A private moment between two friends. Just wanted to try, because Mihawk and Shanks seem to be more than what meets the eye. And because I think I'd be pissed if someone made my rival, no longer able to be my rival. And because Shanks and Mihawk are simliar in ways I didn't realize till now.

Years ago,

"What happened?"

Shanks smiles tiredly. He is not surprised because he has been waiting; one of his own had come running in a few minutes before, warning his captain of the intruder.

"Hawk Eyes Mihawk, glad to know you're still alive."

"Seeing your state, I cannot return the sentiment," The swordsman barely blinks as he repeats. "What happened?"

Shanks takes a deep swig from his flask. It has been a few months since he left Luffy behind and longer since he has last seen Mihawk. The man he remembers was always slightly irritated, partly impassive and mostly indifferent. The man standing before him is mostly irritated. And Shanks knows why.

"I saved a kid from a sea monster," Shanks shrugs with a grin and pretends his rival can't see the pain etched in that single movement.

Mihawk stares down at him.

"You saved a child from a sea monster," He repeats. "A sea monster, took your arm?"

"Yep."

"Because of a child?"

"The kid's worth it." There is fierce affection and pride that Shanks doesn't bother to hide and Mihawk notices. A flicker in the yellow eyes and Shanks finds himself repeating, conviction in every word. "Luffy's worth it."

There is the slightest pause and Shanks recognizes the hesitation, the consideration, the question.

"I'll never regret it," Shanks assures. He remembers and adds, laughter glowing in every word. "The kid said he's gonna become the Pirate King."

"And you believe this child?" The world's greatest swordsman snorts and finally the danger passes. Shanks relaxes.

"You'll understand someday Mihawk," Shanks informs Mihawk cheerfully as he motions to his crew mates for another bottle of alcohol. "It's not just about believing. Someday you'll find a scrawny little arrogant kid who has the craziest dreams, and suddenly you'll just know you can't let him die."

"Hmph." Mihawk makes his opinion on that matter clear as he takes a seat and accepts the drink Shanks passes him. "You truly are an idiot."

Years later,

"And what did you do?"

The glee isn't at all suppressed in Shank's question.

"I scarred him for life." Mihawk deadpans, the scowl on his face getting fiercer by the second.

"Uh-huh."

"Roronoa is an arrogant child but he has potential."

"Uh-huh."

"I simply decided that with such potential he could become a worthy opponent."

"Uh-huh."

"This is nothing like what happened to you and Monkey D. Luffy."

"Uh-huh."

A second of silence, before the world's strongest swordsman finally rises to the bait and grits his teeth, a rare moment of tempest in the normally serene features; he growls.

"Wipe that smirk off your face else I shall hurt you."