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Sakazuki schooled his expression into a neutral one. With Kuzan beside him and Sengoku in front, it wasn’t hard to maintain the usual cold mask he wears even if the oppressing air of Marijois was bearing down on him.
“The two weeks are over. Please hand over Admiral Kizaru and we’ll agree that none of this ever happened.” Sengoku announced.
Sakazuki swallowed a lump in his throat. Borsalino looked like his usual self if he ignored the chains around his neck and the seastone cuffs on his arms and ankles. The celestial dragon holding the chains scoffed, but walked forward to meet Sengoku halfway.
Before he released Kizaru, the pathetic whelp looked at Sakazuki down his nose, a self-satisfied smirk on his face. “‘I’ll see you again next time, Borsalino.” He slapped a hand against Borsalino’s back causing him to stumble forward, a grimace on his face before it faded into an empty smile. “Of course, Saint Salvi.”
Sengoku made quick work of freeing Borsalino from his chains, a hand gripping the other’s shoulder and whispering something to his ear. Sakazuki saw Borsalino smile again as he replied to the fleet admiral before moving away from Sengoku's touch like a skittish feral cat.
“Let’s get back to Marineford. You’ll be checked over by Fishbonen.” Sengoku paused, looking over Borsalino from head to toe, “Off the record.” He added.
Sengoku led the way, keeping Borsalino by his side. Sakazuki looked back and saw Saint Salvi smirking at him. A servant carrying a case was waved over, the celestial dragon opening up and displaying whips, daggers, and other tools that would not be out of place int he information and torture department. Sakazuki was frozen in place as Salvi took one whip, running his gloved hands over it and smearing it with red. The celestial dragon was looking far too pleased with himself, his eyes daring Sakazuki to move.
Before he could do anything he’d regret, Kuzan bumped into his shoulder on his way out. “Don’t make the situation worse than it already is.”
With that, Sakazuki turned and followed them out.
It was a short and quiet trip. Borsalino was wearing the suit he wore two weeks ago, but Sengoku had the foresight to pack him a new one. It was a good thing too since there were marines saluting them as they walked, their gazes focusing on Kizaru, some even welcoming him back.
None of them needed the attention, but should any rumors spread about where Borsalino really was the past two weeks, it would easily be disproved by the image of him walking across Marineford with his head held high. At least, that was Sengoku’s logic. Akainu would rather kill anyone who dares to gossip about what happened. It was the very least he could do.
He stole a glance at Borsalino and saw him with that airy smile of his that made people lower their guard. It didn’t inspire trust, far from it, but it did exude a sense of confidence in one’s strength that erases any thought of weaknesses. It was something Sakazuki admired about him.
They reached the private room Fishbonen was using for the exam and Sengoku said that they could go. All the pageantry demanded of them from the celestial dragon and the need to act as distractions and guards were over.
Sakazuki and Kuzan waited outside nonetheless.
“He doesn’t look that good.” Kuzan said, “He was walking too stiffly. He looks thinner too. You don’t think they starved him there, do you?”
“He’s fine.” Sakazuki muttered.
“...I don’t think he is. Why would a celestial dragon do that to a marine, especially an admiral who’s at their beck and call.”
Sakazuki kept his mouth shut. Unfortunately, Kuzan was not going to drop the subject like he hoped.
“I’m just saying, it’s weird that Salvi requested him when it was you who couldn’t keep your mouth shut.”
Sakazuki’s fingers twitched. “What?”
“We’ve been ordered to keep in touch with him for ten minutes for the last two weeks. Salvi could have just enjoyed having an admiral slave for fourteen days but he wanted us to see what he was doing to Borsalino.” Aokiji lowered the facemask to his eyes, “Didn’t you see? He was punishing you specifically and he was baiting me into attacking you.”
Before Sakazuki could reply, Sengoku exited the door. “I agree with Kuzan’s observation. We don’t want a repeat of this incident, so try to keep a low profile for the time being.”
