#i finally made it to punk hazard!!

[sclki-op]

[kacievvbbbb]

Maybe it's just me and I just don't understand the arc. Or maybe this arc will get some grand conclusion I'm really starting to doubt. But like I'm sick and tired of Tashigi being used as Zoro's misogyny proxy. Like the "a woman swordsman could never beat a man" belief and trauma made sense for both Kuina and Tashigi and was a very valid fear way back in the East Blue when they were still fighting relatively normal people and had no scope of how big the world is

but at this point where there are literally 20 feet tall dudes and people can blow up a whole city with just Haki the only reason Tashigi is still weak is because she is being written that way. Which is really hard to understand because it seems now more than ever One Piece has been getting more and more strong female characters so I don't know why every time Tashigi is on screen with Zoro we have to rehash this. It's even worse cause all she does in the scene is prove Zoro right by getting in a fight that she can't handle and needing saving. It's such a confusing message and honestly doesn't really apply or come up anywhere but with Tashigi and Zoro (outside of that one time where Zoro yells at enel for blasting Robin because she's a woman which was weird because Robin's been in a lot of fights before but seemed there just so enel could point out just how ruthless it is.)

Hell with the exception of the G5 all being in love with her. She is treated like a regular character and not just "the woman"

It honestly feels like both Tashigi and Smoker got lost in the narrative and Oda just doesn't know where to put their arcs. It feels like she was being written to help Zoro overcome whatever mental block Kuina's death instilled in him about facing female opponents with his sword. But she is just sooooo far behind him it renders the point moot and strengthens his convictions (it's weird that he will literally crush a woman's face rather than use his sword and is the only reason I won't say he doesn't fight women he does he just seems to have a mental block about cutting them down especially if they fight with anything blade like) but also we've only ever seen him face female character he knows can't challenge him it would have been interesting to see what he'd do in a fight against someone like big mom, tsuru or smoothie doubt that will happen though. But here's to hoping for Tashigi to have an actual arc.

[silkentine]

Wha--?! Silk finally finished her fem Zoro design after (checks notes) literally 6 months since she made the canvas in procreate?

I'll break down design thoughts and share some fun bonus pics under the cut:

I LOVE long hair on Zoro, I think that was the first change I wanted to implement. Zoro in canon actually has a really interesting relationship with gender dynamics which (if for some reason you're reading this and you haven't watched One Piece) can seem out of left field for the "dumb brute" character. His rivalry with and reverence for Kuina suggests he doesn't adhere to the idea that women are weaker than men. Later on, however, during his confrontation with Monet and Tashigi during Punk Hazard, his hesitation to slash her down reveals that he's subconsciously over-protective of women because he thinks they're inherently weaker. I actually don't have any problem with this character trait, I think it makes him feel more real as a person and he obviously gets shit-talked enough about it in the story itself. But how did I want to reflect these beliefs if Zoro had been born a woman? Easy: internalized misogyny and applying value to herself via her appearance.

My version of Zoro grew up wanting to fight with swords but her only chance of entering the dojo was to work under the proprietress, Lady Shimotsuki to maintain the property, cook meals for the male students, and eventually be a good wife to the current heir, Kuina. She learns that, to get what she wants, she must be the ideal woman, even if she stays up all night training swordsmanship with Kuina when she isn't supposed to. He treats her love for swordplay seriously and treats her like an equal, which sparks a bond between them and eventually leads to Zoro's goal of becoming the world's greatest swordsman after his sudden, accidental death.

After years of intense training (now that Lady Shimotsuki admits that she'll need a new heir and Zoro is the closest thing she has) Zoro's finally old enough to leave and begin her journey. She starts letting go of the idea that she has to look pulled together to be taken seriously because she can just kill anyone who looks down on her. Her clothing falls into disrepair, she wears outfits that help her move in combat, and she starts tossing her hair up into messy, knotted buns under her bandana. Even so, she keeps her hair long like rolling hills of grass. (At least during pre-timeskip. She lops off her hair to prove to Mihawk that she's serious about being trained.)

I've put her in a thin sweater that she stitches (poorly) back together after her first interaction with Mihawk. (I kept one sleeve because I was inspired by the santoryuu Nami that Oda drew that one time.) I also wanted to girl-ify the ubiquitous haramaki so I picked leg warmers for her because I think they're sufficiently "dated" enough to be kinda analogous with his old man belly warmer. I also love gyaru fashion, sue me.

Here is a screenshot of her as a blonde:

And here is a sketch of her post-timeskip where she's fully embraced her butch nature:

Hubba hubba, am I right?

Check out my tag "girl piece original design" to see more of my genderbending art! Next post, I'll put all my East Blue Crew designs together! I can't believe it's taken this long but I AM SO HAPPPPPYYYYY

[syrupfog]

The Straw Hats don’t have a cook. 

They’re starting to think of it as a bit of a cursed position, really. No one they’ve picked up has lasted longer than an island before declaring they can’t deal with Luffy’s stomach and running off. 

Luffy’s a bit put out about it.

On the first half of the grand line, they went through about seven cooks. After Saboady, they briefly had Camie, although she made a lot of takoyaki. 

They carried Law with them from Punk Hazard to Dressrosa to Zou to Wano, and he made a LOT of onigiri.

It was delicious, but did get a bit old after a while. And he was never meant to stay, after all. 

After Kaido’s defeat and the subsequent party in Wano, they leave Law behind and are once again cook-less. 

But Luffy has a plan. It’s a plan that Zoro rolls his eyes at, but a plan nonetheless.

Jinbei had explained Big Mom’s intense love of sweets, and the island’s name — Whole Cake — is a promising one. Luffy is convinced they’ll be able to find their cook there. 

Zoro isn’t so sure. Cooks and bakers aren’t the same thing, and he’d be loathe to let a *baker* on the crew.

If he has to eat SWEETS for every meal, he’s going to lose it. Absolutely not. 

But he doesn’t argue with Luffy, because there’s never been a point in arguing with Luffy. It’ll either happen or it won’t, after all.

They arrive at Whole Cake and it’s… a terrifying experience. Everything has faces. Everything is SMILING. Zoro scowls, just to be contrary. 

Luffy wants to walk right up to Big Mom and demand a fight, but that’s easier said than done.

They end up in town, all eight of them, squished together in a little bakery with a sweet-as-honey baker who calls herself Pudding. “

That’s it!” Luffy tells after his first taste of pie. “You’ll be our cook!” 

Pudding blinks, and then titters a laugh. “Silly!” she says. “I can’t!”

“Why not?” Luffy asks with a scowl that matches Zoro’s. Zoro hasn’t touched the pie. He’s glad Pudding isn’t entertaining this.

Pudding waves her hand. “I have a business to run!” she giggles. “And besides, I’m married!” 

A large diamond ring glints on her finger. Luffy sinks back into his dessert.

“Fine,” he pouts. “We’ll find somebody else.” 

They do not, in fact, find anyone else. 

Mostly it’s excuses about not wanting to leave Big Mom. They’ve not seen her yet, but Zoro gets the feeling she’s a bit of a bitch.

He also hasn’t found anyone who will cook a steak rather than a pastry, which is getting a little old. 

Nami BEGS Luffy to use at least an ounce of discretion, and he pays no notice (after all, he’s already defeated Kaido, what’s one more emperor?) and walks right up to the front door of the castle.

To everyone’s shock (except Luffy’s), they’re greeted by a guard and escorted right inside. 

EVERYTHING. Has. A face. 

Zoro hates this place. 

He hates this whole island but he especially hates this place. 

He’s so busy hating this place that he completely doesn’t notice when everyone disappears.

(That’s definitely what happens— it’s definitely not that he takes a wrong turn and gets separated). 

He wanders through halls and up stairs and through more halls with skittering servants passing him by, plates piled high with (ugh) sweets. Gods above, where IS everyone?

Finally, after what must be the fifth set of stairs, Zoro finds himself at a dead end. A hallway that ends with a door with heavy bars across it. 

Well that must be it, Zoro thinks, if for no other reason than that it’s the most interesting thing he’s come across and it doesn’t have a FACE.

He takes out all three swords. 

The door is sturdy, but it’s not three swords sturdy. 

“Hello?” Zoro calls as he steps into the room. “Guys?” 

The room is dark. It’s sparse in decoration. There’s a bed and a dresser and a wash basin and a small high window, barred the way the door was. 

And a man.

“You’re not Luffy,” Zoro growls, unsheathing two of his swords almost immediately after sheathing them. 

The man regards him with cool indifference. His blond hair is long and stringy, falling just past his shoulders and covering one eye.

His clearly once white suit is tinged with dirt and spatters of rusty red. 

There is a hole in the middle of his forehead, with a slow trickle of blood seeping from it. 

“I’m not Luffy,” the man agrees. “Who are you?” 

“I’m Roronoa Zoro,” Zoro says. “My captain’s going to be king of the pirates.”

The man sighs. “Sure he will,” he says. He doesn’t bother to try to wipe at the blood seeping down his face. 

“You… going to do something about that?” Zoro asks. It’s gross. 

“No,” the man says. “It just does that. There’s a bullet somewhere in there.”

Zoro narrows his eyes. “You’ve been… shot?”

“Quite a while ago, yes.” 

“But you’re not… how long ago?” 

The man tilts his head. “Two months? Three? Time gets way from you when you’re locked in a room.” 

Ohhh right. The barred door. “Are you Big Mom’s prisoner?”

The man frowns slightly. “I’m honestly not entirely sure. I get the feeling that I am a sort of pet, at this point. Or maybe a prisoner. She can’t seem to figure out how to kill me.” 

“Why is she TRYING to kill too?” Zoro asks. He doesn’t like when people aren’t straightforward.

“Oh,” the man says. “I’m her son-in-law. My wife shot me at the altar and then they murdered my family.” He does reach up now, touching at the blood between his eyes. “The healing genes activated a bit late, I think.” 

Zoro nods. He has no idea what’s happening. “So you’re… enemies? Or family?”

The man looks back at him. There’s an emptiness in his eyes. “I think maybe both,” he says. “Isn’t that how it always is, with families?” 

“Wouldn’t know,” Zoro says. “Maybe.” He sheathes his swords and stands straight. “Hey, what’s your name?” 

“Charlotte Sanji,” says the man.

“Alright Sanji,” Zoro says. “You know the way to the throne room?” 

“Not at all,” says Sanji. “Never been there.” 

Zoro shrugs. “Me neither. Let’s go.”

Considering he’s never been there before, Sanji does make quick work of finding the throne room. Zoro figures it might be from all the explosions, though. Even HE could find it at this rate. 

There’s a battle going on in the throne room.

“THERE you are,” Nami snaps. She seems to be strangling a cloud with her bare hands. The cloud has a face. 

“Yeah,” Zoro says, drawing his swords. “Hey, I found a guy.” 

“Cool, how does that help us?” 

Zoro motions to Sanji. “He’s her son in law.” 

“Again,” Nami snaps. “HOW does that help us?”

“Just— watch him for a minute, okay?” He looks at Sanji. “Stay here.” 

Sanji shrugs. 

Zoro goes running into the fray. There’s lots of very tall colorful people with candy weapons but Zoro can see where Luffy’s already in Gear 4. 

“Luffy!” Zoro yells. 

“Zoro, we found you!” Luffy yells.

“No you didn’t!” 

Luffy laughs. “Okay! Whatever!” 

Big Mom doesn’t seem to care for this conversation. “Are you FIGHTING ME OR NOT?” She shouts, eyes roaming over Luffy and then Zoro and then— “Oh no, who let the little freak out?”

“I did!” Zoro shouted. Franky goes skidding by as he fires a missile launcher. 

“Ugh! Little creep! I can’t take life from him because he doesn’t have EMOTIONS! Won’t die either! Worst son in law I have.” 

“No emotions?” Luffy skids to a stop. “Is he a robot? I’ve always wanted a robot.”

He scans the crowd. “Zoro, where’s the robot?” 

“Blond guy next to Nami,” Zoro says. He kind of cares about the guy. He’s not sure why. “Chopper should take a look at him later. He keeps bleeding.” 

“Hahaha! That’s funny, me too!”

The battle against Big Mom is a lot more straight forward than against Kaido. A lot faster too, honestly. Zoro gets to lose himself in fighting, feeling that aching burn on his muscles that he loves so much. Right up until the only ones still exchanging blows are Luffy and Big Mom.

He hasn’t even pulled out that weird all white form everyone at Wano talked about yet, so Zoro feels pretty confident. Right up until one of Big Mom’s attacks misses Luffy and ends up aimed straight at Nami. 

Zoro doesn’t have time to get to her. Neither does anyone else.

Except Sanji. 

Who steps in front of her, taking the bulk of a thunderbolt to the chest. He falls to his knees with a cry, his face a mix of pain and… almost confusion. But when Nami runs to him, he holds a hand out to stop her, and looks up at Big Mom.

“I won’t let a lady get hurt,” he says, still looking almost confused as he says it, blood dripping slightly more profusely from his forehead. 

“Dork,” Zoro says under his breath at the same time as Luffy says, “Cool.”

When the fight is over, Big Mom collapses as the homes escape from her like baby spiders from a broken egg sac. Zoro PRAYS there’s SOMETHING besides sweets on this godforsaken island for them to celebrate with. 

“Chopper,” he says as Chopper comes running with his med kit. “Check that guy out too.”

Choppy turns to Sanji, sitting on the ground and still rather smouldering from the lightning, and he screams. “Oh NO! You’ve been SHOT!” 

Zoro nods. He just lets that happen. He goes in search of booze.

He doesn’t see Sanji again until the feast. 

The feast is still MOSTLY sweets but Luffy at least has gotten ahold of some real Meat so Zoro sidles up to him and he realises that Sanji’s there on his other side. 

“Zoro!” Luffy shouts. “Sanji says he’s a cook!”

Zoro scoffs. That’s what they all say. 

“I told him to come with us!” 

Zoro raises an eyebrow, looking around Luffy at Sanji, who sports a large bandage over his forehead. “And what did he say?” 

Sanji looks at him. “I said he has terrible decision making skills.”

“So that’s a yes, I take it.” 

Sanji shrugs. “My family’s dead, my mother in law is dead, and my wife shot me in the forehead. Your reindeer pulled the bullet out of my brain.” 

“Gross.” 

“He thinks I need therapy.” 

“Probably.”

Zoro doesn’t trust a lot of people. He thinks probably someone should figure out why this guy’s wife shot him. But he’s also the one who dragged the sad sack out of his tower room. And he thinks there’s something hot about a man who won’t stop bleeding. So. 

“You can cook more than sweets, right?”

“I was a sous chef. Once.” 

“Good enough for me.”

He sticks a little close to Sanji during the rest of their stay on Whole Cake. Just to make sure he’s not about turn tail. And also because he’s Zoro’s type, even when his forehead does stop bleeding.

And that’s why, when they get onto the Sunny, Zoro’s able to pick up on the small way Sanji’s expression shifts. Relaxes. As he steps on board the ship. 

The small smile that graces his features when they set off from shore. 

The way his eyes light up ever so slightly when he walks into the kitchen.

All that is nothing compared to the expression on his face six months later when Luffy cracks the Red Line in half and all the seas flow together.

But Zoro’s not to know that, yet. 

All he knows is there’s something that he feels like he’s missed out on, with this guy. That somehow Sanji should’ve been here from the beginning. 

But at least he’s here now.

[chibinasuu]

Back to You | Law x Reader

Part 2 of Promises

Summary: It had been months since Law left the Heart Pirates to go on a solo mission to Punk Hazard. Today was the day he would finally be reunited with you and his crew at Zou. Tags: sfw, spoiler for punk hazard/dressrosa/zou, GN but written with F!reader in mind, no use of y/n

a/n: part two of Promises is finally here!! i knooww it's long overdue, and i can only hope that this was worth the wait 😭 thank you to everyone who has been patient with me, and the ones who care enough about this fic to ask about pt 2 on my inbox 🥺 also, to everyone who's reading this for the first time, welcome and thanks for taking a chance on my story!! please enjoy <3

It had been three months, twenty-three days, and eight hours since Trafalgar Law last saw his crew—since the last time he saw you. 

One foot after another, he strode carefully through the forest, following the directions of the small piece of paper on his palm that would lead him to his navigator. He knew that was where you and the rest of his crew would be, too.

At first glance, the forest seemed just like any other. Except the ground was not dirt, but rough, uneven skin that made walking difficult. The crowns of some of the trees grew in spherical formations, made up of curious, scale-like leaves.

Law still couldn't wrap his head around how he was treading on the back of an ancient, impossibly gigantic elephant. It seemed absurd, but granted, he had seen weirder things in his life.

His heart pounded faster the deeper he ventured into the forest. Then, finally, a telltale rustling from the bushes around him made him stop in his tracks.

A smirk crept up his face.

"Captain!!"

"You came for us!"

A chorus of excited shouts greeted him as the Heart Pirates rushed out, led by a blur of white fur in orange clothing.

Law leaned back, bracing himself as the polar bear mink body-slammed right into him, but the force still managed to knock the wind out of him.

"I missed you!" Bepo sobbed as he clung to his Captain, "All members of the Heart Pirates are here!"

"Oi, Bepo. Do you want to crush him?" Penguin chided, even though he, himself, couldn't hold back a grin at seeing his Captain and best friend again.

The quiet forest was instantly alive with the chatter of Heart Pirates, talking one over the other, and demanding to know whether the Captain was injured anywhere, what he had been up to since they were separated, and was it true that they were allies with the Straw Hats now?

Law tried his best to answer their questions in turn, but his focus was elsewhere. His eyes wandered, and his heart fell when you weren't anywhere in his line of sight.

Shachi eventually shushed the group, "We have plenty to catch up on. Let's go further into the forest for now."

As Penguin and Shachi ushered the crew back into the forest, they each gave your shoulders firm pats, wordlessly letting you know that they would keep the crew busy for a while to give you some privacy with the Captain.

And then, as the Hearts retreated, Law finally got a glimpse of you, standing rooted to your spot at the back of the group. His lips rose into an uncharacteristically gentle smile.

Alone at last, Law shortened the distance between you, “Hey."

His smile instantly dropped, however, when he was met with the slight pout and tremble of your lips.

The mere sight of him, the mere sound of his voice… You couldn't hold yourself together much longer, and hot tears started streaming down your face.

