#portgas d ace knight

[pandora-writes-one-piece]

Memento Amoris Aeterni

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Word Count: 7155

Tags: Fem!Reader, NSFW - Oral - you receiving, reader is VERY inexperienced (it's medieval times and you're a princess. You know nothing), Angst without happy ending (!), some fluff, Protective Ace, Caring Ace, some gore, blood, cutting of limbs, medieval times AU. MDNI!!! 🔞

Special Warning: English is not my first language, I apologise for any possible spelling or grammar mistakes.

Summary: You are a princess, the sole heir to the kingdom and a prized possession for your father, until he can sell you to the highest bidder. Because of your value, you have a personal guard, Sir Portgas, who seems bored to death with the task of watching over you. However, you realise that he's just hiding his feelings behind a mask. Yet perhaps now it is too late?

Notes: So I saw this post, and I just had to... I was going to do something very short, I swear, but it escalated! Hope you enjoy!

The meadow looks beautiful this time of year. The vibrant reds from the poppies, the purples from the lavenders, the whites from the daisies, and scattered here and there, some yellows from the sweet buttercups and blues from cornflowers. 

It feels like pure freedom. 

Your dainty fingers caress the grass as you run, hoisting your long dress over one arm, ignoring the way your white stockings are showing and laughing nervously at the way you almost lose a slipper. 

Freedom. 

Except not quite. The very ground shakes beneath the thunderous hooves of the galloping horse and you curse beneath your breath, running a little faster, with much more carelessness. Almost there, you almost made it across the meadow this time! 

Your hastened breaths leave your parted lips in short puffs while you overexert your tired lungs. You already know freedom is not ahead of you, but you'll be damned if you're going to give him the satisfaction of your surrender. 

Two more strides are all you get before an armoured arm circles your waist and effortlessly pulls you on top of the brown steed. You are now trapped between two arms while your legs dangle on the side of the horse. Still fighting to catch your breath, you grunt, curse and frown while clenching your hands into tight fists. 

“Curses upon you Sir Portgas!” Akin to a child in the midst of a fiery tantrum, you cross your arms over your chest and point your nose to the clear sky. “I was almost out!”

The horse steadies its pace into a trot while a deep chuckle graces your ears. “You were nowhere near ‘out’, Princess.” He tsks and you can almost feel his dark gaze upon your face. “Of all the jobs in the guard, I had to draw the short stick and land this one…”

Another grunt emerges from your gritted teeth. “Some knights would die for the honour of guarding the princess!”

“Those knights are idiots.”

“At least they're not insufferable!”

Another rumble of laughter is all you get and just as well because you are not willing to give anything more. 

You are the sole heir of the Kingdom and the most prized possession your father holds. As an heiress and a princess, he will get to pick and choose of any noble to be your husband. And he will pick either the wealthiest or the one who can bring him more advantages, be they military, political or financial. You are sure that whoever he picks, will either be hideous, decrepit or disgusting. 

With your luck, all three combined. 

As you are of utter importance, the King has assigned a permanent guard to you, Sir Portgas D. Ace. The best knight of the Guard, known to possess some mystical fire abilities, though you are sure that is just mere hearsay, and a known heartbreaker. Of that, you don't doubt. 

He is as handsome as he is unbearable. And that is saying a lot. 

“Your father the king will be utterly displeased at, yet another attempt to escape.” He says dryly. 

You grunt in response, busy plucking tiny burdocks from the hem of your dress and throwing them at Sir Portgas’s cape, unbeknownst to him. “Then don't tell him.”

“When I took this job, I thought I would be fighting brigands, thieves or assassins.” He scoffs. “Instead, I'm stuck as a milk nanny of a brat.”

“The job suits you. Takes a brat to recognize another one.” You mumble and hiss, a particularly nasty spike from the burdock protruding from your bleeding thumb. 

“Oh, heavens. The Princess is bleeding. Call the priest.” He guffaws and you scowl, your eyes turning into slits. 

“Amusing jest. Perhaps you should try your fortune as a court jester? Mayhaps you wouldn't be so bored?” Using your nails, you try to pick the spike, but it just breaks with the force and you curse, stifling a low whine. 

Sir Portgas removes his steel glove, settling it on his lap, and grabs your delicate hand with his. Your hiss this time has nothing to do with the pain, but with the electric feeling that courses through your body, leaving a tingling sensation on your extremities. 

His dark gaze bores into yours as he presses your thumb into his mouth and sucks. The day is not even hot, yet you feel as if your skin has set ablaze. He uses his tongue on your digit, procuring the spike and, once he finds it, he nibbles and sucks again. 

If you thought his hand on yours had caused a tingling feeling, his tongue has somehow made that tingling seem insignificant. You are aching and burning in places you shouldn't be. 

Your teeth clamp hard against your lower lip to stifle some weird sound that means to get out, yet your breath comes out in heaves through your nose and your peculiar mind says you must look like a tired horse: nostrils flaring, sweat dampening your mane and hot, flushed skin. 

Sir Portgas removes your thumb from his mouth after what resembles an eternity, and he spits towards the ground, gracing you with a smug smile. “There. No more vile thorn can harm you, my lady. I took care of your foe, as I was hired to do.”

Yet, for once, you are speechless. 

There is no counter jest, there is no witty remark. You cradle your hand against your lap and remain silent the rest of the way to the castle, your eyes never leaving the safety of the horse’s head. 

If Sir Portgas finds it peculiar, he does not say so. 

-*-

“I do not understand this need to escape, child! Do you not have all you wish for here in the castle? I give you all the gowns you desire, the pretty jewels, the fancy shoes! If you get bored I send for jesters, for animals, for dancers or plays! If you wish to meet new people, I host tournaments and gatherings! What is it you wish for that I cannot grant you? Pray, tell!”

You face the floor, your hands clasped in the front of your ruined and tattered gown. Your shoes look as if they had been through war and your hair has never been in a more dishevelled state.

Sir Portgas stands at attention behind you, to your right. His gaze facing forward, his gloved hand on the hilt of his sword. He doesn’t even flinch. You know he didn’t tell your father anything, he was with you the whole time. It was the guards by the gate that relayed that information. 

Now you are being scolded for yet another botched escape attempt. You had already lost count of how many there were. You had nineteen springs to your name, now. And your time must be near.

“I do not hear your words! Speak up! What do you want that I have not given you?”

A single tear escapes your eye and runs freely down your cheek. 

“Freedom.”

You catch a slight movement from Sir Portgas from the corner of your eye. His gaze meets yours, even if only for a second, as his jawline tightens and clenches. An almost soundless clank from the armour as his hand grips the handle harder.

“Preposterous. You will never be free. You belong to me now, child, and soon you will belong to your husband. That is the way of things. Begone!”

You hold your head high and your shoulders square as you exit the throne room and pass through an entire contingent of guards. Yet, as soon as the door closes behind you, your hands lift your skirts once more and you flee to your room as fast as your tired feet can take you. It does not matter that you are half-blinded by tears as you know the way around the castle as if it were the back of your hand.

You do not hear Sir Portgas following you, yet, he will find you. He always does.

Curse him.

-*-

The rain hits the carriage roof with extreme intensity. There’s mud on the road and the horses are dragging the vehicle to the best of their abilities, but the rain is cold and harsh and you can see smoke emerging from their flared nostrils from where you’re standing. 

You’re returning from a visit to a cousin, in the next kingdom. You have been away for three weeks and nothing has changed. Your life is dull and you are still trapped in it like a hare in a string trap, just waiting for the hit on the head so you’re fed to the hunter. 

Sighing you let out a loud huff. Your handmaiden keeps staring out the window with dreamy eyes and she ahhs and ohhs as if she has an affliction. You have half a mind to ask her if she’s constipated or in pain when you realise she’s staring at Sir Portgas, who rides next to the carriage.

He has removed his helmet because of the rain and his dark locks cling to his face and forehead with the heavy rain. His eyes are steely and dart from one side to the other, ever alert to any danger. Handsome as ever.

You roll your eyes at yet another insufferable sigh from the woman across from you. “Enough!” You bite. “I cannot stand another moan from your mouth. What is so interesting?”

“He is, my lady.��� She giggles like a little girl and you feel your chest clench and contract as  anger boils within you. What is this feeling?

“Are you jesting?”

“I would never! He is so gallant and valiant. And his freckles? His smile? The way he fights?” Another sigh. You have had enough.

You’re about to order the carriage to stop because you wish to feel the rain on your face at the back of a horse. Instead, you hear dry thuds followed by screams and then, the tip of a spear protruding the carriage door and opening your maid’s skull with a sickening sound.

Your scream gets trapped in your throat, but your lips tremble incessantly. There are tears running from your eyes and you start to pant fast as your eyes never leave the gory image in front of you.

She still has her eyes open, her mouth shaped like an ‘o’ as blood and grey matter are splattered around her. Did the blood get on you as well? You dare not look. She was just laughing and now she’s so still.

You’re trembling. The screams and shouts outside increase in volume and proximity and the carriage halts to a full stop as you hear a pained neigh of a horse. The thuds of your heart grow louder and louder, as if it's beating right in your ears and your pants come in shortened gasps as your head gets lighter. 

The plush of the seat you are on gives in as your fingernails dig and scratch to ground yourself. There is so much blood. 

So much screaming.

Suddenly the door to the carriage jolts open and you turn in terror, barely having time to scream, and even if you meant to scream, you wouldn’t be able to. A wet, clammy hand finds its way to your mouth to keep you quiet and you’re inundated with the nauseating smell of metal.

Blood.

Another hand grabs you by the arm and yanks hard to pull you out of the carriage. You’re sure it will bruise. Yet, you couldn’t care less. As soon as you’re out of the carriage and you clumsily find your footing, before the man - whose appearance you are yet to perceive - manages to take you away, you bite his fingers with all the strength you possess.

Blood. Again. 

This time it fills your mouth and you spit it on the floor as soon as the man drops you, with surprise. Your knees scrape against the rocks and mud below you and you claw your way forward until you find the strength to be on your feet, preparing to run.

All around you men clash swords. There’s agonised screams and blood everywhere. You need to go!

Yet you barely get one step in before a bloody hand clasps around your neck and squeezes. “Going somewhere, you little princess whore.” The man lifts you easily off the ground and your throat aches and your lungs burn. You try to gasp for air but nothing but wheezes leave your parted lips.

Your fingernails scratch relentlessly against his hand but he does not relent. Around you the sounds of battle seem to fade into the distance. Legs dangling, your feet try to kick the man holding you, but strength fails you and you are sure this is the way you die. “Just pass out, little whore.” He whispers in your ear as his wet tongue swipes your neck and ear.

You can’t squirm away. You can’t fight back. You’re useless. 

You feel your eyelids drooping as your chest trembles and your arms fall limply beside you. But just as you’re about to dive into sweet oblivion, a sword swings and cuts right through the man’s arm, making you fall and stumble forward, right into the arms of your knight. Your guard, your protector.

Sir Portgas.

He holds you against him effortlessly as you gasp for air and cough. A pressure on your throat that burns and hurts. But you’re safe.

“Breathe, Princess. I won’t let anything happen to you.” The man that was holding you mutters incoherently. Begging for his life, pleading for mercy, asking for aid from the gods. Yet you know that all is in vain. Your knight was made to protect you. He will kill anyone or anything that attempts to take your life.

Still holding you he moves his blade effortlessly and you hear a blood-curdling scream. Trying to normalise your breath, you turn your face to look back, but Ace holds your head against him with a gloved hand. “It’s best if you don’t look.” You nod against him, feeling your legs faint from fear.

“We are going to run. Close your eyes and hold my hand. I will guide you. Do you trust me?” You lift your head to look into his eyes and there is tenderness, determination, courage and something else you can’t quite place, as he looks down at you.

“With my life.” Your whisper comes in shaky gasps and he nods, holding your hand in his.

“Run.” He orders and you do. Your eyes clenched shut as you still hear screams and the sound of colliding blades. 

Something whooshes past you and you hear a roar of sorts, at the same time as Sir Portgas mutters something under his breath. There is another scream - close, too close! - and the stench of burning flesh. 

“I’m going to pick you up. Keep your eyes closed, Princess.” He doesn’t need to tell you twice. And as he hoists you over his shoulder by the waist, you clamp your hands against your ears to keep the sounds away.

But the screaming doesn’t stop.

It never stops.

-*-

You feel yourself being set down on the ground but it’s as if the shock has left you in a rigid state. Your hands remain on your ears and your eyes shut tightly. There’s someone calling your name and shaking you but you have retreated so far into your mind that you can’t come back easily.

“..ss… Princess!”

Your eyes snap open as you gasp and a loud sob leaves your parted lips. Tears flood down and you try to release yourself from the firm hands that are holding you down. 

“It’s me, it’s me! Ace! Everything is fine! Princess, calm down!” He whispers your name. “Please calm down. Look at me.”

