crusty-chronicles

[crusty-chronicles]

The Greatest Pirate You've Ever Seen

Synopsis: The Legendary Sparrow and Joy Boy meet.

An: Gender neutral reader. For funsies, reader is Jack Sparrow coded. I think it's a neat concept I haven't seen yet. Sparrow D. Y/n because we like to have a little fun around here 🥺

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You think it's been days since you last set foot on land. The dingy ship you'd stolen on its last legs. There's an island in the distance. Dressrosa, you think. Land of the toys, faires, and whatever else fairytale bullshit. 

Sounds like a good time.

You check your compass and sure enough, it's pointing towards the kingdom. While you were here you might as well get a proper log pose. It'd save you from another week of drifting along aimlessly. You dock what's left of your ship and make your way into town.

It's…an experience. 

The rumors weren't wrong. Children’s toys walked alongside humans like it was normal. You suppose it wasn't the strangest thing you'd seen in the New World. Fish people and Minks were definitely up there. 

“Hey you, tin man. Is there something going on today?” You call out to a robot.

He spins his head around to address you. 

“You haven't heard? They're having a tournament for the Flame-Flame fruit. It's being hosted by a member of the royal family.” 

He proceeded to eye you wearily. You supposed you looked out of place here compared to the usual civilian. 

“Royal family?” You muttered.

That's right. 

A warlord and his goons inhabited the island. It would be wise to lay low. On the other hand, there wasn't a wanted poster of you in existence. You were a myth as far as most people were concerned. Nobody would bat an eye at you. Unless you gave out your name, that is.

“Thank you darling.” You give the robot a pat on the arm and leave to search for more information.

You didn't really care about the devil fruit. It's not like you could eat it either. But what you wanted was here. That was enough of a reason for you to enter the tournament. 

The application process was simple enough. Sign your name and take a number. Although the woman at the counter looked at you like you were crazy. You were unfortunate enough to be one of the earlier entries. Having to wait as bigger and louder contestants piled in. Forced to listen to their misplaced bravado. 

You decided you were too sober to put up with this. Getting ready to scrounge around for a bottle of rum before the fighters started whispering around you. Their sights directed on the latest contestant. An old man. 

“Poor old fool probably doesn't know where he is.”

“What's with the little guy?”

“Is this some kind of joke?”

There was something off about the guy. He didn't have the gait of an old man struggling to stand. He's too agile. His hair is practically jet black, not at all grizzled with age like his ‘beard.’ Were people seriously buying this?

You may have been buzzed, but your eyes still worked. 

Your suspicions were confirmed when another fighter challenged him. The supposed geezer dodged every punch thrown at him with ease. Grabbing his opponent and slamming him into the ground with a spin. 

You smirk, popping open the cap of your compass. The needle immediately points in his direction. This just got very interesting. You make it a point to actually read the name on his back. 

‘Lucy’

Even his alias is bullshit. 

You think you might have a good time after all. And the slim chance you actually win the devil fruit, you could sell it for a decent sum. Oh, just thinking about all the rum you could get is sending shivers down your spine. Maybe you could even afford a nice ship. Black sails and all. 

You unconsciously reach down towards your pocket. Your fingers making out a familiar shape. Seems your day just keeps getting better. The flask is decently full. 

You're about two swigs in before someone calls out to you.

“Hey! Where'd you get the food?” It's Lucy. (Who in Luffy fashion, equates drinks to meaning food must also be around.) 

“This?” You give the flask a shake, swishing around its contents. 

“Forgot I had it on me, honestly. But if you manage to find a bottle, bring it here would you?” 

He sulks for a second, mourning the loss of a potential meal. Then all at once he's full of energy again. 

“Sure!”

He's a friendly one. You wonder how long your compass will stay pointing at him. How long you'll follow around this time. 

“That beard of yours real?” You questioned. 

He seemed to remember where he was. His voice immediately picking up in pitch and rasp. 

“Why yes young whipper snapper. I grew it myself.”

It's a terrible impression, and you can see the string holding his beard up in place. You're close enough to see his face now. No crows feet or wrinkles. But you don't call him out on it. You're curious to see where this goes. Unfortunately, you don't have much time to sit and talk. The first match is about to begin. 

Your match. 

“You're a strange one, aren't you? Don't die before the funs begun okay?” You call out behind you.

He scrunches his face up in confusion.

“Huh?” 

You'd be sure to find him after your round. For now…

“Block A!” The announcer calls out.

One by one, the fighters make their way towards the arena. Each name earning ear shattering cheers. When they finally get to yours, the announcer nearly keels over in surprise. It's then you realized you used your real name. He takes multiple breaths of air, as if fighting to keep the oxygen in his lungs.

“Ladies and gentlemen….We have-we have a pirate only rumored to exist! We have the marines’ very own boogeyman! We have….”

The audience goes silent in anticipation.

“WE HAVE SPARROW D. Y/N!!!!!!”

The crowd erupts in absolute pandemonium. Screaming so loud you can barely hear yourself think. You begin to walk the bridge towards the arena. People are practically throwing themselves into the murky waters below for a better look. 

There's a scowl on your face as you reach the center.

“They always forget the ‘captain,’” you mutter.

You stumble the rest of the way, silver flask in hand. The audience quickly puts two and two together. The infamous Captain Sparrow…Was an inebriated mess.

“HEY! ARE YOU DRUNK!?!”

“WHO LET THE COMPETITORS BRING IN DRINKS!?!”

“GET THIS ALCOHOLIC OFF THE ARENA!”

You pay them no mind. They're the ones who set their expectations so high. If the fools wanted to believe you were some all mighty pirate, let them believe. 

“BEGIN!”

You were immediately surrounded on all sides. No doubt the one to beat you would get an increase to their bounty. A sort of claim to fame. Although some competitors eyed you with scrutiny. 

“This small fry really Sparrow?”

You say nothing, already bored with the competition. If this was the best they had to offer, maybe entering the tournament itself wasn't the right move. You go to take a swig from your flask before it's knocked out of your hands. The tip of a sword held against your neck. 

“If you're who you say you are, then you'll put up a fight.” One of the opponents threatens.

You finally look up at the men around you.

“Is that a challenge? If you're gonna point your sword, then you better be ready to use it.”

One sweep of your sword.

“Waltz.”

And all your opponents were swept out to the waters below.

The crowd shrieks out in excitement. As if they weren't just cursing you out. You begin to stumble your way towards the exit. Damn shame you were out of rum. Maybe that Lucy guy would find you a bottle after all.

Suddenly, the audience lets out gasps. 

“What!?! SOMEONE'S COMING BACK UP!” The announcer shouts.

You turn around to see a burly man haul himself up the platform. The bag on his head falls away, causing another uproar from the audience.

“IT’S THE FIRST DIVISION CAPTAIN SERVING UNDER BLACKBEARD!!! JESUS BURGESS!!!”

He approaches you with the confidence of a man who didn't almost lose. His expression is smug as he sneers down at you. 

“So you are the legendary Sparrow. Who knew you'd finally be seen in a place like this?”

His smile widens as if he'd just gotten a great idea. 

“Say, why don't you forget about the Flame-Flame fruit…And join Blackbeard’s crew!”

You stare at him in utter silence. The cogs in your brain turning while they try to process the offer. It's subtle, the way your laughter bubbles up. Then all at once you're hollering while clutching your stomach.

“Join you lot? The pirates who feed off left overs and scraps?” Your tone is mocking, as if the very idea is ludicrous. 

“I'm nobody's lackey. I'm Captain Sparrow D. Y/n.” You recover from your laughing fit, straightening yourself up. 

“You seem to have forgotten the captain part. But don't worry, I'll make sure you remember it from now on.”

The grin on his face shifts into a scowl as he lunges for you.

“HOW DARE YOU!!!” 

“Waltz!”

You make sure to use more force this time, sending the pirate flying out through the walls of the arena. You sheath your sword and continue back inside the waiting area.

“The winner is Sparrow D. Y/n!”

You figure that's the end of that. So imagine your surprise being greeted by the end of a sword yet again. A tall blonde man? glares down at you. 

“You bastard!” He hissed out.

“While technically true, that's not a nice thing to-” 

“Shut up! Who the hell do you think you are?!? Stealing my rightful glory?!?! You ruined everything for me!!!”

You were regretting entering this tournament more and more. You used your finger to direct the blade away from your neck.

“Glory huh? You sure about that? Because I have no idea who you are.”

He shoves you harshly into the wall. Arm pressing down against your neck this time.

“I’m the Pirate Noble Cavendish. Beauty of the sea. Women throw themselves at me in my presence.”

“Then you should consider being in a boy band, mate.” You said before trying to move.

He only added on more pressure, droning on about his fantasy in the spotlight.

“I'll just have to kill you to regain my image. The man who killed Sparrow. Then people will never forget who I am.” 

Your hand moved little by little towards your holster. Finger ready on the trigger at a moments notice. All you had to do was draw your weapon.

“Heyyyyyy!!!!! Sparrow!! Good job on your match!” A familiar voice called out.

Your grip loosens around your pistol.

The blonde’s hold on you goes slack to see who it is.

“Oh, cabbage is here too? Nice.” Lucy greets.

“IT'S CAVENDISH!” Your assailant screeches before composing himself.

“Never mind. I found a solution to my little problem. If Strawhat isn't here, I'll just take out Sparrow instead.” He explains.

“To dinner or with a gun? I gotta say, one of those options sounds a lot more fun than the other.” You comment.

“Why you-!”

Lucy pulls on Cavendish’s collar. Effectively lifting him off you before tugging him away.

“Quit arguing! The next round is about to begin.”

And as the blonde is being dragged off, you can't help but taunt him a little. 

“P.s. I was talking about the gun.”

“Count your days Sparrow!”

If all your interactions were going to be like this, then you'd better find a secluded space to watch the rest of the matches. A shame that blonde was with Lucy. You would've loved to observe him a little more. 

—---------------------------

Block B was decently entertaining. Especially with that Bartolomeo fellow. You wished the opponents in your block would have lasted half as long. At least you could look forward to the final round. The competitors looked stronger for Block C. Maybe that Lucy guy would be a finalist. 

There were also rumors going around now of a pirate who'd entered. Why he was being targeted, you had no clue. But clearly he'd done something to earn himself a manhunt. If only you could remember the name.

“BLOCK C! BEGIN!”

Bodies were immediately thrown from the arena. You were surprised they managed to fit a giant on there. Size gave him a small advantage over the rest. Then there was the old man and his grandsons. For an actual grandpa, he was spry. And he seemed to be targeting Lucy???

You watched as he chased after the smaller man. Getting stopped and blocked off by another competitor. Lucy himself became cornered. He retracted his arm in a punch, stretching back further than humanly possible. 

“Gum-Gum Pistol!”

Gum-gum?

Wasn't there a rookie with that devil fruit?

What was his name?

There was a screech from somewhere above you. Followed by the heavy footsteps of guards. The scream repeated until you could just make it out.

“STRAWHAT!”

Ah, that was his name. 

Strawhat Luffy. One of the worst generation captains. He kept taking out opponents one by one, opting not to use his devil fruit anymore. He must've still wanted to keep some semblance of anonymity. Although he couldn't help but throw out the occasional kick and punch that defied the natural laws of physics.

In his short time out in the arena he'd managed to: tame a wild bull, take out a warrior from Elbaf, and be one of the last two men standing. His fist collided directly against the old man’s. The resulting impact sent everyone from the audience unconscious.

A perfect clash of Conquerer’s Haki.

A wide grin broke out across your face.

You can't remember the last time someone piqued your interest. And as he inflated his haki covered fist, you didn't think anyone would ever captivate it as completely again. Maybe you'd let him win the tournament if you faced off. Just to see what he'd do from there.

“The winner of Block C: Lucy!!!!”

You decide to explore for a bit since the arena wouldn't be ready for another fifteen minutes. You tug down the brim of your hat to hide your face. Strange. There's no sign of the injured competitors. You don't have much time to dwell on it though. Various shouts starting to echo through the corridors.

“GET BACK HERE!!!!”

“STRAWHAT!!!! WE NEED TO TALK!!!”

“MR. STRAWHAT!!!”

You duck behind a hallway. The sound of the stampede draws closer. Good news, you're not the center of attention anymore. Bad news, they were about to put your source of entertainment on a skewer. 

Before you can rationalize against it, you stick out your hand. The feeling of fabric brushes against your fingertips and you pull as hard as you can. You hold down Strawhat, covering his mouth with your hand. He wasted no time struggling against your grip.

“Shh. They're about to pass by.” You whispered.

He stops squirming, relaxing into you with a sigh. Sure enough, his pursuers run straight past the two of you. When you're sure they won't come back, you release him. (He still peeks cautiously from behind the corner.)

“You're really popular today. I almost feel bad keeping you to myself.” You tease.

He lets out an exasperated noise, clutching at his head.

“Don't tell me you wanna fight me too!!!”

You wave him off with a laugh.

“Not really my style to jump someone. Besides, you're amusing to watch. Wouldn't want to break you, now would I?”

Your words carry a certain undertone to them. One he absolutely does not pick up on. Throwing all flirtatious notions out the window.

“You wouldn't break me. I'm made of rubber, so attacks just bounce right off me.”

As if to prove his point, he flexes his bicep. 

He's got a boyish charm to him. All smiles and not an ounce of hesitation behind his eyes. You can tell he's one of those go-getter types. It'd do him well in the New World. 

“You know, I'm really glad you beat the crap out of that Burgess guy.” His voice snaps you from your thoughts.

“And why's that?”

“I don't want someone like that win Ace’s fruit.”

Ace? Not Fire-Fist. He knew him on a personal level. Perhaps someone who was still left in Whitebeard's crew. You wouldn't know. You didn't exactly keep up with what happened at Marineford. Nevertheless, you thought it was admirable he wanted to preserve the image of someone who was important to him.

“You really want it that bad huh?”

“Yeah. As long as it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.”

You liked honest people like him. Easy to deceive. They were always the most loyal too. You begin to walk away, trusting he'll do the same and find a better hiding place.

“Till next time, Strawhat.” You call out behind you.

“See ya!”

When the final round is about to begin, right after Block D, you're mildly surprised not to see Strawhat anywhere. You finally catch sight of a golden helmet. But you could tell just by the way he held himself now. You check your compass to confirm your suspicions.

Sure enough, the needle is spinning around in the opposite direction. You were no fool. The man in front of you was the furthest from Strawhat. He was taller, blonde hair peaking out from under his helmet. Not to mention his outfit was different. A blue tail coat in place of the Hawaiian button up. 

“You're not Strawhat, are you?”

He stiffens at your question.

“Why do you wanna know?”

And his voice, it definitely wasn't Strawhat. He seemed almost defensive. Protective of the real Strawhat. You figured being honest wouldn't hurt. 

“He’s a very intriguing individual. I would have loved to get to know him better. But seeing as he's gone, I have no reason to continue fighting in this tournament.” You explained. 

“You don't want the devil fruit?” He asked in disbelief.

“I want what every pirate wants: freedom to live how I want to. No skin off my back if I get the fruit or not.”

He hesitates for a second before speaking again.

“The, uh, real Lucy wanted me to hand this off to you.”

He passes on a bottle of sake to you. Not quite rum, but it'd get the job done. You're surprised Strawhat kept his word. It makes you grin from under the brim of your hat.

“A good man that one is. Don't worry about me, I'll find my own way out. Have fun.”

—-------------------------------------

You aren't quite sure how things ended up like this. One minute you're searching for your next dose of fun, the next, Dressrosa is being destroyed by its king. Out of all days, it had to be the one when you were visiting the island.

You were just trying to find a boat. Not even halfway to the docks when a mass of strings shot out in front of you. They surrounded the entire island, caging everyone inside. Were…were they moving!?!

“Oh buggar,” you muttered under your breath. 

You had no choice but to back away to safety. Watching as the string sliced everything in its path. The entire kingdom was in an uproar. Toys transforming back into people. Buildings shifting and moving around. Stampedes running back and forth, not knowing which way to flee. 

You headed towards the center of the city. Where everyone else seemed to clutter. You finally had a clue what was going on as Doflamingo was thrown out from above the castle. Strawhat right behind him in some new form. 

He was fighting with everything he had. The citizens around you were cheering for him. For their freedom. And you understood the situation you were in. You'd all be crushed if Doflamingo wasn't stopped.

And Strawhat was just the man to do it.

He gave a final punch, sending the warlord flying into the cliffside. Strawhat deflated right after, falling into the center of town. There were murmurs around you. People hesitant to celebrate just yet.

It looked like he won…until Doflamingo removed one of his arms from the rubble. Then the other. The citizens screamed out in terror. Once again running in the opposite direction. None of them sparing a second glance towards Strawhat. 

If he truly was the only one who could get you out of this mess, then you'd make a gamble. You approached him through the frenzied crowd. Making sure to keep your eye on the warlord above as he healed himself. 

“Strawhat,” you called out as you kneeled down next to him.

He feebly raised his head, recognition flashing in his eyes. Then relief. Poor thing could barely see straight.

“Can you still fight?”

He tried to get up, only for his arm to give out under him. You were quick to steady him from falling. Letting him put his full weight on you.

“Need…ten minutes,” he struggled to get out.

“Ten minutes? You can promise me you'll be able to win in ten minutes. Not a second more?”

His gaze sharpened, becoming more determined.

“Ten minutes. Then my-my haki will be recharged.”

It's a very risky gamble. And you had no plans of dying anytime soon. Ten minutes exactly was a long shot, especially if you ended up dead anyways. But for whatever reason, you trusted him. 

“Done. But I expect rum this time. None of that light weight stuff. Got it?” 

Against all odds, he laughs. It's every bit as exhausted as he is. And it reassures you that much more.

“Sure thing Sparrow.”

You're not sure who grabs him and moves him out of the way, but you're beyond grateful for one less distraction. You draw your sword in anticipation of what's to come. You'd never brand yourself as a hero. There was just a mutual goal between you and the kingdom of Dressrosa right now. The goal being not seeing those pearly white gates. 

There's a feeling of dread as Doflamingo descends down towards you. Heavenly Demon they called him? It was very fitting. He practically loomed over you. The red glint from his sunglasses didn't help either.

He looked surprised to see you standing here instead of Strawhat. Judging from the way his smile widened, it's a welcome turn of events. You don't let it faze you. 

“Can't say I love what you did with the place, but something about it screams Doflamingo,” you comment. 

You weren't delusional enough to believe you could beat him. But stall him for ten minutes? That you could do. It was best to keep him talking for as long as possible.

“Captain Sparrow D. Y/n. You finally make your appearance after so long in the shadows. And in my kingdom no less.” He sneered down at you.

“Finally someone who doesn't forget the ‘captain.’ You know, if you weren't a murderous sociopath or evil dictator, we could be great friends.”

You can see him shift his fingers, thin strings following the movement. He takes a step forward. You stand your ground.

“What's someone like you doing protecting Strawhat?” 

He's trying to do the same as you. Stall for time. Although his reason is very different from yours. Trying to analyze the best way to attack.

“I’ve got a lot invested in his survival right now. He's a very interesting man, wouldn't you say so?” You tried to bait.

“I hope you have some return on that investment. Strawhat’s a dead man walking.”

It doesn't goad him to strike first like you wanted. Instead, saying something that has your blood running cold.

“How about we make a trade? I'll let him live if you give me the compass.”

You freeze for barely a second, but it's enough. Far too late to open your mouth and deny its existence. 

“Don't try to play stupid with me. I know all about Tia Dalma’s compass… and what it does. So do we have a deal?”

You'd sooner crush it beneath your boot than ever hand it over to someone like him. 

“A compass that points to what you want most, or Strawhat's life? You've really got me in a bind here. Do you think his life is really worth that much? Or is the compass worth that little?”

You pretend to think on it, stalling for a few more precious seconds.

“I'll get back to you on that.”

It was effectively the straw that broke the camel’s back. He slashes his hand down, sending a wave of string at you. You dodge to the side, raising your sword up to block his kick.

Damn, this guy was fast.

Behind you came another onslaught of thread from what appeared to be a clone. They sliced down your back as you made a hasty escape. The former warlord let out a cackle. His clone joining him at his side. The ground beneath you beginning to morph into more string.

He was using his awakening. 

“Buggar,” you mumbled as the two Doflamingos charged towards you.

Just like last time, you blocked one with your sword and ducked under the second attack. The ground receded into itself before jutting out in a spike. Your reflexes were better this time. Jumping towards a building and stumbling towards the rooftop. You unfortunately didn't make it very far.

“I wonder…” He started as he flickered his fingers. The building crumpling into a heap of threads from under you.

“What type of devil fruit did you eat? It'd make it easier to find a use for it after I take it from your corpse.”

You find it in you to manage a smirk.

“What makes you think I ate one?”

It makes him falter. Just enough time for you to hop onto the next building.

“Or maybe I did. Maybe I ate the Op-Op fruit. That's two things now you can never have.”

You can see the veins on his forehead bulge.

“Strike a nerve, did I?”

The ground gives way completely. At least ten buildings ahead of you sharing the same fate as the previous ones. Doflamingo is diving towards you, his clone following suit. Right where you want them.

“Waltz!” 

You swing your sword with as much force as you can muster. The slash cuts the clone straight through. It falls away back into thread. The real Doflamingo, however, isn't so fortunate. Your attack tearing up the flesh on his arm. 

And just when you think you might have a moment of reprieve, he forces his arm through the pain. His hand wrapping tightly around your throat. You're suspended in midair. He could snap your neck or slam your skull on the pavement if he so desired.

You kick your legs to no avail. The little air in your throat being squeezed out. You would not die here. You still had an ace up your sleeve. 

“I expected much more from you. But you're a weakling just like every other pirate.”

He applied more pressure onto your neck. You could see your vision start to get spotty.

“You're no devil in the shadows. No boogeyman hiding in the dark. You're human. And humans…Can be killed.”

You don't really have a choice. It's either use it or die. You grip his arm back. A defiant look in your eye. You open your mouth, prepared to use your attack, when a shout interrupts you.

“MINGOOOOOO!”

Doflamingo snaps his head in the direction the voice comes from.

It's Strawhat. 

You take the confusion he caused as an opportunity to break free. A strange sensation overtakes the warlord’s arm. He glances down at you in surprise. Vision almost distorted as you somehow kick yourself free. The next instant, you're a few feet away from him.

“Remember this day as the day you ALMOST caught Captain Sparrow!”

And with that, Luffy charges at him.

You don't get to see much of the fight, having been teleported out of the way. You're on a different rooftop when you realized what's happened. You'd been moved to safety. What a lucky day. Your eyes make contact with another pirate’s. This one bloodied up with his arm practically hanging off.

“Rough Day?”

“Shut it.”

—-------------------------------

It feels like a miracle when Strawhat lands the final punch. Everyone holds their breath as Doflamingo lays in a crater. With no sign of movement, the civilians cheer for their newfound freedom.

The days seem to blur together after that. Celebrations, avoiding the marines, setting sail with all the pirates who fought to free Dressrosa. You only stuck around as long as you did because your compass refused to change its course. 

Though you don't mind it all that much. Watching as several Captains take an oath to become part of Strawhat's ‘fleet.’ You're pleasantly surprised when he not only shows visible discomfort at their offer, but also downright rejects it. His own crew doesn't seem the least bit surprised by his actions. Taking it upon themselves to drink the massive cup of sake.

The other captains gape in shock as he explains himself. He didn't want to hide behind numbers to get his way. He wanted to rely on his own strength and his crew. Somehow, he manages to bring it back to friendship. How if he really needs help, the other pirates will have his back. Equals instead of subordinates. 

Ugh, so sweet it could give you cavities.

Then they go around and throw it back in his face. Taking the oath anyway. Bartolemello notices the lack of sake in your hand, pushing a full cup towards you.

“C’mon! Don't you wanna pledge your loyalty to Strawhat?”

You scowl at the very idea.

“I'm nobody's little groupie. If you want to worship the ground he walks on, be my guest.”

It's something Luffy happens to overhear. He remembers you saying something similar to Burgess. He's glad someone here is still sane. (Not kissing up to him as a way to show gratitude.) You have a bottle of some kind of alcohol in your hand. Same as when he first saw you. 

You stumble your way towards his direction and he wonders how you don't topple over. Even during the tournament you were off balance.

“Why do you walk like that when you fight?” He questions when you're near enough. 

It catches the attention of his first mate, who goes on to give an explanation before you can open your mouth.

“It's a fighting technique. People let their guard down when they assume their opponent is drunk off their ass.”

Luffy nods along like he gets it. Although you're quick to shut down the idea with a murmur.

“Yeah. Totally a technique…and not a substance problem.”

“Wait. YOU'RE ACTUALLY DRUNK?!?” Zoro exclaimed while Luffy found himself laughing.

“You're funny!”

You tilt your head up and smirk.

“Part of my charm.”

You stick by him and his crew after that. Eating and drinking at your leisure without disruptions. The calm before the storm. You keep checking your compass to see if it'll change. It doesn't, which is strange. You're hardly ever on the same course for long. 

There must be something more to Strawhat that holds the key to your boredom. Something about him that'll keep you on your toes for the foreseeable future. He seems nice enough not to shoo you away. His alliance partner on the other hand, eyed you with caution.

Noticing you constantly popping the lid open and catching a glance at the needle. It spins around a few times before settling in a direction not north. He's right to be distrusting. You're a person of legend. Not much known about you except the wreckage you leave behind.

“How do you expect to sail with a broken compass?” He asked after a while.

“The compass isn't broken. It doesn't work like a traditional one,” you begin to explain.

“It leads you towards the thing you want most in the moment. Great for someone like me who isn't interested in treasures. Dangerous in the hands of someone like you, savvy?”

Dangerous in the hands of someone cold and calculating. Someone who could decide they wanted destruction. 

“And what exactly is it leading you to?”

You can tell he doesn't believe you. So you decide a visual demonstration will cement the idea.

“What i want most…Is fun. For some reason-”

You move and the head of the compass points towards Luffy. 

“That's in Strawhat’s direction.”

At the sound of his name, Luffy turns towards you from his plate. 

“So far you've lived up to my expectations. Hope you don't mind if I tag along a little longer.” You address directly.

“Absolutely not! We don't need someone like you ruining our plans!” Trafalgar shuts down.

“Is he always this high strung?” You ask Luffy before returning your attention to Law.

“Mate, we're pirates. The world's at our fingertips and we answer to no one. What's the point in living if there's not a little risk?”

Luffy's eyes practically light up. You remind him a little of Shanks with the way you embody freedom. So he decides he wouldn't mind it if you tagged along with him and his crew. You did help out with Doflamingo, after all. He didn't see the problem as long as you pulled your weight.

It doesn't go unnoticed by his crew how he calls you Sparrow. Not some messed up version of it or calling you by an attribute you have. Maybe it's because you'd made a memorable impression. Or you'd earned his respect in such a short time. 

“You might actually be the first person whose name Luffy remembers.” The sniper commented.

“Don't know how someone could mess up Sparrow. It'd be an achievement. But my friends call me Y/n.” You offer.

Luffy butchers your first name immediately. You cackle along with the rest of his crew at the blunder. 

“Hey! You're laughing!” He pouts.

“You should just stick with Sparrow, and I'll stick with Strawhat.”

“What?!? I thought we were friends!”

You smirk from under the brim of your hat. 

“We could be. If you’ve got another bottle of rum lying around for me.” Your tone is playful, bordering flirtatious.

“I'm sure they're stocked somewhere below deck.” He responds.

You decide to push things a bit further, giving his cheek a light pat.

