Marco growled his annoyance as Thatch jerked away from the needle once more. "I don't see why you wouldn't just let me heal you-yoi." Marco pulled the string away from his friend's eye as Thatch's smile nearly caused him to jerk the needle towards his eye. "no smiling-yoi." He stated himself with a small of his own.
"I don't want it to disappear, it gives a man character. That Marine said so herself." He stated with heart for eyes.
Marco shook his head disappointed "You want a scar for a woman-yoi?" Marco asked eyeing Thatch. Thatch smirked "Yeah man she was totally into me." He stated with a smile.
Marco stepped away to check his handy work before moving for the alcohol once more and took a swig then handed the rest to Thatch. Thatch mumbled a thanks as he threw back a drink.
"So you let yourself get stabbed in the face for a woman-yoi?" Marco asked completely dumbfounded by Thatch's means of pick up. Thatch held out his hand in protest forming a number one.
"Actually, I was distracted by you flirting with that rose making chick." Thatch stated then motioning to his face "This was a result of that." He stated mater of fact. "So in turn you did this to me."
Marco rolled his eyes as he began to put away his equipment. "I was not flirting with her-yoi." He stated.
Another voice boomed "You were so-Gurhahaha." Marco turned towards his captain and pointed at him "You didn't even see it happen pops-yoi." He stated.
Whitebeard shrugged as he drank another bottle from a case of Saki. Marcos eyes widened at the case "Hey, Those are mine-yoi!" He shouted at the tower of a man. Whitebeard shrugged and kept drinking.
"If you weren't flirting with a marine then I wouldn't have had time to take it." The blonde long haired Whitebeard stated. Marco turned to him as men laughed and waved his hands "Whatever-yoi." He sighed as he inspected more of the wounded.
"Well Commander you offered her to join us." One of his men piped up. Marco pulled his shoulders in cautiously as another round of "WHAT!" Piped from the crew.
Whitebeards laughter ensued as Thatch nodded and placed his hand on his chin. "This is true pops. He held out his hand and everything."
"Well if Marco could tell she was powerful enough to join us then maybe she was worth it eh?" Whitebeard asked a smile on his face.
Marco nodded "She seemed strong enough, you saw how they got away-yoi." He stated honestly. He felt his mind wonder to how sad she sounded when she turned him down. He remembered as he looked over the railing to see her disappear.
"No she seemed hot-" Thatch mocked Marcos voice.
Marco rolled his eyes and looked at Thatch "At least I didn't let myself get stabbed-yoi." His flames burning blue as he tightened his knuckles. The teasing starting to actually affect him.
Thatch stepped forward "First off I didn't get stabbed I got slashed a big difference. Second you held out your hand. You where flirting with her." Thatch smiled.
Marco shook his head as he walked towards Thatch "I was not she merely seemed.." He trailed off feeling his cheeks get hot as Thatch began to smile "Seemed what?" Thatch asked. Marco let out a growl as Whitebeard hollered with laughter.
"Shut up-yoi." Marco yelled. Finally losing his cool.
Thatch burst out in laughter as Whitebeard reeled in the situation "Well Marco my son I'm sure we're bound to see them again." Whitebeard stated with a wave of the hand.
Marco made a face and looked towards the back of the ship where the rudder seemed blown apart. "You could of stopped her pops-yoi." Marco stated nonchalantly when Thatch smiled again "You kidding? The best way to get a girl is a part of the chase!" Thatch exclaimed.
Marco rolled his eyes and ran his hand through his hair "Well your chase caused us a rudder-yoi." He stated pointing at Thatch. That was one of the things that also had rose bushes growing on it the vines had crushed the rudder and grew in to some of the wood below deck springing multiple leaks before decay leaving a damaged rudder and holes.
Then he pointed at Whitebeard "If you're going to steal my booze at least give me some-yoi." He said halfheartedly as he reached for his own create and took a drink.
The men settled down for a party each talking about overused and re-told stories but laughing anyway. However as the stories filled the night Marco couldn't help but let the odd Marine fill his brain. So many thoughts. First what was that devil fruit, second why did she sound so sad? And third Why did he wonder?
A few days later.
"Listen Mr. Old Man, I already told ya I don't want your damn promotion." Domino stated through gritted teeth as Garp sung in the background "Oh com'on you will get a good jacket. You were always saying you were cold." Garp suggested.
