ace

There was no saving this. No matter how you try, no matter what you say—he won’t ever respond to you. You know it. You can feel it.

Still, you hope for the best. That he might somehow leave your messages on read. You’d be delightful even if he leaves you on read, ‘cuz at least he read it, right? Paid attention to you.

It hurts. Of course, it does. Because you love him.

That was a mistake—falling for him.

You only read it on stories, thinking of it as cliché for characters to fall for their “friends with benefits” partner. Now, you know why they fall. You’re now experiencing it. And it hurts. You should’ve known better.

Guess falling for a police who takes his job very seriously isn’t a good shit. Although, he clearly stated this relationship will stay as it is and will not ever progress to any... romantic one.

Yes, pleasure is everything at first when you two did it. Now? It’s not the same anymore.

“Smoker.”

“I’m sorry...”

Maybe you’ll find another man like him, but it’s best not to search for a man like him, and ever get involved with this kind of relationship again.

It hurts.

—————

How many times did it make you happy yet hurt?

How many more times will those words be said to you?

It was tiring to be here, be with him knowing this is all short-lived. Yet you still choose to stay, still want to. Your friends have warned you before the moment they knew how your love life has been going. It was tiring to hear them repeat the same words. More tiring than hearing him say that you’re his.

Although at this point, you don’t even know what to feel, to do, or to say anymore after that question. After that look away from you, to the far end of this place.

What even is this place?

Everybody knows that this is a place where couples frequently go on dates. This place has been a safe space for you, in your heart since the day you witnessed all the loving looks their partners give each other.

Why doesn’t it feel the same? Why does it feel forced? Why is it not the same as it used to?

You weren’t meant in this kind of place with him. You two shouldn’t be here. You two weren’t really meant to be.

Who decided to be here? Certainly not you.

This date was his plan. While he was telling you the details of your date yesterday, you felt nothing but pretentious. Pretentious for still wanting this. For continuing. For loving him.

It has been five months.

Of fooling around.

The truth was, you two only agreed to be in this in hopes of his past lover to notice him again. It sucked big time. Being used for this.

It sucked, but you were a sucker for love. A slave for it. Add the fact that you’d be with him, of course you’d agree.

Agreeing to his deal while thinking of ways for him to like you back. To love you, look at you the way he looks at her, and to choose you.

In the end, nothing worked.

Cooking for him at random. Buying him gifts for no special reason. Letting him stay in your apartment whenever he needed to. All other acts you do when around or being with your significant other. Having sex with him willingly.

He was using you, and you decided to use him too for your own pleasure.

Embarrassing as it is, every time you have sex, you do not fail to whisper I love you to him. But fuck it, right? He’d just think that you were saying that because you’re both in the heat of the moment.

So much care and love everyday for this man and yet, nothing progresses.

He still has eyes for that woman. Still love her.

All that ends today. Now is the time for you to start moving on. To leave this bullshit of a relationship.

Yes, you’re his. For the long run, you still would want to be his.

“Hey, Dof?”

He turns to you, a brow raised.

“I want out.”

He blinks. You look down at your lap then up ahead.

“I…” You pause and exhale quietly. “I don’t think I can keep up with this. Haven’t we done enough? For her to come back to you?”

“What are you–”

“I’m tired of this. But I hope you get her again.” You stand up and clutch your bag, then turn to look at his face that has.. a look of… shock?

No. Don’t.

You give him a smile.

“Thank you. It was a great five months.” Good, not great. “Take care.”

Walking away wasn’t what your past self would think when daydreaming about Donquixote Doflamingo. It was all she ever wanted. This arrogant, carefree, rich, blonde man.

And as you walk away, you feel your heart clench in pain. Tears threatening to spill and hands trembling to grasp at your hair. But not yet. You can’t cry out here in public.

He said you were his.

Yet he never said that he was yours.

That realization a week ago made you want to end this. But you can’t just blame him for feeling shit, you’re to blame too. Because you hoped for him to like you back. Because you agreed to do this with him. Because you love him.

He belonged to someone who left him for whatever reason. His heart beats for another, not you. Will never be you. Never be for you.

Doflamingo sits there dumbstruck by what you said. It was only normal for him to think of your feelings too. Of course he thought of what you thought everyday. Then he’ll brush all those off once he remembers what he was here for.

The reason for you two having a date here was to talk about your relationship. It was time to talk this out with you. He can’t just decide shit for you two.

Doflamingo still had strong feelings for that past lover of his. But these five months…

Though now it’s too late.

He couldn’t believe he caught feelings for you. If he knew that today was the day you’d break things off, he should have told you earlier right when you two were here.

“You know that you’re mine right?”

That was just the start of the supposed conversation. But he trailed off after your answer. He was definitely dumb for that.

Doflamingo feels a starting pain in his chest. He never would have thought that five months would suffice for his feelings to be anew. To be turned away from her then directed to you.

His declaration of possessing you, he knew that wasn’t enough. Something felt off and wrong.

That was what he realized a week ago.

He hasn’t ever said that he was yours. Wholly yours, and yours only.

A mistake. A big one.

Now as he sits there and stares at your retreating figure, all he could feel was regret and pain.

Regret for not telling you he likes—loves you—and for not assuring you that he was yours.

Pain…

For the love that he once again felt for someone, and yet he lost that someone again. And pain for thinking that you might not have even liked him in all those five months.

You got home crying, he got home angry and hurt.

You cried yourself to sleep while Doflamingo wasn’t able to sleep that night.

The next day…

The next days without each other will surely be different.

The next days… will hold the mysteries on what will happen to the two of you next.

Hoping that somehow, when the time is right, you two are still possible to be together. Without using each other and just expressing pure love.

Pure love…

“Come here, fucker!” You grin widely, almost devilishly, while approaching one of the pirate group’s executives. They don’t really look like it, and definitely don’t fight like it as you slap his face with your right hand and punch him with your left. That kind of attack always makes you giggle because it’s so simple yet so impactful, especially coming from you.

Adrenaline rushes through your veins and all you can feel now is the need to stretch your body more, to fight more and hurt the ones who had held this small village hostage.

These pirates should have known what their next situation would be after holding those people hostage.

You and Sabo were assigned to have a mission to save some people from a kingdom near here. It was okay at first when you knew what the mission was, but when Dragon elaborated that those nobles ruling the kingdom were enslaving people, that drove you to go as quickly as possible.

Upon arriving, there was this small village outside the borders of that kingdom. Screams of help and agony were reverberating in the surrounding green, empty fields. Hearing that, you told Sabo to run with you towards the small village first. There, you two saw a lot of pirates hurting innocent civilians and were forced to give their money or treasures.

That’s when you felt the anger erupt and next thing you know, you were running towards a random pirate that was about to strike a metal on an old man, quickly kicking his whole head back down.

Now though, something inside you feels off as you keep punching, kicking, slapping, elbow jabbing, and knifehand striking each pirate within reach. A different kind of rage rises inside and you feel the need to feel more satisfaction. It was like you were hungry for something inedible.

And then something snaps. Your head goes into a frenzy, your moves go quicker and quicker. The next and last thing you feel is a devilish grin and quiet laughter from you before your brain blacks out.

It was like your body went into an auto-pilot mode, only this mode is meant for a free-for-all. Somehow your body only hits on people with negative energies.

The vision you have is turning from black to a deep red. While that happens, what you’re doing outside of your subconsciousness is vicious.

This pirate group sure were not little, in fact they were so many, perhaps approximately three hundred. Yet each of them were beaten up by just you and Sabo.

If in the first time, you just punch, kick—and other basic offensive attacks—pirates, in this state, feral state, you stab swordsmen with their swords twice. On either of their legs then right at their chests. The ones using guns were stripped away of their weapon—shooted at their stomachs and then their guns are shoved into their mouths, the triggers being pulled twice. Blood splattering everything due to the impact.

Sabo can see you in the distance moving faster than your usual speed, and with every lunge you do, comes blood spilling on the ground and splattered across your body. He clicks his tongue at the scene and continues to attack while progressively going near you. Although it seems like even in your subconscious self, you keep on going far from Sabo.

The pirate group’s captain was like a cowering bundle of nerves. Carefully backing out and walking quickly towards their ship. But your silly little, subconscious self bumped into him.

Once you faced the captain, you gripped his hand with a deadly one. Crushing his bones that made him scream, and subconsciously you chuckle devilishly. Sabo saw this and called out your name, attacking pirates who lunged at him with ease then bolting to you.

Your partner’s presence was strong, but your feral state recognized no one at the moment. Everything you hear are some kind of distorted noises, and all you see is red with black and white flashes every time you blink subconsciously.

Once you chased down the captain, you gripped his hand with a deadly one. Crushing his bones that made him scream, and unconsciously you grin devilishly. Sabo saw this and shouted your name, attacking pirates who lunged at him with ease then bolting to you.

Sabo must have caught on to your state when you ignored him as he tried to get to you, but there are still many pirates around.

You continue with your fight, now headlocking the pirate captain. You put a space behind him and in front of you to kick him repeatedly, blood trickling down your face, arms, and hands to the ground.

“Please, spare me! I’ll do anything! Don’t kill me!”

You smirk and chortle, stopping your repeated kicks to embrace his torso and neck tight, ridding him of his breath. Your mouth is placed right at his ear.

“Too late… asshole,” you whisper. “The moment you did that to those people, that was the indication of your death. Say hi to the people in hell for me...”

All those words that came out of your mouth were whispered, your voice somehow strained. That’s when you got out of your subconscious state, though you didn’t halt any movements you were about to do.

Releasing his body to push him to the ground, you assault his body with kicks, punches, elbow jabs, and knifehand strikes. He grunts and grunts, trying so hard to utter a distinguishable word until he no longer can’t.

You do all this all while having that devilish grin, a face that looks to be with no remorse at all and just full of violence. The expressions you are showing are too far from your usual and normal ones. It was terrifying for a kid, and scary for adults.

Once finished with the job, the captain finally rests with a bruised and battered body along with some of his defeated crewmates that surrounded you and Sabo.

You wipe away the blood trickling down the side of your face while looking up from the pirate captain’s body to the remaining pirates that stopped and stared at their captains. Then they all attempted to run towards the ship, yet you weren’t going to be pleased with that.

Your speed in your feral state was somehow retained and with it, it was easy knocking all those pirates down. In just a few minutes all pirates were now down on the ground, either coughing, breathing hard, or dead.

Satisfaction is within reach until you remember this wasn’t your actual mission. Turning around to face Sabo who is walking towards you, you wipe off the blood off your face, hands, and arms. He had his brows furrowed while staring you down.

“I may have gone a little overboard here.” Smiling sheepishly at him, he rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, a little. Do me a favor and never do that again.” He starts to walk outside the village, to your real destination.

“As if you actually follow orders too. You’re one to talk, Sabo.”

“Let’s just get this over with, shall we?”

A smile creeps up on your face, thinking back to what happened and all you can feel is a little satisfaction, no remorse at all. Sabo’s lips are upturned as he fixes his gloves at hat.

Fulfilling the actual mission and freeing the enslaved people, you are now filled with satisfaction while sailing out the seas.

Sabo said not to go like that again. But you can’t help but feel that off feeling and give into it. Needless to say, you went feral while fighting all the royal guards in the castle. Although they weren’t as beaten up as the pirates, still they will have to nurse worse wounds. While all the nobles inside except that one kid princess were beaten.

“I can’t wait to tell the others what happened today.” You say to Sabo beside you. He just sighs and smiles a bit.

Oh the future will be more interesting, and maybe the more interesting it gets, the more your feral state becomes a normal one. The World Government wouldn’t get out of one hell of a ride.

“Wha– I am not even making any noises! What are you on about, Marco? This is your third visit today! Tell me!” On a serious note, you weren’t actually shouting, just raising your voice enough to let out your frustration.

“Ohoho, I didn’t know we’re now on a first name basis, (Y/N). And mind you, I only did these visits because of you-yoi. The first one is about you not properly taking out your trash, hence that large garbage bin out there was opened and a mess. And second is because your neighbor said,” he glances to his right, “that you were so loud last night, singing and screaming at whatever is on your tv-yoi.” He glances at your living room.

A snarky comment was about to leave your mouth but it just stays then dies down. While what he said are all somehow true (you’d never admit it fully) you can’t help but still think of cursing him for this. But what can you do? You’re just one of his tenants.

Your lips open and close, attempting to let out that comment. Marco notices it and just smirks, sighing and chuckling a bit at you.

“So, I suggest you keep down and be quiet here, or you can go out and let all your frustrations out, Miss 118.” He has that shit-eating grin again.

Miss 118, because your unit number is 118. If you’re thinking that this is a huge apartment building, it’s really not. This landlord of yours just started with 100 up until 151, that’s why.

“Whatever, land lord.” You say those words separately and with emphasis, gritting your teeth and staring him down. Rationally speaking, if this were some other landlords, your ass would’ve been kicked out long ago. For Marco’s case.. not really.

