PC: ACE 💀

[resumed]

Comments

[selfimmolation]

Haha, yeah... [ sort of fond ] She really was saddled with a lot 'cause of the old man.

[resumed]

I guess I can't say much about it. Chiron and Mr. D have to watch after a lot of us every summer and some throughout the whole year. I think there's a lot they've just sort've turned a blind eye to because it's easier than dealing with it. [ but... ] When did you last see her anyway?

[selfimmolation]

[ he's pausing there looking blankly at nothing for a bit like he legitimately can't remember ]

When I set sail. That was... [ why can't he remember. ] She didn't come see me off, but I left her a message. I think. [ he plays with the beads around his neck ]

[resumed]

[ oh the swiss cheese... ]

...sounds about right. She probably got it when she was supposed to. [ neutrally. ] You didn't set sail that long ago right?

[selfimmolation]

Last... year? No. [ he rubs at his face ] I was seventeen. We promised we'd go at seventeen.

[resumed]

[ the soup is concerning... ]

That sounds about right from what you said. It's not a bad age to leave either. You're old enough to make decisions about where you want to go and what you want to do.

[selfimmolation]

... Yeah. Luffy left too, right? [ he should not be checking in about that with nico but it's fine don't question it ]

[resumed]

Yeah, I think a few years later? He's going to be king of the pirates. You remember that?

[selfimmolation]

[ actually looks offended at that question ]

Of course I do.

[resumed]

[ a grin. ]

Just making sure. Call it a trick question.

[selfimmolation]

He's been saying it since before I met him. If I start forgetting that, we're in real trouble.

[resumed]

Big dreams for a kid. [ wild as shit. ] But I'll use that as a baseline for your memory.

[selfimmolation]

It's not that bad... mostly... [ head lilting a little ]

[resumed]

[ shaking his head. ]

I think you might be in need a nap, personally.

[selfimmolation]

[ there's a weak laugh, but... ]

Probably.

[resumed]

[ where even are we. god. anyway he's gently nudging ace like "go lay down." ]

I can hang out until you wake up and we'll make sure you get back to Nimona.

[selfimmolation]

[ i have no idea but ace kind of shakes his head ]

I don't want-- I'm fine. I don't need to sleep. [ it's thursday he aint planning on sleeping!!! ]

[resumed]

Then at least rest a little. You don't have to call it sleep.

[selfimmolation]

... I will. [ he sounds so sulky about it ] But we're getting locked in soon anyway.

[resumed]

I know. We're gonna grab some stuff and meet you back where everybody else is staying so we can be together.

[selfimmolation]

... Promise?

[ :T ]

[resumed]

Dude, where else would we even go?

[selfimmolation]

I don't know. [ said after a bit of hesitance because part of him wanted to go "offline" but 1) he doesnt. even know what that means 2) nico is....not..... an ai... anymore? ] You're right.

[resumed]

[ ...hm. ] I'll be here as long as you want me to be. I can promise you that much.

[ until curfew happens and they all get split up anyway :( ]

[selfimmolation]

[ hums a little ]

I like having you around. [ there's a little touch because he likes it for two reasons right now which is he likes nico and also knowing nico is there physically helps with. realizing this shit wasn't real it's fine it's fine they get separated anyway!! ]