cl0ver

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝐃𝐂 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 (𝐓𝐁𝐂)

𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 (𝐓𝐁𝐂)

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

You were starting to get sick of the way Ace was constantly putting himself down. The constant reassurance that he was nothing like his father, that he was a good person, that he was lovable and that you loved him was a never ending cycle that seemed to repeat over and over again. 

It was starting to annoy you. You loathed it, even.  

You wish he would just stop. Stop talking, stop this self deprecation. Just stop and look at himself, see what you always see, finally get to know the man that he was and not the one that he feared to become. 

Sometimes you wish to grab Ace by the shoulders and shake him around until he finally got it through his thick skull that who his father was doesn’t define who he was. But all you could do was bite your tongue and swallow the sharp, harsh words that you wanted to say, replacing them with the careful, soft reassurance to placiate his saturnine mood. 

It didn’t help that you also had a not so great father figure, so hearing Ace go on and on about how much of a bad person he was just because of who his father was didn’t help your own self deprecating thoughts. It just added fuel to the already existing, rapidly expanding fire in your mind. 

Your father, although not as famous as the Pirate King, was still one to be feared. It was a miracle that even you were able to escape from his clutches. From the strings that he pulled and controlled like a puppeteer, and everyone else were puppets, cursed to do his bidding until he decided to cut their strings. 

It’s not as if you didn’t like Ace. You loved him so much. You loved him that you would leave your heart on a silver platter if he ever asked for it, that you would kill for him if needed. You loved him like you have loved no other. So it frustrated you when his mind began to wonder into dangerous territory, when those self deprecating thoughts were at the forefront of his mind. 

You saw him for who he truely was, that he wasn’t defined because of his father.

You didn’t care that his father was the infamous Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King. You cared about him. The Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, who grew up on Dawn Island on Mount Colubo, raised by bandits. Who had two sworn brothers. Who had a grandfather who would chase the three brats around the forrest and beat them up, claiming it was training for the Marines. That said grandfather also had a massive soft spot for the three troublemakers.  

In your eyes, no one could even compare to Fire Fist Ace.

So it hurt when Ace talked about himself like that, like he has something wrong with him that no one can fix. Like he wasn’t worth the late nights where you would whisper words of praise and comfort as he curled up against your side, head in the crook of your neck as he tried to blink away the tears. Or the mornings that he would wake up plagued with nightmares, and you both would watch the sunrise on the deck of the Moby Dick as the waves caressed the ship, creating a calming atmosphere just for you both.  

The tipping point, where your mind decided it had enough of Ace putting himself down, sick of having to constantly comfort him, finally arrived one night when Ace’s mind dived right into the rough, tumultuous sea of those sickening self deprecating thoughts.

The moonlight illuminated the room which you both shared, caressing your intertwined bodies on the bed. Your hands ran gently through Ace’s inky hair which tickled your cheek, his head pressed against your neck as he curled up against your side. 

This was familiar. The heat of his body against yours aiding in the sleepiness that seeped into your bones. His soft breath against your skin. His arms encasing your body in a gentle but firm hold, like you would disappear if he were to let go. 

It was the calm before the storm, as you liked to put it. All it took was one shaky sigh that left Ace to pierce that tranquil bubble you were both enclosed in. You mentally prepared yourself for what was about to come, knowing that it would take a while to get Ace’s mind to stop swimming in the sea of self deprecation. 

You’ve done this song and dance so many times that you know what words to say to get Ace to calm down like the back of your hand, but it still took time. So much time that you could be doing other things, like getting a good nights rest for once. 

“What’s wrong, 𝐀𝐜𝐞?” You whispered, your tone a mix of concern and frustration that somehow slipped through your defences. “You okay?” A small shake of the head made you turn your head to look at him. 

 “No.” Came his answer. His voice was wobbly, like he was close to crying. “I’m not okay.”

You sighed. It was strained, but still conveyed your worry, your sympathy, your love. “Do you want to talk about it?” You offered a way out, opening the door for him. It was his choice whether to leave or to shut the door completely. 

“It’s just… What if I’m like him? Am I a monster just because I’m his son?” 