He turns around and laughs, raising his hand for goodbye. “You can get all pissy with me, Miss 118, but I ain’t really gonna be phased-yoi.” With that, he’s out of your sight. No way in hell you’re gonna be following him with your eyes while walking out.

You closed the door with a huff and repeated whispers of ’patience.’ After composing yourself, you’re back to your earlier mood and will now continue online shopping.

Weeks after that, it was a miracle that you followed through with being quiet and just going out to be loud without disturbing any neighbors. Seriously, the man next door should not even live there. He’s what, forty-three? He looks like he can own a Victorian model of a house!

Well, whatever.

Your landlord that lives in unit 100—on the top floor—wonders why he hasn’t gotten any complaints from anyone regarding you yet.

It wasn’t that he’s expecting from all those knocks that there’s a new complainant. Not really, no. He’s just really wondering why you haven’t been causing troubles lately.

It was a miracle, but not for long.

You come home drunk from a friend’s party that just had to make you taste all kinds of alcohol he has from his home. And there, you wondered greatly why your Victorian-like neighbor was there.

Shanks, your friend, invited you to celebrate his other friend’s achievement. You could care less, what’s important is booze. So there, you got drunk and partied to your heart’s content again. For the third time that week. Man, Shanks’ habit is growing on you, and yes, by the time you reach fifty, you’re thinking that you’re gonna be having an illness.

Clumsily walking through your door, you smile like an idiot to yourself while removing your shoes. Going to the living room, you see your tv. And that indicates a bad thing, actually.

Like what that means, that midnight, you turned the tv and opened Youtube. And that was the start of your second party for the day, and the start for your concert. At almost two in the morning.

When you woke up, it was in the afternoon, a not-so-likeable head and back aches. As best as you can, you tried and sobered yourself up. Took a shower, cleaned up your living room, and opened your phone to see Shanks’ appreciation for you going to the party.

Though here comes the fun police now. Once you sent your reply to Shanks, someone knocked on your door.

Weeks. Weeks of no noisy shenanigans have gone by. Of course you didn’t remember any certain someone. So you stand and open the door with a small smile, expecting someone but not this kind of someone.

“Hey! Did ya miss me-yoi? It’s been weeks, Miss 118!” That shit-eating grin.

“Yeah, definitely, landlord. What’re you here for?” You roll your eyes and cross your arms.

“Just wanna ask, did you know that you’ve become so popular here-yoi?” Oh shit.

You almost grimaced. “No..?”

“Funny, ’coz yesterday, people thought that there was an artist from this very floor, at this very door-yoi! Have a guess as to why?” He mimics your crossed arms.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I was drunk, got crazy, alcohol had me, and you know the rest. Sorry, okay?” Now you’re nervous. Kind of.

“You know what, Miss 118? I think I need to–”

Panic. “No– no! Don’t even continue!” You wave your hands in front. “I promise you, that won’t happen ever again, Marco! I seriously do!” You even put your hand up. “Just don’t.. don’t say whatever you were about to say, please…” You grimace.

“Say what? That–”

“No–”

“What do you mean no–”

“Don’t say it–”

“I’m asking, what–”

“Don’t tell me to move out of here, Marco!”

You cut him off with a shout. An abrupt one that made him widen his eyes for a second. He then looked at you with that angry face. Your body is close to him because you stepped forward in anger, and his head is pulled back slightly.

Realizing what you did, it was like you snapped out and straightened yourself, stepping backward and composing yourself. Heated cheeks due to embarrassment. Yup, you might be kicked out now.

“I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to…” You almost fidget in your place but you put your hands behind you to instead fiddle with them.

Marco still stared at you, your unexpected outburst still shocking him. Though he isn’t angry nor thinking of what you thought he meant to say. And then he smirks again, clearing his throat and straightening himself.

“You really thought I was gonna say that, (Y/N)? Don’t you know me-yoi?”

Your eyes widened. “Was that not…?”

“No. I was about to suggest for you to move out here and up the floors, near my floor apartment-yoi. So I can keep you in check, even if you promised not to do all those again.” He put his hands in his pants pocket, shrugging his shoulders off.

“What?”

“If that’s okay with you. You still had the last decision-yoi.”

On the same floor with Marco? Well shit.

“I don’t think…” You hold on the door frame.

“Okay, whatever-yoi. It’s just my suggestion. Well, just keep your promise, I don’t want anyone in my building to leave.” With that, he left.

You stay stuck on your door, thinking back to your outburst that was literally out of hand. Even though Marco is an acquaintance, he’s still your landlord. Even if he’s chill, he’s still your landlord. And god, you yelled at him! Who on earth would do that?

It was more awful when you realized that your neighbors must’ve heard that. Ugh, talk about disrespect.

Stuck in your messy land of thoughts, you didn’t notice someone waving in front of you. They look at you with a little bit of confusion but mostly amusement.

“Hey, (Y/N).”

“Hey, you there-yoi?”

It was like you went into a short circuit. Your eyes became blurry because it had crossed—that always happens when you are zoning out.

When you felt a hand on your shoulder, that’s what snapped you out of your reverie. Then you looked at the person with a jolt.

“Marco? Are you here to take back what you said?”

“What? No!” He chuckled.

“Then what? I’m sorry again.”

“We’re past that. Forget it-yoo.” He then scratches at his hand. “I was thinking, that maybe I could invite you to dinner later?”

“Dinner?” Your mouth agape.

“Yeah. If it’s okay with you.”

Your landlord? Asking you to dinner? Is this what you think it is?

You almost went into a short circuit again but he held on to your shoulder again, seemingly caught on that you’d go back to that state again.

“It’s nothing really–”

“Is this a date?” Little by little, you start to smile at him, seeing his face lighten up and had that tinge of red.

“If you want to call it that, then yeah-yoi.”

Not convincing enough.

“Hmm, but what will you call it then? I’ll only agree if you name it.” You crossed your arms,now fully smiling.

He blinked a few times, contemplating on what to say. But by just staring at your face, he only has one thing in mind.

“Can we go out on a dinner date later?” At that, he smiled too.

“That’s more like it! I’ll wait for you here!”

You gave him a quick peck on the cheek, then you’re off to look for an outfit.

You didn’t even bother to close the door, so Marco closed it with a shake of his head. With a smile.

The landlord finally made a move and asked out his favorite tenant. If only Marco’s brothers were present at the moment, he would be teased to no end.

He gave you a smile, one that never fails to make you smile. So you did the same, only yours tremble with uncertainty.

But no. You shouldn’t be so worried and scared. All he needs is for you to trust him on this.

“Ace. I– I don’t think I can let you go,” your trembling lips purses, “for this. Can’t you just take me with you?”

Your husband shakes his head softly, closing then opening his eyes.

“Hey, we’ve been through this conversation a thousand times now. But I’m still gonna say that no, you can’t. And stop and let your worries go. I’ll be fine, (Y/N). We’ll be fine.” He lets go of your face and hugs you instead. Tight.

You do the same and cry. There was no way to not cry while seeing your lover go for this.

“Ace, please, just take care, okay? Promise me you’ll be okay out there, love, please?”

“I promise. (Y/N), I promise.”

Someone from inside the building announces that all are ready and the people who are boarded for this out of this world trip should be now heading to enter the ship.

Both of you let go and kiss. Just a simple and pure love one. Then he backs away and grins.

“Don’t you know me? I’m Ace! Nothing fears me and stops me, y’know?”

You wipe your tears away while giggling at him.

“Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. And also our babies. They’re fragile at the moment!” The two of you laugh and hug for the last time today.

All will be well.

Once all the people who are assigned or willingly volunteered got inside the ship, you were guided back out. Somewhere safe so you won’t have to be affected so much by the ship taking off.

The countdown starts, and all you can do is hope that everything will be fine. Your heart beats wildly in your chest, and as much as you want to calm down and erase all your worries away, it isn’t all that easy.

After the successful take off of the ship to space, you still look up and hope for the best.

Thank the universe that there were no complications while taking off. And up to the atmosphere they go, through the layers, and finally—the outer space.

Reluctantly, you went home that day after spending more hours just to know if all things regarding the flight are still safe.

Your worries lessen once you step foot on your house. Yours and Ace’s big dogs bark and scramble to the door for you. The little ones on the corner of the living room, whining and moving so little in their blanket.

Ace made this blanket set up for them. Layers of it are placed on a porcelain bowl, large enough to accommodate these five little pups. And that alone made you cry again.

You weren’t certain on how long Ace will be gone. Time from space is different after all. But as Ace said days before,

“We’ll come back before you know it! These ASL brothers have this luck too! Everything will be alright, so don’t worry your pretty head, (Y/N)!”

Years. The two of you have been together for years. It’s so much more for you two to trust each other. So after crying with your dogs by your side, you will yourself to hope and trust in every positive thing.

Everything will be alright.

Although, it’s a given that everything does not go alright.

Weeks had passed since you were notified that the ship Ace’s and his brothers and other few people were now untrackable. Nobody knows why. There were no reports, no transmission of signals, no nothing.

Driven by frustration and denial, you went to the headquarters to raise hell. Though it was futile. Usopp had to stop you from any more yelling and calmed you down in one of the offices there along with Nami.

Devastated. If only you would’ve persuaded Ace more, you wouldn’t be as devastated now. Sad, lonely, and a sobbing mess.

Someone had to visit you everyday, to keep you in check and make you eat and shower. And to feed, walk, and look after your precious babies.

Any of Luffy’s friends could be a candidate to help you, but none of them were available. All busy with their career.

Marco could have, but he had to look after Newgate, too. So Izo was the one who took care of you and the babies. Sometimes with Kiku, sometimes with Hiyori, but most of the time it was just him.

And as expected, he was fit for that role. If this were any normal situation, you would have felt so guilty. But all you can feel now is grief and pain. Or maybe you became numb.

It wasn’t easy, not so easy to deal with these emotions. Some people surrounding you to help could even falter and leave you. But thank the gods that Izo wasn’t like that. He was so patient with you.

Though with showering, it wasn’t him who accompanied you. It was Kiku. She only visits sometimes to just bathe you. But almost everyday, she comes by for an hour to aid you. If Kiku wasn’t available, Izo tries to reach out for any woman you know, but to no avail. So he guides you with reluctance but still is helpful in his own way.

At some point, Izo temporarily stayed with you in the house. You can never be too sure.

Eventually, Izo had Marco to visit and help you with medication. Your mental health is not good at all. Thankfully, courtesy of Izo, your physical health is okay. He always makes you eat healthily.

Marco said you have depression. That much is obvious. Along with anxiety. So with the medication he told you and Izo, he also talks with you about anything except space. And Ace.

Everything will be alright…

A month and two weeks pass, still no news.

Until one night, like in fiction, the ship comes back down to Earth. Miraculously.

And it was surprisingly close to the headquarters where they landed. The ship was in an okay-ish state. Not too much damage, and the people inside are well and okay.

The complications were caused by a certain youngest brother. Carelessly pressing buttons, until those what mentioned earlier happened. Of course everybody on board wasn’t pleased.

It felt like days, or maybe just two weeks. They weren’t sure.

So when everybody got back safe from space, all the people in the headquarters rejoiced and celebrated.

Ace passed on that one, as enticing food was. He had to hurry home. He knows all too well that you’re worried sick now. Who wouldn’t, right? Especially when he knew that they were gone for a month and two weeks.

Hours of drive on the way home had to be consumed. The distance between your house and the headquarters was a pain. When he came home, he became curious when he saw your car not outside, but another one is out.

This cannot be, right?

Opening the door, he saw his two big dogs run for him. And the babies are still on the corner, some are sleeping while the others awoke because of their parents.

Ace is happy to be back. But his odor is making him feel otherwise. So after giving attention to his dogs, he takes a quick shower and gets clothes from his separate room.

While you are sleeping in your shared bedroom, unaware of the person now looking at the guest room to see his friend sleeping there.

Ace sighs and wakes Izo up, relieved that his suspicions were wrong. When Izo woke up, he was surprised to see Ace. He even squeezed the freckled-man’s face just to convince himself that he was back and indeed real.

They exchange a conversation about what happened and about you. Your lover’s heart sank when he heard everything. He would have immediately woken you up and comforted you, but Izo suggested that they need to wait for you to get up. If your husband wakes you up suddenly, who knows what shock may do to you.

So they wait, and wait. Until you woke up at 9 AM.

Izo packs his things and bids goodbye to Ace to give you two your most awaited moment.

When Ace heard you in the bathroom, he prepared himself for when you went out of there and sat on your bed. That’s what you always do after going to the bathroom to start your morning routine.

When you did in fact sit, he slowly walked into your shared bedroom, he’s all anticipating and nervous.

Just when you opened your eyes from rubbing it, you saw a sight you thought you’d never ever see. Never mind if it was just an illusion or a dream, at least you can see him.

“Ace?” You stand up, tears beginning to pool. “A-Ace? Is that.. you? Are you real? I don’t wanna wake up! Please!” Then you burst into tears.

Your lover aches for you. He feel tears forming as he approaches you. He pries your hands on your face off, to see you closely, to hold you finally.

