A/N~ Have I ever told you guys that I love you? I have? Well I LOVE YOU! Seriously, your continued support for this story is astounding, and I hope I don't let you down :')
Okay, so, those of you who've seen the movie know that pretty much everything after the sun sets is absolutely romantic mushiness, right? So, considering the relationships in this instance are platonic, familial, brotherly, I had to find ways to change things up. It wasn't easy, but I think I did okay. Plus, this is one of my FAVORITE parts of the movie, for OBVIOUS reasons, so following too close to the script be damned, I wanted it in this fic! So here ya go!
I OWN NOTHING. NOTHING BUT THE TEARS I SHED WHILE WRITING THIS MONSTER OF A FIC.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 14: We're Flying!
Marco sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest as he regarded his brother from across the round table.
The red-haired chef, usually so vibrant and happy and easy to laugh, quick to smile and joke and prank (much to the grievance of the rest of their family) had lost that smile to a sullen frown as he stared down into his mug, shaking his head sadly. On his left, Izo patted Thatch's arm, dark eyes understanding, yet clearly he was disappointed.
Marco had to admit he was disappointed, too. He'd only known the blond kid for a night and yet, much like they'd been drawn to Ace's charm and humility and Luffy's bubbly personality and childlike enthusiasm, they'd become pretty attached to Sabo as well, the noble with a silver tongue and a yearning for freedom that he couldn't quite reach.
He'd had high hopes for the boy. He'd bet (literally and figuratively) on Sabo ditching his status, his piss-poor excuse of a family and hightailing with the D brothers the moment they docked at New York.
However, what Thatch had just told them…
"So, that's how it is, yoi," Marco said after a moment of quiet between the three of them, the third-class general room still bustling with people around them, preparing for dinner and the next big party to come. "Sabo stays with his family –"
"–and Ace and Luffy never see him again? Pretty much," Thatch muttered, taking a frustrated swig of his drink and slamming the glass down on the table (not too hard though, Zeff would have his hide if they lost another glass or cracked another table). "Gah, damn it all. I really believed in him for a minute there, too."
"Don't chastise Sabo or his decisions so quickly, Thatch," Izo snapped, surprising Thatch and Marco as the cross-dresser glared hotly at their chef. "You know as well as the rest of us what the boy must've lived through, and for ten years no less. That kind of abuse can leave more than just physical scars and inflicts more damage to the person, mentally and emotionally, that can't be so easily repaired."
Then Izo's eyes softened, incredibly so, hand tightening around Thatch's arm. "You know this, Thatch."
Thatch flinched as though he'd been struck, his face growing pale and his eyes distant. He then bowed his head, blinking rapidly against the growing dampness lining his eyes, shaking fingers tightening around his mug. "…y-yeah. Yeah, you're right," he said, swallowing thickly. "Sorry, I didn't think…dammit…"
It was a harsh move on Izo's part, a little, to bring up Thatch's past, and the regret showed when Izo's lips thinned as he patted the red-head's arm. Marco immediately reached out to grasp his shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. The brunette clasped his hand over Marco's and gave it a squeeze in return, smiling softly in thanks.
It was no secret that Thatch – hell, most of their brothers and sisters in some way or another – had originally come from an abusive home before Pops had found him and taken him under his wing. Thatch had been damaged, badly, only a teenager at the time, and found it difficult to trust and make friends with anyone. He'd barely stepped out of his room for a month before Marco had coaxed him out. Then he'd found his niche in the kitchen, something he enjoyed when his supposed caretakers weren't lurking around waiting for an excuse to beat him.
Eventually, he came out of his shell and grew into the jubilant prankster and lovable chef they knew and loved so dearly.
What Izo had said was right on the mark. Of course Thatch understood. He knew exactly what Sabo must've have gone through under his father's 'care' to make him draw away from Ace and Luffy so quickly, even if Outlook hadn't made the threats on the brother's heads.
Speaking of which…
"Where are the two D's now, yoi?" Marco asked as he slipped his hand from Thatch's shoulder, diverting the subject away from their pasts and back to the present, to which Thatch was grateful for as he smiled again. But it fell just as quickly at the mention of the boys.
"Yeah, they're not taking it well," he admitted.
"I imagined that was the case," Izo said.
"Yeah. After I managed to weasel the story outta them, Ace stormed off towards the bow of the ship with Luffy following behind him, looking like a tear-y eyed wet puppy…on a cold, dark street in the middle of December –"
"How dare you give me that mental image."
"But it's true, Izo, I swear on Pop's mustache! I almost cried just lookin' at 'em!" Thatch exclaimed and shook his head again, frowning. "Seriously, after all the effort those two and their friends put in just to see him and then getting shut down like that…all because of some noble prick who couldn't give less of a damn about his own kid unless he can make some money out of him. God."
