Next Stage (They Don't Know About Us)
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to Next Stage formerly known as They Don't Know About Us! Thank you so much for all your comments and kudos. I mentioned a little ago that I was gonna do something that would help me get back into the swing of things and here we are! Um, surprise? I do hope you enjoy the fic! On with the fic!
Additional Notes: I am adding this note after all the drama happened revolving around my accounts… as you guys have noticed and if you read my message to all of you, I have changed my username as well as the name of the fic for the reasons I had listed in the message. I do want to thank all of you for the supportive messages that you have sent my way. They mean a lot. So, thank you all. I appreciate every single one of you who took the time to reach out. Thank you. So, I might end up changing the name back in the future but for now, it will stay as Next Stage.
Chapter Warnings: Panic Attacks, plus more.
Chapter Twenty-Four: Say OK (by Vanessa Hudgens)
Chapter Summary: Mihawk reveals why he's been leaving the ship. Shanks approaches Sanji about his wanted poster. Ace approaches Whitebeard about returning home. Meanwhile, the Whitebeard Pirates find out about Ace and Marco's engagement. Luffy talks to Law. Later, Shanks' own traumas start to come to light.
The four didn't come out from the depths of Shanks' quarters until the sun had already gone down for the day and most of the pirates had already eaten their dinners. Sanji had taken it upon himself to cook for them when they all appeared with their hair tussled and clothes ruffled. Ace groaned as he stretched out his tense muscles, his stomach flipping as he sat down at his normal spot within the Red Force's dining hall. He was still sore from what had happened earlier that day. He was positive that Luffy was feeling guilty over what happened just from the way that he glued himself to his side the entire night so far.
The straw hat was now hanging from his neck. It felt weird having the straw hat. Being told to keep ahold of it for the next two years while Luffy trained for the New World. It made him miss his hat. The very one that he had lost on Banaro Island after his defeat at the hands of Teach. He had promised Rouge that he would take care of it, but he had lost it. Though, it would have been taken from him the second he went to Impel Down anyway. He supposed it was better this way. At least with Banaro, he had a chance to go and get it back.
That was if he could bring himself to step foot on the island. The thought of returning there had Ace pausing. The thought of returning back to the same place that had caused so much tragedy. It had his throat going dry. Instead, he shook his head and leaned it against Luffy's. Letting his brother take ahold of the silent reassurance that Ace could give him.
Their dinner was ate in mostly silence aside from slight conversation made here or there. It was even one of those moments when Shanks was quiet. Around most people, Shanks was so vibrant and full of life. Just like Luffy was. In quiet moment, he was calm and reserved.
Ace sighed as he turned in his seat, leaning back on his elbows until the others were done. He didn't necessarily want to be alone. He waited until the others were done before heading out towards the deck. His eyes lingering over to the Moby for a moment. For the first time in nights, he had slept back home. The Moby Dick was his home. The Red Force would always be his home, of course, being where he had grown up. It would always be home. The Moby had gained a place in his heart quickly after he had joined his nakama. His family. She was also home.
He wanted to go home. Still, that lingering thought remained in the back of his mind. The guilt that he felt over the deaths of his nakama at Marineford. Deaths that happened for him.
He sighed as he ran his finger over the ring on his hand, smiling softly as he took in a deep breath. Luffy ventured away from him, rejoining his nakama who were standing on the deck. The Alpha immediately smiling at them as he quickly entered into a conversation with them. Ace smiled as he walked over and leaned against the railing, letting his eyes roam up to the sky. That had been the first time that he closed his eyes and actually slept. Slept without any sort of nightmare lurking in the back of his mind.
"Ace." He looked over his shoulder to see his Alpha father standing there, looking just as apathetic as ever. Ace turned to face him fully smiling softly for a moment. "I heard what happened earlier today. You should be resting."
Ace made a noise, leaning back against the rail, letting his arms settle on them. "Yeah, I guess."
"You wouldn't want what happened to your mother to happen to you, would you?" Mihawk questioned.
Ace eyed him for a second and shrugged. "No." He muttered. "I just…"
"Can't stay in bed?" Mihawk finished for him.
