A/N: Like i promised i have more than 2 chapters ready for this fanfic! Besides i need to type the chapters in since i can save there and i can see how many words i type! so yea its awesome!
After Rinoa had dropped the call she told Makino to cut the tape that wraps the phone against her ear. Makino complied easily however she did tell Rinoa to consider visiting them. But Rinoa's stubbornness got in the way.
"Makino i don't want to see them!" Rinoa roared while Makino just kept pestering her,
"why not? Luffy needs you right now, and you're his big sister!" she countered back to Rinoa who staggered backwards a little bit. Rinoa growled once more but when she saw the opening on the left side of Makino she made a dash for the back door.
Makino spun around and tried to catch her but since Rinoa was slippery enough to get away, Makino couldn't catch her in time. Rinoa got away once again and this time she plans to leave longer than anticipated. Makino sighed once more and was about to go after her when the doorbell of the orphanage rang. She hurried for the door. When Makino opened the door however she didnt see adults, but she did saw a young girl looking no older than 7 years old wearing a thin green shirt and blue shorts sleeping in front of the door. Makino looked around to see if she could find the person that could have left the poor girl.
When she finally realized that the child was left to the care of the orphanage she wasted no time on bringing the child inside. All the other children came to see who rang the bell, thinking that someone came to adopt. However they were disappointed when they say the girl instead. They went back to playing with their toys and with their friends not even sparing the girl another look. Makino first rushed the girl to the infirmary to see if there was anything wrong with her.
"well the girl does have a fever" the nurse in the infirmary said clearly happy at the fact that is was just a cold and nothing dangerous. Makino sighed in relief thinking that the child was abused in any sort. She swears anyone who abuses children none the less are monsters!
"however," Makino focused at what the nurse is saying again this time with slight worry since there could be a risk that something else is wrong with the child.
The nurse paused again before continuing "the girl is malnourished, it also seems that she was punched since there is a bruised area on her left side" then again Makino can't raise her hopes up.
'people these days abusing kids' she thought while shaking her head in disbelief, when she looked at the girl again she can finally see the damage that malnourishment did and she can see the bruise. Makino can see the ribs even from her distance and the bruise was purple and big enough to be noticeable. The nurse had given Makino the diet that the girl will be eating from now on until she is well enough to eat anything else. The girl was still asleep so she will have to ask for her name later on. Right now Makino remembered that Rinoa ran out of the house, but knowing her she will be safe. Makino began to prepare everyone's meal.
~back to the ASL brothers~
Ace and Sabo looked around the front yard for 30 mins already but Luffy was still nowhere in sight. Sabo sighed while looking around once again. Ace and him decided to split up when they couldn't find Luffy in the front yard, so they are now looking around the back yard. This time they are covering more ground. Sabo heard Ace yell out Luffy names.
"Luffy! where are you! it's time for breakfast!" Sabo yelled out thinking that it might work even a little bit, but when he heard silence he knew that it didn't. He sighed once more his worry growing by the minute. He didn't notice that Thatch and Marco walk up behind him, thats until they spoke up.
"oi Sabo you found Luffy yet? Pops is getting worried-yoi"Marco asked him, while Thatch is looking around looking for Ace. The brat might get lost without them. Sabo just stared at Marco with a blank expression before he answered "no not yet...but that's none of your business" with a bit of venom.
Marco and Thatch looked a bit hurt however a tick mark appeared on Marco's face while Thatch broke out into a grin. Sabo began to regret his answer but his thought were interrupted when he heard Ace yell his name.
"Oi Sabo! I found Luffy! he's up a tree!" Ace yelled then motioned for Sabo to come, but a scowl appeared on his face when he saw Marco and Thatch coming also. Sabo wasted no time and ran to where Ace was with his 2 older 'siblings' close behind him. They were just walking and taking their time however. Once Sabo was right beside Ace, he looked up the tree finding a crying Luffy looking over at the horizon. Ace then began to climb the tree when a hand was rested on his shoulder.
Thatch was holding Ace so that he won't climb the tree. Ace began to growl when Thatch raised both of his hands in mock surrender. Marco just shook his head at the silliness of his brother. Sabo's worry grew double time now since he knew that Marco and Thatch were crossing a dangerous line when you're making Ace angry. Thatch saw how Sabo's face changed into a slightly frightened expression but he could care less, since pushing his new brothers buttons were pretty fun.
"What are you doing here? Don't you see that me and Sabo are trying to fix our problem!" Ace yelled at Thatch and Marco, but it seems that Thatch did not care since he just grinned. Marco was looking away but he had a sweat-drop on his face.
"Well why not me and Marco help you? so that we tell pops how Luffy is doing" Thatch suggested while smiling at Ace. Ace was about to yell that they didn't need help when Sabo stopped him. Ace grew curious, by only a little bit, though his face still has the scowl. Sabo looked at him with a slight glare. He then looked back at Thatch.
"Sure you guys can help but after you find out how Luffy is doing you leave immediately" Sabo told Thatch, though the pompadour man pouted a bit and said "eh, but we wanna spend some time with our new little bros!" ended with a slight pout. Marco sighed knowing that a fight might break out by the look of Ace's face there might just be a fight.
"We're not here to fight we just want to see how you guys are doing, so me and Thatch will leave now if you want-yoi" Marco offered but Thatch just whined and complained that he wanted to hangout with his new brothers, but Thatch went silent when he saw the glare that he was receiving from Marco. Ace and Sabo looked at each other, but the unexpected happened.
