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eternalmoonlight18 · 21 days

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Please Please Please (Don't Prove 'Em Right) Chapter 6

Trafaglar Law x afab Female!Reader

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Chapter warnings: slight mentions of doing the nasty. MDNI!

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 Monday!

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

Chapter 6: Chicken Feet

Chapter summary: You and Law leave the crew behind to journey to Punk Hazard. You meet Monet, but seeing Law and Monet together makes you uneasy. Chaos ensues when your jealousy reaches to new heights each time you catch them together.

A/N: HELLO! Thank you so much for your patience friends! Writer's block is gone and it's time to get rolling! This story is canon-compliant, but it's not going to follow the actual story 100%. This isn't proofread so yeah sorry lol

Also CW/TW: slight mentions of the nasty if you squint, use your imagination folks.

I also created a taglist. Let me know if you want to be a part of it!

wc: 4k

You were instantly hit with regret when you and Law stepped foot at Punk Hazard. It was a month since you and the captain dropped off the crew at Zou to assist him in his mission to stop Doflamingo, but you desperately wanted to turn around and return for them. But it was too late, and Law seemed amused with the sight of you shivering in the vast cold land of the half of Punk Hazard.

"Wow, it's not that cold here," Law said sarcastically as he walked towards a large door by a mountainside. While keeping his head forward, you saw him look at you with a smirk on his lips. Annoyed by your captain's sarcastic remark, you stooped to the ground to grab a handful of snow and chucked it at the back of Law's black coat. The man chuckled, clearly unbothered by your tantrum.

"Shut up! If you told me that we would travel to the fucking Arctic, I would've dressed better!" you comically spat at him.

"I told you (Y/n)-ya, you should've worn that boiler suit." the man tutted back at you.

There was no arguing that. You fought tooth and nail against your captain on wearing anything else but those damned boiler suits, and now you're paying the price for it. So you opted for a cute black fur coat that went down to your knees and black leggings, but it was not enough to keep you warm in the insane cold environment of Punk Hazard

"I'd rather die than wear those ugly boiler suits! We're not with the crew anyway!" you argued back.

You and Law now stood in front of a giant steel door. With his slender finger, Law knocked on the door. A few seconds passed before the door scrapped open, revealing a pale white man with spiked black hair. He stood very tall, but he didn't have any legs as it was replaced with gas. His yellow eyes bore into you and Law before his lips turned into a sinister smile.

"Well well well! What do we have here? Shuorororo!" the man creepily giggled. "A warlord at my doorstep? I'm honoured!" Then he took a look at you who was behind Law, and his eery smile widened even more. "And you brought along a sweet treat!"

"Caesar Clown. I came here for some business with you." Law said with a calm demeanour. Although he spoke professionally, there was a slight tone of aggressiveness. "I've heard about your production in SMILE fruits and SAD and I'm greatly intrigued. So, I'm offering that we can be business partners, to help you with production and distribution."

"And why should I engage in a partnership with you?" Caesar questioned.

The tattooed doctor hummed before he gave his answer. "You can use my Warlord status as protection."

The pale man smirked, "I already work for a Warlord. I won't disclose his name, but the JOKER already compensates me well."

"What about extra protection from another Warlord?" you piped up behind your captain.

The two men looked at you. Law stared at you with amusement while Caesar held a bewildered expression.

"That doesn't seem to be a bad idea. Good thinking (Y/n)-ya." your captain said with praise. He then turned his head back at the gaslike man. "The JOKER may be a good employer, but he will backstab you Caesar-ya. But with me, I can be that backup plan just in case things go wrong with your little business, hm?"

"Little?! For your information, my work is greatly sought after! I am the second-best scientist in the world and my work and weaponry directly supply an Emperor of the Seas!" Caesar scoffed.

You stepped up and took your place beside Law. "More of a reason to partner with my captain! If all goes to shit with the production of SAD, who do you think is first to blame?" you piqued up.

That seemed to get the mad scientist thinking. "Well well. You're not just a pretty face after all. Shurorororo!"

Even though you cringed at the compliment, you couldn't help but swell with pride, seeing that Law gave you a tiny smile of appreciation your way.

"The two of you come inside! I'm warming up to this idea of being business partners with another Warlord..."Caesar started to ramble as he ushered the two of you inside the facility.

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You really wanted to go back to the Polar Tang now.

The facility wasn't bad at all. Everything was provided: space, a place to rest, and food. But you felt that something suspicious was going on and you couldn't figure out what it was. Law refused to tell you why he wanted to stay on Punk Hazard, but you understood it was all to avoid compromising the mission. He even exchanged his heart with Monet, another person staying in Punk Hazard, so that no one could betray one another.

Speaking of Monet, you hated the woman. Something about here didn't sit right with you, but you couldn't figure out why.

As you walked the laboratory corridors, you spotted that a research room had its door slightly cracked open. Curiosity got to you, prompting you to peek inside. Standing at the door, you touched your chest and muttered 'Calm'. With the newfound Devil Fruit powers you gained a month ago, you could take away sound from yourself and your environment. And it proved very useful now that you were peeking in this room.

There, Monet was sitting on a chair, writing notes on a desk. To her left, was Law, sitting on a couch to her right and Caesar was standing in front of him. They were engaged in a conversation, and you couldn't help but listen in.

"So, you're Trafalgar Law. Also known as the Surgeon of Death. You hail from the North Blue. You ate the Op-Op Fruit." she spoke as she was writing away.

Law glanced at her as she continued to speak. "You also brought your subordinate, (Y/n). A formidable sniper and a cook at the Heart Pirates. She hails from the East Blue. You said she ate a Devil Fruit recently but no information about its type."

Monet turned from her chair to face the two men to her right. "There are former prisoners that are on this island who were affected by a poison gas. Can you heal them?" she asked.

Your captain continued to stare at her. Meanwhile, Caesar continued the conversion. "I'll let you and your subordinate stay here, so long as you assist me and don't tell anyone else about this lab. Are we clear Trafalgar?"

"So be it. Also, you are not to tell anyone that (Y/n)-ya and I are here. That includes Joker alright?" Law said firmly.

A light giggle passed Monet's lips. "Caesar, I say that it's fine that he stays here. Besides, he's cute," she said as she threw a wink in Law's direction, much to his dismay.

An unpleasant shiver went down your spine as your chest started to tighten.

Now you really didn't like her. That was strike one.

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A week slowly went by as you and Law stayed at the Laboratory. You found out that there were children and giant children, who were staying at the lab because Caesar said he was finding a cure for them. Of course, you didn't believe him, and you took it upon yourself to find out that the kids were actually guinea pigs for Caesar and his messed up experiments. But with your given circumstance, you knew that Law had a plan to take down Caesar and the SAD factory, so it was a matter of being patient with him. So the most you could do right now was feed the kids and keep them safe.

Tonight, you made the kids spaghetti and meatballs, and when you presented it to them in the Biscuit Room, which was where they were staying, they all cheered joyfully.

A small smile graced your lips as you watched the kids eat the dinner they made you.

"This is amazing (Y/n)!" a giant girl named Mocha exclaimed. She wolfed down her portions and reached out her bowl to you. "Seconds please!"

"Good thing I made two buckets full of spaghetti, you kids got big appetites!" you giggled as you gave the girl another portion.

"I'm so glad you came here! The food you make is awesome!" A blond boy named Sind cheered.

The rest of the kids shouted with joy as they continued to eat. As you were serving the kids their second portions, you didn't realize that Law walked into the room and made his way beside you.

"Oh, hello Mr. Snow Leopard!" A giant kid named Konbu called out.

You turned your head to see your captain with a sour face. He was not fond of the nickname the kids had given him.

"Hey, Captain Snow Leopard. Fancy you seeing here." you teased.

"Don't be copying these brats too (Y/n)-ya, address me properly." he scowled.

A cackle left your lips while you prepared a plate for him. "Oh, don't be mean. You know these kids are going through a hard time by being here, and we're the only ones decent enough to take care of them."

"You're forgetting that Monet takes care of them as well," he answered back as he reached out to take the plate of spaghetti from your hands.

The smile on your face fell as Monet's name was mentioned. Your grip on the plate tightened as Law tried to take it.

"I see that you're getting comfortable with Monet, are you captain?" you said in a high-pitched voice, laced with discontent. A smile appeared on your face again, but it was clear that you were irritated.

"I would like a plate of spaghetti please." your captain said as he tried to pull the plate away from your iron grip.

"Hm, I don't feel like giving it to you now." you singsonged. You pulled the plate away from his tattooed hand and gave it to Mocha instead.

"Are you mad at me?" Law gritted, clearly irritated by your actions.

"I don't know Cap, did you do something to piss me off?" you shot back at him.

The doctor grabbed the collar of your black jacket and brought your face close to his. "Don't start this again (Y/n)-ya. If you have an issue then spit it out." he lowly said.

You raised your right hand which was holding a pair of tongs, and smacked Law's head with it. The tattooed captain let go of his grip on you and proceeded to clutch his head as he stumbled back in surprise.

"You're a smart man, figure it out yourself!" you shouted at him.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Law shouted back.

The two of you grabbed each other's collars and started to hurl more insults at each other.

The children watched the quarrel between you and Law with amusement. They started to whisper amongst themselves.

"They're funny!"

"They remind me of my mom and dad. Now I miss them..."

"Wow, I've never seen (Y/n) this mad before, it's funny!"

You and the tattooed captain were butting heads until Monet made her way into the Biscuit Room.

"Time for your candy!" she called out. The kids dropped their plates and proceeded to run toward the green haired woman.

Pulling away from your captain's collar, you started to clean up the plates and utensils littered on the floor. "There's your woman," you muttered while cleaning up.

"Hm?" Law said, "What did you say?"

"Hi, Monet! Did you want some spaghetti? I made some for dinner!" you called out while ignoring Law.

Monet made her way to you. "Oh, I would love some!" Then she looked at Law and smiled. "If you haven't eaten yet, would you like to join me for dinner Trafalgar?"

Law 'tched' in response. In the corner of Monet's eye, she saw your face deepen into a scowl. The sight of you being mad made her smile

That fucking woman was pushing you buttons and she was enjoying it. The handle of the pot started to crack as your hand gripped as tight as ever in anger. However, you managed to shove down your emotions and flashed a fake smile towards her and Law. The doctor raised his eye in skepticism as he saw you set down the pot and prepare two plates of spaghetti.

"Oh, how nice would that be? Here you go! You two enjoy dinner!" you said with fake cheerfulness. Shoving the plates into their hands, you quickly scrambled to set the plates and pots into the rolling cart and sped out of the Biscuit Room.

"Thank you (Y/n)! Your cooking is always delicious!" Monet thanked you.

The tattooed captain just stared at your back as you were leaving the room. He knew something was up with you. Sighing in exhaustion, he brushed your behaviour aside as he started to think about the mission he was currently in.

Unbeknownst to Monet and Law, you were unbelievably angry and veins started to pop on your forehead as you made your way back into the kitchen. Heavy stomps echoed throughout the hallway as you angrily pushed the food trolley. With your hands tightly gripping onto the trolley bar, you took a deep breath and sighed.

That was strike two. One more strike and you were going to beat both of their asses to the snowy grounds of Punk Hazard.

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You heard that Law agreed to give Caesar's henchmen limbs. It was one of the conditions that Caesar implemented for you and the captain to stay at Punk Hazard, aside from exchanging the literal hearts of Law and Monet to prevent backstabbing.

So when you were walking across the halls of the laboratory and heard the deathly screams of grown men echo throughout, you weren't surprised.

"Looks like the captain is performing surgery today." you giggled as you skipped along the hallway. Deciding that you wanted to see the disembodiment in action, you quickly followed the sounds of agony. But as you were nearing the door, the screaming suddenly halted. As you slowed down your pace, you quietly made your way to the door and heard light shuffling and Monet's voice, You leaned up against the door with your right ear to listen.

"Alright, I'm ready Trafalgar," Monet said. "Are you sure this won't hurt?"

More shuffling was heard until Law spoke up. "First time? Don't worry, I'll stick it in slowly."

Your entire body froze as your mouth dropped in horror. "What the hell are they doing in there?!" you hissed to yourself.

You heard a light grunt and a sharp inhale. More shuffling.

"Oh my, that's kind of big now that I look at it," Monet commented. "It feels weird too."

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it," You heard Law reply. "Now, hold still, I'm going to shove it in."

Oh that was it. That was strike three. And you know what they say. Three strikes and you’re out. And by out you meant that you were going to kill your captain and that green-haired witch.

Your mind short-circuited as you assumed that your captain and that damned woman were up to no good. With your mind and heartbeat going 100 miles per hour, you grabbed the handle and swung the door wide open, screaming; "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THERE?!"

And as soon as you laid your eyes upon Law and Monet, your heart stopped and your feet were stuck in place.

There they were, with Law's back facing you and the green-haired woman lying on her back on the couch. The doctor's left tattooed hand was holding onto her right leg which was up in the air. Your captain's face was turned to you with his face widening in horror, and Monet tilted her head to the left to look at you.

What set you off was when Monet glanced at you, her long green hair was dishevelled.

Steam started to blow through your ears as you glared hole into Law and Monet. Your entire body started to shake uncontrollably as your chest heaved up and down aggressively.

Realizing that he was caught in a position that already caused a great misunderstanding, Law quickly let go of the leg he was holding onto and scrambled to make your way towards you. What you failed to see was that Monet's left leg was now replaced with a giant talon.

"(Y/n)-ya, you can't just barge into here while-" he started but you cut him off.

"CAPTAIN TRAFALGAR LAW! WHAT IN NEPTUNES GREAT BEARD ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT BITCH?!" you bellowed.

Unable to think straight, you stomped past your captain headed towards the large bird talon on the desk in front of the couch. As you picked it up with your right hand, you whipped your head to glare at the insufferable woman lying on the couch.

"You've got some nerve seducing my captain like that!" you shrieked as you swung the limb towards Monet. She promptly dodged your attack and screamed, running away from the couch and onto the other side of the room.

"(Y/n)! It's not what you think! He just-" she started to explain before you swung at her again.

"I don't want to fucking hear it!" you screeched as you chased the poor limping woman around the room.

"Shambles!" Law grunted. And as soon as he said it, you swung the talon once more towards Monet, only to knock down a bookshelf onto the floor.

You whipped your head to face the captain once more. Law shuddered as he saw your eyes glimmer with hate. It was screaming bloody murder, and he was on the receiving end of it.

"YOU! Oh, you've got some nerve! You men disgust me!" you screeched as you stomped towards the doctor. With your left foot planted in front, your right arm swung up, reading to assault the man with the bird limb.

"(Y/n)-ya wait! Whatever you're thinking, we didn't do it!" he yelped as he jumped to the side to avoid your attack. However, he didn't know that you were quick enough to see through his actions and the back of the talon hit him on the side of his head, which successfully smacked him to the ground.

Your left hand reached out to the pistol that was hoisted on your hip. You drew it out and pointed it to the man on the floor, "Falling for a woman like that? How despicable! I-!" you started to lecture, but your voice drowned out as you realized that your outburst of anger took all the energy out of you.

"I-" you started to speak but your voice failed you. As your hand fell back to your side, you started to wonder why you acted like that. Even if they had something between them, it wasn't your place to care, unless you were...

"...Jealous? Are you jealous (Y/n)-ya?" Law called out as you returned to your senses. The discomfort that once reflected in his eyes was replaced with amusement as his mouth raised in a smirk.

Your eyes widened at the revelation as your heart started to pound. A bright red flush appeared on your cheeks.

"There's no way," you muttered. The limb that once was on your hand dropped to the ground as you stumbled back in shock. Glancing at Law, who now stood up with his arms crossed, you shot a nasty glare as the smirk on his face widened even more.

"Why would I be jealous?! I was just protecting your dignity!" you sputtered. The captain made a stride towards you as he chuckled.

"What a stupid reason. You expect me to believe that?" he teased.

He was now looming in front of you as you backed up to a wall. Your head was bowed down in embarrassment as you refused to look into his steel grey eyes.

"I wasn't jealous..." you lowly muttered.

"Somehow that's not believable," Law answered back. He dipped his head to your eye level so that he could make eye contact with you, but you whipped your head to the side, still refusing to meet his eyes.

Amused by your sudden 180-degree change in mood, your captain stood straight up, placed his hand on the back of your head, and kissed your forehead.

The once freezing temperature of the laboratory now skyrocketed into a burning hot sensation as Law made an out-of-character advance toward you. Whipping your head up to face Law, your face was now burning hot with more embarrassment.

"Captain! What was that for?" you yelped in surprise.

Law simply chuckled. "Sometimes, I wonder what goes on on that interesting head of yours. One minute you're beating me with a bird limb and then the next I find out it's because you're jealous."

You shoved away the man in front of you and pouted. "I am NOT jealous! I just had to straighten you up and remind you that we're on a mission here!"

"Oh please, if anything, you were the one who forgot that we had a mission (Y/n)-ya." he retorted.

"Whatever, now help me clean up this mess," you sneered as you proceeded to pick up the fallen books that you knocked down from your rampage. The tattooed captain chuckled and proceeded to assist you in a comfortable silence for a while before he spoke up again.

"(Y/n)-ya?" he said as he hoisted up the fallen bookshelf.

"Yeah what is it cap," you said with disinterest as you continued to collect the fallen items.

"You know you'll always have me right?" he announced.

Your heart picked up slightly at the confession. Then A smile graced your lips as you turned your head to face Law. "Shut up and put that bookshelf up, Cap," you finally said as you tried to dismiss your feelings.

The captain sighed as he shook his head. A rumble of laughter started to escape his chest, and you followed suit. Amidst the chaos that happened in one of the laboratory rooms, you and Law couldn't help but share one of the many moments you had with one another, even though the two of you were far away from home.

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Bonus Scene:

In the Polar Tang, the Heart Pirates were nowhere to be seen. That was because all of them were inside the captain's quarters, staring at a small book at the captain's desk. The cover of the book read 'Journal'.

"So, should we open it?" Penguin asked, with his hand hovering over the notebook.

"Yeah man, let's do it!" Shachi affirmed.

"Guys, what if the captain finds out?" Bepo chittered.

"You idiot, there's no way he'd find out if he's not here!" Ikkaku chided the Mink.

"Sorry..." Bepo muttered.

Penguin picked up the book and slowly opened it. "Alright you guys, here we go..."

Everyone leaned in and peered over Penguin's shoulders as the notebook opened. As soon as the first page was opened, a bunch of folded envelopes fell out and scattered on the ground. The entire crew crouched down and picked them up.

"It's addressed to (Y/n)," Hakugan announced.

"This one too." Jean Bart said.

"This one as well!" Uni called out.

"Wait a minute, are these all love letters for (Y/n)? And he never gave them to her?" Shachi said bewilderedly.

"Guys, captain's journal is just filled with yearning for (Y/n)!" Penguin cackled as he skimmed through Law's journal.

The whole crew burst into laughter as they crowded around Penguin once more to read what the captain had to say about you.

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TAGLIST:

@hopelesslover06 @shakysif @eyes-ofhell @letmereadchristonabike @bi-narystars @valval08 @urbisexualfriend @emmaiscool22 @deathsmajestysworld @sp1ng @kitsunechan707 @orange-milky

#reader insert #one piece #one piece x reader #fem reader #trafalgar d law x reader #crack fic #heart pirates #law x y/n #law x you #trafalgar law #punk hazard

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naomihatake · 11 months

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In search of freedom (Ch. 7)

7. What do you wish for?

⠀⠀➺ fic masterlist

⠀⠀➺ Chapter 6 ; Chapter 7 ; Chapter 8

⠀⠀⠀⠀She's been searching for freedom her entire life and everytime she thought it was laying right in front of her eyes, she was mistaken. She was running around the East Blue, seeking herself and her dreams, meeting people she never forgot. No matter how much she traveled, she could only catch a glimpse of peace before realizing everything would crumble at her feet.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Maybe it was destiny that brought her on that ship with three strangers — foolishly, that's what she tried to believe when the moon shined beautifully and hope settled in her chest, squeezed by the same ribcage where feelings were blooming.

Pairing: female!reader x OPLA Zoro Roronoa

Warnings for this chapter: angst, graphic depictions of deaths and fatal wounds, self-harm, brief suicidal mention, canon-typical violence, tiny bit comfort at the end

Word count: 8,4 k

Theme song: fic spotify playlist (click on the link)

A/N: I'm glad I could finish the chapter so early and there are some scenes in here that I really loved writing. Also, I want you to pay close attention to the fight Witch has with the fishman. The anime watchers and manga readers that got far enough with One Piece will probably get it faster ;)

I'd be happy to hear your opinions on this chapter. Every interaction is appreciated and thank you so much for sticking to this story till now <3

The reader is referred to as "Witch" because I have no intentions of using "Y/N".

"What is your dream?"

While she would've rather expected that question to come from Luffy, the tipsy Zoro by her side, leaned against the mast, seemed to be rather intrigued by her reasons to remain with Luffy.

When she turned her head towards him, one of her suppositions was proved to be right: the stars above shone beautifully, but nothing could compare to the swordsman's brown eyes. In the dark, his dark chocolate irises were swallowed by pupils dark as the depths of the oceans. No. Dark and beautiful as the night sky she teared her gaze away from.

Her silence could've been interpreted in many ways and Zoro might become suspicious, but his already flushed state seemed to swallow everything in. He only looked back at her.

The witch couldn't exactly spot the specific aura of his gaze. He wasn't only flushed because of the alcohol, no. He seemed… soft, even. His shoulders were relaxed and the grip on the empty bottle loosened up.

His question was simply something she didn't expect, as he was always down to earth, similarly to Nami. However, there was a tiny difference — he proudly admitted he wanted to become the strongest swordsman in the world.

"I—," the word left her lips like a mere whisper.

Her determination faltered under the weight of the alcohol. Until that moment, after sharing some ugly parts of her past, his remarks made her laugh and chuckle happily.

"I want to be free."

One simple wish that could have so many connotations.

"I don't see any rope around your wrists."

His voice was like a low rumble coming from the depths of his chest, such a pleasant and soothing sound.

Their eye contact didn't break. Their gazes were locked together and she couldn't bring herself to be mad about it, especially when she was drunk enough to let vulnerable sides of her poor soul see the light of the stars.

Faint, shy, but it was there.

