( He is, in fact, trying to make up for the lost time, even though Shanks knows he truly can't, that he can't take it back and undo any of it, but he's still going to try. For Uta's sake. Just watching Uta flip through the journal, hearing say she loves it, his heart, too, clenches. It hurts, but it brings a smile to his face, all the same. Seeing Uta smile brings Shanks joy, it's just that simple. )
Of course. ( So he wants, patiently, for Uta to return, not even stepping into her suite, not without her invitation. )
(It doesn’t take her long to return to the hall. She shuts the door behind her and turns to face Shanks. She was not actually prepared to spend her birthday with him but for once she might be looking forward to it. Just a little.
She’s wondered for years about how he felt about her. What was he doing? Did he think of her when her birthday came? Why didn’t he send her a letter… she supposed that would be risky if the whole world though Shanks razed Elegia.)
So, (She smiles, lacing her fingers behind her back.) where are you taking me?
( Of course he thought about her. He even did try to write a couple of letters, but after the loss of his dominant arm, they were awful and illegible. He could have had one of the crew write it for him, of course, but it wouldn't have felt the same. Then, yes, he couldn't have sent it without risking her. )
( Shanks watches Uta for a second, then grins. )
Maybe I'll leave that as a surprise, until we get there.
(She doesn’t even sound annoyed that he wants to keep where they’re going a secret. She’s actually relieved that he didn’t ask her where she wanted to go. She doesn’t really go many places, not enough to really know what’s good. She would rather stay in her room. Which doesn’t help with playing the game but look, it’s hard, okay?)
Thank you, (She says quietly.) for remembering my birthday.
(Despite everything, it meant a lot to her that he did remember it. Gordon was fine but he wasn’t her father.
She often finds herself wondering if he would have come visit her if she hadn’t accidentally summoned Tot Musica. Maybe he’d have been on Elegia more often! But what’s the use in what ifs? History had already written itself, so now, here in this sex hotel, she needed to move forward.
( Or, now, Shanks is going to keep the name of the restaurant from her just because she asked and it's a bit fun to tease. The restaurant he's taking her to is the safest one, as far as he knows, in reference to aphrodisiacs. The food is delicious and they have a wide drink selection, and serve steak and lobster, that's the most important thing, to Shanks. They do have a nice variety of desserts, too. It's not his usual spot, though, too pricey. This, however, is a special occasion. )
( When Uta thanks him, Shanks' eyebrows lift and furrow together. )
I've never forgotten it. ( And it's true. This day every year, he thinks of her, remembers finding an adorable baby in a treasure chest, and feels both warmth at the memory, and the pang of missing her. )
( If Tot Musica had never happened during their visit, he would have taken her with them in the morning, like they originally agreed upon. Shanks would have never strayed from that, if circumstances hadn't changed and traveling with the Red Hair Pirates became extra dangerous over night. But Shanks would agree it's time to move forward. He can't take his choice back. )
( When they reach the restaurant, he nods for Uta to enter first, and the staff gets fussy about having a king rank show up. They get a rather nice, quiet spot in a booth for it. )
(She can’t argue about surprises. They are rather fun, but she’s not sure what kind of surprise that he has in store for her. She shoots him a glance that’s not quite surprised, but more relieved when he states he never forgot. Of course he didn’t. Which only made matters worse didn’t? She crosses her arms in thought as they approach the restaurant, and doesn’t say much more on it.
Once they are seated, she finds herself fiddling with the bracelet that Shanks has got her. She smiles, then leans her arms against the table as she looks around.)
Well, I gotta say, it is pretty nice.
(And quiet. Hopefully it’ll make for a nice night.)
( It probably does make matters worse, because he never visited, never wrote, never called. Though, the reason he never wrote is probably more apparent, now. )
( For a moment, Shanks watches Uta with fondness, still amazed at how much she grew up, still caught off guard. No use in wasting time on regrets and guilt, though. )
I thought you might like it. They have a pleasing dessert menu, too.
( He orders alcohol for himself to start, of course, then grins as he nods his head to Uta to let her order whatever she wants to start with. So far, so good. )
(She’s still a little anxious about celebrating her birthday with her father, but maybe alcohol can help ease her in. She asks for a glass of bourbon, one the rocks (she’d take it neat if she was alone), and leans back against the seating. Shes contemplative, just for a moment, thinking about what she wants to say to him once the server leaves.)
