orange_smaug | Through Storm and Sunshine

Title: Through Storm and Sunshine
Rating: G
Characters: Thousand Sunny, Going Merry
Topic: Thousand Sunny
Summary: Sunny experiences some growing pains.

His birth had been blazingly quick though relatively painless, such was Franky's skill. He couldn't fault his father's ship-building in any way, though there was a certain awkwardness to his frame that would fade only with time. But despite this knowledge he still felt ill at ease, and his uncertainty came not from any mistake in his construction, but his crew.

They'd gushed over his size, cheered when they beheld his many cannons, marvelled at the garden, aquarium, and library. He was proud of his many capabilities and preened under the attention, but his confidence always lasted only until they lay down to sleep each night. Because the Going Merry had none of these, but he was the ship they dreamed of.

This is what he thought of the first time they talked, when after introductions conversation turned to the pirates he now carried.

How are you holding up? The voice was sweet, lacking the rasping growl of his own.

Fine, I suppose.

They get pretty violent don't they? Merry laughed. You'll probably take it better though, being made of Adam wood and all.

I guess. He paused, embarrassed at the praise. They miss you, is what he finally said, they really love you. He tried to keep his tone neutral but his emotions still seeped through, sullen and wistful in equal parts.

I know. The bliss of those words set Sunny on edge, until Merry continued. But I'm glad that they have someone like you to take care of them. I know, he stated, with such conviction Sunny couldn't help but believe it, that they'll love you too.

He heard the longing in Merry's voice, the sadness of one who knew he'd never sail with his crew again, and was ashamed of his jealousy.

Thank you. He smiled, and felt Merry smile back.

~end~