Marco nodded solemnly in agreement, taking a quick swig of his drink as he cast his eyes to the far side of the room, where Luffy's gang of sorts had all congregated for the start of the evening. They were no better off than the Whitebeards. Not even Brook, the ever-jovial musician, was smiling. Not that Marco really expected him, or any of them, to be smiling. After all, they'd been the ones who'd nearly gotten arrested to sneak two boys onto A Deck to see a lonely noble only to have their plans go to waste, to witness first-hand the heartbroken faces of the brothers…
The usually loud and cheerful group sat in utter silence around their table twiddling their thumbs, glaring down at the table, staring sullenly into their drinks...
God, as if the mood couldn't get any lower. Marco was sure that other people could feel their despondency from a few feet away, like there was a cloud of gloom hovering over their heads that promised abysmal bouts of rain that was best avoided.
"Well, there's nothing we can do at this point, and Ace and Luffy have already done all they can, yoi," Marco said after a moment, turning back to look at his adopted siblings. "They gave it their best, though. No denying that."
"Even in the short amount of time they'd spent together, they seemed really close," Thatch added. "It was kinda sweet."
Izo hummed as he rested his chin in his palm, elbow perched on the table and his eyes trailing aimlessly about the room. "It's a damn shame, though. I really liked that boy. I'll certainly miss him." He sighed (they were doing that a lot, weren't they?). "If that's how I feel, I can only imagine what Ace and Luffy are whaaaaaaaaaaat in the hell?!"
Marco and Thatch jumped at Izo's sudden cry, whipping their heads around to stare at the cross-dresser now gaping like a fish.
"W-What?! 'What in the hell' what, what's the matter?!" Thatch asked, looking ready to grab a meat knife to fight off a threat.
Izo ignored him and leapt from his seat, wide eyes wholly transfixed on something by the steps leading down into the general room. Blinking once, twice, he lifted his shaking hand and pointed.
"It's…it's, it's…S-S-Sabo."
It was Thatch and Marco's turn to spin in their seats, following Izo's shaking finger. In sync, their jaws dropped at the sight of a young man, with a familiar head of golden curls underneath a goggle-clad top hat and a scar marring the left side of his face, deliberately making his way across the room towards their table, smiling cheerfully to hide what certainly would've been a cheeky smirk.
Half-lidded eyes widened comically, Marco blinked as Sabo, donning attire too casual to be appropriate for his status, stopped just inches from where they sat (and Izo stood, frozen, still pointing).
He blinked again. "No way."
Thatch's lips finally, finally, formed a wider than life grin. "Way."
This time, Sabo did smirk. "Ditto," he said, and then he habitually tipped his hat to them, his smirk morphing into something genuine and warm. "It's good to see you again."
Collecting his wits, Marco returned the smile, though his was far fonder than he'd have liked to admit, and just as relieved. "I could say the same to you, yoi," he said, noticing Thatch beaming like a mad man across from him and practically vibrating with joy in his seat in the corner of his eye. Ordinarily Marco would've told him to calm the hell down, but on this occasion, he felt the excitement was justified.
The kid had just pulled a complete one-eighty on them. He'd come back, and he looked pretty damn proud of himself for doing so. The shadows of fear of the unknown and anxiety of the known were still present, of course, and they would be for as long as he was under Outlook's watchful eye. But it was a step forward, a step towards recovery and freedom.
Marco was proud of him.
Izo finally dropped his hand, lips pursed as something particularly wet stung the corners of his eyes. "You…you realize I'm going to slap the daylight's out of you for this, right?" he said (read; choked, because the poor guy was fighting happy tears and they all knew it.)
Sabo grinned at Izo, though even Marco could see the trickle of sweat running down his brow meaning the boy absolutely believed Izo's threat. "I gathered that," he said nonetheless, "and I definitely deserve it. But kicking my ass will have to wait 'till later. Do you have any idea where Ace and Luffy might be right –?"
"SABO!"
Oh yeah. Marco had almost forgotten about those guys.
And apparently, so had Sabo.
Chairs screeched and toppled to the floor as several bodies suddenly shot across the room and slammed into Sabo like a steam engine, sending the blond flying and crashing to the floor with a hilariously high-pitched screech. Usopp, Nami, Chopper, Brook and Franky – ouch, R.I.P in Pieces Blondie – all fell on top of him, forming one huge blubbering dog-pile. Sabo didn't stand a chance.
"You're here! You made it back!" cried Usopp, nuzzling his tear-stained face against Sabo's chest and clinging on like his life depended on it. Nami hugged his head from behind, swearing at him and bonking him on his lopsided hat for upsetting Ace and Luffy so much and if he ever did it again she'd charge him so hard he'd have to take out a loan just to piss.
"Thank goodness! We thought you'd never come back! We were so worried!" Brook wept, tears streaking down his aged face. He slipped one arm from around Sabo's waist to wipe at his eyes with the back of his sleeve, which accomplished absolutely nothing.
"I wasn't worried about you at all you bastard ~!" Chopper sobbed, squishing his cheek against Sabo's scarred one and getting tears all over his face.
