#every single time until Luffy decided to change it

[l-in-the-light]

Trafalgar Law: fear of closeness and touch part 2, the extended edition

Writing another post about it, because I have a lot of thoughts I need to organize for myself. This time it will be more like my interpretation about Law and his relationships with people than about the touch itself. And also I forgot one of the most crucial scenes about the topic (because ofc I would forget something so important), so I will start with it:

The last touch he remembers from Flevance is hiding under the pile of corpses, cold dehumanized bodies, treated like trash. No one wanted to touch them, just like no one wanted to be touched by Law. How poetic that Law escaped Flevance with a death sentence while hiding among the dead, because he will be treated like he's dead to the world from now on.

This reminds me of a manga I once read, Shigeshoushi (The Embalmer). It's about a guy whose job is embalming the dead, and he is ostracized, feared and refused by people as a result. Contact with death and dead bodies is taboo in Shinto and folk culture of Japan in general. If you think it's a thing of the past, I reccommend to watch Okuribito (Departures), it's really good and this topic is at the heart of the movie.

Anyway, back to the manga, warning for spoilers. Situation escalates to the point when the only human touch the guy can get is that of him handling the corpses for his job and that really messes up with his mental health. His despair leads him to engage himself in risky situations just to get by, casual sexual encounters with strangers become the only form of intimacy he can get and he soon gets addicted to it, but it still lacks the emotional warmth and love he desperately craves, so it's never enough for him. Of course to even get those encounters he has to lie about his job and whenever his lie gets exposed and he is confronted about it, forced to listen to all those women blaming him, feeling disgusted by what he forced on them (it was never forced, but suddenly it's unwanted after they learn he embalms dead bodies every day), and it just triggers and deepens his trauma.

I wonder if you can tell where I'm going with this comparison. Law is definitely as starved for touch and love as the main protagonist is. Still, I don't believe Law would become hypersexual (tho that's just my personal impression, especially after he so blatantly refused Monett), but most importantly unlike the main character Law would definitely not desperately beg for the touch. It's just not how Law is, he doesn't like to impose himself on others if he absolutely doesn't have to. Not to mention he can't bear asking openly for help or for anything really, not after the Vergo incident. It was the last time he ever begged for something.

Law seems to be the type to neglect his own needs to the point that he makes stupid and reckless decisions based on his fear of losing people (callback to Wano and imprisoned Hearts). When people dear to him are in danger, his first instinct is to rush and help them unless he's completely immobilized. That's the level of "prioritizing other people's safety and needs" he believes in, he would do it every time, but he hates when people do it for him. Mostly because he deeply believes Corazon got hurt because of him, and Corazon gave him all that love Law was starving for. And Law believes Cora-san finally died for it.

Add his trauma of expecting people to not want to be touched by him into the equation. That's why he has problems expressing his own need for love (and touch) from that point onward. He acts so tough, doesn't allow himself to show weakness and will definitely never ask for love, he learned his lesson on that.

But what about Heart Pirates? They love him! He clearly protects and deeply cares for them, but in each scene he is with them, not counting Bepo, he keeps them at a distance. I do believe Law treats his crew more or less on equal terms, he favours freedom after all, but their relationship is restricted by his fear and makes it significantly more asymmetrical than the one Luffy has with his crew. I do think Penguin and Shachi are more important to Law than the rest of his crew, they're best friends, they've formed the Heart Pirates together, but he doesn't allow them to be on touchy feely basis with him. That's reserved for Bepo. Bepo is basically the last safe haven Law allowed himself to have up until Strawhats happened.

Law at Sabaody creates three new bonds with people: with two supernovas and Jean Bart. The latter he takes into his crew and I believe it's because Jean Bart has no other place to go, especially with Marines and Pacifistas running around the island. It's possible Law does it all the time and his crew (beyond the original four) got expanded because of that.

Law's bond with Kid started on a wrong foot, not only Kid judges Law based on prejudice and "bad rep" flying around about him, he also accussed him of lack of manners (triggering a flashback to Vergo), all in Law's hearing range. It's not really surprising later on Law doesn't want to owe Kid a favour by letting Kid take care of the Marines. Law clearly doesn't want to be indebted to someone who feels disgust towards him (I don't think Kid is disgusted by him, but that's what Law thinks at this point). And even after Wano it seems Law made sure that they're even, none is indebted to the other. For Law it was just a temporary alliance, he kept his distance, they didn't end up becoming friends.

Last new bond Law created was with Luffy. It started indirectly at first, Luffy was defending his fishman friend. Things said about Hatchan triggered a trauma response in Law ("Don't come closer! Disgusting! He will spread diseases!"), in my headcanon freezing him in the spot. But Luffy defended his friend and indirectly also Law by punching the Celestial Dragon, in similar fashion to Corazon defending Law by punching the doctors spouting similar prejudice about amber lead syndrome.

Law thanked Luffy for that and he felt safe doing so, after all what Luffy did was never directed at Law himself, but the gratitude must have confused Luffy to no end (Why is that guy thanking me? I didn't do anything for him!). Law didn't mind this bond at this moment exactly because it was so indirect, as a result he allowed himself to interact with Luffy and even took the first step, probably thinking it will lead to nothing. But he would never do it if not for Luffy's indirect impact on Law. If that's the expected level for casual bonds Law has set up, I doubt many occassions appeared for that before. It just shows he avoids people as a general rule, period.

But things changed after they left the auction house. Law is displeased with Kid, only telling him not to order him around and refusing to even talk with him, but his dynamic with Luffy is completely different, he doesn't feel bad about it despite being treated like accomplice in the whole Celestial Dragon incident.

He even allows himself to tease him a bit. There's no bad air between them. It almost feels like Law feels more emotionally available despite them being strangers, or rather exactly because they're strangers here and Law thinks they will also leave as strangers, which gives him the freedom to be more open.

They fought together, mostly by accident, but for Luffy that's enough to already feel a bit attached to Kid and Law. He declares he's after One Piece, implying from now on they will be rivals.

That doesn't earn him any response from Law. In fact, he just smirks and retreats without a word.

There are multiple possible reasons for his reaction here, but one of them is important right now: if Law said anything, he would acknowledge that bond, that of being a rival to Luffy. He didn't want it, in fact he wanted them to remain strangers, with no lingering attachments. That's why, when he got offered Luffy's friendship (disguised as rivalship, mind you), he turns back and retreats.

That's his answer. Later in Amazon Lily he also ends up retreating without even waiting for Luffy to say his thanks.

And how ironic that the next time they see each other it's Law who ends up extending his hand, not once, but twice: first by saving Luffy's life by risking his own, and second time by proposing alliance. I can only imagine Luffy's surprise: he got rejected before, but now it's Law himself proposing it! And what a funny guy he is, he doesn't need to offer friendship, because for Luffy they're already friends, after all didn't Law save his life? Law though just needed help, but wouldn't ask for it directly, because we know he never does that anymore, so instead he offered a bait. Frankly he didn't need to, Luffy would do anything he wanted him to anyway. Luffy ofc thought the alliance is a fun idea, but in the end he accepted it because it's Law who needed it to be an alliance, he wouldn't accept help otherwise. Also alliance felt impersonal and safe, without the need to be emotionally open.

There's so many seperate frames of Law just staring and thinking upon their reunion. He's conflicted. Also at this point their relationship changed, whether Law wanted it or not. He was there when Luffy lost Ace, saw him breaking down, definitely thought they now share something in common: they both lost people who were the dearest to them. I'm also sure he could see through Luffy's smile, he knew there's no way he would be already "okay" after just two years.

Unusual whimsical frame of Luffy. He closed his eyes, not listening to the words spoken, but instead listening to his own heart. He knows he needs to kidnap Caesar, that's what Law asked him to do, but Luffy doesn't just want to do what he's told, he wants to make sure the person he is doing it for is happy. It's a callback to Luffy's deepest regret: leaving Sabo with his family, assuming things would be better this way, without making sure first if that's something that would make Sabo actually happy.

Ever since Luffy does this double-check-for-no-regrets for all of his friends and crewmates. He follows Nami to Arlong Park and waits patiently in case she actually needs help. She questions Kyros' choice and goes to all the way to Rebecca to the castle just to ask her if she's really fine with staying seperated from her dad. And he does it here as well. Would kidnapping Caesar make Law actually happy, Luffy wonders. And probably thinks back to their previous encounter, in Sabaody, and Law's mysterious line after Luffy punched the Celestial Dragon: "Thanks Strawhat, you showed me something interesting". And Luffy found his answer and it's this:

Punching Caesar. Apparently Luffy did something right in Sabaody and he thinks it was about the punching, so he does it again now as well. Ofc he wants to punch Caesar anyway, but he does pause before doing that, he actually doesn't jump for it straightaway, it's AFTER he thinks about it. Luffy decided this is what would make Law actually happy, despite going against the plan. Luffy didn't believe following Law's plan will actually make Law happy, but punching his enemies will.

And yet Law doesn't look happy, but let's look more closely to his body languague. He turns around, doesn't declare his unhappiness directly to Luffy's face, he's making an emotional retreat again despite shouting. He's giving mixed signals. So was Luffy wrong?

Law is trying to hide his smile. Making sure no one notices. He's trying to maintain the distance and remain cold, but seems it's working less and less efficiently.

I will let you decide it for yourselves whether Luffy was right or wrong in the end.

There is more nuance about this I didn't even touch yet, for example the drastic gap between Marines fearing Law and calling him a monster, and Stawhats (minus Luffy), at first fearful and suspicious of Law, but it took them like 5 minutes to change their mind and trust him just like Luffy did.

In Dressrosa Law declares that, deep in his heart, he actually also wants to kick Doflamingo's butt. Luffy doesn't even act surprised upon hearing that. Of course, he knew already, Law didn't even have to say it.

While in Dressrosa Law attempts to break the alliance, send off half the Strawhats to safety and despite barely being able to move himself he takes care of Luffy in the final countdown. Almost like he already treats them like his own crew, keeping them safe. If you ask me, someone got attached. And the pinnacle of it is when Law shares with us that he aims to either live or die with Luffy (not die for him, unlike Luffy's own crew declaring in this arc). That's the best he could offer and he knows how much it's painful when someone dies *for you*, he wouldn't inflict that pain on Luffy again, not when he knows Luffy thinks of him as a friend.

And finally in Wano Law finally opens up more and lashes out at Strawhats, just like he did at Corazon. He no longer feels the need to emotionally distance himself all the time, or keeping it all bottled up behind a stoic cold facade and impersonal "alliance". That's how he shows his worry and affection, he considers them his responsibility in Wano.

He also admits for the very first time his fear of losing people. "The plan isn't worth anyone dying" (in this case - Zoro dying). He allows himself to trust and to be vulnerable.

If you think Law is torn about his growing connection with Strawhats, then you're thinking the same as me. He allowed himself to get attached and he didn't want to initially.

Is it really alright if I touch you too…? (ready to retreat his hand at any moment he senses it's unwanted after all)

His words are often rough and cold, but his actions speak for themselves. He trusts the Strawhats by this point, they're his second crew, and he would do the same for them he would do for his Hearts.

And now he has a problem, he gained more people he is afraid of losing. New friends.

[pholla-jm]

Colors

IMAGINE: COLORS - ZORO X READER GENRE: FLUFF cw: soulmate au. a bit ooc? ****************

The world was rather drab in your opinion. Just black, white and grays. And to see color you have to meet a certain person, your soulmate to be more specific. 

You hated that idea. If you want to see the world at its fullest you have to depend on a single person? You cursed the deity that created it. You wanted to be an independent person, and falling in love only sounded like it was going to slow you down. 

So you continued to live life in monochrome, accepting to live like this. That doesn’t mean you hated every second of it. To make the best of it, you traveled to different islands, exploring different cultures and trying different foods. 

It was a good life. 

The island you were currently at was quite busy. People constantly bump into each other, shoving, just trying to get to their destination. You wouldn’t be surprised if there were any pickpockets in the area. You didn’t really like it, too many people. So you decided to head to the docks to find your little boat. 

However, it was gone. Someone had stolen it. Your day literally couldn’t get any worse. 

Your eyes gaze at all the other ships, trying to find one that you deemed worthy enough to get help. A ship with a sheep figurehead caught your eyes. It was rather… cute. 

You could see some people walking around on the deck. With a deep sigh, you mentally prepare yourself to play the damsel in distress. Forcing tears to sheen over your eyes, you climb up the ship. 

“Excuse me,” You softly say, tears becoming more fresh in your eyes as you try to catch someone's attention. 

“Hey! What are you doing on my ship?” You hear a boy call out to you. You look at him, seeing that he was wearing a straw hat and an open vest. You could tell he had his guard up, and you don’t blame him. It is his ship anyway. However, you could tell that it would be rather easy to convince. 

“Someone stole my ship… and now I’m stuck here. Can you help me?” “Huh, are you a pirate too?” 

What, a pirate?

You didn’t really consider yourself to be a pirate but if it pleased the boy in front of you, then you would say that you were. 

“Because if you are, then you’re a terrible pirate.” He says and you almost choke on your spit. 

“No,” you whisper while wiping away some tears, “I’m not a pirate. I’m sailing by myself.” 

The boy was about to say something until another woman appeared. 

“Luffy, who is this person?” A taller woman now stood behind the boy, a slight scowl present on her face. 

“I’m (y/n), and my ship has been stolen. I just need passage to the next island… I have berri to pay you with.” You say holding up a small bag of berri, since the rest of it was on your ship. Something that irked you even more.

As soon as the woman heard berri, her scowl lifted away and a bright smile graced her face. “Of course!” She says immediately grabbing the small pouch of money that you had. She walks off, not saying anything else. Leaving you with the boy named Luffy. 

“Welcome to the crew!” He excitedly says. You quirked an eyebrow, “uh. Not part of the crew. Just to the next island.” 

Luffy ignores you, “I’ll show you to the rest of the crew. That was Nami, she’s our navigator,” he grabs your hand and starts to drag you around the ship. He opens one of the doors, which led to a kitchen. A man stood over the stove, stirring something. 

The man sighs hearing the door open. “Luffy, how many times do I have to tell you-” He turns around, ready to scold the boy. However, he stops once he sees you. 

“Well, who do I have the honor meeting?” He walks over to you, with a suave smile. “This is (y/n), she’s going to be a part of the crew now. This is Sanji, he’s the cook” Sanji grabs onto your hand, and you just slightly shake your head, “oh no. Just to the next island.” Sanji brings your hand up to his lips, placing a chaste kiss on it. “Well, I do hope you change your mind.” You nervously laugh at him while pulling your hand back, “thanks.” 

Luffy grabs onto your other hand, dragging you out of the kitchen. 

“This is Usopp!” He shouts pointing to someone with curly hair and quite a long nose. “He’s a-” “I’m the Captain!” He cuts off Luffy. “No! I’m the Captain!” 

The two start to bicker, causing you to sweat drop at their antics. 

While they are bickering, you decide to look around the ship. Your eyes caught a man that was sleeping on the side of the wall. He had three swords right next to him, and you wondered, who uses three swords?

Leaving the two bickering boys, you walked up to the sleeping man. Wanting to get a closer look at the three swords. However, when you are standing right infront of him, his eyes snapped open, looking straight into your eyes.

Suddenly, you could see this green hair. Something that greatly stood out to you. 

Wait. 

You could see the color of his hair. You could see every color around you. 

It was all too much. The sudden rush of colors causes your head to spin and hurt. There were too many colors that you’ve never seen or heard before. You didn't have time to process the fact that you were now face to face with your soulmate. You rush past the man, and lean yourself over the railing. It wasn’t long until you were puking your guts out. 

“Huh, I guess my first impression isn’t that great.” You hear the man speak and you inwardly cringe. He must think you’re disgusting now. 

You groan, pushing yourself up to face your soulmate. Now that your headache has calmed down a little, you were able to take a better look at the man. He was tall, and had a few muscles on him. The thing that stood out to you was his green hair. You weren’t expecting to meet your soulmate on a pirate ship, and an actual pirate nonetheless. 

“I’m sorry… I wasn’t expecting to meet my soulmate. And the colors… and it was just too much.” You explain. The man hums in response, “I wasn’t expecting my soulmate to sneak up on me.” You purse your lips, “I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you… I was just interested in your swords.” 

The corner of his lips twitched, and he was about to say something until Luffy jumped in between the two of you. 

“(y/n)! There you are! You met Zoro!” He excitedly says. “Yeah, we met. They’re a part of our crew now, right?” Zoro says and your eyes widen. 

It seems like Luffy wasn’t the only one who decided that you were going to be a part of the crew. 

“Shhiiishiiishii, yeah!” 

Zoro shoots you a look, one of amusement and just a little bit of smugness. “Welcome, I can’t wait to show you more about my swords.”Zoro walks away leaving you speechless and Luffy just a little bit confused. “What was that about?” He asks. “Uh, don’t worry about it.” You answer, “I just found my soulmate…” 

[at1nys-blog]

Some stories gets told: Reversed roles

Pairing: OPLA!Roronoa Zoro x fem!reader

Summary: The battle is over and while everyone is in the right mood celebrate a certain writer is not. This is Zoro's time to comfort her and tell her a story of a lost friend.

Pt.1\\Masterlist\\Pt.2

If four days ago people would have told her she was going to be a loyal member of a pirate crew that wasn't Shank’s' she would have laughed; if four days ago people would have told her she was going to tell someone her story, she would have joked about it; if four days ago they would have told her she was going to be chasing for her dream she would have been lying that her dream was to have a boring life in Syrup Village, but there she was: in her room revising her writing for the the crew's boarding diary.

She was deep in her thoughts when someone knocked on the door, Sanji wanted to ask if she needed anything to eat or drink, her answer came in the form of point her water bag on her desk. The blonde pirate left her alone with her diary and her thoughts.

She kept staring at the same portion of her draft, thinking if it was worth it or not putting her story in there. She thought there was no use in that, who would have been interested in the past experience of a pirate like her, with a dream so useless as hers? Reading what she had wrote about the rest of crew, she was reminded once again that maybe she had to change her dream. Being the most famous writer in the world was nothing compared to what her new friends wanted to achieve.

This time no one knocked on her door, Zoro just came in without making his presence noticed.

-What...- the two of them hold eye contact for some seconds untill the swordsman noticed he got in the wrong room. -Right, not my room. Sorry.- when he left she laughed, for a moment and decided to appoint how the pirate couldn't find his way on his ship either.

She could sense her head exploding, her eyes started to hurt like crazy and if she didn't want to Usopp to lecture her she had to stop and take a break.

Entering the kitchen she was met with a smiling Luffy and a very confused Usopp, Sanji and Zoro.

-What is happening?-she asked.

-I wish I knew.-whispered Usopp leaning closer to her, his attention still on the captain that was taking something out from a bag.

-Hello guys.-said the...head? of a clown. What was happening??

-You gotta be kidding me.- scoffed the green haired man. The situation was still new to her, and Usopp too. Sanji as well couldn't understand why Zoro was stressed about having to deal with the head of a clown.

-What is wrong with this clown's head?- Y/N asked, she was curious to why there was such tension between the swordsman and... the clown's head.

-Oh, nothing, just that he tried to kill us for a map.- oh, that makes sense she thought to herself and took a piece of paper and wrote down "clown attack" as a note for later. She was going to write about that for sure.

-Zoro, buddy. Look I have changed, I am not here to kill you anymore.- the head spoke. Zoro rolled his eyes and pointed a finger at Luffy before warn his friend that if the clown did anything remotly suspicious, he was going to drop him out in the open sea.

