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"Ma, I told you to leave the watering of the plants to me–" Ace chastised his mom, sounding more worried than exasperated.
"Oh hush you! Your plate is already full with other chores in the house and the shop." His mother, Rouge, turned around to face Ace, watering can in hand still pouring onto a sunflower planted in front of their shop. "Besides, you're about to make some deliveries."
"The plants can wait," Ace said as he loaded their old van with potted flowers and wrapped bouquets, careful not to bend even a single leaf. He can't have the bouquets his mom lovingly made be thrown into the trash—or his face—by fussy customers. He'd give them a knuckle sandwich or two if they do, and that would cause more trouble for them.
"No they can't," his mom argued, finger tapping the air as she made her point. "It will be late in the morning by the time you come back. It's important they get the water they need before the sun is high up."
"Yeah…and that sunflower is already drowning."
"Oh shoot– I'm sorry, little one!" His mom fussed over the now soaked tournesol.
Ace chuckled at his mom's antics. Only she would call a tall plant 'little one'. Much like how she still calls him her 'little man' despite being a foot taller than her now.
"Anyway, I've already recovered so you don't have to fuss about me all the time. I'd feel more like a withered plant if I got nothing to do around here."
"I guess you're right…but don't overexert yourself, okay?"
"Yes, yes. Seriously, you worry too much, son."
"I'm not. You're just hella stubborn, Ma."
"Well, we know where you got that from," Rouge giggled.
Ace bit on a retort and just smirked as he closed the backdoor of the van. He gave his mom a kiss on the cheek before getting in the driver's seat.
Before he could close the door, they saw Makino, one of the bartenders from across the street, remove the hiring sign from the front of the bar.
Ace and Rouge looked at each other, smiled, and nodded knowingly.
"I'll keep an eye out in case someone moves in this morning—" Rouge winked at her son.
"—and I'll check out in the evening how fares the bar," Ace winked back at his mom. "Alright, I really should get going. I'll see you later, Ma."
"Be careful!" Rouge waved at her son through the van window and watched him drive away from their shop.
It took Ace all morning to make the deliveries. Today seemed especially lucky for him as he got more tips from their customers, saying he's a polite and charming young man. He stopped by the Baratie to make his last delivery of the day and ordered a takeout for him and his Ma for lunch.
"Heard there's a new hire in Shakuyaku's bar," Zeff, the owner of Baratie, asked Ace.
"The news travels fast," Ace laughed.
"Sora called your mom to check up on her. Rouge shared the news."
"Thanks for checking up on my Ma," Ace smiled. "We just saw Makino take down the hiring sign, but haven't seen the new hire yet. Could be they changed their minds about hiring."
"Running a business is tough with only few hands at work. It's about time Shakuyaku and Makino get more help in that bar." Zeff handed the bag of takeouts to Ace but pulled it back. "Hell, you should take in more help in your flower shop, too."
Ace laughed. "It's fine, sir. My Ma and I are managing fine. I can do all the work myself."
Zeff huffed and finally let go of the bag. "I'm saying you should enjoy your youth more. Your Ma is a lot stronger than she seems."
Ace knows his mother is a spitfire, with a fighting spirit rivaling Luffy’s. But he can't help worrying for her when her constitution has always been weak. His sworn brothers aside, she's the only family he has left and he doesn't want to lose her, too…
Ace felt a heavy hand on the top of his head, ruffling his hair.
"Com'n now, kid. Don't look so gloomy and serious. I added an extra fish in there for your cat and some tangerines Nojiko brought over."
Ace beamed at the old man and thanked Zeff's generosity.
It was a quick ride from the restaurant back to the flower shop. Ace found his Ma sitting by the counter, snuggling Kotatsu, their chubby floofy cat.
"Welcome back, son!" Rouge greeted, mid-kissing Kotatsu.
"I'm home! Got your favorite!" Ace grinned and raised the bag of takeout.
Rouge beamed. "Mine or Kotatsu's?"
"Yours of course. Tatsu's favorite is the most expensive on the menu…but I got you a fish, boy!"
They moved to the kitchen and told each other about their morning. Ace almost choked from laughing when his Ma reenacted how she had to rescue Tatsu from getting stuck in between the fences of their backyard.
