They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, after consideration and with the influx of new fics I'm doing, I feel safe to rename this fic back to what it should be! Sorry for all the confusion! I have deleted all screenshots off of my husband's phone so he doesn't have the titles of my fics anymore. I also deleted his search history. He was present when I was doing this and watched me do it. He doesn't know I still have my accounts and I'm keeping it that way. Honestly, I have a lot going on right now with him and there might be a huge possibility that I'm about to go through a divorce. This only added to an ever-growing list. Thank you guys so much for your support and I hope you enjoy the fic as much as I love writing this for you! On with the fic!
Additional Notes: I do want to note that not everything for the Strawhats will match up in canon since they didn't get yeeted to where they were in canon of course.
Is it bad I want to write a version of this where Ace wasn't pregnant? I dunno, just a random thought xD I'm severely enjoying writing this family dynamic that I have so many different ideas just for them even if it's not the same universe/AU xD I have problems xD
Chapter Warnings: None
Chapter Twenty-Six: Come See About Me (by Glee Cast)
Chapter Summary: The pirates have reached Sabaody Archipelago as the Strawhats decide what they are going to do for the next two years. Zoro approaches Mihawk with a request. Ace and Marco talk about the pup. Sabo gives his vivre card to the others, making a promise to them. Sanji talks with Shanks about telling Luffy his past. Shanks decides to throw a final party before everyone departs from each other. Later, Buggy and Shanks have another confrontation that leads to revelations.
They had finally arrived at Sabaody. Their ships being docked closer to Shakky's bar, hidden away the best that they could keep them while the ships were being coated. Rayleigh had offered to help coat most of the ships, stating he would also reach out to some more of the coating mechanics for the vast majority of the ships with them. The Moby Dick would take the longest. Being the biggest ship that was there.
Most of the pirates had departed from the ships the second they had docked. Only some of them staying behind. Ace could only look out at the Archipelago with a satisfied smile. He always really liked Sabaody. It held good memories.
To think, in two years, he would return here and face off with Luffy. He really hoped that Luffy won. At least for a year, he would be out of action. Unable to train properly while he went through the course of his pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery time. Even with that, he was sure he would give Luffy a run for his money.
Ace leaned against the rail, shuffling every so often as he thumbed at the ring on his finger. He never thought he would see the day that he would actually be engaged to someone. Let alone someone as amazing as Marco was. He smiled as he looked away from his hand, exhaling with a sigh.
A hand slipped onto his lower back, thumbs rubbing soothing circles into the dips that were there. He peered over his shoulder, seeing Marco starting to lean next to him on the rail. "Thinking about your brother again?"
Ace shrugged. "Just thinking in general." He exhaled sharply, leaning his chin against his palm as he used his free hand to pick at his nails. "Marineford could have turned out so differently… I'm just thankful that everyone made it out."
"I am too." Marco replied. "Are you still having nightmares?"
Ace shrugged. "Kind of." He muttered. "I can still hear the screams. Smell the blood… the magma. The fear that I felt. The horror. It's all still there."
"That's understandable." Marco said, dropping his arm so he could turn and face out to where Ace was looking. Marco eyed him for a moment as Ace turned his head to look at him again. "What else is there?"
Ace frowned, settling his head onto his arms. "I don't want to leave my mom…"
Marco smiled, reaching out and running his thumb over Ace's freckled cheek. "That is also understandable. You just went through something traumatic. All of you are suffering in some form. Plus, the baby… I can get wanting to be with your parent."
"I need to be able to stand on my own two feet." Ace stated, leaning back up, stretching his back. "I wanted to be strong enough that no one would ever have to protect me."
"You are." Marco said within a split second.
Ace cast him a look. "I got defeated. Captured, and almost killed."
"That could happen to even someone like me." Marco replied.
Ace snorted, shaking his head. "As if. You guys kept telling me not to go. To listen… and my judgement had been so clouded. I had been so angry and because of that… I ended up in a fight I couldn't win. I couldn't, wouldn't, and would never run. I still won't." The Omega stated. He sighed, looking back down at his hands. "Marco… Teach was on his way to kill Luffy when I found him. If I hadn't fought him… Luffy could be dead right now. I don't regret leaving. I don't regret fighting Teach. It meant my brother was safe… as much as I say, why didn't I listen? Why didn't I just stay home… I can't bring myself to think I would make a different decision."