Here we go again.

Something in you snapped, like a thread that had been pulled too tightly. Apparently this was the moment where your mind decided that it had enough of his self deprecation. 

A high pitched ringing sound infiltrated your ears, the noise blocking out anything Ace was saying. You could still feel his breath on your skin, the weight of his words filling the room. The edges of your vision blurred as your gaze turned cold, as if you were looking through Ace, not at him. 

No matter how hard you tried to reassure him, comfort him, whisper sweet words until you fell asleep feeling drained and unappreciated, it was never enough. 

You felt like you weren’t enough. 

God, you haven’t felt like that since you left your father, that monster that you were somehow related to. 

“So, by your logic I’m a monster too, right?” You snapped, your voice sharp, sharper than you’ve ever spoken to Ace, to anyone. It stabbed right through Ace’s thoughts, his mind becoming blank not even a second after those words left your lips. “I’m a monster just because I’m his child, right?!”

Ace lifted his head from your neck, his wide, surprised eyes stared at your face. “Baby, no… no! Why would you ever think that?” He quickly responded, a warm, callus hand lifting to cup your cheek. You scoffed at his words, at the irony of the situation. 

“I’m related to that… thing, so does that make me a monster?” You asked again, to which Ace quickly shook his head. “No, you’re not a monster.”

“Then stop calling yourself one just because you’re the son of the Pirate King! He doesn’t define your actions, or who you are, 𝐀𝐜𝐞!” You retaliated. “Why can’t you just see that you’re not like him at all! That you’re you, that no one expects you to be something you’re not!”

Ace stared at you like you just grew a second head. This was the first time you’ve ever raised your voice at him. It was shocking, but something in your tone told him that he needed to listen to what you had to say. 

“I am sick of you talking bad about yourself, when all I see, all anyone sees, is the person that you don’t think you are! I have had enough of feeling like nothing I do is ever good enough when all I have tried to do is help you get over this self deprecating state that you’re in!” You continued, tears of your own forming in your eyes as you spoke. “I just… fuck!”

The room was quiet for a while as you slowly calmed down, but god did you feel guilty for finally speaking your mind instead of biting your tongue. It felt stifling, too quiet, uncomfortable. 

“Fuck, I’m sorry 𝐀𝐜𝐞.” You whispered, covering your face with your hands in an attempt yo calm yourself down. “I shouldn’t have… I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s okay, baby. I know you didn’t mean it to come out as harsh as you intended. You’re just worried.” He replied gently, gently taking your hands in his. “I’m sorry that I haven’t tried to change my mindset, or tried to help you with your own thoughts.” 

“No, no. It’s not your fault for these thoughts, Ace. I’m just so tired and stressed. It wasn’t okay for me to lash out like that.” You replied, your voice a soft whisper. A contrast of how you were speaking moments before.

It was quiet again for a minute or two, the only sounds heard were the waves gently kissing the ship or the wood groaning in the night. 

“Maybe… maybe I should stop this self deprecation.” Ace finally mumbled, his voice, although quiet, filling the room. “I don’t know how to, but maybe I should just try.”

You gave his hands a soft squeeze and nodded, letting out a small sigh. “And I’ll be there every step of the way. The late nights, early mornings, wherever and whenever. I’ll always be there for you, 𝐀𝐜𝐞. I love you, so much.”  

A small smile spread across Ace’s face before he snuggled against your side again, head in the crook of your neck. “I love you, too. So much.”

It wasn’t much, but it was a start. A way to finally help Ace with his negative thoughts, and that’s all you could ask for.

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬:

𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐙𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 = ༅☁︎︎☀︎︎

Zoro never saw himself as the jealous type.

He believed that he was in tune with his emotions. That emotions, if not handled correctly, could lead to weakness, something Zoro was not striving towards when his dream was to become the world's greatest swordsman. 

So when he saw the growing chemistry between you and Fire Fist Ace, he didn’t know why his stomach started to turn violently… and not in the good way. 

