#and zoro in blue and hot pink

[astr-ll]

has the colours of the egghead outfits already been confirmed?

[wordy-little-witch]

Silly cross guild stuff but focused on my main man, my boy, my blue wet rat blorbo-

Mihawk is absolutely OFFENDED to be a father. He never asked for the parent life, the parent life crashed into his island against his will TWICE and now he can't escape.

Zoro will not admit to it, but it's there. They're both emotionally stoic, but they Understand. They have the vibe. They know. They know each other knows. They know the other knows they know. It's A Thing.

Perona is Mihawk's little girl and she's his goth princess. The parental vibe is there, no doubt about that, they both know (mostly), but their differences in personality often result in fights.

Luckily, Mihawk winds up falling in with an equally flashy and equally emotional person as his daughter.

Perona and Buggy get on like a house on fire.

They can and WILL make it everyone's problem.

At first, there are some points of contention - Buggy's not one for goth looks (#trauma), and Perona doesn't find clowns particularly cute. They very quickly find a comfortable middle ground, where Buggy spoils her rotten with different styles and spa days while Perona helps him experiment with different outfits and aesthetics. It's so sweet, it's so cute, Croc+Hawk are suffering so much cuteness aggression. It's great.

A lot of evenings will find the two dark haired warlords retiring for the evening to find Buggy, Alvida, Perona (maybe Uta too bc I love her), all of them having a spa night. They have masks, nail polish, he's doing Perona's hair and Alvida is doing Uta's nails while the songstress is painting the mace wielder's toes. It's domestic and silly and sweet.

Buggy also really adores doing makeup and hair. It's a crossover from his adoration of performances and performing arts. He helps out when they do ACTUAL performances too, be it Big Top Centric or on Karai Bari, landlocked.

Perona and Uta are his favorite little practice dummies, and Alvida can even be persuaded with wine, hot gossip and praise to do the same.

Perona personally ADORES the basket weaved braids he does for her, suble little flicks of flashy eyeliner that adds a slight touch of a carnival/clownery vibe to her makeup.

Uta is torn between most split styles and this crisscross looping braid Buggy does which turns her hair into a pepperminty-wonderland. ((Also she has been debating bleaching/lightening her red, dying her white.... pink and blue are such comfy colors to her now...........))

It's especially adorable when Buggy teaches them some tips and tricks that transfer from performance to fighting, and they eventually even have a shared performance, hair done the same, makeup complementary but individualistic. It makes hearts MELT because the girls are simply SO HAPPY, Buggy is absolutely VIBRATING in joy.

The day they realize that, by their powers combined, they may even be able to rope Mihawk into it, too..... well.

That's a story for another time, huh?

[lllluffyvert]

It’s a hot summer afternoon in late August. The sea is calm, with only the occasional light breeze to push the Going Merry over the water and provide a momentary reprieve from the sun’s simmering rays. 

The Straw Hat crew dock at a small, tropical island. Its shallow, cerulean waters are crystal clear, a window to the vibrant ecosystem beneath the surface. Brightly colored fish swim in schools around vivid coral trees, their surfaces dotted with crawling crustaceans. 

Luffy stands at the shore where sparkling waves wash over golden sand, the cold foam just reaching the tips of his sandals. A gust of wind knocks the hat from his head and tussles his brown curls, and his eyes follow the retreating waves with a notable expression of longing.

“I wish I could go swimming,” he says quietly, disappointment in the slump of his shoulders.

“I could teach you,” Zoro volunteers without a moment’s thought, his gaze fixated on his captain - his bronzed skin is in stark contrast against the blue horizon, and his mess of brown hair appears almost golden under the sunlight. Zoro’s breath catches as Luffy turns to him, the smattering of freckles dotting his sun-kissed cheeks accentuated by the toothy grin on his face.

“Zoro is so cool,” Luffy says earnestly, kicking off his sandals and shaking his shirt from his shoulders. He excitedly steps into the cold sea water, a giddy laugh escaping from his lips as he extends expectant hands towards Zoro. 

His palms are warm against Zoro’s, the pads of his fingers calloused but the skin of his knuckles soft under Zoro’s thumbs as he pulls Luffy further out, until they’re waist deep in the gentle back and forth lull of the ocean waves. 

“Now, try kicking your legs to propel forward,” Zoro instructs, slowly walking backwards and tugging Luffy along with him. Luffy does as he’s told and kicks his feet up, but his center of balance is thrown and he leans too far forward, gurgling as salted sea water hits him square in the face. Zoro rights him, biting back laughter as Luffy shakes his head, sending a spray of droplets in every direction. 

“Let me try again,” Luffy says, not one to give up so easily. Slowly, more carefully, he leans forward once more and paddles his legs as Zoro moves with him. An infectious grin dimples his cheeks and the air is filled with his bubbling laughter as they swim together, and a little piece of Zoro wishes this moment would last forever. 

They finally leave the water just as the sun touches the edge of the horizon, painting the evening sky in hues of pink, red, and orange. Luffy watches the sunset, and Zoro drinks in the sight of him. The contented smile on his lightly sunburnt face, the way his freckles stood out even more against his rosy cheeks, how soft his sea-salt scented hair looked after drying in the summer sun. His honey brown eyes, soft in the dying light, warm in the way he looks at Zoro now as their fingertips brush together, and he’s so pretty, Zoro can’t help but kiss him. He tastes of salt, and his lips are slightly chapped but Zoro doesn’t mind. His hands slide into Luffy’s hair at the base of his neck and he deepens the kiss as Luffy sighs in his mouth. 

“What was that for?” Luffy asks, breathless as they pull apart for air. 

“My payment,” Zoro states, pulling Luffy in close and kissing him again with fervor. “For teaching you to swim. Or at least,” He revises with a grin, “How to not immediately sink.”

[layla4567]

MONSTER TRIO BUYING YOU SANITARY NAPKINS

Warnings: Mention of period symptoms, English isn't my first language so there may be grammatical mistakes, swear words

LUFFY

Please be patience with him, he doesn't even know what's happening. Sanitary napkins? Is that something you can eat? Is a towel? He don't know and he can go desperate

Poor innocent boy, he really wants to help but doesn't know where to start. He doesn't understand your mood swings, he gets scared when he sees you writhing in pain, and he doesn't know what a sanitary pad is.

In your hammock curled up, you asked Luffy to please buy you a pair of sanitary pads with wings. Oh boy. The captain froze, totally confused, in fact he had to ask Nami to explain to him what you were asking for.

With wings? Like a plane? Could you fly with that? He definitely didn't understand anything but he still went to fulfill his mission.

Great was his disappointment when the store assistant gave him a small pink rectangular package where he could see a strange drawing of a white object with flaps on the sides, it looked like a shoe insole. Were those the wings? He thought they were going to have feathers like a duck's :(

ZORO

God damn, Can't he have a peaceful day or take a good nap without you interrupting him? When you called him from your room he rolled his eyes and walked to your door, clenching his jaw. He was going to protest but when he came in he saw you so messed up that he got genuinely worried.

He will be very grumpy but when it comes to helping or caring for those he cares about he does it without question. The problem was when you asked for the sanitary napkins. He even had to ask you to repeat it to see if he heard correctly.

Sanitary napkins, sanitary napkins and how the hell am I supposed to know what that is? He was muttering under his breath. The logical thing would have been to ask Nami. But Zoro's pride was too great to humiliate himself in front of a girl, he couldn't bear the shame of Nami laughing at his ignorance.

Anyway, he went to the store and started looking for those damn sanitary napkins. But there were so many, of all sizes, shapes and colors. And what was that about wings? Couldn't it be without wings? What was the fucking difference?

Zoro felt lost and his frustration was growing but he insisted that he could do it alone. Well, he couldn't. In the end he had to ask a saleswoman and the woman with a funny smile handed him a light purple package, it was soft like a pillow. He hoped this would be enough, or else he would have to put up with your mood swings.

SANJI

Totally a sweetheart. He perfectly understands what you have and what he has to do without having to ask Nami.

He will come visit you in your room from time to time to see if you need anything. A hot water compress for your belly? You will have it in less than a minute. Are you craving something sweet? Sanji will cook for you at any time and whatever you want.

It hurts Sanji's soul to see you so sore so he will stay by your side massaging your lower belly or telling you about All Blue to distract you.

Of course he knows what a sanitary pad or a tampon or a menstrual cup is, and he will buy you as many as you need without feeling embarrassed.

He will be the one who has the most patience with you and your mood swings. Nothing surprises him about you anymore and he knows how to comfort you anyway.

dividers: @saradika-graphics, @rookthornesartistry

[ellelunesmallstories]

Sweet Ambrosia ● Sanji x Reader

I started to roll from side to side on my hammock. Both Robin and Nami breathed peacefully as they slept and that was annoying to me since i couldn't sleep at all and my head was starting to hurt.

I get up from the hammock just on my shorts and tanktop. The boat was silent so I would assume that none of the guys were up at this time in the night. As i got closer to the kitchen the smell of rosemary and boiling meat was apparent and the sound of softly clicking pans was also coming from it.

I open the door right away seeing Sanji without a shirt off and a apron folded and wrapped lazily around his waist as he chopped up some carrots.

" Hey love, awake at this time? Is everything okay? " He asks worried as he observes me up and down and stops chopping the carrots in front of him.

" I have a migraine and can't sleep. " I affirm as I walk towards the table and sit on one of the stools that faces him.

I observed as he nodded at my words and hummed something to himself as he turned around to look around in the upper cupboards. My eyes couldn't stop lingering and observing as every defined muscle on his back and arms twitched as he roomed around in the cupboards.

I have seen Zoro, Usopp and Luffy many times without a shirt off on hot days during our travels but Sanji would always have his shirt on and just fold his shirt sleeves to over his elbows. I have never saw him like this.

" What are you doing? " I ask and Sanji turns around with a jar filled with tea leaves.

" I'm going to make you some tea love, it help with the migraines. " He explains.

Sanji then smiles brightly at me and proceeds to pick up the kettle and fills it with water before putting it in the stove top and turning it on with matches. He then takes a cigarette out of his pants pocket and lights it on the stove top.

He turns around and understands that I'm watching him as he pulls drags out of his cigarette and leans against the counter looking back at me.

" Normally there's no one at the kitchen at this time, me and Luffy kind of come here to have a midnight snack sometimes. " I affirm with a smile and Sanji laughs as he let's the smoke float in between his lips.

" I have noticed before, you and Luffy are pretty close. Is there something between you two?" He asks as he looks at me with a curious expression.

" It's normal that we are close, he was the one that saved me and bought me here after all. And you, why are you awake? " I ask.

" I couldn't sleep, so i decided to get ahead for tomorrows lunch. " Sanji claims before putting the cigarette between his lips again.

I couldn't take my eyes off of him, he was so different, not like other times, this time he was relaxed and his blue eyes looked profoundly at me that i almost feel like i could melt. The kettle starts to make a noise and Sanji quickly squishes his cigarrete against the counter before walking towards the kettle and taking it out of the stove.

He pours some water over the leaves and then looks up at me before picking up the tea cup and walking in my direction. I observed as he walked in my direction seeing how the light illuminated every muscle on his bare skin as he walked.

" Liking what you are seeing, love? " He asks in a profound whisper as he smirks at me and puts the tea cup in front of me on the table.

" Hum hum. " I murmur with a smile as I look up at him and nod.

Sanji's cheeks quickly emerge into a pink tint has his taken aback by my response. I also try to hide my pink face as i pick up the tea cup with both hands and try to hide my face behind it. Did that really just come out my mouth?

I touch my lips to the tea and quickly put it on the table again as I feel it burn my skin. Sanji leans against the table beside me, observing me next to him. I could feel his eyes analysing my features. Fuck it.

I quickly get up in one go and Sanji looks at me confused as I quickly put one hand on his neck and smash our lips together abruptly. He doesn't react and I feel his body stiff up under my touch before pulling away. His eyes looked at me surprised has i took my hand away.

" Oh fuck, I'm sorry…I'm sorry. " I start to exclaim as I look down on my feet embarrassed.

But just as quickly I feel Sanji's hand against my waist as he pulls me close to him and lifts my face with his other hand to entangle our lips together. This time it was soft before he closed the gap between our hips and quickly stuck his tongue inside my mouth which I gladly went with feeling the passionate tension between us getting stronger.

" Do you even know for how long, i have wanted to do this? " He whispers after pulling our kiss apart and holding each side of my face as he looked sincerely to my eyes.

My hands find it's way to his chest as I run my fingers down his skin. I lean against him, kissing his exposed neck and feeling his hands on each side of my waist. I quickly take his hand of my waist as I start to trail my kisses down to his collarbone and then his neck.

Listening to his breathing getting heavier as I stopped at his belly button and observed his hand in each side of him gripping at the edge of the table he was leaning against. I lay on my knees in front of him and his eyes look at me lustfully from above as my hands hold into his hips.

