#wano is changing me as a person

[beanghostprincess]

No offense to anyone but genuinly the Babby Shuggy moments not only made me ship it but also make me not understand people who feel like their dynamic in canon isn’t „all that interesting“ after they split. „They haven’t seen each other in years. They are different people now. They aren’t thinking and regretting their splitting 24/7!“ okay, but also like…. You don’t want them to have more screentime after the flashback that can just really flesh out how they changed? You don’t think Buggy fucking up upwards coupled with Shanks actual epicness while still being the type of guy to be chill with Buggy and congratulate him for fucking up upwards would be fun? You don’t even want them to have that cool anime shonen type thing where they work together for a while and get into a fight and get a full page panel of them ready to kick ass while standing back to back? (The „What? You’re fighting too?“ scene from Kingdom Hearts may be overused but it comes to my mind immediatly because sometimes things are overused for a REASON and it fits them in a weird way) Like…. Okay. Your loss. But even beyond shipping I am still a bit flabbergasted at some people being like „Yeah but there’s nothing THERE.“ like, COME ON THERE COULD BE SO MUCH.

Okay, anon, sometimes you need to understand that people have no taste and sometimes we are more intelligent than others and we have to carry the burden of liking and understanding an amazing ship that a lot of people find boring in canon because they don't know how to read the characters. (I'm half joking here, by the way)

Like!!! I started shipping them from the first second they mentioned they were together when they were young. The first flashback of them has the biggest most beautiful "young, teenage best friends to lovers angsty with a lot of pining and not actually unrequited love" I've ever seen. And not only that, even their fucking past is a slow burn. They make you wait to know about the resentment and what happened between them (I've only watched that flashback in wano, if more things are shown in the arc or the manga I don't know about them so don't spoil me in the comments pleaseplease) and it's so so so beautiful. Like- They make me want to lay on the floor all day and cry WHAT'S NOT INTERESTING ABOUT THEIR DYNAMIC????

You know what happens, anon? A lot of people don't like the childhood best friends to lovers trope because they find it boring (for some reason I still don't understand because it's literally my favorite trope) and so they decide to focus on the rivalry and angst that comes later but, y'know, that's when the fanon thing comes up and they focus more on that than on their actual canon past where they're best friends.

And tbh the fact that they reduce their characters only to their relationship instead of to their actual personalities and goals is a shame because Buggy and Shanks have to be two of the most charismatic and interesting anime characters I've ever seen. They're fun and extremely cool to watch even when they aren't thinking about each other 24/7. People, please stop only thinking about ships for a moment?? And if you do, please at least think about how cool it's going to be once they get together again after so much time being apart.

This reminds me a lot of Soukoku and Satosugu ngl. The whole BFFs until there was this big betrayal thing and also the fact that people only like them because of their relationship and are always mad their characters aren't only about the ship.

Honestly, I'm so excited to see more of them and every time they talk/show up on screen I immediately start sobbing. How could people not find them interesting in canon? Buggy is literally one of the best characters wdym?? Also he'd be extremely angry at people reducing him to his relationship with Shanks, dude already is tired of that man let him rest!! Imagine people always talking about you to talk about the ex you still love like damn please he's an awesome character too. And Shanks, too, but like the dude is a simp and he would love this whole thing so-

[wigglesdtuff]

i am incapable of being normal about them

[hauntingblue]

Try not to make fights between two women look homoerotic challenge level impossible

[maximumqueer]

Luffy still not realizing that he is who the Iron Giant is talking to when it is calling him Joyboy is very funny

but it also reinforces the themes surrounding Luffy and the concept of Joyboy and Nika.

Because while Luffy in gear 5 looks similar to how Joyboy has been depicted, he is not literally a reincarnation of Joyboy. He is not the second coming of a god, he is - first and foremost - Monkey D. Luffy, the man who will be King of the Pirates. And him still not acknowledging that he could (even potentially) be the "Joyboy" that the robot is referring to solidifies that.

And what is particularly impressive to me about this thematic throughline, is that it is able to coexist with the belief of characters like Bonney, Kuma, the giants etc. that Luffy is the second coming of Joyboy, of Nika. Because Luffy isn't that. We the audience know that Luffy awakened his devil fruit, and that his resemblance to the Nika and Joyboy of history is because they both had/have the same fruit. We know that Luffy is still Luffy. He has not been possessed by a god (hell, we don't even know if deities actually exist in the would of One Piece, as we have only ever seen the worshipers of them), or by the previous wielder of the fruit. Luffy is still Luffy. If anything, his awakening has amplified who he is, not changed him. And it is in this way that Luffy sort of becomes a Schrodinger's Chosen One.

Because the narrative of One Piece does not present him as a chosen one. He awakened a devil fruit, but not because that was his destiny, or because he knew of some greater prophecy surrounding it. Luffy's actions are for no one but himself and his friends (as in he is not making his decisions with the knowledge of a prophecy, whether it be to fulfil it or avoid it). He is not guided by fate, and anytime we see Luffy follow in the footsteps of another by inheriting their will, it is his own choice. Luffy chose to pursue being the next pirate king, and chose to keep Ace's promise to Tama (and the people of Wano). But certain characters within One Piece do view him as this pre-ordained return of Joyboy. And they are not treated as idiots for this, their faith in the return of their god is treated seriously, and with respect. And their faith IS rewarded, just not necessarily in the way they were expecting. They DO get Joyboy, but not as a reincarnation or a possession, but as a person who can choose to take up the mantle of Joyboy, if he so wishes. And even if he doesn't, Luffy cares enough about freedom (both for himself and others he cares for) that they will still get Joyboy, even if that isn't his name.

[slowcatsisland]

Trafalgar D. Water Law; Ideal Type Deep Dive

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The first thing that comes to my mind is that audio - “ I need to find my darling husband!” “What do you see in that guy?” “He makes me laugh.”

Law absolutely needs to be with someone who can make him laugh.

Throughout the post time skip arcs, it has been shown that Law -

Has a fear surrounding accepting and giving love

Believes that there must be a reason for earning love/giving love to someone

Law’s character had the most development in Dressrosa and Wano that could propel him towards healing with the defeat of Doflamingo, the revenge of Corazon’s death, and the closure statement that Sengoku says to him: “Don’t try to find a reason for someone’s love.”

Law has to heal first, or have a partner that will help him heal. To me, Law wouldn’t even think of committing to a relationship until the end of Dressrosa/Wano.

Law surrounds himself with goofy people, so it makes sense for him to fall for a goofy person.

This person would probably be on his crew as his trust issues wouldn’t allow for him falling for someone that has other loyalties that could easily be prioritized over him and end up betraying him.

Law is strict about subordinate dynamics, which is why you being on his crew may also hinder him from wanting to pursue something with you because he’s supposed to be your boss essentially.

Law would want someone that is smart, textbook smart like he is, but I also see this not being important if he truly runs into the ‘one’ that brings him the most peace.

I mean by that if you can’t hold and add to a conversation about idk the anatomy of the human body and the effects of a certain ailment, you’re not totally disqualified from his radar.

Someone who could hold emotional conversations with him is good. Even if he probably wouldn’t want the conversation. He’s kinda icky with feelings. Someone that could tell him how he feels, how they feel, and how that changes the context of whatever situation they are in. He needs someone like that.

I used to be opposed to the thought, but I believe Law needs someone truly soft. That means you could still fight if needed, but would rather not yk. It’s okay if you’re not out here swinging a machete trying to bloody the streets with your foes. That aspect of humanity that you have is something Law needs more prevalently in his life.

I remember reading an analysis of Law’s type and the creator said something similar to “Law needs someone who wouldn’t pull the trigger, just like Corazon didn’t.” I don’t know how much I agree with it but I think it’s worth mentioning.

Someone patient, but stubborn. Someone who is willing to wait for him to be ready to accept his feelings and won’t leave him when he makes a mistake (trust me he will make many mistakes in a relationship). Someone who also won’t be an idle figure in situations, you have an opinion and will voice it even if it doesn’t agree with Law’s perspective. You think the crew should help him on something rather than wait on the submarine and him go off alone? Tell him and make him listen, even if he shuts you down.

Law needs someone positive that can look at things with a glass half full mindset. Someone who looks at the rain and thinks about how the plants are getting water, someone who watches the snow fall but are commenting about how Penguin and Sachi are making snow angles and Bepo is really comfortable in the temperature. You even out his pessimism and bring light.

You’d have to get along with the other crew mates, especially Bepo too. Bepo is so important to Law, and if Bepo didn’t like you it already taints Law’s image of you.

After reading some of the Law Novel, preferably someone with a goal in life. It doesn’t have to be a huge driving factor that you live day by day by. It could be something small that fluctuates daily or weekly or wtv. Someone that can strive towards a goal they set for themselves and gets a glint of determination in their eye. But it’s also okay if you’re not like this because this won’t deter him fully if you aren’t a driven person.

You were always kind to him. Even before he invited you onto his crew, he identified your nature and could make a note about how you’re different from the majority of people he’s met.

Preferably, you’d be goofy, but not too loud. I feel like Law gets uncomfortable around those that are crazy extroverted- kinda like Luffy. Sometimes it reminds him too much of the Donquixote Pirates with all their flamboyance. That doesn’t mean if you have this quality you’d be off the list, he would just need it in smaller chunks or around the crew to be acclimated to it.

Grr, someone that ends up reminding him of Rosinante. Someone that Law knows is just a good person, regardless of their past.

If he asked you “why do you love me?” And you couldn’t give him an answer, you’re perfect.

He needs someone to be his safe space. Someone that could sit in his office while he works, content in the shared silence. Someone that he could ramble about his coin collection to without the worry of being judged. Someone that he could let touch his chest and have them run their fingers through his hair without worry that he’ll be harmed. Someone that will soothe him after he has a nightmare or read out loud to him until he falls asleep.

Someone that cares for him- this loops back to the stubbornness. Someone that tries to make him go to sleep, to make him eat, to make him take breaks from working. To make him live happily, something that he’s starved himself of truly ever since he was 10. He prolly won’t act like it, but you showing you care for him makes his heart bleed suffocatingly.

Someone that can show him how to love again and what it feels like to love again omg. The destruction of Flevance and the manipulation of the Donquixote Pirates so cruelly changed his perception of love.

Law wouldn’t want you to be a big shot in canon. If your bounty was rather substantial compared to his crew and him, or you had a crazy ability- it would make him worry awfully. He’d probably try to keep you out of harms way even more than he does with the rest of his crew.

Someone he can tell everything to and trust that they’ll keep it a secret.

Someone that likes the cold, likes the ocean. Living on a submarine as a pirate kinda requires this lol.

Omg imagine you’re from the North Blue too. He picks you up around the same time he does Penguin, Sachi, and Bepo. You’re one of the original members. The connection I feel like he would have with you would make him more willing to fall for you…

I feel like Law would like someone with longer hair. If he could watch them brush it, curl it around his finger, watch them create a hairstyle for the day. Small acts of domesticity in life.

Someone with large, doe eyes. He can see so much emotion through them, they hold so much weight. It reminds him of Bepo. (lol)

Someone aware of their own emotions and are in tune with their wants and needs.

I feel like he would fluster really easily if you had a gummy smile. Yk those big, pure smiles where the gums showed. When your eyes crinkly and your teeth are bared so naturally and without malice. It’s so beautiful to see.

•••••���•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

He’s so broken

Mwah 😽

[powerfulblob]

puts on my clown hat

behold, as requested: The Trans Franky Essay. Like most of this is still jot notes and I wrote this when half-asleep so like. I don’t know

Please don’t shoot me.

Section 0: Most importantly...

Due to the Somerton stuff, I really am trying my best not to plagarize.

Unlike TikTok user @theyboss._.franky, I’m not planning to talk about if he’s trans based on physical features, personality, etc.

