Newbie's Skill

Ten

I had an arm around each of their necks. I bit my trembling bottom lip. Did I step over the boundaries? Did I screw up? Everyone was speechless. The noise just silenced itself. I gulped nervously, accidentally tightening my grip. Next thing I knew, I had two arms wrapped around my torso and two hands in my hair. I almost broke at the feeling.

"What's this for all of a sudden?" Ace chuckled breathlessly. He sounded like he was almost in tears. I didn't want to pull back, but I wanted to see their faces.

"I...uhm..." I murmured. "I...wanted to thank you...but...I didn't know how." I stared at the boat shyly as my cheeks reddened again. I realized my personality flipped a 180 since yesterday, yet I knew I was safe. They watched over me last night and protected me. These two didn't give up on a useless brat like me. Neither did...how do I tell him? Should I call him Pops? No...wait, did he ever accept me as a son? I looked up at Whitebeard, my shyness multiplying. He seemed curious. "Thank you, for saving me and letting me be your son, Pops," I said, a little quieter than I wanted.

No one said anything, and I took that as a sign to leave them to think it over in peace. I darted for where I slept last night, and Champ was on my tail. I closed the door and sighed heavily. Well, that was a bust. So much for saying thanks. I climbed into bed. I just wanted to break down and become vulnerable. Maybe that was a bad idea. They probably think I'm just a dumb kid now. A bipolar, emotional teenager. My heart sank in agony. I closed my eyes.

I heard the door open, and someone said, "That little turd. He can't just shower us in affection and thank us and just run away." It was Ace.

"Yeah. Pops was so happy that he was almost in tears." Marco...I felt someone tickle my sides, and I yelped, staring up at Ace.

"Hear that, Turd?" Ace asked with a playful annoyed and angry expression. "You can't just leave us hanging like that."

"But I thought you were mad at me," I mumbled. He sighed, sitting on the bed.

"Now why in the world would we be mad at you for something like that?"

"I'm sorry." Marco slapped Ace upside the head.

"Don't make the poor kid feel bad. He's overwhelmed," Marco scolded.

"You're right. You're right. My apologies." He looked down at me. "Come on. You can't sulk around in bed all day. You're coming out with us." My eyes widened.

"No. No. That's okay," I protested. Ace smirked at me. He looked like the Devil himself.

"I wasn't asking, Pipsqueak." Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no. I practically squeaked when he threw me over his shoulder. I wiggled around, attempting to break free, but it was no use. What was this kid made out of? Steel?

"Put me down," I commanded. Ace just laughed me off, and I glanced at Marco with pleading eyes. He smiled, ruffling my hair as I huffed.