“I don’t want this to ever end! I don’t wanna wake up! Ace, I miss you so, so much!” You wipe your tears away and he does the same.

When you felt his hands, it was like a surge of warmth bloomed in you. From your heart, to your whole body. Your eyes widen at the contact, at the feel of his warm hands on your face.

He held you like that before he took off.

“Ace?” You whisper, tears streaming down your face. Even though your vision was blurry, you can see that Ace was crying too.

Then he hugs you. And that was what it took to make you believe that he is real. He is back.

Everything is alright. Finally alright.

You reciprocate his hug with a tight one, clinging on to him like he was a tree. Instinctively, you jump and wrap your legs around his waist, holding onto him for dear life. Like your lives depended on it.

Ace was at a loss for words. He can’t say the words he wants to say to you. He wanted to console you, to assure you once more that he’s here. To tell you that he loves you and he missed you so much.

All he could do was this, embrace you. Sit down on the bed and properly cradle you on his lap. This intimacy was what he craved for the whole time in the ship, in space.

He rubs your back to soothe you, slightly swaying to ease the situation.

It was worth it not giving into those thoughts to follow him in the afterlife. Part of you was in denial and still hoped that he’s alive out there. Another part was accepting the fact that he could be dead, so you thought of following him.

Although painful, you went through depression with Izo. There were certain thoughts you almost welcomed and did it, but Ace’s friend was always there to calm you and make you distract yourself. He was a big help to all this.

“Ace, I love you. I missed you very much! I’m so, so happy you’re here now. Please stay with me always, please…” Your whispers were hushed but were heard completely.

The first one to pull away was you. As you look at your husband’s face, you smile through the tears and you hold his face like you did when he took off.

“You’re real, you’re here…”

“Thank you, thank you…”

“I took care of myself as best as I could! I’m sorry for this…”

Ace did the same and held your face. Now forehead to forehead and nuzzling each other’s noses.

Then he kisses you, and you respond with fervor. And as you two kiss, you squeeze your body into him, get close to him as much as you can. And oh you wish that you two could just meld with one another.

When he broke the kiss for air, he looked you in the eyes. With a smile on both of your faces, you stared at one another with love. It was at this moment that he became ready to finally utter a word in what seemed like forever.

As he was about to say something, at the same time, you speak too.

“You’re home. You’re finally home, Ace.”

“I’m home, (Y/N). I love you.”

For two years, you were grateful to wait for two years. But before the day they stepped back in the archipelago, you decided a few weeks after the tragedy to come back where you had first resided. An island that’s devoid of people, only strange living creatures were present but that didn’t hold you back.

Truth is, you came to the realization that maybe you were all alone on the island because your parents neglected their duties and responsibilities for their child. That’s what you like to think of and what you said to Luffy and the others.

You were able to live your life full of sadness, loneliness, and innocence behind the world. You ever wondered why you were even born if that’s the life you would be having. You didn’t hate yourself, all you could hate was the world you were born into.

An old lady visited your island one day, and that’s when your life turned upside down. Growing up with the old lady, you were trained to fight for your life. The world that was brought to you wasn't the one you think is quiet, peaceful—but a dangerous one wherein a blink of an eye could make you fall into despair.

She taught you everything you could ever learn. The only thing she didn’t want you to have was a Devil Fruit Power. Says she doesn’t wanna see you struggle in the seas just like that. So she brought Haki upon you.

Then just one day, she disappeared. You weren’t angry at her for that action, sadness was all you felt and gratefulness. She taught you everything you had and needed to know anyway. She even gave you your name and guessed what your age could be.

When you were twenty, you finally decided to sail in the seas. Bringing you to your first destination, the Wano Kingdom.

Oddly enough, you didn’t know the world’s geography. You aimlessly wandered about the seas. And oddly enough, when you came through past a village, you felt your heart tug rapidly in your chest.

It made you stop and look around. You didn’t know what happened up until now. It was a mystery you had yet to know. It didn’t hurt, didn’t give you hesitation and distrust. It made you feel a strong kind of emotion you haven’t ever felt before. Made you long for something you knew you couldn’t easily obtain.

The Paramount War passed by. You were back on an island where you grew up, so you didn’t know what happened. It may be weird because the war was so well known in the whole world, but you didn’t really care and dwell in those. All you thought of was the Straw Hats.

A small painful tug at your heart made you cry for one whole day. You don’t know why and what is the cause of that. It made you mourn, one that you didn’t know how to handle.

When you came back to the seas two years after, it was the day the Straw Hats were back in the archipelago. They saw you help them interfere with the Navy, remembered when you first helped them.

Now here you are, staring at the seas, with them inside eating to their heart’s content.

You were happy, but you can’t help but feel something missing. A big part of you that you didn’t know was a part of you.

“Come back…”

“(Name), are you okay? You skipped lunch.” Chopper went beside you on the side of the ship. Sitting on the railing and watching you watch the seas.

“I’m okay, Chopper. Don’t worry, I’ll eat later.”

You continue to stare at the sea when a sudden headache hits you. Chopper was quick to transform and catch your back before you could fall.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” Usopp approached you two.

Before Chopper could even answer him, a scream erupts through your mouth. Tears constantly fall from your eyes and the headache you are having wrecks you from head to toe. You couldn’t think yet at the same time your brain is having a loaded information of things you can’t decipher well.

Everyone in the ship was alarmed, searching for where the scream came from. When they saw you struggling against Chopper’s hold, they felt worried.

“Chopper! What’s happening to her?” Sanji asked, making himself near you.

“I-I don’t know! She was just staring at the sea then she held her forehead!”

“Well then do something! You just can’t stand there!” Yelled Franky.

Chopper lifted your body carefully and made his way to the doctor’s room.

Robin felt a nagging emotion, making her think of the worst possible outcome of your headache. She knew something but couldn't really quite put a finger on it. This makes her worry more.

When Chopper set you down on the bed, Sanji and Nami went to your left side while Brook, Luffy, and Usopp were attempting to enter the room. Franky, Zoro, and Robin went and stayed inside the dining room, waiting for results.

You were trembling and clutching at your chest. Occasional screams and sobs were all you could offer and it made you feel bad for them.

Your thoughts are in a frenzy and some memories are making its presence known, making you furrow your brows and eyes shut. You were babbling incoherent words while Chopper checks what medicine to give you.

No one talked and that’s making you feel awful. A distinct memory flashes through your eyes and you scream again, louder this time and you sit up. Looking everywhere. Sanji tried to hold your hand but you kept on pushing him. You panic as your first words after your screams are heard.

“Why is there smoke everywhere? W-what’s all this blood?” You looked at your hands, blood seeping through but you know it’s not yours. “What’s happening?!”

You question the vision you are seeing in real time. The surrounding place is full of smoke, earth cracked and there are various voices, clashing of swords and a strong aura surrounding you. It makes you scared and panic even more, so you wipe your face, hoping that this will make the vision disappear.

Sanji, Nami, and Chopper try to ask you questions in return, but you couldn’t make out any of them. The vision you are seeing makes you mournful. Your sobs never relenting and your hands not actually helping you to make it disappear.

“Why do I see b-bloodshed? Why are there s-so many people? Where am.. I? Robin…?”

They all looked at each other when you called Robin. The ravenette in question perked up, standing and going inside the room. There she saw you trembling and a crying mess. This only made her heart hurt too.

“What’s happening?” She asked softly, Sanji stepping out of the way for her to take his place beside you.

“Why do I see r-red?” Your head tosses and turns everywhere, looking anywhere but anyone in the room.

“What do you mean, (Name)? Can you tell us?” This made you calm down a bit, but your trembles are still there and the tears won’t stop.

“There are many tall men, lots of weapons clanking too, fires, smoke, too many broken structures…”

They all furrowed their brows, looking at you with curiosity. Even Luffy stopped moving his hands that were (playing with some string) tapping on his arms. Something about your statement made him think.

“...And there’s a man beside.. me? Who is this? Why did I see him just now?” You stutter your words out, looking at your right blankly. Your heart beats faster than ever, making you chase your breath and clench your fists against the mattress. You tilt your head down, and another ache courses through your head, making you wince.

In the vision you were seeing, a man—no, two men—were beside you. The man with wavy hair leans on the other who has shorter hair. You can’t quite see their faces, but you saw a very familiar object.

They are all watching you carefully, looking at your suddenly stiff body. You stopped crying, making any sounds, and breathing. Chopper was about to hold you and let you lay down but you snapped your head to where Luffy is.

“Luffy?”

His brows raised and he stepped forward, only to stop when you utter your next words.

“Do you have a brother?”

At that, your body goes limp and falls forward, but Chopper was quick to hold your form again.

You lost consciousness the moment you finished your question. The vision presented upon you disappears as quickly as it appeared earlier.

Everybody went silent and looked at each other. Luffy was caught off guard by your question, and while he wanted to ask you, questioning you in your unconscious state is useless.

Chopper politely asked them to step outside and he will begin examining you immediately. Before he saw you standing at the side of the ship, he saw you earlier in the morning laughing at Luffy and Brook. Seeing you be in an outburst like that made him sad. And he’ll do anything he can to make sure you never experience that again.

“What was that about? Why did she suddenly ask if you have a brother?” Usopp broke the silence once everybody was seated at the dining table.

“I think she saw visions about the war.” Robin thoughtfully said, thinking if that ever happened to anyone before. “What do you think, Luffy?”

They all looked at Luffy who had his mouth slightly agape.

“I don’t know.”

Four days have passed and you still weren’t conscious.

The Straw Hats found a secluded island full of creatures they rarely have seen. They decided to stay there until you wake up. After all, the island may be devoid of humans, but the abundance of food and herbal plants is plenty enough.

Night came and Zoro was once again in charge of looking out for the day. This time, he chose to rest by where the helm is located. Leaning against the railing, he sighed and thought of the few days past.

He too could feel something wrong, much like Robin. And he knows that whatever happens, it won’t be a good one.

A door quietly opening broke through the silence. However quiet the sound was, it still didn’t go unnoticed by the swordsman. He stood and saw a figure slowly coming out of the dining room.

When the figure successfully made their way out, he immediately recognized who that was.

Everybody was asleep so you made sure to move quietly. Upon looking up, you saw Zoro walking to stand by the helm with crossed arms. You were relieved to see him, walking towards him.

“You finally woke up.” He met you with those words that made you smile a bit. You sat by the seat behind the helm, looking at the sea beside.

“How long was I out?”

He leaned against the side of the helm, looking up at the sky.

“Four days.”

You turned your gaze towards him.

“I’m sorry for causing trouble. What happened then, Zoro?”

He told you that what happened was okay and also told you some pirates tried to fight them. Then came upon the island where you all are now.

“Secluded?” You looked around. It was quiet.

“You can’t go down yet. Chopper still doesn't even know you’re awake.”

“I know…”

Silence.

“Hey, Zoro?” He hummed.

“What if someone goes away?”

He glanced at you, signaling you to continue.

“What would you do?”

“Dunno. Depends on the situation. Why?” You muster a small smile at him.

“Nothing.”

Morning came and everyone woke up. You and Zoro didn’t bother to go to sleep, lightly conversing about anything. Chopper scolded Zoro for not waking him up right as you woke up. You assured the doctor that it was okay and you’re feeling better now.

At lunch, everybody was eating without uttering any words.

“This isn’t what I’m used to guys. Speak up, please.” You look at them individually.

All of them now have their heads slightly turned down. Looking at Luffy, you saw him stop eating then glanced at you.

“Do you remember anything?” Robin asked.

“Yes.”

“Don’t you feel the need to ask us?” You scooped up some rice, eating and swallowing slowly.

“I…”

Where do you even begin?

In the past days you were asleep, everybody thought you’re really unconscious. You didn’t move a single bit on your bed. Not even changing positions or lifting a hand as to scratch something on your skin. Nothing.

But in the midst of your body being asleep, your mind was restless.

Constant memories keep on flooding through you. Some of your own, mostly of someone else’s you have yet to meet.

It was weird to you of having knowledge about people being destined to have soulmates. Why was there such a thing and destiny? This makes you think that it’s just useless.

Not in every chance people may have the favor of being happy. Maybe there are some cases where each and every person who has soulmates meet one another. This doesn’t make any sense for you.

What you saw were memories of your soulmate. In your very conscious mind, you saw every scene he had gone through. Making you laugh, wonder, sad, angry, and even feel weird.

When all memories were shown to you, everything went black. Four days worth were like 24 hours to you. Suddenly, a white flashed upon your eyes, making you shut your eyes. Then you felt warmth all over your body. A very foreign feeling. Unknown but not unwelcome.

Your last tear fell when you dropped unconscious in the bed. Now new ones fall from your eyes, relentlessly. You didn’t like this. Grief was one thing you don’t like to experience, and this was making you breathless.

You slowly open your eyes only to see a small leering fire in front of you. Not even sparing a glance at your surroundings, you bent down and kneel before the fire. You don’t know why but you feel safe, and touching this element was the only thing you could think of.

Fascination was the only thing you feel now, even if your eyes blur from tears.

