Fandom (One piece: Ace x Vivi) Princess and piracy {ClOsEd}

[Kaiju Cat]

Ace isn’t meant to be a conflict resolution type of man unlike his pops with his infinite wisdom and experience in both areas. He could take so much crap from the prince before his temper started to flare, but fortunately for him Vivi stepped in before things got out of hand. “ Eh, I’m not good at conflict resolution or understanding political stuff, sorry.” He’s just a pirate. He kept close, the anger ebbing away though his frown was still there. “ My pops is better at this than I am given his experiences and wisdom,” He said that under his breath worried someone was listening to their conversation. “ I thought I was the one who agreed to all of this, but exploring the gardens sounds good. We both could use some fresh air.” He sighs, his shoulders and his chest weighed down. Ace fell quiet knowing once the ball is over he’s free and back to hunting Teach again, but that means he won’t see Vivi again. He wants to say something that’s been weighing on his mind for ages. He bit his tongue. “ I have to say there’s a certain spice to you, Vivi, you certainly put him in his place.” He chuckles to himself. He set foot in the garden that was basked in the moonlight, the gentle breeze tousling his hair. It felt like a nice night a bit better than being subjected to the prince’s disparaging comments.

“ I get you to have your hands tied because of the political stuff with him, don’t beat yourself up about it..” He didn’t mean to make Scias or anyone jealous of him, or if that’s the reason. “ Briza and Samira are good friends. I know I just met them, they seem pretty awesome.” He moved at a slower pace despite the lingering tension in his heart. Ace fell quiet again as the poison enveloped his mind again. What he didn’t say is how he likes the princess’s fire, practically drawn to it. “ I don’t know what I did to make him jealous of me, is that even the reason, or is he just spoiled like you said?” He doesn’t mean to, which is his charismatic side leaking, annoying him.

He stops in his tracks frowning. “ Vivi..? I only told you a very shortened version of hunting down a former crew mate of mine.” He said in a hushed voice, letting people hear this would be troublesome. He’s not smart, but not dumb to make trouble when things already escalated with the spoiled prince not too long ago. “ I didn’t tell you all the details. He murdered another crew mate in cold blood for his devil fruit, pops reckons he was waiting for a chance for 20 years for a reason to betray us and pops, seeing Thatch holding the Yami-Yami No Mi was the opportunity he was waiting for.” He grits his teeth, at the memory.

 

[hogwartsalumni211]

Vivi couldn't help but blush when he mentioned that there was a spice to her, brushing her blue hair out of her face
"I try not too but sometimes I can't help it, if I see someone act like that I have to step in." Vivi told him "Scias should remember that just because he's a prince doesn't make his subjects any less human than he is. He only has his status because they support him."

Vivi knew that many royals didn't get that, she was lucky that she did. Not everyone was as privy to the weight of their titles as Vivi was, she understood her role and didn't like to abuse it like some other people did.

Vivi did note Ace slowing down and she could see that something was weighing on him, what was wrong? Had she done something or had Scias's words stung so badly?
"Yeah he's jealous," Vivi said simply "He's not the center of attention and the most desirable guy at the party so he's trying to take it out on you unfortunately. He should be though, you're a better person than he'll ever be and his status and money can't buy that."

Vivi found herself blushing again when she realized she'd spoken out loud and before she could sputter out an apology it seemed he had more pressing matters on his mind as he confessed about the real reason for him running around searching for Teach and Vivi immediately felt saddened for him.

"I'm so sorry," She said softly she couldn't imagine someone doing that to their friends, waiting twenty years to find an excuse to turn on your comrades it brought up a swirl of emotions it made her mad, sick, and sad all at once especially for Ace having been the one who was betrayed and all for a devils fruit no less.

"Is that why you don't have any of white beard's other men with you?" Vivi asked him "So you can get revenge?"

 

[Kaiju Cat]

“ You understand your privilege not many royals do.” He pointed out. Helping her for the first time as her guide to Yuba had given him that impression of Vivi. It's a good impression of course. All his tension melted away as he spoke to her that feeling of confessions only is growing, but the poison and she’s a royal made him bite his tongue. Fraternizing with him surely will label her as a traitor to the world government, a thing he’s sorely against. Indeed, he has morals despite the pirate label thrown on him. “ You also care for the interests of your people, not many royals do. You facing that revolt head on is a bigger example than there’s Crocodile.” It was his turn to blush, his cheeks dusted pink. He chewed his power lip, having heard it so many times. “ E-eh you should thank Makino, without her lessons I would’ve been a wild, feral child raised in the jungle, and that’s a whole other story growing up.” He tugged at his clothing and the fabric was light. He felt a habit because he dislikes himself too much. Quickly Ace retracted his hands.

His jaw tightened, “ Yes, they’re against me going. I can’t let this go, do you know the last thing Thatch told me the day before he died? He wanted a family of his own.” Thatch would have to find someone for him to love. There was anger in his voice, and bitter over the way his good friend lost his life.