"I told you he's getting chunky. We need to put him on a diet," Ace shook his head, smile still wide on his face.
"But how can you resist his big pitiful eyes?!" His mom exclaimed. "I'm too weak to those cute orbs…" she was now making the same expression Kotatsu does when he wants more food.
"It's for his own good, Ma. He'll be more prone to diseases if he's overweight."
"You're right…" Rouge sighed.
"By the way, has the new hire moved in yet?" Ace asked his mom.
"Oh…I'm not sure. I was keeping an eye on the bar but didn't see anyone come in or out. I don't think I was in the backyard that long to help Kotatsu, but if I was then I probably missed them…"
"It's okay. I'm gonna go to the bar later anyway. I'll let you know how it goes."
After lunch, Ace did the remaining of his chores. He fixed the fence that had to be loosen to free Kotatsu, did some gardening in the yard, and checked up the van for any maintenance.
By night, Ace cooked supper for him and his mom and took a relaxing bath after dinner. He dropped by the kitchen before leaving for the bar to say good night to his mom who was finishing her tea.
"You're not wearing those clothes to the bar," Rouge said with a deadpan face.
"Why? What's wrong with how I'm dressed?" Ace pouted. He was wearing a tank top, his favorite cargo shorts, and a pair of sandals—his go-to outfit whenever he winds down in the bar.
"You look like you're about to go surfing, son. Your aunt Shakky would appreciate it if you fit in more with the ambiance of her bar."
"The bar is only across the street, Ma—"
"—and you're meeting someone new! It's better to give the best first impression, don't you think?"
"Well the impression I wanted to make is 'you mess with these ladies, you mess with me' ," Ace said with a grumpy, serious face.
"Oh my sweet boy, don't go picking up fights already. For all we know, the new hire in the bar is a sweetheart. Just go change to something more…appealing, okay?"
"Fine, but I'm not wearing a suit for them." Ace ran back up to his room.
Five minutes later, he came down to the kitchen wearing an unbuttoned shirt over his tank top and a pair of chunky sneakers instead of sandals. He was still wearing the same cargo shorts though.
"These are my favorite shorts," Ace simply said.
Rouge sighed. "Well, an effort is an effort. My handsome boy can charm anyone with his bright smile at least," she boasted.
Ace looked away from his mom, embarrassed by her compliment, when his eyes caught something on the table.
"What's that for?" Ace asked, gesturing at the bouquet.
"Oh, right! I want you to give this to the new bartender."
Rouge handed the bouquet to Ace. It was a mix of wisteria with blue and white violets. The flowers were wrapped in a similarly colored paper while a white bow held the craft together.
As always, the bouquet his mom made is gorgeous, but Ace knows Rouge doesn't merely combine random flowers.
"What does this bouquet mean?" He raised a brow.
And as always, whenever Ace asks Rouge anything about flowers, she wears her "expert" face. Ace swears if she could pull a pair of glasses out of nowhere, she would.
"I'm glad you asked," she started. "The wisteria is for welcoming them in our neighborhood. The blue violets are for watching over them while the white ones are for taking a chance on happiness."
"I see. So it's our way of saying we got their back and that we wish they find happiness here," Ace smiled as he looked down at the bouquet.
"That's right!" Rouge clapped her hands. "But if they happen to be a jerk, you can say it means we're always watching so they better not make a wrong move and risk their chance of being happy."
Ace laughed at the double meaning of the bouquet. It is so like his mother to use flowers as a threat.
"Well, I better head over there and deliver this. Don't stay up late, Ma."
"I should be saying that to you, young man. Be back before 2 am."
"Geez, I'm an adult now. But yeah, I will."
Ace was only halfway across the street when, already, he heard grunts and glasses breaking from the bar. He rushed to the door and the scene that welcomed him made him almost drop the bouquet.
"Welcome to Pinot Peony!"
In the middle of the bar stood a redhead in a bartender uniform…although she was wearing rather short shorts instead of pants like Shakky, or a skirt like Makino. Her hair was neatly tied in a low bun, but she still wears a thick headband, possibly to keep her fringe out of the way.
Ace would've thought she's very professional when she greeted him, if it weren't for the fact she has two unconscious thugs on each hand, either passed out from too much intoxication or from getting their asses kicked. Not that he didn't find her or the scene amusing. It even made the corners of his mouth twitch up.
