Fire in our hearts | Portgas D. Ace x OC

8. Feelings

Grace Penelope was getting ready in her room to leave in a few minutes. She had few clothes with her possession, and only one dress suitable for going to the club: a basic black tube dress.

Completing the look was a military-green jacket and black boots. A messy bun, leaving part of her blond locks loose, and some eyeliner.

It wasn't much, and she knew that the girls who would be there would probably be much tidier, with high heels and expensive clothes.

She would definitely need to shop soon.

Ignoring that fact, Penny came out of the room ready and found herself with a certain amount of men waiting for her to leave.

Thatch whistled when the woman appeared in front of him. He was not used to having women on the ship, let alone beautiful women.

- Sorry to keep you guys waiting - Penelope smiled - I was trying to find a suitable outfit.

- And it looks like you did - Thatch replied, looking her up and down - but we're actually waiting for Ace. He's taking longer than usual.

Grace was so concerned about making a good impression on her new crewmates that she hardly noticed that her best friend was not yet on the deck. She was surprised, because when they were younger the boy usually didn't care much about his appearance.

And she was even more surprised when he showed up on the deck in black shorts, a navy blue Hawaiian shirt with white flowers (open, showing his abdomen), his usual hat and necklace. He smelled sweet and minty, and his hair looked silkier than ever.

Besides the girl, Izo, Thatch and Marco, who were waiting on the deck, also seemed surprised by the scene they were witnessing. Portgas approached the woman first.

- Hi, there.

- Hi, there.

- You look wonderful. As always, I might add.

- Thank you. You also look very handsome.

- Oh, please, get a room - Thatch sighed.

Ace rolled his eyes.

- You're being inconvenient, Thatch. - Izo pointed

- Then let's go. The party's already started. - Thatch went out front, leading the group.

Once again, Portgas and Grace walked hand in hand, which apparently had become something common and natural between them. Crossing the beach, everyone approached the nightclub, where it was already possible to hear the loud music playing inside.

Penny could feel several stares on her, something she had not yet become used to. Whether it was because she was showing off her curves in a discreet way or even because she was holding hands with the infamous Portgas D. Ace, this situation did not make her comfortable.

Trying to ignore this feeling, the woman entered the room and accompanied her friends to the bar. They all ordered beers and bottles of sake, while she preferred only a bottle of soda. Still tired from the day before, she preferred to avoid a hangover and keep an eye on her companions.

Completely absorbed in her thoughts, Grace drank her soda while her friends chatted animatedly.

Realizing that the girl was a little out of place, Ace went over to her and pulled her into the middle of the dance floor. A lively music was playing and, even though she didn't know how to dance at all, the woman felt totally safe next to him. They both did clumsy steps, totally out of sync, but they laughed together and had fun. Just like they did when they were kids.

Like they had never had fun since.

Each other's company was like a safe haven. They knew each other better than anyone else. A glance was enough to expose their feelings.

Far enough away from the rest of the group, Ace felt the urge to kiss her. And so he did, for the rest of the evening.

(...)

Portgas D. Ace was drunk. Not only that, he was wasted.

It was 6 am and after everyone had had a good time all night (some more than others, I would say), and kissed (Ace and Penelope between each other and the rest with various random people), what they wanted most of all was to get back to the ship and simply pass out.

Penny, sober, was practically carrying Ace on her shoulders as he mumbled disconnected sentences. She was laughing her ass off at the situation.

- Why are you (hic) laughing at me? - Portgas asked as they entered the ship. - do you (hic) hate me?

Grace tried to hold back her laughter and remain as serious as possible as she answered the boy.

- Of course I don't. Come on, I'll take you to your room, Ace.

Ace pouted.

- Let me sleep with you again... please.

Chuckling, Penny gave in and headed for her room, where Ace collapsed on the bed and was already starting to snore.

Penelope went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth, smiling at the image of Ace lying in his bed. Laying down beside her, Portgas woke up for a moment to hug her body, but not before saying the words that made the girl's heart soar.

- You are the best thing that ever happened to me.