You opened your mouth, trying to say something, anything, but no words would come out. In your frustration, your fists ended up finding his chest, shoving and pounding weakly as you tried to control your sobs, to no avail.

To say that Law was stunned was an understatement.

His arms reached out, but he pulled back at the last second, unsure whether embracing you was the right thing to do at this moment.

"H-hey, what's wrong?"

Law didn't get it.

He was here, he was safe. Hadn't he fulfilled his promises to you?

He didn't get it—until you took a piece of paper out of your pocket, and brought it up to his eyeline, “I watched this burn, Law."

Oh.

With the Captain mending and on his way to full recovery, the paper was as whole and pristine as the day he gave it to you. It almost seemed like a hallucination, but only days ago, you had watched helplessly as it got smaller and smaller, the fire burning away as his life force weakened.

You were ready to take the Polar Tang and follow the Vivre Card to wherever Law was… if only you and the rest of the Hearts weren't also fighting for your lives, defending your navigator's hometown against Jack and the Beast Pirates.

Law never saw you cry like this, and certainly not over him. It felt like someone had taken his heart out of his chest and squeezed it—believe him, he knew exactly how that feels.

He admitted that he was not proud of how his emotions got the best of him during his fight with Doflamingo, back at Dressrosa. He was too rash, too reckless, and in doing so, he completely abandoned his promise to you to be careful.

He remembered lying there in a pool of his own blood, right arm completely severed from his body, screaming in agony while Doflamingo's menacing figure loomed over him.

He remembered how powerless he had felt.

It must've been then that the Vivre Card had started to burn. When his eyesight had gone blurry and the gaping wound on his arm had begun to go numb. When even Law himself was on the brink of giving up, thinking that he wouldn't make it out of there alive.

“I’m sorry, I didn't realize—” His voice cracked. His fingers twitched, yearning to reach for you, but he forced his hands to stay by his side. "I'm sorry."

Guilt and shame suddenly washed through you.

No, he shouldn't be the one saying sorry—not after what he must've gone through to get here.

You should've welcomed him with a long hug, with gentle kisses, with whispered words of comfort. But here you were instead, having a meltdown.

How could you let your first reaction to seeing him again be this? How could you let yourself be so overwhelmed by your own feelings that you didn't even stop to consider his?

Yet, try as you might, the tears just wouldn't stop flowing.

"No, I'm sorry." You let out another choked sob, "I'm sorry, I don't know why I can't stop crying."

You lifted your head, only to find his gaze already locked on you.

Law surged forward, and you met him halfway. 

Strong arms wrapped around your body, whilst your shaking hands clung desperately to the clothes on his back. You buried your face into his chest, leaving wet stains all over his shirt.

They were tears of relief, you belatedly realized.

All of your fears, your worries, your unease—everything you had been trapping in a little bubble inside your heart burst open, washed away by the immense relief you felt the moment you saw him.

“I was so scared, Law.” You whispered your confession, “I-I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

“I’m sorry." Law's arms tighten around you, if that was even possible, "I should've been more careful.”

“No, don't apologize. Please." You let out a long sigh, "I'm really happy you're here.”

His lips landed on your temple, painfully reminiscent of the last kiss he gave you just before he left for Punk Hazard.

"You're here. You're safe." You repeated the words again and again like a mantra while you held on tight to him, to convince yourself that this was real—that this wasn't just another one of your dreams that had haunted you when he was away.

Of course, there were the countless nightmares where you lost him, which always had you waking up with cold sweat. But there were also dreams where he was home and safe in your arms, until you’d wake up and realize he wasn't actually there. The void of loneliness that came after those dreams was not something you'd ever want to experience again.

Law pulled back, just slightly, so he could take your face in. His brows furrowed as his fingers started to inadvertently fidget with your hair.

He looked like he wanted to say something, so you waited silently until he was ready to speak.

“Back in Dressrosa, when I—“ His words got stuck in his throat as the towering form of Doflamingo flashed again through his mind, "All I could think about was regrets."

He could still feel the thick, iron scent of blood invading his nose.

He could still feel the dust of the rubble invading his lungs as he desperately choked for air.

Law shut his eyes and rested his forehead against yours, "I regretted many things—how I couldn't avenge Cora-san, how I was not strong enough to defeat Doflamingo…"

"It doesn't matter anymore." You said, brushing your thumb across his cheek, "You did all that in the end. It's over now."

Before he left, you promised that you would be there for him when it was all over. That was a promise you very much intended to keep at all costs.

Law was quiet for a moment before he spoke up again.

“There was another thing I regretted.”

You noted the unexpected shift in his tone, how the softness was a stark contrast to the fiery determination behind his eyes.

"I thought about you," he admitted, covering your hand on his cheek with his own, "About how I would break all of our promises if I died. About how I longed to see you again, just one more time. About how stupid I was for not relying on you and the crew. About how much I wanted to get back to you."

He quickly continued, not letting you interrupt as he bared his heart, “I thought about how I regretted never telling you that… that I—"

He gulped. A speck of fear flickered across his eyes, but he didn't let it take over.

"That I love you."

Your breath morphed into a silent gasp, your heart skipping a beat before resuming its erratic rhythm.

"I promised myself that I would tell you, if I somehow survived. And I did. So…"

He cupped your face, his gaze sincere, and repeated, "I love you."

"Oh, Law." You whispered as tears started welling up in your eyes again.

You couldn't stop yourself from rushing in, your lips finally finding home in his. Law melted into you, love and longing outpouring from his every touch.

The kiss started out gentle, until the taste of you after months apart proved to be too much of a temptation for Law. A muffled groan escaped him, and he started chasing your lips with a hunger that surprised even himself.

Your hand dove into his thick hair, pulling him toward you in answer to his passion. One of Law's hands wandered to your waist, gently squeezing, while the other remained cradling your face with a startling tenderness.

Your lips parted, giving him permission to deepen the kiss, which he took up instantly.

Kissing Law was as natural as breathing. It felt like you had been doing this for ages, even though the first time you kissed was on the very eve of his departure.

The urge to get closer to each other got you stumbling over your own feet, and suddenly, your back was pressed against a tree, Law's hand cushioning your head from the coarse bark.

You could keep on kissing him forever, but there was something you needed to tell him first. So, reluctantly, you pulled away.

“In case that wasn't clear enough,” You said breathlessly against his lips, "That means I love you, too."

Law grinned—a genuinely joyful smile—before capturing your lips again. The kiss was short this time, almost playful, but it didn't fail to make your heart skip a beat anyway.

When you parted, you punched his chest lightly, “But don’t ever leave me again.”

“I'm not planning to.”

He chuckled and pulled you back into his embrace, hugging you so tightly that it made breathing difficult—not that you were complaining.

You stayed like that for a while, unmoving, greedily indulging in the closeness that you both had been craving the whole time you were apart.

“So, what now?” You finally broke the silence.

“Well, the next part of the plan is to take down Kaido in Wano.”

You looked up at him, but Law already knew what you were going to ask before you even opened your mouth.

"Don't worry, you're all coming with me." He reassured you, "I'm done doing things alone."

"Good." You rested your cheek back on his chest.

"Let's get back to the crew, shall we? I'm sure they're wondering what's taking us so long."

Speaking of the crew…

"Ah, just a heads up, some—well most, if not all of them have kinda figured out about…" Heat rose to your cheeks as you vaguely gestured between you and Law, "This. Us."

"Well, that makes it simpler, doesn't it? I don't plan to flaunt our… relationship to the crew, but I don't intend to hide it either." Law took your hand in his and kissed your knuckles, "I just want to be with you."

Your heart quickened. Who knew your Captain had it in him to be such a romantic?

"Unless, that's not what you want?" He added quickly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"No! I want to be with you too, Law." Your face warmed further at the thought of what a relationship with him would entail, "And I don't want to hide either."

He smiled, "Good."

You wrapped your arms around him again and sighed blissfully. Now that he was finally here, you were finding it difficult to not be touching him every damn second. Your crew would never let the two of you live it down if they ever saw you like this.

"Just brace yourself for endless teasing and interrogation from our nosy crewmates." You chuckled, "They got me good on our way here from Punk Hazard, and it’s just gonna get worse, now that you’re here."

Law sighed, already exhausted just thinking of what he would have to go through. Most of his crew would probably lay off the teasing with a sharp glare from him. Not Penguin and Shachi, though. They'd corner him and wouldn't let him go until he told them everything down to the very minute details.

But despite that, he smiled softly, giving you one last peck on the lips before he let you lead him deeper into the forest, where his crew was waiting.

He could endure some teasing, Law thought as he gripped your hand tightly. After all, he was here, he was safe, reunited with you and the rest of his Hearts.

And wherever his path would bring him next—in Wano and beyond—Law knew that you all would be there with him every step of the way.

That was truly all he ever needed.

taglist: @entr4p3 @sammybeefangirls @thekatisspooky @4rticbolt @mnnlights @angelsforever999 @game-of-words

⟢ masterlist

[the-kr8tor]

The Less I Know The Better

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Synopsis: An office holiday party gone awry.

Word count: 8.5k

Tags: Use of Y/N sparsely, no specific physical description of the reader (except for clothing), Reader has nicknames, part 3, mockumentary AU, Co-worker AU, Co-worker! Hobie, slight loser! Hobie, CW alcohol, CW food mentions, CW injury.

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Co-worker AU Masterlist

Part 3 >>> Part 4

Your whole body is stretched to perfectly line up the holiday garlands on the conference room walls. Back aching and arms starting to cramp while Jessica stands a few ways behind you. She instructs you on where to tack on the scratchy garlands with its sparkly tinsel. The air smells like cinnamon and ginger bread. The food is all laid out on a long foldable table, the sight alone has your stomach rumbling.

“Here?” You struggle a bit, arms aching as you tiptoe on the highest step of the ladder.

“A little bit further up.” You're starting to think that she's just playing with you. She notices your strained huff as you sweat from the harsh camera lights pointed right at you. “Sorry, I would help but the company will not pay me hazard comp if I fall, especially while I'm pregnant.”

“You're pregnant?” You almost fall back, metal ladder wobbling under you briefly before you manage to balance yourself. Your heart thuds in your chest, and you were almost grateful that the documentary crew wasn't there to witness it. Just their cameras that they placed on each corner of the room whilst they shoot b-rolls of the rest of the ‘cast.’ Great.

“Whoa, you okay?” Jess holds up her hands, quickly crossing the distance to steady the ladder.

“Yeah, um congratulations.” you exhale out a nervous bout of air. “That was almost the end of me.” With a nervous laughter, you climb back up the steps to pin the garland. You don't even care if it's lopsided or not, and Jessica doesn't speak up about it either as she grasps her stomach. “Crap, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I bet he was nervous too.” She takes a deep inhale. “I'll be back in a second.”Jessica leaves but comes sauntering back inside. “Can you start decorating the food table, thanks.” Before you could say yes, she's already heading towards the bathroom.

“Okay,” you climb down the ladder with measured steps. You're still a temp so that means if you get injured on the job, you won't get worker's comp. Just three months to go and you can finally breathe easily when you're officially an employee.

Once your feet are back on solid ground, you head towards the sparsely decorated table. There are saran wrapped dishes placed, courtesy of your co-workers. There are also a few dishes with tin foil covering on top of it to keep the heat in, and an empty punch bowl ready to be filled with juice. That makes your mind wander back to Hobie and how he's doing. You two have become casual friends throughout the past few months. He smiles at you whenever he delivers your mail, and would sometimes start a friendly conversation with you. “It's gettin’ colder, innit?” He asks, “What're you havin' for lunch?” And you'd answer back with a smile and a friendly reply. After that he’s gone and out on delivery again. And of course you sometimes have lunch with him together with the rest of the lunch club. But it doesn't feel the same as before the bar incident. You don't know what changed when you tried incredibly hard to not let exactly like this from happening. The awkward glances and the polite smiles have made you feel…bad. Frustrated. Like you've done something terrible to your friend.

MJ has been apologetic to you, and has taken it upon herself to seek out Hobie and his band to personally apologize to them. You start to notice that they've been hanging out more after that. Without you usually, well, more than usual. You don't mind it, or you keep telling yourself that you don't. She comes home telling you stories about the band and Hobie more and more. “He only likes the blue sour patch kids.” And, “yeah, he also told me that there used to be another band member.” You're happy that she found a new friend, and sometimes, just once, you wish that she'd invite you to one of those hangouts. You always liked being alone in your own little bubble of comfort. And MJ knows that, being your friend for a decade or so, she knows how introverted you are. She says that you're her favourite because you know how to listen. But you like to talk too. Not as much as her or as social as her, but it's nice to just be around people, to be invited to sit at the same table as them— to just talk and be listened to. Just like how Hobie is with you. But recently, you two have been missing each other in the office. Usually you would arrive just in time at the exact moment he arrives. But lately, you keep finding yourself alone in the office hallway while you wait for the elevators to open.

The lunch club is at least consistent, and you always eat with them in the break room. You're too afraid to ask where Hobie is or what's happening to him. Maybe he's planning on quitting? Maybe the band is just ramping up their performances from every weekend to every day? Either way, you haven't spoken to him in a while other than seeing him briefly with his mail cart. Why do you feel bad for missing him?

With a sigh, you look outside the window where a fresh drizzle of snow covers the whole empty soccer field right next to the office. The weather has been icy and chilly, more than when you walked to the bus stop. And the feeling’s mutual inside the office. Everyone just wants to go home and stay home. Hobie did invite you to that concert he was talking about a couple of months ago. You're still thinking whether or not you should go. Are you even still invited to that?

As you rearrange the red plates with printed garlands around it, an arm shoots out next to you. For a second you think it would be Hobie coming to fill the punch bowl or to place his contribution, but based on the rich cologne, it's Harry.

You know the scent well ever since you two started carpooling together. It all started on accident really when the ground was too slippery from sleet and he practically begged you to take you home, worried that you'd crack your head on the pavement on your way to the bus stop. After that it snowballed from taking you home occasionally, to giving you a ride home every night. He offered to drive you to the office every morning too if you hadn't told him that he actually lives out of the way from your side of town. He just sighed with a lopsided smile and accepted to only take you home to save you a bus fare. You liked the conversations with him, and you always offer to pay him back but he just shrugs and asks you to buy him a cheap cup of coffee from the convenience store on the way to your place. A cup of coffee turns into talking on the hood of his car while you two chat the night away while munching on chips and gas station hotdogs. It was a surprise kind of friendship that you never thought would blossom into something more than just being co-workers.

“Hey, ice princess.” He smiles, cheeks red from the biting cold outside as he places bottles upon bottles of red punch on the table right next to the bowl. “Your domain’s expanding.”

“Sorry about that.” You joke back, earning a rare chuckle from Harry. “Did you go outside in that weather?”

He blows at his palms, the tip of his nose is rosey. “Yeah, I forgot these in my car.”

“You should warm up, don't want you getting hypothermia now.” You cheekily side eye him.

Shaking his head with a grin tamped down by biting his lip, his cheeks grow redder. “Using my own words against me, wow.”

“I try my best.” You shrug, stacking the plates in a neat pile before you go around him to grab the box of decorations under the table. He helps you lift it up, and you give him your thanks as you place it on the table. It's filled with Santa Clauses, dainty snowmen, and tiny pine trees. “I heard about your sale, congrats.”

“Yeah,” he puffs out his chest with pride as he opens a bottle to fill the bowl. “Thank you, it was a tough sell.”

“I heard, literally, we're desk neighbors. I heard everything.” You say as you place the figurines of Santa next to a savoury smelling dish. “It was like I was watching ‘the wolf of wall street.’”

“Was I that loud?” He mutters while the gurgle of juice fills the bowl. “How about I treat you—” he swallows thickly. “— as a sorry for being too loud, and as a celebration.” Avoiding your eyes, you gaze at him, blinking slowly. “Nothing fancy, just dinner.”

“Okay,” you slowly say. You two technically always have dinner together. But this time it'll be a far cry from eating in his car while mustard dribbles from your fingers and he makes fun of you for putting mustard on your hotdog. It's still just dinner, right? “What do you have in mind?” You can practically hear the docu crew snickering from somewhere once they review the footage. This is probably ‘hot goss’ for them, or that's what Lyla always tells you when they focus on a couple in admin.

“There's this Thai place I've been meaning to go to.” Harry exhales shakily as he continues to pour the second bottle of punch. “Do you like Thai? We can go someplace else if you want.” He almost stammers out the last word.

You smile with endearment, fingers unconsciously playing with the snowman figurine in your hand. “No, I like Thai, that sounds great.” You even surprised yourself at how composed you sounded.

“Yeah?” He boyishly smiles, a brown curl falling over his eye as you nod. “Cool, great. I'll pick you up this weekend.”

“Okay,” you nervously nudge him, and he hides a growing smile. “Be careful, it's almost full.”

“Oh yeah, shoot!” He tips the bottle back before the juice spills over the old carpet. “Thanks, do you need help—?” Before you could say something, a shrill ring of a phone interrupts you both. He takes out his phone and winches. “Sorry, it's my dad…”

“No, it's okay, go ahead, I'm good over here.” You wave him off, and as he leaves, you notice him grimacing at the garland you just put up. “Shit,” you huff, placing the snowman down on the table as you make your way back to the ladder.

It's the last hurrah before the holiday break starts, and you're incredibly glad that you got hired into a company that has a week off during the holidays. So you definitely want to make the place look good or at least presentable to maybe impress your bosses.

The metal creaks under you while you climb up the highest step. You stretch yourself once again as you pluck the garland out to fix it. Something almost falls from within the thick garland, and you catch it in your hand before it falls. Opening your palm, you see a mistletoe all bundled together with a red ribbon. You stare curiously at it since this came from a box labeled ‘office holiday decorations.’ A mistletoe at an office party? Is that even appropriate? You chuckle at the thought.

“How's the weather up there?” A familiar voice asks and you crane your neck so fast that you accidentally fling yourself from the rickety ladder, grip loosening as your fingers brush along the cold metal step. “Oh shit!” You gasp as Hobie rushes in to catch you.

Bracing yourself for impact, you don't feel it as Hobie took the blow of the floor for you.

“Oh fuck, are you okay?! I'm so sorry, Hobie.” You take his cheek as he groans from under you. Your legs are beside him, accidentally straddling him while the mistletoe lands right on his chest— right in between the two of you. “Are you hurting anywhere?” You ask, frazzled and worried.

