Chapter Twelve : Promise

Roger closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment. After all, this would probably the last time for the two of them.

He was laying next to Rouge. His hands were in his lover's abdomen where their child was currently located. It was too early to feel a kick though. He just wished he was still around to feel it when the time comes.

Rouge was humming a lullaby. Roger silently listened to it. It was so soothing and comforting. Something he would surely miss.

Then suddenly, he felt wetness in his face. He looked up and stared at Rouge. Tears were falling from his lover's gray eyes.

"What's wrong, my love?" Roger asked, stroking her strawberry blonde hair.

"I-I'm sorry, Roger..." She bit down her lips. "It's just that... I hate thinking that our child is going to grow up without you."

It was a deafening silence. He watched helplessly as Rouge continued sobbing in his shoulders. He rubbed her back in an attempt to comfort her.

Roger did not want it too. If only the circumstances have been different. He was willing to do anything just to be with them. But life does not work that way. It was unfair, something Roger has always hated. But in the end, there was nothing for him left to do but to accept it and wish that Rouge and their child will be fine once he was gone.

"I know." He pulled her in a tight embrace allowing herself to cry more. "But it'll be fine. Everything will be fine. Our child's going to be strong. After all, both of his parents are."

"You're going to be a great father, Roger." Rouge bit down her lips, staring at his black eyes with a smile.

"I hope so, too." Roger wiped down her tears. "If only given the chance..."

- - -

He failed as a father. That was what Roger had in his mind.

His son hated himself because he was related to him. The shadow that Roger cast, Ace was still living on it. Roger felt like the whole world was laughing and taunting him. As if it was the punishment for the crimes he did in the past. And Ace was the unfortunate one who was suffering because of it.

He wondered why the world can be so cruel sometimes. Ace was only ten years old and yet he was already questioning his existence. That should have never happened if only people viewed him differently. But he cannot change that now since the damage has been done.

Roger was in agony and so was Ace. But Roger knew that Ace was the one who was suffering the most. Roger may felt the pain but the pain his son was carrying was no doubt a hundred times worse than his.

The only thing he can do now was to help Ace heal himself. Roger knew it was not easy. Ace had that belief for years. But Roger was willing to do anything to keep his son living. That was what a father should do. It was the right thing to do.

Roger wanted Ace to live. He wanted his son to enjoy his life. He wanted his son to live his life without regrets. He wanted him to find a reason to keep him going. Because only then, Roger would finally found peace for Ace.

He hunted down different animals in the forest. It was his way to calm down himself. He managed to hunt down three boars. After all, was said and done, he put it in his shoulders started walking.

"Roger!" The booming voice of Luffy startled him when came back. Sabo and he were readying the fire where they would cook the meat.

"You sounded like we didn't see each other for a long time, Luffy." Roger teased as he put down the boars.

"So you're the Pirate King!? Why didn't you tell me! That's so cool! You've conquered the whole Grand Line and have lots of adventures!" Luffy ranted out, jumping excitedly and waving his hands. The grin the boy was wearing was probably the biggest Roger had seen from him.

Roger laughed loudly. "You've only figured that one now? Took you long enough!"

Roger was amused. Meeting him was probably something Luffy had dreamt of. After all, Luffy's dream was to be the next Pirate King himself. He understood where the excitement came from.

"You're Ace's Dad!?" Luffy finally asked.

"That I am." Roger nodded, then turned to Sabo. "Speaking of Ace, how's he?"

Sabo gave him a reassuring smile. "I think he will be fine by tomorrow. The fever was caused by his emotional breakdown..."

"I see." Roger sighed.

"Ne, Roger," Luffy said. "You really do love Ace do you?"

Sabo narrowed his eyes a little but he remained silent and anticipated for Roger's answer. Roger sighed and smiled.

"With all my life, Luffy."

"Shihihihi." Luffy laughed, satisfied by his answer. "You should tell Ace that. That's what he needs right now."

"Not all kids get along with their children..." Sabo commented. Roger noticed his change of attitude. He felt like Sabo was speaking with experience but Roger did not ask further. "But I think that you're nice, Roger-san. And I believe Ace will accept you one of these days."

Roger smiled and did not reply. It seemed like he finally formed a bond with Sabo and Luffy. From what he analyzed, Sabo was the one for reasoning. He scolded his brothers whenever they do something bad. While Luffy was there to balanced Ace. His smiles were enough to comfort Ace.

Once the meat was finally done cooking, Sabo spoke up. "I'm gonna wake up Ace and let him eat and drink medicine. Luffy, stay here with Roger, okay?"

Luffy nodded and they watched Sabo go up to the treehouse.

"You want to hear a story?" Roger suggested.

But it surprised him that Luffy shook his head. "No."

"Why?"

"Maybe tomorrow once Ace is treated. I'm sure Ace and Sabo will also enjoy your stories. I want to share it with them!" Luffy reasoned out.

"Okay, we'll wait for your brothers then." Roger smiled.

The two ate in silence just enjoying each other's presence. But Roger was lost in his thoughts. The two boys who considered Ace as their brother. He was glad for them. He was not worried about Ace anymore. Ace found himself brothers who were willing to do everything just for him. Even though the three were not blood-related, they seemed to be closer than blood ones.

Brothers are sure nice to have. Roger thought.

- - -

"Ace..." Sabo called, gently shaking his arms to wake up his brother.

He heard Ace groaning, obviously miserable because of his fever. He was better now though. The color in his cheeks was slowly returning. Ace then opened his eyes.

Sabo smiled lightly. "Eat before you sleep. It'll help you feel better."

Ace did not answer right away. He was breathing heavily. His breath seemed to stutter in his lungs before he let it go, feeling the tension drain from his body.

