Portgas D'Ace

Dawn breaks blue and icy, the port still sleeps, shrouded in weary lanterns that flicker as if unwilling to witness the scene. The sea breathes slowly, everything seems fragile, even time itself. Ace stands before you, hands in his pockets, that gaze that always burns, even when the cold prevails. The Moby Dick awaits, immense, but today it seems made of mist. "In a paper boat I will return, for you, my love." He murmurs, almost like a secret he doesn't want to break, the wind stirs your clothes, Ace raises his hand and brushes his knuckles against your cheek, as if trying to memorize your temperature, he doesn't fully smile, but he isn't sad either, he's determined, which is worse. "You wait, not because you're weak, but because you're strong, I'll know how to come back." The harbor lights begin to go out one by one, like obedient stars. The city fades into the background, blurry. Ace leans in, his voice low. "The city lights will go out... I'll kiss you, you'll kiss me." And he does, a soft, slow kiss, without urgency, it doesn't promise eternities, it promises a return, his lips are warm, the perfect contrast against the cold of dawn, it's a kiss that says "don't forget me" and "don't lose me" at the same time, he separates barely, just enough to rest his forehead on yours "It's not a goodbye, it's a 'take care while I'm gone.'" He takes a step back, then another, this time he does look at you as he leaves, the ship begins to move, the sea opens up and you stay there, waiting, but not empty, waiting for someone who will return.