She noticed how much fun the head was in teasing every single one of the crew, first with Y/N pointing out how sad she was looking, then with Usopp calling him 'Captain Shit-tastic'; then it was Zoro's time to get teased but the second in command was not going to stay calm about it. He took Buggy's head from his kerchief and threaten him to drop him at sea.

Zoro wanted to make sure it wasn't a trap, after all he had tried to kill him, Luffy and Nami the first time they had met. Usopp and Y/N kept an eye during the whole interaction between the two of them and hoped, at least the girl, that this was going to be the last time him and the head would argue like that.

Once Buggy gave his word that he was not walking them into a trap, starting singing a very obscene and out of tune sea shanty, Zoro decided to drop him inside a barrel. Y/N had to hold in her laugh, she didn't want to upset the clown further even though he was not in the situation to do anything about people laughing at him.

-...sounds like you don't know her either, mosshead.-

-they do look like moss, now that I give a better look at them.-

-yours look like a bird nest, now thay I gibe a better look at them.- he mocked her, annoyed about the comment she made. She was about to compliment him for his payback(?) but Sanji started to yell at him that was in no way how he was supposed to treat a lady. -I'm sorry m'lady.- he said in a mocking tone giving her a courtsy. -I'm sach a savage.- and with that he left the deck, deciding that maybe it was better for him to stay away from everyone.

-I hope his comment didn't hurt your feelings, madam.- the use of 'madam' cringed her a little bit, mostly because it never happened before that someone used the term for her.

-Nah, he was joking, is okay. So, what where you talking about?-

-Nami.-started Luffy. -and her choice, whatever it is I need to hear it for myself.- she was happy to have found such a nice pirate, if it was anyone else, she was pretty sure they wouldn't care and would have left her behind. But not Luffy. He was different and she couldn't help but smile at her captain.

It was after some minutes that Usopp spotted land and staring at the island she started to get nervous, what if it was a waste of time? What if Nami didn't want to come with them? What if she was going to loose her company? She didn't want to admit but, even though she had known Nami for literally two days, she had grew fond of the girl and considered her as a sister. She didn't want to face rejection from her.

Entering the village she started to feel a rush of sadness taking over her body. She had never seen anything like that before, thinking what Kuro planned was bad enought she had to consider, the fake butler was an angel compared to Aarlong. She was sure it was him, and Luffy only confirmed her thoughts.

-Hey, shithat! I think we can all agree that Aarlong's a bad fish.-it got her everytime Buggy would start talking, she wasn't used to such a situation. -But why don't we quit lollygagging and get my body back?-

-Pipe down in there.- commented Sanji. Not him nor the rest of the crew was in the mood to listen to a head complaining about his situation.

-or what? You gonna whip me up a soufflè?- that, she had to admit it, was funny but maybe just for her because the four boys looked at her confused.

-What? It was funny.- she answered

-I like her, she gets me.-

-Yeah, just don't push your luck Clown.- before the head could start another argument with her Luffy started to walk away, following a bunch of people yelling at each other for only the seven seas know why.

A man with a little started to collect what the crew thought to be Berries from the crowd of people. Some rolled their eyes, cursing under their breath; some others cried, Y/N had a thought the money they gave away was their last.

-Do we have time to get some more?- asked a woman from the crowed.

-No. You don't.- the girl didn't have time to think who was speaking, and once the people in front of them opened a passage for Nami Y/N and Luffy were ready to greet their friend. Zoro stopped the both of them, it wasn't the right time to get involved.

A look at Zoro and Luffy got the memo, stopping his walk to the ginger woman. Y/N on her hand didn't care. She wanted to talk to Nami as soon as possible; she wanted to know why she left and she wanted to try and bring her back with her, with the crew.

-No, not now.- said Zoro, in a whisper for just her to hear.

-But...-

-No buts. We will talk to her later.- there was no way she could fight him on that, if the swordsman thought it wasn't time yet, it wasn't. The girl left a annoyed "fine" and walked some steps backwards.

-You got something for me?- her tone was harsh, Y/N couldn't believe her friends could be meaner from what she witnessed, but even when Nami used a cold tone with the crew, she knew it was becuase someone had to, but now? She was just mean, for no reason. She sounded like her bully back in the days. She was so caught in her world that didn't notice Nami saw them; she didn't hear her asking Luffy why he was there.

-And you? Why didn't you stopped him?-that was brought her back to reality but even then she couldn't understand what was happening. -I asked you a question.- the girl couldn't speak, but even if she could what was she supposed to say?

-Because I need you back.- that was supposed to be kept between the wall of her mind, but as usual the words left her mouth before she could register what she was saying.

-I don't need you. I don't need any of you.- Nami gave a quick look on everyone before she went back to speak. -Aarlong wanted the map, and I conned you into getting it for me. And you bought it. I was never part of your stupid crew.-

-You don't mean that.- Y/N started to think Luffy and her are connected somehow because whatever he spoke were the same words she was thinking. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe the two of them had learned to read between the lines and managed to understand when something was off, not just with Nami. Maybe Nami was just to easy to read, an open book there for everyone to catch on what she really meant, just like now. She could tell, and so Luffy, she needed to be saved but if she couldn't ask for it is not like you could do anything about it.

-Take the rest of these clowns and sail away from there. I never want to see you again.- and with that the ginger woman left, and once again Y/N wished nothing but to go after her friend, and once again Zoro had to stop her, an unspoken "is not worth it" flew between the two.

-Okay, that went about as bad as it could. So back to the boat before the fishmen find us? Sail the hell out of here? Okay.-

-No.-

-She is right, there's something else going on here.- added Sanji.

-She was very clear she want us to leave.-

-You don't know her.-

-Because you do?-

-No, but unlike someone here I can read in between lines. She is just trying to not get us involved in whatever is happening here.- she really didn't want to start a fight but Zoro was giving her milion of reasons to, and the same with Sanji. It was like the swordsman just wanted to start arguing with everyone on his sight.

-Guys, guys. You don't get it? She's one of them. She is a bad guy. The villagers are terrified of her.- she rolled her eyes and if it wasn't for Luffy walking away, she was going to smack Usopp on the head, annoyed by his behaviour.

-Who was that lady? You know, the one with the cool hair?- the Scar guy, or how Luffy addressed him asked who wanted to know to witch the captain answered with his name followed by "I'm a pirate" to wich Zoro corrected, adding a little thing.

-We're here to collect Aarlong's bounty.- it made sense, she thanked the man for interfering into the conversation. The man in front of them was confused. He couldn't believe a bunch of little flies like them could take a piarte of the scale of Aarlong.

-We just want to talk to her.- Y/N could sense him smirking, she knew he was. She had learned it was one of his habit.

-Trust me, you don't. But if it'll get you out of my town, try the house down that road, on the edge of the tangerine grove. The girl thanked the man with a small courtsy, following behinde her friends in the direction he pointed at.

The five pirates were almost at their destination when Usopp started to complain about how tired he was.

-Keep walking princess, we are almost there.- she teased him. -And stop picking up tangerines.- she added noticing her friend stealing a couple of them from the trees.

-Is not like they would notice some are missing.- he protested back.

The group didn't even had the time to knock that the girl with blue hair they saw among the crowed gretted them pointing a gun at the pirates, asking them to leave immediatly. Usopp was fast, hiding behind Zoro's body while the other four didn't seem too fased about their current situation.

Luffy tried to reason with her, if talking about having things in common meant reasoning with someone having you at gun point. The woman expressed her thoughts on Nami, calling her a thief with no conscience, that once there was nothing left to take she just leaves, without turning back. That was not the Nami Y/N knew, but maybe Nami fooled her good, showing a part of her that was a lie. Maybe.

-My sister doesn't have any friends. The sooner you realize that, the better.-

-Sister. That makes sense. Both as beautiful as each other.-

-Give it up.-Zoro spoke, rolling his eyes, Y/N following suit. She liked Sanji company, she did but sometime his flirting was too much and off topic. They were there to find a way to get Nami back, not for him to flirt with everyone that looked in his direction. But Y/N had to give it to him, he knew how to get to people, with the promise of a good meal doing the trick he was able to let the blue haired girl shut down her walls and let them inside.

Nojiko, you had learned was her name, started to talk. She explained about the day Aarlong and his men arrived at Coco Village and destroyed everything. Nojiko talked about how Bellamere, their adoptive mother had asked the two of them to hide from the pirates. She told them about Bellamere's sacrifice and how her and Nami watched Aarlong killing their mother in front of them. She had told them how Nami started to work for the fishmen crew and that from that day on she never saw her sister again, untill she started collecting the money from the villagers.

The story broke Y/N's heart, she couldn't even fanthom how hard her friend's life was. Compared to hers, she had lived a good childhood, getting picked on from time to time.

-Wait. Nami's working for the pirate that killed your mother?-Nojiko nodded, it was short and almost invisible if you didn't look closely.

Luffy stood up, without saying a thing, he didn't had to. What was he supposed to say? He walked outside, Y/N and Zoro exchanged a quick glance and she nodded, hers too almost going unnoticed if you didn't look for it, a sign she understood it was not her place to talk to Luffy. Not now at least.

Everyone was trying to kill time as best as they could: Sanji and Nojiko were on dishes duty; Zoro and Luffy were still outside either talking or maybe in silence; Y/N was drafting part of what happened that day; Usopp was preparing his famous little bombs with Buggy's head annoying the poor guy.

It was after some minutes that Nojiko left that the silence was cut with bombs and screaming from the village, the crew left and on their way to see what was happening they meet Nami.

Y/N couldn't believe her eyes, her friend was on the ground, screaming in a fit of anger, stabbing her tattoo letting blood cover the symbol that had tormented her for her whole life. One thing, when Luffy stopped her attack on her flash, she asked for one thing: help.

Of course they were going to help, she was their friend, a part of a new family that was only meant to grow with every new adventure. She was family and there was no way they weren't going to help her.

Entering the village in the morning, the chaos that reigned was worse than what they encountered the day before. The houses seemed to have dissapeared, becoming black ash from being set on fire. Not a single soul was there, and if they were people they were hiding well.

The villagers, or what was left came out, all with a holding some kind of weapon. They wanted to fight, they wanted their home back, freed from the fishmen and they were fighting until death to pursue it.

Nami tried to reason with them, there was no way they could take Aarlong's army and get out of it to see another day, but the people of Coco Village didn't care. They wanted their home back and they were going to fight.

Luffy, Sanji, Zoro and Nami started to walk, headed to Aarlong's Park; Usopp wished he had stayed at home, Y/N was the only sane one that had to stop the crew, which turned out a little complicated since Luffy was very into getting started on some action.

-Guys, we can't get in there without a plan.-

-We have a plan. We get in and we fight everyone that gets in the way.-

-That is not a plan. That is the base for a suicide mission. Nami please help me out there.- the navigator didn't say a word, she was not in the right state of mind to think properly. Aarlong tricked her, and now she just wanted to get her revenge. Y/N scoffed. It was useless, no one was going to listen to her. -Usopp, before we get in throw some of yoru smoke bombs so we might have a higher chance to not end up dead.-

-yes captain.-

Entering enemie's territory Nami and Luffy left for the map room, where Aarlong supposedly was, while the rest of the crew enganged in a fight with the fishmen crew. Y/N with a smooth movement jumped on the walls the separated the park from the outside and from there she started throwing her daggers to whoever tried to get to her. She got distarcted for a split second, noticing Luffy cornered, and that caused her opponend to strick a kick at her.

She was up, back at her feet almost immediately, back flipping some miles away she threw at the fishman another couple of dagger at him. The two blades got him, one cutting his left forearm and the other his right leg; she sprinted closer to her enemy, keeping an eye around her to make sure no one was close enought to engange in a duel, when she was closer, the pirate kicked him on the other side of the Park and then moved to her next opponent.

The dynamic was the same for every fishmen she was fighting: throwing daggers from a distance and then knocking them down the wall; if they were downstair she would have knocked them out agaist every surface that was close to them and then moved to the next target.

-You look tired.- teased Sanji -Maybe you should take a break.-

-You ought to get back in the kitchen.-Zoro protested in response.

-I have a dagger with your names on it, next time I hear the two of you picking a fight is on sight.- there was no way those two were arguing with each other in such a delicate moment.

-My apologise ma'am.-

-mY aPoLoGiSe Ma'Am.-mocked Zoro.

-Quit screwing around. Luffy needs us.-

-You just got here. You don't know what Luffy needs.-

-if you don't shut up right this istant I am going to kill you next.-

-As if you could take all of them by yourself.- she wanted to kill the swordsman right here and there. How dare he assume she couldn't take an army by herself?

-Just because I don't look buffed like you doesn't mean I am weak. Now I'll be happy to not hear you two fight again or... Shit.- talking while fighting is not always a good idea, no, is never a good idea. The y/h/c haired girl got sent flying, the air got cut short from her lungs for a brief moment and if it wasn't for Zoro coming to her rescue she knew she was gone for good.

-You were saying?- he wasn't paying attention to her, once he slayed the pirate he went on fighting the next one.

-This is your fault. Now shut up and keep fighting.- she was back throwing daggers after daggers, her collection seemed unlimited for a rookie eye, but she was fast in getting back the one she had already used.

-Stop telling me what to do woman.-

-Ehy, that is no way to talk to a lady.- of course the cook had to give his one cent in the conversation.

-SHUT UP.- both Zoro and Y/N smiled as they spoke simultaneously.

As fast as the fight started, it ended and so the bickering between Sanji and Zoro. Y/N could only roll her eyes while she was retriving her weapons from the dead bodies laying around.

-Oh, it's so much better than I even remembered.- turning around the girl saw that the head was back on its rightfull place. Now, looking better the clown wasn't as scary as she thought he was going to be, he looked somehow... attractive? Weird considering he was once an enemy. -Hey, so, uhm... I'm gonna get out of here.- he said, flipping the finger on both hands and leaving. It didn't came as a surprise. She had it coming, of course someone like Buggy would have done such a think. Zoro tried to call him back but the clown didn't want to stay there any longer. -Sorry, kiddos. I'd love to make things right, but it's time to exit stage left.-

The trio really wanted to take a break, to relax at least five minutes but no. Another fishman was ready for a fight and in second he put k.o Sanji. Zoro was the first one to attack but his only good sword was not able to cut throught the tough skin of the fishman, then it was Y/N turn to attack but not even her daggers were of much help.

Kicks after kicks, puches after punches it seemed like there was no way they were going to win this one. It was like the universe was against them, after having helped the three of them for that long. Everything changed when the nameless guy badmounthed Nami about her poor choice of friends and Sanji got so rilled up he started giving weird names to his attacks.

-Mouton shot?- Zoro was genuinly confused, what kind of attack name was that?

-All great fighters call out their finishing moves.-

-That was cringe, let me tell you.-

-Yeah, you're gonna fit in just fine.- he remembered the first time he fought alongside Luffy and how he said the same exact thing as Sanji. Maybe there was a logic on how the captain was recruiting new members for the crew, maybe it was just a coincidence.

Usopp started to run back in, yelling and being his extra self, proclaiming to not fear because "Captain Usopp was there to save the day" when he noticed there was no need tp fight anymore.

-Oh. You guys did pretty good in here.- that made the daggers thrower laugh, which wasn't a good thing since her ribs hurted like crazy.

-You okay?-Asked Zoro some what concerned.

-I think I broke some ribs, nothing too serious.- she was about to ask him how he was doing when Sanji calling Nami's name got your attention. The blonde cook opened his arms, ready to welcome the girl in there but she ran past him and threw herslef at the three pirates behind him. The collision made the swordsman and Y/N hiss in pain but Nami didn't notice, too happy to see her friends still alive. Zoro asked where Luffy was and when hearing he was still inside the map room Usopp hoped for his captain to get outside of there in one piece.

-Hey Nami, how are you doing?- Y/N asked sitting next to the navigator, the ginger haired woman smiled assuring her friend she was doing fine. -I know what happened is fresh but..- the y/h/c haired pirate handed her a small leather notebook. -I was wandering if you could write about, you know...- she had to clear her throat, she didn't want to sound indelicate but it was for her project. She wanted to write about everything, the good and the bad of her and her friends' adventures. -nevermind is stupid. Just...-

-I would love to help you, just give me some time.- said Nami snatching the notebook from her friend's hands. Opening the book she smiled, Y/N remembered what she had wrote on the first page "Nami's diary: a great thief, navigator and liar but also the greatest friend on the sea" and blushed. She was embarassed, thinking that maybe it wasn't the right way to address her friend. -I love it.-

-You want something to eat? I am starving.-

-I am not that hungry yet, maybe later.-

-Okay, I'll tell Sanji to save you a portion.- she turned back. -I'll wait as long as you need so don't worry.-

Taking her portion of food Y/N took a seat further than the people surronding Usopp, she wasn't in the mood to stay around people not when her mind was starting to play tricks on her once again. Since the battle against Aarlong came to an end she couldn't stop thinking that no matter how strong she was, or she was going to turn out her dream wasn't strong enought to ensure her a spot on Luffy's crew.

-Was he always like that?-

-what?-

-Usopp. Was he always that good of a liar?- staring at her long time friend she laughed.

-He just like the spotlight and is a good story teller. He wants to lift up people's spirit when in need, he did it with Kaya back home and now with the villagers. He knows how to touch people's hearts.-

-You are a pretty good story teller too.-

-I have to disagree, I don't know where to start nor how to end. I talk to much I am abresive.- she started to play with her food. -Have you ever... Never mind, it doesn't matter.- Zoro started to push her into talking and she was trying her best to keep her mouth shut but eventually she gave up. -I just can't stop thinking I have a stupid dream, I mean you want to beat the strongest swordsman of all seas; Sanji wants to find the All Blue which is considered a myth; Nami wants to draw a map of the whole world; Usopp wants to be a brave soldier of the sea and I... I want to be a writer.-

-Why?-

-What?-

-Why do you want to become a writer?-

-I made a promise to my friend. She told me I had a way with words and she made me promise her that no matter what I had to keep writing. This is why.-

-I had a friend when I was a kid. Shw was older than me and the daughter of the sensei of the dojo I trained. She wa...-Y/N interrupted him, feeling that he was telling her that story to make her feel better. She told him that if that was the case he didn't have to keep with the story. -Woman, I don't do things out of pity, now let me talk. I was saying. She was stronger than me and stronger than all the boys in the dojo. We made a promise, every day we will fight each other growing stronger and stronger and then one day, when we were older one of us was going to be the strongest swordsman in the world. She died that same night. Wado was her sword, I asked her father if I could keep it and since that day I lived to fulfill that promise. I think every dream is based on a promise, no matter if it was made to a family member, a friend or even at yourself, so stop overthinking. Now.- He stood up streaching out a hand in your direction. -where is my notebook?-

-oh, about that... I have to buy three mores. I left Syrup Village with two and Usopp has the other one.-

-Showing favouritism, I see. Just make sure to give it to me first and not to Shitty cook over there.- he said pointing behind his back, that made her laugh. -Now care to enjoy the festivities?- Y/N took Zoro's hand in hers, helping herself up and followed the pirate back to the crowed of people listening to Usopp. Maybe she was gooing to fight her dark thoughts a little longer, but now she had a weapon to keep them at bay.