Gordon and I used to make a cake. It wasn’t great, and I mean we got better every year but… (She sighs.) It was always just kind of awkward. Like he didn’t know what to do, or what to say.
I’m not trying to disparage him! He did his best.
(And it wasn’t what she wanted. If Tot Musica hadn’t— they’ve been over this. She takes another deep breath before she smiles at Shanks.)
This is what I really wanted. I know it’s weird, but… I’m glad you’re here.
( Shanks smiles at the thought of Gordon trying his best, making a cake with Uta, though it's tinged with sadness, a smidge of regret. It should have been him doing that with her. )
He likely just wanted to do right by you, and was so unsure of what best was. I know he's a good fellow, though. If I hadn't thought that, I never would have left you with him.
( It's the only bit of comfort he can really offer, and even then, Shanks isn't sure his words are worth much. )
( His eyes widen a fraction, not having expected Uta to be glad to find him again, but he feels the same. )
While I wish you weren't trapped here, necessarily, I'm pleased to find you again, as well.
(She does know that Shanks wouldn’t have left her with someone he couldn’t trust. While she’s still upset, still angry he left at all, it did comfort her a bit that he trusted Gordon. He was a good man, a better person than she turned out to be. She sighs, softly, before giving Shanks a smile.
It sucked they were in this hotel together, but at least they hadn’t had to do anything together! She was quite grateful for that because she’s certain it’s possible for the place to encourage it.
She doesn’t want to entertain that thought.)
I wish neither of us were here, but I think I’d rather this reprieve from whatever is happening back home. There’s so much, Shanks. Talking to ordinary people when I managed… it was eye opening.
Here I feel like I can at least focus on myself. (Which seems like such a silly thing, but she definitely needed to look inward for a bit.)
( Shanks might be a little too positive, sometimes, but he does seem to have an uncanny knack for when he can trust someone with something important and precious to him. Like Uta, or straw hats. As long as the hotel respects their familial relationship, he's fine with everything, except.... )
( A weight seems to settle over him as Uta speaks, but he forces a smile back on his face, not wanting to worry her, all the same. )
You deserve to get to focus on yourself. Maybe it will help you with your own grief and guilt. ( He still doesn't get what the guilt is about, not exactly, but he can tell it's there. )
Maybe. (She certainly had a lot of it right now. Guilt of her actions, grief of the life she could have had… it’s impossible to say how she could forgive herself for what happened but, maybe she should try.
Maybe. She wants to apologize to Luffy first if she can even look him in the eyes if he shows up again.)
What about you? (She turns the subject to him.) You carry a lot on your shoulders too. Are you working on yourself?
( She may not know everything, but she can see the weight he carries. He holds the world on his shoulders like it’s his responsibility, but is it? We’re there things he regrets and needs to forgive himself for?
She’s sure there was, but she wasn’t aware of them.)
( Why he knows he shouldn't be so surprised Uta has him figured out, Shanks' eyes still widen a little to her words. Then, softly, he chuckle as he shakes his head a little. )
Sure Beckman would appreciate if I did that. I'll admit, I'm not the best at doing that, though. Working on myself.
( Sadly, Shanks shakes his head. ) I can work on being more considerate of my crew, and everyone here. But my focus needs to be on making sure everything lines up to save our planet. Which means here? I need to be focused on getting back home.
( Which, he will admit he's easily distracted. But also, he's hit nothing bit dead ends, so far. )
He's good. He would be happy to see you. Everyone is good. Yasopp, Roux, Limejuice, Hongo. ( Shanks moves, trying to catch Uta's eyes. ) They all miss you.
That's why we'll do it together. ( Shanks lowers his head to look at Uta in the eyes when he says that. ) I think the two of us can keep each other honest about it, right?
( His smile broadens, and he's so sincere and certain when he speaks, indicating, once again, he has no idea what time Uta just came from, that she's from his future, and Shanks has no idea what's coming. )
Of course you will. I promised when you became a big star I would return. I'm keeping that promise. The circumstances changed, but my word, my promise never did. I don't listen to your shows on the transponder snails for no reason, either. You're doing wonderful work, lifting people's spirits, little by little. Giving them comfort where it's hard to find.
