[OP] ?? Seven Letters ?? [Ace x Reader] AU

?? [ Friday] ?? Part 2

"I changed my mind. I had some errands to attend to anyways."

There was something in his voice that negated his statement, but I didn't want to push it any farther. "Oh, I see."

Ace took the few inches I had made for my private space. "Yep. Well, we have 7 minutes on disposal. Can we talk?"

Talk. Something I've wanted ever since that happened-I relentlessly prayed for a reason of his doings and hoped for a good explanation. But...why am I now hesitating? Is it because of the answer and the possibility of my lack of comprehension?

"You made it quite clear that you didn't feel any remorse for what you did. So what is there to discuss about?" I finally spoke, feeling the lightness of my head.

He shifted again, however, this time in a way so I wouldn't be able to break the blockade he had created nor to focus on anything but him.

"Y/n, give me a chance to explain myself." Ace pleaded.

I clamped my fingers into the tender flesh. "I don't know if I will be able to ... But...ok. Let's talk."

Ace edged closer to me, gently scratching the nape of his neck.

"Look, what I did three weeks ago, wasn't the right thing to do..."

"But you aren't sorry..." I concluded.

"No. If I could...I would do the same thing again."

The effect of his words was galvanic. I appeared stricken speechless.

"Law. That guy you temporary went out with. He was bad news. He still is. That bastard didn't really want to be with you...He just wanted to make me furious cause we had a clash in high school. Deciding to get back at me, he went after you. If you suffered, then that automatically meant...."

"He tried to make me suffer?! Law? What about you? Because of who did I have to hide the...hickeys...and who...took my first...kiss...?" I sobbed, shuddering at the recoiled memory. I subconsciously reached to my bottom lip and tenderly glazed through it.

"I..."

"I'm not one of your friends with benefits. You can't just screw with me."

Recognition dawned on Ace's face. "I didn't know...you despised me so much...." His voice hushed to the maximum, so he was barely heard. Almost.

I don't Ace. I love you.

But I was too feeble to say anything. I don't know how...

He glimpsed at my painful expression and suddenly tightened his lips into a line. A new glimpse of hope glittered in his eyes. "No, I had a reason for my action. Y/n...I lo..."

The rest was unheard.

"Time's up!" A familiar voice shouted.

"Sorry..." I jumped on my feet and slid between the opened door and stunned Nami, running towards the hall.

I need air.

I need to get home.

"Y/n?"

I halted.

"Robin...I..." Abruptly turning around, I ran to her opened arms. She hugged me tightly. "I-I want to go home..." I stuttered, shaking uncontrollably in her grip. "Please..."

Without asking any further questions, she nodded. "Of course..."

~~~