Chapter Text
When Ace originally suggested building a blanket fort, you thought he was joking. You quickly noticed that sparkle in his eyes though and you knew he wasn’t. Ace’s joy was contagious and you found yourself excited at the prospect too.
The two of you locked yourself in the commander’s cabin after stealing extra cushions and blankets from your crew members.
“How big should we make it?” you wondered.
“Very big!” declared Ace excitedly.
You smiled at him and you both started working. You pulled the two mattresses off the bed along with all the covers. Ace had the idea to place his bed vertically against the wall and that is what you went with.
Once that was done, you pushed both mattresses against it on the floor. You threw a couple thin covers over the edge of the bed and pulled them until the end of the mattresses. This way, they hung diagonally from the ceiling all the way to the floor. The fort already had its walls!
“Time to add the cushions!” announced Ace.
The two of you entered the fort through a small opening you had left on purpose, arms filled with pillows. Scattering them everywhere, you didn’t pay much attention as to where you were placing them.
“Okay, now wait here!” ordered Ace before pecking your forehead and leaving.
You took some time to admire your creation as you were waiting for him. It all looked and felt incredibly soft. A few spots that hadn’t left after multiple times being washed could be seen here and there. Overall, the bright white colour of the cloth had tarnished, becoming more of a light grey. You liked it though. The toned down brightness participated to the relaxing feeling of the fort.
A noise was made outside of the blankets and you guessed Ace was back. Before long, his freckled face poked through the entrance.
“Hey there!” he greeted with a warm smile.
You offered him back and he walked in. He was holding two cups in one hand and a plate in the other.
“There you go,” he declared as he offered you one of the drinks.
It was hot cocoa. The sweet smell immediately filled the fort.
You thanked your boyfriend for the gesture and the two of you drank your beverage while snacking.
Once you were done, Ace placed the dishes outside of the blanket fort. When he turned back to you with that adorable smile of his, you couldn’t help but pull him into a tight hug. Ace let out a small laugh.
The two of you laid down between the cushions. Ace was on his back, your face against his chest, his arm securely wrapped around your shoulders and yours around his waist. You felt him peck the top of your head and smiled against his skin.
“This was really fun,” you declared quietly.
“It was,” he agreed. “Thank you for doing this with me.”
Your heart swelled.
“Thank you for offering it,” you responded.
Ace’s chest trembled as he let out a chuckle.
“I love you,” he whispered.
You squeezed him tight as you answered.
Before you could even realise it, your eyes closed. Ace’s slow breathing lulled you to sleep while your mere presence did the same for him. He might fall asleep anywhere, but it was with you that he rested the best.