[milkyyawns]

one piece headcanons that mean nothing to most people but everything to me

put in no particular order because organizing my brainwaves would take too much energy today

Usopp is the second best cook of the crew, but has 0 gauge for how spicy his food is. he will smile and say its sweet while your mouth is on fire Sanji is very good at braiding hair

Sanji is secretly jealous that Usopp became a hunk over timeskip. He was really huffy over the change for a second before he found out he could lift Usopp with one hand. Sanuso thought on this; Sanji did not mind the view.

Everyone in the crew is funny but Jinbei is declared the funniest due to his ability to always deliver it in the best way possible.

There is a communal baby sling for Chopper, but Robin also made a really pretty one that she doesn't allow anyone else to use. It's not because Chopper WANTS to be in the baby sling(he likes it, tho), its out of convenience sake. Brook is a swinger

Zoro is chronically unable to grow facial hair, in secret he has asked Chopper and Law if there is any remedy. He doesn't have any body hair either. After timeskip Usopp came back with hair all over him, Zoro thought he did SOMETHING to cause this to happen. You can imagine the mortal shame he felt when he asked and Usopp said he shaved every day, and started to like facial hair on him after he got buffer. One time he tried to make a fake beard for himself, it looked terrible so he tried to wipe it off and it wouldn't budge. He went up to Nami and ended up paying 10k berries to keep her silence. Robin makes a habit of picking the other crew mates brains, especially once she opened her shell and whenever a new member joined. When Law appeared it took him avoiding her like the plague to not open up, and after 5 days he had to give in.

Like Luffy, Robin has the ability to figure out what someone needs to hear. Jinbei didn't know this until one day out of nowhere she walks up to him and invites him to relax with her, and she confessed later on in the day he seemed to be having a Rough Time and she wanted to remind him that he can take it easy when his brain is bothering him, and beyond that he can vocalize the thoughts and get them out of his brain. They have weekly self care nights together because of this and slowly the entire crew ends up joining. Luffy is very very creepy, but only to Sanji specifically. Luffy has decided its a game to try to get into the kitchen so he hides on the ceiling and crawls very slowly. Sanji catches him every time but the first few times it scared the shit out of him (he will never admit that, however.)

Robin is as much of a pervert as Franky, but it's a dialogue you have to unlock with her because she refuses to make people uncomfortable. Once you do, every once in a while a pair of lips appear next to your ear and say the freakiest joke imaginable. Nami will break out laughing in the middle of conversations because of it

Robin says the freakiest shit imaginable. theres no context to this shes just offputting.

every once in a while when Nami is feeling homesick, she intrusts Sanji with a orange based recipe from her mother. Sanji collects all of them and makes them when she thinks shes having a bad day. when she requests it to be made its special and they use HER fresh oranges, which she usually only hands over in small amounts. Nami can only make sweets and fruit based dishes. She usually stole her way into a good meal instead of cooking for herself.

Usopp has gone up to every single member of the crew and made multiple portraits for lost loved ones. It's like an initiations ceremony when he walks up with his sketchbook and sits down a new crew mate and starts asking questions. Everybody was very warmed by this but Brook specifically wrote an entire song because of how moved by this action he was.

Nobody will tell Luffy what vore is. They are scared he will start doing it. Usopp is to blame for him knowing that vore is a thing and nobody will let him live it down. (not sexual, obviously)

instead of what most fics do with Sanji being internally homophobic, my personal opinion is that hes actually terrified of hurting the other person. Its not that he doesnt want to be gay, its that he doesnt know how to show love as a man to another man. (For sanuso fans; Sanji confides in Usopp on this matter, and Usopp says in the most matter of fact way. "I dont know how to date anybody. Isnt the point of dating to figure out how each other love? What does gender have to do with it?" and it absolutely broke his brain, and healed something within himself. i lightly touch this in my sanusoami fic !)

Usopp makes gadgets on any occasion. If he hears you complain about the smallest thing once he will somehow make an item to fix that tiny little issue.

Sanji used to shave his legs until one day he overhears Nami say leghair is sexy, he to this day does not know that the context was her talking about Vivi and her's last night together. turns out the weird irritating feeling he had was him hating bare skin against his pants when fighting, and he never went back "Big Man" is Choppers formal nickname. Zoro calls him little man sometimes too but no one else does. Zoro can't read. (i know im not the only one who thinks this) Robin spies on the crew unless shes asleep when they're on the sunny. only Franky has caught on that she does it. she claims that its for security (which he doesn't deny is part of it) but he's convinced it's to slowly torture everybody in the most passive way possible. exhibit a: if she finds out something embarrassing she will almost talk about it for a week straight

i had an entire mental health thing i wanted to get into but i broke the limit halfway through. will do another post with it soon

[hfdgjyrf]

An Ace Attorney AU, where Zoro is a prosecutor prodigy of the infamous Dracule Mihawk, who has not lost a single case. Mihawk has already retired and Zoro planned on following his footsteps and to become as successful as his mentor.

For a few years he had been victorious, getting all of his defendants declared guilty. But this caused a rift between him and his friends, claiming that what he was doing was wrong. Case after case the tension built up, until everything blew over, when Zoro got Reiju declared guilty of a crime that she didn't commit. After that case with a heavy heart the crew cut contact with Zoro.

Zoro continued on his path as a prosecutor, but after every case he started to feel empty and the victories had lost their meaning. And after winning his 40th trial, he quit.

Zoro spent the next few months of his life contemplating and going over some of his trials once more, he noticed a lot of inconsistencies and holes in the crimes. To his horror he discovered that many of tge defendants were indeed innocent and had they had a better defense attorney.

That's when Zoro decided to right the wrongs he had committed and started on hus path as a defense attorney. He acquired his badge not too long after.

His first case as a defense attorney was more difficult than he had realized. Defense attorneys didn't have access to the same resources as the prosecutors and the judges always favored on a guilty verdict.

Good thing Zoro loves a good challenge.

After winning his first case the media jumped on it big time.

'After a long absence "The Demon Prosecutor" makes a flashy comeback on the opposite side.'

'The feared prosecutor Roronoa Zoro pleaded not guilty?'

'Dracule Mihawk's prodigy switching sides!'

Despite the media's attention Zoro didn't lose his focus and continued to win more cases. Eventually the news of his career change reached his friends. Luffy was immediately ready to welcome Zoro back in, but the rest were still apprehensive about him. Especially Sanji.

They didn't contact him and kept to themselves, until Nami was arrested for theft from a well known loan shark, Arlong. The news of her arrest reached Zoro and he was shocked. At first he didn't know what to do, whether or not he deserved forgiveness from his old friends. But ultimately he couldn't let Nami get a shitty defense. So he made his decision and paid Nami a visit.

They talked for a long time about his actions and ultimately Nami agreed to give Zoro a chance for redemption as her defense.The trial ended up being Zoro's most difficult one. With very little decisive evidence and reluctant witnesses, he was at a loss. So he decided to ask help from hus oldest friend, Luffy. Luffy was more than willing to help and with his unorthodox ways of looking for evidence, they managed to find enough to get Arlong convicted and Nami declared not guilty.

The friend group celebrated for Nami's freedom. Turns out Nami has been working for Arlong against her will and nobody had noticed. She had lost hope in getting free from his grasp. With tears in her eyes she forgave Zoro and thanked him and Luffy for setting her free.

Zoro managed to repair his relationship with everyone. Well, nearly everyone. Sanji still couldn't forgive Zoro for sending Reiju to prison. They kept to themselves mostly, with a few glares from Sanji for the next year.

And then Sanji was accused of murder and arrested. And worse yet he admitted to doing it. The crew was horrified and couldn't believe he would kill anybody. One after the other they tried to get Sanji to tell them the truth, but hus story didn't change.

Until Zoro offered to be his defense attorney. Sanji refused right away, saying that he shouldn't bother, it's not like he hasn't sent a Vinsmoke into prison before. Zoro kept on insisting to defend him, until Sanji snapped and he was forcibly removed from the room.

Out of options Zoro went back to Reiju's case and looked it over once more. After referencing that case to this new case, a lot of similarities could be found. And there were many holes in the witnesses testimonies and a few pieces of evidence, that didn't seem to fit.

With a new plan Zoro went back to Sanji and told him of his findings. Sanji paled and stared at Zoro in silence. After some more pushing from the whole crew, he finally caved and told them the truth.

According to Sanji it was indeed not him that commited the murder, but his father, Vinsmoke Judge, who also happens to be the prosecutor for the trial. Judge after committing the murder used Sanji as a scapegoat and forced Sanji into compliance by threatening to eradicate the Baratie and Zeff. After he was done he agreed to Zoro becoming his attorney.

With new information in his disposal Zoro set out to gather as much evidence and he could with the whole crew and once the trial day arrived every one was there to support Zoro from the audience.

Vinsmoke Judge was relentless in his accusations and he kept presenting pieces of evidence that were clearly against Sanji. But after closer and careful examination Zoro managed to point out that the majority of them were forged and planted by the real killer.

With drawing parallels with the case with Reiju, Zoro managed to drive Judge into a corner. Zoro declared that Judge was indeed the true criminal in both cases. After a grueling battle of wits, Judge was declared guilty of multiple accounts of murder, blackmail and extortion.

In the lobby the crew embraced each other and congratulated on the victory. Finally Sanji could look at Zoro with a smile, but he was still angry that Reiju was wrongly convicted. Zoro promised Sanji to take Reiju's case back into count for a re-evaluation on the account of him using forged evidence.

A few months later Reiju was declared innocent and Sanji could truly forgive him.

And then later, when it was Zoro's turn to sit in the defendants chair, Sanji was leading the defense.

[veryace-ficrecs]

One Piece Time Loop Fic Recs

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

Nice To Meet You by too_addicted_to_fiction - Rated E

Same thing, every day. Bepo enters, Shachi offers a newspaper, and then Law wakes up. They check out the competition on Saobody, and then Mugiwara no Luffy wreaks havoc. Fight, sleep, repeat. AKA Law's stuck in a time loop, but he's not the only one...

But If Not Tomorrow by 8ball - Rated T

What if it was all as simple as asking, Zoro thought. Everything coming down to him just opening his mouth and saying a few words, rather than waiting, or fighting, or watching. What if being a man of action wasn't quite enough anymore, now that he wasn't some lone bounty hunter. (Groundhog Day au, where the local swordsman gets a little more lost than usual)

The Stages by auspizien - Rated T

After Zoro dies from a mysterious illness, Sanji is given the chance to correct it… again. And again. And again.

You, Drowning Between My Arms by ginger_snappin - Rated T

Usopp freezes. Stares. Tries to comprehend a single thing that’s happening. “Sanji…” he tries after a moment. “That was yesterday.” The cook slams his metal bowl of perfectly peaked whipped cream onto the counter. The mountains of white sugar fall flat. “No. It. Wasn’t.” “What wasn’t?” Luffy asks from the open door. Now it’s Usopp’s turn to jump in surprise. “NOTHING-!” “I stupidly turned down Usopp three days ago, not fucking yesterday!” Sanji screams. - Again and again, Sanji is forced to relive the day after he rejected Usopp.

the years between us by losingcontrolnow - Rated T

Zoro feels so pathetic, so weak and all he can think back to is him getting on his knees in front of Mihawk so he’d never have to feel so weak again. Still, the tears come — a disgusting tidal wave and he buries his face in the collar of Sanji’s shirt to hide from Sanji’s knowing gaze. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Zoro says, so softly that he isn’t even sure if Sanji hears him. “We’ll figure it out.” Sanji says, running his hand through the tuft of Zoro’s hair. “Don’t we always?”

Zoro wakes up on the day before his birthday. Then it happens again. And again.

What Happens when the Depths do Stir? by Anonymous - Rated G

It was a normal, average day when Monkey D Garp disappeared from Marineford. It was a normal, average day when that action changed the balance of the seas and brought many questions forth. It was a normal, average day when Garp woke up and decided he could no longer stay.

Somewhere I Have (Never) Travelled by alpha_hydra - Rated G

Now: the sun rises, and Ace lives. AKA, Ace lives, but it takes a while to get us there.

Time Turned Fragile by sinelanguage - Rated M

The first time Sanji dies cracks Reiju’s mask of indifference. Unfortunately for her, the first time Sanji dies is not the last.

Just One More by Anonymous - Rated T

Every D has a Gift, and every Gift has consequences. This is the story of an old man who remembers too much, and just wants to see his grandsons survive.

night runs over by lunarshores - Rated T

The New World is strange. There's not much to predict it, but Marco's definitely learned to be careful what he wishes for in the future. If he ever gets to the future.

Rerun by Nadare - Rated M

After Sanji is killed during battle, Zoro is thrilled when he gets to redo the day. At least until he realizes it's part of a terrible pattern that he must find a way to unravel to save Sanji's life for good.

[sashi-ya]

it's me again and requests are open so I wanna request ♥️

May I requests a Law,Luffy,and Kid with a fem S/o (separate) who loves to steal there favorite things? like how would they react?Please and thank you (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤

Hello darling!! Of course!! I decided to write little scenarios instead of hcs just because I thought it was a little more fun. I hope you enjoy them! Thank u for your support and request ♥ ~

SFW ~ Law, Luffy & Kid ~ Reaction to his S/O stealing their favorite things ~

💫 Trafalgar D. Water Law 💫

He would notice if something is missing from him, and that certainly made him get angry at you several times before. But you just love to see his face turn from an annoyed frown, to an out of control one in a matter of seconds (Not only you, but also Shachi and Penguin enjoy making him a little angry from time to time). That day you decided to steal his hat from him while you were having dinner on the Polar Tang. “(name) give me back my hat, right now” he said calmly, yet some veins were starting to swell in his temples. You run through the submarine aisles. You heard Law’s steps following you, not running, but walking fast for sure. You were all laughs and giggles. “I’m gonna put it in the washing machine!! this shit stinks!” you shouted. “WHAT? IT’S CLEAN! GIVE IT BACK!!” he said and you heard him approach you, as he was now running. “ROOM. SHAMBLES”. You thought something would get changed for the hat, but… suddenly, you were in his arms. Law’s face millimetres from yours, his mouth so close you could feel his breath over your lips. “Give it back” he says frowning, yet with a calm tone. “I’ll give it back, only if you give me a kiss” you told him, holding the hat over your head. “Fine…” he said and planted a sweet kiss over your lips. You instantly gave his white mushroom hat back, but he put it over your head and headed to his room, carrying you inside. You can imagine the rest… ♥ ~

🔧 Eustass "Captain" Kidd 🔧

Kid never gave a single fuck about you stealing his stuff because he simply didn’t notice it, until one day that you stole an INCREDIBLY special -and embarrassing- possession… You were wandering around the Victoria Punk when you saw the door to his room open. Open for you to scrutinize everything you wanted. He has never told you not to do it, and because he is not a super talkative person about his past, and you just needed to know, you entered and closed the door behind you. You’ve been there almost every single night, but never had the chance to look deeply into his stuff. You laid your stomach over his cot and your head hung just to look above the bed.  And there it was, a little wooden box. “That’s his memory box, for sure” you say and take the box out. You sit on the ground and open it. Inside there were several pieces of literal metal, a wrench tool, a photo of Killer and him and some random girl and a little metallic robot that seemed DIYed. “This must be something he made, how cute!” you say. And suddenly you heard the door slam. “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT?!!” Kidd shouted. You froze in place, closed your eyes, and flinched. The little robot on your hand got also scared, despite not being a living creature. Hard steps coming towards you, made your ass bounce in place as the wooden floors moved in reaction to Kidd’s walking. He stood up in front of you and told you “WHY DO YOU HAVE THIS? ARE YOU STEALING FROM ME? WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?!”. “I- I’m not… I’m sorry… I just wanted to know you better… If I ever “steal” something from you it’s just for pure fun, you know?” you told him with tears in your eyes. Kidd has a soft spot for you, and watching you cry instantly turns him into a soft smush of a person. “Oi, don’t… don’t cry. It’s ok. But you shouldn’t be touching my stuff without permission” he said, crunching next to you to wipe your tears. “I’m sorry” you said, sniffling. You kept inspecting the toy in your hands, until you asked Kid “Oi, this is just so cute. Did you do it?”. Kidd’s cheeks turned as red as his hair; he was so embarrassed. “I… uhm… I did it, yes” he said and quickly snatched it out of your hands. “Don’t you ever touch stuff like this without asking me first, ok?” he told you, acting angry. You simply laughed and gave him a sweet kiss over his burning cheeks ♥ ~

🍖 Monkey D. Luffy 🍖

You would say his favourite thing is his straw hat. Surely it is, but he has no problem at all with you wearing it, what’s more you are usually the one that takes care of it during battles. So, what else could you be stealing from him, that could make him really, really act in consequence?... Yeah, you are right, MEAT… “(Name) I have never ever hurt you, but if you don’t give me back my meat you will pay!!” shouts the gum gum boy at you. Chopper and Usopp screaming “give it back!”. Sanji covering his face with his hands because you are over the table, and Luffy too. The rest of course, bursting out in laughter. You run, biting the meat, and that of course get Luffy even mad. “COME BACK!!!” he says and when you reach the grass floor of Sunny’s deck you hear “GOMU GOMU NO…” and a pair of gum stretched arms are around your waist. Next you know Luffy is over you. “GIVE ME MY MEAAAAT” he shouts. You can’t help but laugh and take the bone to his mouth. The future pirate king devours in just one bite the whole cut, including the bone. He of course chokes on it.  “Luffy!!!” you shout laughing still with him over you. Luffy laughs too after being able to breathe properly again and plants a sweet kiss over your cheek. You hug him and enjoy the craziness of being his future pirate queen. ♥ ~

[shanksbaby]

Mihawk x Reader - Fairy Tail

Summary : you have feelings for a certain swordsman but you will have to face the sad reality

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌If they were to ask you how long you've been feeling something for Mihawk, you wouldn't know how to answer, you couldn't picture the exact moment when you were aware you had a crush on him: is it when you first met him? A cliché, or When did you see him fight, or when did you talk to him, did you both look out on the balcony of his house, with the moonlight illuminating his face ( you accompanied him to his home but it was pouring rain outside so you left the next day ) ? You really wouldn't know how to say it, actually, because you fell in love with him slowly, gradually, and when you realized what you were feeling it was too late, you were already madly in love.

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌Same thing, if they asked you what you liked about him. Where should you start? From vampire beauty, which is the thing that is most visible to the eye? By his skill in the sword? From his kindness to you, even if you were just his companion, while other Warlords had always been arrogant and which you had to admit he didn't show often but still impressed you every time and made you feel special? From the elegance of him? Unfortunately, the subject of your crush was, at least in your eyes, perfect; there wasn't a single thing you would change or hate about him.

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌Besides being a shy person, there was also another problem that prevented you from approaching him: you were a marines while he was a warlords. When he decided to participate in the various runions, you usually escorted him, sometimes even in the rooms of the Marines base building, when there were meetings also in the following days. So, it was normal to feel inadequate in comparison to him, one of the most feared, while you a mere soldier.

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌You never had any hopes for yourself, in fact it didn't even cross your mind, that there could be something, it was better for you not to have this feeling for him and to move on. So when you overhear an argument between two of your colleagues regarding Mihawk and his love life, you should go your own way. . . And instead you find yourself listening to their whole conversation.

<< Did you hear it too then, huh? Mihawk is with Boa Hancock >> one of them says, while stretching his legs due to the previous training.

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌What? But isn't Boa in love with Luffy? Until recently she did not talk about the boy with the straw hair, you think while you are a few meters away from them.

