Since Always (Ace x Reader)

No More Timid Mouse

You had chosen not to respond to Kid after his outbursts and hadn't heard from him since then which hurt but you were too pissed at him to even respond. The brothers went with you that next day to start to pick out what you wanted for the café and when you would try to buy something that was cheap because you felt bad you'd get yelled at by Marco or Thatch saying that you didn't need to try to save Pops money and if he found out what you were doing that they'd get their asses chewed out. It was a week full of relaxation and fun with the brothers, Killer and Heat had even joined a couple of the days helping you to pick out paint, chairs, tables, and even décor.

Everyone had put in so much time and effort into helping you that you had forgotten how stressed you had been at the start of this all. Sanji had been coming in throughout the week helping you to come up with a menu, the two of you both thought that it should be simple yet show off your skills and you were beyond thankful to have his insight into it, all that was left for the menu was to run it by Thatch to see what he thought. While the café was yours you felt very strongly about making sure the people who got you to that point were involved in the process because you knew you would either overlook something or you'd make things harder than they needed to be just like you always did.

The pep was back in your step and your bubbly attitude had returned the more you worked in the café, Killer and Wire had stopped by to help paint when they could and always asked if you'd heard from Kid yet but eventually, they stopped asking when they saw how much it affected your mood when you always had the response of no.

The weekend was finally here and Ace was sitting in one of the chairs that had just been delivered playing his guitar and softly singing keeping you company while you were finishing up the last of the painting so the two of you could start setting things up in a couple of hours after it was dried. When you were done you went to wash up your hands after accidently setting your hand in still wet paint when you were leaning to reach a spot you had missed. The door could be heard opening and it didn't take long to figure out who it was because as soon as you stepped out to the front you could hear the arguing. A very drunk Kid had decided to show himself at your place and you stood there like a deer in headlights.

"Where is she you worthless piece of shit?" Kid bellowed.

"You think I'd tell you when you're drunk, hell I wouldn't even tell you if you were sober." Ace spat back.

Kid grabbed him by the shirt and got into his face ready to start shit until you spoke up, "Well look who finally decided to come see their girlfriend, is there something I can help you with Kid?"

He let go of Ace and sauntered over to you with a grin on his face, "Why I came by to see my beautiful girlfriends' new shop that Killer had made mention of, only to find this playboy here." He bent down to give you a kiss, but you put your hand up in between stopping his lips from meeting your face.

Anger flashed in his eyes and you knew you just fucked up, but you weren't about to back down after the shit he has pulled since you returned home. "I haven't heard from you in a week Kid and you come in here expecting everything to be okay between us? Ace has been helping me paint and decorate this past week something that should have been YOU. My boyfriend should have been here to help me, but you were no where to be found. You couldn't bother to find the time to come see me or to come help me and I'm sure you'll use the excuse that you were too busy but Killer, Heat, AND Wire all managed to find time to come to help at least once."

"I own the shop y/n it is my responsibility to be there to take care of it what did you expect for everything to be just like it was before you left for college? Where you'd be attached to me like a clingy desperate little girl." he glared at you but you weren't about to back down. Ace watched the two of you carefully in case he had to step in but you weren't in any danger yet but he certainly wasn't happy with the insults he was slinging at you.