#thank you writyyy for inspiring me today

[silversoulstardust]

wc: 611, rating: G, cw: processing grief

What if every year during Ace’s death anniversary Luffy goes a little quiet? Like, he still smiles, but his smiles seem sad. He eats, but he doesn’t ask for seconds. Instead of bothering Nami while she charts or messing around Usopp’s new inventions, he lies alone atop of Sunny and watches the sun until it sets, deep orange hues reminding him of his brother who burns bright right up till the end.

Any other day Law wouldn’t have minded it. Welcomes it, even, because just watching Luffy jumps around tires him out sometimes. 

But today is different. 

Law joins him atop of Sunny, quietly taking his place next to Luffy who acknowledges his presence with a hum and shifts to sit by hugging his knees to make space for Law. The younger man gives a side glance at Law but his sight falls on the vast ocean,witnessing the light reflection waltzing on the surface of the sea. Luffy’s attention goes back to the bright star. They watch the sun slowly slide under the horizon, taking daylight out with it. 

“You still have your friends,” Law breaks the silence after the last light disappears.

“I still have my friends,” Luffy echoes after a while, but his voice cracks around the edges. It’s nothing like the harrowing wail towards Jimbe after he woke up from a long surgery following the Paramount War, but that doesn’t make it any less sad.

“My friends are here. With me.” He sounds bolder this time. Sure with his words. 

“Yes,” Law stands up and offers his hand to the younger captain. “And they all are waiting for you. It’s dinner time, Mugiwara-ya.”

All day today Law witnessed Luffy’s crew tip-toes around the ship like they’re walking on eggshells. It’s the crew’s second time spending the day with Luffy on Ace’s death anniversary and they still haven’t quite found the rhythm to dance around it yet, barely skirting by it like the previous year. 

Law extends his hand for as long as it requires for Luffy to take it, patiently waiting until he’s ready to step out of the dark clouds. It doesn’t take long. Luffy is quick to bounce back, and that’s one thing Law’s certain. He takes Law’s hand to get back on his feet and flashes a small grin with his signature laugh. “And I have my best ally with me too!”

Law rolls his eyes fondly. He doesn’t disagree.

And by dinner time, it’s back to being a noisy affair.

Luffy’s seated at the center of the table boisterously laughing and drinking, with Usopp by his side singing off-key to the tunes of Brook’s violin, while Chopper is doing various comical gags to make Luffy laugh. Sanji keeps the food coming, looking significantly more cheerful being busy in the kitchen compared to this morning. Luffy looks at one side of the table, where his crew are seated, and then at the other side of the table where the Heart pirates crew are, clad in orange and white jumpsuits, an extension to his small family of ten after the alliance formation. He raises his drink for a toast. “For Ace!”

It stops everyone in their tracks for a millisecond. It’s the first time anyone in the room acknowledges what made the day different from any other day. Nami and Bepo’s lips wobble for a bit, but they raise their glass along with everyone on the table, a chorus of voices toasting for Luffy’s long dead brother, a mix of cheers and sobs. 

Law clanks his jug of beer against Luffy’s glass of milkshakes for a quieter toast. “For Ace. May he rest in peace.”