A New Journey

Chapter 3: Memories

After the trek through Erumalu, you finally took a break. You didn't expect the tragedy this Kingdom was going through, it seemed like a peaceful country. Then again, it wasn't the first time you've seen a situation like that.

"Hungry...." The Straw-hat boy made a move to sweep off the meat but was slapped by the chef.

"It's still raw, don't be so greedy! It's almost ready, Nami- swan, Vivi- chwan!"

"That looks so good..."

"Back off you idiot!"

"Let us eat already!"

You huffed out a breath, rubbing your hands together. At least the heat of their quarrel seemed to warm up the atmosphere.

"Cold?"

You frowned. You were rubbing your body to the point it got all red, wasn't that obvious enough?

"Sometimes I think you just like to watch me suffer."

He laughed. "If I say I do, would that make me a sadist for you?"

You glared at him.

"Fine, fine. C'mere." Ace opened his arms, a dim orange radiating off the front of his body. "Take off your cloak, you'll get more heat that way."

"Nice try fireboy, you've reached the limit of how many times you can touch me today."

"You were keeping count?"

You got up from beside him, brushed off some sand then sat behind him. You leaned into his back and loosely wrapped your arms around his body. You smiled at the warmth. "Four times, yes."

With an ear pressed against his back, you could hear his muffled chuckle. "So I'm not allowed to touch, but you are?"

"Mhm."

"..."

"..."

"Ace."

"Yeah?"

"Your heart sounds like it just went through a marathon."

"R-Really? I feel just fine."

"..."

"Is it just me or is it getting hot in here?"

"That's just you."

You swiftly pulled away from him when your cloak started to smoke; a small fire at the seams broke out which consumed the fabric seconds later. You took it off and threw it on the sand, watching as it reduced to ash.

"IT WAS YOU, IDIOT!" You yelled at the cowboy. Said man was burning a bright red, flames coming out from his ears. Both of his hands were covering his face.

"I-Is everything alright?" The blue-haired princess, which you now know as Vivi (introductions happened during the Erumalu trek) approached you. You took a deep breath to calm yourself down, not wanting to lash out at the girl.

"Yes. Just an idiot being an idiot."

Vivi let out a muted giggle. She was watching the whole interaction. She saw how Ace's face turned several colors and expressions at your gesture.

"Dinner is ready- L-L-L-LADY!" Sanji turned into a hurricane and zoomed towards you. He stopped at a comfortable distance before presenting the food.

"For the enchanting lady."

"Oh... Thank you." You took the meat and watched as he retreated to give food to the now, more calm Ace. The cook gushed inaudible words, blood trailing down from his nose. Vivi excused herself and went back to Nami, leaving you with Ace again.