Hey guys, another short, sad, emotional story. There's going to be second chapter (probably). I apologize for my many mistakes, I'm not native English speaker and on the top of that dyslexic, so unfortunately I make some grammar mistakes and tend to confuse similar words.
"One Piece", Ace, Luffy and other characters mentioned here all belong to Oda-sama.
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Different approach
Chapter one: Not the only one who had lost the brother
Ace didn't know if Luffy was asleep or not. The kid has been laying calmly, apart from occasional whimper or sob. The older boy was laying still, supporting his head on the elbow, silently observing his little brother in the darkness of their room. He was thinking: "How am I suppose to take care of the little brat all by myself? What should I do when he gets like that? It was always Sabo who knew what to do in those situations. Things I can do… they are not enough." Technically speaking it was up to Dadan (and the guys) to take care for both of them, but Ace knew perfectly well they are no good with child upbringing (still they let the both boys stay in warm room, use the bath, and were even cooking for them, so it was fine with Ace).
Up till now freckled boy was sharing responsibility of taking care of Luffy with yet another brother. Though they equally care for their younger sibling, they used to show it in different way. While Sabo always know what to say to comfort their younger brother, Ace had taken it to himself to make anyone and anything, that decide to pick on his younger brother, regret they were ever born. He was extremely good at it too, while unfortunately his skill in comforting were severely lacking (his social skills were virtually nonexistent, althought they had improved little bit since Luffy was around).
After a particularly loud sniff from Luffy Ace finally decide to act. He Kneeled beside the brother, and gently shook his arm. Child immediately looked up at him, wide awake, eyes nearly at tears. Nearly.
- You sad? – Ace asked – why won't you sleep?
- I can't just stop thinking about what happened to Sabo, it makes me sad, but I don't want to sleep – the kid replied.
- Why? – Ace eyed him.
Younger boy reverted his face. – I don't want to have this dream any more – he mumbled, afraid that his older brother would got angry at him for almost crying. – That I'm all alone in the fire. - He explained.
"Oh" older brother thought "so this is what's about". Ace remembered his little brother hates being on his own more than anything else. He needed to think fast, knowing that getting pissed or smacking the kid won't cut it, he needed different approach. Ace extended hands and pull smaller child towards himself, locking him safely in his arms.
- Foolish brat, you are not alone.
Luffy glanced at his brother with surprised with so open show of affection. But before Ace managed to react in any way, annoyed with the look he received, little boy rested head on his armpit. Ace could feel him smiling. Luffy clenched to him so tightly, he doubt, he could free himself, even if he wanted to. He only decided to embrace rubber child because he knew, his brother likes to be close to people, and was a bit surprised it turned out to be the right thing to do. He himself had no memory of ever being held that way and it was also the first time he was holding somebody like that. It also came as a bit of shock to Ace, that holding his brother also had soothing effect on himself. He began gently rocking child in his arms. It seem appropriate, because when they would become pirates, ship swaying on the waves would lull them to sleep. Despite the many days that had past rubber kids hair still smell a bit of burned rubbish, bringing bitter reminiscence into his brothers thoughts.
After a while Luffy started drooling, indicating he had fallen asleep. Ace didn't mind at all, still holding his little brother in his arms. Older boy laid down and covered them both with blanket.
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Next evening, when the brothers were going to sleep, Luffy, who was more forward of the two, extended hands towards older boy, not fearing rejection. Ace silently sheltered smaller child in his arms. He wouldn't know how to put his feelings into words, but he was happy he could help his brother overcome the sadness, he was also a little relived there was no need for him to make first move this time. Yet Ace wasn't aware, Luffy, as well as seeking comfort also wanted to comfort freckled boy, understanding he was not the only one, who had lost the brother.
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The situation came to pass for few following days, becoming sort of rite, than the brothers had mayor split between them, established independent countries and eventually Luffy got injured by great bear.
O: TO BE CONTINUED
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Yo, mina, hope you liked the story, please send me some reviews if you feel like it.
Random fact for today: did you know on Caribbean pirates show certain playing card to traitors? That card was of course ace of spades. That is also the origin of "the black spot" in Robert Lewis Stevenson's novel "The treasure island".
I've also found beautiful fan art you should see if you like my story : .net/868750