The Day It All Began (Mihawk X Shanks)

Chapter 7: Another Departure

Mihawk and Shanks spent their times together on the island for 3 months. They trained together, ate together, showered together; pretty much did everything together. They became much closer than ever.

However their relationship didn't change much. The furthest they went was a light kiss on the cheek once in a while, and nothing more. They wanted to keep the friendship just the way it was, at least until they both were 100% certain of their feelings towards one another.

In the 3 months they lived together, Mihawk learned many things about Shanks, and Shanks learned a lot about Mihawk. There was no secret held between them. Or at least that's what each of them thought.

************************************
One night after the 3 months...

Shanks and Mihawk both laid down on the grass nearby a cliff. It was dangerous, but the view of the sky was amazing. They came out here often, but it never ceased to amaze them. They both stared at the sky night silently, enjoying the view of the night sky.

"Hey... Mihawk. I have to tell you something." Shanks quietly said.

"Yes? Is there something wrong?"

"No. It's not that. It's just... I think I'm going to travel again."

Mihawk sat up at the words. "Travel? You mean to go back to the seas?"

"Exactly. I want to find a crew of my own. I want to have a family like crew, like how it was back on Roger's ship."

Mihawk silently stared at him. He thought of how each day without Shanks passed by. Boring. Dull. Lonely.

"I see. If that's what you truly desire... I will not stop you."

"Hey now, don't sound so sad. I'll be visiting you often! I'm always going to track you with the vivre card silly~" Shanks replied back happily.

"... Tsk. I feel bad for your crew mates." Mihawk said as he got up and started walking towards the direction of the lake.

"H.. Hey wait up! And what was that supposed to mean?"

Shanks quickly got up to catch up to Mihawk. "And where are you going? Isn't this the way to the lake?"

"Yes. It is. You can go back. I'm going to take a quick dip in the waters."

Shanks silently walked. Maybe he should leave Mihawk alone for the night. He did just tell him that he was going to leave.

"... Ok. I'll be at the hut then." Shanks turned around and walked towards the hut. But as soon as Mihawk got out of sight, he stealthily followed Mihawk.

Mihawk gazed up at the night sky as he walked to the lake. What was this pain he was feeling? Is it because Shanks told him that he was leaving? Whatever it was, he didn't want to let it bother him. Which is why he decided to take a dive in the lake. He wanted to forget about it for now.

He reached the lake not long after. Since it was still summer, night time didn't help with the heat. By the time he got to the edge of the lake, he was drenched in sweat. He took off his sword and his top and got down to drink the water.

He took off his boots, then walked towards the waterfall. Usually standing under the waterfall helped to relieve stress for him.

He stood under the waterfall, enjoying the falling water on his body. He thought the pain would have gone away by now, but it didn't. The more he tried to forget about it, it came back stronger. What exactly was this pain?

Shanks, looking at Mihawk from a distance, was surprised to see that Mihawk hasn't noticed him. Usually Mihawk would notice Shanks, even when there was distractions everywhere. Perhaps Mihawk was too busy concentrating on his thoughts to have noticed. Shanks was about to leave when he noticed something off about Mihawk. He was... Crying. He couldn't see the tears because of the waterfall, but Shanks knew his body movement well enough to know that Mihawk was crying. Is that why Mihawk wanted to be alone? Because he didn't want anyone seeing him cry?

Shanks was about to go towards Mihawk, but stopped. No. This was something Mihawk needed to solve on his own. He couldn't interfere. So Shanks turned around and headed towards the hut. Maybe he should leave early in the morning without telling Mihawk. It would be better than a sad goodbye.

************************************

Shanks woke up earlier than usual to leave the island. It pained him to leave Mihawk without saying anything, but it was better for the both of them.

Shanks quietly walked out with all of his belongings in his bag. He looked back to see if Mihawk was sleeping. Thankfully, he was.

Shanks made his way to the boat, and made sure to leave no trace of his departure. If Mihawk found him missing, he would definitely know that Shanks left the island.

Putting all of his belongings in his boat, Shanks prepared to set sail. Double checking everything, he was about to push the boat into the water but stopped.

"Leaving so soon?"

It was Mihawk. He followed Shanks without him knowing. He must have been awake when Shanks left.

"I... I just... Thought it would be better for the both of us to..."

"To what? To leave without saying goodbye?"

"I... Look I know you're upset, but I was doing what I thought was right."

"Shanks. The world is cruel out there. Once you leave the island, even I wouldn't know if I will ever see you again. Saying goodbye is the least you can do."

Shanks, didn't know what to say. What Mihawk said was true. Leaving the island means being chased by danger again. He could die out there, and worst, never see Mihawk ever again.

"I'm sorry. I truly am. Look. I promise you nothing bad will happen to me out there. I will find you again, and we can have that duel we didn't really go around to."

Mihawk, looking disappointed, approached Shanks. He reached his hands out to touch the red haired man's face. He gently moved his hands to Shanks's neck. He moved in closer to kiss him.

It was light at first, but soon turned passionate. Mihawk moved his hands to grab at Shanks's waist, and Shanks moved his arms to place around Mihawk's shoulders. Their tongues touched lightly, and they both felt the lips of each other's. Every time they had their moments together, it felt like their bodies connected. It was like an electric impulse running between them.

Shanks broke away and gasped for air. For a moment, he thought everything around him stopped. Looking into Mihawk's eyes, he smiled. He hugged Mihawk tightly and gave him a light kiss on the cheeks.

"It's not going to be forever. I swear. You'll see Mihawk. I'll come back stronger, and with a crew!"

Shanks let go of Mihawk, and pushed his boat into the water. He got on, and looked back at Mihawk and smiled.

Mihawk stood on the shore, and gave Shanks a short wave. It wouldn't be forever. He knew it, but it still felt sad to know that he was going away. But it won't matter, as long as Shanks could find him again. He knew he will. He hoped for the best, and walked back to the hut.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow you guys still read this? I'm actually amazed that you can stand my horrible story 💕 anyways, Thank you for reading! No this isn't the ending don't worry~ there will be more chapters ahead, as long as I can update them once in a while 💕