your hearing loss.

Your freckled raven chuckled at how adorably upset you were over a bath; it reminded him of Luffy. Crossing your arms you puffed your cheeks at his reaction, you were serious. He spoke again to the other male and approached you, wheeling you into the bathroom before exiting.

Ace returned with a towel, clean hospital gown and undergarments along with the tablet.

"I'll wait." You murmured.

He shook his head and grinned mischievously, <I'll help you instead of Mike>

Heat exploded across your face; you didn't know what could be worse Ace or a stranger bathing you.

<I've seen you naked.> the raven deadpanned at your mortified expression.

You snatched the tablet unsure if you could keep yourself from yelling, <Not in such a compromising way!>

<Y/N. Why are you being so impossible?> He looked at you sternly. 

Your bottom lip jutted out involuntarily. You weren't used to giving up control and having or needing help to do everyday tasks. A warm kiss to your forehead followed by your nose made your lips curve into a smile.

"Damn you." You blurted louder than intended.

<It'll be quick and painless.> he winked before helping you out of the chair and onto the stool in the shower.

You tugged the rubber band out of your hair allowing it to cascade around your face while Ace untied your gown and pushed it down your shoulders. He turned on the detachable shower head and began washing your hair while you closed your eyes and enjoyed having his fingers massage your scalp.

A small smile bent his lips watching you visibly relax under his touch. His eyes trailed down breath hitching once he caught sight of the massive bruise staining your skin from your left shoulder, between your breasts and curving around your right side. The smile he'd been holding falling to a frown as his eyes moved over you nicked up hands resting on the hospital gown bunched up in your lap.

"Ace." Your small voice drew his attention back to your face, "It's ok."

Even as you sat before him littered with injuries and deaf you tried to comfort him. You knew he was still wrestling with the unnecessary guilt laid upon himself for keeping you home passed your planned departure time. There wasn't an ounce of you that blamed him. In fact over the past days you'd told him many times.

He kissed your forehead again feeling a little less anxious and continued with your bath.

In the afternoon Thatch and Grace arrived to be present for your appointment with the ENT, Dr. Swepman. After taking an in depth look at your injuries and running a few tests he sat with all of you to talk about your recovery.

Ace typed out the conversation while you looked on impatiently.

"Right now we're looking at nearly 100% loss of hearing in both ears. Even if it's a loud sound it's likely she won't hear it." the doctor ran a hand through his sandy locks, "First I'd recommend a service dog."

"She has one," Ace replied referring to Kuma, "for anxiety."

"Is there a chance she could regain any ability to hear?" Grace questioned from your left side.

"Crazier things have happened, but I don't think it's very likely. Implants are an option down the road, right now her insurance won't cover the procedure and she needs to heal." he paused, "The hospital has connections with a nonprofit that helps people adjust after the loss vision or hearing. I've contacted them to set her up with an ASL teacher. The sooner she learns the better."

You sighed, frustrated with having everyone speaking as if you weren't sitting right fucking in front of them.

<Your sign language tutor will be here in a few hours.> Ace typed.

You made the most ironic face you could muster and gave him a sharp thumbs up, not in any mood to see any more people. It was exhausting and painful just to be awake.

<Don't be like that. I'll learn with you.> the raven offered a heart clenching lopsided smirk.

You couldn't help but slip even further in love with the sweet freckled pirate. What good deeds did you do in a past life that allowed you to have such a man? You pressed your forehead to his smooching his nose.

Thatch and Grace stayed most of the day having lunch and deciding to meet the ASL tutor.

Ace opened the door just as an impressively tall blond stumbled into the room catching himself with his free hand on the foot of your bed. Hazel eyes met your gaze from under his shaggy bangs as a wide friendly smile took over his features. Quickly he brushed himself off and held up a tablet with his other hand.

You chuckled at his slapstick entrance as he typed a message.

<Sorry about that! I've been told I can be a bit clumsy.>

<Are you ok?> you asked.

He gave a sharp nod, <To everyone in the room : My hearing is not impaired but I am mute. Don't be afraid to speak up!>

The boys and Grace introduced themselves and turned to you.

"F/N." You mumbled extending your right arm.

The man excitedly shook your hand and typed a new message on his tablet.

<Wonderful to meet you! I'm Rosinante Donquixote.>

Ace and Thatch shared a surprised look.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

12

You came to dizzy and struggling to breathe in the smoke filled cab of your precious beetle. Loose strands of hair dangled passed your face, some locks had matted to the side of your face mixing with the warm red liquid trickling along your jaw and pooling on the windshield below you.

Below you?

Panic struck realizing the only thing keeping you in your seat was your safety belt while your extremities helplessly swayed in front of you. Clothes and toiletries were scattered about as you frantically scanned the mess for your phone to no avail.

The cold snow packed against the shattered windshield was in direct contrast to the heat that seemed to be enveloping the backseat. Carefully dragging yourself to turn in the driver's seat, your fear was confirmed; the engine had caught fire. A strangled cough vibrated through your chest bringing another realization to light.

To affirm you inhaled and screamed for help. The sound rattled through your chest and up your throat, but you only heard a muffled cry that didn't sound even remotely near. Not good. A shaky hand reached up to touch the blood still dripping from your ear.

Groaning metal shifted the bug forward. You braced yourself on the steering wheel as the snow beneath the windshield and hood gave way flipping the vehicle upside down. Losing yourself in a moment of frustration and fear, you hiccupped and cried until the scent of diesel beckoned you back to the situation at hand.

Your bruised fingers strained to reach the door handle, feebly coiling around and tugging the cold metal that refused to give.

"Shit." You breathed jerking harder.

Anger building, you cursed, screamed and kicked before trying the handle again. This time it shifted down allowing you to open the door with the force of your elbow. Once you were sure the door wouldn't slam shut you unbuckled dropping to the ceiling.

Sifting through the mess of belongings your fingers found your purse and the hem of one of Ace's hoodies that had been abandoned in the back seat. Snatching both items into your arms you crawled out the open door and into the deep snow of the embankment you'd landed in.

Shakily you slipped into Ace's jacket letting the vague scent of campfire that always seemed to follow him fill your senses. You didn't make it far before collapsing into the snow clutching your purse to your chest.

                                                                                                      ________________

"She hasn't checked in at the hotel." Ace chewed on the inside of his cheek.

"Maybe she went straight into a meeting." Thatch tried to reason.

Ace's flustered response was stifled by the beep of his call-waiting. He peeked at the number, it was local but not one he had saved.

"I'll call you right back someone is calling me." He clicked to the other line without hearing Thatch's goodbye.

"Hello?" Ace breathed almost frantic.

"Hi there, I'm looking for Mr. Portgas." the feminine voice greeted.

"Ace, that's me." The raven stared through the kitchen window at the empty driveway.

"My name is Maureen, I'm contacting you from Mercy Hospital. You're the I.C.E. contact for F/N L/N -"

"What happened?" he interrupted impatiently.

"She's been in an accident. Luckily she wasn't too far out of town and was air lifted to us quickly."

None of these words meant anything to him, "Is she alright or not?" He barked.

"My apologies, she's in stable but serious condition. We can fill you in more on her situation once you arrive." Maureen finished.

"I'll be there soon." he spoke passed the painful lump in his throat and hung up.

If you had just taken the short flight or let him go with you perhaps this could have been prevented. Guilt crept in clenching his hammering heart, was it all the foot dragging he did to keep you home as long as possible? He should have let you leave when you had planned instead of stalling and giving you slow lazy kisses in the driveway while you laughed and told him to do it properly so you could go. Kuma woofed breaking his torturous train of thought.

Unlocking his phone again he dialed Thatch.

"Who was it?" The brunette asked glossing over an unnecessary greeting.

"Mercy Hospital. She was air lifted there. Can you pick me up?" he could no longer contain the tremble in his voice.

"Of course. We're on our way." Thatch calmly replied, "She'll be alright. I'll see you in fifteen."