"You're back, Sabo-Bro! You really are a SUPER guy!" Franky wailed from on top of everyone, (it was a miracle that he hadn't crushed them all let alone Sabo, who squirmed and gagged under their combined weight and messy tears). "Shut up, I ain't cryin' you're cryin'!"
"I'm not crying I'm CHOKING!" Sabo cried.
Standing nearby, the slightly saner members of the group (only slightly) watched on with fond smiles.
Robin giggled behind her hand. "Good to see you've returned to your senses, Sabo," she said to the dying noble underneath several crying bodies. "I do hope, however, that you don't suffocate under all those hugs and tears. It would be quite a shame for you to die at your own 'welcome back' celebration."
Zoro, apparently finding Robin's morbid sense of humor and the whole situation in general absolutely hilarious, threw his head back and laughed.
The three Whitebeards watched everything unfold, staring down at the dog pile and the begging blond beneath – "Please get off me I can feel myself dying you're crushing my insides! There's no God is there?! Help! HEEELLLP!" – with wide eyes.
Though he gasped and cursed and thrashed, it was clear as day that Sabo was just as happy as the rest of them to be back, surrounded by people who barely knew him but had come to care about him all the same.
One could only imagine what that must feel like, what Sabo was feeling, to be cared for by such a group of people. To be wanted, to be loved, completely. To not be alone anymore.
Marco smiled. He knew exactly what that felt like. It was amazing, beyond comprehension.
Guess Goldilocks wormed his way into more hearts than he intended. Good for him.
Izo brushed a tear from the corner of his eye with a finger, smiling warmly as the tears and snivels turned into laughter and jokes, the group regaining their trademark vigor at Sabo's long-awaited return. "As much as he deserves to be crushed for giving us such a scare, shouldn't we help him before he really does suffocate?" he asked, turning to his brothers as his smile turned from fond to devious.
Thatch nodded with feigned solemnity, standing up from his chair and folding his arms over his chest. "You're absolutely right, Izo. This idiot has two very important people to see, and God knows they've waited long enough. But first –"
Thatch ran forward and launched himself on top of Franky, adding himself to the pile.
"– I want in! SABOOO!"
"Thatch you son of a bitch!" Sabo screeched from underneath the mass of people. Once again Zoro, followed closely by Sanji, Robin and the remaining two Whitebeards as well as a few curious bystanders, watched and laughed.
Welcome back, Sabo.
When they were kids, Ace and Luffy had loved being in high up places.
After a long hard day of work – work, raiding people's loot, dine-and-dashing, same difference – the two of them would climb up to the tallest building in whatever area they'd chosen to terrorize that day, sit on the rooftop or balcony or and watch the sunset or gaze up at the stars, talking and laughing for hours until Luffy finally fell asleep on Ace's shoulder. Ace would then carry the drooling rubber noodle on his back and trek back home, happy as could be with his little brother snoozing peacefully on his back, warming his heart even on the coldest of nights.
There was nowhere high enough that the brothers could climb up on Titanic except the crow's nest, but that was off-limits (even for first-class, what a surprise). So they'd compromised. Luffy had elected the apex of the bow railing as his favorite spot on the whole ship. Ace had quickly found out why on their second day aboard, watching the dolphins play as they swam alongside the ship, feeling like a king on top of the world.
Thinking back on it now, it seemed like so long ago…
They stood there now, leaning against the rails and letting the wintry winds sweep through their unruly raven hair, hats dangling by the chords around their necks. There were no dolphins this time. The sea was tranquil, nary a ripple in the waters beyond the ship. There were no birds in the sky, not even seagulls, and the clouds were slowly dissipating along with the sun.
It was peaceful, yet melancholic.
Luffy leaned back into Ace, nuzzling his face into his shoulder and then into his chest when Ace lifted his arm to wrap it around Luffy's slim frame, holding him close as he stared out into the fiery sunset.
Another day was dying.
Ace closed his eyes, sighing softly through his nose. At the speed they were going, Titanic would probably arrive at New York in about three more days, maybe two. When they docked, Ace and Luffy would follow the Whitebeards or make their own home, follow their own path, pave the way to their own future. They would find their freedom, live without regrets, achieve their dreams.
Sabo would be long gone, probably married within the week.
He sighed again into Luffy's hair, suddenly feeling much older than his twenty years.
God, why couldn't he stop thinking about Sabo? He'd made his choice, after all. He'd decided to stay with his family, regardless if he spent the rest of his life in a cage, and he'd have to live with it. And so would Ace and Luffy, as stupid and unfair as it was.
But that was life, wasn't it? Sometimes life just wasn't freaking fair, and during such times all they could do was dust their shoulders off and keep on moving.
