It is currently 11:59 PM, December 31. The last minute of the last day of the year. 17 seconds have already passed — only 43 seconds remain, but right now, it feels like having to wait 43 entire lifetimes.

You’ve been waiting all day. Preparing for the grand celebration. Planning out what you’ll say. Double checking to make sure that everything was going to be perfect for such an important date.

…And that includes ignoring your boyfriend all day as well.

It was harsh. Even now, you still feel immensely guilty, especially knowing Ace is large on physical touch and quality time. But when you’re the head organizer of a massive surprise party, you’ll find that your hands would be full overseeing the preparations. Emphasis: surprise.

Ace must not know about it. Who else could do a better job at distracting him than his own best friend?

The hardest part, however, was the goodbye — or the lack thereof. Before Marco had been able to ward him away from the Moby Dick, you feel a pair of round, glossy eyes staring right into the back of your head. Every other attempt at capturing your attention had been thwarted, and this was his last resort — that wretched puppy-dog face he’s inconceivably good at making.

It took everything in your power not to simply fall to your knees and cry out an apology for abandoning him for the day. Soon, Ace and Marco finally left for the town, but Jozu couldn’t help but point out the way you were particularly sulky afterwards.

By the time your boyfriend returned, he was drained. You have no idea what adventures Marco took him, but he did a fantastic job considering Ace passed out before he even left the town — a good thing since he wouldn’t see the balloons and banners hung up all over the ship. The blond dragged him into the sleeping quarters, and Ace has been sleeping soundly since.

Ding! You look down at your pocket watch: the clock hand is finally at 12. Despite his undisturbed snores right beside you now, it’s finally the day.

January 1st. It’s Portgas D. Ace’s birthday.