Marco was smiling when Ace looked back over to him, hand reaching up to curl around the nape of his neck, fingers twisting into his hair. "That's because… that's who you are. If you don't regret what happened… I won't either."
X
Traveling into the inner parts of Sabaody had revealed a whole new perspective for them. Ace walked alongside Marco. Luffy, Sabo, and some of the others behind them. Law was next to Luffy. His entire crew out of their submarine and now with their Captain. The Strawhats were trailing behind Luffy. Sabo had Koala and some of the Revolutionaries.
Walking around the stores, Ace just browsed. Unsure if he actually wanted to buy anything. His stomach growling every few moments. He had some snacks in his bag that were made by Sanji before they had left the ship. From what he could tell, most of them were planning on heading to the amusement park for the day once they had talked their decisions. Sabo was on Ace's other side. Sticking close to him pretty much ever since they had left Marineford.
Ace already hated that he had to say goodbye to him soon. He had already been gone for ten years. Though, he understood. Sabo belonged with the Revolutionary Army now. Ace would see him again. He was sure of it. Hell, maybe they would see each other again very soon. The Revolutionary Army was all over the New World. It amazed him that he never ran into Sabo. Though, Sabo was the Number Two of the entire army. It was only right that he stayed out of the public eye as much as possible. It was the same with Dragon.
Just the irony that Sabo ended up with Dragon of all people. Now that he thought about it, Rouge had said Dragon was present on Dawn Island during the Gray Terminal fire.
He could only be thankful for Dragon being there. Without him, Sabo might have actually died.
As they moved around through the Grove, the more Ace noticed just how nice everyone was being to him. To all of them. At this point, he had been offered everything from food to a place to relax. He could only cast a confused smile over to Marco the entire time as they politely declined. Ace's mark was in full view for everyone. Showing his position among the Whitebeard Pirates. His face would be recognizable. Sabaody had been one of the many places that had monitors set up for his execution.
These people knew who he was, and they were treating him with such kindness.
"Straw Hat!" The new voice had them all stopping as they noticed the nearby crowd. A lot of the civilians smiling at Luffy. "We were cheering you on! Good job on saving your brother!"
Ace was stunned.
"I'm so glad to see you alive, Fire Fist!" Another called out. "What the Marines did to you is inexcusable!"
More comments were being thrown their way as they were quickly surrounded by people. Many asking him questions about anything from his family to his pregnancy. To his time in Impel Down. Ace had spent some of the time answering their questions the best that he could. Hearing their comments about how angry they were watching the war progress. Seeing what the Marines had done to try and get the upper hand on all the pirates.
Dragon, Sabo, and Shanks had been completely correct.
They had seen it all.
The Marines trying to lock the pirates in the bay and rain magma on them. Akainu trying to destroy the Moby. They had seen Mihawk save him. Shanks. Ace's, almost, sacrifice. Akainu revealing Ace's pregnancy to them. The numerous early execution attempts.
They had heard and seen all of it.
The Revolutionary Army had even done everything in their power to make sure that it had happened. Sabo telling the people as much as he could without revealing too much about what the army was doing. Just what had been involved with the den den mushis at Marineford. Koala was hanging on his arm, proudly proclaiming that it had been Sabo's idea to make sure the world had seen everything because of the lies said at the beginning of Ace's execution.
It seemed like the people did believe wholeheartedly that Ace was the grandson of Silvers Rayleigh. As much as he knew that it pained Shanks knowing that intel, it gave Ace a sense of relief. He never got to meet Roger. Only hearing stories from Shanks and even some from Mihawk and Rayleigh, he was definitely a better man than the world had painted him to be.
He had also learned that the Marines had practically been ran out of Sabaody. Only a few staying that had vocally disagreed with what happened during the war. Declaring that they would stay to continue to protect the civilians. The Marines had left them alone. Not like they could mess with Ace or Luffy but everyone else did have active bounties.
The second Luffy had seen his new bounty poster, a large pout came to his face. The Alpha kneeling over and toying at the grass below his feet. Muttering to himself, "They froze my bounty… why would they do that?"
"Isn't that a good thing? You aren't wanted?" Nami questioned.
"It takes the fun away from being a pirate!" Luffy cried out, the pout only getting bigger. "Can I tell them to give me my bounty back?"
