It's been days since the orientation. Everyone returned to there usual activities. During those days, it became impossible to speak to you. Something always came up. Either someone else had your attention, you were with friends doing a camp activity, helping others do something and vise versa with him. The farthest he's gotten is calling your name. It astounds him that you still listened regardless of the crap he gave you. You truly are an angel from up above.

Ace sat under the tree while his brothers, and William spared. William was only the score keeper and learned a couple of moves. Unfortunately he was so bad Luffy had him doing a back flip from the counter attack. They shared a good laugh when that unexpectedly happen. Not Ace. He was troubled. His eyes shift between his brothers and roll up to the tall trees shrouding away the sunlight. It was the perfect shade for summer. Ace sighs submitting into believing all of his attempts at confrontation is hopeless. The only place he could probably talk to you will be when they return home.

"Yo, Acey." Pandora pipes up saluting the boy with his chosen nickname. After the orientation, Ace has been consulting Pandora for advice as if she's become his personal therapist. She wouldn't spill very much information about you to him because there was a border line of how much she may let out. It wasn't her place to say. Honestly she didn't like to be the one in the middle having to tell you both everything. She wasn't a miracle worker. She is just a kid trying to help her best friend and that meant communicating with the source; which in turn ended up building a mutual friendship taking each other's liking. The nickname stuck. It was only meant to tease him to satisfy her disappointment in a boy who's bringing you down. It worked for a time until recently.

Her appearance is unanticipated. Self absorbed in his train of thought, he failed to hear her approach. The freckled boy turns to the girl.

"Oh, hey!" Is all he utters. Pandora leans against the tree, one foot resting on the truck, arms crossed while staring at the scenery laid out in front of her.

"You seem out of it. Almost down. You still haven't confronted her have you?" She starts. He shakes his head hanging his head low.

"No. Lately it's been somehow impossible to reach her. How can camp be so busy just to talk to someone? I thought it's supposed to be fun." He kicks up some dirt pouting.

"I can say the same. I was just about to say, how long does it take to talk to someone? You do know if you're that desperate I can help. I really want you guys to sort this out. She's kind of mopey about it."

"Nah, I can do this. I have been trying to find the right time. When it does, I'll be ready. Making her upset about this is the last thing I wanted. I never thought I'd see the day where I actually want to grow up and do something right for someone that isn't me." He snaps over at a laughing Pandora. He pouts as his cheeks dust pink. "What?" He barks. The girl wipes a tear away.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you. I'm mostly laughing at how similar you and I are." The boy tilts his head a few degrees questionably. "When I was a little bit younger I had anger management problems. I had such a temper like you wouldn't believe. I fought in school over the smallest, stupidest things ever. Like if a kid complained to me I would whack him with a bag of marbles. Stole from me, I would hunt them down until they return what's stolen from me." The outpour of her exclusive life piqued his interest. She has never gone soft on him to where she tells him a story about herself. This is the first and he is ready and willing to hear more. A sign of respect to a girl who is helping him out which he now calls her a friend.

"That's unbelievable. You're so chill." He comments. She hums in agreement. "How did you change? How were you able to contain your anger?"

"It's silly but, my mother took me to anger management classes. It was more like therapy, just ways to handle my anger. My motive was because I kept worrying my mom. Thought I'd be unable to control. It was frustrating enough having to deal two rebellious children to the point where she just started bursting out crying in her room. I never told her this but seeing her so upset like that made me feel terrible. So I changed for her. Honestly, I'm glad I did. I get to see things clearer." Ace frowns considering himself into playing in her shoes. What would happen if he saw his mother cry over his rebllion. He would feel terrible as well. What's even worse is imagining hurting you. You said it yourself, you just wanted to stop getting hurt, stop being disappointed. What better way to stop than to change for the benefit of not having to keep that streak? The Raven haired girl takes notice of Ace reevaluating everything including what she has told him. She carried an idea of what he wants to figure out. It was only a matter of pointing it out. "You may change too Ace. You just have to find a motive. I already have an idea of what that motive is. (Y/n)." Ace blushes slightly. "You'll have to put in work, reconsider a lot of things before taking action. In general think for yourself. It's hard, but it becomes a habit."