I told you, you could. Your voice truly has the power to save people.
(She blinks, surprised to hear that he’s watched her shows. He may have mentioned it before but it was still a big deal to her. She turns from him, nodding some.
Wait.
His promise —he doesn’t— does he not know?)
Shanks… (She starts, then stops as she grows serious. What didn’t he know? She told him (albeit briefly) about her near killing of her friend, but she never went into detail.)
I- um. Thank you. (Maybe now wasn’t the time to broach that subject.)
( No, Shanks has no idea, and he didn't think much about it, but when Uta stops like that, feels the heaviness rolling from her, his eyebrows knit together, and now he's thinking. There's something he doesn't know? )
( It might not be the best time to have that conversation, but Shanks rolls forward. )
What is it? ( Of course, Uta doesn't need to tell him. If she brushes it aside, he'll follow her, but he can't help but worry. )
(She treads lightly, unsure how to explain it. He retuned (with good reason) to stop her murdering her friend… and most of the people of the world. She furrows her brows, perplexed, concerned, terrified of what he will say once he learns the full truth.
He truly didn’t know.)
Do you remember what I told you? Back when I first arrived?
(Yeah, birthday aside, maybe this conversation needs to happen.)
( Shanks' eyes widen, because no, he hasn't. There are options here, and for a moment, Shanks just stares at Uta, expression vacant as he accepts this. Something is off. Are they from slightly different worlds? Or -? )
Uta...how old are you? For this birthday?
( He nods his head. He mildly recalls it, but he didn't understand he should be aware of the details. He didn't ask, didn't want to press her, especially when she seemed so upset. )
(She’s a little perplexed why he asked, but she’s got a sinking feeling it has to do with this promise.)
It wasn’t… just an altercation. I nearly killed him. (She glances away, shrinking in on herself as she brings one arm up to her shoulder to try and appear smaller.) I nearly killed everyone, actually.
(It feels like such an understatement while also being a heavy burden to carry. She wanted to help people, yes, but she definitely went about it the wrong way. Yet it felt like the only way to make it work, to truly have peace.
It was a foolish idea, and she’d glad she was able to set everyone free before the consequences were too grave.)
( His eyes widen. 22? Oh.... Shanks eyes swivel to Uta, and he sounds abnormally serious when he speaks again. )
Uta, the time I'm from...you would have been nineteen when I left.
( He frowns, and it deepens as he listens to her, because oh.... That is a huge burden to ever carry, and he never wanted that for her. )
What do you mean everyone? ( This is starting to sound big enough that if Shanks had been there, he would know exactly what she's talking about, but he doesn't even know. Shanks scoots closer to her to see if Uta will let him put his arm around her. )
It sounds like this was a very grave matter, but unfortunately, if you're from my future, I don't know about it. ( He sounds outright apologetic, like he's almost apologizing for not knowing, apologizing that she has to relive and explain it to him if she wants him to understand. It's not fair to her, Shanks feels, but he doesn't know what else to do. )
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Of course. ( So he wants, patiently, for Uta to return, not even stepping into her suite, not without her invitation. )
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She’s wondered for years about how he felt about her. What was he doing? Did he think of her when her birthday came? Why didn’t he send her a letter… she supposed that would be risky if the whole world though Shanks razed Elegia.)
So, (She smiles, lacing her fingers behind her back.) where are you taking me?
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( Shanks watches Uta for a second, then grins. )
Maybe I'll leave that as a surprise, until we get there.
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(She doesn’t even sound annoyed that he wants to keep where they’re going a secret. She’s actually relieved that he didn’t ask her where she wanted to go. She doesn’t really go many places, not enough to really know what’s good. She would rather stay in her room. Which doesn’t help with playing the game but look, it’s hard, okay?)
Thank you, (She says quietly.) for remembering my birthday.
(Despite everything, it meant a lot to her that he did remember it. Gordon was fine but he wasn’t her father.
She often finds herself wondering if he would have come visit her if she hadn’t accidentally summoned Tot Musica. Maybe he’d have been on Elegia more often! But what’s the use in what ifs? History had already written itself, so now, here in this sex hotel, she needed to move forward.
