AN: This is quite possibly the longest chapter ever... I won't say much because I'm just going to make the scroll bar even shorter if I do. :)) School's going to be coming up for me which means less frequent updates, so this is my way of treating you before my college days start. :) I love you guys!


Twenty Sixth Bite ~ Portgas D. Ace

"There will be no late night activities. I expect that you will be home by ten 'o clock sharp. That'll be your curfew from now on."

Looks like I'll have to cancel a few upcoming batch parties. Got to give a heads up to Sabo, too. He wanted to invite me as a Guest of Honor to one of the Senior Nights.

"I've spoken to your principal, and I've been given permission to place extra security in your school. Every dismissal time, you will not go home by yourself. You will wait for an escort to pick you up at the school entrance.

Let's throw Officer Smoker in the fray. With him doing his manly strut around the school, I could rest easy on my lunch seat.

"Always inform me of your plans for the week by Sunday night. I will not accept any last minute plans for whatever reason—" Looks like I'll have to use my planner more often, "Also, you cannot go anywhere without an escort and our limousine. I will not tolerate the use of public transport—" Since only our limousine's bullet proof, "—and I expect for you to always inform me of your whereabouts, and that by nine 'o clock, you and your escort will be heading home. In addition, I need you to leave your cellphone on because if I tell you to go home, you will go home.

"If you encounter any suspicious activity, leave the area immediately. No buts. If there are any emergencies, call me. If I'm not available, call your Uncle Zeff or your Uncle Iceberg. Your Uncle Jinbei will be arriving very soon, so you may call him as well."

Wow, even Uncle Jinbei and the rest of the Sunny Family are dragged into this? Why am I not surprised?

"I also forbid you from the following—meddling with mafia affairs, roaming around Impel Down—" The list just went on and on.

While Dad was stressing over the dos and don'ts—obviously more emphasis on the don'ts—I just kept on nodding like any "obedient son" would. Normally, I'd raise my hand in complaint—since he was practically butchering my social life—but I didn't because I knew Dad had his reasons. This entire after-dinner talk between the both of us in the parlour room didn't catch me by surprise at all—much thanks to Sanji.

Tuesday afternoon, about two days ago, I got home from school and flipped my Macbook Pro open just to check on my email. Sure enough, I had a few unread messages in my Inbox. Aside from some social network updates, site uploads and a few less significant others, I came across Sanji's email. It was about his recent job in Barcelona.

Subject: Saturday night at Barcelona (IMPORTANT, SO READ DAMN YOU)

Ace—I was supposed to tell you this immediately, but I couldn't find the right time and place, plus I'm fucking jetlagged. Anyway, Mihawk's gone out, probably to gather more info (he's been doing that a lot lately), so I don't have to worry about him snooping behind my back.

The mission in Barcelona was supposed to be simple. Because of information gathered from another job, we got some leads, so Mihawk and I were sent to capture one of Krieg's men. He goes by the name of "Blue Jam," and apparently, he's part of Krieg's inner circle. After the capture, we were going to interrogate him just so we could get a closer perspective of Krieg's motives.

Everything started out like cakewalk, but midway, shit happened, and it's not because of a load of miscalculated bull.

Our team wasn't the only one that broke into the mansion. When I found Blue Jam on the run, I went after him. That was when I ended up bumping into someone else who managed to knock me out. Luckily, Mihawk was there to save my ass.

The mission was already called off when I woke up, and according to him, a "third party" fucked up the entire assignment. Because of them, not only have we lost a few of our men, but they also managed to unintentionally open an escape route for Blue Jam to flake through. Well, at least our team's not the only one suffering the blow, huh? Assholes—except for the lovely lady who knocked me out. It was dark, but I could tell that she was an angel.

Well, anyway, here's something you might want to know.

Before I got knocked out, I came across one of Krieg's secret rooms. It was some sort of laboratory, and there was someone contained in a glass tube, complete with the wires and all that creepy shit you'd hear from those mad scientist movies. At first, I couldn't recognize who that person was, but I knew that I've seen that face before.

When I got home from school yesterday, I got to work and looked through some of Zeff's collected files. The Blackleg Family has a lot of undercover agents around the world, so they'd usually send us the latest underground info. After some quick searching, I found out that I was right. The person I found inside the glass tube was the heir of Spain's Pacifista Family. The Pacifista Family, FYI, is one of Europe's most powerful mafia families—around the same level as the Newgate Family—and rules Spanish underground with an iron fist. A few months ago, it turned out that their heir was kidnapped—obviously by the Krieg Family for this experiment.

Here's something else you might want to know: Someone wrote to both Uncle Edward and the Old Fart regarding the third party. It was more of a warning note about this organization called "Cipher Pol," and it's supposed to be the government's secret anti-mafia squad. We don't know who the members of this group are, and that's the shitty thing about it because it can be anyone. Best we watch our backs.

The Blackleg Family's always been the shady type, though. Not many families know about us, and I don't even know if Cipher Pol knows of our existence, too. Still, can't be too sure, huh?

Well, if you ask me what's going on, I don't have a fucking clue. My old man's obviously leaving out a few details, and I'm sure Uncle Edward's doing the same with you. Wouldn't be surprised if Mihawk's got the whole backstory covered, but he's just not saying anything worth a damn. What I'm really sure about, though, is that this Don Krieg bastard's been funding on human experimentation. What for? Again, I don't know, but if my suspicions are correct, he could be using heirs as test subjects, and this also means that the both of us are in deep shit. Most likely you since you ARE the heir of his sworn enemy. Sucks to be you.

Once I find out a few more leads, I'll let you know. Just be on your guard.

Sanji

"—Stay home as much as possible, and most of all, no more reckless stunts! I do not want a repeat of what happened during my inauguration ceremony. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Dad," I sighed in resignation, "We're clear." This was going to be a dull weekend.

Dad definitely looked like he was in a celebrating mood—probably because I wasn't being a brat about it. He sat back against his armchair, in perfect content as our geisha-maid, Izou, poured tea for the both of us. When she finished, Dad dropped a dollop of milk and added a cube of sugar before hastily stirring. "I hope you understand why I'm doing this, Ace. I'm not trying to be a tyrant here."

"I get it. Krieg's after me, so you're just giving out a few safety rules." I shrugged. Wait, did I say a few? I meant a lot.

Quietly, Dad laid his teaspoon on his plate before taking a sip of tea. After that, he lowered his cup, eyeing me intensely. "You seem to already know about the situation at hand."

I prepared my own tea before reaching out for one of the crumpets stacked on a plate between us. "A hypothetical guess," I said while buttering it, "I mean—with all that's happening, I considered all possibilities. Just because he's got the vendetta on you doesn't mean that I'm off the hook, right?" After taking a small bite of my crumpet, I dropped it on a separate plate, "Kill the prince to get to the king." I slowly drank my tea, never taking my eyes off Dad.

I could be a smooth liar, and Dad knew this. Still, I couldn't afford to put Sanji on the spotlight since he's the one who's secretly updating me.

Dad leaned his head forward, his gaze intensifying enough to perhaps bore holes on my very soul. "I've raised you well."

Then again, a part of me felt that Dad could read between the lines, and—coming from the man who taught me to see through deception—I expected no less.

My eye contact with him remained constant. After a moment of tense silence, Dad opened his mouth, but it wasn't because he wanted to question me. "I will tell you this," he spoke with an underlying tone of gravity, "only because I want to make you aware of the situation. For reasons unknown, Don Krieg may be after you—and he will do anything to make sure that you're within his grasp—"

"—and so it's your job as the Head of the Newgate Family to make sure that I, your subordinate, watch my back at all times," I nodded in understanding.

"—And it's my job as your father to make sure that you, my son, are safe," Dad concluded.

I shifted uncomfortably on my seat. Weeks of having to obey Dad were probably starting to rub off on me. It wasn't a bad thing—maybe because it gave me time to place aside all of my self-arrogance and pride. I had to admit—I had a lot of those, and maybe that's why Dad and I fought a lot of times. Isn't that typical with all teenagers? Between parents and their children, there'd always be a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunications. Sometimes, it could even be for the dumbest reasons—like sticking into another's business when you aren't supposed to, I guess.