Hobie lifts up his head with a wobbly grin, eyes gazing at you softly then over to the fallen mistletoe. “Does this still count?”

You follow his line of sight. “Wha— Hobie!” Your cheeks run heavy with warmth when you realize what he's talking about. As you look down, your eyes are fixated on his goofy grin and handsome face. His wicks frame around his face, piercings glinting under the blinking Christmas lights.

“Why do we always find ourselves like this, lovie?” He reminisces about the time you fell on him during Lyla's earthquake scare while you're just trying to even out your breathing lest you fall unconscious on top of him.

“What happened?!” Jessica comes running after the sound of the ladder clatters on the floor. You're immediately rolling off of Him on the floor before she could even wrap her mind around the position you two were in. “Are you two okay?”

Hobie, still on the floor, lifts his hand and gives her a thumbs up. While you could only look at the carpet and how it feels under your clammy hands.

The rest of the office follows, all clambering over each other to witness the commotion. Miguel groans and pinches the bridge of his nose, while Lyla gasps at the scene in front of her. The lunch club walks in, eyes wide before shifting their vision over to a very flustered you and Hobie, who's still a puddle on the floor with the mistletoe on his chest; they all give him a knowing smirk. Meanwhile the camera crew are running to check if the mounted cameras captured the scene.

“If you're hurt, you gotta file a worker's comp, Hobie.” Lyla shakes her head when Hobie dramatically groans as he stands up weakly. “C’mon, man, you know I'll still give it to you without all that.” Miguel glares at her. “Pretend you didn't hear that.” She tells him.

Miguel could only wave it off with a scoff and returns back to work. Hobie gives you a hand, but before you could reach for it, Harry returns and helps you off the floor himself, earning a glare from Hobie.

“Are you okay?” Harry asks you after lifting you off your feet. “Nothing damaged?”

You shake your head, “no, I'm fine, Hobie saved me.”

The two men meet each other's eyes. Their jaws are set, moreso with Hobie while Harry looks more annoyed.

“Are you sure you're okay, Hobie?” You crane your neck and take your attention away from Harry to gaze at Hobie worriedly.

He cups your elbow and gives you a genuine smile. You haven't realized that you missed him this much for your heart to beat as loudly as it is right now. “Yeah, ‘m fine, lovie. Just glad I was there to save you.”

Lyla looks between you and the two men sizing each other up. She glances at Gwen briefly as cameras capture their knowing stares. “Alright, show's over!” She claps her hands together and shoos people away. “Y/N, are you really okay?”

“Yeah, I was just clumsy and good thing Hobie was here to save the day.” You flick your eyes to meet his own gentle look. Harry stays behind you, hands tucked inside his pockets while Pavitr picks up the ladder off the floor. “I'm really okay, I need to finish this.”

Stepping to the side, you head towards the table again and take out the decorations robotically as snow drifts down on the frosty glass. You say thanks to Pav before he gives you a smile and heads back to his desk.

“Good, Brown and Osborne, come with me.” Lyla says sternly, you've never heard that tone coming from her before.

“What?” Hobie asks while he stretches his shoulder.

“Why?” Harry groans.

“Because I said so, now.” She pushes them outside, leaving you alone with Jessica and the cameras.

“Damn.” Jess relays what you had in mind.

“Couldn't have said it better myself.” You look at each other before returning to work like nothing happened. Or you like to pretend to at least.

—

You don't know what happened in Lyla's office with Hobie and Harry, but the two are now avoiding each other like the plague, even more than before. Harry stands near the plastic Christmas tree, nursing a red plastic cup filled with punch. His jaw is clenched, shoulders kept straight and aligned to the wall behind him. He looks like the grinch with all the holiday lights and decorations around him. A classic Christmas tune filters through the air while everyone chats around the room. It's peaceful, even Hobie, whose eyebrows were furrowed together when he first entered, is now happily filling his plate with food.

The camera crew stands on each end of the room, giving everyone space after a very irked Jessica told them to back off or she'll call security on them. You still have no idea why Miguel even lets them in to begin with. Or perhaps it's the big bosses on top who are letting them film for tax break purposes. There's nothing interesting to film in the company anyway— or at least one that doesn't include what happened earlier, or back at the bar, or in front of your apartment. Maybe they should just ask to film you instead of pretending they like documenting the day to day work of an electric toothbrush company. At least then you'd have enough money to have your own place.

Gayatri and Gwen are talking about their classes whilst you listen until Hobie saunters in with two glasses filled with eggnog, one bitten in between his teeth, and the other in his hand. And a filled plate that he has to juggle all together lest there's an accident on the old carpet. His button up is open to a more casual look, necktie nowhere to be seen, while his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, exposing a few tattoos along the way. You spot a spider on the underside of his elbow, and a music note near his wrist. For once you thank the bright fluorescent lights for showing them to you.

You side glance at him, unsure whether the drink was for you or not. He can't speak with the drink in between his lips, so he wordlessly tells you to grab the other cup in his hand simply with his eyes and a muffled call of your name. With a chuckle, you take the drink and he can finally speak as he releases the rim of the cup and places his plate beside a sweet smelling baking sheet of caramel fudge brownies.

“Thanks, Hobie.” You smile sweetly at him, and the two interns share a brief look.

“Where's ours?” Gwen interrupts Hobie before he could even say the two words.

“‘m not an octopus, Gwendy.” Hobie scrunches his nose at Gwen, sipping teasingly at his drink, leaving a milk mustache on his upper lip.

“Fine, chivalry truly is dead.” Gayatri sighs and takes Gwen's hand as they glare at him before heading towards the food table where Miles and Pavitr are talking beside a plate of mashed potatoes.

“Can you believe them?” Hobie nudges you and takes the space where the two women were.

“Maybe they really like eggnog.” You joke with a smile, sipping casually at the warm drink. It's creamy with a hint of warmth lining your tongue. “Oh, you got a little something…” pointing at your upper lip, he wipes at his mouth, miraculously missing the milk mustache. “No, right…” you take a handkerchief from your pocket and wipe it for him. “...here. There, you don't look like a baby anymore.”

For a moment, Hobie looks like a deer in the headlights. Blinking, he composed himself, smiling through the fog of shyness. “Got it all, love?”

“Yeah,” you say, leaning against the table as you two gaze at each other. You suddenly feel a wave of déjà vu. “T–The eggnog is really good, Hobie. Did you make it yourself?” In your flustered stupor, you try to make casual conversation as he stares at the handkerchief in your hand.

“It's Ned's recipe, but yeah I made it all by my lonesome. You kept my handkerchief?” He almost said breathlessly.

“Y–Yeah, you said I can keep it— but if you want it back.” You try to hand it to him but he chuckles and pushes the cloth back towards you.

“Nah, ‘m jus’ surprised you kept it.” Hobie scratches the back of his head,

You flick your eyes to the checkered handkerchief. “Thank you again.”

“Stop sayin' thanks, love, your smile’s enough for me.”

“Cheesy.” You say, muffled against the rim of your cup.

“What's that?” He plays along as his eyes glimmer.

“Nothing, I just said you're a cheese ball, Hobie Brown.” You tease with a lilt in your tone.

“Everyone fancies a cheeseball, don't you think?”

The two of you chuckle whilst the party continues to go on without the two of you. The snow stopped falling outside, covering the parking lot and street with a soft sheet of snow as the world seemed to come to a standstill. The gentle piano rendition of ‘jingle bells’ plays in the background, while the laughter of your co-workers instead of clacking keyboard filters through your ears. Hobie gazes at you with the same fondness back at the bar before you had to walk out in the cold. And you mirror his expression, lips curled into a subtle smile, body turned towards him as you two cradle matching cups of eggnog.

With liquid courage courtesy of the drink, you finally ask him. “How have you been, Hobie?”

“Fuckin' busy.” He sighs, hand placed inside his trousers pocket. “The show on the twenty fourth got us all bloody busy. The interns can't join so Yuri and the others have to work twice as hard without ‘em. I don't have a stand in though. That's why I've been out of it these past few weeks.” With the tip of his shoe, he nudges your heels. “I've been takin’ my lunch with the band just to get an extra hour of practice in. Why? Did you miss me?”

“No one can replace Hobie Brown.” You nudge him back, earning a wobbly smile from him. “And no, I had the lunch club to keep me company.”

“Well, shit, and ‘ere I thought you missed my presence.”

“I’m pretty sure that's called a delusion.”

Hobie laughs, a deep rumble that has the whole room staring briefly at him. And unfortunately, the cameras too. But for the first time, you don't mind all the eyes and lenses on you when his laughter fills your chest with warmth. And you're pretty sure it's not from the spiced eggnog.

He opens his mouth to say something, hand reaching for your elbow but before he could say it, Miguel calls for everyone's attention.

“Time for secret Santa, everyone gather around in a circle—”

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Suddenly, out comes Lyla, dressed in a fluffy Mrs. Claus suit. It looks expensive to boot, and not like anything you see online. Does she use it every year? “I come bearing gifts!” She lifts up the giant velvet sack in her hands, barely lifted up from the weight of it. You remember that you had to put your present in the day before per Lyla's request. Your eyes nervously glance at the recipient of said gift.

Suddenly, Peter walks behind her, dressed as Santa, but in a blue suit rather than the iconic red. “We come bearing gifts!” He helps lift the sack over Lyla's head, earning an annoyed look from Lyla. It seems like they didn't talk about this beforehand.

Hobie shakes his head, smiling and clearly amused. “Fuckin' hell. C’mon, let's get our presents before Miguel gets to his fifth glass of eggnog.” Grabbing his plate, he slowly eats his way towards the slice of red velvet cake in the center that's crowded around by a mishmash of pastries and cold cuts. Your holiday cookies are piled up on his plate while he munches on poor frosty the snowman’s head. “It’s good.” He says, muffled by the cookie in his mouth. You chortle at him, lip bitten from tamping down a squeak of delight at his reaction.

You follow beside him, making a circle around Lyla and Peter. “Why, is Miguel a lightweight?”

“He gets to his sixth and he gets…chatty.” He offers you something on his plate, and since you already ate, you only took a mini muffin from it.

You can't imagine Miguel being chatty out of everyone whilst you munch on the tiny muffin. “Does he spill company secrets?”

“I wish, he talks ‘bout his personal life.”

“Ow, we better finish this quick then.”

You don't notice the way the interns are looking at the two of you from across the circle. Harry sidles up next to you on your left, biting into a kebab.

“Hey, Harry.” You smile at him.

“Hi, princess. Where'd you get the muffin?”

“From over…” Craning your neck to look for it on the table, you can't find the tiny muffins. “...I don't know actually.” You laugh unsurely. “I got it from Hobie.”

Hobie, without missing a second, says. “We're all out of it, bruv, that's the last one.”

Yep, definitely déjà vu.

Harry scoffs. “Right.”

You glance at the two of them as they avoid each other's line of sight. You really do feel like a referee whenever you're in between them.

“Alright, rules.” Peter says, and a groan echoes around the room. “Come on, we've got new people here so I gotta say it again. First of all, I hope none of you said who's your secret Santa before because you can only say that once after they open their present, capiche?” Another round of groans can be heard. “It's just not fun when everyone knows!” Everyone gives him an unenthusiastic nod. “Second, no second rule, just have fun!”

“That is the most dad thing I've ever heard.” Gwen says, and Peter dramatically frowns.

“It’s because I am a dad, Gwen!”

“Alright, enough, let's start because the lasagna isn't agreeing with me right now.” Miguel gruffly says, fifth drink in hand.

“Great,” Hobie says sarcastically. “‘Too much information' Miguel is ‘ere.”

Miguel scrunches his face and plops himself beside the dessert table. All without giving Hobie lip.

“Wow, he just accepted that.” You say, surprised.

“He gives up after his fourth drink.” Hobie bumps his elbow with yours as you two laugh. Unbeknownst to you, the camera is zooming in on Harry's disgruntled expression.

One by one, names are called to grab their presents. Some are happy about their gifts, like Miles, who got an old CB radio from Peter. But most are trying their best not to disappoint the person who got their name. Just like Gwen and her stuffed bunny rabbit gifted by someone in I.T. and like Miguel, who got a pair of airpods which Hobie reacted with a coughed out ‘arse kisser.’ No one dared to say who it's from after that. You have a feeling it's from Harry since he has a similar pair. It'll be revealed after everyone gets their presents anyway.

“Alright, this one is for… Hobie!” Peter exclaims as he hands the neatly wrapped present to him.

You bite your lip, fingers playing with the hem of your sweater as he opens the gift carefully. You only hope that he likes it since it took you so long to finish it.

Hobie whistles out as he admires the vintage leather jacket. “Damn.”

His finger skims over the metal buttons that you painstakingly polished and then over to the stitched holes that you carefully stitched to make different patterns of. You're not a seamstress of sorts, and you had to watch a sewing tutorial on how to make a lightning bolt simply with a needle and thread. The aches and blisters on your fingers are evidence of that. Turning the denim around, his eyes widen at his band logo that's stitched at the back. He recognizes it from a band t-shirt they used to give out. The fabric was cut from the front of it and then stitched on the back with neat running stitches. At the hem, his initials are painted in big bold letters.

“I said not to go over the limit.” Jess has had enough of the expensive gifts.

“I–I didn't.” You blurt out and everyone turns to you. Hobie included as his smile grows. “I thrifted the jacket and I made all the restoration myself. I didn't go over, it's even below the budget.”

“Okay, sorry about that.” Jess sighs, still clutching the hundred dollar gift card to some baby clothes shop. “Still,” she waves it around to make a point. “I see a pattern.”

“It's okay.” You resist the urge to meet with Hobie's eyes, or anyone's on that matter.

“You got this for me, lovie?” His voice is an octave higher, like he can't believe that you'd work so hard on a present just for him. Especially something that's so meaningful to him.

“Yep,” you pop the letter ‘p’ to hide your bashfulness. You finally gather the courage to look at him, finding that his warm honeyed eyes are looking at you softly that you forgot what just happened. “Do you like it?”

Harry side eyes the two of you, skimming over the band logo with a heavy look.

“I fuckin' love it.” Hobie says with a breathless sigh. “Where'd you even get the shirt? I lost mine years ago.”

“I asked MJ if she knew where to get it, she tried but couldn't find it so she told me to try talking to your band mates.” You nervously pick at your nail, rambling on. “Turns out Ned still had his.”

“Let me guess, he got you to pay a pretty penny for it, hm?”

You shake your head with a chuckle. “No, he gave it to me for free, as an apology for the bar. He's actually quite nice.”

“Good thing you asked him and not James. You picked the nicest one of us.”

“Please, you're plenty nice too.”

“‘m nice to those who deserve it, love.” He puts on the denim jacket, all the while watching you in the corner of his eyes. Thankfully, it fits him like a glove, except for the sleeve that's a few inches shorter, but he doesn't seem to mind while he has the biggest grin on his pierced lips. “How do I look?”

“You wear it well.” Is the only sentence you could manage that doesn't have the word ‘handsome’ or ‘gorgeous’ in it.

“Thank you, love.” He rubs the rough denim, smiling like a kid who just got what he wanted for Christmas. “It's perfect. I also have—” Your name gets called suddenly, interrupting his words.

“There you go, kiddo.” Peter hands you an expensive looking paper bag that's all tied with a sparkly navy blue ribbon.

“Oh, thanks.” You mumble out.

You were planning on opening it later after the party but since everyone opened theirs already, you suppose you had to. It feels like a birthday party of sorts where everyone’s singing you a happy birthday while you could only stare awkwardly at the candles on the cake. The cameras come around you, not trying to miss anything. Unwrapping the ribbon, and feeling like a goldfish inside a tank, you put your whole arm in the bag, feeling something smooth inside as you pull it out. The paper bag drops by your feet as you gasp at the gorgeous antique looking box in your hands. It's about the size of a textbook, it has some weight too.

“What's in the box!” Peter acts and you immediately get the reference to it. While most people rolled their eyes at it, you and Miles chuckled at the joke.

You run your thumb across the peony flower engraving around the metal clasp. It's well made, something you see at some expensive antique shop that looks like all the items are either cursed or haunted. Now you're afraid that when you open it famine and disease will escape out of it. But as you unclasp it, rows of vibrant paint tubes greets you. There's a handful of paint brushes along the top of it, by the looks of it, it's just as well made as the box. With a nervous chuckle, mouth agape, it seems that not just the bosses got the ‘arse kisser’ gifts.

Jess huffs but shrugs, accepting that people have gone over the price limit. At the end of the day, it's just a nice gesture.

“Who?” You instinctively look at Hobie, cheeks warm at the prospect of him being your secret Santa. But he just shakes his head, mouthing ‘not me.’ Then you look over to the group of interns and they all mirror Hobie's gesture.

A tap on your shoulder has you looking over to your left. Harry smiles softly at you, green eyes shining.

“Don't worry, I got it on sale.” He whispers to you, index poking the side of the box. “I saw your paint set back at your place, most of the tubes were almost finished so I thought I'd get you some new ones. This is what they call serendipity, I think. ”

“Harry,” you sigh out while everyone has moved onto you and your expensive looking gift over to Gayatri and her secret Santa present. “This is too much. I think there's every colour in here.”

“That just means you don't have to buy new ones for a while then.”

“I would've settled for just one tube.” You lean closer so as to not disturb the rest of the party with your conversation.

“Can't, you deserve all the colors of the rainbow.” Harry comes closer until his shoe kisses the side of your heels.

“This is definitely more than the rainbow, Harry.”

“You're welcome, princess.” He nudges you, hand lingering on your bicep.

Hobie swallows thickly next to you. The camera crew are eating it all up it seems.

Peter gasps as he lifts up his present, interrupting you and Harry. “It's a dragon onesie!” A crocheted one in fact as you chuckle at his reaction.

“It's for Mayday so don't try to wear it, mate—” A strained cough roars above the merriment.

Everyone looks over to the source where Miguel is hacking out a rough cough, a swollen hand clasped around his neck as he wheezes out. A caramel brownie falls from his other hand, rolling across the floor. Your eyes widen with panic as he keels over on the carpeted floors, bumping on the dessert table as food tumbles out and decorations falling while he's still coughing.

“Shit! He's choking!” Jessica runs over to him, palm slapping Miguel's back.

Everyone crowds around Miguel in a panic. His lips are swollen, eyes red as he continues to choke.

“I'm calling an ambulance.” Gayatri has the right idea and dials the number.