All those memories, it made you want something. Those memories made you feel… love? Uncertainty was one of what you felt.

What was this? Why are your soulmate’s memories the only ones you see? You can’t even see him because you were seeing through his eyes. Everytime he has a reflection of himself in front of a mirror, window, or water, the vision blurs. This left you frustrated. Why can’t you see your soulmate?

When you felt the fire, it did not hurt. It was warm, not hot. You closed your eyes, relishing in the feeling. Your mind went blank and you’re just focusing all in this small leering fire.

A wind blows past your form, breathing in the fresh air and feeling something lace through your wrist, you open your eyes.

A red string…?

No..

A red small-beaded bracelet. Beads that can be mistaken as nothing but when you really look at it, it’s there. Nicely aligned and light.

Then a presence was known.

You looked to your left, seeing a man who sits there with his legs crossed. Arms leaning to serve as a support behind his back. When you slowly marveled your eyes up to his face, you saw him smiling and looking at the sky. Hair swinging as the wind before didn’t just pass by, but lingered with a slow and quiet breeze.

You unconsciously held your wrist and faced him fully.

The man in front of you now has glanced down from the sky, taking in your form. His smile widened a bit.

“So you’re my soulmate, huh?”

You wipe your eyes in disbelief. What?

“I’m Ace. What’s your name?”

You didn’t answer. Ace? Where have you heard that name before?

He sat up properly and held out his hand to you. Motioning for you to sit in front of him. You obliged and felt a tugging pain in your heart.

“(Name)...” you trailed off.

“(Name)... huh. What a beautiful one.” He gave you a smile with closed eyes.

A fluttery feeling appeared in your heart. He was beautiful.

His hair looks soft and you bet it is really when you touch it. His body, although very clad in nothing but shorts, is well structured. He seems strong and his aura feels like it too. You could also tell he was a good natured person, considering you remembered his memories.

A tough life he has gone through, huh? Nobody deserves that. It pains you to think of it when you look back at his eyes. It was giving you warmth and an assurance.

“I’m sorry we had to meet like this.”

“Hm?”

He pulled you out of your reverie, furrowing your brows at what he said.

“You probably thought of meeting your soulmate in a place where it’s lovely or whatnot. Well, I died, so…” he lifted his shoulders up and down in a quick manner.

“You what?”

“Can you not tell? My death was very popular in the whole world! How come you don’t know?” He chuckled.

“Ah… Sorry. I really don’t pay attention to any news the world has to report. It’s annoying.” He chuckled once again.

“I didn’t know I had a soulmate. Had I known, I could've not yet died.” You smiled sheepishly at that.

Then it dawned on you. Your soulmate was dead in the real world. And here you both are, talking so casually like you met forever ago. The tears that stopped earlier, came pouring down again.

Ace saw this and he felt sad and worried about you. He knew what your train of thought was at the moment. And he could do nothing but to at least comfort you in your little time you had left.

“What happened, Ace?” A rhetorical question really. You saw everything that happened right through his eyes. You must’ve been feeling in denial.

He scooted closer to you, and carefully enveloped you in a hug. That’s all he could offer, and he wasn’t even sure if this will help you.

“I’m sorry, (Name). I really am.” You returned his hug and continued crying.

“I-it’s not your fault, Ace. Don’t w-worry.”

The feeling of dread of not having enough to spend time with him gnaws at you. You didn’t know loving someone could make you feel so secure and cared for. You didn’t know that this could soothe you and make you feel everything you haven’t felt in your life.

Was the universe playing with both of your lives just like this? He, who suffered because he felt he didn’t even deserve to have a life, given his father’s background and being. You, who was like a bubble that was blown, but didn’t disappear. Instead, appeared with no knowledge and someone to have while growing up.

You didn’t even know why you were brought into this world and so does he. One who doesn’t think he deserved being even born, and one who doesn’t know what life is.

Time felt long while in the arms of someone you have yet to really get to know. At the same time, it felt short. But one thing is for sure, this will have to end immediately.

You both know that. Pain is evident within your beings. You tremble in fear of losing contact with Ace, and he hurts to see you like this.

Why is it like this? You haven’t completely known each other yet the feelings are strong. It makes you both regret, sad, and happy all the same.

“Can’t you go back? Can’t I experience being with you?” You sputter words and he just tightens his hold on you.

Questioning everything was useless.

Meeting your soulmate who you can’t be with anymore is useless. Why did you even see him now? Why just now? It doesn’t make sense at all.

“It hurts. And we just met!” You try to chuckle. “This is ridiculous. Hey Ace, tell me I’m just dreaming.”

He nuzzles his face in your hair, holding you like you might break once he lets go. He smiles a little at everything you say. Suddenly swaying both your bodies side by side slowly.

“You’re not, (Name). You smell good by the way.” You pull away from him, carelessly wiping your tears and playfully glaring at him. “What? It’s true.” He grinned.

“You’re a dork, you know that?”

You spend your remaining time goofing around and crying with each other. Cursing whatever gods bestowed this predicament upon you.

You both stood up taking in your surroundings. It was odd that nature surrounds a criminal like Ace. He wasn’t supposed to be experiencing this in the afterlife. You don’t have to know that so he cherishes the feeling of your hands entwined with each other. A plant with red roses is abundant everywhere.

This was your favorite out of all the flowers you have seen in your island, so seeing all those red flowers gives you delight. It matches Ace's red-beaded necklace.

Strolling about the place, you giggle and play with each other without a care in the world. This looks and feels very real to both of you. Nothing else mattered. It’s just you and him.

You and Ace against the world. In your own little world.

A gust of wind blows through both of you. With it, the little world you shortly had blends with the wind as it passes by. Your hearts beat fast, you knew what this was and it came too soon.

You hate the world.

Ace pulls you against him, embracing you and even kisses your palm.

“You’re very lovely, (Name). I wish we could’ve spent more time together.” At that, he squeezes you with his hug. Letting go when a sudden sunset appeared.

He smiled at you and let go of your hand. You don’t know what to do and when you tried and reached out for him, it seemed like you couldn't grasp his hand anymore. He’s slowly moving away from you. Tears began to roll down your cheeks as you progressively ran towards him.

“No, no! Ace, don’t go! Please!” You yelled. “I need you! I don’t want this! Please!”

“It was nice meeting you, (Name). Maybe in another life, we could be together…”

“No! I.. I–”

As the sun sets, he slowly fades, blending in with the orange hues enveloping the environment. You stand there completely hurt and a crying mess.

“Please!”

The skies turn into a pinkish hue, then slowly, darkness clouds over everything you see.

“Come back…”

You woke up feeling nothing at all. You sat up and tried to stand, heading towards the door. Then you stopped.

A thought stuck through your mind. Before you even wake up, a hushed voice warns you.

“You know what happens when one’s soulmate dies?”

Glancing down at your right wrist, a physically real object stays wrapped around it.

“I saw him.” You finally answer after moments of silence. You didn’t have the courage to see their faces so you chose to stare at your plate.

“Saw who?”

Everyone was alarmed by what you said.

“Ace…”

Luffy clenched his fists at the mention of his late brother’s name. He called your name and you couldn’t ignore your captain so you lifted your eyes to where Luffy was seated.

When you saw his eyes, you started to tear up. Everything you saw through Ace’s eyes flashed by you again.

In a matter of seconds, you told them everything that happened while your body was asleep. You even showed them the bracelet that had appeared, they gasped when they saw it.

It wasn’t a joke, and they knew you didn’t possess any jewelry so this shocked them.

You left the most important part the last to be mentioned. And just when they thought the bracelet was a shock, knowing Ace was your soulmate completely left them silenced.

It was hard to believe, yes. Because why in the hell do people have soulmates?

You have yet to think of what will happen in the future. But there’s only one thing that you can think of.

When all of you processed what happened to you, they felt sorry for you. You felt sorry for them as well, they didn’t deserve to be bothered by your predicament. But knowing them, they sure as hell don’t care since you are their friend.

The day went on with everyone taking it lightly for the day. When they let you know where Sunny was docked, you were happy to know that this is where you grew up.

You told them the story of what life was like on this island. You take them to a cave where you resided.

Further through the cave, even if this island was full of green and abundant life, at the end of the cave was like another paradise. A waterfall was still flowing of raging water down a pool of water below. They stared in awe and decided to stay there until you continue your voyage tomorrow.

Nami and Usopp took a dive down the falls. Luffy and Chopper were sulking at the edge rock beside the huge plunge pool, swinging their legs that dipped in the water. Robin, Brook, and Sanji prepared the food you’ll be having for dinner. Zoro napped under the shade of the tree not far from the cave and the falls. Franky was building a small boat for Luffy and Chopper.

You stand where you can see everyone having fun. You would have to indulge in this scene before you as long as you could.

Night came and all of you ate and drank, singing and dancing, and making fun of each other.

This was nice. So nice you could ditch pirate life in exchange for this. They won’t agree with you but hey, this is what you want too.

One by one, they doze off to sleep. The blankets you brought from the Sunny earlier were draped by their forms. They look so peaceful like this.

You will surely miss these all. Two months aren't enough if you are with these people. They are just the best you could have in life. You couldn’t really compare but;

Luffy was sure as hell the best captain ever. Sanji is a great cook, too much of a pervert but respectful at the same time. Zoro, well he is a strong, powerful swordsman and a great vice captain too. Nami may be a bit cheap when it comes to bargaining and money, but you know her passion for cartography will make her achieve what she dreams of. Not to mention a great navigator. Usopp, you kind of envy his skill with being a sniper, but he is a friend you can depend on. Chopper is a great and smart doctor, a cute racoon d- reindeer too. Franky’s energy affects you that your interest in mechanics heightens with his passion for it. Robin is as elegant as ever, and a smart person. Her knowledge of history adds to her personality too. And Brook, you love him for his politeness, personality, and great music taste.

You absolutely love the Straw Hats. Missing them is an understatement.

The realization of parting ways with them breaks your heart all over again. Yet there could be nothing to do to prevent what was bound to happen to you.

You halfheartedly wish you hadn’t joined them, but you can’t. Being with them brought many more colors to your life.

You remember the old lady who taught you things in life, wishing that you could see her again. She didn’t give her name to you, now that you think about it.

“Hey.”

Zoro called for your attention. You turned around and went over to the tree he was leaning his back on and sat beside him.

“You could tell, could you?” He sighed.

“Yeah. What are you gonna do?”

“Well, this is inevitable. All I can do is accept everything as it is. Is that okay?”

He didn’t answer you. So you looked back at the bunch that were sleeping, then up in the clear sky.

Death was coming and hurtful as it may seem, this makes you a bit happy. You know that in the afterlife, Ace is there, waiting for you. Your parents could even be there too, but how will you surely know?

This may be selfish to accept but what can you do? Once you die, your other half would surely be too. There’s nothing to live for if the one you’re supposed to be with dies.

Your death could’ve been postponed, but you were somewhere where you grew up. Death will happen once you step foot on your first home, that’s what you were told by the hushed voice before you woke up. You have no idea as to why.

“Zoro? Can I hug you?”

His arms that were behind his head came down to stretch forward, a gesture that lets you know you can hug him. This may be out of character for him, but this is the only thing he can do other than stay seated beside you.

You wanted to cry but you were spent. It’s tiring to cry every time you can. You’ll just appreciate this comfort from him.

“I have a favor to ask you, Zoro. Will you hear me out?”

“Hurry up and let’s go now. It’s alright to continue out to the sea, (Name)’s feeling better after all.” Nami said while walking inside the cave.

“By the way, where even is (Name)? I haven’t seen her since I woke up.” Usopp inquired.

Sanji was about to shout to call you but was interrupted by Zoro.

“She went ahead and rested in their room in the Sunny.”

“Oh. Did she not sleep well?” Asked Brook.

“No idea.”

Zoro was a bit hesitant with following through in your favor. He knows that this will not end well and could be dealt with another way. Though you insisted and said that this is the only way they’ll let you go. They will be angry at Zoro for this.

They all climbed to get on board the Sunny. Zoro is eyeing them individually so he knows if someone goes to the rooms. Luckily, no one bothered to go down and wake you.

When they were far enough from the island, you got out from hiding behind a tree near the seashore. You wipe a stray tear on your cheek. It hurts to leave them just like this, but you can’t see them sad and pitying you on your last breath. It was best to leave things like this.

After half an hour from departing, Chopper was the one to wake you up. He was humming merrily while walking towards your girl's quarters. With his eyes closed and a smile, he opened the door.

“Sorry for waking you, (Name)! Sanji made snacks!!" Chopper hummed and tilted his head to the side, slightly opening his eyes.

"Huh? (Name)? Are you still asleep?" He approached the bed with bumps that seemingly looked like someone was lying under the blanket. He thought for a second if he should shake you a bit from your sleep. But when he carefully watched the sheets if someone was breathing, he furrowed his brows and slowly lifted the sheets. A gasp escaped his lips.

"Someone must have noticed that I'm not there." You smiled weakly, feeling sorry for lying and leaving just like that.

"We've got a problem!" Chopper screamed while going out the deck.