" Let me suck you off. " I whisper and Sanji closes his eyes for a second before putting his hand bellow my chin making me look at his face.

" Do you really want that love? " He asks.

" Let me make you feel good. " I whisper as I kiss his hand that was holding my face.

Sanji takes off his apron that falls right in front of me, making me realise the huge budge that was already picking through his pants. I quickly start to unbuckle Sanji's belt and take it out of his pants. I unbutton his pants and pull his pants and boxers down being greeted by his already hard dick right in front of my face. I softly put my hands on each side of his waist pushing him softly to sit on the edge of the table.

I take the pants and boxers out of his ankles throwing them behind me. I hold his hard dick, audibly hearing a hitched sound coming from him as I do. I look up at him making eye contact with him as I start to suck at his tip.

Sanji's eyes quickly close at the sensation as he rolls his head back and grips at the table edge on each side of his legs. I slowly start to lick and suck around his staff as I take his whole length inside of me.

I feel his hands holding each side of my head and running his fingers through my hair pulling at them softly. I look at him seeing his eyes barely open of the pleasure I was giving him as I fastened the pace of my sucking.

" You are absolutely stunning, love. " He affirms in between breaths as he leans his head back again.

I keep going faster and faster has a I feel his dick starting to pulse I start to lick his head and quickly feel his hands pulling stronger at my hair.

" Ah fuck. " He grunts and I look up at him, as he starts to pet my cheek.

I silently nod at him as I look him in the eyes and quickly feel him cumming inside of my mouth as he throws his head back with a moan. I keep sucking his head softly shallowing all of his liquid as I feel his hands petting my hair.

I stop and he looks at me breathless for some minutes in silence observing my face as I stood on my knees in front of him.

" Come here. " He whispers.

I get up and he does the same quickly pulling for a passionate kiss. We pull away and he quickly turns me around and pins me over the table. His lips find their to my neck that he nibbles at before lifting my shirt I feel his hands lingering over my sides as he looks at my body.

" You are so incredibly beautiful. " He whispers before planting kiss all over my chest, belly and waist.

My fingers find it's way in between his hair as his soft lips start to suck at my nipples. His hands linger over my shorts waistband before he looks up at me.

" Can I make you feel good, back? " He whispers and I quickly nod before he pulls my shorts down with my panties quickly following.

I feel his hands on each side of my thighs softly squeezing at them as he plants kisses on my waist and then trails them to my inner thighs making feel goose pumps as I felt his hot breath against my skin.

" Stop teasing me. " I whine as I pull slightly at his hair and feel him smile against my inner thigh before planting a kiss there.

" Your orders, love. " He whispers with a laugh.

I quickly feel his mouth against my folds as he lips start to suck at them and his hands find their to my waist as he starts to lick in between my folds making me swing my hips up against him and pull at his hair.

" Hum, you taste so good. " He whispers against my tight and I look down to see his eyes sparkling as he looks up at me. " This is how I imagine the Sweet Ambrosia of the gods, would taste like."

I feel one of his finger inside of me making me moan at the surprise has he started licking at my folds again making me thrust my hips to match the movement of his fingers. I feel his lips touch my clitoris and a big grunt leaves my lips has I arch my back and pull at his hair.

" Hum, found it. " Sanji whispers with a slight proud laugh while still thrusting with his fingers on just the right spot and sucking my clitoris.

" Sanjiiii. " I let out in a moan as he keeps going. " I want you. "

Sanji quickly stops and gets up from between my legs to tower over me and plant me the most passionate kiss ever. I feel his hard dick pocking at my entrance and I quickly wrap my legs around his waist and pull him against me feeling his member enter me as we kissed.

He lets out a grunt breaking the kiss and throws his head back at the sensation before moving his hips. My whole body started to emerge in goose pumps has i felt him move inside of me and his breath tinkled my face has he looked at me biting my bottom lip with semi closed eyes.

" Please love, let me hear how good i make you feel. " Sanji whispers against my neck has he fastens his speed making me hold into his back and dig my nails into his skin.

I quickly relax and moan against his lips. A smirk appears in his lips as he observes me closely and gives me a small kiss before releasing a ungodly moan that himself was holding. I take my hands to his hair taking him out of his sweaty face so I could observe his aroused expression has he looked back at me.

" God, you are so beautiful. " He whispers back at me as he closes his eyes and tilts his head back as he keeps thrusting his hips.

A wild fire starts to spread over my body as goose pumps start to emerge all over my skin, I tighten my legs around his waist has he lowers down to kiss me. I quickly break the kiss and let go a moan has he keeps going.

" Sanji, I… I .. " I exclaims between moans and he nods at my words.

His thrusts get deeper and violent. My nails digging deeper into his back as our bodies got hotter and hotter from the friction. Before i knew i started to feel this feeling of arousal getting over me has I looked at Sanji and heard him moan my name.

" Ah fuck, Sanji. " I moan has I can't take it anymore.

I feel my thighs shaking in between his hands has a complete feeling of release takes over me and he pulls out with a grunt has he holds the tip of his dick Cumming into his hand. He quickly picks a rag out of a drawer and cleans his hand.

I sit on the tip of the table looking at him. He notices and walks in my direction and holds both sides of my head before planting a tender slow kiss on my lips which he lingers with his eyes closed before pulling away and looking back at me.

" I bet the migraine is gone now, love. " He whispers and I smile before nudging him on his arm making him laugh.

[veryace-ficrecs]

Valentines Day Fic Recs

Happy valentines day! this list will be fics focused around or on valentines day! Enjoy!

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

One Piece

waiting by tinyjet7 - Rated G

zoro watches sanji hand out treats to everyone but him.

Ship to Sea, Lock to Key by 8ball - Rated G

“I want to buy the cook a restaurant.”

Ted Lasso

Take My Whole Life Too by ItsClydeBitches - Rated G

Ted Lasso was the kind of man who taught NSYNC choreography for a going away party and bent his players into impossible positions just to say “Hi, Boss!” in the morning. He’d organized fearsome bets over darts, baked heavenly biscuits on the regular, and had requested at least two boxes from Nate Shelley’s niece, one of which still sat on a shelf in his office, despite the betrayal. Ted was also a passionate believer in what he referred to as “rom-communism,” all the trappings included. In retrospect, Trent should have known he’d go all out for Valentine’s Day.

9-1-1

Take Another Little Pizza My Heart by Phreakycat - Rated T

In which Buck helps Christopher with his Valentines for school, and discovers some things about himself. OR Buck is oblivious, but Eddie loves him anyway.

be my valentine by coupe_de_foudre - Rated G

“What sort of stupid joke is this, Buck?” Buck gapes, holding his hands up in mock-surrender. “Hey, I didn’t do this! I was driving.” (or Christopher gets sick of his dad and Buck being oblivious idiots and decides to help them out)

Stranger Things

Be My Valentine? by Sharpbutsoft (BuckysButt) - Rated T

“Aren’t you sick of me, yet?” Eddie asks, joint dangling precariously between two fingers. He’s stretched out on the floor of his bedroom. It’s this ritual he and Steve have been sharing for months now. Light some incense, order pizza, share a joint or three and give voice to the half-formed thoughts swirling round their heads. Eddie’s been balancing on the precipice of this conversation for longer than he’d care to admit. Exposing himself, pushing a boundary he knows better than to break.  This thing with Steve, this delicate relationship, if you could even call it that. It still feels new, fresh. Fragile. And Eddie’s not known for handling these things with care. Smash first, ask questions later. 

Cupid's One-Shot by DeadEyedGemini - Rated T

When Will Byers calls him up on a Saturday afternoon to invite him to come and play a surprise One-Shot at Gareth's house on Valentine's Day he doesn't really have a reason to say no, it's not like has a date or anything better to do. Imagine his surprise when he showed up to find that not only is Robin Buckley there to play but so is his long-time crush and friend, Steve Harrington. Soon it becomes apparent that everyone seems to be in on some secret that Eddie isn't aware of, but also that this one-shot might have an alternative motive than just being something to do on a Tuesday night.

IT

cherry cordial by ShowMeAHero - Rated E

He’s staring down hard at his phone, scrolling aimlessly through Facebook without reading anything, when someone bumps into him. Whoever it is grabs the pole, their hands brushing against each other’s. Right in his ear, the guy says, “Fucking shit, you’re hot.” Eddie’s head jerks up, startled, and he meets the bright blue eyes of a man at least eight inches taller than him. The guy’s got a pink knit cap tugged down over his head and a spill of curls falling down from it, his glasses fogging up in the warmth of the train car. “What?” Eddie demands.

Supernatural

(un)attached by one_more_offbeat_anthem - Rated G

Three months after Chuck's defeat, Dean is spending his Valentine's Day eating spaghetti and making cards with Jack while his brother goes on a post-hunt vacation. And then Jack asks if he can make a card for Cas.

Bee my Valentine? by your_average_fangirl256 - Rated G

Valentine's Day Fluff.

Dean builds Cas a garden..and Cas proposes in it. There are Pie and Bees too.

Teen Wolf

Candy-Coated Roses by simplyambyy - Rated G

Holidays at work are always a festive time and Valentine’s Day is no exception. The entire building is covered in hearts and flowers while the front desk of every floor has a dish of Hershey’s kisses wrapped in red, pink, and silver foil. Stiles exits the elevator and makes his way towards his cubicle, smiling and murmuring greetings to his favorite co-workers on his way. For some reason, the twenty-six-year-old was in a pretty good mood and it might have to do with the cherry-flavored lollipop he knew was waiting for him at his cubicle. What Stiles isn’t expecting is the pile of roses and lollipops covering his desk space.

Craigslist Valentine by Triangulum - Rated E

The Craigslist ad had been because Peter had been wonderfully, spectacularly drunk. Reservations for the Palm are hard to get, even for someone like Peter, and he's had his name down for eight months. He refuses to waste it. If he hadn't been trashed on expensive pinot noir, he would have considered maybe inviting his best friend, Chris, or taking out a niece or nephew. But no, he'd been three sheets to the wind and decided that he needed to share his Valentine's Day dinner reservations with a random stranger. Or Peter refuses to let good dinner reservations go to waste just because his (ex)girlfriend cheated on him. He drunkenly makes a Craigslist ad to find a date, and Stiles answers.

Labyrinth (1986)

Valentine Revisions by Rayac - Rated M

As part of a cathartic exercise, Sarah is dared to prepare some unusual Valentines for the men of her past. She never planned on the Goblin King actually receiving his or that he would meet her revised expectations. But does he ever.

Star Wars

no place like home by ShowMeAHero - Rated G

“Anything else?” she asks, ringing up his coffees. The ding, ding-ding, ding, ding of the register’s buttons wakes Han up a little bit more. “Yeah,” he says, “I’ll have a pack of, uhh… Whatever’s cheapest.” He taps his blunt nails on the vinyl countertop. “And do you have those little, like— Those little cards kids give each other?” “Like, the little folding ones?” she asks him. “You realize that today is—” “Yeah, I’m aware."

Merlin

From the Heart by supercalvin - Rated G

In which Arthur gives Merlin gifts. “No.” Morgana shook her head, “No, see you don’t understand.” Morgana took him by the shoulder and pulled him close as if to divulge a secret. “Arthur Pendragon does not give good gifts. He is actually the worst gift-giver in all of England.” “Oh come on, the scarf isn’t that bad.” Merlin said, now kind of insulted for the piece of fabric. “Merlin, the scarf is perfect for you. It’s a good gift. Arthur doesn’t give good gifts.”

[mackenyus-photo-dump]

Image credit to the respective owner.

ZORO CAUGHT HANAHAKI

Part 2: Here Comes The Smut

[Fuck! They both look so hot in the fanart!]

Please stop reading if you're below 18.

Hiyori froze. She was too embarrassed to admit that she had been feeling the same way. How is it that her forthright attitude suddenly shied away once she found out her feelings were reciprocated? And it seemed as if Zoro's life depended on it too. Her face was burning, it turned the brightest shade of red. She looked away, trying to gather the courage to say the 2 simple words "Me too", but she felt her tongue tied. Zoro closed his gray eyes [since the fanart showed that he opened his injured eye, let's pretend this was the case]. Even though he just rose from his own death, it seemed like he was going to meet his imminent end. He knew he was doomed the moment he recognized his affection towards her. A pirate like him, and an elegant, yet delicate princess like Hiyori. He tried to savor his last moments by gulping down another bottle of Sake, the kind that he liked and stared at the most beautiful woman he ever set his eyes on. Man, she was bewitchingly stunning. Zoro watched as Hiyori's plumpy lips trembled as if she was trying to articulate something. He suppressed his raging desire to devour them. "Me...too..." Hiyori said, barely audible since her lips failed to move. Zoro arched one of his busy brows, he seemed confused, what was she trying to say? Noticing his inquisitive countenance, Hiyori explained once more. "I am in love with you too, Zorojuro-san," a nickname that he hated but grew accustomed to over time. Zoro's heart beat fast as he felt a heavy weight lifted off of his burly chest. The unbearable tingle he felt since he woke up this morning was finally gone. Just like that, he was cured.