I’m here to talk about the narrative in particular, and allegory.

also kudos to @punkitt-is-here

[ID: A screenshot of an X post by @punkittdev that reads “this is also partially why i am a franky one piece trans man truther” It features Franky, a cyborg with a shirt that reads “I HRT”.with a sun between the words “I” and “HRT” Franky is a tall man with tan skin and blue hair, and has part of his arms replaced with blue metal with a star at the end. end ID]

Section 1: Cyborgs are inherently trans

I’m literally just going to link The transgender cyborg: an inexhaustive primer because the article does a much better job than I can, but to summarize:

Trans people are not only cyborg-adjacent because of the transphobes who call us that, but primarily because we are used in the same way cyborgs are in text: As a talking point, a disruptive metaphor about humanity as a whole.

That brings us onto the next place...

Section 2: Cyborgs are extra trans in this case.

The reason why I latched onto this in the first place is this character’s backstory.

Franky, who eventually becomes the Straw Hat’s shipwright, starts as a joke character in the Water Seven Arc.

He’s a 40-ish year old man who runs around in a speedo and shoots lasers at people, making a living off of dismantling ships.

However, as more information is revealed, the story starts to humanize and give him a backstory.

quotes from Chapter 358:

“My body got wrecked and parts of it weren’t working anymore... So I transformed myself using scrap metal. It’s how I survived!” 

“Waste wood, scrap iron... I fit right in. First I’ve got to... ... Do something about this useless body of mine!” 

What do these have in common? Retrofitting the self, and rebuilding the body. I think there’s something trans there but IDK

Deadnames (partially joking here): As said by another character “Cutty Flam of Tom’s Workers is dead. As long as you don’t use that name... ... There’s nothing connecting us”  (for context, Franky was changing his name to evade government capture, but shhh let’s just pretend we’re talking about deadnames)

Actual Section 2: The Boats are trans now

speaking of the self as a construct...

I think it would be giving Oda too much credit for doing this on purpose.

But, he also accidentally created one of the best analogies I’ve ever heard for gender identity and against gender essentialism:

And of course, it has to be boats.

chapter 353: “Franky, there’s no such thing as blueprints for a pirate ship!! If the sailors who board that ship run up a skull-and-crossbones, then it’s a pirate ship. If they fly a seagull flag, it’s a navy ship. Build whatever you want to build, Franky.”

Like again: It’s the idea that there’s no instructions for a person, it’s what you decide to create out of oneself?

Alright. So, in terms of most manga, he actually does a rather good job. One Piece is primarily a series about misfits and outcasts: The series is goofy and over-the-top as a rule. So, one could argue the extreme way in which he portrays trans people up until the Wano arc is just a part of the series.

yeah idk

[crocodilenjoyer]

op fic recs...2!

g

feed your plants a little sunlight by swordsmans | ambiguous setting, post-timeskip | zolu | 4.2k | complete

Instead of napping, Zoro helps. It is his job, after all.

Trochilus by stealth-black-leg | ambiguous setting, post-wano | gen, robin & crocodile-centric | 2.5k | complete

The trochilus, sometimes called the crocodile bird, is a legendary bird which was supposed to have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the Nile crocodile.

how to talk without speaking by swordsmans | post-shells town through pre-baratie | gen straw hats, luffy-centric | 6.9k | complete

In the beginning, Luffy does not know how to read. In the grand scheme of things, this does not matter.

Little Monsters by blue_wonderer | post-wano | gen, straw hats-centric | 7.7k | complete

Vinsmoke breathes out, a smirk on his swollen, bloody face.

“Our captain is here.”

Or

Post-Wano, some lucky (or not-so-lucky) Marines capture the still-injured Sanji and Usopp. Naturally, the rest of the crew casually rips the world apart to get them back. One lone warship never stood a chance.

The Many Marriages of the Straw Hat Pirates by LadyCrimsonAndBlack | across canon, pre- and post-timeskip | gen, straw hats-centric | 2.9k | complete

There are a lot of strange traditions to be found on the Grand Line. Sometimes, the Straw Hats get caught up in them.

(Or: The Straw Hats get married to each other. Repeatedly.)

so much like stars by blue_wonderer | post-dressrosa, pre-zou | zolu, pre-zolawlu | 12.1k | complete

“Why are you the way you are?” Law asks, gesturing to Zoro and Luffy in their entirety. “You look pathetic.”

“Luffy fell in,” Zoro shrugs. Law thinks he may be the only person in the world who can convey both “Luffy fell in, he’s such a fucking idiot” and “Luffy fell in, what else was I supposed to do but follow?” in one line.

“I’m very sorry.” Luffy reaches up and pats Zoro on the chest.

“You’re a terrible liar.”

Luffy wheezes a short laugh. “I like swimming with Zoro.”

“Shut up, you little shit.”

“How about you both shut up and let me work,” Law grouses.

OR

Stargazing and snow, festivals and dreams, and the quiet change in the dynamic between Law, Luffy, and Zoro during a few cold nights on the way to Zou.

t

Seabound by AnkhPosts | au; canon timeline n/a | deuceace | 8k | complete

Ace is a selkie, making one of his periodic stops on land to catch a breather and get some ridiculously tasty human food, maybe see some sights if there are any. His pelt is safely hidden, he'll stay a day or two at most and be on his way.

Deuce is a mer, alone on the sea and traveling as he pleases for the first time in his life, and while he might not be terribly interested in actually interacting with humans it's hard not to see them as fascinating.

Ace meets Deuce. Deuce meets Ace. Neither knows the other isn't human.

The Jester whose nickname is Fate by stealth-black-leg | pre-canon | dragodile | 2.5k | complete

Crocodile believes in luck, gambling, coincidence, but not fate. He believes in free will, and that every person can choose any future they’d like for themselves, if they’re strong enough to build it.

He didn’t choose this for himself though, and if there indeed is a fate, then Fate, pardon his French, is a fucking little bitch.

By Any Other Name by ginger_snappin | au with information from wci | sanlu | 10k | complete

Sanji should stop doing this.

He recalls Lucy’s earnest smiles, the insatiable physicality of him. The tugging Sanji can feel in his gut toward his friend, an urge to follow him blindly that Sanji cannot resist.

He thinks of Lucy’s full fat stomach after a meal, sated, the murmured, “thanks for the food,” and the mismatched HUNGRY HUNGRY HUNGRY that Lucy’s soul exclaims whenever those warm brown eyes meet his own blue ones.

Sanji cannot stop.

-

A young king comes to power, and his hungry suitors follow… even the reluctant ones.

You've Got A Friend In Me by Hazel_Athena | post-timeskip, pre-egghead | zosan, perona & zoro | 19.1k | complete

Zoro grunts, likely because she hits him with more force than either of them are expecting, and then returns her surprise with one of his own by wrapping his arms around her and hugging her back.

“They hurt you?” He murmurs, and she shakes her head.

“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” She insists, although which of them she’s trying to reassure, she isn’t certain.

Interim Arrangements by Hazel_Athena | au, post-wano | zosan | 43k | complete

It’s so quiet in the war room that you could hear a pin drop. Not a single person dares to say a word - not even the favored princes - and all eyes remain fixed on the head of the table, where a large figure sits hunched over in its chair, clutching the latest newsreel between two massive fists.

Having been forewarned of some of the contents of said newsreel, Sanji does his best to keep anything from showing on his face, to maintain his expression in an implacable facade. He thinks he largely succeeds in controlling himself outwardly, but inwardly his gut is churning with emotion.

The newsreel twitches, and the five people not holding the paper sit up a little straighter in their seats, each of them bracing for impact without actually meaning to as slowly, oh so slowly, the paper is lowered down until it’s resting flat on the table.

“Well,” Judge says, his mouth working like he wants to spit. “This is certainly an … unexpected development.”

Stakes by CaptainJojo | post-wano | gen, luffy & zoro | 4.2k | complete

Zoro has a good grasp of what fights are- and are not- worth his time.

Or: Zoro gets lost and gets in one (1) fight about it.

(The real fight begins in chapter 2 but I'm leaving 1 in because I wrote it so it gets posted and that's the rule)

lion-skinned by kurgaya | ambiguous setting, post-timeskip | zolu | 10.6k | complete

If there was ever a reason to eat a Devil Fruit, Zoro supposes it would be in the process of saving his idiotic buffoon of a captain from a certain and most horrible death.

Familiar by NothingSoDivine | pre-canon | smoker/benn beckman | 1k | complete

"You look familiar."

The stranger chuckles. The sound warms Smoker down to his boots. "I get that a lot."

Years before being stationed in Roguetown, Smoker runs into a familiar face in a bar on the Grand Line. Unfortunately, Smoker can't quite place where he's seen the guy before...

A Little Assurance by nocturneequuis | ambiguous setting, post-timeskip | frobin | 1.1k | complete

Robin wonders how much further Franky will take himself. When does the man end and the machine begin?

e

Arctic Birds by LibbyLune | pre-canon with information from water 7 | mihawk/iceburg | 15k | complete

“Oh yeah, you want Water 7,” Shanks declares, kicking the hull of Mihawk’s small sailboat with a careless boot. “Sailing around in this piece of crap doesn’t suit the World’s Greatest Swordsman, Hawksy.”

Mihawk is a man of high standards, but the expert shipbuilding is not the only feature of Water 7 that he ends up impressed by.

The Onigiri Story by leghair | post-alabasta through the end of wano | zosan | 40.1k | complete

It had been bad enough trapped on a boat with Zoro, body and face and voice sending Sanji's imagination racing, bitter-knowing he was straight as his swords and half as sharp. So Sanji had ignored the attraction - maybe allowed himself a greedy little peek now and then, but he’d never let it become a problem. He’d never let it become anything. He'd known that's how things were going to stay and he was fine with it, he had been dealing with it, this wasn't his fault. It's not like he'd ever wanted Zoro to know.

A canonverse getting-together fic with lots of porn, some plot, and plenty of feelings, following the progression of their relationship and the canon events that impact it. A couple of common zosan tropes get flipped, there's a smidge of angst for good measure, but with a very happy ending.

Finally updated post-Wano and WCI!

nr

Chasing Flowers by taizi | probably g or t | ambiguous setting, post-timeskip | gen straw hats | 4.7k | complete

"It's an old tradition in our town; on the second week of the second month of the year, you leave flowers for the one you love, for them to follow back to you. By their house, where they work, nooks and corners that are special secrets between just the two of you."

(Luffy's crew leaves him flowers, and an old innkeeper gets drawn into the chase.)

Clinical Practice by taizi | probably t | ambiguous setting, post time-skip | chopper-centric | 2.4k | complete

"I'm his doctor!" Chopper all but shrieked, closer to hysterical than he'd ever been- because in four days time those people could really have hurt Luffy, and he was so tired of being treated like a kid. "I'm his doctor, and I'm going to find him right now!"

Inanition by taizi | probably g | ambiguous setting, post-timeskip | gen straw hats | 1.9k | complete

in·a·ni·tion, noun; lack of mental or spiritual vigor and enthusiasm; exhaustion caused by lack of nourishment.

(In which Luffy's metabolism is faster than his doctor understands.)

[thetempleofthemasaigoddess]

His fourth sword

Roronoa Zoro x reader. NSFW!!

Based on this. This story continues in Her sweet peach.

*****

You have been seeing each other -if that is the right word- for little more than a month; neither expected it to happen, it simply did, like it’s often the case with good things. After a night spent drinking saké on the bridge, you ended up making out in the small room behind the kitchen, fierce kisses multiplying as your and Zoro’s hands explored each other’s body. Nothing more happened, but it was intense enough to make your head spin; that time was, and all the ones that followed, almost every day since and sometimes twice before dinner time, whenever the two of you could find a moment away from your crewmates.

You never talked about it; you never felt the need to, at first at least. Until now…

“Here, this is yours.” you announce as you step into the boys’ cabin, a pile of washed and neatly folded clothes in your arms; Zoro, who is sitting on his bed with one of his swords and a rag in his hands, blinks as he lifts his gaze on you, his brow furrowed.

