Chapter Text
Benn felt eyes on him as he walked down the village back towards the Red Force, it was a feeling he didn't get too often, not like this, not so predatory... especially on one of their own territories. He gazed around subtly, spotting nothing, not even with his Observation was he able to sense someone.
It had him on edge.
It also made him think back to throughout the day, trying to pinpoint when the staring started. The morning was fine and gaze free, it was only when Shanks had left them all at the bar, heading back to the Red Force on the rare day he didn't feel like drinking.
It was then the staring started, briefly, only increasing in intensity the moment he was alone.
He walked slowly, finger on the trigger of his gun as he kept walking, ears twitching with each scuttle and noise that didn't fit. It sounded like an animal, but the eyes on him said otherwise, they were steady, never breaking away from his person.
A faint sound caught his attention as the feeling of being prey increased, the hairs on the back of his neck rising. There was nothing there, no presence not even an animal. He took his chance and bolted, weaving through the village like a maze to see if he could lose the shadow. He couldn't lead them back to the crew.
But something told Beckman that whatever that was stalking him on his way home, wasn't after anyone from the crew, only him.
And well, Benn wasn't going to go down without a fight.
Whoever it was, was dedicated though and that made him wary.
He led his stalker out of town, deeper into the woods, he didn't wish to cause property damage and he knew the moment Shanks felt a disturbance he would be here in an instant, and the village wouldn't withstand his Captains haki. Especially so if he thought Beckman was in trouble.
Something pinged his senses, Haki flaring bright before he spun around to see a human projectile rushing towards him at speed, faster than even he could react.
It collided with him in a blink, sending him and the creature tumbling across the ground hard, they came to a sudden stop and it took Benn several moments for the world to stop spinning, for his senses to catch up to him.
Laughter rang loud in his ears, the body in his arms vibrating with the force but it was the feel of the skin under his hands that caught his attention, it was a sensation he could never forget. Not when it was imprinted in his mind long ago, the give under his tight grasp sinking deeper than flesh should, texture more rubbery than a regular person.
His eyes snapped up to see a wide grin, a familiar scar under a dark eye, framed by midnight hair and a halo of golden straw.
"Anchor!?" He spluttered amazed, stunned, confused. "What?"
"Shishishi, hi Beckman! My crew stopped here to restock on the other side of the island when I sensed you! Jiji Ray's lessons on suppressing my haki worked! It took me ages for it to work properly and it did, I snuck up on you!" Luffy giggled brightly and it filled Beck with warmth as he pulled the kid into a hug.
But oh, was he going to have a long discussion with Jiji Ray about this. Because if he understood it correctly Luffy was able to suppress his presence enough to stalk him and that it was the first time Luffy was able to do so.
Beckman was proud and very unimpressed that his son was using it against him.
"I didn't think you'd want to see us, Anchor, not till you were ready to return Captain's hat," Beckman stated, though he really didn't care at this point, he missed his kid.
"I can't see Shanks, doesn't mean I can't see you! Missed you, Mom!" Luffy giggled brightly as he pulled Beck into a hug, one he willingly and happily returned.
He couldn't help but laugh along at the nickname, Luffy had no care for gender norms and had been calling him Mom since he found out what a Mom actually was and implied it to him. He got so much teasing from the crew, but he didn't care, not when he saw the bright smile of his kid each time and the soft fondness on his husband's and captains' face at the reminder.
However, Benn always teased Shanks back about his dad status if he joined in on said teasing.
"It's so good to see you kid," He whispered into the dark hair. "What are you doing this way? Last we heard you were in Dressrosa."
Luffy stiffened in his arms and Beck pulled back enough to see his face, blinking at the anger that rested on the usually cheerful face. "We're on our way to Wano to meet the rest of my Nakama. The giant lady with the sweets took my cook so I had to go get Sanji back, we just got away and needed to restock, so we're here now!"
"What!?" Beckman exclaimed as he pulled back more to stare at Anchor with disbelieving eyes. "You fought Big Mom?"
"Yes! She took my Nakama, I wasn't going to allow that, Sanji is Mine." The Haki that reverberated in the last word had Benn blinking, it sat heavy and possessive, and he couldn't help but be reminded of his Captain who did the exact same thing.