Once upon a time, I sincerely wished for a parent's genuine love—and this was probably what it really was. At the end of the day—albeit a little more firm than affectionate—this was Dad's way of showing that he cared for me. Typical businessman and mafia lord. I didn't exactly like all these imposed rules, but I wouldn't deny that Dad had valid points. Hell, he definitely didn't want me to be stuck inside some glass tube, right? So, who was I to whine about it?

Who was I to continue lying to him?

I ended up smiling after his last sentence. "Thanks, Dad." Behind his large mustache, I swore I could see a small smile form from beneath the edges.

Dad helped himself to a buttered crumpet as I finished off mine. Too bad that our quiet bonding time was eventually disrupted by typical routines such as document signings and business phone calls ("Excuse me? And, he allowed that to happen in my company? Blast it all, he's a bloody imbecile! Good Lord, where's my PR officer? Get him on the line! Also, I want that buffoon's desk to be cleared by the time I arrive there tomorrow morning or there will be hell to pay! Well? What are you waiting for? Get to it—and don't forget to call my PR officer!"). Between Dad's turbulent reactions—where I was very certain that he'd personally blow off a few heads soon—and his occasional minute pauses to skim through some legal documents behind a pair of reading spectacles, he at least managed to soothe his incoming migraine with a few cups of tea. I eyed Izou nervously, wondering if this sad sight in front of me was, in fact, a sorry glimpse of my future.

I really hoped not.

Giggling at whatever my expression was, the geisha-maid lifted the teapot as an offering. Gladly, I raised my teacup, and she poured some more tea for me. I didn't use milk this time, though. Chamomile with a drop of honey sounded really good at the moment.

Finally, the phone calls ceased, there were no more contracts left to sign, and silence resumed its position as we both enjoyed our after-dinner tea. Izou took the initiative and provided Dad with a Tylenol, and he seemed to have recovered a fair mood a little while after the intake. "Best you enjoy your youth while you can," he sighed, rubbing his temple, "Once you reach my age, you wouldn't believe the amount of idiots you'd have working for you."

"I'll take your word for it." I laughed nervously. I really didn't want to hit that point just yet.

"Ah, and by the way, Ace—what was that you wanted to talk to me about during dinner time?"

"Oh, right." I immediately set my cup down and jolted up into a straightened position. Dad raised an eyebrow out of curiosity when he noticed my sudden attentiveness. "About that—I just wanted to say that I finally found my brother."

If Dad had any response to that whatsoever, I couldn't hear it. The moment he opened his mouth, everything just happened all at once.

The phones rang. There were cats screeching outside. From a far off distance, we could hear the loudest truck horn ever to be blown. Izou sneezed a bit. Then, there were several knocks on the doors before Juzo had to burst in with a blaze of glory, followed by Marco, Vista, Squado, Haruta, Atmos, Curiel and Blamenco. If you'd add Izou to that group, then that made more than half of the Newgate Family's Division Captains, all assembled in this room—on the very moment that I just mentioned my brother.

Seriously?

Marco was carrying a shitload of papers. "Sir, your paperwork. I just arrived from dropping a few of your contracts and permission slips. Certain executives wish for you to—"

Vista was raising a few clipboards and files. "Sir, I just received word from the Blackleg Family regarding new updates along with a few more details from the Tom Family—"

Squado was holding a cookbook and a ladle. "Sir Newgate, what would you like for tomorrow night's dinner? Our freshest ingredients would include our Peking Duck, suckling pig—unless you want a more Western cuisine—"

Atmos and Curiel were holding wireless phones. "Boss! Shiki wishes to speak to you on line one!"

"He also wishes to speak to you in line two in case you wouldn't pick up!"

Izou was balancing the teapot, the teacups and the plates amidst all the commotion. "Sir Newgate! Your cellphone's ringing!"

"That's probably Shiki!" Curiel added.

Blamenco looked worn out while trying to catch his breath. "B-Boss! Media workers—a-and journalists are still—still flooding the front gates as we speak! What are y-your orders?"

"And some of them are actually fangirls of Ace!" Haruta squeaked. Being the shortest maid—and servant in general—was a disadvantage for her since she had to squeeze through everyone else.

"I like pink elephants." Juzo coughed.

Marco coughed even louder. "Sir, the papers—"

"—this new recipe that I would like for you to try—"

"—which Sir Zeff Blackleg and Sir Iceberg Tom will follow you up with—"

"A phone call from Shiki, Boss!"

"Still on Line two!"

"—cellphone's still ringing—eek! The tea! Watch it, Juzo!" There was a slapping sound, probably from Izou to Juzo.

"They're still—crowding the a-area! Re-Ready to take immediate ac-action—!"

"—Especially since they're Ace's fangirls and—"

"—pink elephants."

Dad stood up, and all it took was one fell swoop of a breath. "EVERYONE, SILENCE!"

The room immediately stilled. Everyone was left speechless.

I was speechless.

Except for Juzo who looked at Atmos and Curiel. "Woah—did you just feel an earthquake or something? I think I did. It was like—the Boss could summon an earthquake or something." Because of that, Juzo earned another slap from Izou.

Dad slumped back to his chair, rubbing his temple once again. "Can a man not be at peace while having quality time with his son?" He sighed again before looking at all of them. They all remained in attention stance.

"Marco—leave the documents over there. Vista—patience, I will hold a conference with you later. Squado—just do what you want, for as long as the food is superb. Atmos, Curiel—tell that bastard, Shiki, to go to hell on both lines. I am not going to hear anything from that idiot who released unnecessary information to the media. On second thought, send an assassination team towards his residence—along with a few Molotov cocktails, some piano wires and shovels, gasoline tanks and perhaps a couple of Kel-Tec PLR 16s. That'll do the trick. Izou—another Tylenol, more tea and treat your incoming cold, please. Thank you. Blamenco—I want you to face all of those damned news reporters and tell them that I will sue all of their employers and companies if they so much as stay for another minute at the front gates. Haruta—just shoo them away. They're just young school girls."

Even if Haruta was an expert assassin and could easily kill a person in more than ten different ways with her bare hands, she actually shivered when Dad said that. I felt really sorry for her.

Immediately, everyone scrambled to do their jobs, and the room was cleared with the exception of Dad and myself—and Juzo.

"Juzo—" Dad paused, thinking of what to do.

"Yessir?" Juzo gestured a salute.

"Just—just—" More cats were screeching before Dad shook his head, "Just get rid of those blasted cats. Please."

"Right away, sir!" Immediately, Juzo pulled out a PH-45 from his pocket and exited the room.

Dad sighed once more before looking at me. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

I stared at Dad for about a few seconds before I decided to speak, "Yeah, I said that I found my—"

"GREATEST ATTACK EVER!" Juzo.

Following his battle cry, Dad and I heard a pair of agonized cats screeching and some gunshots.

Then, we heard Vista. "What the hell is that?"

"Boss said to get rid of the cats! Out of my way!"

"With a fucking PH-45? Are you that dense?"

"You're right. That's wrong."

Silence for a while. That could only mean one thing—

It was about to get much worse.

"I'm gonna grab myself a grenade launcher from Marco's storage." This statement was backed up by more gunshots.

"MY PETUNIAS!" Vista, since he was our gardener, sounded mortified.

"Did someone say 'Petew?' Petew! Petew! Petew!" Juzo mimicked gun sounds while firing at all directions.

I coughed, really, really loud before continuing, "Well—anyway—about my brother. His name's Luffy, remember?"


Tired would be an understatement. I was totally drained.

After that commotion—and the start of World War III with Juzo as the sole Axis member against the fifteen commanders of the Allied Forces—I got to explain everything to Dad about Luffy. I narrated the details of where I found him, when and how. Dad was a good listener, allowing me to speak most of the time and only popping a question or two during my pauses. I did leave out a few parts, though—like the fact that Luffy was the said culprit who destroyed my previous car. It's best that he didn't know about that.

"So, now, I'm hoping to ask you for permission to adopt him," I eyed him fixedly after finishing my story.

Dad leaned back on his chair, drumming his right hand fingers on its armrest. "I find it funny that you have to ask me. He's more than welcome to be a part of this family," he said, producing a warm and rarely seen smile, "I'm ready to receive him with open arms at the front doors. What I find funny, though, is that you haven't done things sooner."

I sighed, looking down. "I didn't want to shock him. He just moved in from East Blue. Besides, he has a guardian who holds custody over him."

That smile vanished, replaced with a small scoff. "Well, then—is that so?" he questioned, eyes narrowing into a leer, "How will we go about this? I'd much rather have this done the easy way. Does this guardian want money? I can very much pay him in check—or would he prefer cash?"

