A Million Lifetimes {Portgas D. Ace x Reader}

After the war, another lifetime

— (Y/N) are you crazy? How could you go to the war like this? — the blonde asked, as soon as you opened your eyes. — That's irresponsible. Why didn't you tell me yoi?

It took you a while to be able to say anything, to process whatever Marco was saying, or even recognize where you were, the infirmary of the Moby Dick. You felt pain, physical and emotional pain. And still, it felt like you were still not quite awake.

— Didn't tell you what? I was just sick... Because I was missing Ace. You know that. — your voice broke by the end of the sentence, and tears started falling again. You already had cried and screamed all you could before then, but realizing that everything was real crushed your heart all over again. — I was feeling better, though.

— You're not sick, yoi. — he widened his eyes, surprised you actually didn't know about it, nor had any symptoms. — You're pregnant.

You were not ready to hear that. Suddenly your mind started racing, and it was a rollercoaster of emotions. First, you wondered how you would do that by yourself. Of course, you had Marco and the others, but you lost your father figure, and lost your boyfriend and father of your baby.

How could you have a baby in such conditions? Your future was so uncertain now. Hell, you didn't even know what would happen to the crew and if you would have a place to stay after everything.

You wanted to think positive. Was that a sign for you to be alive? Was it a last present Ace gave you? Should you... Keep it? You needed time to think.

— Whatever choice you make, you're not alone yoi. — Marco whispered, resting his hand on your shoulder. — If you want the baby, you have our crew. We might be broken now, we might not have experience with kids, and we might be chaotic. But we'll help. We'll do our best not only to take care of the baby, but to take care of you. We're still a family after all.

It took you a few weeks to decide. At first sometimes, you wondered if you choose it right.

ღ

It has been over two years since the Marineford events now. You were about to leave the ship, taking a deep breath. Even though you always thought how it would be when you visited that place, you realized you weren't prepared. Nothing can prepare you to visit the graves of the two people you loved so much.

— Take all the time you want. — Marco said, gently touching your shoulder to give you support. — We'll be waiting here and we'll be taking care of her, don't worry.

You nodded, while giving him the little Portgas D. Rouge, who was already asleep in your arms. She had your eyes and nose, but Ace's hair color and freckles. Even her appetite and energy, it was just like his.

For a long time, you just sat in front of the graves. You couldn't say anything. It was too hard not to cry, it made you realize how real it was.

Eventually you felt comfortable enough to open up.

— I'm sorry I took so long to come here visit you. — you started with your voice low as a whisper. — I guess being here just shows it was real, and that you two aren't just on a long mission and will come back eventually. You know, sometimes I have nightmares about Marineford still, and I wake up trying to find you under the covers, to hold you and feel safe. But then...— the warm tears started rolling down your cheek. — Then I remember. And I break down, I feel lonely all over again. Sometimes I get so angry, and I wish I could be strong enough to defeat Akainu someday, but I can't, because now I have some company. — you smiled softly thinking about your daughter.