It was then that he got a good look at Anchor, eyes catching the scratches and mottled bruises on his jaw and neck, eyes casting down to the beginnings of the scar from The War of the Best – he pushed away the reminder that Luffy nearly died, that they could have lost him forever – that peeked out from the numerous bandages wrapped around his torso, blood seeping through the side.
"Shit Anchor, what happened?" He demanded while pulling them into a standing position once again. His hands carefully surged towards the bandages, fingers hesitating over the spot where there was obviously a wound.
Luffy looked down and winced. "Ahh, I ripped my stitches, Chopper is going to be real mad, he said no stretching till I healed enough."
"Anchor, kid, what happened?" Benn demanded desperately, mind whirling on where Hongo would be and if he could sneak Luffy to see him to be patched up or if he had to race towards Anchor's crew.
"Ah, I fought Mochi man! Someone interfered with the fight, and he stabbed me with his pronged thingy." Luffy explained with a shrug and a grin, completely missing the way Benn's face paled. "But he stabbed himself to even it out! It was a good fight, I wanna go back again later."
"Anchor." Benn started, closing his eyes, and clenching his teeth, praying for sanity. "Are you telling me you went up against Dogtooth Katakuri and won?"
He really didn't mean to sound so disbelieving but Katakuri's Observation Haki was legendary, the man could see several seconds in the future which made fighting him incredibly hard and next to impossible. There were only a handful of people that could beat the strongest of the Charlotte children, he and Shanks being one pair while Marco and Newgate were another.
But that was them together and yet Luffy did it single-handedly.
"I did. It took me a while to figure out how his fruit worked and to sense him, but in the end… in the end, I managed to figure out Jiji Ray's lessons. Every attack is an Intent, a hint. Once I figured that out, we were evenly matched." Luffy explained, still grinning but there was a maturity to his speech now.
Benn continued to stare at Luffy, but this time it was with pride. The little shit unlocked Advanced Observation in battle, something he knew took Shanks years to accomplish and still struggled to easily see a few seconds in the future to this day.
"I am so proud of you, Anchor," Benn told him with a grin, but his eyes drifted down to the weeping wound. "Come on let's go get you patched up."
Luffy hesitated then, eyes flicking left and right.
"Captain is still on the ship, Hongo is back in town with the others. I can easily slip in to grab him without alerting the others you're here though," Benn reassured Luffy, knowing instantly what was wrong.
He knew that Shanks was going to be upset that Benn got to see their kid, hell the entire crew that knew Anchor was going to be upset about it, but Benn wasn't going to let this opportunity go to waste. A feeling told him if he pushed the issue Luffy would just return to the ship promptly and leave, something Benn didn't want him to do till Luffy was checked over and he had some insight on the wounds his son bears.
It worried him to no end, he knew the kid's pain tolerance was through the roof, had been since he was a kid and that collision they had wouldn't have helped his injuries. Big Mom's territories weren't that many days away from their current location and he just wanted to make sure Anchor's healing wasn't hindered in any way.
Luffy stared at him for a long moment before nodding. "Alright Mom, if it'll make you feel better."
They walked back into town in relative silence, Luffy humming Binks every now and then as he gets distracted. Benn couldn't help but watch him, he was older than when he last laid his eyes upon him, but just as heavily wounded. Something he loathed but learned to accept. He reached Benn's shoulders now and God, it was only yesterday the kid was only knee height.
But he could see the life of a Pirate on his son, the rough hands, the scars, and sun-kissed skin. Sea salt encrusted hair and clothes. The hat his captain crowned him with was older, well-loved and cared for, the only thing that wasn't ripped or coated in dirt or blood.
He moved lithely like a tiger, prowling, stalking and extremely light on his feet, defined muscles shifting with each movement. But then again that really shouldn't surprise him with the stories that Ace had told them long ago in that snow-packed cave.
Another thing that caused Shanks to spiral, the entire Red-Force collective heart breaking at the life their Anchor had lived. He was loved, how could he not be with a brother like Ace but growing up in the forest? Hunting and fighting every day just to live, to scavenge amongst trash.
