Chapter Text
Silence plagued Ramshackle, a peaceful refrain from the otherwise exhausting week Ace had been suffering through with SDC approaching.
He glanced around the dusty room, his eyes falling on Deuce’s sound-asleep figure. As quietly as he could, he slipped out from the linen covers, tip-toeing his way to the door and praying he didn’t accidentally step on a squeaky floorboard.
After finally making it out, he let out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding. As if acting on instinct, his carefully silent feet made their way to your room. He cracked the door open, peeking to check if you were still awake. Despite the late hour, your tired yet friendly eyes returned his gaze, inviting him in without a word.
Ace closed the door behind him, making his way to your familiar bed. Grim remained sleeping on the edge of the bed, his soft stomach moving up and down gently as he breathed. The mattress dipped under Ace’s weight as he sat next to you, close enough for you to be able to smell hints of cologne that was unmistakably his.
“Hey, Prefect. I’m surprised to see you awake.”
“I could say the same thing. Shouldn’t you be resting for practice tomorrow? I see how tired you get after Vil’s intensive training.”
He groaned, shaking his head. “Don’t remind me… He’s even pickier with the dance moves than Vargas is with our push-up formation.” he paused, turning his focus to you.
The moonlight peeked in past your curtains, illuminating you like a gentle embrace. “Plus, I just couldn’t fall asleep. Seems you couldn’t either.”
Your stare briefly fell to his lips as he talked, their soft curve captivating you. Eventually, you pulled your vision away to the floorboards, an unsure smile cracking against your face. “Well, whatever.” you said, trying to pass it off, “I’ve just been anxious lately. I really want you guys to do well at SDC. You’ve all been doing so much work, and I…”
You paused as you met Ace’s gaze, accompanied by the warm smile on his face that melted your worries away. “I figured as much,” he replied, “You’ve been extra fidgety during the rehearsals, so I’ve been assuming something was up.”
Surprise coursed through you as you gasped in return, “Really?! How’d you even notice? I thought I hid it-”
Ace’s slender finger met your lips, a look of pure dread painting his face. “Shh! If Vil finds us, we’re dead!”
Your eyes darted to the door and Grim’s sleeping form, being all too aware of how quiet the dorm truly was. At that same moment, another realization slithered its way into your mind.
Ace’s thigh was pressed against yours, with his face being so close you could see the individual strands of his enchanting auburn hair cutting across the freckled expanse of his forehead. The absence of the heart usually encasing his eye made the sight all the more enticing, with his eyes being able to shine temptingly on their lonesome.
Paying no mind to your intimate proximity, Ace’s hand slip away from your mouth and to your shoulder instead, pulling you even closer. “Don’t try to hide your worries, Prefect. I’m always here if you need someone to talk to.” he studied your face, keeping note of how your lashes framed your eyes as you looked at him. “Make sure to go to sleep sooner than later, kay? You need your beauty sleep.”
He got up from the bed, stretching just enough to expose the delicate outline of his pelvic lines. “And stop worrying, for everyone’s sake. We’ll win, so there’s no need to doubt it.” he added, his smile never faltering. “See you tomorrow, Prefect.”
As he walked across to the door, the silence of the room carried your hushed whisper to his ears. “…Thanks, Ace. Really. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He grinned, taking his leave and gently closing the door behind him.
Ace slipped into his bed as carefully as he left it, unable to hold back the smile blooming onto his now cheerful visage. He could feel the butterflies swirling around inside of him, the feeling ever so familiar when it came to you.
He could feel his heart beating in his chest, thanking himself that he left your room before he let himself go and do anything he would’ve regretted.
Although, if it was with you, would it really have been a regret?
The thought clouded his better judgement, instead replacing it with a giddy, flowering feeling of his ever fostered affection. He was sure they’d win SDC, no matter what moves the other schools may have up their sleeves. He’d do anything to snag first place. After all, if it meant seeing your smile after the weeks of hard work, anything would be worth it.