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The beautiful weather of Goa was a welcomed sight as Ensign Isuka stepped out of her blue jeep wrangler. The warm breeze greeted her as she closed the driver’s door behind her. Holding a hand to her hair to stop it from blowing around, Isuka's eyes landed on the building before her. The large structure with “East Blue Aquarium” across it made the doctor smile.
The cartoony lettering with an imaginary sea monster weaved between the words made it appeal child friendly she supposed. A date idea she at first wasn’t keen on but from the way her boyfriend pouted she caved. Speaking of Isuka pushed her sunglasses on top of her head as she smiled at the man who exited a dark green convertible.
Portgas D. Ace was an interesting man with an even more bizarre family dynamic than anyone Isuka had ever met. The man was a former fireman, now trainer and a dancer at the famous “Moby Dick” club owned by the Whitebeard family. He was like the sun—it’s the best way she could put it to words.
Ace smiled at her as he looked behind him to where the back door to the car opened. A young girl came skipping out an equally excited grin on her face as she grabbed Ace's hand.
Ace was also a single father to an adorable five year old named O-Tama or just Tama as she insisted to be referred to from family and friends.
“Isuka!” Tama yelled excitedly as they approached the doctor.
“Tama,” Isuka said, smiling growing wider.
The young girl broke away from her father and launched herself into—Isuka’s waist which she clung to. Isuka grunted as she wrapped her arms around the child, hooking her hands under her thighs she boosted her up on to her hip. Looking up Isuka met Ace’s eyes who laughed and shook his head.
“Sorry about her, she was antsy in the car the whole way over here.”
“It’s alright I was excited to see her as well and of course you,” Isuka replied.
Ace raised an eyebrow as he walked closer to her, placing his hand on her right hip and pulling her in close to him. Isuka had to look up at him as a smirk played on his lips.
“Is that so,” Ace said, his voice lowering as his face got closer to her own.
She hummed as she slightly stood on the balls of her feet to lean her chest into his Ace’s breath mingled with Isuka’s as he looked at her through hooded eyes. The redhead got closer to her lips brushing his slightly before pulling away just as quickly. A mischievous look played on Isuka’s face as she turned tail and skipped towards the entrance.
“Isuka! No fair!” Ace whined. Isuka laughed. As she looked back at her lover and shrugged.
“You snooze, you lose, baby.”
Tama giggled as she held onto the doctor who kissed her cheek as her father pouted before jogging after them.
Isuka opened the door and entered the building not waiting for Ace. She headed towards the ticket booth. There were very few people in the facility which shouldn’t be surprising. It was early on a Saturday morning. The aquarium opens at 10 am, so they were pretty early. It worked in their favor as it allowed them to explore as much as they wanted without having to beat the crowds.
Isuka bent down as Tama dislodged from her, so she could stand on the floor. Standing back up she grabbed for the small backpack she had brought with her. Unzipping the black bag she pulled out her wallet, looking up Isuka saw Ace had finally joined them. He smiled at her as he scooped up his daughter. Isuka’s gaze softened at the display, it was such a different contrast: a man clothed in black, leather, tattoos, and piercings and his child in bright purple and green attire. Compared to her own gold plaid overalls, paired with a grey shirt and brown laced boots. They had all optioned out for simple outfits that were comfy enough to stroll an air-conditioned aquarium for the day.
Turning back to the ticket booth Isuka smiled at the woman behind the glass window. Her long green hair was everywhere as she took a sip of what looked like sake. Isuka raised an eyebrow at this as she put her card into the machine. The woman's smile grew bigger, a flushed expression on her face as she typed on the computer.
A sudden presence behind her alerted the redhead as Ace leaned down to whisper to her. “Is she alright?” He asked as they both eyed her warily.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Isuka stated as she finally pulled her card from the machine.
“Here, you go, dear three tickets, enjoy your stay!” The woman said cheerfully, Isuka laughed and waved awkwardly as they made their way through the second set of doors.