"Thanks for the advice. The question is, where do I start?"

"Honesty, and from there on is how you deal with the outcome. Go on your own from there." He groans.

"Sounds like work."

"It is work, but worth it." She chortles.

William runs up to the two tired from running. More than that he looked panicked. "A-Ace! Come help...Luffy....and Sabo are about to get in a fight with those kids who made fun of our cabin!" He said between breaths. Ace and Pandora gasp rising to their feet sprinting in the direction of the fight. William guides the way to the middle of the cabin area where the flag pole is centered. There is already a crowd surrounding the so called, "fight". Some gradually partake in the visage of the fight. You have yet to appear, but you hear the chatters of the campers enthusiastic about whatever was happening near the flag pole. You immediately recognize the mention of three boys against a group. Your brothers. Whom else is able to cause such a commotion at such a peaceful reservoir. You and your friends rush towards the appointed meeting and stop it from getting worse. You squeeze through to the front to find your brothers merely being taunted by the snake cabin boys. Luffy and Sabo stood their ground irritated by their insults. Luffy growls attempting to hold back. Sabo scowls at the leader talking. You imagine a dark aura emitting from their bodies. That's how pissed they appear. Ace, Pandora and William enter the circle joining is brothers. He was a little relieved that the fight hasn't even started.

"Luffy! Sabo! I came as soon as I heard. Are you two alright?" He asks.

"Oh! We'll look who showed up everyone. The leader and his pet snitch. Ran away to get some reinforcement. What a whimper." The crowd laughs along with David. Ace growls.

"Define alright. This punk has been taunting us since we got here. Asking how our haunted cabin is and continued his stupid insults. I have to admit is ability to be a jerk and act like a total fool to gain an audience is amazing. Shows how much of ass he is." Sabo proclaims. The audience 'ooo's' at Sabo's remark. A remark that happens to trigger David into a fit.

"What was that you noon? Come say it to my face instead." The blonde pops his knuckles stepping forth.

"Gladly." A counsel blows the whistle stopping the fight from progressing. She stood in between pushing the two back as their eyes lock in an angry contest ready to bite each other's throats.

"Break it up! There will be no fighting. This is supposed to be a free spirited, no fighting zone. We are here to have fun not to fight. What's say we make up and be friends?" She chirps. The two boys huff turning away with their arms crossed. The counselor sighs. "I just don't get paid enough for this." She mumbles. "Okay! How about this? Tomorrow is Cabin Wars. Your group can take it out in a competition. That way no one gets hurt." Sabo clicks his tongue, but before a syllable is made, Ace interjects,

"That sounds like a good idea. Unless you're afraid?" He smirks. David snaps, taking the bait.

"Oh, you are so on! I'm taking you down. We've been the champion of this war and we're going to gladly wipe the floor with you."

"Whatever you say loser." The crowd cheers excited of tomorrow's competition.

"Very well then. Kids all the info will be on your application which will be left inside of your cabin. If you need a spare or have questions let us know in the office and we will do our best to answer. Remember to choose wisely on who will go first and what category. When you're done, hand it in to any of us or the office thank you." She chimes. The band of kids disperse to their business. The boys look at the ravenette curiously as to what he's done. A wide, knowing grin pasted on his lips.

"What was that about? We usually just beat the crap out of people."

"Not this time. Guy's this is (Y/n) favorite place to be. Her haven and ever since we arrived we've caused nothing but trouble. We should put a stop to that. Like Sabo said, she's our sister. Our friend. Today we stop doing things like we normally do. We're not struggling to survive anymore. We have a home and people we can count on to come to. A family. We agreed to settle in and that change should start today. If we ever want to fight it will only be for emergencies. Nothing more. We're going to settle our differences with those brats modern style." All three listen to Ace's speech intently taken aback by his sudden change of character. Luffy and Sabo felt estranged to this boy.

