Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Chapter 5

Trigger warning: Depression, Slight Angst

Don't read if you're uncomfortable, ok? Again, love you dudes 💝

ꕤ

Marco

I entered Ace's room and there he was, slumped in his bed and a straight line on his face. His eyes didn't gleam like they used to and his hair was all ruffled and bushy. This isn't the Ace I knew.

"Ace, why is your hair so messy? Didn't you wash it?" I asked as I approached him and tidied up his hair.

He looked at me gloomily and then shook his head lightly.

"I can't shower. I can't eat. I can't do anything. If Luffy and I could switch places then, I'd do it so he doesn't end up in a coma. He doesn't deserve it." He spoke breakishly.

I looked at him sympathetically. Poor kid. If only I knew how to help him. I walked closer to him and tousled his hair I tidied up for him to comfort him. He looked down with such a depressing aura.

"Don't worry. We'll get through this together, yoi." I motivated him.

Due to the inability to reschedule or cancel my shift on the bird's nest, I patted his back as I left the room and closed the door, looking at Ace's bleak eyes. Hang in there, Ace.

ꕤ

Ace

"Don't worry. We'll get through this together, yoi."

That's what I needed to hear. Those words from his very mouth. I smiled weakly and then nodded lightly. Marco smiled back, patted my back and left my room to do his shift. After the door closed, I hugged my legs and thought about Luffy. Please be alright, Luffy. Sabo, watch over him for me... I don't want to lose him to a coma after I lost you. I teared up and covered myself in the soft blanket.

ꕤ

Marco

The next morning

I woke up early but I didn't start my routine yet. Instead, I walked to Ace's room and opened the door. I walked to his bed and bent over to glance at his face. Stains of tears were on Ace's cheeks. I pushed his fringe aside and moved closer to his face. Should I do it? I bit my lip in hesitance. Fuck it. I'm not regretting this. I went for it but not on the cheek. I went straight for the jackpot. I kissed him. His lips were soft, surprisingly. Nonetheless, I went for it and quickly left the room, blushing furiously and internally screaming in glee. Oh my fucking Kami-sama, Ace is going to be a hot head over that. After he recovers, of course.

Later that day

I was eating in the galley with my friends and I realised that Ace was not going to come charging in here, asking for large plates of meat. I finished my food, got up, walked to Thatch and kicked him.

"No kicking without reason. Anyway, what's up?" Thatch asked, feeling bitter.

"A large plate of meat. For Ace," I requested.

"I got you. Don't worry, I prepared it already," He said, walking into the kitchen and coming out of there, carrying a plate of meat.

"Here you go. Make sure he eats it or else, I'll stop making him plates. Even in his current condition, he still needs to eat. Excessively," Thatch advised, passing the plate to me.

I nodded lightly and carried the full plate to Ace's room. I knocked on the door and there was no answer. Maybe he's still asleep. I decided to open the door and Ace laid in bed. I placed the plate on his desk, went up to him and bent over. He was sweating profusely, his forehead was humid, he's breathing heavily and his eyes were teary.