Still panting and gasping for air, your nails digging into his bloodied armour, you lock eyes with his dark gaze. He looks worried and pained, and you focus on his freckles instead, counting them to ground yourself.

One, two…

“It’s over, we escaped, we are fine.”

Three, four…

“I’m not sure anyone else survived. We have no horses, no food, no clothes or shelter.”

Five, six…

“The rain has given us some truce for the time being, but it won’t let up the whole night. We will rest for a bit, and then we have to go.”

Seven, eight…

“Princess, are you with me?” You don’t know when he took the gloves off, but his warm hand makes contact with your cheek and you gasp, your eyes focusing back on his. “There is nothing to fear. I won’t let anyone or anything harm you. You have my promise.”

You nod and gulp. Another tear escapes your eyes and he wipes it with his thumb.

“It could have been me.” You whisper and your voice is rasp. Your throat is sore and raw and you realise you are quite thirsty. “The spear… it just… her head… she was… she…”

He nods and mumbles some soothing words. “You’re alive. You’re fine. Try not to think of what you saw. I’ll take you home.”

You nod as your hand scratches your throat. Sir Portgas reaches and hands you a leather pouch. “Drink. It’s water.”

He sits on the floor for a moment as he sheds his steel armour. 

“Should you be taking that off? What if there are more enemies?” You ask, concerned. 

“I am faster without it, anyway. And all the noise will just give our location away to those listening.”

Makes sense. 

He gives you another moment to rest and then extends his hand to help you up. Your eyes fall on your dress and you frown. It is splattered with blood, mud and all kinds of stains. Not to mention that it is soaked through. 

“Come, we need to find shelter. It’s almost nightfall.”

You are surrounded by forest, you have no idea what kind of shelter he means to find, but you trust him completely. He was assigned to you two years ago, when you were presented to society and your father started entertaining nobles who wanted a claim on your hand. 

Luckily, none suited his fancy enough to tempt him. 

Sir Portgas has never left your side once. He sleeps when you sleep, eats when you eat, gets up when you get up. His duty to you is never-ending. He knows all there is to know about you. And you only know what he wanted to share with you. Next to nothing, because he always found the job boring.

As both of you walk through the woods, feeling the gentle pitter-patter of the slow rain, you feel as if you have calmed down enough. There is still adrenaline rushing through your veins, and you release it by holding a long, thick stick and swiping leaves with it, as if it were a sword.

“Who attacked us?”

He keeps his eyes ahead, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword so tight, his knuckles are white. 

“I’m not sure. There were no banners.”

“Brigands, you think? They saw the coach and decided we might have treasures to steal?”

“Most likely.” He grunts.

“But you don’t think that was the case?”

He stops and you bump into his hard back, as you were staring at your stick. You mumble an apology and feel your cheeks warm up. Never had you noticed how taut and defined he was, beneath the steel armour.

Looking at you, his eyes now permanently creased with concern, he sighs. “They were too organised to be simple brigands or thieves. They had military precision so they had to belong to an army. An enemy army, perhaps. I need to take you back home.”

He tugs at your arms and starts walking again. 

“No.”

“What?”

“I don’t want to go back home.” You whisper, but you keep walking alongside him. He divides his attention with your surroundings and your face.

“I can understand that, but it is far too dangerous. We need to know if the King received some sort of ransom note or-...”

“I don’t care! You can leave me wherever and go back to my father saying they killed me! I cannot return home to be sold like cattle to the highest bidder!”

You refuse to let tears leave your eyes this time. He stops again and stares at you. You can’t read him. 

At all.

“There.” He points behind you and you turn. It’s a small cave. “It will have to do. Come.” And just like that he decides the argument is over and drags you to the entrance, collecting some random sticks along the way. It is actually a rather large cave and Sir Portgas takes the wood from your hand, rips a piece of his tunic and ties it to the end of the wood. 

Muttering a few words, a flame shoots out of his fingers and he lights the cloth easily. You look at him, flabbergasted and awestruck. So it is true. He has fire powers.

“Fascinating.” You can’t help but exclaim under your breath.

“Thank you, Princess.” He replies with a smirk and tells you to follow him as he delves into the bowels of the cave. 

Deeming you far enough not to be spotted, he drops the sticks he collected in a neat pile, adds some more wood that’s scattered inside the cave, and lights it with the flame he’s already holding.

“Undress, Princess, you don’t want to catch a cold.”

“Pardon?” You should really stop blushing. It is embarrassing.

He is already removing his tunic and breeches, leaving only his undergarments on for some modesty and you look away. 

“If you worry about modesty today, you will be dead of pneumonia tomorrow. Undress your gown and set it to dry.” He says as he drapes his clothes on a large rock near the place he built the fire. “I promise I won’t bite.”

You take a moment to consider, but you know he’s right. You’re already feeling tremors for staying out in the rain for so long. So you do know you will get sick if you don’t get out of the wet clothes.

With a heavy sigh you try to remove the ribbons that hold your dress together, but you can’t reach them. 

“Sir Portgas…” You start, your voice a mere whisper.

“It’s Ace.”

“Ace.” The name rolls off your tongue like something sinful and you lower your gaze. “I require your assistance, please.” 

As he raises his head towards you, he immediately understands your predicament. He gets up and approaches your back with slow steps. Catching your breath, you lower your neck a bit.

His fingers are soft against the bare skin of your neck as he moves your hair from your nape to the side, leaving a trail of goosebumps behind. The shiver that crawls up your spine has nothing to do with the cold.

His face draws near as he untangles the ribbons and you can feel his breath against your neck and upper back. The tingling sensations return to your body, leaving you breathless and panting. There is a need deep within you that you don’t quite understand or know how to fulfil. 

Yet, you have an inkling that Ace could very well fulfil it. And he would certainly know how.

He removes the last ribbon and steps back a pace. “There.” Ace's voice sounds deeper than before and, when you turn, his eyes are all pupil as he stares at you. Your heartbeat accelerates as you lock eyes with him, silently begging him not to look away as your fingers gently tug at the gown, undressing. 

Your chest heaves and you see his eyes fall to your chemise-covered bosom as the muscle in his jaw twitches.

The need for something intensifies and you reach forward, touching him through the fabric of his linen shirt, feeling the firmness of his chest. 

“Princess…” He whispers. 

“Ace…”

You take a step forward and hold his hand. It's big and calloused from the swords but it's so warm. 

“Touch me.” You plead. You could order him, though you're not sure he would follow that order. 

“I…” He seems torn. You know he's a loyal knight. He serves valiantly and believes in the kingdom he protects. Touching you would be treasonous and could lead to execution.

You decide to be honest. “I feel… I don't quite know how to explain it, but when you touch me, like when you did with the thorn I had on my finger, or when you lift me up to place me in your horse there's…” You exhale deeply. “A warmth, a fire within me that I don't know how to handle.” Lowering your gaze and swallowing a lump in your throat, you make a final plea. “Teach me how to handle it, Ace.”

He groans but doesn't take his hand away from yours. So you brazenly place it above your chest. Watching him closely, you see his eyes darken as his hand twitches and he grits his teeth. 

“Princess, I…” 

“I have been told that men lie with women to procreate. I wasn’t informed of all the details, but I've heard the maids whisper about things that can be done that do not get a woman with child.” Could you be burning up more? Are you seriously asking this of Ace? 

He remains frozen in place, his hand still on your chest and you feel like a fool. 

Sighing you swat his hand away and turn. “Forget I said anything.” Yet his strong arm envelops your waist and he pulls your body against his, burying his face in the crook of your neck and inhaling. 

“Gods above and below…” He mutters against your skin and you tremble. “Is this really happening?” You feel something hard against your lower back and flush. You know what it is. But you've never seen one. You don't know what to expect. “Princess… You are correct, there are things we can do that do not get you with child and assure you remain intact until your wedding night.” His voice seems pained. “Are you certain that-...”

“Yes!” You moan, No longer able to contain the need inside you. Not when his hot breath is fanning against your neck, not when his hand is squeezing your waist nor when his hardness presses against your back. Your need is him! You're sure of it. 

“I have dreamed of this for so long…” He whispers. You want to ask what he means by that, but then his tongue draws circles on your neck and around your earlobe and you gasp, all thoughts dissolving into nothingness. His hands fall on your shoulders and he hooks his fingers on the sleeves of your chemise. “Princess…”

“Take it off.” You command. 

He tugs at the fabric and the garment crumples on the floor, leaving you with nothing but your white stockings. You blink as you focus your eyes on your body. You're not cold, yet your nipples are erect and there are goosebumps all over your skin. It's a reaction to his touch. 

You turn slowly, cheeks ablaze as you seek his eyes. Ace gulps as he takes you in. “Can I kiss you?” He starts but then shakes his head and groans. “No, forget it, that should be reserved for your husband.”

Yet you don't care about a possible husband in a future you can’t yet forsee. You want Ace's lips. And you want them now. 

So you grab his face and pull him down, clumsily pressing your lips to his and bumping your teeth together. After a moment he chuckles into your mouth and you flush and pull back, embarrassed. 

“Don't get mad at me, Princess.” He says, a glimmer in his eyes and a softness you’ve never seen before. His hand grips your hip as he pulls you towards him. A thumb gently stroking the bone of your hip, sending a warm wave of heat towards your centre. Lowering his head, he gently pulls your face to him by putting a hand on your nape. This time, when your lips collide, it's with softness. He moves them and you moan involuntarily. His sinful tongue licks and teases and you open your mouth, gasping as he takes your tongue in his and swirls. 

The sensation is divine. 

You had no idea a kiss could be like this. None of the books mentioned it! It’s making your heart flutter against your chest and causing an ache and a burn between your legs. You still don’t know how to handle it.

But Ace does. 

His hand finds its way to your breast and he slowly teases the nipple, flicking it softly with his thumb. You pull away from the kiss and gasp again. “Oh, my!”

“Did that feel good?” You nod vigorously. “That's good, Princess. I'm going to make you feel even better.”

He lowers you down so you sit on top of your dress. “If you don't like something, tell me.” You nod. 

“Can you take this off?” You grab his shirt and he smirks, pulling the linen garment over his head. His muscles are very defined and you take your time pressing your fingers against his chest and abs. There is a dark trail of hair that leads to the inside of his underwear but as your fingers trace it, he grasps your hand in his and kisses your fingers. 

“Let us take care of that warmth you feel first, shall we?” You nod and lie back, nervous. 

He starts slowly, his gentle fingers tracing patterns on your skin, lingering on the nipples, watching the rise and fall of your breasts as he finds what feels particularly good. And then he devours you. 

His eager mouth latches onto one of your nipples, sucking and teasing with his tongue. 

“What?” You arch your back against his touch and the fire keeps spreading. Fiery tendrils climbing all over you. He's just building the fire higher and higher. When does it stop? 

And do you want it to stop? Because this feeling burns marvellously. 

His tongue licks towards your belly button and then your mound. “Wait!” You gasp and he raises his head. 

“I can stop if you want, but I promise you it will feel good.” 

You don't know if he's telling the truth, but you trust him completely. So you nod. “Don't stop.”

He uses his hands to raise your legs and place them over his shoulders and when he stares, you feel yourself shrinking with embarrassment. 

“So beautiful…” You hear him murmur before he leans in and you feel his tongue swiping a hot streak across your folds.

“Oh!” Throwing your head back, you immediately arch your back against his touch. “Oh, my!”

He stops for a moment and meets your gaze. “Do you want me to stop?”

“No!” You almost plead. 

“Make all the sounds you want, Princess. Please.”

You're not quite sure what he means by that but you still agree. And then his tongue repeats the same movement and you smile. Dear Gods, this can't be true. His hand disappears beneath you and you feel his finger inside you touching a spot that makes you want to scream with pleasure. So you do. 

He mumbles against you and the vibration of his lips on your sensitive nub makes you roll your eyes. 

“Oh, Gods! Ace!”

Your hips buckle against his face involuntarily and you want to feel ashamed but you can't because it feels too good! His tongue is hot and slippery and he laps at you with such vigour that it makes you writhe beneath him. His fingers - yes, more than one - move inside and out with ease continually touching a spot that feels so, so good. 

“Oh, my! Oh, my!” You can't stop a string of curses from escaping your lips. The warmth builds up, spreading to your legs and toes, and to your belly, until suddenly it snaps! 

You see bright lights as your head falls back, moaning loudly and incessantly while you pant and scream his name. It feels good, it feels so good! 

Ace continues lapping at your core and it feels like it's very sensitive now, so you whine and he stops. “You did so well, Princess. You taste so good.” His lips are glistening and he looks dazed. You are smiling as you pant but you pull him to you, eager to taste what you’ve left on his lips. He gives you exactly what you want - lips, tongue, taste - and you mewl against him, lost in pleasure and dizziness from your previous orgasm. 

As you break apart you lock eyes with Ace, an exhilarating feeling coursing through you. “That was…” You laugh. 

