#and others are just like What if they were pirates

[demonpiratehuntress]

clowns

taglist - @kabloswrld

OPLA!Zoro x F!Reader

summary - clowns are terrifying, and your first encounter with one leaves you traumatised. lucky for you, you have a big strong swordsman as a boyfriend.

warnings - CLOWNS (yes they should ALWAYS be a warning and yes Buggy scares me), you and Zoro are/were both pirate hunters

a/n - i count myself lucky i don't have circuses where i live, because if i ever see a clown i will run the other way

Not only did you not expect to join a pirate crew, but you far from thought your first encounter as a "crew" would be facing your worst nightmare.

The minute you saw the bright red nose and funny make-up, you stiffened. Your eyes went wide and you became unresponsive, like you couldn't hear them talking or feel Zoro's subtle protective touches. You were too focused on the clown in front of you, terrified to your core.

"What's wrong with her?" Buggy noticed your stare, and waved his hand in front of your face. "Can she hear me?"

Zoro growled and put himself between you and the clown pirate, "Eyes on me, Binky." He knew that wasn't the clown's name, but Luffy's mistake would serve him well in getting Buggy's attention off you.

Sure enough, the clown scowled and looked at him, "Buggy! It's not that hard to remember!"

You were relieved that the clown was no longer focusing on you, but just the sight of him was rattling you to your core. While he was distracted, you took it as your opportunity to turn and run.

Now let it be said that you do not run easily from anything. You and Zoro were pirate hunters, or had been until you'd been roped into this, and you had faced some nasty, dangerous threats. You were hardened, and almost nothing shook you.

Except clowns.

Funny how the one thing you steered clear of found you first the moment you aligned yourself with others.

Before you could get far, some of his circus freaks grabbed you and brought you back. The clown was still talking about himself, but chuckled when his goons brought you back into the tent.

"What's wrong, pirate hunter?" He sneered. "Scared?"

"Hey!" Luffy beat Zoro this time, "Leave her alone."

And things went downhill from there.

You were, for some reason, separated from the group. So was Luffy, but that's because Buggy was interrogating him. Nami and Zoro had been escorted somewhere else, leaving you on your own in another side room, panicking and growing more and more nauseous. To make matters worse, Luffy started screaming from wherever he was.

A while later, the clown walked into your room.

Your eyes went wide, and you struggled against the rope holding you to the wooden beam.

"I'm surprised," he spoke, "You have a reputation that made even some of my men nervous. And yet...you can't even look me in the eye." He stopped right in front of you, "Why's that?"

You tried your best to look away, turning your head sideways and finding something else to focus on. You couldn't speak, and you were trembling. Nothing had ever shaken you like this, ever. But clowns for some reason...you couldn't handle them.

"Is it the nose?" He asked mockingly, although he sounded a bit annoyed at the mention of his large appendage again. He forced you to look at him, gripping your chin in his gloved hands. "Hmm?"

"Leave me alone," you managed to get out through gritted teeth.

"Your captain isn't being very cooperative," he ignored your request, "So I have a lot of time to spend here with you."

"Why me?" You tried to glare, but you knew you looked scared. Because you were.

"Fear is a good motivator for telling the truth," he finally let go of your chin, walking around you and sizing you up. "Your friends will be tough to convince, but you...you don't like clowns, right? I'll leave you alone if you tell me where the map is."

"Do your worst," you breathed out, a little shakily, but you were determined not to cave. Not for this idiot.

He growled, and in an instant he was in front of you again, holding a knife to your throat while putting his frightening face right up in yours, "Tell me where it is!"

The sound you let out was something between a squeak and a yelp, fear once again overcoming your body at the clown's proximity. It wasn't so much the knife pressed against your jugular, it was the fact that your worst fear was inches away from you. You clenched your fists, trying to control your shaking, but it didn't work. And he was amused by your terror.

"I'm going to check on your captain," he stepped back, "If he doesn't give me an answer, I'm coming right back here and I promise I'll leave a scar." Then he left, and you could breathe again.

But that's when the tears came.

You didn't really sob, you just stayed there crying silently. Your body trembled, mind numb with fear and shock. His face was burned into your mind, and shutting your eyes only made your panic worse.

That's how Zoro found you, tied up and shaking with glassy eyes.

"What did he do to you?" The swordsman asked when he cut you loose, grabbing and squeezing your arms gently. "(Name), what did he do?"

You just shook your head, unable to speak, and sought his comfort by burying your face in his neck and crying even more. The more you shook, the angrier he got. But he held you for as long as you needed, knowing Nami would be okay with finding Luffy on her own. You were Zoro's priority.

You finally let go a few minutes later, wiping your face, "Let's go help the others."

He nodded, guiding you out the room.

The trauma stuck with you for a few days after the three of you escaped him, evident one night when you woke up sweating and shaking. Zoro was a deep sleeper, but he had a sixth sense reserved just for you, so he was woken up by your outburst.

Zoro wasn't good with words, but he was definitely good at comforting you through actions. He never had to say anything, he just wrapped his strong arms around you and you were slowly soothed. You just had to lean against his chest, enveloped in his arms, and you would slowly calm down. His gentle kisses atop your head also helped, his affection never failing to get your mind off whatever was worrying you.

In Syrup Village, you spotted a poster of the clown pirate and started hyperventilating. Zoro immediately turned you away from it and cupped your cheeks in his hands, making you look at him.

"Hey, focus on me," he told you, "Just me. I'm here. You're fine." He used a gentle, soft tone, one reserved just for you.

You tried to breathe, eyes locked on his face, concentrating on his warm brown ones that held so much concern for you. The eyes that always comforted you with just a look. Slowly your breathing evened out, and Zoro embraced you, this time not caring that you were in public.

"You're okay."

You nodded slowly, taking a deep breath, "Thanks, Zoro."

He just nodded, giving you one last forehead kiss, "If we ever see him again, I'm going to cut him up and throw him in the ocean."

You managed a weak smile, grateful to have such a protective boyfriend. His actions always proved how devoted he was, even if they were a little violent. You wouldn't have it any other way.

"You do that."

[gouraminnow]

Warmth

Yandere Shanks x gn reader drabble | AO3

Warnings: Not much, typical yandere. SFW. He's forcing you to cuddle. Vague, short.

Trying to practice writing something small without turning it into a multi-chapter ordeal lol

How? just... How? You think, as an arm wraps around your waist, stubble ghosting against the ticklish crook of your neck.

You had failed to get away once before. Packed what little was yours and sneaked off after the others had piled out. And on your brief jaunt ashore, you caught the attention of some Marines. And discovered you had a bounty.

As one of the Red-Haired Pirates.

But how? Why? Did they seriously think you were a crewmate, proper? You remember the cold look the Marine had given you, remembered the desperate tears welling up as you tried to tell him "no, it's a mistake sir, I'm not a pirate, please-"

-And then an unseen force crushed the air from your lungs, forcing you down and dunking you into the realm of unconsciousness.

You woke up back in his bed.

This time, you thought it would be different. You'd be smarter. You were despondent but obedient for a week, putting up with the increased affection, and staying in the cabin when they docked without being told to do so. Tonight, they were docked and partying- which meant they'd be blackout drunk. The island had no marine presence. So painfully early in the morning, you gathered your things once again, tip-toeing around the drunk, sleeping horde littered across the deck. You spotted Shanks quickly- sprawled out and snoring loudly. Good. You turn, and scurry for the gangway. You weren't sure what you would do, but you'd figure something out...

At least you thought so, until suddenly an arm shot out to pull you against the looming presence of your captor. "And just what are you doing..?" He murmurs into your neck, the air suddenly pulsing with a harsh, unrelenting weight.

"I-I..." You stutter out, but no explanation makes it out of your mouth. You sniffle, and he sighs, spinning you around to look at your face. "Please, Shanks..." your voice is thick in your throat, and you don't meet his eyes, your own downcast as you fidget with your bag.

He's quiet for a moment before hoisting you up and over his shoulder like it's nothing. And to him, you're sure it is. You lay there limply, knowing from experience that struggling against him will get you nowhere. "You must be awfully tired to attempt something so silly, hmm?" he chides softly, pushing open the deckhouse doorway with a swift hip-check. Your fingers find themselves entangled in the thick fabric of his cloak. "Let's go lie down together, then."

"Sorry..." You whisper.

"Oh, I know, honey. I just wish it was for the right reasons- but I'll take what I can get." You stiffen, tears beading in your eyes as he makes his way to his quarters.

Our quarters, as he frequently corrects you, but you'll never say it.

Another doorway, and you're there- the dim cabin with only a thin strip of early morning light peaking through the shuddered windows. He pads across the floor, pulling his boots off with his feet- toe pressed against heel, then pull up. He doesn't bother changing out of anything else, just dropping you onto the plush bedding without ceremony. He pats a bare strip of sheet between the pillows and blankets, and you know the gesture- you wordlessly scoot toward the headboard and curl up so he can pull up the blankets and slip underneath. You've only just stretched out again when his arm snakes over and around you, pulling you firmly against his toned chest. "Comfortable?" He asks, voice still with that little groggy burr to it. His hand finds where you've curled your arms in front of you, gently taking a wrist and sliding upward to lace his fingers between yours.

"Yeah..." you mutter, and it's true. Heat quickly seeps into the little cavern beneath the down-stuffed comforters, and you can feel the constant rhythm of his heartbeat where his chest presses against your back. The mattress itself is firm but soft, the smooth sheets and pillowcases almost magically cool despite the soothing warmth of everything else.

Shanks presses a kiss to the back of your head. "Mmm. That's good," he croons into your hair. "Must've been neglecting you, if you're trying to sneak away again, hmm?" You stiffen again. Neglecting? If anything, the man damn near smothers you. It's so hard to get a damn couple of minutes alone, outside the bathroom. "You've been so good for so long," he continues, voice dripping with condescension. "What's going on, sweetheart..?"

You shudder, the comforting warmth suddenly suffocating. His thumb rubs circles on the back of your hand. "I just..." A sniffle. A deep, trembling breath. Shanks squeezes your hand, gently- but the latent strength in his fingers alone is horribly apparent, and does little to soothe you. "... I didn't want... to just g-give up. Had to prove that I hadn't," you force out. "All this pirate talk about the strength of one's will, I just-"

"-Wanted to prove yourself," He finishes for you, voice low and... thoughtful, almost. "Not to me, but for yourself. I can hardly fault you for that." You blink. His fingers detangle themselves from yours, hand moving upwards to brush away your tears. "As much as I love you, and as much as I want you to want this, it's... admirable, from someone like you." You curl in on yourself. Someone weak, you think. Acts of aggression or defiance among pirates are rarely left unmet by violence. You knew Shanks was one to believe in the importance of sending a message- you'd seen the aftermath before. Your resistance is novel, endearing even, you think- because even if persistent it will never, ever pose a true challenge to him. It's a talent how he can praise you and gut you with his words in the same effortless breath.

"Oh," is all you say, before going quiet, and trying to find peace in the warmth again.

[anonymous-dentist]

Ocean's Haunted

Read on AO3

-

First off, the ocean's haunted.

That's very important.

Once upon a time when Cesar was still on land, his mother told him all about the spirits that lived on the water. There are the ghosts, of course, and their ships that sail under the full moon. Sea monsters that live in the deepest parts of the ocean and drag sailors to their dooms. Sirens that take on the appearance of one's deepest desires.

What Cesar's mother failed to mention were the goddamn sea zombies.

Sea zombies like the ones currently trying to eat Cesar's face: lean and filled with holes like a sponge, leaking water from every orifice, hair the color and appearance of decayed seaweed. And, of course, smelling of dead fish.

Being alone on his back in a rowboat in the middle of the ocean miles away from land and armed with only a pistol (one bullet left) and a bottle of rum (unopened), Cesar briefly thinks that this is how he's going to die: alone.

The sea zombie gurgles and spits up a mouthful of brackish brown water onto Cesar's shoes. Its teeth graze the back of his calf, tearing his pants' leg to shreds.

Cesar kicks the fucker and skitters back in his boat until his back is against the bow. His hand scrambles for his pistol, finds it.

He raises it with both hands. He doesn't have the time to aim, but at at least his hands don't shake as he fires his last and final bullet into the sea zombie's icky oozing skull.

The sea zombie collapses into a puddle of sea foam with a scream. Its teeth, somehow, are left behind. As are its remaining clothes, including a large, audaciously-colored tricorn hat.

Cesar stares at the foam.

"What the fuck?" he asks it.

The foam, predictably, doesn't answer.

Slowly, Cesar sits up. He puts his gun down in his lap and adjusts the remains of his pants. He looks longingly at the bottle of rum. He internally curses his mother for not knowing about goddamn sea zombies. He externally curses his "father" for his very existence, just because he can.

The sun starts to set over the horizon, and Cesar settles back at the boat's oars. He presses a hand gently to his stomach, and he lets out a sigh of relief when he doesn't start bleeding again.

With a sigh, he cracks his neck, and he picks up the oars in each hand, and he starts rowing again.

-

Pirates.

Ever since he was a child, Cesar has hated pirates. Not because of their whole rob-and-kill-and-steal thing, but because he's only met one pirate in his life, and his life has been ruined ever since.

It's a personal thing. Some people hate pão de queijo. Others hate the winter months. Cesar hates his no-good father, and he hates pirates.

But when a ship that looks about as textbook a pirate ship can be pulls up next to Cesar's rowboat, Cesar feels a rush of relief.

A head pops over the side of the ship, feet above Cesar's head.

"Hello!" the head calls- black hair, and a smile obvious even in the night.

Cesar raises a hand in greeting. "Hey."

"Do you need some help?"

Cesar moves to answer with a, "Nah, I'm good," but, suddenly, the head is yanked out of sight by a pale hand.

"What are you thinking?" a new voice- female?- hisses. "We don't know this guy?"

"Aw, look at him, though! He'll die without our help!" the head argues.

Cesar puts his oars down for the moment.

And then he picks up his still-unopened bottle of rum and holds it in the air like it's a trophy.

"I have rum!" he calls.

Immediately, a woman's head and shoulders appear where the last head was. She looks almost as much a corpse as the sea zombie Cesar just killed, but beggars can't be choosers.

"Why didn't you say so?" she asks, warmth dripping off her voice like slime mold. Her head turns to the side. "Joui, get the ladder."

And that's when a third voice appears and sighs, "Come on, are you just going to let any old wretch onto the ship because they have rum? They could be a siren."

"I'm not a siren," Cesar helpfully says.

A new head, the third voice's, presumably, appears next to the woman's. This man, Cesar notices, is balding.

R-I-P.

"Prove it," the balding man says.

The first head appears on the woman's other side, pouting.

"Would a siren do this?" Cesar asks. He raises his empty pistol to his temple and puts his finger on the trigger.

Alarmed, the first head reaches out as if that'll do anything.

The other two people are not amused.

Sighing, Cesar lowers his gun and flatly says, "And I can play the accordion."

The balding man grins and claps his hands together. "Joui, get the ladder!"

Head number one salutes and ducks out of sight once more. (That'll be 'Joui' then...)

The woman looks at the balding man with a frown. "So me wanting rum is suicidal, but you wanting sea shanties isn't?"

The man shrugs. "What can I say, my dear? We're pirates. We need a sea shantier."