“Well, that was weird.”
“You can say that again,” Ace said he looked over at Isuka and let out a laugh, causing them all to laugh at the strange encounter.
The aquarium was separated into four different sections. Deep sea, fresh water, tropical, and arctic. They decided to leave the arctic section for last as it housed penguins, something Tama was very excited about.
Isuka watched fondly as Tama ran ahead of them when they approached the first tanks. Her small hands pressed into the glass as a large smile grew on her face. The dimly lit rooms allowed them to see the illuminated tanks where fish swam every which way.
Isuka stood back as Ace joined Tama and crouched down to her level as he spoke to her pointing out the different fish. The sight alone made her heart swell. She adored these two so much. A year ago she couldn’t imagine herself being out on a normal date like this let alone dating someone with a child. Isuka was indeed fond of children since being an obgyn involved working closely with new mothers, women’s health, and sometimes young children. It was hard at times as you can only do so much as a trained doctor, sometimes your best effort just isn’t enough. Those times were always the hardest even as a still practicing resident she had taken interest in working with doctor Kureha. Perhaps it was her past coming back to bite at her. But Isuka would rather be damned instead of abandoning those who needed her help that she could provide and make comfortable.
The day she met Ace was by pure coincidence. Invankov had gone home early, so Isuka had offered to look at the busted nose. Walking into that patient room had been pretty ordinary except for the young girl worriedly standing by her father who was snoring away on the bed. Even after Tama telling her it was normal and him shooting up from his sleep attack, the man had stared at her weirdly the entire time she looked him over.
It had been a simple fracture, nothing serious, but she had easily straightened it and attached a splint to keep it in tack until he saw the actual doctor the next time he came in. While not her area of expertise, Isuka had spent several years in the navy and worked as a rear captain with a background in field medical training. So this was pretty easy for her to at least control until the expert came around.
The doctor smiled at the memory from months ago that led her here today. Isuka walked up behind them and watched the colorful fish swim by. The ocean’s inhabitants were spectacular and looking at them made her feel nostalgic for the days she spent sailing. A tug on her pant leg had Isuka looking down to see Tama staring up at her as the girl tilted her head in question.
“You okay Isu?” Tama asked.
Isuka smiled softly as she bent down to be eye level with her. “Yes, just deep in thought about something from the past, but it’s not sad if you’re wondering,” she added, patting Tama’s head softly.
Standing back up, Isuka adjusted the strap of her overalls before following after Tama who had wandered down to another tank. A soft touch on her hand made the redhead look down—to where Ace’s hand brushed her own. Subconsciously his hand turned in offering for her own which she gladly linked their fingers together. His large hand squeezed her own as they followed after the small girl with purple hair.
She had not mentioned it earlier, but it seemed to have a new temporary color in her usually black hair. “Is that Kiku’s work?” Isuka asked, and Ace followed her pointed hand to where Tama’s face was pressed against the glass.
Ace hummed his eyes, crinkling as if thinking back on a memory. “Yeah, she was insistent so Kiku caved and colored it last night. Said she wanted to be presentable for the aquarium or something.” Ace laughed.
Most of the afternoon was spent undisturbed by other guests which for once Isuka was grateful for. While she didn’t mind others it was nice to enjoy an attraction without the interrupted peace. It was a sense she was not able to enjoy fully when working surrounded by people all day every day. Seeing not just Tama get excited at the animals but also Ace was a treat.
Isuka had watched as Ace had enthusiastically touched everything in the touch tanks and had made Isuka jump by scaring her in the deep sea section in the dark room where the fish couldn’t function in regular light. She had punched him in the gut for that one, and had ignored him for a time afterwards. Even after she accepted his apology she had huffed and walked away with Tama in tow.
She of course didn’t stay mad at him for long, especially when they crossed through the full room aquarium. Glass on either side was a long hallway away where it covered every inch, even the ceiling. The dome shaped walkway was brightly lit as fish swam every which way.