"Yeah." Ace sighed, grimacing slightly as a ripple of pain went through his stomach momentarily. Fading away. It had been off and on in the area that Law had told him the tear had been in. The other Omega had stated that the pain should fade in a few days, but to either stay in bed or limit his movements as much as possible until then to keep from destroying their work. "We'll be okay." He added, letting his hand settle on his abdomen.
Mihawk walked forward, stepping beside him, and placing his hands on the rail. "You know, the single most terrifying day of my life had been when Shanks gave birth to you." Mihawk stated. "Well, it wasn't until… until the complications started. In that moment, I thought I was going to lose you both." Mihawk paused as he reached over, placing his hand on Ace's shoulder. Ace leaning his cheek against it with a content sigh. The Alpha's scent radiating through the air around him. Engulfing him in wine and forest. Reminding him of a vineyard. "What I'm trying to say is… take care of yourself. You can't keep going on this stubborn, reckless streak."
Ace smiled as he looked over to Mihawk to see the Alpha smiling at him. "I know." He replied. He sighed as he looked back over to the Moby for a split second before looking away. Instead finding solace in looking down at his bare feet. His back had felt bare for weeks. He was so used to having his sword strapped to his back. Settled just right that it didn't block the view of his tattoo. He almost didn't want to look at Mihawk. Mihawk had gifted him Hotaru when he was fifteen. The one thing that they fully had in common. The one thing that they actually could bond over. "Hey, Papa…" His voice trailed as the air caught in his throat. Even if he never used his sword, it was still something Mihawk had given to him. It was his. Truthfully, his entire body felt naked despite the clothes on him. His sword. Knife. Hat. Boots. All of them were gone and he would probably never see them again. It put even more guilt into the pit of his stomach.
"Look down." Mihawk instructed.
Ace frowned, turning to look where Mihawk was motioning too. The air catching in his throat as he let out a laugh of disbelief. Strapped to the Moby Dick and floating next to Mihawk's boat was Striker.
"Oh seas… is this real?" He questioned, looking over to Mihawk in complete shock. He was seriously hoping that this wasn't just a dream. That he was actually seeing the same small boat that him and Deuce had made back on Sixis. Mihawk nodded. "How?!" His voice had carried enough that the stragglers on the decks were now looking over at him. He momentarily looked up to see Marco, Thatch, Izou, Deuce, and Haruta standing at the rail of the Moby. He cast them a disbelieved smile as he shook his head.
"That bastard had handed Striker over to the Marines when he turned you in." Mihawk stated. "I've been working to get it released from the chain of custody since you are a government sanctioned pirate. Since it belongs to you, they can't seize it." Ace felt like he could cry in that moment as he looked over to Deuce, seeing a grin on the Alpha's face as he nodded back at him. The silent message between the two. "That's not all." Ace looked away from Deuce and back to Mihawk just as he heard the cabin door open, revealing Shanks coming over with Rouge.
He was completely stunned, looking at his hat sitting on top of Rouge's head. A smirk on her face as she made a small pose. "Don't I look good?" She questioned, giving a cheeky smile as she pulled it off of her head. "Man, I haven't had this on my head in so long. I almost forgot how much I loved this old thing."
Ace felt the tears stinging his eyes as Shanks revealed what he had hidden behind his back. In hand was all of his belongings that he had taken with him when he started his hunt for Teach. His knife. His watermelon bag. His boots. Hotaru. His knees gave out from underneath him as he collapsed down to the deck. The tears spilling over the rim of his eyes.
"How… how did you get all of it back?" Ace questioned, sniffling as he sucked in a deep breath. "Stupid hormones." He muttered, wiping at his face.
Shanks chuckled. "I kind of forgot I had your hat…" Shanks whispered. "When I went to Banaro Island, I found it. I've had it ever since."
"The rest Mihawk had been getting back from the Marines. All this had been at the first Marine base you had been taken too." Rouge stated.
