#v ; hoist your colors high ( pirate au )

[bcbliophile]

@3katanas Zoro & Pirate Penelope

Perhaps this wasn't what she had in mind when she ran away from home that summers day, lord knew she never thought she would meet Luffy or that she would be offered a job, and yet here she was-- practicing with a gun that a lady had no business holding in the crows nest, she promised Sanji a couple of birds for dinner and she was growing sick of fish so she would deliver. Day by day it seemed the crew grew, but there was one she enjoyed talking to the most, the green haired swordsman currently standing below her.

Seeing her shot, she took it, dropping a rather large bird onto the deck, narrowly missing said swordsman. "Sorry!" Panic filled her voice as she leaned over the railing, looking down at him to see if he was okay. "Did I get any blood on you?" The redhead called down, moving to leave the nest slowly as not to rip another dress before they made it to the next port. Once on the ground she collected the bird, a rather plump thing and turned to look up at Zoro, rather bashfully.

[ofxwonder-moved]

Verse tag drop.

[bcbliophile]

@dynastymuses Colin & Penelope Pirate AU

"It would seem I have been disowned" Penelope hummed, more concerned with her lack of concern than the actual reality that she no longer had a family to return too. "I've never seen harlot used as a verb before" she looked over the letter from her mother once more before laying in on the small table in Colin's room abord the ship. News she was willingly sailing with him and his men had reached her family when she did not make it to her betrothed's home and clearly what she had and had not been doing had been quite embellished.

"Are we still set to make port this week? I would rather like to restock your medicines while we're on land, we are running quite low" she had taken to helping with wounds and sicknesses as a way to earn her keep after nearly a month of convincing Colin she could indeed live on his ship and she had no plans to run away screaming into the night.

[bcbliophile]

@pirtecolin Colin & Penelope

Getting attacked by pirates on the way to meet her much older soon to be husband had not been something Penelope expected, but perhaps it was the more favorable outcome as word of her betrothed's cruelty and malice was well known, even in England. She was taken with the other hostages and while they cowered, she stayed sat upright, staring the captain down, even with her wrists bound and gagged she showed no fear.

What was the worst he could do-- kill her? She was already dead the moment her mother signed that contract and they all knew it. With some effort she managed to work her gag down and out of her mouth. "Who are you and what right do you have to take us?"

[bcbliophile]

"Whisky please" Penelope smiled at the waiter as she settled in next to Zoro, she had just finished up at the clothes makers when she saw a familiar head of green hair ducking into the tavern and followed after him. She had ordered enough bullets and some odds and ends for her guns to last the three months before they would make port again and spend the rest of the afternoon roaming a bit.

She found she did not miss land as much as she had thought she might though her missing person poster made her sigh, not nearly as nice as a wanted poster, but it was worrying enough that she kept her hood up none the less.

Perhaps she should cut off her hair or color it, she may look into that before they set off in a few days. "Find everything you needed?" The redhead lowered her hood and grinned up at him.

@bcbliophile liked for a One Piece Starter for Penelope!

Walking into the tavern his gaze flicked around the room before spotting a booth in the back corner that would give them a good view of the room as well as enough space for their growing crew to sit since they'd agreed to meet here for dinner after getting done with their shopping. The port town was large enough that it would be able to supply them with a good amount of the much-needed supplies that had dwindled over the last few weeks.

His own list had been short though in high need. His swords now glistened at his hip after the careful attention from the local blacksmith.

Dropping into one of the seats he paused when another joined him soon after, brow arching at the sight of Penelope before turning his attention to the waiter who'd apparently arrived shortly after him. "I'll take a beer and then something for my friend."

[bcbliophile]

@3katanas Zoro and Penelope

"Do you ever get mildly concerned with how much he can eat?" Penelope sat next to the green haired swordsman in the crew mess, watching Luffy put away another whole chicken as she sipped on her beer. They were celebrating, so she couldn't fault anyone for their good mood, but she was slightly worried about the provisions they had only just picked up dwindling too soon. That was an issue for tomorrow, tonight she was all smiles, her head resting on Zoro's shoulder.

