Chapter 6

Luffy sat straight when he heard kidd, they do not understand. They are selfish, they disregarded how he feels.

"no,no ―NO!" He refused profusely.

Namiko seems to get the point that it would be better if mugi-chan goes with one of them. Her toungue is aching to comment sharply but this is, after all the boy's personal life. She chose to llisten.

Kidd and Law pleaded and promised that they would give him shelter, money and love but the boy still chooses his family.

Hanako who already sensed that the boy was exhausted physically and mentally decided thatit would best to call it a night. Luffy refused and he wants to make it a point that no, he would not retire and never would he live with one of them.

"The offer still stands, I will do anything, everything to make you say yes mugiwara-ya, I promise you. You. Will. Be. Mine" the young doctor said with so much coldness that it sent shivers to the maiko's back. It sounded almost possessive at some point but luffy kept his facade. There's a part of him that wants to go with either kidd or law, he wants to give them and himself a chance to love. Maybe if he was destined to a different path he would've be happy to. But he wasn't, live was not an option for a geisha.

Kidd walked towards him and although embarassed he wants to tell the boy how he feels. "You know, you can still be a geisha even if i win, you can do anything as you please but I want to be beside you every step of the way..." he said quietly. Following law when he exited a few moments ago.

The three geishas were still seated, each one with a certain train of thoughts in their head. This was the first time that they had encountered such passionate clients, too passionate.

"I guess they really fall hard on you, ne mugi-chan?" The brunette commented, her tone was mixed with both disbelief and jealousy.

"You know, I think it would be best to go with one of them, it will be for your future mugiwara-san" hanako quietly added.

"Bu-but they would take me away from here! I don't want to go! The plan was just to save up enough money for us to buy crocodile's businesses, right?"

"Yes, but if you go with them to america, you can have education which we will never have! They have colleges and universities that will allow you to take a different path aside from this…" hanako reasoned out.

"What about you? And namiko-nee san and sanji and usopp?" He looks up to her sisters with worried eyes, he really cares about them.

"We'll be fine! Besides! Sanji and usopp doesn't know anything about their debts being paid in advance, all of the money that hanako takes from their paychecks goes to our trust funds! We'll have money enough to start a new life if ever this business would fall!" Namiko reassured the geisha, she didn't tell the plan to the boy but since he was really stubborn then, he left her with no choice.

"Wh-WHAT?"

"That is correct, what crocodile told you was the truth, i have spent all of my savings when the four of you came here. You have no further responsibility with the okiya." His older sister confirmed what he had heard from the brunette.

"Why, why didn't you tell me? Why now?" He felt tears stinging his eyes, he looked back and forth at his so-called sisters who apparently chose not to inform him of their plans. He felt a little more than relieved, no more debts to pay, no more crocodile on their backs but still he grew up at the impression that he needs to work hard for his freedom, he was free all along. He didn't see it as betrayal, as it was still for their sake but he was confused.

"Just why didn't you tell me sooner?" He said quietly, his bangs hid his eyes so well. There was some hurt in his voice but not grave enough that it can be called anger.

"It is my fault that I didn't tell you sooner, I'm a very selfish woman mugiwara-san, for years you were all the family that I never had, you and namiko , placing a sense of responsibility on your shoulders would make you not go and choose a different path, for that I am very sorry." His older sister said sincerely, touching the boy's arms as she apologized.

"It's okay, but? What now?" Luffy was lost, he has no direction now, there was no more goals to push him to work harder.

"Some people work a lifetime to repay their debts you know , but you have a great opportunity before you, the decision is in your hand right now mugi-chan…" namiko felt that her brother needs to hear what she has to say. Luffy looked at his sister fondly, it is true. They looked up to hanako and waited for her answer.

She smiled, a true sincere smile, there was no mystery into in. "After this, you are free to do as you please, after this I suggest that you follow what your heart tells you to do, listen to it, you are more than free to love."

Luffy realizes that what his sister has said was true, obligations set aside, he also gains the freedom to be in love like anyone else, society wouldn't frown upon it, but there is one more question that bothers him.

Would he give up the life that he had been accustomed to in exchange for love?

… … …

Ace ran for what seems like hours, he saw the figure of their giant ship and let out an exhausted huff. He had way too much adventure right now. Exhaustion was catching up to him. Maybe alk he need was a run. Boarding the ship he pulled off his sweaty shirt and went to his room shirtless, he felt someone was awake but it wasn't anything alarming, just a feeling that he was not alone. It must've been marco, he always checks on me every night he thought. Upon reaching the doorway of his cabin the blonde whom ace has been thinking of was sure enough in his room seated at one of the chairs by the desk.

"Where have you been, yoi?" He asked.

"I went out for a run" the blonde quirked an eyebrow at him and he retorted him with " what? I can't sleep!". Contented, marco left the case alone and stood up, ace thinking that his friend was exiting the room made way for him but before he can say anything else he felt the older man's lips brush on his before saying a quick 'good night'. He stood there dumbly with his mouth wide agape. He blinked a few times before he felt his body regain its senses.

"Fuck! Now I really wouldn't be able to sleep! Geez, thabks marco!" He rolled his eyes and closed the door, he didn't bother locking it. He didn't know why, but he was really hoping that marco would come back and sleep with him. He prayed that a narcoleptic fit would follow but it seems like tonight is not his night. He layed down and stared at the ceiling, how much time had passed before he fell asleep? He doesn't know.