"Oh, Chopper? What's up?" Franky was about to open the door to the dining hall when Chopper came running out from the room. Poor little reindeer had to bend a bit and put his hooves on his knees, panting slightly.

"(N-name)..." He really tried to avoid crying, but was unsuccessful. "(Name) is not here!" He cried out.

A collective of “what's” echoed through the ship. Zoro clicked his tongue, opened his eye, and stood up. When he looks to where everybody is almost gathered, a raging blonde sends a kick straight to his face. To which he dodges.

"Moss head! You said (Name) is resting! Where is she?!"

"Oi, Chopper, are you sure? She must be hiding somewhere in their room." Usopp nervously said, looking at Chopper and Luffy.

The reindeer is incapable of saying things coherently, so Usopp tried and made his way to where the girls' quarters are, when Robin spoke.

"Don't tell me…"

"Yeah, she's still on that island." Zoro nonchalantly says while scratching his head, eye closed again.

"Zoro! Why didn't you tell us!" Nami punched the swordsman on the head.

"We should go back! (Name)-san! We're coming back for you!" Brook singsang.

"You better have an explanation for this, Moss head!"

"Yeah, I do. She doesn't want to see us anymore."

Robin looked at Zoro with concerned eyes.

"We really can't prevent this, can we?" The ravenette looks at Nami.

"Prevent what?" Luffy asks.

Everybody went quiet for a while. Franky stopped the Sunny from moving further away the island.

"I'm sorry. I wish I hadn't met or known Ace in my dream. Or maybe we shouldn't have reached this island. Maybe we could've spent more time together. I'm really sorry."

You have no tears to shed now. That's what you felt and thought. But tears were slowly pouring out of your eyes. You kneeled down the sand, hand on the tree next to you for support.

Everything comes back to you. The bickering of every Straw hat member, banquets, fights, endless journey, and so much more. Only this journey was it for you. Or who knows? Maybe in the afterlife, with Ace, you'll really have an endless journey.

It hurts. To think of every moment spent with your friends. You weren't sobbing, just sniffles and slow tears pouring out.

You already stopped using haki when they got far from the island. And you will not be using it again just to know if they got back or if there is any presence of someone on the island.

All that you're waiting for is your demise to come.

You were scared of how you will go and what will happen from here.

Although, one thing is for sure, you will meet your soulmate again.

Back on the Sunny, met with the reality of what will happen to you, everybody was unmoving and quiet again.

"You see… If I'm right—once you meet your soulmate, nobody could ever separate you from each other, no matter where. It is fixed that whenever you meet your soulmate, you should be together right then and there. But…"

Robin pauses, looking at each and every face she was with.

"When your soulmate dies, and you meet them in your dream, that's when your life has already had a timer. The timer isn't tangible. Although if you are somewhere near from where you were born, that's when you will know where you'll die or how."

"(Name) met Ace days ago in her dreams. Before that, she had an episode which we all witnessed. Now, we unknowingly landed on her home island. She knew, of course. So most likely she asked Zoro a favor, leading us to this situation."

Robin explained as clearly as she could. It was hard thinking of how she will say all the information and thinking of you. Both of you were the closest after all.

Zoro sighs, proceeding to sit back on his spot again. Franky, Brook, and Usopp are on the verge of crying, while Chopper keeps on crying still. Nami has her hand on her mouth, shocked to hear what Robin said.

Sanji's hands were trembling, hurriedly walking to the back of the Sunny, where he could hopingly still see the island you were on.

Luffy was unresponsive. His straw hat tipped down his forehead, a shadow covering his eyes.

A few moments later the captain spoke.

"Don't worry, guys! (Name) is strong! I know for sure she will be alright back in her home!" Luffy holds his straw hat, fixing it on his head. Sporting a smile, redness on his nose evident.

At this, Nami started crying, crumbling down the floor.

"(Name)-san! We'll be back for you! With lots of food and maybe other friends!" Sanji shouts, voice laced with hurt and is shaky.

You didn't know why but you heard shouting from afar. Clearly hearing every word, and the tone the person had. You looked up from the sand to look at the vast sea before you.

Bright sun rays from above shining down on the sea. Not too bright to hurt the eyes and not too dull to make the surroundings boring.

A sob escaped. You heard Sanji loud and clear for some reason. And it adds to your pain more.

You were hoping that they understood you and hoping they weren't mad at you. You muster up a genuine smile while sobbing.

This was it.

Everything will be alright. Hopefully… so…

Ace…

Wait for me.

“It’s okay. Why?”

You twirl around, “That’s all? Won’t you criticize it? I mean this top is a tube? And these shorts almost show my, you know.”

“So? I don’t see any problems about that? You can wear anything you like. Doesn’t even matter, I’m here for you anyway.” He put his phone in his pocket then crossed his arms, manspreading while looking at you nonchalantly.

“Aww, that’s sweet of you.”

“That’s part of me loving and caring for you, so naturally…” he raised his brows, “Why’d you even ask that?”

“Oh nothing really. I just want to know if you’re willing to match my clothes. Well, not exactly you wearing this kind of tube.” You pointed to your chest.

“We’ll be late, but okay. Give me something.” He sat up straight while holding his hand out.

Amusement fills your mood and expression. This man is willing even after straight up asking him. You were right to assume he’s unbothered by his clothes.

“Are you sure though? Won’t that make you “less of a man”?” You make quotation marks out of your hands. He grimaced a bit.

“It’s just clothing? Besides, you always make me wear cropped tops these days. I don’t care.” He crossed his arms again. At that, you giggle and lean in on his face.

“I can’t believe you actually noticed that. I thought you don’t mind and just go wear whatever.”

“As long as we wear something, (Y/N). Now go and get me those clothes you’re referring to and let’s go already. Luffy and the others are already at the beach resort.” He stood and went into the kitchen.

“Aww, Zoro! I find you adorable!” You giggle again while he grumbles and if you’re facing him right now, you might even see the redness on his face.

In the end, you gave him your favorite cropped top that you bought solely for him, and the color? It was a raging red with a design that has a specific type of flower that isn’t too big and too small. Plus pants that match with this top, obviously.

While he was wearing it, you had that big grin and a giggle escapes you continuously. His face was just neutral and somehow, there was a tinge of pink on his cheeks.

It was obvious that Zoro looks buff as hell, but with this cropped top? He looks less intimidating and somehow buffer, if that makes sense.

The two of you finally arrived at the beach resort. Zoro was really unbothered by the fact of him wearing that red cropped top. And his number one hater? That man Sanji is quick to notice Zoro’s clothes and tease him about it. Your boyfriend insulted Sanji in return and that was another casual and usual banter between them.

“Nice cropped top he got there. I’m thinking that the girlfriend bought it though.” Robin sits beside you and sips on her juice.

“Looks good, right? Thank you for the compliment by the way. You and Robin giggle at that.

Maybe from now on, you’ll make him wear other types of clothes that break the norm. Not just him, but you too will do it. You’re both in this together after all. Just a ’couple thing,’ you guess. A bit cheesy, but when you two do it, it’s actually not that bad.

He would have done the thing he did to Nami a while back, constantly tapping her face and squeezing it just to wake up. Noisily talking to the manager while she was passed out. He did that because he was worried, however now he won’t do that even if he’s worried too. This is you we are talking about and the last thing he wants to happen now is to prolong your agony, that wouldn’t be ideal as he wants to hang out with you soonest.

A level-headed action—that is by choosing to hold your hand—was he did while pouting. Luffy was becoming sad to see you in this sick state, not at all familiar with you being a gloom. Every time spent with you is always filled with laughter and lighthearted jokes. And every single one of them he always looks forward to and thinks of constantly. There was a moment when he would think of you acting the opposite of the usual way; he can’t even finish the thought because he thinks he can’t handle seeing you not cheerful.

“Hey, (Y/N), get well alreadyyy! I want us to eat together again and talk! Heyyyy!” He pouts at your face, whining and not knowing what more to do. He really wishes he could mess with you like he did with Nami, but he can’t.

“When you wake up and are better, I’ll have Sanji cook for us! All your favorites, mine too, and other foods you and I haven't tried yet!” He giggles for a second then he sees your face again, now with your lips slightly open. “So heal faster, (Y/N)...” he whines and frowns, lying his head beside your arm and now fully grasping your hand.

That whole day, you were passed out with little change of position and movements. Eventually, Luffy fell asleep when he laid his head down to stare at you. Beginnings of drool were on the sheets and someone opened the door to see the sight before them.

It was unusual to see you and Luffy sleeping together and all quiet. This was a new scene for Robin who was smiling and taking a discreet picture. She’ll show this to everyone tomorrow in the morning. Now at night, she was the first one to have a look at you, and she thinks that for the next following days of your stay here—a look out won’t be necessary at all. Robin already knows that Luffy will stay with you all the time, and that alone needs a lot of patience for a person like Luffy.

The second day of your sick stay, you stir awake with headache and dry throat, still having a high fever. Trying to move your hands that’s almost numb, your left hand feels warmer than normal. Slowly opening your eyes just to see a black hair beside you, you furrow your brows and blink heavily then experiment to squeeze your hand with another left hand on yours. Right as you focused your vision, you realize that Luffy was beside you sleeping with a drool prominently seeping out his open mouth.

It would’ve been gross if this were anyone, but this is Luffy we’re talking about so he gets a pass and shall be called adorable. You smile weakly at the man beside you, and your head aches more because of joy and the flutter of your heart.

Luffy woke up when you squeezed at his hand again, a second later he was jumping up to look at you awake. “(Y/N)! You’re awake! How are you?!” This man never holds back to his tone and while that was okay with you, it was not for today due to headache.

You try and grunt out of the throbbing feeling of your head. Why did you ever sleep at the office and go home when it was night the next day again? Not at all having a full sleep and proper place to sleep on?

You squeeze on Luffy’s hand again and he looks at both your hands then he realizes that his voice was too loud for your liking. “Oh! Sorry, (Y/N)! I’ll go call Chopper, okay? Wait here!” Not that you have anywhere else to go in this state.

Luffy dashes out the door and you hear him shout Chopper’s name loudly. What even is the time and was it okay for him to shout that loud?

After Chopper checked you and made you eat a little to drink medicine, Luffy and you were once again alone. He is now rocking in his chair quietly while anxiously looking at your seated self, eyes closed and a content small smile. Your head is still aching but better than when you woke up earlier, so now you have a little energy to talk with Luffy about whatever.

“Luffy, I’m sorry I didn’t come here the other day. My boss made us work the whole day in the office.” He stops rocking his chair and makes it nearer the bed, now smiling when he hears your voice, even if it was almost a whisper.

“That’s no problem! Nothing was interesting that day anyway, so I didn’t work.” Somehow, Luffy’s enthusiasm was 2 levels down compared to his 100 leveled one. Something in his mind made him not want to work and he felt that you weren’t even gonna swing by. And he was right for that.

“That so? Oh yeah I remember, Sabo and Ace are your brothers?” You open your eyes and look at him to see him have that expression with an o-shaped mouth, then he smiles again and nods.

“Yup! I used to live with them but we all went separate ways to work and live alone. So now I’m here, Sabo’s in the next city, and Ace is somewhere around the country. Maybe being an engineer?”

“Ohh. How come you didn’t mention that to me?”

“No reason. Ace, Sabo, and I don't often talk about each other. If we do, it would turn to nonstop talk about us.” He’s aware of that? “I don’t mind talking about them either. Where did you know that, (Y/N)?”

“Sabo and I are co-workers. Do you not know that he sometimes visits the office building?” You mindlessly fiddle with your hands to which Luffy notices.

“Really? He didn’t tell me anything, well that doesn’t matter. As long as he’s okay.” He lets out a little laugh and smiles with eyes closed, swiftly sliding his hand on the sheets to your hands on your stomach. That caught you off guard that’s why you stare at his still smiling face, processing what he just did. Although not expecting any physical contact after his hold on your hand earlier and yesterday, you welcome his hold on yours so you remove his hand that's clasping your two hands to hold his properly. Smiling when Luffy squeezes your hand and you close your eyes again and continue to talk.

“Your brother is a pain sometimes by the way. Especially when he goes and decides for his own without involving us.” Luffy laughs.

“That’s Sabo for you, alright! I think we are impulsive sometimes so sometimes we clash with decisions back when we lived all together.” Luffy rests his head on his arms that are on the bed, hand still in yours.

“Sometimes? I don’t think that’s the right word.” You mumble and chuckle with all you can. A knock on the door halts your conversation followed by a voice.

“Luffy, don’t tire (Y/N) so much. She needs to rest now,” Chopper reminds and the man beside you pouts again while raising his head. “Then later when she wakes up, (Y/N) needs to eat to drink medicine.”

Answering Chopper, Luffy was about to stand and let go though you tugged him back and shook your head. Then he smiled and settled again, hearing Chopper’s next words. “You need to take a bath, Luffy! You don’t want (Y/N) to share your germs, do you?” Luffy seemingly melts at the command from the doctor, not yet wanting to leave you just to take a bath. But if that would add to you feeling better or what, then he must do it.

