It was quiet, the party in the distance finally beginning to lose some of its alcohol-induced steam.
The two of them sat on the cliff-edge overlooking the northern ocean expanse. They sat together, but also apart; their meetings and partings having forged a tenuous sense of camaraderie. Not friend, not strangers; a pairing unique between the two.
"That ever-smiling kid of yours did it again."
The other smiled ruefully, tossing back another swig of beer from the bottle clutched in the single hand.
"I wouldn't have expected any less of him. We made a promise after all," the delivered airily, the comment was sincere.
"You really think he'll make it to Raftel?"
"I wouldn't have given him that hat if I didn't think he could finish what he started," came the reply, finished with a disgruntled pout and another swig of beer or three.
"Ah."
"Anyway, what about that green hair you seem to fancy so much? You really think he's gonna surpass you?" It was a playful jab, friendly banter. They both had faith in the small crew of upstarts.
"I wouldn't had made such a bold statement if I believed otherwise," Sharp, curt. Like the man who spoke the words.
"Ha! What a pair we make, eh? Both of us ready to pass our dreams off to the next generation."
"Like a father to his son," the sharp one agreed, taking a more subdued swallow of his own beer.
The two mulled the silence over briefly before the red-hair burst out laughing, the hawk-eye smirking.
"To our sons!" Bottles lifted in salute, clicking together smartly before being drained of their spoils.
"Not that it matters, those two idiots are too busy eyeing each other lately from what I hear."
"Strong bonds make for stronger beliefs."
"You think so?"
"These eyes have witnessed much in this world. On that fateful day, they watched two foolish young men make a hopeless challenge. Never in my life have I seen such power born from love as I did that day."
"Huh."
They sit in awkward silence before the red hair stands, turning back towards the muted party.
"I've seen it only once before. If it's anything like what He inspired, then those two knuckleheads will be just fine."
The other makes no reply.
"Try not to freak out the men when you leave this time, eh Mihawk?" Shanks asks with a sly grin.
"Try not to be one of them this time, Shanks," Mihawk replies, smirking as embarrassed grumbles echo into the forest.
fin