It was difficult though.)
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( Or, now, Shanks is going to keep the name of the restaurant from her just because she asked and it's a bit fun to tease. The restaurant he's taking her to is the safest one, as far as he knows, in reference to aphrodisiacs. The food is delicious and they have a wide drink selection, and serve steak and lobster, that's the most important thing, to Shanks. They do have a nice variety of desserts, too. It's not his usual spot, though, too pricey. This, however, is a special occasion. )
( When Uta thanks him, Shanks' eyebrows lift and furrow together. )
I've never forgotten it. ( And it's true. This day every year, he thinks of her, remembers finding an adorable baby in a treasure chest, and feels both warmth at the memory, and the pang of missing her. )
( If Tot Musica had never happened during their visit, he would have taken her with them in the morning, like they originally agreed upon. Shanks would have never strayed from that, if circumstances hadn't changed and traveling with the Red Hair Pirates became extra dangerous over night. But Shanks would agree it's time to move forward. He can't take his choice back. )
( When they reach the restaurant, he nods for Uta to enter first, and the staff gets fussy about having a king rank show up. They get a rather nice, quiet spot in a booth for it. )
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Once they are seated, she finds herself fiddling with the bracelet that Shanks has got her. She smiles, then leans her arms against the table as she looks around.)
Well, I gotta say, it is pretty nice.
(And quiet. Hopefully it’ll make for a nice night.)
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( For a moment, Shanks watches Uta with fondness, still amazed at how much she grew up, still caught off guard. No use in wasting time on regrets and guilt, though. )
I thought you might like it. They have a pleasing dessert menu, too.
( He orders alcohol for himself to start, of course, then grins as he nods his head to Uta to let her order whatever she wants to start with. So far, so good. )
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(She’s still a little anxious about celebrating her birthday with her father, but maybe alcohol can help ease her in. She asks for a glass of bourbon, one the rocks (she’d take it neat if she was alone), and leans back against the seating. Shes contemplative, just for a moment, thinking about what she wants to say to him once the server leaves.)
Gordon and I used to make a cake. It wasn’t great, and I mean we got better every year but… (She sighs.) It was always just kind of awkward. Like he didn’t know what to do, or what to say.
I’m not trying to disparage him! He did his best.
(And it wasn’t what she wanted. If Tot Musica hadn’t— they’ve been over this. She takes another deep breath before she smiles at Shanks.)
This is what I really wanted. I know it’s weird, but… I’m glad you’re here.
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He likely just wanted to do right by you, and was so unsure of what best was. I know he's a good fellow, though. If I hadn't thought that, I never would have left you with him.
( It's the only bit of comfort he can really offer, and even then, Shanks isn't sure his words are worth much. )
( His eyes widen a fraction, not having expected Uta to be glad to find him again, but he feels the same. )
While I wish you weren't trapped here, necessarily, I'm pleased to find you again, as well.
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(She does know that Shanks wouldn’t have left her with someone he couldn’t trust. While she’s still upset, still angry he left at all, it did comfort her a bit that he trusted Gordon. He was a good man, a better person than she turned out to be. She sighs, softly, before giving Shanks a smile.
It sucked they were in this hotel together, but at least they hadn’t had to do anything together! She was quite grateful for that because she’s certain it’s possible for the place to encourage it.
She doesn’t want to entertain that thought.)
I wish neither of us were here, but I think I’d rather this reprieve from whatever is happening back home. There’s so much, Shanks. Talking to ordinary people when I managed… it was eye opening.
Here I feel like I can at least focus on myself. (Which seems like such a silly thing, but she definitely needed to look inward for a bit.)
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( A weight seems to settle over him as Uta speaks, but he forces a smile back on his face, not wanting to worry her, all the same. )
You deserve to get to focus on yourself. Maybe it will help you with your own grief and guilt. ( He still doesn't get what the guilt is about, not exactly, but he can tell it's there. )
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Maybe. She wants to apologize to Luffy first if she can even look him in the eyes if he shows up again.)
What about you? (She turns the subject to him.) You carry a lot on your shoulders too. Are you working on yourself?
