Chapter Text
Journal Entry
I’m not proud of how I acted today.
The ship's anchored off a small island — one of those quiet, tucked-away places with narrow streets and colorful markets. The kind of place that smells like grilled fish, spices, and fresh bread all at once. It should’ve been a relaxing day — no missions, no trouble — just a chance to stretch our legs and stock up on supplies.
Ace practically dragged me off the ship. He gets restless on days like this, like he can’t sit still without bursting into flames. I didn’t mind. Walking beside him, listening to him chatter on about nothing in particular — it’s... easy. He makes things easy.
But of course, Ace being Ace, he couldn’t help but draw attention.
It started with a merchant — some young woman selling trinkets and jewelry. She locked onto Ace the moment we passed her stall, smiling wide and leaning just a little too far over the counter. Ace, oblivious as ever, grinned back and let her tie some ridiculous beaded bracelet around his wrist. He didn’t even realize she was flirting. I stood there, arms crossed, watching her bat her lashes like Ace was the most interesting thing she’d seen all year.
Then there was the fruit vendor — another girl, just as eager, practically shoving samples into Ace’s hands. He thanked her with that big, stupid smile of his, and I swear she giggled like a schoolgirl.
It kept happening — every few steps, someone else fawning over him. Women, men, hell, even an old fisherman slapped him on the back and called him son. And Ace just... soaked it all in. Not on purpose — no, he's never been the type to notice when people are looking at him like that. But watching him flash that grin at every stranger who so much as glanced his way — it grated on me.
I knew it was stupid. Ace doesn’t mean anything by it. He’s friendly by nature — warm, open, the kind of person people just... like.
But it still bothered me.
At some point, Ace stopped in front of a stand selling scarves and cloaks, holding one up with this ridiculous grin.
"Hey, Marco! Think this would suit you?" He draped it over my shoulders — bright blue with gold embroidery — and grinned like an idiot.
"Too flashy," I muttered, shrugging it off. I was shorter with him than I should’ve been, and I saw his smile flicker.
He didn’t say anything, but after that, the usual warmth in his steps felt dimmer. He still smiled at the vendors, still cracked jokes, but his gaze kept flicking my way — checking on me.
Later, when we sat on a low wall overlooking the harbor, he leaned against my side — not saying much, just resting there. I should’ve said something then — apologized, maybe — but I didn’t.
Instead, I reached for his wrist and tugged at the bracelet that merchant had tied there. "You really gonna keep this thing?" I asked.
Ace shrugged. "I dunno... figured it looked kinda cool."
"It’s crooked." I adjusted the knot, tightening it just enough to sit right against his wrist. His fingers brushed mine, warm and solid, and when I glanced up, he was smiling — not that easy grin he gave strangers, but something softer. Something real.
"You’re jealous, aren’t you?" he teased, voice low and smug.
I scoffed — told him not to flatter himself — but he just laughed like he knew better.
He’s asleep now, stretched out on my bed like he owns the place. The bracelet’s still on h
is wrist.
I think I’m glad he kept it.