They had been seeing less and less of her missing posters as of late so she could only assume her mother and ancient fiancé had finally given up on her, she felt like she could breath now and perhaps finally think about the crush she had developed on Zoro in their months at sea.

[bcbliophile]

❛ i’m starved for you, morning and night. ❜ @pirtecolin

His words made her blush deeply, cheeks stained the color of her hair as wide blue eyes looked up at the captain. She hadn't expected such a bold declaration from him and yet it wasn't a complete surprise, the pair had grown close since she joined his crew to the point it had been assumed he already compromised her. "You need not starve when I am right here and I am yours" she offered a small smile as she took a tentative step closer to him, mere inches separating them now.

[bcbliophile]

"In a few weeks he will reject my hand, even though you have been nothing but respectful and kind to me-- there is no way to prove we have not laid together and I am ruined" she did not look sad by this fact, her smile was as warm as ever as she looked up at him. "I do not wish to belong to anyone but you, Colin-- I wish to live out my days on this ship at your side, learning to navigate, watching Michael cheat at cards and listening to your many stories of your travels. I wish to be your wife" she finally spoke the words she had been trying to work up the courage to say.

@bcbliophile cont from here {{&&colin&penelope}}

colin looked at her, his breath caught in his throat as she stepped closer to him. all he wanted to do was reach for her, to take her into his arms, into his bed and never let her go. she was too close, too tempting. penelope was everything he could've had if he'd grown up with his family. now, who he was, he could never ❝no i don't❞ he said turning his head ❝in a few weeks, we will be in scotland, and you will be married. its the life you deserve.❞ he looked at her ❝you were never mine, no matter how much i wished it.❞

[bcbliophile]

"Yes-- gunpowder, pellets, maintenance parts and what I need to keep my guns clean and in working order and at least on this trip-- pants or shorts and some toiletries" Penelope listed off, she found a list was easier to keep up with and she wouldn't over buy. Even when her family had been at their wealthiest the only thing she bought in abundance was books, this shopping trip was for necessities.

"Will do" the redhead gave a slight salute and a cheeky grin at his request. Zoro wasn't a very talkative man-- but she enjoyed when he did speak to her, there was something almost comforting about his voice that she didn't wish to look too deeply into for the moment. She climbed down and landed softly on the deck and making her way to the other woman to pass along Zoro's message, earning him an ear full from the thinner woman about telling her himself insted of making Penelope do it.

The shorter redhead took that opportunity to go make her list , returning to the upper deck once they found a cove to head ashore. She found Zoro and fell into step with him "how long are we docked for?"

"Your list?" Sea gods what was it with women and lists. He was pretty sure half of the shit Nami brought back each time she didn't need. Though he also guessed that it made sense. She'd spent pretty much her whole life either poor or fighting tooth and nail to save up the money to save her village.....but still, how did one even wear that many different outfits?

Rolling his eyes he shifted, lifting the telescope that they left up there for this reason and scanning the horizon. Noting the port and then the very clear Marine Flag flying over it before turning to her before she fully left the nest. "Tell Nami there's a marine base here. We'll need to find a cove and walk into town."

Returning his gaze to the horizon he added as she disappeared over the edge. "I'll be down in a bit."

[bcbliophile]

"I best go prepare for docking, I haven't made my list yet" she had thought she had more time before she would need it. She stood and stretched, dusting off her now shorter skirt and shouldering her gun. She still intended to find a gift for Zoro to thank him for helping her earlier, she wasn't sure what she would give him just yet but she would find something.

Sadly she also needed to cover her hair-- her mother in her vindictiveness was still looking for her and now she put out a reward that was obscene and she knew she could not afford for her return. Perhaps she would perches some dye while she was on land, color it black for now, until her mother gave up.

"Thank you for keeping me company" she grinned as she started to climb down the net, heading to the room she shared with Nami to ready herself.

She had a point there, but he didn't say anything. Instead allowing his eyes to close and the peaceful rocking of the ship to lull him back to sleep. More than comfortable falling into a deeper nap than usual since she was now in the crow's nest with him. Trusting that she'd wake him if he was needed.

As was the case when he felt her smaller hand on his shoulder, eyes snapping open at the words before he shifted to get a look at the island. Taking it in for a moment he then yelled down to Luffy who was playing around with Chopper on the main deck. "Island on the horizon."