Ace snorted. He understood. It was incredibly fun screwing with the Marines. The thrill of the chase. "Just take it, Luffy. It's not like your nakama don't have bounties. You can still have your fun." Ace said. "Just because the Marines can't mess with you, doesn't mean you can't mess with them."
"But… my bounty!"
Ace could only shake his head as he started even further into Sabaody, leaving his brother to continue to grieve over his bounty. Luffy would get over it. It also meant that Luffy would be safe during his training. Ace would also be. He could go through his pregnancy without a concern in the world for the Marines trying to attack him.
As they continued on, they still had more people coming to either tell them they displeasure over what happened at Marineford to giving him congratulations for his pup. It was absolutely astonishing. He was a pirate… and civilians were acting as if he never committed a crime in his life.
He never thought he would see the day that civilians trusted pirates more than the World Government.
X
With their arrival at Sabaody, the Thousand Sunny was hidden away somewhere on the Archipelago. Their shared home that took them on their adventures. It was finally time for their final decisions. What they would be doing for the next two years.
They had to make their decision now.
They didn't have a choice.
Franky had ended up with a recommendation from Dragon to someone who could help him. Jules had stepped forward and stated he could assist Nami. Chopper was also given a recommendation by Dragon to a group of doctors he knew. Sanji had been approached by Ivankov. Brook had decided for something on his own that Luffy didn't quite catch. Usopp had paired off with Yasopp, who had told him of an island that might help him with his creations that used with Kabuto. Robin had been approached directly by Dragon, the Alpha Revolutionary requesting that she comes to train with them at the base of the Revolutionary Army. It had only left himself and Zoro without either a master or a place to go.
"Luffy." Rayleigh said, cutting directly through his thoughts as he watched his nakama split off with the people reaching out to help them. They were still close enough that they were within earshot, but at least he knew they were going to be safe during their time apart.
"Uncle Rayleigh." Luffy replied.
Rayleigh leaned back against the rail, smirking like he would when he was scheming something. "What do you say to being my disciple during your training?"
Luffy's eyes widened, a grin coming to his face. "Are you serious?! You taught Dad!"
Rayleigh nodded.
"It makes so much sense now." Robin muttered. "Their conversation back at Shakky's bar… they practically told us that Rayleigh trained Shanks-san… who just happens to be Luffy's mother."
"I can't believe we missed that." Nami sighed.
"I think we were more concerned with the fact that we were in the presence of the Dark Knight himself." Sanji added.
Luffy kept his attention on Rayleigh. Rayleigh could help him tremendously. Shanks was taught by him. He would know exactly what Luffy needed done with his training. How to help. Maybe even go greater than what Shanks and Mihawk were doing.
Luffy nodded, his grin only getting bigger. "Alright. Let's do it!"
X
If Zoro was going to get stronger. He had to work on his Swordsmanship. Any sort of haki that he could probably muster. It wouldn't matter what he did. How hard he trained on his own. He needed to do more. Be more.
He needed to for the sake of Luffy. His crew. Sanji. He had to get stronger.
With his heart beating against his chest, he kneeled down on the wood of the Red Force. Mihawk standing before him, leaning against the rail next to Shanks. He had to swallow his pride. Even if it meant asking for help from the same man he would one day defeat.
Mihawk was the best. The strongest. If he was going to get the strength to be where he needed to be for the New World. This was the answer for him.
"Please," Zoro pleaded, forehead touching the wood below. "Will you… train me… as a swordsman?" It was harder to get that question out than he had thought. His own Alpha instincts screaming at him to get back to his feet. To stop kneeling before the Alpha that he vowed to defeat. He could hear the shocked exclamations from his pack behind him before it turned completely dead silent.
He could only hold a bated breath the entire time.
"You disappoint me. Stand up." Mihawk stated within seconds. His tone still the same monotone that he would normally have. "I can't believe you would ask your enemy for instruction. Have you no shame? Get out of here. This is pathetic." Mihawk paused. He was right in a way. It was pathetic. Kneeling before his enemy, just to ask to be his pupil. He wouldn't allow it to bring him shame. This is what he had to do. "A pity… perhaps, I have overestimated your worth. I said stand up. You are making a fool of yourself." Call him a fool. Call him whatever you wanted. This is what he needed to do.
Zoro choked on the air in his throat. "Please, help me."
"First of all, the display you made at Marineford, you could barely get past some pesky Marines, let along get to the plaza without help. I can't help you." Mihawk stated.
