One Piece X Reader - The Path to Freedom (Discontinued)

Part 13: Reuniting, Tears, and Guilt

Recap~

"Welcome back Ace," Whitebeard says with a knowing smile, "There's someone here that you might want to see."

After hearing Whitebeard say his name, you couldn't believe it and the only thing you could do as you both were frozen starting at each other was whisper his name.

"Ace...?"

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It was as if something finally clicked for Ace as soon as you said his name. Almost in slow motion, his eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and he finally took a step towards you. At first, it was small, and then his steps gradually became bigger until he was finally sprinting towards you. He had a desperate look on his face as though he thought you were just an illusion waiting to fade before his very eyes.

At the same time, you took your first step towards him. It was in the same manner he did a second prior. You both were desperate to get to one another. After a few long seconds, you both met each other in the middle, crashing into one another and embracing each other. Both of you were in shock, the only thing the two of you could do was cling to each other as if you were each other's lifeline.

After a few seconds, Ace picked you up and brought you below deck to what you assumed was his room. That's when you both finally broke down. Ace fell to his knees in the middle of the floor with you still in his arms cradling you and Sobbing into your shoulder. The only word he could seem to say was your name. You weren't any better. You clung to him, not loosening your grip for a second and cried into his shoulder as well.

After a few Seconds, Ace finally lifted his head and looked into your eyes. It was if he was searching for something. Both of your teary eyes looking into each other. Finally, he spoke.

"(Y/N)? You're here, right? You're real?" You could see and hear the desperation he was portraying to you. You haven't seen Ace like this since the day Sabo died. It made your heart break and fill with warmth at the same time.

"I'm here Ace. I'm right here," It was hard to get the words out through all the tears but you managed somehow, "please tell me this isn't a dream! I don't think I could handle it if this wasn't real."

"This is real. You aren't dreaming. I'm right here and I'm never letting you go again!" He brushed the hair sticking to your face from all the tears out of your face before leaning his forehead on yours. "I'm so sorry. I couldn't protect you back then even though I promised you! I was so weak! I just let them take you! I'm so so sorry (Y/N)!"
You were surprised. You didn't realize he felt guilty all this time for what happened. In all the time you were on that island, you never once blamed Ace for what happened. Seeing him now, sobbing and asking for your forgiveness was heart shattering. You could only imagine how much this has affected him.

"It wasn't your fault Ace! I never once blamed you for what happened and you shouldn't either. We were just kids. We weren't strong enough to take on a group of adults. It wasn't your fault! I'm sorry you had to feel this way for so long. I wish you wouldn't have blamed yourself. Please stop blaming yourself Ace." That got him to finally look at you again. He looked you in the eyes again before hugging you tight against him once more before sighing out in relief and snuggling into your shoulder.

"I'm glad. Thank you. Thank you so much (Y/N). For forgiving me and for being here. I guess we have a lot to catch up on huh?" He said. You could sense the happiness in his voice and the smile on his lips and, for the first time in a long time, you finally smiled.

"Yeah," you breathed out, "we do."

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Another hour passed before the two of you stopped embracing each other and got off the floor. You both decided to move to the bed and sit with your backs to the wall. Even though you both had plenty of space, you both sat so close to each other that your shoulders were touching. It was peaceful and it was the happiest and most content you've felt in a long time.