Cesar isn't sure if that's an actual word or job description, but he doesn't quite feel like arguing with the pirates currently saving his life.

One rope ladder climb later, Cesar finds himself tied to the ship's mast with his rum being drank straight from the bottle by the woman.

All three of the pirates are gathered around him, each one with weapons very clearly visible on their persons.

Cesar squirms slightly. "You couldn't have at least let me sit down before tying me up?"

"Nah," says the woman, bottle to her lips.

Well.

Pirates.

Cesar looks around. It's an empty ship, no crew members in sight besides the three in front of him. The sails are down, and the anchor's chain is leading off the side of the ship. The deck is a mess, and the rigging is knotted just so incorrectly that it's making Cesar's teeth hurt.

The balding man steps forward, his hand resting on the end of his sword on his belt.

"What crew do you work for, then?" he asks, fake smile and even faker gold teeth.

"None," Cesar truthfully replies. "I'm out here on my own?"

Presumably-Joui furrows his brow in confusion. "In a rowboat?"

Cesar shrugs. "It was all I could afford."

That, though, is a lie. His mother left him one hell of a fortune when she passed, and all that money is currently siting in a bank back home waiting for his return. (He'll never actually return, but the money doesn't need to know that.)

But, well, it's a bunch of pirates. They don't need to know the truth.

(Mostly because the truth, of course, is too strange for anyone, even a pirate, to believe.)

Silence. Physical silence so heavy that it weighs Cesar's shoulders down. It sits in the pit of his stomach and tugs on his tongue, begging him to talk.

The woman leans over to whisper to the balding man. His face crinkles, and he whispers back with his hand cupped over her ear.

Cesar chooses to lock eyes with Maybe-Joui.

He looks... nice? He smiles when Cesar makes eye contact, though he stays a fair distance away from the mast, a full step or so behind the other two pirates.

A literal second of eye contact is all Cesar can take, though; he shivers and swallows the lump in his throat and looks up at the sky, instead.

Stars.

And the moon.

Bald and Woman's whispering gets louder as they start to argue.

"We are not telling him!" Bald hisses. "Are you crazy?"

Woman rolls her eyes. "What else are we supposed to do? He is literally ten feet below us right now!"

"Yeah, and he probably heard us bringing him up," Maybe-Joui adds.

Both Bald and Woman snap their heads towards Maybe-Joui with narrowed eyes.

"This is a private conversation!" Woman huffs.

"Cover your ears," Bald tells him.

Maybe-Joui's face falls, but he nods and puts his hands over his ears, though not without mumbling, "Maybe don't speak so loudly next time..."

He even closes his eyes for good measure. How polite.

But Cesar, facing him, can see that the way his hands are placed leaves plenty of room for sound to sneak in.

Cesar bites back a smile; he can always appreciate a good fofoqueiro.

"What about me?" he asks. "Do I need to cover my ears, too?"

Woman and Bald both ignore him. Assholes.

Sighing, Cesar tips his head back until it's resting against the mast.

At least they aren't sea zombies, he tells himself.

"We could use the extra help..." Bald muses.

Suddenly, there's the sound of a hand striking cloth, and an offended, "Hey!"

"Are you crazy?!" Woman argues. "He might be an occultist!"

"Look at him, he's, like, twelve. How many occultists do we know that are children?"

Okay, what?

"I'm 29," Cesar sighs.

He tilts his head down to give the pirates a tired look.

They both look at him with varying levels of confusion on their faces.

"Maybe he is an occultist," Bald admits.

"Maybe we should get Cris," Woman adds.

A shudder goes down Cesar's spine at that.

A cloud passes over the moon.

Foreboding.

Maybe-Joui's eyes snap open, and he drops his hands back to his sides.

"Oh, are we getting Cris?" he asks. "I can get him."

Cesar barely manages to hold back a wince.

A cold wind blows across the ship's deck.

Foreboding.

Cesar flexes his arms against the ropes tying to him to the mast. He isn't that strong, but maybe...

Oh, who is he kidding? There's no way that he's on this ship. What would be the odds of that?

The ship creaks.

And then Cesar hears them: footsteps. From below, wooden planks groaning in protest of the weight on them; a door opening.

Panic rises in Cesar's throat. It's bitter and horrible and familiar in the same way as an old blanket and, suddenly, he has a bad feeling.

"Throw me overboard," he hoarsely says, looking right at Maybe-Joui because he, at least, seems normal.

Maybe-Joui's eyes widen. "What? No!"

Woman claps her hands together. "Well, you heard him, boys. Let's throw him overboard."

Cesar strains against the ropes. His ears ring. The moon is looking at him, judging. The pirates are looking at him, judging. His chest hurts. His arms hurt. Is he bleeding again? His shirt feels wet. Damnit.

Bald holds up a hand. "Now, hold on, look at him. Something's wrong."

Of course something is wrong, something is always wrong!

Woman puts the bottle of rum down on the deck. She crosses her arms, a frown appearing on her face.

"Hmph," she brilliantly says.

Maybe-Joui perks up slightly. "Guys, I hear someone moving downstairs."

Woman and Bald tense. They look at each other, having a silent conversation that Cesar, frankly, could care less about.

"Cris," they say in unison.

Bald turns to look at Cesar, and something weird lights up in his eyes.

He smiles, slightly, and he takes a full step back away from the mast, stretching his arms above his head.

"Liz, darling, take a good look at our guest," he calmly says.

Foreboding.

Cesar flinches as a door slams open on the other side of the deck.

Woman's eyes widen. "Oh. I see."

"I don't," Maybe-Joui says.

"What are we seeing?" a fourth voice- utterly grating and horrible and terrible and shitty and bad and disgusting- calls, a yawn and a smile in his voice.

Panic falls way to anger, which falls to hatred, which falls to nothing.

Cesar goes limp, falling back against the mast and looking down at the deck. He's. Tired.

"Who's this?" he hears.

"We have a guest," Bald hums. "Joui fished him out of the ocean. He hasn't given us a name yet, but... maybe you can help with that?"

The deck creaks with every heavy footstep.

Once, Cesar's mother told him about his "father": a tall, handsome man with a big hat and wide shoulders. He was a sailor, she said, and he always came home from his voyages with gold and silver and the finest jewelry Cesar's mother had ever seen.

A few weeks after Cesar was born, Cesar's father left for another trip. He left a letter behind. He left his wife behind.

He left his son behind.

"He can play the accordion," Maybe-Joui helpfully says. "I think we should keep him."

"I'm not an animal," Cesar grumbles.

He looks firmly at his boots even as the hulking figure of the fourth pirate comes to stand in front of him.

"Well?" Woman asks.

"Why is he tied up?" the pirate asks, sounding almost upset. "Hold on..."

Hands start tugging at the ropes.

And then they suddenly stop.

"Wait a minute..." the pirate murmurs.

"Oh, this will be good," Woman quietly says to her friends.

"Look at me," the pirate gently orders, voice cracking as his two hands settle on either side of Cesar's face.

Cesar sneers and tries to shrug off the pirate's touch. "Go fuck yourself, old man."

The pirate gasps, "It is him!"

And then Cesar is being pinned to the mast as the pirate hugs him, wrapping his beefy arms around both Cesar and the mast and Cesar can't breathe for so many reasons-

"Cesar!" the pirate weeps, tears in his voice and running down his face and dampening Cesar's hair. "My boy!"

Cesar tries to become one with the mast. Why didn't they throw him overboard?

"Cristopher," he stiffly replies. "I can't breathe."

The pirate backs up immediately, though his hands remain on Cesar's shoulders.

For the first time in years, Cesar looks his father in the face, and he feels nothing.

The pirate is crying. Cristopher is crying, the overemotional old man. He's gained a massive scar on his face since Cesar last saw him, and his hair has gone fully white. He's in his pajamas already even though it's barely past sunset.

"Girl!" he shouts over his shoulder. "Untie my son!"

Maybe-Joui winces. "Um, Mr. Cris, I'm not sure-"

"Gladly," Woman smirks.

She approaches, winks as she passes Cesar and steps behind the mast.

Cesar desperately tries to avoid Cristopher's gaze as he's being untied.

Maybe the sea zombies aren't too bad...

The ropes drop.

Cesar immediately makes a break for it, shoving past Cristopher and the balding man and running for the edge of the ship.

"Son!" Cristopher cries.

Cesar manages to get one leg over the ship's railing before two strong arms are wrapped around his chest and pulling him away from the edge.

"Don't be stupid," Maybe-Joui snaps, stumbling backwards with Cesar and expertly dodging the fists being thrown his way.

"Who's stupid!?" Cesar exclaims. He throws an arm out and points at a pained-looking Cristopher. "That guy's insane! I'd rather take my chances with the sea zombies!"

"'Insane'?" Cristopher repeats, face falling. "Cesar..."

Cesar glowers. "Don't."

He does stop fighting, though... mostly because he can see Bald and Woman snickering together near the mast.

Maybe-Joui drags him just a little bit further before dumping him on the deck. He crouches next to Cesar, head cocked slightly, a weird expression on his face. It's halfway a smile, halfway a frown, halfway a confused hmmmm? of a look.

And then he holds up a hand, one that was pressed against Cesar's stomach during the brief struggle. Even in the moonlight, it's clear to see how it's painted red.

He looks up and towards Woman.

"Liz-senpai?" he calls. "Is your office cleaned up yet?"

Cesar looks down at his stomach and groans, flopping fully onto the deck in defeat.

"What?" Woman asks. "Why... oh. Huh. Shit, okay. Help our new friend down, would you?"

Cesar doesn't so much as spare a glance in Cristopher's direction as Maybe-Joui and Bald each take a side and help him to his feet.

"What happened?" Cristopher demands. "Cesar, what happened?"

What else could it have been? Out of every monster Cesar's mother told him about, one came up time and time again in her stories as the worst of them all:

Pirates.

--

A/N: Hi! If you liked this, please let me know! I'm super nervous about writing for a different fandom, so any comments or reblogs or anything would be SUPER appreciated!

[creatingblackcharacters]

hi there; first, thank you for making this blog and all the lessons you do, i really appreciate them as a Black person because it highlights a lot of struggles i face with fandoms in general, and why i dont interact more in certain spaces. it makes me feel seen

with regards to your questions, i'd also like answers to them from nonblack fans, especially nonblack anime fans. i don't even mean consuming anime with overtly racist caricatures of black characters (because numerous anime fans pirate their anime and never send a cent to the creators anyway), i mean how can they make fanworks of it?

how can they look at something that they are told is wildly offensive, but then defend with "well, this is how it looks in canon"? where is the line drawn between what's okay and what isn't? as long as it's slow and gradual, is there no line at all?

these are probably just rehashings of your own followup questions, so please excuse that, but i do have an anecdote

i joined a casual anime server the other day and a lot of folks were lamenting one Black character's racist design and how often those on social media will replicate it without thinking/caring. The thing that struck me is that, I've checked this character's tumblr tag regularly for a long time. There are always people who will post art/fanworks of this character with his racist design. Yet hardly ever, if ever, (outside of Black fans) have I seen any of these folks- the ones in the discord server- try to talk to artists/writers/fan creators/etc via asks/replies/etc. There's a notable amount of people in that server and a notable amount that agreed the design was outright racist and that they'll never make fanworks like that, and yet still silence

i'm not entirely sure what would be the line, or the "okay, that's enough" moment to spur any of these folks into action. i'm not sure if there is one. the only reason i don't make my own "hey what is wrong with all of you" post and blow up is because I've made a wonderful little friend group in this fandom who get it, and I don't want them to get caught up in whatever happens if I were to make a post like that

And this is just for getting people to stop using the canon design of the character, i.e., to stop drawing him as a racist caricature. This isn't touching on the people who 1) lighten his skintone [he's been horribly whitewashed over time, which has been reflected in some fanarts and fan merch], or 2) give him a looser hair/straight hair texture, rather than his type 4 hair (there's also #3, which is fanfiction with straight up slurs, and horribly racist writing in it that my friend heavily warned me not to read, but that was more of a one-off case and I've had the creator blocked a long time now).

my point being, we (Black fans) can't even get folks to stop with the caricatures, which we have to start with, and then there's even more of an annoying uphill battle with the other stuff. I'm just so tired of all of this; it makes me want delete my own works and turn away from fandom all together because i can't stand it.

trying for polite and assuming ignorance hardly ever works, speaking bluntly doesnt work at all, making public posts hardly goes anywhere (partly because of how rarely people reblog things anymore, partly because it makes people 'uncomfortable' to share this information with others). Black fans so obviously need help to combat this, and yet it's like sitting at a tea party and hearing all these pretty words in this one setting, yet nobody does anything different/better when the party's over/outside this setting.

sorry for dooming a bit, but like, genuinely i would like to know where the line is for nonblack folks? what is the point/are the points where you would speak up against antiblack racism? have you ever considered speaking up? if there's ever a moment you recognized antiblack racism and didn't say anything, why didn't you? did you consider how your lack of speaking up might affect your fellow Black fans? or how Black fans may be interpret this as silent agreement with the racists/with the racist 'norm'?

..those could maybe be alternative ways of asking your last followup question?

(if i've made any blunders or overstepped here, please let me know!)

No, I'm glad you spoke up! I too would like to see answers!

[moonmaiden1996]

Bound By Fate- Chapter Six

The days at sea blurred together, painted in shades of salt and sun. You worked where you could, earning wary nods from the crew as you helped with repairs, cleaned the deck, or sorted supplies in the hold. But the camaraderie shared among the Red-Haired Pirates never quite extended to you. Not fully. You were an outsider, tethered to this ship by Shanks’s unrelenting will.

A captive.

It wasn’t a title Shanks had used outright, but it lingered unspoken in the way the crew avoided asking about your past or your plans. In the way Beckman’s sharp eyes tracked your movements, even when you thought you were alone. Most of all, it was in the way Shanks himself treated you—an uneasy mix of affection, possession, and guilt that left you constantly second-guessing where you stood.

That evening, as the ship rocked gently on the waves, you found a quiet corner near the galley to sit and think. The crew was gathered on deck, their raucous laughter and music echoing through the ship as they celebrated some long-forgotten triumph. You didn’t join them. You rarely did.

Instead, you watched from the shadows as Shanks held court in the middle of the crowd. His grin was wide, his laughter booming as he challenged one of the younger crew members to a drinking contest. He still radiated charisma, drawing everyone into his orbit like a blazing sun. But even from a distance, you could see the strain in his movements, the way he leaned a little too heavily on his sword for balance.

It was Beckman who caught your eye. The first mate stood off to the side, his expression calm but watchful as he puffed on a cigarette. He wasn’t drinking or laughing like the others. His focus was entirely on Shanks.

“Everything he does,” you muttered under your breath, “it’s all an act.”

You didn’t mean for anyone to hear you, but a passing crew member glanced your way, his brow furrowing slightly. You offered a tight smile and looked away, suddenly self-conscious.

xxx

Later that night, as the celebration wound down and the crew trickled below deck, you decided to stretch your legs. The air was cool, the stars brilliant against the inky sky. You wandered toward the stern, drawn by the faint murmur of voices.

“…can’t keep this up, Captain,” Beckman’s voice drifted to you, low and serious.

You froze, your pulse quickening as you realised they were nearby. Creeping closer, you pressed yourself against the wall of the ship, hidden in the shadows.