“Be a good boy and go get one for me then.”

He frowns, but it's more annoyed instead of mad.

“I don't take orders from anyone either,” he says stubbornly.

“You owe me one. My face is on a wanted poster thanks to you.”

“Is that so?” He thinks about it for a second before bowing his head down.

“Sorry to hear that.”

“DON'T GIVE IN LUFFY!” His sniper chastises. 

A little later, Strawhat approaches you. By then the noise had died down and most of the pirates had drunk themselves out cold. You're once again explaining how your compass works. He's listening intently, and not at all in Luffy fashion, asked a rather intelligent question.

“Could somebody really find the One Piece with that?”

“Theoretically, if that's what they wanted most.” You answer.

“So if I touched it right now, it'd show me the way?”

“Is that what you want most?”

It's a test. And he passes with flying colors.

“Not right now. Getting back the rest of my crew is more important. Besides, using that thing would be cheating. And I wanna become King of the Pirates on my own.”

Honest to a fault, but not naive. He's also a good person. There weren't many of those left.

-------------------------------

You're starting to understand more and more why your compass was solely trained on Strawhat. Not just anybody had enough guts to barge into an emperor’s territory. Let alone steal a Road Ponyglyph from one. It's exhilarating to think about.

Of course, he did almost kill you and his crew through starvation. Which was NOT the thrill you were looking for. 

You'd only taken a nap. A measly hour, but that was all it took to create the foul concoction before you. Strawhat had presented the pot to his crew with pride. A sea food boil, he'd called it. The broth was purple like poison. The food undercooked, yet somehow overcooked. The smell was enough to kill.

“You find that in Davey Jones’ Locker?” You questioned.

“Nope. I made it. Eat up!” He pushed the pot towards you with a smile.

“I'd rather not.”

“What? It's not that bad.”

From behind him, the skeleton took a cautious spoonful of the boil. Immediately he began gagging before heaving over.

“Your skeleton just died for a second time.” You pointed out.

“Brook’s being dramatic.”

He waved off before he tried some himself. Face scrunching up in disgust as he spat it out. He chose that moment to reveal he'd used up all the ship’s stock. With no other option, the crew split up to see if they could find anything. You included.

You let out a gutted cry a few minutes after separating. 

“What happened!?! What'd you find!?!” The reindeer asked, cowering behind the navigator. 

“The rum’s gone!!!! What happened to the rum!?!?” You cried, sinking down onto your knees in despair.

Were you being dramatic? Yes. But if you were going to starve, you'd rather die doing what you loved. 

“I used it up. Sometimes Sanji uses wine when he cooks and I wanted to see what would happen.” Strawhat explained.

You have him an anguished look. Opening your mouth to speak and having nothing come out.

“Get used to it. Luffy does things like this all the time.” The navigator said in exasperation.

“But the rum-!”

“I know, I know.”

If almost killing his crew wasn't bad enough, Strawhat nearly killed himself a second time from eating the scales of a toxic fish. You couldn't really blame him. He was so hungry he was trying to eat the doctor. And the rabbit. And at some point your hat? (He thought the feather was a bird.)

Despite it all, you were never bored for long. Germa 66 made an appearance. (Who were apparently the masterminds behind Blackleg’s disappearance.) The island was made of confectionaries. And there was a wedding to crash. 

Everything seemed to be going well. As well as they could go when infiltrating an emperor's territory. But when Strawhat was finally face to face with his cook, things took a turn. Being the sap he was, he approached his cook with open arms. He'd told him how happy he was to see the blonde okay. How now they could leave and have things go back to normal.

But Blackleg wasn't receptive to it. 

He tried shooing Luffy away. When it didn't work, he resorted to violence. He landed hit after hit with no sign of stopping. Not until Strawhat would agree to let him go. He didn't, of course. You were right about Luffy being loyal to a fault.

The navigator was screaming at Blackleg to stop. Screaming for her captain to fight back. Screaming for you to do something. It wasn't your place to intervene, but you didn't exactly want Strawhat to die. If he did, then you'd lose your heading. (Your entertainment.)

You didn't think the cook would go that far. Seems you were wrong. He was charging up a powerful attack. No longer willing to pull his kicks. He lunged forward with every intent to put an end to the fight. There was a loud impact. The hilt of your sword blocking his leg from reaching Luffy.

“I think you've made your point, yeah?” 

You could have sworn you saw a brief glimpse of relief. Although it was quickly masked by a scowl.

“Get out of my way,” he spat through clenched teeth.

“Does it make you feel big and strong to beat on someone who won't fight back?”

He looked like he was fighting back tears. Glancing over your shoulder at his wounded captain. It wasn't hard to put two and two together. Not when the rest of Germa were peaking their heads out of the carriage.

“Or is nothing else working to drive him away?” You made sure to lower your voice. 

“I don't know who you are, but you have no right to get involved with this.”

“You see, that's the funny thing.” You draw your pistol before he can even blink. You won't shoot it. But it does wonders to prove your point.

“I don't need anyone's permission to choose how I live. I do what I want. I take what I want. I'm a pirate, savvy?”

Your words ring true to him, despite not knowing it. He was a pirate. Not anymore. His future wasn't his anymore. But if that meant keeping his captain and his friends safe, then so be it. 

“Then take Luffy and get out of here…Please.” 

He's a softie just like his captain. You wonder what it is about Strawhat that attracts good people. 

“He won't follow anyone’s orders but his own. And you know that.” You shut down.

He doesn't say anything back. There isn't much you or the navigator can do besides watch him go. You can only listen as Strawhat makes one final promise before he's out of ear shot. He won't eat or move. Not until he has his cook back. 

He won't give up on what he wants.

You can see Big Mom's army in the distance, marching towards the three of you. There's far too many. This isn't a fight any of you could win. Nami tries to get Luffy to move. He refuses. 

A man of his word. 

You decide this is where you part ways. You're not about to be punished for another man's pride. This wasn't like Dressrosa where it was fight or die. You were free to leave. Free to fly. So you did. 

“Sorry. I didn't sign up for this.” You apologize before beginning to walk away.

“So you're just going to leave!?! You won't even try to help us!?!” The navigator accuses.

You don't get the chance to defend yourself.

“Nami. Let them go. This isn't their fight.” Strawhat scolds.

He looks at you like he can see your very being. Then he gives a knowing smile. One that catches you off guard.

“Besides…Y/n will be back. I know it.”

You feel a heaviness in your chest. One you haven't felt in a long time. Guilt. He finally says your name right, and you fear you'll carry that with you when he's found dead. You push through it, casting one last glance back.

“Don't count on it. Good luck."

—----------------------------

Something's wrong with you. There's gotta be. Here you are before a decent ship, ready to be untethered and set sail. Yet you're hesitating. Sparrow doesn't hesitate. Your compass spins around erratically, indecisive. You don't know what you want. 

That's not entirely true. You know what you want, but you don't know if you're ready to let go of it yet. He just had to smile at you. Had to say he trusted you. What gave him the right to see the good in people?

Surely he was just speaking in hypotheticals. Something to calm down the navigator. He didn't mean it. But the more you tried to rationalize against it, the more your reasoning unraveled. Strawhat was an honest and loyal man. You knew that to be true. So when he said he believed you'd come back, he meant it.

You didn't realize you'd already started walking. The needle of your compass set in a direction. This is just protecting your investment. Nothing more. 

It wasn't too hard finding the dungeon. Or dungeon book. The chaos was familiar and welcomed. So very Strawhat. The room was up in flames. Big Boss Jimbei was there trying to set everything in the book free. And Strawhat was about halfway done tearing off his hands. 

You shot a few rounds at some unsuspecting guards. Stopping them from sneaking up on the former warlord. He gives you a nod, silently thanking you. Strawhat notices you soon after. Looking at you the way a puppy looks at its owner. The heaviness is back in your chest. Weighing it down in a way that feels good now. Warm. His trust hadn't wavered. 

“I knew you'd come back!”

It makes your face hot. You hide it beneath the brim of your hat, pushing down the softness of your expression. 

“If I let you die, I lose my heading. And it'd be very troublesome to find something new right now.” You justify. 

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say,” he waves off. Like he knows you're not telling the entire truth.

—---------------------------

Somehow, things keep going Strawhat's way. You think some higher being up there must be looking out for him. There has to be for him to find another worst generation captain to ally with. And after almost dying for a third time, he'd managed to get his cook back. Fate is on this man’s side…And you couldn't be more excited to see where it takes him.

The wedding was absolute chaos. The aftermath was even worse. If somebody would've told you a few months ago Big Mom would be chasing after you on a sentient cloud, you probably would have believed them. But to be chased for someone else's benefit? You'd have called them insane. 

You kept slashing and slashing at that damn cloud to no avail. You were thankful for Nami’s quick thinking, supercharging the cloud to electrocute Big Mom. Seems the entire crew had insane luck. 

You didn't know if Strawhat would last up against Katakuri. But the more time you spent on his ship, the more faith you had in him. The same trust he'd given to you. You'd forgotten what it was like working as a team. Fighting against a common enemy just to do it all over again. 

As planned, he'd come back. Not that you were worried he wouldn't. He was battered beyond belief. Worse than his fight with Doflamingo. But he accomplished what he wanted. His cook fussing over him before handing him over to Chopper.

It all worked out in the end. It always did for Luffy. Although the escape was a rough one. You thought it was a little funny how Blackleg immediately got to cooking. An eager Strawhat trying to follow him to the kitchen.

“So, who's our new guest?” The blonde questioned. 

“Sparrow.” Luffy answered, which you were quick to correct.

“Captain Sparrow!”

“Same thing.”

You flashed him a small scowl before returning your attention to the cook. He looked unbelievably happy. A pep in his step as he began to gather ingredients. He belonged out in the sea, and he would embrace it with open arms as long as Strawhat was his captain. 

“Guess you're a pirate after all,” you commented.

He didn't even try to hide his smile.

“Guess so. Any meal preferences?” He asked. 

“Anything that pairs well with rum.”

“Got it.”

Luffy watched the interaction with a grin. You really fit in here. He thought about asking you to join his crew. Especially when you'd come back for him and Nami. But you weren't the type to follow someone else's orders, and he respected that.

Still, you got along with most of his crew. You were a strong fighter. A great strategist when you were put on the spot. And your bounty was over 2 billion, but who's counting? 

So while Sanji’s preparing food for everyone, he goes to bother you. The only one who wasn't preoccupied. He crouches down by your side, invading your personal space.

“Is it still pointing at me?” He asks.

You open up your compass, and he watches in fascination as the needle points directly at him. It's not his first time seeing it. Yet that doesn't make it any less cool.

“Seems like it,” you respond.

“Good. You really came through for us, you know?”

You swear that damn smile never left his face unless he was fighting. He's got not a care in the world. You envy it a little. He's too trusting for his own good.

“You should believe what they say about me. I'm unreliable and impulsive. The second my compass swings in the opposite direction, I'll be gone. Off to a new adventure.” You warn, just as Bege had done a few days earlier.

“You haven't heard the stories, have ya kid?” He asked Strawhat.

“What stories?”

“Sparrow is a flake. They'll be your best friend as long as you have what they want. The second you don't, they turn tail and leave. You really okay working with someone like that?” 

You understood the skepticism. This was a risky job and any margin of error would be everyone's downfall. But Luffy vouches for you, and it makes you sick.

“Of course I trust I them! Sparrow came back for us when we were captured!”

You try not to let it show as Beigi sends you a doubtful look.

“Guilty as charged.” You played off, raising your hands.

Trust is a fickle thing, you've come to learn. Being stranded on an island for three days really proved the point. So you don't know how to react when someone gives it to you wholeheartedly. 

“But you came back for us.” Luffy defends.

You've told him he's nothing more than entertainment to you. Something temporary until the next thing catches your eye. And still he trusts you. It's so sad you could almost laugh. But your softening heart beats your bitter thoughts to your mouth. 

“For you, jolly little sailor,” you correct.

He decides he likes the way that nickname sounds. Not mocking or degrading, but sugary sweet. He prefers it over you calling him Strawhat. It makes him lean a little closer into your personal space.

“I miss my crew,” you admit quietly.

He reminds you of what you left behind. The people who believed you would become the greatest pirate anyone's ever seen. You see the way he interacts with his crew, and you can't help but think of yours. You'd forgotten what working with a team was like until you began following him around.

You miss the chaos on deck. The constant chatter. Irritating your first mate and making questionable decisions. For the first time, it's not the alcohol that makes you honest. It's something else. 

What's the word?

Ah yes.

The very same that’d been running through your mind lately.

Trust.

“You had a crew?” Luffy questioned. 

“I did. I wasn't a very good captain to them, but they stuck around anyways.”

For all the hell you put them through, they'd stuck around. Your second crew anyway. The one you'd built up after your trust had been shattered the first time.

“I figured they'd be better off without me. I left them the ship stocked with supplies and left.”

You convinced yourself it was a mercy. Who wanted a captain that drank all the time and chased treasure on a whim? You always put yourself first, even when you tried not to. It's what was best. (Though you knew what it really was. Leaving before they had a chance to betray you just like before)

“The one I left in charge, Turner, he's a promising man. A good man. He's just got one flaw.”

“What's that?” 

Luffy was listening intently. Quiet for the first time since you'd known him. Not antsy in his seat, but patient.

“He fell victim to one of life's greatest curses. He fell in love with a young lass. And everybody knows love’s a weakness waiting to be exploited.” You explained.

From the corner of your eye, you could see his brow furrow in disagreement.

“Love's not a weakness. If you don't have someone to fight for, then what's the point? Me and my crew are stronger from it. We trust each other, and that's more than enough.” 

“You sound just like him. A fool with a bleeding heart. He'd throw everything away if she just asked him to. But she'd never ask that of him. Know why? Because she loves him. And so the cycle repeats. Life's cruelest trick.” You know you sounded bitter. But you'd seen it one too many times.

What people would sacrifice for their lover’s happiness. 

You'd never let that be you. Even if you did fancy someone, you'd never let them change you. 

“You ever been in love?” You questioned.

“Not really. Hancock keeps asking me to marry her, but I'm not interested in that stuff. What about you? Is there someone waiting for you?” 

You snort at the idea. You suppose it's a courtesy to return the question. Although you're sure you made your answer clear with your whole spiel. 

“The sea is my one true love. Vast and free. It can be as calm as a summer’s day, or as unforgiving as a woman’s scorn. There's beauty in the unpredictable. Don't you think?” You say, tilting your head up to see him better. 

In that moment, you looked so carefree. So breathtaking in your aloof lifestyle. No rules or regulations. Just you and the sea. Luffy's heart begins to beat a little faster in his chest. You don't follow after anything. You only use your compass to chase what you want. 

It hits him then. Really hits him. He doesn't have something you want. He is what you want. And maybe he's starting to want you too. You're reliable when it counts. And despite what you think of yourself, you were a good captain. You did love. Because only a good captain who loved their crew, would know when they needed to step up or let go. 

Maybe he'd be something for you to hold onto this time.

—-------------------------

Like most things Strawhat related tend to go, the ride to Wano was hectic. You clung on tightly to the mast as the ship ascended up a waterfall. The rest of the crew was in similar shape. All except Strawhat, whose laughter rang out from the figurehead. Again, you envied him. Just when you thought things were over, the ship was being sucked into a giant whirlpool. 

Blackleg opted to save the women first. (Which you respected.) The reindeer and skeleton followed suit. All that was left were you and Strawhat. 

“I don't think I can carry anyone else!” He shouted above the crashing waves.

“I can take care of myself! Just go!” You reassured.

Sanji looked towards his captain for confirmation. When he got it, he took off with the others. Kicking through the air until they reached land. All the while, you and Luffy continued to be tossed around the ship. He stood next to you, unfazed by the sudden turn of events. 

“Okay! Let's ride this thing out!” He cheered.

He was crazy. But you'd gotten this far. Might as well embrace it. You pulled him close to you, bracing your legs. 

“Hold on to me and don't let go!” You instructed.

He wrapped his arm tightly around you, keeping one hand on his hat. You focused your attention on the shore. The waves beginning to warp. You just needed one clear shot and you could get out of this mess. 

“What about the ship?!?” Luffy called out. 

“I’ve got it!”

And as if the universe were mocking you, you were hit by a huge wave of seawater. Your strength immediately zapped from your body.

“I, uh, don't got it anymore.”

Instead of being met with disappointment, he only gave you a reassuring smile. 

“It's fine. Things’ll work out.”

You sure hoped so. Your vision going black as the ship tipped over and sunk.

—------------------------------

You were surprised when you came too. You figured you would have ended up drowning. But like Strawhat said, things worked out. You washed up on the shores of Wano. No sign of Strawhat or the Sunny. To make matters worse, your pistol was drenched. You'd have to find more gunpowder. 

You make your way towards a town. The people there sent you odd looks. You're sure stood out like a sore thumb here. It would be wise to take up a disguise of some kind. Then again, you could always say you were a tourist. 

Right as you approached a vendor, the sky seemed to darken. You could feel it before you saw it. Something big was coming. Cracks of electricity filled the air. Your skin was prickling. You looked up and froze.

There was a serpent in the sky. No, not a serpent. A dragon. It didn't take a genius to figure out who it was. Kaido, King of Beasts. It suited him, unbelievably so. You were actually trembling. This was the man Strawhat and Trafalgar wanted to beat? 

It'd take one hell of a miracle because right now, their chances didn't look so good. 

You nearly keeled over in shock as a small body collided against the dragon. Immediate recognition coursed through you. You'd seen that person before. That familiar bulked up form. 

Strawhat was fighting Kaido.

Never a dull moment with that one. You cringe as the emperor knocks him out with a single swing of his club. The worst part? Kaido was drunk off his ass. He wasn't even trying. 

You fought the urge to run over. It wouldn't do any good to expose yourself now. You knew he was crazy, but to outright challenge an emperor? The man had a death wish. You hoped for his sake he'd be imprisoned instead of executed.

Under normal circumstances, you would have cut your losses and left. But you were in too deep now. In for a penny, in for a pound, they always say. So when the skies finally cleared and Kaido slank back into his hole, you forced yourself to continue on. Bartering for gunpowder from a still shaken vendor.

You masked your face beneath your hat and tried to gather information over the following days. The people here were suffering. Counting on some old prophecy from 20 years ago to save them. Yet whispers of a potential uprising were silenced by Kaido’s Beast Pirates.

The more you asked around, the more attention you brought on yourself. It didn't help that weapons were forbidden for civilians. You should've been smarter about it. Not worried about Strawhat and his crew.

You sat down to grab a drink. Something to take the edge off. You didn't even notice the approaching officers. Not until they were directly behind you, a gun pointed at your back.

“Just having a drink. Not a crime last I checked,” you mumbled.

“You're coming with us, Sparrow!” One of them commanded.

You wondered how you were recognized so easily. Then you remembered you had a wanted poster now. It wasn't hard to pick you out from a crowd. You got up without making a fuss. Paying your tab before your arms were forced behind your back. You decided fighting wasn't worth the energy. Not unless you really needed to.

They brought you to a rather high class building. High class for your taste at least. You didn't usually seek out brothels. The pirates forced you on your knees before a frumpy looking man. Their shogun, you presumed. 

“Sparrow D. Y/n. What a wonderful surprise.” He beamed down at you.

His gaze was predatory. As if he'd just found some golden ticket. He was slimy in every sense of the word. You'd gathered enough from the civilians to know so. 

“Your reputation precedes you. I'll tell you what, I've got an offer I think you'll like.”

Your expression remains unimpressed.

“Work for me. You'll have riches beyond your wildest dreams. Bodies to warm your bed every night. And nobody would ever dare defy you. Whaddya say?”

You pretended to be interested before bursting his bubble. 

“Join a mutineer who has a history of mutiny. I do wonder how that'll play out. I think I'm gonna have to pass. Besides, I'm not a lap dog.”

You meet his eyes with a defiant grin.

“I won't lick the boot of a cowering fool just to please his ego.”

He scowls at you. Pulling out a sword and holding the blade against your neck. You don't flinch, much to his dismay.

“You won't join my crew? Fine. But you're not leaving until you give us the compass.”

Buggar. Somebody else who knew your little secret.

“The compass? What ever could you mean?”

“Don't play dumb! Where is it!?!” He snapped at you.

“Mmm, you're gonna have to be more specific than that. I've got many compasses.”

“THE COMPASS THAT SHOWS YOU WHATEVER YOU WANT!”

“It's-” you tried reaching in your pocket for it, but you feel nothing.

It's then you realized it was probably knocked out during your arrival to Wano. In other words…

“Gone.”

Your day just got a hell of a lot worse. At least it hadn't fallen into the wrong hands. Just into the sea.

“I don't believe you. Search them,” Orichi orders the Beast Pirates.

That was your cue to leave. You swipe your leg in a circle, effectively knocking over the closest officers to you. You take advantage of their shock and make a break for it. Jumping out the window and stumbling away as the guards gave chase.

“Had to bind my hands. They're not sea prism though. Just my lucky day.”

You concentrate, slipping your wrist from the cuffs. Then the other. When all is said and done, you're a few blocks away on top of a building. Your stamina is significantly low. You'd have to work on that for the big fight.

—-----------------------------

M E A N W H I L E  I N  U D O N

“There's something peaking out of your pocket, Mr. Strawhat. I've been meaning to ask you about it.” Hyougorou pointed out.

“There is?”

Luffy reaches in his pocket and feels something smooth and round. He eyes the item in surprise.

“Woah! It's Y/n’s compass.”

It's the first time he's gotten a proper look at it. There's special engravings in a language he can't understand on the cover. The needle spins around in a circle rapidly.

“It must've gotten broken somehow.” The old comments.

Luffy shakes his head.

“It's not a regular compass. It points towards what you want most.”

Yet for whatever reason, it couldn't pinpoint what he wanted. Spinning around in no particular direction without stopping. Did he even want anything? He wanted Kaido to be defeated, but it's not like the compass could point to that, right?

As soon as he thinks it, the needle points directly at the old man.

“Woah! That's so cool!”

He wonders….. if he decided he wanted you. He'd reunited with his crew briefly, but you were nowhere to be found. He was sure you had a devil fruit of some kind. And if you weren't in Wano…then you'd probably drowned.

The needle snaps in another direction unwavering.

He lets out a sigh of relief. He'd be sure to give you your compass back when he saw you again.

—----------------------------

It was the night of the raid and there was still no sign of you. There was no time to stall the attack. No more time to wait. The Sunny set sail, preparing to aid the Samurai. He couldn't help but look at your compass. It was still pointing somewhere, which meant you weren't dead. Or at least, he thought that's what it meant. 

He thought about following it, but if you were hiding it was probably for a good reason. You managed to keep your face a secret for so long. It's only natural you’d stay out of trouble when tensions were this high.

The waves were erratic and the storm around Onigashima was raging. The sea and its unpredictableness. If there was a time for you to show yourself, it'd be now. Law and Kid had already made their appearance. The Beast Pirates trying to ambush and outnumber the alliance. 

Right as he was preparing to counter their attack, someone on deck shouts-

“What's that!?!”

From the fog rolls in a ship. It's severely damaged. Torn up sails and various holes in the hull. Almost like a ghost ship. It's a miracle the thing is still floating. 

There's a figure in the center of the deck. A familiar hat with a singular feather sticking out. He can't help but break into a grin when he finally makes you out through the storm. You look like a phantom. A ghastly apparition here to bring bad tidings. 

“Starting the party without me, are you? Ouch. I thought we were friends.” Your voice cuts through the air.

“Took you long enough! I thought something happened to you!” Luffy shouts back. 

Not that you'd left or abandoned him. But that you were in danger. It didn't even cross his mind you were done helping out. He truly believed you'd stick with him. He's a sap. It makes you grin. 

“Is that Sparrow?!?” a different voice calls out.

Eustass Kid? That's two worst generation captains Strawhat had under his belt. And one of the rowdiest ones at that. 

“Some nerve showing your face around me!!!” He continued on. 

“You two know each other?” Trafalgar questioned. 

“Sparrow stole all our money.”

Ah yes. The usual dine and dash you had with other pirates until your compass shifted. It wasn't anything personal. You were just in a bit of a pinch. And it's not like you expected to see him again. 

“We had fun didn't we? If it makes you feel any better, the rum didn't last long.” You excused. 

Luffy watched the interaction with a scrunched up expression. You never tried to steal from his crew.

“Am I not supposed to pillage and plunder? And it's CAPTAIN Sparrow. Don't forget the captain.”

“Captain of what? The inebriated?”

“You'll see soon enough.”

Before you can argue any further, the enemy begins their assault. Shooting off cannons and sending any pirates that can fly to attack. All three crews fend them off effortlessly. Meanwhile, the three captains are at each other's throats. Yelling about who was better and stronger. You were almost tempted to join in.

They launched off towards a battleship, bickering as they went. They were an interesting bunch. You lifted up your hand, focusing your attention towards the same ship. 

“Let's have some fun here. Shake!”

The battleship warps and pulls towards you in a spiral. You jump forward, your image distorted as you land on deck. Scrunching the ship to your liking before slicing through. You move onto the next one, being passed by Strawhat and Kid. The previous ship returning back to its shape as it sank. 

You slide between the two captains, shooting off a few shots towards a dazed henchman. From above, Trafalgar uses his room to suspend the ship. You spiral the mast towards him for an easier target. He blinks in surprise before slashing his sword. You distort a piece of debris close to you, landing on it before you can reach the sea. You watch as Eustass causes more damage to the ship. Using his ability to repel the cannon balls back. Luffy lands the finishing blow in his Bounce Man form. Law teleports next to you while the other two land onto the platform. 

“What the hell kind of devil fruit is that!!?” Kid interrogates. 

“The Warp Warp Fruit. I can warp reality to my liking. Takes a lot of stamina, but I couldn't let you lot show me up.” You responded.

Luffy practically beams at you. A stark contrast from the way he'd been trying to one up the other captains. You're okay. More than okay if your attacks were anything to go by. Even reality was yours to take.

He reaches down into his pocket where he's kept your compass. It doesn't have a scratch on it, which he's incredibly proud of.

“I kept this for you,” he said as he extended out the compass.

“Isn’t this a surprise? Thank you, jolly sailor,” you coo as you take it from him. 

At the exchange, the needle goes from pointing at you to pointing back at Luffy. 

He's still staring at you with bright eyes. Like you might've meant something to him. For once, you're glad to see it. 

—--------------------------------

One long, excruciating and painful night later, the land of Wano was liberated. The amount of scares Strawhat gave you couldn't have been good for your heart. Two death announcements and he'd bounced right back. You knew there was something special about that man. There had to be for your compass to be stuck on him.

The man you'd invested so much time in…Was Joy Boy. 

The Sun God Nika.

Warrior of Liberation, which made sense in hindsight. 

He’s everything good in the world personified. It's no wonder that damn smile rarely left his face. Why he was able to make friends just about everywhere he went. How he was able to win you of all people over. 

And you'd heard them. The repetitive drumming that set your being ablaze. It made you tremble in excitement. Pulled you in deeper against the hold Strawhat had on you. You wanted fun, and now you'd always have it so long as you stuck around.  

The next few days were designated to celebration. The biggest festival being held as soon as Strawhat woke up from his injuries. Which just so happened to be today. 

He walked around the various stalls with his first mate. Seemingly looking for something. When he couldn't find it, he decided to ask for help.

“Hey, Zoro?”

“Yeah?”

“You've drunk a bunch of alcohol right?”

Zoro eyed him with confusion.

“Yes?”

“Could you tell me which’s the best rum?”