Ace bent to the bully that had sat in front of him and rubbed shaky hands over his charcoal muzzle.

"She'll be ok." He murmured trying to find comfort in Kuma's relaxed gaze.

                                                                                                     __________________

Thatch, Grace and Ace entered the large brick building facing bright white walls and an unfamiliar astringent scent. The lobby was bustling with busy staff even at the time of evening.

"If she was air lifted she's probably in intensive care." Grace stated approaching the reception desk.

Ace remained quiet observing their surroundings, he hadn't witnessed anything like this before and mixed with the anxiety already mounting in his chest it was a bit overwhelming. He found himself wishing Kuma were with him.

"I.C.U. is on the third floor." Grace placed a visitor sticker on Ace's chest with a small calm smile.

Thatch stepped forward tugging his brother by the shoulder toward the elevators.

The sliding doors parted revealing the nurses station in the center of three long hallways on the third floor.

"Visiting hours on this floor are over unless you're family." an older woman with curly red hair stood as the trio approached.

Grace pushed the raven forward, "We can sit in the waiting room down stairs."

Ace gulped hesitantly turning back to the red headed woman, "I-I'm Por- uh ... Ace Portgas. I'm here for F/N L/N." he stammered still not used to giving his name in such an order.

She took a seat at the desk, keyboard clattering with every strike of her finger.

"Ah yes. She was moved to a private room after her surgery. Down that hall room 312." she pointed to her left, "The doctor will be making rounds soon and can fill you in on her condition."

Quietly Ace strode down the hall stopping briefly at your open door. His ears were met with high pitched beeps of the monitor to your left, letting his rubies drift over you lying motionless in the bed observing the tubes and wires attached to you. Small cuts and bruises decorated what skin was visible. The whole scene made his chest hurt especially not knowing the details of your condition. He stopped noticing a plastic bag neatly placed on a chair near the head of the bed. Opening the bag he found your purse sitting atop his gray hoodie, a smattering of blood staining the thick cotton.

"Feel free to get comfortable. She probably won't wake up until tomorrow." A deep male voice called from the doorway, "I'm Dr. Singh I'll be the primary resident assigned to Ms. L/N."

"What happened?" Ace asked for what felt like the millionth time that evening.

The doctor motioned for him to take a seat, "According to the report we received, a cement truck hit a patch of black ice and clipped her Volkswagen causing it to flip multiple times before landing on its end and ultimately flipping over in a nearby embankment."

"Is she going to be alright?"

"She suffered a lot of trauma, ruptured spleen, bruised sternum, a multitude of cuts and bruises and a cerebral contusion." He paused briefly to glance over the chart at the foot of your bed, "The most concerning is the rupturing of both eardrums. We can't be sure until she's conscious but she could suffer a considerable amount of hearing loss."

Ace laced his fingers with yours letting out a sighed as you unconsciously gave them a weak squeeze.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader **NSFW **

11

Your eyes fluttered open in the freezing room. Two warm bodies sandwiched you in. The smaller curled up against your abdomen spooned in by your upper thighs. The larger pressed to your back, arms twisted around your waist face buried in your nape. Despite their closeness, a shiver rolled up your spine. The house from what you could tell was dark, but that of a cloudy day rather than the middle of the night. How many hours had you slept? Your gaze trailed over the Christmas tree, its festive twinkle now mute. The power had gone out along with the fire.

Ace grumbled against your exposed skin arms stretching out and coiling back around you.

"So cold." He whined hooking his leg over your hip in an attempt to get even closer.

"The fire is out." You murmured resettling. 

"The furnace?" He questioned.

"Pilot light must've gone out."

It was silent for a few minutes before Ace shifted giving the stone fireplace a pointed look. Goosebumps flashed across your extremities as the blanket was jerked away and your main source of heat disappeared. Ace shivered approaching the stack of logs in the basket near the hearth. Poking last night's ashes away he set fresh logs down, this time pausing the place a starter log in the middle. He didn't plan on wasting time growing a fire like yesterday. 

You checked your phone that had been stashed under your pillow. It was almost 2 PM and finally Christmas Eve. Thatch had texted a few times checking each message a tad more stressed than the last. You replied quickly that all was well excusing your delayed response to sleep.

Natures calling urged you from your spot on the floor. Once you gained the nerve you stood turning to glance at the window that normally gave you a full view of the woods behind the house. Snow had piled almost halfway up and appeared to be still steadily falling.

After relieving yourself you stalked into your room to put another layer of clothes on. Meanwhile Ace had a fire started and was in the utility closet trying to light the pilot. He watched mesmerized as the tiny flame quickly devoured the matchstick all the way to his fingertips.

"Ah shit." He hissed stifling the light. 

"You aren't fireproof anymore." You commented rounding the corner with Kuma on your heels.

"I know." He huffed.

"Let me see." You softly took his right hand to inspect the reddened skin on his thumb and index finger, "Looks like you'll pull through." You pressed your lips to the barely injured digits.

"Thanks." He breathed watching you tug your boots on, "Where are you going?"

"Kuma has to go. Don't worry he's quick in this weather I won't even leave the porch." You opened the door letting a frigid breeze whip through the entry.

In the evening you cuddled up to Ace, your tablet propped up in your lap watching a movie you had saved. He distractedly let his right hand roam up and down your back. You hummed at the comforting warmth he provided sparing a quick glance at his freckled face. Glaring intensely at the small screen you cradled, he gnawed the inside of his bottom lip.

"Something the matter?" His eyes snapped up to yours at the sound of your voice.

He shook his head, "It's Christmas, right?"

"That eager for your gift?" you chuckled, "Keep in mind we agreed on making something."

He wasn't just excited for whatever you had made, he was incredibly nervous over what you would think of his gift to you.

"I'm sure I'll love what you've made. Even if I don't I'll pretend I did." he smiled earning a nudge of your elbow.

"It isn't quite midnight, but we can exchange gifts if you'd like."

Ace hopped up offering you his hand. Separating to your respective rooms you both gathered your gifts.

Entering the living room after you Ace placed a red, green and white striped knotted rope in front of Kuma and plopped down next to you again.

"Ok, it isn't much," You handed him the small silver wrapped box.

"Stop trying to downplay your effort." He traded his small gift for the medium sized red and gold wrapped box he'd had stashed in his room.

A tingling heat invaded your cheeks as he eagerly tore the paper and removed the box's lid. His short sharp intake of breath set your nerves on end as he pulled the small strand of beads out cupping them gently in his palm.

"It's just like them." He murmured fondly.

You released the breath you'd been holding thankful it wasn't a bad choice.

"I wanted to make a necklace," you reached over the help clasp the bracelet around his left wrist, "But I couldn't find beads here that would work."

"Seriously this is perfect." His smile reached his eyes.

"We'll go get your birthday gift once the roads are cleared," you chuckled, "so you have a phone while I'm on my trip."

He had forgotten about your summit meeting on the first of the year. The fact you insisted on driving to Boston bothered him even if it was just under two hours away. You did it every year, Ace wasn't going to change that.

"Go ahead and open yours." He nudged you.

You deftly tugged at the taped edges of the wrapping paper revealing a white box. Ace was practically vibrating with pride next to you. Gaze darting back to his smiling face and down again, you slipped the lid off. A brown leather-bound portfolio sat neatly nestled into green and gold striped tissue paper.

"A photo album?" You questioned tracing a finger over the stitching along the borders of the book.

"Look." He urged.

You swallowed gently gliding your finger between the cover and the first page, slowly flipping it open. Page after page of worn yellowing index cards sat before you. Each page had two cards perfectly encased in plastic laminate. Ingredients, measurements, and instructions elegantly decorated each. It had been such a long time since you'd seen your grandmother's handwriting, here it was laid out before you faultlessly preserved for all time.

The warmth of Ace's fingers caressed your cheeks pushing away tears you hadn't realized were there.

"I hope I didn't upset you," his tone was low and concerned, "I found the recipe box in the cabinet and thought you might want to keep them safe."

