5 years later during fall time~
The moment she opened her eyes sunshine had hit her. Groaning she sat up slowly and started to rub her eyes to fix her damaged vision. However the moment she was able to see straight once more a tiny figure attacked her, making her topple back down to the bed.
"Gian!"
"Sis! Morning!" the little boy continued to snuggle next to her sister, irritating the girl more. After what seemed like an eternity the door had once again opened revealing a blonde haired boy. He took Gian and placed the boy on the floor, making said boy whine questioning why he did that.
"That's because your sister needs some sleep!" Gian began to pout and luckily both had learned to look away. She never knew that her brother can get this cute. The door once again opened and revealed her other sibling.
Psalm crossed her arms over her chest "alright Gian let big sister Rinoa sleep, she went an all nighter last night" Psalm didn't even bother waiting for her brother to respond she took him in her arms and went out the door after she gave a mock salute.
"damn brat" was the last thing the person under covers had said before trying to get to sleep...only to remember that she had another company in her room.
"vincent get out, I need at least another 2 hours of sleep" she begged her friend.
"and let you play during those hours while we work our asses off to do the chores? No way! Get up, Rinoa!" Vincent being the lazy ass he was, usually preferred if he had help getting his chores done even though he knew he can do it alone. Rinoa groaned and continued to stay in bed, only to be interrupted by her blonde friend, by taking the covers off.
Rinoa instantly got up to get the covers back, it was damn cold after all. Vincent ran out of the room with the covers on tow, he didn't bother looking back since the loud footsteps behind him told him that she was trying to get her blankets back. "Dammit Vincent! Get back here!".
Unknown to them the others were watching them from afar snickering, while a certain little brother was looking at the running pair confused. Nusrat looked at the child "now Gian, that is what you call friendship!~" she sang out loud. Xenia began yelling out for Rinoa, telling her that she needs to come out decent at least. Said girl on the other hand just remembered why she was even running for her blanket...only in tiny shorts and a tank top. Rinoa blushed tenfold before turning to the room she was closest too, unfortunately it was a certain dumbasses room.
"What the fuck Rinoa?!"
"sorry! Just give me a blanket!"
She came running out once again with a blue blanket covering her. Psalm was the first one to laugh, she already knew that her sister was at that state and the other girl knew as well, but she couldn't believe that her sister could forget so easily. The door to Rinoa's room was slammed shut, and they can hear the opening of drawings and curses. Jennifer covered Gian's ears trying her best to not let the boy get 'tainted' at such a young age. Gerard had came out of his sleeping chambers looking as if he saw a zombie pop out of nowhere. He looked towards the others.
"you guys are the worst, you could've stopped her!" he pointed a finger towards Nusrat as a sign that he accuses her of not stopping Rinoa. The brunette just laughed it off.
"aww come on! It wasn't that bad, and besides she probably looked good right?~" her teasing voice affected the tall boy immediately, who walked off ranting about installing a lock on his door as long as Rinoa allows it. Xenia just continued to laugh. Then she headed off for the kitchen.
Xenia stopped by the counter "ohh daniel~~" only to get smacked by a piece of bread. Then she remembered, her friend Daniel wasn't here anymore. Remembering the memory of her friend getting dragged away since he was adopted was painful, but what was more painful was that she wouldn't be able to get to eat his cooking anymore. It was Nusrat that smacked the piece of bread on her face, but instead of having a grin on her face, she wore a sad smile indicating Xenia that she already knew what she was talking about.
"cheer up, you still have me to cook for you" Gerard had tried to cheer her up once more. He only received a glare from the girl he was trying to cheer up.
"Your food is not as good as Daniels!" and the whole, tiring, conversation came back again. This always happened whenever Xenia would remember that their main cook wasn't here anymore. They were only interrupted when Rinoa entered the room, looking pissed really pissed.
She sat down on the chair by the dining table "I swear to God if I see Vincent I will castrate him!" and the let the mood swings begin. Psalm noted that her sister was on her month considering that she was cranky as hell, usually she would just warn vincent, but whenever she was in her month, plans to harm their friend was the first thing coming out of her mouth. Though it may be a bit sadistic, and rude considering it was morning, they were all used to it by now. Except the occasional newbie named Vincent though he shouldn't be considered a newbie anymore in actual years he still is a newbie.