Zoro bit his lip. Keeping his head down. "Rather I could or not… I did it for my Captain. For Ace… my friend… I know that I could be stronger. That I wouldn't have struggled as much during the war if I was just stronger." He let his sentence trail for a moment as he sucked in another deep breath. "I'm just not good enough to win against you the way I am now. Anybody can see that."
"I don't follow. Clearly, you still consider me your enemy… yet, here you are, bowing down. Begging for my help. What do you mean to do?" Mihawk questioned.
Zoro finally looked up, keeping his gaze sharp and pointed. Mihawk was staring straight at him, calculating with those golden eyes. Arms crossed over his chest as he leaned back against the rail. Shanks was sitting next to him, looking almost amused, with his chin on his palm. Looking between the two of them. Mihawk's sharp glance was still directed on him, almost waiting for whatever could possibly come out of Zoro's mouth.
This man was still his enemy. It didn't matter to him that he was Luffy's Alpha father. He was still the World's Greatest Swordsman. The man who held the title that Zoro would take one day. Even if that meant swallowing his pride now to get just strong enough to make it in the New World.
"To kill you… of course." Zoro replied, his gaze connecting with Mihawk's.
The two of them staring each other down despite the kneeling position that Zoro was in. Mihawk still wore that emotionless mask that he was known for. One that, so far, Zoro had never seen hardly slip off of his face. The perfect poker face that he would never be able to read. To understand. His heart was beating against his chest. His ears ringing.
He heard Mihawk tsk before a smirk was slipping on the elder Alpha's face, a laugh erupting from him. "You admit you want to kill me, and you expect me to assist you in that? You're strange. What a ridiculous request. Aren't you the least bit embarrassed?" Mihawk paused, the smirk returning to his face as he tilted his head. That glance returning back to what it once was as he said, "Perhaps, your priorities are different now, Roronoa?" The use of his family name came out almost mockingly. Zoro gritted his teeth, glaring at the Alpha. "We'll begin after you recover."
Zoro froze.
Did he just hear that correctly?
Mihawk agreed?
A smile slipped on his face as a laugh of disbelief came from him.
He turned his head, looking back at his nakama. Smiling as he nodded at Luffy. Luffy smiling right back at him. Two years from now, he would return to them. Stronger than ever.
X
The feel of the water felt good on Ace's feet. He only walking on the very edge, just enough that it covered his feet. As long as if he didn't get to far in the water, he would be fine. Marco was walking next to him, their hands curled together in between them as they walked. Their nakama was exploring the island. Going to the theme park, getting supplies, enjoying being on land after the devastating war.
Ace was just happy to be alive. The feel of the sun on his skin. The smell of the ocean. The wind running through his hair. His hand curled into Marco's. It made him happy. He was happy. A hand subconsciously moved to his stomach, a smile slipping onto his face. He had never really thought about this all that much. He had seen just how much Shanks had to protect them as a Pirate Captain with two children. The thought has passed through his mind, wondering if he would be able to do the same thing that Shanks had done.
"You know… you'll be a good parent, Ace." Marco muttered, pulling the Omega's attention to him. Ace reached up, tucking some of his hair behind his ear as he looked back out towards the sea.
"You think so?"
"I know so." Marco replied almost instantly.
Ace hummed, kicking his feet in the water. "It feels surreal. I never thought I would be in this situation." He paused, a frown coming to his face as he looked down at his feet. "I never thought that if I ever did get pregnant… that I would find out because of my own execution."
Marco sighed, moving around Ace until he was standing in front of him, bringing his hand up to tuck the same strands that the Omega had been messing with behind his ear again. Thumb running down his jaw and stopping at his chin. Forcing Ace to look up at him. "Not the ideal circumstances, but I couldn't be happier knowing that the person I love will be bringing my child into this world." Marco dropped his hand from Ace's face, placing it over Ace's abdomen. "I believe everything in this world happens for a reason."
Ace smiled, standing up on his tip toes so he could place a kiss against Marco's lips. The Alpha kissing back almost immediately. Smiling into the kiss before they were breaking apart. "I love you, Marco."
Marco grinned, fingers tightening around Ace's. "I love you too, Ace."