Hiyori's blue eyes widened as he saw Zoro touching his own neck, he was still in disbelief over the whole ordeal. His biceps were curled causing them to bulge even bigger than usual. Hiyori blushed and looked away. She was embarrassed from staring too long at Zoro's perfectly chiseled body. The veins that ran from his broad shoulders all the way down to his forearm. This man looked stronger than what she imagined Buddha would look. Zoro caught Hiyori's lengthy stare, he smirked knowing this. After regaining his strength, Zoro rose from the ground, harshly grabbing Hiyori by her hands and he led her to a secluded room. Although no one was seen in the previous room, everyone left for the banquet at the Flower Capital, anyone could walk in on them, Zoro could not risk another accident. Hiyori's palms were surprisingly soft, he knew it was going to be, but he did not know that a grown lady, especially one who skillfully played shamisen as her, could have a palm comparable to a baby's buttocks. He closed the shoji behind her and held her hands a little while longer.

[Can you believe this fanart is made by an AI called CivitAI?]

Their eyes locked for a moment before Hiyori decided to look away. Zoro might have only realized his feelings now, but she had suppressed hers for weeks. Zoro placed his finger on her chin, yanking it softly so they would lock eyes longer. He just learned that he loved staring at those beautiful blue eyes. "Hiyori..." he said. He was one of the few people who could call her without her title and go unscathed. "...I can't stay here for long," he confessed. His heart pondered whether or not he should mention it, but he figured he had to be honest, right? Hiyori let out a sigh. "I know," she said. She knew his loyalty still lies with his captain, and she never intended to get in the way of that. "It still feels nice to know you feel the same way," she lifted her hands to cover her cheeks she knew were going to turn red any time soon. Zoro chuckled at her adorable ways of expressing herself. He caressed her pale cheeks with his fingers, and she felt a rush of goosebumps on her spine. No one had ever dared to touch her that intimately. Her pink lips parted in response, then Zoro smirked. The things he wished he could do to her at that moment. He leaned in closer, their faces were merely inches apart. Hiyori's eyes widened, she knew what was going to happen soon, not from her own experience, or even seeing it firsthand, but from the forbidden books she read back at the brothel. She felt Zoro's soft lips against hers. Once he did not get any reaction from her, he pulled away immediately. "Is this not what you want?" his gray eyes bore into hers. His tanned face, one that she always found to be handsome was even more attractive up close. His chiseled cheekbones, strong jawline, and straight, thick brows. Her heart was beating faster than ever, she was afraid it was going to fracture her chest open. "I-I..." she stuttered. "...you c-can do whatever you p-please to m-me," her eyes wide like an obedient little puppy. Since she did not know a thing about intimacy, Hiyori decided to surrender her entire being to the man before her.

Zoro stared at her beautiful face intently. This woman can send anyone in thirst of her touch with that face, he thought to himself. Carefully, Zoro loosened the sash that tied her kimono loosely so as not to expose her body. Zoro wondered how her body looked since it was always drowned under the silk. Once her collarbones showed, Zoro could no longer hold back the turbulence of libido inside him. He tore the fabric open, exposing Hiyori's petite body. Her skin was pale and smooth, and her supple breasts were small, but not too small. He could see the bones of her chest and ribcage. This woman looked so fragile that he was convinced his very touch could break her. He sniffed in her flowery scent before picking up her body at ease and leaning her back against the wall. both his hands were placed on either side of her while he started kissing and sucking on her neck, all the way down to her chest, sending shivers down her spine. He spread her thighs open and lifted them on his lap, now they were latched onto the outside of his hips. She could not move even if she wanted to, only then, she realized there was no escape to this. Zoro took off his kimono, showing his god-like features. For this long, he only exposed the upper part of his chest. Now that Hiyori had seen all of him, her eyes stopped at the massive shaft he had in between his crotch. Hiyori gasped at the size, not that she had similar things to compare it to. The vein on his cock somehow made it look even more muscular.

Being trapped in his grip was not that bad after all, knowing that it came with this view, but what was coming was hellish. Zoro caressed her left breast with a smug smile, then he bit on her right nipple. Hiyori bit her lower lip to muffle the sound of the wince of pain. Noticing her agony, Zoro released her supple breast from his mouth. "Oh, this is only the beginning, Princess."

[minniiaa]

welcome to the second part of 'first time watching OP movies so i'm rating the outfits' ft One Piece: Stampede!

Luffy: (10/10): love this fit. one of my fave Luffy’s fits ever especially with the sh logo on the back. the white and red are iconic. he even switched up the sandals. not really sure about the cannon but i'll let it slide

Franky (5/10): He's just baked off the ganja in all these movies. that's why he's always rocking shades. he thinks he's a pagoda or smth it's fine just leave him be

Robin (7/10): it's giving maddie from euphoria but trying to make it classy so she added a lil sweater and modest heels.

Nami (3/10): color scheme is so off. green/blue/pink/black is just too much especially with the red hair. one of those girls you see at the gym taking vids of her ass. nami is forever snatched tho.

Sanji (6/10): would be higher since he's just cheffing it up in this fit if he didn't have one of those stupid fucking fake tie shirts. it does make his pecs look good tho.

Zoro (7/10): zoro looks great in anything but i am sorry what is with the shorts. something about this one just feels so off. i do like the cutout details tho. He’s always hot.

Brook (10/10): i will never not laugh at his stupid skeleton jokes. my ideal summer body. we are both dead inside. love the hair.

Usopp (6/10): honestly it's decent for an usopp fit. he's just cosplaying as my mechanic.

Chopper (5/10): wonder what would happen if sanji ashed his cigarette on that wick and his hat just blew up

[midcenturygoth]

New Neigbors - Zosan

Zoro pounds against his new neighbor’s front door with the power and might of a thousand jackhammers. “Oi! Oi!”, he yells, his voice rough and demanding. Whoever has moved into the house next to his humble abode has been getting on his nerves for about a week now and Zoro’s had it. He’s absolutely fuming.

It takes a while, but the door eventually opens to reveal a waifish man in a ridiculously oversized pink shirt with a panda on it and scandalously bare legs. “Oi, you–!”, Zoro’s complaints die on his tongue, the second blue eyes meet his own. He looks the man up and down. A fluffy white headband with a big bow holds back blond hair to reveal two strangely curly eyebrows, long fingers are gripping a wooden spoon and naked muscular thighs flex as he shifts his weight from one leg to the other. Oh… wow. Okay.

“Yes?”, a deep voice questions, snatching Zoro back to reality. “What’s the matter?”

“Uhm… uh. Pants?”, Zoro stutters.

“Huh?”, the man looks down at his legs. He reaches out and tugs up his shirt and Zoro almost dies of a heart attack - but the blond goes on to reveal tiny booty shorts that are covered by the shirt. 

“Oh.”, Zoro breathes. “Right.” A blush spreads on his face involuntarily.

“Are you my neighbor?”, the man then asks with a tilt of his head. 

“Well.”, Zoro says, swallows. “Yeah.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Sanji.”, the guy bows half-politely, his hand with the spoon still raised.

Right. Right. Of course the man would have a name. “I’m Zoro.”, Zoro imitates Sanji’s little bow.

“Do you want to come in, Zoro? I’m cooking dinner, it’s almost done, too.”, Sanji takes a step back and gestures towards the hallway. 

“Uh…”, Zoro starts but Sanji has already vanished into the house. It seems he has no other choice than to follow. He shuts the door behind him and follows the mouthwatering smell of sizzling garlic and onion into a nicely furnished kitchen. And there he stands, with his back to him, Sanji, stirring something in a pot. Zoro awkwardly walks up to him to awkwardly stand next to him. 

“It’s a simple mushroom risotto, I hope you like it.”, Sanji tells him. “Would you go grab two plates? They’re in the cabinet above the microwave.” Without complaint, Zoro follows Sanji’s orders. It’s almost as if he’s been put under a spell. The plates are round and white, ordinary and nondescript. He puts them onto Sanji’s wooden table and then waits for his next instructions. The other man throws a folded towel onto the table and then places the steaming hot pot onto it with ease and grace. 

Sanji reaches for the plates one by one and scoops a hefty amount of risotto onto them. “There’s spoons in that drawer and glasses over there, would you get them please?”, and, of course, Zoro gets them. Why wouldn’t he, seeing as he’s being held prisoner by his own desires and lust. They sit down and dig in and it’s the best food Zoro’s ever had in his entire very short but very long life. He mmmmhs and haaas heartily, to show Sanji his utmost appreciation. The blond lets out a little giggle at his antics. Sitting down, Sanji’s oversized shirt has risen up to reveal his small shorts and creamy thighs and Zoro can’t help but sneak glances every now and then.

“I’m new to the neighborhood and I haven’t really had the chance to meet anyone yet, so it’s nice that you came over to visit me.”, Sanji says kindly. 

The true reason why Zoro has come over...

“Sorry that I got you no housewarming gift.”, Zoro shrugs. Ah, he’s a pitiful bastard.

…remains a secret. For now.

Read the rest on AO3:

[scourgeofmyownbrain]

Sorry I dipped for a hot minute there, life kept getting away from me and things fell to shit for a minute, but we're good now. That suit is super cool! Oh that would be wicked.

Favourite transformers fanfic? Phfffff, give me a minute or 60 to sort through my hoard.

Actually, since we're talking about favourite fics, i love transformer/transformer crossover stuff, its my favorite trope(?). Like if bayverse and cyberverse suddenly got to meet. I don't know why, because normal crossover stuff doesn't vibe with me at all, but i love seeing different versions of the same character interact with each other. Imagine g1 Optimus (the shortest OP, he's ~19 feet, a foot taller than aoe/tlk Bee) and tfp Optimus (the tallest show OP, he's 30 feet tall s1 and 35 feet tall s3) interacting. I won't start writing my own fanfiction, i'll be here all day, but i love this shit.

Fantastic Segway: i also love this same trope in TMNT, which is another fandom i quite enjoy. I haven't gotten really into it again since i accidentally deleted my first blog (i am a moron) but i will always have a place in my heart for 4 turtles, their friends and their rat dad. I also love HTTYD, specificly Race to the Edge, banger show if you enjoy HTTYD 100% reccomend. I am also into Ninjago; i have been into this show for nearly a decade, i have a near encyclopedic knowledge of this dumb show about lego that spins. Uh, Legend of Zelda/Linked Universe (<a big loz crossover au, exactly like i described above), Undertale (though I've never actually played it but those characters hit different), Kirby(you would not believe how a silly game about a pink ball could spawn the gay), Sonic and Co. every once in a while, Wild Kratts once in a blue moon, i used to adore Star Wars in middle school but I haven't really thought about it much recently, even with all the Star Wars stuff i own.

I've actually caught up with One piece, though i am re-reading. I'm currently at Post Wano, though I'm moving fast. I adore Franky. Zoro, Robin, and Jinbe are close contenders but Franky has stolen my heart, in more ways than one (i am violently asexual but i want him to kiss me). Where are you at?

I HAVE FOUND A GOOD ONE! Ok so it's "Love is" by Thestarhorse on ff.net (if you've exhausted your ao3 supply, ff.net is a good next place to look for older fandoms. Though i will warn you, it's a whole different beast to ao3. I'm talking 12 year olds who have been writing for like 2 months and are writing self insert fanfics by the dozen. i saw a completely genuine Transformer 9/11 tribute fic; it's that kind of weird. It was so sincere in its presentation but it was still the biggest back hand i could have experienced.) https://m.fanfiction.net/s/2986480/1/Love-Is

Here's the link. It's set in the G1 universe and it's just an Optimus appreciation fic but it was so sweet and well written i loved it.

Here a bit about my au for transformers, pls not hate 🥲

Okay so like. Ya'll love the Tony Stark and Peter Parker father/son dynamics right? that cool mentorship/father like fluff and comedy?

now, you know that one guy that is usually kind of a douchbag and is kinda unwritten about from what i can find; Sentinel Prime

and of course, you obviously know Bumblebee.

in my AU, bee was an eployee with the goverment, a direct underling of the big boss; sentinel prime. Sentinel takes on the role of Tony, Bumblebee the role of Peter, and they vibes with those fun things.

When the war starts, he goes MIA assumed dead at some point, and its all sad right, but then later he has a badass comeback, promptly to start scolding (read: absoloutely lambasting) Bumblebee about all the dumb shit he's done

Bee: omigosh my dad is back-

Sent: YOU LITTLE FUCKING SHIT WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT SELF SACRIFICE HOW DARE YOU FUCKING DO THAT SHIT-

Bee: uh oh

Side note: Bee is somewhat based off of IDW version, but sentinel is not.