"Um...are you okay Ace? You didn't bump your head did you?" Luffy asks. Sabo pats his brother's forehead for verification over his suspicions.

"Well he's not sick so that's out of the question." The black haired boy smacks his hand away.

"I'm fine. I've just been thinking a lot lately. This whole trip here has my head in a clear of what I have to do. That's all." William beams proud of him.

"Well I for one am happy to hear your experience here has opened your mind. It's just what you needed." He hints. Luffy and Sabo are left in the dark. Clueless as to what Will meant.

"Well, it's weird." Luffy adds.

"But it's good. Sounds like this place has your head back in place. I can agree about (Y/n) and the competition. Maybe we do need a change. Great thinking Ace." Luffy raises his hands as if he were in class. The boys sweat drop.

"Yes Luffy?"

"Does that mean we stop training back home or may be stop our dreams?" On that subject, Ace and Sabo are left to suddenly wonder taking f a second chance to reconsider. Would it possibly be the end of his dream? He still had the urge to chase it. Who's to say the change will not turning him into something he doesn't know nor want? The boy stares at his open hand reviewing everything about himself and his past leading to today. Did he really want to throw his dreams away? He balls his hand into a fist carrying a resolve.

"No, Luffy that doesn't have to stop. Our dreams are entirely different from what we are trying to do." The straw hatted boy sighs in relief.

"Well in that case let's get started. Beat those so called champs' at their own game." Sabo said. Pandora nods in approval to Ace's change of pace. All the while you are absent to question your brothers of earlier events like you generally do. It's not that you didn't care, on the contrary you already had an idea of what happened and it was dealt with. You didn't have to worry so much. You were trying to have fun. You slowly have taken notice how much you are around them to keep them safe rather than caring for yourself. Their habits rubbed off on you. Your friends have pointed out as if it was a flaw. Not that it is. On that note you decided to change yourself. You grew used to them causing trouble and learned when to interfere and when not to.

Aside from these facts, something caught your eye and Cara and Denise have taken notice as well. Pandora always seemed to be around Ace and Ace always searched for her instead of you. One of the reasons you ignored or busied your self. The sisters corruption against your best friend was sickening but probable to what they were saying. It couldn't be that reason right? Pandora and Ace are nothing and if anything just friends. Pandora wasn't the type to hurt anyone intentionally. If anyone had a good head on their shoulders it's her. It would be surprising if she ever thought about boys or dating. She could live without romance. It wasn't a necessity to her as did you believe until your brothers showed up. All the doubts swirled in your mind keeping you from enjoying camp. Things just kept getting worse by the minute without giving you a break. Here you are being walked away with Cara filling your head with ideas. Each one worse than the last. Your heart ached and you couldn't contain the pain, the emotions daring to spill.

"Come on, try not to pay so much attention. It will pass." She comforts rubbing your back. "I honestly can't believe she would do such a thing, but who can blame her? He is kind of cute." You glare at her. She chuckles nervously waving her hands around in surrender. "Kidding. Realx I'm not her." You shake your head walking ahead in annoyance.

"She's not like that. I know she is Cara. They're probably just friends. I don't know how they could bond but I'm sure of it." You argue.

"Sure. Keep telling yourself that until, boom!" You jump. "It happens and I will be there to say, I told ya so." You roll your eyes proceeding. There were times where Cara could be a bit of an idiot with her ridiculous assumptions. You merely ignored them, but she had a way to crawl in your skin and press those buttons. Annoying attribute of hers. How you managed to deal with such a girl is beyond you. You mostly stuck around her for Pandora. The two knew each other long before you. You just had to cope. You wished her sister was best friends with Pandora. The thing would be a whole different story.

A while later, the boys reach their cabin searching for the application. The application was set on one of the bunk beds. William is the first to catch sight of it. He next reads the information aloud.

