Author's Note: What's this? A fast update!? This is what happens when inspiration hits ;) ENJOY!
To bpv229: *insert evil laugh* I, unfortunately, have a thing for cliffhangers. Haha I'm glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for leaving a review! Enjoy the update!
To fluffypuppies: Hey there! I'm glad you liked the chapter and that it cheered you up! I hate colds, they suck :( I LIVE TO BRIGHTEN DAYS! Poor humans and poor Lu, the darling. He deserves hugs and all the love. Enjoy the update and I'll see ya next time! Replying to reviews is my favorite thing ;)
To cat saezp: Hello again! It makes me so happy that you like my stories so much! This one definitely has some mystery to it, that will be revealed in time ;) Gotta love Ace taking care of an injured Lu, it's precious. Thank you for the review (as always) and I'll work hard to get the next chapter out soon!
To SarahPrincess: Thank you so much!
WARNINGS:
- Captivity
- Nicknames
- Blood
- LU'S ADORABLE
Luffy woke to the unfamiliar sound of birds tweeting, and the smell of something delicious. The birds he was used to didn't sound nearly as…sweet. It was like the tinkling of bells, pleasant.
Yawning as he woke, the boy sat up on his mattress and was surprised to see sunlight streaming into the vampire's bedroom. It had been close to dark when he'd laid down…how long had he slept?
That question was answered when Ace stepped into the bathroom, a toothbrush sticking out of his mouth and no shirt on his torso.
"Good morning, Luffy. You sure slept a long time." The vampire managed before taking out the toothbrush and spitting into the sink, "I've got breakfast for you if you're hungry."
As much as he wanted to say no, the truth was, Luffy was starving.
"I tried to wake you up last night, but you were out cold." Ace commented while wiping his mouth, "Must've been tired, huh?"
Luffy just shuffled in place, chewing on his lower lip, not wanting to think about how vulnerable he must've been. He looked up when Ace turned around to grab a shirt on the bathroom vanity and looked over his tattoo with awe.
It was a mark he recognized, the sigil of Whitebeard.
Their clan was known to be dangerous and protective of their own, but also progressive in dealing with captive humans. From what rumors he'd heard, they were treated much better than at other citadels. Which was one of the reasons he had intended to drop Makino as close to their citadel as possible.
Less chance of her being taken by someone worse.
'Now I know why the sanctuary was raided.' Luffy mused as Ace pulled a sleeveless shirt over his head, thinking back to the man who'd bragged about killing a vampire. He wondered if Makino was alright…along with Woop Slap.
"C'mere, it's time for food." Ace said, interrupting his thoughts. Luffy tensed as the vampire released him from the shackle and picked him up, much like he had the day before. The balcony door was open, allowing a pleasant wind and bright sunshine to come through.
Ace placed him on the couch where a tray of…something…waited for him. Luffy peered quizzically down at the strange, round things on the plate. He recognized the garnish as fruit, but what were these, delicious smelling fluffy things?
"You look…confused." Ace stated, sitting down next to him, "Have you never seen pancakes before?"
Luffy shook his head, mouth drooling at the incredible smell. These were called 'pancakes'? Ace chuckled and reached across him for a bottle with a yellow label on it, popped it open, and drenched the fluffy cakes in the viscous liquid.
"When paired with syrup, these things are the best. There're strawberries on top and chocolate milk to drink. Eat up, squirt!"
Deciding to ignore the 'squirt' nickname for the moment, Luffy picked up the fork and cut into the pancakes. The metal fell through the soft cake like it was nothing. He slowly brought the bite to his mouth and closed his lips around it.
It took a second for the taste to register, and his eyes widened. It was…sweet, and incredibly delicious! Luffy knew Ace was smiling down at him, probably laughing inwardly, but he didn't care, all he wanted to do was eat these amazing pancakes!
"I knew you'd like it!" Ace put in while Luffy stuffed his face, "Just be careful not to eat too fast."
They sat in silence while Luffy finished his breakfast, eating his fill. It had been a long time since he'd had so much food. Once he finished, the boy looked next to him where Ace was sipping on a glass of the chocolate milk, which he had already decided was equally as delicious as the magical fluffy cakes.
