I accidentally published this yesterday... or was it early this morning...? Besides the point. I accidentally published it early, so if you got a notification about it. Sorry.

Why do you think Ryker became the way he is?

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The next day, Ace wakes up earlier than usual and it dawns on him that he never worked on his outline for the intern class. He jumps out of bed and gets to work on it, he makes points and tips on what he wish he knew when he started and what questions he had at the end of his training session.
  He stops typing as the floorboards upstairs creek and he smiles remember everything that occurred yesterday. Looks like she learned her lesson and actually got up early. He shakes his head and tries to get his train of thought back on track. He doesn't have time to be focusing on her.
  A few hours later, he finally finishes typing up the final draft. It took three outlines, and two rough drafts, but he knows exactly what he has to say for everything and anything that Ben needs him to talk about. He stands up, stretching out his back before going off to get ready for work.
  The bus left about two hours ago, so he can only hope she caught it in time. He closes his eyes, why does he always worry about her? It's only natural, because he helped her yesterday. He stands in front of the mirror, fixing his tie, and his eyes land on the slip of paper her found on his windshield. He doesn't remember putting it here, but he grabs it anyway and searches the drawers for his tape.
  He finds it in the third one, for some reason he can't really remember he had it in the bathroom, and pulls out a piece and sticks the paper to the corner of the mirror. Inspiration. That's exactly what he needed. He leaves the bathroom, making sure to turn off the lights as he makes his way to the door.
  He grabs his car keys and closes the door behind him. He turns around and locks the door, he can hear someone coming down the stairs behind him. Once he turns around, it takes him by surprise as it's someone he finds familiar. Blond hair, blue-eyes, pretty good looking–if you're into guys–this is (Y/n)'s boyfriend.
His eyes pierce Ace as he stops at the bottom of the steps. The black-haired man raises his eyebrows, why'd he stop? Something about this doesn't feel right. Ace stands still while the blond starts to walk closer, he stops a few feet away from Ace.
"You," his eyes look the man up and down, Ace can't see any emotion on his face as he analyzes him. "You're the one who came to check up on my girl the other night... aren't you?"
Ace looks at him, he can't tell whether or not he should tell the truth. He also can't tell what he's going to do to him if he does. But regardless he swallows the lump in his throat and nods. And without thinking he speaks up, "There was an argument last night... what was it about?"
His eyes widen, probably shocked that he asked about it first thing and his lips form a frown and he lets out a sigh, "She also told me that you gave her a ride to work yesterday... and obviously... I didn't like the idea of my girlfriend getting in the car with a stranger... but it's really my fault that she missed the bus..."
"Anyway, I wanted to thank you," he runs his fingers through his hair and lets out another sigh. "For caring about my girlfriend enough to check on her... and then give her a ride... I've been kind of a shit boyfriend lately... and it... sets my heart at ease... to see someone who goes out of their way to make sure she's safe. I'm Ryker, by the way."
"Ace," he looks him up and down, watching as the blond puts his hands in his pockets and casts his gaze to the ground. "Are you okay?"
"Huh?" the question causes the blond to look over and tilt his head slightly, "Why do you care? Is it that obvious... damn I really need to... seek some help..."
"You need a therapist? I know a good one," Ace quickly turns back around and unlocks the door. He goes to the kitchen counter and pulls out some drawers, he finds the card he was looking for before he goes back into the hallway. "Here's their card. I have depression, so... you don't need to know that... but now you do... and now I'm rambling..."
Ryker's mouth forms a half-smile before he takes the card, his eyes look over it and he gives Ace a small nod, "Thanks. I'll be sure to give them a call. And it's fine to ramble. I... had a friend who always rambled. I think I'll take this... and give them a call after work."
"Work... oh, shoot. I've got to get to work," Ace locks the door before he rushes away. He jumps in his car and starts it up.
He parks his car, pretty badly, but it's done in the parking lot. It's not like he has to worry, but it's still bad ethics to be late. And he has to set a good example, at least for himself.
Luffy greets him as soon as he enters the room, like he always does, with a hug. Ace hugs him back, full on hug this time, nothing holding him back. Ryker doesn't seem like such a bad person. And... he did lose his mother... maybe... he's just a little confused.
"You ready for your class today, Ace?" Luffy tilts his head up and smiles at his older brother. "I think you're going to do amazing! Just be yourself!"
"Thanks... I needed to hear that, Luffy," Ace ruffles his hair and gives him a smile back. "You're the best brother anyone could ask for..."
"Not Sabo?" Luffy's smile gets wider before he snuggles into Ace's chest. "I... want you to be happy. I was so scared... when you were in the hospital."
"I'm fine now, Luffy," he rubs his brother's back before he grabs his shoulder and tears him off of him. "But it's time for work. Let's talk about this more at lunch. Okay?"
He nods before he waves and scampers off to his cubicle. Ace looks over to his own, his gaze being interrupted by Robin who gives him a warm smile. He feels his heart beating, suddenly becoming aware once again that he's alive. This week has been so bizarre. So many unexpected things happened. And until this week, he hasn't felt like he's been living.

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