“I know.” He says cheekily as he caresses your cheek. “You're so beautiful.”

You feel yourself flush again, he’s never spoken to you like this. He was always arrogant and insufferable. Acting as if watching over you was the most boring task he’d ever had to do. Yet, now it seems he’s ready to write you love poems. 

“What else can we do?” You touch him again, where his hair starts to disappear below his underwear. He clenches his jaw as your hand traces the shape of his cock. “Does that go… inside me?” You ask, biting your lip. It seems big. Will it fit? 

“It does. But that's for the wedding night, Princess.” He says, his tone sad. 

“What if I don't want to get married?” You frown. “I told you I don't want to go back. I shouldn’t have to marry some old lord I don't care about.” You hold his hand, entwining your fingers with his. “Maybe we can be together.”

He looks downcast as his forehead meets yours and lets out a deep sigh. “Don't tempt me, Princess.” He says, placing a chaste kiss on your forehead. “I've been in love with you since we met. The constant fear of losing you to another man keeps me awake most nights. I cannot bear the thought of never being able to have you. So don't tempt me, please.” His fervour leaves you breathless. 

Love? 

You thought he abhorred you! You believed he only put up with you because it was his job. Nothing more. Love? 

Cupping his face in your hands, you stare deeply into his eyes. “Let's run away. You and me. Away from my father's kingdom, from duties, from everything. He will think we're dead, anyway!”

“No, Princess. I have a duty to my king and my kingdom. I cannot do it.” He says as your eyes fill with tears. “And you have a duty to your father as well. Don’t forget that.”

“Ace… Please…”

“No. I can't.” His eyes squeeze shut as he presses his forehead against yours once more. “Don't ask me this. Please.”

Torn between love and duty. And you wish he would simply choose love. You pull away from him, covering  your face as you shed more tears. 

Ace sighs and picks up your chemise, gently helping you dress even though you don’t look at him. Then he pulls you against his chest as he settles against a rock. “Sleep, Princess. I will keep watch.”

And you do. 

By morning, even the air feels bleaker. There is no more rain, but dark clouds hover above the sky. You can’t change his mind. He’s set to bring you back to the castle.

Back to your prison.

“My father will marry me off…” You whisper, feeling your face crackle with dried tears. Your clothes are stiff from caked mud and blood and you’re pretty sure your heart stayed behind in that dark cave. 

Ace’s eyes remain fixed on the road ahead, but you notice him swallowing a lump before he speaks. 

“It is your duty, Princess. You have yours, I have mine.” He sighs. “I never meant to burden you with my feelings. A knight is not worthy of a princess’s love.”

“Clearly you have not read the same novels as I have.” You scoff and your response elicits a small chuckle from him, your easy banter slowly returning to normal. 

Ace continues his slow walk and you follow, feeling as if you’re walking towards the gallows and every step brings your demise a bit closer. “Ace, please…” You beg once more. “Please…!”

Yet he does not stop.

You see him struggle as his face hardens and his eyes grow blurry, but he does not stop. And the noose tightens around your neck. 

-*-

You’re received with cheers and ovations. A joyous celebration for you and for your valiant knight. Ace is offered a promotion. Finally a way for him to leave your side, to stop nannying you as he always complained.

He does not accept it.

Your heart warms for a moment, though you find it very hard to fall back into a routine of entrapment when you were free, albeit for a few hours. 

Yet doom envelops you and the noose tightens and elevates you once your father makes the announcement. He has found you a husband. You’re to be married in a fortnight. 

Breath catches in your throat and it’s hard to seek air. But your eyes search and find his. A reflection of your own, you’re sure, for they seem pained and drained of life. Yet the moment passes and your father keeps telling you all about how delightfully rich and important your future husband is. 

And how you have a duty to him and to your kingdom, as their princess. It all comes down to duty. 

That awful word.

-*-

The guests are arriving and the groom has been presented to you just in the morning. He is not old or decrepit. In fact, he seems quite polite and is rather handsome. 

But he is not Ace.

And you realised that the warmth he made you feel, and the anger you felt when your late maid spoke of him with desire, were all because of one thing alone: love. You love him back. And he needs to know it before you leave.

Because you will not bring him with you. You cannot forget him, nor allow him to forget you if he is to remain forever by your side.

-*-

The day of the wedding dawns cold and grey, a reflection of your own thoughts. An array of maids dresses you in the best finery you possess and you are a beacon of elegance and beauty. Though the veil you wear over your face might as well be a shroud.

Ace stands in the shadows, his face masked and sombre. You have not spoken more than two words to each other since you returned. But you have to let him know how you feel before it’s too late.

“Everyone out, now.” Your voice is cold and commanding and the servants scurry and hurry out of your chambers. Ace is last, but you stop him. “Not you.”

He closes the door with a soft thud and turns towards you. Hands folded behind his back and eyes fixed somewhere behind you. As you approach, however, you notice him blinking and clenching his jaw and it takes nothing more than one touch of your soft fingers on his cheek for him to let his knightly countenance crumble into pieces. 

Holding your fingers to his lips, he kisses them with fervour. “Princess…”

“Ace…” Your whisper brings sorrow and despair, and he feels it. “I need to tell you something before the wedding, though it changes nothing. You were right. This is my duty, and you have yours, escaping it was nothing but a fleeting dream.”

A sigh parts your lips and he uses his knuckles to caress your cheek. 

“I love you.” Your eyes bore into his and your lips curl into a tight smile when a flicker of surprise crosses his eyes. “I didn’t know it was love and it took me a while to realise. But it’s true.” You take both his hands in yours and tears start to stream down your face because you can’t contain them any longer. 

“This is breaking me apart, but it is for the best. You will stay in the castle and accept the promotion you were offered upon our return.” Ignoring his protests you continue. “I will leave to fulfil my duty and live my new life.”

His head falls forward, shoulders slumping and a string of curses leaves his pursed lips. Though it pains you more than he can ever imagine, you force a smile, using your hand to lift his face so he can look at you. “You’ll always be in my heart. That will never change.”

Ace’s voice is barely a whisper, strained with emotion and effort to keep his tears at bay. “You’re asking me to stand and watch as you walk away? To stay here and live a life without your presence?”

“Yes.” You sob back.

“How can I do that?!” A heave rocks his shoulders as he leans his forehead against yours. “It’s like asking me to live without a beating heart.”

“I pray you forget me soon, Ace, because if you were to come with me, we would never be able to move on. And we would be miserable.”

“I am already miserable.”

Tears stream down both your faces, and you stand on your toes to kiss his tears away. Cupping your face with tenderness, Ace’s thumb crosses your lower lip and you nod, giving him all the permission he needs to lower his head to yours and take your warm lips with his.

This time, the kiss you share is desperate. He claims your mouth with his tongue, his arms embracing you and pulling you against him. You return the gesture with equal devotion, your tongue begging for more as you embrace and melt into each other, knowing you’ll have no other chance to do so. 

A rapid knock on the door breaks you apart. “Princess! It is time!”

Panting and wiping away tears, you answer with a shaky voice. “I’m almost ready.” Ace helps you fix your dress and veil, his eyes cast downward, sorrow filling them with shadows. 

With trembling hands you remove a ring from your finger. A ring your mother gave you on her deathbed. Setting it in his palm, you close his fingers around it and kiss them tenderly. “A memento to remember me by, my love.”

He doesn’t want to let you go and you don’t want to leave him. It would have been so much simpler if you had run away in that forest. No one would know. And you would have been happy.

Perhaps…

You drop his hands, take a deep breath and square your shoulders, opening the door and leaving your childhood home and your one true love. 

Ready to face a new life, an old duty, and an eternity of sorrow.

[neospade]

FOR HER, ALWAYS

pairing- Knight!Portgas D.Ace x Knightness!Reader word count- 8k genre- angst with a little bit of fluff. synopsis- A knight’s duty is to protect, to serve, to fight without question. She has done so, standing at his side through war and bloodshed, her heart a silent casualty of devotion. But his heart has never been hers to hold. note- I hope this doesn't come off cringe to y'all;-; warnings- smut scene mentioned.

Inside the king’s palace, the air is warm with the smell of candles, spiced wine, and polished wood. The great hall is big and bright, with high wooden beams and stone walls covered in colorful tapestries. These tapestries show old battles and the symbols of the royal family. There is the sound of soft music from a bard playing the lute, mixed with the voices of nobles talking and laughing. At the end of the hall, the king sits on his great golden throne, wearing a red robe and a shining crown. His advisors and knights stand close, speaking in low voices about important matters.

You stand among the other knights, your armor cool and solid against your skin. The sound of conversation and the flicker of torchlight fill the great hall, but you remain focused. The weight of your sword at your side feels steady, familiar, as does the silence between you and the other knights. You’re used to the tension before a command, the anticipation of what’s to come. Yet, there is something missing. More like, someone missing. He was there, just not by your side.

Ace.

Growing up alongside Ace, your childhood was far from ordinary. The days were filled with training, lessons in swordplay, and the constant hum of preparation for the future. You both learned early on that survival meant being strong, both in mind and body.

The mornings began with the harsh clang of swords as weapons were forged in the blacksmith’s shop, the air thick with the smell of iron and fire. You would often race to the training grounds, where Ace was already waiting, his eyes focused, ready for the day’s drills.

“You’re late” he would say with a stern look. “Better late than never they say” you say, handing him his own bamboo stick. The sound of the sticks clashing, the thud of sparring bodies hitting the dirt—it became the rhythm of your youth.

You and Ace were rivals in the best sense of the word, constantly pushing each other to improve. There were no soft lessons here—every mistake was an opportunity to get better. Ace, ever the strategist, would always find a way to outmaneuver you, but you didn’t mind. You knew it was a game you both played to become what you two always dreamt of. Knights.

"Focus," he would say, his voice steady despite the intensity of the sparring. "You're too slow." You tightened your grip on your stick and lunged forward, but Ace easily deflected the strike, his bamboo stick knocking yours aside with practiced ease. He stepped back, giving you a moment to regroup.

"I’m trying, Ace. I—"

"No," he cut you off, his tone stern. "You’re not trying hard enough. You’re too weak." His gaze was unyielding, and the weight of his words hit you like a blow. "You need to be stronger, or you'll end up just like all the other women who stay at home, helpless, waiting for someone to protect them."

You flinched, the insult sharp against you. Ace stepped closer lowering to your eye level, his voice lowering but still filled with an edge.

"You don’t want to end up like that, do you?" he asked, his eyes piercing through you. "A filthy woman, sitting idle, depending on others to survive, being used as a baby machine. That’s not what you’re meant to be. You will be a knightness. Act like it” his words left you stunned. You clenched your jaw, gripping your sword tighter, the sting of his words fueling your resolve.

"Let’s go again now!"

---

A few years had passed since that day. You and Ace were no longer the young, inexperienced children you once were, fumbling through the basics of swordplay. At eighteen, you both stood as trained knights, yet amateurs, your bodies stronger and your skills sharper, each of you having fought and trained your way through the hardest of challenges.

You could feel Ace’s presence beside you even now, like it was back then—steady, unwavering, just as determined to be strong as you were. But there was something different now. You weren’t just learning from him anymore. You were equals.

As the years passed, the bond between you and Ace had grown stronger, shaped by countless hours of training, shared struggles, and mutual respect. But somewhere along the way, something shifted. It wasn’t just the sparring matches or the quiet moments of camaraderie that had always existed between you both—it was something deeper, something you couldn’t quite ignore.

It was there in the quiet moments, when the training ground emptied and the evening light cast long shadows, that you’d catch yourself watching him just a little longer than you intended. The way his jaw tightened when he was focused, the way his movements seemed effortless, as though battle itself was something he could control. You began to realize it wasn’t just admiration for his skill—it was something more.

You had never intended to develop feelings for him. He was your rival, your partner in training, the one who had pushed you to become strong enough to stand among knights. But now, at eighteen, those feelings you had tried to push away, to bury under the weight of your duty, refused to stay hidden any longer.

There were times when the air between you two would feel charged, thick with unsaid words. The moments when your eyes would meet, and for just a second, everything else would fade away. It was during those moments that you felt it the most—the quiet tension, the unspoken understanding, and the flicker of something more.

You tried to push it aside. After all, you were knights. Emotions like these were distractions, right? But every time you sparred, every time you fought side by side, you realized that the feelings you had for Ace weren’t going to disappear just because you ignored them. You found yourself caring more about his well-being than you ever had before, wanting to make sure he was safe, wanting to be the one he leaned on when things got hard.

Once, you had been walking through the quiet corridors of the knights training when you overheard voices drifting from a nearby room. At first, you thought nothing of it—just the usual chatter of your comrades, perhaps discussing the day’s training. But then you recognized the familiar sound of Ace’s voice, and without meaning to, you found yourself pausing, curiosity pulling you closer.