Isuka was in awe as sharks swam past schools of fish scurried along out of there way.
“Daddy! Look!” Tama explained excitedly.
“Oh look at that, it's a reef shark! Oh got to take a picture for uncle Thatch, those are his favorite!” Ace said as he took out his phone and handed it to his daughter.
She giggled as she stood on her toes holding the phone above her struggling to take the picture. Ace quickly grabbed her around the waist and hosted her on his shoulders. Tama squealed at the action but smiled and was finally able to get the picture before the shark ducked out of sight again. Tama gave back Ace his phone, but he kept her on his shoulders as they continued further down the corridor. The freckled man kept his grip on her legs as she pointed, and gasped at every that passed by the viewing glass.
Isuka’s heart swelled at the tender-hearted display she was witnessing, just seeing the giant smile on Ace’s face was enough to make her emotional. Even after five months of dating she had known the man for a little over a year. Ace was a complicated soul that had a bright personality, but he could never clearly understand why people stuck around him.
He had gotten better over the years after meeting Whitebeard, but it had taken months to break through his outer layers. Ace was kind and straight forward; he didn’t like beating around the bush. Which Isuka understood especially with how he grew up which wasn’t with the greatest conditions.
Not that Isuka’s own childhood was great, having your entire town engulfed in flames and being the only survivor was traumatizing. Isuka had been raised by the military basically and had learned the truth. Even after years of leaving them she was still plagued with the nightmares of that tragic day. Isuka was better now after seeing a therapist, but time did not heal all wounds so fast. Her hands were once such a factor both scarred from that same fire.
For a long time Isuka had been ashamed of the scars, hiding them behind leather gloves all day every day for years. It was after she left the navy that she felt a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The doctor finally embraced the flaw and rarely hid them anymore; the only downside was the burns along the knuckles of her dominant hand. The burns were more severe so it ached more often than she liked admitting.
Isuka flexed her right hand on instinct as she trailed behind her lover as his aflutter attitude was infectious.
They decided to take a break in between some of the exhibits to have lunch. Isuka took a seat at one of the cafeteria tables and waited for the other two to join her. Looking around, Isuka noticed that there were more people here than this morning. It seemed that the afternoon may be busier than she originally thought. This worked in their favor as they could easily get the other sections done before it became too packed.
The sound of plastic sliding on wood got her attention as Isuka turned her head to see Tama taking a seat. She smiled at Isuka who returned with a soft smile looking up as she saw the figure of Ace walking towards them. The brunette’s arms were full of food containers. The sight was ridiculous and made her snort because of course nothing ever escaped that man’s stomach.
Ace let out a grunt as he sat down with his containers stacked in front of him. From peeking at the labels it seems he hit every food stand in the facility.
“You got everything you wanted?” Isuka asked, amusement in her voice as Ace looked at her, his face already stuffed with food.
He swallowed and smiled sheepishly at her while scratching his head with a rare embarrassment to his facial features.
“Mmm yeah you know me. Got to try everything.”
“Oh, I know.” Isuka humored him, before turning back to her own food which consisted of onigiri and a container of mixed fruit.
Taking a bite of the rice she looked up to see Ace open the first container. It seems to contain some kind of fried food as he tore a chunk of it off. Isuka took a glance over to Tama who was happily eating what looked like a baked macaroni and cheese with a cut up apple on the side.
No real conversation happened for the next several minutes as they were all engrossed in their own food. A few comments were thrown out but otherwise the only sound came from Ace who was devouring everything in his path.
A satisfied sigh left Tama as she sat back in her seat and wiped her mouth. The image alone had Isuka smiling softly at the pure cuteness. Tama was an interesting child whose beginning hadn’t been the greatest. It shined through sometimes in her mannerisms.
Isuka took another bite of her food as her chin laid in her open hand on the table as she watched fondly as father and daughter interact. Even if by blood Tama was not Ace’s, they were very much alike in so many ways. Ace smiled at her as he patted her head before finishing piling his empty containers together.