( She may not know everything, but she can see the weight he carries. He holds the world on his shoulders like it’s his responsibility, but is it? We’re there things he regrets and needs to forgive himself for?
She’s sure there was, but she wasn’t aware of them.)
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Sure Beckman would appreciate if I did that. I'll admit, I'm not the best at doing that, though. Working on myself.
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(She smiles though, especially at the mention of Beckman.)
Beckman… how is he? Or was he? (Or however it’s supposed to be.) Or everyone, really. I really would like to see them again.
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( Which, he will admit he's easily distracted. But also, he's hit nothing bit dead ends, so far. )
He's good. He would be happy to see you. Everyone is good. Yasopp, Roux, Limejuice, Hongo. ( Shanks moves, trying to catch Uta's eyes. ) They all miss you.
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How do we even get home?
(Because honestly? She was afraid of that prospect. What would she return to?)
I miss them… I really miss them.
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Until then, I'll work on being better.
( He lifts his arm to put around Uta's shoulders. )
They would love to see you.
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(She smiles, relaxing against him as he places his arm around her.)
I guess we both can work on being better. It’s not easy work to better yourself.
(She sighs, taking a moment to accept that her family would want to see her.)
Maybe some day I can.
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( His smile broadens, and he's so sincere and certain when he speaks, indicating, once again, he has no idea what time Uta just came from, that she's from his future, and Shanks has no idea what's coming. )
Of course you will. I promised when you became a big star I would return. I'm keeping that promise. The circumstances changed, but my word, my promise never did. I don't listen to your shows on the transponder snails for no reason, either. You're doing wonderful work, lifting people's spirits, little by little. Giving them comfort where it's hard to find.
I told you, you could. Your voice truly has the power to save people.
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(She blinks, surprised to hear that he’s watched her shows. He may have mentioned it before but it was still a big deal to her. She turns from him, nodding some.
Wait.
His promise —he doesn’t— does he not know?)
Shanks… (She starts, then stops as she grows serious. What didn’t he know? She told him (albeit briefly) about her near killing of her friend, but she never went into detail.)
I- um. Thank you. (Maybe now wasn’t the time to broach that subject.)
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( It might not be the best time to have that conversation, but Shanks rolls forward. )
What is it? ( Of course, Uta doesn't need to tell him. If she brushes it aside, he'll follow her, but he can't help but worry. )
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(She treads lightly, unsure how to explain it. He retuned (with good reason) to stop her murdering her friend… and most of the people of the world. She furrows her brows, perplexed, concerned, terrified of what he will say once he learns the full truth.
He truly didn’t know.)
Do you remember what I told you? Back when I first arrived?
(Yeah, birthday aside, maybe this conversation needs to happen.)
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Uta...how old are you? For this birthday?
( He nods his head. He mildly recalls it, but he didn't understand he should be aware of the details. He didn't ask, didn't want to press her, especially when she seemed so upset. )
You and Luffy had some sort of altercation?
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(She’s a little perplexed why he asked, but she’s got a sinking feeling it has to do with this promise.)
It wasn’t… just an altercation. I nearly killed him. (She glances away, shrinking in on herself as she brings one arm up to her shoulder to try and appear smaller.) I nearly killed everyone, actually.
(It feels like such an understatement while also being a heavy burden to carry. She wanted to help people, yes, but she definitely went about it the wrong way. Yet it felt like the only way to make it work, to truly have peace.
It was a foolish idea, and she’d glad she was able to set everyone free before the consequences were too grave.)
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Uta, the time I'm from...you would have been nineteen when I left.
( He frowns, and it deepens as he listens to her, because oh.... That is a huge burden to ever carry, and he never wanted that for her. )
What do you mean everyone? ( This is starting to sound big enough that if Shanks had been there, he would know exactly what she's talking about, but he doesn't even know. Shanks scoots closer to her to see if Uta will let him put his arm around her. )
It sounds like this was a very grave matter, but unfortunately, if you're from my future, I don't know about it. ( He sounds outright apologetic, like he's almost apologizing for not knowing, apologizing that she has to relive and explain it to him if she wants him to understand. It's not fair to her, Shanks feels, but he doesn't know what else to do. )
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