( Shanks doesn't reply after that. It's such a simple thing, picking Uta up to go out to dinner. But it's something he hasn't been able to do for ten years. There's something dangerously alluring about that chance. How could he, possibly, know, the next time he picks up Uta back in their world, it will be tragic. He doesn't want to know. )
( This place could, almost, charm him into staying. Almost. )
( Not long after the text conservation, Uta has a knock on her door. )
(Honestly, she doesn’t know what to do with the fact she agreed to go out with Shanks. Uta hasn’t really spoken to him fans has kind of avoided him) for the last few weeks since their dance. She’s glad he remembered her birthday, but also torn about how to approach it. Now that she’s agreed to food, to time spent with him, she doesn’t really have a choice to avoid him further.
If anything she was having trouble reconciling the fact she wants to see him, she wants to spend time with him, with her simmering anger and frustration about her situation. It’s not as fiery as it once was, she’s cooled off a bit now than they’re together and talking but—
The knock at the door draws her out of her thoughts. She quickly fusses with her bangs in the mirror, having left her hair down today, and quickly walks to the door.)
Hey. (She smiles when she sees him, and leans against her door.) So… dinner. Where are you taking me?
( Shanks would think everything Uta is going through is...complicated, and it sounds rough. For him, it's very simple. Whatever she feels about him, she's his daughter, and he's going to take her out to eat for her birthday, if she allows. As she's agreed to it, he's here. )
( He grins. )
You'll see. ( The restaurant itself isn't special, it serves booze, seafood, and large portions. Plus, the desserts are fantastic, Shanks thinks. Those all sound like very important qualifications to be the restaurant they both go to. )
(She laughs lightly, despite all her warring emotions. Despite wanting to avoid him, she’s glad he’s here, taking her out.
She’s dressed fairly simply today, a thigh length halter style dress that ties behind her neck, her hair pulled up in a pony tail because she didn’t know what else to do with it. She brushes her bangs out of her face as she steps out of her room and shuts the door behind her, then turns to face him once more.)
( Even if her door is already closed, Shanks figures she can put the gifts in her room, if she likes. He hands her a journal - the lined paper inside, he feels, should be sufficient for musical note writing, or at least the journal is good for lyrics, if nothing else. It's covered in chunky teddy bears and rabbits - of the few he could find without sexual overtones. There's a purple ink pen with it, and inside, laid out like a bookmark, the original gift he got her before she mentioned sheet music - a white gold bracelet with amethyst gems. )
Oh! (She flips through the notebook, smiling at each page until she gets to the bracelet. It’s a stunning piece of jewelry, and she pulls the bracelet out from between the pages and tucks the notebook under her arm. She can’t help but admire it, before she looks at Shanks)
It’s beautiful. (She quickly clasps the bracelet around her wrist, then holds her hand up to see it shine in the light. ) I love it. Thank you…
(It’s said with such genuine fondness, even though her heart clenches at the thought of missing so many. Maybe it was his way of making it up to her.)
Let me put this in my room real quick and then we can go. (She waves the notebook, before she’s back in her room. It doesn’t take her long to set it on her bed with the pen and return to the hall.)
( 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.
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Now?
( As Shanks was available at the moment. )
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Sure! Where do you want to meet?
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I’ll see you soon.
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( This place could, almost, charm him into staying. Almost. )
( Not long after the text conservation, Uta has a knock on her door. )
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If anything she was having trouble reconciling the fact she wants to see him, she wants to spend time with him, with her simmering anger and frustration about her situation. It’s not as fiery as it once was, she’s cooled off a bit now than they’re together and talking but—
The knock at the door draws her out of her thoughts. She quickly fusses with her bangs in the mirror, having left her hair down today, and quickly walks to the door.)
Hey. (She smiles when she sees him, and leans against her door.) So… dinner. Where are you taking me?
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( He grins. )
You'll see. ( The restaurant itself isn't special, it serves booze, seafood, and large portions. Plus, the desserts are fantastic, Shanks thinks. Those all sound like very important qualifications to be the restaurant they both go to. )
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(She laughs lightly, despite all her warring emotions. Despite wanting to avoid him, she’s glad he’s here, taking her out.
She’s dressed fairly simply today, a thigh length halter style dress that ties behind her neck, her hair pulled up in a pony tail because she didn’t know what else to do with it. She brushes her bangs out of her face as she steps out of her room and shuts the door behind her, then turns to face him once more.)
Well then, lead the way.
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( Even if her door is already closed, Shanks figures she can put the gifts in her room, if she likes. He hands her a journal - the lined paper inside, he feels, should be sufficient for musical note writing, or at least the journal is good for lyrics, if nothing else. It's covered in chunky teddy bears and rabbits - of the few he could find without sexual overtones. There's a purple ink pen with it, and inside, laid out like a bookmark, the original gift he got her before she mentioned sheet music - a white gold bracelet with amethyst gems. )
Your presents.
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It’s beautiful. (She quickly clasps the bracelet around her wrist, then holds her hand up to see it shine in the light. ) I love it. Thank you…
(It’s said with such genuine fondness, even though her heart clenches at the thought of missing so many. Maybe it was his way of making it up to her.)
Let me put this in my room real quick and then we can go. (She waves the notebook, before she’s back in her room. It doesn’t take her long to set it on her bed with the pen and return to the hall.)
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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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