"No no, it's perfect." You breathed, "But didn't we agree to be cheap and make something?"

"I kind of made it. I arranged the cards and the lady at Staples helped laminate and bind the book." he smiled dropping his hands down to remove it, "There's a little stand under here so you can set it on the counter."

You reached up cupping his face and leaned in for a kiss. Lingering for a few seconds he finally registered and began to kiss back eagerly moving his hand into your hair just behind your left ear. You parted gazing at each other lustfully, noses touching, small pants mingling.

"I'll have to give you gifts more often." Ace chuckled wiggling his brows.

                                                                                          _______________

The beads of his bracelet rustled, softly clinking against one another as he combed his fingers through your hair between heated kisses. Your hands traversed his bare chest, exploring the dips and curves of his muscles and reverently caressing the scarred circle that tied him to you.

A low pleased rumble vibrated beneath your digits. Your hips pressed firmly together as you unhurriedly rocked into each other sending shudders of pleasure through both of you. He'd initially not been pleased with the sensory deprivation caused by the prophylactic, but now completely sheathed in your confined warmth it was no longer a thought.

This was not something he'd experienced. Sex was something for release a necessity he only took part in a few times. There was no true desire, no passion, no want to make it last as long as humanly possible.

His rubies trailed over the beautiful creature beneath him - you; neck arched back, swollen lips lightly parted releasing ragged pants. In a moment of rapture, he pulled back and thrust into you, a quick sharp movement eliciting a flustered call of his name.

Ace's resolve nearly crumbled wanting to hear more of that sound.

"Ace." You echoed melodically pushing him closer to the edge ultimately dragging you to your precipice with his quickened pace.

Crescent dimples littered your hips where his grip slipped and readjusted. Long slow thrusts became quick uneven pumps drawing out more lustful sounds. Ace relished in the pure bliss your voice propagated and lost himself in a fit of shudders with one final airy call of his name.

After a few moments of silence snuggled into the raven's embrace, you suddenly shifted to face him.

"What's wrong?" he yawned.

"What time is it?"

Ace shifted reaching back blindly with one arm to retrieve his new phone from the nightstand, "12:26."

"Shit." you frowned, "I wanted to tell you happy birthday at midnight."

Uncontrollable chuckles rumbled from the freckled male as he squeezed you between his arms.

"I think I got my happy birthday." He kissed your nose.

_____________________

"Please call me when you get there." Ace tugged your suitcase out to the car while you opened the passenger side door and folded the seat.

"I promise." You smiled taking the suitcase and cramming it into the back seat, "You won't even notice I'm gone."

"Oh, I definitely will." He chuckled reeling you into his chest.

"Three days and I'll be right back." You stood on your toes to kiss his lips.

After your prolonged goodbye in the driveway, you set off for Boston.

Ace sat on the bed you'd shared most of the day with Kuma curled into his side restlessly tossing his phone in his hands. One hour turned into two, turned into three turned into five with no word from you. He restrained himself to six calls, each going straight to your voicemail.

Raking an anxious hand over his scalp he sighed and put his phone to his ear.

"Thatch, I think something happened to F/N."

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

10.5

Howling winds had the old house bracing itself, groaning and creaking against heavy gusts. Fat dense snowflakes slapped against the window panes with ridiculous force. Kuma retired to his electric blanket covered bed in the far corner of the living room. Only the light of the Christmas tree spread through the room.

Ace had stacked cherry logs in the fireplace and was growing a small fire. The decrepit furnace was working as hard as it could but was no match for the wind forcing its way through the poorly insulated walls. You gathered every blanket and pillow in the house to build a cozy pallet on the living room floor. Both bedrooms were too cold to get comfortable in and the fireplace would help tremendously.

Once Ace was satisfied with the fire he crawled under the thick blankets. Turning to face you he slipped his right arm under your pillow and closed the space between you. He met your gaze with a soft smile and nipped your nose playfully. Maybe you didn't need the fire, it suddenly seemed plenty warm. You combed your fingers through his soft black tresses. He leaned into your touch closing his eyes slowly. You smiled noting how much his hair had grown since he arrived. He mirrored your action letting his fingers drop down to trace your jaw. Goosebumps sprouted up across your arms under his feathery caresses.

A low chuckle rumbled through his chest, "Cold?"

You shook your head unable to find your voice. It had been a long time since you were in such a position. Well, not that you hadn't been cuddling this freckled cutie for the last month, but it never felt this intimate before. You were just lying there gazing at each other and you felt incredibly exposed.

It wasn't that Ace didn't also feel exposed despite his forward attention. He'd actually rarely had attention from women where he was from. He had goals to accomplish and a crew that depended on him. Looking back at the past weeks you had been so obliviously transparent he wasn't sure how he hadn't noticed before, he supposed that probably went both ways.

Ace wasn't one for silliness like love at first sight, but the warmth and comfort you brought him was apparent from the moment he woke up in your spare room. He also knew if he didn't make any of these advances you would never progress. You were a hermity creature of habit. Change and risks were not things you were comfortable with even if your heart felt like it would burst every time you looked at him.

He shifted forcing your legs to hook around the outside of his thighs. His lips were warm and gentle, sending waves of amorous comfort rolling through you. You kissed back eagerly trying to convey your feelings. He'd steadied himself on his elbows resting just above your shoulders, both hands cupping each side of your head while his thumbs rubbed small soothing circles into your hairline. Your hands skimmed his forearms trying to calm yourself and match his slow methodical pace.

After the last twenty-four hours you'd felt he'd be gone in an instant, so he wanted to prove he wouldn't be going anywhere. He placed small sweet smooches all over your face between long deep kisses. Every time his lips made contact with the tip of your nose it drew out a smile that Ace couldn't look away from. His chest swelled knowing he made that happen and only he got to see it. His rubies searched your face intensely, taking in your unknowingly aroused expression.

"Stop staring." You blushed covering his face with both your hands.

"But you're so cute." He murmured before licking your palms.

"Ace!" You squeaked wiping your hands on his shirt.

"It's your own fault." He chuckled lowering himself to capture your lips once more.

You mewled involuntarily when his hips pressed against yours feeling just how excited he was. His lips traced your jaw and down your throat. Pure instinct took over as your brain was forced into a euphoric haze. As much as you wanted to continue you knew you'd have to fight the fuzzy feelings and plop back into reality.

"Ace." Your airy voice only spurred him on.

Hands roamed down your sides stopping occasionally to grope your curves.

"Ace." You whined before he stifled you with a kiss.

Things were getting too heated. You wrestled with giving up and going all the way or forcing yourself to stop him. It really was a hard decision. The more he kissed, groped and pressed the more you wanted him.

Finally, your brain located your hands, which had made their way into his hair, and forced them to cup his cheeks pulling him away from your lips. His burning gaze met yours as you both huffed.

He noted the serious look on your face and smiled charmingly, "Sorry. I got carried away."

You chuckled propping yourself up on your elbows, "It's not that I don't want to. There just aren't any condoms and I haven't been on the pill in a long time."

He looked puzzled, "Condoms?"

You flopped back into the blankets, "We'll save this talk for another time. But the short version is we can't go further without them. And no one is going anywhere in this weather."

He nuzzled into the crook of your neck resting the right side of his body over yours.

"An actual nap then?" His warm breath tickled your sensitive flesh.

"Mhm." You affirmed beginning your hair twisting ritual.

In minutes he was snoring softly against your ear.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

10

You returned home in the middle of the afternoon when the snowfall became too much and you couldn't find anything else to occupy your time. As you sat in the slowly cooling bug your phone began to ring startling you from your daze.

"Hey Thatch." You greeted.

"Hi F/N, are you with Ace right now?" He asked.

"Not at the moment." You frowned staring through the windshield, "Everything ok?"

"Oh yeah, it's just his phone is broken so I can't reach him. Can you tell him we'll be closed tonight it looks like a nor'easter is rolling through."