“I’m fine, Beck,” Shanks replied, his tone slurred but defiant. The sound of a bottle clinking against wood followed his words. “Just a little under the weather.”

“A little under the weather?” Beckman repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. “You’ve been sweating through your shirt for three days, barely eating, and pushing yourself harder than ever. This isn’t just the pollen anymore, Shanks.”

There was a long pause before Shanks spoke again, quieter this time. “It doesn’t matter. Not with her here.”

Your heart skipped a beat. You instinctively pressed closer, straining to hear more.

Beckman exhaled slowly, the sound of his cigarette crackling faintly in the silence. “You’re making this harder on yourself, you know. She’s not the problem.”

“She’s everything,” Shanks said sharply, his voice breaking slightly. “Do you think I don’t see the way she looks at me? Like I’m some kind of monster?”

“Then let her go,” Beckman said evenly. “She’s not a prisoner. Not really.”

Another heavy silence followed. You barely dared to breathe.

“You don’t understand,” Shanks finally said, his voice filled with something raw and unguarded. “It’s not that simple. She’s—she’s more than that, Beck. I can’t just let her go. You know I can’t…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but the weight of his words hung heavily in the air.

“And the old order?” Beckman asked carefully, his voice quieter now.

Shanks groaned, the sound low and guttural. “I don’t even know what the hell I’m doing anymore, Beck. But I can’t—” His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat roughly. “I can’t lose her… the old order remains, it never changes… I expect you and the men to follow it.”

You pressed a hand to your chest, your heartbeat thundering in your ears. Whatever unspoken command this “old order” entailed, it clearly loomed over both men like a spectre. And it terrified you.

“As you order, Captain… we’re two days from Westrow…”

You stayed perfectly still until the last of their footsteps faded into silence. Only then did you dare to move, stepping away from the shadows with shaky breaths. The chill in the night air seemed sharper now, biting through your skin as if to echo the dread curling in your stomach.

“She’s everything.”

Shanks’s words clung to you like salt on the breeze, impossible to wash away. The weight of his raw, unguarded voice—tinged with fear, anger, and something you couldn’t name—wrapped around you tightly. The old order, the way he couldn’t let you go, the way his men seemed bound to his will even as they doubted it… all of it painted a picture you didn’t want to see.

The ship shifted beneath your feet, rocking gently with the rhythm of the sea, but your mind was far from calm. Westrow, whatever it was, loomed two days away. Shanks’s words swirled in your mind, but it was Beckman’s even tone that lingered most: “She’s not a prisoner. Not really.”

But wasn’t that exactly what you were? Bound to this ship, to this crew, to a man who couldn’t—or wouldn’t—let you go. His guilt and affection tangled with something far darker, far heavier. And you were at the heart of it, spinning helplessly towards his storm.

The realisation hit you like a rogue wave: whatever awaited in Westrow, there would be no turning back. The threads tying you to Shanks were too tight, too tangled. They couldn’t be undone without ripping something apart.

The wind tugged at your hair, carrying with it the faint echoes of laughter from below deck. You closed your eyes, drawing in a breath that burned your chest.

The storm wasn’t coming—it was already here. And you were caught in its grip. For now, all you could do was hold on and hope the ship—and your fragile place on it—would survive.

@commanderfreethatdust @hauntedluna

Like. Comment. Request.

[va1kyr14]

Right, I have time to sit down and really digest what happened yesterday so here goes. This is mainly going to be about Caitvi but will contain others.

Be warned if you haven't watched it!

So firstly what a fucking ride.

The animation, the story and what they have done is absolutely incredible and have set the bench mark for future studios because my tiny brain is blown.

But diving into the things that I thought could have been better, like a lot of people have said, the pacing seemed off when they nailed it in S1. And yes I did wait until everything was released to share my thoughts. We probably got even more Caitvi content than S1, but with everything going on everywhere and it being a faster paced in regards to action, It did seem like the relationship from S1 to the end was just a bit off. Not saying it wasn't incredible, it was, but I think there were things that didn't add to the story much which could have been replaced with other character progression.

Having said that, I watched all of S1 all in one go when it came out, and I think that if we did the same with S2 and one straight after the other, I don't think we would be necessarily seeing it as much. Just my thoughts.

We didn't get an Caitlyn apology only an acknowledgement apart from when she was speaking to Jinx and an angry Vi separately. We could argue that the way she spoke to Vi before the spice was her was of apologising but I don't know I really would have liked a better explanation.

I did love the two sides of one coin but not the fact that you can't have a universe where both sisters live. That broke my heart but understand it. I also do think Jinx survived, and got out the vents and went off in the blimp at the end. I think Cait knew too, being her smart self but knew that Vi would go after her if she knew. That was a sweet scene at the end - even though not a fan of pirate Cait as I said in a previous post. I hope if they do something in the future she has like a fake eye or something I would prefer that over a patch.

Now moving onto the SEX SCENE....

Holy fucking shit. I don't know what I expected but it wasn't that. The animation, the fucking intimacy the likes I have never seen, it was perfect. I do think the setting was a bit weird but when you have all the pent up frustrations and lets be honest they are dramatic lesbians, Its going to happen. I would have liked to have seen it maybe in Cait's bed if anywhere but the urgency mixed with gentleness and all the little micro actions.

The PULL IN AFTER THE UNDOING OF THE BUCKLE.

I can't. Like I am speechless.

It was everything I hoped from a first time, from the giggles to everything else and just every tiny action jesus these animators are something else. I am not ashamed for Netflix to watch the algorithm and see I have watched that same 2 minutes for about 9 hours straight.

It has broken boundaries, not just for queer representation, the fact that neither of them died and got a happy ending in something like Arcane is remarkable, but in regards to animation of a sex scene a lesbian one at that, I think the benchmark has now been set and it will be known as this generations' Korrasami. This is will go down in history and I am not even being dramatic.

Anyway that was more of a ramble than an in depth post, and I have no idea what to do with myself now. We have AO3 and fanart and I guess we will have a bit more content until the end of the month with promotion but I guess when you have a hyperfixation you aren't ready to say goodbye. So I raised a glass to all the content creators who are now going to carry on the mantle. I will be reading and liking everything I can, I salute you.

To summarise, the series could have been better IMO but thats what happens when expectations are so high, there was none of that in series 1 and it was perfect in my eyes. You can't please everyone, but I think Arcane as an overall package is wonderful and Caitvi will live on in my heart and others which have created a benchmark for queer content and I am so proud of everyone involved.

And to all the fellow queers out there...

We did it, we won.

[fanaticsnail]

Be careful with commission work it’s a quick way to ruin fandom spaces and make money off of ip that isn’t yours

Maybe write something you can sell legally and ethically like a novel that’s built on your own ideas and not a fan work or at least hide it better like 50 shades and After

Hi Anon! Thank you for your concern.

Regarding my commissions - they were and are specifically for that person only, and they are closed currently. I write original character content for pirates and monsters in a land of fantasy - delivered specifically for that person in their own spaces - not for the public.

Here on Tumblr and AO3, I write fics, mini fics, drabbles, and headcanons for free and on my own time. I love doing it, and the love I feel for the fandom is tangible and thick.

The only reason I opened my coms to begin with is I had a personal expense I couldn't have met with my current non-existent income. My prescription lenses broke, and we're irreplaceable and unrepairable according to the optometrist. I didn't want to be like "Hey, so, this happened and I'm struggling". I'd prefer to earn it instead of asking for funds and aid from the community here. I don't like feeling helpless, and this was a way I felt I could earn my new glasses.

Truth be told, I prefer trades. I love my OC and her ships, and I love seeing interpretations of her on others' dashes. Makes me all happy seeing Tobiuo interact with other people. And honestly: I just love writing. Creating specifically curated content for people with their OCs interacting makes me feel all gushy and happy - especially for an exclusive way to interact with their OCs and their Canon ships.

I've also found in this experience alone, there are so much more hate for fandom creators in their writing than artists with their pieces. I'm not giving you hate in any way, anon. I absolutely feel for your concern. My experience with content creators with OCs and shipping, or 'paid work' has been exclusively negative. Aside from those wanting to compensate me for the time I spend with their original characters and their Canon ships: my asks, DMS, and comments have all pointed me in one direction: "How dare you try to make money off fics. Your words are for you and us here, fuck you." "Your words ain't worth shit." and "You're a horrible person. Kill yourself." (The amount of death threats has been mad lately, and it's been hard to deal with).

This is the quickest way of destroying an author creating for free. All I wanted to do was write some pieces for people exclusively, and it's been a complete contrast as to how it goes for artists drawing your original characters. Could you imagine if this kind of attention was given to those completing digital art as opposed to writing? Gosh. The fandom would suffer in one way or another.

Honestly, anon. I'm having a hard time these days. All I want is to write and build off the world I love so much for something I do in my own time. It's been a hard, learning journey. Truthfully, I don't think I'll be opening my comms again. I have not enjoyed this experience, and it's making my love for the fandom slowly dwindle to a halt.

Again, thank you for your ask. I enjoy the time and concern you've spent with me here. It's made me take a time out and think about what I want to do in terms of writing, and it's been a big learning experience for me.

Also: If I was to write a novel, it would likely be something in a land of monsters - likely my original character and her culture interacting with humans and cross-cultural relationships. That would be fun to explore one day. For now, I'm just a snail trying my best to navigate parenthood and experiencing an outlet for the love I have for One Piece.

Love you, and I hope you're having a beautiful day 🖤🐌

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirates Promise

Chapter 51: Aftermath 

A/N: And we are back at it again, with a new chapter! This chapter is crazy also! We have a Sanji POV… Y/N POV… Nami POV… Brook POV… Ichiji POV… Its a whole lot of POVs here, and we even some mild spice. But yall we still haven't gotten to the good parts yet and we still have some more hardships for y/n and Sanji. We also got a little seducing in here, as well.  Thank you guys for following, liking, reblogging, and commenting! Without further ado let the adventure begin!

Sanji x Reader, One Piece X Reader, Sanji X Y/N

Nami POV…

"Jinbei! Do you think you can break us free?" I yelled, hope swelling in my chest.

Jinbei tried to break the bars with his powerful technique, but it didn’t work. My heart sank. "It failed..." I muttered.

"Should’ve known, that was Montd’Or’s work," Jinbei said, analyzing the situation. Before I could lose hope, Luffy jumped right back in. "Okay! Back to Plan A!" he declared, ready to break his arms again.

"Luffy! No!" I cried out, panic rising in my voice. "Hold on, wait!" Jinbei interrupted. He held up a torch, his eyes glinting with a new plan. "These books are susceptible to fire!"

"Wait, you’re going to torch the cage... with us inside?" I yelled in disbelief.

"Just get out of the enclosure once you’re free!" Jinbei said with confidence, but I wasn’t so sure.

"But what if we can’t?!" I protested, frantically thinking of what could go wrong.

Jinbei remained calm. "It’s your only option for escape, time is running out, and the other choices aren’t that great," he said, making the situation clear.

Luffy, of course, was already all in. "Alright, go!" he shouted, a grin plastered across his face.

"That quick?! Wait! I’m not ready!" I shrieked as Jinbei set the book on fire. The flames caught instantly, and I could feel the heat rising. "No! My dress is on fire!" I screamed, watching in horror as the flames crept closer.

Luffy grabbed me quickly, pulling me out of the cage as Jinbei doused us with water. I stood there, drenched but free, trying to catch my breath. "Haha! We’re free now!" Luffy cheered triumphantly.

"Damn it..." I muttered, trying to cover myself as best as I could, my burned dress clinging to me. "Why do I feel like I’ve been through something like this before?" I grumbled, frustrated but relieved.

As I glanced around, I noticed Y/N’s satchel—still intact despite the fire. The faint violet glow and hue from before were beginning to fade. "At least these are safe," I thought with relief, clutching the bag close to me.

"You survived! Well done," Jinbei said with a proud smile as Luffy laughed heartily.

I quickly changed into another outfit, one that one of the other prisoners had handed me. "Thanks a bunch, Jinbei," I said, grateful as I adjusted the new clothes.

Suddenly, I heard a shout in the distance. "The screams came from the prison library!" yelled a soldier, alerting the others.

"We better move fast," I muttered, feeling the tension rise again.

“Damn it, I'm so weak, too hungry,” Luffy grumbled, his stomach growling in protest. Despite his exhaustion, his resolve remained as strong as ever. He turned to Jinbei, giving him a grateful look. "Anyway, Jinbei, thank you!" Luffy added, the urgency in his voice clear.

“Things are pretty bad as is, we were all tricked—Sanji included. I have to warn him!” Luffy said, his steps quickening as he headed up the stairs.

“Jinbei, take care of Nami for me.” His voice echoed down the hallway.

He turned back for a brief moment and looked at me with determination. “Nami, find Y/N and warn her!” he called, the weight of the task heavy on his shoulders.

I nodded, my heart racing as I clenched Y/N’s satchel closer to me. "I will, Luffy. You be careful, okay?" I shouted back, hoping he'd hear me as he disappeared up the stairs.

I looked at Jinbei, who nodded firmly. Time was running out. We had to find Y/N before things got any worse.

Sanji POV… 

I sat next to Reiju, my mind racing as I finished recounting everything I had witnessed—from start to finish. Pudding’s deception, her cruel mockery, and how Y/N had barged in, risking everything to try and save Reiju. I even told her about Y/N’s speech, the one she gave before Pudding erased her memory.

“Think I’m lying?” I asked, my voice low but steady.

Reiju shook her head, a soft look in her eyes. “I don’t. I know you would never mislead me.” She sighed. “I was wary of Pudding, but I didn’t imagine her to be this devious.” Her gaze shifted to Y/N, still resting peacefully. “I knew there was a reason why I was quite fond of her,” Reiju said softly. “And the fact that she risked her life for me...”

“She had her suspicions of Pudding, too,” I added, remembering Y/N’s sharp instincts. “She called it a woman’s intuition.”

Reiju chuckled softly at that, but I couldn’t bring myself to smile. I looked at Y/N, her bandaged form resting so still, and my heart ached with regret. I wanted to reach out, to take her hand and feel that warmth again, but I stopped myself. I didn’t deserve to touch her—not yet.

“Will you tell her what happened? Since she’ll only remember you and Pudding being... intimate?” Reiju asked gently.

I shook my head, barely able to whisper, “No...” The words felt heavy in my throat. “I’ll tell her my feelings once more, when I’m ready again. I don’t want to make her think I’m lying just to save face. Hell Pudding erased so much of her memory that it, might overwhelm her”

I glanced at Y/N again, a soft sadness filling my chest. “Knowing her, she’ll be mad... but with her heart as big as it is, she’ll forgive me in due time.” I let out a shaky breath. “I want to do right by her, Reiju. So this is my cross to bear.”

Reiju nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. I let out a deep sigh, unable to shake the weight of everything pressing down on me. "I really screwed up," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... if I accepted the marriage, I would save my crewmates." I stared down at my hands, the guilt eating at me. "And all I needed to do was stop Y/N’s wedding to Ichiji. But that was never in the cards—it was all a ploy. Of course, I thought it would all work out if I took one for the team." I gripped my hair, frustration boiling inside me.

"They fooled our father too," Reiju said, her voice calm but laced with bitterness. "He’s a wise man, but filled with arrogance. He’s dealing with an emperor. We should have been more cautious, but... I believe that Germa should be destroyed."