"I want to be free from myself and the expectations everyone has of me," she clarified. "Free from the rules of the world, written or unwritten. Free from the Marines that are now on my tail."

"Why did you become a pirate if you wanted to be free from the Navy?"

"The sea always looked like a place where I could be free," she admitted with a weak voice. The same tiny voice her younger self used to have when dreaming of a future.

Zoro knitted his eyebrows together and blinked, staring at the small beauty mark on her face he just noticed. He seemed deep in thought or rather trying to figure out the meaning of her words.

He was rarely so concentrated outside of critical situations like fights.

"Are you free now, then?"

With a gulp, she shook her head.

"No."

One word. One heavy weight on her soul.

"How do you wanna be free?" came another question from the swordsman.

"I have no clue."

The cage around her was a metaphor. She always felt like iron bars squeezed her tighter and tighter, until she broke down, a situation that occurred only a few times a year and was always hidden from prying eyes.

Realistically, there was no free place in that world. The Marine wasn't by any means as righteous as they wanted to look like and they were certainly not saviors. Of course, there were plenty of pirates that did nothing else but harm everyone and everything they laid eyes on. Some of them had ugly souls, dark and dirtied by greed.

However, there were plenty of people that were so-called pirates and yet never harmed unless they had to protect someone. Like Luffy or Usopp. They never took anyone's life.

Like her father.

She wasn't one of those pirates. The witch has killed people, even if never solely for blood thirst. Or, at least, not yet. She deserved to die, to never see the light of a new day.

A personal justice system — that's what she's always had, that's what she grew to learn about from the crew she left barely a year ago.

Deep down, she knew she would never be free. There was no liberty for a monster.

When she looked at Zoro, she also wanted him to taste freedom on his tongue. Maybe he already knew what that felt like.

If she couldn't find her own freedom, she could settle for protecting her friends' freedom. That would be more than enough, right?

"Aren't you at fault for your own lack of freedom?" Zoro pulled her out of her thoughts.

His question might've sounded as insensitive and accusing, but she was aware the swordsman didn't mean it that way. He always had his own way with words and, unfortunately, he got misinterpreted most of the time.

He was simply stating a probable truth.

Then I suppose I should get rid of my—

No. There was no time to think of such things, even if she was drunk and vulnerable. Admitting that to his face would be shameful of her.

Maybe she wasn't that ready to share secrets yet, was she?

"I most probably am," the witch whispered as she averted her eyes back to the sky splattered with stars. "At the end of the day, I'm the only one taking into account what others say and how they affect me."

She didn't know exactly how to pursue freedom, but she was certain of something else: if that beautiful future stood in front of her, Zoro was probably one of the ways to find out.

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•

The witch wasn't able to find freedom if she died at that moment, with the blue hand of a fishman gripping at her throat. There was a lingering ache at the crown of her head from when he pushed her against the wall.

Her eyes squeezed shut while life seemed to slip from her hold, the same way her fingers lost their force while clutching onto the fishman's forearm. She had to find a way to get out of there, to breathe, because her lungs were already begging for some oxygen. Her vision was getting blurry and the pain in her entire throat spread like fire through her body.

Maybe it was because of her hyper-aware state, but she could swear the wound on her bicep was bloody again considering the sharp pain shooting through her arm.

No. There was no time to die and beg for forgiveness — and whose forgiveness could she ask for if she stays alive? Exactly. No one's.

The witch didn't know if she breathed in air or it just felt awfully familiar to that sensation, but her lungs suddenly swallowed something fresh and powerful. It ate the pain hungrily, destroying every doubt in her mind the more she thought of her promises, of the corpse of a father who still whispered in her dreams "go find your freedom".

The grip on the fishman's arm grew tighter, stronger, until her nails dug into the scales and penetrated them. Her fingers ached, the skin around her nails scratched harshly by the sharp broken scales. Fresh blood surfaced.

Her eyes opened up slowly, burning with each one of her promises, this time including her own — If I can't find freedom, I'll make it.

Every nerve in her body burnt and she tasted drugs on the tip of her tongue, an addiction threatening to clutch onto her and take control.

Power.

The witch has never been one to love power, to ache for it and yet, there she was, with a devil-like grin growing on her face.

Power.

It ate her alive and she loved that sensation. The steadiness of her heartbeats, the cage of ribs that broke to make place for that overwhelming feeling.

Power will never take control of me.

Her eyes bore holes through the fishman's entire being. There was no need for her revolver when two shining irises had the same effect.

Her vision and mind has never been clearer.

The fishman was struck. A weight settled on his shoulders, pulling him down, doubts flickering in his head.

Claws sank into his eyes, into his face and throat, clutching at his heart, threatening to pull it out of his chest.

The fishman stumbled and dropped her.

His strong grip on her throat left blooming red marks. They were ugly and her neck felt tender, but her nerves didn't register the pain properly because of the adrenaline running through her veins.

The witch immediately took the opportunity, despite the lack of air in her lungs. She crouched down to take her gun, but before she could shoot again, a loud sound got her attention.

The door of the restaurant broke at the floor underneath her when Luffy got thrown right into it by Arlong.

On the side of the stairs where Usopp crawled down was Sanji struggling to get back up after he cracked his back at the harsh contact with a table.

People were hiding under chairs and bars from the fishmen's wrath.

Her anger was fueled by each single detail. One of her shoulders felt light, while the other was heavy. The monster lurking inside her had one eye open — the same one that pushed her to cuss out Mihawk back when Zoro got a cut through his chest. The same monster she wouldn't trade anything for, because wrath has always been her forte.

The small flame of revenge started burning in the pits of her stomach. Steadily. Still vague, easy to control.

She ran down the stairs and passed by Usopp, who was at that moment helping Sanji get on his feet. The witch got out of Baratie, suddenly stopping in her tracks when she saw Arlong standing a few meters in front of her.

That fucker—

Luffy shouted something along the lines of Gum Gum and she knew that was his fight to deal with.

However, it was a fight she didn't know if he would win at that time, considering the way Arlong only turned his head to the side when he got punched in the face by Luffy's fists. The fishman spat blood on the wooden floor while he stepped closer and closer to the Straw Hat.

In a fraction, the punch Luffy received sent him flying in the sails of a boat and he fell down with a thud, grunting. It was stupid of him to provoke Arlong further, but Luffy has never been to give up or let his enemies feel the satisfaction of a victory without a proper fight.

The witch wondered if her captain didn't break a rib or two after being punched and thrown around for so long. He still had the energy to throw his fists into Arlong's face with all he's got, using his rubber arms to attack from meters away.

His Devil Fruit powers were definitely the only reason why he was alive.

But not for much longer.

Arlong muttered something with a growl and once he sank his hand in the water, the witch knew it wasn't going to end well.

The fishman didn't just splash Luffy; no, he soaked the Straw Hat to the bone and the hit with both sea water and brute force got Luffy to the ground. It was his biggest weakness.

The witch's eyes widened when she saw Arlong grabbing at Luffy's shirt and lifting him in the air, opening his mouth to reveal razor-sharp teeth.

Her feet carried her for only a second and she almost shouted out for Luffy out of despair — she would rather be stabbed in the stomach countless times than feel helpless again. Out of instinct, the hand holding the gun raised, aiming at—

"Arlong, wait!"

Nami.

The witch snapped her head towards her friend.

The orange-haired woman stomped her feet and came, leaving the Going Merry behind her. The tank-top she wore exposed a strange old tattoo on her left shoulder. She was clutching tightly onto a thin and long cylinder.

"I have it," she addressed Arlong. "I have the map."

The map.

"I got it for you, just like I said I would."

The witch blinked away the confusion that almost made her hazy and stepped in front of Nami, stopping her from moving forward.

"Nami," the witch knitted her eyebrows together. "What's going on?"

Nami's eyes held no clear emotion besides a flicker of anger.

"Exactly what you knew all along."

It was one of those times when the witch wished her tarot was wrong.

She shook her head, one of her hands gripping at Nami's wrist.

"Nami," the witch squeezed her friend's hand tighter, scared it would slip from between her fingers.

"Let go."

Nami snatched her arm out of the witch's hold and her jaw ticked. She wasn't only annoyed, there had to be more in her eyes.

"You cannot possibly tell me you want to do this," the witch insisted, stepping even closer, until she was one breath away from the navigator.

Their intense gazes clashed together and none of them let the walls fall.

"But here I am, ain't I?" Nami cocked an eyebrow.

When the orange-haired passed by, her shoulder collided harshly with the witch's who was still stuck in place.

No fucking way.

The witch needed time to think, she had to search for some clarification with her tarot cards. She needed more time to read the energy, to figure out the situation, to understand what, where, why and when. Nothing made sense and time passed by so fast she couldn't even process it all.

Luffy was so disoriented he didn't even pour enough force in his hands to get rid of Arlong's grip on the collar of his shirt.

"Nami?" he firmly spoke. "What are you doing?"

"I tried to tell you, Luffy," Nami continued walking towards him. "I was never on Your crew. I only joined up with you so I could steal the map."

"I don't believe that," Luffy denied.

"That's because you only believe what you want to believe. Doesn't make it true."

Nami, for fuck's sake, we both know you're lying—

The witch opened her mouth, ready to argue, to yell from the top of her lungs, but with one glance thrown to Arlong, she stopped. Saying the wrong thing might get Nami in great danger and she might lose credibility in front of him.

"Sister Nami's a loyal member of the Arlong Pirates," Arlong started speaking, pointing with his chin towards the one in question. "She has been for years."

The witch didn't know why she still protected Nami, but she was certainly not going to give up on her friend at that time.

Nami shoved the map in Arlong's nose to get his attention to her — or maybe the witch has gotten to another level of delusion.

"Why waste your time killing a Devil Fruit eater?" Nami reminded the fishman as if it wasn't a death sentence. "Let the sea do it for you."

"Nami, this is too far, cut the crap—" the witch revolted immediately.

Before she could make any step towards Luffy, she was grabbed by the back of her neck and launched into the wall of Baratie with sheer force — it was one of Arlong's asshole crewmates. She groaned in pain and squeezed her eyes. The shoulder she fell on sent sharp spikes through the entire left side of her body.

She cussed out, struggling to get back to her feet when Arlong let Luffy drown in the sea. The witch let out a shout of the Straw Hat's name and one of her knees betrayed her, resulting in another unceremonious fall to the ground.

Lucky for her, an arm curled around her front to help her up, a silver ring resting on the finger of the man.

"Luffy fell in the water, go now!" she didn't even wait to be properly raised to her feet to urge Sanji to jump.

Her aching body and the lack of strength wouldn't help her get Luffy out of the sea. She didn't even clearly notice when the cook left her side and jumped into the sea, too caught up in the agitation inside of her. Events passed by her faster than light. All she saw was a discarded shirt.

She wasn't sure because of what powers she managed to walk on the deck, at the edge where the other two should appear from under the water. Her head turned when she recognized Usopp from her peripherals.

"Luffy?" he asked, panic building up as his hands shook.

The witch would have responded if not for the answer to appear right under their noses. Sanji held Luffy tightly by the collar and pushed him on the dock with Usopp's help who dragged him.

The witch extended her hand to bring Sanji on the dock with them and since then, things turned blurry despite her open eyes.

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•

Now the only woman in the crew, the witch sat on the floor in the room that used to be Nami's, her back leaning back against the wooden wall. With eyes devoid of life, she stared up at the ceiling while pulling her knees closer to her chest, once again trying to hide herself from everyone. From everything.

On Nami's bed there was still an inert swordsman and he didn't even flinch when she tentatively said his name after entering the room.

"Fucking dammit," she squeezed her eyes shut.

Nami left. Zoro was unconscious. Luffy almost drowned if not for Sanji. Usopp was bluffing about how "everything has to be alright".

She didn't know if he was trying to convince himself or her.

Because everything was wrong. It felt wrong.

The witch took in a deep breath, but only half of the oxygen she inhaled got to her lungs and brain because of her constricted throat. Tears were sitting on her waterline for the fourth time that day.

Too much happened since the crack of dawn and it wasn't even sunset.

Exhaustion made her look years older than she was. Her head fell forward, forehead hitting her knees before the light sneaking through the windows could fall on her face.

Tears filled with anguish ran down her cheeks and it was the first time she allowed herself to let at least an ounce of the weight on top of her body dissipate. The droplets of pain melted down her cheeks and sank into the material of her shirt.

The witch sneaked her arms around the back of her thighs and squeezed herself tighter in a ball, lips trembling. Her breathing was ragged not only because of the lump in her throat, but also because of the firm grip that fishman had on her neck. The skin was sensitive to the touch and it hurt to swallow.

Every event of that day got added one on top of another. Her fight with Zoro, the fact that he was unconscious after that dwell, Nami leaving just like the witch expected to.

Betrayal. Maybe I was a fool for trusting her.

Or am I?

Teeth sank so deeply into her lower lip it drew blood and she tasted copper on the tip of her tongue.

Pain. That was right.

The only right thing happening that day was the physical pain. Palpable, real, bringing her back to earth.

Except that time it failed, because the tears didn't stop. She squeezed her eyes shut as sharp pain traveled through her body, from her chest into her limbs, puncturing each nerve, shaking her to the core.

Her soul screamed, caged by sorrow, an ugly animal that sank its fangs into her flesh and ripped from the inside. Blood was pouring from her heart, soaking organs and bones, melting into the skin like acid. It burnt so fastly, yet it never seemed to end. With a throbbing head, she couldn't hold the pain back anymore.

However, no sound ever left her lips parted in a silent scream. No whimper, no sob, no cry for help. The room was filled with silence as a heartbeat drummed in her ears in an agonizing rhythm.

I shouldn't have come on this ship in the first place. Only if I had been wise enough to leave when I got the chance. Syrup Village was a perfect option, I could've gone on another ship and continued my mindless traveling. Why did I bother myself with this? Why did I suddenly decide it was a great idea to be part of another crew when this only has brought me suffering?

With each second, she willingly aimed the gun at herself and every word was like a bullet.

I should've left. I would've been happier. I should've left it all behind when I realized this won't go well. Fuck the premonitions, fuck the destiny, damned be the world.

A body stripped of clothes and skin, only burnt flesh left behind the monster's bites. Broken ribs and a shattered heart pumping a meaningless life.

As seconds passed by one after another and her tears came to an end, the gentle swinging of the ship pulled her into a half-asleep state.

She noticed when Luffy came into the room and she was aware of his position on Zoro's bed — the cracking of the wood gave him away. As the Straw Hat talked, she only heard the swordsman's name being spoken, some words here and there, but most of his monologue was muffled.

He probably thought she was asleep because of her slow and steady breathing.

Exhaustion was clawing at her muscles and brain, but something kept her aware of the surroundings for a few more minutes.

Everything turned pitch black in her perspective. A husky and deep voice made her believe she was dreaming, the tips of her mouth curling shily upwards.

Only if it would've been reality.

"Zoro!"

Her entire body flinched and she raised her head, wide eyed. If she didn't know any better, she would've said her soul jumped out of her.

"Luffy?" she whispered, confused on why he yelled the swordsman's name—

"You're not dead!" Luffy shouted again, loud enough for everyone in Baratie to hear.

He's alive? the witch thought to herself. I really heard his voice.

Luffy crawled on top of Zoro and squeezed the life out of him. Literally.

"Now I wish I was," she heard Zoro mumble between grunts.

He was alive.

The witch's lungs filled with fresh air for the first time that day. Relief washed over her and her body relaxed, shoulders deflating as some of the weight sitting on them fell into the sea below.

While leaning her body against the wall, she managed to get up just to get a better view of the swordsman who was squinting his eyes at the ceiling. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, head falling forward.

At least one thing went right, didn't it?

After Luffy got up from above Zoro, the swordsman managed to take some deep gulps of air, chest raising up and falling rhythmically.

"I had the strangest dream that Nami left," he said with a frown on his face as he closed his eyes.

"She did," the witch responded faintly.

There wasn't enough courage in her to look at him as she said that, instead choosing to glance at the window.

Zoro looked again at the ceiling and realized her voice was too faint for all of that to be a mere joke, a prank thrown at him for staying unconscious for… for how long?

"It's my fault," Luffy said with his chin lowered.

From the corner of his eye, Zoro saw the witch place a hand on their captain's shoulder.

"We'll find a way."

There was a promise etched onto her fragile smile. As if a simple brush of air or one wrong world could make her crumble.

But she didn't. Instead, she threw a knowing look to Zoro and silently told him to talk with Luffy. She knew the Straw Hat needed his first mate's support at that moment.

What confused Zoro the most was watching the witch get out of the room without too much of a word. Her hair bounced as she stepped further away from him and their friends. Even as his ribs and body hurt at every inhale, he wanted to understand the real reason for her leaving.

Last time they talked, she expressed worry. What happened in the meantime? What the fuck went wrong?

There was a fat chance she was still mad at him for whatever reason. Sure, she was calm, collected, but he could swear he's seen fire burning in her eyes more than just once and a grin splayed on her face at the thrill and adrenaline of a fight. She snapped at him when they fought and he had to admit it would've been sadder if she treated him with silence.

However, he didn't know if that was silence or something more.

Weird, he concluded.

His attention went back to Luffy. The swordsman couldn't manage watching the ever happy-go-lucky captain speak like a ghost.

"You didn't do anything wrong." He seriously hoped he could find the right words to bring Luffy back to reality.

There's no way that crew would fall apart without a proper fight. What has been was just the beginning.

"You acted like a captain."

"But the crew is falling apart," Luffy pulled his lips in a tight line.

"No, it's not," the green-haired firmly affirmed.

Maybe a lot more than Zoro thought has happened, but that was definitely not the end.

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•

Before the sun could set and hide in the sea, they gathered some supplies for their new journey. They found out from the clown head — who they found out told Arlong where to find the Straw Hats — that Nami was most probably heading to Conomi Islands, specifically Cocoyashi Village. Sanji joined their crew, which made Luffy jump in excitement for the second time that day.

Luffy's folded arms were resting over the railing of Going Merry while he stared down at the water splashing against the ship.

"Does it always take so long?" Luffy spoke so softly.

Sanji chuckled with the fishing rod in his hand as he waited for a fish to catch the bait.

"We've only been here for two minutes, be patient," the cook reminded him. "Some days, they bite as soon as you drop the line and some days, it takes hours."

Then, he threw a knowing glance towards Luffy with an arch of his eyebrow.

"But we're not talking about fishing, are we?"

"I highly doubt it," the witch mumbled as she curled her fingers around her tarot deck.

She didn't dare to shuffle through the cards again, a side of her afraid of what was waiting for them. It felt uneasy everytime she got the impulse of taking the cards out and finding out which one of them holds the truth.

The witch was leaning with her back against the railing, not so far away from the Straw Hat, pressing her fingertips into the old box made of cardboard that fit perfectly in her hands.

Luffy smiled towards Sanji before he stared into the horizon with hope.

"I just want to know if Nami's okay."

"A beautiful, talented woman does not choose to ally herself with a pirate like Arlong," Sanji said firmly, convinced of his beliefs. "Nami clearly needs to be rescued."

The witch breathed in deeply and widened her eyes, trying to find the right words to tell them what she knew. A pair of heavy steps caught her attention and she immediately recognized the chiming filling the air.

Zoro. His hand was resting on his Wado Ichimoji — his only sword now.

"Her tattoo says different," he said.

The way he looked at the witch was bringing back to life some shattered pieces of her soul. He might look serene when sleeping, but he was better that way — wide awake and an asshole.

Also, he noticed something she couldn't pinpoint. There must've been a scar on her face, most probably. At first, he only stared at her face, just to lower his gaze. Oh. She didn't sleep for two days and got in a fight with a fishman, which left some nasty bruises on her bare neck.

"Well," Sanji argued, "tattoos don't tell the whole story. And like any woman, she's a mystery to be unraveled."

"Am I supposed to feel flattered?" the witch arched her eyebrow at the cook after she turned her head towards him.

Right at that moment, Zoro stepped between her and Luffy, restricting her view. All she could see was his chest, bandaged and with a red patch in the center.

"You should change your bandages," she looked up at him.

However, the witch was hesitant when she did so. As if the man in front of her could vanish in thin air.

Zoro turned to Sanji and decided to completely ignore her comment.

"Nami made her choice."

The cook immediately frowned, creases appearing on his forehead. His scowl was deeper than Zoro's.

"You don't know why," Sanji retorted.

As if getting snapped by Usopp, Zoro scoffed:

"The only thing I want to hear from you are dinner specials. You don't know Nami."

"Sounds like you don't know her either, Mosshead," Sanji spat with a taunting smile on his lips.

"Oh God, stop, you two," the witch sighed heavily, annoyed.

Just to get the swordsman's attention to her, she poked his back with the tip of her finger, digging deep enough to receive a light flinch. It seemed like she took him by surprise. She bent her back more as she continued resting her elbows on the railing to glance at Luffy over Zoro's shoulder.

"I'm sure Nami has her reasons," their captain nodded.

"I know Nami's reason."

All of their heads turned to the witch.

Usopp was just walking up the stairs of the forecastle when his eyes sparkled curiously.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Nami," Zoro said quickly. "Why didn't you say anything until now?" that time, his sharp words were directed to the witch.

The witch shot him a glare, displeased by his reaction. However, she would've acted the same if someone was to hide something so important.

"It would've felt unfair to tell you before talking with her," the witch clarified.

"You talked with her about it?" Usopp suddenly intervened, surprised by the news.

The witch gripped at the tarot deck in between her hands tighter and clicked her tongue, trying to find the best words to explain.

"I did. Somehow," uncertainty latched onto her voice.

None of them rushed her anymore so she took her time.

"Listen, this isn't as easy as it seems to be. Yes, Sanji, she didn't willingly get into Arlong's crew."

A snarky remark sat on the cook's tongue and he wanted to throw it Zoro's way.

"But," the witch continued in order to stop an eventual argument, "she's fully aware of her actions. She was forced by the circumstances to do what she's doing, but it doesn't mean she likes acting like Arlong's crewmate. Nami certainly hates him from the bottom of her heart. He did something. Something that forced her to act like she's a friend just to protect something or someone. Or both. She's not only protecting herself, she's protecting what's most dear to her heart."

It wasn't the witch that spoke, but the gut feeling she had. Her thoughts didn't seem so clear in months, since her last successful tarot reading. Now, as the significance of each card sank into her brain, she knew what everything meant.