“Move over!” Harry speed walks behind Miguel, arms wrapping around his middle and trying to do the Heimlich maneuver on him.

Gasps echo around, worry and panic setting in.

“He needs CPR!” Peter argues with Harry and Jessica while Gayatri’s frantic call to emergency services roams above the voices.

Hobie crouches down, grabbing the fallen brownie on the ground and smells it. The harsh lights of the crew and their added space makes the situation worse and claustrophobic. Not an ideal environment for someone who can't breathe.

“What—?” You ask and Hobie has a lightbulb moment.

“Peanuts! There's bloody peanuts in this!”

You immediately push people away and bolt over to your desk, rummaging through your bag for the orange cap and leaving the paint box on your table.

“Does anyone have an epipen?!” Jessica yells in a panic, but you're already pushing Peter away from trying to do CPR on Miguel as the needle meets Miguel's thigh in a quick and practiced motion from you.

Within a second, Miguel inhales deeply, colour returning to his lips. His fingers and lips are still swollen, but at least he's breathing much better now.

“Holy shit!” Harry exclaims, eyes darting over to Miguel and over to you with something flitting across his expression.

“Holy shit.” Hobie says breathlessly, mirroring the same expression on Harry's face. You can't quite get a good read on them as you heave, hand still clasp around the epipen. Are they impressed or something?

“Damn, newbie.” Lyla pats your shoulder, then a round of applause follows around. You almost cower from embarrassment.

You look at Hobie, who's still fixated on you. “I always have one on me since MJ’s also allergic to peanuts.” You explain since he might be wondering why you carry it around. He smiles at you, eyes twinkling. “Keep that in mind, Hobie.” You say since they spend a lot of time together.

“Sure, l–love, whatever you say.” He stammers out, crouched across from you. Even when everyone pats you for a job well done, he can't keep his eyes off you.

“Nice save, princess.” Harry says, nodding and grinning at you.

“F–Fuck.” Miguel groans out a laboured exhale, head slowly lifting up. “Thank you.” You curtly nod at him, pride filling your chest.

“Alright, everyone, give Miguel some space!” Jessica shoos people put. “He needs some air.” The documentary crew gladly filters out and weirdly happy that they got some interesting footage. A bit fucked up, you thought.

“He still needs to go to the hospital.” You say as Hobie helps you up on your feet. Miguel is still on the floor while Jessica and Lyla tend to him.

“Ambulance is on the way.” Gayatri nudges you as the group gazes down at Miguel. “What else do you have on you, girl scout?”

“Narcan and antihistamines.”

“Shit,” the lunch club gasps in tandem.

“Remind me to always bring you when I go out to dinner at the seafood place.” Gwen shoves you lightly with a smile as you mirror her expression.

“Does this mean the party's over?” Peter asks and everyone just stares at him.

—

“Love, wait!” Hobie runs after you, sliding on the ice as he tries to keep himself on his feet. You stop and open your arms to catch him mid slide. He collides against you in a flurry of snow and giggles. “Sorry!” He laughs in your arms and he feels warm despite the weather.

“What's got you running on ice?” You laugh, a puff of smoke filtering from your cold lips. Your hands are still on him, and his touch lingers for a second before he pulls his backpack out and grabs a wrapped present inside. “Secret Santa's over.” It's merely a whisper as you stare at the brightly wrapped gift with ballpoint doodles all over it.

“I know, I jus’ wanted to give you somethin'.” He inhales, eyes bright and soft under the glare of the snow. The denim jacket is tucked under his thick coat, peeking under it and you smile at the thought of him loving it so much that he's still wearing it.

“You don't have to, Hobie. I told you that I already forgave you.”

His palm rests above your own. “It's not an apology present. You're my mate, and I give presents to my mates.”

There's warmth behind your eyes as you lean over and hug him without second thought. Hobie embraces you back, chin tucked on your shoulder while he smells like eggnog and cookies.

“You haven't opened it yet.” He chuckles, breath fanning the shell of your ear.

“I know.” Moving away, his hands hover around your sides for a second or two before fully leaning away. “I just wanted to say thank you. You made working here bearable.”

Hobie inhales shakily as he stares into your eyes. “You make it sound like you're leaving.”

“Not leaving just yet, Hobie. I've got rent and debts to pay.” You hug the soft present against your chest, his smile doesn't leave his lips while he gazes softly at you. “Can I open it here or…?”

“You can open it.” He says immediately, chuckling nervously while he scratches the back of his neck. “It's something for the concert on the twenty fourth so you don't have to borrow anymore.” Sniffing, he gestures at the present with his head. “You're still goin’ right?”

“Of course. You and MJ have been working hard on it. I won't miss it, I promise.” Your words have him grinning even more.

Carefully unwrapping the present and unfurling the blue crêpe paper, a black crocheted cardigan greets you. The soft thread has sparkles weaved around it, and when the light hits it, the whole thing almost glows. You choke on a gasp.

“Shit, did you make this?” You ask, impressed and happy.

“I did, I hope it fits because I jus’ fuckin' eyeballed it.” Hobie says with a bit of nervousness. “Look at that, you gave me a jumper and I gave you one. It's serendipitous.” He chuckles out the last word. “It's not a leather one, but I think this suits you.”

You can't help but reach for him and hug him again. “You’re right, it looks comfy. Thank you, Hobie, I love it.”

He pats your back, and you can feel his face tug into a smile. “‘course, love.”

A car horn honks behind you, and Harry rolls down his window, waving you over impatiently. You and Hobie unlatch yourselves away, and with him holding you at arm's length.

“In a bit!” You gesture back as you turn towards Hobie one more time. Not knowing what to say next, you could only bite your lip bashfully with a smile. “Thank you again, Hobie. I'll see you at the concert.”

“Bye, lovie.” You begin to walk away but he calls you back. “Oi,” he gets your attention and Harry's. “Drive carefully, yeah?” You realize that he's talking to Harry and not to you.

“I always drive carefully, Hobs.” Harry scoffs, getting out of his car as snow crunches underfoot. He goes around the hood to open the passenger side and waits for you.

Hobs?

“‘course you do, prick.” Hobie says under his breath while you enter the passenger side and give him one last wave.

Harry glares at him while he returns to the driver's seat. Rolling up his window, he turns to you, eyes softening as you meet his eyes. “Ready to go?” He glances briefly at the cardigan in your hands.

“Yeah.” Your smile doesn't fade.

—

The concert wasn't what you thought it would be. Instead of a dark bar with crusty seats and sticky floors, you stand in a decent domed concert hall that has food vendors to the side together with the various band merchandise. Both teenagers and adults attend the event, smiling and listening to a pop group playing on stage. There's still bright lights flickering in and out, spotlights shining around while the sound system booms and bounces all over the walls. Above the stage, a banner reads 'F.E.A.S.T. annual children's hospital benefit.’ Now you feel silly when you first thought that you'll once again tread around a bar.

“Are you sure you want to come here instead of the movies, princess?” Harry loops his arm around your hips, palm resting atop your side comfortably. “They have 4D. Y’know the ones that spray water on your face.”

“It's a charity, Harry.” You hold the back of his hand, craning your neck to look at him.

The first ‘dinner’ wasn't just a regular celebration dinner at all. Turns out it was an actual date, and you only realized it when he picked you up from your place and handed you a sweet smelling bouquet of flowers. He did the whole thing too, opened the car door for you, pulled the chair for you. Shared a slice of cake for dessert with you, and even secretly paid for the whole meal when he said that he was only going to the bathroom. He was sweet the entire time, a lot more talkative outside of work and the regular car rides, but a good date nonetheless. Immediately after walking you to your front door, he asks for another date with a sheepish smile. You said yes. You did promise MJ that you'll try. So try, you did. Then after a coffee date, you two went to a drive in theatre. The next thing you know, you two are already on your fifth date. Or is it your fifth? You lost count after the butterfly sanctuary date.

You haven't kissed him, apart from a chaste peck on the cheek, there's no lip locking. And he hasn't asked for it nor made a move to kiss you either. It's alright though, you're still not ready to seal the deal just yet. Maybe it has something to do with today, or maybe with a certain someone. You like Harry enough, but there's a nagging feeling on the back of your head for some reason.

“I know, it's just— you know what, this is nice.” Harry relents and pecks your temple. That'll need some getting used to. “I saw a Korean corn dog stand over there, do you want one?”

You're too distracted from looking for the band and Hobie's familiar gait. “Yeah, sure, Harry.” Turning back to him, you squeeze his hand. “I'll wait for you at the front.”

“You sure?” With a nod from you, he unwraps his arm from your side. “I guess I'll call you if we get separated.”

“Yeah, I'll be fine. This isn't like the bar.”

Chuckling, he pats the small of your back before walking towards the food stalls. And you see the familiar camera crew looking around, befuddled and looking lost. You immediately, yet subtly walk away, hoping that the crowd will help camouflage you.

As you make your way towards the front, you see MJ's familiar head of red hair. “MJ!”

She turns around, squealing and bounding towards you. “You made it!” Hugging you, she squeezes the life out of you. “Is that new?” Her eyes flick over to the black sparkly cardigan you have on.

“Yeah, it was a gift.” You hold her at arm's length as she bounces on the balls of her feet excitedly. The rest of her band stands behind her, all visibly excited as they give you a friendly yet quick greeting. “Remember to breathe, we don't want a repeat of the talent show.”

MJ rolls her head back and groans audibly. “Don't remind me! I still have nightmares from it! Good fucking thing we're not on for a little while.”

“Oh, I thought you guys were playing first before Hobie's band?”

“Change of plans apparently. They get to go on first.” She says as the spotlights go wild after the band playing on stage bows to the clapping crowd.

“Where are they anyway—?”

“So where's the new guy, huh? I need to see if he's hot so he can get my approval.” She tugs you to her side, bouncing up and down.

“He's not my— he's buying me a corndog.”

“A man after your own heart, I love that.” She pokes your chest.

You rub the point where she poked you. “Yeah, I guess so. Where's Hobie, I need to wish him luck—?”

A loud guitar riff bounces around the walls, signaling the band's arrival. The lights turn blood red, and the crowd goes wild at the sight.

Hobie looks stunning under the light, wicks pulled together in a ponytail, top almost sheer as it shimmers in the spotlight. His pants are tight and flared at the bottom, all tied together by silver accents, a belt that has a spider on the buckle, and numerous rings and necklaces on him. But most of all, the jean jacket you gifted him fits perfectly on him. He put his own spin on it, adding his own flair with a few buttons and patches while the sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. It all made you smile.

MJ screams each band member's name, voice cracking when she yells Yuri's name. Her band follows behind, fully screaming out together with the audience. MJ leads you towards the front to see them better, clutching your arm tightly and grinning brightly.

“Hobie!” She screams at the top of her lungs, earning a guffaw from you. “She made it!” Pointing at your head, your heart almost lurches in your chest when his eyes meet yours.

Immediately, the nonchalant look turns soft for you. But as quick as it came, he cranks his charm to a hundred and winks at you. A few people shriek, thinking that the wink was intended for them. You aren't sure if it was even for you.

The lights make his eyes glow bright red, skin looking like it's on fire as he shreds his guitar. Yuri's almost haunting singing voice adds to your swirling thoughts.

“Let's go, Hobie!” You add to the screaming fans, cupping your mouth with your hands for added volume. It has Hobie almost cracking a smile as you see his lips tug up, and he's clearly fighting with it as he swallows.

MJ guffaws, following your cheer with another.

“Hey,” Harry appears beside you, eyes flicking over to the band briefly before turning to you. “They ran out of corndogs!” He yells above the music.

You miss how Hobie sneered at the sight.

“That's okay!” You grin, yelling back. “Just enjoy the music, Harry!”

“Yeah,” he nods, and you feel his hand wrap around your own. It's not weird in the slightest since you two held hands before. “You must be MJ!” Harry leans in front of you, making you stand on your tiptoes to see Ned playing on the drums.

“What?! Oh you're the guy!” MJ does the same, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you! You better take care of my girl!” You almost shush them both.

“I will, don't worry!” Harry nods and reciprocates MJ's fist bump.

MJ stands back up, “I approve.” She whispers into your ear, giving you a thumbs up.

You chuckle, putting your arm over her back to half hug her. You wonder if Hobie can see the three of you clearly while he's on stage. Or if he knows that he's got people rooting for him. MJ hoots and hollers, and you feel a hand cupping your cheek, moving your head towards Harry's face.

“Yeah, you okay?” You ask him, smiling until you feel his lips on your own. And the sound of a wrong guitar chord squeaks out.

[nina-ya]

Synopsis: You were asked to join Law on Punk Hazard and the holiday season has you feeling bittersweet. you make the most of it and wrap him up in a snowball fight Pairing: Trafalgar law x reader CW: Fluff, first kisses, mild punk hazard spoilers • ficmas masterlist • ko-fi • discord server •

The wind howled through the frozen-over cliffs of Punk Hazard, carrying with it the seemingly endless flurries of snow that swirled and coated every inch of the island. The perpetual cold of the half-frozen wasteland gnawed through layers of fabric, sinking its icy teeth into flesh and bone. Every breath fogged the air in a determination to remind you of the warmth that the island seemed to snatch away. 

From a window in Caesar Clown’s ramshackle lab, you watched the snow drift lazily across the landscape, the purity juxtaposing the sinister veneer of the facility. The lab itself was a maze of corridors and shadowy rooms with equipment in it humming with a strange energy that always left you on edge. 

It was close to Christmas, though you couldn’t quite bring yourself to say it aloud. The holiday spirit felt misplaced here, buried in layers of snow and secrecy. You had been separated from the rest of the crew for weeks now, tasked with assisting Law in his mission to infiltrate Caesar’s inner circle and gain access to the SAD production room. The stakes were high, the danger imminent, and the margin for error nonexistent. Yet, despite this heavy pressure hanging over you, your thoughts stubbornly drifted to warmer memories-- laughter spilling inside the Polar Tang, the clinking of mugs, Bepo stringing lights along the submarine’s interior.

“You’re staring again,” Law’s voice cut through the silence, low and smooth. 

You turned to find him leaning against the doorway, a furrow in his brow. Even adorned with his spotted hat and wrapped in his thick black coat, he seemed impervious to the cold, though maybe that had something to do with his upbringing more than anything. 

“It’s snowing,” you said simply, gesturing toward the window. 

Law’s gaze flicked to the glass, expression unreadable as he stepped closer. The light snowfall softened his features, but it did nothing to thaw the ice in his voice. “And?”

“And,” you hesitated, your fingers brushing the frosty sill. “It doesn’t feel right, being here… away from everyone. It’s almost Christmas, and we’re stuck in this place.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The air grew heavy with unspoken thoughts, the kind that neither of you dared to voice in fear of shattering the fragile equilibrium that you'd finally managed to maintain. Finally, Law broke the silence, his tone softening. 

“You think the others are celebrating without us?” he asked, a faint trace of something -- amusement? -- lacing his words. 

You shrugged, a wistful smile tugging at your lips. “Knowing them, they’re probably singing Christmas carols with everyone on Zou. I bet everyone has turned the damn place into a light show by now.”

Law’s lips curled into a smile mirroring yours. He huffed out a chuckle, responding, "Yeah, they’re probably doing alright.”

You turned to him fully, your eyes searching for something you couldn’t quite name. “Maybe,” you said softly. “But I wish we could be there with them. It doesn’t feel right without them.”

He held your gaze for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small sigh, he stepped closer. 

“You know, you’re not spending Christmas alone,” he finally said. The words were simple, but something in his tone made your chest tighten. 

You turned back to the window, your breath fogging the glass. The snow outside glistened like scattered diamonds under the faint light filtering through the gray sky. Without quite thinking, you murmured, “We should go outside.”

Law arched an eyebrow, his expression caught somewhere between disbelief and curiosity. “You want to go out there? It’s freezing.”

“Exactly!” You said, a playful grin tugging at your lips as you turned to face him. “If we’re going to be stuck in this place, I declare that we make the most of it. I haven’t seen you have fun since we got here!”

“Our whole purpose here is not to have fun,” he replied, though his tone lacked its usual sharp edge. 

“Well, maybe it’s time you had a little fun,” you teased, grabbing his wrist before he could argue further. His protests were half-hearted at best as you dragged him through the winding corridors of the laboratory and out into the snow. 

The cold hit you like a slap, sharp and invigorating. Snow crunched beneath your shoes as you stepped out onto the frozen ground. Law followed, his hat pulled low to shield his ears from the wind, though his gaze stayed fixed on you with a mixture of exasperation and amusement. 

You bent down to scoop up a handful of snow, the flakes freezing your hands as you packed them haphazardly into a ball. Without so much of a warning, you hurled it at him, the snow exploding against his chest in a flurry of white. 

“Really?” he deadpanned, brushing the remnants of the snowball from his coat. 

“Really,” you replied, already preparing another projectile. 

Law tilted his head slightly, a smirk spreading across his lips as he reached down and scooped up some snow himself. You barely had time to prepare before he sent it flying, the snowball splattering against your arm. 

“Hey!” you exclaimed, laughing despite yourself. You hurled another snowball, but he dodged with ease, sidestepping like it was child’s play.

“Room.”

“Shambles.”

You gasped, spinning just in time to feel a cold explosion against your shoulder. Law stood behind you, a shit-eating grin on his face as he dusted his hands clean.

“Unfair!” you yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at him as you stumbled to grab more snow. “You can’t use your powers in a snowball fight!”

“Why not?” he asked innocently, stepping abc as you launched another snowball his way. He waved a hand, and before it could hit him, the snowball launched toward the skies, rendering your attack useless. 

“That’s cheating!” you shouted, but you couldn’t suppress the laugh bubbling up in your chest as you tried to keep up. 

He shrugged, a nonchalant air about him as he bent to scoop more snow. You weren’t about to let him win, though. Crouching low, you gathered an armful of snowballs in rapid succession and began hurling at him, forcing him to dodge and teleport repeatedly. 

Your persistence finally paid off, and hit him square on the side of his head, scattering snow into his hat and hair. You cheered, throwing your arms up high in triumph as you watched him brush the snow from his dark locks, his expression turning into something more mischievous. 

You yelped as the fight quickly devolved into a chaotic chase, Law’s longer strides giving him an advantage as he pursued you through the snow-covered clearing. You ran as fast as your feet could take you, but the sound of his footsteps growing louder and louder told you that you couldn’t escape for long. 