Domino rolled her eyes, "That's because you'd throw me in the fucking frigging freezing water!" She snapped back ignoring the real man behind the call. Garp's face contorted on the snail showing more than one person using it. "It was training you ungrateful brat! Maybe you should come back here for more of it. I got a fist of love waiting for you!" Garp stated sharply.
Domino gripped the snail tighter "Alright lets go I can be there in a week old man." She stated with a confident smile. She knew she was way below his league however she needed some more training. Whitebeards men could have easily wiped the floor with just a move of a muscle. The only thing that saved the marine was that they weren't interested in a real fight they just wanted a cure to their boredom.
However a growing 'tck' mark began to grow on the snail with a tiny Afro. "Listen, you will take the promotion and that's an order! I am sick and tired of getting reports where you disrespect authority and then act like the Authority you rebel against!" The gruff but stern voice stated. She began to interrupt when the voice continued.
"You will take this promotion so you will know respect for your peers! Do you understand solider?!" Sengoku yelled through the snail making the pour things face shake and shape to his.
Domino looked down and blew out a breath of air "Are you sure that's an order?" She asked with sadness. There went her freedom, Now she had to take care of a crew and later on a fleet. She wanted to just be able to be free of stress like running people. Now she was bound by more than just an oath.
"Are you still questioning my orders?" He asked a low and heavy voice grew as she heard Garp in the background mumble "Too mean."
Domino looked down at the oak desk that she sat at and rolled her eyes shaking her head "No sir. I humbly accept the position that is offered." She said quickly hoping he didn't hear.
"Hey kid what size jacket do you want?" Garp yelled in the background as Sengoku nodded. "It's agreed then you shall return to Marine Ford to receive your promotion and training."
Domino looked at the dry dock their ship sat in and watched as the people scurried around the beach. "Yeah I can be there in 2 weeks." She stated, her mind now swirling around the idea of training. When the snail shook its little head. "what happened to a week you brat!?" Garp called out. Domino stuck out her tongue "I lied!"
"You can't be a captain and lie!" Garp yelled with a cheerful tone in his voice.
Domino clenched her nodded "Exactly! I am a liar, I'm compulsive even, You can't trust me to be a leader I'll lie to the men." She smiled. And the grabbed a pen and clicked it as she spoke. "Hell I'll lie to myself! You can't trust me!" She called out staring at the little snail.
"You will return with your men in tow to receive your promotion or so help me Domino I will kick you out myself." He stated more informally. She mentally rolled her eyes until the full seriousness of the situation took a hold of her.
Domino lost her composure at the idea of being set lose and away from her protection and shook her head frantically "No, No Mr. Old Man I will be there as soon as my ship is ready to go." She stated.
The snail nodded and responded with "Good."
She just stared at the blank buzzing snail with her fist on the desk clenched.
Her body on edge and leaning over the desk as she looked down her eyes gazing at all the paperwork she had to log and shook her head. Losing all thought at Sengokus threat. She couldn't go back to them. Never again.
For 100th time in these crazy filled days she remembered Marcos smile as he held out his hand and asked her to join. She turned her body away as if re-living the moment and held her own hand to the faint image of Marco that stood in front of her.
Then she shook her head as she saw a Red-haired woman standing in the door way her left arm bandaged "So what did the Admiral say?" She asked curiously.
Domino looked at her for a second registering what was asked and then looked back at the paper work that would have her explain why she had ordered the crew to patch the hole with wood from the beds and tables and then why they need more beds and tables.
"He made me the new captain of this crew and we are to report to Marine ford as soon as this ship is sea worthy again." Domino stated with clenched hands thinking of all the things that she hasn't done but could now never do.
Adaline took a deep breath and looked at her taller more endowed friend with a small smile. "You finally took a promotion?" She asked as Domino shrugged walking towards the exit, "Didn't really give me a choice." She stated sadly. Clicking the pen and placing it down again.
"You know I can take up for you maybe we can switch again?" Adaline asked her friend when Domino waved her hand. And began to get up from the desk. Revealing the bandages around her midsection and the black and blue eye that was slightly swollen. Domino motioned to the door and grabbed her potato sack satchel.
"You're already my second in command. No worries. I just didn't want the responsibility of the others." She stated seriously as they now walked out of the office and down the hall Adalines little legs working harder to catch up to Dominos longer ones.
Adaline nodded "I thought maybe you rejected the promotions Because the Cp's not responsibility." She whispered. The single letter C sending shivers up Dominos spine and made her body physically retract in itself. "No. That's not why." She stated sternly but lightly enough not to let Adaline know that the very letters terrified her.
