#'is this about--' YES ITS ABOUT ZORO AND SANJI OKAY FUCKING WHATEVER .

[sporesgalaxy]

me when the ship fic is not also an in-depth thesis with multiple cited sources proposing an analysis of one or both characters' psyches down to the most fundamental level

[onepiecestarry]

A Different Kind of Pirate - Part 7

Hiii!! Sorry for not posting for a while, I've been getting ready to go back to college! Here is the next part, its a bit short (because there is a pt.2 of some smut). This series will be ending soon! But if you all request I would love to do another :) Enjoy!

Masterlist

Zoro x Reader

Part 7: A Misunderstanding

The next day was awkward, you tried multiple times to talk to Zoro but each time he shrugged you off and walked away, not letting you get a single word in. The others started to notice since you two were usually inseparable. 

“Everything okay Miss y/n?” You hear a smooth voice say. You turn to look at Sanji concerned for you. 

“Yeah,” You say looking back at Zoro working out, not averting your gaze you continue, “he just won’t let me get a word in.”

“Hah, yeah he can be like that. Did something happen between you two? You are usually always together.” He asks calmly.

“Well yes, but also no. Something happened and then he assumed the worst and when I tried to tell him otherwise he ignored me and wouldn’t let me finish. So now I’m stuck here, with him ignoring me.” You say exasperated. 

“Hmmm, I see.” He says pondering. “I think I know what happened then.”

You look at Sanji with a shocked expression. “W- Wha- How do you know?” You ask.

“Please Miss y/n, it's painfully obvious. As much as I dislike that idiot, I don’t wish unhappiness to him. And especially not to you.”

You look at Sanji with relief.

“I’ll tell you what you need to do, you need to slap the fuck out of him, and yell at him that he’s an idiot,” Sanji says while taking a puff of his cigarette. “And then, MAYBE, just maybe, kiss him.”

You laugh at Sanji’s advice and lightly push him. 

“You know what, I think I will, thank you Sanji.” You say smiling at him. You give him a hug as a thank you. 

“Gonna go start dinner now, have fun with your idiot in shining armor.” He says blankly while walking towards the kitchen. You laugh and decide to go get some chores done in the meantime.

What you didn’t notice was Zoro watching that conversation. He saw you laughing with Sanji, Sanji’s sly smile, and you gently pushing him while giggling. That was how you acted with him, not Sanji. Thoughts start to invade Zoro’s mind, about how Sanji is your crush. As Zoro is working out and thinking about this, he unknowingly starts going harder and harder until eventually, his weights break. This sound caused Robin to notice, she started walking over to him to ask what happened. But before she could even get a hello out, Zoro harshly spoke. 

“Nothing happened, everything is fine!” He loudly and angrily said.

“That’s clearly not true, maybe your weights are fine but something else is bothering you.” she calmly sat down while watching Zoro pick up the broken pieces. 

“I told you. Nothing is wrong.” He says quietly seething.

“Hmm. Where’s your shadow?” She asks very much knowing something had happened between you two.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He spat. 

“Almost nothing gets you this on-edge swordsman. Did you two get into a fight perhaps?” She inquired.

“No, not a fight.” He sadly replied trying to hide his emotions on the subject. 

That was common for Zoro, instead of truly showing how he feels he covers it with anger. Because anger is easier to deal with. It's easier to be angry. 

“Hmm, well whatever it is swordsman, knowing y/n, she’s a forgiver and won’t let you brood forever. So don’t think you’ll get away from her so easily.” Robin gets up and starts walking to the kitchen.

“You think so?” Zoro asks, “Even if I fucked up?”

“Definitely,” Robin says looking back before returning to her walk. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent with both y/n and Zoro simmering on their thoughts. But this time instead of anger, it was a bit of sadness and hope for Zoro. He hoped that you would forgive him for kissing you and ignoring you. He wanted to tell you that it's okay if you like someone else and that as much as it hurts, he’ll support you. The problem was actually saying those words out loud. You however were trying to think of a plan to get him alone to tell him he’s being stupid. With how he had been acting there was no way he would actually agree to talking to you. Should you write a note? Should you drag him out by his ear? What was the most effective way?

The thoughtful afternoon slowly changed into the evening as everyone gathered for dinner. You assumed your regular spot at the table, knowing it wouldn’t happen, but hoping Zoro would take his regular seat next to you. 

To your surprise when he walked in, he continued walking to his regular spot and sat down next to you. You smiled to yourself, happy that this didn’t get taken away from you. 

Dinner went on, and everyone talked and laughed, but you and Zoro were as silent as can be. A couple of times your crewmates would try to bring you into the conversation but you would answer shortly. Then, abruptly Nami looked at you and said,

“We still need to talk about your kidnapper y/n.”

“O-oh right.” You said nervously.

Your hands quickly went to your sides as you started fiddling with your skirt. As your heart rate picked up and you started to panic, Zoro grabbed your hand gently. You slowly look up at him, and he nods. He whispers to you, 

“Do you want me to?” He asks gently.

You shake your head, “No, I need to do this.”

You lift your head back up to the rest of the table, you see everyone looking at you expectantly. 

“I guess it's about time you guys know my story.” You say rubbing the back of your neck with your free hand. 

“What do you mean? You told us how you got to the grand line.” Brook says concerned.

“Well before that…”

You go on to tell your crew the same story you told Zoro but in much greater detail. During the particularly hard parts, Zoro made sure to hold your hand tightly, to remind you he was here with you. When you finished everyone had a shocked expression on their face.

“I- I can’t believe you went through all that y/n! You are so strong.” Nami says with a hand over her mouth.

“It truly is impressive,” Robin says looking at you. 

“Well, none of that matters! You are part of this crew now, and no one will be taking you from us. Especially not the celestial dragons. They can suck my d-”

“LUFFY!” Nami yells cutting the captain off. Everyone at the table starts to giggle. 

“But really y/n, we won’t let anything happen to you,” Frankie says smiling at you. 

The night ended with lots of support towards you, everyone letting you know they won’t let anything happen to you. You realize what it means to be a part of a crew, a part of the straw hats crew. You found your true family. 

After everyone says their goodnights, you look around for Zoro to finally talk to him. He may have held your hand during dinner but you knew better than to expect everything to just be okay after that. 

Not able to find him, you sigh in defeat and decide to return to your shared room, knowing he would probably stay up for night watch on the deck somewhere, he was probably just avoiding you again. 

To your surprise, when you opened the door you saw Zoro sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. At the noise of the door opening his head shoots up and you can see the look of dismay on his face. He gets up and starts walking towards you. 

“Look y/n, I know I fucked up, I’m really sorry. I know you and Sanji-” He rapidly says. 

You stop his rant by pulling the collar of his shirt down and kissing him. At first, he was surprised, but quickly melted into your kiss. A few seconds later, pulling away. “But, Sanji,” He says dumbly. 

“What about him Zo?” You laugh, “When I told you I had a crush on someone else I was talking about YOU, dumbass.” 

A grin on Zoro’s face grows at this comment. His posture returns as he regains his confidence, he now returns to towering over you. “Well, in that case-” He leans down while lifting your chin with his fingers. He brings you into a slow kiss.

Breaking away for a breath, he looks into your eyes and says, “I love you y/n”

“I love you Zo”

This quickly causes him to bring you back into another kiss. One kiss turns into another and eventually…

[bunni-bino]

How The OP Boys Say “I Love You” To Their S/O

How You Know He Loves You- idk man

A/N : enjoy.

includes » Ace, Sabo, Luffy, law, Sanji, Zoro, Marco, Rosinante, Kid, Shanks, Mihawk, Katakuri, Izo, Koby, Cavendish,

Summary : the boys’ own way of saying “I love you”, with their own words and ways. Or, how you know he loves you.

? Wait did I do this before? I don’t even know. also these aren’t GREAT, but they aren’t HORRIBLE. Yk? Honestly tho, some of these seem like they’re all over the place, which yes, they might be. UGH IT WAS SO HARD THO.

-

Monkey D. Luffy

Luffy loves you like an adventure. Everything is new and always fun to try with him, and no matter what happens, you don’t ever regret it, because you’re doing it with him.

He’s persistent in staying with you everywhere, he wants to do everything with you. He tends to invite you ( by pulling your hand ) to do crazy things with him and away from the others so you’re alone.

He’s always showing off his skills and stupidity in order to make you laugh, because your smile is the best thing he’s ever seen and giggles are the beautiful sound he treasures.

His actions are genuine when he holds your hand and pulls you to his side all the time, with the warmest, loving grin.

Luffy always makes sure to remind you to never give up hope.

“Let’s go on an adventure together, [Name].”

-

Roronoa Zoro

Zoro loves you like you’re his one and only. No one has priority over you, ( except maybe Luffy ), and you will always be his, if you’ll let him.

Zoro is not a man of many words when it comes to his own emotions and feelings, so he shows it through his actions.

He always has an eye on you, so wherever you are is where he ‘sleeps’ so he can keep you close, his swords at his side to protect you from danger, ( but he knows you can handle yourself. )

Zoro is the perfect person to lend a comforting shoulder and ear. He will listen to every single one of your problems intently and if he can, will offer the best advice you’ll hear, even if it’s a bit harshly. However, whatever got you so down, Zoro will bring you back up.

Zoro is always reminding you that you are strong, no matter how tough things get.

“Oi, come take a nap with me. I could use a body pillow.”

-

Portgas D. Ace

Ace loves you like a gentleman, respecting boundaries, bowing to the elderly you pass by together and always ready to pick you up for your date at seven, bouquet of flowers in hand.

If Ace is good at anything, it’s knowing how to distract you with a good time. He knows the best way to bring a beautiful smile to your lips and can easily make sure to avoid the thoughts that brought you down in the first place.

He’ll share stories that will make you die of laughter or feel so wholesome that you literally melt at how sweet it is.

The few times he expresses and shares his insecurities to you, something he hides within him because he trusts you enough to do so. He loves your understanding and comfort for him.

Ace always reminds you that you’ll be okay, even at the worst times.

“You are the light of my life.”

-

Chief of Staff Sabo

Sabo loves you like a prince. He holds the door for you, takes your hand so you don’t fall, has the most charismatic smile on his face and is just so charming.

Sabo will remember the littlest things, the smallest details that you yourself don’t even know until he reminds you, and because of this, you are often gifted the most memorable and cherishing gifts, like the scarf you two bought for your perfect snowman, to the necklace you were staring a little too longingly at on display.

He’s always busy, but he doesn’t hesitate to drop whatever he has just for you. He will run through fire if it means you’ll stop crying or if you’ll be happy to see him. You are his lifeline, his soul, his love.

He may not know how to properly cheer you up like his brothers can, but he knows that he wants the best for you. If you need space, you got it. You need some tender loving cuddles and buckets of ice cream while watching Disney movies? Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?

Sabo reminds you that you deserve happiness and peace.

“Whenever you need me, I’ll be there.”

-

Trafalgar D. Water Law

Law loves you like you’re his savior, someone who’s always there during his time of need and insecurities, by his side when he needs you most.

He’s a little blunt and straightforward occasionally, but he’s honest somewhat. He won’t ever tell you his feelings until he deems it the right time, but you can tell he has feelings by the change in treatment.

He’ll keep you closer to him, making excuses by saying that he needs you to help him with the supply run, or that he needs your assistance with a particular menial task.