I blinked at her, shocked at her resolve. "I’d like to pretend I’m ignorant and let Big Mom carry out her plan," she continued.

"Don’t be stupid, Reiju! They’ll kill you too!" I yelled, a bit too loud, causing Y/N to slightly stir in her sleep. I lowered my voice but kept the urgency. "Not only that, but they’ll still kill Y/N." My mind flashed back to all the dangers we’d faced, and the thought of Y/N being caught in that crossfire—it was unbearable.

"Leave the past where it lies," Reiju said softly. "We are beyond that. You don’t owe me a single thing. I only helped you once before."

"Y/N doesn’t owe me a single thing either," she added, her gaze turning to Y/N, who remained peaceful despite everything. "Go, find the Strawhats. Take Y/N and leave this island, Sanji."

"Like how?! I can’t do that!" I snapped, the frustration overwhelming me again. "What do you think will happen to the Baratie? Hell, what do you think will happen to King and all those people on that island that Y/N loves and cares for?! we can’t just leave them all behind!"

"Just run. Figure it out and escape. Stay here, and all of you will die," Reiju said firmly. "Sanji, you have to live—for our mother’s sake."

"Why bring her up...?" I muttered, the pain of that memory still raw.

Reiju took a deep breath and began to explain. "Our mother did everything she could to protect you quadruplets from losing your humanity. Father forced the surgery on her, but our mother... she took a toxin in an attempt to foil his plan." Reiju’s voice softened with each word, the weight of the memory evident in her tone. "It was a powerful drug, strong enough to manipulate the elements."

I could feel my heart clench. I knew our mother suffered, but I never knew the full extent.

"But for Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji, they were already showing signs of the genetic mutation," Reiju continued. "You, though... you had compassion. While mother began to show weakness, you—"

"She died because of me!" I interrupted, my voice breaking under the weight of that realization. "I caused her death!"

"Nonsense! Don’t think that way!" Reiju snapped, surprising me with the intensity of her words. "You brought our mother genuine happiness every single day. Even though she passed, her kindness still lives on in you, Sanji. She selfishly died to protect and save your humanity. You are the future she wanted to see."

Her words hit me hard, but they also brought a sense of peace—a peace I hadn’t felt in years. I sat there, trying to absorb everything she’d just told me. Our mother, the sacrifice she made, the humanity she fought to preserve in me—it wasn’t all for nothing. I had to live up to that. For her, for Reiju... for Y/N.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the heavy silence, groggy but unmistakable. Y/N turned to her left, blinking softly trying to adjust her vision.

"Hey, Reiju..." Y/N's soft voice cut through, and both of us turned our attention toward her. She was still waking up, her eyes half-lidded as she pushed herself up, a tired but amused smile tugging at her lips. "You should’ve seen the look on Ichiji’s face when after breakfast he asked me to have dinner with him… and it didn't go as smoothly as he planned. Her smile widened, clearly recalling the moment. Even though she was still recovering, Y/N had a knack for finding light in the darkest situations.

Y/N’s smile widened, but her eyes held a mix of hurt and confusion that made my chest tighten. Reiju gave me a subtle look—one telling me it was time to go, that she would fill Y/N in on some of the details. I trusted her, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that followed me as Y/N turned her attention to me.

"Sanji... come here," Y/N said softly, though her voice carried an edge I couldn’t ignore.

I hesitated for a second, but then I made my way over to her slowly, unsure of what to expect. Before I could react, she grabbed my hand with a surprising grip—and with her right hand, she punched me square on the head.

"Owww! What was that for?!" I yelled, clutching my throbbing skull.

"For what you did with Pudding!" she snapped back, her tone fiery. But just as quickly, she winced, holding her own head. "Damn it, why does it feel like I’ve been hit with a battering ram again..." she muttered, the irritation clear in her voice.

I stumbled back slightly, rubbing my head, but before I could think of getting up, Y/N pulled me into an embrace that took my breath away. Her arms wrapped around me tightly, a silent message saying, I’m glad you’re here. The warmth between us melted the tension, if only for a moment.

“You know, Sanji…” she began, her voice soft but laced with an undercurrent of pain. “I’m still hurt, and it’s going to take time for me to process everything… especially after seeing you with her, doing something so intimate.”

Her words pierced me like a dagger, and I braced myself for the worst. “You must hate me for what I did…” I whispered, struggling to meet her gaze.

Y/N held my gaze steadily, and her next words took me by surprise. “Hate is a strong word, Sanji… I should, but I don’t.” Her honesty hit me hard. In that moment, I saw the depth of pain I had caused her. Her eyes, which once sparkled with affection, now bore a weight of sorrow. The spark was flickering, but the pain remained.

“It’ll take time for me to trust you again, let alone stop being mad at you,” she said, her voice firm yet gentle. But then, to my astonishment, she pulled my head into her chest, and my hands instinctively found their way around her waist, unsure of how to respond. She kissed the top of my head, a soothing gesture that sent shivers down my spine.

“But… despite all that… I still care a lot about you. You mean a lot to me… Ji.” The nickname she had given me a while back sent my heart racing. My breath hitched as warmth flooded my chest.

“Does this mean you’ll never let me go?” I swooned, gazing up at her with wide eyes. “Ohhh, princess, I do!” I declared dramatically, imagining this moment as a proposal.

Suddenly, I felt the ground shift beneath me, my heart pounding so loud it echoed in my ears. I dropped to my knees, clutching my chest in an exaggerated show of affection. “Ohh dear ocean! What have I done to deserve this angel’s kindness?” I yelled, letting the theatrics take over.

“Now, Sanji…” Y/N started, but I cut her off, unable to contain my feelings any longer.

“I am utterly unworthy of your grace!” I continued, my voice rising to a near crescendo. “How could I ever repay you for this moment?”

The sincerity in her gaze made my heart swell, even as I realized the truth behind her words. I was still in the deep waters of her hurt, but there was a flicker of hope in her eyes that told me all was not lost.

Y/N shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. "Listen, I’m going to keep resting. You keep doing what you’re doing." With that, she pulled the covers over her head, hiding her face and stifling a laugh.

"Sanji, go..." Reiju urged, gently nudging me to pick up the basket filled with food and wine and walk out of the ward.

I turned to the left and settled into a chair just outside, feeling the weight of everything that had transpired pressing on my shoulders.

Y/N POV…

As I continued to hide under the covers, pretending to sleep, I heard a faint click at the door. My heart raced with curiosity, and I peeked out to find Reiju smiling at me. “Now, mind telling me how you and I got here?” I asked, a laugh escaping my lips despite the pain radiating through my body.

“All I remember is that I electrocuted some soldiers, and one of them shot me on the side and hit my head,” I continued, trying to piece together the fragmented memories.

“Y/N, the truth is, you were right about Pudding,” Reiju said, and my heart sank.

“I knew it!” I winced as I spoke, still feeling the dull throb in my head.

“I was weary of Pudding, so I followed her. That was when she shot me. I thought I was done for until you came breaking through her door,” Reiju explained.

“Ha!” I exclaimed, clenching my fists as both fire and electricity surged through my body, invigorating me. “These are pretty handy,” I said, feeling the rush of power before unclenching my fists.

“Not only that, but Pudding also altered your memory,” Reiju continued. My heart dropped as I processed this information. So that’s why everything is fuzzy and hazy.

“She also plans to kill you and Sanji, along with your crew and the Vinsmokes, me included,” Reiju added, her expression serious.

I looked at her, my anger bubbling to the surface. “Over my dead body am I going to allow that bitch to cause any harm. Hell, she’s going to have to fight me for round two!” I declared, the determination in my voice overshadowing the ache in my head.

“Damn it!” I muttered, wincing at the throbbing headache.

“Why did you save me?” Reiju asked, her eyes searching mine.

I turned to her and smiled. “You showed kindness to me, along with covering for me in order to memorize the library to find my captain and Nami. On top of that, I was able to get back my blade. It’s the least I could do.”

“I knew there was a reason why I was fond of you,” she said, laughing, which made me chuckle in return.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out. “Sanji!”

“That’s Luffy!” I said, a wave of relief washing over me. As I tried to get up, I winced again, looking at my injured side. “Damn, that bitch shot me good,” I muttered under my breath.

Reiju stood, and just as Luffy got closer, she pulled him into the room and locked the door behind him. Luffy turned to look at her, confusion in his eyes. “It’s you!” he exclaimed.

"Luffy…" I said, my voice shaky as my heart swelled with happiness. His familiar, carefree grin lit up the moment he saw me, and before I could even process it, he pulled me into a tight hug. The warmth of his embrace was comforting, grounding me in the chaos around us, but I couldn't help but wince as the pressure on my injured side sent a sharp jolt of pain through me.

“Y/N! I’m so glad to see you!” Luffy’s voice was full of excitement and relief, but his expression quickly shifted when he felt my reaction. He pulled back slightly, his hands still on my shoulders, and his gaze immediately zeroed in on the bandages peeking out from under my clothes.

His carefree smile faded, replaced with a look of concern that was rare to see on his usually happy face. “Who did this to you?” he asked, his voice firm and steady, but I could hear the underlying anger building.

I hesitated, not wanting to worry him even more, but the concern flooding his voice made it impossible to brush it off. “It’s nothing, Luffy. I’ve had worse,” I tried to assure him, but his eyes narrowed, not buying my deflection for a second.

“Y/N, tell me,” he insisted, his grip on my shoulders tightening just a little, his determination unwavering. "Who. Did. This."

I sighed, knowing I couldn’t hide the truth from him, not when he looked at me like that. “It was Pudding,” I admitted quietly, the words heavy as they left my lips. Luffy's eyes widened for a second, but it wasn’t long before concern turned to fury in a heartbeat.

“Pudding?!" he growled, his fists clenching at his sides. The carefree energy he usually carried vanished, replaced by a dangerous intensity that sent a chill through the air. I nodded, though I tried to stir past that conversation, since we were short on time. 

“I’m glad you’re free! And Nami too?” I asked, needing to know more about my friends.

“Yup! She’s with Jinbe. She was going to look for you, but I guess I found you first, huh?” Luffy grinned, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Straw Hat, you’re looking for Sanji, aren’t you? He was here just a few minutes ago,” Reiju interjected.

“I need to warn Sanji,” Luffy said, his expression turning serious.

“What happened to your leg?” he asked, noticing Reiju’s injury.

“Thanks for asking, and Sanji is aware of the whole thing, as well as Y/N,” she replied, and Luffy’s eyes widened as he turned to me.

“You knew this whole time!” he yelled, his voice filled with shock.

“Hold on, Captain. I just found out her plan, as did Sanji,” I said quickly, trying to diffuse the tension.

“I tried to convince him to run away and escape with you and your crew, but he was worried about the East Blue hostages, as well as King and the others on that island,” Reiju explained, looking at me with understanding.

“He was…” I whispered, feeling a rush of concern for him.

“As well as the well-being of your crew,” she continued, her gaze steady.

“The East Blue hostages from the Baratie! Sanji’s friends are my friends, and I’ll go if they need my help! Same goes for Y/N; her friends and King are my friends!” Luffy declared, his resolve unwavering.

Hearing those words caused me to choke back a sob. “Luffy…” I said, my voice trembling with emotion. Just then, Luffy’s stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the tension in the room.

“Would you like something to eat?” Reiju offered, her tone gentle.

“I’m okay,” Luffy replied with a grin, brushing off the suggestion. “At least I don’t have to worry as much now. Sanji and Y/N know what Pudding’s up to.”

“Y/N! You ready to come with me?” Luffy asked, excitement radiating from him.

“As much as I want to, I’ve got to figure out a plan to keep my fiancée at bay for now. That way, if you do come up with a plan, we have enough time to execute it!” I explained, my mind racing with strategies.

“Just tell Nami to find me in the mirrors and to make sure she still has my weapons,” I added, a smile creeping onto my face.

“You got it!” Luffy said enthusiastically, then smashed the window as he prepared to leap into action. “I’ll find Sanji!”

“Wait, he realizes that’s the wrong way to Sanji, right?” Reiju asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

“Don’t worry about it,” I reassured her, chuckling at Luffy’s reckless spirit. “Now, I might need your help with a plan I have brewing.”

Reiju raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Alright, what’s the plan?”  she asked, her tone curious but cautious.

“I need Ichiji to sleep until our wedding.,” I said, leaning in slightly. “Since Sanji’s wedding follows shortly after, that gives me enough time. I need a drug strong enough to knock him out for a few hours, allowing me to meet with the rest of the crew, plan something, and then come back before anyone notices.”

Reiju considered my words for a moment before her gaze sharpened. “Do you, by any chance, still have that drug Ichiji injected me with before?” I asked, hopeful.

Without hesitation, Reiju reached into her dress and pulled out a small vial, holding it up between her fingers. “Yes,” she said, her lips curving into a knowing smile.

I raised an eyebrow, teasing her, “You just carry this around in there, huh?”

She shrugged, unbothered by my comment. “It was precaution, just in case Pudding tried something,” she said casually.

I grinned, taking the vial from her. “Perfect. I’ll drop some of this in his glass. That should give me enough time to execute everything.”

Reiju tilted her head. “But how will this plan work exactly?”

I couldn’t help but smirk, the gears of my mind already turning. “Simple. I’ll play into his desires,” I said, a mischievous glint in my eyes. “And I already have the perfect outfit in mind.”

Reiju’s expression shifted from surprise to a slow, approving smile. “You’re bolder than I thought,” she said, leaning back slightly. “Well, let’s make sure everything goes according to plan.”

I smiled confidently. “Now all I need is the champagne and the right moment. We’ll have Ichiji out cold, and I’ll be gone before he even knows what hit him.”

.

.

.

Soon after, I found myself making my way to the sixth floor, where the Vinsmokes were staying. My heels clicked against the polished floors, creating an echo in the otherwise quiet hallway. In my hand, I held a bottle of champagne and two flute glasses. Hidden discreetly in my coat pocket was the vial from Reiju, along with my thigh halter and blade, just in case. My heart raced, not from nerves but from anticipation of executing my plan.

As I approached the door, two soldiers stationed nearby stepped forward, blocking my path. "Aren’t you supposed to be resting?" one of them asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

I smiled sweetly, doing my best to mask my true intentions. “I’m just here to spend some time with my fiancé before we officially become husband and wife tomorrow,” I replied smoothly, keeping my voice light and friendly.

The soldier hesitated for a moment before stepping aside, seemingly convinced. I took a breath and knocked lightly on the door, though the rowdy noise from inside was already evident. Laughter, clinking bottles, and drunken voices filled the air.

The door swung open abruptly, revealing Yonji with a beer mug in hand. He leaned against the doorframe, smirking. “Well, well, if it isn’t my dear soon to be sister-in-law. What brings you here at this hour?” he asked, his eyes roaming over me as if assessing my presence.

I returned his smirk with one of my own, stepping closer and holding up the bottle of champagne.

I met his smirk with one of my own, stepping closer with purpose, holding up the bottle of champagne in one hand and two glasses in the other. The playful glint in my eyes wasn’t lost on him. “I came to see my fiancé,” I purred, my voice smooth and dripping with charm. “I did say I was going to see you both later, and I must admit I got a little lonely in my room.”