<< Well, it doesn't surprise me that much. You saw them? They both seem to be charming vampires, I just hope she changes the temper he has >>

<< Yesterday, I saw them kissing. Damn, I was so jealous of Boa-sama >>

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌What did you expect? Why do you feel like crying now? How pathetic, you unconsciously dreamed of a relationship with him, and now you have had to collide with reality: he deserves someone stronger, more beautiful, with more experience and reputation than you. Did you subconsciously feel that maybe one day he would notice you? You remain just one of many marines. This is what you think as you clench your fists and hold back your tears.

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌The final blow comes when you look up and see him with his dominant and powerful aura, walking alongside her, a goddess, so proud and confident. Your vision darkens, you have not been able to hold back the tears that are now streaming down your face. Do you have to get out of here, or will they think you're an idiot, and you know what it looks like if his or her gaze moves to you? You then make your way to your apartment in the building, with your head down so as not to show weakness.

. ‌ ‍‌ ‍ ‌ ‍　‌ ‍ ‌　　 　　　‌ ‍ ‌I think in these days i start to write part 2, what you guys think?

[imasimpforshanks]

Hello, I just saw the alphabet requests. Could I please get the fluff alphabet with Luffy? Thank you sm!

Fluff Alphabet - Monkey D. Luffy

a/n: hi hi hi! thank you for requesting! I hope you enjoy 💗

A-Activities (what do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?)

Luffy is a complete child at heart. He enjoys doing anything and everything! So long as you are there with him, he doesn’t particularly care what it is you are doing – if it’s with you he knows he’ll have the time of his life.

However, if Luffy were to pick something as his favourite activity to do with you, he would choose a water fight (weird considering his vulnerability to water but that doesn’t cross his mind in the moment). Chasing one another around, stomachs aching from laughter, cheeks sore from grinning too much. He’s never had so much fun, and he can’t tell if it’s because of the activity itself, or because it’s with you (ultimately, he decides that it’s both).

B-Beauty (what do they admire about their s/o? what do they think is beautiful about them?)

One of the things Luffy admires most about you is your unquenchable thirst for adventure; it’s own that rivals his own. You want to explore, live life freely and on your own terms. In Luffys eyes there is nothing more wonderful than that.

Honestly, Luffy thinks everything about you is beautiful. Every. Single. Thing. Right from the top of your head to the very tips of your toes. But, there is something about your laugh that he just finds so unbelievably intoxicating. When he hears you laugh - so carefree and so happy - his grin grows even wider. He wants nothing more than to hear that laugh for the rest of his life.

C-Comfort (how would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?)

This captain is a lot more emotionally intelligent that people think. He’s very in tune to what people like and dislike and he uses this knowledge to help comfort people. For example, on thriller bark after they find Zoro injured luffy attempts to give him a whole ass barrel of sake because “Zoro likes sake so it’ll make him feel better.” This same logic would apply when he’s trying to comfort you. He’ll find or do something you like because well it’ll make you happy. If food makes you happy, he’ll get you some food. If cuddles make you happy, well then you best be ready to be suffocated.

Another way I can see Luffy comforting you is by trying to make you laugh and smile. When people are laughing and smiling, they’re happy, right? So, by that logic all he’s gotta do is be goofy and then you’ll laugh like you usually do!

D-Dreams (how do they picture they future with their s/o?)

When he becomes the pirate king, you are right there with him. He can’t see himself settling down (by this I mean living in one place permanently). Luffy wants to travel the seas with you forever, going on adventure after adventure after adventure. He hasn’t really thought much about kids or anything like that, but all he has thought about is you and him growing old together.

E-Equal (are they the dominant one in the relationship or rather passive?)

Luffy is definitely not the passive one in the relationship, but I also wouldn’t say he’s the dominant one. He’s dependent on you and you’re dependent on him. It’s a relatively equally balanced relationship but it could even be argued that it’s only that way because of how Luffy is. He often just does what he wants when he wants regardless of your opinion. However, he also allows you to do the same. That’s not to say he doesn’t sit back and listen to your concerns if you voice them.

F-Fight (would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?)

Fights are a very rare occurrence in your relationship. Luffy isn’t one to maintain an argument for very long often cracking a joke or doing something silly causing you to laugh and break the tension.

On the very rare occasion that you are having a serious fight, Luffy can be extremely stubborn. Once he’s got something in his mind, its hard to make him think otherwise, so more often than not you will have to be the one to apologize if you want to move on from this.

G-Gratitude (how grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?)

Luffy is very aware of everything that you do for him, and he absolutely gushes about it to everyone he comes into contact with. He can’t stop talking about you. People who have never met you before suddenly seem to know about every single time you gave up a portion of your dinner to Luffy because he was still hungry but Sanji wouldn’t let him have anymore because dinner was over.

H-Honesty (do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?)

Luffy is an open book. He cannot keep a secret to save himself. Not even a good secret like a surprise party for you or something, in fact, the crew have to be the ones to plan surprise parties for you on luffys behalf cos he gets too excited and just blurts it out straight away. Basically, if there is something he isn’t telling you the only explanation is that he genuinely forgot. But as soon as you ask him, he’ll tell you - without hesitation.

I-Inspiration (did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?)

Being with Luffy has helped you to be a little more carefree. He has taught you to embrace your youth. What’s the rush in growing up? Why does everything need to be so serious all the time? It’s okay to loosen up, and goof around as long as you are still dependable.

J-Jealousy (do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?)

Luffy does get jealous. But, not in the usual sense. He doesn’t get jealous of other people interacting with you, or with you interacting with other people. He trusts you fully, so there’s no reason for him to be jealous in that front. However, what he does get jealous about is you spending time with others, without him. Luffy gets serious FOMO, so if you’re doing anything and he’s not invited, that is when he gets jealous. This sweetie just wants likes to be included! On the off chance that you are doing something without him and Luffy starts to feel jealous, he will simply insert himself into the conversation or the activity. He does NOT care (LMAO).

K-Kisses (are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?)

Luffy is a very energetic kisser. There’s no real rhyme or reason to his movements he just smashes his lips against yours. He’s eager and enthusiastic, which can make him a bit sloppy at times, but he doesn’t care.

Your first kiss took you completely by surprise. The two of you were just hanging out then before you knew it, he had kissed you. It happened so quickly they you barely had time to process what happened, but he was just sitting there looking at you while giggling his little heart out.

L-Love confession (how would they confess to their s/o?)

When it comes to telling you how he feels, he approaches it as he does everything else; directly. He’s never been one to beat around the bush, rather always speaking his mind and being up front. With you it’s no different. The second he realizes how he feels about you, he’s on his way to tell you. No hesitation, no doubt, just 100% honesty. It doesn’t matter where you are or who might be around, Luffy will tell you in that very moment.

M-Marriage (do they want to get married? How do they propose? What would the marriage be like?)

Marriage isn’t something Luffy has really thought about. The two of you are together constantly, you know you love each other, so why would you need to get married? It’s not that he’s against getting married, it just isn’t something he’s particularly concerned about. Well… that is until he hears the words ‘wedding’ and ‘party’. Once he’s heard that Luffy is set on getting married right then and there (that’s basically his proposal too). Any excuse for a party.

N-Nicknames (what do they call their s/o?)

To be honest, Luffy mostly just uses your name. He likes it because it belongs to you which makes it special. He does like to find out what nicknames you had as a child, he thinks those a pretty fun and makes him feel as though he’s known you for your whole life, so he does also use your childhood nickname/s.

O-On cloud nine (what are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?)

Luffy gets even more clingy. Clingy may not be the right word, but it’s the best way to describe it. When he’s in love he feels an overwhelming urge to be near you all the time. He craves your presence and your attention so is constantly asking you to play or chat or anything! He really just wants to spend time with you, more so than usual. The whole crew actually picked up on it quite instantly because they noticed the lack of Luffy in their day-to-day schedule. They knew it was more than platonic relationships Luffy had for you when he was five minutes late for lunch because he was too overjoyed by your attention.

P-PDA (are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?)

He’s all about showing affection both platonically and romantically. He catches you (and others) so off guard because one moment its silent and the next thing you know you’re hearing “gomu-gomu no…” and being tackled to the ground by a pair of rubbery arms. If Luffy wants to kiss you, he’s going to kiss you. He doesn’t have a care in the world about who may see.

Q-Quirk (some random ability they have that is beneficial in a relationship?)

Can promise you a life full of excitement. You never need to worry about your relationship getting ‘boring’ or ‘being stuck in a rut’ because that will never happen with Luffy. Each day is filled with adventure and something new to experience. There’s a whole world out there that you can experience together.

R-Romance (how romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?)

Many people wouldn’t expect it, but he is indeed romantic. It’s far from cliché and strays from the typical notions of ‘romance’ but it’s romantic, nonetheless. Luffy is just unapologetically himself. Because of this anything he does for you (even the littlest of actions), you know it’s sincere and comes from the heart. That is what makes Luffy romantic.

S-Support (are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? do they believe in them?)

Not supporting you in your goals and dreams goes entirely against Luffys character. He truly believes you, and anyone else for that matter, can do whatever they put their minds to. He is your number 1 supporter, actively helping you every step of the way. No one believes in you more than Luffy.

T-Thrill (do they need to try out new things to spice out your relationship or do they prefer certain routine?)

When you’re with Luffy you don’t need to worry about spicing up your relationship. You will never once experience a boring day. The relationship is constantly filled with new places to go, and new things to see, and you’re fortunate enough to be able to do all of it together.

U-Understanding (how good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?)

Contrary to popular belief, Luffy is very emotionally intelligent (I said this earlier actually). He can read people freakishly well, and his s/o is no different. In fact when it comes to you his emotional intelligence only multiplies.

V-Value (how important is the relationship to them? What is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?)

As with most of the other relationships (platonic and familial) in his life your relationship is very important to him. For Nico Robin, he declared war on the world government. For Sanji, he went up against a Yonko and her crew. You would be no different. He would go to the ends of the earth (maybe further) for you. It’s just how he is. His relationships and his dream to be pirate king are not mutually exclusive, meaning, he can’t have one without the other.

W-Wild card (a random fluff headcanon?)

Brings you random little knick-knacks, or like a little memento from EVERY SINGLE island you go to. The items range from a pretty shell he saw on the beach to a funky looking figurine he spotted in a market.

X-XOXO (Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?)

Luffy loves to kiss and cuddle. He’s an extremely affectionate person. He practically clings to you like a koala bear. That physical contact is something he enjoys a lot; it’s really reassuring for him.

Y-Yearning (how will they cope when they are missing their partner?)

As long as Luffy is distracted and kept busy, he’ll be able to cope. He entertains himself and slowly counts down the days until he can see you. He builds up the excitement and he becomes like a child the night before a school unable to sleep or keep still; he just wants to see you.

Z-Zeal (are they willing to go to great lengths for the relationship? If so, what kind?)

This has been established already. All relationships (platonic, romantic, familial) hold a special place in Luffys life. He declared war on the world government, fought countless fearsome opponents all for the sake his friends (sometimes even people he just met). Your relationship with Luffy would be no different at all. In fact, for you, he would do all of that and much much more.

[kodzuken-chan]

Hi! I have been reading your works for awhile now and I have fallen in love with everything you make! My favorite one was that date with Luffy, that just made my heart flutter so much that I always read it! Also this is my first time requesting on your blog and can author-chwan make a soft Hc for Kid, Killer, Zoro, Sanji, Law and Luffy having an s/o who keeps on having seriously bad nightmares and it usually keeps them up all night to the point it makes them so afraid to fall asleep just to avoid dreaming of bad dreams, how would these gentlemen handle it and possibly their method on helping their s/o out. Thank you so much author-chwan and for writing so many beautiful things that we enjoy reading! 💞

(If it's too much character you can limit them to your liking author-chwan 💞 Keep safe and drink your water to stay hydrated! Have a great day ahead!)

A/N: Omg I'm really touched, loving and supporting my work means alot to me🥺🖤 Thank you for requesting, but unfortunately, I don't write for Kid & Killer bcs I'm not confident in writing them yet, but as soon as i decide someday to right about them, please feel free to request and i will gladly write it for you 😊

Here you go and Please Enjoy~

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Monster Trio + Law with a S/O who has problems in sleeping bcs of nightmares Headcanons

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Luffy:

You were both setting on the deck, and the sun just went down

Luffy decided to have dinner on the deck today and who could say no

you were waiting for food sitting on the bench alone

Bcs your headache is killing you

Its has been a week at least since you could properly sleep

Nightmares haunted your sleep and scared the hell out of you every freaking single night

Luffy is currently running here and there along with Chopper and Usopp

He suddenly stopped running when he noticed you dozing off until you fully slept in your position

He smiled and thought that you were super tired to fall sleep before eating its a big deal for this boy

So he came to carry you to bed

When you snapped out infront of him tears streaming from your eyes and he was literally starled

"Luffy...*sniff*...Luffy please help me" as you cried

Everyone else with Luffy were now looking at you with worried faces

Luffy's expressions changed 180°

He pulled you into a hug and rubbed you back as you cried in his embrace

Then he asked you about who he needs to beat, but you told him about the lack of sleep and your nightmares fear

He holded your hands tightly and ressured you that he will beat each person intervene your sleep

He asked Sanji to give you his huge piece of meat bcs if you're hungry, you'd get nightmares you know what does it even mean that luffy gave you his meat?!

He showered you with kisses throughout the night and you wouldn't believe it

He really appeared in your nightmares and defeated all of these scary things for you.

Zoro:

So today Zoro was in charge of watching Sunny go

He was working out in the crow's nest and taking peeks from the window to make sure everything is safe and good down there

That's when he noticed coming out of the girls room Literally staggering

He wonderd what happened to you, he can't see you clearly from up there

Your legs suddenly gave making you fall on the grass

And this when he knew that there is something off with you

He immediately came down with a face full of concern

You were just sitting there, expressionless as the tears slid over your cheeks

He never saw you like this before, yes he did see you crying lots of times but this was different

He leand to you and raised your chin to face his face gently

But before he could ask you about what's wrong, you spoke first

"Zoro...I'm scared...I can't sleep I-"

He placed his lips on yours but he never closed his eyes, and so were you

He carried you to the crow's nest

And made you lie down on his lap

He gently caressed your hair strands pushing them off your face

"I won't let even a nightmare fear you out as long as I'm alive"

His aura brought internal peace to you, you don't know what he did, its wasn't sth unsual but all you that you never slept like that for while now.

Sanji:

Sanji have noticed that you're not comfortable in you sleep many times

Tho you both are asleep snuggled into each other.

But you know his sleep was light, so any strange feeling or unfamiliar sound makes him widely awake

He've noticed thoes dark circles under your eyes and he thought of talking about it with you

He thought that maybe you stayed late at night getting your personal work done

He doesn't know that you're too afraid to sleep bcs of your nightmares

And honestly you didn't want to bother him talking about it

In fact your nightmares weren't easily forgettable, they were scary and kept running in your head for days making you unable to sleep

So that night you went to sleep together

You kept convincing yourself to try closing your eyes, and you will be able to sleep

Tho your warm boyfriend is right next to, but as soon as you slightly drift to sleep, these nightmares attacks

And soon you would abruptly get up inhaling and exhaling looking all sweaty

So you decided to stay awake, yes you're not going to sleep, you're now too afraid to sleep

You went to the kitchen and made some coffee, ofc to keep you awake throughout the night

As Sanji was shifting in his sleep his eyes slightly opened and noticed that you're not next to him

So he comes out searching for you and saw that the kitchen light was open

He came and found you drinking your 4rth cup of coffee and oh god that's alot of caffeine

He immediately pulled the coffee out of your hands and then you started crying asking him to give it back

He was taken back at your sudden cry, but he knew that definitely there is sth wrong

He crouched infront of you and pulled you to his chest as he kisses your forehead

He waitied for you to speak out and you did

" Sanji...am I being selfish asking for one night of a peaceful sleep?!! Please tell me what did I do to deserve this" and you sobbed

" You did nothing wrong sweetheart, its just a bad dream, come on lets go inside I will protect you even in your dreams" he said as he gave you a soft peek on your lips

Ever since that night, Sanji wouldn't sleep until you did

He sing you some lullabies or even talks to you with his soothing vocie until you eventually slept wrapped in his arms

Nightmares never came back again

Law:

He always slept after you

Bcs he has that habit of reading random books before going to sleep

Of course he would pull you to his chest and strokes your hair as he reads

You'd pretend to sleep but actually you can't

You never told him that you're haunted by your own nightmares that unables you from sleeping

Every night you'd pretend that you're asleep until Law closes his book, kisses your forehead and then sleeps next to you

You made sure that he slept deeply to slip out of his warm arms without him noticing you,

You'd go and sit in the corner of your shared bedroom, head buried in your knees

You sobbed silently every night, you were tired, you just wanted to sleep peacefully but you were too scared to do so

Everytime your eyes shuts, your fear begins and you hated that

Soon Law noticed your empty spot next to him

He slightly opened his eyes and heared your soft sobs, and got panicked

He sat immediately to find you in that fatal position, and ran to you

He hugged you, then cupped your cheeks wiping off the tears with his thumbs

" (Y/N)-ya dear... What's wrong, why are crying" he asked

You hugged him back tightening your grip on his pijamas and explained everything between your sobs

He carried you to the bed and asked you to trust him and think of him as you sleep as he wrapped his arms around you making sure you felt safe

Later, he made a special psychological therapy sessions for you in order to help you get rid of the bad thoughts and nightmares. And it worked

[frobin]

Random consideration: there is an online legend about Oda can change story events if someone on the web/fans guess the thing. So... what do you think about this topic? It can be really valid? If yes, even for whatever eventual not-canon ships? I don't know, because ships are just a very side element in the story, and not like main events of the storyline. (And for my opinion, for Jin:be father topic, I could agree with who said is for the age, maybe. Anyway, I will ship FroBin forever).

Hey anon! Thank you for your question!

Maybe Oda really made Jinbe the dad because of age. right now Oda and Jinbe have the same age (46). He has two children who are (if the internet and my math are correct) 15 and 12 years old. So may it’s not unlikely? If he connects with Jinbe he would rather see him as a dad than a grandparent or a weird uncle. 

-

Now, to the rest... I have to say sorry for answering so late but as of right now I’m writing parts of my answer and I literally pulling my hair because I really try to make sense of the whole situation and trying to understand the intention of a 46 year old japanese man. And this is long again so sorry about that. Anyway... 

I have heard about that. I remembered something about Oda not reading Fan Theories and now I googled once more. Apparently this is the newest Information:

"Oda once said he will change OP story if it coincides with fan theories. But according to TV show today, Oda will never change his plan about "final chapter" even if a fan theory hits the nail on the head. Oda said in 1999 that he had already decided final panel and chapter."

https://twitter.com/sandman_AP/status/1352851201478418432?s=20

I don’t think Oda is actively browsing the web for OP content ( how would he have time to) but he gets fanmail with questions and suggestions. And considering that over 4 million people are One Piece fans... one of them has to get it correct eventually. Trying to avoid any similarity with any fan-theory is IMPOSSIBLE. 

And I do believe that Oda knows how he wants One Piece to end and won’t change that, no matter what. 

As for the details in-between........ I wouldn’t say Oda is not prone to be a Troll and sometimes downright an ass towards his fans. XD Never out of malice but because he thinks it’s funny. 