It must be the Alabasta heat getting to him, right? He was just overheating and tired from the persistent, endless walking through the desert. It had nothing to do with the way that Ace’s hand graced yours, a gentle caress that felt more intimate than anything Zoro had given you. Or the way your face would light up whenever Ace spoke to you, your laugh an unfamiliar melody flowing through the air. One that Zoro had never heard before whenever you laughed with him. 

He wasn’t jealous! You and Ace were just strangers, acquaintances at best! You couldn’t have already fallen for that hotheaded, fire-wielding man already… right?

But the worst thing that Zoro thought was that he couldn’t find any negative attributes that Ace may have possessed. Ace was genuinely a good guy!

Fire Fist Ace was kind, very kind to you and the rest of the crew, in fact. He showered you in attention, in endless praises and compliments, whether it was about your skills or your features. He was also very strong, which Zoro would admire if that green-eyed monster wasn’t cursing him with that stupid feeling he always got when he saw you with Ace. Whenever he saw the way you looked at Ace, like he was your future. Not Zoro.

God… you wouldn’t understand what Zoro would do to get you to look at him like that. Like he was your everything, your home, the person you would see yourself with. Not Ace. Never Ace. Zoro didn’t know how much he actually needed you or your presence until you had been ripped away from him, swept off your feet, and away from the swordsman like some princess in a fairytale. Only this time, Zoro wasn’t the prince. 

That role had now been stolen from him by none other than Fire Fist Ace. And Zoro needed that position back… badly! 

He wasn’t surprised to find you by Ace’s side once the sun had finally gone away to rest, the moon now gently illuminating the desert environment with its pearlescent glow.  However, the moon could never compare to your smile in Zoro's eyes. That smile, which was once again directed at Ace rather than himself.

Zoro couldn't keep his eyes off you, no matter how hard he tried. The way you and Ace fell into a comfortable rhythm of gentle teasing, secret conversations, and an intamacy that bordered on the line on friendship and lovers as soon as you sat down next to him was demoralising for Zoro.

How long did he spend pining after you? How long did he wait for you to show him any sort of attention that was no where near the amount you were abundantly giving Ace? How much longer did Zoro have to wait?!

He believes that he deserved this, that he must have done something wrong in his life for you to not reciprocate any of his advances or feelings that he displayed for you. Zoro understood that he wasn't the best with affection, but he still tried to show you how much you meant to him.

Sighing, he downed another cup of sake. If he wanted to get through the night with you clinging to Ace he would need more alcohol in his system. He wasn't drunk enough for this.

That green-eyed monster people call jealousy was once again rearing its ugly little head into Zoro's mind, clouding his thoughts as he downed one drink after another.

Blinded by his jealousy and wallowing in sadness, Zoro did not see the way you would gaze at his figure whenever he wasn't looking, your eyes flittering across his form in a gentle caress.

Ace, that bastard, knew about your not so secret crush on the green haired swordsman, constantly teasing you about how obvious it was that you were head over heels for Zoro. He suggested, once again, that you should 'man up and tell Zoro about your feelings already!'

You really wanted to, you truely did! But anytime you wanted to bring it up with the swordsman, either you would be interrupted by another crewmate or you just couldn't get the words out. He wasn't intimidating... not to you at least. It was just that you didn't know what to say to him!

Sentences would run out of your mouth when they weren't meant to, words carelessly tripping over themselves in an attempt to tell Zoro how you truely felt. How much he meant to you.

As the night progressed, Zoro gradually became drunker, letting his mind wander into the uncharted territory; his overflowing abundant feelings for you. And he finally decided to act on those fantasies of finally confessing to you, to spill out his guts to you until there was none of him left to bleed out... metaphorically!

You didn't notice Zoro had moved from his position on the other side of the ship until you felt his rough, callus ridden hand gently grasping your wrist, pulling you up from your sitting position next to Ace.

"𝐙𝐨𝐫𝐨, whats wrong?" You whispered as he dragged you away, confusion spreading across your face when no reply from the swordsman was heard. Zoro didn't (couldn't) speak to you, or let go of your wrist, until he had pulled you away from the crew and to a quiet place where no one would be able to hear the confidential conversation that you two were about to have.

