The Last Night

Summary: These days, with how many siblings he now had, it wasn't often Marco got the chance to spend time with Oyaji by himself, but something about that night seemed important. Like it would be their last night together. NOT ROMANCE, JUST FATHERLY/SON LOVE!

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Abroad the Moby Dick the night was quiet and peaceful; too quiet, too peaceful. Like the calm before the storm. We find ourselves in Whitebeard's room, lit only by candlelight, with the old man lying in his bed. Next to him, was his oldest, in 'Whitebeard years', son, Marco, who was lying in the crevice between his father's left arm and chest. Marco was slightly tense, his arms crossed as he grit his teeth, but Whitebeard was calm, enjoying a barrel of sake.

"Do you remember that day?" Marco finally uttered, scooching closer to the old man's chest. "The day we met?"

"Gurarara," Whitebeard chuckled, and took a swing of his drink, "I do," he replied, glancing at his son.

"Thirty-three years now huh?" Marco said idly, and glance at his father. "I was a pipsqueak back then."

"You were born and raised a slave," Whitebeard said with disdain, "you had little choice in the matter."

Marco uncrossed his arms and put one behind his head. "No one would believe that," he chuckled lightly.

Whitebeard hummed in agreement and then it was silent for a few moments. No words were said but that doesn't mean there wasn't any to be said. After what seemed like forever, Whitebeard finally spoke again.

"Not that I don't enjoy my son's company," he looked at Marco, "but what is wrong my dear son?"

Marco flinched and looked down, his eyes hidden from his father. "I've lost Satch, my first brother; I've lost Teach, my apprentice and friend, and my youngest brother is on death row, to be executed tomorrow... Pops will I lose you too...?"

Whitebeard paused before putting his sake down; he shifted to better face his first son. "I would do anything for any of my sons, including taking on the world, even for one. I will give my all to save Ace, and keep the rest of you safe. Even if means giving you all my own life, I would gladly do it."

Marco looked away. "Can I sleep here tonight... just one last time," he whispered.

"Gurararara," Whitebeard laughed. "Aren't you a little old to sleep in my bed Marco?"

Marco smiled. "No Pops," he said, "never."

Whitebeard lied flat and Marco moved, his form lying on top of his father, barely making it passed his waist. Marco listened to the strong, beating heart under his ear. Despite what he was feeling at that moment, Marco was almost instantly calmed. Marco took breaths to match the beats.

"Who will take care of everyone?" Marco couldn't help but whispered to himself.

Whitebeard brought his hand up and gently stroked Marco's back with his thumb. "I've trained you for this moment all your life Marco," he said.

"Yes but nothing prepares you for the real thing," Marco argued, but there was no heat to it.

A deep chuckle rumbled from Whitebeard's chest, jostling Marco slightly. "I know you can do it my son, and beside, nothing has happened yet. For all we know, nothing will," he assured.

Marco nuzzled his face into his father's warm skin. "And if something does?" he murmured.

Whitebeard was silent for a moment. "I wrote everything down in 'my heart' a long time ago," he said. "Now quiet. Sleep. We all have a long day tomorrow."

Marco's hand found Pops's thumb. "...Night Pops..."

"Good night Marco..."

End...

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Marco was OOC but I think that anyone would be when getting personal with their beloved parent, especially with a conversation like this so deal with it! And I'm sad to have written this too, Oyaji was my Pops too, and Ace was my brother as well... Its unrealistic to many but I never want to see another death, not after seeing the death of my second family.

I know Marco says yoi, and I like it when authors include it but I can't make sense of order for it or nothin'! It just is so awkward yet not- you know?!