He had to do a double take to make sure he heard his captain correctly. Luffy? Wanting to find good alcohol? Luffy, who never drank, wanted rum??? Maybe Kaido had knocked a few screws loose. 

“Why do you wanna know? Trying to celebrate like a real pirate this time?” He teased.

“No. It's for Y/n.”

“Sparrow? Are you gonna ask them to join our crew?” Because he couldn't fathom another reason Luffy would go out of his way for you.

“Maybe.”

The truth was, Luffy wanted to celebrate with you. You tried to buy time on the rooftop. Tried to save Nami when Kaido was about to attack. He was appreciative of all of it. He hadn't seen you since the battle. Since he'd used Gear 5. 

His haki could seek you out in this new form. And it had. He'd felt it the moment his eyes landed on you. The call to freedom. It was loud and alive. 

He wanted to see what it'd be like to have the feeling consume you. Let the fire set you ablaze. He was entertainment to you, and that was fine. You were entertainment to him, too. Fun in the freedom he'd sought out. 

He found you later that night. You were sitting at one of the vendor’s booths. Watching the fireworks go off with a drink in your hand. You smiled when you saw him, patting the seat next to you. He extended the bottle towards you almost shyly. 

“It's the good stuff this time. I had Zoro pick it out.” He explained, remembering all the times you complained about getting sake.

You popped off the lid and took a sip. Your posture immediately relaxing. 

“A man after my own heart,” you cooed before extending the bottle back to him.

“Here, let's share.”

He looked at it for a second. Then back to you. You had an easy going smirk. Weightless and content. Not like you were silently plotting. So he takes the bottle and tilts his head back. He regrets it as soon as he does it. Making a sour face and giving you back your rum.

“Why is it spicy?”

You can't help but laugh at him. 

“You're a light weight. I’d say water it down, but what's the fun in that?”

He pouts, trying to take the bottle back to salvage his pride. You don't let him, keeping it just out of reach.

“Do tell what's next, Joy Boy.” You tease.

“Don't call me that. I'm still Luffy.” 

He's still the trusting fool you'd met in Dressrosa.

“We'll go whenever the log pose takes us next. Hopefully to the next Road Ponyglyph.” He answers before questioning you.

“What's your plan?”

You open your compass for what feels like the hundredth time. You know where it'll be pointing without looking. It's at Luffy.

“Stuck with you.” You responded.

“Good.”

“Good?” You raise a brow at that. 

“I like having you around. And your power’s pretty cool.”

Nobody's ever said it was good to have you around. 

“Well let's hope you keep having what I want.” You hide under the brim of your hat. 

“I thought I was what you wanted.” He says bluntly.

“You could be, if you're willing to work for it.” The flirtatious edge is back in your tone. 

A pleasant shudder runs down his spine. He decides he likes when you talk to him like that. Just you. 

Luffy flocks to you. It's not infatuation. It's admiration. You are the very definition of freedom. You march to the beat of your own drum. And it calls to him. He feeds off it. He wants you to keep following him around. To be what your compass always points towards.

He likes the challenge you bring. Knowing you're not permanently his, but that he has to earn your attention. You keep him on his toes. You don't fawn over him or try to tie him down.(Like a certain snake princess) Instead, it feels like he's the one doing the chasing. He's the one trying to get you to stay. And he likes it.

He likes chasing freedom.

Luffy wasn't much of a drinker. Yet here he was passing the bottle back and forth with you. A dopey smile on his face as he listened to you ramble on about your old crew. He's practically got hearts in his eyes when you tell him about your fight with a kraken. 

“If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was flirting.” Sanji comments from a little ways away. The other Strawhats nod along, picking up on their captain’s strange behavior. 

Luffy takes a second to process his words. When he finally does, he practically lights up. 

“Hmmm, yeah!”

“HUH!?!” the entire crew gapes at him in shock. 

“I guess I am flirting.”

He has no shame or embarrassment admitting it. A go-getter who knows what he wants. The embodiment of a God had his sights set on you. You're not intimidated by it. No sudden urge to be a better person. It's as you said before, you won't let someone else change you. 

“Well aren't you just sweet? You want to be mine?” You questioned. 

He nods drunkenly against you. He’s hanging onto your every word, and it makes your heart thud. You lean your face closer to his, watching him eagerly follow suit. His forehead rests against yours softly. Right as he's about to close the gap, you put your hat on his face with a light shove.

“Work for it then.”

There is no sweetness. That's not who you are. But Strawhat doesn't seem to be fazed by it. He adjusts your feathered hat so it sits properly on his head. His cheeks darken in a flush. Pressing closer to you.

“I will. M’ gonna be king of the pirates. So just join my crew already.”

You lift up his chin with the tip of your finger. 

“Convince me.”

You get up to leave, taking his beloved straw hat with you.

“I’m gonna head over to the springs. Are you coming with, my jolly sailor bold?”

You'd called him yours.

He practically scrambles up to follow after you. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

An: whoever requested smut of this scenario, I see you and I will do it...eventually. I just wanted to get the fluffier stuff out first. Hope y'all enjoyed!!!!

[crusty-chronicles]

My headcanons about the Gon's Mom x loser Ging fic

1. Reader can 100% stare down Ging and it works every single time. He's insanely attracted to her during those moments like I'm talking about gawking and drooling. Their close circle hates it, but it's the only effective method to get Ging to shut up.

2. Once finding about her connection to Ging, Pariston attempts to have a conversation with her, but Ging fucking riots(kinda like the time he beat up the crowd pissed at how he brushed off Gon) and all the Zodiacs have to hold him back.

3. She is taller than him lmao. It could be an inch or an entire foot, but she definitely is. It kinda irks Ging whenever someone mentions it because he use to be the taller one when they were kids.

4. There is this scene in Stranger Things where two main characters (Joyce and Hopper) obviously have feelings for each other, but are arguing in a car back to Hawkins. Another main character (Murray) sitting in the back tells to take off their clothes and do it already. When the two try arguing back, Murray calls them out. Something similar happened between Reader and Ging.

5. Leorio had an awkward time speaking to Reader after he punched Ging. But she thanks him and said Ging deserved it.

6. They have sneaked off together to make out.

7. Adding to that last one, they're also the type to randomly make out during argument.

YES!!!!! I absolutely adore these headcannons!!!!

I fully believe Ging is a little freak who loves being chastised by his ex/wife. Even more when she's getting mad at someone else.

As seen in the previous chapter, it's fully on sight when Pariston tries to get Reader's attention. Ging will not let that shit slide.

The leorio bit 😈😈😈 He's besties with Reader after the election.

Rahhhh!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to submit this!!! I love when y'all can take a part of a story or idea and add on your own spin to things.

[crusty-chronicles]

Please tell us when u plan on posting the luffy x jack sparrow!reader?

Generally, I don't usually have a time frame for when works are released unless they're already done or close to being done. I'm about 3k words in out of potentially 15k??? But if i had to guestimate, probably sometime in August. Maybe mid to end of the month. But it's coming 💪💪💪!!!! Stay strong soldier!!!

Also☝️I want y'all to know that this piece of fanart right here was what sparked my noggin to think of this fic.

Art By : percodine on twitter 💕

[crusty-chronicles]

How it feels having fic ideas but not knowing which one to prioritize first

In other words, I want YOU 🫵 to choose what you'd like to see out next.

[crusty-chronicles]

Pretty Pretty Boy

Synopsis: Killer has always been insecure about his smile and laugh, especially after eating a SMILE fruit. So you prove you're here to stay in the best of ways.

NSFW: MDI

Warnings: Riding, unsafe sex, creampie, fem reader

You give a light roll of your hips, reveling in the pleasurable sparks it gives you. The stretch has a feeling of fullness settling in your stomach. The man beneath you gripping your hips for dear life in an attempt to bite back a potential laugh. 

You lean forward to watch his expression. Piercing blue eyes stare back into your own. Lust overcoming insecurity little by little. You reach down to cup his face, lifting yourself up before sinking back down. Killer’s smile goes strained, fighting back with everything he has not to let you hear him.

So pretty for you.

Somehow you managed to convince him to take off his mask. He was so pliant under you, willing to take anything you gave. Killer figured his chances of intimacy went down the drain after eating that SMILE fruit.

He'd heard the encouraging and sympathetic words from his crew. How nobody could make fun of his laugh or else there'd be hell to pay. Because even though they loved their first mate, they still thought his laugh was embarrassing. 

You’d said it was cute.

A sound you liked rather than tolerated.

How could he not have folded so easily when you asked to see his face? 

You grind your pelvis down slowly. Feeling the way his tip brushes against your cervix. It makes him break, the laugh he hates so much escaping him. Loud and shrill. He clamps a hand down on his mouth, so sure that he'd repulsed you.

But you only smile lovingly at him. Gently pulling his wrist down before peppering kisses across his face. Smears of purple catching onto your lips. His grip loosens on your waist, fingers soothing over the bruises he'd left. 

You angle your head down to suck dark splotches into his neck. Another involuntary laugh escapes him, tapering off into a groan at the end. He hides his face into your neck out of embarrassment.

Getting all shy on you like his cock wasn't ruining you for anyone else.

You'd never understand why he hated his smile so much. The circumstances you understood, but even before that he was insecure. Never taking off his mask in public, not even to eat. It could've been smoldering hot outside, and he'd still have it on. You thought it was unfair. How one insecurity completely dictated the way he lived his life. 

He'd given you pushback at first. Saying he didn't want to turn you off with his now forever smile. He'd convinced himself he could keep his laughter under control. But his smile? He couldn't hide it. Couldn't change the upturn of his lips or make it any less wide when his anxiety skyrocketed. But then you'd sunken down on his cock and all protests left him. 

You loved him before the SMILE fruit, and you would love him after.

Killer barely registered you removing the mask. Too caught up in the feeling of your cunt sucking him in. The way his cock bullied its way inside you until you were fully seated on his lap. 

“There you are,” you'd cooed at him, swiping his purple lipstick off with the tip of your finger.

“Did you pick this one out just for me?”

You're teasing him. It's playful instead of mocking. Not at all reacting in the slightest to his face. It made him impossibly harder inside you.

“Thought the shade would look pretty on your lips.” He manages to get out.

You'd kissed him then, deep and slow. He reciprocated immediately. When was the last time he had a proper kiss? Your tongue explored his mouth. Prodding at his own to taste him. You pull away and he can see exactly where his lipstick rubbed off on you.

God was he right. 

He’s snapped from his thoughts at the sound of your voice.

“You know, my favorite sound in the world is your laugh.”

It's saccharine sweet. Making his heart melt and his cheeks flush. You place a kiss at the corner of his mouth. It makes him yearn. Any emotion, no matter how extreme or negative, comes out as unfiltered laughter. And you still wanted it from him. You're trying to get him to let loose fully. Let you know how good he feels the only way he can express himself now. 

You're too good for him. 

He decides to reward you by reaching down to circle your clit. You lurch forward at the sudden stimulation. Mewling as he times each stroke to the way you ride him. 

He's too deep like this. The tip of his cock giving sloppy kisses to your cervix. A noticeable ‘squelch’ fills the space. Your cunt is sucking him in so good. Clinging around his length every time you lift yourself up. Your arousal leaks down his cock, making it all the more easier to ravage you. He can't help but rut up. Not wanting to spend a moment apart from your warmth. 

The sound builds in his throat until he can't hold it back anymore.

“Fwa! Fwa! Fwa!”

You grin at the noise.

“There it is. Am I making you feel good, pretty boy?”

It's then all insecurity goes out the window. 

“Fuck yes.” It's said with an airy chuckle. Less restrained than before. 

You're gonna make him fall in love. (If he hadn't already.) The slow pace you'd set makes him feel every part of you. Steadily getting more uncoordinated in favor of chasing your highs. The strain of his smile fades away, becoming more genuine and whipped for you. 

A mixture of your soft moans and his uncontrollable laughter echo throughout the room. A tight knot builds in your stomach. The walls of your cunt clenching down around him. He's moving his body in tandem with yours. Thrusting up only to pull you back down. You can feel him twitching inside you. 

“Gonna cum? Fill me up with another reason to love you?” You question.

He rasps your name out in warning. The fluttering of your cunt pushing him further and further. And then you go and say something that completely ruins him.

“If we're lucky, our kid will have your smile.”

You bit his ear teasingly.

“Doesn't that sound nice, pretty boy?”

He holds you down flush against him. Thrusting inside the furthest he can go before cumming. His laugh once again rings out, yet you don't try to silence him. Muttering praises in his ear instead as you come undone around him. 

You collapse on top of him, content to bask in the aftermath of your climax. You can feel him shift slightly under you before your world is suddenly flipped upside down. He pulls out slowly. Watching as his cum pools out of you. No longer tense, his grin is predatory. Crooning down at you before practically purring in your ear. 

“You're so mouthy. How about I give you a few more reasons to stay in my bed ‘till sunrise?”

---------------------------------------

An: Wano was fr fanservice for the girlies. Anywho, the one piece brainrot continues to consume me.

[crusty-chronicles]

A Mistake

Ch 2: Was That A First Date?

Ch 1

Synopsis: In the aftermath of meeting your son, you reminisce on what may have been your first date with Ging.

Out of all the things you were expecting, coming face to face with your son after 11 years was not one of them. You thought you'd swing by and say hello to Kite. Maybe catch up and see what he was doing. Not be stuck in a staring contest with your own kid.

You could see the gears turn in his head before he landed on one singular word.

“Mom?”

Gon recognized you. It shouldn't have caught you as off guard as it did. You weren't exactly ambiguous about who you were. Having gave out your information in every letter sent. He probably looked you up at some point. It only made you even more nervous to see how you measured up to his expectations. You figured you'd see him when he was a little older. That is, if he ever sought you out.

Was he…?

You didn't want to risk it by stepping forward.

Though if he was hanging around Kite, there was a good chance he was. Still, you kept your distance. It must've looked odd. To have your own mother be afraid of coming near you. It didn't help he was the splitting image of his father. Somehow you knew that idiot would be proud his genes had cancelled yours out.

You weren't prepared to handle this. You didn't think you ever would be. But you'd been staring for a while now. And it wasn't like you could run away and hide in shame. No. You wouldn't be able to forgive yourself if you wasted this opportunity. Besides, this was your son. You had absolutely nothing to be afraid of.

“Oh wow. Um. Hi?” You awkwardly greeted.

His head perked up at the sound of your voice.

Scratch that. You were terrified. Looking frantically over at Kite for any information possible.

“Why didn't you warn me he was here!?!?” You whispered.

Right. Warn you the kid who teleported to him out of nowhere was here. Warn you, who he had no idea was coming, that your son, who he had no idea you had, was here.

“I didn't know. He just kind of showed up.” Kite responded.

You rubbed a hand to your temple.

“This is not how I wanted it to happen.”

“Wanted what to happen?” Gon questioned.

Shit, he'd heard you. He probably thought you hated him. Which was far from the truth.

“Uhhhh…” You figured you looked like a gaping fish.

His eyes bore into yours. Curious and bright. You found it hard to look him in the face for very long. Dammit, why did he have to look so much like him.

“Okay we're really doing this.” you mumbled under your breath before continuing.

“Hi Gon. I'm your mom.” The phrase felt strange on your tongue, but you pushed it down and continued.

“I've uh, got something for you. But it's not here. It's back at my place,” you explained.

You realized it sounded like you were trying to bribe him. The confused silence sure as hell didn't do you any favors.

“I'm not trying to buy your affection or anything! I just thought you'd like it. Maybe?” You couldn't help but cringe at your frazzled tone.

“Boys like dinosaurs and monsters right?” You asked Kite before quickly turning around.

“You like dinosaurs and monsters, right?”

And Gon couldn't help but laugh at your awkwardness. You were the furthest thing from the serious pro hunter he was expecting. Not at all disinterested like Ging seemed to be. You were more nervous to meet him than he was to meet you.

“Yeah. I still think they're cool.” He responded.

You gave a small fist pump.

“Sublime!”

You were goofy. Your demeanor was reminiscent of his. (And absolutely nothing like his father's) All of a sudden, you'd straightened up. The grin wiped off your face.

“Uh, I've got one question though.”

“Sure.”

“You're a hunter now, aren't you?” You asked.

Please please please.

“Yup. Passed my first time too!”

“Oh thank God,” you breathed out.

He eyed you curiously.

“Not that I would have been disappointed otherwise. Or that I wanted you to become one. I wasn't opposed to it either. I just-” you cut yourself off before you could ramble.

“It's a really long, complicated story.”

That you didn't want to get into right now. Or ever. But you knew you'd have to tell some of it eventually. This was your kid, and he deserved to know why you weren't there for him.

“Maybe you two should reconnect elsewhere.” Kite's voice snapped you from your thoughts.

He didn't want to cut your reunion short, but he was in the middle of work. He wouldn't have minded if it was just you. You would have been able to help out and speed things up. Yet Ging just had to go and send his kid over. Knowing him, it was some sort of test for Gon. Unfortunately that meant Kite would have his hands full. You being here would just distract the kid further.

“Right. Sorry for interrupting whatever this is. I'll just be around. Umm, nice meeting you.” You said before catching sight of the other boy next to him.

“And your friend too. Hi!”

Yeah, make a bigger fool of yourself.

The white haired boy offered you a small wave.

You turned to leave, but stopped at a call from Gon.

“Mom, we can catch up. Right?”

He looked at you with a nervous expression. Like you'd brush him off and say no. It nearly broke your heart. Somehow you knew it connected back to Ging. Who knows what kind of goose chase he sent Gon on. (Or in Ging’s words: a hunt.)

“Sure. Kite can give you my address when you finish up here. You can do that right?” You questioned the silver haired hunter.

“Bye Y/n.” He waved off.

You ducked your head down and muttered out a ‘sorry.’ Leaving back the way you came. You'd get Kite to fill you in on the details later.

“She's a little cooky isn't she?” Killua commented once you were out of ear shot.

“She's just nervous. It's the first time seeing her son in ten years.” Kite explained.

Something about that made Gon want to chase after you. You were worried about making a good first impression on him? Looks like you were every bit as wonderful as you were in your letters. He promised to find you once this was over. Maybe you could teach him and Killua something useful, too.

—-------------------------------------------

You couldn't help but bang your head against the steering wheel. Eleven years and all you could say was hey? You imagined how this scenario would go a thousand times. You just weren't expecting it so soon. You made a complete fool of yourself.

He'd want answers, you were sure. Why you left. If you and Ging were still together. Everything that happened. And you owed it to Gon to tell him. It was hard for you to think about despite how much time passed. It was hard to think about Ging. You'd left that relationship behind you and you sincerely hoped it stayed there.

Where to start?

Where to gather your thoughts and prepare for whatever he asked you. You could only hope it would be about you. But you knew better. He'd ask about Ging.

Everyone always did.

What was he like?

You grew up with him, was he always talented?

Do you know where he is? What he's doing?

And you'd say: Ging was a pain. He's selfish and acts purely out of self-interest. Yes, he always had a knack for standing out. His determination drives him forward as a hunter. No you didn't know where he was. No you didn't know what he was doing, nor did you care.

How would you answer if Gon asked why he left?

You didn't know. You figured Ging didn't want the responsibility of raising a kid.

And then he'd go chasing after Ging like he'd always planned. You were sure you were an afterthought in the situation. Always right behind Ging. Even when it came to your own son.

You wish you could've been bitter about it. Let it be the final push to fully despise him. But then you remember why you grew such a soft spot for the ruins hunter. The sweeter parts of the relationship that reminded you it wasn't all bad.

The beginning though?

It was rocky for sure.

—---------------------------------------------

1 5 Y E A R S A G O

You didn't think you'd ever been this happy in your life. With the small team you had and the minimal experience you'd gained, you managed to recover a sunken vessel from an undated time period. Pieces of history nobody had known about.

It managed to catch the eyes of potential investors, along with the association. It earned you your first star as a hunter. (Something Ging wouldn't have been able to hold over your head anymore.) At the moment, you and your team were reaping in your newfound success. Having hunkered down at your place to celebrate.

A knock at the door had you getting up from your spot. You were handed flowers with a letter attached to the vase. It was addressed solely to you with the return address being the Hunter Association headquarters.

“Congratulations on your recent discovery! You’ve proven yourself as a capable and fascinating member of the association. I'd love to have you work under me and see what else you can accomplish with a proper team. There's also a variety of resources at your disposal. That is, if you're interested. Feel free to contact me anytime.

Best wishes, Pariston Hill ⁠♡”

Pariston? Wasn't he one of the zodiacs? You didn't have to think on it too long before there was another knock on your door. This time one of your coworkers went to answer it, bringing back yet another envelope.

“Another one?” You questioned.

“Yeah! We've become pretty popular as of late,” they joked.

Unlike the previous letter, this one was unmarked, save for your address.

“Long time no see (or talk haha), I heard you're moving on up in the world. It's about time. Let's catch up, yeah?

-Ging”

He reached out.

Ging never reached out.

Not to Mito or his grandmother.

Yet here he was writing you. Here he was giving you an address to meet up at. You wanted to be mad at him. A whole year of radio silence and he expects you to drop everything for him. The audacity. However despite his unpredictable behavior, Ging only came to you when it was important. You had no reason to think otherwise this time.

The contrast between the letters were day and night. Whereas Pariston’s had actual thought behind his, Ging’s was written in messy handwriting. One was filled with elegant wording and sweet promises. The other one was short and to the point. One came with flowers, the other with not even a number to call. And for whatever reason, you found yourself getting ready for Ging's.

The same man who earlier, unbeknownst to you, almost had a meltdown upon walking into the Hunter Association building.

Having been newly appointed a Zodiac, it was only natural he'd be called into a meeting. As expected, it droned on and the Rat was doing his best to throw it off track. Why Netero appointed him vice chairman, he'd never know. But as soon as the meeting was over, Ging caught sight of all the temp hunters downstairs.

Pariston's own little building.

He'd already made his disdain for the rat zodiac known. And it looked like the feeling was mutual. So he walked right in and watched as Pariston scribbled something down. A vase of flowers next to him.

“What's that for? Got a hot date?” Ging questioned.

He could feel a brief glint of malice from the rat zodiac. It dissipated as quickly as it came. Pariston turned to him with a grin that sent an uneasy feeling down his spine.

“Oh this? I'm writing out an offer to a new rising star. I believe her name was Y/n. Sixteen and she's already recovered never before seen ruins.”

Ging could feel his blood run cold. He heard about your discovery. Of course he would. And there'd been nothing but pride when he found out. But it never crossed his mind that your discovery would catch the attention of ‘unsavory’ investors. Least of all Pariston's.

“I hear she's from the same island as you. Isn't that just the coincidence?”

This was a play to get under Ging’s skin. And unfortunately, it would work. He couldn't act disinterested at the possibility of your talents being taken advantage of. He couldn't ignore you potentially getting sent on a suicide mission for Pariston's gain.

It wasn't like Ging to meddle in your affairs. In fact, he preferred to watch you fail and learn from your mistakes. But this was different. You'd be a pawn in someone else's game.

“Don't drag her into this.” He warned, a spark of protectiveness seeping from his aura.

A shit eating grin spread out across the rat zodiac’s face.

“Into what? A better paying position with extraordinary benefits?” He feigned innocence.

At the feeling of Ging’s protectiveness shifting into bloodlust, he continued on.

“You know her? Or…. Maybe you two used to be close?”

Ging reeled himself back in with a huff. Reminding himself to know his place. He had a reputation to uphold. And causing a scene would only make Pariston retaliate worse.

“She doesn't mean a damn thing to me. I'm just warning you not to waste your time. She isn't the type to work for someone like you.”

His declaration earned him an eyebrow raise, but he ignored it. Leaving the small building with the intent to get Pariston off your back. In what may have been the most impulsive decision of his life, he wrote you a letter.

—------------------------------------

You were going to murder Ging Freecs.

Sure, you were the clown who decided to take him up on his offer. Booking a flight to meet up at a fancy restaurant. And maybe you should have known better after the first thirty minutes he didn't show. But you wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. He could've been late.

An hour in and there was a sinking feeling in your chest. You know what it must've looked like. You were all by yourself in a nice restaurant. Like you'd been stood up for a date. You should've left then, but you wanted to see this through. To prove to yourself what everyone had been saying about Ging more than anything.

That he was a good-for-nothing who only cared about himself.

An hour and a half and your insecurities were skyrocketing. Was this just some prank? A test to see if you'd actually show? A bet with someone to see how long you'd wait? Was he outside somewhere watching and laughing at you?

Almost two hours and you'd made up your mind.

You didn't want anything to do with Ging after this.

Ten minutes before you left, he finally showed up. Ging stared wide eyed as you sat by yourself in a booth. Truthfully he'd forgotten about the letter he sent. Not forgotten the offer, but forgotten when. He nearly had a heart attack when he saw it was today. But by then, the first hour had already passed.

You wouldn't have showed up anyway, and if you did, you were gone already. Although there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that said otherwise. The first and last time he ignored his instincts. When he got to the restaurant he couldn't help but stare in shock.

You were here, dressed up with a disappointed expression. You got up at the two hour mark, making your way towards the exit. He froze as your gaze met his. He expected screaming, for you to cuss him out. Any kind of outburst really.

There was nothing but dead silence.

You scowled. Shaking your head before pushing past him. Ging fumbled for a response, reaching out and grabbing your arm. You snatched it back harshly.

“Wait! Look I know I messed up but-!” he tried to explain.

“I get it, Ging. You hate me. Now leave me alone.”

Your tone was measured despite the hurt radiating from your aura. If he'd have known how bad not showing up affected you, he would've tried harder to be here.

“It's not what it looks like.”

You turned away from Ging, continuing to walk away.

“I don't care anymore. You had your laugh, right? I hope it was worth it.”

But he was persistent. Following stubbornly behind you, pleading for you to let him explain. It had an ugly feeling clutching at your heart. Why should you listen to him? He wasted your time. He didn't bother to cancel the plans he made. He made you humiliate yourself in public. Hell, he watched you sit alone.

“I know we always mess with each other, but this was just too far. I'm not your free amusement when you're bored!” You snapped.

He took your anger head on, letting you take your frustrations out on him. Unlike your usual arguments, he didn't raise his tone to match yours. He couldn't, not unless he wanted you to hate him forever.

”I wasn't messing with you. I swear.”

You tried to find deceit in his aura. Anything that would have tipped you off to ulterior motives. All the fight left your body when you didn't. Ging took the opportunity to push his luck.

“I know I don't deserve it, but can we please have a redo? Just let me make it up to you.”

You didn't trust yourself to respond. The last thing you wanted was to be near him after you made a fool of yourself. But the sheer guilt in his eyes was wearing you down.

“I promise I didn't stand you up on purpose.”

Had Ging been anyone else, you would've left and never looked back. The fact of the matter was you cared about him. You came all this way to see him. The man who no one could find unless he wanted them to. You must've been the biggest idiot to exist.

—-----------------------------------

Ging thinks he likes this setting more. A busted up burger joint with the two of you eating messily. You'd chosen the location, of course. He doesn't know why he wanted to go somewhere more formal. It would've put a dent in his wallet anyways. Maybe as a subconscious way to show off? It wasn't like he had the clothes for it either. Or class.

He didn't stick out like a sore thumb here. Not at all like sitting alone for two hours would have. He cringes slightly at the thought. How you withstood all the judgemental stares, he'd never know. It wasn't like Ging ever really felt self-conscious. Except under your scrutinizing gaze.

He couldn't be any more grateful for the second chance.

