Epals

Chapter 12

Ace POV

Ace,

Do you live in Violet Town? There is a lot I could say in regard to what you have told me and none of them are sufficient enough to express what I am feeling. So, I will just tell you this; you are not to blame for what happened and I would never ever stop talking to you because of something that happened when you were little and had no control over. Because you did not have any control over what happened. You couldn't be responsible for that mans actions or stop him. Don't blame yourself and don't think I am going to just stop talking to you.

Marco

I am surprised that Marco still wants to talk to me after that, but the grin on my face doesn't waver. I am falling in love with this man so quickly it's frightening. I pause my steps at that thought, not really expecting to admit to falling in love with him so easily as that. One would think it would happen with me kicking and screaming or something. At least a large amount of denial. But as I run the words through my mind again, all I feel is an overwhelming sense of truth coming from them. It's easy to accept it as truth. I finish walking back towards the front room where all the others are sitting, talking about the future wedding. Knowing Nami, it's going to be extravagant and pricey. At least she has the money to afford that. I sit down, the grin still on my face.

"What has you grinning so much?" Franky asks, eyebrow raised.

"I am in love with Marco." I state, not seeing a point in beating around the bush about the matter. Luffy spurts his coke back out, staring at me in shock. It only takes a second before he's laughing, and everyone is grinning at me.

"What?" I ask, not quite understanding what caused the reaction.

"We already knew, even made a bet to see how long it would take for you to admit to it." Nami answered.

"Yes, and it seems Luffy here won, surprisingly." Robin smiled, pulling out a wad of money to toss over at the mentioned male. Zoro and Sanji doing so as well, grumbling the whole time but still smiling. I rolled my eyes, Franky and Brook chuckling and Chopper sighing at the loss of money.

"Oh, and he asked if I lived in Violet, so he probably lives here as well."

"That's awesome! If he does then that would make meeting him so much easier." Sanji winked at me, Zoro smacking him in the head.

"Stop being a pervert." Zoro muttered.

"But you love it when I'm being perverted." Sanji whispered slyly, causing a blush to rise in Zoro's cheeks.

"Whatever." Was Zoro's only reply, causing Sanji to laugh.

"I think Sanji has a point though. Why not ask him out on a date if he does live nearby?"

"I agree with Nami-san! You could even do something romantic like a picnic. I could provide the music, Sanji could provide the food." Brooke gives me a crooked grin, laughing as a deep blush forms across my cheeks.

"No, absolutely not! I can't risk letting you guys lose on the poor man." I shook my head no, the blush growing at their answering whines of 'why not.'