"Where is he...?" Ace asked, closing his eyes.

"Below. He's with Luffy." Sabo replied, waiting for his brother's reaction. He did not know how he will react now. Sabo already readied himself for any kind reaction from him. He did not want to worsen Ace's feelings.

But instead, Ace slowly opened his eyes and sighed. "I see..."

Sabo helped Ace sat down in the mattress. He gave him the meat and the two ate together. Ace was eating slowly and so Sabo was rhythmic. Not wanting to finish before his brother. Once done eating, Sabo gave him the medicine Ace needed. He just hoped it will work.

"Sleep and relax, okay? I'll handle Luffy." Sabo reassured.

"Such a worrywart." Ace said while readjusting his blanket. "Ne, Sabo..."

"Hmm?" Sabo hummed while cleaning the place.

"Thanks..."

Sabo looked over at Ace. It was the most unusual thing for Ace to say. If only he was not sick right now, he would surely tease him to death. But he was overwhelmed, the teasing can come later on.

"You're welcome, brother," Sabo replied with a smile.

Once he made sure that Ace was sleeping, Sabo went down again. But it was not only Ace who was asleep, Luffy has been knocked out. His head was reclined into Roger's shoulders.

"I'll come back tomorrow. Take good care of yourself. I'll bring you three more meat again." Roger grinned, standing up.

"You too, Roger-san." Sabo replied. He put the asleep Luffy on his back.

Sabo started going up. All he wanted to do now, was to also sleep. He can tell that this has been a long day.

- - -

When Ace was woken up the next morning, he felt really groggy. A slight headache was enough to make him moan. But still, he felt better than what he did yesterday. He just hoped it will stop today. He hated lying around, not doing anything. He was not the type of person who was prone to sickness.

When he opened his eyes, the face of Luffy was the first one he saw. He also caught a glimpse of Sabo and Roger in the room. His younger brother was grinning ear to ear, happy to see him awake.

"Ace!" Luffy yelled as he hugged his older brother.

"Idiot! Don't hug me! You may catch my fever!" Ace punched his brother's head that made Luffy cry out in pain.

"Meanie! Makino said that I have a strong immune system!" Luffy blinked before he shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever that is."

"Immune system is the defense of your body that helps you fight viruses." Sabo explained with a smile.

"Oh." Ace, Luffy, and even Roger echoed out making Sabo laughed.

"Glad you're back to yourself, Ace." Sabo said with his smile turning into a huge grin.

Ace raised his eyebrows, not liking the tone of Sabo's voice. "Why? What did I do last night?"

Sabo shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing you need to worry about."

Ace snorted whilst rolling his eyes. He then sighed. "Sabo, take Luffy down. Go and take a bath or something."

Understanding bloomed in Sabo's face. "Sure."

"Huh? But why? I don't like bathing, Sabo! Water makes me really weak!" Luffy complained with a loud whine.

Ace watched silently as Sabo dragged Luffy down. Once out of sight, he sighed loudly and turned to his father that was in the other side of the room.

"Ace, I'm—" Roger started.

"If you're going to apologize, I'm gonna punch you." Ace interrupted with a hiss. "I don't want to hear it."

Roger sighed. "Why don't you want me to apologize?"

"You're a pirate aren't you?" Ace questioned. "Once you become a pirate, you should be living your life without any regrets. Apologizing only means that you're regretting."

"You are really my son..." Roger commented. His voice was laced with proudness. "I do live my life without regrets, Ace. But that doesn't mean I died without one."

Ace scowled. The King of the Pirates dying with regrets was not something you will hear every day. "What's it then?"

"Not being there for you growing up."

Ace looked away, not wanting to face his father. He bit down his lips. This time, he just hoped there would be no more sobbing.

"I already said it to you but I'll repeat it. You're my greatest treasure, Ace. I thought that once I died, you will still have Rouge but you didn't. That's why I'm apologizing for leaving you behind."

He hated how he felt tears coming from his eyes again. He quickly wiped it out in an attempt to hide it from his father. He cannot understand why he became emotional around the man.

"You said that you don't have a reason for living, right?" Roger asked, sighing.

Ace nodded weakly.

"Promise me then," Roger stared at him with eyes showing eagerness. "Live until you find an answer to your question. Once you find one, then you're free to die. But don't go dying on me without a reason, Ace."

Ace considered a promise to be something sacred. If you do not intend to keep it, there was no point in promising at all. Roger had caught him off guard.

"Why should I?" Ace scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Because I know it'll make Rouge happy."

At the mention of his mother, Ace immediately perked up. He never met her. He wondered about her once in a while. He can ask Roger now but Ace stopped the urge. He cannot allow his emotions to overwhelm him again.

"Okay..." Ace was not sure why he agreed but it sounded good in his ears.

"You do?" Roger blinked before laughing. He actually celebrated by raising his arms in the air. "That's great! Let's pinky promise!"

"Pinky promise?" Ace echoed out in irk. His gray eyes started twitching.

"It's something you do when—"

"I know what it is, shitty geezer!" Ace yelled. "But what the hell!? That's not needed!"

"C'mon, Ace..." Roger whined while he went over to his son.

"I swear, you're even worse than Luffy!" Ace complained, throwing every pillow he had to his father.

But Roger was stubborn though. He put his little finger around Ace's. But his son was not having any of that, he hit Roger again in embarrassment. Good thing Sabo and Luffy were not there because Ace was sure that he would never live that one down.

Living to find an answer. Maybe, that kind of reasoning will make him keep on going.

- - -

A/N: There is no such thing as too much fluff. Mah boi Ace deserved all kind of love in the world.

My physical copy of Ace's novel just came and I'm still not over it! Although reading it made me remember his death.

Thanks for the follows, favorites and reviews!