It wasn't her that spoke, but her intuition.

"She's keeping us away because she's scared we'd get hurt, not only because we would get in her way. Nami cares about us and that's exactly why she's pushing us away."

"Who does that?" Zoro wondered out loud.

Maybe he should've kept that to himself.

"You do that," the witch's head snapped towards him. "I do it. And Nami does. She said she tricked us — which was true. At the same time, she's tricking Arlong. He isn't her crewmate, he's an asshole that stole something from her—"

The witch got so carried away she didn't even realize what she just said. She suddenly furrowed her eyebrows into the void and received confused looks from her friends.

"He stole something. Her freedom."

Those words were said as she actively figured the details out, staring into the void.

"Witch?" Usopp nudged her.

"Yes?" she turned towards him.

"Did she tell you all these things?"

There was a light chuckle that left her lips at that question.

"The cards did. Her reactions just gave her away and answered my doubts."

The witch knew what games she was playing. She's been doing these things for years and not only — she trusted her gut feeling above everything else.

She received an especially confused look from the cook, who had no clue why she was called a witch. He probably supposed it was because she was beautiful or maybe secretive.

He should've taken that nickname literally.

"What do we do then?" Zoro turned his head towards their captain.

Luffy listened intently to everything the witch had to say and he made up his mind since long ago:

"I want to hear her decision for myself."

"That's for the best," the witch nodded.

There was more she would've liked to say, but speaking from the gut was both easier than usual and harder when tired. Considering the last time she got some proper sleep was before they got attacked by the Marines, she could say it's been long enough for her mind to get clouded.

Stuck in her thoughts as she was, the grip on her tarot deck loosened up and the object fell from her hold on the wooden floor. The witch's exhausted brain registered that too many seconds later.

A deep frown appeared between her eyebrows, blinking in an attempt to clear her vision while she bent down to take the deck in her hand.

Obviously, she failed.

When her back was straight again, her vision went pitch black and a heavy throbbing settled in her temples. The ship swayed worse than a second ago. She groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose, eyes closed.

The witch has been in that situation before. She stood still, because attempting to walk would've ended in a passionate kiss with the floor.

When the sensations dissipated little by little, tiredness was everything left behind.

"I'm gonna get some rest," she mumbled, the words a little slurred.

With her eyes now opened wide enough to see where she's heading, she walked towards the stairs and cussed them out one by one.

Falling like an idiot wasn't on her to-do list for that day.

By some miracle, she managed to walk all the way into the galley. The room she shared with Nami was hers, but it was too far away. Her feet barely carried her to the dark red sofa she let her body fall on like a sack.

She didn't care about the clothes she hasn't changed from, too caught up with everything that has happened. There was enough time for a shower later, when exhaustion wasn't seeping into her bones. The only thing she had the decency to do was to take her boots off.

She stretched her legs and put an arm under her head, resting on her side to face the room. Not the most comfortable place to sleep in, but after all of that tumult, nothing mattered anymore.

The sweet sound of jingling disturbed her again.

Oh, god dammit.

She was one breath away from cussing Zoro's ass and his earrings — despite being in ecstasy that he woke up. The witch, as if expecting his next move, bent her knees to make space for him. The swordsman plopped himself down with a grunt at the other side of the sofa and her bare feet touched his thigh.

She didn't dare mutter a word about his presence. Zoro could stay. Gosh, as she was thinkingln about it, she could only believe it was a blessing he wasn't only awake, but also throwing remarks her way.

It was so much better than telling stories of her past to an unconscious Mosshead.

Right.

The edges of her mouth curled in a smile.

"What?"

"Mosshead," she chuckled, eyes still closed.

Zoro let out a scoff and she could imagine him rolling his eyes to the ceiling.

"Didn't you say you were going to rest?"

His voice was unusually low and even soft, pulling her towards the dreamland.

"I'd say this place is perfect," she mumbled.

The witch didn't bother to explain she was tired out of her mind or that her feet would most likely betray her if she dared to get up.

The silence was filled with their breathing and the sounds of the water splashing against their ship, the cracks of the wood. She remembered the times when she traveled with her father's crew and she would many times fall asleep curled next to a barrel while the vice-captain was still singing sea shanties in the middle of the night.

"Zoro," the witch whispered.

She was too weary to care about what left her mouth. It acted like alcohol — it clouded her mind and she felt shameless.

"What if I wouldn't have stepped on this ship?"

That question plagued her mind and she finally said it out loud.

"So the last ship was more to your taste?" he snickered. "It almost sank in the sea."

"You're such an ass," and while that phrase might've sounded harsh in the past, at that moment it was filled with fondness.

"Been told that before."

I really missed that voice.

"For someone with a big ass bruise on your neck, you sound more like a coward than I thought."

Maybe she deserved that serious tone thrown her way. Was he right? Only halfway through.

"No," she was stubborn enough to fight the sleep for a few more minutes. "What if I would've been happier? Y'know, less worries, no people to haunt my ass. No anxiety."

No crying over you for being almost dead.

The continuation sat on the tip of her tongue and got swallowed back with a gulp. Was there really a need for an admission? Puffy eyelids and dark circles under her eyes, chapped lips and bandages around her forearm soaked in blood. Those details were enough proof.

"Do you hate us that much?" his low voice sent shivers down her spine.

"It's not about that. Just…" she gulped and curled her fingers around the tarot deck she was still holding onto. "I want some peace."

"I say you should get some sleep."

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•

Standing on the deck felt right, even if the witch doesn't remember why she was there. She can't point out the weather clearly, it feels blurry. Seconds ago she was in the kitchen talking with Sanji about some unusual topic she couldn't remember.

Then why was she suddenly on the deck, face to face with a kneeling Zoro who had two swords piercing through his upper body from behind? She didn't only know it was him, she felt like it was him, as if the pieces connecting in her head were just right. However, it horrified her. Everything around him was blurry except for him.

Him, whose essence of life was pouring down his body, creating a puddle under him, sinking into the cracks of the wooden floor. The crimson liquid melted into his white t-shirt. Now that she was looking better at it, she noticed the sharp point of a sword penetrating all the way through his stomach to the front side of his body.

He was looking up at her, despite the way his chin was tilted down. Those sharp brown eyes were boring holes through her. His beautiful irises painted with the warm nuances of chocolate and coffee were scary, like no other time.

Was Luffy next to her? It feels like it was him, even if she can only distinguish a silhouette in the corner of her right eye.

Why was Zoro looking at her like that? She couldn't move, as if her feet were stuck in place. She didn't know if she was breathing or if she was alive anymore. She didn't know why she was on the deck, why those swords took his life away. It barely made any sense that he had enough energy to stare at her.

He didn't falter once. He didn't beg for help, her name didn't come out of his mouth, no groans, no nothing.

She couldn't move. As she stood in the same place, her anxiety was rising up, up, up, until she felt like panicking despite the lack of reaction. She felt like exploding, but she couldn't express those horrific feelings.

She couldn't help him. Her arms were stuck by the sides of her body, as if someone had put a spell on her. She had the will to move her legs, to get closer to him, she wanted to, but she remained glued in that spot. She couldn't feel her body.

She had to do something, but she was trapped inside an unmoving object that was her own body. Why?

Everything snapped.

The smallest hope towards an escape woke her up. Her eyes opened instantly and she raised up in a sitting position, eyes frantically searching for more clues, for answers about the horrifying images she just saw before her eyelids.

Her heart was beating so fast it made her wish she didn't have it at all, a deafening ba-dump repeating in her eardrums over and over again.

Unfortunately, she was face to face with the swordsman she dreamt of. Instantly, as if she was shot, she looked at his upper abdomen. For no more than two seconds, she saw a big black patch on his bandages.

She inhaled deeply and her heart was beating faster, suddenly unable to release that breath of air. Her eyes widened and her hands shook, chest tight.

"Hey," she heard more of a background sound.

She blinked countless times, until her tired brain figured out that it was just her imagination. It was so dark in the room and her nightmare was a shock, the reason why at some point the patch started blurring out, inviting her to blink until it turned to be one small spot. It has been there since he woke up from his slumber.

When the realization sank in, she let go of that breath and let out a pitiful whimper. Deep inside, it felt like relief, her eyes now squeezed shut.

This time, he clearly called her name after his fingers securely gripped at her shaking shoulders, avoiding her wound. Her hands were trembling, her entire being disturbed.

Zoro said her name, not the nickname she got so used to hearing on that ship. Not the usual Witch, a word that sounded so endearing coming from her crewmates; no, it was her name and it was spoken so softly she could've confused him for someone else.

She had a poor attempt at recalling those images in order to figure out the reality, but it backfired. The bloody scene stuck before her closed eyes pushed her to open them up again.

Thankfully, his dark gaze was warm, filled with unspoken worry. For a brief moment she wondered how he woke up, since he slept like the dead sometimes.

"I'm surprised I managed to wake you up," her voice trembled.

He didn't joke back at her. Instead, his thumbs started rubbing slow circles into her shoulders in order to bring her back to earth. Or, better said, back to the ship that was peacefully sailing on the sea during the night.

"I think you should correct your breathing," he pointed out.

Once she changed from autopilot breathing, it felt like her throat was tight.

"Breathe in."

Blindly, she trusted his instructions. That mere breath shook her again, feeling shivers when she allowed the oxygen to sink into her lungs, the same way his voice sank into her being, in the cracks of her soul.

It took a few minutes until that normal bodily process didn't seem like an impossible task. Her muscles were tense until Zoro squeezed her shoulders again.

She could distinguish more of his face than just the warmth she noticed not long ago. His expression seemed pained with worry and not from a wound that could kill him, even if there still were bandages wrapped around his torso. Maybe it was also fear that made him look so different from usual; or was it confusion?

"I'm sorry for destroying your sleep."

It was half a lie. She wasn't sorry about the touch keeping her afloat, about how she managed to breathe again only because of his presence, because he was clearly awake and alive. At the same time, she knew he needed to rest so his wound could heal properly.

"Be serious," he huffed in a lower voice, clearly displeased.

"I am. You should sleep."

"Just like you should, but I doubt you will."

"I'd argue about that."

She was still tired, even if her shock from earlier struck her like thunder. Her eyes could close at any moment, which she feared, because another nightmare didn't sound good even for how stress resistant she became.

Since he heard her soft whimper when she was still sleeping, he had no clue what to do, how to act. One thing was clear: it was better to wake her up, despite the possibility she might get defensive and attack.

Alright, now what the heck do I do? He's had nightmares before, he's seen horrendous things during his sleep countless times, but he didn't have any idea about what to do for her. Was he even supposed to do something? She didn't like being pampered — maybe he should act like nothing happened. However, the fear coloring her face earlier shocked him as well. The witch has always been collected, she had such a firm grip on her reactions it was annoying sometimes.

The swordsman shook his head, but didn't let go of her. Instead, he leaned against the cushions on his side, while his hands fell down to her forearms to get a comfortable position of his limbs and upper body. The wound on his chest sent daggers through him at each movement. Barely a day of consciously dealing with it and he's already got annoyed.

The witch looked down at where their bodies were connected. His long calloused fingers were securely wrapped around her arms, close to her wrists. When did her legs end up in his lap she didn't know. Her bare knee tingled with warmth — why?

"You had a weird reaction after you woke up," his whisper stirred something in her heart.

"What do you mean? I had plenty of reactions."

Are you playing the idiot with me? Zoro thought.

"You were more scared of seeing me than of the nightmare."

"Oh."

Why did the Mosshead have to be so observant? It was one of the reasons why she was attracted to him, evidently, but sometimes he exposed her too easily.

She dropped her chin and looked down at her own hands. Admitting that she feared his role as the main character of a tragedy for the second time felt embarrassing for some unknown reason. She's been in enough humiliating situations and he never ridiculed her.

Zoro was utterly stuck. Was he supposed to move away? His body felt too heavy to get off the sofa and go to his room. It wouldn't be alright leaving her alone with her crippling anxiety either, considering she was prone to overthinking.

He wanted to do something, but what?

He let out a long sigh and rested his head against the cushions, his fingers still curled around her wrists. Her pulse was fast, but as seconds passed by, it slowed down under the weight of his thumbs.

The witch became hyper aware of the situation, but it felt too good to move away. Her tired brain entirely registered his presence and her eyes closed. She breathed in the chill air of the night and, while focusing so intently on Zoro's presence, she fell into a deeper state of mind, half asleep.

He was disturbed from his own journey into the dream realm when he felt a light weight on his shoulder. Once his eyes opened, he saw the cause: she leaned in closer to him, clearly unaware.

He smelled like the sea and the familiar scent of soap clung to the unbuttoned blue t-shirt he wore. With her forehead resting against his neck, the witch could vaguely point out his pulse. The safety of his embrace lulled her into a dreamless sleep while she focused on his slow breathing and the secure grip he had on her.

Zoro filled her senses so fiercely it was impossible not to melt into him, inhaling and exhaling in sync with him.

The swordsman had different sentiments about this and they were all confusing.

What am I doing? he scolded himself.

He moved his head and angled his face so he could look at the right side of her sleeping face. With long eyelashes resting over her soft cheeks, she looked like she didn't have a worry in the world, even if he knew better. Her shoulders would rise and fall rhythmically in such a slow pace, making him wonder what exactly exhausted her so much.

Then, his gaze fell on the purple marks on her neck and his jaw clenched. If he would've been awake when Arlong appeared at Baratie, maybe none of them would be like that. Maybe he would've had enough stubbornness to get answers from Nami and maybe Luffy wouldn't have been so close to drowning. Maybe those marks on her neck wouldn't have been there in the first place.

What the fuck am I doing?

Giving up, he rested his head back against the cushions with a scowl. He didn't understand himself and it was even harder to understand the woman sleeping so peacefully, too close to him.

Zoro let out a low displeased sound and closed his eyes, deciding to rest for a while. He didn't dare move away or wake her up either.

First and foremost he was displeased about the fact that he liked the proximity.

I wonder what that fishman's face looks like. It'll surely be a pleasure to slice him in half.

Tag list: @emelia07 @dimplewonie @tfamidoingwithmylife @murnsondock @the-skys-musical-echo @conspiracy-crows @hallow33nz @ramae17 @gaslysainz @bunntsu @katt58 @katiemrty @hopefulrascalstatesmantoad @freyademartel @boofy1998 @ponyboys-sunsets @melsunshine @loveyluv7 @waddlingwanderer @jesssssmaybankk @nadlx33333 @yoong1c0re @untoldshortsofthefandoms @mizzy-pop @zoromyluv

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thebunnednun · 5 months

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New profile pic!! Oh and updates 4/14/2024 (Master list too)

Finally, something that looks like me!

Oh, btw the names Angellica or Angie for short. I don't mind being called BUNNEDNUN either babes.

WE ASLO HAVE A COMMUNITY LINK NOW!!:

Now let's get down to business,

An updated schedule will be as follows:

Mundane Monday: The beginning of the week is always dreadful so let's make it fun with some crack fics. Memes, Memes, MEMES galore!

Tearful Tuesdays: Angst posts will be the main thing on here. I'm thinking of some hurt and comfort fics. I'm already working on a Buggy fic for this. I'm not opposed to happy endings but in general, think of an onion cutting itself for these. They don't all have to be romantic and I'm creating something for Trafalgar Law here.

Wonderful Wednesdays: I will update two of the current fan series on this day maybe three if I have the time. So far the list includes:

*Enchanted meeting (Buggy The Clown x Straw-hat reader)

*Shadows of the Blade (Dracule Mihawk x Assassin reader)

*Capturing hearts (Iñaki Godoy x Photographer reader)

*Please Don't Hate Me! (Juan Ruiz x Imperfect reader

*Whispers of the heart (Dracule Mihawk x Maid (Pirate Queen) reader)

*Love Sick (Buggy the Clown x Straw-hat reader)

*Bound by Justice (Sabo x Marine! Reader)

*Carnival Confessions (Portgas D. Ace x Straw-Hat! Reader)

*If you only knew how much I love you (Sabo x Straw-hat! Reader x Ace)

*Make you mine!~ (Trafalgar D. Law x Cheeky~ Crewmate! Reader)

*Throw Me Overboard! (Buggy the Clown x Fm! Reader)

*Gone Fishing! (Sabo x Sea creature Straw-Hat! Reader)

*Good neighbors (Farmer! Bakugou Katsuki x Gardener! Reader)

*Dancing Under the Stars (Red-Haired Shanks X Bar/ DanceClub Owner! Reader)

*In the Arms of a Stranger (Charlotte Katakuri x Bride! Reader)

*Unexpected Dinner Guests! (Koby x Straw-Hat! Reader)

*Tempted to touch! One piece Men x Fm! Reader (Multi fic)

*Shadows in the Night! (Trafalgar D. Water Law x Ethereal spirit! Reader)

*Sweet dreams!~ (Trafalgar D. Law x Hot Doctor Wife! Reader (Modern Au))

*Golden afternoon (Monkey D. Luffy x Crew mate! Reader) *LOYALTY (Katsuki Bakugou x Sugar Baby! Reader)

*You're my Coffee (Shouta Aizawa x Pro Hero/Teacher! Reader)

Sanji, Usopp, Nami, Ace, Law, Robin, Boa, Chopper, and Zoro will be loading soon. I have many, many, MANY, ideas but no time right now.

Thoughtful Thursdays: Just some random conversations and ideas thrown out there. I'll try to host polls so you guys can vote on what you want next. Basically a rest day for me though because there's just no way I could write everything in one shot. (/@ ~@)/~* I've tried and it ends with me updating around 3AM or sum.

Follower Fridays: Requests from followers are posted. If you have a story request or anything you want to ask go ahead and do so on this day. Just make sure you send them in early so I can get to it in time. If you send something the day of I might be able to make it happen.

Sexy Saturdays: Send me your best Saturday night requests: ie dancing, funny adventures, or crazy antis with the one-piece crew or another fandom. I'm very familiar with Naruto and MHA (and any other anime honestly I doubt there's anything you could request that I don't know.)

It's all about having fun and having those Saturday night vibes babe!~

Sweet Sundays: Romantic One-shot posts! Any character of age and as long as it's not a child. I would be open to doing a reader insert where they are a parent or parental figure though. I find them to be very endearing.

As always your requests are welcomed and comments are very much appreciated. Sorry again for being gone for so long. I want to pick up my serious especially and make the chapters juicy again.

I also have a spring tee shop for merch related to all the stories!!

Every little bit helps me to pay for my tuition! <33

Thank you guys again for your patience and understanding.<<333

Don't forget to check out my a03 account of the same name!!

My new goals are to keep up with the schedule and get 50 followers by the end of the month! I wanna keep growing our family. :3

Most of all, remember that you are safe here and loved.

Until next time my loves!~

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differentpostrebel · 26 days

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Lost and Found: A Pirate's Promise

Chapter 4: Heart on the Line

A/N: Chapter 4 is here you guys! I think I am going to continue writing two stories and then post them, that way it's easier versus doing the whole day at a time. If you haven't checked out Chapter 3 along with the other chapters they are linked down below. Without further ado. Here’s Chapter 4.

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4 (here)

Y/N is an established pirate and a formidable warrior, with the third highest bounty in the Straw Hat crew. She's not just another member; her strength and skills have earned her a respected spot among the crew.

Sanji, our favorite lovesick cook, falls head over heels for Y/N almost immediately. True to his nature, he tries every trick in the book to catch her attention, from cooking her favorite meals to showering her with compliments. On the other hand, Y/N may have a small crush on Sanji, but she’s cautious and focused on her goals as a pirate.

As the story progresses, that small crush gradually blossoms into something more profound, but their journey together won't be easy. With the chaos of the New World looming, the dangers they face will test their bond and loyalty to each other. Will their love be strong enough to survive the trials ahead, or will the perils of their pirate life tear them apart?

Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster filled with angst, action, and a dash of romance. I'm thrilled to take you on this adventure with Y/N, Sanji, and the rest of the Straw Hat crew!

Word Count: 4.1K

Sanji x Y/N, OP x Y/N

You notice a bright yellow light from a distance as Luffy wraps his rubber arms around your waist. Your body aches, and all you want is to take off these dirty clothes, take a hot shower, and rest. Suddenly, you hear Luffy's voice.

"Hey, Y/N! I'm gonna throw you in the air and catch you so we can carry you. That okay?"

Barely paying attention, you mutter, "What?"

Luffy, taking that as agreement, grins. "She says yes! Alright!"

"Wait, Luffy!" you exclaim, but it's too late. You're already soaring into the air, screaming and yelling, "Luffy!"

Just as you're bracing for a rough landing, a pair of familiar arms catch you with ease. "Oh, my sweet Y/N," Sanji's voice is smooth and reassuring. "Don't worry, your prince is here to carry you."

You look up, and your eyes meet Sanji's warm gaze. A small blush creeps onto your cheeks as you nuzzle closer to his neck, wrapping your legs around his waist. "Thank you, Sanji," you whisper, laying a tender kiss on his neck.

Sanji's breath hitches slightly at your touch, but he quickly recovers, his voice softening as he speaks. "Anything for you, my love. I’d never let you fall."

You can feel his heart racing against yours, and it brings a smile to your face. "I knew I could count on you," you murmur, your lips brushing against his skin.

Sanji chuckles, his voice low and filled with affection. "Always, Y/N. You're safe with me."

As Sanji carries you, you begin to drift in and out of consciousness. The pain is fading, but exhaustion is catching up with you. You think to yourself that the effects must be wearing off.

Finally, you reach Grove 13, and Shakkys Bar, Sanji gently sets you down. Chopper is already there, carefully tending to your wounds. Sanji is nearby, his worry still evident, but there’s a softer expression on his face now that you’re safe.

The rest of the crew gather around Rayleigh, who is seated at the bar with a thoughtful expression. They’re deep in conversation about the legendary Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.

Luffy, eyes wide with curiosity, asks, "So, Rayleigh, what was Roger like? You were part of his crew, right?"

Rayleigh nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I was. Roger was... quite a man. Charismatic, fearless, and incredibly strong. He had a way of inspiring those around him."

As the conversation continues, Usopp turns to Robin with a hint of excitement. "Robin, don't you think we should ask Rayleigh more about the One Piece? This is a huge opportunity!"

Before Robin can respond, Luffy’s eyes narrow, and he raises his voice. "No! We’re not asking about the treasure! There’s a reason so many pirates risk their lives for it, and I don’t want to make our adventure boring by digging into that mystery!"