“I don’t get it,” you heard a new voice say, low and casual. It was Sabo, Ace’s younger brother. “Why did you choose to be a knight? We could have both been lawyers, you know. Easier lives, less blood.”

There was a brief pause, and then Ace’s voice followed, quiet but sure. “I chose this path so I could be close to her.”

Your heart stopped for a moment. The words echoed in your mind, over and over, as if your own thoughts couldn’t quite catch up with what you had just heard. Be close to her?

Sabo’s voice broke through your thoughts. “So, that’s it? You’re still chasing after her, huh?” Ace’s reply was quiet, but you could hear the faintest hint of something behind it—perhaps uncertainty, or something more. “I guess you could say that,” he said. “I don’t know… I’ve never really had a choice.”

Your breath caught in your chest. There it was again—the unspoken truth that had been building between you for years. You stood there for a moment, frozen in place, unsure of what to do with this newfound knowledge. Your heart was racing, and you could feel the heat rise to your face as a mixture of confusion and something else swirled inside you. You had heard it wrong, hadn’t you? Ace couldn’t possibly feel the same way about you, could he?

But then, you remembered his words, clear and certain. I chose this path so I could be close to her. Here you were, standing in the quiet hallway, heart pounding in your chest. Once again, that teenage girl with a silly little crush, caught off guard by feelings you thought you had long buried. The realization that Ace might actually feel the same way hit you like a wave, leaving you breathless and unsure of what to do with it.

---

The forest was quiet, the only sounds the soft crunch of leaves beneath your boots and the occasional rustle of branches swaying in the wind. The sunlight barely filtered through the thick canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. You and Ace walked in sync, the tension of the day’s patrol still lingering between you. The air was cool, the scent of pine and earth grounding you in the moment.

The two of you had been patrolling the forest for hours, but your mind kept drifting back to the words you’d overheard days ago. You had tried to ignore it, tried to bury the strange flutter in your chest, but it was hard to pretend like it didn’t matter.

Ace's footsteps slowed for a moment, and you found yourself glancing at him. His profile was strong and steady, but there was something else—something unspoken. Maybe it was just the weight of the silence, or maybe it was the strange pull you had always felt between the two of you, but tonight, everything felt different.

Without turning to face you, Ace spoke, his voice breaking the quiet. "You’ve been quiet," he said, as if he’d noticed your shift in demeanor. “Everything okay?” You hesitated, unsure of how to answer.

"I’m fine," you replied, your voice steady, even though inside you could feel a nervous flutter. "Just keeping an eye out." Ace nodded, his eyes still scanning your face for any reaction.

“You know…” He trailed off, his voice carrying a hint of something you couldn’t quite place. “Out here, it’s easy to get distracted. You can lose yourself in the quiet, forget why you’re here.”

You swallowed, unsure of where this conversation was going. “I’m not distracted,” you said, trying to sound confident.

“No,” he agreed, glancing over his shoulder at you for just a moment. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were steady. “You’re not. But some things are harder to ignore than others."

“What do you mean by that?” You asked, hoping to keep your tone casual, but the question slipped out before you could think about it. The air between you both felt charged now, as if this moment was teetering on the edge of something unspoken.

“Nothing,” he said, his voice a little too quiet. “Just... the way things are out here. It’s easy to let your guard down.” But you both knew that wasn’t what he meant. Not really. His words were layered, each one holding more weight than the last, and despite how he tried to mask it, you could sense the pull between you both, like an invisible thread keeping you connected even when you were apart. You took a breath, trying to steady yourself.

Before you could even process the shift in the air, Ace’s hand shot out, grabbing the back of your neck and taking off your helmet with a surprising intensity. His touch was hot, almost desperate, as he pulled you toward him, knocking off his own helmet and closing the distance between you in an instant. His lips crashed against yours, cutting off any thought, any hesitation.

It wasn’t slow, nor was it cautious. The kiss was fierce, raw, and filled with everything you’d both held back. His lips were demanding, urgent, as if he had been waiting for this moment as much as you had. Your breath caught in your throat as your hands instinctively found his silver shoulders, gripping him, pulling him closer.

You didn’t think about the consequences, the unspoken tension, or the uncertainty of what came next. When he finally pulled away, breathless and with his forehead resting against yours, you could see the same shock and raw emotion reflected in his eyes.

“I’ve been wanting to do that,” he said, his voice rough, like he couldn’t quite believe what had just happened.

You could barely find your own voice as you met his gaze, heart racing, still trying to catch your breath. “Me too.”

Without another word, you reached up, your hands trembling as they slid into his hair, pulling him back toward you. This time, the kiss was even deeper, more urgent, like it was a language you both understood without needing to speak. His hands moved quickly, pulling you into him, your bodies pressed close as if the distance between you could no longer exist.

The forest around you seemed to fade into the background, the cool breeze rustling the leaves above, the shadows deepening as nighthas fallen. But in that moment, everything felt alive. Every touch, every kiss, was a confession, a surrender. The years of training, the years of being beside him, all led to this.

Ace's hands slid down your back, his touch becoming more desperate, more possessive while unbuckling your armor. His lips moved from yours, trailing down to your jaw, then your neck, sending waves of heat through your body. You gasped softly, your body responding to him in ways you hadn’t expected, and yet, it felt natural, as if this was how it was always meant to be.

You met his intensity with your own, pulling him closer, your hands wandering to the straps of his armor, clumsily unbuckling them. The sound of metal scraping against metal filled the air, but neither of you paid any mind. It was a blur now, everything blending into something more primal, more real than the words you had never spoken.

When his armor finally came off, his bare skin pressed against yours, and you felt the warmth of him in every inch, every touch. He lifted you effortlessly, your legs wrapping around his waist as you were carried further from the path, deeper into the cover of the trees. You barely noticed where he was taking you, consumed by the feeling of his hands on your body, his lips on your skin.

Everything felt like it was building to something more, something that you hadn’t allowed yourself to imagine until now. His kisses were insistent, but gentle when needed, exploring the parts of you that had always been hidden, always been untouched.

When you found the small clearing, the moonlight filtering through the trees and bathing the two of you in soft silver light, you paused for only a moment. But Ace wasn’t giving you time to second-guess anything.

 His lips found yours again, and this time, it was no longer about hesitation or uncertainty. It was about taking what had always been just out of reach. His hands traced the lines of your body, pulling you closer as you fell into each other once more, your world spinning with every movement.

In the quiet of the forest, with the world outside fading away, you both finally gave in to what had been inevitable all along.

After that night, things between you and Ace had changed. It wasn’t something that was obvious at first. He didn’t pull away immediately, but the distance grew over the days that followed. At first, you thought it might have just been the aftermath of everything—the confusion, the rush of emotions. You tried to dismiss the way he started to retreat, convincing yourself that it was just a natural response to something so raw.

Ace was still by your side, still your partner on patrols and training, but there was a quietness to him now—something you hadn’t noticed before. He would look at you, but his gaze wasn’t the same. During training, you caught him avoiding your gaze. He was still tough, still pushing you to be better, but there was an edge to his words, a certain coldness in his tone that wasn’t there before. It felt like he was deliberately keeping his distance, as though the intimacy of that night had made him unsure of where to place you in his life.

It was the silence between you that stung the most. The words that should have come after that night were never spoken. Instead, there was only an awkward tension, a kind of unspoken agreement that neither of you would bring it up. But the more Ace pulled away, the more you felt the weight of it pressing down on you.

One night, after dinner, you saw him slip away, his eyes avoiding yours as he made his way toward the kitchen. You didn’t hesitate. You knew this was your chance. You had to talk to him.

You followed him quietly, your footsteps soft against the stone floors. The kitchen was dim, the only light coming from the flickering fire in the hearth. Ace was standing by the counter, his back to you as he cleaned his sword, the sharp sound of the metal scraping against the stone the only noise in the room.

You took a deep breath and stepped forward. “Ace…” you said, your voice quiet but firm. He stiffened slightly, but didn’t turn to face you. His grip on the sword tightened. "What is it?"

"I—" You stopped yourself before you could say anything, the thought of confronting him suddenly feeling too much. You didn’t say anything more. You couldn’t. You just couldn’t face the possibility that confronting him might make things worse. It wasn’t the right time. You weren’t ready. And neither was he. But deep down, you knew that this silence, this distance—it wouldn’t last forever. Just like that you wanted to disappear and tried to walk away.

Just as you reached your door, ready to close yourself off from everything for the night, you heard footsteps behind you. Before you could react, his voice called out, breaking through the silence.

“Get ready,” Ace’s voice was steady, almost too calm, as though the tension between you two didn’t exist for him at that moment. “We leave for the king’s palace first thing in the morning.”

You turned toward him, confused. His words should have felt like another task to worry about, but there was something in his posture, in the way he said it, that made it sound almost... exciting. His eyes sparkled just a little, and the corners of his mouth were tugged into a small, satisfied smile—something you rarely saw from him. It wasn’t just a mission. It was something more, as if this trip had meaning beyond the typical duty you’d come to expect from him.

“The king’s palace?” you asked, still caught off guard by the change in his demeanor.

He nodded, the smile still on his face. “Yeah. A mission for the crown. Be ready before dawn.” His words were firm, but the way he said them made it clear he was looking forward to this.

“Okay...” You nodded, trying to match his energy. “I’ll be ready.”

Without another word, Ace turned to leave, his expression still lighter than it had been in days, maybe even weeks. The way he walked away, his steps purposeful and quick, seemed to match the upbeat tone in his voice.

---

"Big news, huh?" Sabo said, raising an eyebrow, his voice laced with an amusement Ace hadn’t expected. "I saw you talking to Y/N. You looked like you had something to say."

Ace chuckled under his breath, but it was tight, forced. He didn’t feel like getting into it right now. "Yeah," he replied, trying to brush it off. "We’re leaving for the king’s palace early tomorrow."

"You’re glad about it, aren’t you?" Sabo asked, his voice teasing. Ace glanced up. He hadn’t realized how much he was letting his emotions slip through. He shrugged, trying to play it cool. "It’s a mission. A job."

But Sabo wasn’t buying it. He chuckled softly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Come on, Ace. You’re really that eager to go? It’s not just the mission you’re excited about, is it?"

Ace’s eyes narrowed as he tried to hide the truth, but Sabo already knew. It wasn’t just about the mission. It wasn’t just about duty. It was about her.

"Don’t make it sound like that," Ace muttered, standing up and walking to the window, staring out at the darkening sky. "I just... I need a break. From everything. From all the tension, the questions."

Sabo’s tone turned more serious, his voice quieter. "You think running from it will help?"

Ace stiffened, his jaw clenching. "I’m not running," he replied, more defensively than he intended. "It’s just... easier to focus on something else right now."

"Oh, come on," Sabo continued, his grin widening. "You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve been so distant lately. And now, all of a sudden, you’ve got this big mission to the king’s palace, and you seem... well, a little too eager, if you ask me."

"You know," Ace began, his voice low and a little more serious than usual, "I’ve liked her since forever. Ever since I saw her in a carriage passing the alleys of our town."

Sabo, sensing the shift in tone, paused. His teasing grin faded slightly as he regarded his older brother more closely. "Yeah? I kind of figured," he said, raising an eyebrow. "You’ve never really hidden it, but you need to keep your expectations in check.”

Ace blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve got feelings for her, I get it. But you’re still a knight, Ace. A knight. She’s got a whole other life, a life that's much different than yours, with more responsibilities. You really think she’s going to look at you like that?”

“I’m not getting my hopes up,” Ace said quietly, his voice thick with frustration. “I’m just... I’m just going to be there. I’ll figure it out as it comes.”

Sabo looked at him for a moment, his gaze searching for any sign that Ace was truly hearing him. But seeing his brother’s stubbornness, his refusal to back down, Sabo just sighed again.

The next morning, the sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden glow over the landscape as Ace and you mounted your horses. Ace adjusted his cloak as he settled into his saddle, his gaze fixed ahead. His expression was focused, but there was something else lingering beneath it, something you couldn’t quite read. His eyes flickered over to you for a moment, but he quickly turned away again, his jaw set.

“Ready?” Ace’s voice broke through your thoughts, the question almost casual, but there was an edge to it—like he was searching for a response that might confirm something.

You nodded, trying to mask the fluttering feeling in your chest. “Ready.” you said.

Each step took you closer to the palace, but it also took you closer to the question that neither of you seemed willing to voice. You both had your reasons for coming, but now, with the palace in sight, it felt like there was more at stake than just the mission. The uncertainty lingered like a shadow, hanging heavy between you and Ace, but for now, all you could do was ride forward.

The ride took hours, the morning turning into midday as the vast expanse of the royal grounds slowly began to come into view. The towering walls of the palace loomed in the distance, their stone surface glistening under the sunlight. It was breathtaking, an imposing structure that seemed to reach toward the sky.

You both slowed your horses as the palace guards appeared at the entrance, their eyes sharp as they assessed the two of you. Ace was the first to reach for his helmet, slipping it on with ease, hiding his features behind the gleaming metal. You followed suit, securing your own helmet with a smooth motion, the familiar weight settling over your head like a shield.