Adaline shrugged as they almost hit fresh air. "I'm sorry girl. I didn't know they still scared you." Adaline spoke softly opening the door to the deck, which was showing much improvement from the shattered stated it was in just a few days ago.
Domino scoffed "No, I'm not scared. That was the deal. Now change the subject I feel like its tabo to talk about them. Like." She grew quiet "They're always watching." She said softly throwing her hands in the air to mimic the thing she saw people do when they tried to scared kids. But falling short when Adaline give her a questioning look then nodded.
"I understand girl. Don't worry we'll get stronger and beat them. One day." Adaline stated holding her fist in the air with a smile.
Domino rolled her eyes "Hmm, How's the former captain?" She asked changing the subject.
Adaline shook her head, her red hair now styled properly bounced with the move yet somehow proportioning her doll like face with ease. "Kato? He's sulking in a local Tavern; he didn't take his de-motion to well.. you know?" She asked, herself, Looking up at Domino as she looked towards the now dry land aching to explore the local forests.
She longed to walk barefoot on the grass. To hear birds chirp and explore local fauna. It was a small hobby of hers to collect flowers. It helped her devil fruit and her sanity. It had been so long since she had put her legs on dry land and even longer since she could feel herself relax.
"Domino?" Adaline asked. Domino blinked and looked at the uniform clad woman. "Yeah, I mean I wouldn't either...(Domino looked at the girl and blinked again) What was I saying?" She asked.
Adaline looked at her friend with sympathy. "When was the last time you got off this ship?" She asked. Domino raised her eyes and shrugging. "I don't know."
'10 weeks 5 days 18 hours and 31 minutes.' She thought to herself. She hummed lightly as Adaline looked towards the island. "Well I can take over the paper work and such and you go for a little bit." Adaline stated with a smile as she noticed Domino staring at seagulls above her. Already she was lost in the beauty of a new place.
Adaline looked at the drab forest and sighed she had no idea what it was that was so fantastic about it that Domino would get lost in it if she could. Yet it was the only thing she had saw her friend truly get excited about. So she put up with it.
Adaline looked at the tall woman who, (when you looked carefully), had light tinted bags under eyes from the few days of no sleep and managing the ship to get to shore.
The tall woman made a face and then moved to tie her hair back. "I will only be gone for an hour or 2. Then I will get some sleep then I! will do the books. It's a captain's duty. And I'ma captain, I think. I just need you to let the others know whats happening. About when we meet up again and stuff." Domino stated now moving to take off her constricting Marine vest to revel a light green tank top with the design of a snake and flowers intertwined. She smiled and tugged on an empty potato sack with elastic around her shoulders. It was a homemade satchel as one could tell but it was all she had so she made do.
Dominos long black hair was once again tied up by a green string the edges flared with slight curls. Giving her a more childish look then before. Her chest no longer bound by her sports bra busted slightly outward's yet her body stayed proportioned to the rest of her hour glass like sculpture. Her key feature however was never her chest.
Adaline let out a whistle "Geez captain you have a nice ass." She smiled as Domino turned around rolling her eyes "I know. It's to big honestly. If I didn't have these bad boys (She motioned to her left arm now flexed) Then I'd probably be lopsided." She giggled to herself slightly starting to jump with excitement her eyes darting on the horizon. The island itself was mostly forest and prairie Land with roaring hills and farm animals on one side and an unruly overgrown forest on the other. There was a bustling little farmers market towards the middle just of the path of the docks that they stayed at but she wouldn't be following a path so she didn't care.
Adaline nodded "Well maybe that's what saved you from The Phoenix!" She stated with a smile. Her straight and perfect like teeth mocked Domino's crooked and sharper ones.
Domino looked at the red head and raised an eyebrow "What does that mean?" She asked. Staring at the smiling shorty.
"Well you have something, if he offered you to join them!" She giggled "Did you think that was for?" She asked.
Domino shrugged "I don't know if that's what it was. I don't think about it enough." She lied. She thought about it all the time. Even when she wasn't aware that her mind had drifted off she would always circle back to his outstretched hand.
Adaline rolled her eyes "Mmh hmm. Sure you don't. Like it's not obvious." She giggled Domino scrunched up her nose moving over to sit on the edge of the rail. "Not as obvious as you with the 4th division commander. I saw you leaning forward pushing out your chest."
Adaline giggled and pushed her chest forward as Domino began to descend "Like this?" She giggled as Domino laughed at her. Domino stopped and poked her head above the rail. "Keep doing that he just might invite you to the crew. Or better yet his room!" She called.