Anyone what to know more? I'm practically begging people to ask me some questions i need friends man

[vemuabhi]

NOT SO ROMANTIC BUT STILL THE HOTTEST

This was requested by Pandawondergirl, and Im so damn happy to write Zoro smut. Please this man is amazing and I'm writing smut for him for the first time.

**I made a few changes to fit the story properly**

Pairing : Zoro X Fem!Reader

Warnings : oral (receiving), cussing

Word count : 1.1K

A/N : The frick.. I found the perfect picture for the smut... why? Idk. But its just perfect. Look at his body, the way his wet clothes stick to his muscles. Please... imma cry.

"Zoro! Where the hell are you?", you called for the stupid Marimo as you walked in the forest.

Apparently the man got lost in the forest at the new island you went to. This was supposed to be a date but turned to searching for the lost because of him.

After a while of searching you heard a loud splash nearby. You went towards the place of the sound and found the lost marimo in the water.

"Clumsy marimo. You got lost again", you snickered as he gave you a glare.

"I was swimming ad it was too hot you idiot!", he exclaimed as his cheeks turned pink.

'Yeah sure... he took a dive with all his clothes on... Can't even lie properly.', you thought as you stared at him.

He stood up with his wet clothes enhancing his muscles even more making you gulp. He came towards you and leaned closer to your ear.

"I can see you drooling Idiot. Stop that or else I'll make sure you can't walk the complete week", your cheeks turned at his statement. Now he was the one having that smug look on his face.

"Shut up! Its your fault. But... now that I think... I wanna swim too", you said as you looked at the beautiful lake before you.

You removed your blue Tee and jeans, leaving you in your underwear, before jumping into the water. You loved the cold water on your skin. As it was a warm island, it was a refreshing experience for you.

You got a mischievous Idea and splashed some water on Zoro who was trying to dry his muscles.

"Idiot!!! Don't do that!", he said as he continued to wipe his muscles with what seemed like a blue Tee shirt.

"YOU SHITTY MARIMO! YOU ARE USING MY SHIRT!", you shouted at him as he rolled his eyes.

'How dare he?!', you thought.

You went towards Zoro and grabbed him by his leg and pulled him back into the water.

You laughed out loud as he glared at you.

"You vile woman!", he said as he started to swim towards you. You chuckled as you swam further away from him.

It soon turned into a game where he had to swim faster to get to get to you.

Soon he caught you by your waist and pulled you closer to him. You both laughed for a while you failed to wiggle out from his strong grip.

He placed his hand on your chin and turned you towards him, locking your lips with his.

You placed your hands around his shoulders and ran your hands on his back. After your make out session, you could feel him tugging you loser to him and... you could feel his hard member.

Yeah... its been a while since you two had done it. You wrapped your legs around his hips. He carried you towards the lakeside and placed you.

"Wait zoro. What if someone sees?"

"Damn lets give them a show", he said kissing your inner thigh and making you shiver. His tongue started to do work as you gasped at the fast moment. He knew all your erogenous zones.

He kept going in and out with so much of skill. 'Damn this idiot. He knows what makes me crave more', you cursed between your moans.

"No zoro.... stop...", you managed to say but he just went ahead and placed a 2 digits in your cunt.

He continuer to sucked as his fingers rubbed in that place. Making you arch your back.

"Zoro. Wait! I... can't hold it in", you moaned and you felt him smirk against your skin. 'This person is gonna be the death of me' you thought as you came on his face.

He just grinned as he licked his fingers. 'Does he even know how hot he us actually', your chest heaved up and down.

He kissed your jaw and then travelled down to your neck. Leaving hickeys along the way. You knew they'd turn purple tomorrow but you didn't care. You filpped him over, so now, he was under you now. You nibbled on his ear as he continued to kiss your shoulder.

You grinded his lap and he moaned. "Woman. You don't wanna walk for a week. Do you?", he smirked as you grinned.

"You know I'm also strong Zoro kun. I can get back on my feet so", you whispered the last part, "You can ravish me"

That was like a snap for Zoro. He just tossed you and positioned him at your entrance. In one swift motion he rammed into you. He was damn rough. But you loved it that way and he knew it. He kept hitting the sweet spot that you liked and his mouth sucked on your nipples.

The sounds of moaning, skin slapping and groans echoed the area. He was getting so close to making you cum again.

He kissed the tears from the corner of your eye and nibbled on your jaw.

"Its okay. Go ahead", he said and you nodded as you came again. But did he stop thrusting once you came. Hell no. Why? Because him being the strongest monster, it took a long time for him to cum.

After a few more rounds, he started to become more rough and restless. You knew he was now on his verge.

"Cum fast Zoro!!", you demanded for which you were given a damn deep kiss with tongues involved. He explored every inch of your mouth and then came with a loud grunt.

He plopped on your chest as you gasped for air. You kissed his forehead as you both chuckled. After a few minutes, you both wore your clothes. Damn they were dry by the time you wore them.

You tried to walk but almost fell down but he caught you in time. He had a smug look on his face as he looked at your red face.

He crouched before you, to give you a ride back to the ship. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders. He placed his strong arms under your thighs and got up. He walked back with you telling him the directions. But still the Marimo got lost often. "Damn it Zoro!! Its freaking straight. Don't get lost", you shouted.

"Shut up! I know what I am doing", he shouted at you again.

Yeah... even if you both shouted at each other, you both loved each other to the core.

XOXOXOXO

I hope you liked it. Please like, comment and Reblog!

Do follow for more content!

[loudestcloud]

Okay so I just wanna talk about Sanji outfits I think about a lot and yes, I do think about almost all of them but here me out. (Labeled withe when they show up) call it a fashion exam if you will.

First outfit: I removed the pic cos I needed space for a less iconic fit but y'all know the one so it's chill. It makes me remember a fee wholesome moments at the start n is very nostalgic. The style of his classic jacket is called a 'double breasted suit' jacket and I think that's very on brand, not gonna lie

Davy Back Fight & End of Water 7: I like men in pink and I like it when he loses the jacket. Gives a little chilled out vibe but not off guard. Still business but good to have some fun. Also the ball hat makes me smile every single time.

Z's Ambition, Adventure of Nebulandia, Episode of Chopper, Strong world & Film Gold: More pink!! but this time, they're 100% good vibes only style and I am so here for a relaxed Sanji look. Most of the pink looks happen on days you don't expect anything to happen but then oops, it does! Strong world's jacket and hat are extra nice 😘 and yeah I know, the film gold one is just an undercover outfit n he looks angry but it's still a look. Also note in Z's Ambition and Strong world that he's not in black trousers? Kinda mad but very nice.

Thriller Bark: AHHHHHH ❤️😍🥰🧡💛💚💙💜💖🖤💞💕💗💘🏩👉👈 Yesyesyessir oh my god! I talked about it before but this works so well n it's beautiful character choice. To have a character always in a suit to show a more sophisticated look then go to a hoodie shows his mood change as well. He is so relaxed and ready to completely just chill out for a while and you can feel that so well with this jumper. I want it irl so badly...

Zou: A chief in an apron? Unheard of! No but for real... more Pink 😘 and the necklace and the pouch? The simplicity of it all is so cute! Then the top few buttons open cos he's just HAPPY!!

Whole cake: Sanji, my beloved, you set my soul on fire when I see outfits like this but I wish it didn't come at such a sad arc for you, bb 😔 It's such a beautiful set of looks and accomplished exactly that Fairytale prince style it was going for and under other arc, I'd not hold back at all to go mad over it 24/7. On its own tho, those looks is my everything 😣 Also again with the lack of 'black legs' but this time as it's not a movie I feel it was done for effect. It's literally the opposite color like he isn't 'Black leg' anymore, you know? Sick style choices here, man!

Little East Blue & Skypiea: DAD👏SHIRT👏SANJI!!👏Sir!! Nothing makes me more happy than Hawaiian shirts and not only is the Skypiea one pink but it low key looks like a pink version of the one Franky and Luffy have (in Dressrosa) I do not remember Little east blue at all but this shirt has always stuck with me n I had to go on his wiki gallery to find it so it's understandable if y'all don't but once again, I wasn't these irl so badly.

Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island: Hehe... He looks like pesent boy Shrek in the first one 😂 Anyway, virtual yellow stripes 😊 and the Wano fit really reminded me of this and I did have to take a moment cos I know a lot about this movie n its scary. But, he has those glasses! (I really wanna get to watching it but I got busy)

Film Z: (I put the outfits in the wrong order, sorry) Okay okay okay so- first off is nice hot pink jeans, a BEAUTIFUL over shirt and that tea pot your ma makes you in Animal crossing then WHOA OKAY leather pants and jacket like a fucking king! And to top it's off classical pirate getup!? All with brown shoes too 👌 This movie kills me with everyone's style tho like have you seen Brook in that gray jacket!? Gods, don't get me started 😅

Film gold: He gose from the most casual a man can get, orange crocs, hat n all, to the most dressed up he's ever been (save for whole cake) then back to the casual style we get a lot, nice stripes and new colors, just to flip and go undercover in a leather look jumpsuit!! This is one or my most seen movies, not my fave but m one I get lost in the details with a lot.

Stampede: It's might not look like much but he's wearing my favourite colour! Because yes, while reading all this you may think it's pink but it's actually the type of green. I call it ugly green just because it's not usually a color anyone likes but Ironically, it's like moss. I have a dress like that I completely adore n it looks like this jacket and when I see Stampede I feel like I have to wear it. It's actually getting quite small for me now so I could try and make it into this jacket 👀 also a dark stripe pattern for once, very bold of you, animators! Nice choice!

This was written while listening to simp playlists 😅

Zoro

Luffy

Nami

[pure-kirarin]

Studying at night - Koby x f!reader (College AU)

A/N : Thanks a lot dear. I am a sucker for my pink boy, so, here is a scenario about studying with him. It came out like the first part of a series, so I might write the rest later. It was so fun and well...Please imagine it being set in La Sorbonne or something. I imagined the actions taking place there. +w+ Ok. Enough chatter. 

« - Who have you been assigned to work with, (Y/N) ? »

«-Hmm...Let's see » you check the little paper that you have picked « the name is Koby...I don't know who it is. »

« -Koby ?! Forreal ?? Whaa, I envy you » She taps your shoulder gently while assembling her books. « He scored first for the last two years on every single test. He is like...very hardworking. And a bit nerdy if you see what I mean » She says as she mimics big glasses on her face. « He will probably do all the project, don't bother ! »

-What do you mean ? You're offending me, Nami-chan ! I won't let him do all the work...And you,w ho have you been assigned to ?

She pauses for a little while pinching the bridge of her nose, visibly annoyed then says ; « Zoro. If I let him do anything I think that I will fail this class. Guess I'll do all the work she shrugs but I will make him pay for lunch for a week in return. 

-Sounds like a nice deal. You smile and put your books in your handbag.

-Well...I have to leave for now. I have a lecture starting in five minutes...Oh...Look there ! -She points out to a pink haired guy on one of the middle rows putting his books in his bag- that's your man, you might want to catch up with him to discuss the project. Anyways, I'm leaving now.

-See you later. I'll come back later tonight so don't wait for me for dinner.

-Alright ! See ya !

Nami and you shared the same room at the dorm, however, because of your work you always came back late. You didn't have a choice, the cost of life was really high in the capital and you didn't want to be a burden to your parents. You sighed and walked towards the guy. You had some lectures in commun, his face was familiar. You have always assumed that he were younger because of his childish features. The pink hair gave him a soft look, it reminded you of cotton candy.

You waved to him and said after clearing you throat ;

-Yo' ! I'm (Y/N). I guess that we are doing the project work together ? You point to the piece of paper on the wooden table.

-O-oh, hi. He looks at the paper and reads, (Y/N/L/N). Yes ! We are doing the project together then. Nice to meet you. I am Koby. He bows a little bit while presenting himself.

-Cool. I don't have a class right now. We could go grab a coffee in the cafeteria and discuss the project if that's okay with you.

-Ah ? Of course ! That's fine with me. I guess I have some time. He says while looking at his wrist watch.

-Nice. Let's go.

You give him a wide smile. He looked a little bit uncomfortable. The shy type for sure. You were somehow comfortable and looked at him from head to toe. Cute style ; he was wearing a green bandana on his forehead, casual pale blue blaser above a white shirt and a pair of jeans. He looked well put together, a little bit boring ; nerdy type for sure. He took a pair of huge glasses off his face and put them in a case before following you to the cafeteria.

You were now sitting in front of each other in the cafeteria. You smiled noticing how he just ordered a hot chocolate while you loved your tea black and bitter. He was looking at you, then, when you rested your eyes on him he just looked away. He seemed like an easily flustered person. You wondered if he will manage in the presentation. The project you were working on was due to be presented in front of everyone. It was about didactics.

-So, you're also a second year ?

-Y-yes.

-We don't have a lot of lectures in commun. In what major are you ?

-History. I take this lecture as an extra. Didactics sounded fun.