~5 years ago~
They all came back to the tree-house exhausted, only to be interrupted by a certain knock on their entrance door. Rinoa was the one to answer this and told the others to go to bed, and that she will handle it. Psalm didn't want her sister to handle this all on her own, but she wanted sleep and her sister was responsible enough. Psalm took Gian along with her to her room for a change, the others did as told and went to bed.
Rinoa waited until they were all gone before she opened the door. She already expected it to be Makino but she did not expect to see a blonde haired boy right next to her, also another brunette girl. Makino smiled at her "sorry for bothering you Rinoa, but these two children had been placed in the orphanage about a day ago" the girl raised a brow towards her superior.
"And? Why did you bring them here?"
"you see...Daniel got adopted-"
"and you are telling me that these two are like a compensation for having Daniel adopted?" Makino only nodded her head to the smart girl who caught on easily. Rinoa inhaled a big gulp of air before exhaling, she tried to calm herself down as best as she could. She is angry but knowing the system of how kids got adopted, there was no use in trying to protect her long-time friend. What she didn't understand was why bring these two other kids here.
Makino noticed how Rinoa was staring at the two newcomers intensely "Rinoa, I know that you don't like it, but like it or not Daniel will be taken away and these two will be your new additions to your little group!" persuading the so called 'Pack Leader' is hard but not impossible, she did it before with Gian, and she can do it again.
Rinoa clenched her fists tightly. So that's why she came to their hideout with these two, so that she can welcome them with open arms? Fat chance, she's not gonna let these two in. Rinoa was about to close the door when the person she wanted to see the least came and stopped her. "Rinoa, listen to Makino I already have my stuff ready and I got my room ready for them...sorry but I knew this beforehand..." Daniel said trying to make the situation a bit better than it should be. The raven haired girl looked over her shoulder to see Daniel with eyes filled with slight pain, but mostly relief, the relief was something that ticked her off.
"Now your relieved that your leaving the group? We've been together for so long already!" Rinoa yelled straight to her 'friend'. Daniel stood his ground and stood up tall to show Rinoa that he wasn't intimidated.
"I know that but...While I can I want to experience what it is like with a family and...I think this will be for the best." with that Daniel took his luggage and went out the door, being careful with his way down. He didnt even bother looking back when he headed towards the orphanage, one slide glance but nothing else. Rinoa stared where her friend left and then glancing towards the newcomers who were both tired looking. She nodded her head towards Makino who immediately left after being dismissed. The brunette with a magenta sweater was the first to give and sat down on the seat that Daniel would usually sit on. Inside Rinoa was raging like a wild fire but she always knew that first impressions are important.
She allowed the boy to sit down next to the girl, and she sat down in front of them. Crossing her legs Rinoa looked at them intensely . "So what's your story for coming here?" of course that question, the easiest way to find out about a child that was left to fend for themselves. The blonde boy decided to start being the 'gentleman' he was.
"I failed my parents, well in academics. My grades were passing but my parents expected more, I'm outstanding when it comes to sports, mainly baseball, but when it comes to actual education I don't really care unless it was something about science or anything that gets my attention. That's basically it, and oh yea my name is Vincent" the boy now she knew is named Vincent, finished. Now she glanced towards the brunette, who looked away embarrassed.
"There is nothing to be embarrassed about, now tell me" Rinoa commanded.
The girl fixed her position to make herself more comfortable "Let's say I ran away from home, and when my parents found out they didn't even bother getting me back, they sent a form to the orphanage saying that they don't want me anymore"
"that must've been harsh" Vincent commented.
"Not really, oh yea my name is Hia." they both nodded at each other finishing their introductions. Rinoa being very tired, decided to deal with this in the morning, she led Vincent to Daniel's old room while she led Hia to her own room, since they had no space yet for her.
The morning was what she expected though...total utterly annoying chaos. There was shouting, some accusations and there came the occasional drama that Rinoa just loathed so much. Hia was terrified for her life, while Vincent seemed to enjoy what was happening. After a few forced explanations they were able to settle down only for Nusrat to have a devoid expression on her face, after her friend left.
After a bit more drama, Nusrat was also the first one to greet the newcomers with open arms, following Psalm.
~back to present~
The memory was still fresh in their minds but they wouldn't regret it for anything, and hopefully Rinoa didnt regret it as well-
"Vincent give me back my sandwich!" scratch that she won't just regret but she will despise as well. Now it's back to the occasional chase, in which Vincent always out runs the other.