Yonji's eyes flickered to the bottle in my hand before trailing down the length of my body, taking in every detail, his smirk widening with each passing second. He wasn’t subtle—his gaze lingered on the way my coat jacket clung to my form, the rich red lipstick on my lips that seemed to draw him in, and the sleek ponytail that made my appearance sharp, confident, and dangerously alluring.

"Lonely, huh?" he asked, the teasing tone barely masking the intrigue in his voice. Yonji’s smirk deepened as he leaned against the doorframe, clearly enjoying the moment. “And here I thought Ichiji was keeping you well-occupied.”

I chuckled lightly, not taking the bait, and stepped even closer. “Who says he’s not?” I replied with a playful raise of my brow. “But there’s no harm in spicing things up a bit.”

“A surprise visit, huh? I like your style,” Yonji replied, his voice teasing as he stepped aside to let me in. He turned his head and called out, “Ichiji! Your fiancée is here!”

The room was thick with the scent of alcohol, and the barmaids didn’t even flinch at my arrival, still occupied with flirting and pouring drinks for the men. Some of them were laughing and partaking in the festivities themselves, drinking from scattered bottles as the night dragged on.

The moment I made my presence known, Ichiji’s eyes locked onto mine, his smirk widening into something more dangerous.

"Well, if it isn’t my bride-to-be," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. He took a slow sip from his glass, his gaze never wavering. "Missed me?"

Niji let out a chuckle, raising his own glass in amusement. "Looks like someone’s eager," he teased.

I met Ichiji’s gaze with a teasing smile of my own, though the tension between us was unmistakable. "To tell you the truth," I began, keeping my voice smooth and playful, "I was feeling a bit lonely in my room." I shifted slightly, my hands still behind my back, holding the champagne bottle and glasses. "But it seems to me you had quite the distraction." My eyes flicked to the barmaid who had her hand resting on Ichiji’s chest, her eyes filled with adoration as she gazed at him.

Ichiji glanced down at the woman, not even bothering to push her hand away. His smirk only deepened. "Just a little entertainment to pass the time," he said, his tone casual, as if the woman’s presence meant nothing. "But now that you’re here, I suppose I’m in for a real treat."

I could feel the weight of his words, the way he played with power and control, expecting me to fall in line like the rest of them. But I had my own game to play, and he had no idea what was coming. "So, I guess we won’t be finishing up what we started back at dinner before Yonji interrupted, huh?" I tilted my head, allowing a playful smile to dance on my lips.

Before Ichiji could respond, Yonji draped his arm over my shoulder, drink in hand, laughing. "You mean saving you from whatever the hell that was!" he joked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Never knew I needed saving," I shot back, shrugging his arm off my shoulder gently, my attention shifting back to Ichiji. He looked at Yonji, sending him a glare that was both warning and annoyed, as if silently commanding him to silence himself. But Yonji, oblivious to the tension, continued to drink, grinning like he owned the place.

“Hey, princess, mind sharing some of that champagne?” Niji chimed in, standing up and reaching for the bottl e with a greedy look.

I raised an eyebrow, my smile unwavering as I held the bottle of champagne tighter, emphasizing the exclusivity of the moment. “No can do,” I said smoothly, stepping closer to Ichiji with deliberate intent. “This is meant only for Ichiji and I.” My tone dripped with finality, and the way I held the bottle protectively against my chest sent a clear message to everyone else in the room—this wasn’t for them.

The atmosphere thickened, the tension palpable as the barmaids exchanged glances, their giggles a quiet but persistent background noise to the unfolding scene. They were watching like spectators at a game of cat and mouse, eager to see who would win, who would bend.

“But…” I added, my voice soft but teasing, “if Ichiji doesn’t want to spend some time before our wedding, then I guess I’ll just return to my room.” I turned around dramatically, my coat flaring with the motion as I threw the words over my shoulder, letting them hang in the air like a challenge.

The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment, but before I could take another step, I felt a firm grip on my wrist, halting me in my tracks. I smirked, already knowing who it was without having to look back.

“And just where do you think you’re going?” Ichiji’s voice was low, laced with amusement but carrying a clear edge of dominance. He tugged on my wrist, pulling me back toward him, forcing me to face him. His eyes glimmered with that dangerous mixture of arrogance and intrigue, his smirk widening as he saw the challenge still lingering in my own expression.

I didn’t pull away. Instead, I let him draw me closer, my free hand coming up to rest lightly against his chest. My fingers trailed slowly down the fabric of his shirt, my touch featherlight but deliberate, as if testing the boundaries of his composure. “I’m not going anywhere,” I replied, my voice soft yet defiant, a quiet promise in the midst of the storm brewing between us.

Ichiji’s eyes darkened, the playful glint giving way to something more intense, more possessive. His grip on my wrist tightened, but it wasn’t painful—just enough to remind me of the power he thought he held over me. But I wasn’t one to submit so easily.

The tension between us crackled like electricity in the air, and I could feel the weight of anticipation pressing down on both of us, the stakes rising with every heartbeat. The room around us seemed to fade away, the other voices becoming background noise as we became locked in this silent battle of wills.

Leaning in closer, I let my lips brush the shell of his ear, my breath warm against his skin as I whispered, “Why don’t we celebrate in a more private setting?” The invitation was clear, but it was more than that—it was a dare. “I want you to show me that lesson you had in store for me,” I continued, my voice sultry and laced with seduction. Before he could respond, I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, just enough to feel the way his body tensed beneath my touch, like a predator ready to pounce.

His grip on my wrist moved to my waist, pulling me flush against him as his gaze bore into mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. “Be careful what you wish for,” he murmured, his voice a low growl, full of promise and danger. “You might not be able to handle it.”

My heart raced in response, but I didn’t falter. “Try me,” I replied, my voice unwavering, a wicked smile playing on my lips. This was the game we played—pushing, teasing, testing each other’s limits, neither one willing to back down.

“Damn, this is getting spicy,” Niji’s voice broke through the tension like a sudden spark, his teasing grin spreading as he leaned against the bar, watching the exchange with clear amusement. “Ichiji, are you sure you can handle her? She might just burn the place down!”

Yonji laughed, clearly enjoying the spectacle as well. “Better make sure you keep that door locked, or we might just crash your party!” he added with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I want to see how she handles you, Ichiji.”

Ichiji’s eyes flicked toward his brothers, his expression momentarily darkening with annoyance. But when he looked back at me, the smirk returned, more dangerous than ever. “Don’t worry about them,” he said, his voice smooth as silk but with an edge that made it clear he wasn’t joking. “They wouldn’t dare interfere. This… is between us.”

I arched a brow, still playing along, but there was something in his tone that sent a thrill of excitement racing through me. He wasn’t just talking about this moment; he was staking his claim, making it clear that I was his in this twisted game we played. But I wasn’t about to let him have all the control.

“Well,” I replied, my voice dripping with honeyed defiance, “you better make it worth my while, then.”

Ichiji’s smirk deepened, his grip on my waist tightening as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against my skin. “Oh, I will,” he whispered, the promise in his voice sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine. The heat radiating from him enveloped me, drawing me in as if we were the only two people in the room.

The atmosphere thickened with tension, the rest of the world fading into a distant blur as our eyes locked. The playful banter around us became mere background noise, but I could feel the weight of his possessiveness, the way he wanted to claim me, to show me who was in control. And despite the thrill that coursed through me, I had no intention of making it easy for him.

“Why don’t we continue this in your room?” I suggested, my voice sultry and laced with temptation, a sly smile curling my lips. “Let’s celebrate our union a day early.” I held his gaze, refusing to look away, letting the challenge linger in the air between us.

Ichiji’s eyes darkened with a mix of intrigue and desire, and I could see the gears turning in his mind as he processed my words. “Are you trying to make a fool of me?” he replied, a teasing lilt in his voice, but the possessive glint in his eyes betrayed his eagerness. “You’re the one who came here, after all. What if I don’t want to share you with anyone tonight?”

My eyes still locked on his, I leaned in slightly, letting the tension build between us. “I wouldn’t want you to share me,” I said, my voice a low murmur that felt like a secret just for him. “I want you all to myself.” The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and I could see the effect they had on him as Niji dropped his drink in surprise, both of us momentarily turning to glance at him.

But my focus was solely on Ichiji. “I mean it, Ichiji. Especially after what was left of dinner…” I let the words trail off, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “I want you. I want you in every way a man like you wants a woman like me.”

The heat in the room intensified, and Ichiji’s breath caught slightly as his eyes flared with raw hunger. “You have no idea what you’re asking for,” he warned, his voice low and edged with a primal urgency. He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming, radiating a need that matched my own. 

“I do actually,” I replied, leaning in, letting my lips almost graze his. “I’m asking for a night with my soon-to-be husband to explore the dangerous ways he knows how to indulge with his soon-to-be wife.” I emphasized the words, letting them hang in the air, igniting the tension that crackled between us. “I want you to take me to the depths of pleasure only you know.”

His gaze was unwavering, the intensity in his eyes sending a thrill through me. He stepped closer, his fingers grazing along my jaw, and leaned in, his voice a low murmur. "You think you can handle all of me?" His tone was rich with both challenge and promise. “Because once we start, I’m not holding back. Every whisper, every gasp, every moan—I’ll make sure you remember them.”

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Please," I replied, matching his intensity. "I don’t need you to go easy on me. I want everything. I want the world to know exactly what you do to me." My hand slid up his chest, feeling his heartbeat quicken under my touch. "I want to hear you growl my name, Tiger, until there’s no doubt about what you make me feel."

A low chuckle escaped him, dark and dangerously tempting. “Then be careful what you wish for, because I can be relentless." He tilted my chin up, his fingers brushing down the side of my neck. "You’ll be gasping for more, and I won’t stop until you’re pleading for mercy." His lips hovered just a breath away from mine, teasing, torturing.

I leaned into him, my voice a playful whisper. "That depends entirely on what position you put me in," I murmured, letting the words hang between us. "I’m quite… flexible."

His eyes flashed with a hungry glint, his hands sliding to my hips, pulling me flush against him. "Flexible, huh?" he drawled, his voice thick with anticipation. “Good. Because I don’t intend to let you go until I’ve had my fill."

 “But let’s not waste any more time.” I leaned in, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I wanted to get through with this to secretly meet my crew.” I thought 

Ichiji’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he considered my words. “Then let’s go,” he said, the decisive tone leaving no room for argument as he took my hand, leading the way to his room

As we stood in front of his door, my heart raced with anticipation. Just as I reached for the handle, Ichiji surprised me by throwing me over his shoulder, the champagne and two flutes still in hand, along with the vial and my blade tucked safely in the pocket of his coat.

“Hey!” I squealed, laughter bubbling up as I adjusted to my new position. “Is this how you plan to carry me into the night?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, a playful edge to his voice. “What kind of groom would I be if I didn’t sweep you off your feet?”

“Just remember, if you drop me, you’re in big trouble,” I teased, feigning indignation, but my laughter was infectious.

“Trust me, I won’t let you fall,” he promised, his tone serious yet playful. He kicked the door open with his foot, striding into the room confidently. After a brief moment, he quickly set me down to lock the door, and I took the opportunity to explore the space.

Ichiji’s room was adorned with satin sheets that gleamed in the soft light, a small kitchen area tucked away, and a large mirror greeting me as I stepped further in. Perfect, I thought, excitement bubbling within me.

As I made my way toward the kitchen aisle, Ichiji spun me around, pulling me close and kissing me hungrily. I hooked my arm around his neck, my heart racing as our lips moved together. But just as things were heating up, he began to fumble with my coat, trying to open it.

I laughed, pulling away playfully. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable in bed while I open this up for us?” I suggested a teasing smile on my lips.

Ichiji eagerly nodded, his gaze burning with desire as he turned around and made his way toward the bed. I took a moment to admire the way he moved, the anticipation hanging thick in the air.

I placed the glasses and the bottle of champagne on the kitchen aisle before I pulled out the sleep vial from one of my coat pockets. Quickly, I opened the cork and poured a generous amount into his glass, closing it swiftly and returning it to my pocket. With the bottle of champagne in hand, I uncorked it, the fizz spraying out and hitting my skin.

“Oops!” I laughed, turning to see Ichiji already removing his shirt and pants, his toned physique illuminated by the soft glow of the room. I poured generous amounts of champagne into both glasses, savoring the moment.

With a playful smirk, I grabbed the bottle and sashayed my hips as I approached him, handing it to him. “Hold, please,” I instructed, my voice low and sultry.

Ichiji took the bottle, his eyes darkening with desire as I reached for our glasses. I handed him his, the warmth of his hand brushing against mine, sending a thrill through me. I slowly sipped from my champagne glass, feeling the bubbles dance on my tongue, while Ichiji mirrored my movements, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

With a playful grin, I grabbed the bottle and set it beside the bed before taking his hand, our fingers intertwining. “Cheers, to a memorable night,” I declared, our glasses clinking together before we both downed the champagne in one swift motion.

“Looks like we’ll need another refill, huh?” I laughed, the excitement bubbling inside me. Without warning, Ichiji threw his glass against the wall, the sound of shattering glass echoing through the room.

I raised an eyebrow at his reckless abandon but couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my lips. As he reached for me, I placed my glass down, my heart racing as I made my way up slowly, teasing him with my movements.

“Why don’t we take this off?” I suggested, my voice low and inviting as I untied my coat. The fabric slipped from my shoulders, revealing the black lace underneath.

Ichiji’s eyes widened, raking over my figure with a hunger that made my pulse quicken. “Black lace…” he murmured, his hands ghosting over the delicate fabric, igniting sparks of electricity across my skin. I could feel the heat radiating from him, and it sent a thrill of anticipation coursing through me. “I thought it fit the theme… you don’t like it?” I said in a sweet, teasing tone, feigning innocence as I glanced up at him through my lashes.

Ichiji’s eyes darkened, a primal hunger flickering in his gaze as he took a step closer, closing the space between us. “Like it? No, Y/N. I don’t just like it,” he said, his voice low and filled with a raw, unrestrained desire. “I crave it. I want to feel every inch of you, to taste that fiery spirit of yours that makes me lose control.” 

His words sent shivers down my spine, and I felt a flush of heat creep across my cheeks. The intensity of his gaze held me captive, and I could see the hunger burning in his eyes—a hunger that mirrored my own. 

“You have no idea how hard it is to resist you right now,” he continued, his hands inching up to my waist, fingers grazing my skin through the delicate lace. “Every second that passes just makes me want you more. You’re driving me wild.” Ichiji then began to place kisses on my neck, causing me to sigh in delight. 

His fingers trailed lower, teasing my core, and a gasp escaped my lips as I fought to catch my breath. “Ichiji…” I whispered again, my voice trembling with anticipation and desire. The way he touched me sent jolts of electricity coursing through my body, igniting a fire within that I could no longer contain. “Just like that.” I whispered as Ichiji continued, to tease my core through my panties. My hand went to grab his wrist, but Ichiji grabbed it, putting it behind my back. “Do you really want me to stop” smirked Ichiji as he continued to tease. “No” I said in a breathy moan. “Focus on the mission y/n!” I thought.  

Ichiji then looked deep into my eyes, searching for permission, and the intensity of his gaze made my heart race even faster. “Tell me what you want, Y/N,” he urged, his voice a low, sultry whisper that wrapped around me like a warm embrace. “I need to hear it.”

