Apologies for the long update delays! I kind of went on an unannounced semi-hiatus and it's been hard to get back into the flow of my ongoing stories, but I'm trying my best! Unfortunately this chapter's quite short because of that, since I'm just trying to get back into it, and I basically just set up some of the things that are going to be focused on in the next few chapters. Hopefully you guys will enjoy it despite that :'D
Sabo had spent yet another sleepless night tapping away at his keyboard in the dark kitchen, the light from the screen illuminating the table as he went. The new mattress hadn't arrived and so Ace was on the couch. Luffy'd fallen asleep at some point so he'd given the kid his bed, leaving him with nowhere for himself. He didn't really mind, though; he was feeling a bit anxious.
While he knew he was supposed to be on break for a few weeks, he really couldn't help but write out the start of the next novel. Perhaps he was overworking himself but with everything going on in his personal life, the effect it had was almost soothing. It was something familiar-something he could go back to whenever things in life got too chaotic. And he got paid for it. That was always nice.
Groaning and stretching, it was around sunrise that he finally decided to tend to his pleading stomach. There were leftovers in the fridge that he happily reheated-because he felt much too lazy to prepare anything from scratch-and it was around the end of his meal that he heard a tired groan from the other room.
Ace entered, groggy, still-tired eyes looking around in haze of sleep before finally locating the blond who was putting his dishes in the sink.
The pirate flopped down at the table with a yawn, "'M hungry."
"Then make yourself something," came the quick reply as Sabo paced towards the entrance.
"Ass."
"I have an interview. I'll be back this afternoon."
"Interview?" Ace echoed, his eyes trained on his brother with curiosity. "For what?"
Sabo slipped on one of his shoes, gathering his keys from the coat hanger by the door. "For the new One Piece installment," he answered simply.
"The one where I die?"
"The one where you die."
Ace pouted, but offered a lazy wave as the blond buttoned his jacket.
"Take care of Lu while I'm gone, alright?"
As he passed through the door's threshold he glanced back, never missing the way his character's mouth curved into an excited grin, "Of course."
When Sabo reached the elevator he sighed, his vision a foggy mess, mind muddled and confused from lack of sleep, and he resigned to call a taxi. Driving like that would have been a stupid move, he knew. A brief exchange over his cellphone later and he found himself waiting in the apartment complex's lobby, watching raindrops hit against the large, front windows. Ah, more rain…
It was going to be a long day.
Ace watched as his brother disappeared beyond the doorway with a grin. He'd almost forgotten Luffy had stayed the night-he wasn't supposed to. Last night felt… surreal. He'd gotten the kid to give him a chance, which was great because he was really close to burning down that goddamn door, and everything just felt… better. Yeah, that wasn't his Luffy. They didn't grow up together. They didn't bond. But… something about it just felt right.
The pirate's previous grogginess faded fast and soon he was to his feet and at the fridge. Maybe he could make the boy breakfast-along with himself, of course. Character or not, Luffy was Luffy and one could always win that boy over with food. Of course, Ace noticed that he didn't eat as much, nor as much meat, but if anything that made it easier.
...Or it would have, if he'd known how to cook more than just simple, basic meals.
Sighing, he grabbed out some eggs and retrieved some bacon from the freezer before setting about preparing the meal itself. Best to start with something he knew well, right?
The bacon hit the skillet with a sizzle and the youth's grin stretched, his mouth watering as the scent of cooking meat wafted his nostrils. It was about then that he heard quiet feet shuffle behind him, and he turned to smile at the boy as he sat down at the table. His hair was an unkempt mess, clothes wrinkled from tossing and turning during the night.
"Mornin' Lu," he greeted.
The boy yawned, slouching in his chair as he stared blearily across the room. "I told ya not to…" He blinked. "Oh… right. G'morning."
Ace rolled his eyes and moved to flip the eggs. "Ya hungry?"
"Starving," the boy replied with a curt nod. For a while both remained quiet, listening only to the sounds of the stove, before, "Couldn't you… use your fire? Instead of the stove?"
The pirate snorted as he grabbed plates from the top cupboards. "I could," he confirmed, "but I don't trust myself in such a small place. Want a drink?"
"Coffee," Luffy provided readily, licking his lips when a full plate was set down in front of him.