"Sure no problem." You replied wondering what could have happened to his phone and if Thatch knew why didn't he call you sooner?

Your stomach dropped. Maybe he really did go home with Katie and Thatch supported it? Why wouldn't he? He knows her better and she's gorgeous.

"Ya still there?" Thatch chuckled.

"Uh yeah sorry."

"I asked if you have everything you need in case you lose power." The brunette rumbled.

"Yeah yeah a generator and everything. I'll call you if we need anything." You assured.

"Alright then stay warm."

"You too." You hung up the phone and sighed.

It was still quiet inside so you busied yourself putting away groceries and feeding Kuma. You went back to your room to put some things away finding Ace snuggled up in your blankets. It shouldn't have been surprising considering that's where he slept every night anyway. You found yourself standing next to the bed resisting the urge to brush his hair from his face.

Regathering your resolve you turned to make your exit. Warm fingers coiled around your wrist firmly keeping you in place. You hoped he couldn't feel your pulse hammering erratically beneath his digits.

"Were you just gonna stare?" His tone was playful but you didn't dare turn back to peek at his face.

"Thatch called me to say they are closing the restaurant tonight. We're supposed to get a lot of snow." You stayed perfectly still it was the only way to keep your voice from faltering.

"Good then nap with me. I know you didn't sleep." He tugged you toward the bed.

"No I - I have to make sure the pipes outside don't need to be rewrapped and the porch and steps are salted."

"Fine, I'll help you and then we can nap." He released you and sat up swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

You quickly made your way to the door pressing the back of your hands against your cheeks.

"I'll get the insulation wrap and meet you outside."

Kuma hopped around in the fresh snow while you and Ace trudged around to the back of the house to wrap the two exposed faucets that were already set to a steady drip. Once the task was complete you returned to the porch to spread the rock salt over the creaky wooden slats.

"It's faster with two people. Your nose and cheeks are already really red." Ace commented while the two of you removed your coats, scarves and hats, wafting lingering snowflakes to the floor.

"Yeah." You murmured kicking your boots off, "It's fitting weather for Christmas eve."

"Like the song." He chirped following you down the hall.

You couldn't help but feel irritated, normally he followed you around the house like an eager puppy and it never once bothered you. Today you tried your damnedest to get some distance and he just wouldn't allow it. Even when you were out all morning you only thought about what he could have been doing all night.

Ace frowned. He knew acting like nothing had happened probably wouldn't work...but that didn't keep him from trying. Clearly you weren't happy. The conversation was going to have to happen whether either of you liked it or not.

"F/N." He called lowly after flopping back into the bed.

You hummed sitting at your PC to check the weather.

He sighed feeling sort of childish, "Are ...you mad?"

Were you mad?

Yes.

"No." You huffed stubbornly.

"Liar." He chided.

"Why should I be?" You stared passed the screen in front of you, "You're an adult you can do whatever you want. I am disappointed that you already broke your phone."

His chest was tight, "How did you know it broke?"

"Thatch told me." You replied curtly.

"Let me tell you what happened." He sat up.

"I have a good idea." Your breath caught in your throat as you swiveled around finding him now standing quite close.

This was the first time you'd seen this expression. Brows knit, eyes dark, lips pressed into a straight line. He raked his left hand through his thick black waves.

"You're so stubborn." He rumbled, "Katie got completely wasted and broke my phone when I was trying to call you."

That bitch.

"Remind me to bill her for that."

He snorted and continued, "Thatch had left so I didn't have a way to call you. I ended up driving her car to Thatch and Grace's."

"So you moved your date to your brother's house." You commented.

"It wasn't a date." He leaned down resting his hands on the armrests caging you into your office chair, "She slept in the spare room and I stayed awake on the couch until Thatch got up."

"Wh-why are you telling me?" You croaked passed the lump in your throat.

He moved in closer, eyes half lidded but smoldering, breath fanning over your cheeks, "You were upset about it."

Before you could protest his soft warm lips gently pressed to yours. After a few seconds you matched his rhythm scooting to the edge of your chair to gain more real-estate. Sensing what you were trying to accomplish his right hand moved to your nape, his fingers leaving trails of tingling heat into your hair line pulling you closer. It was tender but intense leaving you completely overwhelmed. There was no winter storm, no stress, no anger, no Katie -  only Ace.

He sucked your bottom lip between his teeth earning a small surprised gasp. Taking advantage of the opportunity he pushed his tongue passed your parted lips deepening the kiss. You surrendered immediately clinging desperately to his hoodie. Before long your lungs burned for oxygen and you released each other huffing.

"Forgive me?" He murmured nuzzling against your cheek.

"There's nothing to forgive, you didn't do anything wrong." You dropped your still shaky hands into your lap.

"Can we nap now?" He smiled tapping his forehead to yours.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

9

Thatch and Grace left the party early and put the manager in charge of making sure nothing got out of control. Ace glanced around at the small crowd dancing in the main dining room. After dinner the tables had been cleared out to make room for a make shift dance floor.

"Come daaaaaance with me Acey." Katie slurred tugging the raven toward the crowd.

He dug in his heels not much for dancing, "Maybe you should sit and have some water."

He'd been around drunk men plenty of times and joined in of course, but a drunk clingy woman was a completely different story.

"You're not being any fuuuuun." She whined using all of her weight to pull him from his place.

"Fine." He sighed, "But after you have to try to sober up. I'll call F/N to come get us."

"Don't call her." Katie sneered, "We'll be fiiine."

Ace didn't like the attitude directed toward you. The two of you barely knew each other and you had never been rude that he could recall. But he noticed earlier that Katie seemed to patronize you and he planned to get to the bottom of it.

As they neared the crowd "You Send Me" by Sam Cooke began to play. Katie latched onto his torso burying her face in his shoulder. He uncomfortably gripped her upper arms and swayed with the music. A few of their coworkers gave them side glances and raised brows. Ace knew what that look meant, he invented that look. While he did his best to avert his gaze Katie's hands began sliding down his back toward his rear. He quickly grabbed her elbows just above his hips. She frowned pulling back and holding her hands out in front of her to indicate innocence.

"I'll be right back." Ace excused himself for the bathroom.

He stared at himself in the mirror trying to get rid of the agitation creeping through his chest. Once he calmed down he slipped his phone out of his pocket.

2:42AM

He swiped over the picture of Kuma on his lock screen intending to open his contact list and call you for a ride. The bathroom door swung open with such force it slammed against wall. Before he could react he was shoved to the floor, his phone sent flying from his hand. Hands roamed over his torso tugging at his tie and unsnapping buttons.

"W-whoa!" He gasped between sloppy unwanted kisses.

Katie continued to shove her tongue in his mouth while he fought to fend her off and gain control of the situation. Finally she broke away for air giving Ace a chance to sit up and restrain her roaming hands.

"Stop." He huffed, "What's wrong with you?"

"S-sorry! I'm sorry!" She burst into tears.

He sighed standing and buttoning his shirt, "We need to get you home."

Katie sat on the floor sniffling while he looked for his missing phone.

"Shit." Ace breathed plucking the device from a sink, the screen black and completely shattered.

He pocketed it and turned back to the crying purplette to help her off the floor. She continued to mutter slurred apologies wrapping an arm around his waist for support.

"It's alright." He tried to sooth her, "We'll talk about it tomorrow. Where are your keys?"

She pointed to her purse once they entered the main room.

After getting Katie buckled in Ace slid into the driver's seat. He took a deep breath adjusting the seat and mirrors like you'd taught him. He'd only ever driven with you and never further than the property line at the foot of the hill.

"Think you can tell me how to get to your apartment?" He asked turning the key in the ignition.

Katie's head lulled against the headrest.

"Great."