“I want you,” I breathed, my voice trembling just enough to sound genuine, the words laced with a mix of eagerness and vulnerability. “I want you to take me. I want you in all the ways I’ve imagined us together—this moment, right here, right now.” My breath hitched as I leaned into his touch, the deliberate tilt of my head back to sell the role.

Ichiji’s eyes darkened with desire, he let go of my wrist from behind my back and grabbed my waist, tightening it  as he pulled me flush against him. “You’re intoxicating,” he murmured, his lips beginning to trail down my jawline and back to the sensitive spot on my neck, where his teeth grazed lightly before pressing a kiss that left me shivering. “Every word, every move you make... it’s like you’re daring me to lose control.”

I let out a soft, breathless laugh, threading my fingers through his hair as I tilted my head back, feigning surrender. “Maybe I am,” I whispered, my voice dripping with seduction, though my mind remained focused. Just a little longer until the drug takes effect, I thought, my heart pounding from the gamble I was taking.

His hands roamed my sides with deliberate intent, the slow, possessive glide of his fingers igniting a dangerous heat between us. They traced the curve of my hips, lingering just enough to make me gasp softly, before sliding up the small of my back. Each touch sent a shiver through me, blurring the line between the part I was playing and the reality of his desire. He pulled me closer, the distance between us vanishing as our bodies pressed flush together.

“You’ve thought about this moment,” he said, his voice a low, gravelly murmur that seemed to reverberate through the air around us. His lips hovered tantalizingly close to mine, his breath warm against my skin. His eyes, sharp and searching, burned with a mixture of intrigue and hunger. “Tell me,” he pressed, his tone both commanding and coaxing, “how you imagined it.”

My lips parted, drawing in a shaky breath as I raised my gaze to meet his, letting a flicker of vulnerability soften my expression. “I imagined this,” I replied, my voice soft yet steady, laced with just enough longing to make it convincing. My fingers trailed up his chest, pausing at his collar before brushing against the side of his neck. “I imagined the way your touch would feel—how it would ignite something inside me. I thought about how it would feel to have you lose control, to see you come undone because of me.”

With a primal growl, Ichiji’s restraint snapped. His hands gripped my waist firmly, pulling me flush against him, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. The sheer strength in his movements sent a jolt through me as his lips descended on mine, capturing them in a kiss that was raw, demanding, and unapologetically fierce. His breath was hot against my skin as he moved, trailing kisses down to the hollow of my neck.

“You have no idea what you’ve just unleashed,” he growled against my ear, his voice rough with desire. His words sent a shiver racing down my spine as his teeth grazed the sensitive skin at the base of my neck, followed by the soothing heat of his lips. My breath hitched involuntarily, my body reacting to the intensity he poured into every touch, every movement.

His hands roamed up my back, fingers splayed as though to anchor me in place, while his other hand drifted to my thigh, pulling me impossibly closer. “Tell me,” he whispered, his voice a velvet rasp, “did you imagine me like this—devouring every inch of you?”

I allowed my fingers to thread through his hair, tugging slightly to tilt his head back, forcing his burning gaze to meet mine. “I imagined you exactly like this,” I whispered, my tone a perfect blend of sultry and inviting. “I wanted you like this—unrestrained, wanting me as much as I want you.”

In one swift motion, he lifted me effortlessly, carrying me to the bed adorned with satin sheets. I took off his glasses and tossed them aside, noticing a smirk tugging at his lips, but his eyes began to blink, focusing on regaining his vision. Seizing the opportunity, I swiftly switched our positions, pinning him beneath me.

As I began to plant soft kisses along his chest and neck, I could feel his body react to my touch. “Princess…” he groaned, tilting his head back to grant me better access, his voice thick with desire. I couldn't help but tease him further, rolling my hips against him, feeling the way he shivered in delight beneath me.

“I want you to moan out loud what you want, tiger,” I said, my breath hot against his skin as I continued to kiss his neck, seeking out that sweet spot that made him squirm. 

“Ahhh!” he groaned, the sound raw and guttural, echoing through the room. His hands gripped my hips like a lifeline, pulling me flush against him as he arched toward me, his need evident in every strained movement. His fiery red gaze met mine, burning with an insatiable hunger that threatened to consume us both.

“Y/N,” he murmured, his voice cracking under the weight of his desire. “Please…”

I smirked, leaning forward just enough to brush my lips against his ear, letting my breath ghost over his skin. “Come on, tiger,” I teased, my voice dripping with sultry confidence as I rolled my hips deliberately against him, drawing another involuntary groan from his lips. “Be a good boy and tell me what you want.”

He shuddered beneath me, his composure slipping further with each passing second. His hands slid from my hips to my thighs, fingers digging into the soft flesh as though grounding himself. “I want you,” he finally growled, his tone both pleading and commanding, his control hanging by a thread. “I want all of you—no games, no distance. Just…you.”

Ichiji's raw desperation electrified the air between us, his grip on my thighs tightening as though he feared I might slip away. His fiery red gaze locked onto mine, blazing with a primal hunger that sent a delicious shiver coursing down my spine. His vulnerability, laid bare in that single plea, sent a thrill of power surging through me.

I grinned against his neck, dragging my lips lower, letting the faint graze of my teeth leave a trail of heat along his skin. My fingers danced lightly along his sides, teasingly tracing the contours of his lean frame. Every touch elicited a new gasp or groan, his body trembling under the weight of his restraint.

“You’re making this too easy, Ichiji,” I murmured, my voice dripping with playful seduction. My lips hovered just above his collarbone, brushing against it as I spoke, feeling the rapid thrum of his pulse beneath my touch. “Are you always this impatient?”

“Damn it,” he growled, his hands flexing against my thighs as his frustration boiled over. “Just…don’t tease me!” His voice cracked slightly, a mix of command and plea that made my grin widen. “I want you—now.”

I chuckled softly, noticing the way his eyelids were growing heavy, a telltale sign that he was beginning to succumb to sleep. Bingo! It’s working, I thought with a mischievous grin.

I continued to tease him, a playful glint in my eyes as I took his hands and dragged them over my body, finally placing them to rest on my bra. “Would you be a dear and hold still?” I asked sweetly, my voice low and sultry.

As I began to unhook the bra, I let the straps fall slowly, reveling in the way his breath hitched at the sight. “That’s it, Ichiji,” I purred, leaning in closer, letting him feel the warmth radiating off me. “Soon, you will have everything you’ve desired.”

I slowly rolled my hips again, feeling him sink deeper into the mattress beneath me. “What’s wrong?” I teased, grabbing my discarded bra and tossing it aside, his hands firmly resting on my breasts.

Ichiji soon bucked his hips, trying to get more friction, causing a soft moan to escape my lips. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, but I needed to stay focused on my mission. However, as I began to notice Ichiji's hands slowly slipping from their grip, I decided it was time to switch things up.

I stood up from my position, a soft whine leaving his lips, and sauntered over to grab the bottle of champagne once more. “You know, tiger,” I said with a sly smile, “you look so good right now.” I poured some of the champagne over him, the cold liquid mixing with his warmth, and he moaned in delight.

“I wonder how good you taste,” I murmured, leaning down to lick the champagne from his chest, savoring the flavor of both the drink and the man beneath me. The sweet tang of the champagne mixed with the salty taste of his skin, creating a heady combination that sent a thrill down my spine. I continued to trace teasing licks on his chest, going lower towards his defined abs. 

“Y/N…” he groaned, his eyes dark with desire. “You’re killing me.”

With a sudden surge of energy, Ichiji flipped me over, pinning me beneath him as the champagne bottle clattered to the floor, rolling away unnoticed. His hands gripped my wrists, holding them firmly above my head as he leaned down, his face hovering just inches from mine. His breath was hot against my lips, and his crimson eyes burned with intensity.

“You really think you can tease me like that and get away with it?” he growled, his voice rough and low, sending a thrill through me.

I smirked up at him, maintaining my confident demeanor despite the rapid beating of my heart. “Come on, tiger,” I whispered, my voice dripping with challenge. “Show me how serious you are.”

His grin widened, predatory and wicked, as he captured my lips in a kiss that was as much a battle as it was a surrender. Heat surged between us as his lips moved against mine, hungry and demanding. His grip on my wrists loosened just enough for me to slide my hands free, trailing them down his chest and feeling the hard contours of his muscles beneath the fabric of his shirt.

He groaned against my mouth, his hands moving to my waist and pulling me closer, his fingers digging into my sides as though trying to ground himself in the chaos of the moment. I rolled my hips against him, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from him that fueled my confidence further.

“You’re driving me crazy,” he muttered against my lips, his voice raw with need. His hands roamed over my body, exploring every curve, every inch, as though he couldn’t get enough.

I tilted my head back, giving him access to my neck, and he took the invitation eagerly, his lips and teeth grazing my skin in a way that sent shivers down my spine. “I’ve thought about this,” he admitted, his voice thick with desire. “Thought about you. Wanting you. And now that I have you—”

He paused, his movements faltering slightly. His breaths came slower, his grip on my waist loosening as his body began to betray him. I opened my eyes and glanced at him, watching the subtle change as the drug I had slipped into the champagne took effect.

“Ichiji?” I said softly, feigning concern as I gently cupped his cheek. His crimson eyes blinked sluggishly, the fire in them dimming as exhaustion overtook him. “Are you okay?”

“I… I’m fine,” he muttered, though his voice was unsteady. He shook his head, as if trying to clear the fog that was quickly enveloping him. “Just... tired, all of a sudden…”

I brushed my fingers through his hair, leaning in as if to comfort him. “Shh, it’s okay,” I whispered, my lips grazing his ear. “Just rest. I’ll take care of everything.”

He rested beside me, his breathing slow and controlled, and I couldn’t help but smirk. “Sweet dreams, fiancé,” I whispered, feeling a sense of triumph wash over me as phase one was complete. I got up and made my way to where my coat lay crumpled on the floor. Grabbing my thigh holster and blade, I secured them on my right thigh, feeling the familiar surge of power return.

With a swift motion, I wrapped my coat around me again, tightening the ties to ensure I was ready for action. Approaching the mirror, I took a moment to assess my appearance. I redid my ponytail, ensuring every strand was in place, and fixed the edges of my lips, which were subtly smeared from earlier. Just as I was admiring my reflection, I caught sight of two familiar figures in the glass—Nami and Chopper.

“Y/N!” they yelled in unison, their faces lighting up with excitement.

I smiled back, relieved and amused. “It’s about time you found me,” I laughed as they dragged me into the mirror world.

Once inside, I glanced back at Ichiji, still peacefully asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. For a brief moment, guilt crept into my mind, but I quickly pushed it aside. There was no time for second thoughts—I had work to do. As soon as I stepped in, my eyes caught Nami, now wearing a sleek jumpsuit compared to the dress she had on earlier.

"Nami, what...?" I started, but she shook her head with a small sigh.

"It's a long story," she said, brushing it off as if she’d seen too much already for one night. “What about you?” she said smirking. “Its a long story too.” I said laughing. 

My gaze shifted, and to my surprise, I saw a familiar, comforting face.

"Jinbei!" I exclaimed with joy, rushing over to hug him. He returned the embrace, his deep, hearty laugh bringing a sense of warmth I hadn’t felt in a while.

"It's so good to see you," I added as I pulled away. Then I saw Carrot, Chopper, Pedro, Brulee, and that odd train guy who had clearly gotten mixed up in this chaos.

"Alright, where’s Brook?" I asked, scanning the group, realizing someone was missing.

"The mirrors mentioned that he was captured by Big Mom," Jinbei said, his voice somber.

"Damn, that's not good," I muttered, gripping my ponytail in frustration. Brook being captured was going to complicate things even further.

Nami interrupted my thoughts by tossing me my satchel. "Oh, Y/N, by the way, here."

I caught it, opening it up to find my second blade, my sword, and Zoro's bandana nestled inside. Relief washed over me as I grabbed the second blade, sliding it back into the thigh halter. As soon as the blades were reunited, a faint electric hue crackled around me, responding to their connection. I crossed the satchel over me, my sword still inside. 

I tied Zoro's bandana around my head, the familiar fabric giving me a sense of comfort and focus. "Thanks for taking care of these," I said sincerely, glancing at Nami.

Nami raised a brow. "I do want to know why the blade was glowing even though you weren’t near it."

I smiled at her curiosity. "When I separated the blades, keeping only one with me, the other acts as if I'm still connected to it. My energy transfers through the blade, no matter where it is. I also set it to act as protection in case anyone tried anything, and well if someone were to take my things, they would get a surprise.” I said, smirking.  

Nami nodded thoughtfully. "That’s... pretty impressive."

I shrugged, adjusting the bandana once more.

“There’s a lot more these blades can do, and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface,” I said, glancing at the electric glow around my reunited weapons. The sense of untapped potential simmered beneath the surface, almost begging to be explored. But there was no time for that now.

Brulee, tied up and visibly frustrated, spat venomous words at Jinbei. “How dare you betray Big Mom, you spineless coward! You were given the choice to spin the roulette, and this is how you repay her?”

Jinbei remained stoic, but Pedro chimed in, his tone grim. “The game is rigged. Five years ago, my partner was given the same fate. Instead of a fair spin, his life was taken away.”

“Old hag,” I muttered under my breath, disgusted at the lengths Big Mom would go to maintain her twisted sense of control.

Brulee laughed cruelly. “The roulette is meant to kill those who try to leave. There’s no escaping Big Mom’s wrath. You’re all doomed!”

Chopper, clearly fed up, tightened the ropes binding her. “We’re wasting time! We have to hurry and find Luffy, Sanji, and Brook!”

Without further delay, we all clambered onto the train—though it was far from the most luxurious form of travel. As the train creaked and groaned under our weight, the conductor whined, “Hey, that’s not fair! You’re drastically over the weight limit!”

Carrot, ever resourceful, nipped at the conductor’s arm to get him moving. “Keep going!” she demanded, her determination evident.

The train lurched forward, albeit slowly, and we all braced ourselves. Time was running out, and we needed to regroup with the others before things spiraled even further out of control. 

Brook POV..

After a fierce battle and my defeat at the hands of Big Mom, I found myself dangling helplessly in her grip. “Hmph, I owe our little friend a word of praise. He’s the first one to land a scratch on one of you,” she said, as Prometheus whined about the scar I’d given him.

I remained limp, pretending to be unconscious. It was the only way I could ensure I didn’t give anything away.

“Mama, do you plan to keep that skeleton with you?” Pudding’s voice rang out, dripping with disdain.

“That skeleton… Pudding, I’m appalled. Is that really all I am to you?” I thought, feeling a sharp sting at being so dismissed. But I remained still as Big Mom continued to dangle me like a ragdoll.

“Yes, certainly! This is a one-of-a-kind work of art, so I think I’m going to carry it around for a while,” Big Mom declared with a cackle.

“Please no… I don’t want to be her accessory,” I thought, shuddering inwardly.

“By the way, Pudding, you did a very good job yourself,” Big Mom continued. “I’m surprised the Straw Hats made it past the Seducing Woods. Even more surprised that the princess managed to make it to the engagement ceremony. But now, they’re all trapped”

My heart sank. “Luffy… Nami… Y/N…” I thought, concern for my friends.