Ace’s voice came through the commotion as he motioned for you to follow him. “Stay close,” he said, his tone firm but quiet, the kind of command that a knight might give to another.

You nodded, though the weight of his words—and the way he said them—made something tighten in your chest. This wasn’t just about the mission anymore. There was more at play, and the silence between the two of you seemed to echo louder now, filled with all the unspoken things that had been lingering between you since the night in the forest.

With a final glance at Ace, you followed him through the gates, the massive palace walls closing in around you as you entered the inner courtyard. The knights were here for duty, but the looming questions between you and him felt just as important as any royal matter.

The palace, with its grandeur and history, seemed both familiar and foreign all at once. Now, you were here—not just as knights on a mission, but as something more complicated, something unspoken. And as you dismounted and stood side by side with Ace, the weight of your helmets somehow felt even heavier, the distance between you both greater than ever before.

You and Ace arrived at the palace gates, the towering walls stretching high above. As the palace attendants moved swiftly to take care of your horses, Ace dismounted with practiced ease, his movements silent and efficient. Without a glance, he handed his reins over, his helmet still firmly in place.

You followed suit, carefully dismounting and passing your horse to a stable boy. The weight of your helmet felt heavy as you removed it, glancing at Ace, who had already begun walking toward the palace entrance. You quickly caught up, and together, you entered the grand halls, the quiet buzz of the palace surrounding you.

After a brief walk through the palace’s winding corridors, you and Ace were led by the attendants into a grand, towering chamber. The walls were lined with intricate tapestries depicting the kingdom’s long history. At the far end of the room, on a raised dais, stood the king’s throne—an imposing, gold-trimmed seat, surrounded by statues and towering columns that seemed to reach toward the heavens.

King Sengoku sat on the throne, his eyes assessing the two of you with a calm yet commanding gaze. His regal presence filled the room, and you couldn’t help but feel the weight of it all as you stood before him.

Ace, as always, remained composed, his posture straight and unwavering. You stood by his side, trying to appear as calm, despite the growing anticipation in the air.

The king’s voice broke the silence. "Welcome, knights. I trust your journey was smooth?"

You nodded, your voice steady despite the nerves that were creeping up on you. “The journey was fine, Your Majesty.”

Ace’s response mirrored yours, his voice firm as he addressed the king. “We arrived without incident, Your Majesty.”

The king gave a small nod before motioning to the girls aside him, “These are my nieces,” he said, his voice softer now, though still commanding. “Princess Hibari, and Princess Isuka.”

Ace straightened, his posture as disciplined as ever, and with a respectful nod, he addressed the king and his nieces. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty, Princess Hibari, Princess Isuka.” His voice was steady, his words polite yet firm, carrying the weight of the respect he held for their status.

You followed his lead, giving a slight bow. “The pleasure is ours, Your Majesty, Princess Hibari, Princess Isuka,” you echoed, keeping your voice even and respectful.

The king’s eyes briefly flickered over both of you, a small nod of approval in his gaze. The princesses, too, gave polite nods in return, though their expressions remained measured, still observing the knights before them. As Ace stood there, his eyes briefly flickered over to Princess Isuka. His heart gave an unexpected lurch as the memory came rushing back, unbidden. It was her. The girl he had seen all those years ago in the royal carriage—the one who had looked out at him with an air of mystery and elegance, her eyes filled with curiosity as she passed by. He had been just a child back then, but the image of her had stayed with him ever since, etched into his mind.

“You’ve traveled a long way and must be weary,” King said, his voice softening slightly. “Go rest, knights. Take some time to recover from your journey. The evening will bring a different kind of challenge.” He gestured toward the attendants, who were already prepared to guide you to your quarters.

You nodded respectfully, feeling the weight of his words. Ace, too, gave a subtle acknowledgment, his posture remaining steady.

“And,” the king continued, his tone now a bit lighter, “you are both invited to the masked ball this evening. It will be an event of great importance, and your presence is expected. Be sure to dress accordingly.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Ace replied, his voice steady and polite.

The king smiled slightly. “Rest well, and we shall see you later this evening. Do not keep the guests waiting.”

With that, the attendants led you both away, the grandeur of the throne room fading behind you as you were escorted to your quarters. The weight of the invitation hung in the air, and as you walked in silence beside Ace, you couldn't help but wonder what the night would bring.

---

The dress you wore was a rich emerald velvet, its bodice tightly fitted with intricate lacework that highlighted your form. The long, flowing sleeves were made of fine silk, trailing gracefully to your wrists, while the skirt cascaded to the floor in soft, layered waves. A small slit along the side allowed for ease of movement, though it was hidden by the fabric.

Your mask was delicate, crafted from polished silver with elegant filigree patterns. It covered the upper part of your face, leaving your lips exposed, and the crystal embellishments on the eyes caught the light, adding a mysterious sparkle to your gaze. Together, the gown and mask made you appear both noble and untouchable, yet the warrior within you remained just beneath the surface.

Ace wore his full knight's armor, the metal gleaming in the soft light of the palace. His chestplate, embossed with the insignia of his order, was a polished silver that contrasted with the darker leather beneath. His gauntlets were sturdy, and his boots well-worn from years of use, but they still held a commanding presence. His helmet, however, was held in his hand.

The entire night passed in a heavy silence between you and Ace. Despite the grandeur of the masked ball, with guests mingling and the soft music playing in the background, there was a distance between you both that couldn’t be ignored. Ace remained at your side, but he didn’t speak a word. His gaze was constantly elsewhere, his eyes scanning the room as though his attention was lost to something far beyond the dance floor.

You tried to catch his eye a few times, hoping for some sort of acknowledgment, but each time, his focus was fixed on something—or someone—else. The once familiar connection you shared seemed distant, as though he had slipped into a world of his own, leaving you alone in a sea of strangers.

The entire night, Ace couldn’t help but feel a tight knot of frustration in his chest. He tried, again and again, to catch Princess Isuka’s gaze, his eyes scanning the room in search of her. But every time he thought he might, she was surrounded by other princes—talking, laughing, the attention of every noble in the room on her.

He couldn’t deny the sharp pang of jealousy that twisted inside him each time another man leaned in too close, shared a laugh, or bowed a little too deeply in her presence. But it wasn’t just jealousy that gnawed at him. It was insecurity, a deeper feeling he couldn’t shake. He was just a knight—someone sworn to protect, to serve. He didn’t belong in her world of royalty and nobility.

His heart raced every time his eyes drifted to her, and it frustrated him to no end that no matter how many times he tried to get closer, he was always just on the outside looking in. And worse, he couldn't help but wonder if she even noticed him at all.

Without thinking, he turned to you, his voice coming out more sharply than he intended. “Would you care to dance?” he asked, the words feeling almost foreign on his tongue.

You blinked, surprised by the sudden invitation, but before you could respond, Ace was already offering his hand. His eyes, though still guarded, seemed to seek something in yours—maybe a distraction, maybe just the chance to be close to someone who didn’t make him feel small.

You hesitated for a moment, sensing the tension that had been building in him all night, but then you placed your hand in his, the action pulling you both into a fleeting moment of connection.

As the music swirled around them, Ace led you onto the dance floor with a calm yet purposeful grip on your hand. His other hand rested on your waist, and the connection felt both firm and careful. The pressure was gentle but firm, a feeling that stirred something deep within. The memory hit you suddenly: the way his fingers had brushed against your skin, how the air had felt charged, like the very night itself had held its breath. That kiss, the way everything had felt so raw, so real.

As you danced, you noticed that his eyes were fixed on yours, never wavering. The intensity of his stare felt different now—charged, like he was searching for something in your expression, something he couldn’t find in the others around him.

As the dance continued, Ace’s movements slowed, his hand on your waist tightening slightly as he drew you in closer. The space between you both seemed to shrink with every passing second, until you could feel the warmth of his breath against your ear.

"You should come to my room tonight," he whispered, his voice low and steady, the words carrying a weight that made your heart skip. "We have things we need to talk about."

Your pulse quickened, a mix of anticipation and relief washing over you. Finally, you thought. It was time. The air between you both had been thick with tension for too long, and tonight, maybe, things would finally be cleared. You nodded slightly, as if to signal that you understood, that you were ready to finally talk, to understand what had been left unsaid.

After the ball had ended and the guests had begun to disperse, the weight of the night still lingered in the air.

Ace led you through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, his steps steady and purposeful. The sound of his boots echoing in the hallway matched the quickening beat of your heart. When you finally reached his room, Ace opened the door, stepping aside to allow you to enter first.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Ace moved with a sudden intensity, his hand finding yours, pulling you closer. Before you could even take a breath, he pressed you against the door, his lips crashing against yours in a deep, urgent kiss. The shock of the moment left you breathless, but there was something consuming about it, something that made your heart race in your chest.

Between kisses, his voice was low and shaky, a mix of desire and desperation. "We will talk things out," he murmured against your lips, his hand tangling in your hair as he kissed you harder. "But I need you right now."

His words only made the tension in your body heighten, each one fueling the fire that was building between you. His touch was rough, but there was a gentleness beneath it, as if he was both desperate and tender, wanting to feel every inch of you.

You wanted to respond, wanted to say something—anything—but the kiss, the heat between you both, made everything else fade away. All that mattered in that moment was the pull you felt, the magnetic force that neither of you could resist.

Morning light filtered softly through the curtains, pulling you from a restless sleep. As you stirred, confusion set in—Ace’s bed, the tangled sheets, and the lingering ache in your body. The events of the night rushed back, but when you looked around, he was gone. His armor, his presence—everything was absent.

You sat up, heart sinking, unsure of what to feel. Had it meant something, or was it just a fleeting moment for him? The room felt cold and empty without him, and the silence only left more questions unanswered.

The next time you saw Ace, it was not in the quiet of his room or the stillness of the morning. It was when the news came—the kingdom was under attack.

The air was thick with tension as the messenger arrived, his face pale and breathless. "The kingdom is under siege," he announced, his voice strained with urgency.

Before you could process the shock, Ace appeared at the front, his expression hard and focused. His armor was back on, and his eyes locked onto yours for a brief moment, the weight of the situation overtaking whatever had happened between you the night before. He didn’t say a word to you; he didn’t need to. The kingdom needed him, and the past was put on hold for the chaos that was about to unfold.

The horns sounded in the distance, a sharp warning that the siege had begun. The kingdom was under attack. Soldiers rushed to their positions, armor clanking as they hurried. The sky above was dark, matching the feeling of dread in the air.

Ace stood at the front, his sword in hand, ready for battle. His eyes were cold with determination. He moved swiftly, giving orders and preparing for the fight ahead.

You found yourself on the battlefield, your own sword ready as you joined the others. The enemy charged, their shouts filling the air as they rushed toward the gates. The clash of swords and shields was deafening. Every strike felt like a test of survival.

Ace fought fiercely, cutting through the enemy with precision. He moved like a storm, and you followed closely behind him, defending your kingdom. The battle felt endless, the sounds of the fight overwhelming. But through it all, you caught brief glimpses of Ace’s eyes. No words were needed; his focus was all on the battle, and so was yours.

The fight continued, the enemy’s numbers pushing harder. You fought side by side, knowing this wasn’t just about protecting the kingdom, but something deeper that tied you both together. With each blow, you stood strong, not just for the kingdom, but for each other.

The battle raged on, and the enemy was pushing closer to the palace gates. Ace’s voice rang out, sharp and clear above the chaos. “We need to get inside! Protect the king and his family!”

With weapons raised, the two of you, along with the rest of the knights, fought your way through the thick of it, carving a path toward the palace. The enemy was relentless, but you pushed forward, heart pounding, determined to reach the king before it was too late.

As you neared the entrance, a loud scream pierced the air, echoing through the battlefield. It was a scream unlike any other, filled with terror and desperation. It was Princess Isuka.

The sound sent a cold chill down your spine. You looked to Ace, who had heard it too. His jaw tightened, and without another word, he broke into a sprint, heading straight for the palace doors.

The fight to protect the king was far from over, but now there was something more—an urgent need to protect the princess. You followed him, your breath coming in sharp gasps, your sword ready, knowing that whatever had caused that scream, you needed to reach her before it was too late.

Ace kicked open the door to Princess Isuka’s room, his sword raised. Inside, masked attackers were closing in on her. Without hesitation, he charged, his blade cutting through the air, taking down the first attacker with a single, precise strike. You followed close behind, joining the fight as Ace moved with deadly precision, each blow

aimed at eliminating the threat. One by one, the attackers fell, until the room was silent, the danger gone.

Ace quickly moved toward Princess Isuka, his eyes softening for just a moment as he approached her. He knelt down, gently lifting her into his arms. She was shaken, her face pale, but her eyes were filled with gratitude.

