stay // eustass kid

01

even though i'd tried my hardest to not cry, the back of my throat burned and warm tears streamed down my face. the people who have been there for as long as i could remember, the people that saved my life and adopted me with open arms were now about to soon be left behind.

"..dragon", i tried to keep my voice steady, "i'm sorr-". he had cut me off before i could finish and rested a hand onto my head, he muffled my newly twisted locs slightly and smiled. though he wasn't the most talkative or affectionate, i knew what he meant by the simple gesture. his actions spoke volumes and i knew it was his way of saying 'i love you'. i also thought it was funny, because he left a whole other kid alone but took me in. i'd always joke about it but he'd just roll his eyes.

i nodded and wiped my tears away, ashamed for this to be the first time they'd seen me cry since i'd arrived. i felt a set of slim but strong arms wrap around me and only felt myself break down even more. koala hugged me tightly and was crying just as much as i was. "oh zula, i can't believe you're leaving me like this".

ivankov, who was watching the whole dramatic exchange, began to laughing hysterically. "look at these fools crying like this is the end, have they no shame? i would never cry for zula, tch", he stood with his hands on his hips and started trembling. his loud laughs slowly transitioned into loud sobbing and he took in a deep breath, "...JUSSST KIDDING!!". he fell to his knees in a fit of tears, as inazuma silently stood close handing him tissues. he used tissues to dry his own tears as well.

dragon shook his head in embarrassment, yet couldn't help but to feel sad about my departure. these people had been my family since i was so young. he naturally didn't want me to leave, but despite the rest of my adoptive family not understanding why, he understood the most. experiencing the world and living freely was something i had to do alone. and after all the years of training, he trusted me to be okay.

after all the years being there training, it only took five to master everything. at the time, though dragon was the one who'd saved me, i was kuma's pupil, and he'd always tell me how great i was of a prodigy. since i'd eaten the calm calm fruit at a younger age, i was taught to be an assassin.

he'd even helped me to get my devil fruit powers to awaken, which helped me even more when i decided to help with missions.

koala and i finally let go of each other, as inazuma handed out tissues to us as well. i couldn't help feeling sad at the fact that kuma wasn't there, but i knew he'd be both happy and sad at this parting too. he had explained to everyone that he agreed to be a weapon for vegapunk and that it was only a matter of time, before he wouldn't be able to return. though i was sad, i knew it was only a matter of time. there were also other members and commanders gone on missions, but they'd given their parting gifts and tearful exchanges previous to today.

i sucked up your final tears and straightened out. "thank you all for taking me in", i could hear my voice wavering and my nose began to start running, "i don't wanna say goodbye... so see ya later". sucking in a deep breath, i walked out the room confidently shutting the door behind me.

i took my time walking out of the building, reminiscing all the memories of running through these same halls. the ship they had set up for me was already waiting for me in the distance. i practically dragged your feet, excited yet reluctant to finally leave the nest.

i knew there was one particular person i'd wished had come to see me off. his goodbye was probably the most important to me, but i'd still understand if he didn't show up. it was all short noticed and when i'd broken up with him the week before. i knew it had hurt him.

i reached my new ship and smiled. i stepped onto the main deck and went to search around. koala had decorated it for my, including leaving pictures of her and the rest of my family stuck in the frame on the bathroom mirror.