~ASL time!~
(sabo's POV)
Ok, first of my morning was decent, apart from the same old wake up call, getting kicked off the bed by my two beloved brothers, my morning was OK. That was until Pops announced that we will be visiting Rinoa. That was when destruction happened, first it was Luffy jumping up and down in happiness, next it was Ace telling Luffy to calm down when he himself has his own blush on his face, then it was Thatch saying that he will finally train Psalm to be a great cook...but I did not expect Marco to be excited to go. He and Rinoa didn't really have a good start when they first met each other after all.
"Well, Sabo after you finish breakfast get in the car" Pops told me snapping me out of my own daze. Everyone else was back in the company working, I also wanted to start working as well, but Pops said I will be better off finding what I would want to do best.
"Of course Pops, just got to get something from the room" I finished my meal quickly surprised that Luffy didn't bother stealing any. I guess the announcement got him too excited to even wonder about my food. I went upstairs to get my pipe- not just any pipe but an improved pipe...ok quite confusing, what I meant is that the pipe that I have now is modified as a weapon, Pops gave it to me for my birthday last year. It didn't feel right if I didn't have it behind my back at all, though I always wonder what it would've felt like to hold an actual sword. No matter, I rushed back down just in case Luffy was able to convince Pops to leave me behind. Last time was very annoying after all.
Luckily when I got back down, Ace was barely holding Luffy down. "Back! Let's go!" I shouted while rushing towards the door. Ace had finally let the 'bull' go, who instantly took a seat at the back of the car. I grinned slightly also excited to see my sister again. The last thing we did heard from Makino before was that the Daniel kid was adopted and that the others suffered greatly from it, as well Rinoa. We couldn't visit them because Pops had enrolled us in school, and Luffy was already suffering the first 4 days. It took Pops and I a month or so to get Luffy to learn all of the basic subjects such as simple math.
I was suddenly feeling a stinging pain on my shoulder. Then I saw a snickering Ace, "Ace! What the hell?!". The maniac rushed for the front seat right next to Pops so that he will be safe.
'that devil...'
"Come on Sabo! You're taking forever! Sorry not sorry as well!" I gritted my teeth at his response, he was so damn lucky Pops was already right next to him.
~Ace's POV~
I always did wonder as to why Daniel left, then again they are still part of the orphanage no matter what they do. It's not like they can be as free as Sabo, Luffy or I. Ok that was rude of me. Besides laughing from the prank that I did on Sabo I am thinking about the others back at the orphanage...I wonder if they got new people as well.
"Ace~~!" kicked out of my thoughts very rudely by my one and only little brother. I glared halfheartedly at him "what?"
"what do you think Rinoa would look like by now? I mean it's been a long time again! I just wanna see if they also have new people i can befriend- also do you think her cooking skills improved? That reminds me I want to taste Gerards cooking again! The pizza from before was the best!" I laughed at what he said at the end.
I looked back from the front seat and reached out a hand to ruffle his head "you still remember the taste of the food you deem worthy is good don't you?" laughing his trademark laugh he stopped my hand from further ruffling.
Pops laughed at our antics "say Ace, Sabo, make sure to help Luffy out on his homework alright?" the both of us nodded our heads. I bet Sabo is still angry but it can't be helped...then again I don't like it when he stays this quiet.
"oi Sabo!" no answer
"Sabo!" still no answer
"god dammit Sabo I'm sorry so please talk to me!" a laugh finally erupted from his freaking vocal cords, however no words, fudge it I give up. I leaned on the car window- no I was not pouting, I was simply...ok I am pouting but it cant be helped! My own brother is ignoring me! Now I had to stay in this damn car for the next 2 hours or so only hearing Luffy babble about the food that he will be wanting to taste once we reach them.
That was when I realized something. Pops said to make sure that we help Luffy with his homework right? Then that would mean-
"It appears that you had finally realized what I said, Ace" Then I heard Sabo's booming laughter and Luffy's constant questions as to why he was laughing.
'No this cannot happen, THIS CANNOT FUCKING HAPPEN TO ME!' I yelled mentally, because I just fucking realized that I would need to stay over with Rinoa and the others, the all mighty god please please take me out of this misery! No? Well shit I have to find my own way then.