“Is that my stuff?”

“Yes, I found it in the basket; I was doing my laundry, I thought I’d wash these as well.”

Zoro grins as he stands, carefully lowering the sword next to the other two on his bed to take his formerly sweat-soaked clothes from your arms. “Thanks, (name), you didn’t have to.”

“I know I didn’t; I just felt like doing you a kindness.” you explain with a shrug; you are not the most romantic of women and talking about feelings usually makes you uncomfortable in the best of cases, but at the same time you see no reason to hide how fond you are and always have been of your friends, including the green-haired swordsman who in the last month has stuck his tongue in your throat more times than you could count, and even had to wear a scarf for a few days -it’s just a cold, no I don’t need help, thanks Chopper- to hide the hickey you had sucked on his neck.

“Well, thank you anyway.”

“No problem. Am I bothering you?”

Zoro shakes his head as he returns to his bed, and his swords, which he is busy cleaning. You sit on the bed in front of his -Sanji’s- and spend the next couple of minutes like this, your knees supporting your elbows, your fingers intertwined under your chin, observing the young man in front of you.

He’s handsome, undoubtedly so, strong and fit and more good-looking than he probably realises, but that is not all; he’s also strong-willed, clever, stubborn, generous, and kind, all characteristics you have always appreciated in a person. You didn’t expect to feel attracted to him, you wouldn’t have imagined it in a million years, but at the same time, now that it has happened you don’t feel surprised at all, much less regretful…

“You are staring at me.” Zoro comments after a while, without looking up; he’s been rubbing the sword’s blade for five minutes.

“Shouldn’t I? You’re very handsome.”

“Damn, (name)...”

“What’s wrong? Zoro, are you blushing?” you ask, amused, and he mumbles something under his breath, once again avoiding your gaze. You can’t help but finding it funny, that a man who has fought the strongest foes without fear and even risked his life to save that of his captain, could feel self-conscious simply because a woman -one he has made out with at least three dozens times, but still- has complimented him, but the last thing you want is to make him uncomfortable, so you decide to change the subject.

“That’s the sword you got in Wano, right?” you ask, observing the katana with its slightly curved blade and golden and lilac-colored hilt; you have never had any interest in swords, but you have to admit it is beautiful.

“Enma, yes.”

“And then there’s the Kisetsu…

“Kitetsu. Sandai Kitetsu.”

“Sorry. And the Wado Ichimonji, which belonged to your friend Kuina.” you conclude, observing the other two blades resting on the bed next to Zoro, already polished to perfection “Are you the only man in the world who uses three swords?”

“That I know of, yes.” Zoro admits with a grin, clearly pleased.

“When I first met you I couldn’t believe you could actually fight with all three together. Then there’s your fourth sword, but that obviously doesn’t count.”

Zoro’s hand finally stops. “... what?”

“Your fourth sword.” you repeat, surprise evident on your face, and you see confusion colour Zoro’s expression as he struggles to understand.

“What are you talking about? I don’t have a fourth sword.”

“Of course you do!”

“No I don’t. (name), is this a joke? I had a couple other swords, the Yubashiri I got in Eines Lobby and the Shusui, but…”

“No, not those.” you patiently explain “Look…”

You stand, covering the brief distance between the two beds in a single step; you gesture to Zoro to stand as well, which he does after placing Enma on the bed once again, and once you are face to face you slowly raise your hand to brush your fingertips against his lips.

Your touch is delicate, feather-like, but Zoro must see something in your gaze, something he appreciates and fears at the same time, because you hear him hold his breath.

“You know…” you continue slowly, and after the chaste caress to his mouth your hand descends to do the same to his chest, a delicate massage to his pecs that makes Zoro’s heartbeat quicken under your palm. Your fingertips not-exactly-accidentally brush against his hard nipples, and he jumps. “Fuck, (name)...”

“I’m talking about…”

Your hand stops at his belt, your gaze searching his for reassurance; this is a line you are yet to cross together, and while you can feel Zoro has already gotten aroused you don’t want to do anything he hasn’t enthusiastically consented to. Your eyes meet; Zoro is clearly struggling to swallow, but he gives you a nod, tiny but determined, wordlessly giving you permission without breaking the illusion you have spun around you both. 

You smile, relieved and proud, and let your hand slip even further down, until you reach his pelvis, your palm and fingers gently cupping his already hardened member.

“... this.” you conclude as you caress him, your touch delicate but relentless, and in a moment you can feel Zoro’s flesh responding to your touch “Your most beautiful sword, the most precious, and powerful, and hard - so hard. But this sword is only for me, you understand? No one else can touch it; only me.”

Silence.

“I asked you a question, Zoro. Is this sword for me, and only for me? Answer me or…”

You let go, just an inch, and Zoro hurries to nod. “Yes! Yes, only you.” he mumbles; the great swordsman, one day to become the most powerful in the world, the vanquisher of so many enemies, has disappeared, leaving in his stead a young man desperate for that touch -a woman’s touch- that, he has confessed to you on your third make-out session, he had never experienced before “Only for you, (name). I don’t want anyone else.”

“Good.”

You kiss him, light and gentle. “You wanna close the door?”

It’s the middle of the day, which makes it unlikely that any of the other boys will need to use the room, but one can never be too sure. Zoro almost trips over his own feet as he crosses the room and turns the key of the cabin’s door, effectively locking three of your crewmates, including the captain, out of their room; it is rude, undoubtedly, but at the moment neither of you cares.

There is anticipation, arousal and anxiety at the same time, as Zoro turns and presses his back against the door, waiting for you to join him, which you have done a moment later.

“Do you want to sit on the bed?” you ask, your mouth an inch away from his. There are few things that you enjoy more than kissing Zoro, tasting sakè on his lips as your tongues battle for dominance, but you won’t do it now: at least, not on his lips “You might be more comfortable.”

“Like this is fine.” he mumbles, clearly struggling to meet your gaze; redness has spread on the tan skin of his face, and while he’s not restrained in any way, he’s completely still, arms spread at his sides “Just so you know, I’ve never done this before.”

“You told me; but this is not a test, you have nothing to prove.”

“I know, just… In case I don’t last long.”

You smile. “As I said, nothing to prove.” you murmur, and a moment later you have gracefully knelt in front of him, eyeing the now evident tent in his trousers. “Hmm, not that I risk remaining unsatisfied, from the looks of it…”

Zoro gulps as he observes you raising your hand to cup him once more; he’s now completely hard, big enough to barely fit in your palm, and you find yourself licking your lips in anticipation. “Is your fourth sword ready for me, baby?”

“Yes!”

“Good. Now, let’s see…”

You keep your eyes to him as you slowly, very slowly, unbutton his trousers and then lower them down his legs, baring his muscled legs, and a pair of black briefs whose fabric looks a moment away from tearing on the front. You take his cock in your hand once more, tearing a long, guttural moan out of Zoro’s lips as you carefully squeeze it. 

“Hmm, what do we have here? Is it a sword or just a tiny dagger?”

“Of course it’s a sword!” Zoro protests, outraged, and a moment later he is biting his lip, well aware he has fallen into your trap “Don’t tease me, (name).”

“I’m sorry, baby. Believe me, I am more than impressed…”

You keep looking at him as you slowly bring your face closer to his body, and then your first kiss is placed on the fabric covering his cock, just above the head; Zoro’s hips spasm, and he “Fuuuck…!” moans.

“You alright?”

“Yes… yes… more than alright… Do it again, please…”

You obey, and you spend the next three minutes kissing Zoro’s sword through his briefs, your pecks delicate and gentle but sufficient to make his legs buckle; he has placed a hand on your head, his calloused fingers running through your hair, while you run yours up and down his legs, feeling the taut muscles under his tan skin. 

“Feels so good…” he murmurs “Ah… yes, (name), don’t stop…”

You don’t, but then you do, and you hear him whine when you pull back; you share a new look, satisfied on your part and literally pleading on his, as Zoro licks his lips, torn between the desire filling his belly, not to mention another part of his anatomy, and whatever amount of self-respect he can scrape up at the moment.

“I thought you said…” 

“I am not leaving you like this, baby.” you reassure him with a smile. You are aroused, very much so, but there’ll be time to take care of your needs; now you’ll see after his, and make sure he never forgets this moment “But I was wondering if you’d like me to take this off you; it might feel better.”

Zoro hurries to take his briefs off, but you stop him, telling him to just relax, and let you take care of him; you take the hem between the tips of your fingers, and then, slowly, agonizingly slowly, you carefully take the briefs off him, letting them fall to the ground.

Zoro’s naked cock is now in front of you in all its glory, large and heavy, soft green hair surrounding the base, its thickness enough to dry your mouth. You swallow, and “Wow…” you murmur, sincerely impressed.

“Is it… good?”

“Are you kidding? Zoro, it’s perfect! It’s really beautiful, just like you are.” you assure him “I’m going to make you feel good, alright? Just tell me if I make you uncomfortable.”

“I will. Just…”

“Yes?”

Zoro bites his lip; he looks uncertain all of a sudden, but something in your smile, and your eyes, must reassure him, because he confesses: “Can… can you take your shirt off before you do it?”

“Of course.”

You remove your top, while Zoro does the same with his own shirt without having to be asked, and his gaze immediately falls on your chest; you smile as you cup your breasts in your hands, squeezing and making them bounce slightly. “Do you like them?”

“Fuck…”

“That is not an answer, Zoro. Do you like my tits?”

“Yes.” he moans; he licks his lips, eyes burning with desire “They look so soft… so pretty…”

“Glad you approve; I can let you suck on them one day if you want.”

“Fuck, (name)...!”

You smile, and a moment later you are holding Zoro’s cock in your hand; you move it up and down the thick column, a drop of pre-cum already falling from the tip lubricating it, and no matter how much you tell yourself to slow down, because hurrying will ruin both your and Zoro’s pleasure, the mere prospect of having it inside your mouth -not to mention somewhere else, one day- is enough to make you salivate. 

Your first kiss touches the tip, while you’re still pumping it, and Zoro jumps. “You were right; it’s way too big to be a dagger.” you murmur “It’s a… what is the largest type of sword?”

“The…” Zoro struggles to speak, and to breathe, as he observes you, eyes wide open, as if he had wandered for a week in the desert and you were a spring of cool, pure water “The… the broadsword, I think… and there are some naginata that are ten feet long…”

“Impressive. But your sword, Zoro, yours is the prettiest of them all… so perfect and strong and long… so beautiful I could kiss it. May I?”

“... yes…”

“I can’t hear you.”

“Yes!” Zoro cries out, loud enough to be heard outside the cabin; he bites his lip, but he’s still smiling “Yes, of course, you can kiss it as much as you want. It’s yours, after all.”

“Good to know.”

You take your time, savouring the sensation of your lips running up and down the thick column of Zoro’s manhood, each of your delicate pecks tearing a moan out of his lips, but it’s only when he feels the silky touch of your tongue on a deliciously large vein that his hips - no, his whole body spasms, a powerful shiver of pleasure running through his flesh. “God…” “Yes, but you can call me (name)...”

Poor Zoro is almost too breathless to laugh, but he does, avidly staring as you keep kissing his cock with abandon, and something akin to pride shines through his gaze. “You like it?”

“Of course I like it. You have…”

You have the best cock I’ve ever seen, this is what you meant to say, before deciding you better not; the young man in front of you was already embarrassed at this being his first time, the last thing you want is for him to have to wonder how many people you’ve already made this very experience with. 

They don’t matter; he does. He really does, and you want to give him pleasure, enough that he’ll never forget this, enough he’ll think he could die for it. 

“... you have a very beautiful cock; I’m very glad I get to taste it.” you finish, and Zoro smiles, before taking your head in his hands, gently caressing your hair, and you smile back at him before you begin licking the head, gently and inexorably titillating it until he’s whining above you, his grip on your head tensing, even though not to the point of hurting you, as if he were mustering all his self-control to remain still, rather than sticking his cock in your mouth.