He’s awkward and shy about it at first but he cares and that’s all you need to know. Especially once you catch him during one of his weaker times, the anniversary of a particular someone rolling around, where he’s locked in his room. He needs you beside him, so please don’t leave him when he needs you.

Law reminds you that you are human, that it’s okay to be vulnerable.

“Just stay here with me.”

-

Vinsmoke Sanji

Sanji loves you like a god/goddess. He will treat you with the utmost respect and care and offers you everything you could possibly want or need, just say the word.

His genuine, endless daily compliments are given to you with pure love and passion, his daily refreshments and snacks to keep you energized and hydrated keeps an eye out for your health.

He makes sure you know the true meaning of flattery, chivalry and love, because that is all he can show you.

However, under that chivalrous exterior, is his calmer, understanding loving self, where he shows his true self and when he finally shares this side with you, where he holds his insecurities, it’s the true honor and love you can receive. And it’s even better, when you become the one who loves for him in return during this time.

Sanji reminds you that you deserve to be and are loved.

“You are my world, my everything.”

-

Marco The Phoenix

Marco loves you like a married couple who grew old together, still playing jokes and having fun to life’s fullest, no matter your age.

He’s constantly lecturing you for the smallest things repeatedly, since you always seem to forget. His lectures lack any annoyance or malice though, he’s just kind of done with you sometimes.

Nonetheless, he’s taking care of you more than you think, always the first one there whenever you need help. He’s always prepared for whatever you need so you don’t have to look for it and get worried.

He’s stern at times but he loves you more than you could ever know, often questioning himself whenever he’s beside you. He half-lidded eyes watching you with warmth and admiration because you always look so determined.

Marco always reminds you that you are free. To live life to its fullest and however you wish.

“Let me fly you to the moon.”

-

Donquixote Rosinante

Rosinante loves you like a husband, he treats you like his wife, either you or him welcoming each other home after being gone for so long and greeting each other with a loving kiss each time.

He knows just how tough things can be and as much as he tries to make things right, he knows how bad situations really are and no matter how much he wants to cry or get angry, he always holds a smile, in front of you. To assure you that things will be okay.

He gives the warmest hugs, and knows that, so whenever you’re angry or sad, or just randomly at times, Rosi envelops you into a large hug, waddling you back and forth a few times, you feel instant relief and content, which makes him smile.

His priority will always be you, even if he’s hundreds of thousands miles away, he will find his way back home to you. He surprises you with the littlest gifts; being flowers, jewelry, candles, or more.

Rosi will always remind you to smile, even during the hardest times.

“I will protect you.”

-

Eustass Kid

Kid loves you like a game, it’s unexpected, unpredictable of what will happen and it’s exciting and thrilling. For you both, one wrong move, and the other is gone for good, but perhaps, second chances/rematches are available.

He can be brash and a bit much, but Kid has high respect for anyone who actually makes it onto his crew and can actually tolerate him, you included.

He’s loud and wild but that only makes it part of the fun. With such a short fuse, as long as you play your cards right and pick your moments to bite back, it’s kind of fun knowing how dangerous it can be with a guy like Kid, and he also loves it equally, because your feistiness is attractive.

Being a bad bitch that doesn’t play by the rules is so incredibly attractive and Kid knows how to reward and punish so tread carefully. ;) however, he has his down moments and as annoying he can be, he does appreciate the effort you give if you try to comfort him. He’ll be harsh about it but eventually, he just wants you to be with him in the end.

Kid reminds you to rebel, take risks and enjoy the thrill of getting in dangerous situation every once in a while, breaking a few rules doesn’t hurt anybody. Most of the time.

“Don’t fucking ever leave me.. okay?”

-

Dracule Mihawk

Mihawk loves you like you’re an empress, only the finest and highest quality for you, nothing else can compare.

Mihawk will buy you the most expensive dress that suits you, with an equally expensive matching jewelry to go with. Not to mention the heels, and, tch, how could he forget the roses you require? Despicable.

As much as he loves to show you off, he despises the stares of awe and admiration you receive whenever you go out, so his possessiveness takes over and he has an arm around your waist at all times, successfully showing you’re taken and to back off if they don’t wish to be cut into oblivion.

He trains you to handle yourself, obviously, you should know at least some basic skills. He’s not too hard on you but does push you to keep going until you truly wish to stop. It’s only because he’s worried that one day, he won’t be there and won’t be able to protect you.

Mihawk reminds you that you are a queen/king, a strong person who shall hold your ground and never back down from fear and show your bravery.

“Come here, mi amor.”

-

Red Haired Shanks

Shanks loves you like you’re his future. It’s an unknown journey, but he’s there for the ride and whatever may happen, he’s there staying and won’t be going anywhere, unless it’s with you.

The red head is a goofball, he drinks, parties and messes around but he is an incredible captain and genuine to a fault. So when he expresses kindness, it is purely from his heart and not out of manners.

He is extremely playful and yet when down to business, he is calm, collected, and cool. He knows just what to say in tough situations and great comforting advice, so he’s the one to go to when you’re feeling down. And as laid back as he is, disrespect to those he loves is the one shit he won’t take.

He’ll hold you close and with his signature grin, compliment you and tell you how much he appreciates you and as soon as someone lays a finger on you, his hand is on the hilt of the sword and he waits three seconds for an explanation before he cuts them down. No one messes with his beloved.

Shanks reminds you of loyalty. To always protect and care for those close to you, and keep that built up trust and bond you created with them.

“Trust me. I won’t let go of you.”

-

Charlotte Katakuri

Katakuri loves you like you’re glass, he’s careful, protective, cautious and treats you like you’re fragile, because he’s afraid of hurting you.

He’s larger than most, he’s aware of that, so he always takes the precautions to be aware of his surroundings, especially when you are around. He wants you safe and he will be devastated if he is the cause of your pain.

His large stature is a blessing to you though, because cuddling is so comfortable and comforting, it’s amazing. You can curl up and relax and just be at ease with him, because he’s so protective of you, even from his family members. He often keeps you away from Cracker and Perospero, in the slightest chance that they try to take you away from him.

He’ll be extremely heartbroken if Big Mom doesn’t approve of you, but his love for you is stronger, so he’ll keep it a secret if he has to but eventually, he’ll pray and wish for her blessing, asking the help of his siblings to convince her.

Katakuri reminds you of family, that even friends or crewmates are family and love you all the same.

“I will be here for you.”

-

Captain Koby

Koby loves you like a typical high school crush. He’s all shy and blushy, and evidently embarrassed when the pretty one at school is talking to him, ( that’s you. ).

He’s like the wallflower type, who tries to blend in but somehow, he sticks out in a way that lures you to him, like he’s hit the jackpot.

He is incredibly sweet, and his shyness is so adorable. You can’t help but coo whenever you see his red cheeks and soft smile of care he offers.

Always helps you with everything, will take the blame whenever you get in trouble, takes the suffering and pain when guys try to mess with you, and no matter how tough things get, he’s holding a brave face for you.

Koby reminds you of kindness, treat everyone with care and kindness, and it goes a long way.

“If you fall, I’ll be there to catch you.”

-

16th Division Commander Izo

Izo loves you like you’re a painting, he thinks you are true beauty, inside and out, you are a work of art, a true Mother Nature masterpiece born. One to be admired.

The type to be there. He’ll hold your hair while you vomit, rubbing soothing circles on your back while you cry, painting your nails while you complain about Ace, assure your perfection when you’re feeling insecure.

Best advice giver, holds no judgements at all. He’ll help with anything, because you need him. Romantic advice, friendship, sexual advice ;), he will help you any way he can.

He truly admires you, not because of your beauty, but your strength to be able to cry. Crying doesn’t mean weakness but rather, strength to be able to move forward even in the worst of times.

Izo reminds you that you are beautiful, no matter what anyone thinks or says.

“You are true beauty, my love.”

-

Cavendish Of The White Horse

Cavendish loves you like you’re a princess, and he is your handsome Prince Charming.

Every thing he does it like from a fairytale, if it involved a rather.. bit of a narcissistic Prince Charming. But he means well, because he still treats you like a real princess.

He gives you daily horseback rides, teaching you with his strong arms wrapped around yours and his black fancy hat on top of your head, as you two ride around and share laughs and memories.

And even through his big ego, he still makes sure to compliment you, tell you how proud he is of you and how much he truly admires you for your strong will and determination, because he really does love you. More than you know.

Cavendish reminds you that dreams can come true, sometimes it just takes a leap of faith and effort.

“I will treat you like the princess you are and deserve to be.”

-

A/N : 15 fucking people and having to think of different things while I’m distracted is so HARD. 😭 please tell me you enjoyed though ;-;

but did I do this already? God I can’t remember a thing, especially since I still haven’t updated my masterlists- and I’m terribly sorry if this really is all over the place ;-; also apologies if this is repetitive for some of them! It really is difficult yk ;-;

[bunny9girl]

The monster trio Destroying their s/o Nest !

{The idea of the trio destroying their omega's nest was really funny to begin with}

Warning: None, well there is slightly little bit if bad language

Monkey D.Luffy 🍖🍖🍖

🍖Luffy didn't know what happened

🍖One minute he was care freely running around than the next he tripped landing on a pile of clothes blankets and stuff animals .ect

🍖In all honesty he didn't think much of it, I mean it just clothes...

🍖But No!

🍖This dumb meat brain picks it up stuffing the items into whatever drawer or closet he could find, thinking he did a good "clean up" duty.

🍖And just runs off to continue playing with Usopp and Chopper.

🍖Later on when you return with Sanji from the local market that the Sunny is currently dock at.

🍖"Thanks for the help, (Y/n)." Sanji said as he and placed down the groceries in the kitchen.

🍖"No prop." You smiled leaving the cook to his work, the blond gleefully started cooking for dinner knowing he has a lot to do.

🍖With Luffy on the crew he won't just be feeding one person more like an army in fact.

🍖(Y/n) left as they walked back on deck feeling the warm air and relaxing atmosphere around them it was all quite but all good things must come to an end.

🍖"Hey, (Y/n) check out this beetle it's as big as my hand look look!" (Y/n) turned seeing their captain, (Y/n)'s alpha their bonded mate.

🍖Luffy happily ran to his omega wanting to show them the bug which they flinch at, (Y/n) despised insects just as much as Nami and Sanji does so naturally they back up a little away from their lovingly childish alpha

🍖"No thanks Luffy but I'm going to take a nap."

🍖"Yeah! Than I'll take one with you." Luffy jumped around excited to spend time with his s/o.

🍖Placing the bug down rush after his omega following them down to a specific room below deck.

🍖When (Y/n) open the door they seemed a little confused thinking they must have walked into the wrong room.

🍖No this is the right room

🍖What happened ? It's all gone!!!

🍖An omega's Nest usually a place where an omega can be comfortable, whether if they are in heat or just having a bad day.

🍖But where's (Y/n) nest?

🍖"Luffy where i-is my n-nest?" (Y/n) questioned pointing at the empty room infront of them tears building up into their eyes body trembling as they point to the "missing nest" looking over their shoulder at Luffy who seemed confused.

🍖The alpha could scent that their omega is in distress and anger.

🍖"Nest? Huh?... All that was in there was a blankets and pillows what nest?"

🍖"Luffy what happened to my nest?" At this point Luffy's s/o was in full blown tears sobbing and whimpering.

🍖"(Y/n) I don't know what you're saying? All I did was clean up you know being grown up like you said." Luffy laughed being clueless like always.

🍖"Luffy you idiot!" (Y/n) yelled slamming the door in Luffy's face.