Ace looked back at Thatch and hesitantly said "fine you can stay...but dare hurt my brothers, i will hurt you." Ace finished with a slight growl. Sabo looked at him with his jaws hanging open since that was the last answer he ever expected that will come out of Ace's mouth. Sabo immediately snapped his jaws back together when he saw Ace look over to him. Marco nodded in acknowledgment. Thatch grinned at the fact that he could hang out with them. That's when a sniffle interrupted them. Their attention was immediately back to Luffy. Sabo looked at Ace for permission and when he got a nod he immediately started climbing as fast as he could so that he could comfort his brother faster. When they got up to the branch where Luffy was it didn't surprise them that Luffy had instantly clung onto Ace.
Thatch and Marco started climbing also to see what's happening, but they were astonished on what they saw. Ace was stroking Luffy's hair gently to try and calm him down while Sabo was telling Luffy what he had found while looking for him. Thatch looked at Marco and he saw a small smile on Marco's lips. That's when they decided to sit on the opposite branch to give the trio some space. Sabo gave them a look that clearly shows appreciation.
When Luffy had calmed down a bit he looked up at Ace with a tearful face "why did -sniff- we have to leave -sniff- nee-san behind?", Ace was about to speak when Sabo had spoke instead.
"That's because we thought that you will be safer with us...since you know...she declared that were not siblings anymore" Ace knew that Sabo wanted to say more but he just couldn't. Luffy stopped crying for a second and rubbed his eyes.
"But that didn't mean that we had to leave her without telling her, you guys should have told her first...now nee-san thinks that we abandoned her" Luffy replied while looking down. Thatch and Marco felt like they are hearing something that personal but Ace gave them a signal that it's ok. Well they already hear most of it anyway.
"Luffy the thing is...me and Sabo were doing what we thought was right...since you know you and Rinoa practically follow us around! I bet without us you guys would be complaining on how bored it was!" Ace said a bit sternly but he could care less right now. Luffy looked up with a confused look.
"Why would me and Rinoa complain that were bored? Besides we have the forest to pass the time!" Luffy told Ace with a smile. Sabo felt like hitting himself because they had literally forgot of the forest. He heard Ace groan this made him chuckle. Luffy looked at him with his eyebrows raised.
"sorry it's just that...i guess we did forget that even if Rinoa was that angry, she cannot stay mad at you! Sorry we took you away from her" Sabo admitted while flashing an apologetic smile at Luffy. Luffy just busted out laughing once more.
"Shishishishishishi! No it's ok, as long you guys are still here it's ok. I was just upset that we left without Rinoa-nee" Luffy finished with a pout that made Sabo laugh while Ace just snorted. There was a comfortable silence until Thatch decided to break the silence.
"So...you guys ok now? Ok! Then who wants to play?" Thatch asked cheerfully, Marco groaned. Luffy cheered while Ace and Sabo face palmed since Luffy is in a good mood now they will probably spend their whole morning playing. That was until their thought were interrupted when their stomachs growled loudly. Their stomachs had other ideas and playing was not part of their idea right now. Ace and Sabo blushed slightly from embarrassment while Luffy just complained that he's hungry. Thatch and Marco smiled at the trio.
"Well then let's eat first then we'll play, how does that sound-yoi?" Marco asked them, Ace and Sabo nodded while Luffy began to climb down the tree already since he was impatient. Ace and Sabo yelled at Luffy to be patient. Thatch just jumped down and helped Ace climbed down though Ace sneered at him that he could do it himself. Marco helped Sabo down the tree also although Sabo didn't complain like Ace did instead he said his thanks.
Luffy was already jumping up and down "hurry up i'm hungry!" He shouted while laughing and planting his trademark grin in his face. His hat was on his head again though it was still big on him. Marco thought that he recognized that hat from somewhere but decided to ignore it right now. Thatch had scooped up Luffy and placed him on Marco's shoulders. Luffy seemed confused at what happened first but then he started cheering that he could see much better from where he was. A tick mark had appeared on Marco's head while sighing. He should have expected this from Thatch. Thatch just began to laugh like a maniac. They began to head back home where the food should be made already...Marco hoped it is.
~back to the orphanage~
Makino had prepared all the food to feed the children. After she had prepared the dining table she had called the children over for their breakfast. She heard the kids run to the dining area. Once they were settled, a comfortable silence took place. That was until one of the children decided to ask,
"Makino-san, who was the girl that you carried to the infirmary?" The boy had asked, this made Makino smile since the child had just shown her that they were at least worried. After she finished what she was chewing on she answered,
"Well I couldn't ask her name yet since she was still asleep so if you want i could ask her name" Makino suggested the children, most nodded their heads wanting to meet the new girl already, however two children had a frown on their faces.
"Why do you have to take the girl in? She's just gonna add to the expense," one girl asked. Makino couldn't believe her ears since the girl had just asked why, but before she could even answer another one asked,
"That's right! Why don't you just leave her where she was? Don't add anymore people here, we have enough!" Another girl complained, by now Makino was sure that she had dropped her fork and right now she is not happy. However this caused an argument.
One girl stood up she had black hair, dark brown eyes, and she was short/tiny, she wears glasses, and Makino was sure her name Nusrat, "hey why are you guys asking questions like that? This is an ORPHANAGE for your info!" She told them while crossing her arms. Two more girls stood up while nodding their heads. One of the girls that stood up had blond hair and she her hair was...colorful, she had brown eyes also, she was decent height for her age, Makino remembered her saying that her name was Xenia. The second girl had black hair, dark brown eyes, she is the same height as Xenia her name was Jennifer, let's just say she is completely silent however she seems to speak to Xenia and Nusrat only. Xenia began to argue along taking Nusrat's side,
"That's true! And an orphanages job is to take in abandoned, abused, or homeless children, and find proper homes for the children which is US!" She yelled over to the girls while shooting them a glare since they dared ask those pitiful questions. The two girls had flinched under the glare. Jennifer nodded her head agreeing with Xenia and Nusrat. Xenia and Nusrat smiled thinking that they had won the argument though one girl was still stubborn and yelled back,
"Well I don't care! The less kids here the less we have to share the toys and we don't have to share our rooms!" The other girl nodded her head.