"I'm not sure about that yet," I shook my head, not wanting to take things too far—like killing Shanks, for instance, "I'll talk to them tomorrow. We'll settle something from there."

At first, Dad said nothing, but then he nodded in agreement. "Very diplomatic of you, my boy," he spoke. Was it me or did I sense a bit of pride? I looked up and met eyes with Dad. That rare and warm smile returned. "I like it, and of course, I'll support you in anyway I can. I would very much like to meet Luffy."

"Thanks, Dad," I grinned before pulling out a roll of paper from my pocket, "But, swear to me upon oath."

"Hm?" Dad eyed this piece of parchment curiously, "What's that, my boy?"

"A contract," I handed it to him as he pulled out his reading glasses, "We'll do it the formal way."

Dad seemed somewhat amused, chuckling to himself as he read the terms that I wrote for him. "Regarding your brother, am I right?"

"Yes, Dad," I tilted my head forward, "Swear to me that Luffy will be given an equal priority for protection, and at the same time, he shouldn't be involved with the mafia—for as long as I say so." I already placed my signature. All he needed to do was sign it.

After meticulously scanning the entire contract, he withdrew his pen from his pocket and provided the blank with his signature. "Of course, son."

Warm water crashed on my skin in almost endless rounds. My head was crowned with heat that trailed down my body in crooked and moist paths that either merged with others or kept distance. I could feel each and every drop prickling my skin, tainting its color into a slightly raw red instead of its usual shade of tan. Through the shiny knobs in front of me, I noted my reflection, drenched and covered with cascading soapsuds.

Slowly, I raised my head up. My eyes were forced shut as my face was directly pelted with the burning rain that carried the rest of the soap beneath my toes and towards the drain. The surrounding temperature made me give in to releasing a soft sigh. Water was sliding from the sides of my mouth as my lips slightly parted.

After everything that happened today, yes, I felt rejuvenated by this.

My fingers gripped on the shower knobs, slowly turning them towards each other. In response, the heavy pour gradually died down into soft pellets before coming to a complete stop. With that done, I slid the glass door open, noticing traces of mist clouding the now opaque mirrors. Water dripped from the tips of my hair and continued to slide down my frame as I grabbed a nearby towel from its hook and pressed my face against the soft fabric.

It was really humid, but that wasn't a surprise because of the temperature I just showered under. Even after I dried my skin, I felt—moist? No, wait. I felt sticky—sticky with the dense air and the sweat that was forming from the back of my neck.

Before I opened the door, I wrapped my towel around my waist in a lazy knot. The tie was so loose that it fell around my hips after I took one step outside the bathroom door. I ambled across my room, yawning since I felt my drowsiness stirring. By the time I reached the closet, my towel clung to a dangerous view of my groin.

Strange—it was still May, so it's supposed to be springtime weather, but why was it really warm tonight? I tapped my iPhone a few times, checking the temperature. It was around the seventies. Wow, did summer decide to come early? A slight grin formed between my lips when a sudden thought popped up in my mind. There was only one thing for me to do.

Time to cool off.

I threw my towel aside and crashed into bed, sighing in content as I rolled to my side. I didn't even bother to go under the blankets just so I could feel the cushions caressing me gently. The paddings I laid on were already nice and soft—exactly how I liked it.

This was really a summer thing for me. I wasn't like Zoro who'd do this for about half the week—unless it's winter, but even then, he could just snooze off, shirtless. At first, I wasn't comfortable with this practice due to some distant memories, but I had to admit—sleeping in your birthday suit was sort of liberating in a way. Especially when:

I'm that tired.

I'm too lazy to change.

The weather's warm enough.

I just felt like it.

Since all of the above applied in this situation, it's decided that tonight would definitely be one of those nights. I sighed softly, shifting to my comfort zone. My alarm clock was sitting on my bedside table, conveniently for me to check on. It was already ten—my appointed curfew from now until Krieg's got a bullet on his head. Right on time, I thought while stretching a bit and yawning. I had dinner with Dad and a very important talk with him, did my homework along with other daily routines and I took my shower. All I wanted to do now was to hit the sack. A small voice at the back of my mind was telling me, though, to plan my talk with Shanks and Luffy tomorrow, but my body was begging for sleep.

Just so you'd know—this summer time habit of mine was a secret. No one knew about it—not my friends, not Marco and the rest of the household, especially not even Dad—and I'd rather keep it that way. I groaned softly, reaching out to switch my bed lights off. They didn't have to know about every aspect of my lifestyle.

"Ace!" Tiny raps were made behind my bedroom door. My eyes widened when I saw the door crack open, and Izou entered the room with the phone. "You have a phone call from—oh."

Shit.

Before she could see anything else, I grabbed my covers and wrapped myself under them, cursing the fact that I actually forgot to lock the door. I was practically soaking under the covers with my sweat, but now wasn't the time for me to care.

My face heated up when I heard her giggling. "Ace, I didn't know you were the type."

I looked away from her. "Izou, just give me the phone and go—please." No use in telling her to keep secrets. When one of the maidservants of Newgate Manor knows something, the whole mansion's bound to find out within the same hour—one way or another.

"Alright, Ace." I tilted my head to see her approach, catching her smile. I didn't know whether to classify it as coquettish or mischievous, though.

"Hello?" I mumbled after she passed me the wireless, and I placed myself behind speaker.

"Ace?" It was Robin, "Did I catch you at a wrong time?" My face automatically felt like a hot air balloon ready to float off my neck and hover towards the ceiling before popping upon contact with a chandelier. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

"Uhh—no, not really." I went nose-deep under my sheets, eyes still locked on Izou who literally skipped towards the door before leaving.

"You sound—startled," Robin said.

"N-No—just surprised. I was in the middle of—body building." Mental slap.

"Body building? At ten o' clock?"

"New training method," Alright, coming from me, that sounded pathetic, "Hold on. Just going to—fix my stuff."

"Alright, then. Take your time."

I placed the phone next to my alarm clock and locked the door before searching around for my towel that magically disappeared from existence. Where the fuck is it? Because I was taking too long—and because I didn't want to keep Robin waiting—I gave up and rushed to my closet, pulling out the first pair of boxers I could find as well as a shirt.

Why was it that I felt so conscious even if Robin clearly wasn't here to see me nude? It felt like her pair of mesmerizing cerulean eyes was on the wall, watching my every deed. I shivered at the thought, wondering what she'd think if she caught me on this very moment—and how embarrassing it would be.

I could still hear Izou outside my door, stifling with laughter. I thought nothing far worse would happen, but because my life was a bitch, the worst did happen. The other maids—who just loved to travel in groups—came in.

"Hey, Izumi—" Haruta called, referring to Izou by her actual girl name, "What're you laughing about?" Looks like she survived the fan girl riot from earlier.

"I just caught Ace about to sleep without his clothes. You should have seen the look on his face! He was as red as a tomato," Izou answered.

There was lots of squealing done in the background while I got dressed. My blush only grew darker when I realized that the maidservants of this mansion could be just as bad as my fan girls.

Whitney chuckled. "Oh, he's so cute! I remember those days when I'd give him a bath!"

"Yes, but he's grown up, already! He's quite handsome, too."

"No wonder the girls in his school are chasing after him! Izou, did he just shoo you out?"

"He certainly did," she claimed in a sing-song voice.

"Such a shy boy!" More giggles followed in chorus.

"Is he—you know—long?" Wait, what?

"Very. I'd estimate about—seven and a half inches? Pretty thick, too!" I nearly fell while placing on my boxers as the rest of them openly expressed their amazement. Oh, God. Please help me.

"What's going on here?" I heard Marco enter the scene, breaking the laughter into silence.

"Head Butler-san!" Most of the maids said in unison.

"Nothing, Marco," I heard Izou answer sheepishly, "Ace just felt like going completely commando tonight."

There was a brief pause from Marco while some of the other maids were chuckling, and I rolled my eyes. As if he doesn't do this! That was until Marco sighed and said, "Right. Well, back to work and leave Ace alone to his privacy. He's obviously still undergoing puberty." Okay, did he just say that on purpose?

I heard the maids bustling away, and I nearly thought everyone outside was gone, but then Marco tapped my door. "Those sheets take a while to wash. If you really have to, you can jerk off in the bathroom."