"Says here, there are exactly five rounds. The first is a group effort round, one is a race, smarts, a scavenger hunt, lastly a swimming race. All of this takes up the entire day. The winner gets a prize, points and rises to the top for this year."

"Sounds simple enough. What are the rules?" Sabo asks.

"Basic, no cheating, behave yourselves. All that stuff." The boy informs. "All we have to do is write our cabin mascot and add our names on one of the four categories. So who's going to be the swimmer?" Will takes out a pencil ready to sign. When none said a word, he rose his head to find all eyes exchanging to each other than land on him.

"What? Me?"

"Yes, it's obvious. We're devil fruit users. We can't exactly swim." The blonde sweat drops.

"Oh, right. Makes sense. I'll just add my name in then." He mumbles.

"Will and Sabo are the smarts, but since he's our obvious choice for swimming, Sabo you're doing trivia." Ace said.

"Again, why am I the only one who is better at thinking?" He sighs.

"Okay, that only leaves running and scavenger hunt."

"Luffy you'll be running. You're terrible at finding what's right in front of you." Luffy whines in protest. All the names are set in order. Will does the honors of turning it into the office while the brothers lean back and relax.

"I can't wait for tomorrow! This so exciting." Luffy chirps. Sabo shifts to his older brother in question. He leans against the wall near Ace's bed.

"What's really going on with you? Why the sudden interest to change?" The boy in question opens his eyes, smile wavers into a line.

"Pandora gave me some advice. She's been helping me improve myself. She and I are similar. That's what she said. She told me a story that she too had a temper, always being rebellious like we are. Then one day she changed for her mother after seeing her cry. It made me think about us, if we are to keep going. Would we one day make mom cry?" Sabo frowns suddenly turning to the wooden floor imagining as he listens. Something inside tore at him. "That's not the only thing. My actions have also upset (Y/n) and I don't blame her. All I manage to do is hurt her without intending to. I asked what she wanted. She said she was just tired of the same thing. Having to worry for us and be disappointed afterwards for keeping secrets. We made a promise and yet we bury those secrets with more lies. Still afraid. Well we shouldn't anymore. This time things have to change for the better and I hope after this summer, it will." No words can be displayed to the truth Ace spoke. There indeed has to be a change. Being stuck in one home for a long period is still strange. However he can make due with it since he's practically adjusted to his new family. There really is no need for fear to be involved.

The next day, everyone woke up ecstatic for today's yearly event. The only thing that had people's interest is the first actual challenge between the Snake cabin and the haunted/ Hawk cabin. No one dared challenge the Snakes. They were undefeated and those who did at least one of them ended up injured or sent back home early. It was a sign of being a cheater that's what it was. This year's is to be quite a match. As the competitions prepared themselves, some came to wish your brothers good luck hoping this time would be the charm.

"Good luck out there. You're going to need it." Denise says.

"Everyone keeps saying that as if they pity us. We didn't think we would be this popular." Will said. Denise bursts out laughing.

"Hardly, it's not that they are cheering you on, it's more like they hope you don't die or get injured. David and his crew have a tendency to cheat. He's done it to all of us so none can get in his way. Those who challenge him will get it worse. They usually end up hospitalized afterwards. Take things a little too far."

"Yikes!" Sabo hisses.

"So be careful okay? I don't want to any of you to get hurt. I'll be cheering for you guys." You chirp. Your brothers stare at you in a daze as their hearts race at the sight of your smile.

"We will. Good luck to you as well." William spoke. Just as your friends take off, Ace stops you. He jogs up to you to catch up grabbing your attention.

"Hey (Y/n) wait." You curiously tilt your head wondering what he wants to say. He looks down at his feet collecting his thoughts. He clenches and unclenches as a habit. He finally looks you in the eye with a strained expression. "(Y/n) I've been meaning to talk to you about something." Your heart pounds in your chest. You hoped it wasn't true. Your instant thought was a confession that Ace is indeed with Pandora. "I don't know how to tell you this. It's hard but-" The hissing noise from the bullhorn brings everyone to position to start the match.

