Chapter Text
“Hmm, a 'Merchant Ship' bound to Sabaody was raided and sunk by members of the Revolutionary Army off the coast of Austral’” Thatch reads from the newspaper, his tone dripping in non-belief, “All merchandise was lost to the raid and flames, there are no reported survivors listed from the crew or benefactors that were aboard. Hah ‘Merchant Ship’ my ass.”
“Well, hopefully those Revolutionary folk were able to grab everyone.” Izo says cleaning his pistol, “They’ve really been going on a rampage against Slaver Ships for the last few years, with less and less mercy it seems.”
“Wish it would actually do some long lasting good.” Marco couldn’t help but pipe in, watching the Moby Dick dock at one of their islands. “Unfortunately that ship and those slaves will just be replaced in that terrible endless cycle, they really should be saving resources and aim for the head.”
“Whatever, at least they’re doing what they can to spare those people more suffering.” Thatch tosses the newspaper to the next person wanting it. “It’s too nice of a day to get hung up on that stuff.”
“All right you louts!” Marco calls out once the ship was fully docked, “If you’re going to shore remember your manners and try not to cause any trouble like always!”
The mixed result of grumbles and cheers as everyone started making their disembark had the first mate rolling his eyes as his captain let out a hardy laugh.
“Come now, Marco.” Whitebeard says, pulling his sake out, “Don’t worry too much, they know the consequences of causing issues on our own territory.”
“Still good to let them leave with a friendly reminder, Pops.” Marco says, staring disapprovingly at the drink, “I’d rather not have to assign a hundred different chores again.”
“Fair enough.” Pops chuckles again, “Take Stefan with you, it seems something caught his interest here, plus he can use a walk on land anyways.”
The large dog in question had lifted his head upon docking, his crescent-whiskered snout sniffing the air in interest to something.
“Very well, off you go boy!”
The old dog’s claw scratched against the deck as he seemingly excitedly scrambled to join the disembarking pirates before trotting off into town.
“I wonder what caught his attention this time.” Marco hums watching the flash of white disappear into the crowds, “Last time he was this interested in leaving the ship he brought back three puppies and a chicken… and Haruta the time before that.”
“Who knows.” His Pops chuckles at the memories, “Stefan’s always been particular, if he brings back anything you're in charge of taking care of it.”
“Why me ~yoi?”
“Because I’m too old to.”
“He’s your dog!”
“No he ain’t, he just follows me like the rest of you lot.”
“Tell that to your matching mustaches ~yoi!”
“Nah, go on.” Pops waves him away, “Get with what you're doing today already and stop nagging me.”
“Nagging you is literally half my job.” Marco turns to face his captain fully with a pointed flat look, “And speaking of nagging you, don’t make me hide all the sake again.”
“Hrmmm.”
“Just make sure you drink more than just sake, or I’ll talk the nurses and cooks into watering it down instead.”
“Hmmp. My own son, threatening me and my drinks.” Pops grumbles, setting his sake bottle to the side, “Go on, shoo, Tate’s still here to nag me in your stead, go have some fun and bring me back some of the local sake.”
“Pops!”
Marco rolls his eyes as the old captain laughs at him and takes to the skies. Quickly pinpointing were most of his brothers have ended up, a brothel big surprise there. Rolling his eyes again he spotted Thatch in the Market haggling prices, a few members of his division helping. Izo, of course, was at a fabric shop. Vista and Haruta at a sword shop. And Stefan… was nowhere to be seen… for an old dog he sure can move around quickly when he wants too.
Extending his haki Marco was able to pick up Stefan’s location near the outskirts of town. Marco was impressed the old dog made it all the way over there already but he trusts the animal to find his way back to the ship without a keeper.
Now, he had some medical supplies and maps to buy. By the end of the day his work was done early and he’s already added three new coasters to his collection from the various bars and restaurants his brothers dragged him to in the afternoon.
“Has anyone seen Stefan around?” Marco decides to ask, sliding a new coaster into his pocket? “I’m curious to know what caught his attention today.
“He walked past me a couple of hours ago.” Vista says, “It seemed to me like he was just walking around.”
“He begged me for some street food earlier as well.” Thatch tells him, setting some new drinks down. “He just walked off with it which was unlike him.”
“Maybe he found a lady dog and wanted to impress her.”
“Who says it has to be a lady dog?”
“Who said it had to be a dog at all?
The jokes decanted into a brief and silly conversation about theories on who or what Stefan might be into. Which had had the table rolling their eyes.
“I mean, he is still an animal, who’s to say.” Jozu rumbles behind his drink, ending the debate, “He’s probably back at the ship by now anyways I wouldn’t worry about him.”
“I’m not worried ~yoi!” Marco tells them, “Just curious since it’s been a while, he’s the one crew mate I don’t have to worry about.”
“Aw you wound us, Marco!” Thatch feigned heartache, “and here we thought you loved us.”
“No, I truly hate you all.” Marco deadpans, earning a round of laughter, “Don’t forget your spending reports are due at the end of the week.”
That earned him a round of “boos” before it was swept away in the growing party as more booze and brothers joined them.
It wasn’t until early morning when most of them meandered back to the ship. Sure enough Stefan was laying in his usual place by Pops’ chair and nothing seemed out of the ordinary as the old dog snored on not even nothing to wake up at the returning crew.
Marco gives him a rub between the ears, earning him a rumble from the beast, before heading to his quarters. It was the beginning of the next day, and he had work to do.