… … …

They had no choice, they have to share one carriage if they want to go home, they do realize that the other can walk home if they like but they were too busy in their own devices to bicker and too tired to walk home.

"Do you realize how selfish you sounded a while ago back at the teahouse?" Kidd said without glancing at his companion who was looking at the scenery as the carriage started to move.

" I do, but that is what I feel, it does not concern you in any other way." He sharply quipped, the young surgeon expected a rebuttal but he only met silence.

"I would do anything for him, you know?" Kidd softly said, law wondered why a man like kidd would fall in love with the likes of mugiwara. Do they share the same reason? Does he see hope like he does when he see him smile? Does he also feel the need to protect the geisha, to make him happy for all of his life?. That was another question tha law's genius mind can't answer, love was far more complicated than any mathematical equation he had ever solved in his entire ezistence. It was really cruel really, it seems like destiny has bounded them to be rivals even before they were born.

"Likewise…" the surgeon answered. Which was true, he would do anything to keep the maiko happy.

Kidd heard it even when it was said quietly. It's funny how his mind pays attention to things about mugiwara but does not give any flying fucks to other things.

"You're sadistic, possessive, malevolent and a lot more other things that i can add tovthe list that would hurt him, are you sure you deserve him?"

Law was taken aback by what kidd has said, it was true, he is. And he hasn't thought about it. Does he really deserve the boy? What ifs scenarios flooded his head and remained silent all throught the trip. Tuning only in what kidd says but ignores it nonetheless. He didn't like this feeling in him.

How can he protect the boy if the boy needs protection from him…

They reached the dock after a few more minutes and seperated ways.

Before they parted kidd offered his hand, and said.

"May the best man win…"

Law smirked at the hand but he took it anyways with his tattooed hand. The grip was tight and firm.

"Same to you as well"

… … …

Three days have passed and the two graduating maikos are busy with inviting patrons to witness their debut. The idea excited the two because they rarely travel in the morning. They sent out invitations and traveled along with usopp driving a horse drawn carriage to the nearby town although smaller, residing in the town were a few acquaintances and friends. They took their time to visit and catch up with their nakamas.

It was already lunch time when they arrived at a familiar bar, the two unboarded the carriage, the male geisha swore thatche should have had seaked out his strawhat boshi where his name comes from to sheild him from the unbearable hetacof the afternoon sun. The person that they're going to visit was one of mugi-chan's uncountable friends, from what namiko heard of the retired geisha the boy claimed that she was really pretty and extremely talented . They heard some commotion inside, there was laughter and they heard a man named marco was yelling at someone that his head does not look like a pineapple. They chuckled imagining that someone's head does resemble the said fruit.

That piqued everyone's curiosity even usopp who suggested that he will join them and protect them if the need arises, but of course, the two maiko knows that it is usopp who needs protection as he was a well known coward.

They peeked inside and discovered that several tables were occupied by the visitors. They all look that they are from another country. Luffy decides that he'll go first as the two others were currently arguing who would go first at the front door.

Sliding the door, mugi-chan felt his heart beat faster than usual. There was something in him that tells him today is going to be an extraordinary day.

The wind chime by the door announced his prescence to the group and the owner.

All eyes were set unto him, he bowed before them and walked further inside. The majority looked at his direction because of his eye catching attire , in all fairness he was wearing a turquoise coloured kimono so it was no surprise that people would gawk over the bold color , law and kidd's mouth was slightly hanging as well, because obviously they didn't expect to see their object of affection in a small tine like this, thatch,marco and vista were sporting confused look on their faces as they swore that they have seen him from before, though hey couldn't point a finger at it.

Ace who has just finished using the washroom was stunned the moment he saw the new visitor, his hand never left the door, his grip getting tighter as every moment passes.

Everyone froze on their spots without moving even an inch of muscle, anticipating what will happen next, those who do not know qas utterly confused why no everyone was silent.

"Luffy! Hello! It's been a long time!" Luckily, makino saved the day as she exited the kitchen door,she saw the same geisha that she has taken care of a long time ago.

When he heard his name being called the boy snapped his head towards makino and chirped a cheerful 'good afternoon' before hugging her.

Ace who was still standing by the door stiffened a little as he heard his brother's name and with hesitatant steps walked to the direction of the two. His eyes were still locked to the boy. He unconsciously weaved his muscular arms around the boy's petite torso.

"H-hi?" He said, his voice devoid of bravery, he feels the need to cry but he wasn't sure which emotion in him was dominant, happiness or disbelief or remorse? He does not know. Kidd and Law shouted in uproar but marco raised a hand before the two, his grim expression

Luffy pulled away from the hug and glanced at the man behind him, he gasped as he saw the man who embraced him , the man has freckles, shoulder length wavy black hair and the same gray eyes as his, though they were a little darker compared to his sliver gray eyes.

"A-ac…" the words seems to be stuck in his throat, he clasped a hand on his mouth and tears began running through his cheeks.

Because there standing behind him has the same as his brother that he had lost a very long time ago.

To be continued…

…

Sorry for the very short chapter I had a sudden burst of inspiration and didn't want it to go to waste so…

The story is nearig its end. Sorry for the still crappy writing style…