Comforting the sun

Hancock's realization

It's been a day or three after Ace's death, and Luffy hasn't been handling it very well. He wasn't in a state to understand anything. He couldn't save his nakama back on sabaody, and his only brother died infront of him when Luffy tried everything just to save him.

Luffy was at his lowest point of life. The boy who had the brightest smile was suffering. He couldn't accept his death, he couldn't accept his separation from his crew, he couldn't accept—

"Luffy! Are you okay?"

Luffy snapped out of his imagination, and stared at Hancock, who was visibly concerned and worried for his wellbeing.

"Of course I'm okay! Why wouldn't I be?"

Luffy replied with his signature laugh and smile, but anyone except for stupid idiots would know it's different from before. For Hancock, she smiled slightly at Luffy's response, but still worried for him.

"A-ah! I was just.. u-uhm.. concerned for you, Luffy! I.. I just thought it would be.. okay if I checked up on you.."

Hancock replied with a blush. Although 50% of her is here just to impress Luffy, there's another 50% of her that's actually concerned.

"Really? Thank you, Hancock!"

Luffy smiled at Hancock. Somehow, Hancock had a feeling something was wrong. She didn't mention it because she thought that Luffy didn't want anyone to figure out.

"Oh.. okay. Jinbe and some of your friends will be here for you if you need help or anything."

Hancock told Luffy before standing up and taking her leave. She knew Luffy would have a hard time accepting his brother's death, not to mention Luffy tried everything in his power to save him when he ended up being saved. She wanted to be of use to Luffy, even in this condition.

"Oh, Luffy?"

"..Hm?"

"I'm here if you want to talk,"

Hancock said and then continued walking towards her ship. She wanted Luffy to know that she's here for him, when her love for him was just one-sided. She loved Luffy truly, but she knew she couldn't get his heart even if she tried her all.

There'll always be other people out there who will have a better chance at being with Luffy, an example is his female crewmates. Hancock felt like this is unfair, but this is a world filled with pirates and marines, isn't it? There'll always be unfairness since they're pirates. Even in a state where she'll try everything to achieve Luffy's love,

Her dreams will forever stay dreams.

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Luffy was shocked at Hancock's statement, but eventually smiled. He wanted to hear that. He wanted someone to talk to. After all, he's just 17. He can't handle his own feelings well, and felt like he can't ask for help at this state.

After a whole day has passed, Hancock visited Luffy again and Luffy decided to talk with her. He thought it would make him look weak, but here we are. The sunshine decided to communicate for once. He was about to start the conversation when—

"Hello, Luffy.. are you okay?"

Hancock asked Luffy with a hint of worry.

"..No."

Luffy replied, and turned around to meet Hancock's gaze.

"..What's the matter, Luffy? You know you can talk to me about anything."

Hancock told Luffy and then sat beside him, her concern was visible. (yes)

"..It's because.. I couldn't save Ace. If I couldn't save Ace, How could I ever be a great captain to my crew? 'll never be able to meet their expectations, I'll never be able to save them from any danger now. I'm too weak.."

"No you're not, Luffy. You're not weak. Even if your brother's demise was unlikely, he did it so that you can pursue that dream of yours. As for your crew, they followed you because they trust you, they trust you enough to call you their captain. They're probably worried sick about you right now."

Hancock told Luffy with a warm smile. She's shit at comforting, but she tried her best. All she cares right now is Luffy's mental health. She wanted to help him.

For Luffy, though, it helped him a little. It gave him some hope in this world where the so-called 'friends of justice' murdered his only alive brother.

"..You're right.. I'll avenge my brother soon..!"

Luffy exclaimed with his signature laugh and smile. Hancock was glad her words helped him, even though it sucked.

"..I know you will, Luffy.. just know that you are never alone."

Hancock reassured Luffy before Luffy could even think about it.

"Thank you, Hancock!"

Luffy thanked her, then his black hole stomach started making noises.

"E-eh..?! W-what was that?! Is it a monster approaching—"

"It's my stomach."

"Oh."