"Shut up, Marco. I don't do that!" I groaned, pulling my shirt down before returning back to bed with the phone shortly pressed against my ear. Silently, I was praying that Marco wasn't loud enough for Robin to hear. "Sorry about that."

"Are you sure I'm not bothering you?" she asked.

"No, you aren't," I laughed, "So, anyway, why'd you call?"

"I was hoping to ask for a favor, actually."

I blinked while my head rested on a pillow. "Go shoot," I said.

"My sister's coming here from Spain for a short vacation. She refuses to use a taxi, and letting Aokiji pick her up wouldn't be the best decision—especially after the last time when he was about five hours late because he overslept. I was hoping if I you could help me pick her up. Of course, I'll accompany you."

The rushing blood on my cheeks was drained, and my face became pallid. I knew who Robin's sister was, and let's just say that I wasn't her most favorite person to see. At first, I was wondering what I did to gain so much contempt from her—until I found out that she just hated men in general. I'd never say this in front of Robin, but honestly—her older sister was a bitch.

Sadly, I was a nice guy, so I made a silent gulp before answering, "Sure. I just hope that she won't mind some extra company."

"Extra company?"

"Bodyguards," Maybe I could ask Izou, Haruta or Whitney to accompany me on that day, "I can't go out unless I have an escort."

"Why the extra security all of a sudden?"

"Dad's kind of paranoid." I sighed. If only she knew. "Because of what's been happening lately, he's convinced that someone's after the both of us. I'm not sure what the details are, but he's placed me under a house dictatorship."

"Ah, I see," there was a small pause before Robin asked, "Are you alright, at least?"

A small smile graced my lips when I heard that. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."

"At least. So, Ace—" Another pause until she continued, "How was Dance? The Discovery Club's quite fascinating to me."

Robin and I began with the small talk and conversations. She knew Sabo and was slightly surprised when I told her that he was the Club Head for the Boys' Dance Troupe. I also told her that Luffy was part of that club and that he's an expert break-dancer ("Your little brother's such a character. I'd very much like to spend time with him, too." "O-Oi!" "Oh—are you jealous?"). In turn, Robin described a bit of the Discovery Club and ranted over how underrated it was ("Really, people nowadays should learn to appreciate history more."). I laughed a little, nodding my head in approval even though I was guilty of being one of those people who'd nearly sleep during Mr. Clover's history lectures. I asked her—just in case—if we had any other homework, and that stemmed the part where we both tutored each other on the phone. After we shot each other questions and made a few corrections, we placed our homework aside and spoke of things non-school related. I missed Criminal Minds today, but thankfully, Robin was very fond of crime shows, so she articulately narrated to me today's episode. The conversation of meaningful nothings kept going back and forth between the both of us. Sometimes, it just felt like we just wanted to hear each other talk, never realizing that it was nearly midnight when I decided to check the time.

She ended our last topic about the upcoming summer concert of Soul King at East Blue when she decided to say good-bye. It was a school night, and Robin was always the type to go by a schedule, but it pained me—for some reason—for this to end. I didn't know what else to say to keep her up, and I knew this was it, so I needed to say something—anything—that had meaning.

"So, uhh—Robin, you want to hang out?"

I gave myself a mental kick to the head. Okay, why did it have to be that?

"This weekend?"

"Y-Yeah," I stammered involuntarily, my mouth betraying me, "Just the two of us."

"Are you asking me on a date?" If I could only burst into flames at this very moment, I would.

For some ungodly reason, I could hear Mario singing in the back of my head. "D-Date? N-No—I'm n-not asking—well, technically—u-unless this is, if-if you want this to be, I mean—We can just head to Skypeia and—have lunch or whatever you want. You choose. Lunch, dinner—anything." I'm stuttering, oh oh oh oh oh—what's happening to me? I keep stuttering.

She laughed softly behind the line while I was once again cursing my sudden incoherency. Now, all I had to do was pick up a crayon, draw a circle on the wall with the words "Place Here" inside it before ramming my head repeatedly against the spot to relieve some built-up stress.

Then again, there was always that wonderful option of going on a solo suicide mission to Impel Down, charging in with guns blazing while hoping that either Krieg captures and then kills me or Dad rescues me with pretty much the same result as the first option.

"I'd love to."

I nearly dropped the phone. "R-Really?" Looks like this weekend wouldn't be that boring after all!

"Of course. Who else would I go out with?" she asked coolly. God, I love this woman.

After we made the full plan for this Sunday's lunch at one of the restaurants at Skypeia—Dad better approve of this—she hung up. Her "good night" to me still resonated between my ears, and even if I was slumped in bed, part celebrating in the inside, I felt a certain pain stabbing my heart.

Why does she do this to me?

It was pure torture, knowing that all the love that I had in my heart for her was just one-sided.

She's got me under a spell.

She was, is and will always be my first love, and I was convinced that I'd give anything and everything for her—but what does that matter? She didn't return my feelings, and it was only a matter of time until she'll fall in love with some other guy.

Then, I'd just be there on the side, watching.

Robin was beautiful. That dreaded moment was inevitable.

Did I ever have a chance with her? In her eyes, Sanji, Zoro and I were both friends and near-siblings. It was painfully obvious, though, that I was treated a little differently. Sanji, an expert in the matter, could vouch for that statement. It was that special treatment—attraction, I hoped—that was both addicting and deceiving. It made me believe, for a time, that she actually loved me in return.

Sometimes, I'd think back to the time when I poured out my feelings for her, only to be flatly rejected. At first, I thought that I just went about it the wrong way—that I needed a different approach—but would that make a difference? Sincerity should count for something, and if she really did love me, then she would have said yes no matter what I said or did to prove that. I wondered what I lacked—what she wanted that I didn't have. Unlike the other girls at school, she wasn't swooned by good looks, fame, talent and money.

Sometimes, I'd think of trying again. It's been a little over a year, and maybe this time, she'd return my feelings—but would time change things like that so easily? How many times was I willing to punish myself with more rejections? I must be a borderline masochist. Still, when it came to Robin, I wanted to be optimistic. I wanted to try again because I couldn't give up—because I knew she was the one for me. Maybe I should try again on Sunday?

Sometimes, I'd think of the "what ifs," had she said "yes." They were nice thoughts—albeit a little too hopeful—that I liked to imagine once in a while. I'd think of weekend dates—it'd be just the two of us sitting inside some restaurant or a cafe. We'd enjoy different meals and waste the afternoon by exchanging sweet words and significant thoughts about different things. Who knows? Perhaps there was something about Robin that I've yet to find out. She'd probably offer to split the bill with me, but I'd refuse. It would always be my treat.

I'd think of bringing her home everyday after school. I'd wait until dusk, so I'd drive by Grand Line's port for us to catch that breathtaking view of the setting sun. On rainy days, I'd pull out an umbrella for her, so we could simply walk home together, holding hands. Maybe she'd forget to bring her jacket. She could definitely borrow mine.

She loved music, and I'd think of moments where we'd just sit together, listening to my iPhone while sharing Skullcandy earphones. She had a preference for classical at times, and if she asked for me to cover a piece by Beethoven or Mozart, I'd gladly practice day and night for her to just sit next to me, her head resting on my shoulder as I'd play the piano.

I knew she loved shopping, and I wouldn't mind accompanying her. She'd probably try a tank top or maybe a dress. She loves dresses, after all.

"How do I look?" she'd ask, stepping out from one of the dressing rooms. I'd see her wearing an all-over lace dress, colored black and finely embroidered with floral designs. The measure would be perfect, snuggly fitting her like a second skin from her curved shoulders until the middle of her thighs.

"You look beautiful." I'd smile and answer, eyeing her from top to bottom while expressing my approval.

She'd probably shake her head. "You always say that. I can't seem to get an honest opinion from you, can I?"

"Well, you're always beautiful no matter what you wear," I shrugged, "That's my honest opinion."

A small smile curved her lips before she'd lean forward, our lips connecting briefly until she'd decide to pull back. "Well," she'd whisper, her breath tickling my lips, "You answer a little better than Aokiji." Hell yeah, I would.

Oh God, I'd think of what it would be like to kiss those lips of hers—soft and rosy pink with a smile so mysterious that it would make Da Vinci redo the Mona Lisa. Her full and luscious lips were definitely casting the charm on me, and I was curious to know how they felt and tasted. Soft and chaste kisses to wet and passionate ones—I'd think of any moment when we'd just abandon words and sink into mere contact.

