~~Final updates have come! Enjoy the slow romance!~~

Shanks

The forest was quiet, the thick smell of greenery permeated the air. The undergrowth here was thick and wild looking. A red-haired boy picked up a long stick and swung it around a few times. Grinning, he waved it around, jabbed, and whacked at some bushes.

A quiet hiss made him stop. Looking around, he finally noticed the lack of animals. No birds sounded, and there was no soft scurrying noise from mice or shrews. A flash of something bright appeared briefly, then disappeared behind one of the largest bushes.

The boy cocked his head and approached it cautiously, his fist clenched around the stick. Stopping, he poked at the thick bush. When it didn't move, he frowned but stepped back. "I thought I saw something here…"

Another bush rustled nearby and he brandished his stick quickly, holding it like a sword ahead of him.

Taking a step forward, he tried to look brave. "Come out!"

He wasn't expecting a small white and black spotted cat. The cat crouched low, then turned into a kid! The white fur and black spots receded, revealing dark skin, dirty nails, and bright green eyes. The kid slowly stood, but kept himself hunched some. He didn't meet the other boys gaze.

"Please…can you not hit my home?" The kid's voice was high pitched, but quiet.

"Your home?" The red-haired boy glanced at the bush, then looked at the kid again. That's when he noticed the torn pants and shirt, no shoes, and dirty dark brown hair. "Why do you live in a bush?" He saw how thin the kid was and took a step forward. Were they sick? They didn't look it. And they were skinny enough that he couldn't even tell if it was a boy or a girl.

"Shanks!" Both kids turned when a man's voice rang out, not that far away either. "Where are ya?" The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard a moment later.

Shanks turned as the kid suddenly morphed back into a cat and slunk back into the bushes. "Hey, wait!" He took a step forward, wanting to follow them, but was stopped by a man grabbing his shoulder.

"Where have ya been?" It was Roger. His straw hat hung on his back. "What are ya doing here, Shanks?" He gave Shanks a curious look.

Shanks pointed at the bush, looking up at Roger. "There's a kid living here." He knew something wasn't right here, but Roger could help.

Roger glanced at the bush, then his hand flashed out. Shanks wasn't surprised to see him holding the cat-kid by the scruff. "Well, didn't expect this." The kid was somewhere in-between human and cat now, with long straight legs, fur, and a tail that was lashing every which way, but a human face and hands. Beneath his tangled hair, Shanks could see small triangular ears.

The kid shifted back to human as soon as Roger set them down. "Why'd you do that!"

Shanks snickered at the indignant look on their face, earning a glare from the kid.

Roger looked at them curiously. "Why are ya living in a bush? Who are ya?" Shanks recognized his tone; not angry, just curious and maybe worried. Like when Shanks sometimes ran off and was gone all day.

"Osa." Osa looked at their feet, their face going red. "I-I live out here." They scuffed a foot through the dirt, not meeting their eyes.

Shanks fell silent and observed Roger from the corner of his eye. There was a touch of anger in the eyes of the big man. But Shanks knew he wouldn't be mad at the kid; it was obvious they were telling the truth. But why were they here? There were plenty of families in town.

After a few moments, Roger motioned for both kids to follow him. "Shanks, Osa, come with me."

Shanks started off right away, but after a few steps, he realized Osa hadn't moved. Roger halted as Shanks walked back to Osa, stopping in front of them. "Do you want to come with us?"

Osa watched him warily, glancing at Roger. "Why?" His voice was low, and Shanks thought he might be afraid. Shanks wondered briefly why a kid would be afraid of them. They hadn't tried to hurt him or anything.

Roger came back. "This is no place for a kid. And it looks like you could use some food. We can take you to town and get you some food, and maybe find someone to look out for you."

"No!" Shanks jumped in surprise at Osa's shout. They sank to the ground, their hands pulling their legs to their chest. "No one in town wants me…I'm a freak…" They pressed their face into their knees. Shanks heard a sniff.

"Why?" Shanks asked.