You calmed down somewhat since then. Although the tension between you two was very much present. An awkward atmosphere as you tried to move on and make idle chit chat. It was hard for Ging to respond normally. His usual taunts nowhere to be found. Instead taking the time to choose his words carefully.

Something you picked up on immediately. It was like he was walking on eggshells around you. Afraid you'd get up and leave for good. A side of him you'd never seen before. You'd actually sensed panic in his aura when you walked away. Did your resentment really affect him that much?

The man who couldn't care less about anyone's opinion, was suddenly vying for your good graces?

It didn't make any sense. But his guilty expression every time he looked up at you was cementing the idea.

Ging always hated it when you were mad at him. You didn't look mad this time. Just hurt. He decides he hates this look more. The lack of warmth and familiarity in your expression. You still look hurt. Maybe a little more disappointed now. A feeling of shame courses through him.

“I really wasn't trying to mess with you,” he repeats for the upteenth time. As if you still didn't believe him.

“I just didn't think you would show. Figured I show up late and if you weren't there, then I wouldn't embarrass myself.”

Your brow furrows at the explanation. He invited you out thinking you wouldn't come? Did he think that little of you? Or was it something else?

“Why would you think I wouldn't show?” You asked.

“Because I wouldn't have. I keep forgetting you don't think like me. You're a softie.”

You're always there for him when it matters. Even when you were kids, you always came through when he was too proud to ask for help.

“So if I had invited you instead, you wouldn't have come?”

Maybe it did hurt a little to know the same invitation coming from you would have meant nothing to him.

“That's not what I meant!” Ging was quick to correct.

“If someone like me had asked me, I wouldn't have bothered. Because I'm lazy and I do things on a whim. But you? You're too honest. I would have felt bad for not coming.” He explained, although it did little to help his case.

“So you would have pitied me instead? Great to know I'm a charity case.”

“C'mon. You know what I mean. You waited. I would have left after five minutes. You stayed for two hours. And you never ask me for anything. I would've come because it was probably important.”

The admission is more honest than you were expecting from Ging. More vulnerable. Any lingering tension fades. You're not upset anymore, just confused.

“Why did you invite me?” You question.

“Why did you wait?” He counters.

“Probably because I'm stupid…And I wanted to see you.”

It's said quietly, like you weren't really sure if you wanted to say it. But it's out in the open now. You expect him to mock you like he always does. Something along the lines of “It hasn't been that long. Can't get enough of me or something?” Instead, Ging completely throws all expectations out the window.

“Pariston sent you flowers.”

Ging’s tone is venomous, practically spitting out the words. As if the very mention of the rat zodiac brings him unbridled anger. Or perhaps it was what he did that got under Ging's skin.

“What about it?”

“I don't like him.”

Oh? This was the first you ever heard of Ging hating someone. Something about Pariston must’ve really rubbed him the wrong way. However, it didn't explain what that had to do with you. Whatever feud was going on between them, it didn't involve you.

“You can't choose who I make friends with.” You try to brush off. But Ging won't let it go that easily.

“Just trust me. He's trying to manipulate you to get what he wants. He doesn't see you as anything other than a pawn. I don't want him anywhere near you.”

You figured as much. Pariston came off as pretentious in his letter. Discounting the rest on your team in favor of trying to flatter you. You weren't naive just because you were young. Although you did appreciate Ging looking out for you.

“He told me he was sending you something to get under my skin. I guess it worked. I wanted to stop him from getting to you.” He continued on.

“So you invited me to dinner, in a really nice and expensive restaurant, just to warn me about Pariston?”

If anything, it sounded like…like he was jealous.

“It was a heat of the moment thing!” Ging rushed out, face bright red with embarrassment radiating off him.

“I wanted to prove that despite all our arguments, our differences, that I was still your friend. A real friend who actually gives a shit about you.”

“But you thought I wouldn't show?” You asked once more to tease him.

“I don't know. I told you it was heat of the moment.” His face burned brighter at your laughter.

“I don't think I'll ever understand you. If it makes you feel any better, I didn't like him anyways.”

Ging relaxed at your words. Leaning back into the booth with something that sounded like a sigh of relief.

“Good.”

The rest of the night went by smoothly. You told him about the ship you recovered. All the documents that needed to be transcribed and artifacts that needed to be identified. And he made some joke about your sub being controlled by a game remote. He told you about the tomb he excavated along with successfully bringing back a wolf species from endangerment. You commented that he probably released the Curse of Raw onto the world.

It was getting late. You'd need to book a hotel for the night. But just before you could bid your farewells, Ging spoke up.

“Hey, can I show you something?” He asked.

Almost like he was nervous.

“What is it?”

“It's what I've been working on for the past year. Pretty impressive if I do say so.” He tried to come off as confident, but you saw right through it.

“Well, I'll be the judge of that.”

A quick trip to where Ging was staying, and you found yourself teleported inside of a game. Your vision went white as you appeared in a futuristic room. The light from inside it was practically blinding you.

“Here is where we'll station someone to check in players and explain the rules. Make sure their inventory is all sorted before entering. There's gonna be a similar one when people log out.” He explained.

He continued to tell you about the game as you made your way out into an open area. It was created solely for hunters and only a limited amount would be made for the public. The game itself was card based. Players would have to use and improve their nen to successfully beat it.

“This is our starting area. Feel any different?”

The world didn't look any different from the real one. If it was even fake in the first place. Save for the ring on your pointer, nothing changed.

“Surprisingly no.” You answered.

“Yeah? Well check this out. Book!”

A book with empty slots appeared in front of him. His aura radiated excitement, gesturing for you to get closer to see.

“This is where the player’s cards will go. There's 100 specified card slots ranging from monsters to spells. There's about 45 unspecified slots for copies or tools.”

Your head was buzzing from the information. You could tell there was so much thought put in this already. And from the way Ging was talking about it, he looked like a little kid on Christmas day.

“And look here. This tells you the people you've met. With the right spell, you can either contact or teleport to them.”

Right where he was pointing to was your name. You wondered if your book held the same. Preparing to summon it before Ging perked up once more.

“Everything's still in the testing phase, so things might not work the way they're supposed to. I'm sure we could find something around here to show you.”

He grabs your hand without thinking, preparing to drag you off somewhere in his enthusiasm. You don't think you've ever seen him like this. Not even when he was on his way to take his hunter exam. It's beginning to rub off on you. Your eyes taking everything in with wonder.

It quickly cut short, however. A burst of nen surges from behind you. Ging doesn't react in the slightest. As if whatever snuck up on the two of you wasn't a threat. Although he does make a move to pull you behind him.

The debris settled and you were able to make out what had flown towards you. It was four people. There were others here besides you and Ging?

“Told ya Accompany would work. It's my spell afterall,” a man with messy curly hair bragged.

His gaze landed on Ging and his expression immediately soured. Pointing an accusing finger in his direction.

“And you! YOU NEVER TELL US WHEN YOU'RE COMING! HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BETA TEST WITHOUT THE FREAKING CREATOR!!!”

But Ging completely ignored him. Turning around to face you instead.

“Y/n, these are my friends. The other game masters,” he explained.

“You have friends?” You teased.

“Hey!”

Not a fan of being brushed off, the curly haired man approached the two of you. He seemed to be sizing you up, as if trying to see if you'd be a trouble maker like the ruins hunter.

“And who are you supposed to be? Ging's girlfriend?” He looked to where Ging’s hand was still intertwined with yours.

The two of you practically jumped away from each other.

“Hell no!”

“I’d rather drop dead!”

The small group was stared in shock at their friend. Ging Freecs, actually flustered? Not only that, but being physical with someone. It was quickly disrupted when the guy from before cleared his throat.

“So what I'm hearing is… you're single?” He asked, lightly wrapping an arm around your shoulder.

“Leave her alone, Wdwune,” the blonde haired boy scolded.

“What? I'm just making sure our guest feels welcomed….And maybe inviting her to dinner if she's interested.”

You couldn't help but laugh a little at his attempt to flirt. Ging however, didn't see the humor in it. Throwing off Wdwune’s arm with a glare. More huffy than usual.

“Me and Y/n grew up together. I'm just showing her how much cooler I am.” He explained.

“Cooler? You blew your money on an island just to recreate Pokémon with extra steps.” You argued, not about to let him get away with insulting you.

“How dare you! If anything it's digimon!”

“And I'm saying if you were really cooler, you would have done it by yourself instead of piggybacking off these poor people.”

You and Ging continued to argue, much to everyone's dismay. Although it was a little cathartic to see someone finally put Ging in his place.

“So he gets on her nerves too?” The woman with red eyes questioned.

“Maybe Ging just naturally has that effect on people?” Her twin with blue eyes responded.

Having enough of you two screaming at each other, the blonde boy put himself between both of you. He offered a hand for you to shake.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I'm List.”

You shook his hand, embarrassed to have lost your cool in public.

“The twins are Eta and Elena,” he gestures towards the white haired women.

“And Wdwune’s already made himself acquainted.” The man in question sent you a wink.

“Sorry to butt in on you and Ging catching up. If we’d known ahead of time,” List flashed Ging a small glare.

“We would have had something fun prepared for you.”

“Thanks. It's nice to meet you all.” You greeted.

You were surprised Ging managed to surround himself with decent friends. They must've been good to have put up with him. You supposed your line of work always led to new and interesting people.

And interesting they were.

You were shown around the island. Different areas had different climates. The dessert was your least favorite. You were shown empty shops and the framework for villages. All while the five of them conversed about what new features to implement next.

“I think hiding another quest here would be a good idea. We don't want just anyone winning the game.” List suggested.

“Making it a puzzle is also a good idea. If the solution is too easy, it won't be fun.” Ging added.

They were feeding off of each other's ideas. Occasionally asking for your input as an unbiased source. Feedback was taken in stride, sparking conversations that had them practically buzzing.

They were all in this together.

So engrossed in their own little world that you started to feel like you were intruding on something. They were working on something no one's ever done before, and you were just along for the ride. You could tell Ging’s friends were strong nen users. They had to be in order to make this game a reality. You almost felt small in their presence. In Ging's presence.

Ging created a whole world just for the fun of it. When had you fallen so far behind him? When had the gaps in your strength become so vast? What training did he undergo to have this much control of his nen? Or perhaps it was his carefree personality and pursuit of fun that pushed him this far.

You used to be in synch with each other. Perfectly matched.

But that wasn't the case anymore.

Ging was talented. Probably the best hunter of your generation. And you were just average. No special abilities or heightened senses. Even when you succeed, it was only in the shadow of what Ging already done. You felt out of place here. Not really speaking as much anymore.

Of course he'd stood you up. He was busy with this. Something so far beyond you. You were an insignificant blip compared to this next chapter of his life.

“You okay?” Ging asked, his voice snapping you from your thoughts.

You realized you were lagging behind the small group. And Ging had taken notice. He stayed with you while the others went ahead.

“I'm fine.” You responded.

“Are you sure? You're not still mad at me, are you?” For a second he feared you were having second thoughts. That he couldn't rectify the situation after all.

And why would it? A cheap restaurant and taking you to some island to play cards? He wouldn't have forgiven himself either. This was obviously a mistake. God, why did he have to fuck up every time it came to you? (He would have done anything at this point if it meant you wouldn't hate him after.)

“No, I'm not mad. I'm just ready to go is all.”

He released a breath he didn't know he was holding. A moment of relief before he observed you again. He didn't buy your excuse. If you really wanted to leave, you wouldn't have been so downcast. The flicker of insecurity wouldn't be there. There was something else on your mind. You always got distant when something was bothering you.

“You know you can't hide anything from me. You never could. So just tell me what's wrong.” He tried again.

You seemed to curl into yourself before responding.

“It's just…You're doing all these great and amazing things. You've surrounded yourself with hunters who are just as ambitious as you. I mean, take a look at what you created here. What you're still creating.” You gestured to the space around you.

“I feel like I don't fit in your world anymore.”

Your admission makes him freeze. You've been a permanent fixture in his life for the last 17 years. It never occurred to him you wouldn't be there someday. That his life would be so fantastical he'd forget about you. Yeah he's not always around, and yeah he's a dick to you most of the time. But if he ever falls, he knows you'll be there to catch him.

You clearly think differently. Like you're a temporary place holder until he moves on to the next thing. He's been a bad friend. (Were you even friends?) He doesn't know what to say without it coming off as disingenuous. He's never been good with feelings, least of all yours.

So he tells you the honest truth.

“I don't care about anyone's opinion. I just care about yours. For what it's worth, I really respect you.”

If you told him what he was doing was stupid, he'd stop in a heartbeat. If you said someone was untrustworthy, he'd never even blink in their direction. For whatever reason, he holds you to the highest regard. He admires your ambition and endless pursuit of your dream. Hell, your job was way riskier than his. Being submerged hundreds of feet underwater, isolated from the rest of the world, wasn't for the faint of heart. He doesn't understand why you're putting yourself down.

“You're honest with me…I don't want to lose that. Everything's better when you're around,” he admitted quietly.

It makes your heart flutter. Someone like him wanting approval from someone like you. No, not someone. It's Ging exactly that has you feeling a little more confident in yourself. It wouldn't have meant as much coming from someone else.

“You should stop vanishing off the face of the earth then. I don't like it when you go radio silent on me. It reminds me of your dad.” When his father disappeared on a hunt and never came back.

Despite not liking the topic of his dad, Ging doesn't let it bother him. Instead, choosing to focus on making you feel better.

“Well you can't tie a stallion like me down.” He joked.

You snort, shaking your head before giving him a light shove.

“Stallion? More like mule.”

—------------------------------------------

A F E W D A Y S L A T E R

“YOU CHANGED MY NAME!!!” A very angry Wdwune, now Dwun shrieked at Ging.

“Well yeah. We needed to call the game something. And I didn't change your name, I fixed it.” He explained nonchalanty.

Totally not out of spite for him flirting with you. Not at all. It didn't make him feel all weird and fidgety to see his friend call you pretty and ask you on a date. He wasn't bothered when he'd wrapped an arm around you, either. Or when you giggled and his advances and Ging felt frustration course through him. That's crazy talk.

—------------------------------------------

P R E S E N T

You barely arrived at your small home. The one you'd brought after everything went to shit and your ex had sold the original one. You did your best to clean up. Putting away maps and logs of your work so they wouldn't get ruined. The fossil of a deep sea dinosaur you'd hopefully be giving to your son soon. You wanted your space to look presentable just in case Gon decided to visit you.

Although realistically you knew you’d probably miss him if he came by. Your work didn't really allow for a lot of days off. Especially not when it came to contracted deals. It'd been a miracle to get a full week. You wished you could've stalled for more time, but your team was counting on you.

All that was left to do now was wait and hope there'd be a knock on your door soon.

---------------------------------------

Tags: @ml3czqo

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An: a shorter chapter because my computer charger decided to unalive itself and I had to order a new one. Hope y'all enjoyed and remember ☝️☝️☝️ if you'd like to be tagged please let me know!!!

[crusty-chronicles]

Hiii, I was wondering if chp 2 of gon's mom is gonna be released soon?? I've been dying to read the next chapter :33 take your time if you're busy tho!!

Most likely today 😈😈😈 I just gotta edit it and we're good to go.

[crusty-chronicles]

You Have to Treat a Car How You Treat A Woman

Synopsis: A pathetic virgin law oneshot where he's an absolute mess trying to flirt with women. The catch? You feed off it and encourage his catastrophic blunders.

Trafalgar Law was undeniably pathetic and awkward around women. He couldn't flirt for the life of him, choosing instead to bury himself in work. The result is having absolutely zero dating experience. He's so touch starved he doesn't know whether to run away or lean into physical affection.

But then you practically bulldoze your way into his life, unfazed by his distant and dismissive behavior. You follow him around throughout his alliance with Strawhat. And like the hopeless fool he was, he begins to yearn for your presence.

It's constant and warm. He seeks you out when he can't sleep. Being stuck with you in his quarters when you were sick didn't help his case. He starts to notice all your little quirks. The way your eye twitches when you're frustrated, or how you take a lap around the deck when you're excited. The subtle way you lean towards him when you're tired. The smile you get when you're planning something mischievous.

All of it has him falling a little deeper every time.

It's a complete shock to his system when you seem to return his ‘advances’. Or much to the terror of those around to witness it, his poor excuse of an attempt to flirt. There's no tact in his pursuit of your affection. Often times saying or doing things that would have given anyone pause to process what was happening.

“Would you mind if I ripped off all your clothes with my teeth?”

It doesn't come out seductive like he wanted. No teasing smirk or flirtatious lead up when he blurts it out. His expression is deadpan and his tone is flat. Save for the red spreading to his ears, his face is unreadable.

His crew shrieks in horror and second hand embarrassment from afar. Hands over their mouths in shock and shaking their heads in disbelief. So sure that Law managed to scare you off. Even a few members of the Strawhats stopped to gape at the situation. 

But you're a little freak. You lean towards him with a lovesick grin that spells out danger.

“God I'd be honored.”

More chaos erupts on deck, with Sanji screeching out “IT SHOULD'VE BEEN ME!!!” You don't react with repulsion or disgust. You didn't even hesitate. And Law can't believe how unaffected you were by his lackluster delivery.  

He doesn't know why he expected any different. You'd most likely heard worse from the cook and musician on the Sunny. But that's besides the point because leading up to the incident, you'd started treating him differently. Sweeter. It's what makes him a little less skeptical of your response. 

You like talking to him while you work on projects for the crew. Letting him spout medical jargon as you fiddle with new cannon blasters. Then there's the fact you'd make him replicas of whatever caught your eye from a Sora comic. Displaying it proudly and asking him if there were any inaccuracies. (They were always perfect.)

You've been showing blatant interest in him.

He just hadn't been picking up on it.

His favorite way of flirting is taking out your organs and showing them to you. Something that should highly be considered a red flag and absolutely insane to anyone unfamiliar with his devil fruit. But his brain is wired different. The human body is fascinating. 

Why wouldn't you wanna see how your most vital parts work? How, when he removes your heart, it beats a certain rhythm against the room it's contained in. Or watch the way your lungs inflate with each breath and deflate with each exhale. 

Most people expect their partners to give out sweet compliments. “Your eyes are pretty.” “I love your smile.” “Your laugh is like music to my ears.” 

Law's are always almost borderline deranged.

Bepo walks in once to see your liver laying flat on the table. A prideful smile on Law's face as you look on in fascination. 

“It's surprisingly healthy for a pirate considering how much you drink,” he praises.

And you take the compliment???

In fact, you go a step further and encourage it. Making him take out his own heart to compare it with yours. Asking him if it beats only for you. You poke and prod at your lungs. Joking about how Sanji's must be blackened and shriveled up. 

Law took your brain out once. Surely this isn't normal. Surely you're a little off put by his display of affection. This has got to be at least ten red flags combined. But you aren't the slightest but fazed. Looking utterly enamored by him as he holds the very pinnacle of your being with reverence. 

“Your brain is the most beautiful part about you.” He said softly.

He adores the interesting ways your mind works. How you're so open and trusting with him. How you take his inexperience with stride and let him learn with you. And of course, the way you match his crazy with your own.

“I wanna see yours,” you ask.

He's smitten.

There are times Law gets insecure. He doesn't know what he could possibly offer you besides his appearance. Everything he could give you, you already had on Strawhat's ship. He's seen the way you interact with the other members of your crew. The way you laugh unabashedly at their antics and take on a more relaxed state.

He knows his personality wasn't the best, often standoffish and cold. He's also busy most of the time you're around, so sure you feel neglected by him. It's hard to believe you actually wanted him.

But when he starts geeking out over Sanji in his Stealth Black costume, the words slip past your lips. 

“I kinda wanna have your babies.”

You were so in love with how excited he was to see something from his comics come to life. The awe in his expression watching Sanji fight. His fanboying endeared him greatly to your heart. A swell of affection coursing through your entire being. 

Law’s face immediately flushed and he has to do a double take.

“I- What!?!”

And your poor crewmates who'd unfortunately been forced to hear you, don't let you get away with it.

“That's SUPER freaky, bro.” Franky comments while Sanji is once again shrieking in the background.

It's not as raunchy as straight up saying you want him intimately. It's still up there, make no mistake, but there's a note of sweetness to it that has Law’s heart racing. You found his nerdiness endearing enough to want kids with him. You love every side of him. Even his most embarrassing.

In a rare moment of privacy, you found yourself in his cabin. Basking in each other's presence after such a taxing day. It's sudden, the way you grab his hand as he's listing off what he still has to do. You bring it close to your lips, kissing over the inked lettering on his knuckles.

It's a foreign feeling, having spent most of his childhood devoid of touch. Especially not as reverent and soft as yours. It's soothing. And when you look up at him with a sweet expression, he freezes.

“You should've got 'love' tattooed instead,” you coo out before reaching to press kisses against his other hand.

“Because that's what you deserve.”

He's freaking out internally, once again blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.

“Love’s four letters not five.”

He feels like the biggest dumbass in the world. You're trying to be romantic and he ruined it. Unintentionally pushing the affection he craves away. It feels like he's always messing up when it comes to you. But then you laugh. Not mockingly, but teasingly.

“How about adore?” You question, lips trailing up his arm. Skimming over the inked pattern. His body feels like it's on fire. Searing with warmth everywhere you place kisses. His heart beats in overdrive and his head is nothing but mush.

“That works,” he breathes out.

He can't help but dwell on your loving onslaught. Kissing him on his face he was expecting. Everywhere else? Not so much. Tracing his tattoos tenderly with your lips. Maybe you're the weird one. It's not like he hated the sensation, quite the opposite in fact. He's just not used to this. So he asks his crew the next day.

“Is it normal for your partner to kiss you in places besides your face?”

The usual suspects burst into laughter. Taking the opportunity to rag on their captain because what kind of question is that?

“Waiter! Waiter! My steak is too juicy and my lobster is too buttery!” Penguin teases.

“My partner loves me, should I be concerned?” Shachi adds on.

Law pulls his hat further down his face in embarrassment and walks off. 

It's not his fault love is so foreign. How was he supposed to navigate what he'd never experienced before? By now, he's accepted he's pathetic for you. Knowing he's committing blunder after blunder, only for you to encourage it with your own brand of hectic. 

You’re definitely the one for him.

----------------------------------------------------

An: I'm a fiend for this man and I saw that one weird Al interview which inspired this semi crack fic and spawned it into existence.

[crusty-chronicles]

As a little treat for being halfway done with chapter two of A Mistake, I've got a Law oneshot coming up.

(I'm severely addicted one piece rn)

[crusty-chronicles]

IM CRYING WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND BANNER

Margret from Meatcanyon

Grotesque warning because the full view of my beloved queen might be too hard on the eyes.

I've got a little girl crush on her 😍😍😍

(This is a sign of mental illness)

[crusty-chronicles]

Rhymes with Grug (I have Severe Brainrot)

"Luffy with a Jack Sparrow reader. Luffy with a Jack Sparrow reader! LUFFY WITH A JACK SPARROW READER!!!!!!!"

I chant as I'm forcibly dragged back into my hole

Dressrosa

“Block A!” The announcer calls out.

One by one, the fighters make their way towards the arena. Each name earning ear shatteringly cheers. When they finally get to yours, the announcer nearly keels over in surprise. He takes multiple breaths of air, as if fighting to keep the oxygen in his lungs.

“Ladies and gentlemen….We have-we have a never before seen pirate! We have the marines’ very own boogeyman! We have….”

The audience goes silent in anticipation.

“WE HAVE SPARROW D. Y/N!!!!!!”

The crowd erupts in absolute pandemonium. Screaming so loud you can barely hear yourself think. You begin to walk the bridge towards the area and people are practically throwing themselves into the murky waters below for a better look. 

There's a scowl on your face as you reach the center.

“They always forget the ‘captain,’” you mutter.

-------------------------------------------------------------

End of Wano

Luffy wasn't much of a drinker. Yet here he was passing the bottle back and forth with you. A dopey smile on his face as he listened to you talk. Actually listened.

Luffy flocks to you. It's not infatuation. It's admiration. You are the very definition of freedom. You march to the beat of your own drum. And it calls to him. He wants you to keep following him around. To be what your compass always points towards.

He likes the challenge you bring. Knowing you're not permanently his, but that he has to earn your attention. You keep him on his toes.

“If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was flirting.”Sanji comments. 

Luffy take a second to process his words. When he finally does, he practically lights up. 

“Hmmm, yeah!”

“HUH!?!” the entire crew gapes at him in shock. 

“I guess I am flirting.”

“Well aren't you just sweet? You want to be mine?” You question. 

He nods drunkenly against you. He hangs onto your every word and it makes your heart thud. You lean your face closer to his, watching him eagerly follow suit. His forehead rests against yours softly. Right as he's about to close the gap, you put your hat on his face with a light shove.

“Work for it then.”

Luffy adjusts your feathered hat so it sits properly on his head. His cheeks darkened in a flush. Pressing closer to you.

“I will. M’ gonna be king of the pirates. So just join my crew already.”

------------------------------------

an: we WILL be coming back to this

[crusty-chronicles]

People asking Gon's mom about Ging is like that's your man tiktok audio.

No because when they first start dating, everyone in their close circle is asking Reader if Ging's blackmailing her 💀💀💀💀 (Theoretically of course, and y'all will see why soon.)

Ging's this hobbit-esque creature and Reader is a respected and dignified woman.

Dwune: Seriously!?!? Ging!?!? You chose Ging!?! Did you get brain damage???

Y/N: What's wrong with Ging? Yeah we argue sometimes, but he can be sweet when he wants to. He's a hard worker, and I know he'll be there when I really need him.

Dwune: But he's Ging.

Mini spoilers with Mito

“WHY YOU!?! WHY WOULD SHE PICK YOU!?!?”

He needed this. Someone to be mad at him. The only other person besides you he'd let chew him out.

“I don't know, okay?!? I don't know why she loved me. After everything I put her through. I picked on her, I stood her up… It took someone else congratulating her for me to get my head out of my ass and invite her out. I made a bet that almost killed her. I don't know why. I'll never understand why. But she did. And she trusted me to make the right decisions for that kid. You can hate me, I encourage it, but don't take it out on our son. Don't take it out on her.”

[crusty-chronicles]

Just a random scenario

From the Ging Fic

Just imagine that Y/N's interaction with Hisoka in there would end up /w him wanting to fight Gon's mother or smth cuz she's strong & he can see in both of them resemblance

And like Gon is shitting mentally his pants

his child's imagination thinking of how Hisoka could be his evil step father or smth

It is ooc A LOT or something you had not even in mind

But just imagine how funny the idea is

If I'm being honest, they'd never really interact in this story since it's more centered on Ging's and the reader's past. In terms of strength, I kinda went in the opposite direction with it to add more drama. Ging is this powerful top star hunter with endless talent, and reader's just average. Physically, there's no resemblance between Gon and his mom just to give different readers more creative liberties. Like no one knows who his mom is. Only people who have been around both can make the connection strictly because their personalities are so similar.

But the slim chance Hisoka saw Reader and made the connection, he'd be a nasty little freak. Gon has absolutely nothing to worry about though because from the stories he's told his mother, she'd want Hisoka dead. "You told my son WHAT!?!" "You stared WHERE!?!"

Visual representation of Gon's mom if she saw Hisoka.

The only one who'd be worried is Ging because he has caveman brain and cannot handle anyone showing interest in his ex-wife. No matter how unreciprocated it may be.

[crusty-chronicles]

Sick and Tired (Of You)

Synopsis: In which our reader falls ill at the worst possible time. Unfortunately for Law, it's up to him to take care of you. Or alternatively: Trauma dumping with The Surgeon of Death. Can be read separately from Part 1, but it adds context.