"Alright campers! The annual Camp Wars is here! Yay! Remember the rules. No cheating whatsoever, play nice and keep your spirits up. The winner will receive their prize at the end of the day during ceremonial awards. Let's get started shall we?" The camp leader announces. "The first course is a team effort activity. You all have to run straight into an obstacle course. Once there you ring the bell to announce your arrival. After that you split to your destination and await your turn. The first one to the finishing line wins!"

"Sounds simple enough." Ace said.

"Sounds like a lot of running to me." William groans.

"You'll live." He taps the blonde's back encouragingly.

The entire group stood in a long line, some behind others as they were all anticipating their cue to go.

"On your marks! Get set...GO!" A blank is shot into the air. A horde, of bodies pushing through the track to be first. The first obstacle is none other than hurdles. Each one is jumped over without breaking a sweat. Luffy however tried his best to jump over gracefully. Instead the lad bounced off each hurdle until their next obstacle. The typical rope and wall climbing. Sabo and hopped up first. Luffy held onto William.

"What are you do-ing?" He yelps when Luffy's rubber arm retracts, lifting him upwards over the wall. This time, however, he lands safely. His first safe land without bouncing off. It was a miracle. Until William fell on top of the boy with an 'oof'. "Sorry Luffy."

"Guys! Hurry up!" Ace hollers. Instantly, the two get back on their feet staggering as they run.

Your team was ahead. You were quite competitive with your friends around to boast proudly of your skills.

"Looks like Ace and the others fell behind cause I'd Luffy. This will be our chance to get ahead of them while we still can."

"They can't be that great like you said. They're normal just like us." Pandora defends.

"Oh no they are not. They are like mini soldiers. They can and will get what they want." Before Pandora can speak, a flash of your brothers passes by your group. Your best friend's eyes widen in astonishment. "Told ya."

"Wow that is impressive."

"It is! Makes me hyped to go that fast! Let's go darlin!" Cara hollers putting more effort into picking up the pace. You chuckle and follow behind with the sisters.

"Wait! No! I don't even like running!" Pandora whines.

The first bell is rung, followed by another and so on. Your brothers were in fourth place while you are in fifth. Ace growls, anxious to win the race. "Damn it we're falling behind."

"We still have a long way to go before anyone get's tired. We'll have a chance to reach first." The bell is on sight as they slide right in front of it and ring the heavy rope together to signal their arrival.

"Looks like The Hawk cabin just soared in and rung the bell. Now it's time for them to split up and head to their appointed post." The Referee announces. All four take off and split to their categories and wait their turn. Your group followed behind and did the same.

The first race is a scavenger hunt. Ace's department as well as Cara's. Their job is to find their flag and obtain the cylinder object used in races to tag in their fellow bunk mate. Various kids wandered around the woods clueless. Ace searched the hardest having already gained a clue by using his hunting skills. He notices some foot prints. More than one, but followed each one carefully. Cara lands in front of Ace with both objects of her flag and stick.

"Found mine!" She exclaims. "Good luck freckles." She winks before sprinting to the next course. Ace growls in frustration. He took a deep breath and remained focused. His eyes scan every nook and cranny for any sight of his flag. He halts when he hears some boys giggling from afar. He follows the laughter and hides behind a tree to investigate. He spots two boys of David's group burying a flag and the cylinder.

"This will make everyone wander for awhile." One sneers. Ace boils up in anger. He claws the bark on the tree with such fury. He jumps out from hiding startling the two.

"Oi! Not cool! What the hell do you think you're doing? Beat it or else!" The two boys shiver in fear to his intimidation. Knees quiver in response and bolt away. Ace approaches the dusted flag removing the dirt off. He sighs in relief after picking it up to find it's not his. He lays it down and in plain sight and they cylinder on top of it. The least he can do is have at least one side to find their flag. Ace takes off in search for his flag. He finds it on top of a tree on the nearest branch. He climbs up casually and taking both the cylinder and his flag with him. He drops the flag on the outskirts of the woods returning on track to his next team member.