"I uh… don't know how to use the coffee thing."
The boy blinked wide, owlish eyes at him before letting out a quiet chuckle. It wasn't like his counterpart's, wasn't as boisterous and was far more restrained, but it had a pleasant ring to it. He rose from his seat just as Ace sat. "I'll get it then. Ya want some?"
Ace wasn't really one for coffees or teas, but if Luffy was making it then…
He grinned, "Sure."
Soon the boy was sitting once more, opening the laptop that had been carelessly left there by its owner, tapping away at it just as Sabo always did. He never really got what the people of that world liked so much about those things. What did they even do? Was it just fun, tapping on a piece of plastic and looking like an idiot? He knew Sabo wrote using it, but… wasn't a pen good enough?
Luffy's face sagged into a disappointed pout and the pirate found his thoughts stopping. He Leaned forward, trying to see what was upsetting the boy. "Somethin' wrong, Lu?"
"It's Sabo."
"Sabo?"
"He wrote."
Ace blinked, "So?" Didn't he always write? It was pretty much a daily thing with him.
"He's supposed to be taking a break. Stupid workaholic brother."
After a few moments the man smiled, reaching over to pat the younger's head, leaving it in even more disarray. "He'll be fine. But we'll have to remember to yell at the little shit when he gets back."
The way those brown eyes focused on him made his chest fill with nostalgic warmth-a feeling that only grew when he was met with a wide, Luffy grin.
"Definitely."
Mark had been feeling particularly off since he woke in the early morn. He couldn't place it, didn't know what it was, but there was an unfamiliar buzzing at the back of his skull, nagging him, screaming that this wasn't right. But every time he felt like he was onto something, every time he felt like he'd figured it out, the realization escaped him and he was once more stuck in a haze of uncertainty.
He sighed, adjusting his glasses and sipping his coffee as he started on editing the second half of Marineford. His work had so far gone smoothly, but progress was slow and tedious and, though he never thought he'd say it, he almost wished Sabo wrote less. The blond understood it, though; while Marineford was only a side trip in the grand scheme of One Piece's plot development, it was something the author had been waiting to write a long, long time.
"Everyone dies."
Mark pulled his lips taut, attempting to ignore the rise of unease swelling beneath his skin. It was… strange. Character death had never bothered him before-never even phased him-but when it came to Ace… perhaps it was because he'd met the boy by some strange twist of fate. Seeing him there in Sabo's flat, his ability flaring to life with his temper in some unrealistic display, made it far more real. He could see it-taste the sulfur in the air, feel the weighted burden as the executioners swung their weapons downward only to be stopped by a loud, haki-filled scream from a battered pirate captain. It was almost like he was there, watching it all unfold.
The blond ran a stressed hand through his hair, slumping forward in his seat. "What am I doing, yoi?" And why was his accent seeping through?
He shook his head. The whole thing was ridiculous, and he had a chapter to finish editing. But that feeling was persistent, unflinching, and the farther along he went as the hours passed by, the more it bothered him.
Luffy dropped the vivre card. Ace took the blow meant for him, innards burned crisp by the admiral's attack, falling limply into his sibling's arms.
Mark clenched his jaw.
"Thank you for loving me."
Why was he crying?
Sabo huffed, nostalgia rushing over him as he stood still on the sidewalk, eyes roaming the never-changing home before him with slight hesitation. After his interview-which went rather horribly, as he had a habit of rambling on and on when deprived of sleep-he decided not to go straight home. There were some errands he had to run and places he needed to go and by the end of it all, there he stood.
Might as well go with it.
Stepping forward up the driveway to the front door, eyes glancing over the ramp, he knocked.
For a while there was no answer but the author was patient and was eventually met with the turning of the knob and the screech of the door as it was pulled open. The man on the other side looked him over with surprise and mild curiosity, a fond smile gracing his lips.
"Sabo, old friend," he greeted, "to what do I owe the pleasure?"
He returned the friendly with a grin. "Must I have a reason? You did complain I didn't visit enough."
"Never visit," he corrected.
"Never visit, then."
Lawrence's smile curved further and he turned, moving away from the door and into the living room, allowing Sabo to follow and close the door behind them.