Pausing he waited for Nami's voice to respond with several questions. Informing her of the port that Penelope had spotted and the lack of anything that would make docking difficult for the ship that could be spotted at this distance. Relaying the answers Pen gave to the follow-up inquiries before it was decided they'd find a cove to leave the ship in before heading into town.

[bcbliophile]

"You're never just curious, Zoro" she replied, but let the conversation drop as she looked to the sky once more. He was an odd fellow at times but she trusted him with her life, which was more than she could say for most people. Her eyes stayed on the horizon as she felt him drifting off to sleep at her side, unsurprised as she often found him napping in the oddest of places, she just smiled.

It was an hour before she noted a large island looming in the distance, reaching out a hand she carefully shook Zoro "wake up-- we're coming up on an island" the redhead tried not to startle him as she did not wish to get stabbed or tossed from the crows nest, but she did have to wake him so he could decide what to do.

"It looks like there is a large port, but I'm not seeing anything to identify the island itself" she stayed on her knees, looking through the spy glass on her gun, if it was safe it would be a good place to dock for a few days and restock on supplies, but they needed to see if it was hostile first.

"Just curious." He mused, not feeling the need to elaborate on the fact that she was clearly a natural at it. Something told him that she'd already figured that out anyway, and if she hadn't.....well whatever, it wasn't like it was his job to bring it to her attention.

Shifting slightly again, his movements mirroring her own when she shifted for a better angle or view of the sky above he sighed. The sound one of clear contentment, his body setting further against the worn wood of the crow's nest even as the warmth of the sunlight lulled him closer to sleep.

Naps on days like this where the best after all and since she was up here with him scanning the horizon for birds or other things she could shoot for dinner, he didn't have to bother with actually keeping an eye out for danger or new islands.

[bcbliophile]

"Which is why I shot down two extras yesterday in preparation and am keeping an eye on the sky for more" she replied, this was not her first day hunting for food for the crew, they were small but he was right Luffy could easily clear six on his own. She couldn't say why she picked up on shooting so quickly, it had just felt right for her, the moment she made her first shot it was as if this had been where she should be all along.

She took the flask from her side, this one filled with water and took a sip as she pondered over his question-- had she? She recalled shooting some with cousin Jack before she ran away, but it had been nothing like this.

"A little-- my cousin took me shooting in our courtyard for doves when I was younger and I enjoyed it but Mama said it wasn't lady like and put an end to that" she sighed softly. "Why do you ask?"

"You do realize Luffy could eat six of those things on his own." He countered, eying the massive bird she'd dropped from the skies with an ease that put her on level with Usopp. It was a little terrifying honestly, how deadly accurate she'd become with the weapon in the short time she'd been on the crew.

Shifting to relieve the tingling in his ass from sitting incorrectly he shoved the rest of his rice ball into his mouth. Savoring the flavor even if he'd never admit it to Sanji before swallowing.

Arms moving to fold over his chest, keeping his swords tucked into the crook of his elbow he eyed her. "Did you ever shoot before joining the crew?"

[bcbliophile]

Penelope watched her companion turn the color of their captain's shirt and nearly snickered. But she kept it to herself for the moment. She didn't know what had made him turn that color but it was rather adorable in the moment, he reminded her of a tomato in a way.

"You're welcome" she smiled brightly, once more turning her eyes to the sky, she saw her target and took aim, her shot was dead on and it fell onto the deck like the last one, making the redhead's smile even brighter. "I got it ! " She chirped, turning to look at Zoro once more.

"We will be eating good tonight" she sat back on her knees once more, seeing Sanji collect the bird with a wave up to her. She waved back and plopped down onto her butt next to the swordsman.

The mention of her needing new clothing had his gaze shifting away once more, a slight blush spreading over his cheeks at the subtle reminder that he'd literally just cut her dress for her. Not like it was anything.....well anything, but still. Fucking hell. Why the hell was he blushing?

Clearing his throat he settled on simply nodding at her words before flicking his gaze back to the proffered earplugs. "Thanks."