He felt the familiar feel of his hat on his hat as Rouge's hand fell on top of his head. He reached up touching the brim of it, feeling the soft, slick feel of it. Shanks kneeled down in front of him, presenting his belongings back to him with a soft smile. "They are back where they belong." Ace reached out with shaky hands, taking them back. The familiar feeling returning to the pit of his stomach as he brought them to his chest for a moment before he was dropping them back down on the deck and launching himself to Mihawk. Arms wrapping around his Alpha father.
"It's time for you to return home, Ace." Mihawk whispered. "You can do this. It's where you belong."
X
Shanks smiled as he watched his son and mate for a moment before he was turning his attention away from them to the Strawhats. More particularly, one of them. Sanji. The blonde Omega leaning into the comfort of Zoro. The Alpha's arm thrown around his shoulders as they watched the exchange between Mihawk and Ace.
Shanks looked back to Ace for a second before he was looking over his shoulder to Rouge with a nod. Benn was already waiting for them in the conference room. It was better to do this now then wait while the Strawhats made their decision. Part of Shanks was worried if Sanji went on his own that the Germa Kingdom would find him. If he really was a missing Prince from the Kingdom, there had to be a good reason why he had been with Zeff since he was a child. Shanks was going to get to the bottom of it.
The two walked towards the Strawhats, Shanks slipping in next to Sanji, with a whisper of, "Hey, I need to speak with you for a moment."
Sanji gave him a slight confused look before he was nodding, muttering to Zoro that he would be right back before he was pulling away from the Alpha. Luffy paid them no mind as Shanks motioned for Sanji to follow him. He could smell the spike in Sanji's scent as they entered the cabins, heading directly for their destination. Shanks opened the door for him, motioning him inside as he looked back over his shoulder to make sure that no one was passing by as Rouge walked in after Sanji.
Sanji eyed Benn for a second before he was looking back to Shanks. "What is it, Shanks-san?"
Shanks sighed as Benn handed him Sanji's wanted poster and the Omega Captain looked down at it. "Sanji… I have a serious question for you." The blonde started to look uncomfortable for a moment as Benn made a hand movement for him to sit, offering him an ashtray. Shanks waited for Sanji to light a cigarette before he continued. "Can you tell me anything about this?" He kept it simple as he placed Sanji's poster in front of him. Watching the immediate change in his face as his cigarette fell from his lips. A curse following as he picked it back up out of his lap. The distress starting to linger in the air with the mixture of his cupcake-like scent.
Sanji reached out for it with shaky hands, eyes wide as he looked up to the three. "This can't be happening." He denied.
"Sanji, honey, I need you to tell us what happened." Rouge stated. "Judging by your reaction, this isn't something you wanted people to know."
Sanji slammed the paper down, a low growl leaving him as he started to shake his head. "Sanji, if this is serious, we need to know."
"I thought… I thought I left all of this behind… when I met the old geezer, I thought maybe my life would be better." Sanji stated. "And it was… he gave everything I never had."
Shanks leaned back onto some of the boxes stacked against the wall, pulling himself up to sit on them. "I'm guessing this is something you don't want to tell Luffy?"
Sanji shook his head. "It's not that…" He muttered, his eyes still glued on the poster. "When I was little… my life was hell. If it wasn't for my sister… I would still be there. Facing—" Sanji choked on the air in his throat as he leaned his head into his hands. Fingers curling into blonde hair.
Shanks sighed as he got back up from the boxes, rounding the table until he could kneel down next to the blonde. Carefully reaching out and placing his hand on the small of Sanji's back. "Sanji, this could turn out badly, so, if you can… tell me everything. That way this crew can help you." Shanks stated. "You are my son's nakama. His packmate from what I've seen from those marks on your wrist. That makes you mine too. I will fight this world for you the same as my own crew." Sanji peered over at him through blonde bangs. Shanks smiled softly despite seeing the tears starting to pool in Sanji's eyes. "Whatever it is, we won't let them hurt you."
"It's bad…"
"Take all the time you need."
X
Law didn't know what had came over him in that moment. When Luffy was so far into a mental breakdown mixed in with an Alpha Rage. His feet carried him before he even had a chance to think. Taking him directly to Luffy as he had watched the Alpha lash out at his own family. His sharpened nails digging into his shoulder blades. The pain that radiated through them following.