The author didn't wait to be invited, shuffling further into the room, dropping unceremoniously onto the couch and sinking into its cushions.
"So happy to see you making yourself comfortable," the professor drolled, stopping his wheelchair on the far side of the coffee table. "It warms my heart."
Sabo simply rolled his eyes. "I can't believe you never moved."
"Convenient location," the other pointed, "quite close to the school and fully accessible. I simply saw no reason to leave."
Yeah, that sounded like him-always straight and to the point. The blond almost admired how blunt he could be.
"Care for a drink? I've attained quite a collection over the years."
"I don't doubt that," Sabo replied, "but I'll have to decline. I'm incoherent enough as it is."
"Didn't sleep, I presume?"
"Not a minute," he nodded.
"Never change, do you, old friend?"
His face sagged into an unamused pout, unable to filter the expression through his tiredness. "I take offense to that."
"Good. You're meant to."
So as I said, this chapter was just short set-up. Forgive me QAQ But I DID include a little think with Marco-er... Mark e_e; So hopefully you guys can bear with me as I try to get back into my fics :'D And I can't remember if I replied to reviews in PMs or not so...
To my lovelies~
Justa Little Puppy: I'm glad you enjoyed it XD Unfortunately there wasn't much this chapter, just set-up, but hopefully you still liked it :'D Thanks for the review~
Spadenon: Well there's... something going on with Mark... and he DID raise Sabo and Luffy, so... *cough*
Animezpeps: Guess you'll just have to keep reading and find out :P Glad you like!
MaskedPyro: (It's okay I think we all feel that way XD) Marco didn't MAKE him kill off Ace, he did that himself. Marco was just showing concern because he was displaying an unhealthy attachment to a fictional character. And because when he adopted Sabo and Luffy, he KNEW they'd been through some shit, and that they weren't well because of it. Again, remember, Marco never told Sabo to kill him off. He even asked if he was sure about it. Straw Hat Luffy is not going to appear. As Sabo said, only catalysts have been brought to life so far-people who died. It would go against everything built up to this point :/ Here's an update~
Magic Morgana: Yes, thank you for all the lovely reviews dear 3 Luffy's fears... have something to do with the flashback shown last chapter. And a few other things... Ah, the fear of Ace hating him was because he's so different from the Luffy that Ace knows. Oh there will DEFINITELY be flashbacks in future chapters, worry not. There will actually be entire chapters dedicated to the past XD Ahh, Ace was willing to respect Luffy's reserves, but it really worried him when Luffy locked himself in the bedroom, so he didn't want to leave him alone.
popian3: Glad you like!
scatteredPhilosopher: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! (I just had to put in the bad-humoured joke, I apologise)
Vergina-spva: Of course XD Everyone seems to love those two lines :'D Glad I could make you laugh! Pfft this chapter was mild in every respect, you had no need to worry XD
LeuieFaye: So happy you're enjoying my stories :D And sorry for the late update, things just... happened :'D
xxXxx: Glad you liked it!
kArmACrusH: Haven't heard someone wonder about Roger coming to life yet, interesting theory XD But you'll see~
viv-heart: Dad!Marco will be making his return, worry not XD
Yvonne Park: Here's more~
c2t2: You know, I've had a lot of people tell me they avoid AUs and I just don't get it, they're so fun XD Ah, some of my stories have pairings while others don't. I try to write something for everyone, if I can.
Tebolizer: Welcome, new reader! I hope to see you around in the future! :D Yeah, Thatch wasn't as lucky as Ace when he arrived. Sabo's... had some psychological problems in the past. I can't really say anything more than that, but good observations! The review right before yours was wishing there were pairings, I can't win X'D Nah, actually your review was shorter than some I get. Some people get really enthusiastic, and I LOVE long reviews. Will do~
Sorariru: Hehe sorry, I've done that, too, though, when finding a fic I like :'D Sabo has a few secrets of his own, but I'm of course not going to say them XD Sorry but the story isn't really about bringing a whole bunch of characters to the real world, there's a purpose for the ones brought so far XD
Ace Portgas D: Here's an update! And I think he already did :'D
pinkus-pyon: Glad you liked it! I don't think Ace is going to meet Izo or their daughter, actually.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed and all see you next time with (hopefully) a longer chapter!
Adieu~