-Oh. You take a sip from your coffee. That's nice. You wanna become a teacher ?

-Not really. I would like to become a heritage curator.

-Whaa, really ? Sounds cool. And...very specific.

-I guess so...That is not something a lot of people would like to do. He says, smiling and scratching his neck. He seemed nervous.

-You're so tense. You should relax a bit. We are the same age after all. Anyways, about this project. You take your agenda out of your bag and open in it front of Koby. Oh jeez. I am really busy with m part-time job most days. So I am only free on nights...The library stays open all night, I don't know if it's okay with you to work at night. I don't want to impose my schedule on you.

He waves a hand infront of his face, assuring you that it's fine with him ;

-It's okay ! I live in the dorm anyways so I am free whenever you are. I don't want to interfere with your working hours.

-Alright so let's say thursday at 10 PM ?

-That's alright.

-It's settled then. I am looking forward to working with you, Koby ! You make a bright smile and he  gasps a bit, taken aback by your chill demeanour. Oh I forgot. Can I have your number ?

He looked startled for a while.

-For the project. You assured.

-Oh yes sure !

You offer him your phone and he types his number. You wave to him ;

-Thanks ! I'll message you later. It was nice meeting you, Koby. »

You don't wait for his answear and head to the dorm to get prepared for your job.

(Y/N) sent a message : Hey Koby, you always down to study at 10 PM tonight ???

Koby👓 sent a message : Yes sure ! I'll book a study room in the library if that's fine with you.

(Y/N) sent a message : Sure, see you later !;)

At nine a half you were getting your books and study material ready to go join the cotton candy man. You didn't bother to take off your make up and put on a big coat over your body. You just took off your red lipstick with a babywipe and headed to the library. The place was calm and almost empty. It was rustic, it had a XIXth century style, well, like your whole university that was renovated around that time. It had a classical style that was charming and added a cozy ambience.

Koby 👓 sent a message : I am already in study room number 3. I am sorry I didn't notify you earlier.

This guy was too polite, you thought. You had a little smile then went to the study room. He jumped a bit in his seat when the door opened and that made you chuckle. He was easily startled.

-Hi Koby, I hope that I'm not messing with your sleeping schedule.

Despite the late hour, he seemed wide awake. He said as you sit next to him, putting your laptop on the table.

-O-Oh...No. It's totally fine. I hope that I am the one not interfering with your job.

When his eyes layed on you, he couldn't restrain the surprise that was now mirrored in them. Surely because you were wearing heavy make up ; smokey eyes and glitter that was stuck to your face and your hair. It was different from your usual naked-face look. He couldn't help but wonder for what reason where you wearing so much make up, and what you were hiding under your long coat. But he coughed loudly, trying to focus again ; the project.

-Thanks. I really appreciate how flexible you are around my hours. I owe you one ! I think that no one else would've accepted to work with me this late haha...Well, I wouldn't have minded doing the project on my own. You shrug.

-Really ?...Well...Actually, me neither. I am not too good at project working...And studying with others... He looks down with a smile.

-Oh wow, I wouldn't have guessed. You look like you are good at cooperating. Anyways, I am sure that we will kick ass !

The way you talked and how confident you were were two things that the pinkette appreciated about your personnality. You seemed like an easy going person, he didn't feel much pressure to work with you. You open your laptop and start laying some ideas, meanwhile, he takes out a notebook and a pencil case ; Oh, old-school, I see, you think to yourself.

His notes were very organized and clean. He seemed to have memorized everything the professor has said about the project and had a clear plan. However, he asked you for your opinion for everything and couldn't help but ask « are you alright with this part ? » for every idea he suggested. It was a bit annoying, but also a bit cute.

When he was studying, he was different. He had a bit more confidence and didn't hesitate to correct you when something you said seemed out of the topic or a bit repetitive. You appreciate this about him ; yes, no wonder he scored first for the two last years.

You worked for around two hours before you noticed that his eyes started looking tired. He wasn't used to studying this late, yet he did his best to come study with you at this time. You felt bad for keeping him awake.

-Koby-san ? Your soft voice snatched him out of his half-sleeping state.

-Ohh ! Sorry I just--

-You should probably go to sleep. I am sorry I gave you such a hard time. You must have classes tomorrow morning...You said with a sorry voice.

-No no, it's totally fine. I am sorry I just...well...

-No need to be sorry. Well, it's past midnight now. We should probably get going and continue tomorrow or some other day.

-Are you sure ?

-Yeah. I'm not going to keep you more. You look really tired. You shouldn't overwork yourself, Koby-san...Well...Even if technically it's my fault. You giggled a bit.

You started putting your stuff in your bag and he did the same, appreciating your presence. You had a soft aura that was really calming. He has never studied this late before, but he liked the atmosphere. It felt so dreamy.

As you were both going out of the room, you noticed a little cat keychain on the ground. You bowed down to take it in your hand. It was a cute kitty wearing a strawhat. You looked at Koby with a frown and said  

-I think that you dropped this ?

You couldn't help but smile when you saw his embarrassed face. Yeah. It definitely looked like something he would have. He took it off your hand pretty fast and stuttered ;

-Oh thanks ! It's...Well...It's like a lucky charm haha.

-No need to justify yourself. I think that it fits your personnality pretty well.

-Huh ? He just said not understanding what you meant.

-It's pretty cute !

You were making it even harder for him not to blush and you were having too much fun looking at him struggle. It was wrong, but it just was too much fun.

-Oh. It was a compliment by the way.

You wink at him before going out of the study room. He follows you, destabilized. Your confident and assertive behavior was really foreign to him. You really made him interested in learning more about you.

Studying with you was calming, sharing that moment at night in the almost empty library, having you in full make up at such a late hour, as if you were going to a date. He blushed at that thought and felt bad for thinking that. You were there to study and you were strangers, well, university mates. He wasn't allowed to have such a thought.

You were fascinating in more than one way and you really made him curious to learn more about you. You seemed like the type of girls to hide secrets behind her immaculate day-look. He was a bit impatient to learn more. But why ? You were only working for a university project after all, and once it was done, he won't have the opportunity to spend more time with you, and that somehow made his chest tighten.

[aster-tiger]

The Raging Witch

Zoro x OFC, Luffy x OFC, Law x OFC, Zoro x Luffy, Law x Zoro

Warnings: swearing, starved character, medical experimentation, pt$d, panic_attack$, hum@n_trafficking survivor, hurt/comfort, shameless smut, recovery, bisexuality, consensual k!nk, emotional slow burn, developing relationship, bonding, mating (not abo), post Punk Hazard, changing pov (no head hopping)

Chapter 12: The struggle

"You're from West Blue, you dealt with the mafia before. Any tips on Beige?" Law asked over the table.

They were having one last meal together, before Luffy, Nami, Chopper and Brook sailed for Totto Land to retrieve Sanji.

Rage scowled, she never had to deal with Beige, he didn't show any interest in Sin City. "Don't fuck his wife? I don't know, never met him."

Franky and Usopp howled with laughter but Nami threw a spoon at her.

"Be serious!" the redhead scowled. "This is important!"

Rage met the navigator's. orange eyes. "I am serious, I did that. And on another note, Big Mom has over eighty kids and about half as many husbands. Refrain from slut shaming if you want to survive."

Nami sat back with indignation. "We don't do that."

"What? Fuck around or slut shame? 'Cause I know you do both, a lot," she smiled wryly at the redhead, then snapped her fingers. "Oh right, the shaming went with the cook, so I guess you're good now."

"Shut up, Rage." Zoro snapped from his spot next to Luffy.

She leveled him with an unimpressed stare. His cranky attitude was starting to piss her off.

As on cue people started talking loudly, changing the subject and diverting the attention from the suddenly tense situation.

Holding the swordsman's gaze, Rage stood up and walked towards him. She stopped behind Nami, grabbed her by the waist and threw the navigator over her shoulder. The redhead yelped in surprise and tried to wriggle out of the hold, but she was smaller and weaker than Rage.

"Come on, we gotta talk," Rage said loudly, so she would calm down and the rest of her crew would piss off.

"I'm going to zap you with a thunderbolt if you won't put me down." The navigator threatened, while kicking furiously.

"We're skin to skin, good luck with that," Rage chuckled but released the redhead when they got outside.

Nami took a few quick steps back, putting distance between them. Her face was flushed, a deep pink blush covering her cheeks. Her scent changed, giving off her arousal.

"Oh, did I just make your fantasy of being thrown over a shoulder and carried away by a woman come true? You're welcome." Rage grinned widely at the flushed woman.

"You're not my type," Nami snapped back, her blush changing to deep hot red.

"And you are way too nice for my taste, so there." Rage answered, shrugging her shoulders. "Look, I don't care what the guys think of me, but I don't like to have beef with another woman over a guy, so let's work it out, ok?"

Nami didn't reply, just stood there glaring daggers at her.

Rage sighed and sat on a stone bench trying to make the situation look less like a standoff. "Which part pissed you off? The mating, the fact I slept with him, the part about babies?"

Nami was silent for a while, glaring daggers at her. "All of it."

"I won't take him from you. You love him. I don't even like him that much."

"So why did you sleep with him?"

"Well, bi boys turn me on and Zoro basically pimped him out, so it happened. But know this, I'm not exactly picky, I'll sleep with almost anyone when I'm bored and they offer."

"But that's the thing, he likes you and you act like he doesn't mean anything to you."

"Just because someone has feelings for me doesn't mean I have to reciprocate," Rage replied firmly.

"But you mated him! That isn't some simple one-sided crush!"

"Yeah, that's on me," unwavering Rage held the navigator's gaze. "What I said before, about the bond is true. It can be undone. Especially now, when it's not fully formed."

"Why are you so dead set on rejecting him?" The blush was gone from Nami's face, but she still radiated anger. It was a pretty sight.

"I don't get it," Rage furrowed her brows. "Are you angry about the mating or lack of mating? Because it seems to me you should be glad there is a way out."

Nami huffed with irritation, then with few quick strides closed the distance between them and flopped on the bench beside Rage. "You're right, normal people shouldn't jump into a life commitment with someone they know for a couple weeks. But this is Luffy. I knew him for a few days, when I stole his ship and he still came after me stating that I'm nakama. He found Zoro tied to a pole in a marine base and asked him to be his first mate after a short conversation. He dragged Usopp with us after a fight with a pirate crew, same with Sanji and the others. We went to fight Cypher Pol for Robin and she was Crocodile's minion when we first met her. Time was never an issue for Luffy. When he asks someone to be his nakama, there's no way of changing his mind."

"I don't fit with you," Rage replied with a scowl. The talk about nakama didn't sit right with her.

"Only you think that," Nami smoothed the surface of the dress the Minks gave her. "Luffy wants you to stay, Zoro likes you enough to share his booze with you, Robin is at ease around you, you got Chopper to joke and you call Usopp a brother. I'm pretty sure he already thinks of you as a sister."

Rage blew out a shuddering breath, leaned her head back and looked into the blue, cloudless sky. Memories of the cruel things she did flashed through her mind, one after another, as if contradicting the navigator's words.

Laughter bubbled in her throat and before she could stop herself she was laughing. It shook her whole body, making tears well in her eyes. The notion she fit with the Straw Hats was so outrageous, she couldn't stop herself. They were nice people, carefree even. For them life was an exciting adventure. They made friends wherever they went, making happy memories. She did not fit with them. The things she saw, people she met and killed, the tragedies she witnessed, pain and despair, rotting bodies, children looking at her with empty eyes. It was haunting. All of that made her someone so different from the Straw Hats. But Nami's words pulled at something deep within her, the wonder she felt as a child when she dreamed of adventures, of mates and love. She gave up on it a long time ago, and didn't even dare to hope for a life like theirs. She forfeited the dreams when she went on the first mission, then another and another. Losing happiness bit by bit.

Slender arms encircled her shoulders, pulling her into a warm, soft body. There were tears falling from her eyes and a choked sob escaped her throat. When did she start crying? 

It didn't matter, it really didn't matter.

The heaviness behind her sternum was back, pushing at her heart, until it became too much. 

Detachment fell like a curtain, shielding her from her own feelings. The tears stopped and sobs died in her throat. She brushed at her eyes, wiping the remains of her breakdown.

Nami's arms were still around her, providing comfort. Rage patted her gently and the navigator pulled back, concern still written over her face.

"Are you ok?" she asked softly and Rage shook her head.

There were people coming out of the building. Someone called the navigator's name. Nami squeezed Rage's hand in reassurance and hurried towards her crew. 

Luffy's party was heading out.

Rage caught sight of Luffy, he was staring and took a step towards her, but Nami turned his head forcefully, scolding him.

Rage was thankful to the navigator for providing a moment of distraction. She used it to slip away, dead set on avoiding the Straw Hat's captain. She didn't want to hear anything that Luffy had to say.

