LET ME PROTECT YOU [Ace X fem! reader]

Chapter 22 // Mission Impossible

It's first when the trapdoor finally closes above you, letting the darkness swallow you whole, that you begin questioning Marco's plan. Despite your best attempts to settle into the crammed food storage of the small ship, the pommel of your sword pierces your biceps and the rough planks gnaw on your skin. You feel each wave hit the hull with the weight of the sack of potatoes rolling into your sides.

You sigh. This definitely isn't your brightest idea.

It's not that the plan presented any demanding challenges. You easily managed to sneak onto the ship before dawn without being noticed. And getting on the boat tied neatly to the side of the Moby Dick wasn't a problem either. Now, the only thing remaining is wait and not get found out. Easy.

The more pressing issue you discuss in your head is whether this plan will be worth the while. Although your current company of dry meat and hardened vegetables isn't much to talk about, you know for certain it is more enjoyable than the awaiting division commander who'll be furious to find you here. You decide to let the overthinking be. For now, you'll try to rest until the boat has left and you're too far away to turn back.

♤

An entirety passes when you finally hear movement above you. A relieved sigh slips out of you. You've moved your limbs every minute trying to find a find a position where you could fall asleep, but with no luck. The book you brought weren't of much use for your boredom either as the minimal light from the tiny cracks above isn't nearly enough to make out a single sentence.

Muffled voices sound from above you. "Have any of you seen y/n?"

Ace's voice startles you. You haven't seen or heard him since your confrontation yesterday.

"No, not today," a familiar voice responds.

Of course, Deuce is the one to join this mission. The masked man has been sailing with Ace since forever. He was the first member on Ace's original crew, The Spade pirates. You also heard some rumours that they were stranded on a deadly island together for some time. Ace would trust this man with his life.

"Maybe she's asleep? It is still quite early," Deuce suggests.

"Maybe..." Ace tries to not sound too dejected. You almost feel bad for him.

"Why? Did something happen between you two?"

"It's just... Ehh, forget it."

You can feel Deuce's suspicious and concerned look through the trapdoor. He can easily tell when something is off with his previous captain.

"Uh oh...! Trouble in paradise" Shivers are sent down your spine when you hear the mocking voice. Teach is the third member of this crew.

You did expect more people to join Ace. At least three people are needed to man this ship, but you kinda hoped it'll all be former spade pirates. You've become quite fond of every one of them. Although, despite your mixed feelings about Teach, he's undoubtedly a good choice. He's the one with most experience on sea and you have a feeling he's quite resourceful when needed.

The conversation continues on and ends with a remark from Ace making your heart drop. "... Let's get something to eat instead!"

Surrounding you is all the provisions supposed to provide them for this short journey. If they're getting food from here, they'll undoubtedly find you.

You gaze around in panic. You can't be caught already. They've not even left The Moby Dick, so all the hours you spent down here will be wasted. A short visit back to the ship to drop you off will cost them nothing.

"Hold it right there-!" To your relief, Deuce is quick to shut Ace down. "You're not getting a peek inside there until lunch time. I don't want all our rations devoured within the first hour of our trip."