Considering how Pops was laughing and nudging me to cheer up and that he knows that I would love what I would be seeing there, I can't help but be curious of course. I glanced at him with a curious look only to be given a knowing look. Once again I gave up forcing myself to sleep by listening to 1970's songs or at least that's what I think the year is for these songs
~2hours 45 mins later~
FUCKING FINALLY! We finally arrived at the orphanage! hmm...the only thing that did seem to change is the exterior from the looks of it. Makino-san is still the caretaker of course but it didn't change the fact that I still despise this place. Even though the person I cherish the most is living somewhere near it's borders- DO NOT GET THE DAMN WRONG IDEA HERE! I was the first one of the car when we hit full stop, I was surprised it wasn't Luffy. That was until I saw his sleeping face leaned against Sabo's shoulder. No wonder I didn't recall hearing his voice by the time "I want you back" by Micheal Jackson, I have to admit his songs are great but getting it repeated more than I want it to is pretty annoying and tiring. Then the song "Love me like you do" by Ellie Goulding came on and I think it was repeated a few times as well, great song but the music video was weird. I know the song is NOT from the 1970's but in 2015! I know my years!
Sabo was able to get Luffy to wake up much to our surprise, we weren't able to wake him up when I nearly blew up the kitchen and Pops was 'evacuating' us- errr yea I blame that on Thatch. What? It was his fault I lost concentration! Pops came out as well and went towards the trunk, silent gave me the hand sign to come over as well. Ugh here it comes, the time where Hiken no Ace becomes a carrier. Like the nickname I was given by none other than Thatch? Yea I found it cool as well. Marco was a bit skeptical but it can't be helped. I carried one of the bigger ones considering I don't want Pops to get injured now, and I am 20 years old, young and healthy not to mention devilishly handsome and beefy! Okay I may be going overboard...
"Ace please stop thinking about yourself and focus helping Pops" Sabo always knows when I begin thinking about myself, damn it. As much as I hate to admit it he is right.
"Pops where do I put the baggage's?" I asked he gave me a smile before he gestured up ahead. Confused I looked ahead, there was someone running- no I think 3 people are running towards us. I was still confused until I heard one of them.
"Laszlo! Wait for us! You know how your big sister loves to take it slow!" that voice...isn't that Psalms?! And is that Laszlo?! He's already big! Okay I definitely sounded like an old man there.
"But I want to see them! Besides you said that I can see them the moment the old man contacts us that they are near!"
"For fuck's sake how the hell did you start talking so well for your age?!"
"IM EIGHT!" the argument subsided when they noticed me. 'Finally' I thought to myself. Even though Laszlo made it specifically clear that he wanted to see us so badly, he still hid behind his sister. Psalm on the other hand was looking at me clearly surprised. Did I change that badly?
She came up to me slowly and started examining me top to bottom- over and over again. I was about to speak when I heard a slightly familiar voice. "You do realize that she is a girl and a girl seeing a cute boy will only make her stare more" The voice definitely reminded me of- the girl came out of the shadows and faint smile of her face.
"It's been a while...Ace" no freaking way, please tell me the gorgeous girl I see before my eyes is not Rinoa! Unfortunately for me God seem to love my reactions for the gorgeous girl is indeed Rinoa. Damn when did she get so so so- I CAN'T PUT IT TO WORDS DAMMIT. She is wearing her normal clothing but her shorts were slight above her knees now, same dragon necklace dangling over her- holy shit her chest just got- SLAP~!
I was snapped out of my thoughts when someone slapped me on the cheeks. More specifically it was Luffy that slapped me and his words were more surprising "Ace hold yourself together, like Sabo had told me before, we don't need to get the sheets dirty" holy christmas balls. My baby brother did NOT just say that to ME. I don't think I was the only one baffled. Psalm was indeed laughing her ass off, while Rinoa covered Laszlo's ears. She slightly glared at Luffy who only started laughing. I glanced at Sabo who gave me a thumbs up.
"Ace, Rinoa may have knocked your sockets off but for now lets get your stuff in the tree-house now, later you can start the magic" I knew what Pops meant by 'Magic' I looked at him like his head was suddenly replaced by a hydra head (not like they are real anyway).
"gurararara go ahead lad, show them what you learned through the 5 years you've been separated again" he pushed me forward closer to someone I had tried my best not to examine thoroughly...ah shit I may need a cold shower or bath by the river.
~TBC
late post once again, however I can honestly say... IM FINALLY GETTING MY IMAGINATION BACK. IS THIS A DRAWBACK TO GETTING OLDER OR WHAT?! Thanks for reading and the next chapter will be up shortly ^_^ review favorite and follow!