Happy Birthday........ACE

#10

From the beginning, Zoro knew that request won't be easy. Luffy was a rebellious boy, and due to that, he'd made enough enemies already. He was also very reckless, Zoro lost count to how many times Luffy had risked his life in both battles and normal everyday activities.

But despite that, he along with everyone else in the crew loved him. Luffy protected them in a daily basis, and they wanted to return the favor. That's why everyone accepted Ace's friendly request, telling the fire-user that he can trust his little brother with them.

But as Zoro recalled the newspaper he'd got on that dreadful day and he casted a brief glance at the scar on Luffy's chest, the guilt inside him slowly grew. Well, look how that turned out.

"We made a promise to you back at Alabasta, but we couldn't fulfill it. We failed. You can kick our butts as many times as you want later." Zoro stated with remorse evident in his tone, but it quickly changed into confidence and determination when he added, "But, we won't fail again. We'll definitely protect Luffy this time."

The swordsman paused for a moment before he sealed the deal. "I promise."

Luffy stared at Zoro, astonished. That was the most earnest thing he'd heard Zoro say since their promise at the Baratie two years ago. Luffy could tell that Zoro meant every word and he intended to keep it until death. The look on his first mate's face was one of unwavering determination, and when Luffy glanced behind them, he saw similar looks on his crew's faces as well.

Luffy didn't know what to make out of the warm feeling inside his chest.

The seven Straw-Hats saw their captain's bewildered face and all of them gave him fond smiles, exchanging a silent confirmation that they fully agreed with what Zoro said. When Luffy's face turned slightly red, they barely controlled themselves not to lunge onto him with a suffocating hug right there and then.

"Also, thank you for saving our captain." Zoro's features softened and he finally smiled, bowing his head in the slightest. "We can never repay you enough for that."

Feeling more satisfied than he'd ever been, Zoro finally averted his gaze to Luffy beside him, his smile not going away. Luffy continued to stare at him in wonder before he finally took in Zoro's words, his friends' smiles, everything and the captain couldn't help but grin in return.

"Getting soft there, Moss Head." Sanji commented behind them with a teasing smile.

"Shut up, Dartbrow. Like you wouldn't do the same." Zoro said without looking back, earning a silent chuckle from the blonde.

Luffy laughed at the duo's exchange before he turned his attention towards the lantern in his hands. The orange light from the fire was still bright and Luffy was impressed it hadn't gone out yet. The captain took a few steps forward and lifted his head upwards to the sky before saying, "Ace, make sure you get this okay?"

The Straw-Hats smiled, excited for the grand finale of the night.

Luffy lightened his grip on the lantern and slowly raised his arms to the sky, smiling when the lantern flew away from his hands. All of the Straw-Hats watched as the lantern gave out a beautiful bright light, disclosing the detail on its surface, and flew higher and higher on the dark night sky until it disappeared from sight.

"Happy birthday, big brother." Luffy whispered with a smile, feeling more happy and loved than he'd ever been when he felt his crew embrace him with so much care and affection, he wanted to cry.

And that was how the night ended, with the Straw-Hats' laughter and tears echoing in the air.

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In another world, a giant man with a black bandana sat on his chair and was busy gulping down gigantic cups of sake when he heard footsteps coming towards him. The man halted, looking down at his new company. "What is it, brat?"

A young man with raven hair beamed before him, holding something in his arms. "Pops, look what I got!"

"Oh?" His curiosity took over and the man stared at the new object with a tilted head. "What is that?"

"It's a lantern! Doesn't it look cool!?" The raven-haired cried out, his eyes lighting up in childish wonder as he examined every detail on the 'cool' lantern.

The man hummed from his seat. He got to admit, the intricate detail on the object had him impressed. Whoever made it clearly knew what they were doing. "It looks nice. Where were you, actually? You were gone for quite a while."

"I was watching my little brother. He was making this with his crew and he said a bunch of sorries and thank yous, my eardrums almost burst!" The young man replied just as his smile turned to a disapproving scowl. "Stupid brother, why would he say those things?"

"Gurararara." The man laughed before setting his eyes upon the younger's face again. "Is that why you're crying?"

The raven-haired blinked, now fully aware of the liquid streaming down from his eyes.

"Wha-No! I'm not crying at all!" He shouted, his face turning into a dark crimson color. "T-These are just from the sea water earlier! The waves were a bit wild and I was a little too close so-!"

"Calm down, brat." The man said with a soothing tone. "It's okay."

The young man stopped, but his face was still red and flustered as he wiped the offensive water off of his face. "Ugh, stupid sea water..."

The man let out a warm smile, his features softening as he said, "Putting that matter aside...are you happy, Ace?"

Ace slowly looked up towards his father figure and he couldn't stop the growing grin on his still wet face. "...yeah, Pops. I'm very happy."

The end...

(the story ends here. Thankyou so much for reading and voting on this story, I hope you guys enjoyed it)