“Are you guys ready to go?” Isuka asked, and she stood up gathering her own trash.
“Yeah!” They both said simultaneously.
Isuka nodded as she walked towards the trash bins, the other two not far behind. After dumping her garbage she waited off to the side. Checking her phone she saw two new messages, one from her work group chat and then another from her kendo sparring partner.
Isuka clicked the phone closed for the moment; she would respond to them later.
A tug on her pant leg made the redhead look down to see Tama looking up at her expectedly with her hand reaching out. Isuka rolled her eyes but grabbed for her smaller hand. Tama squeezed her hand which Isuka returned as they walked off to the tropical section of the aquarium.
The walk through of the next part was pretty uneventful except for another touch tank. Also spending way too much time watching more sharks swim about. When they finally arrived at the Arctic section, Tama quickly ran off towards the glass windows.
“Guessing she found the penguins,” Ace said, as he came to stand beside Isuka.
“Seems to be that way,” Isuka replied, reaching for Ace’s hand which he took. “Come on, let's go see,” Isuka added, as Ace took the lead towards her.
The wintery backdrop was blinding on the otherwise dim room. Isuka squinted her eyes at the bright light. The area expanded the entire wall for the creatures to roam and swim in the large pool pressed up against the glass. Tama gasped as she turned to look at them both and pointed as a penguin swam by the window.
“Look! There are so many of them! So cute.” Tama gushed.
Ace hummed as let go of Isuka’s hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. He pulled her until she was tucked in beside him, Ace’s warm presence surrounded her.
“Thanks for today,” Ace muttered, Isuka looked up at him confused.
“For what exactly?” Isuka questioned.
He watched Tama as he spoke. “It’s the one year anniversary of Pops’s passing and I know you didn’t know but still.” Ace paused, biting his lip before releasing it. “I needed the distraction and this was a good idea. So…...thanks.”
Isuka was silent for a while. She wasn’t sure what to say if she was honest. Time really did seem to fly. It seemed like only yesterday that the turf war had happened. Despite being a well respected gang, the Whitebeards were still in fact criminals. So fights were commonplace unlike other easily forgotten ones; this one had caused an all out showdown with the Blackbeard gang. Somewhere in the midst of it all the government got involved resulting in the death of Whitebeard and severely injured Thatch, Ace, and Luffy who just barely survived.
Isuka reached her left arm out and wrapped it around Ace’s waist. It wasn’t much, but for the moment it was the only thing she could think to do as a form of comfort. No words were spoken as they both watched the five year old enjoy herself. The rest of the enclosure was mostly spent in silence, all three lost in their own little world. Isuka didn’t even register the hand waving in front of her face; blinking she saw Ace looking at her with an unreadable expression.
“You, good Isu?” Ace asked.
Isuka hummed as she took in their surroundings. They were in the gift shop it seemed. Her brown eyes traveled around the shop. They honed in a section of plush stuffed animals. Isuka walked over to them, admittedly grabbing for a seal. The soft grey fur squished in her hand as she cupped it and brought it closer, both hands clutching it this time.
Ace had followed her watching the redhead’s face closely; her expression was blank as she stared at the toy. Her fingers squeezed the seal making its face scrunch up, before going back to normal as she released the pressure.
Ace sighed as he leaned down and kissed her head softly; his touch lingered for several seconds before heading off to where Tama was. Isuka didn’t mean to be like this, silent and unresponsive, but old habits linger she supposed.
The sadness that came over her was overwhelming, but she didn’t feel the urge to cry. Isuka had been close to some of the members of the Whitebeard’s besides: Marco and Deuce before she met Ace. So just thinking how hard today was for all of them just made her sadder.
Isuka put the seal back on the shelf to where it was snuggled between its brethren as she turned to look for her companions. Ace was currently at the register with Tama clinging to his pant leg with a beaming smile on her face. Ace handed the stuffed penguin to his daughter and smiled as she hugged it close to her. He looked up to lock eyes with Isuka, and he gave her an unsure smile. Isuka didn’t blame him after her odd behavior, but she smiled back softly making his shoulders relax.