I’m also sure he will never focus on romance in the manga, but since love is an important part of life it will come into play now and then. Classic romance (?) more with side-characters  (Roger/Rouge, Sai/Baby5, Bege/Chiffon) than with main (Strawhats) but still possible.

He may very well edit less-important plot lines if they don't change the ending. 

That also includes, that I absolutely think it’s possible that the Strawhats will have romantic involvement at the end of the story. At the moment it is never in the focus, except for plot reason (Whole Cake Island for example, though that is an entirely different topic) but absolutely possible. 

Because the Strawhats boning each other or maybe someone outside of the crew will not change the story. It has no influence to anything, except if it’s on a higher scale, like if Luffy really suddenly married Boa Hancock. That would influence the political outline of the world.

Meanwhile Pauli/Iceburg or Noland/Cagara or Bartolomeo/Cavendish have literally no influence to the story (anymore). And I don’t think I have to start on things like other rare pairs or even OC-ships. 

That being said, and having more stuff in mind, I wouldn’t put it past Oda to actually focus more on Jin/Bin. 

Why? Well... 

we had so many interactions between Robin and Franky after the time skip that it was almost ridiculous. In every single arc we see them fight alongside each other. We had strong romantic tropes portrayed with them: 

Their meeting after the timeskip (Sabaody Archipelago)

Franky having his head in Robins lap (Punk Hazard) 

Wearing the same shirt (Dressrosa) 

Finishing each others sentence (Zou)

Franky offering Robin a ride and her answering with a heart (Wano)  

And the moment the internet exploded when Robin was holding Frankys face. Which yeah, only a Colorspread and not canon yadda yadda

For now let’s gloss over all the other moments that showed that they cared for each other. 

... so many.

Anyway what I want to say is that Oda had declared “All the Strawhats are in love with adventure.” and “I won’t focus on romance.”  but is seemingly showing a connection between Franky and Robin, that made one think that he might actually be aboard the ship even if the fandom itself is rather silent and small. 

Meanwhile when Jinbe appeared (in the timeskip) he was instantly a hit. His popularity then rose thanks to Fishmen Island Arc. And again I can’t blame anyone. On the other hand Franky always had a hard stance. This was recently shown again because is the lowest ranked Strawhat in the popularity poll. 

One (Oda) might come to a conclusion here:

Maybe people don’t like Franky and so would dislike FRobin. But since Oda also seems to enjoy grown up relationships (?) maybe he thinks Jinbe is the only reasonable replacement?  -> It could be a tactial decision. 

Maybe he really changed his opinion and personally likes one more than the other. He was a FRobin supporter but now likes JinBin more? It wouldn't change anything for the story and there wouldn't be any harm -> It could be a personal decision. 

Maybe he fears that he put too many hints in the manga and now has to paddle back? Because let’s be honest, until the colourspread with Robin putting her hand on Frankys face... the FRobin fandom was on the backburner. And so he wants to throw out some Red Herrings.  -> Again a tactial decision

Maybe he never inteded to make it  romantic and it is actually all just friendship. Subtext is something many authors use without being aware of it. (Just ask anyone who is a lesbian!Nami fan. They have good points.) -> A mistake from the very beginning. 

And you can use these same thoughts for every other non-canon ship. 

Please take everything of this with a grain of salt because I try to understand the intention of a man who is more than 10 years my senior and from a culture I can’t even start to try to comprehend (sometimes I don’t even get my own culture), who is the head figure of a money-making machine. So it’s hard to tell what else influences his decisions. 

My interpretations are influenced by my own experiences and knowledge which is big and vast but also stretched very thin. 

Last but not least I want to make clear that any speculation is really the same as asking a crystal ball. In the western fandom we have only few people who can even slightly try to give an insight to the whole thing and they (smart enough) keep out of any shipping discourse. 

tl;dr: I don’t think Oda will change the ending. But I do think that he is willing to change minor plotlines  and so yes I think Oda might change couples for any possible reason, as long as it does not change the ending, and he does not even has to choose a good reason because in the end they are his characters and he is free to do whatever he wants with them.

[holykillercake]

A Day In The Sun

pairing: MARCO x fem!Reader

word count: 3.3k

summary: You left the Moby Dick to go on a solo mission, from which you would never return. Two years later, when hope seemed to have drained out, a loud rubber boy appears, leading the way back to your family.

highlight: ¨I guess he´s not coming, so... tell Marco I will always love him.¨

warnings: angst, MARINEFORD spoilers 

notes: This was an anon request for a ¨ [as angsty as possible] Marco with a fem!S/O who left the Moby Dick a year or two before and then they ran into each other by accident somewhere¨. I really hope you like it!♡  I feel like I chose an easy path with Marineford, so maybe I´ll try this one more time with a non-canon plot. The angst, tho, the angst! 

𝕷𝖊𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖘, 𝖗𝖊𝖖𝖚𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖘, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊!

                                                                  ☩

You watched the guard check the chains for the fourth time with an amused grin on your face. He pulled it, hit it, and almost wet his pants with the effort. 

The funnier part was that he did all of that while trying to stay as far from you as possible. 

¨So, am I getting company?¨ no answer, just a glance and a drop of sweat falling down his temple ¨Will you tell me who´s my guy?¨ he ignored you again and left.

A few minutes later, you heard the lame sound of chains echoing throughout the cold walls. You had a minute to process the silent and compliant steps before the rest of the prisoners started to yell wildly. 

You observed the shadow of your new cellmate projected onto the filthy floor. Then his dirty feet when he walked by you, giving yourself the trouble to look up only when he took a seat while the guards locked him. 

You let out a disdained scoff and waited for ¨privacy¨ to talk to him. He, on the other hand, never bothered to look up. 

¨I would offer you something to eat, but as you can see, my hands are tied.¨ you shook the chains, hoping that the distasteful joke would make the man lift his head.

But he showed no reaction to your words. Instead, he remained leaned forward with his head down.

 You snorted heavily.

¨You know, I was kind of hoping to be the only Whitebeard pirate around here.¨

 That was more than enough to make him face you. His narrowed eyes watched you for a moment, trying to recollect your features in his memory. 

¨Oh, come on. Did I really change that much?¨

¨Y/N!¨ he shouted and tried to fight the strains.

¨How are you doing, Flame boy?¨

                                                           ☩

The heart beating inside of your chest felt like it was going to jump out of your mouth at any moment. Although you were sweating, all of the ice around you made you wish you had more clothes.

 How could you be cold and sweating at the same time?

Everyone had their eyes on you. Well, not only you. But the entire troupe that fell from the sky altogether with a marine warship, the weirdest circus freaks brought directly from Impel Down. Your home for the last two years. 

As soon as Luffy stepped on the ice field and started to attack marines in order to reach Ace, the real beginning of the battle began to seethe in Marineford. 

You joined your fugitives comrades and jumped out the ship, but differently than the straw hat boy, you ran to the opposite side. Dodging every marine in your way to get to the Moby Dick. 

Whitebeard looked at you like a proud father and let out his legendary ´Gurarara´ laugh while the Commanders stared at you as if you were a ghost.

Not that you didn´t actually look like one. Even for them, who always considered you to be one of the prettiest women they have ever seen, you looked a little bit mistreated.

Your hair was dirty and messy, your always radiant skin was dry, and the bags under your eyes were deeper and darker. 

If it wasn´t for the look in your eyes, they wouldn´t have recognized you. 

The spark and shine remained stoic. The will to live and to fight remained standing strong, even though the rest of you seemed to be brumbling apart.

Marco stood on Pops' right side, still showing the same anger in his eyes as when you said that you were leaving the Whitebeard Pirates. But you couldn´t focus on that. You were too busy trying not to get killed to care about his attitude.

And more importantly, you were so happy. 

Every night for two years, you prayed for the chance to see them again, to brew saké among your family, and laugh in their companies. It was so close you could feel it in your fingertips. 

¨Daughter, you don´t look healthy.¨ Whitebeard said when you reached the ship.

¨I guess feeding me wasn´t on the top of their list of priorities, Pops.¨ you laughed.

¨And I suppose you met the troublemaker over there.¨

¨We were cellmates, can you believe it?¨ Marco peeped into your conversation, trying to look like he didn´t care ¨He was updating me on the current Whitebeard Pirate´s activities. Said you got yourself some pretty cute nurses.¨ 

You elbowed him slightly in the leg, and the Emperor gave his staccato laugh you missed so much.

¨Daughter,¨ he spoke more serious ¨I know it´s a lot to ask of you right now... but we need to get that boy outta here. You´re in?¨ 

¨Have you forgotten who I am, Pops?¨ He smirked, already knowing your answer ¨ Of course, I´m in.¨

You looked each commander in the eyes, in a silent agreement that when this madness was over, you would answer all their questions. When they looked back at you, nothing had changed. For them, you were still the same Y/N from years ago. 

                                                             ☩

¨I can´t believe Pops wants to keep that brat.¨

¨We should have him thrown off of the ship.¨

¨You should cook him for dinner, Thatch!¨

You couldn´t hold the smile bending on your lips when you heard the Division Commanders talking about the rookie Pops had brought onboard.

The kid had been trying to kill him for a while now. Even Jinbe had to step in and engaged in a 5-day battle with the young pirate. That, for some reason, got Whitebeard´s interest. 

You felt a warm hand embrace yours and turned to see the First Division Commander take his seat on your side. You smiled when he leaned over and gave you a habitual kiss, the kind you share when you wake up in the morning or when you meet up in the halls.

But your heart ached behind your smile. Because, although it was something usual for him, something that he would do thousands of times for the rest of his life, for you, it could be the last.

You were about the destroy everything you two had and break his heart. 

But you were out of options. You knew that, and so did Whitebeard. 

When the first part of the meeting ended, and Pops had explained his motives to want to keep the hot-headed boy, someone questioned him about the second topic they needed to discuss. The one he kept as a secret even from Marco. 

Your heart pounded faster, and your face heated. Whitebeard frowned and gestured something, giving you the word. The weight of the sixteen commanders staring at you made you shrug and hold Marco´s hand tighter. 

¨Y/N?¨ he called you with a tone of concern in his voice. 

You just avoided making eye contact with him. You couldn´t face him.

¨I, uh...¨ you raised your head and stuffed your chest. You had to be cold. ¨I-I am going on a solo mission... and I am not coming back.¨ 

The room went totally silent for a few seconds before they began to bombard you with questions and inquires, to which you could not respond. Marco, on the other hand, remained speechless, waiting for you to tell him that it was a joke.

¨I, uh...¨ someone interrupted you ¨I am leaving tomorro-¨ another Commander cut you ¨... tomorrow morni-¨

The blast of Whitebeard´s cleaving blade hitting the floor made all of you shut. 

¨The decision was made!¨ his thunderous voice cracked the wooden walls ¨And blessed.¨

Marco shot up, his chair met the floor in a loud thud. ¨Pops, you approved this?!¨

¨Son...¨ the First Division Commander scowled and started to walk out of the room. 

You reached him and held his hand to stop him. He turned, staring at you furiously.

¨Marco...¨

¨Why, yoi?!¨ 

You shook your head, not being able to tell him what he wanted to know. Tears began to fill your eyes when he pulled his hand from your grip and left the room. 

A single tear made its way down your cheek and you quickly wiped it. You couldn't turn back on your decision. Even if that made the love of your life hate you. 

¨Y/N...¨ Thatch touched your arm softly ¨Are you in trouble?¨

You attempted to give him your best warm smile.

¨When am I not in trouble, Thatchy?¨

The next day when you were saying goodbye to your family, everyone was there, even the Fire-Fist boy.

 Everyone but the person you needed the most to be there. 

Every Commander hugged you tight, saying that if you ever decided to come back, your chair among them would be waiting. 

You tried to hold your tears in the beginning, but that became an impossible task. 

Pops held you close to his chest and suffered with you, for he knew the sacrifice you were about to make. And even a man like him couldn´t avoid it. 

His voice roared through the four Blues when he declared, loud and clear, that you were his daughter and would be forever a Whitebeard pirate. 

¨I love you guys. I love you, Pops.¨ you looked around, searching for your boyfriend ¨I guess he´s not coming, so... tell Marco I will always love him.¨ 

When you stood alone on the seashore, you waited. You waited until the Moby Dick disappeared on the horizon. You waited for Marco to have a change of heart and fly over to you, saying that he loved you and he would miss you.

But he never did.

                                                             ☩

What happened was that you were a little rusted.

You got tired faster and weren´t as agile as before. So you preferred to keep yourself out of the line of fire, where you would disturb more than help. Your job was to back up the Division Commanders and make sure they would keep a clean path for Ace´s brother. 

You wanted to be thrilled with the adrenaline of a battlefield, but you were scared. Every time Whitebeard stopped and put his hand on his chest, you feared. 

That was the reason why you turned yourself in in the past, the reason why you didn´t ask him to fight for you.

He saved as much energy as possible for this war, but you knew he had started to die the minute he disconnected himself from the life support. 

¨What are you up to, old man?¨ you mumbled to yourself.

Before you could do or think anything else, a sharp scream took your attention. Kizaru hit Marco with laser beams, and you noticed another Marine Officer approaching him with sea stone cuffs. 

You grabbed a gun and ran towards them. Even rusted, you were incredibly fast. With an impulse, you jumped and grabbed Marco by the collar, shooting the marine with Haki-imbued bullets. 

But again, too late.

Perhaps years ago, you would have been able to prevent this from happening, but at that moment, all you could do was get him out of Kizaru's sight, causing his laser to hit you in the thigh. 

You turned in the air, changing your position so that he fell on you when you landed. In that battle, his life was worth more than yours, and it was your duty to offer support to the Commanders - your Commander, especially. His body had already gone through a lot of stress, and the sea stone handcuffs prevented him from using his powers.

You tried to muffle the scream when you hit the floor. 

¨You ok?¨ you asked.

With so much of a glimpse he put himself to his feet, ignoring you and the blood he spilled before running back to the mess. 

From that moment on, the situation got really bad, really quick. You went berserk, killing the marines like a freaking calamity. Your thigh was gushing blood, deep gashes covered your body, and your heart was torn apart. 

Because despite all of your effort and sacrifice, the mission failed.

You didn´t see what had happened, but the person you were supposed to rescue, Ace, the Second Division Commander, was dead on the floor. And his brother was having a breakdown.

Ace had a peaceful smile on his face, and you thought that it would have been nice to get to know him better.  From the days you shared a cell, you understood why Pops wanted to keep him. He was a pretty nice guy, after all. 

                                                            ☩

¨And how did you end up here?¨ Ace asked you.

¨Remember the solo mission thing?¨ he nodded, and you gave him a ´ta-dah face. 

Suddenly, he got pale.

¨This... This is where you´ve been for the past two years? Why?¨

You hummed, pondering over your words.

¨I know things about the World Government that I shouldn´t. And when they found out, I got an ultimatum... I could turn myself in, or they would have thrown a buster call on us.¨

¨Y-You sacrificed yourself? But you know Pops could have handled it, right? We all could have handled it.¨

You smiled at him, deciding not to tell him the ugly truth. 

The World Government knew about your knowledge regarding the Ancient Weapons and the National Treasure of Marie Geoise for a long time, but they waited to get to you. They waited until they had the perfect chance, and Whitebeard´s illness was just it. 

At the beginning of his illness, he didn´t have the proper medication and life support devices, so he was vulnerable. Still stronger than all of you together but too vulnerable to deal with the Admirals and the CP-Zero.

When you took Whitebeard´s hand and accepted to be his daughter, you swore your loyalty to him, you vowed to protect your family even if it cost your life.

¨Yeah, I guess this one is on me.¨

After listening to everything he had told you, you knew Whitebeard would use the public execution to rescue him. He would not let anyone take another child of his. 

That was the reason why you couldn´t tell Ace about your father´s state - not that he didn´t know, but he could be oblivious. And he would be crushed with guilt if anything happened to your old man. 

¨Hum, but tell me, kid. Any chance the phoenix had already forgiven me?¨

You saw your answer in his awkward look. 

¨He didn´t know about this as well, right?¨ Ace opened and closed his mouth a couple of times ¨He thought you had bailed on us when Pops needed you the most and... he still likes you, Y/N. He´s just hurt.¨

¨Yeah... okay...¨ you whispered.

¨If you´re right... and Pops comes to rescue me, I´ll let everyone know you´re here. And we´ll come to rescue you.¨

Your nose burned with the feeling of crying. Even with his powers restrained by the sea stone cuffs, he was so warm. 

¨Well... I could use another day in the sun.¨ and you sobbed. 

                                                             ☩

But there was no sun. 

There was no sun, and your father, together with Ace and thousands of your allies, were gone. 

And the dream of brewing saké with your family, you did reach it, but couldn´t hold it.

When he opened a crater on the ground, separating him from his crew, you stood beside him, begging him to reconsider 

¨Pops, don´t do this...¨ you whined, choking on your own tears ¨I-I just came back...¨

He looked at you in the eyes and wiped your tears.

¨My daughter...  I´m sorry I failed you.¨ You shook your head and held his huge hand ¨I know you´ll take care of the boys. Your room and your seat remain untouched.¨

You couldn´t say anything else before he threw you on the other side. 

Now the Red Hair Pirates were collecting Whitebeard and Ace´s bodies to assist with the funeral. Jozu scooped you in his amrs and carried you back to the ship as you cried. He walked you to your old room and put you in the bed, leaving without a word. 

Inside of your cabin, you raged, not wanting to accept the fate of things. You punched the walls until your knuckles bled, you cried until your throat hurt and wished to go back in time, when you were in your dirty cell, and Whitebeard was still alive. 

When do you think people die?

When they are shot through the heart by the bullet of a pistol?

When they are ravaged by an incurable disease?

No. It’s when… they are forgotten.

When the sun began to fall, you got up from the cold woodboard and reached the door, making your way to the deck. 

The Commanders and the rest of the crew were scattered around, mourning their losses. The family was falling apart, and this time Pops wasn´t there to glue the pieces back together.

I know you´ll take care of the boys.

His words echoed in your head. 

You watched the hundreds of men injured, bleeding through their wounds and passing out unattended. Where was the man in charge? 

A sudden anger consumed you, and you rushed to his room, kicking the door open. 

¨What the fuck do you think you´re doing?!¨ he didn´t answer, nor did he move. 

Marco looked miserable, sitting on the mattress, leaning forward with both hands on his head. 

You had a lot of emotions going on in your head.

You were happy because you got to hear Whitebeard call you daughter one last time, but you didn´t know how to live in a world where he didn´t. 

You were happy to be with your family again, but it killed you to see them crumbled like that. 

¨Not now.¨ he spoke when you approached with calmer steps. His voice was hushed and broken. 

¨Marco, you have to-¨

¨Get out, yoi.¨

¨No. You are the one getting out and help-¨

¨GET THE HELL OUT, Y/N!¨ he roared.

¨NO!¨ you roared back and pulled him by his collar, facing his teary and red eyes. ¨YOU TURNED YOUR BACK TO ME ONCE, BUT I WON´T LET YOU DO THE SAME TO THEM!¨

You let go of him and shed heavy tears.

¨You have thirteen Commanders and hundreds of men out there who need you. So suck it and step in.¨ you said with gritted teeth. 

¨They can handle themselves, yoi.¨ he grumbled.