It wasn't the life they wanted their kid to have, not one they thought he would live.
Garp was just lucky that they hadn't seen him close at hand since they were told, even more so after they watched him sit there as they tried to execute one grandkid while the other fought a battle, he should never have been in.
Shaking his head Benn locked his gaze on Luffy once more. "Anchor, how did Rayleigh take being called Jiji?"
Luffy laughed and turned a wicked smile on Benn, reminding him again that he wasn't a kid anymore. "Who says I ever said it to his face? I thought you and dad would do the honour."
A laugh tore from Beckman, loud and free. "I love you, kid, I appreciate it."
"I do too ya'know." Luffy exclaimed after a moment of silence, looking at Benn from the corner of his eyes.
Frowning Benn turned his head. "What?"
"Love you," Luffy said simply, honestly, and it pulled Benn up. "I love you and Dad, after everything that happened with Ace… with his last words thanking me… thanking me for loving him it made me think..."
Benn swallowed the lump in his throat as he took in the faraway gaze, the sombre tone. He didn't dare break the silence as they came to a stop just at the edge of the town, the tavern he left earlier not far away. As much as he wanted to get Luffy checked over, he knew that this was something that couldn't wait, it felt big.
"It made me think that I never told you or Shanks how much I loved you, it's been years, and anything could have happened between then. A lot did happen between then and now." Luffy explained softly, eyes casting up into the night sky before turning to Benn. "You all were on my island for a year and within that year I loved you dearly, you became my parents."
"It's cause we are Anchor," Benn replied wetly, clearing his throat as he willed the emotion down. "We adopted you pretty much the second day, and have loved you since. Shanks drives everyone up the wall trying to get information on you, Mihawk nearly cleaved the Red Force in two out of spite one day. Gives Yasopp a run for his Berri."
Luffy grinned wide, a smile that rivalled the sun with how bright it was. "Shishishi I know, Zoro told me how much Hawky complained."
"Now, let's get Hongo to look at you before he's too drunk to do much else and then get you back to your crew," Benn stated sternly, subtly wiping a tear from his eye. "Stay right here. I mean it Anchor; I will get the captain if you run off."
Luffy nodded seriously and Benn took that as his cue to go and fetch Hongo, thankfully the man always brought his med kit with him because someone always at least gets hurt on a bender. Be it because they drank too much and passed out, smacking their head on the way down or the idiots they call Nakama try to out trick one another, sometimes it's a brawl.
He scanned the bar for the blonde doctor and spotted him immediately, exasperation clear on his face as he bandaged one of their newer recruits. He quickly made his way over just as Hongo finished taping the last of the bandages.
"Benn, I thought you were going back to the ship for some alone time with Chief?" Hongo greeted with a teasing grin before it dropped. "Unless something happened?"
"I need you to come with me, quietly, can't let the rest know," Benn replied seriously, eyes flicking over the crew left in the bar, thanking Davy Jones that Yasopp was already snoring away next to Limejuice as they fleeced the local bar flies in poker. He was the only one to worry about.
Hongo didn't question Beckman at the request knowing that it was something serious if their First Mate didn't want to alert the others too. Worry churned in him at the thought, he hoped that nothing happened to Shanks, not now, not with everything that's been happening lately. He also did not want to deal with another bedtime activity incident.
"Alright, what was so dire you needed me to…" The words trailed off as they came to a stop in front of a man, no, not just any man… His eyes took in the black hair, the wide D smile and glee-filled eyes, the familiar scar he patched up on a small boy back in the East Blue. "Anchor?"
The words were whispered in disbelief, and he looked back at Benn who nodded, telling him he wasn't imagining him, that Anchor was indeed front of him… and injured, of course he was.
"Yo' Uncle Hongo!" Luffy greeted with a raised hand and sunny grin.
Hongo sighed exasperatedly at the mirror memory of long ago. "What have you done this time Luffy? I thought you promised me you'd try and stay out of trouble."
Luffy just laughed, loud and carefree, pulling a smile to the doctor's face. "I'm a pirate now Hongo, injuries are unavoidable."
"He fought Charlotte Katakuri," Benn said at the same time, blandly.
