It's been a couple of weeks since that night and you find this funny. Why? Because since then, whenever you get near Crocodile, he would always try to get away from you by using his devil fruit or use his Baroque Works agents as an excuse to leave. You've never seen him like this ever in the Shichibukai meetings or out in public, even the agents find this odd to see their boss like this but they decide to not question it.
You knew why but does that side of you damage his pride literally? You sighed and decided to roam around Alabasta since it's been a while since you'd been outside. You change your outfit to something appropriate for the weather and occasion but you never know.
As you roam around the streets of the town, you walk through an alleyway and see a familiar figure. You squinted to get a better view until your eyes widened a little.
"What the hell?" you accidentally said out loud, attracting the attention of the orange cowboy-hatted man.
"Huh?"
He adjusted his cowboy hat as he narrowed his eyes on you then his eyes brightened. He quickly ran across the street and tackled you into a hug.
"It's been so long!! I missed you, (First Name)!!" he said, chuckling while blushing.
You chuckled and patted his head. "I missed you too, little firefly. Although it hasn't been that long since we last met"
"What are you doing out here in Alabasta?" Ace asked.
"I should be asking you that question" you smirked.
You grabbed his arm and looked for some restaurant. "Come on. Let's talk more somewhere else. Im starving"
"Woah, you taking me out on a date? Always thought I'd be the one to ask you" Ace said as he smirked.
You scoffed as you playfully rolled your eyes. "Do you want me to take you out or not?"
Ace nodded vigorously and you smirked. You both finally reached the restaurant and ordered the food. You sat down and Ace took the seat next to you.
"So, how have you been?"
You raised a brow. "That's a pretty weird way to start a conversation"
"Hey!! At least I'm trying!!" Ace pouted. "By the way, I haven't heard about any news related to you lately"
You shrugged. "Who doesn't want a vacation once in a while?"
Soon, your food came and you both started eating. Ace randomly fell asleep and you raised an arm to prevent his face from being smothered by food as you continued eating, not minding other people staring.
"Young lady, get away from him!!"
Ace immediately sprung up and everyone around you screamed.
Ace looked around and said, "Huh? I fell asleep"
"YOU WERE ASLEEP?!"
"Thanks for that, (First Name)" Ace mumbled and then continued eating.
You shook your head, smirked, and continued eating, ignoring everyone's flabbergasted looks. You heard footsteps behind you and ignored them.
"I'm surprised that you had the gall to eat in public; Fire Fist Ace!!"
You looked over your shoulder at your favorite Marine and your grin spread across your lips. "Ah, Smoker, what a surprise to see you here!! Did you miss me already?" You teased out with one eye closed, chuckling.
A red hue fanned across the marine's cheeks at your tone, and an embarrassed scowl spread across his lips. You laughed at his flustered state as you started eating your food when it arrived. He snapped out of it and turned to Ace with a serious gleam in his eyes.
"I'm mostly here for the Straw Hat, but since you're here as well, I'll just have to take you in as well, Fire Fist Ace!!" Smoker stated.
Ace turned around in his seat to face the marine. One of his arms was casually resting on the bar while the other arm was wrapped around your waist.
"But that sounds so boring!! Can't you leave me and (First Name) alone?? I haven't seen my favorite woman for years!!" Ace exclaimed.
"Come on, Ace. We haven't seen each other for a year. Don't exaggerate it" you sighed while he pouted at you childishly.
A growl left Smoker's throat at Ace's tone as his hand traveled to the jitte on his back. Ace tensed at the marine's actions with his arm leaving you, preparing to strike. Before either of them could attack, loud screaming rang throughout the air causing your eyes to widen a little.
"I'M HUNGRY!!" Luffy shouted as he nearly broke the doors down and slammed into Smoker as he was sent flying along with Ace who was in the way through several walls. You already finished your food by then.
"Hey, old man!! Feed me, please!! Bring lots of meat!!" Luffy requested with a cute smile. You started laughing at the scene happening in front of you and Luffy whipped his head around to stare at you before loud laughs escaped his mouth as well.
"Shishishi!! Why are we laughing?" Luffy giggled with a large smile spread across his cheeks.
It was rare for you to laugh so heartily and freely and hearing that now was such a treat to the rubber boy.
"You crashed into someone through the walls over there" You calmed down but still giggled as you got up and walked over to the broken walls where Ace and Smoker were groaning over the pain.
"Are you guys okay? Hope the impact didn't hurt too much"
"Yeah, I'm fine . . ." Ace's figure emerged from the rubble, only to get shoved back by a seething Smoker. "Damn Straw Hat . . ." He growled, his shadowed as he stared down at the oblivious Luffy.
You watched in amusement as the sudden realization hit him and shakily turned his gaze to stare at Smoker, then proceeded to spit food into Smoker's face.
"Bastard . . ." Smoker growled, whipping the mess off his face aggressively.
"Wait just a moment," Luffy said as he shoved so much food into his mouth and swallowed it instantly without chewing.
"Thanks for the meal!!" Luffy shouted as he booked it out the door. You chuckled as you paid for both your meal and Luffy's.
"After Straw Hat!!" Smoker ordered out as his lower half billowed out into smoke to chase after the captain.
"Want to help Luffy out? Even though this might risk you with the Marines" Ace came in, finally out of the hole.
You shook your head. "I don't think so. If you want, you can save him like you always do"
He smirked. "If you say so"
Before he ran, you grabbed his arm and pulled him closer to kiss his forehead causing Ace's face to burn red like a tomato and the flames started appearing on his shoulder.
You chuckled at the sight. "I guess that challenge is considered a win for you??"
"I-" he stuttered to find the right words but you pushed lightly on his back to get on his way.
"Go on, lover boy. Save your little brother" you laughed.
He snapped out of his flustered state and ran in Luffy's direction to save his ass.
"That little firefly is still a hotshot even after he changed so much over the years" you chuckled lightly with your hand on your chin.