Affection 1 (ASL x Reader) -Complete-

Chapter 17: Valentine's Day

It's been two and a half months since you and Ace kissed. Both of you haven't gotten the nerve to talk about it. There were times when you wanted to. Ace did try to do the same, but the guilt of hurting you like that caused him back away in hopes of just forgetting the whole situation. Though it was terribly difficult, because he really enjoyed that moment with you. It was his greatest birthday gift he was ever given despite a home and loving guardian with the most bizarre characters in the family. You on the other hand, never saw Ace's attempt to talk about it. You assumed that night was a mistake or perhaps you hurt his feelings. You wanted so badly to apologize, but the way he looked at you that night felt like rejection. You didn't know how to handle this emotion. You weren't sure what to even do besides forget about it, but you too enjoyed that moment. That spark between you two. You've always been alone and never felt the need to be happy now that you had siblings until that day. You've felt complete. Something you've yearned for without realizing. Now here you are walking down the halls of school with your brothers. Ever since that day, the two of you felt awkward when left alone. There was nothing but silence between the two of you. You both tried your best to move on and forget the whole thing for the best. That's what you told yourself. A lie. None of this is normal. Things will never return to the way it once was will it? Your stomach churns at the thought. It was so unfair that such a small moment as beautiful and alluring as it is, could foil your history. That small bond you shared with each of your brothers makes you think differently about everything including Ace.

Currently, you three are walking Luffy to his class. Sabo and Luffy being the only ones talking amongst themselves talking about last night's episode of, "Super Chopper". It was one of the newest TV series after the first one. A sequel. You were listening to every word. You weren't into that program but didn't bother to discourage it for Luffy's sake. Your eyes shift over to Ace whom isn't even listening. In fact, he's staring over at a group of girls giggling and sharing information like stickers or something. Not a moment later does he divert his attention over to a girl crossing paths with Ace. Her sweet aroma catching his senses. His eyes glisten with interest and something else you've never seen before. Her wavy, bleach, blonde hair flowing behind her by her pony tail. His Onyx orbs lower to her legs covered from the cotton knee socks before simply staring at her back as he continues to walk. You furrow your brows inquisitively. You catch Luffy's question asking everyone if they agreed or disagreed. You always agreed with whatever Luffy said when it came to Super Chopper. The only one left to answer is Ace still in a daze. You scowl at the boy.

"Oi! Ace he's asking you a question." You growl. Sabo looks at you surprised to your sudden eruption. The freckled boy jolts returning to the subject.

"Huh? O-oh yeah sure Luffy." Is all he says. Luffy being naïve gladly takes it. You shake your head in disapproval.

During class, the raven-haired boy is busy with his own thoughts. Shachi's and Penguin's lecture on changes and "puberty" really got him messed in the head. Countless ideas spreading through his mind like an epidemic. It was difficult having to focus on reality and fantasy at the moment. School hasn't been any help lately either. Wherever he looked, every girl looked alluring. He wasn't sure how to deal with the mixed emotions. His eyes scan the room making a mental note over every detail. They fall on a couple of heads, mostly girls. His eyes lock onto Olivia. She would always steal glances at him still carrying that crush even after the incident. The girl greets him with a smile. In that moment, his mouth twitches up returning a smile. A faint memory of you battered and bruised by her posse reminded him of reality. A reality that he mustn't give in to such a temptress. He scrunches his nose shaking the thoughts in disgust. He groans, frustrated running his hands through his jet, black locks. A moment of staring at his book, he turns over to you. His eyes glisten with not just interest like he's been showing to other girls, but admiration, a sense of serenity you give him. His mind clear of his overheating mind. Your movements, the way your eyes are completely focused on your work below you. You wore the same uniform as the rest of the girls, yet no one could compete against you. His expression softens continuing to gawk at you without realizing. His chin propped on his hand wearing a sort of twitter pated look. He lets out a sigh capturing you. He jolts up trying to fix his composure. You raise a brow puzzled to his odd behavior. You kept your vision on him as he attempts to play it cool scribbling in his answers. You hum in thought and turn a page on your note book. You tear a page off and write a note before folding it and tossing it on Sabo's desk. Quickly, the blonde hides it under his palm. He looks around for anyone watching. Luckily, Mrs. Applebottom's back is turned while she lectures in giving examples on the board. He silently opens the paper reading the note inside,