He felt almost dirty that he had used Luffy's attraction to him against him. Law was never one who relied much on his Omega instincts. Using his scent and pheromones as a way to try and combat someone else's instincts. He never needed too. Having the strength of his Ope Ope no Mi and haki on his side. He had just never felt like he had too. The last time he had been lost in his own instincts was when Corazón had been murdered. Yet, in that moment, his judgement had been clouded and all he could think of was Alpha, help him.
It had been such a strange feeling. One that he couldn't understand. Seeing the red glow of Luffy's eyes. His sharpened canines. The absolute mixture of terror and fury written all over his face. If his family couldn't calm him down, Law didn't stand a chance. At least, that's what he had been thinking in that moment. He had played on the one thing that Luffy had been showing positively since leaving Marineford. Their first encounter being Luffy causing him to be completely flustered. His drunken antics of stating that they would one day be married to each other. That fool.
Even with the pain that Luffy inflicted on him, it almost hurt Law watching Luffy look so broken. One thing he knew about any type of rages was if scents couldn't do the work, taking away their senses would. Give them something to focus on as a different outlet.
He had done just that. Threading his fingers through soft black locks of hair. Thumbs rubbing soothing circles on his cheek bones before he had connected their lips. He could still feel the scrape of Luffy's teeth against his lip. The soft feel to the chapped lips of the Alpha. His scent flaring for domination on the deck. The Conqueror's Haki that had been radiating off of him.
He hated to admit the spark that he had felt. The way that his lips tingled ever since. How he wished he could do it again. Luffy, thankfully, was glued to his brothers and leaving him alone for the time being. Leaving him alone to his thoughts.
The sun was already starting to come up, glittering off of the water as Law leaned back against the mast of the Red Force. His submarine was still off to the side, but he had preferred to stay on Shanks' ship instead to stick close to those he had been overseeing. The mental states of those around him concerned him. Ace's pregnancy and complications concerned him. He didn't even know these people and he was willing to do everything in his power to help them. He wanted to blame that moment from back in Sabaody.
The second his stomach had twisted seeing Luffy for the first time. Hearing his determination to save that mermaid girl. Camie? He believed her name was. His fierce determination to protect his pack and save his brother.
It was all getting worse by the second. His goal in life to kill Doflamingo started to slip to the back burner. Something he never thought he would feel. He wanted to avenge Cora-san for what happened to him. This practically infuriated him.
Footsteps on the deck had him looking up, seeing Ace standing there with two coffee cups in hand. One held out towards him. Law took it with a thank you, taking a drink from it. He paused, noticing that it was made just the way that he liked to have his coffee. A smile slipping on his face for a moment before he took another drink. Ace sat down next to him, crossing his legs as he leaned back on the wood himself.
"I like the morning time too. It's when it's the most quiet. Well, except for the late hours of the night." Ace stated, taking a drink from his mug.
Law hummed, picking at the sleeves of his hoodie. He had to get a new one, his from the day before covered in the mixture of his blood and Ace's. His heart had practically stopped the day before. Seeing Ace curled up clutching at his stomach. The slight feeling of guilt in the pit of his stomach because he had been right there. He could have stopped Ace from trying to stop Luffy's rage. The least he could do was make sure that Ace's pup was okay. Though, it seemed Luffy's incident had led to showing a problem that Ace could have faced in the future.
He eyed Ace for a moment. The other Omega looked happier. His skin almost glowing now compared to the pale, almost sickly look it had before. He still slightly grimaced if he moved wrong, but that was expected. Ace technically had a major surgery. He knew trying to talk the younger pirate into staying in bed was the same as trying to get Luffy to leave him alone.
It wasn't happening.
"I like the quiet." Law stated, taking another drink.
Ace hummed. "You know, Luffy might be annoying at times. A lot to handle… but, he's kind hearted." Ace stated, bringing Law's attention completely to him. "He's stupidly blunt. He can't lie worth a damn. He can be hardheaded, but he's someone that I would want at my side if I needed them."
Law chuckled for a second, leaning back against the wood again as he sighed. Looking up to the sky for a moment. "I know this might be awkward for you… but, I actually wanted to kiss him." Law muttered. "Not just to calm him down… because I wanted too."