When he finally caught you, you found yourself pinned between the rough, frozen back of a tree at your back and the man in front of you. Law’s hands bracketed your shoulders, fingers curled loosely against the bark, as if giving you room to run if you dared-- but you didn’t. His breath hung in the air between you, plumes of warmth dissolving into the foggy cold. His gaze is what truly held you captive: a molten, unspoken intensity that rooted you to the spot. 

“Got you,” he murmured, his voice low and rich. 

His amber eyes flicked across your face, drinking in every detail-- the rapidness of the breaths spilling past your lips from the chase, the stray snowflakes caught in your lashes, the way your eyes widened ever so slightly as his proximity closed in around you. 

Your pulse pounded, each beat louder than the last, and you couldn’t help but glance at his lips, their softness contrasting the sharper features of his face. Something flickered in his honeyed eyes, as though he caught you looking, and his breath hitched-- subtle, but it was there.

You glanced up, scrambling for something to say, anything to diffuse the suffocating intimacy. 

“Look,” you said, your voice softer than intended, almost shy. “Mistletoe.”

Law’s gaze followed yours, his brow furrowing as he eyed the brittle cluster of leaves above you, their frostbitten edges glinting in the light. 

“That’s not mistletoe,” he said, tone flat, but tinged with something like disbelief, as though he couldn’t fathom how you managed to conjure such a ridiculous idea at a moment like this. 

“Close enough,” you whispered, daring to meet his gaze again. The intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down your spine.

The silence stretched as his gaze dipped to your lips. It lingered there, his thoughts an unreadable swirl of hesitation and desire. His breath was shallow now, brushing faintly against your skin like a question he hadn’t decided how to ask. 

For a moment you thought he might step back. But then he sighed, a soft sound that made your heart ache, and leaned in. 

The first touch of his lips against yours was tentative, a ghost of a kiss that was testing the waters. But the restraint was short-lived. A heat unfurled in the hunger of his kiss, growing bolder, deeper, until it completely consumed you. 

Your hands found the fabric of his coat, clutching it to ground yourself in the whirlwind of sensations he stirred. His warmth pressed against you, chasing away the cold of the world around you. The kiss grew bolder with every passing moment, as if Law had resolved to abandon his caution entirely. His lips pressed firmly against yours, moving with a purpose that sent shivers through you. 

The world melted away. There was no snow, no mission, no looming presence of Caesar’s, only his lips on yours, and the silent language you now shared. His lips coaxed and claimed, mapping yours with a tenderness that unraveled you, even as hints of desperation edged into his movements. 

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, the tips of your noses brushing in a way that sent a tingle down your spine. Both of you were breathless, your mingled exhalations forming soft clouds that dissipated in the cold air. 

Golden eyes searched yours, an unspoken vulnerability shimmering in there, as though he was uncertain if he had stepped over some invisible boundary. But you smiled softly, and all his worries seemed to dissolve in an instant. 

“Merry Christmas,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. 

“It’s not Christmas,” he replied, his lips curling into a smile. 

“It might as well be,” you countered, your tone light and sincere. “Feels like a gift to me.”

His expression softened completely, the usual sharpness of his features giving way to something gentler, dare you say, fond. He let out a quiet huff, shaking his head slightly before brushing a stray snowflake from your hair, hand trailing down to cup your jaw as he leaned in again.

[yandere-wishes]

Can't get this thought out of my head!! It's been driving me crazy all night~🌸

Sorry this is so utterly random, but I can't stop thinking about how similar Poison Ivy is to Venus Mcflytrap!! Like yeah I know it's so obvious but it's never occurred to me before.

So I propose this...

Reader who has powers like Venus: Plant mimicry, Chlorokinesis, and has the mind control pollen (guess that makes her like Ivy too).

Reader who has vines growing on her arms and legs that have thorns and roses, reader who just wants to be like her mentor/adopted mother and save the planet from the horrendous humans running it, reader whose hero name is either Flytrap or Blood-Rose (or maybe Ivy has two side kicks who knows)

Now imagine a batboy, I'm thinking either Tim or Jason fall in love with her.

If it's Jason then the reader obviously has a more punk aesthetic, her words and actions are harsh but her heart is made of pure gold. She loudly protests on the streets, vandalizes anything that she deems a hazard to the earth, and isn't afraid of throwing punches when face to face with the defilers of the earth (literally anyone, I'm thinking she would start fights for stepping on flowers, breaking tree branches, mistreating animals even, oh and def littering.) and this is all as a civilian. As a rouge she's unhinged, she lacks her mentor's grace, she goes in monster veins swinging. Ready to break skulls. Maybe she really is more monstrous compared to Ivy who uses seduction as her greatest assist. Reader instead has venus flytraps sprouting from her shoulders/back that she uses as weapons. Her veins and flytraps have given Jason more broken bones than he'd like to admit. Yet somehow he's always sad when the cartilage heels, almost as if it's scrubbing off all traces of her.

If it's Tim then reader is more of a mad scientist, she's always locked up in her room. Coming up with new plants that she finds stunning, and everyone else finds utterly terrifying!! She makes her mother proud by making new planets capable of taking back the earth and planting them where they can do the most harm. Her creations have literally wrecked skyscrapers. I'm thinking she would have roses and thorns sprouting from all over her body. Definitely a bit insecure. Since she's always hidden away. When Tim is tasked with hunting down whoever is behind the new

killer plant attacks. He tracks her to Ivy's hideout. Que a "meet cute" where Tim is trying to bring her to justice and reader is trying to kill him. But she's not good at fighting, she does however end up drawing blood with her thorns!! When it's over Tim has destroyed her lab and new creations and finally gone home. He finds he can't get her out of his head! He thinks it's the pollen, maybe because of her pricking him...but turns out he's really falling in love.

The third option is my favorite trope that I've never really written about (it's coming up in the Catfam series too) but Yandere! Bruce Wayne/Batman falling in love with his rogue's sidekick. Under the pretense of "saving them". He'd end up kidnapping her locking her away in the manner. Ultimate princess treatment only catch is she's tied up and He's found a way to shut off her powers!! 💞💋💞💋💞 utterly obsessed with unhinged Bruce!! Trying to play hero but also so psychotically in love!!

Now because I'm me I have to add in a fourth option of Harvey Dent. I remember shipping him and Ivy as a kid (yes my perspective of love was screwed up even then) So maybe Ivy's little helper developed a crush on Big Bad Harv, one the Harvey wants to use to get back at Ivy with. But her puppy dog crush is so endearing that both sides of him start to get addicted!! She finds him so so beautiful, adores both sides of him. She even decorates his half and half apartment with flowers. Cuter brighter flowers on Harvey's side (sunflowers, orange blossom, sakura) and darker "creepier" things for Harv (Flyraps, black dahlia, thorn veins).

Should I just throw in one for Damian too? Like, remember that one comic where Ivy creates planet children? Maybe she does that and Reader is born. Obviously, she has accelerated growth and the same values and obsessions as her "mother". She's created her to be the ultimate savior to carry on her legacy and succeed. There is so much of her Damian can relate to, so much about her that pricks at his heart when he sees her blooming under the sun. 🥺💋🥺💋. Ivy would totally call her "my sapling" or "my little bloom". Damian hears the nicknames and repeats them much to the reader's surprise and disgust.

Is this anything??

[eggrollforyou]

Wait For Me

Zoro x F!reader x Law

Summary: you, a fellow Straw Hat, and the crew are separated at Sabaody. Saved by Law, you have to decide if you’ll accept his help or cut your losses and handle things on your own until your crew reunites.

CW: MDNI, NSFW, Angst, slow burn, Canon divergent, eventual smut, AFAB reader, use of Y/N, hidden baby trope (kinda? Not by choice lol), descriptions of violence, blood, and vomit, pregnant reader, self doubt

A/N: Not proofread. I hope you enjoyyyyy!

Series masterlist : Next chapter

Chapter 5

It’s been a month since you kissed Law. Weeks of agonizing awkward glances, quiet moments, and chastising yourself for your messy vulnerability. You spent the first week worried about what this would do to your relationship with Zoro. He’s pretty laid back, but this….this is different. Would he forgive you? Would he see reason when you had an opportunity to explain or would he see red? You weren’t going to keep it a secret from him but you had to figure out how to deal with the situation with tact. He was already going to be dealing with a lot when you reunite.

You continued to train relentlessly, hoping to lose yourself in that instead of your own thoughts. It was easier to deal with. You had four more months until you were due back at Sabaody. Still behind on your training and still feeling sorry for yourself that you haven’t gotten further along in training, despite the graces that everyone gives you. It’s far easier to extend that same grace that you so willingly give than to accept it yourself. 

Law has been taking the whole thing surprisingly well. He hasn't made you feel bad about the situation. Hasn't pressed for any conversations. He's simply been…there. Steady. At least you can count on that.

“Y/N-ya,” Law calls out, snapping you out of your thoughts. You shift in your seat in the galley, turning to the door. Law walks into the room with Ayumi in tow. Her sleepy eyes are searching for you. She reaches out as soon as she sees you across the galley. “She just woke up. She was crying for you,” he says as he passes her to you. “Sorry, if she interrupted your work. I just wanted to grab a bite before she woke up.” He glances down at your plate, food clearly uneaten, just moved around. 

“Ayumi,” he calls her. She snaps a side eye to him, “Let's go see Bepo, yea? Let your mother eat,” he attempts to coax her from your embrace. You chuckle as you look down as her grip tightens, “No!” Her side eye grows fiercer, “Mama.” He puts his hands up in surrender, eyes wide as he glances at you. “I’m beginning to see where she gets her attitude,” he smirks. You glare at him, matching her scowl, and he chuckles as he walks away.

Another two months have passed. You're counting the days until you can see your crew again. You've docked on another island to restock as you make your way back toward Sabaody. Law mentioned splitting up soon to move forward with plans on an island he said was imperative for his next mission. Something called Punk Hazard. You couldn't recall exactly since most of the planning didn't involve you. He seemed more stressed about it as the date got closer, though. 

“What are we gonna do without this little Princess here to keep us company?” Ikkaku coos as she tossed Ayumi into the air and delighted baby giggles fill the air. You're sitting on the beach, taking a break from training. All the hard work has finally begun to pay off. You feel stronger. Finally able to give Law a run for his money when you spar. Your observation haki is finally ahead of your armament, you can mostly predict an attack. Enough to get ahead of it. 

It's made you more confident in your ability to protect Ayumi. Not that you were ever in a situation when you needed to, but it certainly helped when she was wobbling into trouble on the ship. She's a year and a half old now and FULLY mobile. You've found your observation skills supremely handy to keep her out of trouble. 

“Ugh! What am I gonna do without YOU, Ikkaku?!” You reminisce how she's been the only other woman on board. Of course you two have gotten close. “Pfff. You'll be FINE! You have Nami and Robin, right? You're just gonna have to teach this little lady how to beat up those stinky boys,” she says in baby talk to Ayumi. You laugh watching the two of them play. I hope ‘Yumi adjusts on the Sunny. 

“I'm worried,” you quietly contemplate. “About what? What's there to worry about? Everyone will be so happy to be back together. Surprised, I'm sure, but happy.”

You sigh. You haven't told Ikkaku anything about your conflicted feelings for Law, nor about your kiss. “W-well….the last few months I've…I feel like a terrible person.”

She cocks an eyebrow at you, “Go on.”

“I don't know. The relationship I have with Law has gotten complicated. It's so messy Ikkaku. At first I thought I had feelings for him because of the hormones. And after ‘Yumi he was SO helpful, and supportive, and well GREAT.” You pause. 

“But lately they felt like they were growing into something more. And I don't know if those feelings are real, or if it's because he's just been there for me when I needed it and those lines just got blurred. And well….a few months ago, I….” You trail off.

“Out with it already, woman!” She pleads. “You sigh again, “A few months ago, I was feeling really vulnerable, and weak, and doubting myself and this whole situation. What if Zoro doesn't want kids…or me? Any of this. And I kissed Law.” Her eyes wide in shock and she stops dancing Ayumi on her lap. “I-I still love Zoro, and I want to make this work if he'll have it, but I feel like SUCH a shitty person. And I'm terrified he won't forgive me.” You look at her, clearly shaken. “Does that make me a terrible person?” You sheepishly ask.

She looks down at Ayumi and back up at you. “No, Y/N. That doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you human. We're messy, and confusing, and sometimes do stupid shit. But you own up to your mistakes. Apologize, make amends, and move forward. I mean, I don't know Zoro. But I know you. And you're a good, kind person. If he can't see that, then that's on him. Did Law say anything to you?” You let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding. 

“He said he would be here for me and ‘Yumi, no matter what.”

“Well, then there you go! If Zoro is a dumbass and doesn't see what he has in front of him…then come back. We're all here for you.” She beams a smile at you and you lean over to rest your head on her shoulder. “Thank you. What did I do to deserve you.”

You're fighting your stomach as it twists in knots as the Polar Tang approaches Sabaody. It's been two years since you were last here. Part of you finds it hard to push back the panic that you feel in your gut, remembering the fight that you thought was the end of your journey. Walking with Ayumi through the mangrove shifts your attention. You smile as she attempts to run, chasing the bubbles. “Let's go, baby. We have to find Daddy.”

Law and the rest of the Heart Pirates follow you as you go from one grove to the next to get to Shakky’s. Bepo scoops Ayumi up to bask in her snuggles along the walk as she excitedly points out the new sights. Law notices how tense you are, pushing back his own tension at the prospect of losing something he never thought he wanted. Fighting the lump forming in his throat he quietly asks, “Hey. Things will be ok.” Will they though?

You clear your throat, pulling your arms up to your chest, “Y-yea. I think so too. I missed everyone so much. You guys are so serious,” you joke trying to fight the anxiety lighting up your chest. Law rolls his eyes but fights a smirk. Shakky’s is suddenly in front of you and you stop. Bepo brings Ayumi to you teary eyed, “I’ll see you soon, ok ‘Yumi?” he sniffles. Propping her on your hip you turn to Law, “T-thank you….for everything. From both of us. We wouldn’t be here without you.” As you lean in to hug him goodbye, you’re squished as the entire crew embraces you and Ayumi. She delightedly giggles in the group hug, reaching out to touch everyone within her grasp. Law leans down, “I meant it. We’ll be here another day. You know where to find us if you need it.” You nod in quiet acknowledgement and a heavy heart. Finally released from everyone’s grasp, you turn around and slowly walk into the bar, unsure of what to expect.

It takes you a moment for your eyes to adjust from the brightness outside to the dimmer light inside the bar. “There she is,” Shakky calls out. “Oh? And who is this?” as she sees Ayumi. No real confirmation needed to be said who Ayumi’s father is. With her bright green hair and suspicious glare. She is very clearly her father’s daughter. You smile, “This is Ayumi….Where is everyone? Am I the first one here?” Shakky tips her head to the side, “He’s here, back room sweetheart.” 

Your heart jumps at the thought, palms growing clammy, butterflies in your stomach, but an overwhelming sense of warmth overtakes you. Your excitement at seeing him, that this moment is finally here brings a skip back to your step, overriding your anxiety. You walk past the bar, pushing open the door, you see Zoro standing at a window, looking outside. He hears your footsteps and turns around. He’s changed so much. He’s stronger. You stop in your tracks as he makes eye contact with you. Surprised you have a baby in tow, but his gaze softens when he sees your lip trembling. Shakky clears her throat behind you, “Let me see this little Princess,” as she reaches out to hold Ayumi for you for a moment. 

As soon as you see that Ayumi isn’t throwing a fit, you turn and run to Zoro. Jumping up into his embrace, wrapping your legs around his waist as he catches you effortlessly. You’ve wrapped your arms around his neck in a tight embrace, locking your face into the crook of his neck as you fight back the ugly cry you really want to cry. Zoro chuckles, “Don’t be a crybaby already. We were supposed to get stronger, you know,” he teases. You lean back, placing your hands on both sides of his face, your thumb gently ghosting the scar over his left eye. He glances away for a moment, trying to fight his insecurity about how you’d react to it. He shifts to wipe away the tears on your face. “I missed you so much,” you hiccup. 

He leans forward and kisses you, fiercely. The butterflies and hot ball of anxiety in your chest dissipate immediately as you kiss him back. His lips still felt the same perfectly slotted against yours. “I missed you too,” he whispers as he rests his forehead on yours. Ayumi breaks the silence calling out to you, “Mama! Mama, up!” she reaches out to you in Shakky’s embrace. Zoro’s eyes widen again, “Mama?” he questions, slowly letting you back down onto your feet. “Um…yea. Zoro, this is Ayumi….your daughter.”

Did you like this? I'm flattered! Wanna read more? Here's my Masterlist!

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[noproofread]

Numb to the Feeling (NSFW)

guess who's baaaaaack ;)

took a lil bit to write this but i finally finished it yay

Trafalgar Law x straw hat afab!reader

spoilers for punk hazard and wano‼️

established relationship, unprotected sex, they have historyyy. sub!law (if you squint), smut with feelings, reader and law have one last night before they part ways, so naturally reader gets to ride him.

word count: 1,245

masterlist here

The sun was setting behind the horizon, painting the sky a beautiful blood orange reflecting over the restless sea. Mixed chatter and laughter surrounded you as you made your way through the festival. You were looking for him. It was the last night in Wano and you hadn’t had the chance to talk to him the entire time you had been in alliance. Luffy didn’t know your history with Law. He didn’t know you had been involved with him before you joined the Straw Hat Pirates. He probably wouldn’t care. It seemed like Law had been avoiding you since you saw him in Punk Hazard. You would be lying if you said you weren’t trying to avoid him as well. But you missed him. Seeing him brought back all the feelings you tried so hard to repress. Focusing on the mission at hand, you didn’t even have the time to exchange any words with him.

As you searched the crowd, you spotted him. Standing by an onigiri stand, how predictable. You inhaled a breath of courage before marching over to him. “The onigiri’s good I assume?” You startled him, speaking so suddenly without him even noticing your presence before your voice hit his ears. He turned around to face you. “Don’t sneak up on me.” His voice was stern yet kind. You replied with a small smile. Law dropped his guard, he always did when he was around you. “I’m glad you’re eating though. A little birdie told me you’ve been having a hard time eating recently… Me too.” You confided in him. Seeing him in Punk Hazard made you unstable. You couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep. All you did was think about him. Remembering him. Law extended his hand, offering you one of his onigiri. “You should eat then. They’re pretty good.” He said without looking at you. “I’ll tell Bepo to mind his business next time.” He joked, correctly guessing where you had gotten your information from.