“Please…”

“Please what, baby?” you ask sweetly as you take advantage of your latest kiss to gently suck 

“FUCK!”

“Keep your voice down, Zoro…”

the head; he moans, the gaze of his single eye expressing both arousal and frustration. 

“Do it, please. Please, I… I can’t take it anymore…”

“Do what?”

“Damn, woman… you know it!”

“I…” kiss “... really…” suck “... don’t.” you reply, and then you add your tongue once more, and Zoro is forced to steady himself with his hand on your shoulder, because his legs are about to give way “Why don’t you tell me exactly what you want?”

He glares, frustrated and as menacing as a man in his position can be, but a moment later his proverbial strength of character wanes, and his voice is pleading, almost begging, as he says: “Take it in your mouth, (name); take… take me in your mouth. Please, I’ll do everything you want, I swear, just… I need to feel you…”

You smile. “Then you will.” you reassure him “I promise” and then, finally, slowly, part your lips to take him in. It’s a sweet, delicious torture, Zoro’s sword entering your mouth inch by inch, and you’re able to swallow most, but not all, of it, and while right now talking is out of the question you’re able to make him understand you have reached your limit with gestures, and Zoro smiles, openly flattered. 

“God, you’re so w-aah, shit…!”

You’ve gotten to work, using your mouth, your tongue and even -very carefully- your teeth to worship Zoro, and his beautiful sword, like he deserves; he tastes good, unexpectedly sweet yet a little pungent, and you happily suck and lick him as the symphony of Zoro’s pleasure -groans, whines, murmurs of your name and pleas of don’t stop, baby, God you feel so good, so warm, I… oh, fuck, just like that…!- fills the air around you. You feel his fingers running through your hair, their touch gentle despite the tension enveloping his body, while your hands move from his hips, which you had placed them on to stabilise yourself, to his buttocks, avidly grabbing the taut mounds of flesh, and Zoro mewls - a sound you had never heard coming from the throat of a grown man, and that makes liquid fire pool in your belly. You will have to quickly retreat to the girls’ cabin soon, making sure Nami and Robin are otherwise occupied, to take care of yourself and imagine how it would feel to have your positions reversed, but now you need to focus on Zoro, and given the way he’s responding to your ministrations, you are confident you are doing an excellent job.

It is almost exhilarating. A powerful pirate, a fearless combatant who has never backed down from a fight and has risked his life more times than he can count, completely in your power, laid bare both literally and spiritually, made a slave of needs and impulses that, you have come to suspect, he had barely paid any attention to before the two of you started fooling around. You are not even really having sex, and most young men his age have experienced much more than just this, but it doesn’t matter; Zoro is literally beside himself, completely at the mercy of you, of your mouth, and of the arousal you have awoken inside him.

It’s scary, almost humbling, that a person can have so deep and overwhelming an effect on another, potentially without being affected themselves; it feels unfair, somehow, even though the last thing you want is to take advantage of Zoro, let alone to hurt him. In that case, you promise yourself, you’ll do your best to make him happy, and make sure he remembers this moment for the rest of his life, even when, if, you won’t be by his side anymore, and why, you suddenly worry, your gentle but relentless pace faltering for a moment, does that thought -the prospect of you and Zoro no longer being together, of him being touched by another woman- hurt so much…?

Zoro notices something is wrong almost immediately. “You alright?” he murmurs, looking down at you; he’s clearly making a superhuman effort to speak intelligibly, but there is sincere worry in his gaze, worry and tenderness, and you’re not entirely sure of how that makes you feel “If you -hnnn- if you want to stop, it’s fine…”

You shake your head -slightly- as you keep licking his cock as if this were the last day of your life. You give a particularly merciless suction that makes Zoro press a hand to his mouth to stifle a scream, and then pull back, freeing his sword from your sheath.

“What…! No, fuck…”

You start pumping him lightly, just to keep him on his toes. “It’s fine; I’m not done with you yet.” you assure him, and you really aren’t; you’ve never been a fan of oral sex in particular, at least when you are not on the receiving end, but what started as a little distraction to please Zoro has quickly become something more, and you’re enjoying it as much as you would if he were the one kneeling at your feet, and this is a thought you’ll have to reflect more attentively later, when you’ll have locked the door of the girls’ cabin behind you “I just wanted to ask where you want to come.”

“... where?”

“Yes. In my mouth or… somewhere else. You know, on my face, or on my tits. I don’t mind either way, the choice is yours.”

Zoro is painting like at the end of a long run; he struggles to swallow, as if deeply torn among the various options. “You… you really wouldn’t mind… swallowing?”

You start pumping him harder. “Not at all, I like it.”

“Then… in your m-mouth. Please…”

A smile blossoms on your lips. Despite his undeniable goodness and generous spirit, sweet is not a word you would normally associate with Zoro, but the last month has led you to reconsider; this is probably a side of him he has never expressed with anyone else, a side maybe even he wasn’t aware of, and you feel blessed, even honoured, that he decided to share it with you. “Of course. Now, I want you to resist as long as you can; you’re so strong, Zoro, so resilient, I know you can do it. Hold it in until you really can’t do it anymore, you’ll see how good it’s going to feel when you finally come.” 

“Do I… tell you when…?”

“If you want. Now, are you ready for me, baby?”

He nods, and sighs when you have taken him in your mouth once again. You suck him hard, hard enough your jaw muscles have started to hurt, your hands moving up and down from his hips to his ass to his thighs, and Zoro seems to have forgotten you are on a ship full of people who could, and shouldn’t, hear him, or maybe he has lost the ability to care.

“You feel so good.” he moans “So warm, I… oh, shit, (name), don’t stop, please, baby, use… use your tongue… yes, like that, fuck…!”

It takes him several minutes to reach the brink, when desperation mixed with the pleasure in his voice makes it clear Zoro’s self-control is at its limit; once again you meet his gaze, and you see doubt, even shyness in his. 

“Fuck, I’m gonna… baby, please, I can’t…”

You nod once, Zoro’s hips, his whole body really, have a new, violent spasm, and then

“(naaaa-meeeee)...!!”

he’s coming in your mouth, a long sigh of relief filling the air as you, still clinging to his body as if fearing he could slip away, drink him avidly, filling your senses with the acrid but sweet taste of his semen. 

*

“Are you alright?”

You’re sitting on the bed, your backs pressed against the wall, as you both catch your breath; the hand towel you have retrieved from Zoro’s side of the closet -he couldn’t move, his legs wouldn’t let him- and that he used to clean himself before pulling his trousers up is abandoned on the floor. You’re still aroused, almost painfully so, and you could easily slip a hand under your skirt to rub yourself to relief -Zoro would surely appreciate the show- but that would mean breaking the quiet, intimate peace surrounding you, and you wouldn’t do that for the world. 

The bright mid-morning light bathes the cabin, the gentle rocking of the ship lulling you; you’ve been awake for maybe four hours, but the peace and contentment you feel are so intense you could easily fall asleep like this, your cheek resting on the shoulder of the young man next to you, who without even realising is now holding your hand, for the first time. 

“Of course I am.” you murmur, lifting your head to meet his gaze “Never been better, actually; but I should be the one asking. Was it… like you imagined it? As good as you hoped?”

Zoro rubs the back of his head, still a bit embarrassed. “To be honest… I had no idea what this could feel like; but it was… God, (name), it was amazing. I think I died for a moment and you brought me back to life.”

“I gave you mouth-to-cock resuscitation.”

“Oh my God…!”

You laugh together, and then a strong, tan arm slips around your shoulders; you happily snuggle against his side, trying your best not to dwell on the fact that this precious moment has ended, and now you both have to go back to whatever life awaits you out of the door. You and Zoro have been fooling around with each other for a month and nothing says you can’t go on like that for many more -... right? He can’t have gotten bored of you already, after this?- but part of you wishes you could remain like this, just holding each other, for the rest of the day…

“It was good, wasn’t it?”

“Zoro, we already spoke of this, it was not a test, you didn’t have anything to…”

“No, I mean…” he starts and then he bites his lips, as if unsure of how to express what he feels… or afraid of your answer “Was it good for you? I mean, I know this sort of thing is mainly one person doing all the work and the other just enjoying it, but I was wondering if… if it felt nice…”

“Oh, Zoro…” 

You cup his face in your hands, tenderness filling your heart. Damn, how could you be so lucky? “It was more than good; it was amazing, because it was you and me, and you took care of me just like I did you.” you murmur softly “Believe me, I am… more than satisfied, and it felt amazing. How could it not, when I’m with you?”

You smile. “And in any case, you promised you would return the courtesy soon, didn’t you?”

“You’ll have to teach me what to do, but I promise I’ll do my best.”

He kisses you soundly; he can taste himself on your lips, and it doesn’t seem to bother him. 

You remain together for a while more, until you need to leave to attend to your duties on the ship; you kiss Zoro one last time before standing to retrieve your shirt from the floor.

“You were right.” you comment once you have reached the door, turning to smile at him. “It was a sword, not a dagger; and as formidable and of excellent quality as the other three.” 

Zoro grins, openly flattered; a moment later you have turned again, and opened the door, and “We’re reaching a new island tomorrow.” he mentions just as you’re about to step out.

“Yeah, I heard.”

“Do you want to… I mean…”

You’re looking at him again. “Yes?”

Zoro, now sitting on the edge of the bed, looks away, but not quickly enough to prevent you from seeing he has blushed. “We could go somewhere; just the two of us. Have a drink, or… there’s an amusement park, it could be fun…”

A moment of -stunned- silence follows. Then, slowly:

“Zoro… are you asking me on a date?”

“You don’t have to say yes; we can simply go on like we’ve done until now…”

“I’d like that. To go out with you, I mean. I would love to.”

“... really?”

“Of course.” you assure him; happiness has filled your heart, the smile so large on your mouth it hurts “I can’t wait.”

“Alright then...”

Zoro grins; he’s even happier than he was ten minutes ago, and doesn’t even try hiding it. “I’ll see you later then.”

“You bet you will.” you answer, and smile before letting the door close behind you. 

[the-music-maniac]

I think what drives me a little crazy (in a good way) about zosan as a ship is - ironically - that they're willing to do the worst possible thing, to sacrifice, for a necessary goal unrelated to their relationship. By that I mean that a common romance trope is an individual being willing to sacrifice the world, anything and anyone else, for their lover, and zosan is...not that. And for some reason that drives me more feral than that other romance trope ever possibly could. I find that more romantic than "I would burn the world for you" and I'll explain why.

The root of their specific willingness to sacrifice isn't a shortage of love or care by any means, but a complete trust and understanding of each other. To the absolute core of who they are. I'm going to refer specifically to that agreement between zosan (that I got spoiled on, so apologies if I get details wrong, I haven't gotten there in the story yet - ALSO spoiler warning if you haven't gotten to around Wano, so click away).

.

.

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I'm referring to Sanji telling Zoro to kill him if he changes after his stint in Germa, and Zoro agreeing without need for an explanation, telling Sanji to survive until then - that is so fucking romantic to me, and people hold it up as proof that they don't care about each other but to me, it's anything but.

There is a burden of duty to being the wings of the pirate king, and they both take that responsibility seriously. They're both devoted to their captain and to their crew, and to the dreams of their crew. Zoro perhaps more outwardly unwaveringly so, but Sanji is devoted too, different from Zoro but equal in intensity. There are moments when you can TELL they're on the same wavelength, moments where Zoro gives a rare speech on the dynamics of their crew and Sanji is silent because he agrees. Sanji is terrified of hurting his found family, and he's terrified of becoming like his brothers and father. He loves his nakama and so he's willing to sacrifice his own life to prevent from turning into that type of monster.