"I’ll stay with her," Ace told you, his voice steady but urgent. "I’ll make sure she’s safe. You need to look for any remaining enemies."

You nodded, though your heart clenched at his words. The urgency in his tone, the way he held the princess so protectively, it was all clear now. His gaze lingered on Isuka as he carefully adjusted her in his arms, his posture softening for her in a way he never had with you.

As you turned to check the hall for other threats, it hit you. The protective way Ace had acted, the care he showed her—it wasn’t just duty. It was something deeper, something more personal.

He had feelings for her.

"You saved me," she whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and gratitude, her hand gently resting on his chest.

Ace’s expression softened, but there was a quiet tension in his eyes. He said nothing, only nodding as he adjusted his hold on her. Her giggles continued, a light, almost carefree sound that filled the room. It was clear she was captivated by him, as if the danger they’d just faced was forgotten in the warmth of his protection.

You watched from the doorway, a knot forming in your stomach. The princess was clearly charmed by Ace, her giggles a stark contrast to the weight of the situation.

As the princess continued to gaze up at Ace, a soft smile spread across her face. She seemed completely enchanted by him, her giggles lingering in the air, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of his armor.

"Thank you, Sir Ace," she said, her voice filled with admiration, her eyes twinkling. "You’re my hero."

Ace’s face remained stoic, though there was a hint of discomfort in the way he shifted his weight, still holding her with care. "I was just doing my duty," he said, his voice steady, but there was a slight tightness to it.

The princess, however, seemed lost in her own world, oblivious to the rest of the room. She leaned in closer to Ace, her head resting against his chest, her breath soft against his armor. "You’re so strong," she murmured, giggling again as she looked up at him.

As you stood in the doorway, watching Ace and Princess Isuka, the realization hit you like a wave.

You had always believed that there was something between you and Ace. The training, the moments shared in silence, the unspoken connection. But now, as you observed how he held Isuka, how his eyes softened for her in a way they never had for you, it became clear.

You had never been more than a distraction. A fleeting moment, a temporary comfort for Ace. He had never looked at you the way he looked at her. The way she giggled in his arms, how he was so tender with her—it was something you would never have.

For the first time, you saw it all for what it truly was. You had been the one to occupy his mind, to keep him busy while he longed for her. And now that the princess was in front of him, everything about you—your feelings, your efforts—seemed to fade into the background.

You were nothing more than a distraction to him, something to pass the time until he could be close to the one he truly wanted. And in that moment, a cold ache spread through your chest, deeper than any battle wound you had ever suffered.

You turned away, feeling the sting of your own heart breaking.

A few years had passed, and much had changed since that fateful night. Ace had become the personal guardian of Princess Isuka, a title that earned him respect and admiration throughout the kingdom. It was no surprise—his skill, loyalty, and strength had made him a perfect fit for such an important role. The princess, now the future queen, was to marry a prince from a neighboring kingdom, solidifying an alliance that was crucial to the kingdom’s future.

But rumors swirled around the palace like shadows, whispering that the princess and her personal guard were more than just protector and royal. Their closeness had raised eyebrows, and the rumors of an affair between the two were growing louder by the day. No one could say for sure, but the signs were all there—the way Ace was always by her side, the way she would glance at him in the quiet halls when no one else was looking.

Meanwhile, you had been added to the kingdom’s guard, your skills honed over the years. You had worked hard to get there, but it felt like a hollow victory. You were now part of the very unit that protected the royal family, yet you felt further removed from Ace than ever. He was loyal to Isuka, his attention always on her, and your own place in the guard seemed so distant, even though you had once stood by his side.

The kingdom was shifting—preparing for the marriage, for the new queen—but there was still a heaviness in the air, something unspoken. It weighed on you, seeing Ace by the princess’s side, his every move focused on her. You could feel the distance between you, even though you had once shared more. Now, you were nothing more than a shadow in the background, a guard, while Ace was her confidant, her protector, her everything.

But then, just as the ceremony was about to proceed, you felt a presence beside you. You turned to find Ace standing there, looking at you with an unreadable expression. His armor gleamed in the soft light, and for a moment, it felt like nothing had changed, like the years hadn't gone by, like he was still the same Ace you had once known.

"You’re still here," he said quietly, his voice soft enough that only you could hear.

You stiffened, unsure how to respond. You nodded, trying to keep your voice steady. "I’m here to do my duty."

Ace’s eyes studied you for a moment, as if he was trying to gauge something in your expression. Then, his gaze softened just a fraction, and he took a step closer. "It wasn’t supposed to be like this," he murmured, almost as if talking to himself.

Your heart skipped, and before you could say anything, he continued. "I know things have changed, and I… I didn’t want it to end like this, with you standing so far away."

His words hit you harder than you expected. The weight of everything—your feelings, the years, the distance—felt suffocating. You wanted to speak, to tell him how much you had always wished things were different, how much you had hoped for a chance, but the words caught in your throat.

"I’ve always… cared about you," Ace added, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes not meeting yours for a moment. "But I’ve made mistakes. I don’t expect anything from you, not now."

“It doesn’t matter no more. It was obvious that everything you did was for her, always” it never hurt any less. You were never her.

all author rights go to @neospade

[acesluvrxx]

need someone to make a fic for this fanart of ace as a knight RIGHT. NOW. RIGHT NOW.

maybe the reader is rebellious and trying to get ace to hate her and quit being her knight but he wont bcus ‘its his duty’ but its actually bcus he loves her

IT CAN BE SMUT IT CAN BE FLUFF IT CAN BE BOTH IDK IDC

IDK DO WHATEVER U WANT ONE PIECE WRITERS HEAR. MY. PLEA. i need this and i need this bad and i would write it myself but people on tumblr know bigger words than me BYEE BUT U GET THE POINT

[beneathtreemomo]

Names Amongst the Dead

I got another commission from @sakura-rose12 of Kit!!! Beautiful boy and 3/4ths of his qpr (plus also his eventual boyfriend. No, I will never make a straightforward relationship. It's too fun to make them deep and meaningful, unable to be explained through words. Law is the last fourth if you were curious lol, he just didn't fit in with the theme) Have a one-shot to go with it :D -----

Kit's back hit the wall hard, causing him to stumble from the awkward angle as his and Alvarus’ legs found purchase on the steps.

Cold metal pressed against his skin; Kit froze, making the wise decision not to move.

"Oh?" Kit asked, fighting the urge to tilt his head. "I thought we'd gotten past you pulling a sword on me."

“Highness…” Alvarus breathed, a shaky awe to it that never really went away.

It made Kit huff as he smiled down at the ex-knight. “Hi, Alva.”

Brilliant sapphire eyes melted, Alvarus' sharp-edged smile turning into something softer. The distance between them was already small; Kit could feel Alvarus’ breath against his skin, knew that if Penguin or Shachi caught sight of them, he'd never hear the end of their teasing.

“Are you well?” Alvarus asked, without fail.

“Better than ever.” Kit replies, always.

A beat passed as Alvarus’ gaze studied Kit. He always made sure Kit wasn't lying to him, especially after the one time Kit had genuinely tried, and Kit could never find it in him to be mad about it.

He sighed as he determined there was nothing amiss; Kit chuckled as Alvarus seemed to collapse against him, knocking their foreheads together.

“Stop worrying me, please,” Alvarus mumbled, rubbing his nose against Kit's. His body was warm, a comforting blanket against the chill of the winter island's sea. “You’re one of few things I have left from our home. I don't think I could handle watching your vivre card try to burn a second time.”

“I’ll do my best,” Kit said after a moment, feeling the sword drop away as Alvarus sunk into the embrace. “But I can’t make any promises. You know that.”

Now that he could properly move again, Kit lifted a hand to tangle it in Alvarus’ hair, fingernails lightly scratching at the base of his neck. He returned the nuzzle, pressing his cheek against Alvarus' before pushing back his hat with a gentle hand.

Alvarus' eyes closed as he leaned into the touch with a soft sigh. “Why must all of you Lagthas be so difficult?”

Kit chuckled, pressing his lips to Alvarus’ temple. “Runs in the blood, I’m afraid.”

----

“Hey, Sabo, I—whoa!!”

As soon as Kit stepped foot into the room Sabo had chosen during their stay, a hand had wrapped around his wrist and yanked him inside.

The door was shut with a muted thud, though Kit barely managed to notice as he was slammed into the wall just next to it.

“You!”

For a moment, all Kit could see was Sabo’s jacket and the frills of his cravat. Then Sabo leaned down, caging Kit in, and his eyes were like fire.

Kit’s heart skipped a beat, unease settling low in his gut.  “…Me?”

“Were you ever going to tell us?” Sabo asked, voice low. “About who you really are?”

The unease turned into lead, sinking and pulling Kit down with it. “This is who I really am.”

“Liar,” He hissed, leaning in closer. Kit felt rather than saw Sabo’s hand moving, and with a jump he raised his hands between them to try and placate the fuming man. “I know that you’re a prince!”

Shit. He’d been afraid of that answer, even though he’d expected it. Kit really should start to know better.

“Well, sure, but—"

“Is this just a joke to you?” Sabo asked, hand pressing just enough into Kit’s side to keep him pinned. Something slipped in his voice, cracking and splintering with the confirmation his findings had been right; Kit hadn’t looked away from Sabo’s gaze at all, but only now could he see the grief and panic at the edges of his eyes.

Kit’s heart sank. “What? Sabo, no. Why would I be joking about any of this?”

“Because that’s what all nobles do in situations like this,” Sabo hissed, lips curling into a snarl. “Lie and trick us, just to hurt us behind our backs.”

“I’m not lying!”

“Then why didn’t you tell us?! If you hurt my brothers the way you hurt your people, Prince, I swear—”

Tears pricked Kit’s eyes at the low blow, heart hurting like he’d been stabbed. He shoved Sabo away and was, admittedly, a little shocked that Sabo let him. “What the fuck is your problem?!” He shouted. He knew it was too quick of a flip, but he'd thought Sabo of all people would understand, and instead he was being accused of wanting to hurt his friends.

Sabo merely stared at him, hands clenched into fists at his sides. Kit didn’t move away from the wall, but now it was his turn to snarl at Sabo. “Look in the goddamn mirror! You’re a nobleman from birth, too!”

“Watch what you say next.” The harshness in Sabo’s voice sent a shock of fear down Kit’s spine, but he didn’t stop.

“Oh, don’t be such a hypocrite.” Kit snapped back, standing tall even as Sabo’s glare sharpened back into something dangerous. “I’d already run by the time the kingdom fell; your research showed this, I know it did. Everyone knows Prince Rori disappeared three years prior."

He scoffed, feeling words he didn't want to admit spill from his mouth without his say. “What, would I be in your good graces if I had stayed to be Haesgard’s toy? Or gone back to be a lamb to the slaughter the second I caught wind of Valstasia’s fall? Forgive me for doing what my mother and Lavi sacrificed themselves for.”

He didn’t notice the way Sabo’s anger faltered as he spoke, eyes growing wide with dread as the implications of things not even the Revolutionaries would have found out slipped from Kit’s lips.

“I thought we were friends,” Kit continued, glaring at Sabo through watering eyes. “You said you trusted me because Ace and Luffy trusted me. Didn’t realize it was so easy to lose, too.”

Fed up with the conversation—annoyed because he’d actually been excited to see Sabo during this mission of his, only for it to turn into this mess of a shouting match—Kit shouldered his way past Sabo to the door.

“I’m not like those nobles you grew up hating. Don’t talk to me again until you figure that out.”

Sabo stared at the door, almost wishing Kit had slammed it shut. It would make it easier to dispel the anger still thrumming in his veins, maybe even get rid of the guilt that started settling in his chest.

That… wasn’t what he expected to happen.

Looking back, it should have been.

He scrubbed a hand over his face, fingers lingering on his scar. “Shit... I just messed up, didn't I?”

....He really should have known better.

---

Kit headed back to his room, a slight skip in his step. He’d managed to convince Law to lay down and nap, finally, and Cora had promised to keep him there until their captain could form coherent sentences again. Tang had surfaced for a while, as well, to let in some much needed fresh air and get the crew some sun.

Mostly, Kit was just glad they were headed away from Wano, and he could spend one more day not thinking about the situation looming over his shoulders.

Except, now he was thinking about it. Dammit.

His steps slowed. It… was okay to wait a few more days, right?

It was too nice a day to think about existential dread, and he didn’t want to worry Law when he woke. After that whole mess of an island, none of the crew needed to worry about him and his decades-old problem. It had waited this long—it could wait a little more.

But there had been that letter….

“Hey, Kit, what’s got you all broody?”

Kit startled, a tiny little yelp managing to leave his lips before he shut it down just as fast as he looked up.

Ace stood there across from him, hands in his pockets and an easy smile on his face. “Cat got your tongue?”

“Ace!” Kit breathed out a sigh of relief, leaning back against the wall. “Don’t startle me like that!”