"Something wrong?" Ace asked, noticing his stare. Starting, Luffy stumbled with his words.
"U-Um…I was just wondering; don't you need b-blood?"
"Yeah, but I'll get some later." The vampire informed him, "Human food doesn't sate my hunger like it does you, but I still enjoy the taste."
Luffy hummed, reaching down to pluck the last strawberry off the plate, softly smiling when the fruit's taste filled his mouth.
"I'm glad you liked it, munchkin."
At that, Luffy couldn't help but turn back to the vampire with a raised eyebrow. First 'squirt', and now 'munchkin'? Ace smiled sheepishly back at him, fangs peeking out from behind his lips.
"Ah…that wasn't right either, huh? I've been trying to think of a good nickname for you, but so far I'm falling short."
"Erm…okay?" Luffy replied softly. It wasn't like he could stop the vampire from giving him a nickname…but maybe he could give feedback, so it wasn't awkward, like 'squirt'. That was a pretty bad one, made him self-conscious about his height (especially compared to the tall and broad Ace).
The freckled vampire quickly finished off his milk and stood up to stretch.
"Before I go…" Ace trailed off as he knelt in front of him, taking off the makeshift splint to look over his broken leg. In Luffy's eyes, it looked much better, the bruises were already starting to turn yellow. "You heal quick…what about the other one?"
Luffy winced as Ace pushed gently on the other, un-broken leg. It was bruised a little worse, though the bone itself seemed to be okay.
While the vampire tied the splint back in place, Luffy gathered up his courage, knowing Ace was about to put him back into the closet.
"…Ace?"
"Yeah?"
"I…I-I want to stay out here." Luffy managed, "Please, I swear I won't go anywhere or-or try anything!" Ace's eyes narrowed for a second, before softening.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea."
Luffy sniffled and turned his attention to the open balcony where white curtains swayed in the breeze.
"I want to be where the sun is, please." He didn't particularly want to beg, but he REALLY didn't want to be back to the small space. Bending his body almost in half, Luffy bowed, hoping his show of submission would convince Ace.
As he bent over, his pendent slipped out of his shirt and hung down around his neck.
Beside him, Ace sighed, lifting Luffy's head up with a hand.
"All right, you can stay out here, BUT-" He emphasized, tightening his grip on Luffy's chin, "You don't leave this room under any circumstance and don't stand up on the balcony, someone could spot you."
Luffy nodded vigorously, content to obey those rules as long as he could have free reign of the room. Releasing his grip on him, Ace tilted his head, seemingly in thought.
"I've got it!" The vampire exclaimed, startling Luffy, "Lu! That's what I'll call you!"
The nickname sparked something deep in his heart, involuntarily making tears form in his eyes. Ace's smile immediately dropped and he gently touched Luffy on the shoulder.
"I-Is that not good? I'm sorry, please don't cry!"
"N-No, it's just-" Luffy sobbed, "That's what my mom used to call me."
Ace straightened and looked down on him with sorrow in his eyes. Luffy wiped his eyes, but the salty streams just kept coming. The vampire gently pulled him in for a hug, rubbing his back soothingly.
"Do you want me to call you something else? I've got a ton more possible nicknames to try, like lambchop."
Luffy couldn't hold in the quiet laugh that bubbled up from his chest at that absolutely horrendous pet name.
"Please don't call me that." The boy managed, bottom lip no longer trembling as it curved into a tiny smile. Held close to Ace's chest, he could feel the vampire's deep, vibrating laugh.
"Well then, if it's okay with you…I'd like to call you Lu."
The boy considered it for a moment. It had taken him by surprise, but surprisingly, it didn't feel wrong to him. It was like, he didn't mind Ace calling him that, which was strange considering this was the vampire who'd kidnapped him and was holding him against his will.
'Maybe it's the freckles…they remind me of Mom.'
Luffy huffed and pulled back from Ace, meeting the other's gaze. The vampire was tense as he waited for his response.