You took the onigiri from him, your fingers lightly brushing his palm. He retracted his hand quickly, a slight blush creeping up on his cheeks. You looked down at your feet, pondering for merely a second before the words left your lips almost as if you couldn’t hold them back. “Law it’s our last night here before we both go our separate ways and-” You looked up at him, your face red hot at the realization of what you were about to ask him. You hesitated. “And-” Law’s eyes widened. He put out his hand quickly. “Room. Shambles.”

You were on the Polar Tang in the blink of an eye. It was empty, aside from the two of you. You looked at Law, your heart pounding so hard you felt it rattling your bones. “Please, finish what you were saying.” His voice was so low it felt more like a whisper. “I haven’t felt like this in so long” Your voice trembled a little. “I just didn’t want to part ways without telling you that since Punk Hazard I haven’t stopped thinking of you.” Your words trailed off. Law stood in silence in front of you. You felt like it was hard to breathe. Your confession just hanging in the air, nothing but the sounds of waves crashing against the ship and the distant noise of the festival. “If I’m honest…” Law spoke softly, taking steps towards you. He stopped just a few inches away from you. He was so close you felt the heat radiating from his body. “I felt dazed until I saw you with Straw Hat-ya in Punk Hazard.” His hand cupped your cheek as he caressed you softly with his thumb. The contact made you gasp. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you either.” His sentence speeding up in desperation as he leaned in to kiss you.

It felt like the air was sucked out of your lungs as you tasted his lips. His kiss was full of passion, desperation, lust. Your hands clinging to the clothes on his back as he pressed himself against you. You walked backwards, stumbling across the floor as you were getting drunk on his lips. You felt your back press against a cool metal surface. Law pulled away, catching his breath. He looked behind you and smirked. “How convenient.” He laughed, moving to open the door you leaned on. Law picked you up effortlessly, treading towards the bed in his room. Gently, he placed you on the soft mattress, nuzzling his face into your neck. His facial hair scratching your sensitive skin. You gasped in pleasure as he kissed and licked your neck. You ran your fingers through his hair, encouraging him to continue.

“Oh how I missed this. How I craved this.” He whispered. His breath felt hot against you. The passion grew, your own arousal pooling beneath you. His hands scoured your body, undressing you as he felt every inch of your soft skin leaving behind a trail of fire. “Take your fucking clothes off” you said breathlessly. He did as he was told. His erection springing free, a moan slipping through your lips at the mere anticipation. He looked down at you hungrily, pulling you in. He assaulted your lips, allowing you to trace every tattoo on his body with your fingers. You took the initiative to change positions. You pulled him down onto the bed, his back bouncing slightly on the springy mattress. You freed yourself of your dampened underwear, straddling him. Your heart was pounding in your ears.

Law’s hands placed firmly on your hips as he admired your body. His hips bucked forward slightly, craving some kind of relief. “Fuck. Please.” He begged. You bit your lip at his plea, slowly lowering yourself onto him. You teased him a little, only allowing his tip inside you. Law’s eyes rolled to the back of his head in pleasure. A moan escaping from his lips. He was unraveling beneath you. He looked at you, pleading with his eyes. Begging for you. You continued down, feeling him stretch you deliciously. You felt him inside you, his erection twitching with excitement. You moved against him at a slow pace, his hands roaming your body. Your body felt like it was on fire. Moans spilled out from the two of you as you worked towards a release. He was perfect, moving his own hips against yours as lewd noises filled the room. You felt yourself nearing the edge, grabbing a hold of the sheets beneath Law. “You feel so fucking good.” He groaned in your ear, grabbing your ass. You closed your eyes as you felt every sensation on your body. Allowing the pleasure to wash over you, you let go. Letting out a loud moan, you tightened around him. He thrust into you a couple more times before losing himself in ecstasy. He pulled himself out of you quickly, spilling his hot cum on both of you. Twitching beneath you as his climax came down. Panting, you collapsed beside him, facing the ceiling.

Laughing in disbelief of what had just occurred. “Straw Hat-ya is not going to be happy with us.” Law joked. He sat up, smiling. “I’ll clean us up. Then we can go enjoy the festival.” You smiled back at him. You felt relieved, happy. Even if months pass after you go your separate ways, you were sure that he was yours. You were his. Distance didn’t matter. Distance never mattered.

[purple-goo-writes]

Punk Hazard

Now to put this into a story.

Part 2 Here

It was a normal day in Central City. The Flashes were fighting the latest team-up between Killer Frost and Captain Cold. So of course it was snowing in July now and traffic was stalled due to ìce attacks making the roads impassable. But the heroes had the villains on the ropes. Then a fresh wave of ice and cold came out of nowhere, covering everything and everyone in frost. Dropping the temperature further as the crunching of boots on ice drew everyone's attention. Dressed in distressed black leather pants with frosted chains, a black crop top with a deep v-neck lined with blue, and plenty of ice chains to rattle as he walked was a teen near Impulse's age with pale blue skin, elfin features, and long black hair streaked with white and blue. Blue lips pulled into a deadly smirk as the air started to thrum with vibrations and the beat of crackling ice, "Time to drop the beat down."

Unfortunately for the heroes, they were not familiar with this villain's move set or powers. And it seemed they had made a mistake in assuming that his powers were similar to the other two ice villains. Only to be thrown for a loop when they missed a beat and started to freeze. And the music was only getting faster and with it came faster ice attacks.

Later, Barry groaned as his team worked to get him, Wally, and Bart out of their ice prisons. The three of them were shivering and turning blue from how cold their core temps had dropped. Looked like they would be hitting the showers on max heat once thawed out.

"What in the world was that?" Wally groaned once he was finally freed, while Barry rubbed his hands together to get feeling back, "I don't know but we better get investigating to figure out how to fight this new guy."

"Yeah, I don't fancy being a Flash-cicle just because I can't keep the beat," Wally grumbled, "Dick is going to make me play sooo much Just Dance once he hears about our new villain."

"You noticed it too?" Bart shivered, taking his mind away from the fact that the new villain was around his age and rather interesting to look at. Something he hadn't noticed before on others. he shook his head, no he needed to focus, "We had to follow the beat of the music or we started to freeze up. It was pretty easy to do until he started to ramp up the difficulty. Also...He has to follow the beat as well."

Barry groaned softly as he wrapped the blanket handed to him around his shoulders, "Wally is right, we are going to have to start ramping up our Just Dance scores...Hal is going to laugh himself sick."

All three groaned realizing their respective teams were going to be insufferable.

---

"You are pretty badass, kid," Killer Frost smirked once they got away from the heroes, "What even are your powers?" "A cross between music manipulation and Ice control," He shrugged, "I've been calling it Cryo Symphony." "Got a name?" Captain Cold grunted looking over the little punk, though little probably only applied to age given the kid was nearly his height and in that awkward stage between Twink and Tank.

"I was thinking Punk Frost-" "Yeah no, I got Frost already covered and I'm not looking for a side kick," Killer Frost hissed at him, making the kid raise his hands in surrender, "Okay, how about Punk Hazard? After all, I am a punk and my powers are hazardous to other's health if they can't keep the beat." "Sounds good kid, now you got a place to stay?" Snart asked, tone gruff but concerned. He never liked seeing kids turn to the villain life, didn't really like kiddie heroes but at least they had more support then kiddie villains did.

"Ummm not really?" Danny shrugged, "Probably the bridge I've been sleeping under."

Even Frost looked concerned at that, causing Snart to sigh, "Yeah no, I got a safe house you can crash at. Come on, you look like you haven't eaten in days." Danny blinked in confusion, "Huh?" Making Frost snicker, "Sorry, kid looks like you've been adopted."

[fetacheeseluvr]

Run Away - Trafalgar Law x Reader - Chapter 3

A/N: THE THIRD AND FINAL CHAPTER IS HERE! It is lowkey inspired by the song 'Back To Me' by The Marias, so feel free to listen to it while you are reading this chapter :)

I just wanted to give a quick thank you for all the likes, reposts, kudos, and comments. Being recognized for putting myself out there creatively has given me a lot of courage to continue to write. I was always too scared to do this kinda thing because I thought I would just suck at it lol, but the kindness and support has made me feel very reassured to push myself to do what i'm passionate about. SO THANK YOU <3

Anywho I hope you enjoy!

TAGS: angst, fluff, confirmed feelings

2k word count

Chapter 1: https://www.tumblr.com/fetacheeseluvr/779840416647430144/run-away-trafalgar-law-x-reader-chapter-1

Chapter 2: https://www.tumblr.com/fetacheeseluvr/780414561008386048/run-away-trafalgar-law-x-reader-chapter-2

After hearing the news about Law taking down Doflamingo family and the SMILE factory, the waiting game begun; he could come to Zou any day now.

He will come back to your crew.

Back to you.

Before you found out the truth about Law's trip to Punk Hazard and Dressrosa, you would normally be feeling restless and giddy leading up to his return from his solo missons. Excited to berate him with questions about all the things he saw or the different battles he fought, though you mostly looked forward to just being able to spend time with him. Back to the late nights in the library, back to teasing him about his nerdy obsessions, back to holding onto everything he would do to you and hoping it was his way of telling you he secretly felt the same.

Back to you.

But now, it feels as though you are in the eye of the storm, trapped to watch everything falling apart around you and not being able to do anything about it. It made you feel stupid for thinking there was more to the relationship you had with Law. If he was that willing to let you go, there was no way he saw you as someone worth keeping around. It ripped you apart, and you don't know if you will ever be able to forgive him.

He had his tattoo'd fingers in the folds of your brain for so long, and it started to feel like the space was molded just for him; and you didn't care if that meant you were made for him, you loved the idea.

The sadness of his unreciprocated feelings was something you hid away for so long, that it began to manifest into anger. Though, you never realized how pent up you were until everything happened, now the rage feels like tar you cannot scrub off your skin. And the worst part of it all is that you have nowhere to direct it. It wasn't his fault that he didn't feel the same way; he was only your captain, you made it complicated, so you let yourself watch what you built crumble.

Back to you.

"Y/N!"

You are pulled out of your thoughts by Ikkaku screeching your name as she barged into the room you shared, panting as she held onto the door.

"He's here! Bepo found Luffy who said that he's on his way here!" She said excitedly between staggered breaths.

You froze, the deep pang in your chest making you unable to move. You wanted to scream, cry, throw up, hide, run away; you wanted to do anything but continue to drown in this amber anger that has taken over every sense in your body. You knew that if you let yourself feel excited, the next time he would disappoint you would feel ten times worse; because you would have allowed yourself to believe he could change. But he didn't even know what he did to you.

You watched Ikkaku's face turn from excited to concerned, but you could only stare at her, hoping that she could somehow tell you how to feel.

"Um, I didn't think you would freeze in excitement... but hurry up and come outside, were all going to hide in front of the hideout to surprise him!" She says quickly before closing the door behind her.

You planted your hands into the plush cushion of your mattress as you began to rise out of your bed, though every fibre of your being screamed at you to hide. You continued to mentally and physically fight with yourself as you slowly left your room to meet the rest of your crew outside. You had quickly decided to yourself to pretend that everything was okay, not wanting to attract any unwanted concern about your well being. You knew this, it is a price that a pirate needs to pay for the sake of their crew. You knew this. You can do this again.

You approached the rest of your crew with a smile, they were huddled in a circle in front of the hideout talking with each other. Excited conversation about your captains return filled the quiet air of the forest, it made you nauseous. You could feel the stares of Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi burning into the side of your face. They had tried to talk to you about what you overheard multiple times, but you brushed it off to them as something that every pirate captain had to sacrifice for their life goals. They knew you were lying, but they thankfully eventually dropped it.

You hear a sudden gasp, then everyone scrambled to hide in the bushes that surrounded you.

The faint footsteps got drowned out by the sound your pounding heart in your ears, then deeply swallowing the lump in your throat. The steps got louder and louder until it paused, then your crew began to one by one poke their heads out.

You stood up, and he was there.

The sunlight that beamed through the trees above you surrounded him, making the scene in front of you feel like a dream. Like one you are sure you had before.

He was wearing his signature blue jeans and a loose black shirt with the top few buttons undone, showing the top of his chest tattoo, his sleeves were rolled up displaying his toned forearms. In one hand, he was holding out the vivre in front of him, in the other he rested his sword on his shoulder. His head was tilted down, black hair messily poked out of the bottom of his large white hat as his golden eyes looking up from underneath the rim. A corner of his mouth lifted up as his grinned up at everyone, at his crew. The image before you looked like a painting, like a moment that an artist wanted to carefully capture and let others bask upon for centuries to come; and oh, you did.

He looked lighter, as if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. The usual dark bags underneath his eyes had lightened, his once tense frame had loosened, his sharp and strained expression was brighter.

"Captain!" The crew cried out harmoniously, one by one coming out of the bushes to approach him.

"You came back for us!" Bepo sniffled through sobs as he jumped onto Law, holding onto him.

"I missed you so much!" He continued as he rubbed his face against his, Law smirking up at him as he accepted his fate.

"Do you want to squish him?" Shachi chimed in, crossing his arms with a smile.

Bepo froze and swiftly jumped back, "Sorry, sorry!"

Then, he looked at you, his eyes telling you something you didn't understand.

You looked back at him, frozen in place, unsure of what to say or do.

The air became tense as your crew noticed the odd exchange.

"Everyone head to the Polar Tang." Law ordered, not breaking eye contact.

"You, come with me." He spoke quickly before turning around and walking into the forest.

The crew slowly began to walk away, side eyeing you, faces covered in compassion as they disappeared.

You took a slow, deep breath before following behind him.

It feels as though you were watching his back for an eternity before he stopped in his tracks.

"Sorry, I wanted to make sure we were away from everyone." He spoke gently, as though he wasn't sure what he was doing.

He turned around to look at you, and this time, his gaze was cautious. Law looking at you as if you were fragile made your blood begin to boil.

"I-"

"Shut the hell up!" You suddenly yell before you had the time to process the words that began to spill out of your mouth.

"How dare you leave us with no intention of coming back, you coward!" You stormed up to him, invading his personal space. Balling up the collar of his shirt in your fist, you pulled him down to eye level.

"If you never came back, what did you expect the rest of us to do? You are so insufferably selfish!" You breathed heavily as your eyes bored into his, yet his expression was too calm, like he was expecting this from you. You clenched your jaw at his composed demeanour, then drew your free hand back and slapped him across the face. His neck snapped to the side, your red handprint already beginning to form on his cheek.

"You never talked to me about it, I thought I meant more than that to you." You choked out as your felt a lump begin to form in your throat, lips quivering as you felt hot tears start to stream down your face. Your shaking hand dropped your grip on his collar, landing at your side as you stared at your feet.

"I'm such an idiot." You spat at yourself, wishing the ground would swallow you whole.

What's the point of even saying all of this? None of it even mattered to him.

Law stood up straight, then turned his head to look down at you evenly. He slowly brought his hand up to your face, and started wiping the tears under your eyes.

"I was always going to come back to you." He said genuinely, a small smirk tugging the corner of his mouth.

Not back to the crew, back to you.

"I thought you had more faith in me, that stings more than my cheek." Law spoke teasingly.

Your jaw dropped as you looked up at him in disbelief; what the hell is he talking about?

"I wanted to tell you everything, but I didn't want to scare you for no reason." His hand then moved towards the back of your neck before he swiftly pulled you into him, shaking your concept of reality.

"I guess my plan didn't work, I'm sorry you were worried." His voice sounded like a song that threatened to lull you to sleep, as he wrapped both of his arms across your back, holding you tightly, like you were water that could easily slip through his grasp.

"You're confusing me." You spoke quietly into his chest, the sudden comfort of his warm embrace putting you in a trance. You didn't understand what was going on, why he was being so affectionate, why he was so apologetic, why he cared so much. It feels like he was hesitantly revealing a new side of himself to you, and you were a part of it. Every truth you made up about him began to melt away.

He carefully let go of you, then brought up his hands to cup your cheeks, raising your head to look at him; just like the scene you replayed in your head. Though this time, he slowly started to lean in closer, suddenly feeling his breath hit your face. He watched you carefully, like a dog waiting for its owner to throw the ball. He looked down at your lips, then met your eyes; holding back. You scanned his expression, closed your eyes, and felt his lips crash into yours. It was desperate, like the contact was his way of apologizing, and you accepted.

You poured the tsunami of different emotions you have felt into him, wrapping your arms around his neck to pull him deeper into you. The sudden passion emitting from Law, all the floating questions in your mind suddenly being answered, him coming back to you; for you.

In this moment, his lips were the only thing that could tie you to actuality.

He pulled back as you both caught your breath. Panting, you opened your eyes, and he was already looking at you longingly, like he didn't want to stop, the sight of his swollen lips and rose tinted cheeks made you feel weak.

"I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner, I could never find the right time."

In that moment, you finally realized that he needed to let go of a part of him, a part of his past, to be able to become truly vulnerable towards you. He felt the same, yet he held himself back when he didn't need to. You would have accepted that part of him, you already did, but it's too late for that now. It didn't matter, he came to you in his own time; when he felt ready to accept it.

You giggle, looking up at him with a smirk.

"You say sorry a lot." You return teasingly.

"Whatever it takes to make it up to you."

[sunny-mercya]

Irresponsible

Trafalgar Law x Male Reader

Fandom -> One Piece

Masterlist

Law hated it—the carelessly and inconsiderate behaviour towards you, from your friends and Captain, who—Law had knew it all along, wasn't the right person for you—has a nonexistent and illogically mindset of thinking—and overall, Law simply hated it.

Since their start of Alliance on Punk Hazard, then during Dressrosa—and what happen on Cake Island, only being told about it—all the way to the here and now, Wano—your crewmates seemed, either purposely or unintentionally forgetful, to ignore your problem of health and denying you the medical attention you (desperately) needed.

This all lead up to the current situation, where you continue to push through—going way beyond over your own limits again—without a break, discarding your own health too—and came, after collapsing more than just once, close to dying. A repeat of the last few time.

Law watches you, how you stumbled towards him—unconsciously and out of focus, having just won one of the many final fights—against Kaido, his henchmens and Big Mom—yourself, which left you more than just bloody and beat.