Ace let a sly smirk come to his face as he kicked his foot up, bringing the water along with him. Marco blinked for a second as the water splashed him in the face. Ace laughed as he backed up, dragging his hands along the cool water, bringing up more to splash at the Alpha. "Oh, it's on." Marco stated, dragging through the water, and sending water towards Ace.
Ace laughed as the water fit his face and hair. Sticking black strands to the side of his face. He kneeled down, scooping up enough to fling it back just as Marco returned the favor. The Omega felt the grin only getting bigger before arms wrapped around his torso and he was falling back onto his back in the shallowest of the water.
Smiling up at Marco as the Alpha moved some of the wet hair from his face.
What kind of fool was he?
Why did he ever think he could possibly let this go?
X
With everything decided on where they were going to go, Sabo walked over to where the others were lounging around. His own vivre card in his pocket. It wasn't exactly smart for him to make one, but he wanted to make sure that they had one for him. So, they would always know that he was alright. That he was alive. They just got him back. In turn, he also just got them back. He had already gotten approval from Dragon, who also had his own vivre card. That was only entrusted to certain people. Sabo was going to be the same way. He had already cut up the card in as many pieces as he wanted, his name written on it.
He smiled as he approached them. "Ace, Luffy." He started, pausing as he pulled out two of the pieces. His brothers looked up at him, smiling as he held out the pieces. "Just so you know I'm always okay."
Ace stood up, arms wrapping around Sabo's shoulders. Sabo let his arms wrap around Ace's waist, burying his nose in Ace's neck for a moment before he was pulling back and pulling Luffy into him. "You better not ever pull a stupid stunt like that again." Ace stated.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Sabo retorted.
He had pieces for Shanks, Mihawk, and Rouge. The three being people in his life that had changed it for the better. Given him a chance even when they didn't know him. Opening up their hearts to him. Sabo grinned as Luffy let him go, turning towards Shanks. The red-haired Omega had that same grin on his face, pulling Sabo too him. Fingering running through his blonde wavey hair. "You take care of yourself, kid."
"Always, Shanks-san." Sabo muttered.
He was pulled into Mihawk's chest a moment later. A tight hand gripping at his back. "Words can't express how happy I am to know you are alive." Mihawk whispered.
Sabo gave him a grin as Mihawk pulled away and he was immediately brought into Rouge's arms. "Oh, you beautiful boy." She muttered, she pulled back enough so she could look him in the eye. Hands on either side of his face. "If my brother starts being an ass, you call me so I can come put him in his place."
Dragon came up behind Sabo, clapping him on the shoulder. "As long as if he's not a little shit." Sabo snorted as Rouge broke out into laughter. He passed out the other pieces to them as he stood there, looking back over to his brothers.
He had to go, but their bond would always be strong.
He looked back at Dragon for a second time before he was crossing back over to his brothers. Enjoying the last little bit of time they would have together for a while. They would be back to doing their own thing soon enough.
For now, he wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.
X
Law wasn't sure what to expect as he approached Whitebeard. The man sitting in his chair, tankard in hand. Most of his crew was off the ship, leaving just him and a few others on the deck. The Omega took in a deep breath as Whitebeard looked down at him. "Something on your mind, brat?"
Law mustered up the best smile that he could. "Just finished my check up on Little Oars. He'll be fine traveling to the New World."
"That's good to hear." Whitebeard replied almost instantly, the smile getting bigger on his face.
Law sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Whitebeard-san… I was wondering if you would allow me to remain with you until the end of Freckles-ya's pregnancy."
Whitebeard tilted his head, humming, but the smile remained. "I don't see a problem with that, brat. You are my ally after all. Saved myself and countless of my sons."
Law nodded, looking over to where he knew Ace was at. "I just… I can't call myself a doctor if I don't see my patient through until the end."
X
Sanji had still yet to actually say anything to Luffy or the others. Each time he tried; he found his mouth drying. His palms starting to sweat. He sighed as he wiped his hands off on his pants. Pacing outside of Shanks' quarters. Shanks seemed to always know what to say. To say the right thing that could help just about any of them if they would listen.
He took in a deep breath as he lifted his fist, knocking on the door. Just seconds later, the door opening to reveal Shanks standing behind it. The red head smiled at him, opening up his door enough that Sanji was able to slip into the room. Closing the door behind them.