Makino felt like slapping them since they were so selfish about what they got. Honestly who would have this was how the children think of other children! This time a boy stood up and told them sternly
"What are you? You two are just spoiled brats! Do you see us? We share what we have and besides if it weren't for Makino-san then we would have died by now, on the streets or by our abusive parents!" The boy yelled at them Makino identified him Gerard, he had black hair and a his hair was in a military haircut, he had dark eyes, he wears glasses and he was tall for his age. The girls looked at each other, then looked back at Gerard,
"Do we look like we care?! Besides we just lost 3 kids and now another one just popped in like that? Well that just sucks because we have to share with more people again!" That's when the other boy decided to speak "seriously Gerard is right you guys are spoiled to the bone, maybe that's why your parents abandoned you here in the orphanage. As far as i know i like it here, Makino-san is very nice to us, so why don't you be grateful to her kindness?" He asked the 2 spoiled brats Makino also remembered that his name is Daniel, he had dark brown eyes, brown-black hair, he is a bit shorter than Gerard though. Honestly Makino is very happy that she is hearing this from the boys none the less. This time she decided to end the fight before any verbal abuse happen.
"Well since they will not stop i will talk to them later, Nusrat, Xenia, Jennifer, Gerard, and Daniel thank you for trying to knock some sense into them. You five can play now." Makino told them and Nusrat cheered, and dragged Xenia and Jennifer outside to play, however it seems that Gerard and Daniel decided to join them outside. After they were gone, Makino had dismissed the other children but the two girls who had asked those ridiculous questions. She then scolded them about it and told them that they are not allowed to play with the toys for the rest of the day, they complained but one dark look from Makino and they had zipped their mouths and went separate ways. Makino then sighed happy that they were gone.
She looked out of the window and saw that the five kids that went out were entering the forest. Makino thought of telling them to be come back, but then she remembered that Rinoa was there. She instantly knew that Rinoa won't let them get injured though she was concerned about how Rinoa will act towards them. Makino sighed and went back to the infirmary after she had cleaned the dishes to visit the girl. When she got there she was surprised to see that girl up, probably from all the commotion. The nurse was not there also.
"Hey little girl...what's your name? My name is Makino it's nice to meet you." She introduced politely to girl. The girl looked up and didn't say anything, Makino was afraid that the girl was mute. Silence took place but then was broken by the girl.
"my name is Psalm Raine P. Romero, nice to meet you Ms. Makino" Psalm said bashfully, she looked down with a small blush, Makino couldn't help but chuckle lightly because of the girl's shyness. The last name seemed familiar but Makino ignored that for now. Makino then asked if the girl remembered anything before waking up in the infirmary. This caused Psalm to shake her head a bit, like she doesn't even want to remember. Makino then frowned a bit since she needs to know what happened first so that she can have the official sign a form that says that Psalm will be in her care until she finds a home.
"Well then if you can tell me what happened then i'm sure the orphanage can take you in for the time being until you can find a better home!" Makino proclaimed, Psalm looked up to her with a hopeful look but other than that she also had a terrified face. Psalm just nodded her head and remained silent. Makino left and went to tell the officials about it.
-Rinoa's POV-
Cant Makino see?! I don't wanna see them! I swear what's the point of trusting other people when you know you could be betrayed. I stopped running, then i thought about it. Well i was the one that said i didn't remember about the oath first so...it's my fault. I shook my head to try and get my thoughts out of the topic right now. That's when i heard laughter near where i was. I looked at my left and noticed there was 5 kids running and playing tag. I sneered a bit since i couldn't get a peaceful time for even 10 minutes! That's when i saw a short girl look at my direction, i was confused when i saw her smile beam a bit. She then pointed at me and it seems that she's telling her companions to follow her.
I growled under my breath since they were breaking whatever peaceful silence i had left. I ran the other way that's when i heard the short girl yell "hey! Wait up!" then i heard another voice yell "Nusrat wait up! Hey who's that?". I ran as fast as i can and i leaped through some rocks and up the trees to hide from them. When i got into a good hiding spot i finally saw them. One was short, black hair, dark brown eyes. Second girl fair height, dirty blond hair though the hairstyle is colorful, she had brown eyes. Third girl had black hair and seemed the same height with the blonde girl, she had dark brown eyes. There were 2 boys, they both had black hair though one looked a bit brownish, one wears glasses and the other wore a hat, they also had dark brown eyes. I was pretty sure they were not siblings since they looks very different...well me and my sibl-, i shook my head. I told myself not to think about them right now. I listened to their conversation.
"Hey Nusrat where did the girl go?" The tall boy asked the girl named Nusrat.
"Ehh i was sure i was following her...oh well! I think she's playing hide and seek with us, do you think she was Gerard?" Nusrat asked with a smile, I sweatdrop since i was not playing that's for sure.
"I was sure she was running away rather than playing with us Nusrat" Gerard honestly answered. That's when i saw them look around a bit. Nusrat was scratching her head looking a bit confused.