Osa didn't look up. "Because I'm not human." Slowly, they morphed until a half human, half cat kid was sitting in front of them. Their ears were pressed flat, their tail tucked around their body. Thin fur poked through the holes and tears in their clothes. Their hair grew thicker, but not by much. And he wasn't sure, but Shanks thought the kid had even grown a muzzle!

He was amazed. He had never seen a devil fruit like this before, only heard some stories.

Roger sighed. "Ya have a devil fruit power, but ya're not a freak. Come on, I know somewhere I can take ya where I know they won't think that."

Osa's face was marked with tears as they glanced up. Their fur receded, the limbs shrinking back to their human state. Their skin was a light, freckled brown.

After a few moments, Shanks was taken aback when he realized that Osa's dark skin wasn't natural. He was just dirty. After a moment, and he wasn't sure why, he grabbed Osa's hand and pulled them up. "Roger wouldn't do anything to hurt you." Despite Roger and his crew being pirates, none of them had ever let him get like this.

Osa sniffed, but didn't pull their hand away. "Really?" His grip was weak, and Shanks held on tighter.

Roger knelt in front of them and smiled. "Of course."

Osa sniffed again, then nodded. "Okay."

Osa

Osa followed the boy with bright red hair and the tall, almost intimidating looking man, but stayed quiet as they walked into town. Shanks' hand was warm in his, and Osa couldn't help but glance at him or Roger every few feet. No one, not even his parents, had ever touched him that wasn't a blow. He nearly jerked away, but something kept telling him to stay.

He tried to ignore his thrumming heart, and fought to keep his breath even. Instinct screamed to get away, but logic was telling him not to worry. He took a tentative sniff, and was surprised to smell a clean, golden-like scent from the boy. The man's was stronger, but harsher.

"Hey." He jumped when Shanks spoke. The red-haired boy was looking at him as they walked. "Why don't you live in town?"

Osa flicked his tail once. "My parents brought me here and left me," he said quietly. His heart raced again and his face burned softly.

Shanks' eyes went wide and Osa saw Roger turn his head towards them.

"Why?" Shanks asked.

Osa sniffed, rubbing his arm along his face. "They said they didn't want a devil at home…"

Shanks' hand tightened around his and Osa was surprised when he tugged him closer. He looked angry. Glancing at Roger, Osa's hackles rose at the scent of anger rising from the man.

None of them spoke as the forest ended.

Entering the town, Osa shrank against Shanks' side. For some reason, he felt safer closer to him and Roger. Whispers echoed through the air as they walked down the street, and his skin prickled from hostile gazes fixed on him. Shanks gave him a confused look, but Osa just looked at the ground. His ears ached as he pressed them tightly against his head, desperately trying to drown out the noise of the townspeople.

"It's that kid…"

"What's he doing in town? He knows he ain't welcome here!"

"Who's that with him?"

"Clear out, that's Gold Roger!"

People scattered at that, and Osa watched them in confusion. Roger just chuckled, and Osa gazed at him curiously. Shanks shot Osa a grin and walked faster, making them walk at Roger's heels.

Osa hesitated, but quickly fell in step as he caught some glares. A few people held brooms up, their knuckles white. A dog barked, and Osa jumped. His heart thudded painfully.

Shanks turned to Osa as they walked. "Are they scared of you?"

Osa shook his head, his voice coming out in a whisper. "No…they just hate me."

A man stepped out in front of Roger, making them stop, and Osa immediately shrank behind Shanks, shaking. The man glared at Osa briefly, then turned to Roger. "What are you doing here?" He was shaking, but stood tall.

Osa kept his gaze on the ground and curled his tail around his waist. He tightened his grip on Shanks. His nose stung as he breathed in the fear and anger in the air. He couldn't help but let out a whimper.

Shanks gave Osa a confused look, but he moved as close to Osa as he could. Osa found it easier to breathe with him close.

Roger didn't back down from the man's harsh tone. "Taking this child somewhere safe. I found them living in the woods." The scent of anger from Roger rose. Osa shrank even closer to Shanks. He was pressed up against his arm now, but for once he didn't mind the close contact.

"And that's where he belongs," the man retorted. "With all the other wild animals."