Luffy’s declaration is punctuated with a dramatic flourish. "I DON'T WANT TO GO ON A BORING ADVENTURE LIKE THAT!!!"

Usopp, taken aback by Luffy’s intensity, quickly apologizes. "Sorry, Luffy. I didn’t mean to stir things up."

Rayleigh watches the interaction with a bemused smile and then turns to Luffy. "So, Luffy, do you really think you can conquer the Grand Line?"

Luffy grins, his eyes sparkling with determination. "I’m not really aiming to conquer it. I just want to be the King of the Pirates, which means being the freest person on the ocean."

Rayleigh’s smile widens, and Shakky’s eyes twinkle with admiration. "You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Luffy."

Rayleigh then informs the crew, "I’ll have your ship coated in three days. Until then, you’ll need to avoid any trouble."

With that, the crew decided the best course of action is to split up and draw attention away from Rayleigh’s shop. Shakky hands us each a Vivre Card for safety, ensuring they can reunite with Rayleigh once the coating is complete. She also moves the Thousand Sunny to a safer location.

As we prepare to leave, we bid farewell to Hatchan, Camie, Pappag, and Shakky. They head back into the groves, ready to lay low for the next few days.

“Well, what do we do now?” Usopp asks, glancing around at the group.

Luffy, with his usual enthusiasm, pipes up, “I think we should go to the amusement park!”

You let out a weary sigh. “Fat chance. I’m not going through that again.”

Sanji notices the tremble in your voice and gently takes your hand, bringing it to his face. He places a soft kiss on it, his gaze full of reassurance. “Don’t worry, Y/N. I’ll protect you now. No harm shall come to you.”

You smile at him, feeling a surge of adoration. “Thank you, Sanji. It means a lot.”

As the group heads towards Grove 12, an unexpected bright light flares up, startling everyone. You all look up to see Bartholomew Kuma, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the area.

Zoro narrows his eyes, confused. “What’s he doing here?”

Luffy’s face pales as he recalls the encounter. “Wait, Kuma? Didn’t we fight him before?”

Sanji’s grip on your hand tightens, his concern evident. “Stay close, Y/N. We don’t know what he’s up to.”

Kuma stands still, his gaze sweeping over the crew, and the tension in the air becomes palpable as everyone braces for whatever comes next.

“This can’t be the same Kuma we fought, right?” you say, staring at the Pacifista in disbelief.

The crew quickly springs into action, each member fighting with all their strength. Chopper uses Cloven Roseo Metel slamming into Kuma, enraging him. Kuma retaliates, attempting to blast Chopper, but Franky intervenes with a powerful Strong Hammer, smashing into Kuma with force.

Kuma sends Franky flying effortlessly, but Robin swoops in with her Spider Net, catching Franky mid-air and preventing a harsh fall. Meanwhile, Brook tries to strike from above, but Kuma turns to blast him. Just in time, Usopp uses Atlas Comet, a precise shot that distracts Kuma and draws his attention away from Brook.

It seems Usopp’s attack has struck a nerve, causing Kuma to stagger. Franky observes closely. “Looks like this Kuma is just a clone, like me. We can take him down!”

You attempt to join the fight but feel too weak from earlier. You stay close to Nami and Robin, who are determinedly protecting you. “Stay back,” Nami says firmly. “You’re in no condition to fight.”

Robin adds, “We’ll keep you safe. Just hold on.”

Kuma aims a powerful laser from his mouth, intending to blow everyone away. But before he can fire, Robin uses her Devil Fruit powers to clamp his mouth shut, causing the laser to shoot back and hit the Pacifista.

Nami seizes the moment and charges in with a Thunder Tempo, striking Kuma with a crackling bolt of electricity. However, the attack only seems to push Kuma further into a berserk state.

Sanji, Zoro, and Luffy, each showing signs of exhaustion, prepare for their final techniques. Sanji unleashes a powerful Flambage Shot, his fiery attack scorching Kuma’s metal body. Zoro follows with a decisive Kiki Kyutoryu: Ashura, combining his swords in a whirlwind of slashes. Finally, Luffy, fully charged with Gear 3, delivers a colossal Gomu Gomu no Gigant Rifle, landing a devastating blow.

Kuma collapses under the relentless assault, and the crew, panting heavily, gathers to catch their breath.

You call out, your voice strained. “We need rest, you guys. This Kuma has drained almost all our energy!”

Before anyone can respond, a voice rings out from above, echoing through the air. “You guys got some real nerve, look what you've done!”

Everyone looks up in shock as a new figure descends from the sky. Throwing his axe with deadly precision towards the crew.

“Look out!” Usopp yells, scrambling to dodge the incoming weapon.

The mysterious figure lands with a heavy thud and reveals another Pacifista—a new Kuma—standing beside him.

The mysterious figure looks at the defeated PX-4 with a sneer. “I’m disgusted. The Navy isn’t made of money. Building just one of these Pacifistas costs as much as an entire warship!”

The crew, already worn out from their previous battle, reacts with shock and dismay.

As the crew stares at the mysterious figure and the Pacifista, everyone wonders the same thing: is this the real Kuma or not? The tension is palpable until Franky breaks the silence. “Alright, axe guy, just who the hell are you?”

The figure tries to maintain his composure, but the pressure is too much. “I’m Sentomaru,” he finally admits, the words coming out like a confession. He gestures to the Pacifista next to him. “And this here is PX-1.”

Before anyone can react, PX-1 raises its arm and fires a powerful blast at the group. The explosion sends everyone flying, crashing into the ground with a force that leaves them winded. You land hard on Zoro, hearing him grunt in pain. Realizing the severity of his injuries, you quickly scramble off him.

Luffy, shaken but determined, quickly assesses the situation. “Guys, split up! Run!” His voice carries an urgency that makes the crew look at him with worry.

Usopp and Chopper, always quick to react, yell out in agreement. “Sounds good to me! RUN!” they shout, their arms flailing as they start sprinting away.

As the crew begins to scatter, Sanji pauses to check on Zoro, who’s struggling to his feet. “Are you going to be fine on your own?” Sanji asks

Zoro shoots him a glare, gritting his teeth. “Shut up and go. I can handle this.”

With a nod, Sanji turns to join his group, which includes Nami and Franky. As he sprints to catch up. he calls out, “Wait up, Nami! We should stick together!” His voice softens as he reaches her, heart eyes practically glowing. “I won’t let anything happen to you, my sweet Nami!

Nami, still running, throws a quick glance over her shoulder and says, “That’s great and all, but what about Y/N?”

Sanji’s heart skips a beat as the realization hits him. He frantically scans the chaos around him, finally spotting you with Zoro’s group, being carried by Usopp. Panic and guilt flood his chest as he yells out, “Zoro! You better take care of Y/N!”

Zoro glances back at Sanji, his expression unimpressed. “Shut up, curly-brow. Your fault for leaving her behind in the first place,” he retorts sharply, his tone dismissive but protective.

Sanji clenches his fists, frustration and worry battling within him. “You idiot moss-head! If anything happens to her, I’ll—”

Zoro cuts him off, his gaze steady. “She’s safer with us right now. Focus on keeping Nami and Franky safe.”

Sanji grits his teeth, hating that Zoro is right. He turns back to his group, determination burning in his eyes. “Just make sure she’s alright, moss-head,” he mutters before focusing on Nami and Franky, ensuring their safety as they continue to evade the relentless attacks.

As the chaos intensifies around them, Luffy’s voice rises above the noise. “Everyone, listen up!” he shouts, his tone commanding. “Promise to meet back here in three days! No matter what happens, we’ll all be back together!”

His words cut through the fear and confusion, a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil. Each member of the crew locks eyes with him, determination solidifying in their hearts. They all know the gravity of the situation, but Luffy’s unwavering belief in their bond fuels their resolve.

Usopp notices PX-1 closing in on them, and a wave of urgency hits him. “Brook, take Y/N and find a safer spot!” he commands, his voice tight. He gently hands you over to Brook, who immediately begins moving you to safety.

Usopp takes a deep breath and pulls out his slingshot. “Special Attack: Smoke Star!” he yells, releasing a barrage of smoke pellets to create a temporary barrier. But as the smoke clears, PX-1 blasts a bridge ahead of Sanji’s group, cutting off their escape route. The looming figure of PX-1 steps through the debris, blocking their path.

Your heart pounds in your chest as you watch this unfold, desperation taking over. Ignoring the pain coursing through your body, you try to get off Brook’s back, your thoughts consumed with only one thing—protecting Sanji. But as soon as your feet hit the ground, your legs give out, and you fall, the severity of your injuries making itself known.

Brook kneels beside you immediately, concern in his hollow eyes. “Y/N, you’re in no condition to move,” he says, his voice gentle but firm.

Tears start to well up in your eyes, frustration and fear gripping your heart. “I can’t let anything happen to Sanji,” you say, your voice trembling with emotion. “Please, Brook, I have to help him.”

Brook’s expression softens, and he places a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Y/N, I know how much you care for him,” he says softly, his voice tinged with understanding and sorrow. “But you’re too hurt to fight right now. Sanji wouldn’t want you to risk your life like this.”

Your tears spill over, and you choke back a sob, the helplessness you feel crushing you. You want to protect him, to be by his side, but your body refuses to cooperate. “I just... I can’t lose him,” you whisper, the pain in your voice unmistakable.

Meanwhile, Luffy turns to see the commotion with Sanji’s group. His eyes widen in alarm as he spots Sentomaru charging toward him and his own group. “Gomu Gomu Gatling!” Luffy shouts, unleashing a flurry of punches toward Sentomaru. But Sentomaru deflects the attack with ease, sending Luffy flying back into a tree with a powerful blow.

A sudden explosion nearby halts the fighting. You and Usopp both cry out in alarm, your voices echoing in the chaos. Luffy, dazed but still determined, quickly scans the area. His heart skips a beat as he realizes Zoro’s group is in trouble.

Zoros Group..

As the blinding yellow light fades, both you and Usopp cry out in horror. Zoro is on the ground, a grimace of pain etched on his face. The previous injuries he’s endured have left him vulnerable, and now, struck by the mysterious light, he lies helpless.

A figure emerges from the light, looming over Zoro with an air of arrogance. “Roronoa Zoro,” the man sneers, his voice dripping with disdain. “A bounty of 120 million berri, and yet, you’re no challenge at all.”

Zoro grits his teeth, trying to muster the strength to move, but his body refuses to obey. The taunting words cut deep, but he’s powerless to retaliate. Brook, seeing his fallen comrade, shouts out in anger, “Just who the hell are you?!”

The man smirks, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. “Me? I’m Kizaru, an admiral of the navy.”

The revelation sends a chill down your spine. Your eyes widen in shock, and a sense of dread washes over you. “This can’t be,” you mutter, struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation. Kizaru’s presence means they’re facing one of the Navy’s strongest forces.

But fear quickly turns to anger as you see Zoro’s condition. With defiance burning in your chest, you glare at Kizaru, your voice shaking with fury. “You bastard, leave Zoro alone!”

Kizaru turns his gaze towards you, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “Ohhh, what do we have here?” he muses, his tone dripping with condescension. “If it isn’t Miss Y/L/N , Y/N. You’ve made quite the headlines back at the auction house.”

His words make your blood run cold, but you refuse to back down. The memory of the auction house, of the Celestial Dragons and the chaos that ensued, flashes through your mind. You clench your fists, anger bubbling to the surface. “I don’t care who you are, Kizaru. You won’t get away with this!”

Kizaru chuckles, almost amused by your defiance. “Such bold words from someone so injured,” he says, taking a slow step toward you. The air around him crackles with energy, and you can feel the immense power radiating from him. “But you’re in no position to make threats.”

Before you can respond, Brook steps in front of you, his sword drawn. “I won’t let you harm Y/N!” he declares, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him.

Kizaru’s eyes narrow as he assesses Brook, but the admiral’s smile never wavers. “Brave, but foolish,” he remarks. With a blinding speed, Kizaru vanishes and reappears behind Brook, his leg raised for a devastating kick.

“Brook, watch out!” you scream, but it’s too late. Kizaru’s foot connects with Brook, sending him crashing into the ground with a sickening thud.

As Kizaru turns back to Zoro, his intent clear in his cold, calculating eyes, your heart races with fear and determination. You watch in horror as he raises his leg, prepared to deliver a fatal blow to Zoro. Desperation surges within you, and despite the pain coursing through your body, you force yourself to move.

“No!” you cry out, pushing past the agony as you lunge forward, throwing yourself in front of Zoro. With your arms spread wide, you try to shield him from Kizaru’s impending attack. “I won’t let you touch him!”

Kizaru’s expression remains impassive as he stares down at you, his leg paused in mid-air. “How noble,” he muses, his tone dripping with mockery. “But do you really think you can stop me?”

You don’t respond, your body trembling with both fear and determination. You know you’re no match for an admiral, but there’s no way you’ll let Zoro be taken out without a fight. If this is where it ends for you, then so be it—you’ll protect your crewmate with everything you have.

Kizaru’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, time seems to slow as he prepares to finish what he started. Just as you brace yourself for the impact, a sudden, powerful force intervenes.

A flash of silver cuts through the air, and in an instant, Kizaru’s leg is halted by the tip of a sword. You blink in shock as an imposing figure appears between you and Kizaru, his presence radiating an aura of calm yet undeniable strength.

“Now, now, Kizaru,” a familiar voice drawls. “Isn’t it a little unfair to pick on the wounded?”

Your eyes widen in disbelief as you recognize the man standing before you. It’s Silvers Rayleigh—the Dark King himself. The legendary former first mate of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger has come to your aid, his blade effortlessly blocking Kizaru’s attack.

Kizaru’s eyes flicker with surprise, but he quickly regains his composure, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Rayleigh,” he says, his tone betraying a hint of respect. “You’re as meddlesome as ever.”

With a swift movement, Rayleigh pushes Kizaru back, forcing the admiral to retreat a few steps. The sheer power in that single motion leaves no doubt that Rayleigh is still a force to be reckoned with, even after all these years.

You collapse to the ground, the adrenaline draining from your body now that the immediate danger has passed. Zoro groans beside you, still struggling to stay conscious, but a faint smile touches his lips as he sees Rayleigh standing there.

“Old man,” Zoro mutters, his voice barely above a whisper. “You sure took your time.”

Rayleigh glances down at the two of you, his expression softening. “Apologies for the delay, but it seems I arrived just in time.”

Luffy, who has been watching the scene unfold, knows that they’re still in grave danger. The admiral, Kizaru, is not someone they can take on in their current state. “Everyone, run! Don’t fight! We have to get out of here!” he orders, his voice filled with urgency.

Usopp, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly moves to lift Zoro over his shoulder. “Hang in there, Zoro. We’ve gotta get you out of here,” he mutters, struggling under the swordsman’s weight but determined not to let him down.

Brook, despite his own injuries, pushes through the pain. He gets back on his feet and gently lifts you onto his back. “I’ll carry you, Y/N. We’ll make it through this” he says, trying to sound lighthearted despite the dire circumstances.

As they move to retreat, Sanji is pulling at his hair in frustration. The guilt of not being able to protect you or the crew gnaws at him. “I should have been there! I should have done more!” he berates himself, his voice filled with anguish.

“Sanji, we have to focus! This isn’t your fault,” Nami yells, trying to snap him out of his spiral. “We need to stick together and get out of here!”

Franky, sensing the need to create distance, quickly readies his Coup de Vent. “I’ll blow it away!” he shouts, unleashing a powerful blast of air to push PX-1 back and give the group some breathing room.

The powerful gust sends PX-1 skidding back, but it isn’t enough. The Pacifista regains its footing with terrifying speed, reappearing directly behind Zoro’s group. “Damn it,” Sanji curses, his fists clenching as he sees the danger his friends are in. His body tenses, ready to spring into action.

“I have to save them!” Sanji yells, his resolve clear as he prepares to launch himself at PX-1.

“Sanji, what are you doing?!” Nami screams, her voice laced with panic. “You can’t take on that thing alone!”

But Sanji’s mind is made up. The image of you being carried by Brook, wounded and vulnerable, fuels his determination. He won’t let anything happen to you or the others, not while he still has the strength to fight.

Sanji dashes toward PX-1, his heart pounding with urgency. He launches a kick at the Pacifista, but the force of the impact reverberates through his leg, and he stumbles back in pain. The injury he sustained earlier makes it impossible for him to fight at full strength. Gritting his teeth, Sanji forces himself to stand, but his body betrays him, and he falls to his knees.

Usopp, running ahead, turns back and sees Sanji on the ground, the Pacifista’s targeting system locking onto him. Panic floods Usopp’s senses. “Sanji, get out of there!” he yells, desperation evident in his voice.

“Moron, why aren’t you running?!” Sanji shouts back, frustration mingling with his concern. But before he can say more, he notices your voice cutting through the chaos.

“Sanji, look out!” you cry, your voice strained and weak. You see the deadly glint of the laser charging up, aimed directly at him. Time seems to slow as you watch in horror, your heart pounding in your chest.

The laser fires, and the world erupts in chaos. Zoro’s group is blasted once again, sent sprawling across the ground from the impact. Sanji, disoriented and hurt, looks around in a daze, his eyes landing on you. He sees your injured self, struggling to stay conscious, your breaths shallow and labored.

“Hey, hey, Y/N,” Sanji calls out, his voice trembling with fear. “Look at me, don’t leave me.” His usual bravado is gone, replaced with raw emotion as he pleads with you to stay awake.

You try to fight off the exhaustion, but your body feels heavy, the pain overwhelming. Your vision blurs as you meet Sanji’s eyes, his desperate gaze burning into your soul. You want to stay awake, to keep fighting, but everything is slipping away.

Usopp, seeing the situation spiraling out of control, grits his teeth and raises his slingshot, trying to distract PX-1. “I won’t let you hurt my friends!” he yells, firing another attack. But the Pacifista is relentless, and just as another laser charges up, ready to fire at Sanji and the rest of you, a commanding voice cuts through the air.

“Stand down, PX-1,” the voice orders with an air of authority.

The Pacifista halts its attack immediately. You manage to lift your head, your vision clearing just enough to see the source of the voice. Standing before you, Sanji, Usopp, and Brook is the real Bartholomew Kuma, his massive form casting a shadow over the battlefield.

The tension in the air shifts dramatically as Kuma’s presence registers. Sanji’s eyes widen in disbelief, while Usopp and Brook exchange wary glances. The overwhelming sense of danger that had filled the air moments ago lingers, but now there’s a new, uncertain calm that settles over the scene, as everyone braces for what might come next.

Guys!!! It's about to get real in these next chapters that I got! Chapter 5 will be uploaded tomorrow. But yall I was tearing up at one of the paragraphs. As always thank you so much for following, liking, sharing and reblogging. As always I'll see you tomorrow for more Lost and Found: A Pirate's Promise.

#monkey d luffy #luffy #one piece #onepiece x reader #sanji x reader #vinsmoke sanji #black leg sanji #one piece sanji #sanji #bartholomew kuma #kizaru #one piece rayleigh #roronoa zoro #straw hat pirates #straw hat crew #sabaody archipelago #angst #anime

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a-killer-obsession · 3 months

Text

🔞 Minors DNI 🔞

A search for a rumored Vegapunk weapon leads the Kid Pirates to an unexpected new crewmate, with a bloodlust that rivals their own and an incredible power.

CW: Please check AO3 for all current warnings, but general warning for smut, slow burn, serious gore, and really dark themes. AFAB reader, she/her pronouns.

Masterlist || AO3 || Chapter 1

Chapter 32 - Take Back Your Power

Unable to really take part in the marine base raid, the boys bring you back a gift.

A/N: Serious warning for graphic descriptions of torture for this chapter. I made yall a sandwich but I replaced the bread with smut, come get yo food 🍆

Word Count: ~5.5k

Taglist: @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @tremendoushorsepatrolgoth @iggy5055

The bed shifting woke you up, living on a ship certainly had its downfalls when waves were rough. Without opening your eyes you groaned and rolled towards your side table, patting around till you found your sleeve of crackers, immediately shoving one in your mouth as you sat up. Your eyes finally opened with a sigh as the plain cracker soothed your nausea and you blinked, frozen in place with your cracker hovering between your open teeth. Kid blinked back at you, a bright pink flushing over his cheeks and neck as your eyes scanned downwards, his hard cock laying heavy over the tanned abdomen of your boyfriend, who looked just as embarrassed as your eyes travelled further and met his, his dick definitely burried in Kid's ass. You awkwardly bit down on your cracker, chewing slowly and swallowing while your eyes flicked between theirs.

“Uh… good morning?” You finally broke the silence.

“We uh… didn't mean to wake you,” Killer explained.

“Well don't hold back on my account,” you smiled coyly and pulled another cracker from the sleeve. They stayed frozen in place, looking between you and each other. “What, you were fine fucking in front of me last night but not this morning?”

“I thought you'd be angry,” Killer replied anxiously, “that we were doing it without you”

“Do you care if I fuck Heat without you?” You asked as you finished the cracker.

“No, I feel like we already talked about that,” Killer questioned.

“Then why should I mind?” You smiled. You shifted your weight so you were kneeling next to the two of them, running your finger down Killer's torso till it met with Kid's cock. You wrapped your hand around it and pumped it a few times, giving him a sly smile as he hissed and closed his eyes. “You woke me up captain,” you spoke in a sultry tone as you rose up on your knees to meet his eyes, “you better give me a show, unless you want me to be pissed off at you again”

With a anxious expression that looked entirely out of place on Kid's usually confident face, he rolled his hips, sliding Killer's cock in and out of his ass and at the same time fucking your fist. Killer’s fingertips were buried in Kid's thick thighs, guiding his motions, and you ran your free hand through Kid's soft red hair.

“There's a good boy,” you cooed, “fuck my boyfriend good, make him cum or I'll have to punish you myself, and you've seen what I do to men who piss me off”

Kid shuddered as his movements speed up, Killer grunting with every roll of Kid's hips. Your core began to ache with need, and it didn't miss Killer's attention when you rubbed your thighs together for friction. One of his hands shifted to your thigh to pull your attention from the captain.

