Ok, here's the third chapter. I also checked the first two and edited them for some mistakes. Fever's still here, but I'm getting better, thank you all for your blessing, they mean a lot to me :) This chap is slightly shorter, but I laughed a lot writing it :D Sorry for any mistakes, though...

12ReiRei: Thanks for your review! I am hiding a lot of things, but I like the suspence and to reveal things slowly. Yeah, I think describing reactions will be enjoyable ahaha! I can only say: wait for it!

Akemi: Yeah, I understand, don't worry about the language ;) Yeah, M for certain activities... ;D

aylbro: Thank you, I wanted this to be interesting, so far I'm succeeding, yay!

Thank you all for the new follows, favorites and the reviews, I appreciate everything and honestly didn't expect anything at all, again.

Words: 3864.

Enjoy!

03 - Secrets

Luffy was sitting on the deck, in his previous spot, facing the sea. The sun was fading at his back and the sky started to take his darker color. The moon shone at his right.

He sighed. At lunch he had had to maintain appearances with Ace, eating a lot, even if he knew his brother had already noticed his odd behavior. During the afternoon, Izo had called him to his room because he needed his measurements and his old shirt. Surprisingly, the man had already sown something and it seemed that the idea was to get something similar to what he had before. His room was pretty much the same as his own, but he noticed some paint on the floor, not voicing it. When the cross-dresser let him go, he had a new pair of pants, that were dropped in his room because Thatch had asked for help. He had then noticed that another wooden door was hidden behind the main one and discovered the bathroom.

The crew kept the galley tidy as much as possible, but it needed to be cleaned anyway. Luffy hadn't complained, he was a guest… Even if basically kidnapped. After that, he had decided to go into his room and use the shower, being careful on his bandages. It had been soothing and relaxing, the hot water, as always, had calmed him as nothing else ever could. And nobody.

That was a topic that he didn't touch. Not because he didn't like the idea or because he wasn't interested. He had always known that what he wanted for his life was something achievable only through a life-long journey, how could he think of that kind of relationship? Not counting the fact that he wasn't into women. His nakama were out of question, they were just friends, and so far, anyway, he hadn't met someone that had truly ignited him. He didn't know exactly what he was searching for, but he believed that, if in front of it, he would have understood. So, why indulge in the thought? He just shrugged it off his mind every time he felt alone and preferred a good nap.

With his new black and tight pants – really, why had Izo chosen leather above everything… – he decided to go to dinner. As the previous meals, all eyes turned to him as Luffy got in queue. This time, however, he suppressed a shiver running down his spine and looked around with wary eyes. As soon as he did, everyone was back to eating. He arched a brow, confused but suspicious, but got his meat, finding a free table. Soon Ace and Marco joined him with their trays. They ate in silence, not talking with mouths full of food.

"How are your hands, Lu?" Ace asked once finished.

Luffy laid his fork on the tray and unfolded the bandages, revealing that the ointment was almost gone, absorbed, and the burns were nothing more than pink waves of new skin.

"Scars." He said. "They are okay now."

"Impressive healing, yoi."

"Comes with the inability to swim." He hinted with a knowing smirk towards Marco.

"Luffy likes teasing." Ace commented.

"I already noticed, yoi. And he's good at making people snap."

"That's his hobby, beware."

Luffy laughed and stood, taking away his tray to the cooks. Again, he felt observed, a tick appeared on his forehead. Ace and Marco did the same and noticed the way he was dressed. His new pants were tight and low waisted, revealing his round shapes and lean legs. The fire man blushed while Marco's eyes widened.

"What the hell are you wearing…" Ace asked, trying to fight the blush.

"Something that Izo gave to me. I think he's plotting something… But not exactly against me."

"Lu…"

The cross-dresser walked right then into the galley and made a bee line towards them. "Hi, Luffy. Those are so sexy on you."

The ex-marine gave him a deadpan look. Then smirked broadly. "I don't know what you're trying to do… But count me in."

Ace face-palmed, trembling. "Shit."

"What, yoi?" Marco was still trying to understand what was going on and his brother's whisper made him finally tear his gaze away from that butt. Damn hormones.