"Oh, and that cracker guy, and the weird chess people and oh…" He trailed off, covering his grin sheepishly.
Benn looked to the sky in prayer while Hongo just began to unwind the numerous bandages, revealing wound upon wound, fresh over still healing and healed. It was a tapestry of battle written across the skin of their kid and oh, oh how did it make the hearts of Benn and Hongo ache.
Both elder pirates shared a look, Luffy's body was a testament to his suffering and strength, and it was also a mirror of their Captains. It seemed Luffy took on Shanks's worst trait of putting himself between his Nakama and what was after them.
"When did this happen?" Hongo asked calmly as he plucked out the broken stitches carefully at the wound on his side, trying to keep his gaze there and not the angry red of the X that sat on his chest.
It was a scar that would haunt all of The Red-Haired Pirates till the end of their days, because of how late they got there, Anchor lost his brother and suffered a wound that reminded them all of their failure.
"Oh, uh… two… three days ago?" Luffy frowned in thought, counting on his fingers. "I don't know, I slept for a bit once we escaped the Big Lady's fleet and woke just before we got here."
Hongo raised his brows in surprise, the wound looked like it was inflicted a week or so ago not days. He desperately wanted to ask Anchor's doctor or the doctor who saved him everything, the healing rate alone… "It's healing good, it's clean, should only take another few days till you can remove the stitches."
"That's because I have the best doctor! Chopper is amazing, he's a reindeer and can cure nearly anything." Luffy exclaimed leaning back with his glee. "Though he will be angry that I ruined his work, I wasn't supposed to leave the ship yet, but I sensed Mom and I couldn't wait."
"Steady Luffy, let me fix his work then, don't want him to get mad!" Hongo chided, causing Luffy to still and let Hongo fix his stitches.
Benn stared at Anchor; the cigarette clenched between his teeth. "Anchor, did you tell your crew where you were going?"
"Nope! But it's okay, Sanji can see me." Luffy explained matter of fact. "I felt him looking just after I found you, he'll let the others know I'm okay."
"That's beside the point, Anchor!" Benn retorted, exasperated. So much like Shanks. "You just faced off and escaped one Yonko Crew and landed on another Yonko's islands."
"Yeah, but it's Dad's Island," Luffy stated, staring at Benn like he was an idiot.
It was a look that wasn't appreciated, and Beckman shot his kid a look. "And that makes a difference? Does your crew even know that?"
"Of course they do," Luffy replied. "They know about Shanks; they know I'm safe on any territory that flies his Jolly Roger. As far as they are concerned, as far as they know… you and Shanks are my parents, the crew are my family. It's all I have left besides my Nakama, Jiji and Sabo. They know if I need them, I'll send a burst of Haki."
Benn felt his ire die in his chest at the explanation, at the declaration and the absolute belief in his voice when he stated that he believed he was safe on any island Shanks claimed. It was true but he didn't think Anchor would know that, the kid kept surprising him.
"Alright, well my job here is done," Hongo broke the thick silence as he finished tying off the last bandage, making sure it was snug enough that it wouldn't shift. He pulled Anchor in for a hug, savouring it and hiding the grin in the kid's hair. When everyone found out they missed seeing the kid because they were too drunk it was going to be havoc, even more so when they realised that he got a hug. "It's good to see you Anchor, I've missed ya, kid. Now make sure the next time I see you that you are hale and healthy."
Luffy laughed as he returned the hug. "No promises, see you soon Uncle."
Both Benn and Luffy watched as Hongo went back to the tavern, a smile on his face and a skip to his step.
"Let's get you back to your crew Anchor, it is rather late, and I bet you anything they're worried about you nevertheless." Benn chuckled, pulling the kid close to his side, and leading him towards where Luffy gestured his ship was, a smile on his face.
X
The moon was high in the sky by the time Benn got back to The Red Force. Half the crew sprawled out on the deck snoring, Hongo chuckling to himself at his position on lookout.
"He's grown a lot." The doctor stated with a faraway look. "Grown to be a great pirate."
A smile pulled at Benn's lips. "That he has, I'm proud of him. He's come so far; you know the kid has a 1.5 billion Berri bounty now?"