A part of Ace wanted to be angry at Sabo. An even darker part of him wanted to hate Sabo. Not just for dismissing them, breaking Luffy's heart – and Ace's – but for dismissing everything they'd done together, everything they'd done to try and help, to try and set him free. All that talk about chasing their dreams and grabbing them with both hands, exploring the world, together…
But he'd seen the fear and reluctance in Sabo's eyes as he told them, over and over, that he couldn't see them anymore. He was scared and hurt and worried about them, though he had no reason to be because they could take care of themselves, and Sabo why why why are you such a self-sacrificing dumb-ass you're worse than me –!
Ace couldn't hate Sabo. He could be angry, and it would take a while before it would really go away, but…he could never hate Sabo. How could he hate someone he'd – they'd wanted to bring into their family?
Still, no matter how angry he got, how much he wanted things to be different, it was out of their hands now.
Life wasn't fair. That was just a fact. All they could do was keep going.
Didn't mean they had to like it.
"I really miss Sabo," Luffy mumbled into Ace's shirt, startling the older man out of his thoughts as he looked down at his baby brother. Luffy's eyes were trained ahead, an expression like that of a kicked puppy creasing his scarred face, which automatically made Ace want to go out and destroy something to banish the pang in his chest.
He settled for sighing again, holding Luffy closer and resting his chin atop his head. "I miss him too, Luffy," he admitted softly. Dammit, of course he missed the idiot, much as he'd bitched and moaned about it in his head. He couldn't deny it aloud though, not to anyone, least of all Luffy. "But like I told you before, Sabo made up his mind. If he really wants to stay with them, we have to respect his decision and leave him alone like he asked us to."
More like begged, he thought sourly, but kept his mouth shut lest he made Luffy feel any worse than he already did. Then Ace really would have to destroy something, and then he'd have to pay for it, and damn if he wasn't broke as hell.
"…you know he didn't mean the things he said, right?" Luffy said, glancing up at Ace. Ace blinked in surprise and looked down at him, asking with his eyes for his brother to elaborate. "When Sabo said he'd be fine on his own. That he didn't need us. You don't actually believe that, do you?"
Ace tsked, rolling his eyes and nudging Luffy's head with his chin. "'Course not, Lu. 'M not an idiot," he muttered. "Still, he told us to leave him alone. We'd be making things worse if we went back, anyways."
After a moment, Luffy reluctantly nodded and leaned further into Ace, seeking comfort that Ace unhesitatingly provided. "Yeah. I know. Still, I wonder if he's really gonna be okay," he said. "Wonder what he's doing right now."
Ace just shrugged, lost in the rays of the setting sun. "I dunno, Lu. I dunno…"
"Why don't you turn around and ask him? Imbecile."
Luffy stiffened, but Ace started, the bones in his neck cracking painfully as he whipped his head around. A strangled gasp escaped his throat just as Luffy stumbled out of his arms, and the boy's jaw dropped to the deck.
Sabo was standing there.
Sabo, in all his casual, goggled top-hat, curly haired, scar-faced glory was standing only a few feet away, smiling at them with all the warmth in the world despite how his cheeks reddened from the chill wind, hair blowing about his face even under the hat. His discolored eyes seemed to sparkle with joy in the setting sun's light as he watched them gape like waiting flytraps.
Ace blinked a few more times, thought of pinching himself in case he was dreaming or suffering from a narcoleptic hallucination or something because – because Sabo was standing there, and he'd been so sure the blond had given up on his dreams, on his freedom, on them.
But he was still there after Ace rubbed his eyes, one hand tipping the brim of his hat, as was his habit, and his smile widened.
"Hello, Ace. Hi, Luffy," he said. "I've changed my mind."
And that was all it took to break the spell. Ace blinked, Luffy blinked, and then the two of them were positively beaming. Ace felt a lump in his throat, but he quickly swallowed it down before his eyes could start watering. He warred with the urge to punch him or hug him until he couldn't breathe, but his body wouldn't yet move.
Sabo's here. He hasn't given up yet. He's here, he's actually here –
"SABO!" Luffy was the first to move, bolting across the way and all but tackling Sabo into a hug, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and burying his grinning face into the crook of his neck as he babbled incessantly. "Sabo's here Sabo's here you're okay we missed you so much SaboSaboSabo –!"
Returning Luffy's embrace – no longer hesitant but all-encompassing, wholehearted and full of unbound love – Sabo grinned and dropped his chin on Luffy's head, closing his eyes contentedly. "I missed you too, Luffy," he said, his voice thick with emotion as he squeezed Luffy tight. "I missed you both. I'm sorry I took so long."
"You'd better be," Ace chuckled, still somewhat delirious with relief it was almost tear-jerking. Almost. "Otherwise me 'n Lu would have to kick your ass. No, actually, we're still kicking your ass, just not right now."
As Luffy finally but reluctantly released Sabo from his death grip, Sabo turned to Ace and laughed. "I can't say I don't deserve it, but you'll have to get in line. Izo and the others called first dibs when I went to ask where you were," he admitted with an exasperated yet fond shake of his head.