Before you were even close enough to Law, your knees buckled in—falling forward, eyes rolling backwards and face scrunching up in pain—and Law had barely time to catch you.

Picking you up, Law carried you behind a broken stone wall—propping you against it and put his coat on you, to keep you warm.

Law checked your pulse, it was faint—unnoticeable even—but still there. The symptoms, just a few of many, were clear; short rapid breathing, sweating and shivering.

Your blood sugar levels had reached the lowest point. Probably having dropped to Zero by now. If that's the case and Law as a Doctor knew it was, he needs to inject you at least around four doses glucose—but Law himself has only one, actually two, though the second one broke and left behind a sticky mess in his pant pockets, syringe left—to get you stable enough and bring you somewhere far safer—the Polar Tang preferable.

»d-don't......I don't.....want« you mumbled out, having come back to your senses, weakly pushing Law's hand away from you.

»Shhh, I need to [Name]-ya« Law hushed you gently, moving your shirt upwards—rubbing over your stomach with his hand, giving you a bit of comfort—looking at the faint dots of injections, which begun to build up to an scaring area onto your skin.

You whined out painfully loud, body jerking and rolling over onto your side—holding your stomach after the cold needle left your skin.

Every interjection you had to take, you cursed your body and this damned blood sugar—which had made your life more miserable than those pills—to reduce your devil-fruit ability—you were forced, by mother, to take. You hated it.

Law turned you back, patting your cheeks to keep you awake and you were close to tell your boyfriend off—how this is his sole fucking fault and how you hate him for the discovery of it.

You didn't though, hadn't the energy left in you and minds busy to not vomit any minute—gulping down the rising bile.

~~~

»Traffy! Is [Name] alright?« asked Luffy, voice loud as always and laced with concern for his friend.

Law was honest, when Luffy had appeared next to him—out of nowhere it seems—it did spooked him a bit, only a bit though.

»Strawhat-ya, give me your Syringes.« and when Law didn't received a reply right away, he asked again—harsher now, not having the time and nerves for niceties or to have a conversation with the Strawhat.

Luffy rubbed his neck sheepishly, when Law looked at him expectingly. Luffy knew you kinda needed the glucose at specific times, but he believed you can pull through it without them—like you had all the time before, because you're strong after all!

»I don't have them anymore, they broke during one of the fights, but [Nickname] doesn't need them, he's strong!«

Law had enough. Enough from all this bullshit talk about believe, because believing doesn't solve or cure anything—it's nothing but a false, selfish sort of hope and a nonsense of illogical and ignorance.

His short fuse of stressed nerve and building up anger bursted for final now. Getting up, Law grabbed Luffy by his short collar.

»Are you that incompetent inconsiderate towards [Name]-ya or just plain stupid?! I told you over and over again, just how fucking vital the Glucose is for him! Do you want [Name]-ya so desperately dead? Huh, Strawhat?!«

Law screamed the last bit, vocal cords shaking with furious anger. Dropping Luffy to the ground, Law picked you up again and teleported somewhere, hopefully far enough this time, else.

~~~

Wiping your sweaty forehead and the spilling tears from your flushed red face, Law couldn't tell how much that one dose would last for you—probably not long as your body already starts to fights again against the conscious drop.

Law said it once and he would say it again; Luffy as your captain was irresponsible and soon—not now or tomorrow, but in near future—the cause of your death.

Leaning down to you, kissing you on the lips—Law murmured in a whisper, that everything gonna be alright and that you're feeling better soon.

Law promised himself—and even when that means, being at war with the Strawhats—he would take you away and keep you by his side.

[softlypaintedseafoam]

🍓ー thank you for your patronage at the strawberry witch's bakery! here's your order!

requested by: @chibinasuu 🍓-> sanji + strawberry lemonade (secret relationship)

Punk Hazard is an inhospitable place.

It's been so for years even before Kuzan and Akainu's climate changing fight that permanently made the place the near-barren wasteland it is now. Here in the cold, freezing half of the country, the wind is biting and your fingers are numbingly slow. With your face pressed into the crook of Sanji's neck, you can't find it in yourself to care you forgot to wear your gloves.

It's Sanji.

Truly living and perfectly alright Black Leg Sanji of the Straw Hat Pirates.

The smell of cedarwood and vetiver have never smelled so sweet, you breathe in his scent once more in spite of the snot dripping from from your nose. Two years. Two long miserable years and you're finally touching one another.

It wasn't enough for Tashigi to tell breathlessly tell you that the Straw Hats had been spotted in the Sabaody Archipelago, descending to the depths to Fishman Island. You could only count the days that G5 could run into them. The Fates must have took pity on me, you sniffle, chuckling wetly as Sanji holds you closer to his chest.

Caesar Clown has been taken care of, the children are safe and for now, even if for a moment, pirates and marines can be allies. You won't delude yourself into thinking that even with this truce that your comrades will be understanding. It's more than a betrayal, isn't it? Even with that knowledge, you can't bring yourself to care.

Black Leg Sanji is alive and in your arms; that's all that matters. It doesn't matter that you're a marine and he's a pirate, sneaking behind the backs of your comrades and friends. It's alright if I'm selfish sometimes, right?

Right now you're not a marine and Sanji isn't a pirate. You're simply a person who is with a man you fell in love with two years ago in Loguetown.

You didn't have to pretend to be unphased by the destruction of the Straw Hats on Sabaody.

You didn't have to fight the urge to run straight into Sanji's arms midst the chaos of Caesar's lab.

You're simply a couple reuniting after much time apart at sea.

"I was so worried," you sniff, pressing your fingers as hard as you could into his back. You needed to make sure this wasn't a dream. You've waken up too many times from them in the past two years. You aren't sure you'd be able to survive another. "I didn't know if I'd ever see you again or-"

"I would have swum across the whole Grand Line to get back to you," Sanji insists softly in your ear. You thought you missed his voice enough but somehow it still feels as if you missed it more than you realized. If this moment never came, how long would it have taken you to forget it? What would you have forgotten first? "I'm a terrible lover. A true man doesn't make his partner cry anything but happy tears."

You laugh, haphazardly, "you can make me cry any tears you want as long as you don't disappear again."

Blue eyes look at you, appalled, as Sanji pulls far enough to see your face. Never enough to leave your hold on him. "I'm never making you cry again at all!"

You snort in amused disbelief, "I thought happy tears were alright."

Sanji's shoulders relax, another smile spreading across his face, "happy tears are always fine." Despite his words, his hands move to wipe away the tears that won't stop falling. After a heartbeat, the smile falters. "I'm not sure I'll be able to leave you again."

You wince at the reminder, glancing at a nearby snowbank. You're not foolish enough to believe this will last moment will last forever. "We'll have private calls," you offer weakly. Calls that will, you bite your bottom lip. Not be enough. There's not enough time in the day to be together when once again you'll have to become enemies, even if superficially.

Sanji attempts to smile something crooked, "Luffy's an idiot but he's a good captain. "It's been an unspoken rule of yours in the past ー no attempting to sway one another the other's end of the spectrum. If either of you wanted the life the other was part of, you would have gone that route ages ago. After two years apart, however, Sanji's pleading tone does something painful to your heart. "It would be nice having you on the ship, even if for a little while. They'd believe you if you said you were captured by pirates. Then you could go back… if you wanted."

Your fingers twitch, pulse rising. The offer of a lifetime.

[trafalgarology]

Please Please Please (Don't Prove 'Em Right) Chapter 3

Trafaglar Law x afab Female!Reader

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Warnings: a tiny bit suggestive content if you squint

Summary:

You are the Heart Pirates' beloved cook and sniper. However, you were also an insufferable troublemaker who always seemed to get on Law's nerves. He swears he's going to get rid of you one day, but as much as he hates it, why does he find you fascinating? Was it because you reminded him of someone he was greatly fond of?

As your relationship with Law grows, he only hopes you don't fucking embarrass him. After all, he has an image to uphold as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

This story starts off as short stories between (Y/N), Law and the Heart Pirates, then picks up into the One Piece canon timeline, starting from Punk Hazard. This is a slow-burn Law x Female Reader story!

Updates every Sunday!

Cross-posted in Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57651295/chapters/146705491

Chapter 3: Happy Birthday Captain!

Chapter summary: It was the first time in 3 weeks that Law decided to surface the Polar Tang to dock at an island before heading into the New World. But as soon as he hops off the submarine, you launch your biggest and most exciting plan yet: hosting a birthday party for your dear captain Law! But for your plan to work, you need to avoid and distract him before the party!

Notes: I created a taglist. Let me know if you want to be a part of it! I flew back home today and wrote this on the plane lol. Also, this is more of a fluffy chapter hope you guys enjoy it!

PS. I also made changes to the previous chapters, now saying Law was 25 instead of 26 so that it can fit in the story lol

wc: 5.3k

Penguin and Shachi were sitting in the boiler room. They just finished patching up the damage they made from a week ago when you and the two men were playing ice water poker. It was insanely hot in the boiler room since it was below the submarine, so Penguin and Shachi had their boiler suits unzipped and tied to their waist by the sleeves. 

Shachi fell to the floor and slumped on the nearby wall. "Man, I am so tired. I'm also bored, and I hope the captain decides to surface soon to dock at an island," he complained.

Penguin looked down at him and nodded his head in agreement. "It's been 4 weeks since we surfaced. It's starting to heat up like crazy in the Tang and if we don't surface soon we'll be boiled alive here." he sighed. 

Before Shachi was going to continue the conversation, the two men heard stomping that was coming near them. Then suddenly, the door of the boiler room burst open. It was Bepo.

"Penguin! Shachi! Get up!" the Mink said with urgency.

Shachi scrambled to get up while Penguin looked at Bepo in confusion. "Why did you lug your big ass into the boiler room like that? What happened?" Penguin inquired.

The bear shamefully put his head down and muttered an apology.

Shachi pinched Penguin's butt. The poor man yelped in surprise at the unusual action of his best friend. "You shithead! What was that for?"

Shachi grunted and ignored him. "Bepo, is something the matter?" he asked.

Bepo's head suddenly perked up. "We're going to surface in an hour! And we're docking at a nearby island!"

Penguin and Shachi started jumping in glee. "Finally! I missed going to bars and hitting up ladies!" they both chanted.

However, their cheers were suddenly interrupted. "You will not be doing that," you called out behind Bepo. You suddenly stepped out and presented yourself to your crew-mates who had no idea about your presence. 

The three of them screamed in shock. Bepo screamed the loudest.

"(Y/N)-SAN!!! DON'T FRIGHTEN ME LIKE THAT!" the bear screamed.

You let out a hearty laugh and waved your hand. "Sorry sorry." you apologized. You felt a glare being sent your way. You turned your head to see that Shachi and Penguin were staring holes into you, clearly agitated that you scared them. You rolled your eyes and huffed.

"Anyways, you will not be going to bars, nor are you hitting up the ladies when we surface." you declared.

Shachi huffed in annoyance and Penguin made a sour face. "And why would we not do that? You're not our captain so don't tell us what to do!" Penguin angrily retorted.

You glared back at them. "Did you forget that the captain's birthday was tomorrow?" 

The two men stood still. "Aw shit we almost forgot! The captain is turning 26!" Penguin said in realization. 

"We're terrible friends, I've known him since he was 14 and I forgot his birthday?" Shachi sighed.

Your eyes suddenly gleamed with mischievousness. Bepo shivered at the sight. He knew your look; it meant you were up to no good. 

"Exactly, so you better help me with this huge party I'm planning to throw for our dear captain." you cheekily replied. 

Bepo looked at the two men in front of him, and they both returned eye contact. It seemed like they were silently coordinating their answers. Then Bepo suddenly turned around and glanced down to face you. 

"Okay (Y/n)-san, we're in. What do you need us to do?" Bepo asked.

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The Heart Pirates were gathered at the dock of the Polar Tang. They were rapidly approaching the land of destination, which was apparently, according to Bepo who was the navigator of the crew, a tropical island. Law was displeased since he hailed from the North Blue where it was constantly cold and snowing, but for the sake of restocking supplies, he decided that it was best for the crew to settle for the night before heading into the New World. 

Law stood near the bow of the submarine dock. He was donning his signature spotted hat that was shaped like a cap. He discarded his usual floor-long black coat and opted for a white wifebeater with spotted blue jeans, along with his usual black shoes. He had his arms folded while he was instructing the crew on what needed to be done. 

"Alright everyone, we are docking here and staying for the night. It's been 3 weeks since we last surfaced and we need to restock on supplies. Ikkaku and Bepo, restock on medical supplies because SOMEBODY," Law quickly glared at you before continuing, "ran our month's worth of medical gauzes dry."

The crew broke out in a small fit of laughter. You rolled your eyes as you muttered; "Whatever."

"Shachi, assist (Y/N)-ya in gathering food and ingredients. And please, try not to buy flour or bread," he asked. 

Shachi, who was standing next to you, elbowed you mischievously. You winced in fake pain and attempted to snatch his orca-shaped hat from his head, but he stuck out his hand to shove your face away. 

Law witnessed the quarrel and shook his head. He sighed and continued to speak to the crew. "Hakugan and Penguin, I need you two to take the rest of the crew minus Jean Bart into the nearby city and search for other supplies. No pillaging and attacking civilians unless there are Marines. Jean Bart, you're coming with me, we have some other business to attend to."

"What other business do you have?" Hakugan pipped up.

"I will be searching if there's a log pose I can take or a Poneglyph I can find." the captain answered.

You were puzzled. This was just some random small island, so there was no way the captain could find a Poneglyph nearby and he should know that. But you brushed it aside because he probably knew something that you didn't know. 

Law turned away and waved his hand. "You are all dismissed," he announced. 

"Yes, captain!" you and the rest of the crew said. The whole crew dispersed, continuing their activities. You started walking inside the Polar Tang with Ikkaku.

"Now Ikkaku, did you make sure the captain doesn't know about this plan?" you whispered to her.

Your crewmate and close friend gave you a thumbs up. "No one has said a single word about it to the captain!" she confirmed.

Bepo caught up to your pace and lowered his head to talk to you. "(Y/n)-san, the rest of the crew is gathered in the dining hall," he said.

You turned to your right and gave the polar bear a thumbs up. The three of you made your way into the dining hall where the rest of the crew was standing. They were all excitedly talking about what they were planning to do once they set foot on the island. You walked to the centre and the chatter started to die down as you started to speak.

"Everyone! As you know, tomorrow is the captain's birthday," you announced.

The crew started to cheer loudly, but you quickly hushed them. "Quiet you guys! This is going to be a surprise party! Now, we're going to check out the local pub and see if we can hold a celebration there. What I need everyone to do is help me the captain. Now I know he said he was going somewhere else but for some reason, I have a gut feeling that he's not telling the truth." you preached.

The crew grunted and nodded in response. You continued. "Now the main objective is to keep the captain away from us as we run our errands! I'll give everyone a heads-up of which tavern we're going to be meeting at. Also, don't forget to buy a gift for our dear captain! We want to make sure he has an awesome day for his birthday." You said.

Hakugan raised his hand. "But (Y/n), why are we celebrating tonight instead of tomorrow on his actual birthday?" he inquired.

"Think about it, you know the captain hates celebrations like this right? Usually, if we hold his birthday in the Polar Tang, he will go to his room and not come out. However, if we hold his birthday party outside the Polar Tang, he has no choice but to attend the party!" you explained.

Ikkaku piqued up as well. "But he can also just 'ROOM' himself back to the ship, no?" she argued.

The crew started muttering amongst themselves. "That's true," you thought. "How are we going to make the captain stay if he's just going to teleport back?"

Bepo slowly raised his paw and spoke up. "What if we used sea prism cuffs on the captain?" he asked.

The room suddenly fell silent. Shuffles can be heard as the entire crew turns around to face Bepo. The poor mink would've turned red from embarrassment if he had any skin. He muttered out a soft sorry and lowered his head.

However, you thought it wasn't a bad idea, and Ikkaku seemed to agree. "Wait! Bepo is right," she called out, breaking the silence. "Let's find one and cuff our captain so he doesn't escape."

The crew broke out into conversation again and seemed like the people were divided regarding the proposed solution. 

"That seems like a reasonable idea."

"Cuffing our own captain?! That sounds crazy!"

"How else are we going to prevent him from using his powers?"

"He's going to throw us out of the crew!"

You stepped up on a nearby table. "Everyone quiet!" you shouted. The room fell silent once again, and everyone turned to face you in the centre of the dining room. "I know that it may seem like a ridiculous idea to cuff our beloved captain on his birthday. But I believe this to be for his own good! Let's celebrate our captain tonight!" you said with enthusiasm. 

Penguin suddenly stepped up on a chair, "Yeah, let's party tonight for the captain!" he cheered.

"For the captain!" everyone cheered.

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It was now 3 pm and it was sweltering hot on the island. You and the crew arrived two hours prior and proceeded to carry on with the errands that Law ordered. Shachi, who was assisting you, left to find Penguin. You just finished buying some mochi powder for the captain's cake. He may hate cakes, but you weren't going to pass up on an opportunity to bake him a cake for his special day so you opted for a mochi substitute, hoping he would like it. With a sack full of food ingredients over your shoulder, you proceeded to make your way back to the Polar Tang. However, a small shop to your right caught your eye. The sign on top of its door read "Books and Toys".

You hummed in curiosity. "They might have some copies of Sora here. I know the captain is looking for the first edition copy of volume one. If it's here it would be the perfect birthday gift!" you thought. You and Law were reading Sora, Warrior of the Sea together (as punishment). But you found yourself liking the time you spend with Law, and you swear he used it as an excuse to hang out with you (he would rather die than admit that). 

The bell on top of the door rang as you pushed it open. A teenage boy with tanned skin and blond hair greeted you on the counter. "Hello! How can I help you?" he asked. 

You quickly walked up to the counter. "I'm looking for a limited edition of Sora, Warrior of the Sea volume one. Do you have one in stock?" you inquired. 

The boy quickly looked around, making sure no one else was in the store. Then he leaned in to whisper; "I got one in stock. You really want it?"

Your eyes started to gleam in excitement and you nodded at the boy. "Yes, please! How much are you selling it for?"

He leaned back and crossed his arms with a smirk. He eyed you up and down. "For a pirate like you? Two thousand berries," he said.

"Shit," you thought "I forgot to take off this stupid boiler suit before I stepped foot out here."