Osa gasped when Roger hit the man, knocking him flat. Roger had barely moved, there had been no warning, but the man was completely out cold before he hit the ground. Roger glared around at the people standing to the sides and shouted, "Anyone else think this child should stay starving in the forest?" The words echoed off the buildings. The anger in his voice was clear.

Shanks didn't flinch, and Osa felt his heart calm. If Shanks wasn't afraid of him, maybe Osa didn't have to be either?

Silence.

Roger started forward again, Shanks and Osa close behind him. Osa noticed people running down alleys or slamming their doors shut as Roger led them down several streets. He caught hostile glares, his fur burning from each one, but at a glance from Roger, they stopped. Osa kept his gaze on the road as they walked, trying to just focus on his own footsteps.

He jumped when he heard Roger rap on a door. Looking up, he didn't recognize the blue and white building they had stopped in front of. He had never been this far into town before.

A few moments later, it opened and a tall, powerfully built man with a crescent scar on his face stepped out. "Gold Roger, what are you doing here?" Osa wasn't sure what to make of the dog hat or strange uniform he wore. It was similar to the uniforms he had seen some people down by the docks wear, but nicer.

"Garp, there was a child living in the woods and half starved. Did ya know about this?" Roger asked heatedly. His eyebrows were drawn, his eyes dark.

Garp's surprise was clear as he glanced at Osa, but he could tell Garp's anger wasn't directed at them. "No. If I had, I would've come and gotten them myself."

Roger stepped back and nudged Osa forward; Shanks let go of his hand and stood just behind Roger's legs, peering out. Osa glanced at them nervously. Roger gave him an encouraging nod and Shanks just met his eyes. Osa turned as he heard Garp move, the dirt under his shoes crunching softly.

He knelt in front of Osa. "You're from this town, aren't you?" His voice was rough, but not unkind. He smelled harsh, like some of the big metal things that were sometimes on the docks.

Osa nodded. His heart raced again and he fought to stay still. His ears threatened to emerge, but he forced his transformation to stay hidden.

Roger sighed. "They're a devil fruit user. Not sure which fruit, I don't recognize which cat they are. But they said the townsfolk call them a freak. And I heard him say that he was left out there by his parents."

Garp growled, standing up. He glanced at Osa, then shot a sharp look at Roger. "Why bring him here?" Not an accusation, but confused. Was Roger not supposed to bring him here?

"Him? Well, I have enough kids on the ship already. We don't need another." Roger gave a hearty laugh at that, and Osa saw Shanks' face grow almost as red as his hair. "But I couldn't just leave him there."

Garp nodded. "Well, I would get going before I have to catch you, Roger. I won't now, since you saved him, but I won't be so forgiving next time."

Roger nodded and looked at Osa. "You'll be safe with the Navy." His voice lost its harshness and he smiled.

Shanks didn't seem to want to agree, but he waved back at Osa as they left. Osa watched until they were almost out of sight, then looked up at Garp.

Garp sighed. "Come on, kid, let's get you cleaned up so we can figure out what to do with you."

Osa glanced behind him, but Shanks and Roger were already out of sight. Pushing down his fear, he followed Garp inside.

Shanks

"Shanks, do ya remember that kid from the West Blue? The clouded leopard devil fruit user?" Shanks looked up to see Roger approaching him, a newspaper in hand. Above them, clouds scudded across the sky as the crew moved about the ship. The sharp smell of saltwater hit him as a wave splashed against the side of the ship.

Shanks nodded. How could he forget someone like that? It may have been three years, but Osa stood out. He had a brief image of the strange boy in his head, but pushed it away.

Roger handed him the paper. "Look at this."

Shanks glanced at the front page, but then did a double take. A grin spread across his face. "Is that Osa?"

The picture was small, but he recognized the skinny boy standing beside Garp. He wasn't fully facing the camera, but Shanks remembered the nervous tilt of his shoulders and the scared look on his face. He had never seen a kid have that look before.

"I'm sure it is. And he's the youngest recruit they've had in years, apparently." Roger chuckled. "I never expected Garp would keep him there, but it's no surprise."