"Hey did you guys saw Xenia? Jennifer did you saw her? Cause you were right behind her..." The other boy asked, the girl names Jennifer shook her head indicating that she didn't. That's when i felt someone poke me, i grew stiff. I looked behind my back to only see the girl named Xenia she had the creepiest smile that i had ever saw. Xenia then said "hi~" before she pushed me down the tree.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" I yelled to the top of my lungs, before i landed to the ground i used my pipe to latch into a branch to hopefully stop my fall. It worked but i still fell. I saw the other kids run towards me. Nusrat had busted out laughing while Jennifer smiled, Gerard and the other boy was laughing hysterically. I swore under my breath.
"Xenia seriously? I swear i think you're the queen of surprise attacks!" The boy that I still don't know the name laughed while talking. I stood up and glared up them menacingly. When the girl named Xenia landed back down I instantly pushed her to her group...harshly. I heard her yelp however i did not care. That's when Gerard walked up a bit and used his arm to block any other attacks from me. Me and him had a glaring contest that was until Nusrat coughed to get our attention.
She beamed at me when i looked at her, i swear what's wrong with this kid? she began "anyway my name is Nusrat, these are my best friends Xenia and Jennifer, and the boys are our new friends their names are Gerard and Daniel!" She introduced them to me while pointing at them when there names were mentioned. I guess Nusrat is the cheerful type of person since she keeps smiling, that reminded me of- DON'T THINK ABOUT THEM! I yelled to myself mentally while shaking my head furiously that's when i saw Daniel come up to me.
"Hey are you ok? You keep shaking your head like you want to forget about something..." He asked with a lazy look on his face, instead of answering him i swung my pipe at him. He barely dodged my attack, though he did fell on his butt. I saw Nusrat's and the others eyes go wide. That's when i decided to talk.
"Stop following me, i want to be alone!" I yelled at them furiously while turning around to walk away, but i was stopped. I looked over my shoulder to only see that creepy smile of Xenia. I swear the girl is creeping me out a bit. She gave me a look that says 'stay' but i ignored the look and forcefully made her let me go. However it was all in vain since now she was hugging to stop me from leaving. I blinked once, twice before i noticed that i was now being dragged to the group again.
"Anyway i'm Xenia like Nusrat introduced me and my friends! Now were gonna be friends too!" She told me excitedly, i was trying to get away. This turned into a tug of war. Xenia was pulling me to her side while i was pulling myself to get away. Honestly she had good grip.
"Don't even try she won't let go..." I heard the four-eyed boy speak, i called him that because of his glasses. I whipped my head to glare at him, but because of that Xenia had successfully pulled me to her group. This made me fall but i could care less. I cursed all the curse words i could think of under my breath and i noticed that they were laughing. I looked over my shoulder and found them holding their stomachs. This got me irritated. I didn't care if they were protected by the Orphanage but no one gets away laughing at me...well Lu-STOP! Unconsciously i banged my own head on the forest floor hard. Everyone went silent.
Then Gerard started laughing like there was no tomorrow even Daniel. I think my face is red because Nusrat pointed out that my face was like a tomato. I growled loudly telling them that if they laugh again i will kill them, merciless.
"calm down tiger! were not trying to hurt you promise!" Xenia held up her hands in mock surrender. I went silent since that Jennifer girl made a look that says 'let us speak'. I sighed and told them "shoot", then again only Sabo-, dammit! Why can't i just forget about them! I think that i glared a bit too menacingly because Nusrat and Xenia hid behind Jennifer, Daniel and Gerard took a small step backwards. I sighed and forced my face to go neutral which was very hard to do.
Daniel took this as an opportunity to start talking "anyway, we know what happened to you guys...because we were the ones that umm you know listened or eavesdropped" he explained though he muttered a sorry. The others nodded their heads, but honestly i could careless.
"i don't care anymore...i don't belong anywhere, the only people that every accepted me left!" I yelled at them, Jennifer didn't spoke but her expression spoke for her, she was feeling sorry for me! For a second i thought that they were gonna turn around and leave me here by myself again. But what they said is pretty much startling for me!
"well you belong with us! if you don't feel like you belong somewhere, we're here for you!" Nusrat exclaimed happily, she looked like she wanted me to say something but my voice got caught in my throat. Xenia seemed amuse so she asked "cat got your tongue?" while grinning like a Cheshire cat. Again creepy!
I stood up and left the group, this time they didn't bother but before i was out of site. I heard Xenia yell "no matter how far you run, or hide! we will always find you mwahahaha!", I felt myself sweat-drop at the proclamation but i could care less. I grinned and turned around wearing a smirk instead.
"Then try!" I countered at her before i ran deeper into the woods. From the distance i heard Nusrat cheer at the fact that i'm giving them a chance...but can i really trust them? I thought for a second having a bit of doubt, but the way Nusrat cheer and smile like that, and even the others seemed so...true. I finally opened my heart a bit and accepted what happened-for now.
~Back to Whitebeard Family~
By the time they got back to the house again the sun was already high up in the sky. Luffy Ace and Sabo were racing to who could reach the main door first. Marco and Thatch were right behind them in a more reasonable pace. So far Ace was 1st, Sabo was 2nd and Luffy was 3rd. It was weird for Luffy being 3rd because he's usually 4th with Rinoa being 3rd or close to 2nd. They barged in with a shout.
"I WIN!" Ace, Sabo and Luffy said in unison. They fell onto the carpet while laughing a bit. Though Ace just snickered rather than laugh out loud, like what Luffy was doing right now; Sabo was in between. Pops was looking at the trio bewildered because just a few hours ago they were practically at each other's throats but now they were laughing and racing together. He saw Marco and Thatch enter after them and Pops gave them a knowing smile to Thatch. However Thatch pointed at Marco giving his brother the credit. Honestly Marco was surprised when Thatch gave him the credit about the trios.