Ace smiled, laughing slightly for a moment. "Luffy's weird charm seems to be working."
Law snorted and shook his head. Instead, sitting in silence with the younger pirate as more of the other pirates started to venture out onto the deck again. He paused as he saw Luffy coming out of the cabins, face flaring up as he jumped to his feet, grabbing ahold of Ace's wrist. "I almost forgot! I need to check my work!" He stated as Luffy noticed where they were.
Ace made a noise of surprise as Law pulled him to his feet and started for the cabins. "Hey, Traffy!" Luffy exclaimed just as they walked by, making Law's face get even redder for a moment.
"Straw Hat-ya." Law merely said as he continued heading for the Medical Bay.
Ace started chuckling as they got into the safety of the Medical Bay, Law slamming the door shut behind him before he was looking over at the younger pirate to see a knowing look on his face. "You're avoiding."
"Shut up." Law muttered. He sighed as he motioned towards one of the beds. "Might as well actually do a check up since I brought you here."
X
Sanji was nervous. With breakfast finished, he stood towards the cabins, looking over to his nakama. This could be some of the last times that he saw them for the next two years. He had told everything to Shanks, Benn, and Rouge. Sitting in the confines of the conference room the night before just spilling everything.
They had just sat there and listened to him tell his story. Shanks had wrapped him up in his arms at one point. Fingers running through his hair. It was so calming and soothing. Zeff had only ever be the one who showed him such comfort, and he never truly knew what Sanji had gone through. Accepting him without a second thought over their shared dream of finding the All Blue.
It had been the first time in years that he had actually told anyone what was going on. What had happened to him. He sucked in a shaky breath, a cigarette in between his fingers that he had yet to light. His hands were trembling as he attempted to keep them hidden from sight. He had no idea how to tell his nakama about all of this. The people he loved and trusted. Put everything into this crew for. Took a vow to be their cook and make sure that they ate to their heart's content.
His palms were sweating as his eyes settled on Luffy. There was no way that he could hide this from them. He had thought he had left that life behind years ago when Reiju had helped him escape. Without Reiju, he never would have found Zeff. He never would have met Luffy. He never would have met Zoro. His life wouldn't actually be happy.
Why was this happening to him now? After all these years?
Shanks had assured him. Being a reassuring force in those vulnerable moments as Sanji tried to figure out just how he was going to tell his crew. The three seasoned pirates had told him that he should make sure that he was with someone during his training if he did split off from the Strawhats for the time, just to make sure that if it came down to it, there was someone there to back him up.
This was part of him that he never wanted to share. Anyone to find out. He wanted to forget. He wasn't a part of that anymore. With his heart pounding against his chest, he sighed as he turned and walked back into the dining hall.
He couldn't.
At least, not yet.
X
After finally getting cleared by Law, Ace made his way back out onto the deck, looking back over to the Moby where he could see Whitebeard sitting in his chair. The Alpha yonko watching over his children with a smile on his face. He could hear the laughter ringing on the deck. See the Commanders screwing around. His hat was placed back on his nightstand in his room on the ship. His other belongings with it since for the time being, he didn't need them until they reached land. Just the mere fact that he had them back was enough.
It had answered the question on where Mihawk had been disappearing too. When he was disappearing, they were still close enough to Marineford that he could slip away and get back before anyone would really realize he was gone. Though, Ace was so used to it that he never batted an eye at it.
Most of the Red-Hair Pirates and all of the Strawhats were on the deck of the Red Force. The ship buzzing with life. Shanks was sitting at the table he kept out here along with Benn. Rouge wasn't with them, instead on the Moby Dick sitting next to Whitebeard. Talking with her former Captain with a smile on her face.
Everyone looked so… happy.
He picked at his nails for a second before taking in a deep breath and starting over the gangplank. Eyes fell on him the second he started over. He pulled his shirt closer to his body, balling his fist in it as he crossed the deck until he was standing directly before Whitebeard. The Alpha smiling down at him with that same gentle grin that he would give to all of his children.