You scowled

¨Is this how far your loyalty goes?¨ he clenched his fists ¨Pops offered you a seat on his side, and you took it! NOW USE IT!¨

¨SHUT UP! YOU DON´T KNOW THE THINGS WE´VE BEEN THROUGH, Y/N!¨ he marched towards you, stopping a few inches from you and yelling in your face ¨You have no idea the things we´ve lost, the things I have lost!¨

¨I do know!¨ you pushed his chest ¨I have always known, but you didn´t! You didn´t because you´re Marco, the Phoenix! And you´re great! Great rare, mythical Devil Fruit. Great First Division Commander. YOU. ARE. GREAT.¨ you sobbed, helpless ¨But being great didn´t make you confident, it made you spoiled. It made you forget what loss feels like. And now you lost. We lost.¨

He let himself fall on the mattress again, head down, tears dropping on his ragged pants. 

¨So you don´t get to drown yourself in commiseration, Marco. You don´t get to sit here, feeling sorry for yourself.¨ your voice came out weak ¨They need you. I... need you.¨

You watched him for a couple of minutes but seeing that he wouldn´t move, you sighed, ready to leave the room and do his job. 

¨I hated you, yoi.¨ Marco said before you could leave..

¨I know.¨ you whispered and leaned against the door. 

More tears fell. 

Two years in Impel Down were not enough to break you, but that... that was a difficult hit to take. 

¨All these years, I hated you every single day.¨ 

¨I know.¨ 

¨Even when I thought you were dead, I hated you.¨

¨I know.¨

¨And when Pops told me what you did for him... I hated myself.¨ 

The both of you broke down. 

¨I know, Marco.¨

You turned slowly and walked to him, sitting by his side, laying your head on his shoulder. 

His shaky hands held yours, and you weakened, feeling the touch you missed so much.

¨I can´t do this, Y/N.¨

¨Yes, you can.¨ you touched his face gently, so he would look at you ¨We can.¨

You slipped to the floor, holding each other in your arms, hoping that the tears would wash away the pain, the guilt, and regret. 

[lawxbread]

I wasn’t sure where to send the request, but I was wondering is you could do an x reader where the reader was Ace’s girlfriend and after he died and the straw hats were on haitatus she went to train with Laws crew and they fall in love but she’s afraid of getting hurt again by losing someone she loves because important people seem to always die in her life

Hey,hey,hey!(bokuto's voice) Oh my god! I really enjoyed writing this, thanks for sending me this awesome plot!! Lol I tried my best but I think I was too descriptive (I got too excited and this got longer than I planned...) But I hope you like it!

A/N: I rushed at the end because I felt every brain cell of mine dying as i wrote the smut scene lmaooo

Sorrow

Synopsis: You were Ace's girlfriend and since when he died you've been afraid of losing someone again. Your heart is wrapped up. You feel solitary. But... What if the doctor, Captain Of the Heart Pirates, heals your pain by making you realize that you are capable of loving again?

"I can't control myself anymore"

"Make me yours, Law"

    Warnings: angst, smut, implied death, unprotected sex, swear-word

   Word count: 3K

It's all dark. You feel something touching your skin lightly. That touch... you recognize it, that warm touch you are so used to. Suddenly, your vision comes to be brighter, a few seconds have passed when you feel a breath on your face, then you finally see it, It's the man you loved wildly: Portgas D. Ace. As soon as you see him, he stops touching you, posteriorly Ace looks at you with tears in his eyes and starts running away. You don't understand what the hell is happening so you just try to reach him, "Wait!! Ace!!!" : You try to scream but, for some reason, your voice doesn't come out. When you realize, Ace abruptly fades away and then the surroundings are no longer warm. You start to cry, still trying to scream his name but not a single word comes out of your mouth. A deadly hush. "ACE!!! NO!" you try again, nothing. All your efforts are ineffective. You start blaming yourself, hopeless.

  "Y/N- ya!!". You hear someone yells. Attempting to come back to your senses, you slowly open your eyes. You feel your sweat rolling down your face and take a deep breath until you feel steady. Eventually, everything seems regular. You see Trafalgar Law staring at you with an apprehensive look and it doesn't take long for him to ask

  " Another nightmare, Y/N- ya?"

   "Uh... Apparently yes." You retort, then add "Law... When will this pain go away?"

   "It depends on you. Everyone has their traumas, I know it's not easy... But, Y/N, you have to move on." Law replies, using a concerned voice tone.

  You start to cry, then you get up from the bed and instantly hug Law. He freezes.

 "H-hey...Y/N-ya...uhh. Everything will be alright..." He says embarrassed while patting your back

  Law gently moves you away and says "Y-you should grab something to eat, Bepo prepared a breakfast."

   "What the hell I just did??!" You think, blushing as you realize the hug you gave Law.

  "O-Ok" You declare.

You were Ace's girlfriend. One year has passed since your boyfriend's death. Portgas D. Ace wasn't just some guy you dated, he was, foremost, your best friend and the only person you could count on.

   Your parents died when you were just 10 years old and you grew up cleaning houses, selling stuff you found in the junk, and doing any kind of service for other people. All of these just to survive, relying on a very small amount of money. Then, you met Ace, when you both were 18 years old, he helped you by beating some thieves that stole bellies from you, and little by little you fell in love with each other. Two years have passed when you heard that Ace was captured by the Blackbeard Pirates and taken over by the Navy, who would execute him at Marine Ford. You wanted to go save him immediately but when you declared to the WhiteBeard you would save Ace with him, he didn't let you go. Whitebeard ordered some of his sons to stay with you and prevent you from going with the rest of the numerous crew, as Whitebeard knew that Ace wouldn't be happy to see his girlfriend in the middle of a war. You tried to fight back but it was worthless.

   You couldn't sleep and eat properly, fretted over Ace's life. Then, you heard the choking news: Ace died in Luffy's arms at Marine ford.

       You couldn't believe it, you just couldn't. 

You suffered so much, you only wanted to die because you had totally lost the reason for continuing to exist.  Until  1 month after Ace's death, a huge yellow submarine appeared in front of you, and Trafalgar Law came out of it saying that Luffy asked him to take you and make you stay with his crew. You didn't have anything to lose so you just accepted the offer. Since then, you've been training with Law while the rest of the straw hats are on hiatus.

   It's not that you still can't accept Ace's death, you know presently that this kind of tragedies happens. It's just that... you are afraid that something similar occurs again. You are so attached to the Heart Pirates Crew, they are like a family to you, and Law has been great to you ...so your biggest fear is losing them. This sort of thought results in constant nightmares, leaving you scared when you wake up.

    "Good morning, everyone!" You say as you approach the kitchen with Law.

   Bepo and Shachi are eating some fried eggs and cake, discussing something about the fish Bepo fished earlier being poisonous.

     "Hello, Y/N!! Did you have another frightening nightmare?" Bepo asks.

       "Yeah, nothing new..." You retort while taking a piece of bacon.

   As you walk towards the dinner table to sit on a seat next to Shachi, you notice Law staring at you non stop, making your heart races. "Uhm, what feeling is this?", you keep thinking about it but don't understand what is going on with you so you just ignore it.

  The things between you and Law have been weird in the past 3 months since you joined the crew one year ago. He seems more comprehensive with you than usual, Law used to argue with you every time you did something wrong but now... He's changed, in a certain way.

    You seat next to Shachi, in front of Bepo and Law. As soon as you realize, Shachi puts on your plate a piece of the cake he is eating.

        " Hey, Y/N-chan, you should try this", Shachi says as he looks at you with a smirk.

    "Oh, thanks..." You say in an embarrassed voice tone, trying to be polite.

    You look at Law and he is still gazing at you, but now he seems uneasy.

   You eat the cake, unintentionally, leaving a crumb on the right corner of your mouth.

   "Y/N-ya, there's a crumb right there," Law tells you as he points from his seat at the crumb left on your mouth.

   "Here?" You attempt to clean it, but you don't succeed since you can't see it.

   Shachi quickly says "Let me clean it for you." He presses his finger against the crumb, taking it off for you. Then he caresses your cheeks "Done, Y/N-chan". He gives you a  smirk.

   You are uncomfortable, really uncomfortable. "T-thanks..."  You stutter.

    You look at Law and he looks pissed as hell but you don't understand why, you just suppose he woke up in a bad mood today.

   Law gets up from his chair not saying anything, then he utters "Y/N, a word?"

  You don't comprehend why he called you and interrupted your meal, but you feel relieved since you don't have to stand Shachi's inconvenience anymore. You obey him, following Law to his office.

  Law could wait for you to eat but he was irritated seeing Shachi shamelessly hitting on you, so he called you just to get you out of there, he knew you were uncomfortable. Besides Law was worried about you, he was jealous. Actually, you are a breath-taking girl, really stunning and beautiful so most of the crew's men always hit on you when they get the chance of doing so. It bothers Law a lot but you'd never imagine that.

   As soon as you enter the office, you shut the door. You notice that Law isn't looking you in the eye and then he starts seeking some papers that he left in one of the desk drawers. He grabs the papers and says:

    "Y/N-ya, I think I don't have to train you anymore, you seem prepared enough to train haki by yourself from now on." Then, still avoiding to look at you, he orders, coldly.

   "So, I need some favors, take these papers that have a list of tasks for you to do at the submarine, most of them are related to repair stuff. " Law putts them in your hands.

  "What? Why all of this so suddenly?" You ask.

  "It's nothing. Just go." Law replies, indifferently.

     You left the office questioning yourself if you've done something wrong for Law to act that way. But not a single idea comes to your mind, so you just decide to do what he ordered since he is your captain.

   Six days have passed since then, you've been doing repairs and improvements all over the submarine, and when you get the chance, you train haki and fight skills by yourself. Since the day Law acted weird, he's been more absent than before. Plus, he avoids you every time you try to reach him and you don't understand why, but seeing Law ignoring you makes you feel sad for some reason. You start to think that there's a remote chance of ~maybe~ you had catch feelings for Law. But... You don't wanna accept them, thinking about how much you loved Ace and he died abruptly makes you feel hesitant to love someone again. You are already afraid of losing Law, if you fall in love with him, you fear that the pain you'd feel if he dies, would be worse, like how happened between you and Ace.

  On your way towards your room, you see Law entering his office so you decide to go talk to him and ask him why he's acting like that.

   You knock on the door. "Come on in," Law says.

  As soon as Law sees you, he instantly changes his facial expression, he seems more anxious, uneasy.

   "Hi, Law. Can I talk to you for a second?" You ask him as you slowly approach his desk.

  "Yes. But be brief, I'm busy." He declares with a coldhearted tone of voice, still avoiding your stares.

  "So..." You take a deep breath, then let out  "Why you've been avoiding me these past days? Have I done something wrong?" 

  Law quickly replies, "I'm not avoiding you. Are you done?"

  "Liar, you can't even look me in the eye!!"

Silence fulfills the room as Law puts his hands on his forehead, letting his head rests on them. You try to understand whatever is going on, a sentiment of heavy tension appears when you look at Law.

   Tension. Simply, tension.

Law , still with his head down, finally confesses "Y/N-ya...Yes, I've been avoiding you" He mumbles. "Do you really wanna know the reason?"

   "Yes!! I'll try my best to help you with whatever is making you feel low!" You declare.

  "I don't think you can help me, but... I can't control myself anymore when I'm by your side.Y/N-ya..." Law admits as he finally stares back at you, and this time, he's looking deeply into your eyes.

  You freeze.

   "W-what? What do you mean by that?" You certainly think you misunderstood his words.

   " I have feelings for you," Law confesses directly, leaving you no more doubts.

  You try to keep your composure, but it looks like you are on fire, your whole body is steaming. You don't know what to do so you just stand still, staring at Law with a shocking glance.

 "Y/N-ya...You don't have to return my feelings, I won't compel you to do anything about it." Law says, then he gets up from his chair, approaching you, so he adds "Look, it's just that it's hard for me to see you and couldn't be able to announce you're mine. I don't know when it started, maybe 3 months ago so you can just ignore it and I'll move on."

   "Law..." you mumble, an immense desire to cry emerges, so when you least expect it, you are covered in tears.

   Law looks surely worried about you, he attempts to approach you even more but you are moving away from him.

"Law..." You cover your eyes with your hands as you cry, "I-I think I feel the same but..." You sigh, "I'm afraid... I'm afraid of losing you! I can't go through that again."

   You are crying a lot but you stop when Law abruptly hugs you.

     "I'm not going anywhere, Y/N-ya." Law whispers.

    Important people seem to always die in your life, you lost your parents when you were just 10, and then you lost Ace... This fear that haunts you has total control of your mind, but, somehow, the last few words that Law said to you comforted your troubled soul.

  "Y/N-ya, take your time," Law says as he sweetly moves you away, now you both are no longer hugging, but staring deeply at each other. "I'll wait for you to make your decision, please rest...have a good night," Law says then opens the door for you

  "Good night, Law..." You leave his office and go straight to your bedroom.

  Two months have passed and surprisingly you didn't have any nightmare during its period. You felt so calm when Law hugged you and said he wouldn't go anywhere, since that day you've been wondering if you are capable of giving love a second chance. Besides, Law is still waiting for your decision but you can't just get through your trauma so easily; however, the time you took to think was enough for you to understand that you were worrying too much about an uncertain future. You thought a lot about it and figured it out that you have strong feelings for him, the idea of having him by your side is being more recurrent in your mind than the idea of losing him. You certainly want him, you want him so bad.

       Since the day Law confessed to you, he is no longer avoiding you and everything is natural between you two. As he is respecting your time and not bringing the relationship matter back.

    You have made your decision. Maybe...It's time for you to move on and tell Law what you want the most: him.

   It's 2 am when you decide to go see Law and tell him your decision, you couldn't wait anymore longer. You go straight towards his bedroom to check if Law is still up and notice that the door is half-open so you slowly push it.

    "Law...?" You mumble as you enter the bedroom. You don't see him anywhere. A few seconds have passed when suddenly Law appears right behind you.

   "Y/N-ya?" Law says, he looks kind of surprised. You turn back to see, then you gradually make steps forwards "I'm sorry I was at the kitch-" You kiss his lips wildly, interrupting Law's words.

   Still with his eyes open, Law can't believe what's going on. He stops you from kissing him, "H-hey....Y/N-ya w-what are you doing?" he stutters.

   "Oh, I made my decision, Law." You confess "I realized that I want you much more than I fear losing you. It seems confusing but..." You look down, "I don't want to live the rest of my life wondering what my life would have been like with you.  I really want to live it." Law smiles.

  You add "I don't care about the future anymore, we are in the present and I want you right now!"

   "Y/N-ya, I want you so much, and hearing from you that you got over your fear really makes me glad..." Law kisses your forehead.

  You look back at him, you both exchanging stares, "I want you, you want me so... please, make me yours, Law"

  Law doesn't hesitate a second, he kisses your lips remarkably as he slowly shuts the door. Law puts you against the wall and starts kissing your neck and touching your right breast with his left hand. You let out a groan.

   "Y/N-ya, you make me so..." Law whispers while he takes off your shirt then he kisses your neck again, leaving it marks.

  "L-law??" you mutter as you are blushing, you just can't believe it, you want him right now.

   He presses his body against yours while he also kisses your lips, you feel his hard manhood touching your thigh. Your whole body is on fire, he unhurriedly moves down his right hand until it reaches your cunt, Law dry rubs it using his index finger as you moan. You can't stand it anymore, the heat between your both bodies is driving you insane, plus his warm touches all over your trunk.

   "Y/N-ya..." Law takes off his shirt and pants, revealing his ample chest with his tattoos, muscles and his bulky underwear, indicating his cock's hardness. Everything about him turns you on. "Take off your skirt and panties ", Law orders, his eyes: full of desire. You obey him, embarrassingly. Law watches every movement of you taking off your remaining clothes, hardening his cock even more.

  Unawares, Law took off his underwear, showing his thick and lengthy dick. Your face turns flushed.

   Law holds you by the waist, making you put your legs around his hips, he controls your waist back and forth bringing in your pussy to rub his cock's tip for some seconds. " Y/N-ya... I can't hold it anymore". He stops then lifts you in his arms, leading you to his bed.

   He lays you on the bed, lying on all fours on top of you and so he starts to gently caress your face, hair,ear... Unexpectedly, you feel the tip of his manhood lightly touching your entrance, then, Law holds your hands, pushing your arms against the mattress. So he starts penetrating, "Fuck. It's so tight" Law exclaims. The impact sound of skin against skin is gradually increasing, Law is moving faster and faster, you can't help but moan, moan a lot.

  "L-Law" you call out his name, "L-Law".

" I love you, Y/N-ya," Law says while he moves into you, you are so close to reaching your climax, and so do him, that in you head only Law and you exist, so your vision starts to blur;  you felt like fire was running through your veins instead of blood. "Law, I'm...almost..." you finally achieve your culmination.

   "Y/N-ya" Law stutters your name as he releases his cum inside you. Law takes a deep breath then he lays down next to you and you both embrace each other.

Law kisses your forehead, "I'm not going anywhere, Y/N-ya. It's a promise." He whispers.

   So you reply to him, "I know." and after a few cuddles you both fall asleep.

[ghost-kitty]

I was bored, so I decided to write down my NS.FW alphabet headcanons for LawLu. Thought I might as well share them here too and maybe you guys want to share some of your hcs too 🥺👉👈

Smut Alphabet, LawLu version:

Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

Law: Law knows how important aftercare is and he's prepared okay. He always has everything ready: snacks, fluffy blankets, soothing oils, some of his old clothes; everything. He can get pretty rough so it's important to shower Luffy in love and affection afterwards.

Luffy: He's a little shit, okay? He loves to get spoiled rotten. On most days he just demands cuddles and snacks but taking a relaxing bath with Law is one of his favourite things to do after sex.

Bodypart (Their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Law: He's pretty proud of his huge cock of course lmaoo but also his hands. What he loves most about Luffy is his face, as cheesy as that might be. And his butt. Luffy has a great butt.

Luffy: He's not insecure about his body so he basically likes everything about it. For Law: he loves his hands too, they always know exactly how to make him feel good. And the tattoos of course, especially the one on his chest.

Cum (Anything to do with cum basically…)

Law: Oh boy, Law loves to make Luffy his cum dump! Cumming on Luffy's face or butt is a huge turn on for him. Filling him up (ass or mouth) - yes!!!

Luffy: He likes the taste of Law's cum, so swallowing it is a clear favorite. He likes to play with it too, he's all for scooping up his own cum to lick it off his fingers. That he drives Law crazy with this is a bonus.

Dirty secret 

Law: Yes, he did use his df to masturbate before. His first blowjob was him sucking himself off.

Luffy: Luffy? Keeping secrets? Nah.

Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)

Law: He has a ton of experience with both men and women. However, sex with feelings is a first for him so doing it with Luffy was quite overwhelming at first. He still gets a bit nervous from time to time but he's good at hiding it.

Luffy: No experience until he and Law started dating.

Favourite position

Law: Law loves taking his partners doggy style but with Luffy he really loves missionary and the intimacy of it.

Luffy: He enjoys most positions but oh man, that boy loves riding. Definitely his favorite.

Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)

Law: He's always been the serious type but Luffy showed him that being goofy during sex can be awesome. 

Luffy: Luffy loves being silly during sex. Lots of giggles. Especially enjoys when he can even get some giggles out of his boyfriend.

Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.)

Law: Like with his facial hair, Law is well groomed down there too. Always trimmed and clean. He has armpit hair and hairy legs too.

Luffy: Hair? On his head, yes. Everywhere else? Nope, not a single hair grows on his rubber body. (Law secretly loves it)

Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…)

Law: He can be surprisingly romantic. It all depends on the mood he's in though. But even when he's being rough, he always makes sure to whisper into Luffy's ear how much he loves him. Loves kissing and caressing all of Luffy's scars.