Ace pulled off his orange beanie and ran a hand through his wavy hair as they made for the exit. Such a bright color compared to the black and dark greys he was wearing. Isuka thought it suited him well though, the color of fire suited the dancer well as he pulled her close again. Isuka puffed out a breath at the sudden impact of his side hitting her own.
“Idiot.”
Ace hummed and squeezed her waist as they made their way out of the building. The sun was just starting to descend from the sky as they made their way towards Ace's car. All three stood in front of the convertible, and a feeling of melancholy was in the air. No one wanted to say goodbye as they didn’t know when the next time they could spend a whole day together like this. With both parties having grueling schedules, it was hard to be able to spend more than an hour together.
Ace stopped by the hospital a few days a week to have lunch with her, but more often than not they only got together for an actual day together every other week. It worked for them, but they still craved that feeling of being in each other’s lives constantly. Isuka of course thought of just going to his house but he had Tama and she just wanted to sleep half the time so she usually went home after a long shift.
“Well, today was a lot of fun, and I hope we can get together again soon.” Isuka began, looking down as she ruffled Tama’s hair.
“Yeah, soon Isu please.” Tama pouted, Isuka smiled at her.
“Of course.”
Isuka looked up at her boyfriend who had a soft look of longing in his grey eyes. The dying sun’s rays reflecting off his skin making him look like a burning fire surrounded him. She loved that look because it was one he expressed so rarely, and her heart ached in a way she could not describe. He really was so beautiful, and Isuka wished he saw it more often than not. Stepping forward Isuka’s fingers fisted into the lapels of the leather jacket, she pulled on them as Ace leaned down.
Ace’s lips were warm and soft against Isuka’s own as he kissed her softly. He had always been a good kisser, but every time they kissed it felt completely new and foreign and made Isuka craved his lips on her in any way possible. Not wanting to get out of hand in the feverish fantasy, she released him with an exhale before burying her face in his chest.
Warm arms wrapped around her as Ace held her close to him, his face tucking into her shoulder. His familiar scent of firewood and salt water was comforting as they clung to one another. Isuka had learned pretty early on in their budding friendship that Ace craved to touch and preferred acts of service as his love language. So this lingering touching was normal for them especially when they went their separate ways.
After several minutes Isuka finally pulled away and sighed as she scratched up under his beanie into his hair as he groaned.
“I know. I don’t want to let go yet either, but I have to get going.” Isuka said reluctantly.
Ace sighed as he lifted his head, taking the hand from playing with his hair bringing it to his mouth and kissing the palm of it instead.
Isuka’s face was red as her hair from the display as Ace looked at her eyes half closed as he let her hand go. Isuka’s hand grabbed onto her shirt and crinkled the fabric from the tight hold she had on it, her entire body burning. Her heart was racing in her chest, it felt as if she had just run a marathon. Curse that man. Ace had such an intense way about him, and it always got to her in the best and worst way possible.
The doctor sighed as she finally felt her heart settle and put her hand down and shrugged off her backpack. She got her car keys and pulled the bag back before meeting both pairs of sad eyes
Isuka looked down at the keys in her hand clutching them tightly; she loved them both so much, and she was willing to make sacrifices for them.
Isuka smiled to herself as she looked back up at them. “I know originally I wasn’t supposed to see you until next week but why don’t we go out for lunch tomorrow? Yeah?”
Isuka watched as Tama’s face split into a huge smile as she ran at her grasping onto her waist. She grunted from the impact as Tama giggled when Isuka tried to get her balance back only to be trapped between another set of arms. Her face was buried into the dancer’s chest, tilting her head up she met with another just as bright smile. Her face was burning again as she gave in and hugged him back.
Getting scolded by her superiors and colleagues would be worth it if she was a little distracted for tomorrow. Because for the first time in several years she felt at peace with her past and her future.