But his smile dimmed a little, and so did Ace's as Sabo looked him in the eye. Ace was no stranger to the gut-wrenching feeling reflected in those mismatched eyes, so he knew what was coming next as Sabo stepped forward, biting his lip with uncertainty.
"Ace, I –"
"Shut up," Ace said firmly, startling Sabo into silence. He folded his arms, frowning. "I'll admit, I was a little pissed at you at first. You were dumb, yeah, but…you were scared. You just wanted to keep us safe…we get it, y'know. I'd have done the same thing if it were me, I guess." He shrugged awkwardly, eyes darting back and forth from the blond. God he was so bad at this. "Besides, you're here now, aren't you? That's all that matters."
He then gathered the nerve to look Sabo in the eye again, mushy words of comfort aside, and he offered him a small but very real smile, letting him know that all was forgiven and forgotten, because, really, who was Ace kidding? He couldn't stay mad at Sabo for something like this, not really.
After all, he was here, now, with them. He'd realized his stupid mistake, and that was all that mattered.
Sabo's breath hitched, his eyes shining with emotion so powerful it threatened to overwhelm him, but he fought them back with a wobbly smile. He drew in a deep breath. "Okay. Okay," he sighed, tension fading from his body. "Thanks, Ace."
Atta boy.
And then, because the sun was nearly gone, and the night was imminent, he held out his hand to Sabo, an idea blinking on like a light-bulb in his brain. "Come over here."
"Hm?" Sabo looked down at the offered hand, and then raised a curious brow at Ace, who waited in silence. Luffy, already catching on to what Ace was planning (now that was a first), nudged Sabo with an encouraging smile. Eventually, Sabo relented, stepping forward and taking Ace's hand in his gloved one.
Even under the fabric, Sabo's hand was warm and grounding.
"You're not gonna kiss it too, are you?" Sabo joked.
Luffy laughed, and Ace just rolled his eyes. "Just c'mere you idiot," he said, tugging Sabo towards the apex of the bow. Luffy followed close behind them, and Ace's smile widened.
This is gonna be awesome.
"Now close your eyes. Go on," he urged. Sabo rolled them skyward before doing as asked. Waving a hand in front of the blonde's face to ensure he wasn't peeking, Ace nodded in approval (not that Sabo could see). "Good. Now, step up and hold onto the railing. Keep your eyes shut, got it?"
Sabo tensed slightly, but with Ace holding his hand and Luffy standing on his other side, he did so. Once Sabo was standing with both feet on the railing, Ace moved to stand right behind him. The winds seemed to blow all the harder, and Sabo's breath caught as he stumbled a little. But Ace was right there to balance him again. "Hey, calm down, I gotcha," he said, hands bracing Sabo's biceps tight, but not enough to hurt. "You trust me, right?"
"I trust you," Sabo replied without hesitation.
Ace blinked at that, thoughts grinding to a halt.
Huh?
Heat crept up his cheeks unbidden. Sabo…Sabo was confident that Ace and Luffy would, without question, be there to catch him should he fall. He trusted them unstintingly. And if that didn't warm Ace's heart, set off a whirlwind of emotions in the pit of his stomach, nothing ever would again.
Well…damn.
Luffy snickered at the blush burning bright across Ace's cheeks (lucky for him that Sabo couldn't see it), springing onto the railing to stand on Sabo's left. "'Course you do!" he chimed, "Ace always keeps his promises, remember?"
Sabo smiled. "I know, Lu. Can I open my eyes now?"
Snapping out of his stunned daze, Ace rapped his knuckles on the back of Sabo's head in playful reprimand. "Not yet, dummy. Keep 'em shut 'till I say so," he said, ignoring Sabo's failed attempt to stifle a petulant whine. He took Sabo's hands in his again and raised them until he was standing with his arms outstretched on each side. Sabo hesitated, but only for a moment before going along with him.
When Ace lowered his hands, wrapping his arms securely around Sabo's waist, Sabo's arms stayed up, spread out like wings.
Resting his chin on Sabo's shoulder, Ace grinned wide and hard, Luffy mirroring him.
"Alright. Open 'em."
Sabo pried his eyes open, one after the other.
Then they blew wide, his jaw dropping open like a fish out of water as he stared into the blue beyond. "O-Oh my God," he breathed with a dopey grin wider than the world claiming his face. Ace and Luffy laughed as they followed his gaze.
There was nothing in their field of vision but water, like there was no ship under them at all. It was just the three of them soaring like birds high up in the clouds. The vast expanse of the Atlantic unrolled toward them, a hammered copper shield under a dusk sky.
There were no borders, no chains holding them down, nothing to pull them back or cage them. There was only the wind, and the hiss of the sea fifty feet below.
"I-I'm – I'm flying!" Sabo laughed, unable to tear his eyes away from the setting sun in the distance as he leaned forward, arching his back. Ace's strong arms around his waist continued to steady him. "We're flying!"