"Shanks-san… I can't." Sanji said, finally being able to muster just enough to get his point across. Shanks sat down on the edge of his bed, just watching his movements. Sanji could smell the overpowering cherry blossoms and strawberries within the room. The scent alone being enough to keep his head clear as he all but paced around the room. "Every single damn time I try to say anything… I can't bring myself to do it. I know I need to. I know they need to know about it at some point. I just can't."
Shanks smiled, reaching out and grabbing Sanji's hand. "It's alright, Sanji." The Omega Captain stated. "All you got to say is my birth name is Vinsmoke Sanji. Tell them that right now, you can't go into all the details, but you will when you're ready. Luffy will understand and if your crew is truly your pack. They will too."
Sanji nodded, bringing a cigarette up to his lips, lighting it and taking a deep drag from it. Exhaling sharply as he growled, leaning back against the wall. "Why can't I tell them? They are my pack. My family… yet, I can't tell them this one damn thing."
"Well, it was a traumatizing part of your life. I can't even fully expect you to come completely clean with it just instantly." Shanks said. "If you need me too, I'll be there when you tell them if you decide too. I do believe they need to know, so if the time comes, they know what to expect. What do to. To protect you because that is what a pack does." Sanji took another drag. Shanks reached over, pulling an ashtray off of his desk. Sanji quirked his eyebrow. Shanks wasn't a smoker. At least not that he knew of. Shanks gave him a knowing smile, muttering, "Benn." Sanji took the ashtray from him, flicking the ashes.
"How can I easily tell you… but I can't even tell my own Captain?" Sanji questioned as he kneeled down, his back running down the wall.
"Well, I would suspect that's because you are seen as one of the strongest of the pack." Shanks said. "This is something that happened at one of the lowest points in your life. A time where you don't believe you were strong."
"I wasn't." Sanji whispered.
"And that's bullshit." Shanks stated, sliding off of his bed and sitting down on his knees in front of the blonde Omega. "You survived and got a better life for yourself. Not only the shit you went through with your biological family, what followed after and look at you. You are a strong, kick ass pirate."
Sanji felt the smile slip on his face as he took another drag. The cigarette smoke quickly filling the area around him. "I don't feel strong right now."
Shanks hummed. "This was something you didn't want them to know about. In a way, your instincts might be thinking you are protecting them. The Germa Kingdom could be dangerous, and you know firsthand what they can do."
"I don't want them to get hurt." Sanji whispered.
"I highly doubt any of them will care. They will just care about you."
Sanji nodded as he let his gaze move back to Shanks. That gentle smile on his face. Calm. Caring. Reassuring.
Shanks was right.
"Yeah. They are like that… aren't they."
Maybe, he could tell them.
X
With everyone back together near the ships, Shanks smiled as he announced he would be hosting a banquet to celebrate their win at Marineford. Celebrate Ace's successful rescue. Celebrate the new baby. Celebrate Ace and Marco's engagement. Just about anything that he could list, he did.
No one had any objections as food was made by all of the cooks combined from the crews who were still at Sabaody for the time being. Alcohol being supplied from the Red Force and what had been bought while they were visiting the inner island.
It hadn't taken long before music was being played. Food being ate. Alcohol being drank. Shanks smiled as he watched Marco and Ace for a moment. His son's bright smile on his face as Marco twirled him around to the beat. His laughter ringing through the air. Luffy and Sabo weren't far from them. Sabo dancing with Koala. Luffy dancing among his nakama. They were happy.
Shanks drank down probably his third bottle worth of alcohol before Mihawk was standing before him, bowing slightly as he said, "May I have this dance, Red-Hair?"
Shanks grinned, placing his hand in Mihawk's before he was being pulled up. "For you, Hawkeyes? Always."
X
With the party in fully swing, Law took a moment to himself. Disappearing away from the other pirates who were spread out over the shoreline of Sabaody. The music playing loudly. Most of them drunk at this point. Law even felt tipsy from how much alcohol he consumed. His head was starting to spin as he got away from the others. Sighing as he left his bare feet hit the water.
His body was hot. The thin layer of sweat over it. Law huffed as he sat down. Looking out to the ocean for a moment. Him and his crew would be going to the New World. Just not in the way he expected. He was going to see this through with Ace. He still couldn't exactly place why he wanted to do this so much.
Either way, he let the smile slip to his face. He felt like he had more of a purpose now. Instead of just wanting to see Doflamingo fall. No matter what it was, he would take it. He would work on getting stronger until the moment that he could get his hands on the Warlord. He would still avenge Corazón no matter what he did.