Cara arrived first handing her stick over to Pandora. An intellectual course. She stood at the last booth of her course as she answered the questions. Sabo bit his nail while tapping his foot antsy for his brother's appearance. His eyes catch a glimpse of his brother making his way over to him reassuring his time is near. The cylinder is handed over to Sabo while he catches his breath.

"It's about time." He barks. Ace holds Sabo back by his shirt.

"Wait, be careful. Pay attention to any rules and make sure nothing is suspicious. The snake cabin tried to cheat." Ace informs in between breaths.

"Shit really? I'll be on alert and tell everyone. Thanks buddy." Sabo is released as he takes off starting with is first booth and answering each one with flying colors.

"What's twelve times forty-two?"

"Five-hundred and four."

"Correct! What's the capital of Nebraska?"

"Lincoln."

"Right and what number is President Lincoln?"

"16th."

"Correct! Last one. What is the secret organization called created by the Maisons?" The counselor whispers and eyes the room for any hidden cameras as if she was a nut case. Well she is wearing those large round, rimmed glasses and her hair was a mess. Sabo raises a brow unsure if this was David's doing or not.

"Um...The Illuminati?" She shushes him and covers his mouth. She scans the area for anythinf suspicious. Sabo stands still with brows knit in uncomfortable.

"Good boy. You can go now and remember..." She retracts her hands and leans close to his face. He leans back skeptical. "They're listening and always watching." She whispers then adjusts her glasses.

"Uh...thanks. I'll remember that." He scoots away walking backwards slowly hoping not to make eye contact with the lady and have her follow him. He splits at the first chance he gets. The next course is Luffy's and Denise's course. The running track straight to the docks and meet up with their last teammate. Denise takes off when handed the passing rod. Sabo not far behind hands it over to Luffy.

"Go Luffy! Make us proud." Sabo cheers. The straw hat boy sprints as fast as his little legs can go. He shuts his eyes as if it will help him speed up. Denise being a very fast runner is surprised when he runs past her. Her jaw drops that she was beaten by a squirt. She shakes her head coming back and speeding up near the same pace falling three feet behind him. The boy slides his way into the docks handing the rod to William. The blonde instantly puts on his goggles and dives right into the water. He wasn't first per say. He was actually second next to one of David. Sabo and Ace meet up with a tired Luffy whom drops on his bum.

"Go Will! Don't stop for anything!" Ace shouts.

"You got this!" Sabo cheers along side him. The rest of the campers cheer on their teammates as well.

"Nice work you guys. You might actually win this. This is so exciting." You pipe up. Your brothers turn to you after hearing your voice. What they witness is something they've never thought to see. You were in a stripped bathing suit of your color. Their faces turn beet red as blood trickles down their noses seeing you in such an outfit. Both Sabo's and Ace's face ignite a little from the overwhelming sight. Their hearts pounding at a rapid pace. You were radiating before them like a goddess. They gulp loud as they stare at you with wide eyes, smitten. You blush feeling insecure as they gawk at you. You hold yourself averting your gaze as they make you shy away.

"Wh-what are you staring at?" You barely manage to say.

"I-it's just we've never seen you in a bathing suit. You look...cute." Sabo tells. You blush at his compliment. You couldn't be cute except you are and your proof is your brothers still gawking at you dazed. You are flattered until Denise slides in bringing you back to reality. She hands over the rod. Right away you return to your duty. You take a deep breath and dive in swimming as fast as you could.

"Good luck (Y/n)!" Denise hollers. Your brothers do the same.

"Tch, you shouldn't be cheering on the enemy. Your focused should be on your own not some lame ass girl who smiles even when we pick on her. She's such a cluts." Ace snaps. He throws a punch sending one of David's boys back. The crowd 'ooos'.

"You shut your god damn mouth, prick!" He hisses. "Say another word about her and I'll beat the shit our of you!" Luffy and Sabo try to hold their brother back.

