Fire in our hearts | Portgas D. Ace x OC

14. Get it off my chest

The sun was coming through the gaps in the window of the room where I was. Once again I was in the delicate situation of opening my eyes slightly until my brain began to work and I understood where I was. Above me, a muscular arm full of freckles gripped me while a light snoring invaded my ears. I didn't have to turn to the side to know that Ace was sleeping there.

I moved my body a little, which caused him to hold his breath and wake up startled. I turned on my stomach and realized that I was feeling much better since the last time I was awake.

- Is everything okay? Do you need anything? - the guy next to me asked, still processing what was happening.

- I'm fine, feeling much better. - I said - How long have I been asleep?

- I believe it's been about a day. But Marco gave you some powerful medication, which must have made you get better faster - he smiled - you may not remember this, but you had a fever yesterday. I lay here to warm your body and try to bring it down - he put one of his hands under my forehead - I think it worked.

- I vaguely remember. I remember feeling very cold and hearing some voices, but that's all - I concluded - thank you for helping me, you didn't have to.

- Of course I did, Grace. You saved my life. But even before that I would have done anything for you.

These words made me feel those butterflies in my stomach, but I decided to ignore what I was feeling and just give a small smile. I was still extremely upset with him.

Portgas got out of bed and opened the door, calling Marco to inform him that I had awakened again. When the blond man entered the room, I was already sitting up in the hospital bed.

- How are you feeling? - he asked, adjusting his glasses.

- Much better. Ace mentioned that you gave me stronger medication, thank you for that - I smiled - I was broken yesterday, but today I feel well enough.

- That's good. I believe you can now leave this room and walk around the ship a bit. But not too much. I still want you to try to rest as much as possible - he pointed.

- Come on, Grace, I'll take you for a walk - Ace held out his hand.

- Okay. I want to talk to my father. Can you take me to him?

I held Ace's hand as he led me across the ship to the room where my father was staying. Walking slowly, several of my crewmates saw me and greeted me. They were still shaken by the war, but happy that I had recovered. Soon there was sure to be a party to celebrate this.

When I reached the door to Whitebeard's room, I asked Ace to let me talk to him alone, to which he agreed. I knocked three times and quickly heard his voice telling me to come in.

The young man stood outside, waiting for me. I went in alone, still having some difficulty getting around, and saw dad sitting in his armchair.

- It's you, girl! Are you feeling better?

I nodded as I went toward him and hugged him.

He quickly returned the hug, and tears started streaming down my face. Without me having to say anything, the man quickly understood how I felt. Maybe he felt the same way.

- I am very happy that you are all well. - he began - I understand your frustration, daughter. You haven't had time to assimilate everything that has happened since Thatch's death. - He stroked my hair - but in time what you feel will pass and you will feel happy and grateful that we are all fine now. And that's all that matters.

- Yes, I... I'm so glad we're all alive! - I said through tears - but at the same time, I feel as if this is all a nightmare. I don't want to believe what happened, and I don't want to believe what Ace did. I felt disposable.

- He was immature, irresponsible and inconsequential. But I know that you will find a way to forgive him.

I gave him one last hug before leaving and saying:

- I'm so glad you're okay, Dad.

When I left the room and closed the door, Ace was waiting against the wall. I tried to wipe the tears away, but my face was still red. Ace came over and touched his hand to my face.

- Why are you crying? - he asked angrily - Is it because of me?

- Yes, it's because of you. Because you said you loved me and then left the next morning without saying goodbye. For going after revenge without caring about your own life. For being arrested and almost being executed! It's your fault! You were selfish and didn't care about the people around you, much less about me, who am here because of you. I saved your life and I don't regret it for an instant, because I love you! - tears started to fall again - damn it, I love you! But you didn't care about me! How many times will I be left behind so that you can go after some enemy?

- Grace, I...

- Forget it. Let it go. I needed to get this out in the open. - I argued - I am very, very hurt. I need some time, I need to reflect on everything that has happened in the last few weeks.

I let go of his touch and went towards my room, where I spent the afternoon crying myself to sleep.