His throat went dry as he looked up at the man he called father. Even after defying orders and leaving out on his own, Whitebeard had still came for him. Took blame in the eyes of the world for Ace's own choices. The rest of the Whitebeard Pirates even agreeing with him. Whitebeard was willing to give his life for him to make sure he got to return home to the New World.
He couldn't even express his gratitude to the Alpha.
Instead, he kneeled down, letting his forehead touch the deck reminiscent of what he had done at Marineford in what he thought was their final conversation. "Ace—"
"Oyaji, please, let me speak." Ace stated.
The deck had went into complete silence. Ace didn't dare look up. "Speak your mind, son."
Ace took a deep breath as he exclaimed, "I'm sorry!" He paused as he pushed himself up enough, keeping his head hung before he was adding, "I'm sorry that I didn't take your advice. I'm sorry that I'm the reason that many of our family got killed. I was so… happy… I was crying tears of joy on the scaffold because… because my family came for me. Willing to spill blood for me. I have no right to call myself a Whitebeard Pirate anymore… but I want to. I want to come home."
He heard shuffling before he was looking up to see Whitebeard kneeling in front of him on one knee, his hand out in front of him just like the Alpha had done three years before when they met for the first time. The same smile on his face as he said, "You are always welcome home, my son."
The smile came to the Omega's face as he stood up, feeling almost complete now that he had actually said his piece of Whitebeard. It only took the time for him to blink before the Whitebeard Pirates were screaming out in joy, hands clapping him on the back and shoulders as they started to crowd around him in their excitement. Before he knew it, he was being engulfed in hugs all the way around. Almost being passed around as those on the deck made their way to him.
He paused as Deuce stepped in front of him. The Alpha grinned as he reached out and pulled Ace to him. "About time you decided to come home." Deuce whispered. "Don't scare us like that again, Captain."
Ace choked on a laugh as Deuce pulled away, the grin still plastered to his face. The rest of the former Spade Pirates came forward, each taking their own turns as Kotatsu came prancing over. Running at full speed before the feline was smashing into his chest, almost knocking him clear over as Kotatsu rubbed his face against Ace's cheek. Purring in delight at the warmth that Ace radiated.
Kotatsu jumped down, curling around his legs as he heard, "Are you returning as our Commander, Commander Ace?" Ace froze as he looked over to one of the Second Division members.
Ace sighed as he looked down, placing his hand on his abdomen. "I don't know." He muttered. "I don't deserve that title anymore."
"Son, you will always be my Second Division Commander." Whitebeard stated, a hand landing on his back that had Ace looking over his shoulder at him. "You did what you believed to be right. I wouldn't want anyone else as my Commander. Rouge has stepped up to take the position until you return."
Rouge stepped forward, smiling as she placed her hands on either side of Ace's face. The Omega woman's thumbs rubbing soothing circles into Ace's cheeks. "I'll be here until you decide you can do this again. Ace, you got this position because you deserved it. You did exactly what anyone would have done if it hadn't been that bastard. You have been an amazing Commander and I am proud of you."
Ace nodded, sucking in a deep breath as he reached out and placed his hands over Rouge's, curling his fingers into hers. They were joined by the other Commanders. Almost forming a circle around him. "You are our nakama. Our fellow Commander. You deserved this more than anyone, Ace." Jozu stated.
"No matter what you choose, you are just glad to you have back, Ace." Thatch added.
Agreements went through the others before his eyes landed on Izou, who was staring at his hand. Blinking before the man practically screeched. "Oh my God!" Izou exclaimed. "He did it!"
The Omega looked down to his hand, the ring sitting there in plain sight of the others as Izou and Haruta all but squealed together. Questions being thrown at him in almost every direction that it was practically giving him whip lash as he tried to look around. He chuckled as he shook his head.
It felt just like he had been before he had left the Moby.
Finally, a little bit of normalcy again.
X
Sabo was concerned for his brothers. Ace looked to be definitely better than he had been when they had departed from Marineford, but Luffy was slowly started to take a downward spiral. One that he had lucky found before he had gotten to far deep into it. Though, Luffy was still trying to use training as his coping mechanism. Thankfully, he knew about it this time so maybe he would be able to see the signs.