"I'm sorry for the mess," the redhead apologized as she awkwardly dragged the 4 unconscious men by the front door. "I'll just be taking out the—"
"—the trash, yeah," Ace grinned while holding the door open for her.
The redhead bowed and thanked Ace for his courtesy. Ace watched as she made her way to the nearest lamppost and plopped the unconscious men under it. When the redhead saw Ace was still waiting by the door, she immediately ran back, which Ace found cute. The redhead thanked him once again.
"Please have a seat where you'll be most comfortable. I'll be there shortly to get your order," she politely told Ace and started picking up a table that obviously fell from the commotion earlier.
Ace put down the bouquet on another table and started helping the redhead with cleaning.
"Oh no, sir! Please, you don't have to—"
Ace chuckled. "It's fine. I'm used to cleaning up messes in this bar anyway. I grew up around here."
The redhead looked quite intrigued by what he said. Ace wondered if his aunt Shakky or Makino told her about him or his brothers. He kinda liked the look of interest she was giving him.
Before either of them could speak again, Makino called and rushed out of the kitchen.
"Isuka, are you okay? I've already called the police— Ace, thank goodness you're here!"
"Makino-senpai, I've taken care of those rude customers. Thank you for calling the cops," the redhead, whose name is Isuka, smiled at Makino.
"Where are they now?" Makino asked, still worried.
"I took them outside because I didn't want them to scare away any more customers..."
"Don't worry, Makino," Ace added, "they're knocked out pretty good so I don't think they'll be going anywhere anytime soon." He winked at Isuka, making the latter laugh subtly.
Makino sighed in relief, although she's still worried what Shakky's reaction would be when she comes back. She mentioned that Shakky left the bar in her care tonight because she'd be out for dinner with her husband.
"Uncle Ray is back home?" Ace asked, more surprised about Isuka touching his hand and stopping him from picking up the shards of broken glasses than what Makino said. "Ma never mentioned that to me." He smiled at Isuka as he watched her pick up the shards with ease with her gloved hands.
"Yes, he is," Makino laughed. "Rouge-san most likely didn't know he's home either. Even Shakky-san was surprised when he popped up."
Ace chuckled. "He must have been proud of himself to catch Aunt Shakky off-guard."
By the time the three of them finished cleaning up, the cops had already picked up the thugs and new customers had entered the bar.
Ace sat by the counter, not forgetting the bouquet his mom asked him to deliver. Isuka immediately came over to him after greeting some guests.
"Thank you for helping us."
"It's nothing. I hardly did anything."
"I'm glad your date didn't have to see the mess earlier," Isuka said, looking at the bouquet.
"What? No—" Ace laughed sheepishly. "This— This is for you." He presented the bouquet to her, holding it with both hands, somehow feeling awkward and conscious when she wasn't reaching out to receive it. "My Ma made it to welcome you in our neighborhood—"
"Oh!" She grabbed the bouquet, well his hands over it, with both hands as if she just figured out she was supposed to take them. "Sorry, I was just too surprised. No one has given me flowers before…Thank you really." Her smile was soft and sincere.
"Heh, I'm just a delivery guy. It's my Ma you should thank." Ace rubbed his nape before standing straight abruptly, remembering he hadn't introduced himself to Isuka.
"My name's Portgas D. Ace by the way. It is a pleasure to meet you," he bowed.
"Why are you being so formal?" Isuka asked, laughing. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Ace. I'm—"
"Isuka. Like the bird, right? I heard your name from Makino earlier.”
"Yes, exactly like the bird,” she chuckled. “Crossbills are not migratory though. I guess you can say I’m the odd one out,” Isuka lightheartedly joked.
“Hey, nothing wrong with doing things differently. I say that makes you brave– special,” Ace smiled at her, confident his words were true.
He didn’t miss the little blush that crept up Isuka’s cheeks, feeling elated himself to get that reaction from her. Not wanting to make her feel awkward and to give her time to compose herself, Ace asked Isuka for a drink recommendation.
“Oh! I recommend ‘Eye Opener’—” Isuka cut herself, pursing her lips in a forced smile. Ace knows this look too well. It’s the same his mom makes whenever she wants to talk more about flowers and bouquets.