"What are you doing away from the party, Traffy?" Luffy questioned, causing Law to look over his shoulder. The Omega let a small smile slip onto his face at the approaching Alpha. Luffy sitting down next to him with his own grin. "You know, I like it better over here."
"Shouldn't you be with your crew? Since, you know… you will be splitting up." Law stated, leaning back on his hands. Looking over to the younger pirate.
Luffy kept that smile on his face, running a hand through his hair as if he was reaching for something. Law would only guess it was a subconscious movement for his hat. His hat that was currently in Ace's possession. It was still strange to him. Why Luffy would ask his brother to keep ahold of the one item that seemed to mean the most to the Alpha. He had watched his movements with it when they met in Sabaody the first time. It was like a small tick.
"They are having fun right now." Luffy replied. "We'll see each other once more before we leave."
Law hummed. He watched the Alpha for a second. The cherry blossom and forest scent filling his nose. So much about Luffy confused him. He couldn't quite figure him out.
He would be lying to himself if he said he didn't want to know more. He wanted to know more about him. "Straw Hat-ya?"
Luffy made a noise, turning his head to look over at him. It reminded Law just how close they were together. Their noses practically bumping each other from the closeness. He could feel Luffy's breath against his lips. Making the air in his throat catch. "Traffy?"
Law wasn't sure what he was thinking.
He leaned forward, connecting their lips.
He felt Luffy's hands go to his hips. The Omega brought his own arms up, wrapping them loosely around the Alpha's shoulders. Curling his fingers into soft hair. Their lips moved together as Law felt the heat getting deeper on his skin. The Omega falling back onto his back, Luffy looming over him, carded in between his legs.
Law's face flushed over, but he couldn't find it in himself to care as Luffy's hands moved up into his sweatshirt. Luffy pulled away long enough to mutter out a quick, "Traffy—" His pupils were blown and dilated. He almost couldn't see that intoxicating grey color anymore. The way he was panting. The layer of sweat across his skin.
Law just pulled him down by his head, their lips ghosting over each other once more as he muttered, "Just shut up and kiss me, Straw Hat-ya."
X
Shanks felt completely sick to his stomach as the night started to progress. More booze being passed around. Lots of dancing. Drunk pirates in just about every direction. The red-haired Omega sucked in a few deep inhales through his nose as he broke away from the crowd of the others, walking over to the nearby wooded area. Hand on one of the trees as he kneeled over and released the contents of his stomach onto the ground.
He groaned as he wiped at his mouth, sticking his hands into the nearby water to clean himself up. Cupping water into his hands to swish out the taste from his mouth. Taking another handful of water to clean off of his face and combat the heat he was feeling from the alcohol in his system.
"You alright?" Shanks turned his head to see Buggy approaching. His face almost an unrecognizable look. The red head sighed, as he looked back at the water, standing back up as his head spun. "You don't look so good."
"I'm fine." Shanks replied.
"You're lying, bastard." Buggy hissed.
Shanks shrugged. It was kind of bittersweet seeing Buggy. Buggy had been his friend. His sworn brother. Nakama. Ever since the Bara Bara no Mi incident, their friendship had never been the same. Buggy harnessing so much anger of a complete accident. Something that he faulted Shanks for when it wasn't even his fault. Sure, he accidentally scared Buggy, but he wasn't the one who hide a Devil Fruit in his mouth. It was one of the scariest days of his life. Seeing Buggy jump overboard and not resurface. He had heard his friend was going to die.
"Sure." The Omega said, turning back to face Buggy.
The Alpha was now standing closer to him, a frown settled on his face as he scratched at his hand. "I wanted to apologize for the hat. I didn't know it belonged to Captain."
Shanks exhaled sharply. He had been so angry when he had seen the marks and found out they were from Buggy. If the hat hadn't belonged to Roger, he might not have cared as much. It was the final thing that he had that Roger had given him. It was his treasure. "You wanted to destroy it because it belonged to me."
Buggy nodded. "Yeah, I did." The Alpha growled. "You know just how much you piss me off?" Shanks rolled his eyes. Here he goes again. "First the Devil Fruit… then, you go off and fuck the first Alpha you can find."
Shanks froze.
What the fuck?
"What the hell are you going on about?" Shanks hissed. "What does it matter to you what I do? You've hated me ever since you ate that damn fruit."