Not really confident in his driving ability mixed with fresh snow he pulled out onto the main road and started for the only house he knew nearby, which he was also lucky enough to have a key for. Ten minutes later they screeched to a halt in Thatch and Grace's driveway. He fumbled with his own keys trying to quietly unlock the front door. He planned to wake Thatch and come back for Katie who he left in the front seat. Finally he found the right key and slowly pushed the door open only to be nearly whacked with a baseball bat.

"Ace, what the fuck?" Thatch breathed dropping the bat, "I thought someone was breaking in."

"With a key?" The raven deadpanned.

"Shut up, it's almost 4AM. What the hell are you doing?"

"Katie got too drunk and yours is the only house I could drive to without killing us." He explained thumbing toward the driveway where Katie was passed out.

"Go get her I'll get the spare room ready." Thatch turned down the hall.

Ace lumbered back out to the silver crossover and opened the passenger side door.

"Katie." He murmured, "Wake up we're here."

"Here?" She whispered eyes closed.

"Thatch's house." He replied unbuckling the safety belt.

"Home." She pouted knitting her brows.

"When you sober up in the morning." He huffed tugging her out into the cold night air.

Thatch appeared at the door to assist Ace in getting Katie to the spare room.

"Is Grace awake?" He whispered to his brother.

"No why?"

"Never mind, she'll be fine like this right?" Ace asked placing her on the bed.

"I don't see why not." Thatch replied, "Are you staying in here with her?"

Ace's rubies sharpened at his brother.

"Ok then let's get you set up on the sofa."

                                                                                  ________________________

Ace laid on the sofa wide awake arms crossed over his chest watching soft morning light fill the living room. He shouldn't have gone to the party, or should have kept an eye on how many drinks she was throwing back, or better yet realized what she'd been trying to do this whole time. What really kept him up was worrying over what you were doing at home. He wished his stupid phone hadn't broke so he could at least let you know where he was and that nothing was happening.

Thatch got up a few hours later and drove him home. He stopped at the door admiring the wreath you'd finished and hung. The lights on the porch were still on, it didn't have the same effect in the daylight but he knew it would be beautiful when the sun went down. Kuma greeted him as he entered the kitchen and shrugged out of his coat. He cringed knowing that meant you were already awake and he wasn't prepared to face you.

You rounded the corner muttering to yourself, stomach dropping when your eyes fell over his disheveled form. The last thing you wanted to witness was his walk of shame. His gaze locked you in like a tractor beam a faint blush dusting his freckled face. He hadn't noticed how adorable your surprised expression was before.

"Hey." You cleared your throat and entered the room.

"Morning." He rubbed his nape.

"You'll have the house to yourself for a while if you want to nap or something." You took your keys from the bowl by the door and slipped into your coat, "Kuma and I will be back in time to take you to your shift later."

"...ok." He frowned watching you leave.

When the sputtering engine of your beetle was out of ear shot he stalked back to his room to change and slipped into your room. He pulled your pillow to his side of the bed letting your scent relax him until he finally fell asleep.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

8

You meandered through aisles of Christmas ornaments. It had been a very long time since you celebrated the holidays, not since your grandmother passed. This year was for Ace; who had expressed a lot of interest.

He'd noticed decorations going up around town and commercials on tv so you ended up explaining the holiday and different religious and family traditions that take place. He'd known something similar where he was from so it wasn't terribly difficult to explain.

Now you found yourself in a super store combing picked to death aisles for Christmas decor. The raven that accompanied you had distracted himself with themed dog toys meant as gifts for pets.

"I didn't expect there to be so many colors." Ace commented holding up a tube of differently textured orange plastic balls.

"It's pretty amazing actually. My mother always liked traditional colors, green, red and gold. But Gram always wanted to try something different." You touched a sleeve of metallic blue ornaments, "But since it's your first we can do traditional if you'd like."

Ace gazed at you thoughtfully gnawing on the inside of his bottom lip, a habit you found incredibly cute.

"What color do you want?"

You preferred cooler tones while Ace preferred warmer. You hadn't expected him to ask since all of this was for him in the first place.

"Purples, blues and greens." You replied quietly.

He got quiet again eyeing the shelf behind you stocked with fake trees. A smiled spread across his face when his eyes reached the very top shelf. Before you could ask him what he was looking at he began climbing the industrial shelf.

"Ace!" You called in quiet panic trying not to draw attention to yourself, "Get down!"

"In a sec." He muttered focused on his goal.

"Now!" You croaked, "You'll get us kicked out!"

"You'll get us kicked out if you keep yelling." He chuckled hooking his left leg around the steel support of the shelf.

You flushed not realizing you'd raised your voice so much. Ace carefully wiggled a box free and lowered it toward you.

"It's awkwardly shaped but not heavy." He assured as you grasped the end of the box.

Once he was sure you had it he let go and hopped down landing perfectly on his feet.

"What?" He asked meeting your glare.

"You can't just climb things in the store like some kind of monkey. What if you fell?" You scolded flicking him.

"Ow! Hey!" He rubbed his nose where you'd thumped your fingers, "It's fine. I've survived worse."

You shook your head turning your attention to the box standing on its end. The label noted that it was a six foot white pre-lit tree.

"White?" You murmured.

"So we can do different colors every year." He smiled triumphantly.

"Oh." You replied as coolly as you felt possible ignoring the fluttering in your chest.

"So," He paused resting his hands on his hips, "What color should we get for this year?"

You thought for a moment furrowing your brows and pursing your lips.

                                                                                __________________

"I didn't realize you were so..." Ace trailed off trying to find the word.

"Crafty?" You murmured from your spot on the floor twisting the wire that held the ribbons you'd arranged together.

He nodded stepping away to admire your collective work. From bottom to top the tree was swirled with ornaments from blue to teal to yellow to orange and finally red. White glittery orbs filled the spaces between the flame like designs.

Ace took the large bow you'd fashioned and fastened it to the top of the tree before dropping down next to you on the rug.

"The middle kinda reminds me of Marco." He leaned back on his palms.

"His favorite colors?" You questioned looking over the teal and yellow section.

"His flames." Ace replied a little distant.

"A phoenix with blue flames?"

He hummed in affirmation.

Though he had Thatch he still missed his other brothers very much and even regretted leaving to go after Teach.

"The Christmas party is tonight right?" You asked after a few moments of silence.

"Yeah, I should probably hit the shower." He stood and pulled you to your feet, "Too bad you can't come."

"Even if I were allowed, I think I've had enough human interaction today." You smirked picking up a string of lights to line the front windows with.

Ace turned toward his room.

While he showered you continued putting up decorations in the house finally settling at the kitchen table to finish an old wreath you'd been trying to revive. A small knock rattled the old glass window pane in the front door. With a huff you rose and unlatched the chain.

"F/N? Right?" The purplette chimed full of nauseatingly fake cheer.

"And you are?" You flouted tilting your head in faux curiosity.

Her perfect cherry lips screwed into a pout.

"Oh hey Katie." Ace called over your shoulder, "You're early."

You turned to the raven, heart violently pounding through your chest. His black waves were pulled back into a messy ponytail with a few flyaways framing his smiling freckled face. The sleeves of his red and gray plaid shirt were rolled to his elbows with a slate gray tie cinched loosely under his collar.

"You look so handsome!" Katie voiced your thoughts moving to Ace's side snaking her slender arm around his.

Your chest tightened when he didn't reject the contact. Kuma finally sauntered into the room letting out a rumble at the new voice. The purplette squeaked scooting behind Ace eliciting an eye roll from you.

"He's harmless." You insisted bending down to sooth him.

"Doesn't seem harmless." She muttered.

"He's just protective." Ace defended stepping forward for some distance.

Kuma rumbled again but settled next to you while Ace ran a hand between his ears.

"The wreath is almost ready for the door." He commented straightening himself out.

"Almost." You affirmed, "I just have to add a few more things."

"Oh you made that?" Katie questioned moving toward the table, "How cute."

You felt her tone was more mocking than complimentary but murmured a halfhearted "thanks" anyway.

"We should get going." The girl chirped checking the time on her phone.

