Chapter Text
As Mihawk sailed up to Shanks' massive ship, the sounds of merriment could already be heard from within. Rowdy singing and laughter echoed across the waves, a clear sign that the Red Hair pirates were thoroughly enjoying their evening away from the battles and tribulations of the New World.
Mihawk docked his boat with practiced ease, tying it securely before gracefully climbing aboard the larger vessel. The deck was cluttered with the debris of an ongoing celebration - discarded barrels, tipped piles of crates, stray articles of clothing. Crew members milled about in various states of intoxication, drinks sloshing haphazardly from hand to hand.
Mihawk cautiously made his way through, careful not to draw too much attention to himself lest he get dragged into the mischief. At the center was Shanks, leading the chaos with wild abandon as only he could.
The man was a vision of carefree merriment, hair as vibrant as the flames now crackling in the grand fireplace behind him. His booming laugh carried over the din with perfect clarity, a sound that always managed to cut through the noise no matter how rowdy things became.
Mihawk stood watching for a moment, taking in the utter joy embodied by the red-haired pirate captain. Shanks truly knew how to celebrate life to its fullest. And he found himself feeling warm just seeing the radiance Shanks brought to his men.
After some time, Shanks seemed to detect an unfamiliar presence. His vivid eyes scanned the crowded room before landing upon Mihawk's solitary form near the door. Shanks' grin, if possible, grew even wider in delight.
"It seems even the mighty Hawk-Eye can't resist the pull of a good party!"
"I'm afraid celebrations are not my objective tonight, Red-Haired." Mihawk stated calmly once Shanks was within earshot. "I've come seeking a private word, if you allow me."
Shanks' eyes immediately went bright and cheeks flushed from drink, or maybe, from him knowing what Mihawk will say to him in private. He nodded in understanding.
Shanks guided Mihawk through a side door and up a spiral staircase. At the top was a spacious study, volumes of books lining the walls and a plush rug covering well-worn floorboards.
Mihawk took a moment to admire the space, so uniquely Shanks in its eclectic arrangement of nautical maps, sketches and various trinkets, no doubt gathered from every corner of the New World. It was soothing in its familiar chaos, a window into the inner workings of Shanks' mind.
Turning, Mihawk found the man in question pouring two glasses of amber liquid from a decanter on his desk. Shanks offered one to Mihawk with a warm smile and raised brow, silently asking what was on the Hawk-Eye's mind this evening to bring him all this way.
Mihawk accepted the drink, appreciating the liquid courage it may provide for what he intended to confess next. Taking a steadying sip, Mihawk began without further preamble.
"I've come because I wanted to properly address what you expressed to me last. Your feelings, that is." Mihawk studied Shanks' open yet curious expression. "The past few days, I've done much reflection on our...connection. And I believe I've come to understand myself more clearly through that reflection."
"Oh?" was all Shanks prompted, allowing Mihawk the space to continue uninterrupted.
"What I'm trying to say, is that I've come to return your feelings of affection. I care for you deeply, as more than just a rival or friend." Mihawk finished sincerely, golden eyes peering into Shanks' own.
For a moment, utter silence hung heavy in the air. Then, without warning, Shanks threw his head back and laughed heartily, thoroughly amused by Mihawk's heartfelt confession.
Mihawk merely quirked a brow. He was used to the man's unpredictable laugh, but not by now. Once Shanks' mirth subsided into the occasional chuckle, he wiped tears from his eyes and grinned widely at Mihawk.
"Well it's about time you caught up!" Shanks exclaimed, reaching out to affectionately ruffle Mihawk's perfectly coiffed hair, much to the swordsman's chagrin. "I've known how you feel for a while now. I was just having fun teasing you into finally admitting it yourself."
An exasperated sigh escaped Mihawk's lips. Of course Shanks had seen right through to his hidden feelings long before he was willing to face them. The perceptive pirate was ever several steps ahead, constantly keeping Mihawk on his toes.
"You are insufferable, do you know that?" Mihawk remarked dryly, though his tone held no real malice.
Shanks merely laughed again, bright and carefree as always. Stepping closer, he gripped Mihawk's collar and pulled him down into a deep, welcoming kiss. All traces of annoyance melted away as Mihawk sank into the loving embrace, feeling as light as the burdens now lifted from his heart. At long last, they were in perfect alignment.
Right now, Shanks might have found the One Piece, but it was no treasure, by the thing he treasured most of all is the dawn, his dawn, the dawn that only he could see when he look into Mihawk's eyes.