hiding

All sunshine and bruises

Marco landed on the deck, Alexia removed her right arm from around his neck, standing on the deck now herself. Her left shoulder was killing her, as she found she was unable to do anything with her arm. Before she could protest, Marco was dragging her to the front of the deck towards where Pops and many others were now gathering. It appeared many other groups had also been confronted by Marines.

Alexia slightly tugged her arm, attempting to free herself from Marco's hold, failing. Alexia wanted nothing more than to hide underneath the blankets on Marco's bed for the rest of her life, and he was dragging her to do the exact opposite. Alexia was ashamed of herself, furious that she once again, was at the mercy of the Marines, that she left Izo to struggle for the both of them. She was irritated that she had to rely on Marco once again to save her. All of these feelings together, left her feeling crushed, useless and weak.

"Marco, what happened?" Whitebeard's voice called out as everyone stopped to look at them.

"I don't know Pops; they came out of nowhere. There was no sign of Marines when I first scouted." Marco looked confused and frustrated, "I'm sorry pops."

"It isn't your fault my boy, these things happen, how do you believe we should approach this?" Whitebeard encouraged Marco to think of a solution.

"I need to talk with the other commanders." Marco sounded as if he had already planned it out, "We'll go out in smaller scouting groups, find out more information in less populated locations. There's bound to be someone who will talk."

"Daughter," Whitebeard's eyes narrowed at the marks on her neck, frowning, "I hope you are not too harmed. Will you be okay?"

"I...I will be," Alexia's head was down, mumbling a response nervously, "Thank you for your concern Pops."

Unknowingly to Alexia, who refused to meet anyone's glances, keeping her head down due to shame of being so weak; she didn't notice everyone's growing smiles on deck. Whitebeard gave the biggest grin of all, Marco smirking next to her. She had called him Pops, making him one of the happiest men in the world at the moment. Whether she had meant to say it or not, Whitebeard refused to let her go, she would forever be considered his daughter.

"Go, do what you must, and be safe." Whitebeard responded, everyone returning to their own duties, "Marco... when we find out where they came from, we will make them pay."

"No one hurts one of ours and gets away with it." Marco agreed.

"Daughter, please see Doc before you continue with your day." Whitebeard encouraged.

"Of course." Alexia nodded her head, allowing Marco to take her arm and lead her to the medical bay.

Marco opened the door, pulling Alexia inside. There were many of the crew inside, receiving treatment. Nurses were everywhere assisting Doc. Alexia found herself surprised, for a bunch of men receiving treatment for serious injuries, they were all so cheerful and social. If Alexia hadn't known any better, she would have thought it was another day in the dining hall.

"Are you okay?" Alexia asked Namur as he sat next to her, a nurse stitching the side of his face.

"Of course I am!" Namur laughed, in a cheerful mood, "It's been a while since I had a good spar!"

"I'm sorry about your face..." Alexia hung her head down again, referring to the claw marks she had left on his face which were so faded you could barely see them.

"It's alright little sister, it's not as if you had truly meant to harm me." Namur murmured, "If anyone should apologize to me, it should be that idiot brother of mine."

Alexia remained quiet then, keeping her head down as she looked at the ground. She stayed like this for what seemed like forever as the noises in the medical bay died down. Her head jerked up as she felt a hand lay on her shoulder. Marco gestured for her to sit on the bed next to her where Namur had been sitting not too long ago. Alexia hadn't realized how empty the medical bay had become until now. Only Marco, Doc and Alexia herself remained. Doc gave her an encouraging smile as she sat down.

"Do you have any other injuries other than what is visible my dear?"

"No sir." Alexia mumbled lightly. Marco crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, clearing his throat as if to correct her. Alexia sighed, "I guess my left shoulder maybe... got dislocated."

Alexia struggled to stay still as Doc kneaded his fingers over her shoulder. Humming to himself, he motioned for Marco to approach. Marco placed one hand on her back, another on her right shoulder, already knowing what Doc was wanting. Doc grabbed the top of her left shoulder and placed his other hand on her collar bone, giving her a look of empathy.

"I have to warn you this will..." Doc started.

"Yea I know I know; it will hurt like a bitch." Alexia grumbled, rolling her eyes, "This isn't the first dislocated shoulder I've had."

Alexia hissed in pain, following the loud pop of her shoulder being set back into place.

"That's going to be sore for a few days. We'll forgo your training for now, don't overuse that arm for a bit." Marco gave her an apologetic smile.

"Yea no shit." Alexia groaned.

"Well," Doc examined the bruises around her throat, before listening to the sounds of her chest, "There's no major damage, it's just going to be annoying sore for a few days. I can give you some salve, to help with the pain... that is if you are okay with that." Doc looked at her reassuringly.

"I can try it." Alexia fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, "The medicine you gave Marco for me hasn't killed me so far so you're not all that bad."

Doc chuckled; Marco smirked in amusement. Alexia tensed slightly as Doc applied some salve. She tried mentally telling herself it was because the slave was cold, and not because she was still absolutely untrusting of doctors. Doc himself hasn't turned out to be all that bad.

"Sorry my dearie, I don't mean to make you nervous." Doc shot her an apologetic smile.

"It's not your fault." Alexia tried to reassure, "I'm trying to get used to this."

"Just apply some of this if you feel your muscles around your throat start to hurt." Doc placed a small jar in the palm of her hand. She had to admit the stuff smelled good, almost like citrus.

"Thanks Doc." Alexia hummed and slid off the table, Marco following her out the door. Neither of them spoke as they made their way back to his room.