You were torn between ending the awkwardness and letting Ace leave with that...

"Ok see ya later F/N." He palmed your shoulder letting his hand drift down to your elbow.

"Yeah...uh call me if you get drunk and need me to come get you. I'll just be catching up on some work."

"He'll be fine. I'll make sure of it." Katie replied pulling your gaze from Ace's.

"You kids have fun then." You muttered getting a grin from the raven.

"See you in a few hours." Ace's hand left your arm as he led Katie out the front door.

You entertained yourself for a while finishing the wreath, hanging it outside and moving on to other decorations. The front windows had been lit and railing on the porch wrapped in garland and lights. No one ever drove passed your property but you wanted Ace to see the house lit up when he got home. It was getting later and didn't seem like you'd get caught any time soon so you made your way to your room opening the bottom right drawer of your desk and pulling out a small box of beads you'd purchased for a gift you were planning to make. Under the box were the small tools you needed to attach the clasp to the silver cord you were using.

You plopped down on your bed carefully taking out the cord and fastening the open clasp to one end. Carefully you opened the box revealing the small round red jasper beads you'd picked out just for Ace. Once the bracelet was complete you stretched and placed it back in the box, you checked your phone and put the box back in its drawer it was well after 2AM. Anxiety pooled into your chest and you suppressed the urge to text and check in.

He didn't belong to you and could stay out however late he wanted. Plus you knew Thatch and Grace were there and would inform you if anything bad had happened. Trying to sooth yourself you climbed into bed, Kuma following suit and scrolled through manga until you finally dozed off.

Ace didn't come home that night.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

7

A month had passed since the freckled raven dropped into your life. After finding Thatch, Grace offered him a job as a server in the restaurant. He was hesitant at first. This was certainly not the life he was used to; working for a living instead of being free to do as he pleased out on the open ocean, not that he wasn't necessarily free to do as he pleased. You never put any pressure on him. He had been through a lot and you were content to continue the way you always had.

Thatch convinced him otherwise with phrases like "pull your own weight" and "contribute to the household" because, "that's just how things are done in this world."

You were in the shower humming a tune oblivious to the raven that had silently slipped into the room. He pressed his left hand to his lips stifling mischievous snickers as he neared the toilet. You paused momentarily massaging suds into your scalp. He froze fearing he'd been caught, nearly sighing in relief when you picked up the tune again. Quietly Ace reached for the handle on the toilet tank.

*FLUSH*

You had a millisecond to move before boiling hot water came flowing through the showerhead. A plume of steam burst through the tub rolling upward along the ceiling and escaping where the curtain wasn't quite flush with the wall.

"Ace!" You squealed gripping the shower curtain and yanking it back making sure to keep your important bits covered.

He burst into laughter at your half-washed hair, mounds of bubbles sliding down your angry face.

"Shut up!" You barked, "Where did you even learn that?"

"I saw it in a movie." He wheezed.

"Get out!" You groaned watching his rubies trail down your shadowed form behind the opaque shower curtain, "Out! Pervert!"

He turned still laughing and exited the room.

This had become a new occurrence over the last week and a half. You'd always been able to tell that he had a lot more personality than what you were seeing. Once he started getting more comfortable with you and the layout of the house the pranks began. More often than not he hid somewhere and waited for you to stroll by so he could jump out and scare the life out of you. It worked every single time. Once he exchanged the sugar for salt but forgot dumping the wrong seasoning into his coffee the next morning ultimately pranking himself.

You rounded the corner tying your wet braid off with a rubber band. Ace already sat in your bed yawning and playing a pretty intense game on the phone you'd helped him purchase and learn how to use. He caught on fairly quickly but still stuck his tongue out (adorably) in concentration while he composed a text.

Neither of you ever proposed an alternate sleeping arrangement. You just continued with what seemed to work. You couldn't speak for Ace but since he'd arrived you just couldn't be alone. He would fall asleep often, in absurd places if he was bored or inactive for a long enough period of time. None of that was quite the same as when you shut everything down for the night.

"Phone off." You murmured pulling the comforter back.

"I'm almost through this level." He whined.

"Five minutes. You have to be up early." You turned the lamp on your nightstand off.

He groaned failing the level causing Kuma to shift from the foot of the bed.

"Can't get passed it?" You chuckled as he placed the device on his nightstand.

"Yeah the silver knight keeps wasting me. My flames don't go through his stupid armor." He pouted scooting to your side, "No work tonight?"

"Maybe, unless I can't get to sleep." Your fingers already made their way to his scalp.

"I can walk in the morning if you stay up too late." He offered stifling a massive yawn.

"Don't be absurd. There's almost a foot of snow out there. I will drive you in just like always."

He rolled over smiling at your stubbornness. You'd get up early and drive him in even if you'd not slept at all.

"G'night F/N." He yawned again while you twisted his hair around your index finger.

"Night Fire Fist." He chuckled at your reference to his pirate days and slipped into a quiet slumber.

You lay in the dark listening to his even breaths, anxieties drifting away through locks of soft raven hair. You had no idea why this gesture gave you so much relief, it wasn't something you needed before. What even was this? Were there feelings behind it all masked by a need to not be alone?

Except you enjoyed being alone. Right?

Ace stretched his arm out palming the empty space in the bed as his alarm softly chimed from the device on the bedside table. He yawned confused for a moment and rolled over to quiet the phone.

"Brunch shifts are the worst." He whined voice still husky from sleep.

"You should have gone to bed earlier instead of plotting against my shower time." You muttered from your desk.

"Worth it." He let out a low chuckle before frowning realizing where you were, " You didn't sleep again."

"I did. A little." You shrugged swiveling to catch his ruby gaze.

His frown deepened at the sight of the slate shadows resting below your eyes.

"Your travel mug is already waiting for you, you just need to get dressed so we can roll out." You stood and stretched causing Kuma to hop off the bed and excitedly stroll toward you.

"Ok ok I'm going." Ace reluctantly flopped the warm blankets back visibly shuddering as goosebumps broke out across his arms.

Taking one last glance at his scarred back you exited the room.

It was a longer than normal trek into town having to carefully traverse the yet to be cleared roads after the fresh snowfall overnight. Finally, you pulled up to the restaurant just in time for Thatch to unlock the door for the staff waiting to get inside. Ace bid you and Kuma a good day taking his coffee and sliding out of the passenger seat. A pleasant smile broke out across his face as his coworkers greeted him. One in particular caught your eye as you put the old bug in reverse.

The purplette hostess ruffled his waves and slipped into his side for a hug taking a brief second it seemed to deliberately glance through the windshield at you. She offered you a smile although it looked forced and plastic, you raised a few fingers off the steering wheel to respond with a small wave. There was an unpleasant taste in your mouth and a rolling knot in the pit of your stomach. Shrugging it off you headed for the store to pick up some groceries before it got too busy.

The day slowly rolled by. You napped a few times but just couldn't seem to get settled. Ace's shift would be ending soon so you were layering up and grabbing your keys when your phone pinged.

Freckle Face: U dnt have to get me

Freckle Face: Katie s gvng me aride

Well at least he's getting better at texting.

You dropped your keys back in the dish by the door sending back a nonchalant response as you slouched into the kitchen chair mind flickering back to the purple haired girl. You'd already known that was Katie Ace talked about her occasionally, but you still hoped maybe there was another Katie, perhaps not so cute, that would be bringing him home.

With a sigh you made a quick cup of coffee and went to your seat on the porch. The rigid wicker chair groaned under your weight as you shifted to get comfortable. The sun was creeping past the horizon behind the house. Orange light began to fade into a light and then deeper blue revealing a smattering of stars in the distance. Soon an engine up the road caught your ear. You watched the silver crossover shift from the main road to your long gravel drive, finally stopping abruptly in front of you. You averted your gaze from the car until you heard the door swing open.

"Hi Ace's roommate." The purplette called, tone a little too pointed for your liking.

"F/N." Ace corrected quickly drawing a smirk to your lips while you quietly raised your gloved hand to wave back.