“Alright, Chopper! I’ll be right there!”

“Don’t worry, Luffy. I won’t go anywhere and just sleep after you go. You can leave for as long as you like, I know you have activities to do. I’ll call if ever I need help, so go.” You squeeze at his hand and smile encouragingly.

“Okay, but I’ll be back quickly. I’ll just bring a game here and food!” With that, Luffy lets go and strides to the door. Right after, you lay down and sleep with a smile on your face.

Today was the third day of your sick stay. For the little time you had here, you woke to Luffy holding your hand again and sleeping beside you on the reclining chair he brought here. As you open your eyes, you smile when you feel Luffy stir and loosely hold your hand. The sunlight peeks out from the curtains on your left and you think that maybe it’s close to 8 AM.

A knock on the door then it opens and reveals Chopper, and Nami who gives a knowing smile by what she sees. The doctor makes a quick check on you and decides what you need to do. The fever is still there but your temperature has gone down near the average temperature. Luffy woke up when Nami poked at his head.

“Okay, (Y/N), this might be taxing for you but you need to take a lukewarm bath. Nami will bathe you so don’t worry–”

“What? No! I’ll bathe (Y/N)!–”

“Ha- no, Luffy! She might get uncomfortable!” Nami yells in his ear, “Plus, you don’t know how long you need to bathe her.”

“No, it’s either I bathe her or nothing at all.” Luffy crosses his arms and puffs out.

“That’s kinda selfish don’t you think?” Chopper scratches at his cheek, looking at Nami and Luffy back and forth. You giggle a little at the situation. Maybe it won't hurt to have Luffy bathe you.

“It’s okay, Nami, Chopper. Or Luffy can be there while I bathe–”

“No! There’s no in between at all,” Luffy shakes his head. The three of you look at each other, the other two sighing and face palming.

That’s what got you here in the bathroom with Luffy shampooing your hair and occasionally massaging your scalp. He was unbelievably good at massaging and you thoroughly enjoy this while you lather your body with soap. Your body is covered by the bathtub’s water with bubbles so it was no problem for him seeing your nude self.

“Hey, (Y/N), I can make bubble figures on your hair,” he giggles, “I can do a shark’s fin, you know!”

“I don’t think that’s possible, Luffy.” You smile weakly, beginning to feel tiredness already.

“If you don’t have enough bubbles! But if–”

“Luffy, I told you to hurry! (Y/N)’s fever will go up again!”

“Okay, sorry!” Luffy grabs the shower head and rinses off the shampoo. You feel for the tub’s plug on the strainer and pull it, not at all minding if Luffy will see you naked. As he rinses off the soap, you try to stand and Luffy was quick to aid you, chuckling when you held tight on his arms.

“I’m sorry…” you weakly say and slump your whole body on him now that all the suds have been rinsed off.

“Hey, Nami! Can you come here and get the towel!” That was really more of a command than a request. Luffy grins and holds you up properly, your back against his front; one arm was wounded around your waist and his other is making your legs go over the tub. As he does that, Nami wraps your body with the towel and dries you up. After all that and you were wrapped with two towels, Luffy lifts you and carries you bridal style on the way to the infirmary again. There, you were clothed by Nami and mostly Luffy.

For Nami, seeing Luffy doing all the work was very rare and quite a sight to see. He’s definitely got it bad by now and if this won’t trigger a relationship afterwards, then Nami will surely set you two up and encourage whatever’s going on between you and him. She was happy that they decided for Luffy to work in the café—for the meantime—too when he moved in with them. This situation makes Nami consider having Luffy work full time now.

Successfully bathing and clothing you, Chopper brings in yours and Luffy’s food. He reminded Luffy to make you drink medicine afterwards and sleep again. The latter didn’t pout this time at Chopper’s command and just happily ate with you again. He was really delighted to eat with you again, not that he didn’t eat with you yesterday.

After eating and drinking, you lay down and turn on your side to face Luffy.

“Thank you, Luffy. You didn’t have to and sorry for–”

“That’s no problem at all, (Y/N)! I’m happy to always be by your side!” He giggles.

“Still, this has restricted you from working and doing other stuff.” You reach for his hand and grasp it.

“They don’t mind me not working, plus it’s less of a task for them to look after you everyday. So that adds help to them!” He fiddles with your fingers. You sigh and close your eyes, starting to feel sleep take over.

“Hey, (Y/N)?” You hum quietly at him. He scoots his face closer to yours and stares at you intently. “Would you like to live here with me?” A hitch in your breath and you open your eyes again, met with a face full of hope.

“Huh? Isn’t that too fast..?” The both of you stare at each other’s eyes while your thumb slides over his skin languidly, “I mean, we barely have a name to ourselves?” You whisper and lift the corner of your lips slightly. He giggles and nuzzles his face with yours.

“Weeell, I’ve seen you naked, can that count?” If it weren’t for your fever you would have smacked his head. Why is he this blunt? You shake your head with a snort.

“Luffy, we’re barely lovers and together for such a long time–”

“Okay and? Usopp and Kaya got together after two months.” Luffy pulled back with his lower lip jutted out as if he was questioning.

“That’s different, we haven’t reached our first month together yet. And maybe those two have been friends before.”

“Ah! I forgot to tell you first that I like you!”

Blinking at him for seconds, you snorted then laughed fully. He grinned at that and laughed along with you. A headache forms and you forcefully stop laughing, not wanting to worsen your condition again.

“Oh Luffy.”

Fourth day and you’re feeling better than ever when you woke up. Though this time, something was missing and you feel your heart sink when you look to the side yet there was no trace of someone being there, the reclining chair was gone and a certain straw hat man is nowhere to be seen. You sat up and felt yourself, you weren’t that hot with fever anymore so it must be good to stand and get out of this infirmary now. Before you do, a voice almost startles you and you look by the window to see your friend looking outside.

“How are you feeling, (Y/N)?” Robin turned around and gave a small smile.

“I’m better, Robin. Thank you for letting me stay here.”

“It’s no problem really. Are you better off walking around again? We have breakfast prepared by Sanji.”

“Yeah, I can manage now.”

The two of you walk down the hallways to the common room. You were wondering where Luffy is and it seems like Robin is sensing what’s on your mind.

“I switched up with Luffy because Usopp said they need to go out to buy stuff. Luffy would have woken you and told you but I said not to.”

“Oh.. that makes sense. Thank you.”

“Have you two talk things out?’

“About that.. well…–”

“Good morning, Robin and (Y/N)! Just in time for breakfast!” As you two enter the common room, Sanji greets you two. Almost everyone is present except for Luffy and Usopp. You all went and ate breakfast without waiting for them. Zoro mentioned that the other two will eat when it’s time for lunch. You still haven’t known where they went but you shrugged it away.

“I suggest you just need to rest until night comes then you’re good to go home, (Y/N). If ever the fever goes back, you can call Robin for me to come and help you.” Chopper was seated beside you and he felt for your forehead and neck.

“Thanks a lot you guys. You didn’t have to but you did.” You smiled at them and nodded. They reciprocated your smile then continued to eat.

After breakfast and lunch, you sleep the remaining hours away and decide to just shower when you get home. Lunch time yet Luffy wasn’t present at all. Only Usopp came back and said that Luffy went somewhere where Ace and Sabo are possibly in. A reunion, you guess.

You woke to Chopper doing something in the infirmary and you saw your clothes all neat and washed on the foot of the bed. Grabbing it, Chopper turned around and smiled then proceeded back to his desk. You slip outside and into the bathroom down the hall to change clothes. The condition your body was in was now back to normal and you were really thankful for Chopper and the others for taking care of you. Especially Luffy whom you have yet to see before you go.

When you came back to the infirmary to thank Chopper again and drop by the clothes borrowed for you, he gave you advice and smiled. Walking down the hallway to the common room, you hear voices and laughter so you hurried to bid goodbye to the people in there.

“Going home now, (Y/N)?” Franky asked.

“Yeah, I should get going. And again, thank you for taking care of me.” You smiled. Nami went near you to accompany you down and out. The others said their welcomes and goodbyes, looking forward to seeing you in the café again.

“Are you sure you don’t want anyone from us to get you home?” Nami asked for the second time and you shook your head.

“No, thanks, Nami. You’ve all done enough for me!” You giggled and walked out the café door. It was still the usual in the café, not too much and less customers dined. Turning around to wave goodbye, the sunset hues in the clouds colors your whole body. The redhead closed the glass doors and scolded Sanji for hitting on a woman who’s clearly uncomfortable and weirded out.

As you walk down the familiar path, you look up at the sky suddenly remembering that you didn’t tell any of your co-workers that you were sick. A smack to your own forehead and you click your tongue, smirking when you realize Dragon must be pissed with you. Well, maybe.

All happened too quickly when you were tackled into a hug and had almost fallen down the ground. A giggle erupts and apologies were said by the person responsible for doing that to you.

“(Y/N)! You’re better now!” Luffy lets go of your body momentarily for you to turn and face him, then he’s hugging you by the waist this time with one arm. The other fixing his straw hat and now on the way to run through your hair. “But where are you going?”

“Luffy! You’re back!” Of course your mood became ten times higher now that you saw Luffy again. With a wide grin, you place a hand on his shoulder and giggle. “What do you mean? I’m going home.”

“What? I thought I invited you to live with me?” He tilts his head, beginning to pout.

You chuckle at him, “No, you did not! You just asked me if I would like to live with you!”

Unbeknownst to the two of you, people passing by were looking at you two and they whisper and giggle at the scene. It was definitely cute.

“Is that so? Then what’s your answer? Come on!” He whines and sways your bodies slightly side to side.

“It’s a no, Luffy,” you giggle to his pouty expression, “I like to but it feels wrong in a way, y’know?”

“Pleeeaasee? Let’s try for a day then–”

“Hey, you lovebirds! Come in here! You’re attracting unwanted attention to yourselves!” Nami shouts from the distance where the café is at. Although that didn’t make you both budge from your place, not really paying attention to Nami who’s now beginning to feel neglected.

“–and then we’ll know by then if you want to. Please, (Y/N)?”

“But we still haven't a name for us, to this..?” You gesture to yourself and Luffy’s back and forth.

“I already told you I like you though? Oh right, how about you?”

It was the moment you’ve mentally prepared yourself and got excited just by thinking about it. Now that the opportunity to admit to him is here, of course you’ll not hesitate to tell him. So you smile and nod a bit. “I like you too, Luffy.”

Said male grinned and lifted you up in the air. “Then we’re set and good! We’re together now right? Right?” Enthusiasm radiates from him, giggling and swinging you around, then he sets you down and smiles at you close to your face. If both of you were aware and paying attention to your surroundings, you would’ve heard people cheering and clapping for you two. Although a bit embarrassing for Nami who is part of watching the scene, she definitely is happy to know and witness that you two have finally leveled things up.

Honestly for her, all those breakfasts, lunches, or dinners together you two had done, it surely looked like dates. Even Robin, Vivi, Rebecca, and—reluctantly—Sanji could all notice and tell that it meant more than it looked.

Luffy hurriedly tugs you towards the café, excited to tell his friends that you two are now official. Entering the café, you see Sabo and Ace in the distance seated on the high counter table along with Zoro. Sabo noticed you and waved but you rolled your eyes and made a face. It was then that you heard the song playing in the café. It’s that song again and you couldn’t be any happier.

Everything I did was just a bore

Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before

Your boyfriend is gone from holding you and you turn and find him. Before you could even ask someone, Vivi is ushering you to sit on your usual table. Oh how you missed it here! Though you worry for a split second where Luffy had gone at that moment.

But you brighten up for me all of my days

With a love so sweet in so many ways

I wanna stop and thank you, baby

I just wanna stop and thank you baby, oh yes

How sweet it is to be loved by you

Then your boyfriend reappears with food in his hand, singing those lyrics while putting all the food down the table. Your heart flutters at the adorable and heartwarming actions he is doing. His singing voice made you fall for him more than you could think.

“Sorry for not eating breakfast and lunch earlier with you. So here, I bought this for us!” A smile followed by a giggle, he sits down beside you closely. You grin and hug him, feeling that flutter and fast beats of your heart.

“Luffy, thank you! You don’t know how much you make me happy.” You reel back and stare at him. Your boyfriend just giggled and tugged you close then faced the food.

“Alright! Let’s eat, (Y/N)!”

The two lovebirds inside the café were once again in their own universe, not caring and paying any mind to your surroundings, to the people who smile and shake their heads out of happiness for you two. Robin was right in choosing the song to play in the café—she caught on that this was probably your favorite song by now as it played many times when you stayed and ate here. Of course she also noticed the song playing when you and Luffy first met.

These were all like straight out of a movie, and everyone in the café were lucky and grateful to have witnessed love bloom all over the place solely because of you and Luffy. Every action you both do emits love and euphoria, and if that doesn't prove any kore, let’s also add the fact that after you two ate.

All you two did was stay and sit while hugging each other, laughing and effortlessly conversing. Oh the things that love can do for people.

