PC: ACE 💀

[resumed]

Comments

[resumed]

[ this is about what he thought, yeah. ]

It wouldn't necessarily have to just be that. There are methods to look into. [ ... ] But it's...no pressure. I just thought...if you ever wanted.

[ it would feel shitty not to try, is all. ]

[selfimmolation]

I...

[ it's not like he wants to be dead, is the problem. he's accepted it, he's okay with it, but.

does he even deserve to think that but? ]

I'm not... saying no outright. But...

[resumed]

...it's a decision that requires a lot of time and thought. And not one to be made lightly. [ he doesn't seem offended. ] But no matter what you say about yourself, Ace, I'm always going to think it was unfair to you. My mind won't change on that.

[ which is something since death isn't exactly about what is and isn't fair. but maybe he just relates a little too much. ]

[selfimmolation]

... The world isn't fair, Nico. [ least of all death. but: ] If I can't ever go back to him, I'll always regret living like that.

[resumed]

I know. [ of course he knows. ] ...you mean back to Luffy, right?

[selfimmolation]

... Yeah. I promised.

[ he promised a lot of things he won't ever get to do, but, also-- how he's supposed to ever face sabo in the afterlife if he abandoned luffy just so he could live

note: sabo is not even dead ]

[resumed]

[ ... ]

I don't want to promise anything, but I don't want to not try either if I can. [ it's what it boils down to. ] I understand where you're needed.

[selfimmolation]

[ well. he doesn't know about needed. he's fine dying because luffy has his crew and will be alright without him, he's just not fine leaving on purpose. it's... different. he is not saying that. ]

I'm not going to tell you not to try.

[resumed]

[ there's a nod...and he sighs a bit. ]

I'm already looking into something for someone else, too. It's not like it's extra work, and...I don't mind doing these things for friends.

[selfimmolation]

... I get that. [ he sounds sincere on that part ] But you get why I can't take that sort of thing for granted, right?

[ they have very unfortunate things in common. ]

[resumed]

Of course I do. [ because they have very unfortunate things in common. ] I just...want you to know you're worth the second thought. That's all.

[selfimmolation]

[ ... ]

Thanks, Nico. [ he looks a little flustered but his grin's sincere even if he didn't like. actually agree with it ]

[resumed]

Don't thank me for that. [ gently tsun. ] ...but anytime.