"Okay, you can call me 'Lu', but only if I can move my bed out here, in the sun, and no more chain."
"Deal." Ace agreed with a smirk, reaching to ruffle Luffy's hair, "Just as long as you're quiet and don't draw attention to yourself. Remember what will happen if you're discovered."
Luffy nodded, pleased that he could move out of the closet.
The next few minutes consisted of Ace dragging his mattress and pillow out of the closet and placing them next to his own bed, in view of the balcony, but not of the door that lead into the citadel. The space in between the sitting area and Ace's bed made for a snug fit, but it worked.
Once Ace finished, he jogged back to his bed and threw on a jacket.
"All right, I've gotta go. I'll be back later, not sure exactly when."
Luffy shifted on the couch, testing how his legs would do without Ace's support. It still hurt to put weight on them, but he should be okay. When he looked up, his breath hitched at the sight of Ace, right in front of him.
"I'm trusting you to behave, Lu." Ace said in a serious tone, making Luffy swallow, "Please don't do anything to make me regret that decision."
Luffy inclined his head quickly, not wanting to be stuck back in the closet. Ace smiled, seemingly pleased.
"Good."
Just like that, the vampire left, locking the door behind him.
'Today's the day!' Sabo thought while struggling to button his shirt because his hands were shaking so much, 'I need to look professional and present myself in a way suitable to that of a Lord's second…no pressure.'
Honestly, he was just making himself more nervous.
"Sabo, you ready?"
The blonde vampire turned to address Kidd, who'd just entered his room, only to stare. The red-head looked…impressive. He wore his usual black boots and yellow-spotted pants but had changed his shirt to a deep scarlet one that complimented the rare fur coat that was draped across his shoulders. The new shirt left his chiseled chest exposed, highlighting the crisscross of leather straps that held his many knives and pistol.
"Wow, you look great." Sabo complimented, "Though, a little like a warlord don't you think?"
"Isn't that the point?" Kidd huffed, running a hand through his vibrant red hair, "In this world, you've got to look the part."
"I suppose." He chuckled, glancing down at his own outfit which seemed so meager in comparison. Perhaps he should try one of the kimonos favored by the current residents of the Moby Dick? They seemed comfortable and might help him fit in with the citadel culture.
After a quick brush of his hair, Sabo followed Kidd out into the hallway and down to the gathering hall. Most of the commanders were already there, summoned by their new Lord to discuss some changes. Kidd had already briefed him on what he wanted to do, and Sabo was anxious to see how it would be received.
Lord Phoenix was waiting for them on a slightly raised portion of the stone.
"Good morning." The Phoenix greeted, "Please take a seat, we're only waiting for a few more to arrive, yoi."
Kidd nodded and sat down cross-legged on a mat laid out for them. Sabo bowed to the elder vampire first before lowering himself to sit at the red-head's left.
Some of the late comers Sabo recognized, like the head of human care, Trafalgar Law. The grey-eyed vampire was dressed in a black kimono with the front open, allowing his tattoos to be seen. Unsurprisingly, Law appeared more rested than he had the night before.
"Everyone's here, yoi." Lord Phoenix informed them while taking a seat to Kidd's right, "You may begin whenever you're ready."
Ace was pleased, happy even.
He felt like he'd connected a little with Lu, his bumbling, unsure, adorable human who'd never seen pancakes before. And to think, the boy would allow him, a vampire, to use a nickname given by his mother…Ace was honored.
Admittedly, the pet name didn't really feel like his idea. It just came to him, like he knew the boy was 'Lu'.
"What type do you want, Ace?" Whitey Bay asked, bringing him back to reality.
"Just whatever…I'm not feeling picky this morning."
The Blood Depository was where all the blood taken from the captive humans was processed and sorted. It was also where most went for breakfast. Sometimes, Thatch would take over the kitchen and make some blood-laced waffles or something, but he was in a meeting this morning with the rest of the commanders.
"O it is then." Whitey teased, smirking as she handed him a glass of blood, "You're in a good mood this morning, normally you demand A." Ace gratefully took the glass and inhaled deeply. Nothing could beat the intoxicating scent of blood in the morning.