🍖Don't worry he didn't stay clueless forever, Nami saw the he thing go down.

🍖Gave him a hell of a beating.

🍖Afterwards explains to him what he did wrong in the most simplest way possible to screw it through his thick head.

🍖(Y/n) with a tears stain face and a sad look quietly took out blankets and pillows where every they could find some scenting a few stuff animals, working on repairing thier nest little whimpers leaving thier lips everytime the fortress flops apart.

🍖Soft knocks traveled from the door catching (Y/n) attention.

🍖"hey~" Luffy's head peaks through a purr leaving his mouth as he tries to lighten the situation and calming his omega.

🍖"What?" (Y/n) says wanting to sound mean but it came off more of a sob.

🍖"Sorry. My omega." Luffy placed his strawhat onto (Y/n) head it was filled with his scent calming down the sad omega, the hat (Y/n) wore many times before Luffy wouldn't easily let others wear it, other than those who he trusts with all his heart.

🍖"I'll help you." Luffy sat down on his knees next to (Y/n) taking up a few pillows into his arrms

🍖"Thank, you Alpha." (Y/n) wrapped their arms around Luffy's neck taking in a long breath of his scent.

🍖"Can, can you also scent a few things, please."

🍖"Yeah!"😃

🍖"And I'll start with you!"😚

🍖"W-what?!"😳

Roronoa Zoro ⚔⚔⚔

⚔Yes Zoro knows what nesting is

⚔The only way he knew was when his s/o direactly came up to him and told him.

⚔He didn't mind he secretly thought it was cute, rare to see such a adorable omega, his omega crawled into their nest looking all comfy and happy.

⚔But over time he started missing clothes, he just shrugged it off, not really caring cause he knows you have been sneaking some of his stuff into your nest.

⚔Like every omega they want their alpha's scent near them for comfort emotional times or during heat.

⚔He couldn't care less

⚔but he'd still scent anything you ask, he would even do it when you don't ask.

⚔But there's one thing (Y/n) wanted more than any piece of Zoro's clothes in their nest

⚔Zoro's haramaki.

⚔It was hard for them too just go up and ask him for it, he'd say no cause he usually carrying his swords with it.

⚔So all they could do was steal it when the marimo was in the shower.

⚔It was successful!

⚔The green haired swordsman, Alpha didn't noticed it was missing till he tried placing his swords in thier place but instead dropped to the ground though to the missing Haramaki that was not around his hips.

⚔At first he thought he must have misplaced it.

⚔He even ended up looking in the laundry room but no luck.

⚔Until his omega that means the whole world to him came to his mind, you must have seen it right?

⚔At first you denied it, "No. I haven't? Last I saw it you were wearing it." (Y/n) try their best to keep Zoro's off their tail and laying to your alpha feels like your betraying them.

⚔Somehow he ended up looking in your nest, he felt bad about invading your privacy but he has to have his Haramaki back he just gotta.

⚔But it was also weird that (Y/n) stop asking for stuff to be scent or being scented themselves.

⚔Zoro dig through the tent like nest pulling out blankets and throwing pillows out.

⚔Found It! His precious Haramaki.

⚔"Why would (Y/n) lay?" Zoro mumble to himself putting the Piece of clothes back on.

⚔"No! Stop destroying my nest!" A voice yelled at the alpha from behind as he was tackled to the ground.

⚔"Why did you had to find it this soon, I was going to give it back later." (Y/n) pouted giving Zoro puppy eyes tugging at the material around his hips.

⚔"So you took it, you know it's not good lay to you alpha, little omega~" Zoro smirked in quick movement pinning his omega down beneath him sitting in between their legs.

⚔"Bad Boy/Girl~ but why my Haramaki?" Zoro purred sending shivers down your spine the omega in you turned on by your dominant alpha, just hovering over you.

⚔"I wanted something... you use everyday."

⚔"mmmh~"

⚔"Well I'm going to have to punish you, I skipped too many training and napping sessions looking for this."

⚔"Wait, alpha-" (Y/n) was shut up before they could finish as the alpha above took them right there and then...

⚔Next thing you took was his bandana😏

Sanji Vinsmoke 🚬🚬🚬

🚬Sanji loves your nest, his in there everytime when you allowed it made him feel so special. Because he is. He is your alpha mate duh. especially when you have your heat😏

🚬Butttttttt now his currently in a huge crisis.

🚬how did it happen... well...

🚬A while ago he finished making some delicious tropical drinks for the ladies and yours is made the best of the best.

🚬He made it exactly to your liking with every thought of you in mind, it made his alpha very pleasing to serve you.

🚬Despite what genders his omega is or how they met, he'd be on his hands and knees giving you all he has.

🚬He happily bouncing into the room where his omega's nest was built.

🚬"Look what daddy brought you my pup~" Sanji sang kneeling down to the nest opening the cover looking in the nest like tent.

🚬His smile dropped when his s/o was nowhere to be seen, thinking you must have left for the bathroom or something?

🚬"Oh well."

🚬Suddenly the ship rocked, a wave or one of Luffy's stupid doings.

🚬.... That was the least of his worries...

🚬The drink slipped from the tray spilling into (Y/n) nest!!!!

🚬😱!!!!!!!!!!!😱

🚬This was the end of him.

🚬That bring us to how he ended up in this situation to begin with.

🚬"No no no no no no !!!" Sanji panic pulling out the wet blankets and pillows with some of his shirts or pants.

🚬You just recently gave him free access at anytime to be in your nest, after this your not going to near your nest in his life time again

🚬He broke your trusts

🚬He shattered his nesting fantasies

🚬Its all down the drain

🚬is what he currently felt like while pulling all the wet stuff out.

🚬At some point the blanket he was pulling got stuck so he pulled harder bringing down the hole nest came crashing down.

🚬Now his fucked.

🚬Sinking to his weak knees as he tears drip from his eyes he got to an ugly sobbing, and his scent change to a gloomy disgusting scent one that he doubt you would want to be scented in.

🚬And worst of all fear of you declining a bond between the two of you.

🚬...

🚬(Y/n) opened the door immediately catching the sight of their alpha on the floor kneeling infront of the door his forehead though the floor boards.

🚬"Daddy, what happened?" You looked at your destroyed nest behind him and his scent made you hold you nose shutting it tightly for the first time, glance back down at the blonde, worried and confused.

🚬"Icameintogiveyoudrinkthanshipmovelostbalancedroppeddrinkonnesttridetockeanbutmadeitworstpleasedontleavemeilldoanything!!!!!!"

🚬"Huh?" (Y/n) titled their head to the side not getting anything he said, kneeling down on front of him, "Its okay, I can just fix the nest stop crying, is okay alpha." (Y/n) purred letting off a relaxing soft and sweet scent as he cooled him down his nerves stopped sky rocketing.

🚬Rubbing his back helped and your soft caring loving words lighten his atmosphere and his hopes.

🚬"Pup~"

🚬"Yes, daddy?~"

🚬"Sorry."

🚬"it's okay I'd never hate you for something that wasn't your fault, is fine your honest with me and tried to make it all better."

🚬"My pup~" Sanji yelled his mood completely turned squeezing the daylights out of his s/o

🚬"But you not allow in my nest for the next 2 weeks."

🚬*Sanji Instantly cried again*😭😭😭

[mrs-hatake]

Seven First Kisses (intro)

Summary: You were a Lotte Duty Free store employee who has never been in a relationship before. One day, you meet with a genie who grants you wishes to pick the perfect partner for your first kiss among seven different men.

Celebrities (not in order): Sanji, Dabi, Kakashi, Aizawa, Ace, Zoro and Levi.

Word count: 2185

Face Claim: Gin Akutagawa

A/N: as you’ve guessed, this is based on the popular web drama, Seven first kisses. I only have the first chapter written as it was posted on my aff years ago but I will try to update as often as possible!

a kpop version of this is also posted on @ikonct95​

p.s, ignore any errors. I will proof read later.

B/D = Birth Date

On (B/D)  2020, You were busy working at the Duty Free of Japan’s largest international airport. The sound of people muttering which items they should buy and the sound of cash registers dinging were like music to your ears.

You moved to Japan three years ago as an English teacher. Being a teacher was a wonderful and rewarding job. The fact that you helped shape the kids of the future sent an exciting shiver down your neck. It was fun for a while but You soon grew bored of it; the never ending routine, having to use your own pocket money for class supplies and living in a tiny apartment, you’ve had enough. Luckily, one of your friends’ brother works at the airport and she threw in a word for You. After two years of being a teacher, You signed up with the airport and never looked back.

You usually enjoy your job because You love meeting new people. But today, You were totally not feeling it.

“Thank you.” You said with a bow and a smile as you gave a customer their bag. You sighed once You were sure the customer is long gone.

Today is my (Age) birthday, but I don’t have a boyfriend to celebrate with this year. I didn’t have one last year. Or the year before. I have never dated a man before in my life. Single since birth.

You shook your head to get free of those negative thoughts that only seem to invade your mind when You had nothing to do.

Need to focus!

You reprimanded yourself.

You straightened yourself once you saw a man from a distance walking towards You. Your mouth slowly dropped open as the man grew closer.

He’s so handsome!

You could feel your heart picking up its pace at the mere sight of him; tall, handsome and charismatic. A tiny spark of hope of him asking you out on a date on your birthday ignited within You.

“Excuse me?” His voice was light.

“Yes.” You answered dreamily.

“Trash…?”

“…What?”

Well, that woke You up from your daydream.

“The trashcan…?”

Your smile faltered as You watched the man raise his empty plastic cup of coffee, “I want to throw this away.” He explained.

“Oh…”

You quickly plastered on a smile, “I’ll throw it away for you.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.” The man returned the smile.

“Honey!” A woman’s voice is heard from behind the man.

“Did you finish shopping?” The man asked the woman who now stood next to him.

“Yeah.” She replied as she wrapped her arm around his and walked away.

You looked down in slight disappointment, ignoring the way the couple laughed away at whatever one of them had said.

My (Age) birthday present is an empty cup?

“L/N F/N!”

“Yes?”

Your head turned sharply to the side in surprise at the sound of your manager’s voice. He beckoned Your towards him with a wave of his hand. Quickly, you walked over to him.

–

“Hurry, hurry!”

You struggled to carry the two heavy duty free boxes while trying to catch up to your boss who seemed like he was just carrying a stack of paper as you both walked along the hallway that had pictures of very famous Japanese celebrities hung on the wall.

The sound of a man calling his girlfriend and pecking her lips lovingly and talking to her in a baby manner caught your attention. Your lips formed into a pout at the two of them.

You tore your eyes away from them and looked at the pictures of the celebrities on the wall and sighed sadly.

“Single since birth, (Age) years old and never been kissed. I wish I could have a great boyfriend before I die. Like, right now..” In your haziness, You didn’t realize that You had said that out loud.

You jumped as your boss called your name, telling you to hurry up.

You returned to the front desk with slumped shoulders and a loud exhale. You ignored your two coworkers who were obviously talking about You even though You were standing just five feet away from them.

You were looking down at your phone when a loud clunk made You look up.

In front of You stood a tall and very beautiful woman who had a lovely olive complexion and lusciously long black hair. The woman in front of You seemed disinterested at everything around her at first but when she made eye contact with You, she gave You a small but kind smile.

You couldn’t help but stare at her, dumbfounded.

“Ah…the trashcan is…” You regained composure instantly and tried to take the coffee cup from the woman’s hand.