← How Sweet It Is | ← To Be Loved by You (part I)

“I heard you have a crush nowadays. Sooo? Who is this unlucky person?” Sabo chuckles as he sits down in front you, where Koala was seated earlier.

“Excuse you, if anyone’s unlucky here, it would be the other girls having a crush on my crush! I know if they see us together, they’ll die of jealousy.” You giggle devilishly, looking up at Sabo who’s grimacing.

“You’re still awful. Who is this guy..? gal? anyway?” You immediately let go of the papers you were still holding, now solely focused and ready to share everything that happened for the last weeks to Sabo.

“I’m glad you asked and are interested!”

“Not really…” Sabo mumbles to himself, which you heard but didn’t dwell on, eager to talk and talk about Luffy.

“Well! If you should know, his name is Luffy. And he’s so handsome I could die every time I see him! He’s also so unbothered and is nice. What’s more is he’s good at singing! That day went to the café in the morning…” you continue to tell Sabo what happened that day. The man in front of you, however, has his mouth open and eyes wide, not expecting this at all. He would’ve told you that the crush you have is his brother, but he can’t slip any word in as you continuously and eagerly tell the story. All he did was forcefully take in the information and wait for you to finish.

And here Dragon thought all his employees would work to hurriedly get out of the office and head home.

“So? What can you say? Isn’t he perfect?” If you were in a comic or cartoon, you would have eyes of stars and little hearts around it, all sparkly and pumping in and out.

“Yeah, about that… I’m not at all amused. You should know that he’s my brother, an annoying one too. And while all you said was right, it’s probably not a good idea to have a crush on him…” Sabo grimaces, scratching on his cheek.

“Oh! Good to know he has a brother like you– hm?” Your face changes to a dumbfounded one. “Luffy’s your brother?? Sabo? Huh?” Panic coursed through your whole body, embarrassment next, as you cover your mouth with your hand.

“Yup! Remember I told you before that Ace is my brother? I forgot to tell you that we’re three brothers, the other one being Luffy.”

“No way! I just confessed to my crush’s brother!” You say in a hushed, horror filled tone.

“Hey, I’m no snitch, so your secret?—I don’t think that’s even a secret at all—is safe with me.”

“Sabo, you can’t just say that and expect me not to worry about this.” Now you're the one dramatically whining, but are quick to recover as you thought of not being bothered at all.

You weren’t even bothering to hide your crush towards Luffy every time you two eat together when you work there, so why be like that now? Plus, this is just Sabo. One of your co-workers that you get annoyed at when working too much.

“Okay, whatever. I plan to let everyone know, including Luffy, anyway.” You go back to the papers.

“By the story you told me, I’m already assuming everyone in that café knows already. But really, (Y/N),” Sabo leans in, his hands clasps and on the table, “Not a good idea to have Luffy as your crush–”

“Oh shut up.”

“He’s high maintenance when it comes to food only, so you might–”

“You think I don’t know that? Why are you here anyway, Sabo? I’m working and jamming!” You messily scan the papers again.

“Came to have a talk. Now that I got it, time for me to bye bye. By the way, Dragon says you sleep here. You’ll be left alone with no one to work with filing.” Sabo chuckles while walking away, and you stop your task and stand to march to the corner where a CCTV camera is on the ceiling corner. Irritation was showing on your face.

“I hate you, Dragon! I know you can hear me!”

The bell chimes as the door opens, the café once again filled with upbeat music. The workers present out of the café look at the person who walks in, beginning to smile as they see you walking towards the counter.

Robin was the one behind the counter while Sanji arranged the newly baked pastries, hurrying to greet you.

“Hello, (Y/N)! How’ve you been? You missed a night here for the first time,” Robin smiles at you.

“Great…” was all you said with a groggy voice. It was then that when looking at you intently did Robin notice you weren’t in great shape. Maybe two sweater jackets are what you are wearing with fluffy looking pajamas. Then a beanie that’s covering your head until your eyebrows. You were definitely sick.

About to point at the menu for your order, Robin speaks with finality.

“We’re gonna have to close for tonight everyone. Someone here is sick.”

“Who?!” Sanji gets near to Robin who gestures to you, then as fast as lightning, Sanji has you in his arms, “Hey, anyone call Chopper! Chopper!” As soon as he leaned your body on his, you collapsed and became unconscious.

“How is (Y/N), Chopper?” Nami asked the doctor, who is almost done finishing up, to fix the blanket on you. All the workers you know in the café were in the infirmary of the building. You have yet to know that this building is really huge and has rooms for each worker. Even has a big common room whenever they want to eat, play, hang out all together.

“She will be fine. She just has a high fever right now, apparently she has fatigue. (Y/N) must have worked harder these days. I already gave her medicine, all she needs now is a complete rest. And no one better bother her and be loud while here!” Chopper whisper yells while ushering each person out. Out of relief, the majority of them sighed in relief. Sanji even shed tears, worried about your state and promises to himself he’ll make you meals whenever you feel like eating.

“Oh and let’s keep Luffy out of here. That wouldn’t be good for (Y/N),” Chopper puts his hand on his cheek while whispering to Nami, which everybody heard while heading to the common room.

“Don’t worry, we’ll take turns looking out for (Y/N). Of course we’ll be sure to keep Luffy out–”

“Keep me out from what?” As they enter the common room, they are met by Luffy who’s playing video games, humor in his voice as he beats Ace on the online game.

“Oh no, wrong timing!”

“Chopper, I think it’s okay for Luffy to know. Perhaps (Y/N) would feel better quickly too.” Robin smiled.

“What? (Y/N)’s here?! Is she downstairs?” Luffy averts his attention from the TV, hopeful for anybody’s answer.

“Yeah, I don’t know about that, Robin. It’s best to–”

“She’s in the infirmary, Luffy.” Zoro butts in to nonchalantly say and sit on the couch beside the one Luffy is sitting on. Angry grunts and glares were directed at Zoro, especially from Nami and Chopper who even bared their teeth at him. The delivery guy just asks “what” then yawns, totally unbothered.

“Who? (Y/N)? Why? Is she sick?”

“She’s suuuperr sick, Luffy! You should go visit her–”

As Franky suggests, Luffy was quick to jump up from his seat and was dashing out the door on the way to the infirmary. Collective sighs, complaints, and laughs were shared among the group left in the common room. This may or may not turn out well, but they’re definitely gonna try and trust Luffy when it comes to you.

It was obvious that you and Luffy like each other; by the way you two eat together and talk, one could easily assume and come to that conclusion. They don’t see all things from your end, but in their end, they always see Luffy early back down the café—clearly excited to see you and wait for you. He was more compliant now too to clean and serve orders, and happier than ever. Nami was the most thankful for this situation.

And if it wasn't obvious enough for a person, then Luffy worrying and rushing to the infirmary to you would be the last proof needed.

← How Sweet It Is | To Be Loved by You (part II) →

Spending overtime in the office company wasn’t a choice for most of your co-workers and you don’t even want to work overtime without someone being in the office other than you. So this café was really your saving grace. The best part about this is your favorite too.

They are open 24 hours. You don't know if that's normal for a café but whatever, right? Why be worried if you can enjoy working or just spending time here? For as long as you like?

“Ah! Good evening, Miss (Y/N)!” The barista behind the counter greets you cheerfully as always. You greet back with less energy than him, having a smile. “The usual for tonight, lovely?” You almost scoff and roll your eyes at his choice of endearment.

“Um, maybe not, Sanji. How about a new one I haven’t tried yet? Your choice.” You shrug your shoulders, reaching for your wallet inside your backpack.

“Oh, of course, m’lady! Whatever a lovely lady like you wants, I shall give!” He says while clasping his hands beside his face. You shake your head with a little laugh, looking down to rummage through your wallet for cash. “How about you sit down after you pay, Miss (Y/N), and I’ll gladly bring over your drink?” You hand out your cash.

“Sure, Sanji. Thank you.” You smile after he gives you your receipt. On your way to your usual table spot, you faintly hear the barista saying “Mellorine, mellorine!” possibly with heart eyes. Is that even possible?

You laugh a little to yourself when you put down your bag. A person passes by your table and gives you a nod and smile, continuing to sweep the floor. If you remember correctly, she was a new one, just a week ago. Her name is Vivi and she’s not just a cleaner, but works as a cashier.

Actually, everyone in this café is a cleaner. The head barista, Sanji, appointed themselves to clean for it to be fair. And when one isn’t cleaning for a whole week, he is sure to nag at them, until they scramble and do some cleaning.

If you know Sanji and Vivi, of course you know the other workers.

Nami who is the manager and owner of the café, Zoro a delivery man—whom you think is really awful for the job. You hear complaints about him being so late to deliver the beverages or pastries, and that’s a reason why you won’t order for it to be delivered to your apartment. Replacement for him might not be an option for Nami, that’s what you’re guessing.

Usopp who is in-charge of inventory and making posters when there’s a promo. Franky keeps the whole place in check, in-charge of repairs, and along with Usopp, they think of the design of the place. Oh and Sanji is also the cook.

“Here, dearest (Y/N)! Enjoy! I also added this cheesecake, someone made me do it,” Sanji clicks his tongue and pouts in annoyance, then quickly smiles at you, “Well, whatever! Enjoy, dearest!”

Robin is a barista, cashier, and a friend of yours. Family friend. And Jinbe who is their friend and lives with them but is currently on vacation with their other friend named Brook.

You didn’t have a chance to question who made Sanji add a cheesecake to your order. This is probably for free and you’re kinda feeling weird; you know how Nami is when it comes to income.

The night went on with you working and mindlessly sipping, eating, and listening to music using your headphones, unaware of staff changing for their shifts. It was a busy Friday night for you and thankfully you didn’t have work tomorrow. Still, you’ll be here just to waste time, reading a book, and doing anything as you please.

The next day came and you were up to go out early. Nevermind the grogginess, (no you didn’t go home at 3 and slept at 4) you just want to eat breakfast now. Due to you rushing to shower and going out, you didn’t bother to check what you brought. Only when you were on the way and far from your apartment did you look and saw that your headphones weren’t with you. Having no headphones now was not normal, and you hope that the café isn’t too noisy.

When you went into the café, a certain intro of a song timely plays and boy your mood was easily lifted up. It was one of the songs you were happy to listen to.

How sweet it is to be loved by you

How sweet it is to be loved by you

You walk towards the counter and look up the menu, figuring out what new drink to try without having Sanji recommend you something. Except the person behind was not Sanji, but Robin.

I needed the shelter of someone's arms

There you were

I needed someone to understand my ups and downs

There you were

“Good morning, (Y/N)! You’re up early today. What would you like to order?” She smiles at you. You just smiled at her and ordered your breakfast for today.

With sweet love and devotion

Deeply touching my emotion

I want to stop and thank you, baby

I wanna stop and thank you, baby

While she processes your order, you get your wallet and bring out cash. But a paper slips out and flies towards your right. So naturally your line of sight follows it and in time with the next lyrics, your gaze falls not on where the paper flew away, but on a person who you haven't ever seen in this café.

Yes, I do

How sweet it is to be loved by you

Feels so fine

How sweet it is to be loved by you

As the half part of the chorus plays, you stay stuck in your position and stare at the man, close by the window, who’s carelessly wiping the table—singing along to the song, dancing cutely in time with the tune, and smiling freely with no shame at all. Not even bothered if, other than his co-workers, think he’s looking silly.

However, to you, there is no way you find him silly, you will ever find him as such. He’s freaking cute while cleaning, singing, dancing, and smiling! Too cute!

The environment around you feels unreal and unmoving, only the man in a straw hat and work clothes plus apron is the only one who’s moving freely in your vision. The only noise you were hearing was the song playing in the background and his voice. He can sing well! A cute and handsome man who can sing well? Well, say no more!

You just know at this point that you have a crush. Yes, in this instance. This instant. And you know you won’t ever deny this.

“(Y/N)? Are you alright?” Aw, Robin! Wrong timing!

“H-huh? Ah, ye- yes! Here, the payment! Sorry,” you hand over the cash quickly, not even looking at her, just on the counter and quickly to your left where you will get your order.

“Oh, no need, (Y/N). I’ll have someone bring your food to you. Don’t fret over it and go sit, I know you’re tired this early in the morning.” You look at Robin this time to see her smiling, and you return the smile but yours is a sheepish one. “Thank you, Robin.”

You go and sit on your usual spot, thinking back to that special occurrence. That was straight out of a movie! Will that even happen again? And if it does, will that straw hat man be in it again? Oh, you can’t wait if that’s the case!

Relaxed while sitting, you close your eyes for a moment to start imagining yourself with that straw hat man, happily doing activities and just being yourselves. Him singing loudly but not out of tune, and you may or may not be in tune, nevertheless you're both enjoying.

A small smile creeps up on your face, starting to feel that fluttery feel you haven't felt since forever. When was the last time again? Oh you can't remember clearly and you don't care. What's important is you're currently feeling it.

Ahh, to feel this kind of emotion again. You wish it would never stop. Hmm, what if you make a–

“Here!! One yummy meal for you!”