I'd want—no—I'd crave for more. I craved to hear her moaning in my arms, our tongues dancing fiercely before she'd decide to submit and let herself be guided. I craved to feel her soft hands cupping my cheeks, pulling my head closer out of desperate need as my palms would slide down to her waist and her hips would rock against mine. I craved for her to gently whisper my name behind one of my ears while I'd start unbuttoning her shirt to fondle her large breasts.

I flinched, feeling a painful twitch between my legs. I gripped on one of the pillows beside me, producing deep creases that tore its smoothness. No, I didn't want to stop, yet. I still wanted to pretend that, for one moment, she was mine.

What if Dad had some surprise business trip and had to leave Grand Line for a bit? We'd have the entire mansion to ourselves. I'd ask for her to sleep over for the night, and if she were embarrassed, I'd promise to make the household servants shut up about it. Hell, I'd even pull the "It gets lonely around here" excuse if that's what it'd take to persuade her. I wonder if she'd buy that.

Then, it would be just the two of us, spending the night with each other to share both love and memories.

"You haven't settled in yet," I would say if I decided to check on her after my shower, only to find out that she was still in her school uniform. It was already summer, so our school's grey vest was the only thing missing in her attire.

She'd probably be sitting on her guest bed, reading a book or something. "No, I haven't." She'd dog-ear her current page before placing it aside. Then, she'd lean forward to pin me against the headboard, wearing that captivating smile while saying in such a sultry voice, "I was waiting for you to settle me down." I smiled, leaving no room for words as both our lips smashed against each other.

Nothing else would matter. It'd be our world where only the both of us existed, melting against each other's actions. Her head would tilt to the side, allowing our kiss to deepen while I'd lick and nip her bottom lip affectionately. Her arms would wrap around my shoulders, and my hands would travel downwards, grabbing her ass. I'd wait for her lips to part before I'd slide my tongue in to ravage her, memorizing each and every cavern. Maybe she'd greet me aggressively, not being one to easily submit. I'd actually prefer that—I was always one for a good fight.

I'd be able to feel her legs brush against mine as she straddled herself on my lap. Her knees would rest on the sides of my waist. She'd tilt her chin up, causing my lips to slide towards her exposed throat and plant numerous kisses in a wet trail. She'd moan loud, lost in my actions, unable to spot the lust clouding in my half-lidded ones.

Was it shameful of me? I loved Robin, but I also lusted for her.

The sudden rush of heat would become too unbearable for us, and she'd know it. Without any hesitation on her part, she'd intertwine her long and slender fingers against mine, slowly guiding me in unbuttoning her blouse. In a fluid motion, I'd unfasten the first and second buttons, revealing her cleavage under a nude colored bra. A small smirk would flicker on my lips when I'd decide to play around with the middle button, and I'd probably earn a whine from doing that. She needed me badly, and so not wanting to frustrate her, I finished up with the remaining buttons and unknotted her tie, letting this fall along with her sleeves.

I pulled back from my kisses, panting softly and noticing the sweat causing our bodies to stick. Still, with my eyes half open, I took note of her bra's laces that flawlessly traced her breasts. My fingers lined with her back, quickly unhooking the last of her upper clothing and letting this fall between us. I must have skipped a heartbeat due to the sight in front of me. It didn't help that she was grinding her hips against my groin, taunting my clothed member to harden more.

I'd lower my head in level with her breasts, my lips pressed against one of her virgin nipples. Teasingly, I'd lick it before blowing, only to receive yet another moan as I watched it harden. After that, I wouldn't waste time by sucking on the offended organ while letting my thumb circle and play with the other. She produced these wonderful sounds, mewling in soft melodies as she languidly tugged on my hair and twirled it.

As I'd continue my ministrations, I'd imagine her skirt lifting too high up her thighs, and I'd be able to feel her panties soaking wet against my covered manhood. I'd begin to slow down, my eyes squeezed shut this time as my erection begged for attention. Then, as if Robin knew my every wish, she'd reach down to slide her hand under my boxers. I'd be able to feel her index giving a hard press on my tip, causing me to shudder. I'd be able to feel her massage me—starting from the tip and then slowly sliding to the base before she'd knead this area firmly. I'd be able to breathe, gasping out her name while coming in satisfaction.

"Woah, Ace. I heard you were going commando—but I never knew you liked banging pillows."

My eyes cracked open, and I immediately shot up from my position. That was when I realized that my boxers were lowered to my knees, my fingers were wet, my poor pillow had been assaulted with my bodily fluids and Juzo was right outside my window, on a platform while holding onto some carpenter tools. Who the fuck does carpenter work at midnig—wait, holy shit, I forgot to close the fucking curtains!

I pulled my boxers up, ignoring my ongoing erection while running to my drawers and pulling out a CZ 110, panting heavily and aiming at Juzo. "Better get out of my sight—" I threatened darkly, my hands shaking, "—and stay quiet about this or I will seriously blow your brains out."

For a big guy, Juzo could work very quickly. "Night, Ace!" He descended with the platform, disappearing from my window's view without another warning from me. I stared, realizing the horror of this situation. Word spread by the maids was one thing. Word spread by Juzo was another.

For a while, I stood there, continuously panting even when my legs were shaking due to the numbness of my cock. When I could no longer hold myself, I dropped my gun before collapsing to my knees. I ended up curling into a tight ball, ashamed and horrified over what I just did.

Did I just masturbate over Robin?


Thursday night was purely horrible. I actually couldn't look at Robin the next morning when I arrived at school. Still, during morning period, I began to think that nothing could top last night, and that Friday would surely be a better day. It was already a weekend, no one in the mansion knew about my happy time—meaning that Juzo must have actually kept quiet—and today, I would finally be able to adopt Luffy. I was looking very forward to that, having spent my bath time by mentally rehearsing my lines to him.

Sadly, Luffy didn't attend school that day. It was sort of a downer, since I already mustered up the courage to tell him, but I figured that he just got sick—probably ate another mutated cupcake—and that he'd be attending school tomorrow. Saturday arrived, but he was still absent. No worries, I tried to convince myself while waiting for my escort outside the school entrance, He's probably just resting in bed. The guy can't force himself to school yet. That same night, I called his cellphone, but he wasn't picking up. What's going on?

Sunday—while Marco and Whitney were occupying a different table, Robin pinpointed on how distant my mind was while I twirled my fork around my pasta. I quickly apologized, and she said that she understood. She knew I was worried about my brother. I tried to enjoy the rest of the day with her like I hoped to, but for some reason, I couldn't take my mind off Luffy. He still hasn't called back. I asked Dad permission to visit Luffy's apartment—in case he wouldn't show up on Monday. Thankfully, he gave his consent ("Honestly, what kind of guardian does he have? Losing your brother and my future son? Outrageous!"). Sure enough, Luffy was absent again the next morning—and this time, Shanks was, too. Coincidence?

Tuesday afternoon, after school, Doma picked me up. I gave him the directions to Luffy's apartment, so he drove me there. Soon after we parked, we found the listing of apartment owners by the front and found Luffy's name. Then, we walked up the stairs of the shabby looking condominium, ignoring the old stench of the hallways as we arrived in front of Luffy's door. I rang the doorbell, but there was no answer.

"Looking for Luffy, son?" An old man, the landlord perhaps, came by, "My name's Crocus."

"Good afternoon, my name is Ace," I bowed, "This is my companion, Doma," he gave Crocus a polite nod, "And, yes, I'm wondering if my school mate is feeling well."

"I haven't seen him arrive home ever since," he answered.

I felt a pang on my insides the moment he said that. Doma was quick to read the atmosphere, and so he took the initiative in asking, "Since when?"

"Since a few days ago. I can't say why. I don't even know why myself. Would you know anything, perhaps?" I was no longer just panicking. I became paranoid.

Wednesday, lunch time. Luffy and Shanks haven't returned to school yet. This time, I asked Usopp and Nami, but even they couldn't figure out what happened to them. I sat behind a table outside the cafeteria, my food untouched, and I was trying to immerse myself in reading about Medieval Europe. This wasn't going too well, instead becoming a staring match between the page text and myself.

From inside the cafeteria, I could hear sounds of banter and feasting. I flinched irritably at the noise. It was like Luffy could be erased from existence, and the world wouldn't care.

