The next day was basically just another day on the Strawhats' ship. There were fights (Zoro and Sanji), members goofing off (Luffy, Chopper, Usopp, and Franky), reading (Robin), doing their job and/or yelling at people (Nami)…like I said, just another day on the Strawhat ship…

Or at least that's how it looked to an outsider.

The tense atmosphere was obvious. Or, at least it seemed that way to the crew. The guilt was still surprisingly heavy on all their shoulders. While it was obvious that it wouldn't just go away overnight they all had hoped that it might at least lessen a bit. Naturally they were wrong. If anything, it felt heavier.

But that couldn't be right. Could it? They were acting normal, nothing had happened, Luffy was still oblivious; how could they feel worse? Or maybe it was because of all of that that they felt worse. It wasn't impossible. They were push overs when it came to their captain really. Why would this situation not affect them like this?

And there it was again.

That word.

'Why?'

Why did they lie? Why were they pretending? Why didn't they just tell the truth? Why did they feel like dirt whenever Luffy smiled at any of them now? Why did they think this was a good idea? Why were they enduring all this pain over something so trivial, especially when they could just get it all out and over with?

But maybe it wasn't so trivial. It really was a big thing after all. They'd been over that a thousand and odd times in their heads already.

It was the god damn flag for Christ's sake!

What disrespectful idiot does that?! And to their own captain who they owe so much to too! They really were unworthy…

So, from that day on, if Nami hit Luffy a little gentler when he did something stupid that could've gotten himself killed; if Sanji cooked Luffy's favorites more often, or even gave him a little more food at each meal- just because he knows how much he likes his cooking; if Usopp tried just a bit harder to make Luffy smile and laugh-just because Luffy only looks like Luffy when he smiles and laughs; if Chopper used a little more than necessary of his medicine on Luffy to make sure he healed quicker- because he knows that Luffy hates being sick and restrained; if Franky made sure to check the ship 5 times a day, just so he could make sure that the 2nd Pirate King's ship was still in perfect condition for their continued voyage; if Robin shared a bit more of her food with Luffy than usual, or helped him understand things a bit more even if it wasn't necessary- just because she knows how he hates feeling left out; or even if Zoro was a bit more watchful and protective of Luffy, diving in a bit sooner because he knows Luffy hates near-drowning; if they all tried just a little bit harder to feel like they had earned their right to be on this ship, to feel like they all had a right to call themselves a pirate-no…to call themselves a Strawhat pirate… If they all did that…could you really blame them?

…But if they were to pay just a little bit more attention… then they'd notice that their captain was doing the exact same thing as them…

Okay! There! I've updated and now you have another chapter! If you all want more then send me ideas 'cause I'm out! Got it? I'm done! I have other things to work on but I'm willing to do more if I get ideas. I might just get my own though…I didn't plan to update but the idea just hit me while I was washing dishes so there! This was my first multi-chapter story and it turned out rather well huh? Shout outs to:

*Kaoru likes One Piece- I loved your story on this topic! It was awesome! And thanks for the review!

*saltandburnit- Thanks for the whole 'I demand more!' thing. It was the first time I got it (from someone not threatening me) and I was really flattered so, thanks!

*IceMaize- Thanks for both the compliment and demand!

And thanks to everyone else who reviewed, favorited and followed! You're all pretty awesome yourselves! Thanks and, until next time! Stay beautifully lovely!