The Window Maker - (OCXCANON)

Prelude: Spade Pirates

Ki flicked Ace's hat off his head and wrapped her fingers in his hair as she dragged his face to hers. She brushed her lips across his freckles and pressed her forehead against his. She closed her eyes and sighed, "You better be careful. You hear me?"

Ace chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, "Of course I will. You'd kick my ass harder than anyone I could run into if I wasn't."

She bit her lip, fighting back the onslaught of tears, "I'm gonna miss you so much."

He pulled her tightly into his chest and sighed, "You can come with me now, ya know."

Ki shook her head solemnly, "Not until my birthday. We made a promise, all four of us."

Ace rested his chin on top of her head, "Yeah, I know," He drew in a deep breath, "At least it's only about a couple months. Maybe by then I'll have a little crew... But you'll always be my first mate, my right hand."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, "And you'll always be mine, right?"

He chuckled as he shifted his gaze to peer into her emerald eyes, "I don't think that's how it works-"

Ki shook her head with a playful smirk, "Not what I meant..." She drew a small heart on his chest as she murmured, "Just mine."

Ace flushed brightly, "Well yeah, of course. I thought that was obvious."

Her eyes locked with his and she grinned, "I just want it to be clear before I let you run off without me."

He kissed her forehead and laughed, "You don't have a damn thing to worry about. You're mine and I'm yours. Always."

...

Ki was jostled awake by the sudden smack of her brother's body landing atop her. Luffy yelled, "Happy birthday!! Wake up! Wake up! It's time!"

She hooked her arm under his chest and tossed him to the ground with an annoyed grunt, "Get... Off... Luffy!!"

The rubber boy hit the ground and huffed, "You gotta get up!! You gotta meet up with Ace today!" He snapped to his feet and snatched the blankets off her with a snicker, "Get up sleepy head! Hahaha!!"

Before she could rip the blankets back over her head, the boy had run out of the room cackling with the covers held high over his head. Ki rolled out of bed and stretched her arms over her head as she eyed the calendar above her dresser. An enthusiastic grin creased her lips, "Yup, today is definitely the day. Guess I better get ready," She quickly brushed her teeth and hair before scooping up her toiletries. Her heart pounded heavily in her chest as she gathered up items to toss into her backpack.

Her chosen outfit was a simple, black cropped tank top, a pair of black Jean shorts, striped socks and biker boots. She tossed her long hair into a low ponytail before lining her eyes and lips in black makeup. She was startled by the soft knock on the doorframe and turned her head to see Dadan. She smiled brightly, "Hey mom-"

Dadan cleared her throat and flashed her a smirk, "Hey, kiddo. So today's the day, huh?"

Ki nodded and planted her hands on her hips happily, "It is!"

Dadan chuckled with a soft grin, "Can't believe you and Ace are already so grown up. Seems like just yesterday Garp was dropping you two brats at my doorstep."

Ki sassily pointed at her mother, "You're not going soft on me are ya? Hmmm? Someone's getting misty eyed."

Dadan grumbled and turned on her heel, "Ya know what? Forget it you little shit!"

Ki caught her by the arm and laughed, "I'm kidding! Come on, what's up?"

Dadan didn't face her, only held out a small black box and grunted, "Here. Happy birthday, kid."