Disclaimer : I claim no rights to the anime One Piece.
Current Song : No more hiding - Tales of Legendia.
Within every difficulty lies opportunity. - Anonymous.
Chapter Twelve : Washing Ashore.
When Antaeus woke up the next morning, he found himself unable to move, unwilling to face the day just yet. Not because he had sudden bout of laziness, but because of the endless dreams that plagued him throughout the night. Again and again he dreamed of Ace and the life they had together and eventually created together as a couple and as spouses. And after each dream, he woke up with tears trailing down his cheeks, fear causing his heart to race and arousal drumming through his veins. It was embarrassing, frightening and exhilarating all at once. But, despite all of these feelings that were piling up inside of him; he was happy that he was recovering his memories one by one, or rather, by the dozens from the dreams during the previous night.
Yawning, he slowly rose up from the bed, allowing the sweat-drenched blankets to pool around his waist. Twisting his body, he wrenched the window open and allowed the sea breeze to flow in, drying his drenched hair and arms. Instead of laying back down, he hung out of the window and watched the waves crash against the beach gently. The sun was already high in the sky and from the warmth the air held, it was going to be a hot day. A hot day with Ace. Antaeus blushed darkly at the thought. He had indeed promised Ace that they would spend the day together, but now he wasn't sure about doing it now. Not with the dreams he had last night. He was brought out of his thoughts by a gentle knock at the door and Robin's soft voice coming through the door.
"Antaeus? Are you awake?"
Climbing off the bed, he made his way to the door and pulled it open, pulling his lips into a smile in greeting. "Robin, good morning."
"Good morning," Robin frowned, reaching a slim hand up and running a hand through his hair. "Are you alright? You look flushed."
"Oh," Antaeus grinned sheepishly. "I got a good portion of my memory back the other night and I've been in and out of sleep."
"That's wonderful, Antaeus!" Robin smiled, her blue eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm so happy for you. I bet Ace can't wait to hear that."
Antaeus smiled as he imagined the look on Ace's face once the pirate received the news. Some part of him couldn't wait to see that wicked grin that Ace was known for, while another part of him was nervous about giving the older man the news. He had a feeling that once Ace knew, the pirate was going to convince him to leave Baterilla. After all, Ace did say that he wasn't going to leave the island without him.
"You do plan on telling him, yes?"
"Yeah," Antaeus replied, nervously picking at his large sleeping shirt. "We're going out today, so I'll tell him then."
At his words, Robin's sent him a knowing smile that caused him to blush brightly. He didn't want to know what she was thinking about their little outing. All this time, he thought Robin was a quiet woman, but he should have known better. A woman like Robin on an island like Baterilla was bound to cause some kind of trouble.
"Is he awake?"
"No," Robin replied. "Why don't you wake him up? I'm sure he'll love seeing your face first thing in the morning."
"Ha, ha, ha," Antaeus drawled sarcastically. "Where is he?"
Giving him a smug smile, Robin led him down the hall from his own room. Patting him on the shoulder, she informed that breakfast would be ready soon and left him in the hall in front of Ace's temporary room. Waiting until she was out of sight, he opened the door and flinched when the heat of the room hit him square in the face. This made him wonder how even slept next to the man when he exhibited this much body heat. He quietly stepped inside and left the door open, so as to not make any noise and to let some of heat out of the room. When he approached the bed, he flushed when Ace's muscled, naked back greeted him. He couldn't help but smile when he saw the tattoo of the spade pirates; a purple spade and cross bones displayed proudly. Before he knew what he was doing, he found himself tracing the tattoo gently, flushing as he felt the muscles underneath his fingertips. His actions became bolder as the seconds passed and he was soon caressing the man's muscled arms and neck. His actions were abruptly stopped when Ace's smooth voice reached his ears.
"This is a pleasant surprise."
Yelping, Antaeus pulled his hands away and stepped back. He quickly turned away when Ace rose from the bed, stretching and yawning loudly. A squeak escaped his lips when strong hands grasped his hips and he was turned back around. Antaeus quickly lowered his head when he saw the heat, the amusement in the pirate's gaze. It didn't take long for him to realize that Ace wasn't going to release him without some kind of explanation for his actions. So, without further ado, he decided to lie.
"Robin wanted me to come and wake you up." Antaeus explained, gently squirming in an attempt to get out of Ace's hold. "She wanted us to eat before we left for town."
"So, you decided to wake me up by caressing me like a lover would?" Ace questioned, countering his words swiftly. "I think that's somewhat unfair, especially since I can't return the favor."