Buggy growled, hands reaching out and grabbing the front of Shanks' shirt. The movement made Shanks' head swim even more. "It wasn't the damn fruit." He growled, tsking, "Well, maybe part of it was. I wanted to get that treasure so I could—"
"Could what?" Shanks exclaimed. "You've always been so obsessed with treasure, Buggy! Life isn't always about money."
"At least I wasn't some whore. Getting knocked up at sixteen. Just like you said you were afraid of." Buggy hissed. "That damn treasure was mine and you took it from me."
Shanks growled as he grabbed at Buggy's hands to pull them away. The Alpha's grip only getting tighter. "Why do you care? It doesn't have anything to do with you for who I sleep with. Who I have kids with."
"Because I was in love with your dumbass!" Buggy screamed, the shock coming to his face as his hands loosened on Shanks' shirt.
Shanks' eyes widened as the air caught in his throat. Buggy was what?
"Buggy—"
"That treasure… was my shot at something." Buggy hissed. "Then our Captain dies, and you fuck the first guy you see. Nothing more than some common whore."
Shanks was completely stunned by the revelation. He never would have thought within his life time that Buggy was in love with him.
Shanks growled as he felt the anger flare through him. "You don't get to call me a whore."
"I'll call you whatever the hell I want, you bastard." Buggy retorted, the anger flaring on his face. "First you fuck up letting me get my treasure, then you become exactly like any other Omega on this godforsaken sea."
Shanks let his nails dig into Buggy's hands, sharpening them as a warning. He was used to Buggy insulting him. He had been doing it the entire time he had known the Alpha. Something about it this time pissed him off.
"No, Buggy, you don't get to call me that." Shanks said. "You had every chance to say something to me when we were younger. Just because you blew your chance, doesn't give you the right to call me a whore because I found someone I love. Someone I can trust enough to want to be mine."
Buggy let out another low growl as he pulled at Shanks' shirt again. "You were always so perfect. A pretty face. A sweet scent. Kind and caring. It would piss me off. You were always too soft back then. I realized I was in love with you the moment you stayed with me instead of going to Laugh Tale." Buggy's voice dropped, almost dead quiet that Shanks barely picked it up. "Then I find out you had kids and I never even knew it."
"You didn't want anything to do with me, Buggy." Shanks said. "You were the one who told me no back at Loguetown. When I asked you to form a crew with me. You had your chances."
"I was scared, alright! You were this pretty… strong Omega… and I'm just me." Buggy stated. "Even as much as I hate you. I still can't help but love you."
What the hell was he supposed to say to this? He just married the love of his life. His mate. The father of his children… and his former nakama was confessing.
"Buggy—" He was cut off by lips connecting his own. His eyes widening before he was pushing against Buggy's chest. Using haki to push him away. The grip that Buggy had on him loosening as the Alpha stumbled back.
The Alpha stood stunned as he touched his lips. "Shanks—"
"Go away." Shanks muttered.
Buggy tsked, turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Shanks by himself again. The Omega sighed as he leaned back against the tree. He let out a shaky breath as another wave of nausea hit him. Taking deep breaths through his nose.
He had to somehow explain this to Mihawk without his husband wanting to kill Buggy. Not like Mihawk could cut him. That doesn't mean he wouldn't try.
"Damnit, Buggy." Shanks whispered as he turned to brace himself on the tree. The world around him still spinning. He never felt that way for Buggy. Buggy was his friend. His brother. No more than that. Someone he cared about. He never picked up on any signs that Buggy might have loved him more than just nakama. More than pack. He almost felt bad for it. He never wanted to make Buggy feel that way. "Why confess when you know I can't love you back?" He questioned to himself. "You only would hurt yourself in the end."
The Omega sighed. He needed to get back to the party. Someone would probably come looking for him soon enough. He paused as the hairs on the back of his neck stood. The tingle going down his spine as his Observation haki notified him of someone approaching. He turned on his heel, looking behind him. Seeing nothing before he was chuckling. "Stop being so jumpy, Shanks." He whispered.
He turned, coming face first into a chest. He took a step back, eyes widened as he went to open his mouth before a hand was clamping over it and his nose. The feel of his feet becoming weightless.
"Surprise, Red-Hair. You didn't think this was over, did you?"
He gasped as he felt something prick into his neck before his eyes were slipping shut and the world went dark.