Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Chapter 8

Ace

Today's the day. Marco and I've been waiting to tell the others because we weren't ready before and we were really scared of disapproval but we were ready now. I was in my bedroom, chilling. My back was facing the door so I didn't notice a pair of arms wrapping around my waist. I tensed a little but relaxed, knowing who it was.

"Yo. How's life?" Marco asked.

"Great. I'm a little nervous, though. About revealing our relationship to the others." I answered.

"Why be nervous? I'll be with you when you're doing the reveal." Marco assured me, holding my hand and interlocking fingers.

I smiled and pecked Marco on his left cheek. He smiled back and kissed me on the lips.

"Thanks, Marco." I thanked him.

"Of course, anything for you, Ace." He said.

Later at the galley

Everyone was eating the food Thatch prepared for us. Marco and I sat beside one another with Jozu and Izo beside me and Curiel and Thatch beside Marco. I downed my meat as usual so as to not attract attention yet. Marco was eyeing me, waiting for the chance to tell them. I looked at him as I chewed the meat, hesitant to tell them about our relationship. He signalled me to talk but I shook my head lightly, unable to tell them.

After dinner

I was in my room, slumping on my wooden chair. Why haven't I told them earlier? If my damn guts weren't so cowardly, I would've gotten this done and over with already. I sighed defeatedly. Then, a soft knock caught my attention. Must be Marco. He's probably upset.

"Come in." I said.

Marco came in and closed the door behind me.

"Why were you so nervous there? I thought I told you I'll be with you. What happened?" He asked.

"I..." I tried to answer but nothing came out of my mouth.

Marco sighed and moved closer to me before hugging me.

"You know, if you're not ready, then don't force yourself. I myself am not forcing you so why the need to do the same to yourself? Don't worry, we'll have plenty of time." He assured me.

I hugged him back for a while before letting him go and sighing deeply.

"Alright, we'll gather everyone and I'll tell them about us. I don't want to waste our precious time worrying over a puny little problem." I decided.

Marco scoffed lightly and smiled.

"Well, if you say so but let's not wake Pops up. He'd be cranky if he woke up at a time like this." Marco said.

We then headed to the galley, where everyone, even Pops, was gathered there. It was unusual because the group won't gather unless it's something important.

"Everyone, what're you all doing here?" We asked.

They grinned and then, we were blindfolded. We were led to the deck, from what I can tell because it's bright outside. We were then removed from the blindfold and what we saw was an amazing view.

ꕤ

Marco

I gasped softly, surprised by what was in front of me and Ace. Thatch, Jozu, Izo and Curiel stood in front, holding a banner saying 'Congratulations' but the paint was smudged. Everyone and Pops smiled before they formed a semicircle around the four.

"Congratulations, guys! May you stay a couple for eternity and beyond!" They shouted in unison.

Ace and I blushed in embarrassment and stared with glee. It wasn't just an amazing view. It was the best view.

"Thank you, everyone. H-How did you..." Ace asked.

"It was pretty obvious to us. Well, the four of them," Pops said, pointing to Thatch, Joz, Izou and Curiel, "noticed it first. Gradually, everyone noticed and Thatch spilled the tea by accident but we were happy the two of you found each other so we threw off this little surprise as a gift. Now that that's settled, it's party time!" Pops exclaimed, throwing a party at that moment.

Everyone cheered for us and celebrated, spilling booze all over the ship's deck, dancing wildly and laughing, only having to clean up in the morning.

Early morning

As I was clearing up, Ace stood at the bannister with Pops, arms resting on it and looking up to the rising sun.

"Your dad would be a little proud, eh? You know, if he was here, he would've continued this party till the next day!" He joked, making Ace chuckle.

"Oh, right. When are you telling Luffy?" He asked.

"Hmm... maybe the next time I visit him." Ace answered.

"Well, maybe, you could ask him to visit us. Y'know, your brother is getting pretty popular." Pops commented.

"Well, he was getting popular, all right. I was shocked when I found out he's dating Trafalgar Law, captain of the Heart Pirates. Well, he and his crew might have the same reaction too." Ace said.

Then, the talking stops and they stare at the sun as it rises from the horizon and mark the start of a new day.

ꕤ

[End]