Dr. HEART STEALER

#25: When Truth Unveils Itself

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Sabo smiled as he saw a youngster walk in. "I wonder when will I ever see a smile plastered in your face again", Sabo wiped the dishes. "Luffy's alive and kicking, aren't you going to see him?", Trafalgar asked as he sat on the high chair. "I don't have a face to show my little brother", Sabo's words are tainted with pain. He leaned his arms on the counter. "The usual", Sabo prepared for a cup. "Not for today", Trafalgar raised his hand. "I have lemon tea", Sabo opened a cabinet and drew out a box. Trafalgar stared at it intently.

"Was it today?", Sabo suddenly had the courage to open up. "I don't want to talk about it", Trafalgar bit his lower lip. "That's really tough on you. When you choose to take it all on yourself, don't you think It'll hunt you in the near future", Sabo furrowed his brow. "I have some work to do tomorrow. I don't want to get paralyzed with these emotions", Trafalgar looked at the lemon tea that Sabo served. Outside, they can hear the rain. "There's one thing I am sure of", Sabo started off with a gentle voice. "He never regretted taking you in and if he can see you now, he'll be proud", Sabo turned his back.

The door opened. For some reason, Trafalgar found himself turning around. "Welcome", Sabo greeted. Her eyes met with pair of tired onyx eyes. "You're drenched in the rain", he commented. "Yeah right. I just rushed heading here. What is it that you have to say?", Airi looked at the time worried that she'll get home pass her curfew. Luckily, she has two more hours before her mother beat some sense on her again. "You could have just sent me a photo", Airi wiped her soaked shoes on the mat. "I'll go and get some towel", Sabo took pity on the student. "Yeah, I could do that. I just felt like you need to hear it in person", Trafalgar said in a bored tone. "Make it fast, then", Airi akwardly tried to sound as polite as she could. "You're healthy. I had checked your blood sample and some of your medical records. I haven't seen anything alarming. With your sleeping habits, go and see some psychologist", Trafalgar explained then turned his back on her. "Is that all?", Airi had some veins popping. "Are you for real?", she tried to keep herself calm.

"I'll take you home. Let me just finish my tea", Trafalgar sipped through the cup. Airi recalled the feelings on her hand against his cheek. It was as if she wants to do it again for her satisfaction. "Thank you for telling. Then, I'll take my leave", she said with her fists clenched. Sabo went down from upstairs. "Young lady, here is a clean towel", he offered. "I'll be fine. Thank you very much", Airi shook her head.

"Ace was prone to getting sick in rainy days and cold seasons", Trafalgar suddenly opened. Sabo's eyes widened. "What are you-", Sabo turned his focus on the raven head man. "Why are you talking about him so randomly?", Sabo's voice broke. Airi looked at the blonde and took a hint that they know each other. "You said so yourself. I just want to see how you talk about your deceased so that they won't continue haunting you", Trafalgar took the last sip before looking at Sabo's calm face. He was slightly startled.

"I had so much regrets but it won't bring him back alive no matter how many years I wallow on that mud of sadness I had felt", Sabo hoped that he'll make some sense and it would somehow save the pitiful man. "Someone asked if I could have made a difference if ever I was there that day", Sabo   had a weak smile. "But even if my answer was yes. There's no changing of fact that I wasn't", Sabo patted Trafalgar's shoulder. "Have you ever wished of having your memories remained unveiled?", Trafalgar sounded like a person desperately looking for answers. "There's no memory that's is fine being forgotten", Sabo slightly leaned his forehead on Trafalgar's.

"Am I just here to witness your illicit acts", Airi said with a straight face. Sabo laughed and made a generous distance. "This is that idiot's sister", Trafalgar revealed. Airi wasn't prepared for that. "How did you know?", Airi covered her mouth. Sabo looked at Airi and the atmosphere she emits. "I see. What an irony. This time, its your turn to pay back Ace", Sabo chuckled. Trafalgar clicked his tongue.