“How is he?”
“Fishbonen has a few more words with him. I suggest you don’t mention anything to him until Borsalino brings it up himself.” The fleet admiral paused, looking at the stubborn faces of his two admirals. “This event has set a precedent and for some reason, Saint Salvi is set on sowing discord within us. He’s not going to risk angering the elders, but—”
“Oh~, what are you talking about in such a serious tone?” Borsalino’s voice caused both Kuzan and Sakazuki to stand.
“Kizaru,” Sengoku said, “You didn’t listen to a word Fishbonen said, did you? Has he at least cleared you?”
“I’m right as rain, Sengoku-san. He recommended a week of bedrest, but I’ll be fit to work tomorrow should you need me.”
“Take the week off—”
Borsalino continued as if not hearing Sengoku, “As much as I’d like the time off, all our men know that my two weeks of vacation has ended. It wouldn’t do to laze about and extend it, right~?” Not that Borsalino cared about what they thought about his work ethic.
“Fine. Desk duty for a week until a pressing matter demands your attention.”
“Aye-aye~.” Borsalino did a sloppy two-fingered salute before turning away, “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get some shut eye. See you tomorrow!”
That night, Sakazuki couldn’t sleep. Grabbing a tub of banana ice cream and an instant cup of ramen filled with hot water, he snuck into the balcony of Borsalino’s place. He found the admiral smoking a cigarette and two glasses of alcohol beside him. Without acknowledging him, Borsalino pushed one of the glasses to Sakazuki.
“You were expecting me.” Sakazuki placed the nearly melted ice cream near Borsalino while the ramen sat near him, still warm and cooking.
Borsalino hummed, too busy looking at something past the horizon illuminated by the moon.
“Are you…” Sakazuki fumbled with his words. Borsalino was not okay, nothing was okay. But—
“Do you need anything?”
“I’m fine.” Borsalino answered a little bit too quickly. Sakazuki doubted him. It must have shown on his expression, because Kizaru’s face twisted into something he rarely saw before grabbing the ice cream container and shoving a spoonful into his mouth.
“What—?” Before Sakazuki could finish his question, Borsalino turned away and hurled.
“Borsalino!”
“I said I’m fine!”
Sakazuki hesitated for a moment, his hand outstretched and ready to soothe the man before him. It would be so easy. A gentle touch on the shoulder, a silent apology for the things he had to endure. And yet—
His arm dropped to his side.
He gave Borsalino privacy and headed to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. When he got back, Borsalino was leaning on the railing as if nothing happened. Sakazuki handed him the glass, trying to meet his eyes when Borsalino turned to face him. He failed.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to eat any bananas for a long time.” Borsalino said as he turned away. In a poor imitation of the noble’s voice, he continued, “ ‘Monkey’s eat bananas. You’re our little monkey for fourteen days, so this is all you’ll have.” Grabbing the container, Borsalino made a show as if inspecting the text before sliding it back to Sakazuki’s side. “I used to think I could live off these. Now even its scent makes me want to vomit.”
The space between them seemed so large and yet so small.
Sakazuki looked at the cooling instant ramen at his side and slid it to Borsalino. “It’s not the real deal, but it’ll have to do. We can get real ramen some other time.”
Borsalino looked at him and for the first time since this hellish two weeks started, Sakazuki could feel like he could breathe.
“Tomorrow sounds good?” Taking the ramen and breathing in the spicy aroma, Kizaru smiled, the first smile that seemed genuine that Sakazuki saw from the other for a long time.
“Sure.”
They can dance around the subject tomorrow, offer awkward words and even more awkward gestures for a few days, and bury everything in the past after that.
Tonight Sakazuki would ignore the bloodied bandages he saw near the sink. He wouldn’t pay any mind to the stains covering Borsalino’s green shirt. They’d enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasted.
Tonight, they can pretend that nothing has changed.