For Clarobell and pancakecows.
The ocean stretches out before us and the sun is dancing around in the salty water. Waves crash up against my body, rocking me gently back and forth. After such a long dive, the air feels fresh and clean in my lungs. I take a glance towards the two boys swimming closely together, in front of me. They seem to be chatting about something… With a quick flip of my tail, I glide closer to them. Luffy looks very energetic today. Ever since Zoro joined us, Luffy seems to be growing more open.
"So, where are we going anyway…?" Zoro's voice rumbles in the ocean, a comfortable deep sound. As I swim closer, the green haired man latches onto my fin. He's been doing that a lot lately. Probably not used to swimming for so long…
"Eh…I'm not sure." I watch the black haired boy grin, his wet hair plastered to his face messily.
"WHAT?!" Whoa. Zoro's arm almost slipped off my fin! Hold on there…the current might carry you away… Luffy now hugs onto my fin, swimming alongside Zoro.
"Well…" I hear the boy start in a softer voice than usual. "Actually, Laboon and I have been looking for someone…"
Ah…so the boy was going to tell Zoro now, eh? Go on, Luffy. I don't mind. As long as you're okay with talking about it.
The black haired boy smiled and brushed a strand of wet hair away from his eyes. "We're… looking for my brother. We parted a long time ago…" The boy trailed off, glancing away nervously. I can see the anxiousness reflected in his eyes.
Don't worry, Luffy. We'll find him soon.
Zoro is silent. I wonder what he's thinking…?
"Oh… I see…" The green haired man nodded in understanding. Then, he said nothing more. What a good guy… He saved me and Luffy yesterday. And, he even noticed that Luffy was feeling uncomfortable about the subject now. Good guy… we haven't met many of those on this ocean so far, eh? Luffy? I'm glad that you've found a good friend besides me.
But…why is there an annoying silence now…?
Hey, cheer up, kids!
Zoro stares at me with an amused look. What? Am I bellowing too loud for you?
Luffy laughs cheerily and I can't help but grin inwardly. It's always nice to hear that boy's laughter. But I haven't heard Zoro's laughter yet. What would it sound like?
Luffy glances at me. He wants to try and make the green haired man laugh? Well… I must admit, it would be interesting… let's give it a try!
I flick my fin, sending the two people flying through the air.
"What the—?!" The startled shout from Zoro echoes in the skies and I snicker. I'll never get bored of surprising that guy…
Luffy is laughing all the way, even as they soar through the air and land on the top of my head.
"What was that for, you damn whale!" The green haired man is stomping his foot angrily down on my head. Ha! Try your hardest! Your puny kicks won't do a thing to me. Luffy's laughter only escalates in volume. Shoot. A failure. Instead of making Zoro laugh, I made Luffy laugh even more. Geez… what can I do to make Zoro laugh…?
"It's not funny Luffy!" I can almost see the green haired man clenching his fists together, seething with fury. If it is possible, I believe that the black haired boy's laughter grew louder again…
Oh…! The boy fell over. Careful now. Take a few breaths so that you don't choke.
Now Luffy is clutching his stomach and chortling. Wait…wait a moment…he's sitting near my…oh! That's it! Something that'll make Zoro laugh. I quickly suck in some water and then...
Spiiiiisssssshhh!
The black haired boy's laughter drowned out. Hey, I'm still swimming along calmly. Yes, let's pretend that nothing happened. I'm not guilty! But there is no movement or sound coming from the top of my head. Everything is silent. The wind is blowing as usual and the waves are still rocking me back and forth…
It's still silent.
I can imagine the black haired boy blinking stupidly up there, soaked in water.
Suddenly, an amazing thing happened! A deep chuckle is ringing along the waves…
Could it be?
The chuckle quickly erupted into peals of laughter. I can feel the green haired man holding his stomach for support. Heh. I would laugh, too. Wish I could see Luffy get sprayed with water by another whale…
Luffy slapped my head teasingly. Hey, hey. Don't hit me. I got the man to laugh, didn't I?
Now, Luffy's giggles join with Zoro's laughter. That's a nice sound…one is deep and rumbling…the other is cheery and open…
How content…
Luffy, even after we find your brother…
Zoro, even when the day you will miss the land comes…
My friends, I want to swim with you two forever.
END.
This chapter probably isn't as good as the first chapter...
But I hope you still enjoyed it!