Luffy looked up with those big innocent brown eyes to meet Marco's eyes. By the way Ace and Sabo look at each other with knowing smirks, Marco knew that something was gonna happen. When Luffy didnt say anything Marco thought that he was safe until,
"hey, why do you look like a pineapple? can i eat you?" Luffy asked looking a bit serious. Everyone else busted out laughing! Luffy looked confused while Thatch was rolling down on the floor holding his stomach and his eyes were watering from all the laughing. The kid didn't even know what he was getting into. Ace and Sabo were biting their lips to prevent themselves from laughing. Marco however was not amused one bit. He was about to yell at the kid and maybe hit him on the head but those puppy-dog eyes were too much for him.
Even the great Marco couldn't handle Luffy's innocent looking eyes. Everyone else began laughing double time when they saw the lost look of their older brother. Pops was smiling happily at what his youngest son could do to his oldest son. Marco looked defeated and Thatch was not gonna let him live it down. Sabo smirked because even with Luffy's puppy-dog eyes, he can probably get whatever he wants...from Marco. Marco looked at them asking for help but, Ace smirked and said "you know, you won't be able to escape that look...only Rinoa knows how to!". Rinoa's name is not a taboo anymore so they could talk about her freely now. Sabo smiled at his brother knowing that even if Rinoa's not here anymore he and Ace would be here to protect Luffy.
The room was invaded by a comfortable silence until their stomachs reminded them that it was hungry once again. Pops gave a wide grin at the trio and led the to the dining table. That was when they saw the delicious looking food in front of them. Their mouth watered at the sight making Marco and Thatch snicker. Luffy rushed to get a plate, but before he could get any meat. Sabo held him by his arms and told him what food he can eat. Ace just took anything and stuffed his plate with food. Everyone was quiet when they saw the amount of food that their younger brothers brought over to the table.
No one spoke but when they saw the trio eat the food and threatening paces, Thatch panicked at the fact that they could choke.
"oi! eat slowly or you might choke!" he yelled at them but they didn't pay attention. The trio were so focused at the food. After Luffy swallowed the food in his mouth he commented.
"you know the food in the forest was great but this is better! hmm do you think Rinoa-nee might be hunting right now?" while tilting his head to the side cutely. Izo cooed a bit earning him a few weird glances from his other brothers. Ace and Sabo looked at each other before Sabo answered.
"hmm maybe, you don't know...oh! remember one time when we were looking for Rinoa, we found her sleeping on the water?" Sabo asked his brothers. Thatch, Marco and Pops leaned a bit closer to listen.
Ace snorted "that girl is just too reckless! there were alligators there, and what does she do? sleep!" while pulling on his hair a bit from remembering the memory, Ace remembered that he was practically screaming from worry and anger, not like he's gonna admit that he was worried.
"you were a bit hard on her you know. You practically woke her up using your pipe...she was not happy" Sabo said while shivering a bit, when he remembered how Rinoa acted when she was woken up violently...though Luffy survived her; Ace and Sabo looked at Luffy with jealous looks. Thatch memorized Ace's look the most since he probably won't be seeing that look for a while.
"Rinoa liked you the best" Sabo and Ace said in unison. Luffy just laughed and wearing his trademark grin on his face.
"well she did care for me!" Luffy exclaimed although Ace took it the wrong way.
"oh so you think she's a better sibling that me and Sabo?" he asked Luffy while glaring a bit, Sabo groaned a bit which earned him a glare from Ace also.
Luffy tilted his head a bit "eh, when did i say that?" he asked which earned him a bonk on the head from Ace. His hands instantly went and nursed his injury. "hey what was that for?!" Luffy yelled at him. Marco and Thatch didn't know what to do so they stayed in the sidelines for now. Pops looked at Sabo for some answers but Sabo just mouthed him to pay attention...cheeky brat.
By now Ace was standing with his food forgotten "that's basically how you put it anyway! honestly why don't you just go back to her then?!" Ace yelled at Luffy. Luffy is also standing his food forgotten, he had an irritated look.
"what?! didn't you hear a damn word i said?! i said that even without her, as long as you guys are here with me, i'm alright!" Luffy shouted at Ace. Tears were threatening to fall down.
Before Ace could say anymore, Sabo intervened. He knew that he was crossing a dangerous path by the way Ace was glaring at him. Sabo gulped and tried to make peace with his brothers. Luffy huffed and sat down with a thud. Ace grunted and went to the living room leaving a plate that was only 1/4 full. Sabo thought that Luffy was gonna take it but Luffy just left it there.
Everything was silent once more. Thatch couldn't believe his eyes; just a few moments ago the 2 brothers were all happy and cheery, now they were practically separated. That all happened just because they talked about that girl Rinoa again! Marco had a 'i give up' aura around him, while his face was placed on top of hands right now. Pops sighed sadly at the fact that the trio still seemed to be fighting because of that girl...Maybe taking Luffy was a bad idea...nah
Luffy finished his food a little bit slower since he was sad at the fact that Ace said that to him. Sabo felt the gloom that was floating around Luffy. He sighed, Sabo had to find a way to fix this and fast! So he did what may be wrong right now, and talked about Rinoa.
"you know...Rinoa would want you to have fun...she even sounded worried when she heard how you spoke through the phone..." Sabo told Luffy with a sympathetic look. Luffy stopped and looked down at his feet. Everyone else but Pops Marco and Thatch left since they didn't want to hear about this.
