"What do you mean Uncle Ray is here?!" You exclaimed in disbelief.

He was supposed to be overseas on an important business trip. "Hey! It's not my fault you were sleeping at Dino's place!"

"Excuse me," you sassed him. "What did you call him?"

"D-Dino?" Ace stammered a bit as he felt your malicious aura growing with every second that passed by.

"Only I can call him that."

You made it very clear by spitting out the words through your gritted teeth.

"Okay, there's the hungover (F/n) I was looking for." He said before stifling his laughter. "What's with Uncle Ray anyway? Why did he come home so early again?" You questioned Ace.

"Well, I maaaaay have told Pops that you have a... Thing.... With Drake."

"And Pops told Uncle Ray?" You elaborated.

Ace formed his lips in a thin line as he slowly shook his head a yes.

And that's why he rushed home?

You face palmed.

"Pleasedontkillme!"

Ace ducked away from you before you could do anything. "If you act like that, I will hurt you." You said with a small smirk.

"Shut up, you love me. You'd never hurt me." Ace said confidently.

You raised your brow. "I love you but that won't stop me from kicking your ass when Uncle Ray leaves." You groaned. "What if Uncle Ray wouldn't let me date him?!!"

You whined and pouted as tears pricked the corners of your eyes when the vehicle came to a stop in front of the house.

"(F/n)," he started. "You're an adult you know. You're perfectly capable of making decisions for yourself."

Seriously? Aww Ace.

"You really think so?" You asked him with your sparkling doe eyes, making them seem as innocent as possible.

"Nah I'm just kidding, you can't."

The fuck Ace?!

But before you could open your mouth to snap at him, he spoke up.

"That's why you need the help of those who are close to you to make your decisions right? Didn't Nami and the rest of the girls help you realize what to do with your feelings? Drake is a nice guy and I'm sure Rayleigh would like him. Don't worry too much okay? We will all be here when you need us."

Times like these, I'm reminded that Ace has this side to him too.

This mature side to him was precisely the reason why you were friends with him for so long. You could always count on him for advice and comfort when you need it the most. He's like the brother you never had.

"Acey." You pouted as the tears streamed down your face, Ace's thumbs being the ones to wipe them away before leaning over to give you a hug over the centre console. "Now go! Rayleigh's probably worried about you." He pushed you a little after separating the hug.

"I'll see you later Ace." You smiled at him before exiting the car and making your way to the house.

When you closed the door and made your way up the porch, Ace let out a bitter chuckle. "Guess I'm stuck forever in the brozone, huh?" He shook his head before driving off.

Once you opened the front door and closed it behind you quietly, you hoped that Rayleigh's was still asleep. "I'm home!" You said fairly quietly, still hoping that he was sleeping.

"Welcome home!" Your Uncle popped his head out from the kitchen as he greeted you. "I'm making breakfast!" He chimed.

I thought... He'd be more angry?

"Uncle Ray...." You started guiltily.

"Ahh... Don't worry, Ace filled me in on him. He's a detective right? And he treats you well?"

You nodded.

"(F/n), it saddens me that you're not that little girl that I always wanted to keep by my side. I'll be glad to hand you over to a man that loves you and would take care of you." Rayleigh said with a fatherly expression on his face.

"You approve?" You said in disbelief.

He stood stumped for a bit before bursting out in laughter. "Technically you're an adult so I don't really have a say it it."

"But your opinion matters to me most Uncle Ray!" You protested.

Rayleigh widened his eyes before slipping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you into a half hug.

"I've raised you so well huh?" He snickered proudly. "I'm glad I'm the most important person in your world (F/n). No matter how old you get, you'll always be my little princess."

Your eyes teared up at his words.

Why is everyone so hell-bent on making me cry today???

You wiped your tears with a small laugh. "I love you Uncle Ray." Your voice grew small.

"I love you too, daughter." He patted your head before going back to breakfast.

"Now, where were we?"

Dinoboi🦖❤️: I heard from Captain Garp that Rayleigh's here?

You: Yeapp.

Dinoboi🦖❤️: I'm guessing he already knew about me then?

You: Oh yeah, he totally knows everything about you at this point 😂.

Dinoboi🦖❤️: Does he approve? You know... Us?

You: He does... And I'm happy he does.

Dinoboi🦖❤️: I'm glad he does too.

You: When will you be getting off work?

Dinoboi🦖❤️: Just a couple more hours. Patience love 😉.

Awww winky face.

You: I'll see you then.

Dinoboi🦖❤️: Great. I love you ❤️.

He sent a heart. HE SENT A HEART, THAT'S SO CUTE.

You didn't date that many guys and nor do you text them much, so naturally, it's surprising and cute for you when Drake sent you a heart.

You: I love you too ❤️.

You giggled as you typed in those words in your phone. You could say this is more or less the only relationship you've ever had since you didn't really have time for it when you were away studying and being a well known, intimidating business tycoon's neice had its perks.

Rayleigh passed a glance at you, wet hair and skin, not bothering to dry it well after you took a shower, he was worried you may catch a cold but then his eyes saw how yours reflected happiness as you stared at your phone screen.

He stood still in his spot as a warm smile formed on his face. He was sure your parents would be proud of how you turned out to be.

"(F/n), you're gonna catch a cold! Go dry yourself!" He scolded you.

"Sorry Uncle Ray, I'll go use the hair dryer in a bit." You said as you kept your phone down to sip your coffee.

"(F/n)," Rayleigh started, gaining a hum from you to encourage him to speak. "Did you--"

"NO! WE HAVEN'T YET!" You knew what he was gonna say and you didn't wanna hear it so you gulped your coffee down and took your phone before excusing yourself.

"We haven't didn't do it last night either!" You said as our rushed up the stairs into your room. "How did you know that was what I was gonna ask?" He called you, breaking in a fit of laughter shortly after.

"Because yours and Ace's mindset are exactly the same!"

Periodt.