I couldn't bear this.

In the end, I slammed my book against the table, earning odd looks from my friends. Luckily, we were alone, so no one else would be able to see this other side of me.

"The fuck's wrong with you?" Zoro questioned, "You've been at it since Friday."

"God knows what happened to Luffy," I snapped at him, "Do you think I can just sit here as if nothing's wrong when he's missing?" I noticed his right eye twitch in irritation.

"It can't be as bad as you think," Sanji said sternly, "Just hurry up and eat. Lunch period's almost over." I felt my blood rush, hearing that from my best friend.

I stood up, glaring daggers at him. "So, my brother's missing, and all you could think about is the waste of food?"

Zoro sensed the murderous intent, so he stood up and served me one punch to my face as a warning. "Quit the drama, bitch," he snarled.

I rubbed my left cheek, processing what just happened before turning livid. That's it. "I'll show you drama!" I reciprocated the punch before Zoro fell back, the right side of his face swollen.

Zoro held this before growling, "Oh, it's on." Before this could escalate into a full-fledged fight, though, Sanji tackled Zoro and held him down while Robin stepped in front of me, restraining my arms.

"Ace," she glared, her words cold and firm, "Be rational and don't do this. I don't think Smoker would be able to let this one slide if he catches you fighting again. He's already done that too many times." I wrestled from her grip, easily pulling back my arms. She crossed hers. "Calm down."

"How can I?" I shouted, "Luffy's gone missing for days, and for all I know, he could be in some sort of danger by himself!" I eyed the ground, my brows knitted together, "I'd know. I've been through that once."

Sanji looked at me in surprise, Zoro remained sullen, and Robin kept composed. "But, being like this won't solve anything. At best, leave it to the right authorities. Isn't Shanks his legal guardian?"

"Yeah, where is he?" my voice dripped with sarcasm, "He's not doing a very good job, huh?"

"Well, Ace, I cannot say—but I'd like to ask if you could do any better. You lost him once yourself."

I could feel my nails digging into my skin. "That was different," I hissed softly, but after a moment of silence, my knuckles unfurled and I tilted my head to look at them apologetically—particularly at Zoro. "Sorry, guys."

Robin gazed at me intently while Zoro looked away. Sanji sighed before grabbing his books from the table. "Come on. Bell's almost up." The four of us proceeded to class in dead silence.

During dismissal time, Robin walked Zoro home, trying to calm him down herself since he was still bitter about lunchtime. While I stood in my assigned spot, waiting for today's escort, Sanji approached me. "Zoro thinks you're pretty fucked up, and Robin's worried. I feel both. Would you mind telling me what's up?" he confronted.

My face hardened as I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. "I just feel something, okay?" I paused with a sigh before adding, "I'm just really worried about Luffy. He might be in danger."

Sanji looked at me as if I was delirious. "From who? A couple of thugs? I heard from Zoro that your brother could put up a good fight."

"Look," I tilted my head up, my eyes meeting with Sanji's, "What if it's someone worse than some thug from the street? What if—what if Luffy has been kidnapped by the mafia? What if it was Don Krieg?"

"Ace," he emphasized, "Is that even physically and psychologically possible? Seriously? An international mafia lord like Krieg kidnapping your long lost sibling who you found barely a little over a month ago?"

"Dad said—" I muttered darkly, "—that Krieg would do anything to get to me. If he knew, from spies or contacts, about the people I love and care for, he'd probably use that to his advantage, don't you think? It's very strategic."

Sanji remained silent after that, but when he saw Blamenco arriving with my limousine, he turned to me and said, "Okay, fine. If he doesn't show up by the end of this week, I'll get members of the Blackleg Family to perform a search. At least we have a clear picture of Luffy now. It'll be a lot easier to track him down." I thanked Sanji for that before I left, but in my heart, I wished that it didn't have to come to that.

The calendar hit Thursday, and that was when I was finally able to see Luffy again—but just not in the way that I was expecting.

As always, I wasn't looking forward to having Chemistry after recess. Stuffy Buggy was being even more of a douche especially since our first quarter exams were starting next week. My prayers were answered, though, when the entire junior batch was summoned to the school's auditorium. None of us knew what the occasion was, but it was obvious—well, at least in my class—that it'd be a lot better than dealing with an angry clown. Everyone seemed ecstatic, considering this to be a free period, but that glee faded away when there were groans heard from the front.

The entire high school wasn't gathered in this assembly—but we weren't exactly alone. Besides the teachers, waiting for us inside the gigantic room were the freshmen—and considering everything that's been happening between both year levels lately, I wasn't surprised by the obvious distaste that the majority of my batch felt when they met their companions for the next hour. The feeling was probably mutual among the younger batch, too. With all of us in here, I bet that this would be some close make-up session that the teachers cooked up for us. My batch issues weren't my concern, though, as my eyes searched for Luffy among the sea of heads. Sadly, and once again, he wasn't there.

While the Disciplinary Committee ushered everyone to their seats, I shifted my gaze towards the teachers. They were all lined up at the front, either chatting amongst themselves or eyeing the flock of students that were still entering the room. There, at the very end of the row, I saw Shanks. He was talking to some of the female teachers, probably exchanging a joke with them. My eyes narrowed, noticing the carefree disposition he had. He doesn't seem worried at all.

Shortly after, the principal took his station behind the podium and that was my signal to remain seated. "Good afternoon, freshmen—" they cheered, "—and juniors—" our cheers were even louder, "—welcome to the freshman and junior interaction for this school year twenty o' nine to twenty-ten."

If Mugiwara High was famous in Grand Line for at least one thing, it would be the interactions. There was already so much diversity in the campus that the school needed to keep the student body together in one way or another. The interaction for this year, though, seemed a little unorthodox.

Normally, it was supposed to be freshmen paired with seniors while sophomores teamed up with juniors, and the event would probably last for a day or two. Instead—and probably due to recent events—the juniors were paired up with the freshmen and would have to live with them for two weeks—the first at the kouhai's house and the second at the senpai's. Of course, we had respective roles to fulfill—the juniors should be the role models while the freshmen were the followers—and we were obliged to respect each other and form bonds of friendship and camaraderie .

Well, at least that's what our principal hoped for. Secretly, I was wondering if the school was merely using this as a forefront for a Freshman Extermination Program in order for them to decrease the student population by a good fraction.

On a side note, we had diary entries to fill out daily for the next two weeks, and they'll be submitted after a "final test." What was this going to be, exactly? A two-day survival camp in the woods. Bloody fucking brilliant. I'm sure everyone was one in sentiments—especially since this entire thing was going to take place right after next week's hellish exams. I knew that as long as my partner wouldn't be a dick, I'd enjoy it, but for most, this was no way to celebrate post-exams.

"Now that the rules have been set, we will announce to you your partners. Your teachers and I have taken the liberty of pairing you ourselves." Mr. Principal had a jolly smile, even if he was received by a collection of groans from both the freshmen and the juniors who either had some partners in mind or aren't in good terms with a few particulars. I produced my own—only because Smoker, my favorite disciplinarian—was taking the liberty of trying to shut us up, and I just wanted to have some fun.

The screen flashed names by section, and mine came first. Sanji was paired with Usopp, Zoro was with some kid named Coby, Robin with Nami, and I was together with Luffy. Oddly convenient. Unfortunately, my partner wasn't here, and I was left alone as every student met up with his or her partner for the ice breaking sessions. Because of this, I took the opportunity to head towards the front, approaching Shanks.

"Aye, Ace!" Shanks exclaimed, his eyes twinkling when he saw me, "Just the very person that I wanted to talk to!"

"Same here," I smiled a little wryly, "Shanks, I wanted to talk to you about my partner, Luffy. He's—"

"Hold up, there!" he cut me off, pointing towards the exit with his thumb, "Let's exit the stage, why don't we? This is just something between you and me."

It's not like I could refuse, right? At least he was willing to talk to me. Without much of a choice, I nodded, and he led me outside, passing a few corridors and climbing a few staircases. At first, I was curious as to where he was taking me, but then the track became familiar, and I concluded that we were heading to the Faculty Room.