Hongo jerked and barely caught himself in time from colliding with the floor as he turned to stare at Benn with wide eyes. "What?"
A quiet laugh escaped the first mates' lips, holding up the bounty that Luffy had given him once they got to the Thousand Sunny. The ship was in disrepair, signs they had escaped battle barely but strong. It was an eccentric ship full of wonder and Benn couldn't wait to see it properly when they finally met once Luffy was King.
"Holy shit," Hongo whispered. "How did… Right, Yonko. Right… god damn…"
Benn left him there stumped and made his way back to his and Shanks's cabin, slipping inside quietly. His eyes fell on his husband easily, the man half slumped in the chair at his desk, paperwork half-finished and candle low fast asleep.
"This isn't good for your back Captain." He chuckled softly as he moved to Shanks's side, gently shaking his shoulder.
Shanks jolted awake, eyes snapping wide and alert for the danger before they finally settled on Benn. "You're late."
"Sorry about that Captain, something important came up." Benn chuckled, smirk tugging at his lips.
Shanks narrowed his eyes at his husband, taking in his rumpled state, the dirt that coated his clothes that indicated a fight, but it was the sheer joy behind those silver eyes that made him suspicious. He let his body go lax as Benn tried to get him up, eyes never letting up on his stare.
"Don't make me carry you, love, I've walked from one side of the island and back tonight." Benn groaned and Shanks raised his brows at that, allowing the next attempt to pull him up.
"And what, pray tell, made you do that?" Shanks asked as he began to get ready for bed.
"Well, had to take a certain Anchor home," Benn replied simply with a shrug, watching as Shanks froze, head snapping around with wide eyes.
"Luffy? You saw Anchor?" Shanks asked with bated breath. "He's here?"
Benn nodded as he began to strip. "He is, little shit tackled me. Didn't see it coming. Successfully suppressing his Haki completely for the first time to stalk me, drove me nuts."
Pride swelled up within Shanks, followed by laughter. "Truly? His Haki is controlled that well? Rayleigh stated he was a natural with Haki and in time he'd rival me in strength."
"Oh, that's not all of it, the kid has unlocked Advanced Observation too, mid-battle, beat Charlotte Katakuri's own Observation," Benn explained and looked up. "By himself."
Laughter tore from Shanks, pride swelling within him at the news. Davy Jones he couldn't wait to see his Anchor again and tell him personally how much.
"That kid," Shanks shook his head, smile turning soft. "I can't wait to see him, I know it's not yet time, but it's close."
"Oh, just you wait till you see him, Captain, he takes after you," Benn replied with a fond shake of his head. "Hides his smarts behind the childishness, throws himself between his Nakama and any enemy between them… He told me to tell you he loves you, in fact, it was 'Tell dad I love him too, that I'll see him real soon.'"
Shanks felt tears pool in his eyes, warmth flooding his chest. "That kid."
"Oh, before I forget, he gave us this, for the Wall of Pride." Benn chuckled and handed over the newest bounty. "1.5 billion Berri. Oh, and he also told me that Jiji Ray is also to thank for my sudden meeting of the ground thanks to his Haki suppression."
Shanks couldn't get over the new Berri, couldn't believe his pride could grow any more but here it was. His kid was closer to his life's goal, to completing the promise they made long ago, his heir… his little Prince so close to being King.
"Please tell me he said that to Rayleigh's face." Shanks laughed, pleaded more like for that answer.
Benn chuckled as he got in bed, lifting the covers for Shanks to join him. "No, told me he left it up to us to inform Rayleigh of his Jiji status."
"He's going to have a heart attack."
"Well, Anchor does so enjoy giving us one, I think it's Rayleigh's turn," Benn replied with a puff of a laugh. "I'll tell you more tomorrow, there's so much to tell."
"Good, I need to know everything."
Another soft laugh. "Of course, need more ammo to use for Luffy Storytime to drive us all insane."
"Of course!" Shanks chuckled, though his smile turned sombre, not quite sad but forlorn. "I wish I could have seen him, I miss him. But, I'm glad he saw you, that he's close even for a night."
"Me too, love, me too."