Luffy: Luffy is not really the type for big romantic gestures but he can't deny that he loves it when they have gentle sex. The look of pure love and adoration on Law's face is one he'll never get tired of. He loves the passionate kisses!

Jack off (Masturbation headcanon)

Law: He doesn't masturbate that often to be honest. Doing it by himself just isn't the same. However, he does have his needs; especially when he hasn't seen his boyfriend in a while. Mostly it's just quick during his morning shower though.

Luffy: Before he and Law got together he never really experimented with playing with himself. Maybe he tried once or twice but it wasn't all too pleasurable for him.

After getting together with Law he does it from time to time when he's missing Law too much. He likes fingering himself, imagine it to be his boyfriend's long, tattooed fingers.

Kink (One or more of their kinks)

Law: Very kinky. Law loves all sorts of things. Bondage, sensation play, roleplay, choking, spanking - to only name a few. What he loves most though, is being dominant.

Luffy: He definitely has a praise kink. Luffy loves it when Law tells him that he's doing good, that he is a good boy...

Oh and he has an oral fixation.

Location (Favourite places to do the do)

Law: He's not very picky and open to try different locations. If Luffy wants to fuck in public? Sure, why not. Though, as kinky as he might be - his favorite place to have sex is in a comfortable bed.

Luffy: His favorite place to have sex is whereever he gets horny. Seeing Law licking his fingers after eating onigiri in the kitchen? I'm sorry Sanji, just deal with it. Someone tried to flirt with Law on some random island? Better drag him to the nearest alley to suck him off. On top of the Sunny's figurehead? Yes, yes, yes!

Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

Law: Begging gets him going like nothing else. No really, he's a sucker for it. Also, big thanks to Nami and Robin for talking Luffy into wearing lingerie to surprise Law. His hot boyfriend wearing sexy underwear? Just for him? Best thing that ever happened to him.

Luffy: Sometimes just hearing Law's voice is all he needs to get horny, really. It's mostly just subtle things: seeing Law do that thing with his hands, or feeling Law's gaze on him. 

Law showing off his tattoos works every time too.

No (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Law: Not many no-gos to be honest. Just nothing that would really hurt his partner. Being very possessive, threesomes are off limits with Luffy.

Luffy: Pretty much open for everything. Likes to try new things and if it doesn't feel good they can stop at any time. 

Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

Law: He loves both. Receiving because it feels fucking amazing, and Luffy is very good at it. And giving because he loves it when his partners enjoy themselves. Seeing Luffy coming undone from his tongue is the hottest shit ever! 

Law enjoys giving head as well as rimming, important is that Luffy is squirming underneath him. He has enough experience to know what he's doing too.

Luffy: Loves both too, giving maybe a bit more due to his oral fixation. He's a natural at giving head and his devil fruit definitely helps too. No gag reflex and can deep-throat easily. Very enthusiastic.

Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

Law: Loves being rough but when in the right mood, Law can be very sensual.

Luffy: Fast pace is definitely a clear favorite. Enjoys slow too.

Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

Law: Law likes to take his time, long foreplay and lots of teasing, so he's not really a big fan of quickies. Luffy is though, and Law sure as hell won't say no if Luffy is in the mood for a quick fuck.

Luffy: Yes. All the time.

Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

Law: Yes.

Luffy: YES!

Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

Law: He might have some stamina issues with his DF, but definitely not in the bedroom. Seriously, he can last for hours without coming even once. Usually two rounds, but very long ones.

Luffy: Comes pretty fast but can get hard again immediately. Multiple times. Can go for 5 rounds at least, sometimes even more. Has even better Stamina than Law (RIP)

Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

Law: He has everything: dildos, plugs, ropes, handcuffs (normal and seastone), cock rings, blindfolds,...

Luffy: Luffy owns exactly one dildo - a gift from Law - and yes, it's an exact replica of Law's cock.

Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Law: King of teasing, no doubt. Loves to tease and could do it for hours.

Luffy: He says he hates it when Law teases him. It's a lie; he loves it.

He's good at teasing too but the thing is that he doesn't even realize that he's doing it.

Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

Law: Not really loud, mostly soft moans and grunts. Tries to hold back his voice but when he's feeling very good he can't help but moan loudly. Loves dirty talk.

Luffy: One word: screamer. He's very vocal and blunt about how good Law makes him feel.

Wild card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

Law: He loves making good use of both their devil fruits! Stuffing Luffy full with his cock and a dildo? Hell yeah! Or even better: cut off Luffy's dick and use it as a dildo! He gets very creative with it…

Luffy: Loves when Law calls him names. From Baby to slut, it just drives him crazy. 

A sucker for kissing!

X-ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

Law: Huge cock. Sorry not sorry, no one can change my mind about this. Big dick Law is real.

Luffy: Average size. 

Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

Law: His sex drive is pretty average, he can do without it just fine for a long period of time. But he really loves sex and his boyfriend is young and hot so he they have sex fairly often.

Luffy: Law created a monster. Luffy wants to have sex all the time and with his insane stamina, Law has a hard time keeping up with him...

Zzz (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Law: He likes to take a nap after sex. It's when he's most relaxed and his body finally allows him to fall asleep for a few hours. Being satisfied and falling asleep with the love of his life in his arms - that got to be one of the best things in the world to Law.

Luffy: Sleep? No, no. First a snack and then he still has energy for another two or three rounds… but sadly Law is already softly snoring; might as well snuggle up to him and close his eyes for a few minutes. Listening to Law's steady heartbeat is what lulls him to sleep eventually.

[classysmashy]

Into Each Life...

#3/??? of Nuclear Winter

ZoNa Holiday 2020 Entry Prompt 3 (Ornaments / Tradition)

@zonamievents

One Piece in Fallout Universe (kinda~)  [I do not own One Piece or Fallout]

AN: There was something in particular I wanted to convey about Nami with this one, but after this there will definitely be more Zoro. So, I have ideas of how to explain the devil fruits, fishmen/mermaids, and sky natives into the Fallout universe for this and it’s pretty exciting. I don’t know when I might try to get into moments to explaining them out, but I might do future chapters (after the holiday event is over) to do flashbacks that put key moments into this universe since this is supposed to take place six years after Luffy originally started his journey. If I do these, I might build up a wayyy longer chapter for those moments to try and keep them from taking away from the main story being focused later in the timeline compared to the past. Again, sorry for this being late, I had my ideas for these, but it was a matter of putting everything into the words I wanted. The original Fallout 1 and 2 games had much darker themes than the newer ones and I want to try and incorporate that, but not too heavy outright.<3

Rated: T for Blood, Heavy Violence, Suggestive Themes

Word Count: 4,379

*****

Ever since she was younger, Nami understood that bad things must happen for the good times to come rolling in. That was the second lesson she had learned from the death of Bellemere. The first lesson had been that she had to keep living, for being alive meant something, even when you don’t necessarily know just what that something is.

A part of her wanted to rip the world to shreds for the death of Bellemere and believed Arlong deserved the most cruelest, torturing death for the crimes he had committed to her hometown. And for so long Nami lived with that spite building inside of her, brimming over the top at times and causing her to lash out upon herself.

The first time she went wild with her anger, it happened while she had been visiting Nojiko and storing away some of the money she had stolen. Nami had lost it in a fit of rage, putting her fist through a flower vase, the broken ceramic cutting at the skin of her hand, and smashed up the kitchen table with one of the dinning chairs.

It was during those times that Nojiko started making sure Nami was voicing herself to the older sister, since bottling those feelings away inside was destroying Nami each time she felt helpless. 

Nami never cried though. She would get angry, break things, lie about being happy, but she would never let the full extent of the misery hiding inside to be released out for anyone to see. 

This had went on through the years, her deceiving charms becoming her main weapon to steal from unsuspecting raiders —after she had gotten used to their behavior and could trick them to not shoot at her. Eventually, the most normal occurrence seemed to be stumbling on the newer recruits of the raiders to swindle, stealing their money and valuables to sell.

Those years of experiences is what had paid off when she met Luffy that very first time in Orange Town, the idiot so unaware of what people could do to those who were too naïve. Nami used him like a puppet to gather up Buggy’s recent escapade of cash and stash, but had felt horrible when it seemed the guy was going to be killed, and that was another first time for her. Quickly, her fingers had already reached out to stop the refashioned canon from shooting at Luffy locked up in a cage. 

He seemed to make his mind up about Nami in that moment as well as the rest of Buggy’s men who were racing onto her form, ready to slash and make her one with the wasteland. 

Yet, that death never came back then. 

And that was how Nami met Zoro the first time, her back to him, clutching onto a lit string, and him with all of his swords out to stop the fighters in their tracks. 

That one moment in time seemed to set off a chain reaction. Zoro was constantly the one saving Nami from danger during their travels together, always seeming to run his lost feet right to where she was in need of help.

Robin passed on a comment to her about the action when he still seemed to find himself saving her randomly after all of them reunited. “If Zoro has no sense of direction, possibly it means his internal compass is set wrong. And I believe that internal compass is set to find you when you’re in danger, hm? It’s only a small theory, but one that holds merit with the actions he has presented.” The small chuckle Robin had hid after walking away from Nami and leaving the girl with just that, still echoed her mind.

All along through the years of being with the Strawhats, there did seem to be something odd about how often Nami and Zoro seemed to be thrown together when the two had clearly been offsets to one another, ideologies varying drastically and causing constant arguments between the two. The fighting between them had begun to die down some when they all came back together after two years. 

Whether it was because of herself or Zoro, she had never picked up on. The swordsman didn’t even seem to end up around her much at first, but when they were together he had seemed so... calm. Zoro had a different air around him, everyone did, and the way Zoro seemed to change had put him at ease about what his true mission was now with being a part of the crew. 

Protector. Zoro decided during the time apart that he was and had to be the one who was the full protector of the crew, of Luffy’s dream, and carry the burden of keeping everyone alive. The idiot became ready to throw his life down just to keep the others safe.

Nami had been pissed off by it.

A protector in her mind would never let themselves die so easily, never give up on their own dream like that, wouldn’t throw everything away in a blink of an eye.

But, that was exactly what Bellemere had done for her and Nojiko.

When she realized how much Zoro was becoming like Bellemere in that sense, she avoided him and kept distance between the two. Frightened. She had been frightened imagining the crew going through a death like that, Zoro’s death. And it was the pain she imaged Luffy had felt after their initial break apart when Ace died.

Losing Zoro would be hard, as a close friend and even worse on the dynamics of all the Strawhats. It was her realization of this that had brought on their first fight since everyone got back together.

During one of his nightly workouts while on watch, Nami had stormed Zoro and began questioning him about if he planned to roll over and die. 

To say the least, he was stunned at Nami for it, and he lashed back with his own yelling. Damn if it woke anyone up on the ship, the woman was talking mad.

Zoro would yell about how it was impossible for him to die so soon and he wasn’t giving up on his life that easily and Nami would yell back with how he had changed his philosophy, that she wondered if he truly wanted to be the greatest swordsman throughout the wasteland still. The moment she had brought his dream into question, he cuffed her wrists above her head and pushed her body up the wall, leaving her feet dangling off the floor. 

 Before, she had been frightened about his death, but this was the first time she was actually scared of Zoro’s actions. Her breathe had been caught in her throat and leaving her speechless as Zoro closed in around her, caging Nami upon the wall with a deadly look in his eye. The look that most experienced just moments away from him bringing great pain into the life of his enemies.

“I don’t question you about your dream, why question me about mine? You don’t know a damn thing about me right now through that clouded gaze of yours. Die? I’m not planning to go anywhere, so get used to it, witch.”

If anyone were to ask her about it, Nami would deny the fact that there had been a small heat that swallowed her insides when Zoro hung her out to dry then.

He seemed to gather some wits about the predicament he had placed both of them into, releasing Nami to stand back on her feet and turning away again to his weights. 

Zoro had promptly ignored her for the rest of the night, even as she burnt holes into his back until the wee hours of the morning.

*****

Winter was always harsh back home, even before Bellemere had been murdered. The income for the family would dry up as the mikan trees couldn’t bear fruit during the cold season and had to be watched over carefully. That also meant the family dinners would be kept small and that Christmas presents for little Nami and Nojiko would be drastically different compared to the kids of the rest of the villagers living in the town.

Nami was always rougher during winter, making a comment every single day about how Bellemere had to be upset about raising them and them eating up all of her money and time. Bellemere simply ignored it though, until spring would finally break the clouds above and Nami would drop the subject of money from her mind.

She couldn’t be upset about the traditions that Nami held for winter, just as Nojiko became more clingy and stuck to Bellemere’s side when winter rolled around. 

There were many traditions that the little family held together with their heartstrings on the line. Like how Nami and Nojiko would bake a tiny cake that would cut into four adequate pieces, how Bellemere would bake up the pretty ham Genzo brought over, how the four of them gathered together in a pray that Genzo asked of them to do around the food before eating. 

Four people just enjoying being together for another year, smiling and laughing for the whole day without any issues. Christmas was the one day that fighting wasn’t allowed, the day was to be sweet and jovial with nothing weighing down on the bright mood. 

But, the good times had came to an end after Arlong showed up.

Many people throughout Cocoyashi had stopped celebrating any holiday all together, in favor of saving up that bit of extra money to pay for their keep the next time Arlong’s goonies came to collect. Genzo would rest a slice of ham and pour a bottle of booze over Bellemere’s grave. Nojiko would spend time out with the mikan trees and would take the very last one of the year to Bellemere’s grave, returning on Christmas day and talking with her through the night about Nami. 

And Nami would stay away from home until only a few days were left of the year. There was a guilt that Nami carried for giving herself up to Arlong that she couldn’t shake off and she never wanted to disrupt a nice day for Bellemere, so she waited for the holiday to pass before making her own visit with a bouquet of flowers.

Each time she wanted to cry out, bawl until the ground became so wet it would sink beneath her and swallow her whole with the grass and mud and dirt, bringing Nami to be one with Bellemere’s body beneath. 

But she wouldn’t let those tears fall down, she would recap the bottle on her heart even tighter and chug down bottles of whiskey and vodka until her throat burned too much and passed out. Maybe, it was because of Christmas that Nami had developed her tolerance over time, each year drinking more and more and  pushing out how long it would take to reach the tipping point.

Things became different around Christmas after joining up with Luffy and Zoro in Orange Town.

As the crew built up more and more, the holiday came around just before they had reached Sabaody Archipelago the first time, and they had stopped for a few days to celebrate together.

It was a weird time for all of them. The only ones who was close to having a proper Christmas in the past years was Chopper and Franky, Chopper because of him living in the cold climate that was constantly set in Christmassy time and Franky because of how his “family” would booze it up and gamble money off together on the holiday.

Nami knew that Robin hadn’t celebrated the holiday in her life nor had Zoro either, Sanji didn’t count into having celebrated since the Baratie only had special Christmas dinners for customers and not actually anything for themselves. Usopp didn’t get to celebrate as a kid with his mom sick and nobody wanted him around during their Christmas dinner because of his lies, which would leave him all alone. Luffy had actually never told them if he had celebrated before and Brook was so old that he forgotten about the last time he had a Christmas, so it was a restart for him.

The whole thing went well though, super in fact, as Franky liked to put it. 

 Sanji cooked a feast after him, Zoro, and Luffy had a hunting contest. Franky couldn’t find any lights, but cut a tree down for them to settle around. Nami, Robin, and Chopper would work on cutting up fabric to hang around the place they were hunkered in to make the scene just a bit more festive. Usopp had been the one to tell all the jokes and stories that gave everyone hearty laughs and looks of disbelief as they ate and drank. Brook would be playing Christmas tunes on his violin through the nights, whisking them to sleep with the beautiful melodies.

That was their first time celebrating Christmas all together and after being apart two years, when Christmas rolled back around, they did it again. This time more people were celebrating with them, Jinbe, Law, people that Luffy had dragged into his life deciding that from this time onward, they were his friends whether they liked it or not.

Those traditions built of being together as a family of friends were beautiful and she would look forward to when the time would come and she would be able to get actual gifts together for all of them.

*****

A cool, wetness dragged across the skin of her cheek, the dishrag scratching at the blood splatters covering her face. Another one was wiping away at the blood all over her hands, gently tugging between fingers and nails to remove the evidence of the crimes that just happened.

Zoro’s bracelet was still on her wrist, the gold tainted by brahmin blood that had collected inside of the gold plates that hung from it. 

Nami’s eyes were out of focus, a blur of frames moving at turtle speed, unable to look at the two men cleaning her. But she didn’t need to see properly to know the horrifying sight laying out before her on the highway. 

Like cattle to the slaughter, they had been leaving Sabaody when hell broke loose, a rainfall of bullets scattered down, two dozen gunners giving their hiding places up. There was screams that came from a few of them about how Nami and the settlers had killed their friends so now it was time for revenge.

Nami had ducked away behind a car, a bullet hitting straight into her left shoulder and as she hit the deck, she realized there was a sliced up body impaled on metal poles along this stretch of highway. 

The settler she had sent back first had his body torn apart, limb for limb, with each one stabbed through with the metal poles. His torso had a metal chain shoved through it and tied to the poles with his arms, lifting it up for crows and bloodbugs to get their pickings in. The most disgusting part was the short metal pipe shoved into a right angle down what was left of his throat and his head had been decapitated to screw the settler’s head onto the pipe and making the pipe poke out of his right eye, mouth left open in a scream, and Nami wondered how much of the torture he was alive for.

Just from the sight of him, it was clear that there was no hope left for them.

One by one, the three settlers left succumbed to the bullets, unable to get away in time, and the screams of pain would probably haunt Nami’s nightmares for years to come. The poor brahmin came to run and hide with Nami, but it was brought to the ground when her back right leg was shot off and the brahmin fell with moos and groans of agony.

It was a pitiful sight and made her heart ache as hot tears slid down her jaw. She kicked herself up, bringing out a boot knife to stab into both of the skulls of the brahmin, giving the girl the peace she deserved, the noises silencing and chest growing still. The oozing blood from the brahmin sliding around on her hands when she shut the eyes of the animal.

A swarm of four gunners were suddenly on Nami’s body, guns beating into her flesh, and preventing her from doing anything to get out of their grip. She felt one of the male gunners swipe his hand over the front of Zoro’s jacket that was zipped to the top, his hand close to grabbing a full feel of her breast.

When a slash of a sword cut him in half, body sliding off of itself and spurting blood all over her body, and it was going to be over quickly now, she had decided.

Luffy was running headfirst at the rest of the gunners on the highway, she could hear the screams from them, the impact of the blows suffered by Luffy’s strength, and the flops to the ground in their death.

Before her was Zoro, a wicked glint to his eye, slashing away over and over and over again at the gunners that had surrounded her. Nami watched as his focus shifted to be on the one who had planned to assault her, puke rising and burning her throat as she watched him chop the gunner into pieces.

And into more pieces. Blood pouring out over the concrete, running over her shoes, splashing on her face and body.

Nami remembered that stare, from that night on his watch when she had set him ablaze with anger. Blood was everywhere. Everywhere.

The more the two went at it with their brutal strength, Nami retreated into herself, shaking uncontrollably and losing sense of what was going on around her. She didn’t want to see them like this, it wasn’t the matter of being scared, but seeing what Luffy and Zoro were capable of reminded her of rougher days in her early life.

