In Another Life [Ace X Reader ]

part eleven

After that night me and Ace had become just as close as we where when we where kids.

"When Teach and Thatch get back we can settle this!" Ace announced confidently.

"We can settle this on our own!" I smirked arming myself ready for the most dangerous fight of my life.

"but what if you get killed?" Ace asked out of breath.

"I'm to strong to die. Your the one who should be worried!" I announced as I charged at him.

"Fine!" He swung and it hit me square in the cheek.

I rushed at him ready for revenge. I swung and he dodged trying to attack me again.

His door swung open to reveal an annoyed Marco. "You two are like children. Put the pillows down." He huffed not having as much fun as us.

"Ace, we will be docking soon. It's time for a food restock." Ace grumbled as he followed behind Marco. He looked back at me and grinned. "When Thatch and Teach get back we can all fight with our pillows. It'll be more fun with more people." He really cared about both of them. Anyone could tell that much.

I sighed looking at the mirror on his wall.

"Gamble."

1 year 4 months 30 days 11 hours 17 seconds

The time just kept ticking. If I had to guess, it's somewhere around 10 months?

I sighed laying down on the bed infront of me. How could u save myself and ace. Thatch wad already gone before I could save him. I still didn't know how he would even die.

"You look pale." Marcos voice startled me.

"I'm just tired" I gave a weak smile trying to seem perfectly fine. He wasn't buying it.

"(Y/N), you do know I'm the ship's doctor . You can come to me if you need anything at all. Even if it's pain in your Little toe." He tried to use humor to get to me.

"Fine. I'll cut to the chase. We both know you're sick. So what is it? And why are you hiding it." He crossed his arms blocking the exit. The door was already closed but he was another shield.

"You can't tell Ace. Patient confidentiality. I have cancer and it's slowly killing me. Some pirate in a yellow sub took out what he could, but it wasn't enough. I don't want Ace to know. I've had it since I was 10 and he thinks I'm cured." I spilled all the beans and more. Marco sat for a moment gathering his thoughts.

"So your terminal and that's how you want to leave it?" He scoffed annoyed with my answer "we can slow it down you know? Pops has cancer and he's still kicking!" Marco wasn't yelling, but he wasn't happy with me. "You know your gonna break Aces heart right?"

I sighed. Do I tell Marco at least something? "I have a devil fruit ability and it keeps me alive. And trust me, I'll probably outlive Ace, and I hate that fact." I mumbled the last part to myself.

Me and Marco continued to quietly argue over what was best for Ace and what should do about it. He finally gave up and agreed to let me love the rest of my days without saying anything.

And a few hours later, Ace was back and Marco was gone. "Man! That took longer than usual." He huffed plopping down on his bed beside me.

"Hey, do you wanna-" I cut myself off when I looked over to see him fallen over and sleeping.

I picked up his heavy legs and put them on the bed quickly taking off his belt, boots, hat, and knife. I covered him with the spare blanket he had left in his room for me.

Thatch will probably die soon. I thaught to myself guilty. Only a week and half out of the two months had gone by.

"Goodnight, Ace." I smiled kissing his cheek before leaving the room and wandering off. Marco sat waiting for me outside his door.

"He's going to be devastated." I ignored him continuing the walk to my bunk. I climbed in and got situated before falling asleep instantly.

I didn't have time to think about my own illness when I knew just how soon Ace would die.

I tried not to think about it the next day while Ace joked and laughed with me and the rest of the crew.

"Earth to (Y/N)!" He yelled waving his hand infront of my face. I snapped back to reality. "We where just talking about what was more desirable in a man." He puffed his chest out trying to seem more masculine.

I giggled wondering how weird they where. "And what are the options?" I questioned raising a brow.

"Well, I think a man who can protect you, as well as be funny. I also think it's important to be sympathetic but not spoil them to much." Ace stated matter-of-factly.

"And I think it's more important to spoil them rotten as well as be understanding.  I think a woman wants a man that can admit his weakness and understanding when he's done wrong." Marco stated confidence blazing in his eyes.

I laughed at the two answeres. If I picked Ace, Marco might get mad and do a half ass job next time I'm injured. But if I pick Marco Ace will throw a fit for the rest of the day.

"Your both partly right. I can't choose one of you as the winner." Treat them like children asking which sand castle was better.

Ace huffed in annoyance almost falling out his chair as he leaned back.

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Sleep well! Don't forget your medications! Make sure you've had a glass of water and eaten!