On the other end of the garden, Smoker along with Taishigi moved in Ace’s and Vivi’s direction. He got a brief report over the Den-Den Mushi of pirate activity; his search led him to Scias’s castle. He disliked the tone of the prince that he took with him over their conversation, acting as if he’s beneath the royal. Smoker would likely dislike the spoiled prince in person, but a job is a job. Who is dumb enough to tie themselves to a royal? He kept on walking until Ace stepped under the moonlight, tonight is a full moon. Seeing Ace explained everything down to being a moron for getting too close to Vivi, who stepped closer after him. “ Fire-fist Ace I had my suspicions it’s you. Let’s cut to the chase, you’re gonna come quietly or do it the hard way, your choice.” He reached for his cigar, doubting a pirate would come quietly, their devil fruits would be a problem. Like hell he’s going to let Ace go.

Ace’s insides grow cold seeing Smoker is bad, really bad and he’s not alone. He brought his partner, the swords woman with him. “ Like hell I’d give myself to you.” He hisses, getting ready to use his Mera- Mera No Mi. He’s sorry, but getting arrested isn’t on his agenda he moved to fight Smoker. The problem is Taishigi is fast, but he dodged her attack. He could see smoker coming for him.

 

[hogwartsalumni211]

Vivi felt terrible for Ace, his friend having died in such a tragic way and at the hand of someone they'd trusted. Vivi however didn't get the chance to bring it up though as Smoker's voice called out to them and the Princess felt that sinking pit in her stomach. Smoker was one of the only marines that really knew what had happened in Alabasta she should have expected that he'd be close behind Ace but it hadn't been considered when protecting Ace. but the fight breaking out was going to cause problems as Tashigi went after Ace she saw the Captain go to make his own strike and Vivi acted quick on her own stepping in front of Ace with her arms outspread protectively as she glared at them

"Stop!" her voice ever the commanding one of a princess as she refused to back down after all, this was her fault she'd been the one who put him in this position and he needed to be able to get back to his crew. Vivi didn't like that Ace was after revenge but maybe his crew could still talk him out of it but for now she had to focus on making sure it was possible for him to do so even if that meant standing up to the marines.
"He's not here to do any harm, Please give us a moment to explain."

Pell had come looking for the two wondering what was taking so long and of course was just in time to see the spat that had started, he recognized the Captain and that worry about the Princess's plan came full circle as he hurried to them

"Princess," He called only to hear her words as she stood between Ace and the Marines stunning even Pell into silence for a moment as he looked between the Marines and the Princess, if they moved he would too. Pell owed Cobra much and his loyalty to the Princess and her father came above anything else but from what he could see it didn't look like she needed any help at least not for the moment.

"Ace was one of the pirates who helped to save Alabasta Kingdom just like Straw hat and both of you. I put him up to pretending to be my bodyguard to stop him from getting into trouble with Prince Scias to repay him for his help, if you arrest him now it'll cause conflict with Alabasta and Gatee and could possibly wipe out what's left of the country you just helped to save." Vivi told them looking between Tashigi and Smoker she noticed Pell who also stood ready to act how Vivi needed.

"Please, I'm not asking you to go against your duty in chasing down pirates, I know that's out of my control but if you have to go after Ace please at least wait until after the ball and you three can sort it out then." Vivi glanced back at Ace she wanted to apologize she felt like she was using him again and that wasn't her intent at all she hoped he knew that "Right now Ace is only here to protect me and play along as a guard until we can get him out of here without political conflict and I'll take whatever punishment is needed for aiding a pirate if necessary. All I'm asking is that you give it two nights"

 

[Kaiju Cat]

Sort it out with Smoker? She must be kidding, he bit his tongue a little offended. He watched Vivi talking down the captain from causing an incident. Ace’s stomach is in not knots despite Vivi bravely standing up to Smoker and Taishigi. “ What she said is true, I did have a hand in saving the country.” Like his kid brother as well. He looked between Vivi and Smoker sort of hoping he’d back down and let this go for now. “ Yes, I’m acting as her bodyguard, that's all.” He could feel tensions rising so hopefully Vivi did her job.

Taishigi is a marine, but not without a functioning brain in her head she looked to her partner. “ Maybe we should consider?” It won’t change the fact they’ll still be chasing pirates, not their duty to the world government, creating an international conflict isn’t on her list of priorities.

Smoker stared at Vivi, weighing her words in his mind. A conflict isn’t something he necessarily wanted, but Ace is a pirate, it’s his job to arrest them. “ You will be labeled as a traitor and arrested, you know that very well.” He knows the news of her betrayal would stir up conflict in Marineford; he could see the news being all over the world. “ You might be charged with aiding her.” He spared a glance at Pell, crossing his arms, considering throwing everything away and arresting the three, but he’s not stupid. Smoker isn’t dumb to cause an unnecessary conflict if he could avoid it all together. “ I can only give you two days, but nothing else, what happens after that isn’t in my control.” He started walking with Taishigi in the direction that they came from.