"Ace stop! Remember we need to change for her. For mom." Sabo reasons.

"Ace! Please stop!" Luffy does his best to restrain him by on of his arm. The ravenette huffs counting to himself to calm down. He takes a deep breath calming himself. He nods giving the ok that he may be released. His brothers let go and sigh. Just as Ace turns, the boy punches back sending a blow to his eye. Ace staggers back falling straight into the water. Sabo and Luffy watch in shock. They stop at the edge of the dock unable to jump in and save him.

"ACE!!!" They both call out in a strangled manner. They watch in horror as there is no splashing and no sign of resurfacing not even bubbles.

"That's what you get you punk!" Sabo snaps at the boy grabbing him by the collar.

"You dumb fuck! Do you have any idea what you've done? You just killed my brother."

"Don't be dramatic he'll pop up."

"HE CANT SWIM FUCK TARD!" With that, Sabo gives him no time to react and head butts his face giving him another nose bleed. Luffy leans on the edge crying heavily for his brother as he feels hopeless.

The cries of your brothers grab your attention. You turn to find Luffy crying out for Ace. You panic realizing as all eyes are pasted to the water. You swim back and dive down to pull him out.

While the same time Ace is sinking like a rock. Paralyzed. All he can see are blurred faces and the glistening gold sun above him as he sinks into darkness. His life flashes before his eyes as he slowly loses his breath.

"This is it. I'm going to die here. Going to die a burden. All of my time wasted. I'm just a useless kid who can't do right. Maybe it's for the best. I already fucked up. Maybe this is a sign that I can't live happy. It's not for me."

He sees a shadow blocking his light view. A mirror image of a woman with Rose colored hair and red eyes with freckles shaped just like his. A hand reaches for him. He recognizes that person. His mother. He wished he could just stretch his arm even a little. That image fades and shapes into someone else. They grab ahold of him and pull him upwards to the surface. It's you. You gasp the second you resurface. You swim your way to land and lay him flat on his back. Everyone surrounds you two and gasp. Whispers, chatters of questions amongst themselves if he is dead.

"Luffy! Call the counselor!" Luffy rushes to find help as ordered still crying as he runs rubbing his blurred vision of tears. You however took action not bothering to wait a moment longer. You provided CPR as your Uncle Law taught you. The basics in case of emergencies. You press your hands onto his chest to get his heart pumping. You then paused to give him mouth to mouth continuing the routine. After a third time, he coughs out water. It looked like an endless amount. You beam relived. Tears have been she'd during all of this trauma. You help him sit up as he gasp for air. He drops back down flat breathing. The campers cheer and applaud your performance. Tears still streams down your face as you look down at him. You couldn't shake the thought of losing him. You couldn't let things go unsaid. The freckled boy smiles softly at you.

"You saved my life?" You nod.

"And I would do it again. I'm so glad you're okay." You hug him tightly. He hugs back taking in the feeling.

"Welcome back man." Sabo welcomes. "You had us scared."

"Sorry." He croaks groggily. Luffy retreats with a counselor. She is completely on edge. She kneels down at eye level checking his pulse and anything else.

"Oh my goodness. Are you alright?" He just nods a bit. "Come on let's get you to the infirmary and out of those wet clothes." She helps Ace up and follows her. You wanted to go, but another counselor steps in. Firefly.

"Alright children the race is over for today. Head on back to camp and wait for the ceremony. Thank you for participating everyone is okay." The kids scurry away still chattering about Ace.

You took a shower and put on a fresh pair of uniform. You pat away any wrinkles and decide to check up on Ace. He was discharged from the infirmary after his check up. You saw him sitting near the docks. It was curious as to why he returned to the place he almost died. Nonetheless, you took the chance to sit next to him while he skipped some pebbles onto the lake.

"Hey." You start.

"Oh, hey." He replies.

"How are you doing?" You watch the pebble skip creating ripples of water.

"Fine. Just drank some water is all. Assured me I am fine and safe to go back to my cabin."