What did he want to talk to me about? School issues? Was I in trouble? Was it about Luffy—or was it about the mafia? I instantly recalled one of my recent conversations with Luffy as well as my routine interview, particularly on how off it was. Sure, Shanks was a harmless drunk, but was it a coincidence that allusions of the mafia would keep spilling out from him? There was also a small voice in my head—resembling Sanji's this time—that reminded me of that anti-mafia group, Cipher Pol, and the fact that anyone could be a part of it. Even the people around me. Instincts could be your best friend, and they were telling me to watch out for my English teacher and Class Adviser.

Sure enough, I was right when we stopped in front of the Faculty door. Shanks while humming some old jazz tune was pulling out a few papers from the file folder that he carried. He brought out some and rummaged through others, annoyingly taking his time. The suspense was just killing me, and because I could no longer take it, I decided to be the first to ask, "So, Shanks—what were you hoping to talk to me about?"

"Well, Ace, for starters—" he finished browsing through his file before handing the selected stack of papers to me along with a pen, "Why don't you fill these out while I grab a few more stuff from my desk?"

I blinked, accepting this. "Alright." Shanks threw me a small wink before entering the faculty room.

There were a few chairs that encircled a large table nearby. I took my seat there and glanced down at the paperwork, gradually realizing what they were. My face paled from shock, and it was almost difficult for me to hold the pen properly. Adoption papers? I skimmed through the pages, seeing that they were all concerning Luffy.

It was such an unexpected convenience. Was Shanks really willing to turn custody over Luffy to me just like this? The idea itself seemed unreal, and I really couldn't figure out how and why. That was until I reached the last few pages, coming across a different document—a will under the name of Monkey D. Garp. That name sounded familiar.

It started out like any other will. I read it thoroughly, running through the list of properties and possessions that were given to trustworthy people for either keeping or holding onto until Luffy reaches a certain age. There were also some duties that have yet to be fulfilled, so he asked some unknown people to carry them out for him. Mostly typical. The will was basically about his personal and work affairs, and I breezed through a huge chunk of it, seeing nothing particularly of note until my real name was found, written somewhere in the last few paragraphs.

Lastly, my blessings are sent to my eldest grandson, Monkey D. Ace who currently holds the name "Portgas D. Ace" (after his mother, Rouge) and is the adopted son of Whitebeard Corporations owner, Sir Edward Allerick-Marcellino Newgate III. As he is the only real family that Monkey D. Luffy has left, it is in my dying wish that he is to accept full custody over his little brother. He must swear upon his word that my youngest grandson will be well provided for in this new family setup and that he will provide all the necessary love and support that an older brother is to bestow upon his sibling. I would like Luffy's former guardian to check on them on a regular basis to further enforce these conditions.

"Checking out your grandfather's will?" When I looked up, Shanks was coming out of the Faculty Room with another stack of papers and a few books. I stayed silent for a moment, trying to form words out of incoherent strings, and this definitely amused him. "Is this too much of a shock for you?" he grinned, "Who knew that Luffy's your brother?" Well, I did, actually.

"You knew my grandfather?" I was finally able to ask.

His smile lowered, and he looked a little bit more serious. "I did," he answered. There was a hint of somberness in his tone. "Great man, Garp. I worked under him for as long as I could remember before teaching. I had so much respect for him, too. Lord, he loved Luffy to death, especially after he found him in some run down shack at Impel Down. You know? He tried looking for you, too."

"He did?" My eyes widened when a remote memory of an old man came back to me. Dog Fist.

"Yeah, but he heard you died when some car ran over you by accident," he looked at me thoughtfully, "Did that really happen?"

I shook my head. It was a lie.

"Well," Shanks said, taking his seat on the chair across mine, "He nearly had a heart attack when found out that you were alive on TV as Newgate's new son—funny how life works, huh?" he laughed a little jokingly, "Where were you all this time?"

"I—" I glanced down at the table, my grip on the chair tightening, "I was—"

Don't take him away from me. Please.

From behind the window, I could see an aged looking man walking towards his car. His chauffeur opened the car door for him, and he slowly entered. In his arms was my little brother, sleeping so soundly.

He was all that I had left.

I wanted to punch, kick, and scream—I had to do something, but what? I tried to open the doors, but they were locked. The only window in this tiny room was netted. I resorted to banging my bruised and calloused hands against it. My cheeks were wet, and I was both choking and coughing. No matter how many times I called, no matter how loud I tried to scream, Luffy wouldn't be able to wake up and cry out for me. No one would—

Because I had no voice.

I shook my head violently, holding my head. Shanks flinched. "Oh, well—you don't need to answer that. Quite a sensitive button I pushed, eh? Didn't mean that."

"S-Sorry," I mumbled, regaining composure, "I just don't remember much. All I knew was that I was in an orphanage and Dad adopted me."

"Amnesiac, huh?" Shanks asked. I looked down once more. It wasn't that I suffered amnesia. It was just that I wanted to forget. "So, are you willing to adopt Luffy?"

"Yeah, I am." I nodded with a smile, my melancholy converting into joy at the very thought.

Shanks sighed. "Gonna miss Luffy, then. Even if he's a huge handful, he's always so fun and cheerful. You take care of him, then."

"Promise," I grinned before asking the very interesting question, "So, where is he?"

Shanks took one deep breath before scratching the back of his head, eyes averting from mine. "Well, about that—" he coughed, "Don't go exploding on me when I say this, alright?" Why did I suddenly not like this?"Right now, Luffy's at the hospital."

"H-Hospital?" My heart was pounding painfully against my chest, "What happened to Luffy?" I immediately stood up from my seat.

"Well—" Shanks coughed again, "Let's just say that he had a bad stomach after I cooked something up for him—" he quickly muffled over the last few lines,"—and I was supposed to rush him to the hospital since it was that bad. While going down the staircase, he kind of got dizzy, so fell down and ended up getting a near-concussion—" What? "Oh, but it's just a near concussion. Nothing to worry about!" Nothing to WORRY ABOUT? "The doctors said that he'd be able to wake up today—hopefully." HOPEFULLY?

I just stood there, eyeing Shanks for the longest time like a statue. Nothing would be able to describe the ineffable rage that was fueling my system, and I hoped that it wasn't pain strikingly shown on my face.

"So, Ace—" Shanks had the guts to even smile at me after pointing at the new stack of papers and books, "Mind bringing Luffy's homework over to him? After you sign the papers, of course. Exams are coming up, and you wouldn't want your little brother to fail, you know." I'm going to kill Shank after I graduate.

There was no time to waste during dismissal, and the first thing I had to do was talk to Dad. I was practically begging on my knees behind the phone. Eventually, he was finally cajoled into saying yes, and he even said that he'd leave the office in an hour or two just to pay Luffy a visit himself. Funny, I thought while Marco was driving me towards the hospital. A little over a month ago, he came with my homework, and now the tables were turned.

That wasn't the only thing that was bugging me, though. In my mind, now that Shanks mentioned it, I began to wonder—

If my grandfather loved me and knew that I was with Dad, why didn't he try and take me back? No matter how long I thought about it, I really couldn't understand why.

Shanks mentioned that Luffy's room was Number 711. It turned out to be in the private ward of the hospital, and while Marco and I headed to there, I wondered how Shanks managed to bring Luffy here. The corridor was completely deserted with the promise of privacy. Was it because—judging by the properties he held in his will—Garp was a very important person, so his family was to be treated with a similar respect? Who knows? Right now, it didn't really matter to me. As long as Luffy was here, that's all I cared about.

"I'll be waiting here, alright?" Marco said when we reached Luffy's door.

"Thanks," I was hoping for some privacy, anyway, "I'll call you if I need anything, alright?" Marco nodded.

I entered the room and saw Luffy sleeping on his bed, unmoving yet breathing, and most importantly, safe from any of my father's foes. Numerous things ran across my mind as I took my seat, including how Luffy must be feeling, the bandages that were wrapped around his forehead, the entire adoption scheme and my plots on how to kill Shanks right after this. It was a little while after my arrival when he awoke—and Shanks should consider himself lucky for that. Then, one conversation came after the other until I've let our talk come down to this—

"Luffy, I-I've come here to adopt you."

"Eh?" Confusion was written all over his face while he was looking at me.

I shifted uneasily, suddenly regretting my words. "Sorry, Luffy. I know you just woke up, but—I have to tell you the truth."

"The truth?" he repeated, tilting his head again, "I'm being adopted? But, Ace, I'm not an orphan. Shanks adopted me!"

I sighed, shaking my head. Luffy fell quiet, giving me room to explain. "You're really my little brother, and well—before our grandfather died, he asked Shanks to find me so I could adopt you. We're the only ones left in our family, so he wanted us to be with each other."