Her feet carried her through Nekomamushi's compound without any destination. Various Minks greeted her and came to cuddle, their casual affection pulled her out of detachment. 

The thing with dissociation was that it cut off everything, not only the harsh emotions, but the pleasant ones too. It was a useful tool to get through an unbearable situation, but it was temporary. Everything that happened, sooner or later came crashing, when the brain had to process the shit that went down. Rage knew the cost, she was trained to dissociate at will, to carry out the plan, and complete a mission with success. Emotions came later, when she was safe and surrounded by supportive people. Her team had a whole protocol to deal with the aftermath of a mission. They fought together, crumbled together and recovered together. Everyone had their own outlet to restore balance to their body and mind. And Rage lived up to her name.

"Hello!" she called out when she spotted one of the Guardians of the Whale Forest, a big bull Mink. He turned to her with a frown, lowered his head with huge horns and smooshed their cheeks together.

"Garchu, Rage-gara," the Mink rumbled in greeting. His bulky body looming over Rage's much smaller frame but the skinship made the whole experience less threatening. "Is there anything you need?"

"Yes, I was wondering if you have a place designated for training?"

She figured it wouldn't be wise to go wild in a random area and destroy shit. Zou had limited resources, due to its unique location. It would be wasteful and plain stupid to destroy even one tree or a rock just to blow off some steam.

"There is a training room in the palace, I can show you the way," the Mink replied, pulling back to stand at his full height.

"I was thinking about somewhere with more space, where there's no worry about the damage." Rage smiled sheepishly when the Mink leveled her with a careful look. "I just recovered from a serious condition and I need to evaluate my strength. I'll be sailing a ship soon and that's no place to go all out."

The bull released a rumbling noise that could've been an acknowledgement.

"Do you need a training partner?"

"No, I'd prefer to be alone, if that's acceptable."

He pointed to the opposite direction of the Whale Forest. "There's a path behind the palace, follow it. You'll know when you arrive."

She thanked him and hurried away. The path was easy to find and she decided to jog to the training area. The elephant skin was a difficult surface to move around, but at least it wasn't sand. It made for a decent warm up.

Even though she regenerated muscle, it was only her default physique, nowhere near the shape she was a year before. She needed to know what she could do and what to improve. Nothing better than venting frustration to check for her limits.

The path lead through a thick forest, the trees cast deep shadows, their wide branches blocking most of the sunlight. She wondered how it was possible for Zou's vegetation to thrive on seawater. Most plants died when exposed to so much salt.

She jumped over a fallen tree, followed a bend around a rock and saw bright light ahead. She came into a large clearing, littered with massive constructions made of stone and wood. There were obstacle courses both on and above ground, partly destroyed fighting platforms, punching poles with claw marks, charred spots and holes.

The Mink did not fuck around with training. Rage grinned widely and cracked her fists, it was going to be fun.

______

Zoro nearly sighed with relief, when the palace came into view. They were finally back from sending off Luffy and the rest of the guys. The incessant chatter on the way back was annoying the shit out of him, he tried his best to tune it out.

They were making plans, asking all sorts of questions, running over possibilities Zoro didn't care much about. Only the final plan interested him, not this intermediate shit.

He knew they were supposed to leave Zou in three days, after Law's crew and Franky ran maintenance on the Heart Pirates ship. Then about two weeks locked up with that bi…

A sudden boom reverberated through the air and Zoro reached for his swords in alarm. Everyone around him falling in a fighting stance.

A huge bull appeared out of nowhere and bowed his head towards the giant cat.

"What's going on Roddy?" The cat asked.

"One of our guests is training in the forest." The bull rumbled as another explosion occurred. "She asked for open space and to be left alone."

"It's almost time for another downpour, have you sent anyone to warn her?"

"She'll be fine," Zoro said with a scowl.

The cat turned his yellow eyes towards him but before he could say anything, an alarm sounded and they were ushered towards the palace. The door closed just before seawater poured from the sky. The violent downpour rattled the whole building. There were several thuds over the roof, then something landed with a loud splat in the yard in front of the palace.

"Seems like there will be fresh calamari for dinner," the cat chuckled. "Have some rest, friends. You'll be summoned when the dinner is ready."

There were Minks gathering around them, being a nuisance with their constant touching.

"Zoro, do you want to-"

"No," he growled at Usopp, swatted away grabby Minks and walked away from all the commotion.

The elephant's skin was a pain to walk on, he could use a nap. He was sure his room was somewhere around the corner. Or not.

"Looking for something?"

Zoro turned around with a scowl. Law stood in the middle of the corridor, wearing his usual blank expression.

"My room."

"Turn right, third door on the left." Law pointed the hilt of his nodachi forward.

"Thanks."

Zoro stepped around the corner, he didn't recognize any of the doors, but followed Law's directions anyway.

"This isn't my room," he uttered after he opened the door.

"It's mine," Law said, stepping behind him. "I want to talk to you."

Zoro harrumphed but walked into the room, dropping on the floor beside a low table.

Out of all the people, he didn't mind Law's company. Beside Luffy, the tall captain was his favourite. When he didn't speak about that one sore subject.

Law toed off his shoes and sat cross-legged next to Zoro. His golden eyes pinned him with their intense stare.

"You're unhappy."

"I'm pissed."

"What Rag-"

"I don't want to talk about her."

Law reached out and grabbed Zoro's shoulder, the tattoos on his fingers lining up to form the word 'Death'.

"She was right when she said the bond can be undone." Law continued, his voice steady. "I can get rid of it for you."

"Did you do it?"

Law held his gaze firmly. "Not yet."

Zoro circled his fingers around Law's wrist. "I don't want to get rid of it. I want her to complete it," he said, pulling the surgeon's hand from his shoulder. "I want her to be here with us, that fucking bond completed. Instead she's moping around, fucking shit up, bawling her eyes out like an idiot."

Law's eyes narrowed. "She might have her reasons. You saw her today with your navigator."

Zoro's grip tightened. "I don't care. You know it feels right to have her close, in your arms. She belongs with us and it's fucking infuriating she refuses to acknowledge it." Anger burned as hot as the need for the annoying woman. "That story she told me about her first mate is a bullshit excuse. She won't go through that mess with us. We're completely different people. We won't harm her like that bitch did. We won't coddle her either."

"Zoro," the way Law said his name, gave him pause. "I know."

There was a glimpse of vulnerability in those golden eyes, but Zoro didn't dwell on it. He was too furious with Rage, it was already too much and he couldn't take even more.

"What do you want?" he managed, digging his fingers into Law's wrist.

The surgeon didn't tense, in fact he seemed to relax into the touch, welcome it.

"Just a moment of distraction." 

___________

The dinner was a feast. The table was full of beautifully served dishes, rice rolls with fish and vegetables, deep fried calamari, fragrant and salty soup served with copious amounts of side dishes.

She internally thanked the Mink girl that provided her with new clothes, otherwise she would feel severely underdressed in her shorts and button-up shirt that were a hand-me-down from the Straw Hats.

"How was your training?" Inurashi asked from his spot next to Nekomamushi.

Rage sat up straight.

"It was humbling. Do you mind if I use the training grounds tomorrow as well?"

Inurashi nodded but Nekomamushi laughed raspily.

"Is there anything left standing?" The cat Mink asked with a huge smile.

"Yes," Rage nodded, casting down her gaze. "Sorry about the explosions. I have trouble with proper use of the techniques I was taught."

"Why is that?" Inurashi inquired.

"I sustained brain damage a year ago, it seems it didn't heal properly."

"That kind of injury rarely does."

"I just…" Rage caught herself before blurting the words out, but decided to say it anyway. "I thought the Devil Fruit will restore that as well, like it did to the rest of my body. I was trained to be in control over every small aspect and this feels like a failure."

She raised her head and glanced towards Inurashi. The older Mink was eyeing her pensively.

"Perfection is a heavy burden to carry. Many had drowned under its load."

"Sometimes we have to pick a burden to carry," Rage replied, folding her hands on her lap. "Either we drown under our own scrutiny or the lives that were lost due to a mistake we made."

"A morbid conclusion, coming from someone so young."

Rage chose to remain silent.

"Damn, Master Inurashi has some mad skills at making Rage shut up." Usopp joked in a stage whisper.

Rage sent him an unimpressed leer.

"What? No comebacks?"

"You're going training with me tomorrow."

"No can do. Still injured, have to take it easy. Doctor's orders." Usopp pointed his thumb at Law, a large grin splitting his face.

"That only means you won't run fast enough. I'll find you."

Usopp's face fell as she allowed a cold smile crawl on her lips.

Nekomamushi burst with a loud laughter, swishing his sake cup in the air. "I like your spirits, girl."

"I liked her better, when she sang shanties and made grown ass pirates blush."

"Oh, but that was before I killed a whole crew of bounty hunters because I couldn't control my devil fruit. But hey, starve me until Wano, then set me off on Kaido's troops and you'll be golden."

Usopp squinted his eyes, an unhappy frown pulling at his lips.

"You know, the drama would be real if you actually gave a damn that you killed that crew. You're throwing a fit 'cause you want everything back like it was before, instead of adapting to what is now."

She blinked several times, before she found her words.

"Damn, right between the eyes. When did you become so mean?"

"Apparently it runs in the family," Usopp replied with a sardonic smile.

She shook her head with a wide grin. "Watch your back tomorrow."

"Fine," Usopp matched her grin. "But can you sniff a high velocity projectile before it connects?"

Franky dropped his chopsticks and turned an incredulous look at the sniper. "Bro! Do you have a fever? Are you ok?"

The cyborg pressed his palm to Usopp's forehead.

"Don't ruin my moment! I'm hanging by a thread here." Usopp swatted at his crewmate's hands, beads of sweat forming on his temple.

Rage didn't care to listen any further, zoning out to analyze her training. It felt pretty satisfying to destroy things, a lot of things. But it wasn't quite the effect she was aiming for. The haki infused hits were meant to destroy the core of the constructions she punched, so she could collapse them easily with another hit. But instead, the poles erupted at first impact. The technique was developed to shatter a spine, meant to silently drop a person during stealth missions. Now, with her lapse of control it would end in a spray of blood and guts.

Usopp's words reverberated in her mind and made her reconsider the predicament. A spray of blood in an open battle would be very effective at intimidating the enemy, so maybe it would be useful after all.

There was movement around the table as the dinner concluded and people walked out of the room. Rage stood up and followed absentmindedly, still focused on the issue of haki control. 

She was trained from a very young age to use her haki with utter precision. The sloppy job she did on the training grounds was not acceptable and would've been frowned upon by her mom and great grandma. She put years into perfecting her techniques, training to be effective and unerring in the field. Losing that was a heavy blow to her self worth.

A wide chest pressed into her back and an arm with black tattoos circled her waist. She sucked a sharp breath in surprise, her nose picking mixed scents of Law and Zoro.

She froze, clenching her fists by her sides, so she wouldn't reach up to touch.

"Law…"

His head bowed to the crook of her neck where he inhaled deeply, then let out a relieved breath. His arm tightened around her waist.

"This is harder than I expected." He said softly against her skin, his hair brushing her cheek.

There was an apology ready on her lips, but she couldn't say it. It was pointless. She wouldn't change her mind, and she couldn't do anything for him. An apology was meaningless in this situation.

'I need you close for a bit." Law said, leaning their heads together. "Just this, nothing more, to make it more bearable."

He wasn't asking, there wasn't a faintest note of plea in his voice. He was stating what would happen and she couldn't find it in her to deny him.  

"Invite me to your room." He unwrapped his arm from her waist, sliding his hand to her hip. With a slight push he urged her to turn towards a door. They were standing in front of her room. 

She took a steadying breath and opened the door. Law's words from the night of the bonfire surfaced to the front of her mind. He said it was painful. It wasn't surprising, rejection rarely was pleasant. 

But Rage felt guilty, this situation was her fault and he didn't deserve the torment. So she grabbed his hand and led him inside.

They stood wordlessly in the middle of the dimm room. She was unsure what exactly he needed to soothe the ache. Well, she knew what ultimately would soothe it, but Law never said he wanted the bond. Only asked questions about the process.

She assumed he would use the information to remove all the neuroconnections formed for the bond. But he didn't. Meanwhile she did all she could to block the bonds and the onslaught of accompanying sensations. She barely felt anything and it only added to the guilt. Rage was ready to do anything he asked, just so he would feel better.

She mustered the courage to look into his eyes. "What do you need?"

He didn't answer, just stepped further into the room. He pulled her towards the bed, but didn't push her down. Instead his fingers reached to untie her wrap dress and he slowly peeled the soft fabric from her shoulders. Then folded the dress over the footboard of the bed. 

She stood motionless, wearing only a pair of panties that were given to her with the dress. Law pulled off his shirt and his scent mixed with Zoro's attacked her nose with double force.

Her mouth watered as her head filled with images explaining why the swordsman's scent was so prominent on Law's skin. Her pulse thrummed heavily, spreading heat throughout her body.