"Hey, even I can have a good morning every once in a while."
Ace waved to Whitey before she could demand the reason for his giddiness and went to sit at one of the tables in the courtyard. It was nice and cool in the citadel, as it normally was. He wondered if it was going to rain, based on the color of the clouds.
Their weather machines could be scheduled, but Marco usually let them go to work "naturally". Once they'd merged with the atmosphere above, there was no need to regulate them, it would rain or get windy when the sky decided.
Glancing up to the top of the wall, Ace could just barely make out dust, the only thing that ever came out of the wastes.
'I can't believe Lu survived out there for so long…' He considered, taking a sip of his blood. Sitting outside, Ace was given a good view of two of stables. Inside the fences, he could see the huddled forms of their captive humans.
It was strange, but Ace actually…felt sorry for them. Having their freedom taken away must have been difficult, though living inside the citadel and provided shelter was better than living out in the wastes…right?
True to his prediction, small raindrops began to fall just as Ace finished his breakfast. Walking back inside, he couldn't help but stop and watch the humans scramble into the indoor portion of their pens.
'I wonder how Lu's doing…'
Dropping off his now empty cup, Ace made his way through the citadel towards Law's clinic, where he was supposed to have his "interview". He'd need to be careful what he said.
Trafalgar Law was notoriously difficult to fool.
It was about a five minute walk from the Blood Depository to the clinic, and when he opened the door, it was surprisingly empty.
"Ah, Ace, good to see you!" Shachi, one of Law's keepers, greeted, "Law's still in that meeting the new Lord called, but he should be here in not too long."
"Thanks." He returned, taking a seat. It made him feel like a sick patient…waiting in the lobby for the doctor to see him.
Ace busied himself with examining the clinic, and those in it.
To the left were rooms where vampires were treated, and to the right was a guarded area sick or injured human were taken. Law's head of security, Jean Bart stood guard, stoic as ever.
After ten-minutes, Ace felt himself slump down in his chair.
'I'm bored…I hope Lu is keeping himself entertained, and out of trouble.'
Luffy sneezed, almost knocking over his pyramid of books. He barely managed to steady it and looked nervously towards the door, hoping no one heard him.
After a few minutes of nothing, the boy relaxed and turned his attention back to his creation. He'd looked through a few of them, all taken from Ace's bookshelf, but since he couldn't read…what was the point? So, Plan B, was put in motion.
The pyramid looked pretty cool, in his opinion, but he needed some more for the top. Carefully standing, Luffy limped back to the shelf and plucked a small book off the top. Cradling it to his chest, the boy sat and opened it, drawn in by the pretty colors on the cover.
Amazingly, this book had pictures! All of the other ones were just words. Flipping the pages gently, Luffy found himself smiling at the colorful animals portrayed. He wasn't sure what the premise of the story was, but the main character was a puppy!
Luffy loved dogs.
He'd seen a few during his travels, they always barked and licked his face. Most of the time, their owners didn't really appreciate that, but Luffy would find ways to sneak them pets.
The boy yelped when some water from outside blew onto his face, startling him. Worried the books would be damaged, Luffy quickly worked to put them back on the shelf (pouting that his pyramid didn't get finished), all except for the puppy book, which he stored next to his bed, intending to look at it more later. He could've just closed the balcony door, but he couldn't...not when he wanted to experience the rain firsthand.
Once finished, Luffy padded towards the balcony where he sat just inside the room. The rain was beautiful and so refreshing.
He put his hand up and caught the little droplets in his hand, pleased with the feel.
'It really is a completely different world inside a citadel.' Luffy mused, rubbing his wet fingertips together. A few minutes later, he stood up and turned back to the warm room, his gilded cage.
Ace was…surprisingly nice but who knew what he was really thinking. He had yet to fully explain why he wanted Luffy, something that the boy thought about often. What was the vampire planning for him? Should he be trying harder to escape?
Shaking his head, Luffy decided to focus on his current task: exploring the massive room while his captor was gone. Who knew what he'd find?