"We're flying!" Luffy parroted with unrestrained glee, climbing up a little higher than Ace was comfortable with to toss his arms out like Sabo, throwing his head back and letting the winds sweep through his untamed mane of ebony. His laughter rang like wind chimes and springtime over the roar of the wintry ocean below, moving Ace's heart with love and encouraging Sabo to join him, leaning ever farther from Ace as he crowed into the sunset.
Of course Ace wasn't about to be left out of the loop, so after making sure the idiots weren't going to careen over the edge, Ace let go of Sabo to throw his arms out and tip his head back, grinning wide as the breeze tousled his midnight tresses.
Soon, all three boys were laughing and crowing into the twilight, wild and happy and free.
Ace closed his eyes, feeling himself floating, weightless, far above the sea.
It was a moment that seemed to stretch on for eternity. If one were to describe such a scene, define what the three young souls felt as they spread their wings to the winds, the word magical might spring to mind.
And it was. It really was.
When Ace opened his eyes again, he saw Sabo turn to look at him, still beaming for all he was worth. "Ace, is – is this it?" he asked, voice a little hoarse from all the hollering and laughing. "Is this what it's like, what it'll be like? When we're finally free?"
Lowering his arms as Sabo did the same, Ace smiled with lingering giddiness and nodded. "Hell yeah!" he said. "But this is only the beginning. Wait 'till we get off the ship and travel all over America! Hell, the whole damn world is waiting for the three of us, Sabo! We-we'll go wherever we want, whenever we want, just the three of us, and –"
Sabo laughed bright and clear, stepping off the railing and hopping back onto solid ground with a sort of grace that reminded Ace of a deer. He followed shortly after plucking a squirming Luffy from his perch (and hiding the blush that once again colored his cheeks because dammit he'd spewed out such mushy crap. What the hell was wrong with him today?)
It was getting darker now, the sun on its last legs, and yet even in the looming gloom Sabo's smile positively glowed, brighter than any star in the sky.
"Sounds like a plan," he said, a hand on his hat to brace it against the winds. "I can hardly wait, brother."
Ace was certain his heart skipped a beat or two as he stared at Sabo. His throat and his chest felt tight, and he could hardly breathe.
Did…did he just –?
"…b…b-brother?" Ace stammered, blinking rapidly as something suspiciously wet stung the corners of his eyes. Beside him, Luffy was bouncing on his toes, his face overtaken by the sheer size of his smile as tears began to stream down his cheeks, unrestrained, like fat, salty raindrops.
Sabo nodded, his smile softening to something far fonder than Ace was confident he could take. "You think I forgot? You'd made me an offer…you wanted me to be your brother," he said, and now he was starting to choke up oh God, what the hell was wrong with them?
Sabo took a breath, fists clenching at his sides as if to steady himself. "At first I refused, because I thought…I thought it couldn't happen, or if it could, I felt that I was unworthy. I was afraid. But now, if…if it's not too late, I'd like…I mean, I want to –"
Ace didn't let him finish.
He grabbed Sabo by the arm, tugging him close and throwing his arms around him in a rough embrace, squeezing him as tight.
Sabo stiffened, which only made Ace hold him tighter, hiding his face in his shoulder as the tears came forth. But despite the tears, Ace was laughing, grinning like an idiot because he was so damn happy, because Sabo wanted to be with them, because he was willing and ready to finally cut ties with his bastard of a father and find a real family, because – because –
Because we've found our brother. I've found my brother!
"You freakin' dumb-ass," Ace croaked in between bouts of laughter, both he and Sabo stumbling sideways when Luffy, crying loudly like the big baby he was rammed into them and all but attached himself to the older two, nuzzling his messy face into Sabo's pinned arm. "Of course it's not too late! We told you, you're already ours!"
"Y-y-you're our b-brother, Sabo!" Luffy wept against the silent ex-noble, getting snot and tears all over the guy's coat though neither of them seemed to care. "W-we're gonna m-make it official now, o-okay? W-we'll be your f-family now, o-okay? I-Is that okay, B-Bo?"
Through the haze of joy and tears and other feelings that Ace couldn't properly name nor would he try to, neither of them had noticed that Sabo's shoulders had started shaking nor had they heeded the fact that he was silently crying, too. However, much like the blubbering raven heads, he was smiling as he freed his arms from their grip to wrap them around the two and hold them close. Gloved fingers on the back of Ace's head dug painfully into his hair but he didn't care, not even as the three of them toppled to their knees, tangled together in a tearful embrace.
Because Sabo, their brother, was finally laughing.
As the day ended they held each other close, laughing and crying with pure, irrepressible joy. They were finally together, unbreakable, inseparable. And later, after they'd dried their eyes and picked themselves up to go back inside, their family would be complete.
Ace, Sabo and Luffy, would finally be whole.
On April 14th 1912, the RMS Titanic saw daylight for the last time.
When there was a knock on the door – exactly three hard knocks followed by two short taps – the four occupants of the small room froze and stared at the wooden barrier.