Before you even open your eyes, you frown and furrow your brows out of annoyance. Your daydream was so good why did this person even interrupt?!

And then you opened your eyes. You regret being annoyed.

A cute, very cute, smiling face greeted you making you quickly smile as well. You cannot and will not hide the happy expression you’re having. Good seconds were spent by staring at the straw hat man in front of you. Eyes fixated on his smile, you didn’t notice that his eyes were looking down from time to time. He fully set down the tray of food on the table, attempting to sneakily pick up one of the steak slices, but was unsuccessful due to someone smacking his head.

“Luffy! I told you to stop stealing food from our customers!” An angry manager yelled pinched his ear and yelled at it, the man cringing at the loud voice by his ear.

“Ow! Nami, Nami! Okay, I’m sorry! I won’t ever do it again!”

Once Nami smacked Luffy, your smile turned to a confused one, and you looked down at your breakfast then back up to the man named Luffy and Nami. The latter let go of the man’s ear, muttering things like “yeah right” and “I don’t believe you.”

Nami then changed her expression to a smiling one that’s directed to you. “I’m sorry, (Y/N). He’s new here and the problem is he worked at the wrong place,” she explains, “I think Luffy will just be here by the end of the month so don’t worry about your food when you stay while he’s here,” she laughed sheepishly, punching the man because he tried to get a piece again.

Your eyes are wide while staring at both of them. Then you laughed. “No, it’s okay, don’t worry, Nami!” You smiled at Luffy, “Would you like to join me for breakfast?”

Nami grimaced at your invitation while Luffy already drooled and nodded eagerly. “Really? Are you sure?! Well then, thanks for the food!” All too quickly between saying his amused dialogue and gratitude, he sits in front of you and grabs the utensils, already digging in.

You were caught off guard by his quick actions, mouth falling agape, brows upturned, and eyes wide. Then you laughed. He sure is something.

“Oh, Luffy.” Nami wipes her hand down on her face, sounding disappointed and apologetic. “Sorry about him, (Y/N). Don’t worry we’ll have something new for you, I hope you have patience for this.” You shake your head, still smiling.

“Not a problem, Nami! Thank you, and he’s not a bother so this is okay!” You laugh again. Nami nods and waves a little, turning around to head to the counter and tell Robin what happened. After she tells her, Nami heads to the door for the rooms at the back, but before entering, she turns her head around to your table.

The manager sees you and Luffy. The smile earlier still plastered on your face while your arm is propped up on the table, your face placed on your upturned palm, staring at the man in front of you. She smirks at this as she realizes you have no shame at all at showing your expressions. While the man in front of you sloppily bites and chews on his food. Well, your supposed food. Then Nami rolled her eyes and sighed, pushing the door to enter.

“Do you want more, Luf– fy?” You were hesitant to say his name. The man in front you pokes on the last piece of steak, putting it—no, more like inhaling it—in his mouth then chews and swallows all quickly. You were amused by his eagerness to eat food and nevertheless it still makes you think he’s very cute.

“Yeah, I’d like more. But Nami would probably scold me again, and Sanji if he comes here for work.” He drinks the beverage you ordered, then he sighs in content. “Ahhh. That was delicious!”

“I suppose so, this wouldn’t be good for the café after all. Though I don’t really care so do you want more? I could always order and pay for more.” Ahh the things you do for having crushes.

He snickers and smiles, looking at your face for the first time. He feels his heart beat particularly hard and loud in his chest once. His smile would’ve faltered if it wasn’t for the person who served your second meal. Rebecca was her name if you remember correctly.

“Here is your meal, Miss (Y/N)!” She sets down the plates one by one. Before she goes back, you stopped her.

“Thank you, but Rebecca? Was that right?” She nods at you and you look at her nametag, then you nod okay, “Maybe I could order for another one? Tell Robin that that is my last order so don’t worry,” you look down the food and up at Rebecca again.

“Oh, sure, Miss (Y/N)!”

As she walks away, you talk to Luffy again. “Alright, Luffy! Eat up and make it quick before anybody–”

Luffy doesn’t need to be told twice as he eats with that quick pace again and you don’t bother to continue your sentence, just watch him happily and seemingly lovingly.

By the time he finishes his food, Rebecca comes by again for your food. Then you start to eat while you try to make conversation.

You could say that your morning that day was spent more happily than your daily stay there. You didn’t even think that there could be more to just staying and bringing work in the café. Now for the remaining days of the months, you were sure to really go to the café just to see Luffy.

There would be no expectations in this daily occurrence with him working there. Just seeing him and eating with him would make your life more blissful. But hey, if this would have a fruitful and very worthwhile outcome, then why not go with it and give in the bliss more, right?

To Be Loved by You: part I | part II →

“Don’t worry! If he gets angry, at least it’s all just about me. Worry about yourself guys. You didn’t even buy that many supplies!”

“That’s because you had almost all the money–”

“Alright, Bepo, hurry and follow me! I want to arrange these quickly!” You cut off Penguin, completely leaving them to grumble about your expense.

Little by little, the Polar Tang was once again filled by the crew, only Trafalgar Law was missing in action.

There was a bet going on if you’re gonna get scolded or not. Majority bet on you getting scolded, somehow Jean Bart and Ikkaku are the only ones who sided with you. Must be out of pity but you did not care at all if no one sided with you. This is a cause for a good time.

“Is everyone already here? We’ll sail straight away if all are here.”

“Yes, Captain! Everyone’s here!” You all said in unison, rushing to do whatever to get ready to sail again.

You were about to pass on Law when he called.

“(Y/N)-ya. Let me see your receipts.” You smile at his request, while the others stop for a second, others gulp, and others run away from the scene, not wanting to hear Law’s fury.

He was watching you carefully while you smiled and reached inside your pocket. “Here, Captain!” You weren’t even phased at all, whether you saw his face with irritation or not, you won’t fear Law.

And it’s a plus to see his face with displeasure, only he can make such an expression that handsome.

The captain unfolded the paper that was folded many times. He clicked his tongue in annoyance when he saw that it was worth almost 200k berries. Sale my ass.

“I thought I told you to not spend this much anymore!” Everybody flinched at his angry voice but you kept on smiling, with a laugh at that too. You were testing him. Or not.

“Half of that is from my savings, Captain, so don’t worry!” Law stares at you sternly, you hold his stare with a stupid smile.

Aaand the staring contest begins. It made everybody get out of the scene, but Bepo’s look switches between you two.

“Next time you get off the Polar Tang to buy stuff, I’m coming with you. This ridiculous consumption of yours should be stopped.” He sighs heavily. You smile even more.

“Aw, Captain! You’re so nice!” You jump at him, engulfing him in a hug that annoys him. Pushing you out of his personal space when you do this is hard because you’re so tightly hugging him. “Alright, that’s enough, (Y/N)-ya! Get out of here!”

It was a night of celebration when you seriously thought of everything you feel.

Being with the Heart Pirates were always joyful and fun despite the struggles and battles you fight for almost everyday.

When you feel like you’re in a pinch, someone from the crew saves or helps you. You do the same for them because you care deeply for them. They were your first family. That’s why you’ll risk everything for them.

Law was the one to help you at your worst, leading to you being in the crew. Since then, your view on life has changed for the better. He was always there for every person on the Polar Tang. Whether by medical problem, personal, emotional, or mental.

You look up to him in every aspect in life. He was by no means a god, but you feel like worshiping him but not really. That’s a bit over dramatic though.

Day and night, not only does he make you feel happy and needed, but he is also giving you attention even if you do some nonsensical things. As it should be right, he’s a captain after all.

The celebration was due to the birthday of one of the Heart Pirates. Each and everyone is having a blast. Singing, dancing, having a drinking contest, playing, and etc.

While you sit on top of a tree branch, watching them round the campfire. Smiling from time to time as they do silly actions.

Law can be seen from afar, drinking and watching the crew silently. At the moment you lay your eyes on him, that makes you think of the feelings you may have.

You stare at him like he’ll get up and out without a word. Feelings heighten and that makes your heart seem to contract in a hurried way.

Some people may not like him because of his attitude, but in your case and the crew’s, you like him just the way he is.

His attractive appearance adds to his attitude too. Making his character overall likable, not to mention he’s smart also.

You think and think and think until he’s out of your sight. Then you lean back on the trunk of the tree, drink the booze you had and inhale and exhale heavily.

One thing leads to another and the next thing you know, you’re on the sandy beach not far from the forest the crew chose to celebrate on. You almost panic when you open your eyes then you search your surroundings, eyes landing upon a captain seated not too far nor near to you.

“You’ve been staring daggers at me. Do you have a problem?” With a mouth agape and a dumbfounded stare at him, he rethinks if you’re going to be responsive. He should’ve just approached you like a normal person and not teleport you here.

After a few minutes, you blink rapidly, clicking things into mind. You gave a small smile before responding. “None at all, Captain. Just thinking.”

“About what? Me? ’Cause you stare like I’m the root of your problems.”

“What?” You laugh. “No, that’s not it. It’s just…”

Truth is and let’s be straight to the point, Law likes you. You’re here not only because he wants to help you with your thoughts. It’s also because he wants to have your company.

The attitude you give him is one of a kind within the crew. You openly defy him and shamelessly joke with him like you’re not under him. You get all huggy and sometimes place your arm over his shoulder.

To say that he didn’t like it might come off as a lie, which is in fact true, he did like the gestures, but you and him should have boundaries.

Still he likes everything about you. And who knows, maybe he’ll get it out of his mind and heart and tell you. Screw being rejected (he does mind if he gets rejected), at least he got to tell you, right?

He waits for your answer with a far away look on the sea. Contemplates whether to talk to you in knowing his feelings or not.

“It’s just, you know… Maybe I feel something that isn’t.”

At that, his heart rate picks up, caught off guard by your reply. Shit.

“What?” He asks with uncertainty.

“Is this alright to be shared with you, Captain? Will you not get awkward?”

He thinks. Is this worth a shot? Will he get a chance to say something to you?

He audibly clears his throat. “Sure.” You cross your legs and hold your arms like you’re hugging yourself.

“Okay… You see, I was just thinking earlier of what I may feel for you. Not in a weird way, alright!” You sheepishly say and laugh awkwardly, “What I’m trying to say is, I was conflicted.”

Feel? Feel for him? What do you mean? Is this a confession of some sort? He’s not ready if that’s the case. Although he won’t stop you at all.

You describe to him all the things he did for the crew and you. With pure feelings and he thinks if this is it. He was sure you’re getting to the point so he gulped.

“And then, I realized… that,” you scratch on your upper arm, “Um, will you not say something, Captain? I’m not sure if you’re uncomfortable or what.”

You look at him and he reciprocates. Only his gaze is filled with something you can’t put a finger on.

“I’m listening.” He almost rolls his eyes. Almost.

“So, yeah. I realized when I closed my eyes earlier that…” Were you even sure to talk to him about this? It’s all good, right? A sigh escapes your mouth, and you look down at your legs.

“I thought I liked you. Or might have loved you. Turns out that I was just greatly admiring you.” A tilt of head to the side. Then a hum. “Yes, I’m sure. I’m sorry for ever feeling like that. But really, I’m sure that I’m just highly respecting and admiring you, Captain.”

It was like his world shattered at your words. Like the sun had died out, affecting the moon and stars, darkening the once bright night sky.

This wasn’t what he expected at all. With the way you’re talking to him pouring your heart out, and in details he was happy about; he wasn’t sure what to feel. All he focused on was your confession of adoration that he also has for you. You led him to believe you like him.

Who can blame you though? All you did was be honest with your feelings that he questioned about. Of course you might have thought that this is him being understanding with all ears so you talk to him about your thoughts.

Law was stupid for thinking of you having the same feelings as him. He wishes that he never pried on your reflection towards him. The anger stirring in his system is slowly building.

Law is angry at himself for having to do this to both of you. He understands what you feel but by him being distant because of his feelings for you, it may have to affect the relationship you have. Not only yours, but others as well. Your captain wants and thinks of controlling his anger towards himself so as to not make you suspicious and pity him.

He doesn’t want to ever have your pity for him. It hurts him to think that you will feel sorry that you led him on or that you came off as having feelings for him.

All he could do at this moment was to say his hurt response.

“That’s okay, (Y/N)-ya. I didn’t mind your confusion and feelings. But it is great to know that you admire me that way. Thank you.”

“Really, Captain?” You turn to him and smile and seeing you with that adds more pain to his aching heart. Yet he musters up the courage to give his signature small smile without seeming to have a pained one.

Like instinct, you close the gap to embrace him, but was stopped by his hand on your face.

“No, you reek of sake. I’m gonna go and sleep now.”

You give a pout and just like that, he teleports you again back to where you were situated before. Then he does it to himself, an angry and sad expression on his face.

It would’ve been nice if everything went in the direction he wanted. But not everything goes according to what you want.

Law hopes that for the next few days, weeks, months, and years you spend together, that he’ll be able to be casual with you and keep just being your captain. That nothing will change.

Except those would not be the circumstances with you from this day on anymore.