"See ya Monday!" She called cheerfully after him.

"Yeah, thanks again. Have a good one." He smiled brilliantly as always closing the door behind him and turned back to you, "Its freezing what are you doing out here?"

"It's not so bad. I've got coffee." You argued.

He rolled his eyes, "Did you get any rest while I was gone?"

You nodded standing unable to voice your lie.

"So, you guys work together Monday?" You asked trying to sound uninterested.

He held the door open for you nodding, "She wanted to give me a ride since her shift starts close to mine."

There was that annoying feeling again.

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

6

You pulled into the short paved driveway leading up to a small red brick home. Grace appeared wrapped in a robe on the front porch to greet you.

"Sorry for troubling you in the middle of the night." She rubbed her hands together to warm them.

Was it the middle of the night? You hadn't checked in your haste.

"Its fine." You tried to calm yourself stepping up to meet her.

She guided you into the cozy home where Thatch emerged from the hallway a deep worried frown etched into his handsome face.

"He seems to have calmed down a bit, but he's asking for you." He murmured sounding a bit dejected.

You sighed and nodded with the confirmation that he was alright.

"This way." Grace instructed taking you to the spare bedroom and lightly knocked on the door, "Ace, F/N is here."

"Come in." His voice was barely a whisper.

You turned the knob, foreign feelings bubbling through your chest. Normally you avoided human contact if at all possible, but something drew you to Ace. You felt like you needed to protect him.

Slipping over the threshold you stepped out of your boots and shrugged out of your hoodie quietly making your way to the bed to peel the blankets back.

The raven flinched still a bit shaky from his episode. His garnet orbs glossed over as he searched your face before letting out a short sigh of relief. You crawled into the small bed shifting to pull him into your chest. Once his left ear was pressed firmly above your right breast your entire body relaxed. You released a breath not realizing just how tense you'd been.

Ace broke the silence while your fingers made their way into his messy waves.

"Sorry."

"For what?" You whispered nonchalantly.

"I thought I'd be fine." He murmured a little disappointed in himself.

"And you are." You breathed, "Don't worry about it."

Both of you just huddled together soothing each other's anxieties. Suddenly a chuckle rumbled through Ace's chest.

"What's funny?" You questioned still twisting his hair around your index finger.

"You missed me." He muttered.

"Says who?" You shifted beneath him causing him to rise above you.

"You didn't bother to change your clothes." He pointed at the shirt you'd warn out to eat and you did in fact, still have your jeans on.

"I could have just changed before I left." You lifted a brow.

"But you didn't." He poked your nose before cuddling back into your side, "I bet you didn't even eat."

Your breath caught in your throat picturing the to-go box in the fridge. You'd have to get rid of it before he saw it.

"You don't know what you're talking about." You huffed letting your hands get back to work twisting his hair.

"...F/N?"

"Yeah?"

He paused for a beat searching for words, "Why do you think this is so comfortable?"

"I hadn't thought to question it." You shrugged.

It was an honest enough response. You always did what you wanted; even as a child it was difficult to have you complete a task you had no interest in. Most people, especially teachers found you to be finicky and stubborn. However, the things you were interested in got your full undivided attention. Any task you had true passion for reaped the greatest results. And you usually threw yourself in head first without a second thought. This situation wasn't any different.

"I just... never needed this kind of comfort to sleep before." He said in a hushed tone.

"Me either." You replied softly.

"You never slept before." He chuckled.

"Shut up." You smirked.

This wasn't the first time you'd heard him laugh. He usually did while wrestling with Kuma in the living room. This time is just sounded different, musical somehow? It pulled a rare smile across your lips.

Thatch crossed his arms turning to Grace as they listened to your banter from the hallway.

"Why do you look so concerned?" She caressed the scar on his temple.

"He hasn't even been here a week and he's so attached to her he has panic attacks?"

"That may not be the trigger." She slowly tugged him away from the door, "He left your world in a very traumatic way and she found him the moment he crossed over. He probably just subconsciously associates her presence as something comforting."

"It just seemed a little intense." He pouted running a hand through his now messy brunette locks.

"Such a sweet big brother he has." Grace cooed.

Thatch offered a lopsided smile. He didn't think he'd get a chance to play that role again.

"It is too soon for him to be so attached though..." He commented following Grace into their room.

"Hypocrite." She pressed her lips to his and removed her robe.

You woke up freezing curled up into yourself on the edge of the mattress. Stretching you rolled over to face Ace who was comfortably burritoed into the comforter you had been sharing. He snored loudly, mouth gaping open, drool pooling on the top sheet beneath him. Letting another shiver rack down your spine you jammed your freezing hands into the blanket groping at his shirtless back.

"Wah!" He gasped swatting at you, "What the hell F/N?"

"Shut up." You whispered followed by laughter, "It's still early. You'll wake everyone up."

"You'll wake everyone up. What's your problem?" His brows knit and fell as he watched you laugh and tug the blankets away from him.

"You don't know how to share." You feigned a pout.

"I am a pirate." He smirked, "I don't have to share."

"I'm sure that's a lie." Your chuckles died down as you snuggled into the warm covers.

He watched your expression change.

"So, do you want to stay here?" You cursed yourself inwardly for coming off so bluntly.

His still sleepy eyes widened a fraction. Were you planning on dumping him here? After he just got used to your house and very clearly couldn't sleep through the night alone.

How were you going to cope if he wanted to stay with Thatch and Grace? When did you need his presence so bad?

"Maybe..." He started.

A knot formed in your throat. Why did you even ask?

"Just for the day though. I'm coming home with you." His gaze shifted to the wall behind you, "If I'm still welcome."

"Of course. Idiot." 

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

5

Both of you were sent reeling. 

You were trying to figure out how someone here knew Ace. It shouldn't be possible, but you supposed you couldn't count anything out anymore.

Ace's mouth gaped, watching in disbelief as the brunette slowly approached. His hair was smoothed back into an impressive pompadour that shadowed his attractive face. Your eyes wandered to the crescent scar that hooked from his left temple to his cheekbone. Realization washed over you, he was exactly how Ace had described him.

"Thatch." Ace breathed shakily, tears beginning to sting his garnet eyes.

The cook stopped upon hearing his name. All the thoughts pooling in his mind confirmed with the sound of Ace's voice. This wasn't a hallucination, a dream or a really impressive doppelganger. It was really Ace.

You watched, heart clenching as the men gawked at each other, tears now streaming down both of their faces. Thatch finally willed himself to move forward almost frantically hugging the raven.

A beautiful strawberry blond walked up adjusting her black framed glasses. She had an authoritative posture that led you to believe she was in management.

"Thatch? Is everything alright?" Her alto voice was thick with concern.

You realized there weren't many people in the restaurant, but all of their eyes were on your table.

Thatch stepped back looking up at the woman with the most brilliant smile you'd ever seen, "This is my brother, Ace."

Her face fell briefly before she smiled warmly, "Why don't we move you to a more private space?"

Yes please!

You were so uncomfortable with all of the new attention. The yet to be named woman motioned for you to rise and follow her. Thatch stayed close to Ace as you were ushered to a small private dining room connected to the main room by a narrow hallway. Three tables swathed in white linens formed a triangle in the center of the room. The four of you took a seat at the nearest.

"I'm Grace." The woman smiled stretching her hand toward you, "I haven't seen you around."

"F/N," You responded mirroring her expression, "I live out near the bluffs...I don't come into town often."

"Ah you're Anabelle's granddaughter." She chimed, "She was a great lady."

"T-thank you." You nodded.

"I can't believe you're here." Thatch marveled at his brother making the rest of you frown.

Grace seemed to be somewhat clued in to how they'd arrived.

"Thatch..." She said softly, placing her hand on his shoulder.

He watched her expression change to something more somber. His eyes widened, tears once again breaching his lashes.

"W-wait...not you."