The knock pattern repeated. Only then did Koala stand up from her chair to approach the door.
She tapped the door three times and knocked hard once.
The person on the other side knocked twice in reply.
With a sigh of relief, echoed by Inazuma, Bunny Joe and Ivankov, Koala unlocked the door and swung it open, grabbing Robin by the arm without hesitation and pulling the older woman into the room. Robin only smiled at the eager red-head as Koala closed the door again and bolted it shut, spinning to face her with a bright smile and even brighter eyes. "You made it! We were starting to wonder where you were. Get held up?"
"I apologize for taking so long," Robin said to her and then the room at large. "I had to make sure Chopper – I mean Tony, went to bed on time and that Franky would be alright watching him for the night."
"That's quite alright, Robin," said Bunny Joe with an understanding smile. Bunny Joe was a tall man – not quite as tall as Iva, even without the heels and the outlandish wig that added a good two inches to his height – with light brown curly hair reaching the tip of his shoulders. He wore a tan cloak due to the increasing chill and a bowler hat with a teal feather on it. Under his cloak, he wore a black shirt with white buttons and light red pants with a brown belt holding it up.
He looked like any other third or even second-class citizen, but his piercing eyes, knowing and bright, belied his appearance.
"We're all aware how difficult it must be for you to keep secrets from your family, and we appreciate your efforts to make it here," he continued. "Never doubt that you're valued among us because of your circumstances, Mrs Nico."
Robin smiled at him. "Thank you for understanding, Joe." Her smile turned into a small but amused grin. "Perhaps one day I should tell my husband what I get up to in my spare time."
"Why haven't you?" Ivankov probed, a thin finger tapping against his defined cheekbone. "Franky is a loud-mouth, but a loud-mouth who's surprisingly good at keeping secrets considering his past with the criminal underworld. You're not afraid he'll, perhaps, be angry with you for your secret profession?"
"Not at all," Robin replied immediately, her smile softening with fondness. "I'm only concerned he'll give me away by proclaiming to the world that his wife is a super cool spy."
They all chuckled. Yes, he probably would do something like that, unintentionally. They were all aware of how much the man adored his family, proclaiming it loud and proud every chance he got. It was endearing, if not sometimes a little exasperating, but Franky was an openly emotional man. No one could really judge him for that. Besides, it was one of the many, many reasons why Robin loved him so.
"Soooo?" Koala asked, beaming up at Robin with anticipation and changing the subject at the flip of a coin. "Did you see them?"
Robin's gaze switched from the young woman in front of her to the three standing behind her; Inazuma was a mask of indifference as usual, and no one could see his eyes behind those dark glasses he wore, but curiosity flowed off him in waves. Ivankov was the opposite, hands folded delicately under his pointed chin as he stared at Robin with glittering, expectant eyes. Even Bunny Joe, though not usually prone to gossiping, looked intrigued as he leaned forwards in his chair.
Robin faced Koala again, and her smile widened. "I saw everything," she said. "They're together. And they're happy."
Despite the need for secrecy, cheers exploded within the room as Koala and Ivankov jumped up with glee, high pitched cries ringing in everyone's ears. Inazuma and Bunny Joe winced at the noise but shared a pleased smile all the same.
"Yesyesyesyes yes!" Koala all but pounced on Robin in delight, and Robin caught her easily in a hug. "Yes, thank God," the younger woman sighed dramatically. "I thought they'd never get over their dumb issues! Christ, you'd think this was a Shakespearean play or something!"
Robin giggled, patting Koala's back once before the younger woman released her. "I have to agree, but I'm glad they worked everything out," she said. "Though I'm sure your intervention had something to do with Sabo's final decision?"
"Guilty as charged," Koala beamed, unrepentant. "God knows he needed that slap in the face. Do you know what they're doing right now?"
"I managed to return to our group just in time to catch Luffy asking Zoro for the sakazuki cups and sake. Goodness knows how Zoro managed to smuggle such drinks on-board. It's an old tradition in certain lands for people to bind their lives together by sharing sake or another alcoholic beverage. Ace and Luffy did something similar when they were young and thought it would be appropriate to repeat the tradition with Sabo tonight."
"Oh, how precious! I can only imagine how the little Straw-boy is feeling now that he has two big brothers to run about with," Ivankov tittered, smoothing out his dress which had become a little rumpled in his gleeful prancing around the room. "And I'm glad our Blond-boy has finally come to his senses!"
Robin nodded in full agreement. Since the incident regarding Sabo's almost-suicide attempt, the three young men had been the 'talk of the town' as it were between the five Revolutionaries, the blond especially; Koala had suggested to invite him to join once they reached New York, despite how risky it was to even speak of their business aloud. She'd seen potential in him, the same drive they had to do what was right, to see things change.
On top of that, they'd been (not so) secretly rooting for the boys since day one – much like everybody else who knew them, aside from Sabo's blood family of course. To see it come to fruition was as much a blessing as it was an immense relief.