--------------------------------------------------------------

You stare in utter disbelief at the sight in front of you. Your eye twitches just a little because what the hell??? Luffy, on the other hand, is thrilled. He’s pointing excitedly while saying it's ‘so cool’ and ‘it’s the best thing he's ever seen.’ He's of course talking about Bartolomeo’s ship. A ship that had him as its figurehead and scattered mementos of the crew on deck.

It's almost scary how much effort was put into it. If Bartolomeo hadn't proven himself to be a trustworthy ally, you would've assumed he was five seconds away from kidnapping your brother. You still wouldn't have put it past him. 

You think you and Franky could have built something half decent to sail on instead. But you have no time and honestly, you don't have the materials for that either. Even if you did, the cyborg was more than impressed by the craftsmanship to be convinced otherwise.

You're snapped out of your thoughts when Luffy starts pulling on your arm.

“C'mon! Let's go explore!”

You give in despite the fatigue coursing through your veins. Somehow you find yourselves in some kind of shrine room. (As if the obsession couldn't get any weirder.) Every single one of the crew’s wanted posters were on display. To your surprise, so was the first one you'd gotten after Fishman Island.

Your scythe is poised to attack. The top half of your face is shrouded in darkness from the cloak you'd worn. A red glint reflects off your pupils. You figured Garp must've had a heart attack when he saw it. Officially, all his grandkids had grown up to spite the world government.

A shame considering he'd had the highest hopes for you.

Just as you were about to leave the room, someone came in with new posters. All your bounties had been upgraded. You took yours from the stack.

The Reaper Y/n

300 Million Berries. 

You'd almost say you were proud. Except for the fact your face was clearly visible this time. Bloodied and strained, but yours all the same. You glance towards your bounty once more. 300 million felt a little overkill for the small part you played in Dressrosa. 

“Why's mine so high?” You ask aloud, failing to notice the presence peeking over your shoulder.

“You were up there with us fighting Doflamingo. I'm surprised it's not higher.” Law answers.

You supposed he had a point. Though you didn't appreciate your bounty skyrocketing the second your face was revealed. It only gave people an incentive to recognize you. 

You were about to respond but stopped noticing his attention was elsewhere. Law was staring out longingly towards Dressrosa. As if he was leaving something behind. Perhaps he was. The burden of what had been weighing him down. 

“You doing okay?” You asked.

He tenses. You're far too observant for your own good. He wants to tell you to leave it alone. Leave him alone. But things are different now. He knows you're not trying to pry into what happened. You just wanted to know how he was doing mentally. 

Not great if he was being honest. The true battle had only just begun. But he doesn't want to get into it right now. 

“It's personal,” he settles on.

You give a small hum, not pushing any further. 

“I see. Did you accomplish what you wanted in Dressrosa?”

You're careful with your words. Choosing them in a way that opens the door if he wants to talk. He’s not sure he trusts you that much yet. But he's getting there. 

He'd succeeded in carrying out his plan, sure. The factory was destroyed, the production of SMILE had ceased, and Doflamingo was defeated. He'd gotten his revenge, but what came next was still unclear. 

“Yeah. Did you get closure?” He asked in reference to you and Sabo.

The revolutionary left in good spirits while you and Luffy were sleeping. Tearing off a piece of his vivre card before mussing up your hair. Law assumed you two were on better terms now. 

“Yeah. We're good. It's nice to know I still have someone to depend on,” you admit.

You always talk about your brothers with such fondness. So when the opportunity presents itself to take Strawhat down a peg, he goes for it. 

“Strawhat’s not dependable?” 

You feign a glare before giving his shoulder a light shove. A smile tugs at the corner of his lips. He likes this. Ragging on someone who'd been the bane of his existence for months. It was short-lived, however, as you answer the question honestly.

“He's my little brother. I’d never ask him for favors like that. It's kinda like passing a baton. I carry Luffy’s baggage and Sabo carries mine.”

For whatever reason, it intrigues him. The dynamic you'd set up all those years ago was similar yet different to his own.

“Who carries his?” 

“Don't know. Perks of not being the oldest anymore.” You shrug off.

He looks at you with a baffled expression. He never pegged you as the type to be crass. Your grin quickly lets him know you're joking.

“But we're there for him if he needs us,” you reiterate.

“It's just some weird kind of obligation, you know? Not to let the younger ones deal with the oldest’s problems.”

“I get that.” He said quietly.

Because he'd had a little sister too. Law remembers trying to do what was best for her. To reassure her that everything was going to be okay. Even when he knew it wasn't.

Talking to you was validating somewhat. He wishes he could've done more for his family. Warn them somehow. But he knows there's just some things out of people's control. Flevance, Cora, things he couldn't have done anything about. It's easier to see when someone like you is constantly reminding him.

Someone who knows it's okay to falter as long as you can get back up. 

—---------------------------------

You do your best to get comfortable in the women's quarters. The only other ones here were Robin and Baby 5. It's no different than rooming on the Sunny. But you can't sleep. Your head is pounding, and you can feel yourself more exhausted than ever. 

Perhaps the new setting has you feeling uneasy. A part of you knows that isn't the case. You'd slept just fine at the Revolutionaries’ hideout. Something else has you restless. You remember your first nights on the Sunny being similar. 

When you joined Luffy's crew, you weren't too fond of sleeping in a room with strangers. Nami and Robin were as welcoming as they could be, but you weren't comfortable sharing a space with them yet. So you sought out Luffy. The first week or two you’d slept together like when you were kids. 

Was it the most comfortable? 

Hell no. The hammock screamed in protests at the weight of two people. And more often than not, Luffy ended up smothering you. 

But you'd grown up with all the snoring and drooling. You'd grown up fighting over blankets and pillows. The little kicks and shoves for space. It was familiar.

It was home.

You debate heading into the men's quarters for that reason. Luffy wouldn't mind, but you didn't want to scare anyone in the morning. Your comfort or the rest of the crewmates’? You knew you'd regret it in the morning, nevertheless you decide to get some fresh air instead. 

The ship’s a lot more quiet without Bartolomeo and his crew fanboying over Luffy. It does wonders to soothe the throbbing of your head. Your eyes trail up towards the stars. You should've brought your scythe out to fiddle with. Tonight would have been a good night to work on something until your hands were sore and purple. 

You never could sit still for long.

You return your attention back to the deck. There's someone by the railing. The hat on their head clues you in on who it is. It's almost funny how often you find yourself in this situation. You figured he must've been tired of your presence. Yet he's never outwardly expressed genuine disdain for it.

“Couldn't sleep either?” You ask once you're close enough.

“How can I? Have you seen this ship?” Law grumbles out.

You laugh at his bitterness. It couldn't have been easy seeing reminders of Luffy everywhere. Unable to escape him after putting up with the Strawhats for months. Although he does have a point.

“And I thought I was Luffy's biggest fan,” you agreed.

It was a little unnerving to be one upped by some pirate. A whole goddamn ship dedicated to him? The most you did was have his wanted poster up in your room. Though you supposed your affection was on the saner side of things.

“So did I.” Law comments.

Blunt as ever. But you can see a flicker of amusement in his eyes. 

“Hey! I don't talk about him that much.” You defended.

“You were actively praising him during his fight with Fujitora.”

So maybe you did coo a little when Luffy started announcing his hits before he attacked. Wanting the fairest fight he could get from the vice admiral. That didn't mean you couldn't shut up about him. 

“Because he's a good person. Am I not allowed to be proud of my own brother?”

“Not around me you're not.”

Your eyes narrow in mock animosity. You didn't think you were that annoying about Luffy. Not more annoying than Ace had been. Though you know not to take anything too personally with Law. You're starting to get better at reading his true emotions. You supposed growing up with an emotionally constipated Ace had helped.

“You act tough, but I know he's growing on you.” You point out.

Law scoffs, but he doesn't deny it. At least not out loud. Fond of the idiot who constantly ruined his plans? Absolutely not. Luffy was trustworthy is all. Nothing more.

“You shouldn't lean too close to the railing. I can swim, but not in stormy waters,” you warn. 

“I won't fall in.” Nevertheless, Law steps back closer to where you are.

You noticed he did that a lot. Pretending to be disinterested and distant to those around him, when really he was paying attention and taking everything in. He's the type that doesn't like asking for help. Even when he obviously needs it. Guarded to a fault. 

“You can't sleep?” He asks.

“I've been trying for the past few hours. Guess my thoughts are too active. Why do you ask?”

“Well, if you're gonna be making something with the Cyborg tomorrow, I'd rather it not blow up because you weren't focused.”

“Aww, you care?” You teased.

He looked away from you, muttering out curses as he tried to hide the heat creeping up his neck. 

“You're such a pain.”

The smile on your face is playful. It only makes his face burn brighter. Your head feels a little better now. Although you could still feel something was off with you. Your eyes catch sight of the couch in the center of the deck.

It's tempting. 

Given the week you've had, it doesn't take much convincing for you to approach it.

“You wanna sit and talk?” You offer.

“I don't have a choice. You're gonna nag me either way.”

There he goes again. Acting like you were holding him hostage when he was already following behind you. It'd be frustrating if it weren't so familiar to you.

“Careful. I might think you mean that and go bother someone else. I'm sure Barto will love my attention.” 

For the first time in a while, Law gave a genuine scowl. Adjusting the hat on his head with a soured expression. 

“You wouldn't last five seconds with that idiot.”

You wondered what sparked his change in mood. You knew Bartolomeo could be a lot, but he wasn't that bad. Surely the mere mention of his name wouldn't have set Law off. There was something else you said that made him uncomfortable. 

“Got me there. He's a nice guy, but I couldn't handle someone kissing my ass every time I spoke. I like a little disagreement every now and then,” you said before plopping down on the couch.

The cushions are comfortable against your back. You think it might be enough to lull you to sleep. But the presence next to you encourages you to stay awake. He’s still keeping a sizable distance away from you. Despite it, Law's usually stiff posture is lax. 

You take a second to observe him. The circles under his eyes rival yours. From what you gathered, he tended to overwork himself. It couldn't have been easy to be both the doctor and captain of your own ship. (Luffy barely acted like the captain of his own ship)

You catch sight of his hat next. Spotted and plush. Although time had made it less fuzzy and more matted. Almost like the texture of an old stuffed animal. It's aged. 

“Your hat looks well loved,” you blurt out before you can stop it.

He raises a brow at you.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing bad. Just means you've been holding onto it for a while. Is it a reminder?” You ask. 

You used to be so jealous of Sabo and Luffy's hats. Then Ace became a little traitor and got himself one too. They all had something special from home. Something that meant an awful lot to them. Luffy's strawhat was significantly more worn down than Law’s. No thanks to him getting it stabbed over and over. You remember forcing yourself to learn how to weave just to keep it together.

You wonder if that spotted hat went through similar treatment. Stitching up any holes made. Hand washing it to prevent further wear and tear. Taking great care to preserve it throughout the years. 

Reflexively, Law reaches up towards his hat. Gripping the top in thought. His mind is flooded by bitter memories. A time he cannot return to no matter how much he wanted to. He thinks you're too observant for your own good.

But you know when to leave things alone.

It's…easier talking to you. He doesn't have to elaborate on one worded answers. And you talk. A lot. He probably knows more about you than your entire crew. You're so open that it's disarming. 

He wanted to dislike you just like the rest of the Strawhats. Find you annoying and overwhelming. But he couldn't. He hates how he notices the little things about you. How your smile is so bright. How like all the rest of your friends you have some quirk. Eyes spacing apart when you're getting scolded. And maybe he does find it a little funny when you do that to make Luffy behave. 

“I've got my eye on you.”

He hates that you're so goddamn nice without meaning to. How hard you tried to make him comfortable on the Sunny. Making sure the cook made food he could actually eat. Borrowing some of Robin’s books so he wouldn't be bored. Making fun of Caesar just to get him to smirk. 

Then there was Dressrosa.

You fought so hard for him and he doesn't understand why. When he was trying to terminate the alliance after he'd gotten caught, you'd snapped at him. Swiping the key to his cuffs from Luffy's shaking hands.

“Oh shut up! You don't get to quit now when our whole crew is doing whatever they can to help! So suck it up or I swear I'll rip those piercings right out of your ears!”

Looking back on it now, he was grateful. 

He doesn't know why, but just this once he'd return your openness. (To get you off his back if nothing else.)

“It’s the last thing I have from my hometown. There's been some alterations over the years, but nothing major.” He explains.

You give a hum of acknowledgement.

A comfortable silence settles between you before you disrupt it.

“Where did you grow up?”

It's a dreaded question that has him tensing. Repeating what happened is reliving it. The despair. The helplessness. The all consuming fire that left nothing behind. And still Law debates telling you. 

You're more patient than he gives you credit for. Through all the snide remarks, you stayed. You waited and took the time to get to know him through this short-lived alliance. 

It’s what ultimately gets him to tell you.

“North Blue. Our town was called Flevance.”

What were the chances you heard of it? Pretty damn high judging by the brief look of recognition on your face. It wasn't for the reasons he might think. You weren't somebody interested in history. You sure as hell weren't old enough to know what was going on during that time either. No, it was much simpler than that. 

You remember looking for possible materials for your scythe when you were younger. In your search, you stumbled upon the town of Flevance. It was known for being an ethereal shade of white and produced a special mineral called Amber Lead. A mineral so gorgeous and versatile, it became the town's main export.

You thought the metal would have made for a beautiful blade. But when you tried to acquire some, you learned about what happened to the town.

Of course the world government was involved somehow. 

You know Law doesn't want your pity, so you won't give it. That doesn't mean you can't be bitter about your own situation.

“The navy sucks ass. Why fix things when you can just get rid of them?” You say sarcastically.

Get rid of people like they were nothing. Enslave them, burn them, starve them. It didn't matter in the end. Lives were trash when they didn't serve a purpose in the World Government's eyes.

Law shares in your sentiment somewhat. But then he remembers people like Corazon exist. People who try to do the right thing. It wasn't so much the people who were corrupt, but the system they served under.

“Not all of them are bad.” He disagreed, more relaxed now that he knew you wouldn't push for answers. You never did.

“No, not all of them.” You conceded.

Garp had saved you. He was supposed to turn a blind eye and return you where you belonged. Instead he took you in. He gave you a home. A second chance. You'd never forget everything he did for you.

You can feel your eyes start to droop. It looks like sleep might find you after all. You shift a little closer to Law. Knees lightly touching. He doesn't move away. 

You notice he'd brought his sword out with him. You reach for it, thoughts too sluggish to catch up to your actions. You grab the hilt, and besides a baffled expression, he doesn't make a move to stop you. 

You trace the blade with your finger once it's been unsheathed. Pushing down slightly to test its sharpness. He lets you. You're a weapons master. A damn good one if that scythe of yours was anything to go by. So he trusts you with Kikoku. You were more than qualified to observe it.

Your eyes scan analytically for any imperfections. Something that might potentially hinder its attack potential. He's seen you do similar to Zoro's swords. Making sure the blades weren't dull before testing out their weight. 

With Kikoku, you shift your attention down to the leather wrapped around the hilt. Your thumb soothes over the worn down material. You frown in disapproval.

“You're gonna need to re-wrap this. If it continues to flake off in pieces it won't have any grip left.”

Your hands were always busy, he noticed. If you weren't bothering him, you were with the cyborg making something. Fixing up the sniper’s slingshot, adjusting cannons for the ship, even testing out new additions for your own weapon. Rarely were your hands idle.

He thinks you could rival Vegapunk if you tried hard enough.

He'd never seen anything like your scythe before. A detachable blade that magnetized and repelled itself from the hilt. The hilt itself parted halfway down, allowing the top to shoot forward on a sea prism stone chain. 

A shame your talents were wasted on Strawhat's crew.

You continue to fiddle with Kikoku. Your touch is careful yet firm. You know exactly what you're doing. He moves closer to you. The silence is comfortable, but it begins to make him think. 

He wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Luffy. For the entire Strawhat crew. You all were about to enter a war with an Emperor, and still Luffy didn't ask for anything in return. 

You're both infuriating.

He doesn't want to feel like he owes you anything…so he breaks the silence.

“You wanted to know why I chose Doflamingo right?” 

It was something you asked when he first came on board the Sunny. He doesn't want to second guess his decision, so he forces himself to continue speaking. Not waiting to see your reaction.

“He killed someone very important to me. I wanted to avenge him.”

He won't go into specifics. He wasn't ready for that. But you deserved to know why he dragged your little brother down with him. 

“I won't lie, I was using Strawhat at first. He was supposed to be a diversion so I could carry out my mission.”

Being honest wouldn’t do him any favors. He can feel the way you tense up. Your hands rigid on his sword. 

“But I wasn't strong enough by myself. It's only thanks to his intervention that we won,” Law admits.

Then more quietly he adds-

“I am grateful for his help…Yours too.”

The look in your eyes is soft. Encouraging. It has his face burning. He realizes you're closer than before. He can feel the warmth radiate from your skin. Shoulders almost touching so you can tease and prod at him. 

“I'm glad. Alliances should be built on trust. There's nobody more true to his world than Luffy. You really lucked out.”

It was clear to anyone with eyes you loved Luffy more than anything. A fact that does annoy him from time to time,

“There you go praising him again.”

You further invade his personal space with a tired grin.

“Jealous? Fine then, I'll give you your props too. I think you're a good guy. You say a lot of things you don't mean, but you're dependable.” It's genuine, but because you're you, you take the opportunity to mess with him.

“You only let me get shot once.”

Law’s quick to defend himself with a scowl.

“I wasn't expecting you to throw yourself on top of me!”

“Because you had a plan?” You say teasingly.

“I did and you being a selfless idiot wasn't a part of it.”

You do your best to stifle your laughter.

“The hell are you smiling for?”

“Was selfless supposed to be an insult?”

He doesn't like the way you're making him feel right now. It's foreign. Like his heart is hammering away in his chest. Your smirk is evil. And it makes his face burn. 

“Shut up!”

You're so close that you're practically leaning on him. A tired smile on your face. It's as if you don't understand the definition of personal space. Then you go to rest your head on his shoulder. 

He should push you off. He'd only end up in another compromising position with you. Probably get laughed at in the morning by everybody else. He should've Shambled you back to your cabin. 

But your eyes have already closed and your breathing had slowed. You're curled up into his side, and he wonders when you got so close in the first place. Why he let you get that close. 

His expression softens slightly, though the red on his face doesn't disappear.

“Get some rest Y/n-ya.”

It slips out without him noticing. The tell that shows he's fond of someone. He'd never admit it aloud, but you'd been just lucid enough to hear it. As long as one of you got some sleep, he supposed things could've been worse.

But you can't stay out like this. His pride would never allow it. So he picks you up in his arms. A familiar sight. When you don't stir, he begins the dreaded walk of shame towards your cabin. (Carrying you to bed in a room where people could see him.) He's praying the other two women are asleep.

He should know by now that things never go the way he plans. 

As he pushes the door open, both women shoot up and stare at him. This is the second time you put him in this position. (The second time he allowed himself to walk right into it.) 

Robin has a knowing look on her face. A flicker of amusement in her eyes.

“Oh? So that's where she went.”

Law wants the ground to swallow him whole. He really should've used Shambles.

“Awww, she needs you!” Baby 5 coos.

“Shut up!”

The heat on his face spreads to his ears and neck. He stiffens when you adjust yourself in his arms. Both women giggle at the sight. He forces himself to commit to what he started. Rushing as quick as he can to get out of there. It's less than coordinated when he half drops you, half places you onto the bed.

He swears this is the last time he'll let you fall asleep on him. 

But then it happens again. And again. Every night on Bartolomeo’s accursed ship until the last of the other crews have departed. You sit, you talk, and it's nice. He'd go as far as to say he enjoyed your company. 

He gets sloppy one night. Falling asleep right alongside you. He woke up warm and disoriented to a familiar ‘shishishishi!’ He did in fact Shamble the both of you away when he was cognizant enough. He was just glad Luffy was more focused on making fun of you rather than him. 

It wasn't long before the ship reached Zou. The fatigue you'd been feeling amplified ten-fold along the way. The pounding of your head becoming unbearable.  Your chest started to feel tight, too. You tell yourself it's fine. You can hold off until Chopper checks it out. Though realistically you should've asked the doctor right next to you.

You reunite with the rest of the crew, minus Sanji. A plan is made to get him back from Whole Cake Island, one you could barely keep up with. Everything's getting hazy again. You would've asked Chopper for help like you planned, but he was too busy taking care of the minks. You didn't want to add anything else on to his plate. Especially when he was in charge of taking care of the two rulers. 

So you force your discomfort down. Even when the Minks throw a feast in the Strawhats’ honor, you don't indulge. The loud cheers and whoops reverberate through your skull. Your smile very much forced. You figured you looked okay enough if nobody had questioned your strained expression. (If you were being honest with yourself, they were probably all drunk off their asses.)

You do get a small burst of energy upon seeing CatViper, your love for fluffy animals temporarily overriding your fatigue.

“COME HERE SWEET BOI!!!”

You practically tackle down the cat mink. Squishing his cheeks and ruffling his fur to your heart's content. 

“Aren't you just a big sweetie?” You cooed.

And much to everyone's surprise, he starts purring. You pepper kisses across his face, unabashedly nuzzling your cheek against his.

“Yes you are! You're just a little sweetheart. Mwuah!”

“Y/n! That's one of the rulers! Let him go!” Nami scolded.

“Hmm? Oh my bad.” You begrudgingly release him, offering up a small 'sorry.'

“It's fine. You're just filled with energy, aren't you-gara?” CatViper waves off.

“Runs in the family.” You gesture to behind you where Luffy's stuffing his face with whatever he can get his hands on.

The next day is torturous. You struggle to just get on your feet. Following sluggishly behind towards the Road ponyglyph. Apparently, there were four in total, and it just so happened Big Mom’s territory had one.

You'd be able to kill two birds with one stone.

Or at least, that was the plan. But as you prepared to depart for the rescue mission, it hits you full force. Everything comes crashing down and your legs can't hold you anymore. Your head feels like it's underwater. Searing to the touch. You can't make out what anyone is saying as your body hits the floor.

You were sure people were crowding around you. A faint call of your name before you lose consciousness. 

Law would deny the concern he felt seeing you collapse on the ground. How Strawhat reacted immediately and rushed to your side. Picking you up on his lap and trying to get a response from you. Your breathing was labored. Skin flushed and sweaty with fever. 

And maybe he did notice how something was off with you last night. How you didn't seem to be drinking as much as you had after Dressrosa. How your smiles seemed a little more forced. How you'd been lagging behind all morning.

You were sick at the worst possible time. 

He could tell Luffy knew that as well. Brow furrowed in thought about what to do. Chopper would be able to treat you just fine on the ship. But that wasn't the issue. Your sickly state made you an easy target. The rescue team needed to be completely focused in Big Mom's territory. Bringing you would be a risk they could not afford to take. 

The next qualified person to look after you was Law.  But before he could suggest it, Luffy's bowing down his head.

“Please. Could you take care of Y/n for me? You're a doctor right? You'll be able to make her better.”

He wasn't asking as a concerned captain. And this went further than what the terms of their alliance dictated. He was asking as your brother for Law’s help. 

Law would have done it anyway. But something about the respect Strawhat showed made him want to prove himself. His unwavering trust.

“She'll be fine with me. Just focus on rescuing Blackleg.” He assured.

It’d been a few days since then. And while Law didn't appreciate being treated as an escort by the Samurai and half of Strawhat's crew, he'd deal with it. The sooner they made it to Wano, the better. At least the more sane members had stayed behind. 

You shifted slightly on your bed. In order to minimize the spread of your illness, you'd been quarantined from the others. Key word: others. While it would have been wise to set you up in the med bay, he needed to monitor your condition closely. See if your state improved or if he needed to make stronger medicine. Thus, you ended up in his quarters. 

You were still out cold. All of your medication being administered in the form of a vaccine. It was easier than having to worry about you choking on a serum. If one of your crewmates wanted to see you, he made them wear a mask before entering. (Funnily enough, the swordsman was the one who visited you the most.)

Law stepped out for a moment to check in with his crew. It was just his luck that was when you finally woke up. You struggled to focus your vision. You were in an unfamiliar room. It was too clean to be on the Sunny. Too organized. Slowly, you forced yourself up for a better look.

There was a desk in the corner, messy papers scattered on top of it. You could faintly see vials of something as well. Flush against the wall was a small bookshelf. Although it looked like it mostly held comics. 

Next to the bed was a nightstand. There was a fresh glass of water and today's news. Maybe there was something about Luffy in there. You didn't know how long you'd been out for. Anything could've happened.

So you reached for the newspaper, eyes scanning for anything on him. Your curious expression dropped into one of terror. 

No.

This couldn't be happening.

You refused to believe it.

You pushed yourself as hard as you could to stand. Barely taking two steps before your legs gave out once more. You cursed your sickly state. With no other choice, you forced yourself to crawl towards the door.

“Luffy….I gotta…He needs to know.” You weakly called out. 

Your entire body felt like it was made of lead. It screamed out in protests against the strain you were putting it through. Heart hammering away in a frantic fear. 

You tried calling out again, but the person you were looking for was different.

“Law….I need you.”

Your voice was too quiet for anyone to hear. Yet still you persisted. Your vision going in and out. You'd barely reached the door before it swung open. A familiar pair of shoes entered your spotty sight.

Law gaped down at you in surprise. Sputtering over himself before lecturing you.

“You idiot! Why the hell did you try to get up!?!”

You feel a spark of relief. He was here. But then that feeling of dread consumes you once more. Your breathing turns erratic. Trying to wheeze out a response.

Law picks you up carefully. Placing you down on your bed before going to check your vitals. You clutch his arm tightly, effectively stopping his movements. Your grip is weak. Feeble. He could easily shrug you off. Instead he stays by your side to hear what you say.

“I have to…tell…Luffy.” You manage to get out.

“Tell him what?”

In your other hand is the crumpled up newspaper. He takes it from you and reads the headline.

Revolutionary Headquarters Found And Destroyed.

Oh. He looks back to your hyperventilating state. He double checks the paper again to make sure he didn’t miss anything. When he doesn’t find what he’s looking for, his body relaxes slightly.

“You’re worried about your brother, right? He’s okay. There weren’t any casualties listed.”

It does little to soothe you. You fight him to sit up.

“I have to-”

“You need to rest or you won’t get better.” He cuts off. Using one hand to shove you back down. Still, you struggle.

He thinks of what could possibly calm you down. An idea shrikes him, though it's not a very good one. He leaves the room for brief moment. Returning with a transponder snail in hand.

“Here. I don’t know if he’s reached Big Mom’s territory yet, but you can try to give him a call.”

You take the snail from him with shaky hands. 

He doesn't know why he's trying so hard to soothe your nerves. He was sure he'd never gone out of his way like this before. He thinks should have knocked you out with anesthesia instead. 

You wait with baited breath as the transponder snail rings. Luffy's voice quickly fills the room.

“Hey Traffy!!!!!” He greets. 

“Not Trafalgar,” you correct.

“Y/n? You're awake!?!”

“Mhm.”

You'd become less frantic talking to Luffy. His voice calming you down in an instant. (Maybe Law did feel a little bitter at the fact.)

“Did…Did you see the paper this morning?” You struggled to get out.

“Yeah. Is that why you're calling?”

The lack of worry in his tone soothed the rapid beating of your heart. You were able to have some clarity through your muddled mind. Perhaps you'd been overreacting. You just didn't want to believe you'd lost Sabo after getting him back. 