“Sorry,” He said, completely unapologetic, “Being a ghost does that to someone, I’ve learned.”

Kit laughed, having to admit he had a point. “That’s fair. But your fire’s usually a lot louder than that, so I’m surprised you hid so well.”

“Hm.” Ace came closer, concern creasing his brow. “I don’t know about that, Kit. I think you’re just… distracted. You okay?”

No, but Kit’s pretty sure he hasn’t been for a while.

“It’s nothing,” He promised, tasting ash on his tongue. “Just thinking, is all.”

“Ahh, I see.” Ace nodded, humming thoughtfully a moment later. Kit raised a brow as he stepped into his space, resting an arm above Kit’s head. “Well, how about I help you stop thinking for a bit, hm?”

As he spoke, Ace brought a hand up to take Kit’s chin between his forefinger and thumb, stroking Kit’s bottom lip. Kit huffed a laugh at the action, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Oh? And how are you going to do that?”

“I’m sure you could come up with something, eh, Enchanter?” Ace all but purred, eyes locked onto Kit’s. It made Kit’s heart race, excitement thrumming to life in his veins as Ace leaned ever closer—

Only for Ace to yelp as he suddenly fell through both Kit and the wall.

Kit burst out laughing while Ace let out a dismayed cry, covering his smile with his hand as Ace righted himself. He turned back to Kit, all charm replaced by a sheepish smile and heavy flush down to his chest that had Kit’s heart turning to mush.

“Guess that didn’t really… go well, huh?”

“No,” Kit disagreed, still giggling as he lowered his hand. “No, I think it worked exactly how you wanted it to.”

Ace pouted as he readjusted his hat where it had fallen askew. “But I wanted a kiss.”

With a smile Kit walked past, flicking the string of his cap up to Ace’s nose as he did. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you back in your body eventually. I’ve got a lead.”

“Wait—really?!” Perking up much like an excited dog, Ace cheered and ran to give Kit a giant hug.

Only to fall flat on his face as he, once again, went right through. Kit’s laughter was heard all the way up to the sundeck.

[kiteou]

Dream Taste.

[ovsyankaandizum]

Take your glory, my knight, take your peace….

Haven’t drown one piece content for so long… So, who missed my OP content (hope you exist) this is for you

[animal-stuffed-cookies]

Little crossover art I did 🔥🍊

[whosyourfavevoicedby-polls]

I'm going to start watching Vampire Knight now holy hell Toga's hot

[mcereal]

everytime i see a tik tok with the straw hats under the part of daddy issues that goes “there where she cried you saved her life” i want to burst into flames and cry.

[xamaxenta]

Day has been not that great and now the water is out and for how long idk i wanted to shower but now i gotta wait or get the wet wipes out and its so so humid fuck

[vertilex]

[livelaughloveluffy]

confession - portgas d. ace

a/n: im starting to run out of pictures to use for law and ace 😭😭😭 i'm going to forever and always continuing the hunt for more of these colored manga panels on pinterest, but if you see me starting to reuse the same pictures... no you didn't 😭😭

a/n: now that my brain has connected these fics with songs, it can't stop. here's the song pairing for the ace version of this series.

nothing but fluff here 💗

---------------------------------------------------------------------

the second you stepped foot on the moby dick, ace instantly knew he had to be around you. he didn't shy away from introducing himself to you.

instantly taking you under his wing, bringing you to all his friends, because he knew what to was like to feel alone and isolated, and he didn't want that for you.it really wasn't too long until meeting the infamous fire-fist, that he began warming up to you.

often making sure you were with him and his group for meals, sharing jokes and stories with you, bringing you along for small adventures and missions. he did anything and everything in his power to see a smile on your face.

that's just the man he was.

•♡•

by the time ace finally had a spare moment to check in on you, it was already late at night.. not wanting to wake you, he didn't bother knocking on your bedroom door.

a little defeated, he slowly began to sulk away from your door, when he noticed the dancing light of small candle shining on the floor leading him to a secluded spot outside on the deck where he found you.

"it's a nice night, isn't it?" ace announced, his honey-coated voice hearing the sweetness and thoughtfulness behind his statement. "how are you finding the rest of the crew? you're getting along okay with them?" he asked, sitting down right next to you, he put his arm around your shoulder and pulled you in close to him before he realized what he was doing.

the sudden burst of vibrant pinks on your cheeks called attention to his action, suddenly feeling the need to explain he started up "sorry, you just looked a bit cold. and i've got enough heat to go around" but with your eyes landing on his sheepish smile, you couldn't be bothered to brush him off. he was really warm.

adjusting to ace's warmth, pulling yourself a bit closer, it was only when you got comfortable that you finally began to answer ace's questions. "i'm doing okay... sometimes, it can be a bit intimidating to be around so many men.." your voice soft, and a little unsure.

"let me know if any of those guys give you trouble, okay? feel free to grab me whenever." he replied with his signature charming smile, giving you no problem putting your faith and trust in him.

•♡•

after that, there was hardly ever a time that you didn't have ace at your side. growing used to his boyish charm, his wide smile, his adorable obnoxious laugh, his huge appetite, and his kind heart, his presence was like a warm blanket around your body. all encompassing and comforting.

he had done more than kept his words. the amount of times he instantly and wordlessly stepped in for you when men got too drunk and handsy around you, shielding you from them and sweeping you away, when the boys rough-housed too hard with you while messing around, when you could feel the unwanted stares and male attention being seared into your body, night or day, time and time again, ace was there for you.

swooping in like a knight in shining armor, you couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with appreciation for the freckled boy. and he would accept none of it. brushing you off with comments such as: "it's no big deal!" and "don't sweat it! that's what i'm here for!!"

your connection was one that you didn't quite understand. the chemistry the two of you shared was truly unmatched, and it almost felt like second nature.

•♡•

one night, you happened to stumble upon the whole gang, laughing, drinking, and star-gazing on the deck. deciding you could go for a couple of drinks, you scanned the group, looking for ace. once your eyes met his, your feet started to move on their own, making your way over to him.

once you were within arm's length of ace sitting on the deck floor, it was without a second thought that ace had pulled you into his lap. a gesture you had greatly appreciated, since the darkness of night mixed with the sea breeze created an especially cool chill, and with ace's warm bare chest and devil fruit powers, you were able to stay nice and toasty cuddled up into him. while normal to the two of you, his friends momentarily paused as they witnessed this transpire.

ace gave them his typical sly half smile, as if to say "..and? what about it?" and the group returned back to normal, eventually shrugging off this little habit of the two of you.

it wasn't until you guys were enough drinks into the night that you started to lose count that you felt ace's arms pulling you closer so your back was flushed against his chest. ace leaned down a bit, putting his lips centimeters away from your ear. "it's a bit crowded here, wanna come up to the crow's nest with me?"

•♡•

once the two of you were alone in the crow's nest, as per usual, ace pulled you into him, warming his body to keep the night's chill off your skin. "it's a nice night, isn't it?" he said, his smooth soft voice was music to your ears.

"it is... so what's up in the crow's nest? any specific reason you wanted to come up here?"

he leaned closer to your ear as he began to whisper "it's not really romantic to tell you in front of all of those idiots that i'm in love with you."

he could feel your cheeks heat up as the blush appeared on them. you turned your head slightly to look at him with wide eyes, trying to process if he actually said what you heard. so he repeated it, "i wanted to tell you that i'm in love with you. i don't really know what it is, but i know you feel it too... at least i think you do.."

"i'd be an idiot not to." as your eyes met his for the second time in the crow's nest, you couldn't help the smile that creeped up on your lips as you pulled ace closer to you, and knowing that this warmth was now just yours.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

a/n: sorry if ace's fic is a bit shorter than the rest of the boys 😭😭 i honestly cant bare to look at my laptop anymore 💀 lowkey, it's hard to imagine a direct confession scene with ace because he seems like the kind of guy where the second you meet him, it only seemed to be fated to end up with him and every action and moment before officially making it official was really just like dating but without the title. (god i hope you guys get what im trying to say 😭😭😭) maybe i am just crazy though 😭

a/n: long story short, i gave it my best shot 😭😭 if i ever feel like rewriting this, you guys will definitely find out about it, but for now, it is what it is 💀

[demonpiratehuntress]

fictional boys (Monster Trio + Ace, Kaku)

featuring - Zoro x F!Reader, Ace x F!Reader, Sanji x F!Reader, Luffy x F!Reader, Kaku x F!Reader

summary - their reactions to finding out you have a crush on a fictional character

warnings - slightly angsty in Sanji's part but otherwise none

a/n: Kaku is severely underrated and there is a shocking lack of fics for him

ZORO

You're always reading. This was normal for you, but Zoro had never seen you this engrossed in one before. You spent more time with that damn book than you did with him these days, and even napping with you was a pain because you always had it with you. And he didn't understand your obsession with it, until he overheard a conversation between you and Nami.

"So who's your favourite?" The orange-haired navigator asked excitedly, leaning forward for the gossip.

"(Random Name)," you answered just as eagerly, your eyes lighting up excitedly. "He's the coolest!"

"Right?" Nami agreed, a dreamy smile on her face. "And the hottest."

"Oh yeah definitely."

"Who's the hottest, now?" A familiar deep voice cut through before you two could get any further than that. Zoro stopped by the table, crossing his arms and looking unamused.

"A guy in this book," you answered your boyfriend, unaware of the hostility in his tone, "He's this really cool knight who-"

"I'm cooler."

You looked up at him in surprise, not expecting him to cut you off with those words, "What?"

"Your stupid knight," he clarified, "I'm cooler than him. And hotter."

You looked at Nami, who was trying her hardest not to laugh. Then you looked back at your boyfriend, who was looking at you expectantly. Waiting for you to agree.

"Zoro-"

"Oh, so you like him better than me?"

"No! I never-" You stopped, starting to smirk. "Wait...are you jealous?"

He glared at you, "I don't get jealous."

"Oh, alright then," you sat back, deciding to tease him. "Then I can tell you more about his heroics, if you'd like."

A growl followed your words, and the book was quickly pulled from your grip and tossed overboard. The silence was only broken by a splash, before you finally reacted.

"Zoro! What-"

"Mine," he suddenly lifted you up bridal-style, "All mine." He carried you off to his room to show you - remind you - who you belonged to.

"I'm way better than that shitty knight."

ACE

The last time Ace had seen you, you were reading. The next time he saw you, you were still reading. He had gone and had a whole island adventure while you'd apparently just lay on your shared bed with your nose buried in a book. He wondered what was so special and interesting about it, so when you went to go do something he picked it up and read a little bit of it.

"Ace? Are you actually reading something?"

You giggled from the doorway, watching as the second division commander jumped, startled, and dropped your book. He looked up at you, pouting slightly.

"Just wanted to see why it's more interesting than I am."

"It's not more interesting than you are," you denied, coming over to the bed. You sat down next to him, picking it up and checking if you still had your page marked.

"But you're ignoring me to read it!" He protested, crossing his arms. With that and his pout, he looked like an upset child. It was cute.

"I'm not ignoring you! It's just..." You sighed. "There's a character I really like and I want to see where his story goes."

"His?"

You realised your mistake too late. Ace's eyes narrowed, looking from your face to the book. For a moment, there was dead silence, before he suddenly burned your book to a crisp. Your eyes widened and you were about to scold him for that, but he quickly engulfed you in a bone-crushing hug, nuzzling his face against your neck.

"You don't need a stupid book boy, you have me."

"Portgas D. Ace, are you jealous of a fictional character?"

"W-what?! NO! I just...you know...you don't give me any attention anymore!"

"So you're jealous. Of a boy who doesn't exist."

He groaned, keeping his face buried in your neck so you wouldn't see the embarrassing blush that fell over his cheeks, "Not jealous. Just want you." Before you could tease him any further, he leaned up to kiss you deeply.

"I'm the only one who's allowed to have you, no one else. Not even some damn fictional character."

LUFFY

He doesn't think much of it when you spend most of your free time reading. He doesn't feel threatened by anything or anyone when it comes to you, but he is also very confused by the concept of fictional characters. So when he hears you and Robin gushing about one, he is only intrigued by what you guys are talking about.

"Did you get to the part where..." Robin was asking you, rambling on about one of the scenes in the book.

"I did!" You gasped, "And I loved it. Especially what he did."

With Zoro napping, Sanji cooking, Chopper making more rumble balls, and Franky and Usopp working on the ship, Luffy had nothing better to do than come sit and listen to you and Robin. When he heard 'he', though, his interest was piqued.

"Who's 'he' (Name)?" He asked curiously.

You blushed at his question, unsure of how to explain this to your boyfriend, "He's, um, he-"

"He's (Name)'s fictional crush," Nami answered for you, shooting you a playful smirk. She knew damn well what she was doing, and your eyes widened.

"Luffy-"

"What's a fictional crush?" He blinked, confused.

"Nothing!" You quickly responded before Nami could open her mouth again, "It's really nothing, it's not important."