His heart was pounding violently in his chest. He had this whole drunken speech planned out on what he would say to you when he confessed, but that all just left his mind at the mere sight of you.

He thought you looked radiant under the moonlight, though you had always been radiant. Nothing could compare to your beauty in his eyes.

His breath hitched softly as a mess of words tried to leave his mouth, his mind running a million miles an hour just to figure out what to say to you, before he decided to say "fuck it" and pressed his chapped lips to your soft ones.

A small gasp left you at the initial contact, before you pulled him in closer, relishing in intimacy. Savouring Zoro's gentle but firm hold, as if he didn't want to hurt you, but also like he didn't want to let you go.

The kiss was everything that you ever dreamed of, except the fact that Zoro was most likely drunk. The feeling of his lips on yours, the gentle caress of his thumbs rubbing your hips, the feeling of his hair between your fingertips. It was too much and not enough at the same time.

Breaking the kiss, you both tried to catch your breath, foreheads gently leaning against one another, basking in the peaceful silence of the nighttime environment.

"You're not going to remember this in the morning, aren't you." You teased the green haired swordsman once you had calmed down, gently pinching one of his flushed cheeks. He swatted your hand away playfully, letting out a small grumble as you giggled, that melodic sound drifting through the wind and piercing right through his heart.

"How could I ever forget something like this... like you?" He replied softly, making another laugh bubble out from your mouth before leaning in for another passionate kiss.

You could definetly get used to this.

True to his words, Zoro did not forget about the kiss in the morning. In fact, he decided to let the whole crew know about the recent event that took place the night before... by giving you another breathtaking kiss in front of them, leaving you flustered and Zoro reveling in happiness.

However, you wouldn't change a thing.

“(𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞), honey! I’m here to save you!”

Those words struck through the battlefield like lightning, effectively capturing the attention of everyone from the sheer power in those words alone. Not to mention their dominant presence that now reigned over the smokey environment.

You, however, sigh in exasperation as men and women alike turn to stone after just one glance at the newcomer. Your captor shot you a weird look as you rolled your eyes, crossing your arms as best you could in the constraints shackled around your wrists. His grip on your arm tightened slightly, trying to remind you of the situation you were facing at the current moment.

You were used to this by now from your fair share of somehow becoming a damsel in distress, waiting for your Prince to come and save you. Or in your case… Empress.

You don’t even know how you had captured the attention of the alluring Boa Hancock.

You were once just a simple adventure, wanting to explore the seas before a few unlucky encounters landed you on the Marines radar as a Pirate. Now you run into trouble around every corner. It wasn’t even your fault! Somehow they had gotten you confused for a wanted criminal all because you were wearing similar shoes to them at the time.

SIMILAR! They were even the same type!

Now, due to your bad luck, you had somehow crossed paths with the Empress of Amazon Lily when trying to escape the clutches of a band of bandits native to the island that you were visiting, clumsily tripping over your own two feet as you comedically ran for your life.

Somehow, your bad luck and clumsy nature had made the Pirate Empress fall head over heels for you, leaving whatever she had felt for the infamous Monkey D. Luffy behind in order to pursue her feelings for you.

In your opinion, that was the worst mistake she could ever make. You weren’t powerful, you didn’t brighten the world whenever you flashed your smile, and you certainly weren’t optimistic. You were just… you.

Hancock didn’t care about that, though. She liked you for your clumsiness, for how you saw the world for what it truely was. How you saw her for her and not as one of the Warlords of the Sea, not as the most beautiful person in the world.

Now, your bad luck had struck again, like it had done so many times before. You really needed to learn how to defend yourself from the amount of times you get captured. But why should you when you know Hancock will always be one step behind you like an overprotective guard dog, ready to defend you as if her life depended on it.

“If you dare lay one filthy finger on my (𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞) then I will strike you down where you stand!”

‘Too late.’ You thought dryly as your captors hold on your arm tightened drastically, like a Python trying to constrict its prey. ‘He already has.’

As if she had heard your thoughts, Hancock ferociously tore her way through the battlefield just to get to you, effectively abolishing anyone in her path.