Every time Zoro went for such a grotesque kill, she had the image in her mind of seeing the smoking gun in Arlong’s hand. The way Bellemere’s body caved in on itself, shoes flying in the air, the black ring of hole left in her forehead and more smoke pouring out. Bellemere’s blood had ended up on her face in that moment, as well as on Nojiko. 

Just like now. The blood from each cut and stab Zoro produced was in close proximity to her, painting her. It was too much for her senses to handle and her eyes slid shut, hiding away from the massacre.

Luffy and Zoro would always be a deadly pair together. More so than Sanji could ever hope to achieve by teaming up with the two because Sanji had his limits to how far he would go while Luffy and Zoro didn’t. This was especially true in the case of something involving all of their friends, but the two had also made it clear that they wouldn’t take anything happening to Nami and would act like this.

Right now, Usopp was properly working with Franky with what could be spared to decorated until the new materials got back to the settlement. Robin and Chopper would be preparing gift ideas for the boys who would have no clue about what to get. Sanji would be placing in orders for different ingredients and checking stock for the dinner. Brook would be cleaning and tuning instruments, deciding the order of the classic songs and writing his own. Jinbe would be picking up the slack that anyone needed and making sure people were getting done what needed to be. Law was probably trying to figure out a way to run and how long he might be able to hide out before Luffy found him.

Some time passed ever so slowly. Nami pushed out the noise of gushing blood and gurgles of pleading by placing her mind somewhere else.

A week and half would be Christmas, by this much time having passed, the tradition during this time was to be preparing for the Strawhats Christmas celebration. 

“People should stick to their traditions.” Luffy was the one to be dead-set in making Christmas happen every year. It wasn’t like this world really called for the holiday, the world was too destroyed for the majority to have the time to think on the holidays. 

Luffy was the one wiping the blood from her hands. A weird sight to see him so calm, but it was soothing to know the captain cared to be careful of the discomfort that radiated from Nami’s body.

Zoro cupped her chin with one hand and the other was cleaning the blood away from her face. She wondered if he realized the effect his skills had on her and not the good effect. Well, it was good to know he could keep her safe, yet there was a fear of what the man held inside.

He probably contained his own anger at times, like Nami did as a kid, and that anger led to who he became today. When Nami went the cunning route to counter what happened in her life, Zoro had built up a steady resistance in him and strength to demolish whatever stepped in his path again.

The two of them, Luffy and Zoro, they were made for this world, created for this wasteland. The two could survive without issue, it wasn’t the same as to how Nami’s main way to protect herself was by tricking the enemies or standing beside people for safety, rarely she could survive by her own hands, though during their past travels she had been better at it than now.

This was the wasteland.

A brutal and bloody mess, normal humans sent into a world of monsters and having to become monsters themselves to survive. The raiders were drove to drugs and insanity. Gunners fighting for the hell of it and for the money. Super mutants had been normal humans, subjected to experiments to make them into the monsters they were. The brahmin and radstag were normal animals in a lost world, now they were their own monsters by being mashed with one of their own breed, two cows and two deers forced into twins. The ghouls were normal people as well, the radiation seeping into their bodies so much that their skin was now papier-mache and slowly rotting their brains. Domesticated robots having codes changed to murder on sight, new robots created as pure killing machines. Synths would be used to kidnap the normal humans and replace them, driving fear into every single person that no one could truly be trusted. 

Just as Luffy had created traditions that they would all follow at their home, the wasteland had its own traditions.

If you can’t kill, you get killed.

Lately, Nami had been spending time out and about, but it had been nearly a year since the last time she went out before getting the feral ghoul blood with Zoro. She had grown so used to the setting of being inside walls and being away from reality. 

The life being built was worth the payoff, but it was destructive for her wellbeing.

“Nami,” Zoro’s lips were pressing at the skin behind her ear, Luffy had clasped their fingers together and circled her legs. “Where are you?” She turned into Zoro’s warmth and felt her eyes shaking.

The promise to Bellemere was that she wouldn’t cry. Nami broke that when she asked the first time for help against Arlong. A high rule for herself was broken because of the trust she had gained in all of her friends.

“Why are you here?” She bit the tears down, she did trust them, but now wasn’t the time to reveal all of the trouble inside.

“Mm, materials for Franky, lots of money, stories to look into...” She needed to hurry up and move on, get the bag of materials for Franky down from what was left of the settlers torso and go forward, not backwards. She needed to be away from her own head.

“It doesn’t matter,” Luffy said, catching onto Nami’s eyes and holding her gaze, “Did the trade go well?” Distraction, don’t think about this if it’s taking a toll on you, gather yourself.

Zoro tore away her hand from Luffy, lifting it to see the cleaned bracelet jingle against her wrist. “It looks better than I thought it would.” A smile stretched on his lips, pressing them into the skin just beneath her palm with a hum. “Your heartbeat is starting to even out, that’s good. You don’t have to be scared.”

He knew, of course he knew. The swordsman could always read her at nearly any given moment, only missing at certain times, that was part of the dynamic that Usopp would never understand. 

If she had half a mind of her normal senses right now, Nami would say that the two had been following along around her or ahead of her for a reason. The fact that Shakky said they went to the bar and the fact that they had been here to save her now.

Everything was everywhere in her mind, lost in a state of confusion she still couldn’t break.

Why had she been thinking so much about the past? Why did she have such bad luck to get the people she was supposed to protector murdered instead? Why, why, why?

Nami was spinning, she wasn’t sure if her body was even actually moving, she could barely make out Zoro saying something about her heartbeat, her pumping blood.

White. The sky was white, all the blue drained away and the sun hidden deep in the clouds. Snow was trickling down in shimmers, slow and unsure of the places that they wanted to stick to.

Nami’s breathing had increased, she had to be hyperventilating, her mind numbly noting the change.

Both Zoro and Luffy’s faces flooded her sight, their mouths were moving, but she didn’t hear a word. Then her eyelids slid closed and she felt the darkness flood her.

[kbstories]

Deconstruction

de·con·struc·tion (n.) The act of breaking something down into its separate parts in order to understand its meaning.

To Trafalgar Law, trust has never come easy.

(Or: Luffy does his thing and Law recovers.)

Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Trafalgar Law Needs A Hug, Recovery, Nakamaship, Luffy Being Luffy, Minor Canon Divergence

Set between Dressrosa and Zou but Sanji is there because the author mixed up the canon timeline woops. Content warning for references to suicidal ideation (in the context of Law’s plan).

***

The coffee is good, Trafalgar Law thinks as he follows the wood grain pattern of the Sunny’s dining table with zero interest. His eyes itch like there’s a sandstorm raging between cornea and lid; Law is certain they’re swollen something fierce too, and can’t bring himself to care. Fuck, his head hurts.

Another sip, and Law’s lips twitch into a frown. Scratch that, the coffee is fantastic, and isn’t that another entry on the ridiculously long list of things-to-resent-Luffy-for. Admittedly, this particular dose was administered by Strawhat’s cook. Luffy-by-proxy, then.

Never let it be said that Trafalgar D. Water Law can’t be both a master strategist and a petty asshole.

Cigarette ever-present between his lips, Sanji regards him with something-like-sympathy. The look doesn’t stick around, there and gone while he prepares enough food to be considered a light lunch on the Thousand Sunny, and a veritable feast anywhere else.

Sour mood or not, Law can appreciate the space he’s given. Unlike a certain someone, most Strawhats know to leave him the fuck alone when Law asks for it.

With a porcelain click, a plate is placed next to his half-empty cup of coffee: It carries a colorful assortment of cut fruits and two onigiri, perfectly shaped. The portion is small enough not to challenge the loveless marriage Law has with his appetite, and the glass of water that follows is served sans the usual snide commentary.

So much for that.

Law glowers at Sanji but the cook has already moved on to the dozen other dishes in varying stages of preparation, and to have a staring contest with Sanji’s back would be, well, childish. And unproductive.

The past few weeks – and yes, it’s weeks and not years or decades as his overtaxed nerves will have him believe – have taught Law a great many things. How much he appreciates wonderful concepts like privacy and personal bubbles, for example, and that the Sunny is a parallel universe where those things simply do not exist.

Oh, and also that food is not to be wasted, or else.

Thus, Law doesn't. He eats, and a quiet breath makes it out of his mouth that is only partially the annoyed sigh he intended. Because the food’s fucking delicious, and his stomach decides to stop hating him because it’s his favorite, and the headache that’s been shadowing his every step since he woke up eases just like that. Suddenly, the mother of all emotional hangovers dims and for the first time in hours, Law can think.

Sanji smiles like he knows it, too, the bastard.

Weeks of this bullshit and he’s at his limit, defenses shot, walls badly patched up and crumbling regardless. Law blinks and groans, presses tattooed fingers to closed lids in a desperate bid for the moisture building there to fuck off already.

And he’d thought he’d cried himself into a desert just yesterday. A naïve assumption to make, on a ship populated by sentimental idiots.

“Luffy finally got to you, huh?”

Oh, Law does not want to talk about it. The crux of the problem is that he wasn’t raised among thieves – at least, not entirely – and with the empty plate in front of him and the pleasant tingle of caffeine in his system, politeness dictates some form of reciprocation. Bepo would be oh-so-proud of him, if…

Well. That thought is added to the pile of others he pushes far down to be able to function.

So Law mumbles, “That’s one way to put it”, a fleeting glance over the rim of his cup ensuring that yup, that damnable glint of kindness is back in Sanji's eye and this time it's going nowhere. Law’s shoulders draw up so tight they might as well be made of granite, as rigid and unyielding as he wants to be. Strawhat made quick work of that illusion, too.

“Listen, cook–”

“You really think you’re the only one?” Sanji interrupts him calmly, a statement-turned-question for Law’s sake, and Law shuts up and watches the other smoke for a few, tense seconds.

Tense for him, at least. Sanji looks like he does this every fucking day, leaning against the counter with his back straight and his legs crossed at the ankles and his words piercing past all pretense like he’s the one known to wield swords, not the other way around.

Law just gives him a look. Sanji chuckles and turns his head to blow out the smoke away from him; in return, the doctor spares him the comment about deadly habits that he’s probably heard from Chopper a thousand times anyways.

“Well, you’re not. Luffy pulled that shit with every single other person he’s decided to befriend, so we’re all – pardon the pun – on the same boat here.”

“…Everyone?”

Even Zoro? is the real question here, because Law can imagine pretty much every Strawhat losing it eventually (they’re an overly emotional bunch even on a good day) but somehow his mind blanks at their first mate. And Nico Robin, while he’s at it.

There’s a particular sort of glee in Sanji’s gaze, then. “Everyone. Captain’s a charming little shit, and he hates seeing someone being sad on his ship. With that fucker Mingo gone and”, he gestures casually at Law’s… everything, and Law glares, “it was only a matter of time, really.”

“I see”, Law says but he doesn't, not really. Even after sailing with him, fighting with him, bleeding with him, Luffy remains an enigma and ultimately unpredictable. Law taps a rhythm against the edge of the table, catches himself doing it, stops.

“I don’t know how you stand it.”

What he means is the incessant laughter, the constant interruptions, the Hi Traffy! and What are you doing, Traffy? and Traffy, play with us! and You’re funny, Traffy! – yet all he thinks of are intense brown eyes and a starburst scar and Luffy’s voice, quiet with sudden sincerity:

Don't you know? You deserve to be happy, Law.

Law misses the flippantly dismissive tone he was aiming for by a nautical mile and then some. He winces, looks away with a huff; there’s no way Sanji can miss the rough honesty in Law’s voice, obvious and crimson-red like a target sign, pointing to the parts of his soul left aching and raw.

All Sanji does is shrug as if to say, you get used to it, and he extinguishes his cigarette and picks up the plate and leaves the cup with a pointed look. The cook returns to his craft and just like that, Law is off the hook again.

Oh.

His coffee is cold by now but he finishes it anyway, downing the rest like a shot of liquor. Carefully, Law returns the cup to the counter next to Sanji’s elbow, and his murmur of thanks is accepted with an easy-going smile.

Law’s motivation to step outside and face the day is fractured and hazardously taped together at best. There is no reason to delay it any further: It’s a miracle the galley hasn’t been invaded already, especially with the smell of grilling meat wafting all over deck at this point. Law will take whatever his pitiful sense of luck will grant him.

That is, until he taps his hat in parting, opens the door and promptly stumbles over Monkey D. Luffy, captain of the Strawhat Pirates and recently-assigned commander of an extensive fleet, as he loses balance and rolls into the room with a dumbfounded look of surprise on his face. Law stares as it is swiftly replaced by a delighted smile.

“Oh, hey Tra–!”

With a flash of blue and the dull flop of a book on wood, Law disappears.

*

The sun is dipping towards the horizon and painting everything in vibrant reds and gold when Law decides to stop avoiding Luffy.

It’s a bizarre amalgamation of factors that leads up to it: Nico Robin’s look of mild curiosity as he appears in the library without warning; the fact Law has already dug up and read every book that is even tangentially related to any of his interests (and those that aren’t, too); a rare sense of yearning to feel the wind on his face and to watch the sea as she tosses and turns playfully against the Sunny’s hull–

The sea is out there, however, and so is Luffy, and were his self-control to slip any further, Law would shudder with the nervous energy that tingles in his veins at the thought.

The truth is that Luffy is brilliant. Perhaps not book smart like Law or as mechanically gifted as his shipwright or his sniper – people and emotions, that’s what Strawhat Luffy knows better than anyone, and it’s fucking terrifying. By his own design, Law is more lies and deceit and meticulous strategy than he is a person; it’s what carried him from being a child-beyond-death all the way to Dressrosa, the island-that-would-be-his-grave. It’s the one element that didn’t change in a plan he revised and adapted a million times over the years.

And then Law shambled Luffy out of the air and Luffy smiled at him and they set sail again and there, with all escape routes barricated by endless blue, the man dedicated a whole week of his life to go look for what’s left of Trafalgar Law in the aftermath and just... No.

A real shame that the ally he chose turned out to be allergic to plans. And common sense, and doing things in reasonable amounts, and– He sighs, a tired little noise that is lost to the uncaring backs of countless books.

Yeah, this is getting ridiculous.

Thousand Sunny can rarely be described as quiet by any definition. Stepping out on the quarterdeck, Law is met with the idle cries of sea gulls high above and the fluttering of the gaff sail as it turns to catch a lazy breeze. The sight of a napping swordsman, a sun-bathing model, and a skeleton delicately partaking in afternoon tea with a reindeer really shouldn’t register as anything other than bat-shit insane. He finds himself immediately losing parts of the habitual scowl he keeps on his face, and once again he has to wonder what kind of forbidden magic the Strawhats wield to simply do that.

No matter. With steady hands, Law tucks the tips of his hair under his hat – it’s gotten rather long, without Penguin around to cut it – and makes his way across deck, side-stepping Zoro’s comfortable sprawl with an ease born of practice.

The same ease with which he ignores the mumbled comment of “Fucking finally”, as much as it makes his stomach churn. The notion that everyone on the ship knows is not a comforting one.

Your crew is waiting for you! Are you gonna give up on them, too?!

You don’t know shit about my crew, Strawhat!

Then again, a screaming match between two captains in the small hours of the night can hardly be categorized as ‘stealthy’.

Framed by the sun, Luffy is a proud silhouette atop the figurehead of his ship. His legs are crossed, hands hooked under his shins as if to limit the amount of excited twitching to be done; boundless energy slips through the cracks like the glow of a firefly held between two hands. Law huffs a breath, shakes his head. A botched attempt at holding back but an attempt nonetheless. He can respect that, at least.

The unwritten agreement among the Strawhats is that this spot, it’s Luffy’s and Luffy’s alone. The man claims no other luxury on his own ship – which contains a captain’s cabin, Law checked with the cyborg on that, it’s just that it’s used for storage because Luffy-bro doesn’t like sleeping alone, you know? – and there hasn’t yet been a situation which required contesting that.

Thus, Law hesitates just outside the invisible circle drawn around the Sunny’s wooden mane. And, while there’s little doubt the other can track his approach, he knows he owes him for the tactical retreat earlier in the day.

“Luffy.”

Law’s tone is neutral, expression marginally softened by the clear relief in Luffy’s reply of “Traffy!” that comes with a glance over his shoulder. The grin that follows may be the only predictable thing about the guy, and Law can’t find it in himself to begrudge him for that.

“Come up, come up! I wanna show you something.”

For once, he walks instead of using Room. There’s nothing to replace himself with up there except for Luffy’s hat, and (the expected outcome of his big plan aside) Law doesn’t actually have a death wish. Step by step, Sunny’s head reveals a breathtaking view that only a handful of people have seen: From end to end, the line between sky and ocean disappears in the purple-pink swirls of twilight and a world that stretches on to infinity below their feet. Up here, a universe of possibility is within reach for those courageous enough to try.

No wonder Luffy adores it so much.

Law sits next to him with as much grace as he can muster, one knee pulled close to his chest and disregarding the painful twinge from his side where the nerves of his arm have yet to fully reconnect. His gaze remains on the horizon for a while longer, soaking up the sight befitting of a king.

“So that’s why you’re always up here.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah! It’s cool, right?” Luffy snickers, patting the polished wood under them like one would a well-behaved dog. Or lion, in this case. “Sunny’s the best. But that’s not it. Look!”

Law throws him a measured glance to see what he means and gets stuck on the scrap of paper cradled in Luffy’s hand with care, inching straight ahead. “Nami says we’re getting close”, Luffy tells him, voice radiating warmth and giddy anticipation in equal shares. “I can't wait to see them all again!”

Bepo (Bear), it says in Law’s own writing, with a miniscule scribble of the Heart Pirates symbol next to it.

“That’s...”

His train of thought is derailed by the sudden longing wrapping around his heart, there and impossible to push aside. Law misses his crew, misses Bepo’s stupid apologies and Ikkaku’s stern reprimands and the hopeless blush Penguin and Shachi share when a woman merely acknowledges their presence. In hindsight, the months without them seem unbearably lonely, bleak and shadowed without the cozy togetherness of his family and the comforting hum of the Polar Tang all around him.

To Law, giving that Vivre Card to the Strawhats was the last bit of reassurance he needed to make his plan a reality – a wordless promise for them to find his crew and tell them it worked, perhaps some final words, if he got lucky enough to utter them. Now, after, it takes all his resolve not to snatch the precious paper away and never let it out of sight ever again.

He snaps himself out of it in time to stay exactly where he is, opening his mouth without the faintest idea where to begin putting it all into words, but by that point Luffy is already showing him his palm, offering Law everything he holds dear without asking anything in return or even a shred of hesitation.

A captain without a crew is sad and lost. Don’t you know? You deserve to be happy, Law.

In that moment, it doesn’t matter how vulnerable and exposed he felt the night before or that Luffy saw– Law takes the Vivre Card back and holds it up to his eyes, barely blinking as the paper wriggles impatiently between his thumb and index, surrounded by the tender colors of dusk.

“I... When? Tomorrow? The day after?”

“Tomorrow”, Luffy nods and it’s the tone he makes promises with, filled with determination and the courage to dream. He leans back on his hands, says, “Told ya we’ll take you home”, the smile on Luffy’s lips now soft with fondness.

It's an unfamiliar comfort, to watch the sun disappear knowing dawn carries with it a brighter future. For the first time in years, excitement bubbles warmly in Law's chest. Humming, he quietly admits, “Yeah, you did.”

Then Law laughs, rusty and a little awkward, and feels freer than he ever has.