A/N: Here, in Canada, today's Remembrance day. So this one-shot is in respect to that (although not necessarily directly related), because I do have a high respect for those that fought for our freedom. Take a moment and show some respect to your soldiers, your heroes.

On another matter, I have a three day break coming from work, this week, so hopefully I'll get a LOT of writing done. Hopefully. Maybe. We'll see. :3

I know I have a lot of reviews to respond to, but I'm surprised I even found time to write this one-shot, as short as it may be. I'll be sure to respond ASAP, but I'm not spending a whole lot of time on the computer for the next few days, because we have family visiting.

I hope you enjoy this one-shot!

Lest we Forget. ❤


Of Remembrance


He stood there, at the bow of the ship, watching the waves roll across the horizon. They rose and they fell in an endless cycle, though they steadily grew taller. The sky was grey, dark and brewing. A storm was coming, but Luffy didn't move an inch.

He wasn't smiling.

He wasn't laughing.

His eyes held a bit of remorse, a bit of sadness. A bit of guilt.

So he stood there, his back unapproachable.

"He's been standing there for a long time," Usopp murmured to me.

"I know," I responded, stealing another glance at him.

"He needs you," Robin murmured.

"He needs a moment alone."

"He needs a hand to hold," Robin said, as if correcting me. "To be silent but supportive. He's gone through so much, Luffy needs someone to be there when he's like this."

"Luffy needs you," Usopp agreed.

With a shaky breath, I nodded, then I approached him. Although I would be beside him no matter what, the fact that he appeared unapproachable scared me. When I stood behind him, he didn't even glance over his shoulder. I looked back to Robin and Usopp, but the two of them had disappeared, leaving the two of us alone.

"Luffy…" I began.

He didn't turn, didn't speak –he didn't make a single sound, nor move a single muscle.

Cautiously, I reached forward, and took his hand in mine. His fingers were cold, freezing even.

Finally, he wiped his arm across his face and turned to me. His face was tear streaked, and although he put on a stupid grin, it was easy to see straight through it.

"You did your best," I murmured, not knowing what to say.

His smile faded a little bit.

"You saved a lot of people –"

"But I couldn't save them all."

I wasn't silent for a moment. Not letting go of his hand, I sat on the step, facing the back of the ship while he looked forward.

"Do you remember what you told Vivi?" I asked.

"What?" he asked after a long pause.

"In a war, with millions of people fighting, it's impossible for no one to die," I dragged my thumb against the back of his hand.

He didn't say anything. I looked up at him, to see tears streaming down his face.

"I couldn't do anything… for him."

For Ace.

"What's important now is that you never forget him, Luffy," I murmured.

He sobbed heavily, and I pulled him down into my arms, pressing his face into my neck. Gently, I ran my fingers through his hair, and he continued to shake as each sob rang through him. I closed my eyes.

I couldn't shield his pain, but I could shield his tears.

"Tell me about Bellemere," he said, after he calmed down a little. He took my hand in his, slipping his fingers between mine.

I gave him a small smile as he looked up at me. "Bellemere, hmm?"

"Do you remember the time you spent with her?"

"I'll never forget."