**~~Genessian Idol~~**

[guitar_hero]

Who: The judges, the contestants, and you!
What: The Premiere Music Competition~!
When: July 1st-2nd
Where: Nova City Auditorium



3rd Prize: 1,000 Redbills plus a coupon booklet for all the finest eateries.

2nd Prize: 5,000 Redbills, and opening act for the Doctor's next big show

Grand Prize: 15,000 Redbills, headlining their own concert via the Doctor's talent agency. Plus a little something extra.


Sarah Jane Scholarship: Full Ride Through Attleton U

Comments

[chief_of_staff]

[He figured he would have been treated to the ramen, but --

It'd be no fun to not bring it up, anyhow.

He's silent in the bank, looking over a few advertisements on posters, wondering when he'll finally get some sort of steady job here. He needs to. He's been a little antsy, and he could use a better place to live.

But after the two of them leave the bank, and he's handed that envelope and told how much is inside, he quickly shoves it right back toward his brother.]

No, no. This is yours! Please. [He stops walking, his expression a mix of teary-eyed happiness and seriousness.] You should keep it. Get a nicer place, one for just you and him. Please.

[burnt_offering]

Sabo, I only entered for you and Luffy. The money was yours from the start.

[The only reason he even considered going up on stage and opening his heart to people was so Luffy and Sabo wouldn't struggle. Ace has had an easy ride here from the start. He's been so well taken care of that work even now is honestly optional. So he hands the envelope back and clasps one of Sabo's hands over it.]

I just got a job as a deputy, so I'm making more than enough right now. So please, take it. [He takes a deep breath, and continues.] Back home, you and Luffy loved me when the world wanted me dead. Thank you for that. For taking care of Luffy back home when I couldn't. You're my brothers. And I love you. [His voice is slightly strained now, and he's tearing up a little..] So let me do this for you. Please.

[chief_of_staff]

[When his hand is clasped over that envelope, he can't help but start to tear up, and he sucks in a breath to hide that. He looks away, thoughts of his terrible time in that other city for so long starting to run through his mind again.]

I -- what if I give all of this to Luffy? [He looks back toward Ace and smiles slightly, but his eyes obviously still show the signs of tears starting to form.] I didn't care for him without you. I forgot all about him and you -- I can't -- take this for myself. Not even half of it. [He won't hand it back, though. His idea is that he should just give it all to their younger brother.] I'll be sure he gets it safely, though. That I can promise.

[burnt_offering]

Please don't do this. [Ace's voice is wavering, his tone suggests panic. And that's very close to what he's starting to feel at the idea that Sabo won't accept the money. He's scared for him, Ace worries for Sabo every day and he wants him to be okay. And so far, things haven't been okay at all.

Worse is the idea that Luffy, who is impulsive and often irresponsible, would end up with all of it. He's a good captain for his crew, but he's not the most reliable. And the money would be spent fast and probably mostly on meat.] Sabo, I need you to take your half and use it well. I worry so much about you, so please, please accept this. You'd do the same for me if I'd been there, wouldn't you? You'd make sure I was safe and supported. That all I'd have to worry about was getting better and feeling right again, instead of where my meals and home were coming from. [Ace stares at Sabo, pleadingly.] That's what brothers do. Right?

[His heart is slamming in his chest.] Keep it. Maybe keep all of it, and use it to support both you and Luffy for a while. So he doesn't just spend it on food.

[chief_of_staff]

[He's right.

He's right and Sabo feels terrible about refusing the money, even though a small part of him still wants to. He doesn't necessarily think he deserves half of it, but --

Keeping it for now makes the most sense. Luffy would unfortunately spend it all very quickly on meat.

Biting his lip, he takes the envelope once again and sets it under his jacket, and then takes a step closer to his brother.]

You're right. I'm -- I'm sorry. I should hold onto this and divide it up, so Luffy doesn't spend it all on food. [His eyes fall to his feet and he pauses a moment.] I've just been taken care of multiple times now and I never really -- enjoyed it. I want to be independent, if that makes sense. [Being taken care of makes him think back to being a Submissive again.] I'm too used to being treated in a way that I shouldn't be. I think. [He sighs.] But I know you mean the best for me, and I really appreciate it. Thank you.