Luffy sighed "that's true...Rinoa-nee did tell me to live a life with no regrets, but it's hard!" he yelled back at Sabo with his eyes filled with tears again. Marco suddenly felt broken at the sight, Thatch felt himself shiver when he saw that...kicked puppy look, left alone in winter night. Honestly Luffy was winning the hearts of Marco and Thatch easily (not that way)...Though Sabo knew what he should say next, thank Rinoa for her tips!
"well what did you and Rinoa did before me and Ace usually hunt?" He asked a bit curious since they always kept quiet about what they do. Luffy instantly brightened at the thought.
"well Rinoa-nee would usually talk about a few animals that she finds every day, and she teaches me how to cook the meat, well i still burn it, and whenever you guys are asleep me and Rinoa-nee would go to the lake to take a bath together! The water was cold but it was fun, but i didn't like how the alligators snapped at us before! Rinoa-nee protected me as always and we escaped easily, but our clothes got ripped...So Rinoa-nee made some clothes made out of the big leaves! It was really pretty also!" Luffy began to tell the tale of what Rinoa and him did, but Sabo felt his jaw slacken. Since when did they go bathe together?!; and what did Luffy mean by making clothes out of big leaves?! Marco, Pops and Thatch were amused at what they heard, they didn't regret staying to listen that's for sure!
Before Sabo could even say anything Luffy continued "and then when you guys would train, me and Rinoa-nee would spar on our own near Tiger Lords den! hey did you know that Tiger Lord had babies?! they were cute and fluffy, though Tiger Lord didn't like the fact that we touched her babies!" he finished with a pout, earning him a few chuckles from Sabo. Unknown to them Ace was listening to everything.
Ace was going back for his food but when Rinoa was mentioned he just couldn't help but listen. He knows he's eavesdropping but he needs to know! Pops was watching Ace from the side knowing that the brat was too focused on listening to know that he was watching him, he smiled since even though he just left Ace came back and listened.
"oh! Me and Rinoa-nee would also go fishing by the cliff! Although i almost fell down! Rinoa-nee was practically screaming, for some reason quiet enough for you guys to not hear! Rinoa-nee does have a lot of talent doesn't she?" Luffy asked excitedly. Sabo sighed frustrated at the fact that Luffy always got in trouble, but thanks to Rinoa he was safe! Oh god now he's starting to think of Rinoa again!
Sabo then remembered something "hey Luffy...how about that time when Rinoa wasn't around? me and Ace were practically looking around for her through the whole forest! Honestly what happened to her?" he asked Luffy with a hint of worry. Luffy's smile suddenly fell all of a sudden and he looked down on the floor again. Sabo thought that he asked a question that shouldn't be asked.
Luffy was silent for a few seconds before answering "Rinoa-nee...she saw her previous parents she said...she looked somewhat betrayed, since she told me that her old parents were with another child and they were smiling and laughing she said!.. She was gone for that day because she followed her old parents to see if they were faking their happiness, and...when Rinoa-nee said that her parents were truly happy she left...just like that..." while holding his straw hat down a bit.
Sabo was beyond surprised. Did Rinoa really just followed her old parents just to see of the other child was safe? Damn she cares for other people more that herself! Ace was gripping on the pipe he was still holding. Pops looked distressed at the information he had just heard from the youngest, he knew that he should have brought the girl also! Before Thatch and Marco could say anything Ace entered the dining room and said,
"so...Rinoa was hurting at the fact that her parents replaced...her?" quietly but loud enough for the everyone in the room to hear her. Luffy was startled but he nodded. Ace really felt like an asshole right now. Damn he just wanted to release his anger on something but he just couldn't since there was no on he could spar with besides Sabo, but he was busy talking with Luffy. Marco noticed the way Ace's body language needed to release some steam so he glanced at Pops for permission. Pops nodded his head which was all Marco needed.
"hey Ace come with me we have a perfect place you can go to, to let off some steam-yoi" Marco told Ace before he guided the boy to their training grounds. Thatch was grateful right now for the training grounds because if they didn't have that they might be forced to spar with their new brother, and he didn't feel like hurting him. Thatch was clearly happy what he had heard, but...WHO WOULD DARE DISPOSE OF A CHILD TO HAVE ANOTHER?! People with no heart!
Pops sighed. People these days, they have no heart to care for a mere child anymore. Thatch knew what was going on in his father's mind right now. But then he wondered did Rinoa actually said the whole thing to Luffy or...do they have to force it out of the kid.
"say Luffy...what else did Rinoa say about, you know her parents?" Thatch found himself asking the boy.
Luffy began to think once again and when he found his answer he looked at Thatch and said "Rinoa-nee said this...People who pretend has no meaning in life, people who cares has a meaning in life, no idea what that means! shishishishi" finished with his usual laugh. Sabo was trying to figure out what Rinoa told Luffy but he had no clue what it means for now.
Thatch was no better. He seemed lost at the moment, letting his brain process what Luffy had said is difficult. Pops seemed to know what it meant but he wasn't gonna spoil it. Pops smiled when he saw their concentrated faces. Sabo was considered the smartest in their little group before, but since he's with new people he guessed that it's wiser to ask one of his older brothers instead.
Sabo sighed in defeat. He looked at Luffy with a displeased look since he couldn't figure out what Rinoa meant with her words. Sabo always thought that he makes really good riddle but that was just out of his league! He needs to give Rinoa more credit next ti- oh right...there's no next time is there...The room became silent, but then Izo came in,
"hey Pops i saw Marco lead Ace to the training grounds, is there a reason?" he pointed out as if it's the most important question at the moment.
"gurarara, Ace just needed to release some steam." Pops told Izo with a grin. Sabo just couldn't believe that they got lucky! Honestly Pops was just different from all the other people who tried to adopt them before!