Shanks scanned the page and grinned wider. "Do you think we'll ever meet again?" He wasn't sure why, but the idea of seeing the once-abandoned kid again was exciting. It didn't matter that he was a pirate now, traveling the seas and finding treasure, and Osa was navy, hunting those like Roger and Shanks.

"Hard to say, Shanks." Roger shook his head. "But if you really want to stay a pirate, you know you might have to fight him some day." His tone held a light warning, but his grin said he already knew the answer.

Shanks shrugged, handing back the paper. "So? Maybe he'll get stronger. I know I will!" There was a strange tug that he couldn't ignore whenever he thought about Osa. He wanted to ask how he was, if things had been better. If he remembered them.

Roger threw back his head and laughed. "I'm sure you will! Now come on, you have duties to attend to."

Shanks leaped up and followed his captain, the straw hat on his head feeling comfortable finally. He couldn't resist grinning as he thought about the clouded leopard kid. Someday, they would meet again.

He was sure of it.

Osa

"You'll train here, but keep in mind you're the youngest recruit we have," the captain spoke crisply, glancing over his shoulder. "We have a few close to your age, but no one under twelve."

Osa nodded, trying not to lower his gaze like he would have before. It was difficult, but over the last couple years he had gotten better. He glanced at the doorways, each one leading to a barracks room where the Navy cadets slept. The few marines they passed kept staring at him, some not even bothering to hide their surprise.

He flattened his ears and tried to ignore them. He was very glad he had a hat on now. It was harder keeping his tail hidden, but he managed. His skin burned with each new stare, his ears flattening at the whispers he caught.

"I understand you have devil fruit powers, so you'll be in one of the smaller rooms with a few others that you will train with." The captain stopped in front of a red door, motioning to Osa. 06D had been painted on it in black.

Osa opened the door to see six beds, all but one obviously occupied, and walked in.

The captain stepped in behind him. "Training starts tomorrow at 0600 hours. You'll have today to settle in, meet your bunkmates, and get acclimated to the base. Your bunk is the last on the right. Breakfast is at 7, lunch is at noon, and dinner served at 6. Questions?"

Osa paused, then turned around. "How long will I train at the base before joining a ship?" A nervous tremor passed through him, but he clenched his fist to hide it. This time, he managed to suppress his nervous transformation.

The captain grinned. "Eager? Don't worry. When you're considered competent, you'll be attached to the right ship. You may also have the potential for advancement in the Navy or World Government, depending on your specific skills."

With a nod, the captain left. Osa looked around the room, his tail twitching like mad. Simple, with each section being mostly the same as another. A bed, beside table, lamp, and drawers along the beds bottom. The only one available was a simple blue and white design, with nothing giving any indication of the person assigned to it. The others all had a hat, or scarf, books, or some kind of kit or other thing sitting atop the covers.

Osa slowly walked over, glancing at each bed as he did, then sat down. The bed was stiff, but comfortable. He stared at the floor. He had agreed to join the Navy mainly because of his devil fruit powers. And because he would always have a bed and food. He wouldn't be alone either.

Without warning, he bent over. His tail lashing, a growl rumbling in his throat, he dug his claws into his skull. A warm trickle ran down his fingers, but he ignored it.

When Roger had handed him to Garp, Osa had no idea that Garp would turn him to the Navy. For two and a half years, he had lived with the Vice Admiral and learned about the World Government, the Navy, and pirates.

And found out that Roger and Shanks, or at least Roger, were pirates themselves! And he was expected to hunt them!

He was torn about that. Roger had been nice to him, and so had Shanks. But now that he was joining the Navy, he would be expected to fight them. For a reason that completely eluded him, he didn't like the idea of facing Shanks or Roger.

Especially Shanks. No matter what he did, what he learned, the red-haired kid stuck in his head. Osa couldn't imagine hunting him down. Forcing him in jail, or worse.

But he was here now, and part of the Navy. If he was ordered, he would have to fight them. Maybe even kill them. Nausea swept through him and he hunched down more.