"Speaking of Sabo," Bunny Joe said, standing from his seat and producing a notepad from the inside of his coat, "I have some news regarding the state of the Outlook investigation from our peers in first-class, and a message from you-know-who."
The others quickly sobered, turning to listen to what Bunny Joe had to say (the whole reason for their gathering – gossiping about the boys wasn't part of the deal whatsoever, but what the hell.)
Bunny Joe cleared his throat, flipping through the pages of his worn pad. "With what we've gathered since the start of the investigation in February until now, we can now confirm that Outlook III has committed and covered up numerous categories of fraud since his taking over of the family business after his father Outlook II passed. Some of which include financial statement fraud, misuse of company assets, skimming of cash and cash larceny –"
"So the behind the lying, cheating bastard façade, the man is a lying, cheating bastard," Koala said flatly. Robin stifled a chuckle.
Cracking a reluctant grin, Bunny Joe shrugged. "To sum it up, yes, and that's not even counting the emotional, mental and physical abuse of his own children. And no, the purpose of this gathering wasn't to tell you everything we already know before you ask, Miss Koala," he added before Koala could open her mouth again. He smirked when she pouted, and then continued.
"It was just to let everyone know that we have enough evidence to put Outlook – as well as a few others of noble status affiliated with the corruption behind the scenes of his company – away for a long time, giving back to those who have been wronged and lied to because of Outlook's influence. We can also confirm that Sabo, his step-brother, and the Nefertari family Sabo was promised to will not go down with Outlook when he eventually falls. The Nefertari's, as far as we know, are ignorant of their dealings."
Robin smiled sincerely. "That's good to hear. Sabo's a good man, merely another pawn in his father's plans. I don't doubt he'll live a better life elsewhere, stripped of his noble status, with Ace and Luffy."
Koala nodded with a hum. "That's for sure. Oh, hey, what did the boss say about my proposal?"
Bunny Joe looked at her and smiled. "Well, that's the second part. He left us a message responding to your proposal, and…I think we'll all be surprised to know that he's actually considering it."
Even Robin had to stare at the man in surprise as two jaws dropped to the ground (Iva had never been one for subtlety and Koala was…Koala).
"Really?!" the duo exclaimed, and Inazuma shushed them testily, reminding them that they were having a very top-secret discussion and they were supposed to be quiet dammit!
Chuckling, Bunny Joe nodded. "He wants to meet the kid in person first before making any sort of decision, of course, but from what he's heard from Koala and Inazuma, he's not entirely opposed to it. We'll discuss it further when we rendezvous at our base in Brooklyn." He stuffed his pad back into his coat and took off his hat to scratch the back of his head in bewilderment. "To be honest, the last time I ever heard him this eager to meet a possible recruit was with Robin, though no one could really be sure since the man barely smiles like a regular person, but –"
"This is all so exciting!" Ivankov interjected, dress flaring as he spun in place like a hyperactive ballerina. "Taking down the baddies, saving Blond-boy and the possibility of a new life-long friend and comrade? Oh it makes my heart race with joy and anticipation just thinking about it! HEE HAW!"
Watching as the cross-dressing man continued to ignore both Inazuma and Bunny Joe's demands for him to, in short, shut the hell up, Robin and Koala shared a smile.
They could agree with their eccentric friend. This whole thing was quite exciting; they'd done their jobs as members of the Revolutionary Army, exposing those who trod on the weak, allowing the world to see the truth behind the lies they were fed, paving the path to true freedom little by little…they'd even aided three dreaming souls in finding friendship – family, brotherhood – in each other, breaking the boundaries of class and severing the ties of blood in doing so.
It wasn't their intention, but without even knowing it, Ace, Sabo and Luffy had made a statement, set an example to those who believed that your worth depended on your social status, or that family was limited to the blood you shared.
If three boys from completely different 'worlds' could find family and happiness within each other, who's to say no one else could learn to do the same in the future?
Robin couldn't help but feel proud.
With a satisfied sigh, Koala collapsed back into her chair, one leg folded over the other regardless of the fact she was still in a rather confining and very expensive dress. "Guess this really is a ship of dreams," she said to Robin.
Robin chuckled again as she took a seat next to the redhead on the arm of the chair. "I agree. So much has happened in so little time, it's astounding."
"I'll say. Just wait until we get to New York. Dragon's been saying that there's been a storm brewing for years. Wonder if this is what he meant."
"I highly doubt that setting three boys running free into the city would be the catalyst of such a storm," Robin chuckled. "But I suggest we leave such thoughts be for now, 'enjoy the ride' as they say."
Then her smile widened, warm and sincere and bright even in the dull-lit room.
"Though I have to admit, I can't wait to see what the remainder of this voyage will bring us."
April 14th 1912. 6 hours until collision.
A/N~ WOO! ASL are FINALLY together! But...now the clock is ticking. All I can say is I'm sorry.
LOVED writing this chapter, especially the Flying scene :')
Reviews are writer chow :3