Normal POV

You were having a great time with your family and friends. Your Dad, Pops, Thatch, and Marco had a drinking competition and ended up insanely drunk but it was great entertainment.

Shanks is singing with Thatch, Pop's is a silent drunk, and Marco is grumpy and sick.

You and Luffy giggled together, you caught up with Sabo and Koala who had gotten married apparently, and you stole your Uncle Mihawks feather hat which usually annoyed him but he let it slide this time.

Ace stood by and watched- no observed you.

He took in your smile and noticed half the time you faked it.

He noticed the sadness in your (e/c) eyes.

He noticed you completely avoided him and when you did make eye contact, your cheeks heated up.

And it made him angry.

He wanted to understand your mind so badly and wanted to figure you out but he couldn't.

Ace's thoughts were interrupted when he saw you walk out back to get some fresh air and he followed you.

(y/n) POV

I walked outside to the backyard for some fresh air and quiet. I loved them but I needed some peace to think.

But that was quickly interrupted when I heard the door open and close and 100% to my surprise it was Ace.

I blushed and turn my focus to the stars, feeling nervous around him.

"Hi"

"Hey," He said with his smooth, deep voice.

'Oh, how I miss hearing him talk 24/7. ' I thought to myself.

"You enjoying your welcome home party?"

"Yes, I just needed some air. Never did like the smell of booze"

"Understandable," He said with a chuckle, turning to look at me. I made eye contact with him and I could tell he wanted something.

'They have the same facial cues.' I thought to myself before I sighed and turned to him fully.

"You want something. What is it?"

Ace looked a little taken back when I asked but soon recovered and tried to think of the right words to use I assume.

"I feel...like there's something I need to know but also something I shouldn't know. Does that make sense?"

"Not at all. Try again." I giggled a bit.

"Ok um, I feel like there's something you're not telling me on purpose."

"Why would you think that?"

"I don't know it's just, I get the vibe you are avoiding me. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, Ace, I promise you did nothing wrong I just. I can't say what's happening because everyone would think I'm crazy."

"I would never think you're crazy. You've been through a lot and I would understand completely"

Ace took a step toward me and I took a step back, tripping backward and expecting a hard fall before I felt hands on my waist. I look up to see his dark, beautiful eyes looking into mine as he held me close, warm breath fanning my face as he pulled me closer

"Take your time (y/n). Don't feel pressured into telling me"

I was so tempted to take his wonderful lips in my own and kiss him like my other Ace did. I wonder if they feel the same. So soft and...

"That's the thing, Ace. You say that, but in the end, you're gonna lose your patience with me." I said quietly, gently pushing myself away from him.

"What does that mean?" Ace asked with confusion, sadly removing his hands from my body which made me sad.

I smiled softly at him before sitting on a step and looking at the stars. He sat down next to me and I could feel his warmth radiating off of him.  

Oh, how I wanna snuggle him.

"Ace."

"Yeah?"

"It's good to see you again."