"How'd you get that black eye?"

"Some kid from the Snake cabin through a punch out of no where after I punched his face defending you."

You blush. "You defended me?"

"Yeah, he said some things about you and I snapped. Anyways, sorry you lost the race because of me."

"Awe, don't be. Your safety comes first. Remember our sibling hood? Besides, mom kept me in charge of watching you guys." He tosses one more then pauses.

"Right...that's the only reason?" He pry's. You tilt your head.

"Yes. What other reason is there?" There was another pause when he proceeds skipping pebbles.

"Never mind." You hug your knees and squeeze your arm tightly.

"You wouldn't like me anyways. You made that clear now that you're always around Pandora." You said. Ace turns to you in surprise.

"What?"

"Don't act dumb. I already know. You and Pandora are a thing and didn't even bother to tell me." Ace snorts and bursts out laughing. You pout as you blush.

"Stop laughing!"

"(Y/n), Pandora and I are just friends. Nothing more. I can assure you."

"How so?" Ace takes a moment to think and realizes now is the perfect time to confess. Anyone who dared to interfere will be listening. He didn't care. Now is the time. That fall was a wake up call.

"Pandora has been helping me. She's been like my therapist. Helping me be better and give me advice about you. There were times when I wanted to talk to you about the kiss. That one night. It was never the right time because of something, but I'm going to talk about it now." Pandora, your best friend. How could you have doubted her. You felt like a fool. You knew as well that she couldn't be that type. You'd make a mental note and apologize to her. Thank her at the same time. "(Y/n) I wanted to apologize for burning you that evening. I thought you wanted nothing to do with me after that incident."

"Eh? No, no! Ace it's my fault. I shouldn't have made you think that or given that face. It was just so unexpected. I thought you didn't want anything to do with me because you suddenly acted as if it was nothing. Avoided me too. I only followed because I thought that's what you wanted."

"What? No! I that's what you wanted." You both process everything in and laugh hard for awhile.

"You mean to tell me that all this time we've been acting weird for no reason?" Ace howls.

"Looks like it." You chortle with him. Once the laughter died down you stare at the water remembering that heartbreaking moment. You grip the floor boards then scoot close to hug Ace. You buried your face at the crook of his neck. "I thought I lost you. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I should have confronted first instead of being a closed minded jerk. I didn't want to leave things like this without saying goodbye." Your voice cracks as you spill your heart to him. His breaks at the sound of it. He hugs you back.

"Stop crying. I'm sorry too but I'm here. I'm alive. I'm not going anywhere. I knew you'd come for me.....my angel." He coos. You blush and pull away. He snickers exposing his devilish grin. The one you love so much. He leans in to give you a peck on your cheek leaving you dumbfounded. He adores your reaction making him laugh further. He takes your hand. "From here on out you're mine okay?"

"W-wait! We're just kids. We can't have a relationship. At least that's what I think." He pouts.

"Fine then. When we're older I'll claim you as mine. I'll make you mine. Just you wait. I don't care how long it takes." Your face heats up from his proposal. "Okay?"

"I-I guess so?" You stuttered.

"I'll take that as a yes." He chirps.

"Oi, Ace! (Y/n)! Come on the ceremony is about to start!" Called one of the counselors. The freckled boy takes your hand guiding you to the the ceremonial stage. You split nearing the platform and sat with your friends. Cara grins as she caught sight of your reddened face.

"Looks like something happened between the two of you." She points out. Intrigued, Pandora leans in to whisper,

"Did it?" You give her a warm smile recalling what Ace told you.

"Yeah. It did. Thanks Pandora. You're the best." She blushes sheepishly as she rubs the back of her head.

"No problem."

(A/N): woooo break was all I needed to get my writing going. I was surprised I was able to get something. I'm proud of this. It's almost time guys, childhood of ASL Bros is ending. I can't wait for the real romance to begin ;-; my babies are growing up! I'm so glad Ace and Reader are back on track