And then came Thatch. As soon as he noticed them, he became a tomato and backed away with a shriek. Luffy looked confused but Marco would have sworn it was only an act. The boy cocked a hip and rested a hand against it. Izo was smirking madly while Ace excused himself and went back to the infirmary mumbling "I don't want to see this." Some blood was running down Thatch's nose when the cross-dresser finally spoke.

"This." He pointed at Luffy. "Is for messing up my cosmetics with water this morning and for painting my room with them."

The cook fainted with a loud thud. After a moment of silence, Luffy burst into laughing, followed suit by Izo while Marco smirked. Several minutes later, in which all the galley was booming with laughter, the pirate put a hand around the ex-marine's shoulders.

"Luffy, anytime, anything…" He wiped his tears.

He regained his breath. "New clothes, please. Walking around like this is… not healthy here. Not for me, nor for them." He looked at the pirates in the galley, that were still laughing.

"Ah, you're right." Izo gazed at Marco briefly with a knowing look. "Men here are beasts."

"I noticed." Luffy did the same.

He then waved and made his way to the deck, careful of moving his hips in his strides. He took his usual place and sat, gazing at the horizon. Above him, he felt Namur on watching duty on the crow's nest. The fishman had shark-like teeth, three small sticking out of his mouth from his lower jaw on each side. He also had three pairs of gills on his neck. He was somewhat short and round in shape, his hair's spikes pointing upwards. He had the number 8 tattooed to the left side of his neck, wore a white t-shirt with sky blue sleeves and gray pants held up by a belt. He also had a gray shark fin protruding from his back, and no shoes.

It was a rather reassuring presence. He listened as everything quieted out. The pirates were slowly going to sleep, but Luffy didn't want to be cramped in a little space. A long sigh escaped his lips as he looked at his hands. The scars were going to be awful. The new pink skin seemed melted on his knuckles. It had hurt a bit to spar with Izo and he still felt the pain that Akainu had inflicted him. Another fight memento.

He was proud of every scar that marred his body. He touched the gash that was hidden under the pants on his right leg. That one was from protecting his brothers. Another was on the left knee, from the fight with Crocodile. Several were still covered by the new bandages. He wondered if the transformation would go well on the burns.

Luffy called forth his power and watched in apprehension as the skin morphed into black scales. The bluish shade glistened, bathing in the moonlight. On the knuckles, they were damaged, losing their brilliance, but there nonetheless.

A soft sound at his right made him freeze. He turned to see Marco leaning on the same wall and watching him intently, hands tucked in his pockets.

"Interesting power you have, yoi. Scales?"

Luffy noticed Namur was gone. Had he been so deep in thoughts?

"Yes, it is. Are you interested?"

"I think I've been for the last two days, yoi." He admitted.

Amusement shone in his eyes. "Ooh, is that a confession, Mr. Kidnapper?"

Marco scoffed and then smirked. "That's what you want it to be?"

The ex-marine matched the grin. "Who knows."

Silence fell like a blanket over them. They studied each other again, trying to pry thoughts and personality, neither succeeding. Marco was perplexed by his mask, by his control over everything. Luffy, instead, was mesmerized. The pirate was keeping his stance in the gazing battle with ease and determination. They both lost their smirk and slowly turned serious.

"If I guessed correctly, you want to stay here all night, yoi. Why?" He suddenly broke the quiet.

"Because it's cramped inside." He simply answered with a shrug.

Marco arched a brow. "It's got to do with your devil fruit power, hasn't it?"

Luffy nodded, changing back his hands and stretching his fingers.

"Do you not trust us, yoi?" He asked then, surprising even himself.

The boy blinked, clearly not expecting this. "I… It's not that I don't. No, I feel I can trust your Captain, Izo, Thatch… You, too… But…" He struggled for an answer, turning to look at the ocean. "I'm just used to keep secrets, that's all." Oh no, his voice didn't falter a bit there. Not at all. Nope.

"Try me."

And by this, Marco was officially confused by his own behavior. He could understand his curiosity over the mystery this boy was. He could admit the interest he felt in discovering those hidden secrets. But, what about the eagerness? That was something totally new to him.