“Where is the jewelry store?” Was the woman’s question.

You smiled as You replied, “If you go down one floor, the jewelry store is located behind the escalator. Is there a specific brand you’re looking for?”

The woman pretended to be thinking before she answered, “No, I’ll just find it. Thank you.”

“Have a great day.”

“Wow…” You breathed out once the woman was out of earshot.

Working in an airport, You were exposed to all sorts of people. The kind, the rude, the impatient and the chilled ones. You always had to see well-dressed customers who looked charming as well but that woman was simply dazzling. Her entire aura screamed elegance and her beauty was radiant that it left You speechless.

Tearing your eyes away from where the woman had disappeared to, You noticed that the she had left her coffee cup behind on the counter.

Of course…

You lifted the cup and was surprised to find a dark green passport beneath the cup. You snatched the passport as worry washed over your face.

Oh! Oh no! Oh no! Shit!

You ran from the front desk as You realized that the beautiful woman had left the passport behind. You rushed down the escalators as the voice of your two coworkers followed You. You looked around for the woman on the lower level but couldn’t find her. Your eyes scanned the hundreds of faces in hopes to catch a glimpse of her but couldn’t spot her. You then walked into a random jewel store and asked the saleswoman, “Hello! Did a really tall beautiful woman with long hair come through here?” You knew that your description was vague but You had hoped that the saleswoman was just as awestruck as You were when You had seen the beautiful woman that she would know who You were talking about.

“No.” The woman replied apologetically.

“Thank you.”

You stood by the escalators and scanned your surroundings once more while repeatedly slapping the passport on your left hand. You rushed back upstairs and to the front desk where You asked your two coworkers “Did anyone come here searching for something?”

“No, no one.” One of them replied in annoyance while waving her hand in front of your face. “I couldn’t even go to the bathroom because of you! Why did you leave?”

You looked at her in surprise as she dragged the other coworker to the bathroom.

“Why do they always go to the bathroom together?” You exhaled loudly, “Seriously…”

You looked down at the green passport but your eyes widened at the sight of the sparkling engravings.

“Huh? This isn’t a passport!” You exclaimed while flipping the green booklet, “What is this?” You asked yourself as you opened it.

Inside the booklet was a picture of the beautiful woman from earlier with a brief description in a foreign language that You did not recognize.

“Excuse me. Did I…” A woman who sounded distressed interrupted your train of thought.

“Ah! This!” It was the beautiful woman from earlier, “I was running after you to return it…”

“Thank you so much!” The beautiful woman thanked You,  a grateful smile on her pillowy lips, “I thought I lost it. Thank you so much! How can I repay you?”

You smiled kindly, “It’s okay. I’m just doing my job.” You lowered your head humbly.

“Please, I insist” The beautiful woman proclaimed. “Thank you. If I didn’t have this… I wouldn’t be able to go back.”

“Ah…where are you going?” You asked curiously, “It doesn’t seem like a passport…” You trailed off.

The beautiful woman chuckled.

Instead, she said, “I want to repay you. Please tell me one wish.” And then proceeded to hold onto your hands.

You made a funny face at her, “A wish?”

The woman nodded her head.

“No, it’s really fine, ma’am.” You insisted. Unsure of what the woman meant by ‘wish’ and You weren’t sure if You wanted to find out.

“I really want to repay you. Just tell me anything! Hurry!”

You were taken aback at the woman’s impatience. You played along, not wanting to offend the woman, and thought of that one wish that You had been wishing for since you were 15 years old.

The beautiful woman looked at You with intensity, still holding your hand.

“You just made a wish saying you’ve been single since birth and never been kissed?” The woman stated.

“What?”

You blinked in confusion.

The woman smiled knowingly. “I know what your wish is.”

The woman pointed at the desk behind You and six cards appeared out of thin air.

“What the fuck?” You gasped at the sudden appearance of the cards.

In each card, there were black silhouettes in the shape of a man with a large, white question mark in the middle.

You turned to face the woman in slight fear and confusion.

“You’re going to meet a great man in 10 seconds.” The woman said with a calm smile.

“What?” You stuttered, heart racing in fear and body shaking in nervousness at the sheer madness of it all. You must be dreaming. That was the only logical explanation.

“Oh! My balloon!”

You got distracted by the sound of a child’s cry. You looked at the child whose balloon was drifting away when suddenly, everything around You started moving in slow motion. The handles on the wall clock moved agonizingly slow, the woman throwing popcorn into her mouth, standing next to the restrooms, was doing it at such a slow speed that You had to blink your eyes a couple of time to make sure You weren’t hallucinating. Everything that surrounded You moved in a very slow pace and made You slightly panic.

“It’s already 10 minutes before work is over.”

“Awesome!”

Your coworkers’ voices faded into the background noise and things no longer moved in slow motion.

You shook your head and turned to face the beautiful woman from earlier but was surprised to find her gone. You looked around but the woman was nowhere in sight. As You looked around, You did not notice the figure walking towards the front desk until he was a couple of feet in front of You. You squinted your eyes trying to see who the figure was and when he stood directly in front of You, your eyes widened and you let out a quiet ‘Oh my God!’

The man was dressed in a velvet maroon suit with his hair styled upwards into spikes. His thick lips were formed into a lazy smirk and his eyes were filled with mischief. He laid his hand on the counter top as he leaned his body forward.

“I heard you’re getting off work soon.” His voice was teasing.

Your two coworkers looked at You in amazement and jealousy, a fact You were unsure of.

“I’ll wait up by the front.” The man instructed.

“What? Me? You’re going to wait for me?” Your voice raised its pitch with every syllable.

The man nodded his head and smiled at your amusing confusion.

You looked at your coworkers who were just as surprised as You were.

The man smiled one last time before walking away.

One of the coworkers stood beside You and asked, “Do you know him?”

“Wasn’t that Levi Ackerman, the famous actor? Did he just come and speak to me?” You were in a state of shock but your voice was filled with glee.

“What do you mean, actor? He’s the newly-rising IT tycoon, the number one most charming single man in Japan, Levi Ackerman!” the second coworker frowned at You.

You stared at the retreating figure before throwing a shocked look at your coworker.

“Come on, stop teasing me!” You playfully slapped her arm, “He’s the actor, Levi Ackerman!”

The two coworkers continued to frown at you.

“Why do you keep insisting on him being an actor? We just told you he’s a tycoon.”

You ignored at their bickering and searched up the man on google. And true to their words, he was indeed not an actor.

“He’s not an actor? What in the world is going on?” You muttered to yourself quietly as You skimmed through several articles until the end of your shift.

Well, one thing for sure is that You needed to find that beautiful woman and ask her what’s going on because You had a strong hunch that that woman has something to do with this.

[neverwatchedonepiece]

601-602: "Shaking up the New World! Caesar's Horrendous Experiment!" and "The Deadliest Weapon of Mass Destruction in History! Shinokuni"

Don’t think Law’s up for it, Caesar...

This may be a controversial opinion, but I think Caesar is great.

Not a great person, obviously. I mean, if you think Caesar is a wonderful person, you probably need therapy. But. As a character? As a villain in the crapsaccharine world of OP which is rammed with strong personalities? Yeah. Absolutely a good, fun-time villain.

So far, he is unrepentantly, unashamedly wicked. He is a business-minded, deceitful, manipulative snake with charisma through the roof, who also happens to be an excellent scientist. He has a flamboyant, dramatic, highly-strung personality, which is super entertaining. He has a memorable design and a hilariously expressive face. (YMMV, of course. I know a lot of people hate villains like Caesar, but I love them.)

It’s early days yet. I mean something could yet happen that might make me go off him (e.g. I hate it when villains are woobified). But right now, Caesar is stealing the show. I look forward to watching each episode because I wonder what that deranged monster is going to do next.

Now Luffy and Law’s fight back is about to begin, I await his screeching downfall with baited breath. (As much as I love villains, I also love watching their plans unravel.)

Last Christmas, a Clown Kept Your Heart

And the very next day, he gave it away.

Next year, to save himself tears, 

Law allied with Strawhat Luffy.

I’ll bet that joke has been done to death, undeath, and back again, but come on! Who can resist such low-hanging fruit? Caesar Clown is the gift that keeps on giving.

He was on sparkling form again across episodes 601 and 602.

The action kicked in with Smoker’s Marines hammering at Caesar’s front door. One Marine began to notice they were the only ones left outside. Caesar’s minions had hoofed it round the back. Wasn’t that strange? He was ignored. (Don’t worry. We heard you, random fodder Marine.)

An airship passed overhead (they must be a thing in the OPverse as the Marines recognised it.) Caesar arrived with the Lab Kiddies in tow.

“Come on, children, you can get off now,” he sang. “And remember, this is your home. Don’t ever go out on your own. And of course you can have candy soon. Go straight back to the biscuit room. I’ve left plenty of candy in there for you. Now, I have to go back to my research room. Relax and enjoy the delicious, delicious candies.”

Trans: you kids are bugging me already. Beat it back to your room so I can get back to marketing my chemical weapons to dodgy brokers round the world.

The black-haired girl called Mocha had a flash of regret. She was lucid for just long enough to realise she’d just walked right back into hell again. “Nami and the others were very nice to me!” she screamed, banging on the door, “why is it so scary here? Is it because I’m not a good child?” (Caesar must have said stuff like that to them before. Bad things happen to you if you’re not a good child. I only give my crack-candy to the good children, etc.)

Back in Caesar’s lounge/bar whatever it is, Vergo got a fucking spoon stuck on his face while drinking coffee. That guy must have adhesive stubble, or something. He was wondering what was taking Caesar so long?

Speak of the devil and he shall appear, right? 

The first thing Caesar did was apologise to Vergo for keeping him waiting. At this point I still had no idea why Vergo was there. To be honest, I’m still not entirely sure why Vergo showing up is a bad thing for Law. Like, of course Caesar would rat out a threat to his boss, but if Caesar had Law’s heart, he could have just squished it once Monet told him Law had been making arrangements with the Strawhats behind his back.)

Caesar bitched that Vergo didn’t have Smoker under better control (because when Smoker showed up, Caesar had a brief ohshit moment). Vergo admitted that Smoker is a wild card and that no one has control of him. Buuuuut.... now Smoker will be dead soon, so it was all cool.

Law Pushes Caesar’s Buttons

Caesar, who had missed the welcome party, took a moment to become acquainted his his new hostages and indulge in a spot of button pushing.

“Look at yourself, Law. I bet you were quite helpless against Vergo, hm? The deal I had with you worked in my favour.”

Now the heart-in-a-box squishing stuff makes much more sense. Turns out Law can also shamble his own heart into a box (not the best idea when dealing with a treacherous snake of a scientist, to be honest).

When Law first turned up, looking to stay on Punk Hazard, Caesar said: “In exchange for letting you stay, you’re going to give my people legs? Fine. But since you’re stronger than me and I’M the boss of this island, if you want to stay here, I need insurance. I want to entrust my dear secretary Monet’s heart to you. In return, I keep your heart and it’s a deal. As long as we have each other by the balls, you can’t do anything bad and I’ll feel safe.”

Interesting. Caesar sees Law as being stronger than him. Probably a known haki user? Caesar can’t be that strong then. He’s just tricky and/or has a strong fruit. Also, notice Caesar did not volunteer his own heart. He volunteered Monet’s.

For a moment I wondered why Caesar was blaming Law for the whole trust issue. Hadn’t Caesar called Vergo on Law for some random, unknown reason?