Luffy noticed how Izo is dressed at the moment and he couldn't help but ask, "hey why are you wearing a dress?" cutely. Sabo and Thatch paled a bit from the question and Izo had a tick mark on his forehead.
"its not a dress! it's called a kimono, i wear it because it feels comfortable!" Izo retorted back at Luffy. Luffy had a serious look all of a sudden and asked.
"so can i-" before he could even finish his question a fist slammed into his head. By reflex his hands instantly went to nurse the growing bump.
"no, don't even try Luffy!" Sabo yelled at his innocent little brother.
Luffy then had an annoyed face "but he said that it's comfortable!", even though Sabo said he wasn't allowed to try it, Luffy will find out himself. Sabo sighed in frustration since Luffy was too stubborn for his own good. Sabo then noticed Izo looking at them.
"ahh sorry about that...anyway did you say Ace is in the training grounds?" He asked Izo, who nodded back.
"yea thats what im just asked, anyway do you wanna see it?" Izo asked the now excited brats in front of him. Sabo nodded his head, while Luffy was already running out to god knows where to just find the training grounds.
Sabo groaned and yelled "Luffy wait up, dammit!" while running after his hyperactive brother. He came back with a pouting Luffy by his side. Pops laughed at how Luffy was acting.
Thatch then thought of an idea. He asked Pops if he could bring Luffy and Sabo to the training grounds also. Pops told him to do what he wants so he took that as a yes. Izo went with them also so the he could make sure that, Thatch won't do anything stupid. Thatch was slightly offended at the comment but he didn't bother responding. Sabo and Luffy snickered.
They went to the basement, Sabo assumed that the training grounds were below ground. Luffy seemed excited to explore the house a bit more, which made Izo and Thatch smile fondly. The house itself felt warm and welcoming, even though it's huge! They went through 2 flights of stairs and they arrived in front of wooden double doors, big enough so that Pops could fit in also. Once they entered the place was practically in shambles...well from Thatch's perspectives.
Over to the right Sabo saw Ace panting with his knuckles red. Luffy seemed curious at how everything was messy and a 'bit' broken. Thatch looked at Marco with a silent question. Marco sighed and answered,
"he went a bit too far, the kid got a lot of temper-yoi" with a blank expression. Thatch then gestured his hand around the mess.
"you sure? this is a bit too much don't you think?" he exclaimed a bit worried. Well who could blame him. The training ground had broken wood, bits and pieces of metal could be found, even the training dummies were either broken in half or just messed up completely.
"i've seen worse-yoi" Marco admitted while shrugging. Thatch sighed and Izo coughed signaling the other 2 that he was still there. Thatch mentally cursed while Marco was startled, he didn't notice Izo come in. Thatch was occupied observing the damage while Marco was busy thinking about the trio. They then glanced at the trio only to find them at each other's throats.
Thatch felt his jaw slacken when he saw them. Marco felt a headache coming. Izo just blinked to see if he was dreaming or not. A minute ago they were joking around, but now they were wrestling and well it seemed a bit different like there was something or someone missing. When Thatch noticed that they began to punch each other he knew that they needed to stop them before they can get any serious injuries. But before Marco or Thatch could even move, Haruta was already holding Ace and Sabo high in the air while she pinned Luffy to the ground by her feet.
"what the hell is happening here?!" she screamed at them. Ace began to move around at Haruta's grasp to try and get away from her, but it was all in vain. Sabo just accepted what happened, and crossed his arms with a frown. Luffy started to wiggle around to get away from her foot hold. Haruta had a tick mark on her forehead when she examined the damage.
"did you guys fought each other or something?!" She asked the 3 of them. Sabo snorted, and looked at Ace with a glare. Ace gave a glare back at his sworn brother.
Luffy finally got out and started to take deep breaths "no! Ace did all of that!" he yelled at Haruta, who's left eyebrow twitched. Thatch said a silent prayer for Luffy since he had just angered the only girl in the family and a woman's scorn is the worst! Sabo saw the distressed look of Thatch and figured to interfere. But then again Ace's temper seemed to rise again and said,
"idiot! why the hell would you tell her! you're such a weakling!" Ace yelled at Luffy making Luffy glare at his older brother.
"what do you mean by weakling?! i have every right to tell her! meanie Ace!" Ace got out of Haruta's grasp by sliding out of his shirt and punched Luffy's head, making a bump appear. Sabo snapped out of his daze and got out of Haruta's grasp by sliding out of his jacket. He then tackled Ace to the ground making a full out fight happen.
Haruta didn't know what to say anymore! Either the trio were persistent on killing each other at the moment or they just wanted to spar...that's when she saw Ace punch Sabo on the jaw, killing each other it is. Pops then appeared with a worried look on his face.
"what's happenin-" he couldn't finish his question when a broken piece of wood hurled passed him by a few inches. Pops then observed the damage that was done, he was impressed but what he saw made his overprotective mode to activate.
"Ace, Sabo Luffy! stop fighting right this moment!" he may have yelled a little bit too loud since the trio instantly stopped and looked over to him with a terrified look. Even Marco and Thatch tensed, let's just say all the older siblings that was inside the room tensed.
Pops sighed knowing that he shouldn't have left the three alone without his supervision. He looked at them thoroughly this time. Ace had a bruise on his left cheek and his lip was bleeding slightly, his knuckles that were once red, were now bleeding. Sabo had a swollen lip and his right eye was swollen, he also had a bite mark on his hand indicating that he was bitten either by Luffy or Ace, Pops guess was Luffy. Luffy is worse for wear, since his t-shirt was a bit rip and there was a slight gash but nothing huge probably from a broken metal or wood, he also had a swollen cheek, Luffy also had a cut on his chin.