Luffy turned again towards the man and noticed his inner turmoil. That was a demand more than a request and he felt it wasn't a usual happening for the pirate. He just didn't have that kind of personality.

"Then ask. I won't lie." He answered softly.

Marco didn't expect that answer, but considered quietly and carefully his options. He had a lot of questions, after all.

"Do you regret giving up your position?"

Luffy huffed. "Adopted or not, you're definitely Whitebeard's son. I do not."

"That's not everything, yoi."

The boy arched a brow, then sighed. "I just have to accept it, that's all."

"Easier said than done."

"Obviously… Are you trying to resemble Kizaru?"

Marco snorted with a smirk. "Never." He thought of another question. "What's your relationship with Mihawk, yoi?"

Luffy smirked. "Getting jealous already?"

"You really like teasing…"

"One of my hobbies… Ace did warn you. He trained me when I joined the marines. Gramps made sure to bring hell on earth for me. Well, I'm strong now, so I guess it was worth it."

"Why do you not use your power?"

The ex-marine's expression softened. "It's too destructive, I might sink this ship. I'm a guest, after all… Even if kidnapped." He sent the pirate a dirty and accusing look.

Marco lifted his hands in defense. "You keep going on about that, but you didn't seem so against it when I picked you up."

Luffy's cheeks blushed a bit, but he wanted to think they were well-hidden by the darkness. "I was feeling weak." He mumbled, pouting.

"Yeah, right, yoi. Ace told me what type of power you have… But he kept his mouth shut on the details."

"You're curious of knowing another living myth, Phoenix."

"Sue me, yoi."

Luffy laughed softly. "I might just go to Senny and file a complaint."

Marco smirked again. "That's a show I'd want to see, yoi… Ok." He sighed, deciding it was best to stop. "I'll be on the crow's nest, g'night."

"Night." He said with a wave.

The pirate morphed into his beats form, burning in blue and orange flames, golden chains fluttering, before flying up and disappearing above him. Luffy sighed. He, too, wanted to free his wings. It had been a long time since the last he could transform without witnesses. His crew knew, of course, but hadn't really seen it with their own eyes. The only ones that had were Garp, Mihawk and Dragon. But the beast grew with him, so it had changed over the years.

With another silent sigh, he looked in front of him at the sea to free his head. Mesmerized, he soon fell asleep.

He woke up feeling wet. Opening slowly his eyes, he had to blink a few times before noticing the starting rain. It was maybe half an hour before sunrise, so he decided to bath in the tears and wait. It was calming, even if a bit cold, and intensifying steadily. Soon, the rain became a real storm, with thunders and huge waves lulling the ship.

Luffy wouldn't have seen the morning show anymore, so he went inside. On the door, Namur nodded and got past him on the deck. The ex-marine entered the galley, where only cooks were already working behind the counter. He noticed Thatch and approached him without making sounds. When he was right next to him, Luffy poked his side and heard his yelp, laughing.

"Damn, Luffy! I am the prankster of the ship!" He whined, blushing. "You have velvet footsteps, too…"

"Well… You have two options, Thatch. Being on the end of my pranks or let me in in your plotting." He said, smirking broadly.

"Oh, God." A tired voice said from the door, catching their attention. "I am so dreading this alliance…"

"Hi, Ace. Scared?" Luffy said.

"As fuck. Can you spare me?"

"Nope."

Ace sighed heavily, making his way towards the counter to eat something.

"I have a feeling that it's better the latter, for my sanity." Thatch finally answered, careful.

"What is, yoi?"

"Pranksters' allies." Came Ace's voice.

"Oh gosh, is it my fault?" Izo waved, going to Luffy.

"I'm just bored." The boy smirked.

Thatch, in the meantime, was trying not to look at the leather. Damn sexy pants. Why the hell was he still wearing them? And why were they wet?! His blush darkened and he quickly turned his attention to the cooking.

Eating, Luffy noticed that he had more appetite and wondered why. Nothing had changed in those days that would have caused his better mood… Aside… Maybe talking? The conversation with Marco had been comfortable, even if teasing here and there. He'd been surprised by those comments. Perhaps, talking more was exactly what he needed.