Nah, turns out Monet had overheard Law’s plan to kidnap him and forge an alliance with the Strawhats.

I mean, sure Caesar is pretty evil and all, but if I were him and my lodger was teaming up with some dude and planning to kidnap me, I’d call my boss for backup too. Why he gave the heart to Vergo is kind of a mystery, but whatever. I’ll find out soon enough if I need to know.

Law, being caught out, went straight for the roast.

“You’ve been saved by your diligent secretary, eh? I should’ve been more careful about Monet. Since the “Master” was so dumb, I didn’t care much.”

Ooooooooh, Caesar was maaaaaaad. He hates being called dumb. (I bet it’s that superiority complex. Vegapunk has always been the glorious, lauded genius while he has to work in the shadows for psychos.) 

Just before Caesar took out his wounded ego on Smoker’s heart, Monet said the Smiley-cam video feed was ready. 

No, You Didn’t, You Sentient Gas-Blob Murderer! How Could You?

So Caesar immediately switched his attention to his Big Marketing Campaign. A caged Marine could wait. Not a priority.

All over the OPverse, brokers and dodgy characters watched Caesar’s Big Moment (by the way, did I see Laffite in 602? I spied a tall top hat and a bottle of Jack Daniels-type booze on a table). 

Caesar gleefully explained how Smiley worked. Smiley was the HS2 poison gas bomb that killed almost everything on Punk Hazard four years ago. However, there was a problem with Caesar’s experiment last time round. It killed *almost* everything. Despite being at death’s door, some inconvenient survivors insisted on surviving. How rude!

To counteract that, he has given Smiley a boost that will sort the whole survivors issue.

And, oh, the fake tears! The hilarity when Smiley would not do what the fuck Caesar said. “SMILEY, I MISSED YOU! THIS BRINGS BACK WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION! I HAVE A DELICIOUS TREAT FOR YOU---- WAIT, DON’T EAT THAT NOW... well, um... I suppose it’s okay... YES, HAHAHAHA, EAT THE TREAT!”

You’re not fooling anyone, Caesar. xD

The giant candy Smiley munched fizzed like a seltzer. Smiley was not feeling so good. It was kind of a shame, actually. I’d grown to like Smiley. It was like a giant, deadly, disobedient dog who does not listen to a word its human says when food is involved.

And Caesar disguised Smiley’s death as a treat.

With a Slasher Smile Like That, You Probably Petrify People on a Daily Basis

Well, Caesar would say Smiley is reborn. “Good work, Smiley! I will see you again! Be reborn, Smiley!”

But Smiley is definitely dead. (The whole bit with the apples was kind of confusing but I think I’ve worked it out... Smiley must have eaten an animal DF to become the sentient gas blob he was. This explains why the shot kept panning to apples in a sack. Then, when Smiley died, one of them turned into a Devil Fruit. Smiley had given it up when he died.)

R.I.P, Smiley.

And welcome Shinokuni, the Land of Death: the latest and greatest weapon of mass destruction!

Caesar definitely must’ve fallen out the psycho tree and hit every branch on the way down when he was a kid, because, man, that guy was *way* too excited to watch his fodder goons come croppers to Shinokuni. 

“Yes! It worked! No one can get away this time. The problem last time was survivors. They could still run even after being poisoned. This gas clings to their skin like ash, enters through the kind and paralyses the whole body! Yes, give us a good glimpse of hell!”

Now, I don’t know if any of you guys have ever watched a movie called Event Horizon, but there’s this messed up scene when the rescue crew discover the ship’s log of the crew who disappeared on a spaceship seven years before. The log is... yeah... it’s messed up. It’s like a glimpse of hell. (Don’t google it if you hate horror movies.)

(Something tells me Caesar would have been totally okay on the Event Horizon. Knowing him, it probably would have been his fault. He’d be in a room, absolutely fine, while literal hell is breaking loose outside on deck. xD)

That Moment When Everyone Really Hopes It’s Usopp

While Caesar is sacrificing pets to achieve an upgraded pet, the rest of the Strawhats were still outside while the Purple Mountain of Oh Shit What Is That? was thundering down the mountain and over the island. 

Zoro, Sanji, Brook and Foxfire had a front row seat! They were smart and ran sideways. This bought them a bit of time while Caesar’s minions were Pompeii’d. 

And that running scene was golden, by the way. I’m disappointed I limited myself to one screenshot of it. Loved it when Sanji tried to figure out what was going on and Foxfire yelled, “Shut up and run!”

Zoro was generally impressed by the all-round quality of running on show, but suggested if the assembled could run faster than the wind, that’d be great. Luckily, they caught up with a sled-pulling dragon (that Caesar deliberately set free so his minions would be stranded). I’m guessing the dragon will head home and that will be how Zoro and the others end up back in Caesar’s lab.

Nami and Usopp also managed to hitch a ride before the Purple Gas Cloud of Doom hit their patch of the mountain. Brownbeard hauled himself out from under a huge metal pipe. He gained the strength to do this from sheer hatred of Caesar Clown (lol). Brownbeard wants to save his crew from Caesar, which is kind of nice. He’s a good guy after all. Usopp suggested they join forces because they wanted to save the experiment kids from Caesar.

Brownbeard knows where the lab is and probably knows most of the entrances. He’ll smuggle Nami and Usopp inside no bother, I’ll bet.

Caesar’s Need To Show Off Will Be His Undoing

While most of the free Strawhats were hauling ass away from the Purple Cloud That Is No Longer Smiley (I’m still weirdly bitter about Smiley), Luffy, caged in the lab watched as Zoro and the others ran faster than the wind. Once Luffy established that, hey, the Samurai Guy getting his legs back was not a top priority right now, (lol, Robin!) he tried to shout advice to Zoro.

Unfortunately, Luffy, you can’t shout through a video feed. But Caesar hear him and floated over to gloat. “Are they your friends, Strawhat? Unsurprising. They’re strong. But soon they’ll run out of breath and be poisoned. And eventually, there will be only an uninhabitable land of death. No one outside this lab will survive. And neither will any of you! Now, prove it to the world! Before this weapon of mass destruction, a pirate with a 400 million bounty, a Vice-Admiral and even a Shichibukai are totally helpless against a tide of death.”

A lever was pulled.

And I think Caesar made his big mistake: letting the Strawhats out of his sight.

Law (I think it was him) chucked a rolled up message to Chopper, who fretted in the shadows about what to do. “Don’t do anything.”

This Face Does Not Bode Well for Caesar

Because now the Strawhats are out of Caesar’s line of sight, they can talk tactics, regroup and launch their fight back.

Can’t help but think if Caesar had not insisted on using the Strawhats as an example, he could have disposed of them quietly in the lab, or used them as test subjects forever. Of course, that would have been - bam! - end of manga. And we cannot have that.

Three cheers for Caesar’s need to show off! His arrogance and ego have prolonged the plot!

Thank you, Caesar, for that one dumb thing you did. xD

Chopper saw what you did that one time and is judging you.

[sanjisock]

against all odds

Three: the first time soulmates meet, they exchange eye color with one another. ao3

Zoro knows nothing about soulmates and divine interventions. It doesn’t matter, anyway — all he cares about is the way the stranger’s hand is placed all too casually on Sanji’s shoulder, and Zoro suddenly feels the irrepressible urge to cut something.

Nami narrows her eyes at a couple of figures in a distance. “Is that Sanji-kun?”

Zoro huffs and shrugs, as if he couldn’t recognize Sanji’s figure from a mile away with his eyes closed, but Nami taps his shoulder insistently as she goes on, “it’s really him, Zoro, look at him!”

Zoro glowers at her, but his, what the hell , witch , dies in his lips as he has a good look on Sanji. Sanji and some other people, actually — a good number of them, a total of six men to be precise, standing way too near around the cook. Zoro can see the discomfort visible in Sanji’s expression, and the only reason Sanji hasn’t kicked them all away is probably the rows of marine ships docked at the island’s harbor and Nami’s stern warning of, do not attract any attention before they got off the ship .

It’s totally okay, though. Sanji is as good with words as he is with his legs, and he could talk his way out of anything. It’s fine.

Except when it’s not, and Zoro can’t stop himself from approaching the Cook. He thinks he can hear Nami calling out for him, but there’s blood roaring in his ears and a hot surge of anger he can’t exactly explain, and before he knows it he’s putting a possessive hand on Sanji’s shoulder from behind.

Sanji turns, eyes blinking wide in surprise. “Marimo?”

Zoro presses slightly, hard enough that Sanji instinctively leans towards him. The movement doesn’t get unnoticed by the men, and one of them raises a nasty eyebrow at him. “You got problem with us?”

Zoro clenches his teeth, resisting the urge to take out his swords. “Depends,” he growls, taking a firm step that puts himself between Sanji and the men. “Whether any of you are planning to do something stupid.”

The tallest one, who seems to be the leader of the pack, steps in front. He seems scared — all of them clearly are, having to face a man with one eye and three swords — but still stares Zoro down, probably out of ego. “What, it’s a crime to talk to people now?”

“Zoro,” Sanji says, probably trying to defuse the tension, but the leader interrupts with a, “You two together?”

They’re not, Zoro knows. They have fooled around for the past two years, but at the end of the day they sleep in their own hammock and Sanji still flirts with the girls. Sanji is most definitely the type who’s just looking for something casual, and it’s not like Zoro ever asked for something more. He doesn’t care, and they’re not together —

“Yeah, we are,” Zoro blurts, free hand moving towards his swords. “So if you’re smart, you’re going to back off.” He pushes Shushui out of its hilt, and the blade glints under the sunlight. “ Now .”

The men visibly gulp at the sight before scrambling away from them. Zoro watches them trip over nothing in fear before disappearing into a corner, hopefully never to be seen again.

Zoro feels a flare of satisfaction, but it was short-lived, soon replaced by the rush of shame, settling uncomfortably at his gut. He doesn’t know what came onto him; he rarely lost control to his own emotions like that, but Sanji has always been the exception, and he’s struggling to understand what that means .

One thing is clear, though. He turns towards Sanji. “I’m sorry.”

Sanji frowns, confused. “For what?”

“You know,” Zoro makes a vague gesture at his surrounding. “Just now. You can fight your own battles, and I shouldn’t have interfered, and even…” he trails off. Pretended to be your lover , he can’t bring himself to say.

He braces himself for the kick to the gut that he knows he deserves, but it never comes. Zoro is surprised to find Sanji scratching the bridge of his nose instead, a blush creeping up his face.

“It’s okay, it’s fine,” he says, gesturing Zoro to walk with him, partly — Zoro suspects — to hide the reddening flush on his face. He clears his throat awkwardly, before admitting in a low voice, “I… like it. I mean, I don’t mind if you’re being a little possessive, once in a while.”

Sanji’s stride is fast, as if he’s trying to run away from Zoro in the middle of the conversation, and Zoro is barely able to keep in pace as he’s assaulted by so many different questions. “But,” he says, and pauses; unsure what to say. “It was a lie. We’re not even together.”

Sanji suddenly stops walking, and Zoro almost runs into him.

“What the hell, Cook?”

“What did you say?” Sanji asks, ignoring Zoro’s exclamation.

Zoro gulps. Well, here comes the kick. Late, but inevitable. “When I told them we were together,” he explains, “that was out of the line for me. We’re not together.”

But instead of lifting his leg, Sanji looks at him like Zoro just swallowed all three of his swords in front of him. “Yes, Zoro,” Sanji says, slowly, like talking to a kid. “We are.”