Zoro is similar. He is willing to die for his nakama, and their dreams. They are in complete understanding of that point. Death itself is not something that scares either of them, there are some things that are worth the price. Potentially for different reasons ahem self worth issues ahem Sanji ahem but that's still something they both understand. Zoro would sacrifice himself in a heartbeat to save Sanji (he already has at Thriller bark), Sanji would do the same (again. Thriller bark), so it's not remotely because they don't care or love each other. They are absolutely willing to give all they are to keep each other from outside harm.

But what happens if the threat to the crew is Sanji himself?

Sanji asks Zoro to be the one to kill him, because Zoro is the only one on the crew who he trusts 100% to do so, to fulfill the promise, who understands. I personally think Luffy would try to save his nakama, even beyond what is possible, at his own detriment. The other crew members would probably do the same (then again I'm still not through the show so feel free to disagree with my interpretation).

But Zoro could do it if it came to that. It would be awful, and it would shatter and change him, irreversibly, heartbreakingly so - I don't agree with people who say Zoro would kill his nakama without hesitation and be fine with it out of loyalty to his captain, Zoro has a heart y'all and he loves his crew - but he could grit his teeth and do it if he realizes it is necessary, that there is no other option. Sanji trusts him to keep his word, to protect the rest of their family. Do you know how telling it is about the level of regard you have for your partner, to trust them to the point where you can easily place the well being of almost all you both treasure into their hands, once you realize you can't be the one to protect it anymore, and know without a shadow of a doubt that it'll be safe as long as it's with them? With knowing they're strong enough to accept the heavy burden of having your blood stain their hands for the rest of their life, the blame for your death on their shoulders, the shadow of you in every single thing they do, inescapable and marking every facet of their life forever? And to trust that they'll not only accept those consequences without hesitation because it's what you asked of them, but will also protect what you both treasure until their last breath, without you even needing to EXPLAIN that that's what you're asking to them to do, because it's the obvious, it's what you've both been doing all this time, it's something you both know so well that no words need to be exchanged, no reassurances need to be given.

And the implication of Sanji wanting Zoro to do this task too, of being okay dying by Zoro's hands because they're equals in every way. Especially since their fighting dynamic is mostly a competitive, I'm stronger than you, I'll never lose to someone as weak as you, blah blah. This is proof that that's not what Sanji and Zoro actually think of each other. Sanji knows that they could kill each other if either of them truly tried for one - wouldn't have asked Zoro to kill him otherwise. Sanji is also fine with Zoro being the one to defeat him. There is an inherent (kinda fucked up) romance to that notion. 'If I have to die, let it be by your hands.'

And on Zoro's part, there's an inherent fucked up romance to keeping your lover close forever because your fingers are stained with the necessity of their blood.

fUCK.

(here is a caveat that I'm viewing this in a scenario where Sanji and Zoro have established that they love each other and are potentially in a relationship. If it's before that you could also flavour it with Sanji's "I love him but I think it's unrequited, actually I think he may hate me, so it would hurt him the least to be the one to kill me" which is JUICY, but just for this post I'm viewing it where they've already established that they're valuable to each other, that they care)

How am I supposed to look at that and not fucking die. It's so much more nuanced and romantic to me personally than "I would burn the world for you" because that trope at its core is a selfish sort of protection. I can 100% see how people find it romantic, don't get me wrong, I'm not judging you if you like that trope, that's so valid. It's "I can't live without you" and "I would choose you above all others" which is romantic, but it's romantic in a different way. Depending on the characters, it's also, I would go to extremes to make sure you're alive, even if there's nothing else left after the carnage except for each other, even if everything else that makes life worth living has been destroyed for survival, and we can only ever rely on each other for the rest of time. I only care about you but not anything else you care about. I won't try to save it, even if you tell me to, even if you want me to, and won't forgive me for all I've done because I can't bear the burden of you not being alive and around anymore.

I get why it's compelling, but that trope could ignore (depending on how it's written) everything else that person could hold dear. Ignores potentially, the agency of the person being protected, a character who could have accepted the consequences and have not wanted the world to burn for their sake, who is strong enough for that burden. And true, maybe the character isn't like that, maybe they just want simply to live a life (valid of them, people are allowed to want happy endings for themselves), but my point is, it's a different archetype of romance for a different archetype of character, but it seems to be more accepted as a romantic trope then zosan's dynamic and I think it shouldn't be that way.

Zosan is the opposite. It suits their character type perfectly. For them, it's "there are things that are worth more than even you and me. I love you, knowing who you are and how you view the world and what other things you value. I love you everyday on purpose, not hopelessly or illogically or blindly, even knowing you may not always choose me. I'm willing to accept the pain of that, just to be next to you. The time we share isn't any less valuable for being fleeting and impermanent. I care about the things you care about and our lives are also worth living because of those things. It would tear me apart irreversibly to hurt you, but I would do it if you asked it of me, I would do it if that's what this life demands of us. I know you can protect what we both love, even if I'm not beside you. I respect your choices. In this, we understand each other perfectly."

THAT is my shit. That's the fucking deranged ass bs that has me staring at my ceiling at 3 am, pacing the floors at 6 in the morning, gnawing on conkcrete like a rabid dog. Brain rot brain rot brain rot.

[msfantasy-anime]

Shut Up

Kaido x Reader

Summary: Kaido and Y/n breakup.

A/n: Heavily based on the song Shut Up by Black Eye Peas

“Girl, our love is dyin' Why did you stop tryin'?” Kaido sobs and slurs drunkenly making you sigh in resignation. This conversation feels like it’s on repeat.

Sometime ago you met Kaido and fell deeply in love with him. He was strong, kind and exhilarating. His love was intoxicating and so was the picturesque image he built up in your head on being the perfect family. Just the three of you, together.

Ever since you met Yamato, the cracks slowly started to form in the image in which you use to behold Kaido. You started to slowly see the reality on who your partner really was.

He wasn’t strong, he was imposing and authoritative.

He wasn’t kind, he was controlling and manipulative.

He wasn’t exhilarating, he was erratic and unpredictable.

He wasn’t a loving dedicated father, he was controlling and abusive.

But in your desperation to save the future you desperately wanted, you tried your hardest to hold onto the honeymoon period with Kaido and raise Yamato with the love she deserved. You spent countless hours counselling Kaido on how to be a better father and a better partner.

And as the saying goes, you can’t help those who won’t help themselves.

You’d both get caught in screaming matches over anything and everything or at least, that’s how it feels.

It wasn’t until the annexing of Wano, had you finally come to terms with the reality.

He continues to be an elusive partner.

He continues to be an absent father.

In addition, he’s now a cruel leader over what use to be a happy nation.

You soon realised that the situation wasn’t going to improve. All of the root issues in your relationship stems from Kaido not shaping up to be the better version you’re trying to push him to be. He won’t change, and you can’t make him change.

Truth be told, he was never the person you thought he was.

“I never been a quitter, But I do deserve better.” You answer, slugging your full backpack over your should attempting to walk off only for Kaido to snatch the bag, holding you in place.

“Believe me I will do better. Let's forget the past and start this new plan.” Kaido begins to sputter and all empty promises, just like he always does.

“Why? 'Cause it's the same old routine and then next week we just scream about the same thing.” You retort with frustration.

“I know you're tired of the things I say-“

“You're damn right 'Cause I heard them lame damn empty promises just yesterday.” You scream.

“That was a different thing.” Kaido defends.

“No, it ain't.”

“That was a different thing” Kaido pleads desperately, seeing your unwavering stance.

“No, it ain't”.

“That was a different thing!” Kaido asserts angrily which blows your fuse at his naivety.

“It was the same damn thing, same ass excuse! This conversation is useless!” You turn for the final time, you back facing the man you believed held your world. Now a crumbling, weepy mess.

Without uttering another word, you leave, quickly dashing out through the door.

“You’ll be back!” He exclaims, more as a delusional claim to comfort himself, rather than the ugly truth.

You see Yamato at the bottom of the stairs, pools of tears running down her face. “Please don’t leave.”

Your heart tugs painfully.

You did consider staying for no one else but Yamato, but there is really no helping it. For your own sake and your own sanity, you must leave.

“I’m sorry sweetie, I have to go. But!” You say, pressing a torn piece of paper into Yamatos palm. “Take this, you’ll know what to do when you are older. You’ll always have a home with me okay?” You whisper, holding Yamato tightly one last time. “I’m sorry.”

Yamato nods bravely. “Safe travels Y/n, I’ll see you soon.”

[2baddiesfanfics]

Not a Burden

Pairing: Robin x F Reader

Tags: Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Comfort, Vaginal Fingering, Scissoring, Kissing

Summary:

Back on the high seas after the defeat of Kaido, the crew takes a bit of time to relax. However, one member of the Straw Hats is noticeably missing – its archaeologist. Nami alerts y/n (female reader), and she seeks Robin out to get the bottom of it. You knew that fight with Black Maria was only over in one way.

Read on Ao3

The sun was beginning to set and the silhouette of the Land of Wano had disappeared behind the clouds as the crew continued on their way to their next destination. With one of the fiercest battles they’d ever fought now behind them, the Straw Hats were grateful to be settling back into their routines on the Sunny.

Zoro could be found napping on the lawn while Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp played (a little too loudly) on the swings near him. The soft notes of Brook’s music wafted throughout the ship; over the years he had discovered if he stood in a certain spot on the deck, the sea breeze would carry his voice so everyone could hear.

The aroma of burgers and an assortment of other delectable meats still lingered in the air from tonight’s dinner. Sanji remained in the kitchen, putting the dishes away and starting preparations for tomorrow’s meals.

Franky and Jinbei’s voices could be heard deep in conversation, as the cyborg wanted to get to know the newest member of the crew on a more personal level. The two men walked around the vessel as the shipwright started making blueprints to build accommodations for him.

As you quietly observe the scenes unfolding before you, you hear Nami’s soft steps approach. “Hey, y/n! Have you seen Robin? She isn’t in the library and was even more quiet than normal at dinner.”

“No…I was about to come see if she was with you. I’m sure she’s fine and just needed some alone time,” you reassure her.

Nami nodded and walked down to the lawn to join the others. You thought it was odd Robin wasn’t here enjoying the after-dinner festivities. The two of you would usually watch them from afar as you cuddled with a book. You knit your brow.

This isn’t like her…

Concerned, you decide to go check in on your girlfriend.

You and Robin had become a couple shortly after the crew saved her at Enies Lobby. Having joined a week after she did, you fell for her as soon as your eyes met. You could sense there was a deep yet indescribable pain in the way she looked not just at you, but at everyone else on the ship as well.

Hesitant to get too close too fast and scare her off, you opted to take your time in getting to know everything about her - where she came from, her likes and dislikes, and what she did for fun. It was through your time together you started to think you were out of your depth.

Not only were you naturally introverted, you had already resigned yourself to the idea someone as beautiful and intelligent as her could never feel the same way about you. Despite this, you were still able to bond over how much the two of you had in common. Little did you know…the love you grew to have for her was indeed reciprocated.

A confession didn’t occur until after the tumultuousness of her rescue. After almost having lost her once, there was no way you’d ever let her go through an experience like that again. You still remember it like it was yesterday.

Robin, I know you’ve been hurt, betrayed, and treated as if you were some kind of monster. While I can never truly understand how that feels and changes you as a person, I can make you a promise: For as long as we’re together, I will NEVER allow you to go through that again. I’m yours, forever and always…if you’ll have me.

Neither of you could stop crying at that point, but it didn’t matter. Words weren’t needed. The two of you embraced and the deal was sealed.

Not long after, Franky surprised the both of you. After returning from the two years of training every member of the crew underwent, he built a separate room for you to share. While bunking with Nami was always fun, being able to have a moment to yourselves was a nice option.

“Robin? I’m coming in…” you say as you knock on the door to alert her of your presence.

As you enter the room, you see her sitting on the bed still wearing the lilac kimono she had acquired in Wano. Your breath hitched each time you saw her in it and your heart began to race. You shut the door and walk toward her.

