Surfacing [One Piece FF]

2

They know the Oro Jackson's crew members like the back of their hands—or so Buggy thinks. Just like he thinks Shanks is never really afraid of anything. Usually, he is just driven by the reckless spirit of a boy too young and inexperienced to assess a danger correctly or accurately calculate a risk. And if he actually hesitates, then it is primarily due to someone or something else: A command of Roger, a tug of Buggy's fingers on his sleeve, or, as of recently, a nasty nightmare. But he is never, ever really afraid. That is what Buggy is thoroughly convinced of until he catches sight of Shanks one early morning. His right hand, lifted with the clear intention to knock on their Captain's door, gets lost on its way, just hanging uselessly in the air. The expression in his usually brave eyes suddenly dulled by a seriousness Buggy had never been introduced to before. It is undoubtedly related to determination taking over Shanks' face when they jump into battle, swords and knives at hand. As if dying is completely out of the question. As if killing them is against some universal rule.

Here and now, however, Shanks startles as if someone had slapped him, had beaten some sense into him. Don'tyou dare! His hand falls down, and his gaze crashes into the floor like a canon ball before he hurries away. Too scared to fight, knock, or tell whatever lies so heavy on his heart that it has indeed managed to weigh down both his hand and will.

If only Buggy knew what Shanks is so terrified of.