And now it’s Zoro ’s turn to get baffled. “What?”

Sanji’s face actually twists, like he’s being hurt. “Do you not want us to be?”

“Of course I do!” Zoro blurts out before he even realizes what he’s saying; he just doesn’t like that look on Sanji’s face, like this sad, lonely cat at the side of the road, and Zoro wants that look gone, sue him. He coughs. “But that’s not the point! We don’t even sleep in the same bed at night!”

“What are you even on about, we don’t have beds, we have hammocks and they can’t fit more than one person —” Sanji stops short. “You want us to sleep together every night?”

“Yes! No — I mean, yes, but,” Zoro stumbles, and this is all so confusing to him, damn it. It feels like someone has dumped a bucket of cold water over his head in the middle of a summer’s day. He gestures helplessly at the two of them. “How was I supposed to know that you wanted this beyond a casual thing?”

Sanji looks at Zoro like he’s stupid half the time, but his current expression takes the cake. “Well, for a start,” Sanji says, “we’re soulmates.”

Zoro blinks. He waits for the words to sink in and make sense, but it never does. “...what’s a soulmate?”

Sanji drops the bag of groceries he’s been carrying.

Some of the contents spill out of the bag as it hits the ground, and Zoro absentmindedly watches an apple roll off the ground from the corner of his eye. Sanji, for once, ignores it, in favor of blurting a questioning, “how could you not know what a soulmate is?”

“Nobody ever told me?” Zoro tries, utterly befuddled now. “I grew up in a dojo, we just… trained a lot, and — what does that even have to do with us?”

Sanji balks at that. “If you didn’t know that we were soulmates and you didn’t think we were together, why did you…?”

Zoro feels like throwing his hands up in frustration. “Becasuse I — damn it , Shit Cook —” Zoro’s always been terrible with words anyway, so he shuts up, pulls Sanji by the wrist and presses a kiss to the Cook’s lips. “I love you, dumbass. I thought I could keep it all to myself, but when I saw those guys coming on to you, I couldn’t — I didn’t like it.”

He pauses to take in breath when he catches Sanji’s shoulders shaking. Anger , Zoro guesses, and wrongly, because Sanji then throws his head back and laughs.

“You’re telling me you never realized? How the others kept giving us space?” He wipes tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes which is, frankly, kind of insulting. “Brook always plays someshitty love songs whenever we hang out. Nami sent us on dates .”

“She calls them shopping trips!”

“Franky built a makeshift bed in the crow’s nest for us to fuck.”

“I always thought that was kind of weird, shut up —” The hand on Sanji’s wrist slides down to fall into Sanji’s grasp, and Sanji does shut up as he flushes and stares at their joined hands.

How has Zoro never realized? Sanji wants this relationship as much as he does. Has been treating it as one, in fact.

“So,” he clears his throat. Rubs his shoulder. “Together, huh.”

“ Soulmates ,” Sanji corrects, and his face flushes a shade darker. “You’re okay with that?”

“You’re gonna need to explain to me about this whole soulmate thing, but I’m pretty sure i’m ready for whatever it is” he says, and squeezes Sanji’s hand. “It’s with you, after all.”

"Dumbass," Sanji says, but laughs, and Zoro’s heart does a flip. They walk hand in hand then; Sanji’s hand is warm, slotting perfectly between Zoro’s fingers, and Zoro thinks he’ll never let go.

[dixxymouri]

Dixxy vs One Piece Chapter 902: End Roll

IT’S TIME.

First, some ground rules. Where possible I’m going to use the official ViZ translation for chapters. That means we’ll probably get to revisit this whole affair on Monday when the chapter officially drops. Stephen Paul has been THE most trusted source for One Piece translations going back to well before he was officially working with ViZ so where comparison is available, that’s the translation I’m going with. Also, like, if he really needs to I believe he actually does have a contact at Japanese Shonen Jump if there’s something he doesn’t know how to translate in emergency situations. So in regards to dialog in 902 I’m going to take everything with a grain of salt until the official release. 

So I’m going to focus largely on THAT subject and ignore most of the rest of it for now. If y’all are good and get me lots of likes and reblogs maybe I’ll do a deeper dive into the rest of the chapter but yeah let’s talk about SanPu.

So, if you’re part of shipping culture in the online One Piece fandom and you just got back from being under a rock or on the moon for the last two months or so, here’s a quick visual representation of what the whole Luffy Nami Sanji Pudding ship war discourse looks like right now:

To recap the last few chapters, Pudding made some sort of last request of Sanji that we, the readers, didn’t get to see until 902 leaked online early this morning or late last night or whatever time it was in your particular time zone. In short? This:

Yup. A SanPu kiss happened. 

So on the one hand there’s probably some concerned Sanji x Nami shippers out there and there are definitely some Luffy x Nami shippers who are acting like total fucking assholes.

“Hurray! People who have never done any wrong to me or my loved ones are potentially really upset and unable to enjoy something that brought them a lot of happiness! This is a great day for me!”

(I mean, look, I get that schadenfreude is a thing for a reason but this isn’t it. If this is you, fuck off, you’re not some champion of your OTP, you’re a fucking asshole). 

So let’s break this down.

Is SaNa sunk/SanPu canon?

Short answer? No and no...maybe. 

While it’s very clear that Pudding still has feelings for Sanji, I don’t think Sanji returns them. Okay, yes, he’s gone all heart-eyes for her but, well, this is Sanji we’re talking about, of course he did that when a pretty girl kissed him, it’d be like asking Luffy to not stuff his face at a Meat Buffet that’s just not where his character is right now. But let’s take a look at him from a few chapters ago in 896:

Sanji’s pretty ready to part ways with her here. And once Pudding snips out the memory of said kiss:

He’s confused as to why Pudding ran away but he’s not chasing after her and there’s really nothing in the chapter showing him upset over not being with her right now. The only one who’s upset is Pudding.

This can be read a couple of ways - it leaves the door open for SanPu later if she comes back into the fold (more on that in a bit), or this was a bittersweet ending for their story. This, by the way, is one of the things I REALLY want to see the ViZ translation for, because the “song” going through the chapter seems to have multiple interpretations floating around with varying degrees of finality to this situation, which leaves things in even more flux.

Here’s the thing: SanPu hasn’t become canon (which means that, no, SaNa didn’t sink). That doesn’t mean it won’t later on, but at the moment it just isn’t. Sanji doesn’t have feelings for Pudding and doesn’t remember the kiss, nor was his reaction particularly strong. Pudding is distraught right now, sure, but we really don’t know what’s next for her. Is she going to try and leave the island and follow in Lola’s footsteps? Is Big Mom going to try and use her for another wedding plot? Is she going to get on a bus, go to the big city, and try to make it in show business? I don’t know and neither do you. 

“Sanji and Pudding kissed that means they’re married now!”

No it doesn’t.

“But they kissed! They’re man and wife now!”

...no, no they really aren’t. 

A wedding ceremony and a marriage are technically two different things. A wedding is a ceremony, whereas a marriage is a legal contract. Marriage doesn’t actually take place until both parties sign a contract and it’s officiated by someone with the legal authority to do so, usually a religious leader like a priest, a rabbi, or an imam, or a non-religious affiliated justice of the peace.

But that’s the real world and probably not something Oda put thought into for the manga. All right, I’ll give you that, but it still doesn’t matter. Let’s say that in the One Piece world all that matters is the ceremony.

Well, the ceremony was never actually finished and the kiss took place long after the wedding party disbanded. I’m not even sure the priest is still alive. Whether you like it or not or whether you think it helps your ship or not, the alley was not a wedding and no marriage has taken place. 

That being said this feels like something that might come up in an SBS but I’m guessing Oda is going to say “no”. 

Conflicting Ships - Luffy x Nami vs Sanji x Nami vs Sanji

This is one I think we all have feet of clay in regards to, but if your ship relies on the instability of another ship that’s not really a sign you have a lot of confidence in your ship and you can’t enjoy it unless it has at least a CHANCE of becoming canon. This is why I’m skeptical of Sanji x Pudding fans - I really do think a lot of them (not all of them, mind you) are just Luffy x Nami fans eager to get their biggest threat out of the picture without killing him. I’m sure there are plenty of Luffy x Hancock “fans” who want them same thing, except they’re actually Sanji x Nami or Zoro x Nami fans. Guys, that’s probably not a healthy attitude to have when it comes to shipping.

“So you’re trying to say that your reasons for not liking Sanji x Pudding have nothing to do with Sanji x Nami?” What part of “I think we all have feet of clay” did you not understand? Yeah, it’s one of the reasons I’m not big on Sanji x Pudding - I find it difficult to ship characters together if one or more characters in the pairing have a canon partner. I don’t know that I NEED Sanji x Nami to be canon but I’d be pretty sad if a conflicting pairing actually happened, with varying degrees of being okay or angry depending on the execution and characters involved. I mean I’d even be mad if Sanji and Nami happened and it was done really, really badly. 

This is why I think the best case scenario for all parties involved is One Piece ending without any of the big ships becoming canon, probably excluding Usopp x Kaya (which, while it’s KIND OF a forgone conclusion isn’t very heavily shipped) and possibly excluding Robin and Franky (who seem to have moved onto Dorky Middle Aged Married Couple Who Like to Embarrass Their Kids while no one was looking). Why? Because unless one of the pertinent parties is dead, that leaves everyone free to draw whatever conclusion they want.

Like, do you have any idea how much happier the Bleach and Naruto fandoms would be if Kubo and Kishimoto didn’t canonize any pairings? A LOT. Yeah some fans would be salty they didn’t get confirmation, sure, but they’d be free to think whatever they wanted happened after end of series. 

Imagine if One Piece ends with something like Luffy, now the Pirate King, is on the ship with the other Straw Hats (now all having achieved their dreams) and he’s sitting on his special seat and he points to the horizon and he’s like “okay guys let’s go that way and have another adventure!” and everyone else is like “YEAH!” and then they coup de burst into the sunset and the words “The End” appear on that very last page. Luffy and Nami fans are free to think that their king and queen got together. Sanji and Nami fans are free to think the cook will continue to dote on his angel. Sanji and Pudding fans are free to think that Sanji returned to Pudding to marry her for real this time. Etc, etc.

Unfinished Business

That’s another thing about this chapter and this arc as a whole - I can’t think of another arc that has THIS many obvious dangling plot threads that really feel like they should have been answered before the arc ended. Like, yes, there are other arcs that have dangling plot threads but many of those really feel like things that were blatantly meant to come up in future arcs, like the threads from Fishman Island. But for THIS arc? 

- What’s the deal with the Three Eye Tribe and will Pudding’s third eye have its true awakening? - What’s the backstory behind Germa 66 and that story Judge was talking about? - Speaking of Judge, what’s the deal with his eyebrows? - Speaking of Judge AGAIN, what went down between him and Vegapunk? - Why did that one homie recognize Pedro? - Is anything going to happen to all those people/creatures in the prison library? - Why doesn’t Lola realize Big Mom wants her dead? - Why didn’t Pudding ever get an Oda box? Yeah, that NEVER happened but we got them for like, Smoothie’s underlings and those decutuplets. The fuck, Oda? - What went down between Snack and Urogue and how did he escape? - Did Chiffon and Bege get away? - What the fuck happened to Casear Clown? - What’s going to happen when Big Mom finds out about the Tamatebako box?