“Sounds like a fine drink! Can you tell me more about this cocktail?” He gave her an indulging smile.
Ace thought it was cute the way her eyes sparkled at the chance to talk about her interest. He’d listen to her all night.
“‘Eye Opener’ is a cocktail typically used to lessen hangovers in the morning, but it can be enjoyed during the nights as well. As the name suggests, it gives you energy and ‘opens your eyes’ when you consume it, so it’s perfect for a hardworking man like you–” Isuka suddenly stopped talking.
For a second Ace thought it was because she got embarrassed by the smooth line she just said but then she excused herself and went to the kitchen to get an…egg yolk?
“Sorry, I should have started making your drink instead of rambling,” she apologized as she took out the cocktail shaker, a bottle of rum and other liquors and placed them next to the saucer with the yolk.
“No, it’s okay. I love hearing you talk. It seems to me you really know your stuff and enjoy what you’re doing.”
“I really do! I’m really happy I got this job.”
There’s something about people who look so content with their passion that fascinates Ace. His mom when she takes care of the plants. Zeff when he cooks and serves food in his restaurant. Even Luffy when he sends him postcards of wherever he is in the world. And now he’s seeing the same passion in Isuka as she makes the cocktail she recommended to him. Part of him feels a bit envious, how these people seem to find their purpose in life. Ace wonders if he will too. Maybe Zeff was right? Maybe he already found it, he was just too busy to consider it.
Ace was pulled out of his deep thoughts when Isuka slided the glass of cocktail in front of him.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Isuka asked like a seasoned bartender, thoughtful but not prying.
“I was just thinking how unusual it is to see an egg yolk mixed in a cocktail.” Ace fibbed. “Can’t wait to try it.”
Ace raised the glass and nodded to Isuka before taking a sip. His eyes opened wide. Surprised by the flavor as he put the glass down and licked his lips.
“Good?” Isuka chuckled, proud at the reaction her drink elicited.
“It’s amazing!” Ace took another eager sip. “The flavor is so rich. Is that an orange I taste?”
Isuka nodded. “Good taste buds you got there. It’s an orange liqueur fermented by Shakky-san herself using produce from Cocoyashi Orchard.”
“Huh. I thought they only have tangerines there,” Ace laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed at how Isuka seems to know more about his town than him.
“I’d like to visit it on my day off, and all the other places Makino-senpai mentioned here in town. The orchard, the restaurant–”
“The flower shop across the street?” Ace asked hopefully.
“The flower shop across the street,” Isuka smiled, affirming.
She glanced at the bouquet Ace had given her. “Did you know that cocktails have meanings like flowers do?”
“Yeah? What does ‘Eye Opener’ mean?” Ace asked before taking another sip.
Isuka’s face turned almost as red as her hair, as if realizing she did something embarrassing.
“Isuka?”
“Fateful meeting…” Isuka said in a small voice, eyes not meeting Ace’s. “‘Eye Opener’ means a fateful meeting.”
“Oh…” Ace looked down at his glass, feeling his own face flush. Intentionally or not, Isuka suggesting and making this drink for him makes him feel happy…special. A fateful encounter. They were destined to meet. Ace couldn't hold back a small laugh, making Isuka raise her head and meet his eyes.
“It’s the best drink I’ve had in awhile and it’s definitely the perfect drink for tonight,” Ace gave her a big bright smile.
"I'm really glad you like it, Ace."
She was astounded for a moment, but the way she smiled as she said his name made his heart flutter. Ace wonders how many times he'd find her cute on this night alone.
"Say, if you need a ride or a company touring the town, you can call me. I'm just right across the street."
"You won't make me deliver flowers in exchange, right?" Isuka teased.
"Nah. Only on Mondays," Ace laughed. "But seriously, if you need anything, you know where to find me," he winked at her.
"Thanks, Ace. I'll take you up on that offer."
More customers started coming in the bar and Isuka had to leave Ace to tend to new orders. She chatted with some of them, making sure they're having a great time like a hospitable host. Ace could see how taken they were by her. She's charming and very easy to talk to.
Isuka would sometimes glance his way and smile at Ace, and in turn he'd raise his glass to her, which earns him a quiet giggle. He wished she'd come back to talk to him again soon.
