"It's been a while, hasn't it, old friend?" Gol D. Roger grinned at his contemporary
"Indeed it has been, Roger." Edward Newgate, otherwise known as Whitebeard, nodded mirthfully
"It brings back memories of a better time, of better days." Roger sighed wistfully "Of days that will never return."
He shifted his gaze onto two men who stood by Newgate's side. One of whom he recognized as Thatch.
"And nice to see you again as well, Thatch." Roger's grin widened
"Likewise." Thatch greeted jovially
Even so, Roger could see the wariness in Thatch's expression, and hear the same sort of wariness in his voice. Then his gaze moved onto the third member of Newgate's little group, who was much younger than Thatch and Newgate. He felt the sudden Haki-induced drop in temperature, and felt the rise in the tension.
"Don't talk to him." Thatch hissed, pulling out a cutlass "You have no right to talk to him. Not after what you have done."
"Thatch." Newgate spoke in a warning tone
"No, Pops." Thatch's gaze darkened "Nothing you say would change my mind on this matter."
"And what exactly did I do?" Roger raised an eyebrow
"You abandoned him." Thatch said icily "You abandoned him and he had to face all the consequences of your actions. He was punished for your sins. And that's not right. It never has been."
"Thatch." a small voice uttered
"All right." Thatch exhaled "But only because of you. Still, unless he apologizes to you, I will not allow you to be near one another."
"Could we talk in private?"
"Sure." Thatch nodded "I trust you can handle this, Pops?"
"Of course I can." Whitebeard laughed "Go and don't worry."
Thatch and the younger man entered the cabin, closing the door behind them.
"Newest recruit, I take it?" Roger guessed
"You could say that." Whitebeard stroked his mustache "Neither of them will be happy I told you this, but you deserve to know. We'll discuss it in my cabin."