You can return the favor, Antaeus wanted to say, but quickly stifled his words by biting his lips. He didn't want to goad Ace into doing something that they would both regret later.
"You looked so peaceful." Antaeus stated softly. "I didn't want to wake you up too harshly."
It was much to Antaeus embarrassment that Ace gave him a disbelieving look for his words. He was gently released and for the second time was given a view of the pirate's back. His fingers twitched at the thought of caressing the tattoo again.
"Are you ready to tell me what's been going on in that head of yours?" Ace asked while pulling on yellow shirt, opting to leave it open. "You're going to be honest with me, right?"
"Yes, I did promise didn't I? And besides, I have a surprise for you later."
"Oh?" Ace looked intrigued and it reminded Antaeus of a wolf who looked curious and yet they refused to give in ask what they wanted. "And what would that be?"
"Like I said. It's a surprise." Antaeus made his way towards the door, throwing a wave at Ace who was gently calling him back. "Get dressed and meet me the kitchen."
Antaeus found himself bouncing in excitement through the remainder of the morning, much to Ace's and Robin's amusement. For once, he didn't mind being laughed at because it would be worth to see the joy on Ace's face when he told him of all the memories he recovered throughout the night. It was noon and the sun was high in the sky when they left Robin's home and took to the streets of Baterilla.
"So?" Ace questioned, wrapping an arm around Antaeus shoulders as they walked through the slightly crowded streets. "What did you have to tell me?"
"You don't waste anytime do you?" Antaeus chuckled, wearing a bright grin. "Alright, are you ready?"
"Born ready."
"You're narcoleptic, we've been married for two years, you like your shoulders being rubbed, and you ate the Mera Mera no Mi about two months after you left the village."
"What? Huh?"
"You have an eidetic memory and an I.Q of 300 and you never back down from a fight -much to my frustration-" Antaeus continued, growing amused at the growing shock on Ace's face. "And I want my ring back." Antaeus pointed to the necklace around Ace's neck which sported two platinum and sapphire rings.
"You-You." Ace stopped them and pulled him into his arms. "You got your memory back?"
"A good portion of it." Antaeus replied, relaxing in the pirate's arms. "I've had one hell of a night."
"Then I can call you that then?"
"Call me? Call me what?"
"Luffy." Ace replied, pulling him away and cupping his cheeks. "Can I call you Luffy, now?"
"No," Antaeus replied, quickly continuing on when Ace looked devastated at his rejection. "Not until I get all of my memory back. I want to be whole when I finally take my name back."
"Okay, if that's what you want." Ace caressed his cheekbones gently. "But, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Can I kiss you?"
"W-What?" Antaeus yelped. "Kiss me?"
"Yes, I'd figured since you got a good portion of your memories back then you'd have to remember us kissing and making love to each other." Ace purred, leaning closer and brushing his lips against Antaeus. "So? Can I?"
Antaeus shivered heavily and opened his mouth to give his consent when Sabo's booming voice caught them off guard, forcing them to pull apart. He turned and blushed in mortification when he saw Drake and Sabo staring at them in shock.
"Antaeus?" Sabo questioned, his voice deepening in confusion, shock and anger. "What in the hell is going on?"
Antaeus had no time reply for he suddenly felt very hot, he quickly looked down to see a ring of fire surrounding him and Ace. He reached out to touch his husband but winced when the flames caught his sleeve.
"Ace, enough, these are my friends, Sabo and Drake-"
"Drake?" Ace interrupted harshly. "You mean X. Drake? The former marine? Why in the hell are you on this island?"
"Why in the hell are you around Antaeus?" Drake asked, avoiding the question for the moment. "What business does the pirate king have with him?"
"None of your damn concern." Ace growled. "Be on your way or I'll make you leave."
"Oh? Really?" Sabo drawled. "You honestly think you can make us leave? Pirate's really have an arrogant attitude. I'm sure the marines would have no problem taking you to the gallows, eh?"
"Would everyone just stop-"
"Did you just threaten me? Who in the hell do you think you are?" Ace hissed, pulling Antaeus behind him and increasing his fire. "I'll show you-"
"Enough!" Antaeus roared. "All of you stop acting like a bunch of brats or I'll leave all three of you here." without giving them a chance to talk, Antaeus continued, his voice deepening with anger and despair. "We are going to sit down like adults and sort this out, am I understood?"
"But-"
"Am. I. Understood?"
"Yes!"
"Good," Antaeus nodded his head towards the cafe. "Come on, we have a lot to talk about."
A/N : Antaeus got his memory back, but unfortunately, their little moment was interrupted by Sabo and Drake. Until next chapter.