“Hey, beautiful! What are…” you stop mid-question at the sound of soft sniffles. Rushing to her side, you take a seat next to her.

“What’s wrong?” Concern obvious in the tone of your voice.

Placing the back of her hand to her mouth, she whimpers again, nodding her head in the negative. “It’s nothing, love, don’t worry,” she says, tears quietly streaming down her cheeks.

You rub her leg to comfort her. “Flower, please talk to me. You’ve been more quiet than usual since the battles ended. Are your injuries bothering you? I can go get Chopper,” you say, hoping she won’t be too proud to allow you to get her some help.

Wiping her tears away, she places her other hand atop yours, resting them together on her lap. She faces you, her eyes bluer than the waters of even the clearest ocean. The tears that linger make them glisten in a sadly stunning way. Even distraught she was a sight to behold.

“When I was fighting Black Maria, she called me a tramp and a burden to the crew. In the heat of the battle, none of that even registered. But now, those words…‘you’re a burden’… I can’t help but wonder sometimes if there’s some truth to that statement.”

You flip your hand over and hold hers tight. Giving it a reassuring squeeze, you wordlessly urge her to continue.

“At times, I do feel like I don’t belong. After spending years being treated like I wasn’t needed or that my existence itself was a crime…what if it’s all true and I’ve been lying to myself? I’m not proud of what I’ve done in the past, but I had to do it if I wanted any chance at survival…” tears burst forth once again, and you pull her into your lap and hold her close to your chest. You kiss the top of her head as you wait until she regains her composure.

Once she settles down, you caress her cheek as she listens to the steady rhythm of your heart. This grounds her and helps her clear her head.

“Robin, my love, you’re certainly not a burden and you shouldn’t be ashamed of what you had to do to survive. You said it yourself - you simply want to live.” Your soft smile brings a stop to her crying.

“You were alone for a very long time, and from such a young age, at that. The crew wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t here. We love and need you. Nami has someone she looks up to as an older sister, and the knowledge only you have helps her construct accurate maps. Usopp takes inspiration from your scary stories to come up with new weapons to protect himself.” You feel her chuckle against you at the humorous images this evokes.

“Zoro respects the strength and will you have, and only steps in to protect you when he feels it’s needed. Sanji cooks for all of us, but you know he’d make anything you asked of him to special order, just for you. I did actually feel a little bad when he cried when we told him we were together.” You both laugh at the memory of him sobbing on the kitchen counter after you revealed to the crew you were an item.

“Brook appreciates you for being one of the first crew members to accept a skeleton joining and seeing him as a person. Jinbei admires your battle ability and has mentioned to me he wouldn’t want to fight you. Franky has someone to talk to about Pluton and the potential of what the world government would do with it.” You pause for a moment to let her take in your words before continuing.

“Of course, Chopper sees you as a mother figure even if he doesn’t admit it. He’d be lost without your calm, steady presence amongst this rambunctious crew. Most importantly, there’s Luffy. You are the one who is going to help guide him and the rest of this crew to our dreams. He can only become king of the pirates with all of our help - everyone here has a role to play, and none of us are here by mistake. This crew is your nakama and they would never see you as a burden.”

Placing a finger gently under her chin, you tilt her head up to look at you. “As for me, you taught me how to love and that someone like me is worthy of being loved by someone like you. You allow me to be me and accept me without judgment. I would do anything for you, flower. If anything happened to you, I’d turn this world upside down to save you. Do you not remember what I told you when I confessed? I’m yours, forever and always. I love you, Robin,” you declare as you kiss her forehead. She smiles up at you as she leans in closer.

“You have no idea what that means to me. Thank you. You always know what to say to make me feel better. I love you, too, y/n,” she whispers as she leans in and gently brushes her lips against yours. You kiss for what seems like an eternity in the best way, but a sense of unease causes you to pull back.

Taking her hands in yours, you ask, “Wait…are you sure you want this? I didn’t say what I said for any other reason but to make you see how cherished you are and I don’t want you to feel li-”

“Shhh,” she places a finger to your lips before you can finish. “Trust me. I think this is something we both need right now.”

Who am I to argue?

She pulls you back to her and captures your mouth with hers. The soft sounds coming from both of you cause your body to thrum with need, but you don’t dare make a move. It’s her turn to feel empowered and what better way than to let her take the reins?

Her body weight shifts, and you move further back onto the bed you share with her. The scent of the freshly washed sheets underneath you mixed with the familiar smell of tea and old books on her skin is enough to drive you mad, but somehow you remain in control of your senses.

Robin slides on top of you, and your bodies fit together as if you were made for one another. The pad of her thumb now traces your bottom lip as if it were a page from her favorite story. Your tongue darts out for a taste, and you see the pupils of her gorgeous sapphire eyes dilate. Taking her hand and turning it slightly, you place a kiss on her palm. Your mouth meets her wrist and you can feel her pulse quicken against your lips.

She extracts herself from your grip and her hands seek the hem of your shirt. The feel of her fingertips on your flesh nearly sets you on fire. Despite having done this many times before, there’s a renewed sense of urgency to this moment. Your hands get lost in tangles of raven-black hair as you draw her into a deeper kiss.

The moan she lets out echoes throughout your body as she tugs at your top, coaxing you to assist her in shedding it. You pull it up and over your head, only to see she’s shedding her kimono. Your mouth runs dry. You’ve seen this play out before, but the sight never ceases to remind you just how lucky you are.

Eager to be as close as possible, you both quickly remove the remainder of your clothing.

Her tender kisses make you so dizzy you’re glad she’s the one on top. As she moves her hand to caress your breast, you can’t stop yourself from groaning her name.

“Robin…”

You feel her mouth form a grin against yours. She takes pride in knowing what you like and never fails to make your head spin.

“Yes, love…let me make you feel as good as you’ve made me feel tonight.” Her words are sweet and tender in tone, but erotic at the same time. You feel her fingers teasing at your nipple and your body arches into hers.

“Oh god…please…Robin…”

Her touches remain light, conveying the emotion of this delicate moment. She’s treating you as if you might break, and for all you know, she may be right. You feel her elegant hand brush past your belly, and your face flushes - not out of embarrassment, but out of knowledge and anticipation of what’s coming next.

Your arousal already coats the inside of your thighs, and you’re aching to feel her touch where it’s most needed. As if she’s read your mind, you feel her middle finger tease your entrance. Your head slams back into the pillow, and your reaction tells her you can easily take another finger. Robin meets no resistance as she slides into you.

“Ahhhhhh…Robin…”

“Mmmm…I love hearing you call out my name. You know I’ll always be there for you in any way you need me. Especially like this,” her movements are steady, practiced. You know each other’s bodies down to a science.

“Robin…going to…”

She dips her head down to your ear, the heat of her breath warming your skin. Her teeth graze the shell of your ear as her seductive voice - the voice that is both tender and teasing at the same time - whispers, “I know…let me hear you…”

And just like that, you shatter. Your eyes snap shut from the intensity of your orgasm, but the image of Robin’s beautiful smile remains etched in your mind.

She carefully moves to lay beside you and kisses your cheek as you bask in the afterglow of what’s just occurred. A strand of your hair sticks to your flushed face, and you feel her soft fingers brush it away as your breathing slows. When you turn your head to look over at her, you’re greeted by her gleaming smile.

“Welcome back, love,” she whispers coyly.

You lean over to kiss her and, in no time at all, your positions are now reversed. Words can only convey so much - now it’s her turn. When your lips part, you look into her eyes and say, “Now let me show you how loved you are.”

She wraps her arms around your neck and pulls you back down towards her, your mouths crashing together once more. You feel her tongue push past your lips and suddenly your chest feels like it’s on fire. Your hand hovers over her breast and you feel her hum in anticipation. Sliding your thumb back and forth over her hardening nipple, she sighs at your touch.

“I love how intelligent you are,” you murmur as you lean up to kiss her forehead. Making your way back to her lips, you continue, “I love your wit and humor, even when it’s dark and freaks out Usopp.” You feel her chuckle vibrate against your teeth. Knowing she’s now completely relaxed, you glide your hand from her breast to between her legs. She gasps as you lubricate your fingers with her slick.

As you kiss her neck, you whisper, “You are the bravest, strongest woman I know and it’s one of the many reasons I look up to you.” You mark her neck, leaving a reminder you know she’ll see in the morning and playfully chastise you for later.

Resting your chin on her chest, you watch as she closes her eyes in ecstasy at the feel of your fingertips on her bud. The beating of her heart is the most beautiful rhythm you’ve ever heard and reflects the vision that now lies beneath you.

“Your caring heart and selflessness are just a few of the many traits I adore.” You continue showering her in affirmations as you slide your finger up and down her slit.

“Y/n…I need you,” she whimpers.

“Of course, my flower. You know I’m always here to take care of you,” you reply as you sit up and gently part her legs. Positioning yourself between them, you place one hand next to her head for support. Your cores now aligned, you start to slowly thrust against her.

“Ohhhhhhh yes!” she moans.

You start to speed up your rhythm as the evidence of your arousal mixes with her own. With your other hand, you reach for hers and your fingers interlock.

Between ragged breaths, you somehow choke out, “I thank the universe every day for you. I love you, Robin.”

Her head snaps back and you feel her tremble under you. She moans your name between your whispers ‘I love you’ as her orgasm washes over her. You watch as she comes undone. As the only one who gets to see this side of her, you feel like the luckiest person in all of the Grand Line.

You grind out your own release and come once again, nearly toppling over. When you next open your eyes, a red-faced Robin is smiling back up at you. Bringing your face to hers, you nuzzle your nose against hers before lying down next to her. You pull her to you, her head pillowed comfortably against your chest. You run your hand through her hair and bring her hand to your chest where your heart steadily beats for her.

Kissing her forehead, you say, “I love you. You’re not a burden, and you’re not alone anymore. If you ever have these thoughts or feelings again, promise me you’ll come to me. We’ll talk it out. Or do this again,” you say with a wink.

You feel her burrow closer. “I promise. I love you, too. And…thank you.”

[lutorao]

bodyguards

Zoro, Law , Luffy

Chapter 1027 : "Defend Luffy!" made to do this analysis

in the 2 episodes Zoro appears, and we know how things unfold later, but that's not what I'm going to talk about right now

why Zoro and Law?! I'll explain that for sure

Zoro is the only member of the crew , I mean the only member why Luffy came to the marines. he didn't meet him by chance, Luffy didn't find Zoro by chance, as soon as he heard his name, he immediately decided that he had to find this person, which is not really the case with other crew, whom he met by chance and then saved them

call me fool if you want but luffy's voice makes me believe that he was flirting a little bit isn't he?!

like look at him :xDD

many people saying that Usopp is his best friend, yeah i agree he is one of the closest friend, but let's don't forget that Zoro was the reason why luffy didn't came to Usopp in water 7 after his "betrayal" (was it betrayal or not it's up to your opinion)

Zoro is the only member from the crew that luffy really listens to and agrees without hesitation

Zoro is the only person who can stop Luffy and change his mind ( and we have a lot of examples)

Zoro is the person luffy trust most

like he fell asleep in the middle of the war, even though the two Yonko were fighting he still fell asleep because he knew for sure that no matter what happened Zoro would protect him

Before that, Zoro did the same

The trust of these two towards each other is on a different level

Also Zoro was the only person on his team that Luffy had a blush on, have you ever seen Luffy so eager to see someone else from his crew :xD

i think we don't have to talking about Zoro's loyalty but what about Law's

he mentioned he wasn't going to betray luffy so didn't

i said before that luffy only listens to Zoro right?!

but there was one moment when he listened to Nami

it happened in Dressrosa , when Doffy shot law and kidnapped him , and Nami said that Law sacrificed himself In order to maintain the leverage they had against Doffy, they needed to believe in Law's plan to go to Zou so that his sacrifice would not be in vain (Later I will also analyze Dressrosa, there will be much more to talk about)

and luffy listened

reason: Law ✨

Luffy's relationship with Law is very different from Zoro's, I think Zoro and Luffy's duo was formed as best friends,like partners in crime , "If you kill someone, I will bury the body " something like that