“Come ride my face princess,” he purred, his icy eyes burning into you with a deep hunger while his golden locks spilled out around him. You let go of Kid's dick and gathered up Killer's hair, making sure you wouldn't pull on it as you straddled his head, facing Kid of course, you didn't want to miss the show. You let out a squeak that quickly turned to a moan as Killer wrapped his arms around your thighs and pulled you down flush against him, quickly getting to work lapping at your dripping pussy.

Kid let out a needy whine, nobody was paying him any attention and you tutted at him before letting your torso lay against Killer's, glad that you were tall enough to reach the end of Kid's cock with your lips. He swore under his breath as you took what you could reach into your mouth, your hand working at what you couldn't reach. His hand wound in your hair, holding you still as he fucked into your mouth with every roll of his hips. The moans he let out from the dual sensations neared on whimpers, and you moaned on his cock as Killer dove his tongue in and out of you, vibrating you with his own groans. It didn't take long for Kid's cock to start throbbing in your mouth, and he barely had time to shout out a warning before he unloaded inside you, his cum barely making it in your mouth between thrusts, coating your tongue in viscous white that dripped as you let him go. He pulled you up and licked the dribbling cum from your chin before forcing his tongue in your mouth, his cum dancing between the two of you till he let go to pant heavily and you each swallowed whatever was left in your mouths. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders for support and his hand groped at your breast, pinching and playing with your nipples while he tried his best to keep fucking Killer, lest he suffer your anger, his softening cock slapping against a soft blond snail trail.

You buried your head in his shoulder as your tightly wound coil suddenly snapped and you saw white, your release dripping over Killer's face while he drank you greedily, groaning against you as he finally came, one of his hands finding Kid's thigh as he gripped it tight and thrust up against him, spilling his seed in the captain's ass. You practically collapsed against Kid, the three of you a panting mess from your highs. Kid helped you slide off Killer, letting the man catch a proper breath without you on his chest, and you nestled in Kid's arms while Killer rubbed your back, your legs still partially draped over him till he sat up and forced himself between the two of you, making you giggle. Laying the wrong way on the bed, the three of you became a tangle of limbs and sweat, Kid licking Killer's face with wide stripes to lap up your release that glistened on it before exchanging a hot kiss.

The three of you laid there till your breathing all settled, and Killer attempted to sit up, only to realise he'd made the fatal mistake of squeezing between the two cuddliest people in the world. He gave up with a sigh, letting himself flop back against the bed.

“You're the one who forced himself between us,” you tutted, “pay the price, idiot”

His head rolled towards you and the annoyed expression on his face made you snort laugh.

“You two are a fucking wild power couple in bed,” Kid noted, resting his chin on Killer's chest. You mirrored him, resting on the opposite pec with a goofy smile. Killer slid his arms out from under each of you, draping a arm over your backs and playing with both of your hairs.

“I didn't expect her to be so sweet with you,” Killer huffed with a smile, “considering how she treated Heat”

“How does she treat Heat?” Kid's brow raised.

“Like a fucking object,” Killer laughed.

“He likes it,” you huffed, “besides, it's not like I don't treat you the same sometimes”

“Only after you've killed someone,” Killer pointed out, which made Kid laugh.

“I gotta say, I thought you'd be a pillow princess,” Kid confessed, intertwining his fingers with yours over Killer's stomach. “Especially given the nickname”

“And I thought you'd be a top,” you smirked.

“I usually am,” he blushed, “I'm only… like this… with Kil. You're the first person other than him to see me like this..”

“It must be stressful, being in charge all the time,” you ran a reassuring thumb over the side of his hand, letting him know you weren't judging him or thinking any less of him, “I imagine it must be nice to just let go sometimes”

“It is,” he hummed with a blush, meeting your eyes with a surprised but tender expression. “You're really okay with this? With me and Kil fucking?”

“We have a understanding,” you smiled, “as long as Kil still loves me I don't mind where he sticks his dick”

“Even though you’re pregnant?” Kid asked nervously.

“I don't think having multiple sexual partners ever made someone worse dad,” you replied. “Besides, this way I get to keep using Heat's pierced dick”

“IT'S PIERCED?” Kid exclaimed.

“Oh, you didn't know?” You snorted, “can't you like,” you waved your hand around in the air, “sense it, or whatever, with your fruit?”

“Sure, maybe, if I'd ever paid attention to Heat's dick,” he huffed. “That idiot, I could have ripped them out accidentally.” The three of you all cringed at that mental imagine.

“Anyway,” you wanted to move past that image as soon as possible, “I'm saving a horse and riding that cowboy as soon as doc gives me the all clear”

“What? Not me?” Killer exclaimed, offended.

“You haven't had two orgasms in a row ruined by me,” you flicked his face, “poor guy”. Kid snorted, having heard about the first time Heat had failed to finish in you and having been the cause of the second time.

“Can you two lumps get off me?” Killer scowled, “we'll be hitting the marine base soon and some of us would rather not start the fight already convered in bodily fluids”

“Gross,” you giggled, sitting up and pulling Kid with you so he didn't have to struggle with his one arm. “You two go shower then, stinkies, I'll have a bath after, I'm gonna sleep a bit longer. It's not like I'm busy today anyway, Mohawk doesn't want me fighting today”

“And as your captain I agree,” Kid frowned as he slid out of the bed, “you can barely walk let alone fight. If you wanna take part though I could use some metal to lift you into the crow's nest, you can shoot em with Double”

“I'm not a fantastic shot but I'm not the worst,” you hummed, “maybe I'll take you up on that. I hate sitting around when everyone else is having fun gutting marines”

“Well there you go,” Kid said as he started to follow Killer into the bathroom, “we'll find you a gun, you might even get some good practise seeing if you can coat the bullets in haki, I know your armament is fairly advanced”

“Oh! Yeah I've never even thought to try,” you hummed, “thanks Cap’, I'll give it a go”

As promised, as the ship got close to the marine base, Kid wrapped some metal in to the vague shape of a seat and used it to delicately lift you into the crow's nest, assisted by Double who was ready at the top to make sure you landed softly. Usually Kid would have just wrapped a arm around you and jumped up, but given your current delicate state he was wary of hurting you, especially when Killer was watching anxiously nearby. You could see the island that held the base as a small dot in the distance, spotted ten minutes ago by Double, and you used the rest of the available time to refamiliarise yourself with a rifle, since you hadn't used one in maybe ten years. You experimented with different positions till you found one you were comfortable with, sitting on the bench in the nest and resting your gun against the railing, with a good view of the edge of the ship and the surrounding sea. If anyone got closer you could always stand to take them out.

It was a little cramped and awkward in the nest, Double was a large man who took up a lot of the small space, and you never spoke much with him on a normal basis. He was a quiet man who kept to himself, usually either in the navigation room drawing up maps, or standing silently at the helm steering. Now, isolated with him, you weren't sure what to say, and it seemed like he didn't either. The two of you didn't have much in common, other than being Kid Pirates and currently being in the same space.

“So… uh…” Double started, the two of you unwillingly brushing shoulders on the bench as you watched the island slowly get closer, and the rest of the crew running around the deck preparing cannons and docking measures. “Uh… a baby, huh?”

“Yup,” you replied, making a small popping sound on the ‘p’, “it's in me, for sure”

“Nice, cool,” he replied. There was a short awkward silence before he spoke again. “Good work scaring the shit out of the henchmen the other week, that was spooky shit”

“Thanks,” you snorted, “hopefully they don't fuck with me again. Haven't had any trouble from the newbies yet, other than the obvious,” you pointed at the bandage still wrapped around your thigh.

“Yeah, that sucks,” he said. Another silence. “Oh,” he clicked his fingers, “Kid mentioned you wanted to try coating bullets in haki”

“Yeah,” you replied, “I'm pretty good with armament haki but I haven't used a gun in a fair while, let alone tried coating bullets. Can you do it?”

“Yeah, I can,” he boasted, “only way I can use it really, I think maybe I'm too soft for haki otherwise. Anyway I told him I'd give you some tips. Focus on coating the bullet right before you pull the trigger, if you're quick you won't have to worry about holding that concentration for more than a few seconds before it hits its target. Have you coated things other than yourself before?”

“Yeah, just swords,” you hummed, “I feel like a bullet should be easier since it's small but I've never had to coat something that wasn't touching me”

“Focus on letting the haki flow through the gun to get to the bullet,” he explained, “once it's there it's easier to hold, getting it to the bullet in first place is the hardest part. Here,” he placed his gun on the floor and took a bullet from the belt that hung across his chest, placing it on the gun over where it would sit in the barrel. “Touch only the trigger, but try and coat just the bullet”

It took some trial and error before you stopped accidentally covering the gun and finally covered just the bullet, letting out a triumphant whoop.

“Okay now pull your hand away,” Double instructed. The haki immediately disappeared and you frowned. It took another good ten minutes before you could sit back up and the bullet remained coated, though it only ever held for a few seconds. “That's good, I know it doesn't look like its holding long but it'll be long enough to hit the target, just make sure you wait till the last possible moment to coat it. Haki coated bullets travel further, so save your energy for further away targets and big guys, the gun will do all the work for the small fry anyway”

Cannons were beginning to fire from both sides as the ship finally got within range, Double quickly picking his gun up off the floor and loading it, pulling his googles up from around his neck and setting them in place. “Let's get to work,” he said before sending his first bullet straight through the skull of an unsuspecting marine.

The whole raid went down about as calmly as you could imagine for the Kid Pirates, if your definition of calm included screaming, gunfire, blood and fire everywhere, and having to keep an eye out for rogue flying metal. You know, totally calm stuff. You were a slightly better shot than you remembered being, but perhaps age came with wisdom, or better depth perception. You successfully let off a few haki infused bullets but whether they were still coated when they hit was beyond you, it was good practice anyway.

The crew had started to return to the ship with the loot, the bulk of the marine base now either crumbled or well and truly alight with flames. Kid and Killer returned to the ship with smug, satisfied smiles, Killer pulling behind him a marine by a leash of rope wrapped around the man's bound wrists, his head covered with a burlap sack. The epaulettes on his uniform jacket indicated he was a vice-admiral, no doubt dragged back to the ship so the captain could have fun torturing him later for fun.

The rest of the crew finished their looting and began disembarking procedures, Heat being the last to board after setting fire to the last few buildings. No man was left alive on the small base, and the entire complex now completely unsalvagable. Killer looked up to the crows nest and held up his hand, waggling his thumb between up and down to wordlessly ask your status. You replied with a bright smile and a thumbs up, and he nodded and continued dragging his prisoner along.

Kid brought the small metal seat thing back up to the nest as the ship began sailing, and Double helped you safely climb in so Kid could bring you back down to the deck to Killer's waiting arms, having locked away his prisoner in the brig. He bonked his mask gently against yours, his way of greeting you in place of a kiss.

“We got you a present,” Killer told you enthusiastically.

“Yeah?” You replied, excited, letting him lead you by your waist, slowly to account for your limp.

“Well, its sort of from Kid too,” he admitted, “it was his idea actually. We felt bad that you didn't get to fight today”

“Its not all bad,” you smiled, “I did kill a fair few with the rifle, not as fun as bursting hearts though. Sweet that you both thought of me”

Killer led you below deck, down to the brig. You'd only been down here once before, when Heat had given you a tour of the ship. The room was small and cold, the floors and walls tiled for easy cleanup with white porcelain that had long since yellowed from blood stains. There were no separate cells, just strong seastone cuffs that hung from chains connected to the ceiling, five sets in total. The marine currently hung from the center set, his face still covered and the white of his uniform already red with blood. There was a spot of red on the burlap as well, he no doubt had a bleeding, likely broken, nose.

Kid was already in the room, arranging various pliers and knives and all manner of other torture devices on a metal table that sat in the corner of the room. There were also a few metal chairs near it, no doubt for those who enjoyed watching. In your time on the ship you'd known Kid to bring many prisoners down here, though you never came to watch, it felt like a invitation only sort of thing. The marine groaned, and Killer punched him squarely in the gut, making the man gag under his covering. Kid turned, noticing now that you'd both arrived, and gave you a wide, devilish smile.

“Caught you a rat, princess,” he grinned, “thought you might like to take out your bloodlust on him, since you didn't get to sink your teeth into anyone today”

“That's very kind of you,” you mused, circling the marine, trying to decide what you wanted to do first. Mohawk didn't want you using your devil fruit too much while you were still healing, so you'd be relying on more traditional torture methods. “You're not just doing this so I'll treat the two of you like shit in the bedroom, right?”

“Nooooo, of course not,” Kid blushed, exchanging a knowing look with Killer who was scratching the back of his head, caught red handed. You cocked a brow at their suspicious reaction.

“Sure, sure, I believe you,” you smiled, walking to Kid and letting your hand run down his front where his chest was exposed before standing in front of Killer with your back to his chest, letting him wrap his arms around you. “Go on then, let's see the rat you caught, kitty”

Kid almost choked on his breath at the nickname, shaking his head as he recomposed himself and walked behind the marine. He grabbed the top of the burlap sack, ripping it off and revealing the vice-admiral underneath, gagged with a strip of dirty looking fabric. The marine's eyes were as wide in surprise as yours as your eyes met, and you could feel yourself starting to hyperventilate. You clawed Killer's arms off you and fled, ignoring the pain in your leg as you ran, right back to the safety of your old room where you burried yourself under the covers and began to sob immediately.

Killer exchanged a look of confusion with Kid before running off behind you, hearing the door of your old room slam shut as he approached. He quickly shut it behind himself as he entered, removing his mask and sitting on the edge of the bed, a reassuring hand running over your upper arm as you cried under the covers. You ripped your mask off, the visor already blurry with tears, having forgotten to remove it in your haste.

“Talk to me, [y/n],” Killer said softly, “do you know him? Did he hurt you?”

“His name is Vice-Admiral Thompson,” you sniffed, “he was a commodore when I first met him. He did these.” You sat up and let the covers fall, turning to kneel with your back to Killer and raising the skirt of your dress to reveal the decade old scars from multiple purposeful cuts that littered the small of your back, under the pinker, newer ones from your recent imprisonment. “The newer cuts, they did because Thompson told them to.”

Killer made a deep animalistic growl and stood, pulling your dress back down, replacing his mask, and scooping you into a bridal hold.

“Kil stop, what are you doing?” You shouted, smacking feebly against his chest.

“Helping you,” he replied coldly. He carried you back to the brig, setting you on the floor and shutting the door firmly behind him. Kid raised a brow as Killer grabbed a blade from the table, forcing it into your hand.

“Kil, please, I can't,” you whimpered. Kid was more than confused, he'd never known you to hold back on killing a marine. He could read the room though, he knew it wasn't his place to say anything, even if Killer was treating you uncharacteristically roughly. He would never hurt you, he would never do what so many men had done to his mother, he'd made Kid swear to put him down if he ever laid a finger on you. Whatever he was doing right now had to be for your benefit, he had to trust that.

“You can, and you will,” he guided you with a firm hand over yours, directing the blade, and a hand on the small of your back. “He can't hurt you anymore. Nobody can. You're gonna take back your power, right here right now”

You sobbed as Killer guided the blade to cut Thompson's face. Blood dripped from the deep wound and the man cried out under the gag, there was no bravery to him at all, he'd gone straight to snivelling. You blinked the tears from your eyes, seeing the fear in his and feeling a shiver of determination. You stopped fighting Killer's hold, and he let you go, staying by your side with an affirming hand on your back. You raised the blade again with a shaky hand, before crying out and bringing it down, slicing through the vice-admirals left eye, leaving a long gash from his temple to his mouth. Thompson screamed, muffled by the gag, and you ran the blade under the fabric to cut it away, you wanted to hear his screams.

They were shrill and blood curtling as you grabbed his face, pinching his chin between your thumb and fingers, forcing him to look at you as you dug the blade into his gut, twisting it before pulling it back out. Anger winning over fear, you stepped back and looked at him, turning to the table of instruments to inspect what you had available to use. Kid gave you clear space to look, without your mask he could see the fury on your face, the raging bloodlust in your eyes as they scanned the selection of tools.

“Take his clothes off,” you ordered without looking up, “all of them”

The two pirate men made quick work of it, tearing and cutting away at the clothing til he was naked, the blood from his gut running down his leg and dripping to the floor, along with a fresh stream of urine. Your head perked up at the sound, examining him with disgust and scowling. “Fucking coward,” you tutted, before turning back to the tray and selecting a sharp scalpel.

The men stepped clear for you as you reapproached, spinning the small tool around your fingers as you considered your options. You knew your endgame, but there was so much fun to be had in the meantime. The small blade would allow you to inflict as much pain as possible without accidentally killing him too quickly.

“You know, Vice-Admiral,” you stalked in circles around him, your limp gone as you entirely ignored the throbbing pain in your leg, “I should thank you, really. That commodore you sent me to, after you got bored at my lack of screaming while you raped me, had such a tiny dick I barely felt it at all”. Kid shuddered, that was all the context he needed to understand what was going on here.

You stood in front of the marine, running the blade down the center of his chest, till it reached his belly button. He was crying out the whole time, returning to strained breathing as the blade retreated and you continued your circling, like a predator circling her prey.

“Remember when you used to do this?” You laughed, cutting a series of deep gashes into his lower back where your scars were, relishing his screams. “Oh come now, its not that bad, I was able to be quiet wasn't I? Your good quiet girl? Be quiet for me, or I'll make it worse.”

The marine bit his lower lip and whimpered as you made more cuts, till he couldn't take it anymore and he cried out in pain. You swiped your blade across his back in anger, leaving a deep horizontal wound that coated his lower back in a solid curtain of blood. “Tsk, pathetic,” you tutted. You stalked back to his front, wrapping your hand around his neck.

“I said, be fucking quiet,” you pressed down and choked him as you began to carve letters into his chest, the marine making strained, gargled sounds as you worked. You let him go and stood back, admiring your work. Your writing skills were still in dire need of improvement, but the word ‘RAPIST’ was clear in scarlet letters across his chest. Killer huffed a small laugh in approval.

“You've been taking your lessons seriously, I see,” he noted. You smiled proudly at him, spinning the scalpel in your hand again.

The rest of your work was done in near silence, other than the occasional degrading comment about your prisoner's lack of resolve. Kid and Killer watched silently from the metal chairs, later joined by Heat and Wire who had grown curious at the string of screaming that could be heard from the main deck. The four of them watched with silent pride as you hacked away at the man. First, you removed his nipples, pulling them hard and cutting clean through them. Next, you targeted his erogenous zones. The backs of his knees, his neck, his inner thighs, the soles of his feet, everywhere you knew felt nice to touch, making groups of small cuts that covered the sensitive areas like claw marks. He could no longer stand without screaming at the injuries on his feet, and resigned to hanging limply from his wrist bindings. He was growing weak from bloodloss, close to unconcious, and you tsk'd in disappointment at how pathetic and feeble he had proven to be. Time for your cherry on top.

“You might want to all look away for this,” you warned the other men in the room. Interest piqued, they were all at attention, and you rolled your eyes. “Don't say I didn't warn you”

Taking a set of pliers and a larger knife from the table, you pinched the end of Thompson's soft cock, making him immediately let out a shrill scream.

“Oh hush, this is nothing,” you smiled coldly.

Taking your blade in your other hand, you raised it and brought it down, cutting right through his cock close to the base in a swift motion. Your crewmates unconsciously grabbed at their own groins protectively but didn't look away as you took the dismembered genitals, still held by the pliers, forced open the vice-admiral's mouth, and shoved the cock inside. You used your fingers to push it all the way in, till it was lodged deep in his throat, then you stood back and watched with crossed arms as the man literally chocked on his own dick, unable to dislodge it as he slowly went blue from lack of oxygen. For two minutes you watched the man choke, till he finally ran out of air and fell unconscious, your cold, toothy grin the last thing he ever saw.

You turned back to the table, dropping your tools on the metal counter before turning to the commanders. They were all watching you curiously, waiting for your next move.

“Get out, all of you except Killer,” you said flatly. For a second they stayed frozen, before you rushed at them and screamed, “I SAID GET OUT!”

The three of them scrambled in sudden newfound fear and quickly fled, though Kid was not at all happy about being ordered about, especially when he knew he was probably about to miss out on some fun. You turned to Killer, still sitting in his metal chair, observing you carefully. Your eyes scanned him as you pushed the door shut, running down his front, the muscles clear under his tight shirt, and the clear tent in his pants that brought a crooked smile to your face.

“Fuck me, Massacre Soldier,” you commanded.

Killer was quick to his feet, spinning you around and pressing your front to the cold wall, heavy breaths escaping the holes in his mask. His hands made quick work of your panties, tearing them off without care, kicking your feet apart with his heavy boots and pressing his fingers between your folds. You were wet and wanting, his fingers sliding inside you easily, pumping you fast as you moaned against the wall. He didn't wait till you were entirely ready for him, making quick work of his pants, letting them pool at his ankles, before he was pressing back against you. You let out a shrill cry as he sheathed himself in one fluid motion, pulling you slightly away from the wall to account for your delicate condition and sinking his fingertips into your plush hips. He slammed into you hard and fast, that same brutal pace you'd seen him give Kid, neither of you giving a second thought to the fact you were supposed to be resting and recovering still. His hard thrusts made you moan loudly, uncaring of who heard, your face and hands pressed to the wall as he slammed into you and made possesive growls. He was more beast than man as he fucked you, and you were screaming out in pleasure as he speared you furiously.

“Yes! Yes! Fuck me!” You screamed out, his mask pressing against your shoulder as he pumped you hard.

Short but sweet, you didn't last long at the brutal pace, and you reached back and sunk your nails into whatever you could reach as you let out a pleasured scream that no doubt the entire ship heard.

“Fuck, fuck,” Killer groaned as he pulled out, wanting to mark you with his cum, shooting strings of thick white fluid over your lower back where your skirt had been pulled up. You gave a half lidded smile as you felt his finger moving across the small of your back, writing his name in his own cum, claiming you as his. Satisfied with his work he led you back to the chair, pulling you into his lap so you could collapse against him. You did so gratefully, your face burried in his shoulder. You let out an unexpected sob, all of your emotions suddenly too much to hold inside, and he quickly discarded his mask, letting it roll on the floor as he nuzzled his face against you and held you tight.

“It's over, he can't hurt you anymore,” he cooed, petting your hair and pressing kisses against the side of your face. You looked at him with teary eyes that flickered to his lips for just a moment before pressing a soft, almost experimental kiss against them. He replied with tender adoration, letting you lead the kiss however you saw fit while holding your head gently. You pulled away with a sigh, nestling back into his shoulder.