Taking the small wax balls from her hands he carefully pressed them into his ears, muffling the world around them to protect his hearing while she shot down meat for them. At the rate Luffy ate it they never had enough, which was why Chopper and Usopp were fishing below.

[bcbliophile]

Sanji seemed to think the women on the ship were softer than they actually were, in reality they could easily destroy a man with a couple of well aimed words or shots, but he kept them fed and was quite entertaining when he drank. . . So they allowed him to think as he wished to. The redhead finished off her own rice ball before taking her place on her knees once more, setting up her gun and scope.

"That is true, I'll need to pick up some dresses-- or maybe some pants and bullets" she was running frighteningly low right now and she couldn't have that. God help them if they only had to depend on Usopp's skills. She shuddered at the thought.

"Ears?" she offered him a couple of her earplugs, knowing her gun was a bit loud from this close.

Finishing his rice ball he settled back against the worn wood of the nest. Swords braced against his shoulder as he help them in his lap. Sitting in a manner that gave him a view of the sea while also ensuring she had enough space. The last thing he needed was the cook coming up to yell at him about not taking care of one of the girls.

Honestly, it was like Sanji forgot they could more than handle themselves and anything that came towards them.

Squinting as he looked out over the sea he then shifted his gaze towards her at her question. "It will be nice to get off the ship for a while and we need more supplies."

[bcbliophile]

Penelope smiled warmly when he took the snack and nibbled on her own, blue eyes on the sky for any birds she could shoot down for dinner. There was only so much fish she could eat and she knew the rest of the crew felt similar, so she wanted to do her part. She sat on her knees next to him, her rifle muzzle resting against the wood railing.

"Thank you again for helping with my skirt, I can move much easier now" she was still thinking about what she could get him as a thank you for cutting her skirts for her. Perhaps some sword polish or maybe a new bandana? She would talk to Luffy and she what he thought.

She finished her snack before she leaned forward, looking through the scope only to see nothing as of yet. That was okay though, she had time and she now had Zoro to keep her company while they waited. "Are you excited to make port tomorrow? It's been a while."

Fucking hell. He'd forgotten that she always shot from the bird's nest when hunting for food for them. Having retreated to the area because it had been the farthest from her. A refuge he used to get away from Nami at times as well when he needed to. Though Nami had never kissed him on the cheek before, she usually just left him with a bruised skull and pounding headache.

Glancing up at her to ensure she knew he'd heard her he merely grunted. Shifting in the close quarters to provide her the space she would need for her task before settling in. Legs and arms folded and swords propped at his side. Though he kept his eyes open and upon the horizon.

The offered rice ball had his attention shifting back to her. "Yeah, thanks."

Accepting the offered food he took a massive bite, the awkwardness from earlier vanishing from his muscles as he settled into the small snack.

[bcbliophile]

Penelope didn't have time to process his words or to tell him she would be joining him shortly as she still needed another bird for dinner before he was gone. For such a large man he moved so fast and silent. Part of her wondered if she had done something to offend him, but she refrained from asking as she would see him again in a moment. Instead she adjusted the strap of her gun on her shoulder once more and headed down to the kitchen.

Once she dropped off the bird and let Luffy know Zoro was on watch she headed back up, smiling in greeting once she was at the top. "Hello again-- I need to bag one more bird for dinner, hope you don't mind" she chirped as she settled in next to him. It was close quarters, but she still had room to maneuver her gun.

"Rice ball?" Penelope pulled a couple of wrapped balls from the handkerchief Sanji had given her, a thanks for hunting dinner more or less.

He froze in place as he felt her lips brush his cheek, blinking in surprise at the strangely intimate gesture that....well that no one had ever given him before. Leaving him unsure of how to even respond, his hand resting on one of the hilts at his side as he stood there like an idiot for a few seconds.

Finally blinking as she moved about, gathering the fabric as if nothing had happened out of the ordinary. His other hand rising to rub the back of his neck as his face heated slightly at her words. "It was nothing."

Clearing his throat he looked around before muttering. "Tell Luffy I'm taking next watch in the crow's nest."

Then, out of a need to flee from the rising embarrassment that he was unaccustomed to feeling he easily swung up into the ribbing that led up to the perch at the top of the mast.