They had all made it out alive and were safe now. Luffy wouldn't personally have to worry about attacks from Marines, but he had to stay on guard around bounty hunters and other pirates. Sanctions didn't protect them from that.
Sabo had seen his new bounty poster. Monkey placed on it. It seemed like the Marines had fully believed that Dragon had actually adopted him. It gave him a good feeling in his gut. Of course, they had originally been trying to keep that information to themselves but with Marineford, he couldn't keep his mouth shut about his brothers. He would never deny his brotherhood to Ace and Luffy. They are and would always be his brothers. He couldn't bring himself into thinking that he should regret what happened back on Dawn Island ten year prior. If he had, he wouldn't have Dragon. He wouldn't have met Kaola. His friends. His newfound family. A place in the world where he could make a difference.
He leaned against the rail of the Red Force, watching as Ace reunited with the Whitebeard Pirates fully. Finally deciding that it was time that he returned back where he belonged. Part of him wanted to stay with his brothers, but he still had his loyalties and duties with the Revolutionary Army. Their vow that they had made in the forest would remain strong. No matter where they were, no matter how far they traveled from each other, they would always be brothers. Sabo would hold onto that. The promises that they had made.
"I'll understand if you want to stay with them." Dragon's voice came from behind him. Sabo smiled as he looked down to the water.
Sabo shook his head. "No, I belong with the Revolutionary Army. They'll be okay."
X
With all the excitement going over the ships, Luffy took a moment to get some silence. His nakama were scattered throughout the different pirates among the ships. Now talking with many of the others over possible ways to train. It was good. They all needed it, but Luffy already missed them. He didn't want to separate from them. Even if it was just temporary. This is what they needed to do. For their fighting styles, training together wouldn't exactly do them much good. They could have excellent teamwork, but they needed to be able to rely on their own if it came down to it.
Luffy sighed as he walked towards the back of the ship. This was one of Ace's favorite places to go to think since most of the time, there was never really anyone there. Maybe occasionally someone would walk by. It was a good place to just be alone and think.
He wasn't expecting to see Law standing there when he walked back. Pausing for a second as the grin came to his face with an exclaim of "Traffy!"
Law jumped, turning his head to look at him for a moment before his face warped back to an almost platonic one. Turning back to look out to the ocean. "Hey, Straw Hat-ya." He mumbled. "Feeling any better today?"
Luffy grinned, walking over and placing his hands on the rail. His nose twitched when the smell of passion fruit and rose lingered to his nose again. A soft mixture of floral that had him almost swooning. "I am." He stated. "How was Ace?"
Law looked at him through the corner of his eye for a moment. "He's fine. Just wanted to check that everything was fixed. You and your family are so damn stubborn that I wanted to check."
Luffy nodded, smiling as he leaned his chin on his palm. "Yeah." He whispered, looking back over to Law. "You know, you really are cute."
He heard the Omega curse for a second, his cheeks turning a shade of pink that broke through even the caramel-colored skin. Luffy smiled, letting his mind venture back to what happened the morning before. If it wasn't for Law, he probably would have been stuck in his episode for who knows how long. It had been him that managed to break through that almost impenetrable wall. The way that his lips felt against his own.
Luffy wanted more.
"You shouldn't say such things." Law whispered.
Luffy blinked. "Why? It's true." He looked back out to the sea for a moment. Thinking back to what had happened at Marineford. His body had moved before he had a chance to think before. The only thing on his mind being to protect Law from the Alpha that was trying to kill him. Using an almost adrenaline rush to do so. Maxing himself out even more as he put himself between the Alpha and Law. Law had been almost helpless on the ground. He had seen the pain written on his face when he moved. "Hey, Traffy… what happened back at Marineford? With that guy?" Law tensed, nails digging into the wood of the rail. A tsking sound following a second later. "That Marine guy above my Gramps seemed to know who you were talking about."
"Cora… he was talking about Cora." Law muttered.
"Cora?" Luffy questioned. He wanted to know more about Law. They were the same. Almost in that situation. Law was willing to do whatever he could to get revenge on the Alpha. Something that Luffy was willing to do for the people he loved. "I guess he meant a lot to you?"
