Chapter Text
Ace, Thatch, and Marco discussed the kid's background.
'Monkey D.' had startled them.
So this kid was the only son of the great Monkey D. Dragon? And he was from the attack weeks ago? How was this kid getting by?
Ace felt a pang in his chest.
The Dragon organisation was much like the Gold Organisation, except they dealt with different things. The Dragon organisation was more like revolutionaries who fought against the government. Regardless, it was still major news which everyone was talking about.
The head of such a big organisation being killed in an attack was no small news. And this kid? He wasn't even sure if his parents truly were dead.
Ace couldn't help feeling sympathy for him. He could relate to this small child more than he expected.
After the kid broke down, Ace felt a slight sense of relief.
Not because the kid broke down. Because he seemed to finally accept that his parents were, in fact, gone.
Ace also felt closer to him, now that the kid seemed to trust him more.
He decided. He would protect this kid, no matter what.
Ace looked down to see the kid now asleep, with a tear-stained face. Ace couldn't help wincing at the sight. This small kid, was wrapped in bandages. Not once did he complain about it being painful at all. Was it supposed to be this way?
Marco whispered, "Let's discuss what we are going to do with him, yoi."
Thatch nodded, leading the way out of the room.
Ace followed, glancing back at the small child.
After stepping out, Thatch began, "He's not like the other kids. He probably wouldn't like to go to any foster h-"
Ace interrupted firmly, "I'll take the kid with me."
Marco looked slightly surprised while Thatch dramatically widened his eyes.
"What do you mean, yoi? You can't have legal guardianship over him! You are still underage too! Besides, why would you want to take care of him, yoi?"
Ace looked at his friend, narrowing his eyes. "I don't mean I'm going to be the legal guardian. Old man can be his legal guardian. And there's no special reason. I just want to take care of him, that's all."
Thatch tilted his head before smiling, "You seem to have taken a liking to the kid, huh Ace?"
Ace felt hot as he glared at Thatch. "The fuck? Of course not. I just think he'll be useful to have around."
Marco smiled quietly, exchanging a glance with Thatch, which Ace seemed to have missed.
"Fine, yoi. We have no problem. But your grandpa needs to agree first. We also need to get the kid's other records straight. Since he lost both his parents, we have to ensure there is no one else who can be his legal guardian. I'll deal with all that, yoi."
"Thanks, Marco. I'll go call old man and let him know just the vague details. I don't want him coming here or doing anything else. He doesn't even know much about what we're doing." Ace replied.
'Not like he cares, anyway' Ace thought, rolling his eyes.
"I'll go cook something tasty for when the kid wakes up! Something easy on his stomach as well as nutritious!" Thatch said, enthusiastically.
Ace nodded absent-mindedly, as he wondered what excuse to give to his grandpa.
A few hours later, Luffy woke up.
Ace had just informed his grandfather about some minor paperwork which he needed to sign, and after receiving a short, "Yeah, yeah" Ace cut the phone. He was relieved he didn't ask too many details.
That was when Tate informed him that Luffy had awoken, screaming in a panic.
Ace rushed to his cabin, and found the kid covered in a cold sweat, clutching his precious hat, and drinking water while Tate ruffled his hair.
The kid gave a weak smile when he saw Ace.
Ace smiled back.
"How are you feeling, kid?"
"I'm okay." He replied.
Tate held his small, bandaged face in her palms. "Dear, did you have a nightmare? You were screaming for help when you woke up."
"Oh. No, it was nothing." The kid looked away. He seemed to be a terrible liar.
"Luffy, she needs to know every detail about you to make you feel better again." Ace gently said.
"Exactly." Tate nodded.
The kid looked down.
"Kid. Do you want to come live with me, at my house?" Ace asked, breaking the silence.
Luffy looked up, his eyes sparkling.
"Is it some sort of Foster home?"
Ace felt that pang again.
"No, Luffy. It's gonna be a house with just you and me. Oh, and another guy too."
Luffy smiled wide before answering. "Yes! I will!"
"Good. Heal quickly if you want to move in. Eat your meals well, and listen to Tate here. She's the best nurse we have!" Ace said, proudly.
Tate smiled.
Luffy looked at her with big, brown eyes before nodding.
Ace hadn't expected to worry this much about someone he'd only met today. He felt his blood boil when he remembered what this kid went through. Time to deal with all that.
"I'll come visit you often, okay? Rest up for now. Thatch made some delicious dishes just for you."
The kid looked at him, his smile growing wider.
Ace smiled and walked out, leaving Tate to discuss meals with Luffy.
Immediately getting serious, he walked to Marco's cabin at the far end of the hallway.
He burst into Marco's room as he was busy typing away at his keyboard.
"Marco. Did you find Porchemy?"
"Yeah, Ace. Apparently Bluejam had called him for collecting money or something. That is why he wasn't there at the warehouse when we went, yoi."
"Where is he now, then?"
"I sent our men to find him. They haven't reported back yet."
"Fine. I think we have no other choice but to deal with the whole lot together then - Bluejam and all." Ace said, his mouth a firm line.
Marco smirked.
"You seem angry, yoi?"
"I am."