“I love you, Killer,” you whispered.

“I love you too [y/n],” he whispered back, kissing the side of your face again and wrapping his arms around you. “I'm so proud of you, you were so brave today. I love you so much, nobody is ever going to hurt you again”

You nodded blearily and pressed your face hard against him. The two of you stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, till he held you tight to him and stood, stooping down to grab his mask from the floor and replace it on his head before carrying you back to your shared room, your arms and legs wrapped firmly around him. Nobody dared to say a word to the two of you, your distress clear as you kept your face buried against his chest.

[NEXT CHAPTER]

#one piece fanfiction #one piece smut #killer one piece #killer x reader #massacre soldier killer #heat one piece #heat x reader #kid pirates

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velvetydream · 2 months

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꒰ :🥀 [ The dangers of Mavery - Welcome to Aurora ] ”♡ᵎ꒱ˀˀ ↷ ⋯

Part 5 - The dangers of Mavery

Summary : You were finally setting foot on land again for a day, getting new clothes, but not everything goes as planned.

Pairing : Pirate! Hongjoong x Fem! Reader

Word count : 3.2K Words

Genre : Fluff, Romance, Slow Burn

Warnings ➵ Hongjoong kills someone,

attempted? SA, violence

a/n : Finally got around to write the next chapter! I'll try to write the next one this week too so I'll hopefully post a new chapter every week again!♡

《 Masterlist 》

┌───────────────────────── · · · · ♡

"We still weren't able to find any trace of her Sir." One of the guards reported back to the king. It had been over a week now with no trace of the kingdom's princess. "We searched all close on sea and land father, I think we have to move further, if she's on a ship too she could be who knows how far." His son spoke up, talking to the visibly distressed king.

His wife won't come out of the family chamber, simply opting for her embroidery frame, his son just got back from days out on the sea and his daughter could be dead for all he knows. Even the kingdom noticed the change and soon started questioning, everyone in the kingdom was in turmoil upon hearing the princess was missing.

"We have to find her, start searching further, contact our alliances to also help with the search, everyone that can shall help find the princess." The bags under his eyes were deep as the king spoke, his son and the guard nodding as they left the king alone in his misery. On top of this, his wife had declared how this was all his fault, wanting to marry his only daughter off to someone without even considering her feelings, since then she hasn't spoken a word with him nor has she slept in their shared chamber.

His eyes look out the big window, drops from the sky falling against it and running down, in the far distance thunder could be heard and lightning struck through the sky.

"You're getting better!" Yunhos voice sounded proud as you repelled the blow of his sword, trying to land a hit yourself now, up till now you had yet to land a hit on any of them while training, but you were at least getting better at fending off their hits and not getting hit every time. By now the training also used real swords, which were far more painful when hit. "Thanks!" You yell over to Yunho as you try to land a hit on him, the tall man is quick to step away as his sword clashes with yours. Off to the side Wooyoung and San were watching the training of you two, cheering you on to finally land a hit on Yunho to pay him back for all the wounds you got from him while training.

Off to the side leaning on the railing of the top deck, two other men were watching your training take place. "She's getting better don't you think Joong?" Looking over to the captain who was watching you intensely, studying every one of your steps and mistakes, noting them down in his head. "Yeah, she still is bad. She will need much more training." He turns to the steering wheel now to check that their course is still correct with his compass. "We'll dock at Mavery soon, make sure she gets some fitting clothes, go find Yuqi and Soyeon there, they should know best what to dress her in. Make sure she stays close to you and that she stays hidden, I don't need other dirty pirates knowing we have a princess on board." Walking past Seonghwa now, Hongjoong disappears into his quarter, closing the door. A sigh leaves the older man's lips as he goes back to watching you bicker with Wooyoung now.

You were slowly getting used to living on the sea, almost everyone did their best to help you get accustomed, Jongho and Hongjoong were still the ones hardest to understand and get to open up to you. But especially Wooyoung, San, and Seonghwa were a big help to you, explaining a lot to you and helping you find your place. Your work with Mingi was also rather nice, you were slowly allowed to do more than sort things, you were allowed to help with the maps and managing the logistics of the boat if you could call that. So far there luckily weren't any encounters with other ships, it was rather calm, you just heard San talk about how you would apparently dock somewhere soon to stock up. Which made you rather happy, finally being able to get off the boat for a while, maybe you could also help one of the boys and maybe get something for yourself.

"So this island where we'll dock have you been there before?" Looking over to Wooyoung now as you both enjoy a little lunch break sitting on one of the railings. "Oh, we've been there often! It's not as nice as you think, don't imagine something like your kingdoms.. It's an island completely ruled by pirates, some locals there were pirates back then and settled down there to make good money. It's pretty dangerous and brutal there, so maybe it's better if you stay here with Yunho and Jongho." Looking at Wooyoung now you shake your head, you didn't care, you wanted to finally set foot on land for at least a short while. While you enjoyed the boat, despite the size of it, it got small over time. "She'll have to join me on land, we'll finally get you some proper clothes there." Seonghwa came up to the two of you, smiling. "Really? Oh my, thank you!" You sprang up and rushed to Seonghwa for a hug, he, San, and Wooyoung were the only ones so far you got comfortable with to touch and be touched, probably stemming from Sans's cuddly personality. "We won't go alone though, Yunho will join us, and Mingi will stay back. We need someone who can protect you there, and as much as I want to say I can, I'm only good with guns, Yunho knows how to wield everything."

So the next day you finally docked at this island and you could already feel the dangerous air around you the moment your foot hit land. "Keep the hood up till we're there yeah?" Seonghwa mumbles to you as he guides you through the docks to the shops, there are many different ones. Mostly weapons, some for groceries and other utensils you needed on a ship. Some clothing shops as you approach a big building with red paint, the sign saying > NXDE < as you enter, it is warm. The whole shop was filled with women's clothes, many different ones at that too. "Hello? Soyeon? Yuqi?" Seonghwa shouts as a friendly-looking woman now approaches the two of you, Yunho stays outside to guard the door. "Seonghwa! Good to see you! You never come here since Jiwon.." The voice was soft as the woman gave Seonghwa a short hug to welcome him. "It's good to see you Miyeon, may I introduce Y/N to you, our newest crew member." Her eyes brighten upon seeing your face, but scowl when seeing the clothes you wear, hitting Seonghwa on the arm, scolding him for letting a pretty face run around in ugly clothes like that.

She quickly grabs your arm, pulling you further into the shop, and starts to ask questions, about your size, favorite colors, and preferred style. Seonghwa took a seat on one of the many chairs there. You didn't even have time to proceed that she had mentioned that name yet again. "These should fit you! Let's try them on!" She pushes you into a changing room. The clothes in your hand were a white dress, the bottom pinned up on two sides, off the shoulder and short sleeves, a red corset that sits on your waist, and some boots that reach to under your knee. Exiting the changing room again she claps her hands running around now to put a little headband on your head and a chocker, before showing you to Seonghwa. "Looks good, now we'll take ten outfits in that style, give her some pants too for colder days, also a coat and jacket, maybe some skirts." Seonghwa instructs Miyeon, as she tugs you to the back of the store showing you things to make sure you like what Seonghwa would buy. A shout from outside makes you look to where the door is, Miyeon assuring you that this is normal. That was until Seonghwa shouted for you to stay inside here till he was back, the front door slamming shut.

"Oh oh, the right hand of the pirate king is here too? What are you doing in a woman's store hm? Got a new little darling on your crew?" Seonghwa looks at the man annoyed, Yunho beside him had drawn his sword, holding it tightly in his hand, Seonghwas own hand on his revolver. "Why don't you continue on your way? Or do you not remember the last time we fought mh Jackson?" The other man's eyebrow twitches, the scar over his eyebrow still visible. "Shut your mouth." Seonghwa lets out a laugh at the empty threat. "I don't think your captain would enjoy you walking around here picking a fight for no reason, which you would lose." A bullet streaks Seonghwas ear, making his ear slightly hurt. This meant a fight, Seonghwa pulled his gun, firing at the man in front of him who quickly dodged as Yunho got jumped by Mark, he probably stayed in the shadows not wanting to engage with Jackson's annoying behavior, but now had to step up as a fight started to take place. The four men were soon drawn away from the store.

Looking out the door, Miyeon shakes her head at you, signaling you that Yunho and Seonghwa where not near. Makes you worry, what if something happened to them? Or did they finally grow tired of you and decide to abandon you here? "I'll be back!" Before Miyeon could even stop you, you were out of the door, walking through the dangerous streets. Many different people crossed your path, many had scars on their faces, missing limbs and one had a full white eye. Hugging yourself tightly from the anxiety you were feeling from being here alone, soon you also couldn't tell anymore where you were or how to get back.

It was slowly getting darker and darker too, your legs started to slightly, freeze slightly from how cold it was getting so quickly right now, and your arms hugging yourself for warmth and anxiety now. "Hey, little lady~ Did you get lost hmm?" A deep voice speaks from behind you, turning around you come face to face with a tall man, he has dark, dirty hair with streaks of gray, and his face is full of scars, a prominent one on his left eye. "N-No! I'm waiting for someone!" Turning around to quickly go, the man grabs your shoulder really hard, his nails digging into your bare shoulder, a small scream escaping your throat. None of the people around you cared, they didn't even give you one look. "Oh come on, we'll have lots of fun, I'll be nice to you~" Struggling now as you feel that dirty man's hand on your waist, the other still holding your shoulder as his hand moves from your waist to the front of you slowly and inching higher while he laughs at your struggling. "P-Please let go! Leave me alone!" Tears were rimming your eyes now as you struggles against the tall man's grip.

"How about you get your dirty hands off of my crewmate before I cut them off." Looking up now, the big coat and hat were sitting on his body nicely, his face pulled into a scowl as his hand hovered over the handle of his sword. "Oh? Your crewmate king? How funny, got yourself a new little lady for the boat mh?" Before you were even able to register anything, Hongjoong pulled the revolver from his garter, and the next second the man was gone from behind you, the hands that felt so wrong gone. "Don't look." Hongjoongs hand softly turned your head that was turning to look behind you, to look back at him. Tears flow down your cheeks as he starts to guide you away, shrugging off his coat to lay it over your shoulders. The warmth of his coat calms you down a little bit. "It's okay now, stop crying for fucks sake." Hongjoong came to a halt again, turning around to tug you into his side softly, his hand resting on your head now. "You're safe again, you don't need to be scared, if you stay with me you don't have to worry." This was the first time Hongjoong was nice to you. Sweet to you. "Now stop crying, it doesn't suit your face." His knuckle softly touches your cheek as he wipes away the tears running down your face, your hand softly grabbing onto his shirt now, head leaning on his shoulder.

The encounter exhausted you, closing your eyes just for a second, to calm down your body and mind again. Hongjoong looked at you and let out a sigh, moving you to stand before crouching down in front of you. "Get on, you're tired, I'll bring you back to the ship and search for Seonghwa and Yunho then." With some hesitation you climb onto his back, holding onto him with your arms as his hands grab your bare legs, just now noticing that you already had a new outfit. The way back to the ship was quick, Hongjoong let you down and handed you over to Mingi, telling him to make you some tea and stay with you till everyone came back, before leaving the ship again to look for Seonghwa and Yunho on the small town.

Hongjoongs coat still keeping you warm as Mingi starts to prepare some tea for you Jongho was on deck making sure no one decided to just show up here.

Heavy footsteps could barely be heard over the rucsus the other crew and his two crewmembers were causing, some people standing around, shouting loudly, making bets about who would win this fight. The shouting quieted down and people stepped aside now that Hongjoong was making his way through the masses, everyone scared of the man. "What do you think you're doing?" Hongjoong eyes Seonghwa and Yunho dangerously. Seonghwa had a bloody nose and was grabbing Mark by the collar, who had a red eye, that soon would turn blue, while Yunho had a busted lip and a cut on his eyebrow, while Jackson who stood opposite of him, was not in better shape. Seonghwa looks over to Hongjoong now, before letting the man he was grabbing go, walking over to his captain, Yunho doing the same. "I advise you to not pick a fight with my crew again, or else I won't let you go this easily. Tell Jaebum that I'm very displeased by this encounter, despite deciding on peace." Looking at the two men sharply, Hongjoong guides his two crewmembers back to the clothing store, visibly mad with both men.

Paying for the clothes quickly before making his way back to the ship, San and Wooyoung were back by now too, running around and putting everything they bought away.

"Now.. How dare you leave her alone on this island?! You said you'd keep an eye on her! Take over the responsibility! For fucks sake! Some wretch had his hands all over her when she was searching for you dumbasses and if it weren't for me she could've been dead." Hongjoong pulled the two men into his quarter now, pacing behind his big oak desk, before his sharp eyes met the two men. "We didn't think I'm sorry Hongjoong. I shouldn't have left her alone nor should've picked a fight." Seonghwa apologized, bowing deeply to his captain. Yunho offered him the same sincere apology. "From now on when we dock she'll stay with me, Mingi or Jongho. I can't trust you two for now." Moving his hand now, Seonghwa and Yunho left the room without another word.

Falling onto his chair, he throws his hat to the side now as his eyes are set on the ceiling. What a day. He should slowly regret having allowed you to stay here, yet he can't bring himself to do so. Hongjoong doesn't even know why himself, you weren't a good fighter, your cooking lacked everything, and the only thing you really could do was read, write, and draw the islands. Of course, that was helpful, but nothing Mingi couldn't do either. Looking up now as he heard a knock on the door. "Come in!" Thinking it was one of the boys, but sitting a bit more straight when his eyes meet yours. "Uhm.. Thank you for saving me today, it was mostly my fault, Seonghwa told me to stay at the shop till he came back but I.. I left and then that man came up to me.." Listening closely he should've assumed something like this already, Seonghwa normally wasn't one to be this reckless, yet he was still at fault for leaving you there in the first place. "It's fine, you won't be going with Seonghwa and Yunho for a while though, when we dock you'll stay with Jongho, Mingi, or myself. A lot of places we take a break at are dangerous, I don't want something worse to happen to you." It was the first time Hongjoong said anything like this to you, it made you happy and feel warm. Feeling finally welcomed on this ship.

"All right, I can accept that." You mumble, still standing by the door, Hongjoong lets out a sigh now. "I'm just glad you're okay now, despite still being unsure if my decision was right, you're still a crewmate and I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something happened to you or the others as your captain." Nodding you were unsure what to say to him now. "You can go back to the other, eat something also.. that outfit suits you." Standing up now and turning to his book shelve his back turned to you, a quiet 'Thank you' escapes your lips before you exit the quarter and join Yeosang in the kitchen.

"I can patch them up Yeo, you can continue the dinner." Moving to the place Yeosang stood before, you grab the cotton swap drenched in alcohol and start to swipe it over Yunhos eyebrow and lip. "I'm sorry we didn't stay with you, it's our fault something happened to you." Shaking your head now as you lay the cotton swap away, taking the ointment and rubbing it onto the wounds softly. "It was my fault, Seonghwa told me to stay in the shop, I left, it's my fault, luckily nothing bad happened to me and I'm just glad you and Seonghwa are okay." Putting a bandaid over his eyebrow now. Yunho nods softly before resting his head against your stomach and moving his arms around your waist. "Still I'm sorry, I was the one coming along to protect you and I failed.." Your hand resting softly on his head now, running your fingers through his hair. "Please don't beat yourself up over it, it's fine Yuyu, really." Watching him look up again he nods softly, letting you go again as he stands up now. "Thanks for patching me up, I'll be up with the others." Watching him exit through the door, you turn to Yeosang now ready to help him with the dinner.

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doctorprofessorsong · 2 years

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Destiel Fic Recs

Who needs to stuff your face with turkey when you can stuff your brain with fanfic? Fresh out of the oven, please enjoy these fic recs.

Raise the Black by valleydean (emmbrancsxx0) @valleydean (Explicit, 246k)

There are passion projects and then there is Raise the Black which takes it to a whole new level. It's not surprising that the author of The Shawnee Trail and A Ghost Story knows how to write historical fiction, but there are so many gorgeous bits of pirate life in this fic from the superstitions to the metaphors tied to the sea.

The story is a Pirate AU. A chance encounter has left Cas, an officer from the Royal Navy, with a lasting obsession with Dean Winchester, the notorious pirate Captain of the Impala. When presented with the opportunity to defect and save his son from the abusive practices of the Royal Navy, Cas finds himself a part of Dean’s crew.

I cannot overstate how good this one is. The underlying pirate mythology and superstition, the horny sparring, the epic battle scenes and of course the incredibly unhinged Dean and Cas that drive this story. The story had me anxious, like literally unable to focus on work because I had to know what happened.

It's @valleydean so she gives us a happy ending, but she makes us pay dearly for it in angst (so sexy of her really).

And it isn't just the Destiel. The casting is phenomenal. I would die for pirate Meg. The use of the younger generation (Jack, Emma, Claire, Kaia) is amazing. Sam, Benny and Charlie as pirates. Truly we get so many great characters in this one y'all.

Without giving too much away, I'll just day that this one falls into the sweeping epic category and the results are staggering.

o weary traveler by dothraki_shieldmaiden @dothwrites (Explicit, 107k)

OK. So you know when you are in like Chapter 1 of a fic and already know it's going to be one of your favorites? That was this fic for me.

A mash-up of the Odyssey and Beauty and the Beast, this fic grabbed me and refused to let go. When Dean and his crew are shipwrecked on an island, they inadvertently anger its inhabitant, Castiel. Cas, an exiled angel, decides to take revenge, culminating in a Beauty and the Beast style pact for Dean to accept punishment on behalf of his wayward crew.

Cas in this fic is very much an ancient being lacking the human perspective and Dean is just some guy who hunts monsters. It's my favorite dynamic. The way they dance around each other and eventually come together is beautiful to watch.

Throw in some delightful worldbuilding and poetic prose and you have a powerhouse of an epic tale.

The Common Hours by quiettewandering @wanderingcas (Mature, WIP 29k so far)

I very rarely recommend WIPs, so you know when I do it's because I think there's something special about the fic. I honestly think this one and the process of getting a bit more information each week is worth diving into, even if you are normally a "wait until it's done" kind of reader (and if not, this one is worth at least marking to be read with stars and highlights and little hearts).

The fic is a twisty mystery that has me throwing out theories every chapter. Cas is an amnesiac trying to recover from trauma he doesn't understand or remember. Luckily, he met Charlie who has been helping him rebuild his life. But Cas is haunted by half memories and a forgotten life, especially the memory of a man with green eyes who inhabits his dreams.

I don't want to say too much because half of the joy of this fic is pulling at threads and watching to see how it unravels. I'll just leave it at this: the story is captivating and fresh and these versions of the characters instantly grabbed me and wouldn't let go.

Vibrato by Tiamatv (Explicit, 69k)

Tiamatv really does write some bangers. I couldn't put this one down. They are both disasters in this fic, but in a way that makes you to hug them and smoosh their faces. Dean meets a cute boy, has a full blown bi panic, realizes he was an ass, and strikes up a friendship that morphs into a friendship with benefits that morphs into basically a long term relationship but they're both idiots. It's idiots to lovers (but still idiots) at its finest.

Oh and also Cas is a super old genetic vampire. Whoops. One of the most delightful things about this fic is how well tiamatv captures the ancient and terrible being and also just some accountant dynamic that makes Cas so deeply loveable.

Despite some heavy stuff, this one is fluffy cotton candy most of the time and it's really about their irresistible dynamic. It is immensely readable.

The Sweetest Con by aimforsplendor @aimforsplendor (Mature, 19k)

If you are looking for some fairly low angst fun, this DeanCasBang (Taylor's Version) entry is an absolute delight. Dean and Sam are Robin Hood type con men using tech to steal from the rich and give to those who need it. They've finally found the head of a crime network, a billionaire resembling a particularly prominent and news worthy one recently which makes it fairly cathartic actually. But the mission is threatened when Dean gets sidetracked by a particular blue-eyed hottie.

This one is plain fun with a healthy dose of humor and really likeable characters. This one is truly just readable. Fun and fairly light and with enough interesting turns you keep you on your toes.

Anything You Can Do by FagurFiskur (Explicit, 21k)

From the Dean Winchester is an absolute disaster genre, this is a surprisingly sweet, crack-taken-seriously smutty romp.

Dean overhears his soon to be ex-girlfriend Daphne talking to a friend about how their mutual rebound relationship isn't working, especially because her gay ex-fiance, Castiel, was better in bed. Dean can't possibly let that stand.

So he does the only logical thing and tracks Cas down. And hooks up with him. So he can win at the sex. Even though he's totally straight.

Tag list

@varlysca @naturallyathief @greatbigbugger @fandoms-and-things @cascodedtech @you-cant-spell-subtext-without @deanwasalwaysbi @fellshish @valleydean @raspberry-tooth @the15yearhatecrime

#destiel #deancas #deancas fic rec #destiel fic rec #spn

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sophsicle · 6 months

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i swear every chapter makes me feel worse for regulus. he was SO underprepared to become king and he’s left filling a throne he never wanted. i know in the end he’ll be a better king than sirius could’ve but the betrayal of being abandoned and left to clean up someone else’s mess so they can be free and happy…it’s an interesting interpretation for canon black brothers too. sirius’ freedom coming at a cost only regulus can pay…it’s gut wrenching really.

still the character most in need of a hug, warm blanket, and loaded gun is my poor girl andy 😭

I mean, okay, i do feel i need to come to the aid of my boy Sirius here and remind us all that he a) did not want to leave regulus and b) was fearing for his life

like he IS absolutely way happier not being king and hanging out with a bunch of pirates fo sure, BUT like, he didn't leave just because he wanted to be happy

technically leaving wasn't even his idea it was James's

it was also James who was pushing real hard that Regulus couldn't be trusted (which fair tbh i don't think regulus can ever be trusted just generally) SO you know, i just feel like there's so much happening in this fic that sometimes Sirius's motivations are forgotten, but he did not just skip town like some deadbeat dad, his mother was conspiring to murder him

#i love him okay #i always love him #also remember that anon who was like “Do you even like Regulus?”#and i was like “of course?”#honestly maybe that was a lie cause i literally read this ask and was like “Pffffft feeling sorry for Regulus? Why? he's fine”#which is objectively not true #and yet my brain was like "i do not pity that angsty lil guy #i actually do also love him tho i promise #soph rambles #ohb

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nikethestatue · 7 months

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Just seen a post that absolutely SENT me. “Dagger and the fawn or fox and the fawn” and it was tagged pro GA anti elriel ewriel pro Lucien whatever nonsense

And I’m just like??? Do people not READ?