Your heart broke watching pain flicker across Thatch's sweet face. Grace wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He'd been so excited to see Ace that how he got here hadn't occurred to him.

"Was it Teach?" Thatch asked quietly regaining his composure.

Ace's jaw clenched at the mention of Teach's name.

"Marines." The raven finally replied.

Thatch deflated, "What about Pops? The crew?"

"I- I don't know. There was a pretty big battle. I wasn't around for the outcome."

You flinched at his flat response.

"F/N...why don't we give them a moment." Grace rose running her hand over Thatch's back.

You glanced at Ace.

"I'll come find you." He nodded.

Grace took you down a hallway opposite the way you'd come. You entered a small but cozy office. Grace moved around the wooden desk taking a seat in the office chair folding her arms over the marked-up desktop calendar. You claimed a small armchair directly in front of her still feeling uncomfortable with the whole situation.

"How did you find him?" She asked resting her chin in her palm.

You were hesitant to respond. It was too ridiculous to say out loud and people around here already had their ideas about 'the recluse that lives on the hill'. Grace seemed to notice your discomfort.

"I found Thatch lying on the side of the road on my way to the restaurant one morning. Who knows how long he was there or just how many people had passed him by thinking he was some drunk knocked out." A warm smile played upon her full lips.

This was a pleasant memory for her it seemed.

"I'll admit his story took some convincing. I mean a pirate? Magic fruits and all that? Sounds like something you'd read in a comic book." She chuckled, "I feel bad, there was still a part of me that didn't believe him until I saw Ace."

"He uh-" You cleared your throat, "He fell from the sky."

She blinked at you, "How?"

"I'm not sure. But I saw it with my own eyes. Surrounded by flames, he just dropped right into the silt bank of my pond." You watched her waiting for a sign of disbelief.

She nodded, "Maybe that's how both of them got here."

"What do you think happens now?" You asked feeling a knot form in your stomach.

"Well, I'm not sure what they'll want to do." She started, "We could take him in at our place."

"Our?" You echoed, blushing embarrassed that your curiosity betrayed you.

"Mhm. We live together." She hummed, the look on her face telling you it was more than just that.

"Oh." Was all you could muster.

"It seems you're not keen on giving Ace up though." She used an upward inflection, but you knew it was meant to be a statement.

"I'll be fine with whatever he chooses." You shrugged the knots crawling through your gut away.

She only smiled.

The office door opened slightly as Ace entered the room alone.

"Thatch went to pack up our food." He chirped jabbing his thumb in the direction he'd just come, "Are you OK if I hang out with him tonight?"

You braved a fake smile, for whatever reason dreading being home alone, "Of course. Go spend time with your brother."

A grin broke out across the raven's face.

"We should exchange numbers then." Grace piped pulling out her phone.

After gathering your dinner, you parted ways. The drive home felt longer than usual. Once inside you tossed you untouched food in the fridge and slinked to your room flopping down on your bed. You weren't sure how many times you sighed or how long you stared at the ceiling fan before your eyes grew too heavy.

Something rattled against your night stand stirring you from the comfortable position you'd found in your sleep. You blindly slid your hand across the wooden surface, so you could snatch the device.

"Hullo?" You husked.

"F/N," Grace's flustered tone jarred you awake, "It's Ace. He's having some sort of panic attack."

You were already jamming your feet into your boots, "What's your address? I'll be right there."

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

4

Gravel crunched under your boots as you made your way to the '72 cream beetle that sat in the drive. You unlocked the driver's side opening the door for Kuma to hop inside. Ace followed quietly stopping short of the vehicle eyeing it with some uncertainty.

"No cars like this where you're from?" You guessed.

He shook his head slowly.

"Well hop in." You nodded toward the passenger door.

He opened the door and slid into the soft leather seat. You did the same showing him how to buckle his seatbelt.

"All set?" You asked bringing the old diesel engine to life.

Kuma woofed from the backset as you shifted gears lurching forward following the gravel path that stretched passed the house and framed the nearby forest.

"Where are we going?" Ace shivered.

"You'll see when we get there. Sorry, she's old the heater takes a while." You answered fiddling with the dials on the dash.

He shivered again as a blast of cold air hit him and began to slowly change temperatures. In his world he could take advantagde of his devil fruit to keep himself warm. Humanity seemed more fragile here.

"Missing your devil thingy?" You asked glancing at him sideways.

"Devil fruit." He corrected, "And yeah. It's weird being cold."

The sun was high shrouded in a veil of wispy clouds. Ace watched the scenery on the right slowly drop out of sight revealing an endless choppy sea. He'd known it was nearby; though the air was cold he could smell the hint of salt in the breeze but based on what he could see from your property he hadn't guessed it would be so close. It was hard to resist the urge to hop out of the vehicle and take it all in.

"Almost there." You smiled as if you'd read his mind.

He hadn't spent much time with you but it seemed your smile only made special appearances.

The little bug sputtered to a halt. You locked the e-break in place and unbuckled nudging Ace to do the same. Yawning and stretching you climbed out of the car turning to fold the seat down for Kuma and removing the blanket you kept in the back seat. Ace stood in awe of the view of the bay from the bluffs. Jagged rock formations jutted out of the sea almost reaching your perch. It was something most people only saw in pictures. The sound of the crashing waves filled the air broken up by the call of a few guls that refused to migrate.

You spread the blanket out and dropped down tightening your coat. Ace tossed a stick for Kuma before taking a seat beside you.

"I thought you'd appreciate this even though you were cursed by the sea." You pointed a gloved finger toward the view.

"Even though it's freezing...it feels a little like home." He smiled widely, sending a rush a of heat to your cheeks.

"Tell me about it." You rubbed between Kuma's ears as he rested his head in your lap.

"About home?" Ace quirked a brow.

"If it isn't too painful I mean." You lowered your gaze.

It was unlike you to take interest in anyone, and any sane person wouldn't have taken this complete stranger in especially after witnessing how he entered this world. But you felt comfortable. If he was going to try something he would have by now, after all he just spent the night in your bed.

He began telling quirky stories about his brothers on the Whitebeard crew. Most of their antics were ridiculous and if you were being honest a little impossible. But nothing was a crazy as the stories he had about Luffy which lasted the drive home.

"Pirate King?" You gave him an incredulous glance, "Like... The King of all pirates."

"That's the idea I guess." Ace nodded.

"So, like, would he get to tell everyone else what to do?"

He looked at you unsure of how to respond, "I'm not entirely sure... I think it would be more of a - no one can mess with you - sort of thing."

You hummed not completely satisfied with his answer.

"I'm starving." He sighed.

"I just got paid... We can drop Kuma off and go get something in town. I-if you're up to it." You suggested.

"If you're up to it." He emphasized, "You don't seem to like people much."

"I'm a big girl. I can handle it."

                                                                      _______________

After dropping Kuma off you and Ace headed into town. You figured you'd be alright as long as he was with you. His calm energy seemed to help your nerves much like Kuma's.

The sun had long since set in the late autumn sky when you pulled up and parked in front of a restaurant that had recently opened in the center of town.

Both of you welcomed the warmth of the building after sitting outside for so many hours in the cold sea breeze. A chirpy young woman stood at the hostess station smiling widely with a slight blush as you walked up with the adorable raven.

This was your first time in public together and you hadn't really thought about how other people would react to him.

"One or two?" She asked sweetly brushing a lock of her purple hair behind her ear.

"Two." Ace replied politely.

Her smile disappeared for a fraction of a second as she grabbed a couple of menus and lead you to an empty table near the large open kitchen. Taking your seats and glancing over the menus you placed your orders with the server and continued to chat.

The chefs and kitchen staff were working feverishly with their backs to the patrons. You were a bit puzzled as Ace fell silent gaze now fixed on the staff.

"You ok?" You asked lightly touching his knuckles.

He nodded slowly turning back to you, "I'm fine."

"A-ace?" An unfamiliar voice caused both of your heads to snap back to the double doors leading to the kitchen.