I finally got released from the hospital and I'm currently heading home with Dad. I'm glad to be back but part of me misses my other life. 

I can't stop thinking about him. 

Our days together.

I miss him.

FLASHBACK

Ace and I were laying in bed together. I rested my head on his hard but comfortable chest and listened to his heartbeat. It's become my favorite sound these days.

Ace ran his fingers through my hair gently and kissed my head. He always knew how to make me comfortable. Especially in silence. But he breaks the silence with the three words I never expected him to say.

"I love you"

END

I blush at the memory but get woken from it by the car stopping. I look out the window to see our house. Dad gets out and opens my car door, holding a hand out for me.

"Come on, there are some people who miss you," Dad said, giving me a heart-warming smile. Dad has always been my best friend and I knew I could tell him anything, but I can't tell him about my other life. I'm afraid he would think I'm crazy...

I take his hand and get out of the car, letting him guide me in. He opened the door and when I walked in I saw...

Uncle Mihawk, I'm not entirely sure how he and Dad know each other but I know he's always been around.

Pops, my other father. He always has the best stories and advice. He's also my Dad's business partner.

Thatch, the oldest of Pops' kids. He's gonna take over the business once Pop's retires. He's also an amazing cook. Gosh, I missed his food.

Marco, the pineapple-shaped man that has always been protective over me. Any time anyone picked on me, he was the first to defend me.

Sabo, he and I were like best friends. He knew about my crush on Ace. Well, he and his Girlfriend Koala who is also my best friend. I miss our walks in the park and cafe runs.

Luffy, my giggle buddy. He and I would have the best laughs together and it always annoyed the others. He's like a little brother to me.

And then there's him.

Ace.

My forbidden love...

My eyes locked with his and I could tell he was battling something in his mind. Those dark brown eyes that I love to gaze into speak a thousand words. I wish I could ask him what's wrong but I can't, and I may never be able to.

I realized we were staring at each other and as much as it hurt I broke eye contact and smiled at my family. They're all so happy to see me but I can't help but fake my smile. I really just want time to myself but I would never say that. They would be sad and I don't have the heart to face that. 

My heart has already been broken once.

Ace's POV

Why is she hiding her feelings?

There's so much I wanna ask her. There's something she knows but won't say. I know we weren't ever super close but I'm close enough to know when she's hiding something.

But, I don't wanna overwhelm her after what she's been through.

But I also really wanna know.

Urghhh! Come on Ace be cool!

I'm gonna make sure things are perfect for her.

I feel like I owe it to her for some reason.

What are you hiding from me?