“I got scared,” you admit.

There's a beat of silence as Luffy processes your words. Then the snail jumps to life once more. 

“You know Sabo. He's fine. He better be fine. Besides, his name wasn't even listed. You think the World Government would've passed up on an opportunity like that?”

You sink back down onto the bed beneath you. A relieved sigh escaping your lips. Since when was Luffy the one comforting you?

“No. It'd probably be their cover page.”

You can hear him let out a laugh. The sound relaxing you completely.

“See? Nothing to worry about. You just focus on getting better.” 

“I will. Please take care of yourself.”

“Don't worry about me. Love you!”

The transponder snail’s *Cluh-ick* rang out. 

A warm grin spread out across your face. Your eyes once again weighed down by fatigue. You know it's far too late for him to hear you. Nevertheless, you repeat those three words back.

“Love you too.”

You offer up the snail back to Law before you adjust yourself back into the mattress. You offer up a quiet ‘Thanks,’ burying yourself under the blankets. You fall into an easy sleep.

Law observes you with a small frown. You're stubborn. Sick with who knows what, yet you force yourself to crawl towards your brother. Even if you know you won't get far. It would've been easier to say he didn't know where you were coming from. To deny sympathizing with you somewhat. 

But he can't.

You and Strawhat are attached by the hip. It must've been difficult to send him off into enemy territory by himself. Up until a few weeks ago, he'd been your entire life. ‘He’s all I have left,’ you'd said. Despite that not being true anymore, you'd still be on edge until he came back safely. 

Law remembered the first time he saw you. It'd been for Luffy’s benefit then, too. It was a few minutes after he'd had a total meltdown and went on a rampage. A ship was approaching the island.

Red Hair’s ship.

Law was immediately on edge alongside the lingering Kuja pirates. The ship stopped just outside of their reach. Then a small boat departed and Red Hair's ship began to retreat. The figure drew closer and closer until they could make out details.

Your hood was draped around your shoulders. You wore a determined expression, undeterred by a potential scuffle. 

“A woman?” One of the Kuja commented. 

“Should we still shoot?” Another asked.

“Let's let her pass.”

You were either familiar with their customs or warned about them. Allowing them to see you were a woman was a smart choice. They were less likely to stop you. And you didn't appear to be a marine either.

You made land, walking with measured steps. Your hands raised to show you mean no harm. The Kuja still have their spears raised in apprehension. You open your mouth to speak, but it snaps shut at a shrill wail. 

Luffy's still on his rampage. Kicking, punching, screaming. All things that would reopen his wounds and lead to his death. The color drains from your face, a horrified expression overtaking it.

You waste no time running as fast as you can towards him. 

“LUFFY!”

Law assumed you were one of his crew mates. Perhaps a new one. But something about your cry felt more primal. More emotional. 

The forest went quiet. 

No further tantrum from Strawhat.

Law wouldn't see you again for another two years. Until Punk Hazard. You were by Luffy's side, watching curiously at the chaos around you. There was a protective air around you. Holding a hand out to stop Luffy from moving forward.

But there's immediate recognition when Strawhat sees him. Walking over and greeting him like they were friends. (Which Law is quick to correct.) You looked back and forth between the two. Your expression shifting from cautious to relieved. Then it was grateful. 

It wasn't long before Luffy took off with Zoro and Robin in tow. But you lagged behind. A warm smile spread across your face. Bright and welcoming. Before Law could process what was happening, you bowed your head down.

“Thank you for taking care of my br- my captain.” you corrected yourself.

You stood straight up, meeting his eyes this time.

“I'm forever grateful for your help.”

And that was it. You turned around to follow after Luffy once more. You'd stunned him. He was a pirate. He didn't help Strawhat out of the goodness of his heart.

So why did you look at him like he did? 

Like he'd just saved your entire world.

In hindsight, he kinda did. You tried to keep you and Luffy's familial ties a secret in the beginning. It was a good call after what happened to Fire-Fist. But you let it slip anyways.

Having the knowledge now that you'd been crying out in anguish to your brother, it puts into perspective your impulsive behavior. So just this once…Law decides to excuse your recklessness. 

He makes a move to leave, and as if sensing it, your peaceful expression sours. You're not too far asleep to disregard his presence. Yet you're too sick to see through the clouded haze. Completely unaware of the words slurring from your mouth.

“Ace, please don't leave me.”

It makes him freeze. Maybe there was something about his presence that reminded you of Ace. Or you'd just wanted your brother when you were at your lowest. Perhaps he was the one who took care of you when you were sick. It made sense. If the other one was out of the picture and Luffy was busy being Luffy, that only left one other person. 

He wants to correct you. 

He should correct you.

But you're not all there. His words would just fall on deaf ears. And in spite of himself, Law's pulling up a chair to sit next to your bed. He doesn't think he's ever spoken so softly towards someone. 

“I'm not going anywhere. Just get your rest.”

The way a dopey smile spread across your face has his heart beating. He's heard you talk about Ace before. And every time it was like you were singing his praises. Like everything he'd ever touched turned to gold. 

You tried to keep everything down, but there were cracks in your facade. The way you clung onto Luffy, your screaming match with the Revolutionary, and the way you subconsciously yearned for Ace’s presence. You still missed your brother. Still mourned for him. No matter how much time passed.

And Law understood. 

Some nights….he missed Corazon’s comfort.

—---------------------------------------

You got somewhat better a few days later. However, you entered what Sabo and Ace had called your ‘loopy’ state. Where you acted like a distressed toddler and refused to cooperate on anything. Whining and complaining just because you could. 

Like now, rejecting any and all food you knew wasn't Sanji’s.  

“C’mon! You need to eat!”

“No! I don't want it! Sanji makes his food with love.”

And poor Law was the one who had to put up with it. Getting increasingly irritated the more difficult you made his job. For what felt like the hundredth time, he lifted a spoonful of soup towards your mouth.

“I don't care what he makes his food with! Eat or else!”

The soup was green in appearance. It was filled with things that would get your immune system back on track. Unfortunately, that didn't make it the most appetizing meal. The smell certainly didn't help either.

Unable to handle confrontation in this state, you forced your eyes in different directions to avoid Law’s gaze.

“Stop yelling at me!!!”

He sputtered in complete disbelief, almost dropping the bowl he was holding. You were acting like a pissy toddler, and he was not a fan.

“You look at me with both eyes when I'm talking to you!” Law angrily scolded. 

You ignore him, stubbornly keeping your eyes in different directions. And as soon as he tries to move into your line of sight, you switch them around. It continues to go on for a few minutes, neither of you aware the door had been left open.

“Well, what do we have here?” A voice called out.

Zoro stood in the doorway with a smirk. You stopped your struggle with Law to focus your eyes on him. You flashed him a pleading look.

“Your crewmate is acting like a child. And mask, Swordsman.” Law instructs. 

Zoro lets out a scoff, grumbling about his ‘strong immune system.’ Nevertheless, he makes sure his face is covered before pressing forward.

“Am not! You want me to put GREEN soup in my body! It looks like some witch's brew!” You argued.

“Because it has herbs that are supposed to make you better!”

It was an unspoken rule that when Luffy was gone, it was Zoro's responsibility as first mate to step up. In turn, that meant looking after you (Which was discussed between them when you first joined). Your health and safety were entrusted to him, along with the rest of the crew’s. You wanted to be stubborn? Fine. Have it your way. 

He pushed himself between you and Law, grabbing the bowl with scary enthusiasm. 

“Don't worry, I got this. Captain wants you to get better, so you're gonna get better!”

There's no time for you to react before he's prying your mouth open with one hand and tipping the bowl back into your throat with the other. The result? Your sputter, practically drowning from the sudden intake of liquid. You give feeble pushes against his chest.

“Quit struggling! You're being a big baby!” He chastises while forcing the soup down your throat.

It's instinctive really. How Law lifts his hand up and quickly Shambles you into his arms. He's carrying you in one arm like you're some frightened dog.

“Stop badgering my patient!”

Zoro points an accusing finger at him.

“You're too soft. You gotta force her or she won't go for it.”

Before Law can argue, yet another one of your crewmates enters. Your eyes light up upon seeing Robin. Scrambling out of Law's grip and hiding behind her with surprising agility. 

“ROBIN!!!!!!! THEY'RE BEING SO MEAN TO ME!!!!” You tattle like a child.

“Is that so?” She coos.

You nod your head frantically.

“Law's trying to make me eat poison and Zoro’s trying to drown me!”

“We can't have that now can we.” There's a gentle smile on her face as she gives your head a pat.

And for a moment you think you're saved. Until Robin is using her powers to hold you down and pry your mouth open.

“Now Zoro!” 

Law thinks he must be going crazy. You're flailing your arms wildly, doing your best to form words. Then there's Zoro, an almost evil glint in his eye as he approaches you with the bowl once more. 

The commotion catches the attention of both crews and the samurai. Usopp and Franky are near the front, preparing to step in if the other two needed it. Law's own crew looks on in fascination at your stubborn display. Having never seen someone on board refuse treatment.

“Quit spitting it out!!! Swallow all of it or else!”

You give a feeble reach towards the sky before giving up. Falling completely limp while Zoro continues to pour the soup until it's all gone. 

“You sure you didn't kill her? She looks kinda lifeless.” Usopp commented.

A twitch of your finger has him screaming.

It's times like this that really show you and Luffy are cut from the same cloth.

All this damn trouble…And Law still needs to administer your vaccine. As soon as you see the needle, you manage to wrangle your way out of Robin's grip and make a dash for the door. Your antics are wearing him thin. (If he didn't like you so much, he would've cut off your legs to keep you still.)

“Shambles!”

You plop right back into the room. You scramble to get up again, but Zoro tackles you down. Followed by Franky and Usopp. Robin uses her devil fruit to add on to the weight.

“NOOOO! NO! I REFUSE!” 

All four of them are on top of you, and still you have some leeway. Moving inch by inch. The only way to get you complacent is to distract you. So, the cyborg takes it upon himself to try first. 

“Look it's a ninja!” He releases an arm to point at Raizo.

You stop your movements, glancing towards the ninja. A blank look overtakes your face. Head tilting to the side.

“He's so lame.”

“EXCUSE YOU!!!!” Franky exclaims in disbelief.

“HOW DARE YOU!!! NINJAS ARE WAY COOL!” Usopp backs up.

“His head isn't proportional to his body.” You sniffle.

Raizo’s head snaps up at that, glaring at you from your place on the floor.

“WHY YOU!!!!!”

And just when they thought you might stop struggling, you start up again. You managed to get another inch. 

“Look at the cool robot!” Zoro prompts, gesturing for Franky to do something.

“Yeah, look at the robot.” Robin directs your head to the left.

Being put in the spot, Franky clicks his nose. His hair changes from one style to the next. You watch in silence, face progressively getting more distraught. 

“That’s not a cool robot. That's Franky.”

He collapsed onto the ground in despair.

“I'm...not cool?”

Noticing one less person on top of you, you take the opportunity to free yourself. Starting up a sprint back out the door. Law had to think fast on his feet. His eyes met Bepo’s and he remembered your love for animals. He didn't want to throw one of his crewmates under the bus, but he had no choice.

“Look, it's Bepo!” He points out.

All at once you stopped. Turning around eerily slow. In an instant, you were on the mink. Arms wrapping around his neck while you pressed your cheek against his.

“MY SWEET ANGEL!!!!!”

“CAPTAIN!” He shrieks.

You're thoroughly distracted now. Scrunching up the fur on Bepo’s face and squishing his cheeks with a coo. He looks hopefully at Law as he approaches. The hope soon dies when he sees Law take one of your arms. Dabbing a spot with alcohol before positioning the needle.

You don't even react as it goes in. Giving your full attention to the polar bear mink. Your crew high fives each other in the background. You’re all insane, he decides. When the last of the medication has exited the syringe, he lets you go. 

You're still snuggling with poor Bepo, who looks like he's a second away from passing out. Law Shambles you into his arm again, and you're surprisingly docile.

“Good…Now everyone out!”

The next day is less chaotic, but you still refuse to eat. Your head turning away as soon as the spoon meets your lips. 

“Don't start,” Law warns.

“You can't just shovel scalding soup into my mouth. It burns, Trafalgar.” You defend.

He rolled his eyes.

“You’re infuriating,” he mumbled.

Against his better judgement, he scoops up a spoonful and blows on it. Just when he thinks you can't humiliate him further, you manage to lower the bar. It's a good thing the door to his cabin is locked.

“Happy now?”

You take a sip and pull away with a scowl on your face.

“It tastes like shit.”

“You better eat it or I'll get Zoro!”

“NOOOO! I'M SORRY! I'LL BE GOOD I PROMISE!”

He continued to feed you until it was all gone. He doesn't like the way it makes him feel. The domesticity of it. He was just fulfilling his duties as your doctor was all. Strawhat trusted him to make you better, so you were gonna get better. There was nothing else to it. You were his patient, and he needed to see it through.

—-----------------------------------------------

A day or two goes by and you start to feel more like yourself. Your loopy phase gone for the time being. Your body still feels like lead, but it's manageable. Your nose is thankfully less stuffy. Though the pounding of your head doesn't cease.

You're snapped from your thoughts by a quiet snoring. Law’s knocked out on his desk. Body slumped forward at an awkward angle with a pen still in his hand. You realize you must've been staying in his room all this time.

You couldn't help but feel bad for taking up his bed. He already didn't have the best sleep schedule. Putting up with you sure as hell wasn't doing any favors. You wish you could make things easier for him, but you're the furthest thing from a doctor.

You push yourself up from the bed, not taking a second to think about what you're doing. You make your way towards the front of the room, stopping right next to the desk. You use what little strength you have to lift up Law. 

He doesn't stir as you half carry, half drag him over to the bed. He must've worked himself out cold. You put him down, taking the hat off his head and placing it on the nightstand. At the very least, you could make sure he got one decent night of sleep.

You sit on the floor next to him, taking a breather from the strain you put yourself through. You catch sight of the shelf you noticed on your first day. If you were gonna be up, might as well entertain yourself. 

—-------------------------------

Law awoke in a surprisingly comfortable position. The ache in his back wasn't as prominent as before. He could have sworn he passed out on his desk, but the surface he was resting on wasn't the familiar wood. This was his bed.

He shoots up despite his body's protests. Scanning the room for you and fearing the worst (that you'd snuck away to avoid treatment again). He lets out a small sigh of relief seeing you next to the bed. 

You're crouched over reading. It's not just any book though. It's a Sora comic. Law feels his heart drop. He practically fights the covers to get to you. Falling face first onto the floor. His face burns as he tries to snatch the comic from you. 

“Sora the Sea Warrior, huh?” You comment while holding it out of his reach.

He makes another grab towards you, fingers skimming the pages before you pull it back.

“You can't just go through my stuff because you're sick.” He scolds.

You pay it no mind though, continuing to read where you left off. 

“I think it's pretty interesting. We didn't really grow up with comics in Foosha Village. We were more of the outdoorsy kind of kids. And Luffy and Ace hated using their brains.”

Law places a hand on his temple in exasperation. Not only had you touched his stuff (which he wouldn't have minded under different circumstances), you'd forced yourself out of bed again. He can see the circles under your eyes. Who knows how long you'd been up.

“You shouldn't be out of bed yet.” He relents, giving up on retrieving the comic from you.

“C'mon, I'm getting to a really good part. It's giving me ideas for new weapons. I mean, the tech is pretty advanced for something that came out years ago. You expect me not to attempt gravity boots?”

“I expect you to do what you're told. Get back to bed.”

You wave him off.

“It's fine. You need it more than me. Besides, I gotta know what happens next. I'm rooting for Germa by the way.”

“Bed. Now.” He ordered.

You look up with a pout.

“Then we have to share. I don't want you developing scoliosis in that chair.”

He flashes you an unimpressed look.

“I'm being serious. I'm not gonna let you sleep in a chair.”

He disregards your concern, lifting you up and placing you down on the bed. He takes his beloved comic, putting it right next to his hat. You make grabby gestures at him when he straightens up. He's immediately reminded of a spoiled brat. 

“Cuddle me? You know high body temperature helps fight sickness.” You teased, although there's some sincerity in your tone. 

“You're delusional.”

Law's too tired to argue with you. What are the chances he gives in and things go wrong? (High given your track record). You've already fallen asleep on him dozens of times by now. This wasn’t any different, right?

“Will you behave if I sleep on the bed?” He questions.

“Define ‘behave’.”

“Y/n-ya!”

“Fine! I won't get up anymore.”

You offer up your pinkie to seal the promise. He swats your hand down and goes to the opposite side of the bed. He lays down, giving into the drowsiness coursing through his body.

“Keep to your side. My immune system is strong, but if you cough directly into my lungs I might catch your disease.” He warns.

You let out a laugh that borders on a cough.

“Sure Germa boy.”

Against all odds, and what must be the universe's impression of a joke, Law woke up with your face against his chest. Arms wrapped tightly around you as his heart steadily picked up pace. 

—-------------------------------------------

You're finally well enough to be out of Law’s supervision. It was perfect timing too. Any day now you’d reach Wano. In the meantime, you put all your attention into perfecting your weapons.

“Palpitations!”

Pressurized air shot out from your glove. The force of the blast spearing through the ocean’s surface. Waves rose up on each side before crashing back down. You pulled at your scalp and let out a cry of frustration.

“Ugh!!! Not far enough!”

Some of Law’s crew had gathered to watch you. You were the first one up on deck when the sub surfaced. Their interest was effectively piqued seeing you progressively get more and more disheveled after each attempt. Your latest one doing the most damage, but seemingly making you the most agitated. 

“What do you mean not far enough!?! You practically parted the ocean!” Penguin argued. 

“And I'm saying it's still not good enough. It's supposed to reach that boulder.”

You pointed out in the distance to a huge mountain-like rock. You continued to mutter out curses about how the blast wasn't even close.

“Not just reach, but completely obliterate it and then some. Instead I get a puny blast of air that feels more like a gentle breeze. It sucks.”

You threw off your gloves in frustration, mussing up your hair to calm yourself. Another Heart Pirate, Shachi, looked over your shoulder at your discarded gloves. 

“You can't bottle up that much pressure in such a confined space.” He tried to explain, but you were a stubborn one. 

“Wanna bet?” You asked, a cruel grin spreading across your face. 

None the wiser to your plotting, he took you up on it. Figuring you didn't stand a chance. 

“I bet your freaky scythe.”

The grin on your face widened. Hook line and sinker.

“I bet your hat.”

The two of you shook on it. Having an incentive now, you got right back to work. You bothered Franky for any tools he might have. Shachi was feeling confident until Usopp approached him.

“You're done for.” The sniper informed.

“Says who?”

“Because Franky bet Y/n once she couldn't walk on water.”

Okay? Surely you weren't able to manage that, right? 

“What she'd do?”

“Made boots with a sea prism stone heel that repealed water. She added a little blaster for extra propulsion. Franky lost his favorite shirt that day.” Usopp said, putting a hand over his heart for dramatic effect.

This did not bode well for him.

“So there's a chance?”

“A good one, yes.”

It took you six hours. You came back on deck with bulkier gloves. Two circular mechanisms on each palm. There was a triumphant glint in your eye as you approached the railing. The boulder you were aiming for was barely visible now, but you weren't phased by it. If anything, you seemed more confident. 

“Palpitations!”

The sub rocked slightly from the force of the blast. The sea parted a sizable distance, gigantic waves spiking towards the sky. The boulder you'd been aiming for was demolished. Debris and ocean spray raining down.

“WOOHOO! LET'S GOOOOO!” You cheered, taking a lap around the deck.

You returned to your spot and held out your hand expectantly.

“Pay up!”

Begrudgingly, Shachi handed over his hat. More impressed than upset at the situation. You put it on your head and continued with your day, much to Penguin and Bepo’s delight. They took every opportunity to tease their friend.

You returned the orca hat about an hour later.

“Here you go.”

Shachi stared at you in utter bewilderment.

“What?!? That's it!?!”

“Yeah? I'm not evil. I just wanted to teach you a lesson.” You said nonchalantly.

“Wrong! You are evil. Unspeakably so.” He clutched his hat close to his chest with a glare.

You wondered how someone as high strung as Law ended up with crewmates the exact opposite of him. Playful and not always the brightest. But they supported each other no matter what.

—-------------------------------

You end up bunking with Robin and the only other woman on board: Ikkaku. You felt more comfortable than when you'd been on Bartolomeo's ship. The setting wasn't as chaotic. 

Save for the teasing they were both putting you through.

It started off as a playful question from Ikkaku. ‘How was it being captain’s favorite for three weeks?’ To which you adamantly denied. It would've been left at that had Robin not spoken up.

“I’m sure it wasn't much different from being on Bartolomeo's ship. They talked and fell asleep together every night.” 

Your jaw dropped in horror while the woman next to you let out a laugh.

“No way!”

“ROBIN!” You shrieked.

“And he always carried her into the cabin. It was so sweet how he tucked her in bed.” She elaborated.

You tried and failed to suffocate yourself with a pillow. Wanting to get out of this conversation any way you could. Ikkaku nudged your shoulder lightly.

“I thought it was strange how he quarantined her in his cabin. But knowing they spent so much time together, it makes sense. He probably got used to her company at night.”

You wanted the earth to swallow you whole.

“You don't have to sleep here if you don't want to. I'm sure Traffy’s waiting for you.” Robin added.

“Thank god Nami’s not here.” You said while burying your face in your hands.

Your torment didn't last long, thankfully. It had gotten late. Your companions for the night falling into a peaceful slumber. A quiet settled over the sub. You strained your ears for footsteps, voices, anything that would've meant another person was up.

There was nothing.

You get up slowly from your bed. You slip out of the cabin quietly and make your way towards the kitchen. You’d almost forgotten what today was. Being in and out of consciousness had warped your sense of time. 

You find what you're looking for in one of the top cabinets. A bottle of sake and two cups. You hold the bottle firmly in your hand, searching for a secluded place. You didn't want to bother anyone should they wake up. 

Tonight was special, after all.

You ended up in the library. It was decently away from the men and women’s quarters. You wouldn't disturb anyone from here. It was way bigger than the one on the Sunny. Filled with medical textbooks, you're sure. The Polar Tang was organized and neat. Whereas the Sunny was cluttered and chaotic. A representation of the two captains. 

You sat down and poured out two cups of sake. One you took in your hand. The other you left untouched. You took a deep breath before speaking.

“Happy birthday Ace. Here's to a short but merry life.”

You clinked your cup against the other one.

“Luffy's doing okay. I'm sure he probably told you already, but I thought I should too.”

You figured Luffy was up to the same thing as you right now. He'd kept up with this tradition even after you all separated, much to your surprise. He wasn't a fan of drinking, but this was always the exception.

“We met Sabo again…I, uh, I got really mad at him. The same way I got mad at you,” you admitted. 

You'd managed to calm Luffy down enough for him to rest. He'd put too much strain on his body. You couldn't blame him though. You were doing the same thing.

“LIAR!” You punched down onto the forest floor as hard as you could.

“YOU LIAR! YOU LIED! YOU LIED! YOU LIED!” You began pounding into the ground, knuckles becoming bloody. 

“HOW COULD YOU JUST LEAVE US! YOU SAID YOU'D NEVER DIE!” Your wail echoed throughout the clearing. Desperate, hurt, and betrayed.

You willed the painful memory to disappear, forcing yourself to talk through it. 

“But he's here now, and I'm so grateful for it. You don't have to worry about us anymore.”

You and Luffy weren't alone anymore. 

“I miss you everyday. I wish I could say I'm doing fine too, but I'm not. Not yet at least.”

Luffy held onto you like a lifeline, sobbing hysterically into your chest. It was all he could do besides hurting himself. He wanted you to shield him from the awful truth. That he'd lost both his crew and brother in less than a week. 

“We're gonna be okay, Luffy.” you said, hugging him tighter.

He shook against you.

“How do you know?”

“I'll make things okay. Don't worry baby brother, I've got you.” 

You'd be strong enough for the both of you.

“Not until this Wano business is over and I know nothing can stop Luffy.” You assured.

“I'll be able to smile then and say ‘Screw a normal life, my brother's gonna be King of the Pirates.’ Like we always knew he could do.”

You lifted up your cup of sake.

“But for now, here's to you. The man who lived with no regrets.”

You downed it, feeling a familiar burn slide down your throat. You failed to notice the approaching footsteps. It was almost funny how often you found each other. 

“Sake? This late? You just got better, you shouldn't be drinking,” Law chastised.

You wondered if he ever slept. Then again, you stayed up just as often. 

“I wasn't drinking. I was just… it's a tradition we do. Me and Luffy,” you explained. 

He gave you an expectant look, prompting you to elaborate.

“After the three of us thought Sabo was gone, I suggested we still celebrate his birthday. We'd exchange cups of sake like when we first became siblings.”

Dadan was always pissed when a bottle of her sake went missing. But she never stopped you guys. If you didn't know better, you would've thought she left the bottles within your reach on purpose. 

“Then Ace set sail, so me and Luffy celebrated his birthday too. We figured we might not all be together anymore, but that didn't mean we had to let distance keep us apart.”

It didn't mean you had to stop loving each other.

“I kept up with the tradition after Luffy left too. I didn't know he still did it until we were stuck on Amazon Lilly.”

Law looked between you and the full cup on the floor, connecting the dots as you spoke.

“Today is Ace’s birthday,” you said softly. 

As your doctor, he wanted to tell you not to drink. That you needed a few more days for the virus to completely leave your system. But on a human level, he couldn't ask that of you. You were in an incredibly vulnerable state. This tradition meant a lot to you. It was personal. He could, however, make sure you didn't overdo it. 

“I’ll give you your privacy. Just limit yourself, okay?”

A playful smirk broke out across your face. 

“I'm not mourning a death. I'm celebrating his life.”

And to his surprise, you patted the spot next to you.

“C’mon, sit down with me.” You encouraged.

It seemed all his nights since joining Strawhat consisted of your presence. Mostly due to your insistence. And like a fool he let you get close everytime. He’d become used to you. To your openness. 

“You won't leave me alone if I don't.” He gave in. 

He was acting like you'd go chasing him down if he said no. Though the lack of hesitance responding to you said otherwise. He sat down next to you as if he belonged there. So sure and relaxed in his actions.

“Like you aren't looking for an excuse to take a break,” you teased.

Law didn't deny it, watching as you refilled your cup of sake. He couldn't help but freeze. He'd never done this before. There were no remains from Flevance to grieve, and he had to get a grip on his emotions the night Corazon died. Was there supposed to be a moment of silence? Or was he expected to say something? 

“You know, Ace spat on Luffy when they first met.” You said unprompted.

“Huh???” Law let out a noise of complete and utter confusion.

You laughed at the bewildered expression on his face before continuing on. 

“He was such a little stinker. Tried to plan his death with Sabo too.”

You never failed to catch him off guard. He supposed you and Luffy were alike in that regard. Saying what was on your mind without a second thought. It always worked in your favor though. 

“Fire-Fist? The one you talk about like he's some saint?” Law questioned skeptically.

“I never said he was a saint. I said he was a good big brother. But he had to grow into that role. He was such a standoffish kid.” You explained.

You remember him being guarded when you first met. Luffy had won him over already, but you -you were still new. He never went as far as spitting on you (he wouldn't dare knowing that Garp had an especially soft spot for you), but he tried his hardest to shoo you away. 

When you fixed up the trap door to their treasure, he'd made some comment about how they didn't need your help. You didn't pay it any mind at the time. You hadn't fixed the door because you wanted to help. You fixed it because you were bored. 