SJM wrote it herself: DEATH AND THE LOVELY FAWN

Fire lord and bird of flame.

Things she did NOT say:

Squealing priestess and silent spymaster

pirate and flower

IS THIS A JOKE?? I swear to god every day I am losing it with these people? Like it is genuinely frustrating to deal with them because they just spread misinformation and don’t even read any other book than the bonus chapter (also wtf how are they just having such an online presence when not even reading the books??)

You can’t even tell them they are wrong because that’s “bullying” and telling them what’s canon and what’s not is “don’t comment if you know this content isn’t for you it’s sick” like huh??

I don’t care if your blog is “gwynselfinsert”, if you sit here and post that Gwyn is perfect for Az because she is going to save Illyria and his shadows protect her and she will do freaky sex stuff with azriel… IM GOING TO TELL YOU THATS INSANE??

Like I saw a post that said Gwyn was gonna tie up azriel w the ribbon and they were gonna f*ck and I was just like HUH?? The ribbon that represents her overcoming her trauma?? She gonna do what with that??

This has to be a social experiment. Honestly. Because how the hell are these people claiming they have 16 books of evidence (I don’t even know what that means) when Gwyn is BARELY in one book. Like are they really using throne of glass books as canon evidence for GWYNRIEL??

Is that not batshit crazy?? That’s like if I saw vlog of a celebrity TikTok and decided - omg I have the exact same napkin from the chinese takeout place they went to!! I MUST BE DESTINED FOR FAME TOO

I am going crazy can Sarah please put an end to this madness

That's why, whenever anyone asks me at this point 'have you heard of (insert crazy Gwynriel theory)?" I PROBABLY have, but I pay them exactly zero attention. I don't engage either. Because this whole thing has jumped the shark so badly that there is no coming back from it.

The disconnect between their fantasies and reality is entirely too great. It can't be bridged at this point.

We just have to sit back, wait for the next book to come and hope it will end the mind boggling insanity that is this fandom.

It's embarrassing. Can't even tell RL people that I read and like SJM. because I dont want them to look into this and then ask me, are you okay?

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yujibakugo · 6 months

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PART OF YOUR WORLD. - CHAPTER TWO

summary: seira is a mermaid and every since she could, she always dreamed of being on the surface. her father told her all about humans and pirates how they’re horrible and better off under until she gets too close to a pirate ship and is lead by determination to be part of their world.

warnings: none

note: some filler before they meet officially. you think i’m taking her voice like the little mermaid?

chapter one

seira followed the ship for a bit. she couldn’t catch up fast enough since she had to make sure he stayed over the water so she trailed to not lose the ship. she saw the boat hit the end of the island harshly stopping it. she moved towards the end of the island where a beach was and pulled him to the sand laying him down. that’s when she really looked at him.

she moved her head to his chest to see if he was breathing. she could feel the water in places it’s not disposed to be with her water powers and moved her hand to his chest. she moved her hand to pull the water out his lungs and he coughed a breath now being able to breathe clearly. she got ready to move back but she saw he didn’t get up up. he was still unconscious. she moved closer and moved the hair out his face. she studied everything about him, the closest she ever got to a human let alone a boy.

she felt too many things. she thought he was beautiful, but she was also envious. he lived above everyday. and angry. the fact that she’ll never be able to know him, know who he was.

she felt her tune move and had to sing her siren song.

“what would i give to live where you are?” she moved her hand down his face singing softly.

“what would i pay to stay here beside you?”

“what would i do to see you smiling at me?” she let out a small smile as his hand moved to his chest, “where would we walk? where would we run? if we could stay all day in the sun, just you and me, and i could be part of your world.”

before she could say goodbye to the man who can’t do the same she heard something coming from the ship. she looked at him one more time before going back to sea.

she saw the people from the ship surround him as they spotted him expressing joy for their friend.

she turned and watched them carry him to their ship with him still unconscious as she sat on a rock to look at them better.

her realizing she had to back she couldn’t help but be excited for her adventure.

“i don't know when, i don't know how. but i know something's starting right now. watch and you'll see, someday i’ll be, part of your world.” she moved up the rock as the wave hit it. she knew now, she couldn’t just live her life the way her dad saw. her life is up here, and she knew just how to get it.

seira swam back to her cave to on a mission. she’s been looking for this recently but she needed it now. when she got back to her cave she saw poki waiting for her. when she saw, her eyes widened and she swam up to her, “oh my! you went to the surface. this is bad! you broke the law!”

seira ignored her and moved to look for something. poki relizing she wasn’t thing heard slowly trailed off, “and what are you doing?”

seira didn’t stop her movements, “when i saw that island the pirates stopped at, it looked familiar.” she got a paper and carefully unraveled it. she figured out paper doesn’t do well in water so she’s carful with all her scrolls. she sat it on a rock surface and her and poki looked at the paper. it was a map, and seira was correct, it was the same island she swam the boy to.

“okay, what so special about the island?” poki asked.

seira grabbed the scroll and her bag and went to move out the cage, “it’s going to give me legs.”

she saw out and poki nodded for second then her eyes widened in realization, “wait- legs?”

she followed her and seira swam quickly back to the island.

“yes, legs.” seira explained, “the island was created by mermaids, back when they used to go to the surface. the map says i have to look for a fruit or a rock. the fruit will give me legs permanently and the rock, if i listen to the conditions, it’ll be temporary. hopefully i find the fruit.”

poki stopped, “wait, your going to the surface world permanently? what about your dad, sisters, what about-what about me?” poki spoke softly.

seira stopped swimming at her voice. she sighed and looked at her, “i’ll miss all of you, i will. but i don’t think i belong here. and if it’s not at all what i thought…i’m willing to take the risk. this is for me.”

seira continued to swim and poki thought about it. of course she wants her friend to happy, and this is all she ever talked about. she sighed and continued following her.

the five mates walked thought the strange island. there was nobody on it but it looked amazing. everything was green, fresh fruits and veggies grew throughout the plants and trees, there was animals around. there was fresh water, basically everything somebody would ever need was on the island but it looked like nobody was on it.

usopp spoke looking around as they all walked, “this island is amazing! why isn’t it on your map though nami?”

nami sighed and spoke, “i don’t know. i never heard of it before. i wish we could find somebody but it looks to be no signs of life’s currently living here. it’s weird considering it looks like the best option lace to live. food and water. you think a pirate would have already discovered this place.” she spoke looking around in suspicion.

“speaking of food, when are we eating?” luffy whined to sanji.

“whenever we get back.”

“zoro got lost at sea, maybe we should rest for another day!”

zoro not paying attention to the convo looked around. he could’ve sworn there was a girl. he heard her voice, and he could never admit but he can’t get it out of his head. could he have imagined it, all the salt water could’ve gotten to him. if there’s nobody living on this island there couldn’t have been a girl.

“zoro!” the crew yelled to get his attention.

he turned to them and usopp asked, “you’ve been out of it since we found you on the beach? what happened?”

zoro sighed and decided to tell them, “somebody saved me.”

nami sighed, “yeah we figured that. but there’s nobody on the island.”

zoro scoffed, “i know that, which is why i’m confused. you guys didn’t see anybody before you got me?”

sanji sighed inhaling his joint, “nope. just you.”

zoro sighed, “whatever, let’s keep moving. you get what you need for the sail then we’ll be out of here!”

seira and poki swam too the island. she didn’t go in surface because the map leads under water, “okay it says there should be an entrance somewhere.”

“okay but an entrance where. you don’t have legs so-" poki got cut off by seira.

“yeah, i know.” she snapped as she continued swimming.

they dodged a few rocks before she saw light on a path. she moved towards there and saw a cave it looks like. she moved under the surface and looked around. she saw poki peak out too.

it was a cave.

and the place she was a a pool right in the middle. it wasn’t empty, either. there was a few chest around the area. and there were two different entrances. the map led her here, she assumed the chest would help with that.

seira looked at everything, “everything is old. this stuff hasn’t been used in years, nobody lives here.”

“how would you know that?” poki asked wondering. all human things looked the same to her.

“i seen pictures of items, used items don’t have dust on them.” seira explained, she could be a little observant, “i need that chest.” she pointed to the one in the middle, “it has the same crest on the map.”

“are you going to crawl over there!” poki asked sarcastically.

seira rolled her eyes then got out her hands and took a breath, “i got this.”

she moved her hand in water motions like it was was explained on something she read back home. she focused on getting water up. slowly but surely a line of water rised from the pool between the two. once she thought it was big enough she focused on moving it towards the chest.

she stuck the end to the chest then pulled it back with the chest moving with it. when it was at the end of the pool she sighed happily and swam towards it.

“how did you do that? you’ve been practicing the water touch?” poki questioned amazed.

“not to much, it feels stronger on the surface.” she shrugged.

she looked at the chest and seen no lock, “there’s no lock?”

“hurry and open it so we can go back down!” poki said scared.

she rolled her eyes funnily and opened it. there were a couple things to skip over but she saw a few blue scroll with silver lining so she assumed they’re important and picked one up.

she opened it to find her home writing from when they used to communicate with the surface, “it’s our writing. finally! something i can read!” she expressed her joy.

they both turned to sounds coming from down one of the entrances.

poki looked to seira, “i thought nobody been here since forever?”

“i think the pirates are snooping.” she turned and grabbed every single blue scroll in the chest. they’re from her home so she knows they’ll survive underwater.

poki pressured, “hurry! let’s go.”

she closed the chest and before the pirates could come in she lifted water quickly and push it full force to move the chest back. as it pushed and she and poki moved underwater as the pirates walked in the cave.

poki let out a sigh, “that was close!”

seira moved towards the edge where they wouldn’t see her and before she turned she got a glimpse of green hair in her reflection. she stared at him not expecting to see him again so soon.

she looked and paused before she turned her tail and swam away, the sooner she gets this done the better.

#monkey d luffy #zoro x oc #roronoa zoro #one piece x reader #one piece #vinsmoke sanji #nami #halle bailey #the little mermaid #pirates #east blue

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kookie-doughs · 1 year

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Again And Again

Portgas D Ace X Reader

-Amatsuki Y/N decided to stay in the future without her sister upon meeting a friend’s son.

Chapter 6: A Mother To The Sea

As you ventured on your own, having only Ace's vivre card as your guide, a sense of unease began to gnaw at you.

You'd think a vivre card would be the only thing you'd need as where else could it lead you other than him? After all the vivre card was meant to serve as a lifeline, connecting you to Ace's location, but the vastness of the world and the unpredictability of the sea made them doubt this decision.

As days turned into weeks, you traversed the Grand Line, chasing the faint pull of the vivre card. But the journey proved difficult and filled with dangers you hadn't anticipated. The vivre card served as a reminder of your determination, but it also brought with it the burden of responsibility.

With each setback and obstacle, doubts grew in your mind. You realized that chasing after Ace with just the vivre card was a reckless and impulsive decision. The journey was taking its toll on your emotional and mental strength.

"Why did I think this was a good idea?" You muttered to yourself, frustration lacing your voice. "Ace is out there somewhere, and I'm just blindly following this little piece of paper."

You stopped to catch your breath on a deserted island, staring at the vivre card in your hand.

It felt like a lifeline, but also a chain, tethering you to a dangerous pursuit. Doubts and fears swirled in your mind, and you began to question whether you were truly capable of fulfilling your self-imposed mission.

Do you have anything to go by in your pursuit after him aside from this paper?

You stare blankly racking your mind for anything that could help you find him. Every memory you could dig up that could lead you to him. You went back to your travel.

As the days went on, the vivre card's pull grew weaker. Exhausted and disheartened, you collapsed on the deck of your boat, feeling lost and alone.

"I don't know what I'm doing," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not strong enough to protect him, and I'm just making a mess of everything."

Tears streamed down your cheeks as you held the vivre card tightly. "I miss you... Just where the hell are you?"

As if the world had pitied you a news coo flies over to you. Grabbing a copy of the latest paper, the bird flies away.

Going through the papers a light of hope shined through. How could you have forgotten? As your concern for Ace consumed your thoughts, you inadvertently overlooked a crucial element that could have expedited your task.

Luffy.

If there was anywhere Ace would go to start his hunt, he'd meet his brother first.

Ace had been pretty sure that Luffy would go through Drum Island and Alabasta, but it had been a while, and they could be long gone. Still, it was the only lead you had, so you couldn't just ignore it.

Alabasta was the best option you have. If they aren't there by the time you arrive, a potential place to pay a visit to would be Water 7.

Your arrival to Alabasta took a while as there was numerous islands around.

Roaming the kingdom was an easy feat. Citizens were walking elated still in celebration. Figuring the best place to get answers was by visiting the one in charge you made your way to the royal palace.

As you approached the palace gates, the guards looked at you with curiosity. "State your business," one of them said, eyeing you cautiously.

"I'm here to seek an audience with whoever I can," you replied, trying to sound as composed as possible despite the excitement and worry swirling inside you.

The guards exchanged glances, seemingly surprised by your request. "May we ask who you are and why you wish to seek audience?" the other guard inquired.

"I'm looking for the Straw Hat Pirates? I need to find them."

The guards seemed taken aback by your revelation, but after a moment, a voice behind them called. The voice belonged to a fine a young woman with long wavy light blue hair, you immediately recognize as the Princess Vivi.

Upon seeing you, Vivi smiled warmly. "Greetings," she said, her voice gentle and welcoming. "I heard you're looking for the Straw Hat Pirates?"

You nodded, relieved to have found someone who might be able to provide some answers. "Yes, that's right. I came to Alabasta in hopes of finding them."

Vivi's expression softened with understanding. "Oh they've already left. They were here perhaps a week ago," she confirmed. "May I ask why you're looking for them?"

"There's a man I'm looking for. He said they'd be here so he had to come here. He has dark hair, freckle-"

"Are you perhaps looking for the Whitebeard Pirates' Fire Fist?"

You nod eagerly. Why had you bothered explaining Ace... he was famous. "Yes! I need to find Ace! Was he here?!"

"Yes, he joined us for a few minutes to see Luffy-san and give his vivre card. I'm afraid he left long before the Straw Hats did..."

"Do you know where he was headed next?" you asked, trying to contain the urgency in your voice.

Vivi hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm afraid I don't," she said. "He left without telling us his destination. All he said was he was after a dangerous man."

Despite not getting the exact information you sought, you felt grateful for Vivi's willingness to help. "Thank you for your assistance," you said sincerely. "I'll continue my search, and I won't stop until I find Ace."

Vivi smiled warmly, her empathy evident in her eyes. "I wish you the best of luck," she said. "And I hope you find your friend soon."

With a nod of gratitude, you turned to leave the royal palace, your mind racing with thoughts and plans. The search for Ace continued, and you knew that you would do whatever it took to find him.

After learning that Ace had already been in touch with the Straw Hat Pirates, you abandoned your initial plan to find him through them. Now, you were left with only his vivre card as your sole lead to track him down once again.

Weeks once again pass as you slowly fell into despair, the weight of not getting any leads on Ace becoming almost unbearable, your heart skipped a beat when your Den Den Mushi suddenly rang, signaling an incoming call. Your hands trembled as you answered the call, and a familiar voice greeted you on the other end.

"Hey, it's Marco," he said, his voice calm yet concerned. "I heard you're still looking for Ace. How are you holding up?"

"Its not going well. His brother was the only way I could think off... But they already met so I'm back to following his vivre card... I went to so many islands. Even once that I know Teach went to. I couldn't find either of them..."

"But hey, you need to stop worrying so much. Its not healthy. You know what, did you know Shanks visited. It was a while ago."

"Oh, really?" you replied, trying to sound less anxious.

"Yeah, Shanks dropped by to catch up," Marco said, his voice relaxed. "He was looking for you."

As you listened to Marco talk about Shanks and reminisce about your former crew, your mind began to drift back to the days when you sailed together. Memories of those adventures and the bond you shared with Roger and the rest of the crew flooded your thoughts.

But among those fond recollections, there was also a tinge of sadness. The thought of Roger had of course been accompanied by the thoughts of his demise. You couldn't help but think about Ace, and as to why you were desperately trying to find. The thought of him being out there, recklessly going to who knows where.

As the conversation with Marco continued, you tried to push away the worry and uncertainty about Ace's whereabouts. You knew he was only trying to calm you down. To ease you. The entire crew must be more worried about you than Ace.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

You took a moment to compose yourself before responding, "Yeah, just got lost in thought for a moment."

"It's natural to miss the good times," Marco said, his understanding tone coming through even through the Den Den Mushi. "But don't let it overwhelm you. We'll find Ace, I promise."

You appreciated his reassurance, even if he wasn't by your side. "Thanks," you said softly. "I just... can't help but worry."

"I know," Marco said, his voice unwavering. "But we're in this together. And we won't stop until we find him."

His words resonated with you, reigniting the determination within you. As the conversation with Marco continued, you tried to focus on the conversation. Although thoughts of Ace still lingered, you held onto the belief that you would find him again and fate will bring you back together.

"You know, you could just wait for him at Sabaody. Assuming he hasn't fought Teach. He'd definitely be there." Marco says after noticing that you were still too preoccupied.

"Do you think he'll be there?"

"He wouldn't miss out on the attractions there." He laughs. "Just keep watch of the vivre card and its going to be easy."

As he mentioned the vivre card, your eyes fell upon it, and you noticed something unusual. "Wait, Marco," you said, a hint of urgency in your voice, "there's something happening to the vivre card."

"What do you mean?" Marco asked, concern creeping into his tone.

As you looked down on Ace's vivre card, realization washed over you. It was something you had been dreading. A burn mark is appearing on it. And you knew what it meant.

The vivre card wasn't just reacting to Ace's distress; it was a sign of danger, a signal that something grave was happening to him.

"Y/N?! What's wrong?! Pops!! Someone check on Ace's vivre!!" He was ordering behind the Den Den.

As the burn mark on Ace's vivre card became more pronounced, you were filled with a sense of dread and helplessness. You could feel the urgency in your heart, but there was nothing you could do except watch the vivre card in your hands, the burn mirroring the turmoil in your mind.

Behind Marco you could hear some panic.

"Guys, stay calm," Marco called out to the crew, trying to steady his own nerves as he spoke. "We can't lose our heads now."

Despite his own worry, Marco tried to be the pillar of strength you needed. He knew that panicking wouldn't help the situation, and he wanted to assure you that you weren't alone in this.

"We'll figure this out," he continued, his voice firm. "We've faced tough situations before, and we've always come through. This is no different."

He could hear the tremor in your voice as you replied, "W-What could've happened... I- I can't-- I need to find Ace."

"Y/N, don't do anything rash please!" You hear Marco ask before you drop the call.

With no clear direction in mind, you knew that if there was any place that could provide answers about Ace's situation, it had to be Sabaody Archipelago.

You just hope, that you could get something.

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ishouldbedoinghw · 30 days

Text

You Can't Erase Me

One Piece fanfic, part 10: Calico Jack

Previous parts are in my pinned masterlist.

A woman enslaved by the celestial dragons is found by a man with red hair. Angst and comedy ensues.

A/N: Y'all know the drill. This chapter is the one that inspired this entire story. I was driving and listening to this song when a great idea that I really hope doesn't suck exploded into my head. Also I finally got a new computer since I've been working a couple of jobs this summer before moving back to college.

Also I would like to preface this chapter by saying this has a good bit of dancing described in it. The only experience I have with dancing is country western swing dancing and white person line dancing. It might be bad. Dead dove do not eat.

TW: Bad descriptions of dancing and music, thirsting over a vampire, alcohol consumption, drunkenness, Shanks

The first swig from Maria's bottle was, frankly put, fucking terrible. This was the crap Shanks was always chugging?

As I spluttered, trying my best to hand back the bottle before I dropped it, Maria and her friend were giggling behind polite hands.

"Never had liquor before? Traveling with Red-Hair? And I'd bet money on you being almost ten years older than the two of us."

Almost ten years? How young were these girls? How old was I?

"Listen, I had some health problems, alright? And how old do you think-"

Maria's hands shot up in surrender. "Sorry, didn't mean anything by it, we didn't know."

Her friend, still slightly giggling, took the bottle from me and took a swig herself.

"Look, this stuff is cheap, so it isn't about tasting it, you've gotta just let it be nasty and focus on what it's doing to you." She handed it back to me, her long nails curled around the bottle neck.

It tasted just as nasty the second time, but at least I was prepared for it. I swallowed it quickly, doing my best to keep a straight face.

As Maria took the bottle back to hide it away, her friend started to study me, clicking her tongue occasionally. My face burned a bit at being studied again, and it made me wonder if I really looked as good as I felt.

"Maria, you really don't miss, do you?" She laughed, and started to head back down the hall, seemingly satisfied. "Let the newbie know what her big job is tonight, and have her watch during the first couple of songs, so she at least doesn't go in blind."

"Yeah, yeah," Maria called back, shaking her head. "A control freak, that one."

Fiddling with the lace on my corset, I watched Maria finish adjusting herself in the mirror. After she seemed satisfied, she beckoned me to follow her as she went down the hallway after her friend.

"So- what is it that I have to do, exactly?" I ask, nervously gripping my skirt, trying to adjust to walking in it.

"So, every week we have a night where we do the Calico Jack- one of the older, tougher girls is picked to find someone in the crowd to dance with to a song about running off with a pirate." She stopped to adjust a strap on one of her shoes, and I almost run into her. "I personally don't see the appeal in it, and neither does Delilah, but it always brings in a big crowd of rowdy men who pay plenty money to drink and feed their egos if the girl picks 'em."

"That's why we get a grown woman to do it, too- in case a fight breaks out over who gets picked, the dancer doesn't get hurt." She continues. "We try to stay away from the really wild ones- we had a big ginger muscleheaded prick get upset a while back, his blonde boy-toy or whatever had to drag him out."

My mouth had gone quite dry at this point, though whether it was from the liquor or my nerves I wasn't quite sure. I had to dance with a stranger? Hell, I don't think I'd ever danced before. My plans for tonight were to maybe dance with Benn, and then to just listen to something other than the crew's terrible singing. And yet, here I was, painted as a doll ad about to be strung up like a puppet because of some old woman I didn't even know.