Their conditions weren't bad but Luffy and Ace needs to get treatment as fast as they could; so that their wounds be infected, Sabo needed ice and probably needs a bandages for his bite mark. Pops sighed and made a hand motion telling the trio to come with him. Ace hesitated but did as told, Luffy limped a bit on his way, so Marco had to carry him over, Sabo was okay but he was holding his left shoulder; it probably got dislocated. Pops sighed once more not in anger but in worry. His 3 youngsters are already getting hurt a bit too much for his liking. Marco went with them since he was carrying Luffy, Thatch came along to stop any fights that might happen along the way.
Everyone else stayed behind. No one seemed to speak for the most part. Until Marco decided to stop the silence, "so care to tell us why you were at each other's throats-yoi?" he asked with a hint of annoyance which seemed to be common every since they came here. That was just yesterday. Ace and Luffy glanced at each other before they looked away with a groan. Sabo rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand, he had a sheepish look. Thatch was amused and disturbed at the same time, but it can't be helped.
Sabo knew that they can't escape their fate so "well...Luffy started asking questions that irritated Ace, so...that's when we started fighting..." he admitted.
Pops raised his left eyebrow in question. So they started fighting from just Luffy asking questions? Damn Ace does have a temper issue. Marco sighed in defeat. Those 3 really won't get along unless someone does something.
"then why don't you guys spar and spar only-yoi" Thatch looked at him in question, since arent they injured enough?
Ace, and Sabo glanced at each other "well we do spar most of the time in the forest...but here it's different, we need open space when we spar not inside a room" Sabo explained.
Thatch had a blank look all of a sudden and it did not fit his usually cheerful personality. He then too a deep breath "so you brats are saying...you need to be in a forest type of environment to spar?" he asked with a bit of heat. They have the backyard to do that, thank you very much!
Ace nodded his head. Luffy squirmed a bit in Marco's arms and looked at them with those big brown eyes. Thatch had to physically stop himself from cooing because of the situation right now. Marco looked away so that he won't get entranced by the cute eyes. Pops smirked when he saw how Thatch and Marco tried to get away from the look. Luffy had a gift for making Marco act like this, but Thatch is normal.
"can me and my brothers go outside to spar?" Luffy asked Pops while tilting his head. Pops laughed out loud.
"Gurararara, of course you can but be back before dark! However let's treat those wounds first" he told them. That's when they arrived at the infirmary. Pops opened a cabinet and took out a first aid kit...well a needle also since they need to sew the the gash.
Luffy flinched slightly when he saw the needle but Marco ruffled his hair to reassure him. Stitched were not fun after all. Thatch then took Sabo and told him to take a huge breath. Sabo knew what was gonna happen so he did as told. Thatch reconnected the dislocated shoulder, a snap was heard. Sabo bit his lip hard to stop from screaming, damn Rinoa does it painless for some reason! Thatch said sorry, but he smiled, since Sabo was tough wait he is tough.
Pops was wrapping Ace's knuckles with bandages. Ace had a neutral look on his face but Pops knew better, Ace was having a mental battle with himself. Marco was starting stitching the gash that was revealed by Luffy's ripped shirt. Luffy started whining but Sabo squeezed his hand in reassurance. Pops was astonished once again. The brats were helping each other again even though they injured each other. Once Marco was finished stitching the gash he wrapped Luffy's mid section with bandages just in case the wound opens again, the blood won't drip all over the place.
What Marco didn't expect was the fact that Luffy fell asleep clutching onto his shirt. Sabo smirked knowing what's happening. This was not in Marco plan, he tried to move Luffy but only resulted for Luffy to tighten his grip. Thatch dashed out of the room and returned with his iphone. He was not gonna miss this moment. So while Marco was busy fretting about what he will do, Thatch took several pictures using his iphone, and thank god he put no flash. Ace smirked when he saw what was happening to Marco.
"he won't let go once he got hold of something or someone in his sleep, tch" he told them while looking away.
Pops was surprised that it was him that told them, he was actually expecting Sabo to tell him. Sabo had a mischievous grin.
"he's telling you that from experience, hehehehe" he informed them, Ace looked at Sabo with a slight blush on his cheeks, that did it. Sabo busted out laughing while clutching his stomach. It was too much fun! Making fun of Ace is the best entertainment ever. Pops was delighted about what he heard. He looked at Ace again only to see that his son's cheeks were on fire from embarrassment. Thatch started snickering.
"oi! why did you tell them about that?!" Ace shouted quietly since he didn't want to wake Luffy up. Sabo then looked at him with a knowing look.
"you tell me!" he busted out laughing again, though he fell off the bed this time.
This time Ace laughed "ha! serves you right!", Sabo climbed back up with a face that said 'i have no regrets!'.
After what it seemed like forever Ace and Sabo also fell asleep. Marco sighed in defeat while looking at Thatch, when he noticed Thatch looking at his iphone with a smirk. His jaw dropped. Thatch looked up and his smirk widened when he showed Marco the picture of Luffy and Marco himself. Marco gave Thatch a glare while Thatch started whistling. Pops laughed in amusement. He then looked at Luffy. The little one seemed to be content with his so called bed. Pops sighed in relief the brats were back to normal.
He didn't think that life for his three youngest just got better.
To be Continued~
Ok that about wraps this chapter! anyway, i love this fanfic way too much! Also i have another fic but i dont think u will like it...It another crossover which i don't plan to publish or even give warnings about when i might post it without your thoughts first! (Unless it's near the deadline!)