Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Sequel Chapter 2

Shimizu

"You're... You're crying."

I was confused. Crying? Then, I felt wet tears trickle down my cheeks. I realised soon and wiped them away quickly. Shit, why didn't I realise it sooner? I tried to wipe them away but they kept coming out. It was getting out of control so I ran off to my room. As soon as I entered my room, I closed the door, locked it and started to cover my eyes with a towel. Shit, I thought this wasn't going to happen again. Last time, I almost drowned everybody. I'm not letting it happen again.

ꕤ

Aiko

Shimizu ran off, tears leaking out of her eyes uncontrollably. I wanted to run after them but Ember stopped me. She shook her head, telling me to give them space. I halted and stood there, sighing as they enter their room and closed the door. Poor thing.

"What's wrong? Was I not supposed to do that?" Hana started panicking.

"No, no. It's fine. It's something we've seen only once. They..." I reassured her.

Flashback

I was looking out at sea. It was quiet on the Moby Dick. Everyone was drained after their huge fight at Alabasta. A new Warlord had tried to take over the kingdom again but failed after losing the championship Queen Dowager Vivi hosted. The prize was the title of "Victorian of Alabasta" and I had won that title. I wasn't tired like the others because I wasn't normal. My energy levels are high in the sky and the only times I ever feel low is when I'm injured, which doesn't happen so often. It was peaceful until I saw an island. I exclaimed and shouted aloud, waking everyone up. Ember smacked my head for shouting and I apologised. Shimizu and Law weren't bothered because this is what Luffy did on the Thousand Sunny as well. I pointed to the island I spotted and Ember told us to head for the island.

"Well, this is a nice island with lots of resources," Jozu said.

"I agree. I wonder..." Izo wondered.

As we scavenged for supplies, I noticed something off about one particular member and when I approached them to ask about their well-being, they shrugged it off and told me everything was alright.

"Are you sure, Shimi?" I asked again.

"Of course, Aiko. I'm fine. Nothing's wrong," Shimizu answered.

A week later, we sailed off but bid goodbye to Izo and Jozu who decided to stay on the secluded island. Shimizu seemed unlike themselves and I was worried. I wanted to ask them but they kept avoiding me and Ember noticed, too. Curiel and Law knew what was up with Shimizu but didn't say anything as Shimizu told them not to. One day, the glass finally broke.

"I told you, I'm fine!" Shimizu answered in a desperate tone.

"No, you're not. I know it. Your schizoid personality disorder is starting to go away and you're in pain because it affects your emotional health," Ember pointed out.

"No, no. Stop it," Shimizu begged.

"You're becoming human again and the pain is unbearable but we'll help you get through it-"

"Enough!"

Shimizu's eyes welled up and they were so mad the waves came crashing, almost hitting the ship. Ember and I panicked, not knowing what to do. Then, Law and Curiel appeared from their rooms and approached Shimizu before hugging them. Shimizu's tears stopped falling out and they fell on their knees, crying without tears.

"It's alright, Shimizu. We're here. It's alright now," Law assured.

End of flashback

I remembered that incident and so did the others except Hana. Hana knew something bad happened so she decided to say no more. I sighed and just walked to the door. I told the others to not mind so they decided to show Hana around and meanwhile, Zonji is in the kitchen, trying out new recipes. Like mother, like son. I knocked on the door and there was no answer. I tried to open the door but it was locked so I had to grab the keys and unlock it. After unlocking and opening it, I entered the room and saw them asleep on the floor. They fell asleep. I tried to pick them up but they were heavy. Then, Law entered the room.

"Need a hand?" Law asked.

"Yeah," I answered.

Law made the bubble and used his signature move.

"Shambles!" Law said, switching Shimizu's place with their blanket.

Shimizu was laying in their bed and I picked up their blanket before placing it over them. I didn't cover their face or neck, obviously. Else, they'd be sweating bricks. After that, we left their room, closing the door as well. We walked to the galley where Zonji served new dishes which, to me, Ember and Hana seemed to enjoy wholeheartedly.

"These are so good! Aiko, you should try these!" Ember commented delightfully.

She ran up to me and stuffed something in my mouth. I chewed it and beamed with joy. Whatever Ember stuffed in my mouth was heaven.

"You're right, these are fucking delicious! Zonji, what are these?" I commented.

"This is my version of Tagliatelle Bolognese. Classic Italian dish which is ragu, a meat sauce, served with a mix of tagliatelle pasta, spaghetti pasta and elbow pasta," Zonji answered.

I then turned to the side and Hana couldn't stop eating what was in front of her. It was sushi but it looked good and the sauce danced gracefully with the sushi as Hana put it in her mouth.

"Wow, this is so tasty! What is the dish?" Hana asked.

Zonji looked at it and grinned.

"This was Dad's version of a sushi bento accompanied with soy sauce, wasabi and seaweed soup as a side dish. Dad usually makes us these when Mom isn't home," Zonji answered.

After the whole feast, we sat on the chair with overloaded stomachs and satisfied mouths. Law and Curiel chuckled as they watched us.

"Oh no, we didn't leave some for Shimizu!" Hana said.

"I'll make some for them tomorrow morning. Oh, right. Aiko," Zonji said.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"When you said you're gay, did you have a crush? Usually, you'd literally come out of a closet with a bunch of confetti and glitter but you directly saying it hints to me you want to get someone's attention," Zonji answered.

"Well..." I said.

ꕤ

[End]