He was just finishing his black coffee when they heard loud angry shouts from the entrance. Thatch quickly fled from the kitchen's door while a hoard of pirates dressed in pink pants invaded the galley. Luffy and Ace laughed out loud, Marco smirked and Izo stared deadpan.

"Where is he?!" Vista asked.

"He ran away, yoi. Try the deck."

"Don't be too harsh, he's still recovering." Izo added as everyone went away.

"Lu, please don't add your madness." Ace pleaded.

"Why? … You know… Your father said you talked about me to everyone here." The brunette's eyes widened slowly in understanding. "Now, how should I thank you…"

Before Luffy could continue, Ace made a dash to the door and vanished behind it, making Izo laugh.

"You scare him so much…"

"Because he knows me. I'll show him how these years have improved my skills."

Marco suppressed a shiver, those words held a lot and were a sure threat. He was glad that it hadn't been for him.

After breakfast, Luffy was kidnapped – again… what was this thing about people abducting him... – by Izo, that had sown him a lot of clothes, from other pairs of black leather pants, less tight, to azure shirts. He was dressing after Izo had lent him his bathroom.

"Thank you. Why did you use me for revenge?"

"I found him staring at your rear and stored the info." Izo smirked. "And stop thanking me, I owe you. For the show you pulled up, for saving Ace, for your delicacy."

Luffy took off the bandages, wore the shirt and buttoned it till two buttons were left on his chest. "Don't worry about it." He took the other clothes in his arms. "I'll leave them in my room." He smiled and left.

With his new wardrobe tidy and full, he wore his black necktie loosely and went to the deck. There, Whitebeard was in his chair laughing with Ace sitting on his knee. A wooden canopy was shielding them from the heavy rain. The captain noticed him and motioned for Luffy to get near.

"Hello there, marine." He smirked.

"I'm not one anymore." Luffy answered with a grin, hands in his pants' pockets, hat low on his eyes.

Ace froze and looked warily at his brother.

"Calm down, I don't want to see you bedridden again." The fire man relaxed a bit, but the other's smirk widened. "Not yet."

Newgate laughed out loud. "Don't go scaring all my sons now, Commodore."

Ace scoffed but stayed wary.

"How are your hands?" The captain asked, scanning him.

"Fine. The scars left are cool." Luffy earned another laugh and looked at the IVs, there were less than the day before.

A figure with a pompadour perked up from behind the chair with a scared face. Ha was covered in pink paint from head to toes. "Have they calmed down, pops?"

"Who knows…"

"I won't bet on it." Ace said, laughing, and jumped down. "Come on, let's go. You need a bath."

And, that way, Thatch was forced inside.

"Are you settling down on my ship, cheeky brat?"

Luffy turned to Whitebeard. "More than I'd like to admit." He smirked. "You have built an amazing family."

"Gurararararara!"

The ex-marine felt more than heard the happiness in the laughter and smiled. He turned to the sea and closed his eyes, listening to the pouring rain that hit the deck and the water. It was a soothing sound, lulling him into a relaxed stance.

"You'd make a nice addition."

Luffy's eyes widened and looked at the pirate.

"What?"

"You heard me."

The other scoffed. "I don't think so."

The pirate's eyes narrowed at the tone. It was low and decisive… but sad. He didn't get to inquire, however, because Marco joined them with a brief nod to both.

"Finally fully dressed, yoi." He said with a smirk.

"Do I hear disappointment?"

"In your dreams."

Luffy laughed. "You're no fun… Did you sleep?"

"I didn't." Marco sighed. "I was going to, but heard pops talk and came here to see if everything was okay."

"You're such a worrywart."

The pirate scoffed, smiled at his Captain and went back inside. Whitebeard arched a brow at the teasing exchange and grinned, interested. The door opened again, revealing a smirking Haruta, Commander of the 12th division. He had a crop of short brown hair, blue eyes, and was fairly short. He wore a green and white 16th century style ruffed outfit with white tights and carried a saber.

"Hey, Commodore!"