Adaline smiled "Really?" She asked hopefully.
Domino stared at the girl then looked up "Hmm I guess I mean you did slice his face open. So that would be a point against flirting. Anyway I'ma go." She stated leaving Adaline lost in her thoughts.
Adaline must have read things wrong but during the whole battle not once did he land a blow. The only time she got a wound was from a stray bullet that Thatch himself had tried to block. But Domino was right. He would kill her. He was a pirate scum of the sea.
Domino stopped her decent and sighed climbing back up. She couldn't leave her friend like this. "Who knows, Maybe he's into that? (Adaline blushed and looked down as Domino continued) You never know you could of awakened his warrior spirit or something." She smiled.
Adaline blushed and pushed her friend "Go already!" She yelled. Domino rolled her eyes "Alright! Hey Adaline, you're blushing!" Domino yelled with a smile as she dropped the rest of the way and dashed off towards the forests.
Adaline rolled her eyes and giggled to herself looking over the nearly empty fixed deck and smiled looking up at the peaceful sky sighing. "What will I do with you Captain?" She shook her head once more then headed back inside the ship to write down their logs. Knowing Domino most likely would not.
The day had most certainly stretched itself longer then all parties expected. While Domino scoured the forests floor for interesting fauna. And Adaline scoured the desk drawers for pens and paperwork. The Whitebeards docked on a small hilly Island that was a quiet little place with a small path from the docks towards a more central city. The little island had but a few inhabitants not including the farming animals that grazed the land. No matter how quiet the place seemed the Pirates where determined to find any form of place to buy a few good times and supplies.
Marco however would hang back and check his medical supplies before eventually getting persuaded by Thatch to in fact join him and the others at a local pub. It was there in the only Pub, on the only island, that they found themselves among the same Marines that had only 10 days ago left a mark on the Pirates ship and hearts.
Marco found himself secretly hoping he would find Domino sitting along the men that drank uneasily around the pirates. Yet as he looked around the faces that had obvious tension, she was not one of them.
It made him slightly upset and the fact it bothered him, well bothered him. So quickly he threw back shot after shot with the others until eventually the tension had either ceased or he had ignored it until the doors opened quickly and forcefully leaving the tension once again thick.
"Adaline! Come here~" One of the Marines Slurred, motioning for the short red head to come his way. Thatch who had committed himself to a local woman instantly sat up pushing her away and staring at the red head.
Marco stared at her sizing her up, She was short but thin, almost as if she would break easily. She wore a vest that made her look mature and partially was covered by her Marine over coat. Her face seemed more oval but portioned to her body, she by far was nowhere near ugly and resembled a model aura.
Her head tilted and her red curls bounced with every movement
"Yes, But first where is Kato?" She asked softly ignoring the fact that she walked past the booths all with Whitebeards mean almost over flowing the seats.
The Marine that had a first addressed Adaline now looked around his head falling back a bit as he looked. "Dun-no He was moping over Offic..Er Captain Dominos promotion.." The man stated then pointing over at the Whitebeards "Adaline those Pirates are here too!" He yelled as if just now noticing. Or maybe he was trying to whisper?
Thatch took this chance to give a sly wave to the Woman who went wide-eyed before turning quickly towards the Marines.
Marco watched as Thatch had yet to take his eyes off the woman. "Oh, um..." She stated looking at the bar stools that where bristling with Marines and not the booths of pirates.
Thatch watched the woman rock slightly back and forth on her heals. "Well captains orders are to not cause trouble so ignore them. For now. Now it is important that.." Adaline stated looking away towards Thatch before turning away quickly.
Giving him a nice view of her back side as her Marine uniform fit her like a doll. "It is important that I speak to Kato immediately." She stated her voice almost begging.
Thatch took sight of how she stood proud and stern yet worried as if she walked on glass. And mentally he frowned, a woman like that should never carry a burden so heavy her shoulders drop. Thatch watched as the marine leaned closer to her wrapping his drunk arm around her waist.
"Oh, Comere~" He slurred. Thatch tensed up and began to protect that glorious gifted angel.
She quickly pulled back herself and leaned in amused at his feeble attempt. As if a marine could ever tame her heart. "Solider I believe you have had enough." She giggled stepping towards the others who watched the scene "Please escort him back to the ship, Let him sleep it off." She asked softly.
The two men looked at each other then looked at the woman and nodded "Aye sir!" And they quickly stood up saluting her and grabbing their drunk companion. Suddenly a third man with Dark brown hair stood up his body swerving as he tried to stand and his eyes slightly glazed over.