"It means (Name) likes a boy in the book she's reading," Nami continued, "The same way she likes you, Luffy."

"NAMI!" The glare you shot her could make sea kings tremble.

"But why?" Luffy questioned, "(Name) said I'm the only one she likes like that."

"And that is true," you agreed, smiling as you gave him a quick but loving kiss on his cheek. Sometimes you were grateful for Luffy's obliviousness.

"Good, because I would have just fought him for you."

SANJI

Sanji was happy to see that you had found something to occupy yourself with while he was busy, so he wouldn't feel guilty about leaving you alone so much. He would bring you snacks and refreshing drinks while you read, happy to serve you and keep you satisfied while you enjoyed your mental adventure. But a conversation between you, Nami and Robin changed everything.

"(Random Name) is so hot," you were gushing as Sanji arrived with another tray of drinks, "Like, unbelievably hot. And he's so sweet, too. Definitely boyfriend material."

While Nami and Robin eagerly agreed with you, Sanji almost dropped the tray he was holding. His eyes went wide at your words, and he felt his stomach churn.

"My love...who are you talking about?"

He didn't want to jump to conclusions, but why would you openly talk about some other man in front of him? Is this how you felt when you saw him give attention to other women? He swore he would stop right now if it meant this person wasn't real.

"A guy from the book I'm reading," you smiled up at him, but faltered when you saw the look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he shook his head and forced a smile, "I'm glad you're enjoying the book, love."

"Sanji, he's just a fictional character," you turned to face the cook completely, "I wouldn't really date him, even if he was real. You know I only love you, and you alone."

Your words were reassuring, and Sanji was grateful it wasn't any real person, but the words 'boyfriend material' rang in his head again. He set the drinks down. Then, unexpectedly, he got down on his knees and clasped his hands together in a begging gesture.

"(Name), my sweet, beautiful girlfriend that I love more than anything else in the world, I promise to stop looking at and flirting with other women if you stop reading that book!"

You raised an eyebrow, realising that he really was jealous of (Random Name), "You really mean that?"

"Yes yes yes! Please!"

"You better keep that promise."

"I will, because I'm only yours and you're only mine."

KAKU

With Kaku's job being...what it was, you spent majority of your time at home in Water 7 alone. He was almost always away on missions, leaving you with nothing to do but turn to books to occupy yourself during the day. So in the absence of your boyfriend, it was only natural you would be drawn to fictional men as a way of receiving affection.

Kaku didn't expect to come home and find downstairs neat but empty.

"(Name)?" He called out, frowning when he got no response.

He came upstairs, finding you asleep on the bed with a book clutched close to your chest. He looked at the title - it was a romance. That made him feel guilty; he knew you didn't like romances, and that you only read them when he wasn't around. He tried to remove it from your grip so he could cuddle you instead, but this action stirred you and you slowly sat up.

"Kaku?" You blinked the sleep out of your eyes, then smiled softly, "You're back. Hi."

"Hi," he replied sweetly, returning your smile. "I'm sorry I woke you."

"It's alright," you reassured him, "I didn't realise I fell asleep. Must have read until I passed out."

He chuckled at that, before gesturing to the book, "What were you reading about?"

"This?" You looked down at the book. "Oh, I just heard from a friend it was good. And that the main male character is swoon-worthy, which he is. I can see why she liked it."

At the mention of the male MC, Kaku felt an unjustified and unnecessary bout of jealousy swell up inside him. You liked the guy in the book? Maybe if he had been here you wouldn't.

"You don't have to be jealous you know," you started to smile playfully. "He doesn't compare to you."

"I'm not jealous," he tried to deny it, but his rosy cheeks gave it away. "It's a fictional character, why would I be jealous?"

"'It'?" You teased, pulling him closer to you. "So jealous you can't even give him a pronoun." You laughed, and the sound relaxed the tense CP9 agent.

"Ha, ha," he replied dryly, wrapping his arms around you. "Come here."

"I love you, and only you," you smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Good, because it will only ever be me and you."

[milkzoro]

should i save her? i wnna be saaaaved

🎬✧ portgas d ace x fem!reader

was it a coincidence? or were you soulmates? interesting how the two of you always manage to end up together… fireman!ace saves your panties from a house fire. unfortunately there’s no smut in this, crazy i know. mostly fluff and ace being a cutieeeee. i love him lots & don’t think he would fuck you for the first time being intoxicated… that being said, fic contains// drinking, a lil smooch, cuddles, ace being a lil tease, all that…

☁️ 𐙚 . ˙ 𖧧 ₊ ˚ 🐇

“shit shit shit!” you panicked, trying to put out the burning fire with a measly cup water you had on hand, unfortunately, that only seemed to cause it to burn brighter. the water evaporated almost immediately, and with every passing second, it got worse. the clothes that were messily piled up on your dresser were now fully inflamed, and the wood took on enough heat to finally catch fire.

“oh my fucking god? where’s my goddamn phone!” there was no reason to try and put out the fire yourself, you’d only end up getting hurt. ‘cursed candle’ you scoffed while scurrying around your smokey room looking for your phone. even if it was your favorite scent, you knew you should have thrown out that stupid candle your ex got for you.

after flipping through the blankets on your bed, you found it, immediately you dialed the fire department. “hello? hello! yes! please there’s a fire at my house my address is. . .” you’d hope they’d make it there soon, the smoke stared to suffocate you to the point where you didn’t know if you could make it out, chemicals filled your lungs and it was getting harder to breathe. . .

. . .

you felt strong arms carrying you, woodsy musk and smoke filled your senses. the man placed you down in the back of the fire truck with plenty of water before rushing back into your fire-filled house to see if there were any more casualties to look out for. luckily enough, you lived alone.

shortly after, he came back to you. he tore off his headset and revealed his soft, freckled face. you were taken aback, he might as well be your knight in shining armor for saving you, he had stains of soot covering his cheeks but still looked so pretty. . .

“i couldn’t save them all but. . . i managed to get a few.”

he held up a couple pairs of your cute lacy panties, blood rushed to your face once you noticed what they were. you were quick to snatch them away—your face fell hot with embarrassment. it really didn’t help that the man was attractive, you couldn’t even look at him. “oh! it’s fine, thank you…” the tension was thick and awkward, the man starred at you trying to comfort you on your losses.

“we managed to put out the fire, miss. your room is pretty much fine, but the dresser didn’t quite make it. . . i saved what i could.” he sighed—holding up some more of your lounge wear. he seemed sad he couldn’t save everything but you were grateful nonetheless that he did everything he could.

“do you have somewhere you can stay while we get everything cleaned up?” he peered at you, cute freckled face and dark eyes held your gaze.

“uhmm yea, i do. thank you.”

“the pleasures all mine, get some rest and please, no more candles.” he let out a hefty laugh before giving you back your delicates. yea, definitely no more candles.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

it’s a couple days later and you’re back in the comforts of your now, fire-free home. living alone was super easy, you got to do whatever you wanted whenever you wanted. if you didn’t wanna do something, that’s perfectly fine. movies and snacks all day, and that’s usually how it always went but today you had something planned.

about a week ago you had made an appointment to get your ears pierced, you favorite tattoo shop was having a flash sale on all lobe piercings so you thought it would be best to schedule ahead.

the studio was surprisingly quiet for a weekend, a few teens who were there for the flash sale and one other person, but he was faced down and getting a tattoo stenciled on across his very sculpted back.

“oh hey! i know you.” his head perked up once he heard the chime of the studio door, he watched as you stepped inside.

‘please god, tell me it isn’t him. fuck, it’s totally him.’ he smiled warmly at you, kind eyes curling up and he showed all his teeth—how could you not forget such a cute face.

“no you don’t.” you were quick to answer, but he retaliated.

“um yeah… yes i do! i saved you from that fire! don’t you remember? all your panties? sorry i couldn’t save ‘em all.” his lips quirked up slightly as he still felt bad, but his non-filtered reenactment of the events earned some confused reactions from the staff and other customers that happened to be in earshot.

“did you have to bring that up again? i told you not to worry about it, ‘m just happy i have my house back.”

“can’t i make it up to you? and i never got your name. . . ‘panties’~” he snicked at his nickname for you, seeing you get flustered made it all worth while for him. he enjoyed seeing your petrified face as he egged you on.

“shut up, and shouldn’t you be staying still? lay your ass back down.” you gestured to the table he was perked up on, the artist seemed annoyed at his movements.

“ahh, you’re right sweetheart. but, your name? then i’ll promise to let you be. . . ‘panti—’”

“y/n! it’s y/n. happy?”

“very.” he smirked your way and laid back in position effortlessly once he got his answer. the artist sighed and got back to work.

you rolled your eyes trying to suppress the smile that was creeping on your lips, he was crazy. with being a fireman you thought it was unprofessional to bring up such topics in public, but you had to admit—you kinda liked it.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

you thought you might have missed it, his long raven locks swaying as he made his way towards you, even in your drunken state, you knew it had to be him. why does he keep showing up at the most random places? this time though, he was fully determined to make his way to you and just talk. the distance was small but he stumbled all the way over. soon, you were greeted with the pretty fireman.

“wow you’re really drunk right now, aren’t you?” you couldn’t stop the giggles as you held the edge of his shoulder to keep him upright and standing, he swayed lightly with the music in the background as he sang incorrect lyrics softly to you.

you couldn’t help but smile, he was silly like this, maybe it was the drinks in your own system catching up with you but he looked really good right now.

“no mmm not. . . you’re jus really blurry-”

he let out a few of his own laughs, touching and talking with you for sometime, he really liked you.

“y/n.” he held you tight, catching himself on you before he could fall.

you were surprised he remembered your name, i’d been about a week since your last encounter at the tattoo shop. that day, he had introduced himself as ace. portgas ace in fact, lead role in the fire department in his city. he made sure to make that a know fact in hopes to impress you.

“can you take me home? think i’m too ddrunk.”

you blatantly agreed, he looked a mess. and besides, you did owe him, technically. your arm snaked around his making your elbows meet, but he shook you off. he mumbled something you couldn’t quite make out. but instead, his big hands stumbled to find your own, interlocking your fingers and he squeezed them tightly as to say he’s ready to follow you.

his simple actions had an effect on you, holding hands always seemed to be more intimate rather than something simple, like a kiss. his warmth made your tummy do flips, and his big muscles—his strong hands and arms were so close, you felt so small next to him.

you tried to take your hands from his but he whined. he missed your touch.

“wait, let me call order an uber. i’ll be fast i promise.” you found the closest car to come pick the both of you up, you just needed his address. you tried to hand him your phone, “can you type in your address? here take this.”

he groaned again. “mmmuhggg y/nnn—can’t we just go back to yours?? can’t type.” as the words slurred from his lips, they curled into a smirk. little shit, you knew he was playing it up a bit. fuck it—it’s late and it’s cold, you were ready to leave. now, you just have a friend coming with you.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

as you stepped into the coldness of night, you and ace stumbled through the streets to meet with the driver—his natural warmth kept you from shivering as he held you so close. little touches and sweet laughs were shared as you climbed into the backseat, ace stumbled along behind you, tripping on the doorstep as he made his way to sit next to you. the driver glanced back, seeing giddy intoxicated couples wasn’t out of the norm for him, the driver found the two of you endearing.

the car soon became a temporary haven for you, ace’s laugher sounded heavenly as it meshed with the purring of the car engine.

his rough hands found themselves attached to your hips, slowing rubbing up and down. with every passing second, you couldn’t help but grow attached to him. you’ve never met some like him. he was just so different from any other guy you’ve met, from his endless teasing to his charisma—how you always managed to end up together was a mystery.

he snuggled up next to you getting real close—he muttered in your ear, “wanted to tell you you looked pretty tonight,, mm watched you for awhile but was a little nervous.”

a blush crept onto your cheeks hearing his sweet nothings, ‘he was nervous?’

you felt his warmth radiating as he leaned in closer to you. his breath tainted with the smell of alcohol as his lips were millimeters from yours, but the car suddenly came to a stop. the driver interrupted just as they were about to touch. your stomach sank, you were ready to know what they felt like.

the driver turned around, oblivious to the romantic tension, and broke the silence, “here’s your stop folks, thank you and have a safe night.”

you both exchanged a look, a mixture of frustration and amusement, before gathering your things and stumbling out of the car. he soon drove off, leaving you standing on the sidewalk with a shared understanding. you hurried to get your keys and unlock the door.

as the door creaked open, you ushered him inside, the atmosphere filled with unspoken anticipation. once the door closed behind you, the playful glint in his eyes returned, and with a teasing smile, he quipped, “ahhh alone at last~ now, where were we?”

how cliche.. but that seemed to be very on brand for him—cute.

without waiting for an answer, he closed the gap and pulled you into his firm chest. this time, there were no interruptions—just the warmth of a long-awaited first kiss from your knight in shining armor.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

he’d be such a cute bf stawp