"He did." Law confirmed. "He saved my life."
Luffy watched the way that Law's hand went to his wrist, covering over a mark that was there. He had seen the same mark on Sabo's wrist. One that he had received from Dragon. Luffy knew what that meant. It was a special bond. "That guy killed him? Right?"
Law nodded. "Yeah… when Cora saved my life… he did it by defying the World Government and Doflamingo. Doflamingo was Cora's… older brother." Luffy felt the air catch in his throat. He hadn't heard everything that was said between the Alpha – Doflamingo and Law. Only being focused on that fact that Law had been in danger. Wanting to protect him.
Luffy growled at the thought. "What kind of brother hurts their family?" He hissed.
"Doflamingo." Law said almost instantly. He sighed as he let go of his wrist, looking back out to the sea. "I'm only here today because of that man."
Luffy felt the anger leaving him seeing the sad, distant look in Law's eye. He reached out, grabbing Law's hand in his own. "He must have done it for a reason. Family sticks together. Pack sticks together."
Law looked down at their hands for a moment, letting his fingers curl around Luffy's. "Yeah, I guess so."
X
Mihawk had only ever seen this happen to Shanks once before. It had been back when Roger was executed. The way that he refused to shut his eyes and rest. Actually, get some well needed rest. The nervous tick. Picking at his nails. Drinking more. Shanks was starting to fall asleep no matter where he was. Currently, they were sitting at the outside table. Ace had returned back to the Red Force and was now with his brothers again. It was getting late in the evening, dinner already being done and eaten.
Shanks' head leaned against the table on top of his arms, having nodded off almost as soon as he set down. Mihawk could see the bruises under his eyes from the lack of sleep. His breathing was even for the most part. There wasn't much that Mihawk could do for him. Shanks had always either hidden everything away or would spill it out in a mixture of a drunken rage and sleep deprivation. He wasn't there yet. Mihawk hated it.
He watched the twitch underneath Shanks' eyelids, the frown coming to his face before a small whimper escaped from him. He went to reach out, his hand stopping just short of Shanks' coul
"Shanks?" Mihawk questioned, finally reaching out. His palm laying flat on Shanks' shoulder blade.
He wasn't expecting the reaction that followed from the Omega as his eyes snapped open and a bloodcurdling scream escaped from him. "No, no, no, NO!" Shanks screamed his eyes wide as tears started to come to them. The haki coming off even stronger that even the table in front of him cracked. The force behind it almost knocked Mihawk right off of his feet.
Shanks' breathing started to pick up. Quick and labored as his hands went into his air. Pulling tightly at red strands. The Alpha moved forward as he reached out to grab Shanks' wrists. The Omega fighting his hold for a minute as he screamed out, "SHANKS!"
The Omega's eyes connected with his, blinking for a minute as he whispered, "I can't breathe."
Mihawk quietly shushed him, forcing Shanks to put his head between his legs as he struggled to catch his breath. "That's it, just breathe. In and out." Mihawk muttered, instructing Shanks what to do as he felt the tremble follow. Shanks' entire body shaking.
"Papa, what happened?" Luffy questioned just as Ace and Sabo made their way over.
Mihawk shook his head. "I don't know." He replied.
Mihawk felt like he was standing there for an eternity as Shanks' breathing started to finally level out and he was lifting his head up. Eyes landing on Luffy and Ace. Reaching out and pulling them to him. "You boys are safe…" He whispered.
Mihawk's eyes widened.
Shanks' had a nightmare about them losing their pups. It had sent him right into a panic attack. He could hear Shanks muttering to himself as his fingers curled in their sons' hair before he was reaching out again and pulling Sabo into it as well.
X
His entire body was in pain. He grinned as he watched the waves ahead of them. They were a good enough distance away that they wouldn't be seen but he could see them. Shanks' new bounty poster was at his feet, a knife in hand as he threw it down, hitting Shanks' picture right in his left eye.
"I might not be able to get Ace, but that won't stop me from getting my revenge on you, Red-Hair."