She followed Law's every move, his long fingers unzipping his pants and pushing them down, revealing his muscled legs. He tossed his clothes over her dress and she had no doubt the scent would cling to the fabric. She'd be able to smell it if she put on the dress again.

He faced her, wearing only a pair of black boxer-briefs. Her eyes traced the naked expanse of his skin, looking for marks. There weren't any, only dark ink covering his chest and arms.

Law reached out, twining their fingers and guiding her onto the bed. He pulled the sheets over their bodies while they laid side by side, the fabric cool against her naked skin.

His arms wrapped around her, pulling her against his warm chest and tucking her head in the crook of his neck. Zoro's scent assaulted her nose again and she breathed in deeply before exhaling shakily.

She was sure Law had sex with the swordsman not long ago. That's why Zoro's scent was all over his skin. But here with her, Law didn't do anything more than cuddle her, bathe her in his warmth and their mixed scents. Taunting her with what could be, if she gave into the pull of the bond.

She could have them both, pressed against her, touching her skin, fucking her into the mattress. All she had to do was to claim them.

A strained whimper escaped her and Law's hand stroked her back, soothing and tormenting her at the same time. Her heart squeezed. The bonding instinct flared to life, flooding her with a visceral need for a mate. The one she dreamed about so many years ago.

"It's too much," she whimpered weakly.

Law hummed in response, his hand moving slowly from the nape of her neck to the base of her spine.

"Please, just fuck me." She whimpered, her hands wandering aimlessly over his skin.

"I can't do that," came a hushed reply.

A choked up sound escaped her throat. "You had sex with Zoro not long ago. Why not now, with me?"

"Because it will be too much to leave you afterwards. The pull is strong, even this," his hand glided over her side, "is a lot and not enough. But if it's only this I will have the strength to walk away."

Hot tears prickled at her eyes, falling down on Law's neck. "I want to, I want it so much," the words came out as choked sobs. "But I'm scared. I can endure pain, torture, broken bones, but I can't take it from a mate again."

"Try to calm down," Law said with a gentle voice. He leaned back and cupped her cheek in his palm, tilting her head until their eyes met. "Nobody wants to harm you. I don't want to harm you. We are all healthy and in our right mind, the situation you experienced before is not likely to repeat."

His thumb stroked her cheek and the gesture combined with his words gradually soothed her distress.

"Do you even want the bond?" she asked, searching his eyes. She couldn't imagine why a man like him would like that kind of connection. He seemed to value his space, kept people at arm's length, most of the time he seemed withdrawn.

"I think I do." Came a simple reply.  

Rage didn't dare to ask why, he already denied her the answer.

"If I asked you, would you perform the surgery to strip me of the ability to form bonds?"

Law's eyes narrowed, a slight frown forming on his lips. "I would."

Nothing else, just simple confirmation. He didn't try to talk her into the bond or dissuade her from a risky brain surgery. He didn't seem angry at her like Zoro, never shouted at her like Luffy. But he was here, by her side, carrying another mate's scent on his skin as a silent promise of what could be, but never demanding anything from her.

It meant a lot and spoke volumes, cracking her resolve to never claim mates again.

His hand moved to her hair, stroking gently.

"Go to sleep," he gave her a small smile, then rolled on his back pulling her half on top of him.

She put her head on his shoulder and draped her arm over his chest, letting out a sigh. Right at that moment the thought of bonding with Law didn't seem like such a bad idea. Maybe she could make an exception just for him.

________

"Run that by me again?"

"The Heart Pirates ship is a submarine."

"Yeah, I think I'll catch a ride with Inurashi," Rage was backing out of the conversation.

"Come on Rage, for all your bravado, you surely aren't afraid of a submarine," Usopp teased, grinning like a madman.

"Oh yes I am, fearless and mighty brother of mine," she poured all the sarcasm she could muster into her words. "I don't like being confined into small closed off spaces. Given my fucked up devil fruit situation, what would you do if I get a panic attack and unconsciously drain people?"

"Have no fear, sister of mine," Usopp was still grinning widely, while he rummaged in his purse. He produced a hand rolled cigarette, presenting it like it was a holy grail. "I have a perfect herbal remedy for any kind of anxiety."

Rage felt her jaw dropping. She snatched the cigarette from his hand and sniffed it.

"You had fucking weed on you all along and you kept quiet?" Her tone was incredulous. "You realize, you could've prevented all the fighting while we were with Bartolomeo just by giving me this earlier?"

*We have a strict 'no smoking around Luffy' rule," Usopp explained with a serious expression. "He gets unpredictable when he's stoned, then he gets horny and then hungry. It's not pretty."

"You don't say," Rage smiled widely.

"We cut him off completely after Sanji baked a special brownie and Luffy ate the whole thing. We had to pull him from the water several times after he decided to race Brook over the surface. Brook can do it easily, but Luffy not so much. Then Zoro and Nami had a very intense couple of hours with our stoned, horny captain and then all the food was gone."

Rage found Zoro's gaze.

"He's not lying, isn't he?" She asked the swordsman.

"No," Zoro responded gruffly, leveling Usopp with a deadly glare.

Rage laughed and put her arm around Usopp's shoulders, shielding him from Zoro's gaze.

"Roll some more blunts, give me more spicy stories and I might be swayed to board that dreadful ship."

"No smoking on the submarine," Law informed them loudly. "It's a safety hazard."

"Or not," Rage commented and Usopp's face fell.

"We can still ask one of the Mink's cooks to bake it into cookies or brownie," Robin offered after standing next to them and pointing towards the palace kitchens.

"Don't encourage them, Robin," Zoro admonished with a growl.

Robin met his eye and smiled lightly.

"That brownie situation might have been hard for you, Swordsman-san," she replied calmly," but to the rest of us it was quite amusing."

Rage gasped, her eyes going round at Robin's choice of words, then she burst out laughing. Usopp doubled over, actual tears rolling down his face and Robin just smirked.

A metallic sound of a sword being unsheathed cut through the air.

"Run!" Rage yelled through the bouts of laughter and they all sprinted towards the kitchens.

Much later, after she and Usopp talked the Mink cooks into baking a batch of weed cookies, Rage found herself on the training grounds again. 

The debris she left the day before was piled on the edges of the clearing, washed away by several downpours of seawater. 

Rage stood in front of one of the training poles, her palm touching the wooden surface. She centered her haki, then pulled her hand back to strike a punch. The wood exploded on impact, just as the day before. She covered her face with her arms, stabbing pain exploding all over her front, where the splintered wood pierced her skin. She backed away, pulling the largest shards from her skin, then using her powers to push smaller splinters from her skin and heal the wounds.

Activating her devil fruit powers made her conscious of the huge animal that carried Zou on its back. She sensed various hormones running just under her feat, in the ancient animal's blood. 

Zunisha's metabolism was slow, but the amount of hormones coursing through its veins was astounding. She wondered if she could absorb some of it, the thought tempting and repulsive at the same time. She was injected with animal hormones on Punk Hazard and it was an extremely painful experience, which she never wanted to repeat. But something kept niggling at the back of her brain, urging to just give it a try. Zunisha was so big, she could absorb enough to heal the brain damage and the huge elephant wouldn't even feel the difference. Also the animal was ancient, maybe its hormones would have a different effect on her then those of other animals.

Finally she decided to give it a go. In the worst case scenario she will vomit for hours, feel debilitating pain and then feel like crap for days afterwards. Like good old prison days.

Rage sat on the ground, taking a deep breath to clear her mind. She put her palms on the elephant's skin and drew in a small quantity of hormones. 

It seemed fine, no violent reaction, so she went further to recombine the hormones for her own purposes. Some of the peptides weren't compatible, so she discarded them, then used newly formed hormones to heal her brain. 

Nothing happened. She sat there waiting but there was no change, no reaction. Either the hormones didn't work or they weren't enough. So she decided to absorb more and repeat the process. 

She understood it was a mistake when her heart raced like she just ran for her life and her whole body seized. Her vision blurred but all her other senses sharpened to the point she wasn't able to process the overwhelming input and it became unbearable. There were birds yelling in the trees, the rustling leaves were too loud, the wind put too much pressure on her skin, the ground was coarse like sandpaper. There was someone on the edge of the clearing, smelling exactly like the forest.

In an instant he was beside her, the large blurry head just above her.

"Rage-san, what is happening?" The bellowing voice threw her over the edge. Everything screeched to a halt and the last thing she saw was the blue sky.

You can read more chapters on AO3

[gildedmuse]

I'll those days where I just want to pull on the internet’s sleeve and be like, “Hey, I’m sick. Drop everything and come make up AUs with me.” But I’m an adult so I know I can’t do that.

But I’ve definitely done it before.

@randommouseclick is one individual who is quite good at encouraging this terrible habit of mine. Usually, I'd just post the conversations about such AUs in full, but it turns out in this case that would been over 11 pages. So instead, enjoy this overview. Which I still had to split in two parts.

Sora: Warrior Of The Sea

(A RedHawk Production)

So, they're making a Sora, Warrior of The Sea show and Zoro has been cast as one of the main/reoccurring characters.

Law is like a co-writer on the show and totally disagrees with casting Zoro (he's just not how he pictured the character.... Look, he's a critical ally to Sora and -- err... What he means is, Zoro doesn't seem like he has the screen presence.)

Admittedly, Zoro never even heard of the manga before he got the part.

(Eventually he starts secretly reading it when he figures out how much it means to Law but he hides it in his trailer)

Fun Fact: Part of why in the beginning Law had been so against casting Zoro is he wasn't even a properly trained actor. Originally the role of Daichi - the honorable marine lieutenant who assists Sora - was going to go to an established actor named Eustass Kid. While in front of the camera he did fantastic work, but when it came to his behavior backstage with the crew Kid had a reputation for being hot headed and occasionally even violent. Zoro came on to work as Kid's stunt double, but was spotted by co-producer Kozuki Hiyori who was attracted to his..... Uhhh ....stage presences.

Executive Producer Mihawk knew Kid's temper might be a problem, but refused to settle for someone lacking in talent. He certainly wasn't going to change Kid out for some... err... kid just because Hiyori got distracted by a pretty face. However, he agreed to allow Zoro to read through one scene. Not that anyone actually warned Zoro of this plan. He'd just been in the back lot practicing some kendo in preparation of the show.

Still, his "audition" was solid and Mihawk was definitely not at all swayed by the way the young man handled a sword before his reading.

For the record, because I am a total loser, here is a casting list:

Reoccurring Villains:

Lord Vínreykur, Ruler and Patriarch of the destructive Germa 66 army is played by Emporio Ivankov. Some say that he enjoys the part too much, really hamming up his big evil scenes. To those people he says out of my way peasents! There is happiness somewhere out in the North Blue and I have to personally be there to stomomit out!! Muahahahaha!

Poison Pink (aka Princess Reiada) is played by Regidola Perona, a young and up coming actress just crossing over from being a horror movie darling.

Sparking Red (aka Prince Ichiteki) is played by Eustass Kid who actually enjoys the role way more than he thought he would. He'd been so fixated on getting the most sceeentime and less on the actual character he didn't consider how much more fun if is playing the spoiled evil villain. Turns out he loves these kind of roles. Also, cool story: with Zoro out the way runnimg they had to hire on a new stunt double. Turns out the guy they found was Kid's best friend back in high school. Goes by Killer. They hadn't seen each other in ages. .

Electric Blue (aka Prince Niteki) is played by Blanco Cavendish. He originally auditioned for the part of Sora. The producers felt his portrayal was a little too conceited, but agreed he'd be perfect for Electric Blue. Cavendish's biggest problem is with that damn blue wig. Why would they want to cover up his glorious blonde locks? Well, that and he's still super biter about not getting the staring role. 1

Stealth Black (aka Prince Santeki) played by Vinsmoke Sanji who absolutely loathes the role. He is a serious actor, goddamnit. He shouldn't have to be dressing up in these ridiculous comic book costumes and pretend to shot lasers at things that aren't even there. But at least he gets to be near Perona-swan, Boa-sama and Pudding-chan!!!! 💗💗💗 ...And it's still a gig. (He might also be upset he got past over for the main role.)

Wench Green (aka Prince Yonteki) is played by total unknown Bartolomeo. Most anyone who has seen any bts footage, tv interviews or just met him in passing assume he's the biggest fandom working on the show. They assume wrong.

Of course, Sora faces off against plenty of none Germa 66 threats. The major reoccurring one is a mysterious masked pirate known only as Ōshige of the Sea Storm Pirates, but who seems to always be able to get the drop on poor Sora. This diabolical master of the seas is played by well known theater actress, Charlotte Pudding.

The Heroes:

.,. look, it's a lot easier to pull these things off a manga where you don't have casting lists, okay?