"Really?" Luffy's eyes widened, turning into large plates.

"Yeah," I nodded, "So, I was hoping—unless you don't want to—I-I'd like for you to come and live with me in my place." Oh God, why was I stuttering? I'd only do this with Robin! "My Dad's willing to adopt you, too, a-and I'll make every-everything comfortable for y-you. I-I promise you'll be happy—even if you're still homesick and all—Well, it's your choice. Y-You don't have to."

"Okay," Luffy grinned, "Big Brother Ace can adopt me!" I nearly fell off my chair when he just said that. That's it?

"R-Really? You're serious?" My face broadened into a large and happy smile. Inside me, I could feel the butterflies dancing.

"I don't really get things yet because I don't really like complicated things," Luffy giggled, "But, I know that Ace will be an awesome brother. You're really cool and strong and smart and awesome and you eat all this really yummy food—" His list of reasons of why he thinks I'm an awesome brother was literally something I just wanted to record, so I could play over and over again in my iPhone. Hell, that could even be my new ring tone. I was literally in nirvana mode while hearing Luffy praise me even more until he ended up saying, "Eh—I still don't get it, but I'm sure Ace will tell me everything. You'll tell me everything, right?"

I froze a bit before mumbling, "Y-Yeah" in a small voice.

"Yay!" he clapped his hands for a couple of times—God, he's so cute—before he asked, "So, how come we got separated?"

This was going to be the hard part. "Well, Luffy—" I paused mid-sentence before continuing, "It's because, a long time ago when we were small—" I stopped again, realizing that I completely forgot about the lines that I just rehearsed to myself a few days ago, probably because I was too busy worrying about Luffy. I knew that he'd ask the reasons regarding our separation, and this was a subject that I was actually dreading.

I just hated the fact that the first question Luffy would ask about me would be answered with a lie.

Before I could say anything else, I noticed that Luffy's eyes were starting to wince. "Luffy?" I pointed, "Are you okay?" He began to whimper softly, wincing even more, and I already knew that pain was starting to develop in him. Suddenly, he held his head, squeezing his eyes shut. "L-Luffy? What's wrong?"

"My—My head hurts," he winced, clutching his forehead, "Aah—Ace, w-what's happening?"

He was acting as if his entire head was about to be split open. Was this because of the near concussion? I stood up and held his shoulder reassuringly. "I'll call the nurse." Luffy whined, clutching his head and curling into a ball while I ran out. Marco jumped up from his position when he saw my expression, and after realizing what the situation was, he strode down the hall in order to call the nurse.

"Oh, dear—" the nurse gasped when she arrived, "I'll need to administer some pain killers on him."

"Will he be alright?" I asked.

"Oh," she smiled at me gently, "He'll be fine. The medicine will need a few minutes for it to take effect, though. Why don't you relax in one of the restaurants downstairs for the moment?"

I nodded before glancing at Luffy. "I'll be back, Lu."

Despite his pain, he still mustered a small pout. "Promise, Ace?"

"Promise, little bro." I grinned and Luffy returned this with his own smile.

Marco and I went downstairs and settled inside a café that we stumbled across. A cozy lounge area appealed to us from the back, and after we ordered some coffee, I walked over to rest on one of the armchairs. Sure, I knew that Luffy was in pain now, but I really couldn't contain myself. I was rocking back and forth on my seat, realizing that the truth was told, Luffy has accepted me as his family and that he'll be moving into the mansion soon.

The problem right now was just telling him the reason why.

"I suggest that you save that for another today," Marco said when he arrived with our cappuccinos, "He just woke up, so talking about something like that may be too heavy for him."

"You're right," I said, raising my cup and taking a sip, "I'll tell him about it some other time."

"Are you willing to tell him everything?" Marco raised an eyebrow while taking his seat on the chair across mine.

"No," I shook my head, staring down at my dark pool in my hands, "There are just some things that he doesn't need to know about me." Of course, Marco understood what I meant.

We overstayed for a bit only because we decided to grab a few bites to eat. After finishing up on my turkey club sandwich, I told Marco that I'd go on ahead to Luffy's room. He wanted to accompany me, but I shook my head.

"Before you do that," I said, passing him my credit card, "Can you buy that Red Velvet Cake over there by the counter?"

"The whole cake?" he asked, taking it.

I smiled. "Yeah, a little something for Luffy."

Marco sighed, scratching his head. "I'm here to protect you, not necessarily shop for you."

I grinned sheepishly at him. "You're the best nanny ever, Mark." Marco actually grumbled when I referred to him by the nickname Juzo would only address him as.

So, here I was, walking back towards Luffy's room in the private ward which was still empty looking. I thought of what Marco said—that now wasn't exactly the time—and decided to tell Luffy that I'd just explain to him in better detail later. I'm sure he'd understand. Besides—I added with a small smile—he'd be more occupied with the cake once Marco brings it over. This, I laughed over a little before I heard a set of footsteps behind me. Immediately, I turned, only to encounter one of the ward's doctors down the hallway.

"Going anywhere, young man?" he asked curiously.

"Room 711," I answered him politely, "Sorry, is visiting time almost over?" I really hoped not.

The doctor gave me a friendly smile. "No, not to worry," he said while striding towards me, "I happen to be going there myself."

"Oh, alright, then. You're treating my brother, right?" I asked him while we walked together towards the room, "Will he be fine?"

"Yes, of course," he nodded as we arrived, "Very fine."

"Thanks," I said before opening the door, hoping to see an all right Luffy, waiting in his bed with an open smile and hug for me.

I didn't.

He was gone, and I could definitely see signs of a struggle inside the room. Trays of medical supplies toppled on the floor. Bullet marks broke the walls, and the nurse from earlier was dead on the floor. Upon closer inspection, I could see a bullet stuck on her throat, causing blood to gush out in large and heavy pools for her to drown on. The acrid copper smell filled my nose, but what horrified me the most was the sight of Luffy's sheets covered in blood. His blood.

I stood, paralyzed by all of this and the feeling of a cold and hard metal pressed against the back of my head. There was a sound of a gun clicking.

"You might want to come quietly, Portgas," the timid voice of the doctor behind me turned deep and harsh, "The Boss wouldn't want a scratch on your pretty little head."

I glared sullenly, my teeth gritting. "Where's Luffy?" He better not touch him.

He laughed mirthlessly, further prodding my head with the barrel. "You can start cooperating first, and then we'll tell you."

"Hurt him," I muttered under my breath, "—and you'll regret it." He continued to sneer from behind.

My glare deepened before I closed my eyes. Even if Marco were to rush in now, what could he do to fix the situation? They had Luffy. Slowly, I raised both my hands in open surrender.

This was it, huh?

~*~ Omake ~*~

Friday afternoon.

Ace: -sighs, dropping into his bed- What a day… I can't even look at Robin… and Luffy was absent. –grumbles until he feels something at the foot of the bed- …?

Ace: -sees a small box, so he reaches out to pick this up- What's this? –sees Juzo's name in a card- Juzo, huh? –deep, DEEP, sigh- I wonder what this could be…?

Ace: -opens it before staring-


Juzo: He was totally at it when I saw him last night. You should have seen him. It was like—he drank an entire bottle of hormones and was going on a major sex drive. I'm telling you guys. Ace seriously needs to get laid.

Vista: So, Juzo, you're saying that you ACTUALLY caught Ace masturbating?

Squado: While trying to fix the roof around midnight?

Juzo: That's pretty much what I said.

Izou: Oh my God… Everyone just has to know about this. –runs out to create more gossip-

Squado: … You do realize that Ace WILL kill you for saying this?

Juzo: Of course he wouldn't! Not after seeing that gift I gave him!

Voice heard from the main mansion: JUZO!

Juzo: -grins- See? Hentai solves everything.


AN: Oh, Juzo... :) He will later on be assaulted by an array of machine guns left to Ace's disposal (c/o Marco), thus leading to World War IV.

So many things are happening. :)) Will Ace be able to save Luffy? Will Marco rush in to save Ace in time? Will they even get out of this sticky predicament? Will we finally find out the shameful truth of Ace's past? Will Garp's reasons be revealed? Will Shanks get himself another drink? Will Ace finally get laid? Find out! :)

Oh, and read and review! :) I worked really hard on this chapter. HAHA. :))