Death on Campus (Acexreader)

25

You found yourself once again blinking away the blurriness in your eyes as you took in your surroundings. The room was stark white, there was a rythmetic beeping noise, and the room smelt of antiseptic. You were in the hospital again. You also noticed a new cast on your wrist, but other than that you felt fine.

"You're awake." Arms went around your shoulders, you tensed up a bit until you realized it was Ace. You sank into his warm hug, your head resting on his chest as he gently ran his fingers through your hair. You two didn't say a word as you basked in each other's presence. Tears spilled from your eyes, they were happy ones, you were so glad to be safe in Ace's arms.

He cupped your chin and tilted your head so you were looking up at him. Ace was smiling the biggest smile you've ever seen him smile, a few tears streaming down his face as he leaned down and pecked your forehead. "I'm so glad your okay. You're okay, right? You feel fine?"

"Yeah, I feel good." You smiled up at him. Soft giggles left your lips as he peppered your face in kisses, before pressing his lips against yours. You wrapped your good arm around his neck, deepening the kiss as you nudged him closer. He smiled into the kiss, his fingers weaving through your hair, down your neck and back as if to make sure you were really there.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Your dad cleared his throat. You and Ace quickly parted to see him standing in the doorway, his arms crossed.

"N-no you're not interrupting anything, sir." Ace stood up straighter, his arm still wrapped around you.

"I'm glad you're alright, princess." Your dad simply ignored Ace and walked over to the other side of your hospital bed. He pulled you out of Ace's hold and into a hug of his own. You're pretty sure you heard Ace let out a huff behind you, but he didn't say anything.

"Ace got there just in time. I'm guessing you told him my location from that necklace you gave me." You leaned back against your hospital bed.

"It helped that you were wearing it." Your dad gave you one of his proud dad nods.

"It also helped that I called Sabo for help. The police all went to the right location, that is if you were above ground. But, Apoo seemed to know of a lot of underground locations, this town is full of them. Sabo figured out you were underground and how to get to you." Ace explained.

"Remind me to thank Sabo later. What happened to Apoo anyway?" You asked.

"He got treated at the hospital then taken to jail." Your dad replied.

"The hospital?"

"I may have broken his arm and jaw." Ace shrugged like it was no big deal. You weren't even surprised by this, Ace would go all out when it came to protecting those he cared about.

"My hero." You softly chuckled. Ace reached over and held onto your hand, giving it a slight squeeze. You turned back to your dad and gave him an unsure smile.

"What is it, sweety?" Benn asked, knowing that you were worried about something.

"It's something Apoo said, about why he thought we were meant to be together." You gave Ace's hand a squeeze as you stared down at your lap. Ace ran his thumb over your knuckles, comforting you as both he and your dad waited for you to keep talking.

"You can tell me anything, you know that." Your dad reached over and gently ruffled your hair. You smiled up at him as you took in a deep breath.

"Apoo said the reason we belonged together is because both our parents hated us. I know you don't. But, mom... he had her papers from the institute, that she started having problems once she had me." You frowned down at your lap.

"Oh, sweety. That's not your fault." Your dad gave you a soft smile. "Your mom had issues from her past that convinced her she was a terrible parent. It manifested into something terrible. But, she doesn't hate you. In fact each time we visit her it because she asked to see you."

You felt tears well up in your eyes at that. You quickly wiped them away as you smiled up at your dad. "I'm glad, she doesn't hate me."

----
You were discharged from the hospital that very same day. You were met with a bunch of reporters outside the hospital. With the whole Hawkins, Apoo mix up, the news had gotten wind of your name. It was a good thing you had Ace and your dad with you, they were able to shove reporters out of the way as the three of you made it to your dad's car. You also learned that the police were being hounded by the press and public for putting the wrong person in jail.

Once you got back to your dorm, you were greeted by your friends and uncles who had set up a little party for you. The banner on the wall said 'congrats on surviving a serial killer'. You actually found it kind of funny.

"Glad to see you doing alright." Nami was the first to pull you into a hug. She had been so worried when she got back to the dorm and found it full of cops and you nowhere to be found.

"I'm doing good. And I have a new cast for everyone to sign." You joked as you held up your arm.

Luffy bounded over, a marker in hand, clearly excited to write on your cast. He simply wrote his name with the u turned into a smiley face. Everyone had  gathered around and took turns writing on your cast, some of them having to write extra small to fit their name or message. After everyone had signed, drinks were brought out.

A wonderful meal Sanji had prepared and was surprisingly uneaten by Luffy, was laid out on the counter. Everyone filled their plates and found somewhere to either sit or stand. All talk of Apoo was avoided as you all enjoyed each other's company.

"Then Thatch ran outside, he was fuming." Sabo chuckled.

"He looked hilarious covered in feathers." Luffy added. He and Sabo were telling you about the time they had an all out prank week back at home.

"I would have paid to see that." You giggled.

"Hold on, I think I have a picture." Sabo pulled out his phone and started searching through his photos.

"How are you doing?" Ace slid onto the couch next to you.

"Great. This is all great." You leaned back into his chest. Looking around the room brought a smile to your face.

Zoro was drinking with your dad and Shanks, Usopp and Franky were talking gadgets with Yasopp. Lucky Roo was trying to get a few recipes out of Sanji. And Robin, Nami, and Koala were discussing fashion.

Yep, everything was as how it should be.