LET ME PROTECT YOU [Ace X fem! reader]

Chapter 19 // Must've been the Wind...

The familiar smell of burnt dust and dry wood reeks from every wall and quickly engulfs you the second you open the door. With the company of ringing bells, your eyes—accustomed to the harsh evening sun—need a second to adjust to the dimly lit room. The only thing covering your vision is glimpses of differently shaded shapes that could be interpreted as furniture. How anyone could be able to work a full day, let alone just read a single letter while surrounded by these looming shadows is a mystery to you and yet another thing you respect about Medri. She's known for having sharp eyes and can catch details most people would brush over, so this environment is no problem for her.

You blink a few times before taking a quick glance around the huddled office as your eyes land at the end of the narrow room. At the only spot the sunlight reaches stands a short figure over the counter. With her head in her hands, the girl browses a stack of papers so tall she could've easily hidden behind it. Medri's tired eyes eventually drift your way, widening once they settle on you.

For a second you freeze, all the bravery you had leaving your body under the flaming gaze of your friend. You regret showing your face to her again, but fortunately a happy squeal beside you rips her eyes and the pressure off you.

"MEDRI! HI!" Mila sprints up from behind you.

Your sister flies over the stuffed counter before any of you can react, a tornado of pages brewing behind her as she hops straight into Medri's arms.

"Mila!" Medri's face lights up as she catches Mila in a hug. "It's been—ugh, a while...!" Not even she is an exception to Mila's—literally—breath-taking hug.

"We need to do stuff together more often!"

"Indeed—"

"AND I need to show you the new moves I learned!" Mila smiles viciously.

"Yeah! I look forward to it! But inside is probably not the best place for a showcase..." Medri gently puts a pouting Mila back on her feet. "We could do it sometime tomorrow, maybe? Outside, where you have more space and so I can spot every single detail." She winks.

Mila's sulking stops and instead she claps her hands in excitement before running off to roam around the small, cluttered room. Medri sighs with a smile on her face before letting her worried gaze turn to you.

Her posture is the first thing you notice about her. It's nothing like yours. Her head is held high and shoulders straight, it's a stance that never crumbles. What she may lack in height, she triumphs with in confidence and is easily towering over you or even any pirate you saw at the Moby Dick.

You straighten yourself up before taking a short step forward. "I—"

"You—" Medri interrupts you, tilting her head while squinting her eyes. "You... look great, y/n."

You freeze in your path.

'I do?' Is the first thought that comes to mind.

You certainly don't feel great right now. Your back is aching, your eyes can barely function after baking in the sun all day and your mind feels like a tsunami. You're fairly sure it's quite visible to the people around you that you've had some interesting past days. Still, your friend must see something really remarkable to be able to overlook all this...

Well, you've never doubted Medri's astute observations before, so no need to stop now. Maybe you do look great today.

You dare glance her way again and see that her eyes have softened once more. Despite her heavy shoulders and sunken eyes, she still carries a slight spark. It's the same spark you saw last time you met, radiating something beyond her usual steadfast nature. Something more lively or even playful.

"You look great too." You smile at your friend. This isn't something you're saying just to be polite. It's simply the truth. Medri does look amazing right now.

A wavy hair strand has fallen perfectly down her face that has turned slightly red from working all day. A golden shine reflects in her eyes tainted by weariness but that once knew calmness. You believe her glowing olive skin is even lighting up her surroundings, as a sad smile arrives on her face. She crosses her arms, giving you that reassuring look, you know all to well, telling you she understands and it's all going to be alright. A look you might not see the next time you need it... let alone see for a while...

A drop of water falls down your cheek and on the floor beneath you. You look down and see that even more are beginning to rain. It takes seeing Medri's confused expression for you to realise it's your own tears that's running down your face.

"I'm leaving Medri," You blabber out with a sob. "I'm so, so sorry. You were right... Y-You were right all along..." Your last words are barely cohesive as you break down.

Medri's face falls and she rushes over to hug you. "Woah! Breathe, y/n... breathe..."

You rest your head on her shoulder, squeezing her tightly back. "I'm s-so sorry..."

"No, shh... I know you are."

"No... you don't understand. You... you were right..."

"Of course I was."

You bite your tongue and nod as an answer. There is nothing more you want to or are able to say. Medri was right as always. She told you this ages agon but you were too much of an idiot and self-absorbed to see it. So, the only thing you can do right now is to listen to her and to try to breathe. Of course, it's easier said than done. Especially when it feels like the whole world is blocking your throat.

Your eyes wander and you spot Mila across the room. Her back turned to you and she's fiddling with something that has caught all her attention it seems. She doesn't spare a thought or a single glance your way and you're inclined to believe she's not even aware of your conversation. However, the heavy breaths and sniffles coming from her way say quite the opposite.

"Now, how are you?" Medri pulls back and you see her concerned eyes.

"I'm ok..." You answer quietly. Your friend raises an eyebrow, not quite convinced. "Or... maybe no... I'm not ok. I feel sad, but also h-happy." You chuckle faintly as you brush away a tear.

"Good." She embraces you again, this time a bit tighter. Her soft pats on your tense back spreads warmth across your whole body and you finally catch your breath. Medri seems strong, way too strong. You can't help but question how she's able to bear this burden, not only for herself, but also for you.

"What about you?" you decide to ask. "How are you?"

Medri stays silent.

You try to let go of her, but she clutches you back even tighter. "...Medri?"

A sniffle breaks the silence. "I'll miss you, y/n."

You swallow a sob and squeeze your friend just as tightly back. As you hold around your friend, both of you ugly crying on each others shirts as your sobs sync up, you remember there is something else you need to get off your chest. 

Before you get time to regret it, you, without taking a breath, mumble to her, "Also, Ace is not really a sailor; he's a pirate, and not only that but also one of the commanders on Whitebeards crew and apparently he wasn't kidding when he said I could join him because Whitebeard offered a spot on their ship which is why I'll be leaving in a few days with them when they depart..." You brace for impact after the last word leaves your mouth.

Medri's quiet sobs stop and the silence that settles is awfully quiet.

"WHAT?"