Chapter 28 - Things to consider

Ace would stay.

The boys were now sharing Luffy's former room. Sirja still had to keep things calm but Luffy and Ace had done the majority of the work anyways. She learned how surprisingly similar the boys were. Both were always hungry, although Ace would be more polite to ask about it, both of them could fall asleep anywhere at any time of the day and both were as cute they could get. Aces freckles could keep easily up with Luffy's puppy eyes.

Soon Dr Auldran made a big appearance declaring her no longer contagious, meaning the ribs had healed and the bruising had gotten much better, meaning she could walk around more and cuddle her boys again. Ace made subtly sure Luffy would stay away from the still aching parts. He had generally grown very protective of her.

When Ace told her of his life in the hills he also talked about how he had met Luffy. Due to the events with the marines she had forgotten again to ask Luffy about how he had gotten home. She was also pleased that her idea had worked.

A few days after she had been allowed out of bed, Ace came running into the kitchen while Sirja was preparing lunch for them.

'There is a pirate ship!'

Both Makino and Sirja went to the port but they didn't have to go far to see an excited Luffy standing on the beach.

Ace didn't know how to feel about this. He liked Sirja and trusted her. She liked the pirates and trusted them. According to Luffy their captain would even soon be his daddy. The same man that had been searching for him. Not to kill him. But to take care of him. He didn't know what to make of this. He liked Sirja, this much he knew.

Even for an adult this would be a confusing situation. For an eight year old it was even more so. Ace took Sirja's hand and received a reassuring smile.

Yes, he trusted her.


Shanks was anxious to reach port. He has been standing at the railing for the last hour. Finally Fusha was coming into view.

First there was no one in particular noticing them. But soon he saw Luffy jumping for joy. Shanks had kept his promise to return soon. He had been gone for less than three weeks.

A few moments later his beautiful girlfriend arrived as well. He could have spotted her from very far away. The wind was playing with her light-colored hair. He had thought long about this. But there really was no better comparison. Makino was there too, she was talking with Sirja.

And a fourth person. Another boy? Would she always add one every time he was gone? He looked closer. He was taller than Luffy and held Sirja's hand. He had wild black hair.

The closer he got the more details he could see. Dark eyes and... Freckles...? It couldn't be; Shanks' eyes went wide and a blank expression took over his face.

Benn stood close by and took a look as well.

'Oh, look, some other man had claimed Sirja, too bad.' Shanks didn't even react to the teasing part. It had become his soft spot lately, much to Benn's amusement.

'Benn... Look at the boy... Tell me I am not seeing things...' His voice was low.

The other man did take a second look and forgot about the cigarette in his mouth. It could be...

Their time to think was up. They had reached the harbor.