"Do I-?"

"Yes, you have to do it, I'd like to keep my room and my nice-paying job, thank you very much." Maria was trying to sound confident and relaxed, but I could see the sweat starting to bead on her neck and face. "Listen, no one would question it if you just picked Red-Hair, and you'd likely avoid a fight that way too, no one would argue that he's handsome and powerful."

I started to argue about calling Shanks anything other than annoying, but I stopped myself- I couldn't deny she had a point. No one would recognize me as the girl he came with, and he was powerful enough to avoid confrontation with someone else. Shit, she might've just given me an easy way out of this mess. I would just get the one dance over with and-

"Of course, before that dance, you've gotta join the rest of the tavern dancers since we're short one."

Of course.

She shoved me, clearly seeing my face. "Listen, it really isn't as bad as it sounds. For whatever reason, the boss has faith in you. She doesn't just drag random strangers out of the crowd- well, at least not all the time." She said with a laugh.

As we neared the end of the hallway, I was expected to be met with some kind of music, or lights like before. Instead, the dance hall was dark and quiet, with only the light hum of hushed conversation. Maria was gripping my shoulder, and I could see her straining to get a glimpse of something off to our right. I tried to follow her gaze, but all I could get was dim outlines of figures, and the flash of something shiny reflecting the dim light of the hallway.

As Maria's grip tightened, chills shot through my body. A whisper from the right made the room a silent vacuum, and I strained to hear the words.

"Hickory, oak, pine and weed-" A small flame flickered in the distance, lighting up the face of the old woman who'd woken me up. Delilah. Her voice was softer, yet somehow stronger when she was singing. Perhaps it was the lack of grouch. A drum was the only instrument playing, only hitting one note to make a beat.

"Bury my heart underneath these trees-" My body froze, waiting for the adverse reaction I'd had when Emily had been preforming.

"And when a southern wind comes to raise my soul-" She drew out the last note in a slight vibrado, and I found myself wondering how the hell I knew that.

"Spread my spirit like a flock of crows." I saw the flash again, and as I focused, I could make out someone holding a guitar, a sleek, slim version of the one Yassopp owned but couldn't play.

"'Cause I loved ya for too long, I loved ya for too long," Her voice was getting stronger, and louder, the den-den mushi in front of her picking up more sound.

"I loved ya for too long-" She held the last note in a vibrado again, holding it out until she was nearly whispering again. Her voice was admittedly beautiful, if not a bit haunting.

"Old heat of a raging fire, Come and light my eyes Summer's kiss through electric wire- But I'll never die-"

The stage lights all came on at once, showing off just how massive it was. A full band stood to the left of Delilah, while a handful of the girls I'd seen earlier were standing to the right, all with their own den-den mushi. On the same beat, as Delilah shifted to a full belt on the end of "die," the girls burst into operatic backup vocals, and the band started playing at top volume. The drum continued at a slightly faster pace, and the guitar strummed at a slow, steady pace to match it, contrasting the passionate voices of Delilah and her choir.

"Sycamore, ash, moss and loam Wrap your roots all around my bones And when they come for me When they call my name Cast my shadow from a bellow's flame-"

Chills ran up my spine, and my heart seemed to seize in my chest. I panicked, thinking I would pass out again, but my breath remained steady, and my mind clear. What the hell was going on?

"Cause I loved ya for too long I loved ya for too long I loved ya for too long So let the storm come-"

My body trembled, my mouth was dry once again, and the back of my neck was coated in a sheen of sweat. My heart was pounding against my ribs, my eyes watered, and I wanted to scream.

"Old heat of a raging fire Come and light my eyes Summer's kiss through electric wire But I'll never die I will never die You can bury my body but I'll never die-"

It was the best thing I could ever remember experiencing. Like a piece of me I'd been searching for ever since I woke up on that damned ship had finally come back.

I loved music. I've always loved music. I could feel it in the depths of my soul, in every bone in my body.

My entire life, I have always loved music.

The way Delilah ripped through the vocals was a storm tearing through the fields of my mind. Every sound I could make out on that stage rocked me to my core.

Watching Delilah's passion was almost as good as listening to it. Her eyes seemed to be gleaming like fire, and she spit out every word as if she had lived through the song over and over again, like she'd truly meant all of it. I'd believe it if they said she was an immortal deity from her stage presence alone.

Her boots stomping caught my attention as she transitioned to the bridge. All instruments but the drum had stopped playing again, and I could hear the thunder of voices in the crowd join her.

"In the dead of night I'm gonna loose these chains Mmm, I'm gonna run and run and run and run and run I'm gonna run and run and run and run Coming for you again Oh, coming for you again-"

The instrumental that followed blew me away once again. I never knew someone could make the instrument Roux purposefully hid from Yassopp sound so damn beautiful. Leading up to the last run of the chorus, Delilah was screaming her vocals, and a new chill ran through my body.

I need to do that one day.

All I wanted, with my entire being, was to be singing these songs with as much passion as she did, in the hopes I could feel something other than fear, anger, or shame.

As Delilah sang the final chorus, she spread her arms, letting her large coat that had been hanging over her shoulders fall to the ground. She was surprisingly muscular for her age, and-

Holy shit, she didn't have any hands.

Her arms ended at the wrists, and were webbed in a messy array of scars. The crowd screamed at the reveal, whether out of fear or something else, I couldn't quite tell.

Maria started to cheer at my side, startling me. She started shaking my arm and bouncing up and down, still yelling her ass off. I didn't pay much attention to it, distracted by Delilah's performance. It wasn't that her lack of hands was a shock in itself; I'd seen where Shanks had lost his plenty. I simply wondered how in the world she'd slapped me so effectively earlier.

"You ready?" Maria yells in my ear, her voice fuzzy with all the noise.

"Ready for wh-" And she shoved me in the direction of the stage as the room grew dark again. I flailed about and stumbled a bit, before one of the male dancers, a dark-haired, freckled young man, caught my arm.

"Newbie, right? You know the Mull River Shuffle, yeah?" He hooks his arm in mine, pulling me to the opposite side of the now empty dance floor.

"The fucking what-"

"Yeah, Maria said you might not, don't worry, you just gotta follow my lead. You dance some, yeah?"

"No-"

The guitar starts a faster rhythm than before, and the lights flash on again, making my vision spotty. My partner squeezes my arm, catching my attention before he starts moving around the floor with the other dancers in a wide circle. The more we moved, the slower and dizzier I felt we were moving. The steps I took to mirror his were clumsy, and my neck burned in shame at how stupid I likely looked.

"You know, Maria failed to mention she got you drunk as hell." What?

"I'm not-"

"Not even the clutziest of kids are so unsure of where their own damn foot is. You're thinking way too hard, you've gotta trust yourself. The liquor is supposed to take away fear, not grace."

I'm not sure why I giggled, and as we paused to turn and move the opposite direction, my body still felt it was moving around.

"I'm about to spin you towards the middle, don't puke." He was irritated now, and I felt terrible. He hadn't asked for a shitty partner tonight, yet here I was. I just let him sling my body around, and I grew a bit lightheaded at the speed.

"That wasn't half bad, think you can go faster?" The relief that flooded me was almost overwhelming, and I couldn't help but giggle again. I'm not sure why the little phrase had made me so happy.

Trust yourself.

The words rang in my ear as the tempo of the song picked up again, and the group of dancers split down the middle, my partner shoving me gently to line up opposite him.

As everyone stepped toward the middle again to meet their partners, I did the same; although I was half a stride behind them. My partner made up for the time, quickly spinning us around and pushing me in the direction he'd come from.

The more I relaxed, and the more I let myself move and spin and step to the music, the more fun I let myself have. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind when Shanks had made me leave the ship, but I had to admit to myself that I was actually having a great time.

"Told you, just let go." He was smiling at me now, and I couldn't help but excitedly smile back.

"You know, I've never danced as far back as I can remember." I wasn't sure why it felt so good just to talk for the hell of it.

"Yeah, I could kind of tell that when we started."

I giggled again, then had to catch my breath as he spun me around again.

"Yeah, I don't think I've ever had so much fun."

It was his turn to laugh then, before we split into two lines again. He didn't have to push or pull me this time, and I was able to keep up with the pace of the rest of the line.

As the song ended, he pulled me over to Maria, who was still standing off to the side of the stage.

"You've got to stop giving me the drunk ones, man." He elbows Maria in the ribs, and she laughs, shoving him away.

"It looks like she got the hang of it by the end, be grateful she didn't vomit on you or something, Zutsu," she said, reaching over to fix my skirt.

"We've got Rove and Go next, you know that one?" Zutsu asks. "I'm not sure where the hell you came from, but I don't know anyone that doesn't know the Rove."

For some odd reason, I felt I did know the song, like it was some common knowledge that was ridiculous not to remember.

"Maybe? I'm not sure-"

"Good enough, maybe it'll jog your memory when you hear it." He pulled me back to the dance floor, into a line of dancers that snaked through the entire hall. "Listen, I usually take the lead on this one, but we'll stick to the back to keep you comfortable."

And keep me from embarrassing you. I couldn't even bring myself to be upset, Maria made it sound like the quality of performances were held in high regard by everyone here.

The tempo of this song started much faster than the last, the drums kicking in at full volume, followed by a fiddle that was one of the sweetest sounds I'd ever heard.

It was the first line of the song that sent a cold shock down my spine, and made sweat cling to my face.

Why shouldn’t she go she’s only ninety?

Delilah held out the last note of the line, and my skin grew clammy. I knew this song. I was sure I'd known this song almost as long as I had loved music itself. My hand shook in Zutsu's, and he squeezed it, muttering, "Don't puke yet," as he started stomping his feet on beat with the rest of the dancers. As if they had a mind of their own, my feet did the same.

I know the dance. I could remember every movement to the dance Zutsu was about to lead me through. I could hear it in my head, to the rhythm of the song, in counts of four.

Stomp, shuffle, stomp, shuffle-

Scoot back, back, back-

Away from your partner, back to your partner-

Holy shit.

"Look at you, you do know this one." Zutsu says, loosening his grip on my hand.

I wanted to cry, puke, and laugh all at once. I used to dance. I had to have grown up dancing. To my disappointment, I couldn't remember any more dances offhand, but it did little to stifle my excitement.

Every step, every dip, and every spin made my heart feel as it were flying through the sky over the bright ocean, free as a wild bird. I was addicted to the dizziness, the breathlessness, and the feeling of my body moving with the music. This, right here, was something I'd been born to do. I felt it in my soul the same way I'd felt when I heard Delilah sing. My body, mind, and spirit felt at peace, and I felt like I had some kind of purpose other than being the crew's fragile pet.

"Hey-" Zutsu's voice cut through my thoughts. "During the bridge, when the fiddle goes crazy, we don't keep in line, we'll split off and start two-stepping around the audience, try to get them to dance, yeah?"

"Oh- alright, got it," I said quickly. Relief swept through me as I realized I knew exactly what he was talking about. Two-stepping with a partner was one of the most basic skills I'd learned when I was just a kid- how I knew that, I had no idea. I couldn't picture memories so much as feel it, my mind trying to grasp some physical evidence that wasn't there.

Zutsu pulled me to face him, and he kept his back in the direction we traveled as we kept a fast paced two-step. I fell into the rhythm he set easily, and almost wept at how at home it all felt: the fast pace, the grip he had on my hand, and even the burning in my right calf and left hip.

"You had to have been holding out on me before," Zutsu laughed, guiding me in an impromptu spin that had a small part of the audience cheering. "You dance as naturally as you breathe when you know what the hell you're doing."

I giggled back, heart soaring at the compliment. It made me want to try more, to do something other than-

"You wanna try swing dancing some?" He asks, as if he read my mind.

I nodded eagerly, my heart pounding again as I recall the term, knowing exactly what he meant.

He pushed me out and away from him, before pulling me back in. I knew the steps by heart, I could feel them in my feet and fingers as I ducked under his arms and spun behind him, before twisting around as he caged me in his arms. He spun me around as fast as I could twice, before finishing with a dramatic dip, my "hair" nearly touching the floor.

"Please tell me you're sticking around after tonight, you're the first partner I've had that could move so damn fast."

I clicked my tongue, looking up at him with a twinge of disappointment. "I'm honestly sorry, but I'm just passing through with a group of- with a crew," I finished hastily.

He raised a brow. "Red-Haired Pirates, right? I'm pretty sure I saw you come in on the captain's arm."

I grimaced at the notion my disguise hadn't worked as well as I'd hoped. "I- yeah," I muttered weakly, sheepishly looking at the floor.

"Don't sweat the whole Emily thing," he shrugged, and did his best to wipe a few droplets of sweat from his cheek. "I only knew it was you because I've been staring you in the face, and I was close by when they dragged you backstage. No one in the audience will be able to tell." He poked me playfully. "Not even your Calico Jack of the night."

I groaned at the mention of that stupid dance. "Why do I-"

"Please don't get me booted from this place by answering that honestly. I'd hate to say anything untoward about my boss and her- interesting notions."

I decided not to press the issue, and to take comfort in the fact that Shanks was here for me to make an easy pick. I was also itching with curiosity to hear every song of the night, and to see if I could recall any more dances.

I wasn't sure my legs could take another step as the song finally ended. Zutsu made sure I took a long swig of water and sat down for a minute before disappearing backstage, leaving me with a very bouncy and tipsy Maria.

"That was- burp- incredible!" she shouted, throwing an arm around me. "No offense, but I thought it'd all go to shit."

I grimaced, choosing to focus on the compliment. "Yeah, thanks."

"You knowwww- the next dance is allll yours," she giggled, then nearly knocked me over trying to wave at one of her friends.

My mouth went dry. Already? I thought I'd have a couple more dances to get more comfortable, maybe figure out something simple to start the song with.

"Don't even sweat it, baby, you'll do great." She fixes one of the stray curls stuck in the top of my corset. "Plus, you look great, so it won't even matter."

Her reassurance did little to ease the nausea building in my gut.

---

I'll never forget the song that echoed through the room next. It wasn't anything spectacular, like the operatic section of the first performance. It was just a small tradition in a dance hall that would one day outlive me. But one moment in that song changed my life forever.

The Calico Jack song was an old ballad about a young lady running from her abusive marriage to live on the sea after meeting a handsome pirate in a tavern.

Of course, the only thing I knew at the time was that I had walk around at least once in the room, and pick a partner before the first chorus of the song started playing.

"It was a borin' Evenin' Down at the tavern My husband left for sea again And I was sick of waitin'-"

The song started, and I could feel my heart in my throat as I started my walk around the room.

All you have to do is walk once around and then to Shanks.

My steps felt too loud, the room was too big, and I was moving too fast, not really paying attention to who was actually there.

Look up, look up, look up, look up-

I tried to convince the crowd that I was looking, studying for the most eligible one there. I couldn't convince myself into thinking I was giving a good performance, however. My heartbeat grew louder as the audience cheered when I walked by, and I gave a weak smile, trying to look like I knew what the hell I was doing.

"Sick of drinkin' And thinkin' And questioning my measure Then suddenly A breeze came through the door-"

And then I caught a glimpse of him.

The most beautiful man I could ever think up in my head was sitting on the outermost edge of the crowd, sipping a glass of wine. He had a feathered hat that hung low over his face, but it wasn't enough to conceal his eyes- bright gold, with rings of orange, the strangest eyes I'd ever seen. His hair and beard were nearly black, but against his pale skin I could see the slightest tinge of brown. He was all sharp angles; high cheekbones, a sharp jawline and nose, even his facial hair was shaved into neat lines.

"He was smilin' Blindin' The pirate, Jack Rackham He tipped his hat and that was that I was in love with him-"

I would've liked to say that the great golden sword leaning on the table was what I saw next, but I couldn't. His large coat was ornate and expensive-looking; it was also completely open, his torso completely bare, save for a large golden cross hanging from his neck. Damn. That's all I could think- damn. He was, with no other way to put it, absolutely gorgeous.

And the little, nagging, tempting thought that I both curse and thank God for to this day wouldn't hush in my head. Ask him to dance.

And I wanted to. So, so, badly did I want to walk right up with all the confidence in the world and ask him to dance with me. It felt as if my entire body was burning at the prospect of even looking at him again.

"Oi, over here, Spooky!" Shanks was in front of me now, grinning and waving like the idiot he was. I mustered a weak smile back, quickening my pace and trying to ignore the feeling that the entire room was watching my every move.

Benn had to reach over and keep Shanks from standing to pull me into a hug, which I thanked him for with a polite smile. Yasopp was trying his best to make me lose my composure with stupid faces, and I was failing miserably at keeping my lips from twitching.

Maria was giving me a cheerful thumbs up, Zutsu and her blonde friend, whose name I really needed to learn, by her side as I passed around a second time. This round, I couldn't help but look for the beautiful man. Half of me hoped he wasn't there, and I wouldn't have to worry about getting up the courage to ask him anything, but the other half would have been crushed if he was gone.

He was still there, still sipping from his wine glass, in the exact same position as before, and still as devastatingly gorgeous.

Ask him, you'll regret it if you don't.

Yeah, sure, and embarrass myself to pieces if he refuses me.

I paused for an instant, hearing what sounded like the first line of the pre-chorus from Delilah. Shit shit shit shit shit-

I had to hurry along, or I'd make a fool of myself regardless of who I picked.

Shanks. I'll just go to Shanks. Maybe Benn, if he's too drunk.

But my feet carried me, trembling, to the man sipping his wine.

"Calico Jack Calico Jack I've never met a man here looking like that-"

Still trembling, I held out my hand. His eyes seemed to cut into me like knives, and he didn't move.

But neither did I.

The room had gone silent, and all I could hear was Delilah's voice and the band. Beads of sweat gathered on my forehead, and my hand faltered slightly. I did my best to give a polite smile to him, praying he would hurry up and either refuse me or take my hand.

"Calico Jack You've met your match Calico Jack Won't you give me my heart back-"

I started to turn away, ready to just ask Shanks, or piss myself, whichever came first, before I felt it.

His hand wasn't particularly warm, and it was rough with calluses that I presumed were from the giant sword sitting beside him. His touch was tentative for a split second, before committing and fully grabbing it before standing.

Damn, he was tall. I was eye-level with his collarbone, and was trying my best not to gawk at the chest below it when he gingerly grabbed my waist. I jumped at first, forgetting why I'd come up to him in the first place.

"Your friends have been trying to get you to back away since they saw you looking this way. Should you have listened?"

As bored as his tone sounded, his voice melted me like butter. Fuck. This was embarrassing.

"I just- it felt right to ask you," I blabbered, trying to avoid eye contact with him.

He let out a hmf before stepping closer toward me. I snapped out of my trance at the proximity, and hurriedly stepped out toward the dance floor, pulling him with me. Maria and the rest of the dancers were in my peripheral, all looking as if I'd died in front of them.

Was it so hard to believe I could get a good-looking stranger to dance with me? I'd thought that at least Maria had some faith in me.

We settled into a fast-paced rotating two-step, and as we passed around the room, the audience grew rowdy again. I hadn't realized my decision had held so much weight here, but perhaps the little custom meant more to people here than I realized.

I dared to look back up at his face, and instantly started to sweat again as his gazed pierced through me. Shit, he was even more beautiful up close. He'd taken the lead in the dance now, and surprisingly, held himself with the grace of an experienced dancer. Judging by his looks, I could have guessed he'd waltzed or something fancy like that at some point in his life, but he didn't seem the type to be in a dark, noisy place like this. Nor did he seem to be the type to take part in dancing recreationally as a whole.

Too nervous to say anything directly to him, I offered him my best version of a pleasant smile. He remained stoic, but I could have sworn I saw the corner of his mouth prick up.

I was trying my damnest to ignore the lovely shape of his lips when he asked, "What's your name?" it was a piss-poor, stiff attempt at being polite, but I appreciated it nonetheless.

"Jett."

"How lively."

I hummed in response, unsure of what to say.

"Your first dance tonight was... interesting to watch."

Oh, that was mortifying. My face burned, and I could feel my palms growing sweaty.

"I, uh, I'm new here, I hadn't danced in a while, and-"

"You were drunk?" The corner of his lip was quirked up again, just barely noticeable.

"Yeah, but-"

"And now-"

"There's no need for you to be an asshole," I muttered, my embarrassment reaching my tongue before common sense could hold it.

He gave the impression that not many people stood up to him with the way his brows furrowed just slightly. Thankfully for me, he also seemed to want to keep his composure.

He liked being in control.

Perhaps it was the lingering effects of alcohol that made me gather the courage, but that one slip in his stoic expression made me determined to make him crack.

Perhaps a small part of me wanted to see him really smile.

"So- you've been watching me tonight?"

"Don't flatter yourself."

"That didn't answer the question."

"Please, if I wanted to watch someone drunkenly stumble about, I wouldn't have come all the way here." He was trying so hard to stay grumpy, it was laughable.

As controlled as his expression was, he had one fatal tell- those pretty eyes. And they seemed to like to shift the slightest bit down every now and then before looking me in the face again. There.

"You know, you might think my dancing is subpar, but you certainly don't mind peeking at my-"

His grip tightened on my waist, although his face remained neutral. Leaning down, the brim of his hat grazed my temple.

"You are the last one who can make any comments about any sort of inappropriate glances, dear." As he withdrew, he brushed a stray curl over my shoulder.

I hated that he was right, and his touching wasn't doing much to help my case.

Neither was that very open coat that revealed a little more of his waist each time stepped with his right foot. What was somehow more impressive was that he was completely unfazed by dancing. I was sweating and aching, and a few annoying bits of my "hair" kept sticking to the back of my neck.

As thrilled as I was at the chance to dance with such a handsome man, I couldn't help but think it was such a pity he turned out to be so glum. Witty, certainly, but still a bit sour. To be fair, I also couldn't judge him based on his attitude, as I also wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows.

We were actually quite alike, I found, as the dance ended, and the two of us were promptly pulled aside by a very loud ginger man. It seemed the both of us were equally as annoyed by him.

"Oi, Hawkeyes, I didn't know you had that in you," Shanks was slightly slurring his words, but still remained perfectly upright.

Hawkeyes? Oh, shit-

I'd just danced with the world's strongest swordsman, a fucking warlord, Dracule "Hawkeyes" Mihawk.

#mihawk #one piece #slow burn #mihawk x reader #red haired shanks #straw hat pirates

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