...and probably more I’m not thinking of. Thing is, that’s a LOT of dangling plot threads for one arc, a lot of which feel like they could or should have been addressed here. Thing is, they probably will be addressed because you may have noticed there’s one big plot thread I didn’t list above:

- Big Mom and Elbaf

I’ve been on this particular bus for a while but it occurs to me a lot of my fellow fans didn’t think that was going to happen or at least didn’t want it to happen. But when you look at everyone that happened between Big Mom and Elbaf and how much of it we’ve seen ON PANEL, it would be REALLY WEIRD for her to not make an appearance on Elbaf. Let’s do another list:

- Murdered one of the two elder giant heroes - ATE Mother Carmel and a bunch of innocent orphans - Hey look a bunch of the giant kids from Big Mom’s flashback are part of Harudin’s crew now I bet that’s important - Whatever the hell happened between Lola and Loki

The only other option I can think of if a return to Fishman Island since, well, we kind of need to go back there at some point (Luffy’s gotta destroy it somehow, remember?) and thanks to the Sun Pirates and Praline I wouldn’t be surprised if she decides to take out some of her anger there. Plus everything with Big Mom actually STARTED back in Fishman Island. That’s the first time Luffy crossed her, it’s where we met some of her people (including Pudding...kind of), and yeah that would probably a believable scenario for the island to be destroyed, I guess.

Oda is Still Drawing Sanji Showing Affection for Nami

Okay, granted, we haven’t seen a Sanji “love cook” moment with Nami since he got back on the ship, but there still is stuff Oda’s drawn very recently that would be REALLY WEIRD if the intention was to make SanPu canon.

If 902 is the start of canon Sanji x Pudding, then this is a REALLY weird thing for Oda to draw, even if it’s not canon. Like, REALLY weird. 

Oda DIDN’T Draw Pudding’s Interior Thoughts When Nami Was Around

So we saw a bunch of Pudding’s thoughts during key scenes during the arc, including some between her and Sanji,

But something that was kind of weirdly absent? Anything involving Nami. Such as the bridal carry, which we saw Pudding react to, and when Sanji returned to the Sunny the first time and freaked out when Nami hugged him.

If Pudding has feelings for Sanji, she should have reacted to these incidents but we don’t know how she reacted to them. That feels intentionally left out. Now, granted, it’s probably Pudding (correctly) assuming that Sanji has feelings for Nami, but I think this was intentionally left alone. 

Why?

Because having Pudding point these things out would strongly hint at Sanji x Nami as end game, which Oda doesn’t want to do at this stage of the game for one of two reasons. Either that isn’t his intention or it’s way to early to show his hand. Both are valid reasons to not do that, by the way.

Are we sure Oda even likes Pudding all that much?

Here’s an SBS question and answer from volume 87.

I’m not sure Oda would say something like that about a character he plans to pair up with one of his main characters. Again, weird choice if that’s the case.

Okay I’m sure I’ll get some responses to this and I’d love to clarify/discuss in the responses and reblogs. But for the moment...

Conclusion

Blech these are never easy to write.

The short answer to this whole thing is that I don’t think Sanji x Nami fans have reason to throw in the towel, nor do I think Sanji x Pudding fans (and by extension Luffy x Nami fans) really have anything to “celebrate”. Right now it feels like an ending, but since a lot of the Big Mom stuff is unresolved the door on Pudding isn’t closed...but I’m not really sure what would be on the other side.

[your-iron-lung]

Mixed Up 19 | Karuna |

Chapter Word Count: 4310

Pairings: Zoro/Sanji

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Chapter Warning: Strong Language

Previous Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 , 17, 18

Next Chapter: 20

For what must have been the third time since she'd called Sanji that morning, Nami apologized.

"It's just, I got pretty wasted," she admitted with a sigh, walking slowly through her kitchen to prepare herself some coffee. "And I ended up bringing my date home with me, and, well, you know how that goes."

"I don't mind! I'm just flattered you remembered to call me at all; you really are so sweet!"

Despite the early hour, Sanji already seemed to be running on full energy, which at first had been kind of annoying, but was now starting to become tolerable. He'd been so chipper when she'd first called that, for just a moment, Nami'd thought that he'd gotten over his issues himself.

But whenever she started to mention Zoro, Sanji would either abruptly change the subject or stop talking altogether. As if his forced attitude wasn't annoying on its own, the fact that he was unwilling to confront his problems was beginning to wear her down as well.

Ignoring the monumental headache her hangover was causing her, she did her best to keep herself in a positive mood. She'd been worried at first that his attitude was because he was upset with her for neglecting to call him like she'd promised the night before, but she was sure now that it was just because he was struggling.

Barefoot, she stepped as quietly as she could across the linoleum flooring through the kitchen. Her skin stuck and peeled with each step she took, and though the action hardly made any noise, she felt like her date, still sleeping in her bedroom, could probably hear it.

"How was your date, by the way? Did he treat you as well as I did on ours?"

Sanji had been casually trying to get details from her about her evening throughout the duration of their conversation. He'd been subtle about it at first, but when he realized subtly was getting him nowhere he began to ask about it directly. She wouldn't have minded so much if she didn't know that he was just using it as an excuse to avoid talking about his own romantic issues.

"My my," Nami teased, tucking and holding her phone between her ear and shoulder as she spoke. "Is that jealousy I'm sensing?"

She heard him scoff as she filled the Keurig machine with water and then sifted through the pile of k-cup coffee pods she kept to find the flavor and strength she wanted.

As she turned it on and began to wait for the water to heat up, she set the phone down on the counter briefly to hoist herself up to sit beside the coffee maker.

"I'm just making sure that the standards a woman of your caliber must have, have been met!" Nami laughed quietly at his words as she picked her phone up to hear the tail-end of his rant. "Especially since you brought the man home!"

A cheeky grin crossed her face that Sanji couldn't see.

"Not that it's any of your business, but, yeah, I'd say my standards were met," she mused, stretching out her legs. "But, hey, enough about me; we both know that this conversation isn't supposed to be about me and my romantic interests."

That shut him up, but if he was going to be direct with her, then, well, she'd just have to be direct with him in return.

Waiting for Sanji's response, Nami yawned and stuck her k-cup pod into the machine once it alerted her that the water had finished heating up. Almost as if called in by the machine itself, Nami's sister appeared in the kitchen.

Fully dressed and in the process of tying her dyed blue hair up into a bandanna, Nojiko quirked her brow when she noticed Nami was on the phone.

"Who're you talking to?" she half whispered, half mouthed.

"New friend," Nami quietly replied before muting herself on the phone so Sanji couldn't hear them. "How is it you always know when I'm making coffee?"

"Who's the new friend?" Nojiko asked, ignoring Nami's question as she approached, applying the finishing touches to her hair.

"Some guy Zoro found at the Sunny." She took her filled cup of coffee out of the machine so Nojiko could use it and set it aside to cool. "He's having like, an identity crisis of sorts."

"How kind of you to be there for him."

Nojiko's sarcasm made Nami frown.

"It is way too early for you to be throwing this much attitude at me," Nami said, angrily taking a sip of her coffee, which ended up burning her tongue. "Fuck, ow. What'd I do this time?"

"Put some pants on," was all her sister had to say as she set up their coffee machine to start a brew for herself.

As Nami was about to retort with, no, she would absolutely not put on pants and would, in fact, walk around the house all day in nothing but a t-shirt and underwear if she wanted, Sanji ended his silence.

"Sorry. I just don't know how to really approach it."

"That's okay," Nami said, giving Nojiko the stink eye before she realized she was still muted. As she unmuted the phone, she repeated herself. "That's okay. I know it can be tough."

She was aware of Nojiko watching her and listening in to the conversation as she waited for her coffee. Giving her a scowl, Nami slid off the countertop and grabbed her mug and wandered away into their living room.

Settling into her favourite armchair, she sighed contentedly as she took another sip of coffee and relaxed into the cushions. The mug warmed her hand as she held it, eventually forcing her to place it on a side table when it grew to be too hot. Alone in the room and finally able to start self-medicating her hangover, Nami could give Sanji her total and complete focus, though it seemed as though he'd clammed up again.

She wondered if there was anything she could do to help ease him into talking openly with her. As it stood, it was obvious he wanted her help, but didn't know how to make himself available to it. His pride or whatever it was was getting in his way.

"I have an idea," she said, sticking her tongue out at Nojiko as she passed through the room and out the front door. "A way to make this easier to talk about for you."

There was another patch of silence on the line before he said, "Okay."

"And, hey, if you don't want to, you know that's okay, right? We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to."

"Thank you for your concern," he said with honest relief. "I really appreciate everything that you're doing for me."

Nami leaned up out of her chair for a moment to grab the television remote. She pressed the power button and then immediately muted the TV as it turned on, fulfilling her desire to have something going on in the background that she could offhandedly watch.

"I'll just have to have you return the favor someday," she remarked casually, flipping through the channels until she found one that was airing some cartoons. "But yeah, it's no problem. Anyway, back to my idea.

"You know the game 20 questions, right?" she asked, and once she had gotten affirmation that yes, he did, she continued. "Well I was thinking we could do something like that, except instead of asking questions like to try and figure something out, we ask them back and forth to figure each other out.

"I'll ask you a question, you answer it, and then you ask me something. It can be about anything, but we both have to answer, no matter what the question is. Fair?"

It was the only thing she could really think of that would help ease him into finally having a conversation about Zoro. Offering and demanding total and complete honesty was going to be hard for the both of them, especially since they were near strangers to one another, but it would definitely serve to bring them closer as well.

This way, she'd get to know more about Sanji and whether or not he really was attracted to Zoro in some fashion, and he'd be able to trust her without issue.

They just had to be honest with one another, which would likely be easier said than done.

"Is there a question limit?" he asked.

"Let's start with five for now; see how well it works out."

"Okay."

Scratching at her undercut, she mentally noted how long it was getting and hoped she would remember to ask Nojiko to shave it back down for her later.

"You go first," she said, grabbing her cup of coffee again and drinking from it readily.

There was a pause as Sanji thought of what to say next. While he was quiet, she thought up some questions of her own as she waited, wondering what it was he would ask her first.

"You're sure it can be about anything?" he asked hesitantly.

"Yep. Anything."

Her eyes were directed towards the TV, watching whatever child's animation was being broadcast when he finally asked his first question.

She was momentarily caught off guard when he said, "Who's Luffy?"

It was her turn to fall silent as she processed his question. Briefly stunned, her vision blurred out of focus before she shook herself out of the slight stupor.

"Um, wow," she said, taking in a deep breath as she set her coffee aside. "Going all out on question one, huh?"

"You said anything," he said guiltily. "If that was out of line, then I apologize-"

"No, no, it's fine, I just- just wasn't expecting that."

Leaning back into her chair, Nami ran a hand through her hair. Sanji didn't know it, but his question was difficult to answer. There was just so much when it came to Luffy that she rightly didn't know how to take what she knew about him and turn it into a satisfactory answer for him.

Honestly, she'd expected Sanji to ask something about Zoro, not about one of her old bandmates, which led her to wonder what exactly it was he wanted to know about him. Did he want to know who Luffy was in general, or who Luffy was to them specifically?

"Luffy was- is -" Sighing in frustration, Nami furrowed her brow and blankly stared ahead in an attempt to collect her thoughts. Where had Sanji even learned of Luffy's existence to begin with? Though, she had told Sanji to look up their band in the past, so it wasn't unlikely that he'd found out about him indirectly from her.