At one point, she came back to him but only so briefly. She picked up the bouquet he gave to her and smiled at him, before taking it to the kitchen. He wonders if she'd make cocktails out of the flowers too, but she came back empty handed before tending to more customers.
Ace ordered a few beers after finishing the cocktail Isuka had made for him, going through them slowly so he could spend more time in the bar. Makino gave him a knowing but concerned smile as she handed him his second pint.
It was about 1:30 am when the people started dwindling. Makino has started cleaning up some of the tables, while Isuka was doing some last calls.
Ace was getting sleepy but his eyes flew open when he saw Isuka approaching.
"Sleepy? You should call it a night." She said, handing him a glass of water.
"Hehe, I'm fine. I've never been more aw—" Ace got interrupted by his own yawn.
Isuka laughed at his sorry attempt to impress, before trying to stifle a yawn herself. How weird it is for a yawn to be contagious.
"I wanted to say goodnight before I go—" Ace said, alcohol making him sound too earnest than usual, his thumb fidgeting to rub the glass of water. "And—and to invite you to lunch with me and my Ma tomorrow."
"Oh! Would it be really fine? I'd love that," Isuka said hopefully.
"Of course! My Ma would love to meet you," Ace assured Isuka, barely holding back the excitement in his voice.
"I would love to meet her and thank her for the bouquet personally."
"You two would get along so well! You're both so passionate about what you do. Why the bouquet she made you has a meaning too."
"Really? I should look it up then so I can impress her," Isuka said, unaware how her words sounded to Ace.
Ace had to mentally shake himself off his assumptions. ‘ She wants to impress Ma but not for you, idiot .’
"You don't have to do that but my Ma would definitely appreciate it."
“I don’t know much about plants but it would be amazing to talk to her about the similarities in the language of cocktails and flowers. Oh! Maybe I can learn how to use flowers in cocktails to make them more meaningful and special.” The way Isuka looked forward to meeting his mom and learning from her made Ace feel warm inside but also a bit–
“You know–” Ace started, “I can make bouquets, too! And if it’s the language of flowers, my Ma tells me about them. I don’t remember all of them and sometimes I mix things up but…” he trailed off, not really knowing what he was going for telling Isuka this.
Isuka smiled like she understood what he was trying to say more than himself. “I’d be very happy to talk about flowers and cocktails with you too, Ace. Let’s learn from each other!” She gave him a bright encouraging smile.
“Yeah…” he managed to say after feeling like his breath had been taken away. “I’d offer to walk you home but I guess you already are.” They both laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, Isuka. I’ll pick you up at noon?”
“Sounds great! I’ll see you tomorrow, Ace. Goodnight.”
“Mm. Goodnight, Isuka.”
Ace left the bar feeling giddy. He was practically skipping until he reached his house, a big smile couldn’t be wiped off his face. He let no one in particular know he was home and was surprised to hear his mom welcome him back.
“Ma– Why are you still up?”
“Oh I just got up to get a glass of water.” Rouge didn’t miss the elation from Ace’s voice and the giddy smile on his face. “Hmm? Looks like someone had a great night,” her voice teasing and a bit probing. “I’m guessing the new bartender passed your vibes, huh.”
“Oh, Ma–” Ace started gushing, “Isuka is amazing! You’re gonna love her.”
“Isuka. What a pretty name!” Rouge giggled, delighted at the fact her son seems so smitten.
‘And she’s even prettier!’ Ace wanted to say. “I invited her to have lunch with us tomorrow. That’s okay, right?”
“Of course! I want to meet her right away! You better get some sleep then, son. Don’t wanna look like a zombie on your first date,” Rouge teased.
“It’s not a date when you’ll also be there, Ma. And she seems to be looking forward to meeting and talking to you more. She really liked the bouquet you made for her.”
“Aaaww she’s so sweet.”
“Mama–” Ace sheepishly started.
“Mm? What is it, dear?” Rouge asked. Ace has a tendency to call her ‘Mama’ when he’s nervous, shy, or embarrassed, which is something he is unaware of and which Rouge finds adorable.
“Can you teach me more about flowers and their meanings?”
Rouge gasped in delight.