But towards Law he feels a different responsibility, law is not a member of his crew, he is not someone who "owes" him loyalty or to protect his life but he did

<<How much Luffy tried to get Law's attention or whether law would like him is another story (if you are interested, see its analysis here https://www.tumblr.com/l-in-the-light/760201641742008320/the-most-embarrassing-series-of-posts-about-lawlu?source=share ) >>>

When Luffy fights Kaido and loses, law was worrying and about what? what are you thinking ? on the plan ?! obviously , but also:

I repeat this many times in my posts and I will also say that the relationship between these two idiots is much calmer in Wano, no matter how funny law looks when he is angry with Luffy , when he is in front of him he just can't do anything

he is like "babe are you okay?"

yes law no one can deny luffy's cuteness and as long as your weakness is cute things 🥱 you are one of them , i m sure he repeats himself "stop being cute" when he sees luffy or "stop smile at me like that" ,"stop look at me with those big eyes"

I want to remember one moment when Kidd says to Law "Congratulations you finally became Mugiwara's subordinate"

"FINALLY"???? umm

When Luffy falls asleep in the middle of the war and Killer starts laughing and asks Law what he thinks about Luffy, law says that they only have an alliance and nothing else

law's thoughts: first of all, I won't bother to explain anything to you, and secondly, if I told you right here and now that we are dating and he is with me , this crazy overprotective swordsman will cut me to pieces here, no thank you 🙂‍↔️

so i swear those two knows something , even Killer and Kid noticed

c'mon seriously, It was so obvious that even Kidd and Killer noticed

And here is episode 1027 when Law and Zoro try to protect Luffy from Kaido, two swordsman , two extremely attractive swordsman try to protect Luffy and are ready to die

I'm even a little jealous of Luffy if these two man tried so hard to protect me hmm i don't mind honestly

Law: don't talk to me with this soft voice, what are you about babe , of course i am ready to die along with you

[chenziee]

To Love a Geisha

Written for the adorable @opfluffzine!! It's a free digital zine that you can download right here ☁️

ALSO check out the amazing spot art by @beasttrash!! It's so so cute 🤖🌸

[ READ ON AO3 | KO-FI | COMM INFO ]

—————

“Hey, Franosuke, are you married?”

The question didn’t take Franosuke, a carpenter in the Flower Capital of Wano, completely by surprise. After all, a few of his coworkers had just spent the better half of their break complaining about their home lives—how their wives were on their asses about drinking and spending time with geishas instead of helping take care of the kids. Which was entirely in their right to do, in Franosuke’s opinion; a man should take responsibility and help his family, be it wife, kids, siblings, or parents!

But voicing those thoughts would go against his ‘role’, wouldn’t it?

And so, Franosuke simply laughed, shaking his head. “No way, man! I’m free as a super bird!”

“Good for you!” one of the men said, slapping Franosuke’s shoulder.

“Oh, but,” another one noted with a knowing smirk, “I hear you’ve got quite the favourite in old Tsugaru Umi’s teahouse.”

A small choir of ohh immediately followed as all his coworkers turned to look at Franosuke with wide, almost evil grins on their faces. A second later, a barrage of questions followed.

“It’s O-Some, isn’t it?!”

“I bet it’s Kisegawa!”

“The Oiran’s procession is going to be next month, I bet you switch your favourite then! Always happens.”

Honestly, Franosuke had no idea who or what they were talking about… but a happy smile still pulled on his lips as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. Because, while his coworkers speculated wildly about who his favourite geisha might or might not be, he couldn’t stop his mind from wandering.

Wandering to the silky black hair, two-coloured blue eyes, and mind so sharp it could destroy a man in a second.

Shaking his head, Franky laughed loudly as he brought himself to the reality where he was surrounded by a bunch of dudes with the smell of wood and sweat in the air. “You’re making me feel super weird now, guys! She’s a super lady. I’m not going to replace her because some pin-up girl walks by!”

His coworkers exchanged a confused glance. “What’s ‘pin-up girl’?”

Oh.

Shit, he shouldn’t have said that.

“A beautiful, sexy woman?” Franosuke tried, wrecking his brain for an excuse. “It’s… a dialect.”

Several doubtful looks and murmurs of, “where is he from again?” were his only response and he felt sweat building on his back, his shirt sticking to his skin uncomfortably. What could he say? How did he change the topic without it sounding forced?

What a super dumb slip of the tongue that was…

“Hey, assholes!! Stop slacking or I’m gonna fire you!”

All the men on the construction site jumped at the angry shout, everyone immediately rushing to pick up their saws and hammers and get to work. Meanwhile… Franosuke was never more grateful for Master Minatomo and his awful personality.

—————

Walking down the familiar streets of the Flower Capital, Franosuke marvelled at how easy finding his way was now. After all, it had only been a few weeks since he had arrived here and at first, the roads felt incredibly confusing. Them all being named 1st Street and 2nd Street and 36th Street wasn’t helping either because… 36th from what?

It made no sense to him. The city he grew up in was huge too but Water 7 had never felt as hard to navigate as this.

Now, though, he could walk these streets blindfolded—at least the parts of the city he knew. Actually… how many times had he walked this route? Even his coworkers had started to notice he visited the place often… Some might even say too often; they might say he was pathetic, hopeless, throwing away money for no reason, for a fake dream.

But it wasn’t fake, a dream, or hopeless to him.

Instead, the sight of the teahouse attached to a certain okiya made him feel happy. Excited.

“Sir Franosuke, we’ve been expecting you.” The teahouse worker bowed deeply in greeting before leading him to his reserved room and bowing again.

Franosuke wondered whether this treatment would ever stop freaking him out; it was like he was a nobility whenever he walked in here, it was super weird. But, he supposed that was what went with exclusive patronage—honestly, it was a miracle he was even allowed in here. Not many were, certainly not people who appeared suddenly out of nowhere with no background and no connections.

Yet another reason to suffer old Minatomo and his tantrums; if it weren’t for his patronage of this place, his recommendation, and friendship with the owner, there was no way for Franosuke to even get a glimpse of the garden, never mind getting to walk through the doors to this small, private room.

Well, no reason to dwell on that. He was here and that was all that mattered!

The moment he sat down at the tiny, low table, the door slid open quietly once more. And when he glanced towards it… a wide smile pulled on his lips. 

Kneeling on the ground just outside the room was a geisha, her head slightly bowed, eyes turned modestly to the ground. She waited a few seconds before she rose to her feet, entered the room and kneeled again to close the door behind herself, then turned to face Franosuke directly for the first time.

“Welcome… my Lord,” she said in a sweet voice before her eyes turned to the side once more. This time, however, it was in a more of a coy way than anything.

The sight nearly made Franosuke start laughing.

“Seeing you act like this, I feel like you’re about to assassinate me every time, Miss O-Robi.”

Now, it was O-Robi’s turn to quickly cover her mouth with her kimono sleeve to hide her chuckle. “I think Luffy wouldn’t be very happy if he came here with Sanji only to find out his shipwright was now in pieces, being sold for metal scrap.”

Franosuke frowned, crossing his large metal arms over his chest. “Hey! Are you doubting my abilities? I’m not so easy to just take apart and sell, lady!” He paused, then added, “You would make a lot of money with me though.”

This time, O-Robi couldn’t hold her quiet giggle back. She didn’t bother hiding it either as she finally joined Franosuke at his table. “I’ll make sure to sell you to the underground. I know people would pay hundreds of millions of beri for that laser beam of yours, Franky,” she said, her voice light with amusement.

“You’d better,” Franky huffed, nodding to himself. “Those people’d appreciate my super armoured body at least!”

Shaking her head with an easy smile still playing on her lips, Robin grabbed the sake bottle off the table, pouring Franky a cup with practised ease. Up until now, Franky had never realised how elegant such a simple action could be; it was like watching art in motion. Robin’s graceful hands were holding the bottle gently, the sake trickling into the cup with precision, not a single drop wasted. She was leaning forward slightly, the collar of her kimono falling low in the back, exposing and accentuating her long, delicate neck.

Franky jumped when someone tapped his shoulder right then, breaking him out of his reverie—when he turned to look who it was, however, only a detached hand growing out of his own arm greeted him, before it scattered into flower petals.

“Staring is rude, you know,” Robin said, shooting Franky a teasing look.

The man huffed out a laugh as he leaned forward, pressing his lips to Robin’s cheek, careful of her make-up. “Sorry, Robin. Just admiring how beautiful my super geisha is.”

“A geisha mustn’t be touched, my Lord,” Robin said sternly, but the corners of her mouth twitched, her eyes dancing.

“Kick me out, then.” Franky grinned and, without missing a beat, kissed her again. 

Robin laughed. “You’re impossible.”

Finally, Franky grabbed the sake bottle from her, pouring her own cup for her. With a small thank you, Robin raised her cup to her lips, taking a sip—and then, as if completely letting go of her ‘role’, she leaned into Franky’s side, sighing contently.

For but a second, Franky froze. 

But then, something warm spilled inside of his chest and he raised his arm, pulling her closer to him. He almost forgot how it felt having Robin next to him, how comforting and exciting feeling her body heat seep into his skin—numb and hard with metal right underneath—was. The archeologist was so small next to him. Small and beautiful and oh-so deadly.

Franky knew that if she wanted to, she would be able to kill him in seconds. But she didn’t—wouldn’t. Not anymore. And Franky loved knowing that, loved that she chose every day to be here, with the crew. With him. She had gone through so much pain, but she was willing to open herself up and trust them even so.

He would make super damn sure she never regretted that decision.

Letting his smaller, human-sized hand out of his regular hand, Franky reached out, touching Robin’s cheek softly, making her tilt her head back to look at him. Robin hummed questioningly, but Franky only sighed. “I really wanna kiss you.”

“You did already.”

Franky clicked his tongue. “You know what I mean, Robin.”

“You’ll mess up my make-up,” Robin noted.

“And your teacher will yell at you, I know.” 

With a sigh, Franky retreated his hand; he really didn’t want a repeat of the first time he came here… Robin wasn’t allowed to leave the okiya for days after that, apparently something about proper geisha manners and perceived perfection and innocence. He didn’t really get it but he sure didn’t need a detailed explanation. Definitely not from the tiny old hag. She looked like she would go on forever given the chance.

Quickly covering her mouth with her kimono sleeve, Robin chuckled at Franky’s disappointment.

But then, Franky blinked when one of Robin’s hands came to rest against his shoulder, another on his chest as she rose to her knees with a soft smile on her lips—and a playful twinkle in her eyes. A third and a fourth hand cupped Franky’s face, gently guiding him forward—and a second later, their lips met, moulding together easily as they kissed properly for the first time in weeks.

Franky grinned into the kiss; the smell of the powder on Robin’s skin mixing with her perfume was tickling his nose, her lips soft against his own. The feeling made his heart race as if this was their first time.

It would probably always feel that way to him. With Robin, every day was like their first—especially now. After not seeing her for two whole years, it was as if he couldn’t get enough of her presence, her voice, her touch, her brilliance. 

She was just as beautiful, just as smart, just as perfect as she was when they first met. The only difference was that she was much more herself.

And Franky couldn’t help but love every last bit off her.

When his coworker asked if he was married earlier, Franky wasn’t being entirely honest. But… it wasn’t like he was completely lying either. He did have a wife but they were pirates, after all, and pirate weddings weren’t exactly official. Moreover, they were officiated by the captain. And their captain being Luffy… The whole thing pretty much consisted of Luffy saying ‘Marry you? Yeah, why not. Done.’ and then immediately asking if there was a wedding cake. 

Franky hesitated calling that a wedding. More like a super speed run of one. But—

It was enough for them.