Pudding chimed in, her voice oozing with smugness. “I know, Mama. I went to see them. It really serves them right. But that princess still annoyed me—she’s too smart to fall for my tricks.”

“Y/N was right about Pudding,” I realized bitterly.

Big Mom laughed, her booming voice shaking me. “But it serves her right for trying to act all hero and snoop around. The first time was hard enough trying to knock her out, but she’s tough to crack. The second time, though, I shot her in the side.” Said Pudding

“What did she do?!” I thought in alarm, fighting the urge to move.

“Once the wedding is over, they’re all going to die. I’ve already sent out barmaids to everyone in Germa. They’re all so intoxicated, we can slip anything past them.” Big Mom let out a satisfied grunt. 

Pudding let out a satisfied sigh.“Good. But Reiju was snooping around earlier. She’s very perceptive. 

Big mom then halts and eyed pudding. “You didn’t kill her or Y/N, right?”

“As much as I wanted to kill Y/N, I didn’t,” Pudding replied, her voice gleeful. “I simply shot Reiju in the leg, shot Y/N in the side, and knocked her out with the gun. Then I erased their memories. "I even added had someone knock on her door before everything and had her see what Sanji and I were doing, she was in such a shock, tears even fell from her eyes!" said pudding laughing "had to manipulate her memory so that way she still harbored anger towards Sanji. 

“That devil!” I seethed internally. 

“I must be mistaken somehow... all this time, Pudding, I thought you were a nice girl...” I thought, my mind reeling as Big Mom’s words confirmed everything. My body began to spin slowly, almost involuntarily, towards Pudding. How could someone so outwardly sweet be so vile inside?

Big Mom’s voice cut through the air, her grip on me tightening slightly. “Be careful, dear, you're our precious little bride after all. If both Reiju and Y/N try to get revenge, there could be a disaster,” she said, her tone laced with mock concern.

“I appreciate your concern, Mama, but thanks to them, I got a chance to practice my gun,” Pudding replied with a twisted smile, pulling out her pistol. The sight of it in her hands sent chills down my bony spine—if I had one, that is. “Even the artificially modified people of Germa, along with whatever weapons the princess may have, won’t be enough to survive this,” she added, her voice dripping with malice.

Germa... and Y/N? My skull rattled as I held back my outrage, not daring to break my facade.

Big Mom let out a booming laugh. “What a clever girl! Then again, you are my daughter. Tomorrow, your gunfire will set my genius plan into motion. I can’t wait!” she cackled with twisted glee, revealing the dark depths of her plan. “Then, when the happy couple appears, everyone’s attention will be on the kiss. But once you reveal your third eye, Sanji will see the bride for the monster she truly is. Aim the gun between his curly eyebrows and bam! The wedding guests will be stunned, and soon the people of Germa will be, too. But it will be too late—a wall of gunfire will rain down on the Vinsmokes, and that will include the princess!”

They’re planning to kill Sanji and Y/N! I thought in horror, my mind racing. This is far worse than I ever imagined. 

Big Mom continued with a wicked grin, her voice dripping with malice as she dangled me in front of Pudding. “All seven Vinsmokes will lie motionless on the floor, in a pool of crimson... after they have been stripped of that useless leader, their forces and technology will be mine!” she declared, her laughter echoing through the room, sending shivers through the air.

Sanji…Y/N! My mind raced. This isn’t just an assassination—it’s a slaughter, and Y/N will be caught in the crossfire. I can't let this happen!

"Ma-ma-ma-ma!" Big Mom cackled. “With the Vinsmokes out of the way, their science will belong to me. Germa’s army will finally be under my control!”

Pudding smiled darkly, her eyes flashing with malicious glee. "And no one will even suspect what hit them. Once the shock of my third eye and the gunfire sinks in, it’ll be too late. That pathetic princess won't even have a chance to draw those fancy weapons of hers."

I have to warn them, I thought desperately. But how? I pretended to remain unconscious, biding my time. I need to find a way to escape. The others—Sanji, Y/N—they're depending on me…

Third POV…

In the dimly lit meeting room, the tension was palpable as Montd'Or, the keeper of Big Mom's library, sat at the head of the table surrounded by the Charlotte children. His fingers drummed thoughtfully on the surface as he scrutinized the wanted posters of the Straw Hats and their allies.

"Can you confirm the groom is in his room?" Montd'Or asked, his voice calm but commanding.

"Yes, sir," replied a soldier, standing at attention. "The groom is resting in his quarters."

Montd'Or gave a slight nod. "Good. We know their objective is to retrieve Vinsmoke Sanji, and that there were seven of them when Pudding lured them to the island." His gaze shifted to the wanted posters and the rough sketches laid out before him. He studied the faces of Luffy, Nami, Chopper, Brook, and Y/N, alongside the sketches of Pedro and Carrot.

"Soul King, Brook, is with Mama, so he’s accounted for," Montd'Or continued, his tone methodical as he began crossing off names. "Pedro... well, he blew himself up in the third-floor courtyard. We can check those two off. That’s two down."

His eyes moved to the next names on the list, and he crossed out Carrot and Chopper’s sketches. "In the Seducing Woods, the rabbit and the raccoon were captured. So that takes care of them."

The others at the table watched as Montd'Or picked up his pen once more, the tip hovering over the last three remaining figures. He placed Luffy, Nami, and Y/N’s wanted posters front and center.

"That leaves these three," Montd'Or said, his gaze lingering on the faces of Luffy, Nami, and Y/N. "Straw Hat Luffy, Cat Burglar Nami, and the princess... Y/N." He paused, narrowing his eyes. "These three are still unaccounted for. And we know they won't stop until they’ve rescued the groom." 

"We actually recieved report that the princess in with her fiancé, the other son from the Vinsmokes." said one of the soldiers. 

Montd'Or’s brow furrowed as he absorbed the soldier’s report. “The princess is with her fiancé, the other Vinsmoke son?” he repeated, though skepticism laced his tone. His instincts told him that Y/N’s presence with Ichiji might not be as straightforward as it seemed.

“Hmmm…” Montd'Or stroked his chin, thinking. "I'm not entirely convinced. Send a few soldiers to the Vinsmokes' room. We can't afford to make assumptions when it comes to Y/N."

The soldier nodded and quickly exited to carry out the order. Montd'Or's sharp gaze shifted back to the posters of Luffy, Nami, and Y/N. “These three managed to beat Big Brother Cracker and then escape the Seducing Woods... Yet, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Monkey D. Luffy and Cat Burglar Nami are still inside the Prison Library. So why are we hearing rumors that they’ve escaped?”

His voice was cold and calculating as his gaze snapped toward Opera, who stood at the far end of the room, shifting uncomfortably under his brother’s scrutiny.

“Would you care to enlighten us, Big Brother Opera?" Montd'Or pressed. "I also heard Jinbei was there. What happened?"

Opera stiffened, his voice rising defensively. “I burned them to death!” he blurted out, his arms gesturing wildly. “Can’t you at least trust the word of your own brother?! I swear, I finished them off. There’s no way they could have survived that!”

Montd'Or’s eyes narrowed, his suspicion not fully eased by Opera’s outburst. “For your sake, Opera, I hope you’re telling the truth. But remember... if they did escape, that’s on you.” The tension in his voice was clear, hanging in the air like a blade ready to drop.

With a sigh, Montd'Or turned back to the room. “All of the intruders accounted for or not, the preparations are complete. Let’s focus on what’s most important now—giving our adorable sister Pudding an incredible wedding. We can’t afford distractions.”

As he gave the command, the soldiers moved to expand their surveillance across Whole Cake Island. “Expand your coverage until morning,” Montd'Or ordered sternly. “I want eyes everywhere. No one slips through the cracks. Not Luffy, not Nami, and especially not the princess."

The soldiers saluted and dispersed swiftly to cover every corner of the castle. Montd'Or remained, staring intently at the wanted posters. They’ve gotten this far... but we won’t let them interfere with Mama’s plans.

Sanji POV…

I sat down quietly, my mind racing, trying to figure out a way to save everyone. Reiju's words still weighed heavily on me, her voice echoing in my thoughts.

"Go find the Straw Hats. Take Y/N and leave this island, Sanji."

Her firm command rattled me. “Like how?! I can’t do that!” I snapped out loud, frustration clawing at my chest. It felt like I was being suffocated by the impossible choices before me.

What do you think will happen to the Baratie? Hell, what do you think will happen to King and all those people on that island that Y/N loves and cares for?! I can’t just leave them all behind!

"Just run. Figure it out and escape. Stay here, and all of you will die," Reiju had said firmly.

Her words rang in my mind, louder each time I replayed them, and I gripped my hair in frustration. "What do I do?" I muttered under my breath. It felt like the weight of the entire world was pressing down on me. I opened the basket sitting beside me and sighed, realizing something as I took out the bento box.

"Wait a minute... did I really cook this for Pudding?" I said, staring at the contents in disbelief. “Man, what was I thinking?”

As I began to look at the carefully prepared food, something dawned on me. I hadn’t made this with Pudding in mind at all. Each meal inside the box was meant for my crew—Nami’s favorite tangerines, Chopper’s chocolate treats, sandwiches for Robin, Luffy’s beloved mountain of meat, and even meals for Zoro, Usopp, Franky, and Brook. But the one dish that pulled me into a daze was Y/N’s.

I stared at her portion, the scent of it filling my nostrils. Her favorite: pasta with extra cream sauce, adorned with bits of meat and bacon, just the way she liked it. Even the wine bottle sitting beside it was one of her favorites. The memories of when I made this dish flashed in my mind.

Flashback...

I was in the kitchen, meticulously preparing everything for the crew. The scent of sizzling bacon and the richness of the cream sauce filled the air as I stirred the pot, adding the final touches to the pasta I was making for Y/N.

I had just placed her plate down when Zoro barged in, his eyes zeroing in on the dish I’d just finished.

“Hey!, cook! Where's my meal?!" he demanded, arms crossed over his chest. His impatience always grated on my nerves.

I grit my teeth, turning to him with a scowl. "Your meal? You’ll get it when I’m done with the others, you moss-headed swordsman! Don’t rush me!"

Zoro smirked, leaning lazily against the doorframe. “Seems like you already finished someone’s plate. What’s so special about that one, huh?”

Before I could retort, Y/N appeared, slipping into the kitchen with a bright smile. She made a beeline for her plate and took a seat. "Can you believe it? Sanji made my favorite pasta!" she exclaimed happily.

Her smile practically made the room shine brighter, and for a moment, I forgot all about the moss-head’s irritating presence. "He even got it down to a T! It’s perfect!" she added, her excitement contagious as she twirled a forkful of pasta.

I couldn’t help but smile back. "Anything for you, Y/N," I said smoothly, leaning against the counter.

But then, Zoro, the mosshead, sauntered over and plopped down next to Y/N, his gaze fixed on her plate with a wicked grin. "Hey, Y/N, mind if I have a bite?" Before she could respond, he snatched the fork from her hand, plopping the food into his mouth while maintaining eye contact with her. She blushed slightly, caught off guard by his sudden boldness.

"Not bad," he said, swallowing the bite, then casually handed the fork back to her, a triumphant smirk plastered on his face. Y/N shook her head and laughed, clearly amused despite the cheeky interruption.

"Not bad," Zoro repeated, his smirk widening as he shot me a smug look. "The cook actually knows what he’s doing."

I felt irritation bubbling inside me, my fists clenching at my sides. The mosshead always knew how to get under my skin, but this—this was a whole new level of audacity.

Before I could snap back at him, Y/N playfully swatted Zoro in the chest. "Don’t be rude," she scolded, laughter dancing in her eyes. "Besides, it's a dish he made for me, right, Sanji?"

Her teasing smile instantly melted away my frustration, and I grinned back at her, all my irritation forgotten in an instant. "That's right, Y/N-chan," I said smoothly, flipping my hair as if I were on stage. "I made it just for you, with all the love and care in the world."

Zoro rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smirk. "Tch, you really know how to lay it on thick, don’t you, curly-brow?"

End of Flashback…

I snapped back to the present, the warm memory fading as the reality of my situation sank in. I closed the basket tightly, gripping the handle so hard my knuckles turned white. "I made all their favorites out of habit," I muttered to myself, the weight of everything pressing down on me. My head fell into my hands as I tried to push the thoughts away.

"Forget them... you have to." The words echoed in my mind, but the more I thought about it, the harder it became. I don’t have to worry about Luffy and the others. They'll find a way out, like they always do. But Y/N... I can’t let her marry Ichiji. I don’t care about the Vinsmokes. I can die with them, but Y/N... for her to be bound to this cruel fate, to die with them too?

My thoughts swirled, chaotic and relentless. Even if my life was short, it was a fulfilling one, I thought bitterly. But that didn’t change the fact that Y/N was caught in this nightmare with me. And Luffy… he wouldn’t stop. He wouldn’t move. He promised he’d stay in that spot until I came back to him.

Suddenly, a soldier from Big Mom’s army interrupted my spiral of thoughts, reaching for one of the meat dishes meant for Luffy. "Ohh, food..." one of Big Moms children mumbled, grabbing the piece of meat.

Something inside me snapped.

"Hey, wait a second—are you Sanji Vinsmoke? Montdour said you were asleep in your room."

Without thinking, I lashed out. "Get your hands off!" I shouted, sending him flying into the wall with a single kick. "That food... is not for you!"

I stood there, chest heaving, realization dawning on me as I stared at the unconscious soldier. What the hell did I just do?

My body moved on its own. I grabbed the basket and ran, my heart pounding as my feet carried me faster than I could think. What the hell am I doing? I thought, feeling the panic rise. But my feet kept moving, and before I knew it, I was heading straight to where Luffy had said he wouldn’t move.

To the spot where he was waiting for me

[cognitiveleague]

Just opened FB and saw one of the most baffling “my good bitch, he would not say that” -inducing takes I think I’ve ever seen about a character: transphobic Luffy

Like… the guy who canonically thinks every one of the several GNC, ambiguously genderfluid/genderqueer people he’s met is a) cool as Hell, and b) a person to affectionately refer to with -chan if that feels like it would be affirming for whatever gender situation they’ve got going on? That guy? That Luffy????

For fuck’s sake, Bon Clay was introduced as far back as the first main plot arc after they get to where the plot happens, and like, ok, not everything Oda wrote 20 years ago has aged perfectly, but Bon-chan has *always* been presented as neither exclusively male nor female, and as brave, earnest, caring, and someone Luffy admires and respects.

And it’s even more confusing if they’re up to date on canon! Queens and queers are explicitly shown as the heart and soul of the Revolutionary Army! A trans woman gets outed to Luffy and his only reaction is “wait, I thought you were a girl?” followed immediately by “oh, ok” and nothing changing! He meets a trans man with big ol’ titties and is briefly confused, then shifts immediately to calling him by a pointedly masculine nickname and otherwise treating him exactly the same as any other guy, up to and including hanging out with him in the men’s hot spring with The Boys after that arc’s plot gets wrapped up! The only person who’s weird about his inclusion for the Hot Springs Episode with The Boys is Sanji, who has Chronic Can’t Be Normal About Boobs disorder!

Like I know transphobic trolls will do what they do and are probably being dumb as hell on purpose, whatever, but I’m genuinely not sure I could come up with a major character in any mainstream anime, shonen or otherwise, for whom being transphobic is more demonstrably, canonically, pointedly OOC???

