Retired Advice ~Ace~ AU
The date was January 1st, and Roger set in his chair in silence as Rouge continued to weep with worry and protest. Unfazed, the former king set up with a light chuckle. After several moments of scolding Roger let out a distant sigh finally giving a remark that wasn't sarcasm.
☠"Rouge, we were both Pirates of course he would choose adventure over safety. His heart isn't built to be shielded. Ace has a strong spirit too and that's best for protecting not being protected."☠
Slowly the former Pirate rose from his seat moving to pull her against him. He was also worried especially with the navy still on a hunt for the last seed of Roger but Ace was now of age and could choose his own life. He was supposed to be deceased alongside Rouge and ace and had it their way the navy would wipe away their existence alongside the island in buster-call if they ever got word of their little happy family. It was a grim picture for the worst generation but Roger KNEW they would be just fine in the end. Resting his head on her shoulder he could not help but kiss her cheek in promise. In the same moment he was shoved away his wife glaring at him with eyes that would have killed with Haki.
"THEY WILL FIND HIM ROGER!! YOU NAMED OUR SON AFTER YOUR LEGENDARY SWORD, BAKA!"
As she screamed Roger again chuckled bringing a growl from the woman now frustrated. He took a few steps back certain he would find himself on the Sofa for years to come if he continued this approach. He waved his hands in defense attempting to explain taking two more steps away from the Mother's wrath. It was something to be feared and even Roger began his next statement in caution.
☠"Rouge, My love, If Ace desires to chase his dreams as a Pirate it is in his blood and you, no WE, can not stop him. Ace is already a dead man on sight because he carries the "D", it doesn't matter if he is my son or not. He is fully aware that the world offers a shitty hand to those who conquer the seas and is still prepared to shake the world. To deny him is cruel and to hold him here will only bring wrath and rebellion. Just let him go Rouge."☠
As she began once more with her worries Roger simply rolled his eyes seeing this situation as one never to be resolved. Instead he rose from his seat to find his son and inquire as to what the young man wished to accomplish. He already knew his answer and could not help but smirk as he continued down the halls carrying a small wooden chest in his palms. This was his fault, the stories he had fed the child was enough to draw any with a sense of adventure and Roger couldn't help but roar in laughter.
The male had chosen to go on his own and claimed his title with no regrets. With a good strategy he was able to retire and wait for the next generation to finish his story. Hell, if given the chance he would push his only son out to the grasp of the sea physically rather then to watch him waste his life away on a hidden island.
Roger had made up his mind long before he set at the dinner table to listen to his love's complaints. He would see to it his son had a chance if any with all he had left to offer. He would escort the boy to his rival to grow stronger until Ace could hold his own. He would arm him with one of his greatest treasures even if it would strip away the kiss of the sea. Rouge would not bend unless Roger personally saw to her sons safety still very protective of her miracle child. Roger was certain Newgate would be able to center the boy enough to survive the wild ride.
Roger was both honored and thrilled to see the path Ace had chosen. After all the Pirate king's bet had always been on Ace to take the crown on his own standards which was the true reason for the name. It was honestly coincidence that he was named after the sword. The name was given based upon his bet to the world.
As he turned the corner to his study he stopped to watch his blond goddess gather the mapped scrolls from their ventures to give to Ace. Roger was lost a moment as he watched her move about hypnotized with every move. After all he had met her out there and had fallen for her almost instantly. So much was waiting for his son out there in the world and Roger would not allow any to keep him from his destiny. He was a bit lost in his thoughts until she finally turned her attention to him. As she whirled about her eyes grew wide and she immediately clamped her lips to suck in her initial response.
"Roger No!"
Rouge begged quickly before the Pirate king began shaking his head as she begged for him not to give the fruit to her son. This as far as he was concerned, was not up for debate and was Ace's choice. Ace had his strength but to rob him of the ability to touch the water was cruel in her eyes. Her eyes teared up and she immediately dropped the scrolls to rush to her mate in protest. Before she crossed the distance between them Roger spoke halting her in her place. He watched as she hid her eyes behind the strands of blond, tears streaming down her rosy cheeks. The former captain could not help but feel a pull at his chest at the sight of her distress.
☠"I will offer it as an option and I think it is a fair trade to give up water for fire. It will ensure the boy can defend himself in the end!"☠
Rouge gave little protest when considering the things he would go up against and decided to go with Roger to deliver the option. Silence fell between them as they mentally prepared to release their only child to the world. In the end, they had concluded to give their son the Mera Mera No Mi rather than to regret what they should have done in the future.
Lifting his hand his ringed finger Roger lightly tapped the wooden door. Roger could hear his heartbeat echoing in his ear with each passing second but gave no comment. Blue hues shifted to meet with hers as he took in a deep breath admitting the obvious.
☠"You know he will take it Rouge, no point in worrying about the what if's and if he ever found out I had this then he would take it and dive into the fury of the seas alone. It is best this way."☠
When he finished the statement she reached to the handle pushing the door open leading the way in. This was going to be a long night and both parents were certain that once Ace received their blessing he was going to pick his belongings and try to head out before sunrise.
☠"Ace, you need to wake we must discuss something with you and happy Birthday, my son."☠
He spoke out as they entered the dark room ready to free him with the best poker face of their lives. Roger had known this day would come and was surprised that Ace had waited until his late teens. Roger was gone long before childhood fending off the world in youth.