Whether they were an assassin and a dismantler, an archeologist and a shipwright, or a geisha and a carpenter, Franky knew Robin would always be right there, by his side.

And Franky would always be grateful for it, ready to love her exactly the way she was in return.

[lawbin-archive]

Lawbin Wano Analysis Part 2 - you're not alone anymore

I actually want to wait Law to reappear before writing this analysis but we probably need to wait a long time for him to reappear *sigh* So I will just finish writing this :'( this is the last part but also imo the most romantic part haha

Since I have talked about this chapter for sooo many times, so I will try to talk about something that I haven't mention before. But if I said the same thing again, just scroll through haha -> *INCLUDE MANGA SPOILERS*

-> highlighted in purple are my delulu~

-> Again, don't read if you don't like Lawbin. Includes lots of bias.

~LAWBIN DATING PHASE~ ~LAWBIN A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN FRIENDS PHASE~

Chapter 1055: Learning history with you

my bias ass want to say they are literally dating here!!! again I think I have been reading too much fanfic so in my mind, they definitely went on a date after I don't care what other says.

The little bickering they have in the beginning is so adorable! Like Robin knew exactly why Law follow along but she needs to tease him a bit haha

Law searching through the whole palace or the whole flower capital just to find Robin is just really cute to me. You can tell Law really cares about Robin a lot, otherwise he wouldn't notice that she's not with her crew and he wouldn't spend time just to look for her. Like why did people missed that?!

Law trying to explain himself is also so funny, like yea sure...of course she is really suspicious that you need to find her haha I think someone also mentioned he looks like a high school boy trying to get close with his crush so pretend to be interested with the same hobby?! that's so funny

I also did a bit of research about hyena, they have excellent hearing and smell which is what Law referring here. Hyena also have a metaphor for people who are greedy for money or privilege which I think is not applicable in this case. But I'm surprised that there's a lore that hyena have long been thought to be a beast that can change sex. So did Oda put a little foreshadowing here?! (source: https://kotobank.jp/word/%E3%83%8F%E3%82%A4%E3%82%A8%E3%83%8A-112682)

And I think Oda purposely make it ambiguous here, he has a lot of ways to make them find poneglyph together without making Law a stalker (jk) But he has to shown it in this way that seems like Law is interested to Robin. He is definitely stirring something up here!

Robin demeanour is also really different in front of Law. Me and the other lawbin enjoyers have talked about this in the discord before. When Robin flirting with other men, her tone is full of confidence and showing that she is a grown and mature women. And I think she always acting tough and has a "big sister" energy as a habit because of her past experience. She acted like this because that's her mechanism to protect herself. She grew up in an environment that she's afraid people will abandon her or hurt her when she is showing any weakness.

Not that I think her flirting is not genuine or being a "big sister" is not her real personality, she definitely is complimenting the person and she definitely want to take care of the straw hats like a big sis or mom.

What I'm trying to say is she doesn't show her weakness or her soft side to others easily. And I think she will show it only when she thinks she can rely or trust that person. And the only time she has shown her soft and cute side outside of straw hats is in front of Law!!

I have read some japanese readers' comments and some of them is saying usually Robin will say "ずるいわ…" to others (even to her own crew) but for Law, she said "ずるい…" which is a closer way to communicate. I will translate a few comments from japanese fans here: After all, Robin-chan doesn't seem to have her usual older sister vibe when she's with Law, right? Also, this time she said 'that's not fair… (zurui...)' but if it were with someone else, she would have said 'that's not fair…(zuruiwa....)' with a slightly different tone. This difference is quite significant; in many ways, it feels like there's something special. (source: ひさぎ@hisagi_cfa85c) I started shipping Lawbin from Chapter 1055. Normally, she would probably say 'That's not fair…(zuruiwa...)' but with Torao, she said 'That's not fair…(zurui...)' It feels like they have a classmate-like vibe that's different from Franky, Zoro, or Sanji, and I really like it. (source: aria2372)

+ plus one more comment from Chapter 996! It's probably because 'you're the survivor of Ohara and researching the Void Century' that he told you, but even knowing that, the choice of words is surprising. It's like a typical behavior or phrase one would use towards someone of the opposite sex they want to be conscious of, so I was really surprised. (source: user-xk4ru8cv9q)

And yes there are LOTS of comments about Robin's "it's not fair...(ずるい…)" and Law's "I told you because it's you (お前だから話した)" that the wording they chose is surprisingly ambiguous and hinting that they have a close relationship. And they wouldn't act like this with other people. I think that's one of the reasons why lawbin is so much popular in Japan because they can read the tone and wordings with more depth.

Also, as @/cericebelle mentioned we haven't seen Law called Robin since zou so maybe they changed how they called each other already?! Like maybe Law will called Robin as "Robin" instead of "Nico-ya" and Robin will start calling "Law" instead of "tora-o" again.

*BELOW HAVE MANGA SPOILERS* Now that we knew Clover's brother died just because he is a D. And we know that having a D in your name is dangerous which can get yourself killed, can we all agree that Law NEED to trust Robin in order to tell her his full name?! Especially he grew up with a childhood that he doesn't trust people easily. Like Law just tell her you like her! (my delulu again)

Since we are talking about the "true name" culture in Japan, I want to add this in the last analysis. I saw @/happytact reblog that Tales from Earthsea is written by an American author Ursula K. Le Guin. I'm really sorry for the misinformation and putting out the wrong references ><! There are so many anime that have the true name concept and yet I picked out the wrong one -.-

I will add more references to it, in "Spirited Away", the story is focus on true name, Chihiro signed contract by giving her true name and she needs to take her name back in order to go back reality. At the end, Haku also found his true name and he regains his freedom again. In "Natsume's Book of Friends", if you know the monster's true name you can control it. And in "Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle", sakura and syaoran they fell in love and saved each other along their journey, they confessed with each other and only at the end, they exchanged their real name. Not to mention there are lots of anime that express exposing your true name is important or dangerous like "Death Note" or "Your Name" . Telling your true name has a significant meaning in japanese culture, it almost means you're giving yourself to the person (only depends on the context, sometimes it's implied) so when Law told Robin his true name voluntarily, it's really important!!!

When they are looking old wano in the little tunnel and standing really close to each other is way too cute!! When did you see Law self-willingly to get this close with a person that's outside of his crew?! (well maybe except when he is mad at Zoro and trying to fight him haha) Also because Robin teased him in the beginning so he flexed his ability in front of her and try to make her annoyed is so funny. Law act cool in front of anyone but being a little kid in front of his crush is just so him!!! They really show off a classmate vibe here!

so y'all probably know one of the arguments from lawbin haters is "Law is just interested in the road poneglyph" "It's just for the plot" I always laugh at these comments because did you see Law didn't even get close to the poneglyph?! LOL he just standing behind like "I'm good" When Robin stand on a level higher to get close with the poneglyph, Law is also just down there.

And if he is only interested to the poneglyph, he didn't need to the flex in front of her to see the under water wano. He can just stand outside of the tunnel like Sukiyaki.

So in my opinion, Law wants to accompany with Robin. Not that he is completely non-interested to the poneglyph but I think most of it is because he is interested to learn history and find road poneglyph with Robin. Also, it really seems like he wants to get close with her and protect her from behind.

Oh no that's the end of their interactions T^T there is one more from 1056 but I already wrote a long post about it so I wouldn't repeat it again. Hopefully we can see them interact again soon so I can write more analysis!!!

Chapter 1056 analysis:

So some of my future lawbin delulu thoughts are: - they exchanged vivre card - they will meet at elbaf again and will learn more history together - robin will worried about law when she learnt that...you know

hopefully at least one of it will come true haha Thank you so much for reading this!! I really blab a lot haha Please always share your thoughts or comments with me. And also I will promote the lawbin discord group here if you're interested!

[wigglesdtuff]

Hi sorry for sending another ask but I found out I'm super close to the TimeSkip (from one Robin lover to the other robin lover) and I seriously (i did theres no hiding it) wanted to burst into tears when I saw robin (and ussop- he made me upset to) please tell me how to get used to it or if I'll get used to it :,(

Oh you have come to the right place for I dearly love her timeskip design. It was admittedly jarring in the anime (the style shift alone is jarring. The manga eases you in more as the style is still consistent) and it did take me a little while to get used to her new design, but the more I thought about it and the more we see her interact it settled in and made me fall even further in love tbh. A lot of it comes from the skin color (for everyone really), the colors the anime veers toward and the lighting for a big stretch is just. Not great. The skin color has been discussed ad nauseum at this point, so I'm not touching on that. You can see where I stand on that with the way I color her. NOW. I will ramble. I will try not to spoil.

The big thing is her lack of bangs. Bangs are so cute we love her old look, no one is saying they don't. However. To me it is a really great bit of visual storytelling. She is quite literally healing from her past. Her face is softer, less harsh, and she isn't trying to cover anything up anymore. She's no longer wearing the same hairstyle she did since she was frozen at 8 years old. She's let it grow out! Quite literally she is a new person since Luffy saved her life.

Fishman Island alone shows just how comfortable she is. Robin is often shown in the background in a lot of panels or scenes just smiling with a 💬 because she's just. Content and enjoying observing the Straw Hats after those two years apart.

Her hair is so cute to me because it's actually slightly different each arc post TS, as if she's purposefully trying out new styles. Nami does this too, and to me it really helps cement that time is passing and they're not just wearing the same outfit day in and day out.

The biggest thing to me is her willingness to openly emote. It is very VERY clear that she is being influenced by the rest of the crew, and it's very endearing. She has always been silly, but she's had to lock that part of her away because she's been isolated and hunted like a dog. She's safe now and she knows it! In short, Post Timeskip Robin is this poor 30 year old finally getting to be herself, and besides just being gorgeous, I think that freedom to be what she wants instead of masking or hiding is beautiful!

In summary: Yes it's an adjustment and no it's not for everyone, and admittedly the anime style (from Fishman Island up until Wano) gets pretty bad especially with women, HOWEVER, it's good visual storytelling to show just how much Luffy has actually changed her life for the better.

I'll reblog with some more photos I'm only allowed 10.

[tennzai]

Yui’s and Nicus’ Wano and Onigashima Raid outfits!!! (Nicus is my friends oc, so I'll update on him when they give me permission to!!!)

While they don't really participate in the action with the main characters, they still unite forces with the Akazaya Nine to defeat Kaido: Yui through being a main pillar, undercover at the forces Denjiro leads assisting him, and Nicus by helping in the research of a cure for the smile. Yui in this arc discovers all the truth about her origins, her family and how much she owes Yasuie.

Yui’s story goes like this: (its a bit long)

She was born in Wano, in a small fishing town in Ringo. Her parents were the leaders of this town. Her father was Yasuie's cousin and had a great relationship with Kozuki Oden through being one of the greatest fish and other seafood suppliers all over the country. In her youth, Yui had learned from her town's traditions and had helped from a young age with the fisherman's work anyway she could. 

Because of this, one day an incident occurred while doing the early catches. A swarm of poisonous jellyfish that eat moonlight through their skin (just like a plant eats sunlight by its leaves) appeared next to their spot. They shook the boats and Yui fell into the water, being stung by one of them, luckily being rescued short after. Yui’s scar you can see on her arm and chest was caused by that. She is the first person that is known to have survived this sting at a young age, without having the affected parts be removed from her body. This incident and the peculiar mark that this specific jellyfish leaves on their prey is why she later on received the nickname of “Moonbit Yui”. 

Months passed, and the town's fate changed of course when Kaido struck the Land of Wano, leaving everyone in it to die of starvation, and forcing Yui's parents to attempt to flee the country. (of course, we are in one piece, parents characters have their own doomed fate LMAO) The only survivor from that attempt was Yui, who landed(? in the country of Dressrosa, and then grew in its streets.

This is it for now, but theres more! Ill continue sharing her and Nicus' story when i draw more about them! :D (The fish hat will be explained soon!)