"I'm not one anymore, why are you pirates so stubborn..." Luffy mumbled.

"Spar with me."

He grinned, excited at the idea. "Why not…"

Soon, the two were in the training room, studying each other. Haruta was wielding his saber while Luffy simply stared at him, folding up the sleeves of his new shirt. As they clashed, the fight caught the attention of several pirates, including Izo and Vista. The latter was tall, muscular, broad-chested and tanned, with a curly black mustache and a dark blue top hat on top of his black curly hair, an earring in each ear. He wore a semi-open dark blue shirt with a white diamond stripe pattern near the top, revealing his hairy chest, as well as a cape that matched the color of his shirt and white gloves. He also wore light blue pants with a belt that held two saber sheaths, one on each side.

The ex-marine kicked Haruta's hand and made him lose his grip on the hilt. The saber flew and Luffy grabbed it, smirking.

"You're strong!" The shorter boy whined, slumping on the floor in defeat.

The ex-marine looked at him, impassible. "Course I am, I was a Commodore."

"And he's got more agility than you." Added Izo.

Luffy had just given back the weapon, helping Haruta, when, without warning, Vista sent two slashes with his sabers. The boy jumped in-between, dodging both, and landed again with bent knees, right hand's fingers on the floor. Hi eyes were shadowed by the hat, smirk still visible. The swordsman attacked again, this time he nodded at the other pirate, that helped him.

The ex-marine found himself evading multiple blows from Vista and Haruta for several minutes. Luffy would jump like a monkey every time they got too near and regain his comfortable distance. Izo was mesmerized and joined the battle against him, too excited to let the chance slip. Luffy was soon cornered but kept dodging nonetheless. He tried to escape more than once, but one of them would stop him. He ended up with light grazes on his arms.

"Izo, are you trying to destroy my new clothes?"

This froze the cross-dresser, that turned and started pushing back his brothers.

"What the… Izo!" Haruta shouted in surprise.

"Don't damage my hard work!"

Luffy smirked, victorious. "Nice."

While Izo fought Haruta, the ex-marine focused on Vista. And, finally, he could attack, too. Two swords were harder to pass through, so he had to try a lot, dodging and jumping out of the way several times, before succeeding. Luffy grabbed his left wrist and lifted him up, catching Vista by surprise, he then called some scales on the other hand and blocked the free saber, making the pirate lose the hilt. This happened in a matter of seconds, and Vista fell on the floor face first. The ex-marine took advantage of the hit and stole the second sword in the same fashion, leaving him weapon-less. He jumped back and launched them in the air. He morphed back, taking hold of their hilts and mimicking Vista's battle stance with a wide smirk.

The other pirates were left with open mouths and utterly speechless. Izo and Haruta had stopped their own fight to watch the two with wide eyes.

"Are you a snake? Or a monkey?" Vista asked, massaging his face.

"Neither." Luffy said with a smile. He helped the other up and gave back the weapons. "You could use some speed training, but you're strong. One slash of yours and one half of me would be on the other side of the room." He said, pointing with his thumbs at the corner on his back.

The pirate laughed, sheathing his sabers. "Thank you. Maybe, next time, I'll be polite and ask first."

"Shishishi… Don't worry. I'm used to surprise attacks, gramps' fault."

The crowd relaxed at the jovial conversation and, while some started training, others simply left. Izo patted Vista's shoulder and then controlled that Luffy's shirt was unharmed. He unfolded the sleeves and smiled at the cross-dresser, it was only slightly dirty.

"Well done, I've never seen Vista go down like that."

"He was holding back, narrow place I think, and damaging the ship would have been bad." Luffy said off-handedly.

"You're one to talk, it's clear you're restraining your true power." Haruta huffed.

"That's true." Izo added, nodding.

"You did say the rules were no damages and no killing." Luffy rolled his eyes, still smiling. "Maybe, on an island, I will go all out and wipe the floor with all of you." This time he smirked.

"Cheeky brat…"

Luffy fled from Vista's punch on the head and went outside, saying: "Like Father, like Sons…"

I hope the reference in the last sentence is clear :) Thank you for reading, please review! See ya!