This man, unlike the ones before, struck Thatch's memory, him in particular because the fighting had just begun and Thatch had just unsheathed his sword in an attempt to fight when the guy flat passed out right in front of Thatch. Thatch remembered because when this man fell the angel was distracted and nearly had gotten hit by a stray fire. Until Thatch 'her noble hero~' jumped in and slashed the bullet in half. Saving both him and the wonderous creature. Despite his bleeding eye.
"You! Can't tell'em what to do You're not captain!" The man stated swaying as he did so.
Thatched sat back down in his seat watching the angel. Izo leaned in taking a drink "These Marines seem pretty mixed up right now? Huh?"
Thatch smiled and turned around from the scene "I'd get mixed up with her." He spoke back.
Adalines voice cut him short, "No, I am not however you do not have the Authority to address me in such a drunken state. But since I have your attention, I need to speak with you."
"Yeah what they lack in strength they make up for drama don't they?" Marco chimed in watching with glee.
There was a sudden sound that sounded like skin hitting skin. Pulling all parties attention. The group looked towards the bar where Adaline was picking herself up off the floor as the Marines yelled "Commander Adaline!"
Thatch looked back at the man who stood before her to the woman picking herself up and then at Marco who looked at the same scene. "What the hell happened?" He asked quickly getting up to walk towards the girl when Marco reached out and pointed to a figure that approached the bar.
"Don't stop me..." "Oh." He stated as he moved back against the table.
Now it was Marcos turn to smile as the woman with broad shoulders and pulled back hair walked through the tavern. Marco took in every muscle in her forearms and how her body seemed more robust and even had glistening of sweat as if she had been running. He noticed that leaves stuck out of her hair and a small smudge of dirt covered her cheeks.
Her long black hair swayed with her hips as she walked with purpose towards the commotion "Kato? Did you just assault a fellow Marine?" The voice was stern and the way the deepness of the feminine voice seemed to resonate with a growl that sent chills of excitement down Marcos back. Even if he dared show it.
The man stared at Domino with fear as Adaline stood straighter "No captain I believe he, in his drunken state slipped." She stated crossing her arms.
Marco looked in shock as this woman stood up for the man that clearly knocked her over yelling "You can't order me!"
Domino growled to herself and walked till she was face to face with her former Captain who stayed stern in his stance. She stared in his eyes as he puffed out his chest to her. She merely smiled seeing the fire that burned in his eyes, "Like this?" She asked as she pulled back her fist and quickly brought it down on his face.
The bars crowd went from curiosity to surprise as the man fell with a loud "Omph." His body in its clumsy state broke a few chairs on the way down.
Marco watched as she smiled and looked down at the man in the floor.
Adaline looked in surprised and called out "You can't go around punching him that's not what a captain does.!" She yelled at the taller woman who purely smiled with a blood thirsty glint in her eyes. She rubbed the blood from her knuckles on her pants and shrugged.
Marco leaned in a bit as he took another drink enjoying the scene.
"The floors slippery." She stated with a smirk as she stepped over the man and leaned a bit over the bar laying her chest on the bar sending Marco into a frenzy.
Adaline dusted herself off and picked up her leg to sit on a bar stool next to where Domino leaned over. "You're not even drunk you can't use that excuse." She stated sternly.
Domino looked at her and smirked "Then let's fix that!" She smiled childishly.
"Sir may I have some whiskey on the rocks?" She asked softly.
The marines all yelled in unison "DON'T IGNORE HIM!" Domino flinched and held her ear as the bar tender quickly poured her a shot.
"Ow flipping fucking don't yell! That hurts!" She stated, she held the drink in her hand then looked down at the man who laid unconscious and shrugged. "He seems more useful as a floor mat than he was as a captain." She mumbled taking a sip before a hard slap to the back of her head caused her to drop some of her drink on the unconscious man.
She quickly recovered shooting the rest of the drink down before turning around rubbing her head. "What the hell!" She stated looking at Ada who's red nailed hands wrapped around Dominos cup and slowly pulled it away.
"A captain does not do that! Pick him up and take care of him." She stated calmly ignoring the pirates.
Domino sighed and looked down at the man "No." She responded tapping the bar for another shot. "Like I said he's more useful asleep then he's awake."
Marco couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. He watched as she looked up a new glass in her hand and smiled pushing her hand through her hair before holding out her drink to the pirates and squinted "So are y'all following us or something?" She asked sipping her drink her eyes looking on Marco.