LET ME PROTECT YOU [Ace x fem reader]

Chapter 7 // Under the shelter

You sigh, squinting your puffed eyes up at the dark clouds, fully covering the grey sky that was blue just a few minutes ago. The loud sound of raindrops rhythmically tapping at the short overhang you found shelter under, just a few blocks away from where the festival was held, doesn't help calming your nerves. Sitting on a wooden staircase, you shudder at a cold breeze cruising through the now empty streets to bring a moment of bitter cold to those unlucky enough to find themselves outside in this storm. Only moments ago, you enjoyed yourself bathing in the warm sunlight with the chilly breeze comfortably cooling the hot summer weather down. The whole city was outside and alive, the sound of people laughing and muttering filled the air. Now, the streets are hauntingly empty filled with only the thundering sound of several liters of water crashing down at the stone-cold ground.

That's the unpredictable Grand Line weather for you.

"Th- that's why i told you to wear the raincoat," you sniff, giving a half-smile up to Ace leaning onto the wall to the right of you.

He softly gazes down at your completely drenched ass with a slight smirk. "I appreciate it."

It's been a few minutes since you calmed down from your little breakdown. It was cut short due to the rain that started pouring down out of nowhere since you had to find shelter. Ace still continued to comfort you while leaving a respectful distance, without asking any questions. You both appreciated it and found it kind of annoying.

How much self-control does this man have? He didn't ask a single question during this whole ordeal or try to pry more about your past. He didn't give in to his curiosity once! Maybe it's because he isn't curious at all? Maybe he doesn't care about your emotions or why you were sad. Cause why would your emotions matter to him? You thought he would at least feel something for you... Or maybe... he didn't ask a question because he don't need a reason to be able to comfort you? You being sad was all the reason he needed.

You choose to believe the latter.

Anyway, all these conflicting feelings leaves you feeling like you owe him some kind of explanation.

You take a deep breath, not as quivering as it was before. "Sh- she sailed away when I was 8-" you begin shakily. "My mom..."

Ace's head turns slightly towards you. Even without doing much or saying anything you feel like you have his complete attention. It makes you both more comfortable and more nervous.

"Th- that's why he sh- shouted... those things..." you pause taking another deep breath and look down at the large stream of water flooding the drain beside your feet.

Ace keeps quiet but you notice his head slowly nodding in the corner of your eye.

"I thought I was over it- but yea, no- it still hurts," your voice breaks and tears begin pressing behind your eyes again. You quickly wipe them away with your arm before they start running. "Sorry..."

A warm touch on your back helps you fight back the tears. Ace squats down beside you and pats your back.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," his soft smile helps you breathe more calmly.

"I don't know..." you desperately throw your hands up. "If she had just- if she just had left earlier. It would've been so much easier," you pull your knees close and drop your head down while letting your words ring in the air for a moment. "No sorry, maybe it was a bit too harsh..." you shake your head and wipe away your reappearing tears.

Ace is silent for a while before speaking.

"I get where you're coming from. However-" His palm removes itself from your back causing you to curiously glance up at him from behind your hat. He seats himself more comfortably beside you and thoughtfully gazes over the empty street, carefully choosing his next words. "I don't think you should take those 8 years you had with her for granted," his calm gaze travels down meeting your red eyes and snobby nose.