Speaking of Miss Pudding, anyone who has seen her work on the stage won't be surprised to know she's also cast to play Sora's love interest - Oikaze Pandora - an innocent, defenseless young woman who works in a bakery on Navy Island and always has a warm tray of fruit tarts waiting for Sora when he comes through town. How could the two possibly be connected?

At least Pannaka isn't the only female ally Sora has. These is also his former instructor and superior officer Vice Admiral Reijin Umiko played by none other than award winning super star Boa Hancock. Feel free to express an insulting amount if surprise. Most of the crew did. Hell, a lot still ARE.

Sure, RedHawk is an established production company with a solid reputation who has put together sla real talented team, but to end up with a movie star but to end up working with a movie star once nicknamed The Press Empress and who is considered one of the Warlords of The Solve Screens? How did they ever get so lucky?

So in a way Law considers it karmic balance that they would stick this untested, untrained STUNT PERFORMER named Roronoa Zoro into a part as critical to the show as Lieutenant Tadahiro Daichi. Sure, he'd not the seemingly innovent lover with a dark secret or the strikingly beautiful authority figure from his past. Certain fans would even rank him below then dark, brooding older brother figure of Himiya Brími (X Drake) just because Brīmi role tends to be rushing in with last minute saves in the coolest way possible. They don't understand that Daichi is like the steady presence in Sora's rough life at sea and-

This is exactly why Law is very rarely invited to afterwork get togethers.

Then, of course, there's the titular character: Captain Akitsuyo Sora. The greatest marine in any of the four blue; valiant, creative, determined, honorable, maybe overly reckless at times and a bit of a show-off, but he’s a hero for the people of North Blue. Oh, and he’s played by the rather popular Portgas D. Ace. There would have been fan outcry if he hadn’t gotten the role. 

Then you have your various crew members and production teams. Franky does a lot of work on the sets, Usopp is sort of their go to guy for effects. Baby Five works in props. Writers/producers include Nico Robin, Benn Beckman, Jinbe and of course Law himself. And since it’s a RedHawk production there are the top executive producers, Dracula Mihawk and Akagami Shanks. Technically they have the same title, but Mihawk tends to over a lot of the more practical, technical elements while Shanks is the kind of crazy creative one and considered more thee showrunner.

Which is how Luffy ends up getting a job as a PA Despite the fact that he's overly hyper, doesn't seem to actually do any work, and is constantly following Law around annoying him with the craziest, weirdest ideas for the show.

Zoro loves the kid.

Hancock is that one crazy famous actor who will sometimes take recurring roles in the projects. She's like a Hollywood Starlet level and when asked in interviews will say it's for all her fans because she was always told the character of Sora's beautiful superior officer Vice Admiral Umiko Reijin looked just like her/was modeled after her (depending on how humble she's feeling during any given interview) and spoke of how much they wanted to see her in the role and, well, she just wanted to give back.

In reality it's because it's a RedHawk production, meaning it's almost certain that Luffy would be there.

Luffy is always hanging around with either Zoro or Law, so as a result Hancock is constantly photographed with Zoro which means mad rumours

@randommouseclick

Boa and Bartolomeo dote on Luffy to a kinda scary level. Cavendish made one mistake of hitting on Law while they were tipsy, Zoro not within ear shot.

Luffy sees Law move away but get followed and Luffy just goes MY FOSTER BROTHER'S BOYFRIEND DOESN'T LIKE YOU

And Shanks has to pull him away from the poor actor.

One of the few PA things Luffy seems to do is practice lines with Zoro, and only if he gets to be one of the Germa 66. Also, it's less like reading lines and more like two children jumping around playing pirates and marines.

That and strangely, he'll always complete the fake tasks that Shanks will give him when Mihawk has reached the end of his patience. He gives Shanks this Look and Shanks knows he better get Luffy out of there fast. He usually just makes up something utterly ridiculous - Luffy starts with the best intentions but usually just forgets. However, every time Shanks has used this as a distraction, Luffy has actually completed the task. Even Shanks is a little mystified.

Their first award show, Hancock spends two months trying to ask Luffy out and never quite manages.

On the other hand, Perona's boyfriend dumps her about a week before and not wanting to look like a lonely old lady (her words) she asks (bribes) Zoro into going at her date (he didn't even want to go in the first place so at least it saves Mihawk having to talk him into it). At the event itself, Hancock happens to see Luffy (he trailed after Shanks and Benn) and in an attempt to make him jealous slides up to an awkward looking Zoro who's just standing there while Perona basks in the attention. She pulls him to her side for pictures and interviews much to Zoro's annoyance and confusion and Luffy's... Nothing. Luffy doesn't notice at all.

The gossip papers are all over that shit. Perona rolls with it acting like a truly injured party for the press. Hancock is delighted at the press calling her a manslayer. The whole chaotic scene amuses the hell out of Shanks, leaves Mihawk with a headache, and has Law seriously considering breaking with canon to give both characters the most gruesome deaths possible.

Zoro is totally oblivious. His biggest concern is asking Law to write in more sword fights and stunt work (still his favorite part). Law is strangely snippy with him telling him to try bothering Perona about it if he wants it so bad. He's sure she'll get the press involved, maybe that will help.

Zoro points out that Perona isn't a writer and also why would it matter what the press said? Isn't Law the one who does most the script work. It just made the most sense to ask him. Law storms off and Zoro is more confused.

He asks Luffy. It does not help.

[deedee-writes]

BIG NEWS! Interviewing the Straw Hat Pirates - Zoro I

Prologue for this

The day was hot. As hot as every single one of the other nine days, Zoro had been tied to that post. His arms were stiff from being in the same position too long, and the rope burn was sure to be a bitch by the time he was freed. And he would be released; he just had to wait a little longer.

 His stomach grumbled, the riceballs he'd eaten not thirty minutes before doing a better job on reminding him of his hunger rather than appeasing it, however momentarily. A part of him was glad for his bandana, despite how suffocating it felt like. Otherwise, the sunburn would've been a bigger problem. As it was, any part of his skin not covered by either cloth or rope was already peeling.

 The wind was both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it was the only source of coolness Zoro has, but on the other, it was sea breeze made up of salt and brisker, straddling the line with pain. It had left him coated in a layer of salt that itched and stung. It blew away flecks of dead skin whenever it went by. 

 He thought of the little girl he'd saved. Why did he feel inclined to risk his life, his dream, for a complete stranger? Zoro didn't think of himself as a moral, ethical man. He was called a devil if the word was to be believed, the fearsome Pirate Hunter. It was an epithet he took no pride or accomplishment in.

 What was it to him to be the best bounty hunter in East Blue? He was aiming for a goal much harder to achieve. Not every man openly said he wanted to fight Dracule Mihawk. In fact, from what Zoro has gathered, people went out of their way to avoid him, but for Kuina, for his dream, Zoro would stare into the death god's eyes, and he would not falter.

 A presence distracted him, and Zoro opened his eyes. Three sword handles greeted him. The green-haired swordsman followed the hand, holding the swords to the grinning face of one Monkey D. Luffy… His swords (Impossible). 

 "I didn't know which sword was yours, so I brought all three." The kid in the red vest said.

 "They're all mine. I use three swords." Zoro had answered mechanically; he'd explained their number uncountable times. He refused to acknowledge that he was slightly impressed at the kid keeping his end of the bargain. Though maybe bargain wasn't the word; after all, Zoro had yet to agree to anything. Scratch that, Zoro wouldn't agree to anything with this kid pirate.  

 "You'll take them, right?" He asked, but his eyes betrayed he wasn't really asking, they held a glint Zoro would eventually learn to recognize as an immediate warning for trouble. "If I give you these, you'll owe me.  Becoming a pirate? Or being killed by the marines? Which one is it?"

 For a moment, Zoro was speechless. The knucklehead he had discarded as naïve was making the pirate name proud and extorting him to join his crew. A part of him couldn't believe it, but it only took a flash of Kuina's face to know his answer. For someone with a promise like him, dying just wasn't an option. 

 "You're the son of the devil." He answered, smirk showing unexpected amusement at the whole situation. Zoro knew he was dismissing the extortion with too much ease, but he wasn't apprehensive about following this man. "But I'd rather be a pirate than die here."

 The smile that greeted him was full toothed and honest, but also positively feral.

 Moments later he'd be freed and would hold 11 marines at bay with his three swords (oh, how he had missed them the past days), and tell his new captain with all the conviction he possessed:

 "I promised to be a pirate, but that doesn't change that I will always chase after my own ambitions!"

 "Ambitions?" Luffy questioned. Paying more attention to his words that the fact that a single shiver could cost him his neck. The pink-haired kid behind him wasn't capable of his calmness, though, and Zoro didn't miss the way his eyes were jumping from every blade pointed at Zoro.

 "To become the greatest swordsman in the world," and dammit, despite how sure he was he'd do it, Zoro always felt slightly silly when speaking about his dream aloud. It was an ingrained reaction from having been laughed at one too many times. He convinced himself that his worry was more about having to travel civilly with someone who had laughed at his goal than anything else.  

 Not for the first time and certainly not for the last, Zoro was surprised by his captain's reaction. His grin widened even more (how was that even possible?), and his eyes didn't waver when he said:

 "Well, seeing as I am to be the King of Pirates, I can't expect anything less from my first mate, now, can I?"

 And something between the two boys that couldn't quite be called men clicked.

____________

 The observatory is quite comfortable for an interview, well lit, and home to a well-organized desk. They've just started, but Thelma's already fascinated. 

"He extorted you?!" The other man shrugs.

"I could've said no, I guess, but what for? I only cared about reaching my goal, Luffy was offering a way to do that." She hums at the use of the past tense in care and writes it down to ask a little later. 

"I see, I have more questions about this instance, but I want to clarify some rumors before those." Thelma had been unsure about interviewing the Pirate Hunter first. After the Straw Hats infamous captain, the highest bounty in the Straw Hat's crew is held by Roronoa Zoro, a man whose origins can be traced back -curiously enough- to being a bounty hunter in the East Blue. Less comically, even on that side of the law, he'd been known as a demon.

"Hn." He acknowledges, seemingly saving up words to keep telling her stories. So far, the man had proven unflappable, neither friendly nor belligerent, and surprisingly mild-mannered. He was blunt and honest, or at least, he appeared so to Thelma -who'd joined the ranks of journalist specifically for an uncanny ability to read people well. 

"When you reemerged at Sabaondy, a galleon belonging to the Fox Fire pirates was sliced in half. Witnesses describe the wreckage as a perfect diagonal cut, impossible to be the result of the coating failing. Many claim you were at the scene. Did you have a personal grudge against these pirates? Does your crew?"

The green-haired man looks absolutely confused, and then he seems to remember, eyes widening in an "aha!" moment. Without the frown, expression open, he's quite a looker, Thelma notes. 

"Ah, that time..."

______________

 Zoro awoke as he always did, lazily but never slowly. It was practical, having his mind on full alert, but knowing nothing around him was dangerous or threatening. (At least on this occasion.) Observation Haki definitely had certain perks to it that the swordsman took no trouble in exploiting. 

Distantly, the swordsman noted he was far more rested than he should be, the fishermen had said to wait a couple minutes at most, Zoro felt like he had been asleep for more than half an hour. A quick glimpse into his surroundings proved that he had made a mistake. 

 The deep blue of the bottom of the sea surrounded him, and Zoro assimilated the situation in microseconds. The pirate crew under him was happily celebrating on deck. Had they not sensed him or seen him? Were all pirates so oblivious these days? Zoro's mind drifted to his captain and decided that that was a question better left unanswered. 

 Many a solution crossed his mind, but Zoro went with the one he liked and knew best, pulling out one of his swords and bring it into position. Zoro slashed the sea right open. The ship rose alarmingly fast, the screams of the crew were annoying, but Zoro waited patiently. 

In the minute that it took the ship to resurface he was drenched. 

The sun and the docks greeted their arrival. Zoro clearly saw what mustn't have the small fisherman's ship. It was harder to see it between the crowds of people that his actions had attracted.

"Look! That ship is split in half!" 

"Did the coating malfunctioned?"

"It's cut perfectly! It almost seemed as if it was… sliced with a sword."

Zoro looked around again.

"I got on the wrong ship." He stated to himself, but his words attracted the attention of some crewmembers who, finally, spotted him. He put away his sword just as they called out to him. 

"Someone is standing!"

"Bastard! How dare you ruin our dreams to reach the New World?!" One of them screamed.

"What did we ever do to you?"

"It's a quirk of fate," Zoro said. Thinking back to the many things he'd seen since a gangly teen freed him from injustice and took him out to sea. "You should blame fate for placing a plague onto your ship."

"But it was you…!" Zoro never got to listen whatever else the man had said. He spotted Wiggly Eyebrows on the docks, and with a jump returned to land.

_______________

She’s not sure what to say.

“You...” She repeats. “You fell asleep on the wrong ship?”

“Yeah,” he says, “it happens.”

Thelma wants to shake him by the shoulders, hard. 

NO IT DOESN’T!