But then Luffy began to follow you around. And neither Sabo nor Ace could stop him from seeking you out. It was inevitable you'd be integrated into their circle. Sabo had been the one to warm up quicker. Asking you to fix up old pistols and jewelry to trade in. All the while Ace made snide remarks about how you'd be better off in the kitchen with Dadan. 

He knocked it off when he realized how hard you were working yourself. Hands swollen and bordering on purple. Yet you never complained. Working well into the night and bringing back a sizeable amount of money the next day. He never apologized, but he stopped treating you like a burden. 

You never let him live it down. Not even death would save him from the second hand embarrassment of his past actions. 

“Hear me! I'm still not over you saying a woman's job was to cook and clean! Beat that attitude out of you, didn't I?” You said while shaking a fist up to the sky. 

“It's not like he can hear you.” It slipped out before Law could stop it. 

He stiffened, worrying he said the wrong thing for a second. But then you tilted your head back with a mischievous smirk. 

“No, but I hope I disturb his peace wherever he is.”

You offer him the cup of sake in your hand, beckoning him to join in on whatever this was. He takes a second to process it. What were you doing to him? Making him second guess himself on the smallest of things. Making him yearn.

He accepts the cup from you. You reach out and grab the other one on the floor. He sends you a questioning look. You meet it head on with a blank expression. 

“Dead men tell no tales. They also can't drink.”

It almost makes him laugh, whereas you giggle openly. Once again, you somehow end up closer. You clink your cup against his and down a second shot. The atmosphere is surprisingly light. A much needed breather for what was to come. But then you go and say something that has his heart dropping. 

“Is there someone you want to celebrate tonight? I'm sure Ace wouldn't mind sharing the spotlight.”

His hand tightens around the cup. You always did this. Tried your best to make him comfortable in your presence. And now you were trying to make him feel welcomed on his own ship. Your presence warm and encouraging.

The words fell so casually from your lips. As if he hadn't intruded on something precious to you. You were mourning, despite what you said. And being as observant as you were, you wanted to give him the opportunity to mourn with you. To talk about what had weighed him down since childhood. 

“You don't have to say anything. Just remembering is enough.” You add.

You don't have to talk, but if you need a moment, take it. 

He closes his eyes in thought. You observe him from the corner of your eye. His posture is stiff. Like he's holding back. Wanting to say something but stopping himself. Then he downs the cup of sake in one go. 

You don't know what baggage he's carrying, but you know trying to keep it down just makes it worse. Being vulnerable was scary…But facing everything alone was worse.  

It was why your tradition meant so much to you. You didn't have to suffer alone just because Ace was gone. As long as you remembered, you'd forever carry a part of him with you. You'd carried that same sentiment when you thought you lost Sabo, too. 

Live a life of freedom.

Live with no regrets. 

Maybe Law doesn't want to relive those memories. But if it helped, you'd share yours. The most vulnerable part of you for the most vulnerable part of him.

“If I show you something, you promise you won't tell anybody?” You ask.

He raises a brow at the question. 

“Not even Strawhat-ya?”

There it goes again, that small term of endearment. The silent hope that doofus would make it back from Whole Cake Island. You don't comment on it.

“Not even Luffy,” you affirm.

Something not even Strawhat was supposed to know about. What in the world could you possibly be hiding from him? What made you decide to tell Law instead? Why did your trust suddenly mean so much to him?

“I promise.”

With that confirmation, you turn so your back is facing him. You reach down and pull your shirt over your head. On your left shoulder were three heart tattoos clumped together. One broken down the middle. There's faint scarring between the spaces of the ink.

“For the longest time, I didn't know how to cover it up…The mark of the celestial dragon.” You said softly. Not angrily or bitterly, but accepting of what happened.

It feels like the air was sucked from his lungs. 

“I got the idea from Ace when he came back to visit. I remember telling him he was starting to look like a thug with all his tattoos.” You continued, this time with fondness. 

—------------------------------------

You hadn't seen Ace for over a year. Suffice to say you were not happy with him. You'd seen the papers. ‘Portgas D. Ace: 2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.’ And you'd seen the new tattoos he’d gotten. Specifically the ASCE one. So you jumped on his back when he made port. Doing your best to get him into a headlock.

He nearly toppled over from surprise before trying to pry your arm off his neck.

“You're gonna kill me,” he choked out.

You only tightened your grip, unfazed when he used his devil fruit to slip away. He reappeared as a mass of flames next to you. It did nothing to deter you from scolding him.

“You set out to sea for two years, and you come back looking like a degenerate.”

“Whitebeard's mark is a right of passage.” He defended. 

You grabbed his arm and pointed at the inked lettering.

“You misspelled your own name, you idiot.”

“I had a good reason.”

“Being drunk isn't a good reason.” you chastised.

He pulled his arm from you with a glare. 

“The letters stand for something,” he explained.

“A is obviously for me. S was for Sabo. C is for Luffy, because he's always been a little crybaby. And E is for Whitebeard because he's given me so much.”

It’s surprisingly sweet. You thought about calling him a sap to tease him, but you realized there was no marking for you. No reminder representing your importance in his life. You'd be lying if you said it didn't bother you. Though not enough to believe you mattered any less. Still, you make it a point to hold the fact over his head. 

“So what I'm hearing is you don't love me?”

Ace lets out an offended noise, trailing close behind you as you start walking away. 

“That’s not true! Everything you've ever given me I show off with pride. Those are my reminders of you. Striker? My knife? I take them everywhere I go. They're as much a part of me as my tattoos.”

You stop, turning around with an unimpressed expression.

“Not enough. You've gotta tattoo my name across your forehead.”

“You wish!”

“Big bold letters!” You shout behind you as you continue to walk away.

“You think I don't love you? Really? Well how's this for love!?!”

You let out a shriek as you feel his arms wrap around you. He picks you up to swing and you began kicking your legs. 

“NOOOO! LET GO OF ME!!! YOU'RE ALL SWEATY AND GROSS!”

All you get is an evil laugh in return, squirming feebly in his grasp. 

“Only if you take it back.”

You pause in your movements. For a moment he thinks you'll relent. But you've always been petty. So you start up your struggling once more.

“NEVER!!!”

Eventually you both settle down, opting to catch up on all of Ace’s adventures while you ate. Meeting Shanks, challenging Whitebeard, Wano. All of it had you on the edge of your seat. You couldn't have been happier for the life he'd made for himself. 

“You’ve gotta grab me a slab of sea prism stone when you go back to Wano.” You pleaded.

“You're asking a devil fruit user to bring you sea prism stone?” Ace questioned.

“And? Are you saying you can't power through it? Didn't know Fire-Fist Ace was so weak.”

You put extra emphasis on his new title. He pinched your cheek in retaliation, returning the favor.

“Very funny Reaper.”

The title you used in the black market to sell your weapons. You could feel the atmosphere shift after he said it. Becoming more somber. 

“You know this isn't exactly the life I wanted for you.” Ace nudged your shoulder playfully, though his words were sincere.

“Is that so?” You didn't know how to properly respond to his confession. 

“You already know how I feel about you selling weapons on the black market. I can't control your choices. But that's not what I wanna talk about.”

You started your business because it was the safer alternative. You could remain anonymous, avoiding direct contact with pirates and marines alike. After everything you went through, you wanted quiet. You didn't want the branding on your back to ruin your life further.

“I know you're smart. I know you're always careful. I trust you. But you know a peaceful life doesn't mean an isolated one.”

Ace understood why you wanted to remain in the shadows, but that didn't mean you had to go through life alone. You deserved more than that. 

“I want you to surround yourself with people you trust. To have good friends. I want you to go out and love your life. Not stay cooped up in your workshop.”

“Ace?” You called out. 

“You don't have to join Whitebeard's crew. Just promise me you'll let yourself be happy.”

He gave you an encouraging smile, reaching over to muss up your hair. Your heart swells at the action. His words make the weight on your shoulders a little more bearable. You don't know what you'd do without his support. Who you'd be if he hadn't stepped up for you and Luffy. 

You catch sight of Whitebeard's mark on his back. It stands out against his skin. Big and prominent. It gives you an idea.

“Could I ask you a favor?”

“Always.” He responded without hesitation.

“I want….I want to cover up the branding. Have something else scar over.”

Use Ace’s powers to scorch a new mark on your skin. He's not too keen on the idea. He had good control over his devil fruit, but there was always a chance something went wrong. He'd never be able to forgive himself if something happened to you.

“I don't wanna hurt you.”

“I'll finally be free. I won't have to hide anymore.” You reason. 

“What if I mess up?”

“If it destroys the government’s claim on me, I'll love it no matter what. Your mistake will be my greatest treasure.” 

He should've been the one assuring you. But like always, you make things better for everyone else. You take what's broken and fix it. 

“Yeah? No regrets?” He double checks. 

You shook your head.

“Alright then. Let's set you free.”

It's funny in a way, how all the tension vanished from you at once. You turned around and lifted up your shirt. He's immediately reminded of the first time you showed him. The way his stomach twisted upon seeing it. His reaction is no different now. Your voice snaps him from his thoughts.

“I'm trusting you with the design. You better make sure your handwriting isn't ugly or I'll kick your ass.” You tried to lighten the mood.

It works, if only for a moment.

“Keep being mean to me and I'll draw a dick on your back.”

“You'd die, and I'd make it painful.”

Flowers would've been a safe bet, but he wanted the mark to be special. For it to mean something to you when you looked at it. A skull was his second guess, but he wanted you to be sure before he did anything. 

“At least give me an idea of what you want.” He prompted.

“I want something that reminds me of the three of you. Kinda like the one you have on your arm,” you suggest. 

He took a second to think about it. All the while he's glaring at the branding on your shoulder. It makes him sick to think about what you'd gone through. What those bastards did not only to civilians, but to children. You weren't somebody's property to be disposed of on a whim. 

You were a person. Living, breathing, and feeling. Despite everything, you never lost your spirit. You never let them take your good heart. You pushed forward and proved them wrong by thriving. 

He's able to settle on the design. 

“It's gonna hurt really bad for a second, but it'll be worth it.” He warned.

“You've got something in mind?”

“Yeah. I think you'll like it.”

He raises the temperature on his pointer. It's hot enough that it's glowing red, but not searing enough to spark a flame. He presses it down against your shoulder lightly. The bulk of the branding he covers up first. You both grow nauseous at the sizzling of your flesh.

One mark for Luffy.

Ace makes another one just above it. You grit your teeth at the pain, becoming lightheaded. 

One for him.

Right next to his, he puts one more mark, breaking it down the middle.

One for Sabo.

“You good?” He questions once he's done. 

“I feel like I'm gonna faint.” You responded.

He wants to give your shoulder a reassuring squeeze, but he knows better. Any more strain and you probably would pass out. He opts for verbally comforting you instead. 

“It's all right. It's over now. You wanna see it?” He offers.

You find it in you to nod. 

He searches your workbench for a mirror. Shouting triumphantly once he's found it. He angles it to show you his handy work. 

Three hearts with one broken down the middle. It makes you want to cry. No longer the branding of a slave. No longer tainted by the worst the world had to offer. You were free. 

“You can get it inked up after it heals.” Ace informs. 

You don't say anything and it has him second guessing his choice. But then you turn to him with a shaky smile. You don't bother to wipe to tears from your eyes. 

“Thank you.” It was quiet, then you repeated it louder.

“Thank you for being born. Thank you for being in my life! Thank you for being my brother!”

Each iteration becoming more and more like a sob. Yet you're still smiling. Your eyes are filled with unwavering affection and gratitude for him. He can think of nothing else to say except-

“Love you too.”

—------------------------------

“Ace was the only one who knew. I never told Luffy because I figured he shouldn't have to see the worst in people. I didn't tell Sabo either because he was a noble. He'd probably feel like I should hate him.” You explained as you pulled down your shirt.

Law could do nothing but sit in silence, trying to process the situation. The rawness of it.

Who did you think you were? Being so trusting and vulnerable just because? Like being Luffy's ally made you friends all of a sudden. You and that damn brother of yours, acting like this alliance was more than just a means to an end. What were you trying to gain from this? There has to be a reason. 

“Why are you trusting me with this? I don't understand.” He questioned skeptically.

“I trust you because you look like you need it.” There was no hesitation when you spoke.

“You're always by yourself. Like there's a weight on your shoulders. You keep everything in because being vulnerable means reliving the hurt. But maybe knowing someone's there to listen makes it hurt less.”

He didn't want your pity, going to argue but realizing that's not what you're trying to give.

“Your person? The one you've been fighting so hard for? They wouldn't have wanted you to be alone.”

“Law's finally free now!”

Fuck it.

You were here.

You were safe.

You were offering to lighten his burdens.

He takes the bottle from you with shaky hands. Looking down at the empty cup of sake with a somber expression. He decides to take a swig from the bottle before offering it back to you. 

“The man who I owe everything to…His name was Donquixote Rosinante.”

The alcohol helps, but he thinks it's who you are as a whole that makes him open up. You bared the most tender parts of you. It's only fair he do the same. Your trust comforts him more than it should. 

He recounts stories from his childhood. The good and bad. He confides in the hopelessness he felt. How everyone except Corazon turned their backs on him. And you listen. You don't cower in fear or repulsion when he mentions Amber Lead Disease. You don't change the way you look at him. With soft reassurance.

He tells you about Corazon and his kindness. The man who gave up his life so Law could live his. He apologizes for his selfishness in getting Luffy involved with Dressrosa. Promising after Wano they'd be done. You don't want the alliance to be done.

The bottle of sake is passed between you two. You reward his openness with stories of your own childhood. Everything you could remember from before Garp made the decision to take you with him. The blind obedience you'd been forced to unlearn. The long sleepless nights filled with screams and pleas from the other slaves. 

And you talk about the after.

Your new life with Ace, Sabo, and Luffy. Your brothers who you loved more than anything, along with the mountain bandits who raised you. 

Law does the same. He tells you about how he cured himself. The way he steadily built himself up again and found a new family. His crew. All the trials and tribulations it took to get this far. 

It's not long before the bottle of sake is empty. You’ve both become drunk messes. Neither of you can see straight, but the atmosphere feels much lighter. By now, you're trading the sweeter sides of your childhoods. A game of sorts to make the other laugh. 

“Corazon couldn't go a day without lighting himself on fire.”

“Me and Luffy acted like children of a divorce when Ace and Sabo argued.”

The two of you look at each other, drunken grins breaking out on your faces as you fight back laughter. You break first. Giggling so hard there's tears. Law’s laugh is more silent, hiding behind his hand so you wouldn't see. 

All at once, you stand up on wobbly legs. You gesture for him to follow as you stumble out the door. In a similar state of intoxication, Law trails after you in confusion.

“Y/n-ya, where are you going,” he slurred out.

You cackle as you bump into a wall. Waiting for Law to catch up to you.

“I'm gonna make me a PBJ sandwich.” The look in your eyes is so pure, it makes his heart ache. 

He realizes you were standing in front of the kitchen’s entrance. A scowl makes its way to his face. 

“I hate bread.”

You look cartoonishly shocked by the information. 

“You hate bread????? So like, just peanut butter and jam on a plate then???”

“Why the fuck would I eat peanut butter and jelly on a plate?”

“I don't know. There's not a simple midnight snack I can make without bread!” Your eyes threaten to go in different directions.

“Just make me some rice balls.” He suggests.

“Do I look like Sanji?” you ask sarcastically.

Law drags a hand down his face in frustration. 

“You're such a pain. Fine, I'll do it.”

You watch as he begins to gather the ingredients. He keeps tripping over his feet, making more noise than usual. He lines everything up on the counter before starting to put the ingredients together. You peer over his shoulder with scrutiny. 

“You gotta make them with love or they'll taste bad.” You warn. 

He nudges you away. His movements are haphazard and clumsy. Rushing through the process out of spite. 

“NO! You're making them with hate!!!!” You shriek. 

“Because you keep annoying me!!! Quit breathing down my neck!”

You push him back, stealing the cup of rice and holding it out of reach. 

“Move! Just tell me what to do and I'll make them.”

“So now someone wants to cook?”

“Because you're making them with hate!!!!! Watch, there's gonna be a huge difference.”

He grumbles, but there's no further protest. You move as carefully as someone drunk off their ass could, listening to Law's instructions. When it comes time to shape the rice balls, you make them into hearts. There's extra care when you display them.

“Made with love,” you coo. 

He takes one from you with a roll of his eyes. There was in fact a huge difference compared to what they usually tasted like. Somehow more flavorful. But he'd never tell you. Not even with the hopeful expression on your face. 

“They still taste like they're made with ‘hate’ Y/n-ya,” he teased. 

You don't remember when it changed. How he went from calling you Reaper, to Y/n. If saying your name meant respect or fondness. And now he added the extra -ya at the end. You're sure Law didn't realize it either. Or rather, he didn't think it was worth acknowledging. 

You realize he's smiling at you. Not the usual one he gave where it looked like he was plotting a murder. This one is genuine. It's warm. You can feel your face heat up at the sight.

Happiness looked good on him.

Your eyes trail to his lips while he talks. You can feel your heart hammer away in your chest. And when he looks at you with affection, you want. 

“Can I kiss you?” You slur out without thinking. 

His cheeks go a bright red. Looking down at you with an expression that's scared and unsure.

“Why?” he asks in complete disbelief. 

“You make my heart do things.” You try to explain.

“You make mine do worse things.” He counters.

You make him feel wanted. Loved. All the sweet things he never thought he'd get to experience. It's scary because he truly can't fathom why you think he's someone worth having feelings for. What about him was there to love?

You notice the storm going on inside his head. So you cup his cheeks, guiding his eyes to meet yours. His breath catches in his lungs. Your touch is intimate, sparking up that feeling of yearning he tried to squash down. 

“Will you let me kiss you?” Your tone is impossibly soft. 

You're just making the alliance more complicated, he tries to reason. Law should say no with the little clarity he has left. Put a stop to what had just barely begun. 

“Yes.”

You move slowly, giving him time to back out in case he didn't truly want this. But he leans towards you instead, trying to meet halfway. You press your lips softly to his. The yearning in his chest swells. He presses back into you, reaching up to cradle your head. It's addicting. Consequence be damned, you both deserved a moment of happiness. 

Near the entrance to the kitchen, a horrified Bepo puts a paw to his mouth in shock. He backs away slowly from the sight.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

An: I can't help but write lore in my stories 😔. Y'all aren't ready for Wano. (It's just crack. Reader and Kid will be beefing for comedic relief) But for now☝️☝️☝️ I return to my HxH hole. 

If y'all wanna be tagged, just let me know. Although, this will probably only be one chapter longer when i get to it. Unless 🤔🤔🤔

TAGS: @historygeekqueen

[crusty-chronicles]

I feel like I've been neglecting my Hxh fans. What would y'all like me to work on next after this one piece one shot?

[crusty-chronicles]

When u will do part 2 of ging fic can u @me... Please it's so good

Hopefully soon??? I've been One Piece brainrotted for a while now, so I've kinda been neglecting HxH. I'm coming back to it though ☝️☝️☝️Let me put a poll up to have y'all vote for which HxH story chapter you want out next. I'll start working on it after I finish up with what I'm currently writing. (And of course I'll tag you for the next chapter of the Ging story💕💕)

[crusty-chronicles]

What It Takes To Move Forward

Synopsis: Coming to terms with the fact that Sabo wasn't dead.

Disclaimers: Fem reader 😔 apologies to all my gn and male readers. Reader is an ASL sibling, one year older than Luffy. Mini series?????? Law is a love interest because I said so. Reader's weapon of choice is a scythe 👁️👁️ Cannon is what I say it is🫵🫵🫵 for plot purposes of course

Part 2

---------------------------------------------------

It feels like you're stuck in time. Your body paralyzed with so many different feelings. You can tell Sabo’s the same way, waiting with bated breath for your reaction. He's searching your eyes for a glimpse of what you might be feeling. You realize he looks so much older. The boy you thought would never get the chance to grow up was truly here in front of you.

You're not Luffy. He knows you two couldn't be any more different. But a part of him still hopes. He hopes you'll forgive him for not being there. He hopes you'll throw your arms around him and cry the happiest tears you can muster. All he can do is hope.

He takes the first step towards you, calling out your name softly. It's been so long since he's seen you. You're not a little kid anymore. It almost breaks his heart to see his baby sister all grown up. He'd seen Luffy plenty of times in the newspaper. (Albeit he didn't remember who he was at the time.) Hell, he has his wanted poster up in his room. But he has nothing of you. He didn't even know you'd become a pirate.

He remembers you being adamantly against it when you were kids. Not wanting a target on your back and instead choosing a normal carefree life. You'd planned to make a living selling and fixing weapons. Never was there a moment when you weren't tinkering with tools and creating spare parts out of scraps. 

And now you were here. Running around with Luffy causing a commotion. Gone was your dream of a peaceful life. He wonders what could've made you give it up. 

It wasn't until Doflomingo projected your image did he see you. And it filled him with dread. The title besides your name nearly gave him a heart attack. The Reaper Y/n. You'd actually had your own bounty. But he didn't have the time to sit back and wonder what you were doing here. He couldn't ask Robin if she'd known about you. So he leaves it alone. Or he left it alone.

Fate has a fucked up way of playing out sometimes. You and Luffy needed a place to recoup. Somewhere safe from the Marines after Doflamingo’s defeat. He promised himself he'd come running if either of you ever needed something. It goes without saying he offered you and Luffy's crew to camp out with the revolutionaries. 

But now that you're here…It makes him second guess himself.

You're staring at him now, and he flinches at the look in your eyes. It's not the uncontainable joyful one that Luffy had. It's hurt. He's close enough to put a hand on your shoulder. As soon as he does, you're punching the side of his jaw as hard as you can. The sound of impact catches everybody's attention. 

The hideout goes completely silent. From the corner of his eye, he can see Luffy rushing over. Wanting to separate a potential scuffle. But Sabo holds a hand up to stop him.

You're strong.

He's never been more proud.

He looks back over to you, ignoring the stinging of his jaw. His heart drops when he sees you crying. There's a scowl on your face and your hands are clenched.

“I hate you.” It's said quietly. 

Then you're screaming it out, hitting at his chest feebly.

“I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”

He can do nothing but take it. He was expecting one of you to hit him. But the thought never crossed his mind you'd resent him. You're so angry you're crying. 

“HOW DARE YOU!!!”

He forced himself to believe this was good. That this was what he wanted. Hearing someone else verbalize what he'd been thinking all along. Not the usual ‘it’s not your fault. You couldn't have done anything.’ 

But if this was truly what he wanted, then why did it hurt so much? Like daggers piercing through his very soul.

“YOU DON'T GET TO JUST COME BACK!!! WE GRIEVED FOR YOU!!! WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!!!”

He stumbles back when you shove him away from you. You don't want answers, and he knows that. 

“ALL THIS TIME!?!? YOU NEVER SAID ANYTHING?!?! I HATE YOU!!!”

And that's the cry that breaks him. He would have reached out sooner. He would've been there. But he wasn't. He knows what it looks like. That he vanished without a trace and was doing just fine. That he left all three of you behind. 

Somehow, he knows you know that's not true. 

“HOW COULD YOU LET ACE DIE THINKING YOU WERE ON THE OTHER SIDE WAITING FOR HIM!?!”

He doesn't know what to say. He can't possibly find the right words to soothe you. How could he when you were right? He doesn't know how he's keeping it together right now. How he's not crying and begging for your forgiveness. He offers up the only thing he can. An apology.

“I'm sorry.”

The fight leaves you and he's temporarily relieved. Though the silence that follows after has his worry coming back full force. It's almost suffocating. He observes you quietly. Despite the tears running down your face, he can tell you're thinking. Processing the situation before you.

You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Perhaps you do. Looking after Luffy for the past two years since Ace’s death. He wonders…So he asks the question without thinking. 

“You're a part of Luffy’s crew? You never wanted to be a pirate.”

He wonders if so much time has passed that you changed your mind. There's so many things he wants to ask you. So many things he wants to tell you. But he doesn't know it's all been too much for you. That one question had pushed you over the edge.

All damn day since Luffy told you he was alive, you've been suppressing your emotions. In denial of the news and putting all your focus into stopping Doflamingo. You could pretend it wasn't real. 

Then his damn face was projected across the entire country. A face so much older than you remember. The scar running down the side of his head had let you know it was real. It almost made you slip up. Made you cry and scream about how unfair it was.

Thankfully, Luffy had wasted no time taking off in the direction of the castle. You were able to force everything back down to follow suit. Your desire to protect him outweighing everything else. But now?

Now that you'd been forced to confront Sabo? Now that you were face to face? Now that he was talking to you like no time had passed?

You want to run away. To escape from everything. You can't handle him prodding for answers on your decision. It'd only end up with you screaming at him more. Make it look like you were the one who was acting irrational after everything you've been through. 

So you walk away from him.

You turn your back and leave. Your name dies on his tongue. He can't call you back. It hurts, but he understands. He lets you go, watching as you place yourself the furthest you can within the camp. You want nothing to do with him, and he can respect it. For your peace of mind at least. He feels a hand on his shoulder as he watches you go.

“I'll go talk to her.”

He's grateful for Koala’s kindness, but he knows you. If you want to be left alone, you'll be left alone. Yet he doesn't stop her, hoping you might just listen this time. You don't, of course. And he can't help but grimace as he watches it go down.

You feel a presence approach you, not bothering to lift your head. 

“Hey, mind if I sit here?” A soft voice calls out.

You recognize it as the girl who'd been working with Sabo. Koala. If you remembered correctly, she traveled with the Sun Pirates when she was a kid. You would have given her Jimbe’s regards had you been in your right mind. 

But you're not. Everything is murky. Thoughts swarming with both anger and relief. Betrayal and melancholy. She doesn't wait for you to respond before sitting next to you. 

You say nothing. Your legs folded in with your arms around them. You don't address her when she speaks.

“It's not his fault, you know? He didn't-”

You get up wordlessly and leave. Koala gapes at you in shock as you once again situate yourself further away. You don't let her finish speaking. (Something Sabo always did.) You just wanted a moment to clear your head. A break from everything. You don't care about the why's or the how's. 

Didn't you have the right to be upset?

Were you just supposed to pretend everything was okay?

The last attempt to get anything out of you comes from Luffy. He sits next to you quietly. If anyone could get through to you, it was him. Just as the two older brothers had a soft spot for you, you had one for Luffy. Especially when it had just been the two of you.

He knows you're mad. He knows why. It was something he'd felt earlier. Getting unbelievably upset at you for the stunt you pulled. Throwing yourself in front of Law in a last ditch effort to stop Doflamingo from killing him. All the while, Luffy was forced to watch and do nothing behind the bars of the coliseum. 

He could only watch as you were kicked around. Refusing to give up on protecting his alliance partner. And then you'd gone and done it again. He hadn't seen exactly what happened. But he saw the aftermath.

A bullet hole through your back while you laid protectively on top of the surgeon of death. 

Luffy couldn't help but get angry at you. You were gonna throw your life away. You would have left him by himself.

He gets it.

All the same, you gained back a brother you thought you'd lost. You shouldn't hold it against Sabo. But he gets why you do. It's not the first time you'd been angry at someone for dying. He remembers you cursing Sabo out the first time you all thought he was dead. He remembers you calling Ace stupid for letting his pride get the best of him. Crying that it wasn't fair he left you and Luffy alone.

But it was first for you to be upset at them for living.

He doesn't think you're being fair. Would you have been mad if it were Ace? He’s sure no one would've been happier than you. Then again, he hadn't been ‘dead’ for nine years. (And he'd raised you and Luffy by himself.)