"He started the band," she finally said, speaking slowly when her eye wandered over to where she kept a flag that had been detailed with their band's jolly-roger logo. "Our band; it's his."

All three of them had gotten a flag emblazoned with their logo once the Mugiwara Menace had taken off and started to become popular. The flags were a reward and a memento for successfully recording their first album together; a reward the three of them prized highly in their own way.

Zoro hung his in his bedroom, Luffy used to have his tied to the antenna of his car, and Nami kept hers framed in the living room, just above their fire place beside a large portrait of her mother.

They were, the three of them, united by the jolly-roger's grin.

"A few years ago his brother died and he went away because of it," she continued, her gaze fixed upon her flag. "It was really bad- the rest of us were on tour, and we knew something was up with Ace, but we all kind of hoped whatever it was he was mixed up in would just- resolve itself, you know? Luffy didn't think that way, though; said he needed to leave about halfway through to check on him but his brother died almost as soon as he got to him. No one's seen or heard from him since."

It hurt to talk about. She didn't even really want to, but part of her hoped that Sanji would recognize how difficult the subject was for her and be able to unburden himself the same way when it was his turn to answer an invasive question.

"He promised he'd come back, though. So that's what Zoro and I are doing right now. Waiting for him to come back."

She had to wipe away some wetness that had begun to creep out of her eyes. They all knew they'd handled Ace's situation poorly. There was so much more they could've done for him if they'd just tried. Nami wasn't even sure why they hadn't tried harder for him, especially since it'd been super apparent that he wasn't doing alright.

And even though they hadn't heard from Luffy in years, Nami still retained the belief that he would come back when he was ready, regardless of his current Richey Edwards status. She knew that he didn't blame them for Ace's death, but likely blamed himself and needed to learn how to live with it as a result.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Sanji finally said after a quiet moment. "But thank you for sharing that with me."

There was more to Luffy than just that, but it was all she felt she could say without breaking down entirely. Nami sniffled and took a moment to collect herself. Walking back in through the front door, Nojiko noticed her upset appearance and quirked a brow, but Nami waved her off before she could ask about it.

"Of course," she said, speaking to Sanji as her sister passed by, giving Nami another odd look. "Ready to answer my first question?"

"No," Sanji replied, making them both laugh a little. "Of course I am."

With the mood lightened just a bit, Nami drank more of her coffee before shifting around in her seat.

"Okay. My question to you is this: what is it that you like about Zoro?"

Over the line, she heard Sanji splutter and cough out whatever it was he'd been drinking previously. She couldn't help but laugh as he struggled to clear his throat and felt her creeping sadness dissipate.

"I knew that was coming," he said, speaking hoarsely, making her laugh again.

"So you must've thought up an answer then, right?"

Genuinely curious, she hoped Sanji would take the question seriously.

"Uh. I have, but, honestly? Nothing."

"What? Are you being serious? We agreed we had to answer honestly!" Frowning, she couldn't help but be annoyed by his answer, especially after she'd opened up and said so much to him.

"I did! I'm sorry, my sweet, but that's my honest answer," he said. "I've thought about it, and I think… I actually hate him?"

"Wow," she said, bitterness seeping into her voice. "Well, there has to be something, otherwise you wouldn't be, y'know, in 'like' with him."

"I don't know why I am."

With a frustrated sigh, Nami sat up from her slouching position and crossed her legs over the cushion. Her headache that had slowly been going away started to return with how agitated she was becoming.

"Is it… his talent?" she asked exasperatedly, desperately grasping at straws, trying to find anything at all that had attracted Sanji to Zoro.

"I think he is talented, but no."

Nami groaned.

"Well… is it his attitude? His 'fuck off' demeanor?"

"…No, absolutely not."

"Do you think he's handsome?"

"Oh God, no-"

"Then what?!"

"I- I don't know!"

"Ugh, well, there goes the rest of my questions," she said bitterly.

Angry that she'd sped through them all trying to pinpoint where his attraction had come from, she slouched back into her seat and unmuted the TV. She kept the volume down low enough so that Sanji probably couldn't hear it and waited for whatever it was he had to say next.

"There was one thing," Sanji said around a sigh, speaking slowly and in a manner that sounded as though he were ashamed of himself.

With her interest piqued, Nami looked away from the television, but couldn't help but sound half-hearted when she said, "What thing?"

"It seems… really trivial, now that I think about it, but it's really the only thing I can think of.

"When I had that lesson with him the other day, he… touched my fingers. Maybe it's because I work so much with my hands, but when he did, I- I don't know, something happened. I think about it a lot," he admitted with some reluctance.

His attraction to Zoro wasn't as cut and dry as Nami had initially thought it'd been, which would likely make things more difficult down the road, but this made more sense. Just the other day Sanji had been trying to convince her that he'd never had feelings for another man like this before, so obviously Zoro must have done something extraordinary for Sanji to be attracted to him so strongly in such a short amount of time.

"Your hands?" she said, quirking her head in thought. "That's interesting."

"They're important to me," Sanji mumbled. "They're my livelihood, and he was… gentle."

Nami could practically feel him cringing to himself as he spoke to her about it, but this was the reciprocated honesty she'd been looking for when she started their little questions game.

"I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes Zoro's really considerate. He may seem like a blockhead a lot of the time- and he is!- but he's also fairly decent. He's not always the asshole he makes himself out to be, I mean, hell, there was a reason I dated him."

She'd meant for it to come out as a joke to try and lift Sanji's mood, but he didn't laugh. Instead, he asked, "Why did you date him?"

If Nami had thought his first question was tough to answer, his second one turned out to be ten times worse. Her shoulders slumped as a forlorn expression took over her face. These weren't the kinds of questions Nami had figured Sanji would be asking, and was definitely not prepared to answer.

"I'm sorry, you don't have to answer that," he said quickly when she lapsed into silence. "That one was out of line."

"Yeah, a little bit," she agreed, forcing herself to laugh a little to ease the sudden tension their conversation had accumulated. "But I would have."

"I know."

Their speech stalled as they each tried to deal with the awkwardness created by Sanji's question. He berated himself mentally for distressing Nami at all and decided he no longer felt up to the task of finishing the game they'd started.

"Nami, my darling, thank you for calling me. I feel much better about… everything after having listened to your voice for so long, and I am deeply, truly sorry for upsetting you at all." The sincerity in his voice was genuine as he apologized. Nami took note of it, and was appreciative of how genuine he was as a person. She needed more friends like that. "I think I'll ask you my remaining questions another time, though, to save you any further grief that I may accidentally cause."

"Trust me, you've done about the worst you could do already," she said with a smile, speaking in a tone that would hopefully let Sanji know that she wasn't really all that upset with him. "And that's fine, but I'm counting that question about Zoro and I as your second, which leaves you with three."

"Fair enough," he said, sounding far more relaxed than he had previously. "I'll talk to you later my sweet, gracious darling."

"Later, Sanji."

Upon ending the call, she dropped her phone onto the side table and groaned, rubbing at her eyes. The coffee she'd been drinking was growing cold as she picked up the mug and drank from it, and it was then that she realized Nojiko was standing nearby, watching her.

"How long have you been there?" Nami asked crossly. Nojiko's attitude from before still had a negative impact on her overall mood.

"Long enough to find out new guy has a crush on Zoro," Nojiko replied flippantly, entering into the room and taking a seat on the couch next to Nami's chair.

"You can't tell him," Nami said hastily, glaring daggers into her sister, who took the remote and turned the TV off.

"Calm down, I wasn't going to."

With the TV off, Nami understood that they were about to have a serious conversation. Already mentally taxed from having to deal with Sanji and his pent up problems, she groaned and sunk as deep as she could into the confines of her chair.

"There's a lot of new people in your life lately," Nojiko began, speaking calmly. She kept her eyes on Nami, who kept hers focused on the cooling cup of coffee in her hands. "You didn't tell me you were going to bring a girl home with you last night."

"What was I supposed to do?" Nami retorted, unable to keep her voice from sounding angry. "Tell her, 'hang on, I've got to call my sister and let her know you're sleeping over to make sure it's okay'?"

Nojiko remained calm and impassive through Nami's outburst, blinking at her slowly when she'd turned to yell at her.

"Relax, I'm not mad," Nojiko replied. "And no, I'm not saying you should have done that. I'm saying that you should've told me you were seeing someone at all. You're starting to cut me out again."

"It's not like I've been keeping her a secret," Nami argued, trying her best to keep her voice as level as Nojiko had managed to keep hers. "And I've really only known Sanji for a week!"

"And your girlfriend?"

"We're not-" Nami spluttered, taken aback by the direct language Nojiko had decided to label them with. "Well, not yet, but, no! We aren't there yet."

The look on Nojiko's face told her that her answer wasn't satisfactory. It also told her that she'd hurt her sister somehow by withholding the fact that she had been actively seeing someone.

It'd never been her intention to keep it from her, but there honestly hadn't been much of a chance for her to tell Nojiko she'd started dating again anyway. Their schedules were just so different now that Nami was working for Franky and Nojiko was busy tending to the farm, that there simply wasn't enough time for it. The only times they ever really got to hang out or do anything together anymore was when they went to concerts or Nami had the rare day off.

She could see where Nojiko was coming from, but at the same time it frustrated her because she knew she hadn't done it on purpose.

"Her name's Vivi," Nami said quietly in an attempt to placate Nojiko's want for information. "And I wasn't trying to hide her from you, it's just hard to find the time to tell you something like that without it seeming insincere, y'know? I didn't want to just do, like, a drive-by and say hey, I met someone without being able to really talk to you about it."

Nojiko's lips twitched downwards as she sighed and looked away, but she seemed to understand where Nami was coming from. There wasn't much either of them could do to solve their communication issues at that point, given their respective situations.

"You don't have to work at that store, you know," Nojiko eventually said.

"I know I don't," Nami said, setting her coffee aside. "But I want to. I like being around the music. I like being around Zoro."

Even though she told herself she no longer harbored romantic feelings for him, she still felt a strong need to stay involved with his life. Without Luffy there to give them a reason to be together, she was afraid that there wouldn't anymore reasons for them to hang out and keep being friends.

She'd explained this fear to Nojiko several times in the past, and despite the many assurances Nojiko gave her that Zoro wouldn't just drop off the face of her earth like that, the fear remained in the back of her head like seeing and knowing that you've squished a spider, but unable to find it's corpse afterwards.

"Speaking of Zoro," Nojiko said slowly, attempting to keep the conversation from being a repeat of similar conversations they'd had in the past. "How does new guy crushing on your man make you feel?"

"I hate that you call him that. He's not my man," Nami said sharply.

"Regardless, my question still stands."

"I don't care. Zoro's allowed to see other people; I am, after all."

"Then you should invite new guy to his hockey game tonight." The look of surprise Nami had on her face made Nojiko laugh. "What, did you forget he was playing?"

"No, I'm just surprised that you actually had a good idea for once," Nami teased, grabbing her cellphone to type up a quick text message invite to send to Sanji.

A bit awkwardly, they settled back into how they usually interacted with one another, much to their mutual relief. Sanji replied to the invitation with hesitant confirmation, to which Nami offered to pick him up and drive them all to Zoro's game together.

She assured him that, even though he had next to no knowledge about the sport, he'd have a fun time just hanging out with her and watching him play. With their evening planned and her relationship with Nojiko on the mend, Nami retreated back into her room where Vivi was still sleeping and got into bed beside her.