Ace was awoken by a none-to-gentle kick to his left shin. Siting up at the pain, he nearly head-butted Law who was leaning over him.
"Enjoy your nap, Ace-ya?"
"Ouch…what the hell was that for!?"
"Drooling on my newly upholstered chair." Law chuckled while waving for him to follow. Grumbling profanities under his breath, Ace did as he was told and entered the older vampire's private office, closing the door behind him.
"How was the meeting this morning?" Ace asked, shocked at the time (inwardly of course). Had he really just slept for two and a half hours in a hard, clinic chair!? He was going to regret that later. Maybe Lu would agree to rub his shoulders for him or something…
"It was…interesting." Law stated as he brought out some papers and a clipboard, "Let's just say that Eustass-ya is very ambitious."
"How so?"
The doctor sighed and motioned above him with his pen, towards the map of the area surrounding the citadel. It was a good map, showing the ruined city to their east and even beyond to where the mountains began.
"Apparently, he wants to expand the Moby Dick and its territory." Law explained dryly, "That would of course include clearing out all of the human colonies, taking back the city, refreshing the lake and rivers…not to mention angering the other citadels that border our current territory."
Ace's mouth dropped open. That was a huge undertaking!
"Are we capable of that!?"
"Possibly." Law answered, "But our human stores are already over-capacity, so the expansion would need to happen slowly. Eustass-ya has already called for more scouting missions into the city and its surrounding area. It seems he intends to make an impression on the council, in a big way, which means more work for you and me…"
Ace huffed, not liking the sound of that. Mostly because it meant more time away from Lu. He didn't want the kid to be alone all the time. Law cleared his throat and leaned forward, a knowing smirk on his face.
"But enough about the meeting, let's talk about you, Ace-ya."
"Okay…" He mumbled, shuffling uncomfortably in his chair.
"I'll get straight to the point." Law continued, "What is it about the boy from your photo that inspires such…emotion in you? Also, please regale me with the details of your pursuit of him back in the colony, I'm all ears."
Ace swallowed nervously; hands clammy. This was going to be difficult. He'd need to tell mostly the truth, with some lies sprinkled in, or Law would be see straight through him!
"It was weird, seeing his picture for the first time." Ace started, "I felt like I knew him…or needed to know him. Just seeing his face sparked some, I don't know, visions that have been happening on and off since."
"I see…what have these 'visions' entailed?"
"Usually, people. Sometimes it's me, but mostly two particular ones: a man and a woman, show up…real blurry though so I'm not sure what they truly look like, but it's never the boy from my picture." The freckled vampire explained, "Could these be memories from my time as a human?"
Law hummed, jotting down some notes on his clipboard.
"It's entirely probable, which means the human child is connected to you somehow, or at least he used to be. It's strange that one so young has prompted these 'memories' when you yourself was re-born only sixteen years ago… I'm assuming, since you didn't bring him in, he eluded you back at the colony." Law's gaze was steely, calculating, and unashamedly made Ace sweat.
"Er, yeah, I couldn't find him. He must've gotten out. Either that, or he hid himself really well."
"…Indeed. So, you're telling me that you ran around the colony and found no trace of him."
"Yep." Ace chirped, voice an octave higher than he'd intended. Crap. Law's eyes narrowed.
"Ace-ya, are you hiding something from me? Because that would be unwise." The freckled vampire shook his head furiously.
"Of course not! I would never do that."
Law raised an eyebrow, definitely not buying it. Damn, why was lying so HARD!
"Today, I will give you the benefit of the doubt," The tattooed doctor said, making Ace release the breath he'd been holding, "only because of the ridiculous amount of work Eustass-ya has given me, along with Sabo-ya's training."
"Great! So… I can go then?"
Trafalgar sighed and waved him out, ending the torturous session. Ace wasted no time in exiting the clinic, hoping…no PRAYING, the older vampire bought his story.
'Ace-ya is such a bad liar, it's painful.' Law thought, leaning on his hands to watch the fledgling leave, 'It's obvious he's done something…likely with the human.'
The only question was, what to do about it.