“He didn't remember. He hit his head when he got attacked that day.” Luffy tells you the truth, although he knows it won't make a big difference.

Not now at least.

“He's sorry he couldn't be there for Ace. But he's here now. That counts for something, right?”

Sabo’s here. You and Luffy aren't alone anymore. He knows that's the reason you're really upset. He knows you gave up on your dream to protect him. He didn't ask you to. He could never have asked that of you. But you did it anyways because you loved him too much to lose. All you had was each other. 

So to find out it was all for nothing… That you gave up on your dream for nothing…

It doesn't help quiet your mind. Everything only gets more fuzzy. But it pushes you to a decision you should've made a long time ago. Luffy didn't need you here anymore.

“I'm resigning from your crew.” Your voice is quiet, yet firm.

“What?” And it feels like his world is ending. How did he end up digging an even bigger hole for himself?

“Why?!? We beat Doflamingo, didn't we!? Why do you wanna quit all of a sudden?”

But you don't offer him an explanation. You just get up and leave. That's both brothers you've hurt today. But you can't take it anymore. Any of this. You're so damn tired of looking over your shoulder. So damn tired of being on the run. So tired of worrying if your brother was gonna die. 

As selfish as it was, you didn't want to be involved anymore. Not when everything was so hazy. Thoughts muddled with grief, anger, and everything in between. 

It's not like with Usopp when he quit. An argument gone too far. And it's not like with Robin either. You're not being forced to do something you don't want to. Luffy can't stop you from quitting. He can't refuse your resignation either like with the rest of the Strawhats. You're his big sister. He doesn't hold the same authority over you. 

And if Luffy can't talk you out of it, then you're truly a lost cause.

You thought you'd finally gotten your silence, until you heard footsteps once again. You curled in tighter on yourself. You had no more fight in you to argue.

“Please just leave me alone.” You said quietly.

“Not a chance. You were a pain in my ass when I wanted you gone, now I get to be a pain in yours.”

You looked up in shock at Law. Out of everyone you were expecting, he was the last one. You blamed yourself, really. You'd been so damn persistent ever since Punk Hazard. Going out of your way to make sure he didn't feel like the odd one out. 

You figured it must've been taxing to be on a ship full of strangers. You knew your first days on the Sunny were awkward. So you made it a point to bother Law. Approaching him when he sat by himself to watch Caeser.

“You're gonna get scoliosis slumped over like that. And here I thought you were a doctor.” You teased, blanket in your arms.

He looked up at you with a small glare.

“I'll be fine.” He dismissed.

But you wouldn't be swayed so easily. You were no stranger to stubbornness. Having dealt with it throughout your childhood. His abrasiveness didn't bother you one bit. Though you supposed he might've had enough of you for the day.

You didn't exactly trust him after he'd formed an alliance with Luffy. And it wasn't your place to tell Luffy what to do. This was his crew, after all. So you followed after Law to keep an eye on him instead. You were sure he didn't appreciate it when you screamed your head off after decapitating Vergo.

“GROSS! GROSS! GROSS! I CHOPPED HIS FREAKING HEAD OFF!!!!”

Despite it, you crouched down next to him. Offering the blanket you'd brought.

“You're sitting like a shrimp.” You pointed out his slumped over posture.

Law straightened up immediately. A noticeable red tinge spread across his cheeks. He ignored your outstretched hands.

“You can relax, you know? Caesar’s not going anywhere.” You tried to sway.

“With your crew? I wouldn't be surprised if he escapes in five minutes.”

Now, your crew didn't exactly have the best track record with hostages. Or any record for that matter. You'd admit defeat. Just this once.

“Fair enough. How about I keep you company instead?”

“I don't need any distractions,” he rejected. 

But you wouldn't be deterred that easily. Before he could react, you draped the blanket over his shoulders. His body stiffened in shock. Glaring up at you soon after. 

“Take it. Or you'll get sick, Doctor.” The emphasis on the word doctor wasn't lost on him.

As if he would be a fool to get sick given his title. He refused to be chastised. Especially by a Strawhat. Although he noticed the small shiver you gave.

“You're the one who's gonna get sick.” He argued.

“Worried about me?”

“Worried you'll spread your disease.”

You gave a laugh and sat next to him.

Oh yes, how stubborn you'd been. Your previous positions now reversed. You supposed karma was a bitch. You’d also run out of places to storm off to. If Law decided to prod for answers, you’d turn yourself into Fujitoru and get it over with.

Instead he chastises you.

“I guess stupid runs in the family. What do you think will happen if you just quit being a pirate?”

It has to do with Luffy. Of course it did. The last two years of your life had centered around him. Joining his crew was forever attached to you now. It's bitter to think like that. You know it is. But your headspace is incredibly messed up right now. You can’t think rationally.

You sit in silence as Law continues speaking. 

“You think you can just go back to being a random civilian? You're wanted. Someone will spot you and cash in on your bounty. Given your relationship to Strawhat, you'll probably be executed if you’re caught.”

You wish you could've said you weren't listening, but you were. They were all points you hadn't been thinking of when you ‘quit.’ Your emotions clouding your judgment. Your emotions were still clouding your judgment. 

“And who the hell is gonna drop you off back to your home? Me and Luffy have business in Wano. I doubt the revolutionaries will take you back either.”

You hate that he's right. Not even Garp could take you in at this point. If you really did quit, getting off of Dressrosa would be a hassle. The Marines swarming the island didn't help your case either.

“Think it through first.” It's said softer this time.

Crude in every sense of the word, but it was what you needed right now. Someone to tell you to quit acting like a child throwing a tantrum. 

It reminded you of Ace. 

He doesn't ask you to stay. He doesn't question your outbursts. And he doesn't try to make excuses for Sabo. But he doesn't let you stew in your thoughts either. He looks at you from the corner of his eye. His posture is very much stiff. Awkward. Like he doesn't know what to say or how to say it. 

The noise in the hideout picks up once more. Though you can still feel worried eyes on you. Your crying has stopped. That's at least one positive. 

“Why'd you do it?” Law asked at last.

You knew what he was referring to. Getting in Doflamingo's way to protect him. You wish you could've had an answer for him. You didn't owe him anything through Luffy's alliance. You were sure Law didn't consider the two of you friends. Your actions were just as baffling to you as they were to him. 

You shrug your shoulders. 

“I don't know.”

“What do you mean you don't know?”

“I guess it was just force of habit. I used to protect Luffy like that when he'd get himself into trouble. I didn't have my weapon, so I'd use my body as a shield.”

It doesn't answer his question. If anything, it leaves him more confused. Why would you go out of your way like that? Getting shot, kicked, and sliced… And for what? You couldn't have been that selfless. No one was.

Then again, Luffy had freed an entire country because a girl fed him. 

“It's gonna get you killed one day.” He warns.

“Yeah but not today.”

For a split second, a ghost of a smile graces your face. You seemed to have calmed down. Though Law couldn't be so sure. You'd turned away Luffy of all people. Still, you weren't curled into yourself anymore. 

And a few minutes later, you'd leaned your head on his shoulder. Eyes fighting to stay open. Fatigue claiming you after what had to be the worst day of your life. He freezes. 

You passed out on his shoulder and he's scared. What the hell was he supposed to do? You were emotionally exhausted, so definitely not wake you up. He didn't need you drooling all over him, so definitely not let you stay there. You're so vexing he thinks he should just use his power to move you to a bed. 

But he doesn't.

Instead he chooses to pick you up, carrying you towards your brothers. They look up at him. One in confusion and the other with apprehension.

“She cried herself out. Here.” He extends your slumbering body forward, hoping one of them would take you. That one of them would know what to do. 

But it's Luffy. So of course he throws all expectations out the window.

“You should keep her. She fell asleep with you, so I think she wants you around. She'd probably get mad if me or Sabo were there when she woke up.”

He really should have just left you alone. He wouldn't have been put in this position if he did. 

“You've gotta be kidding me.” He muttered.

Law waits for the other one to respond. The revolutionary. But he doesn't. He looks like he wants to, but he's holding himself back. The whole family is infuriating. For putting him in this position specifically. (Though the blame is mostly on himself for approaching you in the first place.)

With no other option, he brings you to one of the spare beds the revolutionaries had prepared. You'd need water when you woke up. You probably dehydrated yourself with all your crying. 

He shouldn't care.

There's a glass of water next to your bedside when you wake. 

The morning is significantly less tense. No sign of the Marines so far. Everyone can rest for now. You linger in the small space you'd been placed in last night. Not yet ready to face the day. Or rather, not ready to face either one of your brothers. 

Luffy had kept his distance from you. Though you could see it in his face that he wanted to reach out to you. You couldn't help but feel guilty. You never were good at being upset at him. Something he'd unintentionally exploited. But your mind was still a little fuzzy. You needed more space before you'd be ready to talk.

You isolated yourself once again to think. And like yesterday, Law decided to sit next to you. The only one who pushed his luck to be next to you after you'd lashed out. 

Usopp was terrified to say the least. Franky figured it wasn't his place to get involved with you and Luffy's affairs. Zoro was indifferent but understood you needed space. And Robin wasn't the type to push people. 

You didn't miss the rowdiness much. Not when everything had been so hectic. Your brain equated the quietness to peace. It was easier on your cluttered thoughts. There weren't many words exchanged between you and Law. And once again you were grateful.

His presence there but not pushing.

You supposed you granted him a similar kindness before this mess started. Finding him on the Sunny by his lonesome once more. You’d decided to ask the question that had been weighing heavily on your mind. 

The target of this pirate alliance. 

You were only asking for your little brother's benefit. Always about Luffy. Always for his safety. Because it was just the two of you now. You were just one year older than him, but that was enough.

“Why Doflamingo of all people?”

Law had looked at you with a scowl. You knew better than to take it to heart. If he was really upset at you, then he would've used his powers to teleport you somewhere else. 

“It's none of your business,” he said almost defensively. 

You’d let out a tired sigh. His moodiness was familiar, however, it was still draining to deal with. You understood why he kept his guard up. Still, you just wanted to know what he was getting Luffy into. Why he was dragging him into it, no matter how petty the reason.

“If it's personal, you can just say so.”

Your words seemed to catch him by surprise. Nevertheless, you gestured behind you to where most of the crew was messing around.

“We've all got baggage here. It's not my place to tell you everyone's story, but I can tell you mine if you'd like.”

You let your offer hang in the air for a moment. Watching the tension slightly dissipate from him. 

“Besides, Luffy already decided you're his friend now. Nothing's gonna change his mind from helping you.”

Law grumbled out a ‘we’re not friends’ under his breath before addressing you fully. 

“It is personal. Way more than you could imagine.”

You offered up a smile.

“That settles that. You think Sanji has anything good ready yet?”

You'd left it. You supposed he was returning the favor now. Or at the very least pitying you. It didn't really matter anyways. You could still feel eyes on you. You didn't have to look to know it was Sabo. He'd let you and Luffy stay here and you were throwing it back in his face. He was probably looking for the best time to approach you. Wanting to fix the ever growing rift.

You weren't ready yet.

That didn't mean you weren't starting to feel like shit for yelling at him.

“Am I a bad person?” You asked after a while.

“We're pirates. We're all bad people,” Law answered. 

You'd argue going against a shitty government didn't make you evil, but you didn't want to get into that. 

“Maybe that wasn't the best phrasing. I mean, am I being selfish?”

Selfish for being angry at something that was out of Sabo’s control. Selfish for wasting what little time you had with your whole family again. 

“I should be happy he's back. There's gotta be something wrong with me.” You verbalize your scattered thoughts as best you could.

This time Law was the one letting out a tired sigh. As if he was about to explain something to a child. 

“You can't control the way you feel. No matter how stupid you're being.”

It does make you feel marginally better to know your feelings are valid. The haze in your mind clears some more. You find it in yourself to tease. Though it comes out more mockingly than you would've liked.

“Is that your diagnosis, Doc?”

He doesn't take it personally.

“Being a doctor doesn't mean I'm a therapist. Still, you should talk to him. You might find some closure.”

Closure huh? Something you never got with Ace after he died. You were too late to be there for him. Never got to tell him that yes, he was worth a war. He was worth much more than that. Sabo was a different story. He was your brother, and yet so much time had passed he was practically a stranger. 

Maybe that was why it was so much easier to be mad at him. 

But you were warming up to the idea of talking. Not forgiving him, but talking.

“I'll think about it.” At last your anger had simmered down. Left in its wake was a somber bitterness. 

“How's the arm?” You changed the subject.

Law looked down at his bandaged arm. 

“Better than not having one at all. You were an even bigger fool for that stunt.”

This time you did smile.

Luffy had been busy fighting Bellamy when you heard Law shout. You trusted your brother enough to finish things. You had faith he'd find a way to win. Without a second thought, you'd jumped back up to the rooftop.

It took you all but a second to assess the situation. Seeing Law writhing on the ground in pain. His arm a few feet away from him. Your reaction was instantaneous. Giving a swing with your scythe before charging forward. No Haki or devil fruit to protect you. 

Doflamingo, the bastard he was, laughed at your attempts to strike him. 

“You really think you can beat me?”

You sliced through his string last second. However, more quickly materialized. You blocked a kick with the hilt of your scythe, skittering a few feet back. You rebounded as fast as you could, moving once more to strike. Your attempt was thwarted as soon as it started.

He'd grabbed both ends of your weapon with the silent threat of destroying it. But when he tried to use his awakening to turn it to string, the smirk vanished from his face.

“Sea prism stone!?!”

You thought on your feet. Letting go of your beloved weapon with a shove.

“Merry Christmas asshat!”

You were a firm believer in fighting dirty, especially when you were at a complete disadvantage. If he thought he could one up you, he'd better think again. Being disarmed didn't mean you were incapable of fighting back. You kicked him where the sun didn't shine as hard as you could. 

There was disbelief in his expression before he doubled over in pain. Cursing you out as you rushed over to Law. You did your best to get him up and away from the battle despite his protests. Of course you had your ass handed to you a few moments later. 

You'd say it was worth it. Law on the other hand clearly thought differently.

“He chopped your arm off and shot you. Forgive me for having a conscience,” You justified.

“Don't do it again.” 

You were surprised by the seriousness of his tone. Trying to mask the unknown feeling settling in your gut with another tease.

“Worried about me?”

It didn't alleviate the tension like you were hoping.

“If something happens to you, Strawhat will lose it. He needs to be focused when we fight Kaido. So don't be so careless with your life.”

Another valid point. Although, you could see through his aloofness. He was genuinely concerned about you. You didn't know how to feel about that. 

“I'll think about it.”

—-----------------------------------

It’s day three and Luffy decides he can't take it anymore. The tension between you and Sabo he could let go. You two were more than capable of patching things up yourselves. But you being mad at him? He can't stand it. The thought of you quitting his crew might actually kill him. 

He can't force you to stay. He can try to convince you, but he knows how stubborn you can be. All of you were stubborn in your own ways. Even if you do decide to leave, he doesn't want it to be on bad terms. 

He's half grateful, half pissy that Law was keeping you company. Out of everyone, he was the one you let be close to you? To be fair, no one else had tried. He wishes he could peek inside your head to see what's going on. See if you still wanted space. 

Luffy decides to take his chances. Approaching you like a kicked puppy. When you were little, you were always the one comforting him when Ace and Sabo got a little rough. He remembers fake crying to you just to get them in trouble. 

But then you'd hug him and tell him he just needed to push himself harder. You'd reassure him he was just as strong. His frustrations became a little more real everytime. 

He sought you out over the other two when he was upset. He knows Ace and Sabo did too. Confiding in you because you were softer. You didn't poke fun or tease when it was serious. 

Luffy’s older now, and still your comfort means everything to him. He knows you give him more leeway than anyone else. More of a chance to talk to you. 

He feels like a child again, pressing his face to your back while hugging you tightly. You tense up. For a second, he thinks you'll get up and move away from him. 

“Are you mad at me?” He asks quietly.

It nearly breaks your heart. You give in immediately. Luffy didn't do anything wrong, and you know that. He just didn't want to see his siblings fighting. You can't stay mad at him. You never could.

“...No. I'm not mad,” you responded.

“Then don't quit.” It's pleading.

Like he was scared he'd never see you again. You wouldn't have gone through with it anyway. Law having thankfully talked some sense into you. Even if that wasn't the case, Luffy's plea would have been the thing to change your mind. 

“I won't. I was just upset. I still am. But not at you, okay?” You reassure.

He nods against your back, using his devil fruit to wrap his arms around you several times. 

“Okay.”

There's a beat of silence before he speaks again.

“I love you.”

Your response came immediately.

“Love you too, you goof.”

—--------------------------------

Day four is when you finally talk to Sabo. It wasn't in the way you expected. Or wanted for that matter. He had been keeping an eye on you since day one. Wanting to approach yet hesitating. 

You said you hated him.

He knows you didn't mean it. Hoped you didn't mean it.

It still stung though.

“She's stubborn.” Koala commented.

He would've laughed had he not felt like shit.

“She probably gets it from Ace.” 

He'd always been the one with the worst temper out of you four. Makes sense you'd pick up on it. Although you were petty enough on your own.

“I remember she got really mad at us one time because Luffy got hurt. She didn't talk to me or Ace for weeks.” The memory feels so distant now.

“What fixed it?”

“We blew a bunch of the money we saved up on a new work bench for her. Of course she was the one who made most of it anyway,” he explained.

Whereas the boys had traded off scraps, you repaired weapons. Making them look brand new when you sold them off. You were crafty for an eight year old. He wonders how much you've improved over the years.

“Don't suppose there's something in Dressrosa she wants?” 

Sabo shook his head.

Unless he could bring Ace back from the dead, he was unfortunately stuck with your ire. (He tells himself that isn't true. He's being dramatic because he's upset too.)

He could see you calmed down somewhat. You weren't isolating yourself anymore. The Surgeon of Death by your side. You were smiling at him. He remembers your smile being as big as Luffy's. Toothy to the point of showing gums. It's smaller now. Weighed down. 

A part of him is still protective over you. Watching carefully at the interaction you shared. He still remembers what him and Ace said to you when you were smaller. They'd been such children back then.

“If anyone wants to marry you, they have to beat me in a fight.” Ace declared after a boy tried to give you flowers.

Though it felt like it was coming out of nowhere for you. Your baffled expression showing as much.

“Wha? You're just gonna beat them up!” You argued.

“Not true. If they're strong, they'll win. You can't marry someone weak. We need to know you'll be in good hands.” Sabo explained.

Your frown deepened. Cheeks puffing out in a pout.

“I can take care of myself!!!” 

“You and Luffy played chicken with a beehive and bet whoever moved away first lost.” Ace pointed out. 

“I would've won if he wasn't made of rubber!”

“Our point still stands. There's nothing wrong with looking after our little sister.” Sabo have your head a pat, all the fight effectively leaving you.

“I should've been born a boy,” you mumbled.

It wasn't so much as doubting your strength, rather, they were worried someone would take advantage of yours. But they'd been too young to properly articulate it into words. 

The memory leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. You'd all changed so much. Things were so much simpler back then. You were all grown up now. More than capable enough to make your own decisions. Although you didn't have to pick one of the worst generation captains to buddy up to. 

You get up from your spot, preparing to make your way outside. You probably wanted to tinker with your scythe in private. It was one of the ways you cleared your head. 

Now was his chance. 

He was proven right in thinking you wanted to mess with your weapon. You were running your finger over the blade. It was a beautiful piece. The blade pure white with no serrated edges. Like it was a finely sharpened slab of sea prism stone. Knowing you, it probably was. You honed in your skills after all. He takes a deep breath before speaking.

“Can we please talk?”

You freeze. Hands tightening on the hilt of your scythe for a brief second. You won't swing on him. You'd never go that far. The both of you know that. You're just scared. Then it's frustration as you set your weapon down.

You can't avoid him forever. And he'd been respectful of your boundaries so far. You knew if you told him you didn't want to talk that he'd leave it. But you aren't that cruel. 

Closure, huh? It didn't sound so bad right now.

“I don't want you to leave hating me.” He admits quietly.

It makes your frustrations faulter. Your hands tremble ever so slightly.

“Maybe it's selfish, but I want to try and fix things. I want to be able to be there for both of you.”

For you and Luffy. 

He does something that shocks you next. He lifts up his pointer finger between you. Steadily, a flame builds up. The sight is so familiar it physically hurts. He'd won the devil fruit. Ace's fruit. You stop yourself from reaching towards your back. Where new scar tissue had covered up the original branding. No one else knew besides him. 

The flame disperses and you’re left missing its warmth. 

“I'm not Ace. I know you'd rather it be him that was here. I can't take his place. And I don't want to.” Another quiet admission.

Your bottom lip wobbles because that's not true. You loved Ace, yes, but you'd never trade one brother for the other. No matter how upset you were at one of them. 

“I don't know what the three of you went through after I left. I can't begin to imagine the pain you and Luffy went through after Ace's death. But I'm trying to be what you need right now. I can't make things better if you don't let me.”

The reason you'd been so upset in the first place resurfaces. The betrayal, the hurt, all of it. It takes everything in you to hold back that first tear.

“I wish I could have been at Marineford. I wish I could have remembered sooner. But I can't change what happened. I'm sorry.” 

You break. Everything spills out at once. You're back to screaming. Snot and tears running down your face. You couldn't keep everything in anymore.

“I know it's not your fault that you didn't remember! I know it wasn't Ace's fault that he died! But you still left us!!!!”

You're going into hysterics. Going to shove him but stopping. Choosing to fist at his jacket. He lets you despite his surprise.

“You promised you'd always be there to look after us!” It comes out as a screech. Accusing and broken at the same time.

Because you and Luffy were the babies. The ones to be protected. When the two of them were absent from your lives, you had to be the one to grow up next.

He understands now. Why you joined Luffy's crew. Your anger at his reappearance. All of it. He didn't know what happened after he was gone, but he knew enough from your reaction. 

Four. 

Then three. 

Then just you and Luffy.

Ace had been your rock growing up. You'd formed alliances like the little shits you were. Luffy clung to Sabo and you'd clung to Ace. It was no secret he'd hated you at first. Said all you'd do was hold them back. So you were surprised when you got hurt and he was the one taking care of you. Scolding and lecturing you for being so careless.

When the secret of his father got out, you were the first one to tell him it didn't matter what was in his blood. The first one to comfort him after he'd lashed out at Sabo and Luffy. 

He tried his hardest to shoo you away. Told you that you shouldn't be friends with a demon like him. That the blood in his veins was cursed. He was less standoffish with you than the other two. To be fair, you didn't say Rodger’s name. You'd only asked him why he was so upset. And when you got your answer, you did what you always did.

Make things better.

“You're not evil because of what's in your blood. I've seen the worst in people before.” You tried your best to soothe.

You swore the mark on your back still hurt. Though you knew all that was there now was scar tissue and a symbol that meant you were nothing. You smile at Ace all the same. 

“I'm not ready to talk about it yet, but you aren't anything like that. You're a good person Ace. You're not a demon or a monster. You're my brother.”

You didn't think you'd ever seen him cry before. He tried to hide it, but his sniffles gave it away. He acted much older than he was. You forgot he was still a kid like you sometimes. He needed reassurance just like anybody else. 

“I love you.” You added.

He went quiet for a second. Processing those three words over and over. It was like a shock to his system. When he finally looked at you, his expression was nothing but relieved.

“...Thank you for loving me.”

You never fully understood the weight on his shoulders after Sabo's death. Ace was a kid taking care of kids. He had to grow up in order to make sure you two didn't. And he didn't always get it right. Luffy let him know plenty of times when he was being too mean. But he did the best he could.

And when he left, he practically pleaded with you to follow suit. Your dream had always been different from theirs. You didn't want a life of grand adventure. ‘Freedom’ as they called it. You just wanted peace. To live in the quiet and get all old. 

He wanted more than that for you. He wanted you laughing and smiling everyday. Out in the open enjoying yourself instead of being cooped up in your workshop.

But you didn't take him up on his offer. So when you'd finally turned 17, he tried again. This time making it his priority to convince you to join Whitebeard’s crew. 

“It's not too late to change your mind. I'm sure Pops wouldn't mind having someone like you around. C’mon Y/n, let's set sail before Luffy gets back.”

You were undeniably happy he was doing well as a pirate. That he found himself a family out on the sea. But it wasn't the life for you, or so you tried to convince yourself. You laughed at his enthusiasm. Turning him down like you did the first time. 

Being the gremlin you knew him as, he called you lame before asking you for a favor. 

“Make me a ship powered by my devil fruit.”

And so you did. Something he made sure to brag about when he returned to the Moby Dick. You figured it was only a matter of time before he came back with another excuse to bother you. You were right.

Ace was persistent. Stubborn. Stopping by every now and again under the guise of needing the ship's weapons checked out. Making it a point to get you familiar with the crew. Introducing you as the best weapons master in the East Blue. And every time without fail, you said no. 

He left the offer up anyways. 

“You'll always be welcomed if you decide to join. All you have to do is ask, and I'll come get you.”

Luffy wasn't any different in that regard. He begged you to go with him before he left. Pulling you to the shore where he was preparing to take off.

“Come on! You can be my first crew member! It'll be so fun! Please!”

It was hard to say no to him. However, just this once you stood your ground. Besides, Ace was out there with him. And he'd probably throw a fit if he found out you set sail with Luffy instead.

“Maybe when you finally become the king of the pirates.” You hoped he would take the bait.

He did…Just not in the way you were expecting.

“I will! So why don't you just join right now?”

“That's cheating.”

“What? You don't believe in me?” He accused.

“Of course I do. I'm just giving you an incentive to do it sooner. Okay?”

He huffed and puffed about it, but he gave in.

“Fine.”

You understood Ace’s position it now that it was just you and Luffy. When it was just the two of you. You had to be the protector. Be the adult forced to make the hard decisions.

But you didn't have to anymore. And the realization that you can finally be weak again has you shaking with relief instead of anger and frustration.

You didn't want it to just be you and Luffy again.

You don't fight it when Sabo hesitantly wraps his arms around you. If there was one thing you missed most about being little, it was being engulfed in your older brothers’ hugs. A silent promise that you'd be okay. That there was always someone keeping an eye on you.

You were sobbing hysterically into his shirt. Clutching and grabbing onto whatever you could. He held you close, chin resting on your head. If Sabo’s being honest, he doesn't know how he's not crying with you. 

Maybe because you needed him to be strong right now. 

“I'm sorry. I promise you I'll be here from now on. No matter what.” He swears.

And you believe him. Sobbing out the fears and doubts you'd had for the past two years.

“I didn't know what to do! I was so scared!” You feel like a baby with how much you're blubbering. 

You missed being the smaller one. Having someone else look after you. You miss being comforted instead of being the one to comfort. 

His warmth is familiar. It feels like home. Like when the four of you were still together. It's as if everything muddling your mind has finally disappeared. His words of comfort at last reaching you. 

“I know. I'm so sorry Y/n. I'm here now.” He'll apologize as many times as you need to hear it. Letting you cry out everything you'd been bottling up. 

“I love you, okay?” He says softly. 

He fears you won't say it back. But he can live with that. He lived with it the first time.

“I love you too.” You responded once you calmed down enough.

It's enough. More than enough if he was being honest. He lets himself cry with you. He missed the three of you more than anything. And now that Ace had left you and Luffy as his legacy, he swore he'd protect the two of you from anything and everything. 

It was the first step in moving forward.

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An: I've got the worst one piece brainrot right now y'all. I should be studying for my final tomorrow but fuck it, we ball.