"Well, since now you know I'm a pirate I can easily rob your store hm? Unless you want to lower that price for me, yeah?' you teased. Your left hand lightly hovered over your pistol, signalling to the boy that you were not bluffing. But you were, the captain would be very mad if he found out you robbed a toy and book store out of all places. 

The teenager started back up. "H-hey now, I was just kidding! I'll sell it to you for 500 berries! How does that sound? Just please don't kill me!" he stuttered in fear.

You put your hands on your hips and pretended to think. "Hmmm, alright kid. It's a deal! And make sure it has one of those plastic sleeves, I want it in mint condition!" you said.

The poor boy whimpered as he bowed and rushed to the back to fulfill your request. In two minutes he came back out with the book, wrapped in a box.

"H-here you go, ma'am! It-it was nice doing business with you!" he fearfully said while handing the box to you.

You cheekily grinned at the boy and handed him 500 berries in a bag. "Thank you! Have a good day!" You proceeded to walk out of the store with the sack of food and the box in your hand.

Satisfied, you broke out in a grin and made your way back to the Polar Tang. As you were walking, Bepo suddenly rushed up in front of you.

"(Y/n)-san! (Y/n)-san over here!" He called out to you. The bear halted to a stop to catch his breath.

"What's the hurry Bepo?" you asked as the mink in front of you was catching his breath.

"Captain is back!" he exclaimed. "He's coming into the town and we need to distract him!"

Sweat started to form on your forehead. "Okay, this is what we do! I have to head to the Tang to make the captain's birthday cake! Find Penguin and Shachi and lure him into this store called 'Books and Toys.' Try to keep him there for at least an hour."

Bepo rapidly whipped his big head around to make sure that no one was listening. Then he lowered his head to your level. "But (Y/n)-san, he's looking for you! I overheard him say to Jean Bart that he was going to discuss something with you urgently!" he whispered. 

You groaned in frustration. "That can wait! Distract him as long as you can! We cannot let this surprise be ruined!" you hissed.

The bear looked up and saw that Jean Bart was entering the town. That meant that Law was there too. "(Y/n)-san! You need to leave now! Captain is already here!" he exclaimed.

You quickly gathered the stuff that you were holding and wasted no time. You ran into the alleyway on your right and swerved around as fast as you could to head back to the submarine. 

A few minutes later, Jean Bart and Law saw Bepo in the nearby distance and walked up to him. 

"Bepo-ya, where is (Y/n)-ya? I need to talk to her," he questioned the mink.

The bear started to fidget. "Captain! Good to see that you're back! I haven't seen her in a while." he said nervously.

The doctor squinted in suspicion. "Alright, I will head back to the Polar Tang then." he declared.

"NO! I mean no captain! The Tang is off-limits for now! The- uh- shipwrights are fixing something in there- yeah! They're fixing the boiler room because Shachi and Penguin couldn't fix it entirely!" Bepo lied. He attempted to put his paw out as a way to prevent Law from passing by him.

"Bepo-ya, you should not block your captain." the tattooed doctor said darkly.

The poor bear started to shake in nervousness. "I'm sorry I can't-"

"CAPTAIN!" Penguin suddenly called out behind Jean Bart and Law. "Captain wait for us!"

"Yeah, captain! We have something to show you" Shachi hollered. 

The two crew-mates ran in between Law and Bepo. The mink's face relaxed in relief. The captain looked at the two men and started pestering them with the same questions. "Do you know where (Y/n)-ya is?" he asked. 

The orange-haired man shrugged. "I have no clue, I haven't seen her all day. But we found a comic book store!" Shachi proclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah!" Penguin agreed. "Let's head there right now!"

Law raised his eyebrow. "Is that so? Well, it doesn't seem a bad idea to visit there after I talk with (Y/n)-ya," he said.

Penguin shook his head. "You better visit now captain. The stores close by 6 pm and after that, only bars and pubs are open," he suggested. 

"I agree with Shachi and Penguin captain. You work so hard for the crew that it won't hurt to visit a comic book store here." Jean Bart added on. 

Law sighed. He had a feeling that you were avoiding him, and it seemed like the crew was helping you avoid him. You were probably up to no good again and he was honestly tired of it.

"Alright fine, let's visit this comic store." he finally agreed. 

Jean Bart, Penguin and Shachi started grinning and quickly ushered their captain to the comic book store. While Law had a neutral face, he couldn't help but wonder what you were up to.

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It was now 6 pm and you finished the mochi cake. You carefully placed the cake inside of the box and closed it. Sighing deeply, you wiped your sweat off your brow with your forearm. Shachi told you that the crew found a local bar where they could celebrate. You knew that by now most of the crew was there finishing preparations. 

Gathering the cake and gift for Law, you set out to head back to the town. You opened up the Polar Tang’s exit only to find your captain standing right in front of you. You yelped in surprise and quickly hid the two items behind your back. 

“Captain! What a surprise! What are you doing here!” you said, trying not to sound suspicious. 

Law warily looked down at you. “What am I doing here? This is my submarine if I remember correctly,”  he said. 

You let out a nervous laugh. “Of course of course! But what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with Shachi and Penguin?” you nervously asked. 

The doctor raised his eyebrow. “I have been looking for you since this afternoon. Also, how did you know I was with those two?” he inquired. He stepped towards you and you took a step back. 

You started to sweat bullets out of nervousness. Looking to the side and pouting your lips, you let out a loose-lipped lie, “Oh you know, you always hang out with them so I guessed that you were with them.”

“Is that so? Well (Y/n)-ya, it’s really obvious that you’re lying, you have a terrible poker face,” he said smirking. 

“Shit, he got me,” you thought. 

“Why have you been avoiding me all day, (Y/n)-ya? What are you hiding this time,” he asked. He lowered his face near yours and looked into your eyes. You started turning red from the contact and started fidgeting with the items in your hand. 

“I wasn’t avoiding you… it was just we were both busy that’s all!” you nervously explained. You refused to meet with Law's eyes in an attempt to hide the secret if there was any left. 

The tattooed doctor peaked over your left shoulder. “What are you holding there on your back?” he curiously inquired. 

You attempted to step away from your captain but he halted you by grabbing your right arm. Trying to break free from his grasp, Law only tightened his grip on you. He attempted to get a full view of what you were holding behind your back, but you stepped to your right to prevent him from doing so. 

“Captain, I’m afraid that I cannot let you see what I’m holding,” you affirmed. 

“Nonsense, as your captain I command you to show me.” Law shot back at you. 

“That’s an abuse of power.” you retorted. 

“We’re pirates (Y/n)-ya. Normal laws don’t apply in pirate life. You’re lucky you have me as your captain.” he argued. 

The struggle to be free from his grasp continued. Then you suddenly remembered that you managed to get ahold of some sea prism cuffs thanks to Ikkaku. They were just sitting in your left back pocket. 

You patted your left back pocket and attempted to fish out the cuffs. You successfully pulled it out with your right hand, all while you were holding the gift in the same hand. 

The doctor started to get agitated. With his right hand occupied with holding your forearm, he attempted to use his left hand to snag whatever you were holding with your right hand. However, instead of grabbing the item, his hand was automatically shackled and he felt his energy drain rapidly. 

“What- What did you just put on my wrist!?” he exclaimed in surprise.

You grinned as you pulled up his hand that was now bound to the cuff you were holding onto. Law’s face colour drained as he saw that he was cuffed with sea prism stone. 

“(Y/n)-ya! What’s the meaning of this?!” he angrily yelled at you. 

You giggled. “Sorry captain, you are my hostage tonight,” you teased. 

The two of you suddenly went silent, processing what you just said. The captain turned completely red for the first time, realizing what it meant. You also turned red once you realized the suggestive nature of what you just said. 

“N-not like that! I mean like not that I wouldn’t mind that but this is for a surprise! From the crew! Yes, the crew and I have a surprise for you!” you tried to explain. 

The captain’s eyes narrowed at you. “Not that you wouldn’t mind?” he repeated. 

Your eyes widened and your face turned even more red. Then you proceeded to stomp your feet in frustration. 

“Argh! Never-mind! You are coming with me right now and you have no choice because your powers are neutralized.” you spat. 

“Now wait a minute, where are you taking me?” Law questioned as you pulled him out of the Polar Tang and off the submarine. You ignored his question and continued to direct him into the town. 

Five minutes later, the two of you arrived at the bar. Glancing back at the captain, you saw that he warily looked at the sign above the door. 

“You dragged me into a bar (Y/n)-ya? You could’ve done this without the sea prism cuffs.” he sighed. 

“No, I don’t think so. You would try to escape once you find out why,” you muttered. 

You pushed the door open and went inside with Law. The entire room suddenly burst out in a cheer. Law’s gaze softened to find out that the crew and you threw a surprise for him. 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPTAIN LAW!” The crew cheered. 

You excitedly let go of the cuff and placed the items on the nearby table. You opened up the box and took out the black and white mochi cake you created. It was shaped like Law’s fluffy cap, and the words on the bottom read the number ‘26’ with a candle on top of each number. Holding the cake, you walked up to the captain and presented it to him. He glanced down at you and although his face was still neutral, his eyes were expressing gratitude and another emotion that you couldn’t pinpoint. 

“Happy 26th birthday Captain Law. Thank you for being our captain, and for accepting me into the crew” you said, beaming up a smile. 

Penguin and Shachi suddenly popped up beside their captain and wrapped their arm around his shoulders. “Let’s celebrate!” Penguin shouted with glee.

“Let’s drink and make a toast to our awesome captain!” Shachi agreed. 

The whole room burst out in laughter and cheers and Law, seeing how much effort he was put into celebrating him, couldn’t help but smile. 

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

The party went on late in the evening. Everyone was starting to pass out either because they drank too much or from partying too much. Penguin and Hakugan were trying to out-drink each other, while Bepo tended to a sleeping and drunk Ikkaku. On the other side of the room, Shachi was trying to hit up the hostess of the bar, while Jean Bart was talking with the bar owner. 

The captain of the Heart Pirates looked around and decided he was going to head outside for fresh air. He discreetly walked out of the bar and leaned up against the wall of the establishment. Taking a deep breath, he looked up to the clear skies of the night and pondered on the day’s events. He heard the entrance to the bar open and turned to see you walking out with a package in your hand. 

“Hey captain, fancy seeing you out here.” you greeted him. 

Law nodded at you. Over the past two weeks, he has gotten closer to you, from reading Sora with him to your ridiculous behaviour on his submarine. He couldn’t help but grow fond of you. Of course, there was no way he would admit it since having biases amongst his crew would create rifts but alas he couldn’t help but notice how you reminded him so much of his father figure in the past. 

You placed yourself in front of your captain and sighed. “I just wanted to apologize to you captain. I didn’t mean to hide from you the whole day and to take you hostage.” you apologized, laughing at the same time. 

The man in front of you chuckled. “I can only accept this behaviour from you (Y/n)-ya. At this point, I think I’ve grown immune from it.”

The two of you broke out into a small laugh. It was the only thing that could be heard in the small town, along with the crickets that were chirping into the night. 

You fiddled with the package’s string nervously, then presented it to Law. “I wanted to give you this for your birthday captain. I wanted to give it to you tomorrow on your actual birthday, but I think now’s the best time to give it to you.” you shyly said. 

The tattooed doctor’s eyes slightly widened in surprise. “You already made a cake for me, which was by the way, really delicious. You have another gift for me?” he asked. 

You pouted and shoved the package into his tattooed hands. “Just accept it damn it. I went through some trouble trying to get this for you,” you muttered. 

Law chuckled and started to unwrap the gift. He found himself holding onto a limited edition first copy of Sora, Warrior of the Sea volume 1. He caressed the front cover and looked at you with surprise in his eyes. 

“Y-you…?” he couldn’t find the words to speak. 

“Yeah, I managed to find one this afternoon while I was running errands. I know you have been looking for this for a while, I hope you like it.” you quietly said. You were scratching your cheek in slight embarrassment. 

However when you finally met his eyes, your cheeks flushed into a light pink colour. He was genuinely smiling at you, and his eyes gleamed with appreciation. The bright moon shone on both of you as you and Law shared the touching moment. 

“Thank you (Y/n)-ya, this was very thoughtful of you,” he said with sincerity. “I also have something for you too.”

You tilted your head in confusion. “But it’s not my birthday,” you argued. 

The captain pushed himself off the wall and dug into his back right pocket, fishing out a small white item. You looked closer and saw it was a kitchen timer shaped like a white polar bear. 

You gasped and Law glanced up and held out the gift. “I found this a while ago while walking around the town. I lied to all of you when I said that I was looking for Poneglyphs because my true intention was to find you a gift,” he admitted. 

Taking your left hand with his tattooed ones,   he looked down and gently placed the kitchen timer on your hand. “I saw this… and it reminded me of you. I just wanted to thank you for being the cook on my ship and for tolerating my ridiculous food requests. And you even made a mochi cake for my birthday, knowing that I hated regular cake. Just know that the crew-“ he suddenly paused and looked up at your eyes. “I really appreciate you (Y/n)-ya.”

His cheeks tinged a light very faint pink once he finished with his confession. Your mouth gaped open as you stared at the gift in your hand. The pulse in your heart started to quickly pace as your eyes started to well up with tears. Overjoyed by your captain’s words, you suddenly threw yourself at him, wrapping him in a hug against his chest. 

Law was stunned. He didn’t expect you to react the way you did. He looked down at you and felt his ears starting to heat up. Hesitantly, he patted your back with his left hand. 

“Captain, this was the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me! Thank you so much!” you cried out. 

The doctor let out a nervous chuckle. “Not at all, I was just showing appreciation for a valued crew member such as yourself,” he said, trying to convince himself. What he really felt was the appreciation of you as a person. 

With your arms wrapped around the man, you glanced up gave him a big grin and pierced his heart with your next sentence:

“I really appreciate you, for everything that you are. Happy Birthday, Captain Law.” 

Trafalgar Law, one of the notorious Seven Warlords of the Sea, was completely taken aback. Both of his ears were suddenly cherry red and he struggled to speak. His heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest. 

Suddenly, he remembered his father figure‘s last words to him. “I love you Law!” 

The once isolated and lonely heart that beat in Law’s chest suddenly swelled. Dropping the last of his stoic facade, he bore his eyes into yours with softness and affection. He put his hand on top of your head and gently patted it. 

Corazón was the first to notice the pain in his heart, but you were the one who was slowly opening it up again. It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it was enough for him to know that he could start to trust you with his once-damaged heart. 

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

Bonus Scene:

“Shhh! They’re talking right now!” Hakugan hissed as he peeked through the window. You and Law were talking outside, and the entire crew was crammed into the tiny window of the bar. 

Ikkaku pushed Hakugan’s head down in an attempt to get a better view. She gasped when she saw that you suddenly hugged the captain. “Oh my god!” she squealed. 

Seeing that you were hugging the captain, the rest of the crew broke out into wolf whistles and small cheers. Penguin groaned as Shachi said something along the lines of “cough up that 100 berries.” 

It was a joyous night for the Heart Pirates. Pirates filled the bar with rowdy laughter. The night sky was clear and two growing hearts were sitting side by side with one another. It was one more celebration before they headed into the New World to further pursue their dreams and adventures.

[ultravioart]

How could they pull from Scottish punks and end up at that final result? Not even a pseudo kilt silhouette like how Kiriko has a pseudo Miko Shrine Maiden garments silhouette? Hazard should have had pushed shapes (sell the turtle aspect more, add more spikes) and more body mods (funky prosthesis or punk body mods, the lizard/snake man punks are free inspo).

For a punk 'freak' hero that uses bright graffiti, his design is much too plain and 'safe' imo, not colorful enough. I much prefer that cartoon icon we saw in Venture's trial because he does look really punk with a metal jaw and green hair, possibly cool yellow shades too?

When I first saw Hazard's official design I honestly thought it was a Rein skin. I just hope future skins for Hazard are more punky. JunkerQueen and Zarya both have rather punk-y skins, and Lucio has a concept art based skin, so I am hoping for something more "out there" and fun for Hazard.

Punk is not, and has not, ever been 'conventionally attractive and palatable' and with Hazard's backstory, him being intentionally 'outlandish' would have only reinforced his outlook and story.

Like, people don't love Rein because he's eye candy, they like the hero fantasy of a big knight, being a shield, that he fights for others bravely. People don't love Doomfist because he's eye candy, they love him because his mechanics are hard to perfect but rewarding to land, and his sophisticated antagonist plotline is super engaging, and the hero fantasy of a big powerful genius with a giant fist is badass!

But Hazard? He's eye candy, sure. Got some piercings, but so does JunkerQueen. Plain black leather jacket and pants... okay but Young Cass and Ashe in general do that too. Hell, a young Tracer(in the comics she had a very punk hairstyle) was way more punk than Haz was as a teen. I don't understand why they didn't PUSH his punk design further, when we have characters like Roadhog and JunkerQueen on the roster already. Hazard is very conventional for an overwatch design, he looks like he could be a side character in a gang instead of a main hero... Boomslang(viper Phreaks member) atleast has interesting shapes on her design! The Junkers are scrappy and DIY-low end tech (scrap guns, explosives, knives) survivalists, so imo the Phreaks could have been like a Sombra-version of Junkers, cyberpunk but WAY WAAAAY more out there with wild body mods and DIY high end tech (plasma weapons, energy swords, multiple arms, etc). I did peep a retractable energy sword from Hazard in the cinematic but why not just build a nonretractable sword into his base design instead? He already has a gun arm (like Orisa).

I really do think the metal jaw would have made Hazard instantly recognizable, but man, atleast keep the toxic green spiky hair!!! Haz is brunette, so why choose blonde as the 'punk' color when his body shape is already so similar to Reinhardt? Doomfist already has a "one arm is a weapon" so that's not Hazard's iconic detail, Mauga is already shirtless so that's out as an iconic detail, and the crystal spikes aren't nearly present enough in his design to make it out like that is his iconic 'thing' imo. Meanwhile, look at JunkerQueen: she is somehow MORE punk than Hazard who is intentionally being punk. And even then, I think people forget JunkerQueen has mag tornado powers in her gauntlet. Many Overwatch 2 heroes struggle with visually telling the players what a hero is/does via the design. And don't even get me started on Venture's nonsensical jacket design lol. Juno and Hazard feel like the designs where 'simplified' from concept art so that making skins for them would be easier. Juno looked better with the armor pieces, and Hazard would look better with green hair and a metal jaw.