Ace’s shoulders relaxed as soon as Smoker and Taishigi left, his breathing returned to normal. “ I don’t think I can sort things out with him, I’ll try but no promises.” Ha! he doesn’t trust Smoker with the exception of Garp. Garp is a whole new can of worms. It's complicated with him. “ But you saved me again.. thank you.” He turned to hide his face, once again the poison seemed to creep its way back although his face was dusted pink. Ace didn’t know what came to him he moved to the balcony just staring at the moon, a gust picked up, which played with his dark hair. He isn’t sure how to process the idea people would put their lives on for him. He felt that underlying insecurities he knows why.

 

[hogwartsalumni211]

Vivi nodded in understanding with Smoker, she knew that from the start
"I know. But I have a debt to repay this man for helping to save my people and I can't let that go unpaid." Vivi told him when Smoker turned to Pell, Pell simply nodded

"I do as the Princess asks of me, if she were to ask to burn the world I'd light the match same as you with your superiors." Pell told him their jobs weren't so different just their loyalties were. but in the end Smoker seemed to listen to reason, Vivi let a small smile cross her face and she nodded finally standing down and lowering her arms
"That's all I ask, thank you." Vivi said ever grateful that Smoker was one of the more reasonable marines she'd seen her fair share of the ones that weren't so reasonable. Vivi looked to Ace and smiled

"I asked him to work it out not you, I'm more hoping you'll get a head start on the run" Vivi told him with a small laugh she could feel her heart racing from the tension, she'd never understand how she managed to find the words to diffuse those situations sometimes whether it was what she said or what her status said that did the trick but whatever it was this time she was grateful.

Vivi saw the way he blushed and offered a sweet smile in return
"It's alright you'll just have to save my country again." Vivi joked with a laugh and even Pell seemed to relax in that moment knowing everything was alright at least for now

"I had been coming to warn you that Prince Scias's father had hired more security with the rumor that pirates were in the area, it appears I was just a second too late." Pell said as he approached the two of them looking between Ace and the princess, both a little flushed and he could see the start of that little spark there. Igarham would have a field day if he figured it out but then again he thought every man was out for the Princess's heart so this would be no different though it was fairly new to see the Princess harboring the same flame so to speak.

"That's alright so long as we got it all sorted for the moment," Vivi said she then turned to look to Ace "Maybe we should hide in the suite for a while? if there are more marines crawling around I doubt they'll be as considerate as Smoker was."
Vivi was disappointed that they wouldn't get to wander and she wouldn't get to show him more of the grounds, particularly since the palace grounds were as far as she was able to explore she never got to explore the rest of the city except those little glimpses she got when they were travelling from the harbor to the palace. She'd tried in her childhood to sneak away to explore but Scias was whiner even back then and always told on her plus she always wanted to be on good behavior to avoid problems for her father.

 

[Kaiju Cat]

Ace was grateful the spat had been smoothed over. He had to hand it to Smoker, who was more reasonable than most marines, not many of them are like that. His anxiety ebbed away and this lifted his spirit somewhat. “ Maybe we can explore the garden together later?” He said, offering the idea, noticing her disappointment, he wouldn’t mind after all he's an adventurous type of guy having Vivi for company isn’t any different, just a welcoming sight. He leaned closer to her, “ If you like we can explore the outdoors.” He proposes the idea, figuring she’s got the same love for adventure as him. It’s a breath of fresh air to know someone who shares the same hobbies as him. A smile crept up his face just thinking of sharing something he enjoys for being raised in the jungle. Nothing gets him going then a campfire and a cup of booze, maybe Vivi will get her first experience with the life of piracy. “ I guess we can hide in the suite.” He let her lead the way first. With the ball coming the truth of his origins weighed on his mind no one knows he’s Roger’s son, just Ace.

He isn’t jumping for joy telling her too many conflicting emotions. “ So, there’s gonna be dancing at the ball, right? I’m sorry in advance if I ever step on your toes.” He isn’t too much of a dancer, at least not in a ballroom setting type of environment. He could for some lessons though it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The imagery of Vivi in an evening finery made him blush and found himself deeply attracted to that, not just Vivi’s fire, expecting he’ll have to dress to the nines. Thinking of her made that poison creep again, thinking there’s no way they’re meant for each other. “ I’ll show you the ways of piracy in exchange like the straw hats.” He offers, meaning every word of it.

Those conflicting thoughts seem to bug him. “ I never thought I'd have someone jealous of me, much less a royal.” He doesn’t think that he’s worth something. According to Vivi, he’s a better person than Scias. It didn't stop his face from turning a deep pink. He scowls trying to hide them, they seem to make his freckles pop. “ Eh, have to say Samira and Briza aren’t bad, wonder if I’ll see ‘em again.” A light bulb seemingly illuminated his head with an idea he’s sure Vivi would like. He moved closer hoping to keep his words out of Pell’s earshot. “ How about instead of the garden we head out of the palace. I take you to a bar?”