(Which isn’t even touching on the points of “my boy is clearly SOME type of aromantic and/or asexual” or “seriously I think HIS gender is Future Pirate King; why would he care about gender, he can’t eat that OR fistfight it in the parking lot behind Arby’s at some ungodly hour”)

[agirlandherquill]

friday kiss tag!

thanks for the tag @the-golden-comet @lamuradex @willtheweaver!

I know it's not friday anymore but this scene just came to me and I absolutely had to write it

so here it is, a little snippet from doubtless - my pirate story (which finally, as of last night, has a name!)

Lochley was to be shot.

She believed pirates were the ones that fought dirty, she had believed it all her life, and placed her faith in men such as these, these guards, these soldiers working to protect the Governor and the Isle. But seeing that gun in that man’s hand, her stomach dropped.

This was not an honourable fight. This was to be an execution.

The man clicked a lever on the side of the gun and raised it, levelling it at his heart. 

He’s going to die. 

Adalia’s hands collided with the gun as the guard’s finger twitched, triggering the mechanism, and the bullet fired with an ear-splitting crack. She watched it strike his mask. The stone cracked and Lochley froze, his eyes sliding to hers, they met for a moment, and then Lochley dropped, his body hitting the ground like a stone.

Adalia ran to him, she collapsed to her knees and fought to remove his mask. It would not give. She pushed it forward, past his chin, over his nose and lowered her ear to his lips. She listened for his breath. It would not come.

I shot him. 

I shot him to save him.

Now, have I killed him?

Trembling fingers cradled his jaw as she leant in, feeling the hard stillness of death in his chest as she pressed her lips to his, trading one breath, then another. And then, as his fingers cradled the back of her head, tangling themselves in her hair, she realised why he had been so tense, why it had been so difficult to fill his lungs with air. 

He had been holding his breath. The entire time. 

She drew back, scowling. “I thought you were dead.”

“I am, until I’m reminded that I am alive.” The mask was covering his eyes, she could not see the look in them and for that she was glad. The twitching of the corners of his lips was brutal enough.

“I should have let him shoot you.” She breathed, placing her hand where the bullet ought to have been. His fingers flexed on her head, his hand gently guiding her face back to his. “Aren’t you glad you didn’t?”

“You got your life and a kiss out of the bargain. You should be glad.”

“I do not want only one.” His lips grazed hers. “I want them all.”

A shadow fell over them and she sprang back, gasping, as a sword clipped her in the jaw. She hit the floor, clutching her face, as Lochley yanked his mask back into place and sat up, green eyes scowling. The guard that had hit her had his back to him. Of all the mistakes a man can make. Lochley rose from the floor in silence, tapped the man on the shoulder, and spoke quietly.

“I believe you owe her, and me, an apology.”

“What for?”

The look on his face was murderous. “You interrupted our kiss.”

She dropped the hand from her face and held out a hand placatingly. “Lochley…”

His eyes fixed on the small cut the sword had inflicted on her jaw. His knuckles turned white on the guard’s shoulder. “Apologise. Now.”

“I’m… Sorry.”

“Lochley.” Her eyes darted from his eyes to the sword in his other hand. “That’s enough, now.”

“He. Hurt. You.”

“We can leave. We got what you wanted, we can leave this place, the two of us, alive.”

“But not unharmed.” He growled, before driving the sword through the guard’s chest. Blood sprayed into her eyes and she held her breath, willing her horror to wait, she could not let it choke her. She could not let her horror show. Not to him.

She balled her hands into fists and silently walked away, ignoring the ongoing battles all around her. The Governor’s Mansion was no longer a haven to splendour, it was a hovel of sin. Blood had soaked the rugs, blades had destroyed the paintings, and lives had long since been lost within its walls.

“Adalia.” He called her name. 

She heard him.

She kept on walking.

~ ~ ~

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[tamilhobbit]

Honestly, fully agree. I just rewatched the main PotC trilogy and then On Stranger Tides, and there really is such a drop in quality. The original trilogy is wonderful. Its cinematography alone is excellent, and oh, that music.

- Each of the films has a beautifully gothic, atmospheric opening. Lingering shots on details like the teacups full of rain, on the expression on the boy's face as he looks up at the noose. Honestly the beginning of At World's End, with the chilling double whammy of child execution and That Song, is in my opinion one of the best openings out there.

- Just. Gorgeous lighting and composition, by and large.

- Like Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean has a lot of night combat scenes that are well lit. You can actually see what's going on.

- The combat is so well choreographed. I often find combat scenes boring after a few watches unless they're really well done, and the combat in these films is always so fun to watch. Elizabeth and Will's wedding is top-tier, but most of the combat is excellent. It got a lot more chaotic and boring in Stranger Tides.

- The chemistry. One of the reasons the other films suffer is that Jack is less compelling as a standalone protagonist - they keep giving us these young lover couples to root for, as a clear stand-in for Will and Elizabeth, but it misses the point. The trilogy worked because of the main trio: Jack, Will and Elizabeth. They all bounced off each other so well. Will and Elizabeth were more than just dewy-eyed lovers, like Philip and Syrena. They were complex characters with arcs of their own, and a complicated relationship with Jack that clearly went both ways.

Barbossa is also great but the magic was in the main trio. The films are less interesting and compelling when it's just Jack, Barbossa, Gibbs and a bunch of new characters.

- Minor details, like the excessive amount of sugar we see Cutler Beckett consuming and serving. Given the cost of sugar at the time - and no, I am not talking about money - it tells us a lot about his character and what he represents.

- That fucking music. Hans Zimmer, you genius. Those swelling themes are magical.

That said, it is frustrating how Elizabeth is constantly under threat of SA. In the first film it was to establish the pirates as an actual threat so we'd root for the good guys, but like. In that whole silly Singapore sequence there was no reason for the leering dude to make her remove more of her clothes and walk around like that. It could have been skipped.

(Also as an actual Singaporean I trust I do not need to say how much I hate that whole part, lmao. For one thing, the time period is most likely before the British showed up in Singapore in 1819. Before that we were a Malay kingdom and, at this point, subject to the Johor sultanate. Not a Chinese pirate city. We weren't even called Singapore yet; we were still Singapura.)

Just in general, those films definitely have a racism problem. 😫

Comments on Pirates of the Caribbean

So, I rewatch the first one after years bc I was sick by the Johnny Depp bullshit and through his presence would ruin the movie for me, thankfully, it didn't.

- Why don't they make blockbusters like this anymore? The scale of the production, everything feels so real, so damn good. They only used CGI when they needed it.

-Now I noticed that Elizabeth, Will and Jack have "friendship" matching scars, as all the three of them have a long cut on the palm of their hand.

-When Barbossa is about to cut Elizabeth, thinking her blood is the one they needed, instead of cutting her throat (something that was expected of him) he just cut her hand and when even Elizabeth looked confused at him, he says "waste not"

At first I thought that he was being nice, like there's no need to kill her, and this being a Disney movie really makes me think that. But now I get it, he wasn't being nice, he was being a nightmare as he only didn't kill her bc he was planning on SA her as soon as the curse was off. That's dark.

And it's weirdly nice to see how their relationship goes from this nightmare, to Barbossa not only actually respecting and acknowledge Elizabeth as one of them, but also with Elizabeth asking him to marry her with Will. It's like they became buddies at the end, almost lol

-People often praise only Johnny Depp for the success of the trilogy, and yes, he was good I got to admit but he wasn't the sole reason of the movies success. The proof of that is that after Worlds End, the movies went down in quality and will not pretend that the writing and production didn't go down either but the thing is that the characters also were not near as charming, charismatic and just as good as Elizabeth, Will, Barbossa, Davy Jones the crew guys...Jack Sparrow is good but he needs good company to truly shine. And the chemistry they all had towards each other plays a big part in the trilogy success. Jack Sparrow is amazing, but only when he isn't the protagonist.

Edit 1: I've saw the second and third ones again today and damn Hans Zimmer was inspired, the Davy Jones theme is the Best villain theme song (sorry Darth Vader)

At world's end, who also is the Will and Elizabeth theme(with some minor changes) is so good. It's not only good, it's a masterpiece. One of my fav original movie songs ever.

-Elizabeth arc is so well done. From damsel in distress, to pirate, to pirate queen. And it was natural, didn't feel forced at all. Even when she was damsel in distress, she wasn't helpless. In the first movie, after the ship battle, she launched herself at Barbossa , to punch in bc she thought Will was gone. She was always fierce.

And now in the second and third movie when she already knew how to fight...she became a menace.

-And Elizabeth lost her dad, her friend and the love of her life in like, just a few days. Damn. And all of the men she kissed, died lol. Jack, Norrington, Sao Feng and Will, and they all die right after kissing her. I bet she has some sort of "black widow" reputation among the sailors

-Jack really cared for both Elizabeth and Will, and we can see it in the scene when he told Elizabeth that her father was gone and when Davy Jones killed Will. And it makes sense cuz Jack was important in their journey from day one, and he saw their growth from naive young adults to pirates.

-Without a doubt, one of the best trilogies we have.

[sunnymainecoon]

Horror's silly I guess..... idk sometimes I just want him to slam people idk

Sighs the man's a little angy don't judge him... Jesus he's ugly

[aroaceleovaldez]

i would like to say my ideal PJO adaptation (if i was being physically forced against my will to have to pick a live action adaptation over an animated one for some reason) would be a combo like writing of the musical + casting of the show + visuals of the movies

BUT the show actually does have the playwright for the musical as one of the major writers for like three episodes and that did nothing for it. so...

[july-19th-club]

seven or eight times now ive watched the episodes in which they take the andromache and this is the first time ive realized that during the initial battle, after they board, every time the camera is from dufresne's perspective it's blurrier than otherwise because. he took his glasses off for the fight

[heartthrobxhook]

Killian did observe how the other man sipped and appreciated the taste of the brandy where he had not. It was a deliciously rich drink with a sweetness that brandy was known for. Not all that special to him though. "We drink for two very different reasons." He informed the other as he set his glass down.

The story of how James rose to Commodore was quite the detailed one. Hearing of his accomplishments against pirates throughout the years left Killian with a neutral expression as he listened. They were impressive yes, but events that he had heard of and were massive blows to pirates. It seems they were both familiar with one another's reputation without knowing who had been behind it.

"Seems I've done these waters a favor putting an end to the scourge of piracy. Best you not to go sharing that in any ports we stop at, I'm sure there's plenty out there who'd want to slit your throat." Killian warned knowing that other pirates wouldn't hesitate to kill the man before him.

"The colonies..." He scoffs "Reminds me of the great roman empire, conquering lands and growing so large that it all collapses. What England wants is to control the world, the Order that we had been taught is not to create peace it's about controlling people. They don't want the masses to have free will." Killian reached for the bottle and refilled both their glasses with the dark reddish brown liquid. "Even with your promotion you were still just as trapped as the slaves in shackles."

Killian pauses to lift his glass, giving it a small swirl and taking the time to appreciate the taste with a slow sip. It was tastier than he had ititially thought as he had drank his first two quickly. "All pirates are different and have their own ways of going about things. But the one thing we all agree on is freedom. No one is ruled here, I am captain not because I wanted the position but because they chose me to lead them." He took another sip and stared at the brandy as he thought back to when he lost everything he held dear to his heart.

"I don't know how I survived that storm, but I ended on an island where these pirates took me in and nursed me back to health. This was an that you could not leave, you could sail in any direction away from it and as soon as it disappeared behind you it would reappear in front of you. They had been trapped for ages trying to find a means of escape and I helped them for what felt like ten years to find a way to leave. A heist to steal a magic bean from a flying boy to take us away from Neverland, the island where you never grow old." He uses his hook to move around the charts and pushes the one of Neverland towards James to look at. "Without me they'd still be trapped there. I saved them and they made me captain. They are my family that took me in and I take care of them in return. All this treasure you see, it's everyone's equally. I buy them the best supplies and stock my ship with good food, whatever they want or need I provide. We just plunder more than we can spend."

James observed Killian’s casual confidence. The sight of Killian downing his brandy in a single go drew a soft sigh of mock disappointment from James, who shook his head lightly.

“That,” James said, lifting his glass with practiced poise, “is not how one drinks brandy, Killian. A proper gentleman—pirate or not—must savor it. Observe.”

James brought the glass to his lips, taking a sip and letting the black cherry brandy linger on his tongue before swallowing with a quiet sigh of appreciation. He arched a brow at Killian, a faint smirk playing at the edges of his lips. “It’s a drink meant to be appreciated, not inhaled like cheap rum.”

Then came the touched smile again. "Trust," James repeated, his tone almost wistful. "I suppose we both have a bit of a complicated relationship with that word, don't we? But… I do know the kind of man you are, despite the reputation, despite the ship and the crew. "

Taking another a slow sip of his brandy, savoring both the drink and the moment. "You’ve proven yourself today especially, and I can hardly ignore that. As for backstabbing, well, if there’s one thing I can say for myself, it’s that I don’t go around betraying those who show me kindness… or who don't deserve it." At least not yet…

James leaned back, cradling the brandy glass in his hand, a flicker of pride crossing his face at Killian's question. "The promotion to Commodore," he began, James leaned back, cradling the brandy glass in his hand, pride crossing his face at Killian's question. "The promotion to Commodore," he thought aloud, "was not an overnight affair. It was the culmination of years spent commanding His Majesty's ships, capturing pirate crews, and bringing order to waters you lot seemed determined to make lawless."

He swirled the brandy in his glass, as though lost in the memory for a moment. "One contributing victory was the capture of the rum runners on what you pirates have deemed Rum Runner Island. They were a particularly evasive group—masters of slipping past blockades and hiding their operations in the labyrinth of caves along the island's shores. But we anticipated their movements, and with the help of local informants, laid a trap. A few well-placed fires in their cavern stores forced them out, right into our waiting arms. Their surrender secured one of the Caribbean's most notorious smuggling rings."

James allowed a faint smile to tug at the corner of his lips, his expression a mixture of satisfaction and reflection. "The Crown was pleased, of course. Less smuggled rum meant more revenue in taxes for their coffers. But to me, it was about ensuring fewer weapons and contraband flowed into the hands of those who would destabilize the colonies."

He set the glass down, folding his arms across his chest as he continued. "My reputation grew further after a harrowing victory near the Windward Passage. We were outnumbered—three pirate vessels to our single frigate—but superior tactics and discipline won the day. It wasn’t without cost, though. Good men were lost in the fight, and yet their sacrifice solidified the Navy’s grip on those seas."

Another sip "That victory earned me both the respect of my peers and the ire of your kind. 'Scourge of Piracy,' they called me—because every captured flag, every destroyed vessel, meant fewer pirates preying on merchant ships and coastal towns."

A faint, wry smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "And then there was Port Royal. The crown took notice of my efforts when I was stationed there. Ensuring the colony’s safety and dealing with… persistent nuisances cemented my standing. Commodore was a natural step forward for me, if I aimed to follow in…. his… footsteps.”

One last sip, and he .. pushes the glass toward Killian. " I ah, don't suppose It would be too bold of me to ask for a refill? "

[wishjacked]

u know what? fine. *draws my guys like they're a cartoon*

here's the lil antag crew too. they get to have more detail because they're special <3 (aka they show up less often so the AU version of myself that makes cartoons can afford to put more time into them)