Your poor captor tried to flee from the chaos with you in his grasp.

Big mistake!

As he went to turn around and run away like a dog with its tail between its legs, Hancock had already reached you both. She seized his hand from your arm before gently tugging you behind her, a major contrast from how she had been acting just a few seconds ago.

“You dare lay your hand on my (𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞)?! You insolent man! You tarnished their skin!” Hancock roared out, like a lion trying to protect their pride. “𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤.” You pouted at the Empress. Your tone quickly made her turn her head, all of her attention now on you.

“(𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞), my dear, are you okay?! Do you want me to slay this fowl being where he stands?!” Question after question flew out of her mouth. Some concerning your state, others wanting to know if you wanted the ‘despicable man thing’, as she had called him, gone. It would be quite amusing how quickly her attitude changed if you weren’t in the situation you were in now.

You, in return, huffed at the attention. You just wanted to go home and unwind after this stressful event. And get these damn shackles off you! Couldn’t you have just good luck for one time in your life… besides that time when someone decided to bless you with good luck when your fate intertwine with Boa Hancock’s?!

“𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤, can we leave? Please?” You mumbled out, exhaustion slipping into your words. “I just want to rest.”

“Of course, my love!” Hancock replied ecstatically, breaking you out of your binds before gently taking your hand, caressing your skin as if to say ‘I’m sorry’. It wasn’t her fault that you ended up in this mess, but she felt responsible for you getting captured. A frown made its way onto her face, noticing the slight swell of a forming bruise in your wrists when she glided her thumb across your skin.

You caught on quick to Hancock’s change in demeanour, giving her hand a soft squeeze, trying to remind her that this wasn’t her fault. Not one bit. In return, she gave you a small smile back, grateful for your unwavering love and support.

A tired sigh left your lips as you both started to walk back to the Perfume Yuda, the ship of the Kuja Pirates. Your feet dragged along the ground, the weight of the battle finally settling into your bones. “I’m going to have a bath when we get back. And then sleep for all eternity.”

Hancock laughed loudly, nudging your shoulder teasingly. “Sleep for eternity? That’s a long time, dear.”

You huffed, playfully turning your head away from from the Empress. “I need the rest.”

“I’m sure you do, love.” The Empress responded. “If you were to sleep for eternity, I guess I’ll have to join you.”

You turned to look at Hancock, your eyes widening slightly in surprise. “You would? That’s very surprising, 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤! What about your duties?” You did hear that right… right?

The Pirate Empress waved dismissively at your question, an adoring smile gracing her face as she turned to stare at you. Like you were the one true person that deserved to be looked at by her.

“I would leave my duties for you in a heartbeat, my dear. You are my strange addiction, after all.”

"You shouldn't be here."

"I know, but I wanted to see you."

You glared at the male who pulled himself through your open window, only for your face to soften slightly at the sight of him.

“You could have been caught!” You counter quietly as you silently walked over to him, your voice a harsh whisper that filled the peaceful atmosphere of your bedroom. A soft frown adorned your face at the sight of an angry red mark on his forehead that wasn’t there the last time you saw him, your hand reaching up to gently caress the bruised skin.

A mark he most definitely didn’t obtain while trying to climb up the castle walls.

“But I wasn’t.”

Portgas D. Ace replied.

The captain of the Spade Pirates, and the man who had been scaling the walls of the castle just to see you every night after his crew docked on your island.

Ever since the first time you both locked eyes with one another from across the crowded street, Ace knew that he had to see you again.

It was like he fell in love at first sight, if love was like a cannonball that slammed violently into his stomach, knocking the breath out of him as you so effortlessly did.

You, in your elegant gown, your hair pinned up in the most intricate design he had ever seen, tiara gracing the top of your head as you walked past him, head held high as if you were unstoppable. Your heels softly kissing the cold stone ground with every step you took.

He wasn’t the only one, however. You, sweet, precious you, fell just as hard as the captain of the Spade Pirates did. Drawn in by his fiery attitude, how he looked both rough and gentle at the same time. Your steps stuttered at his handsome face, your nose catching the scent that lingered on him as he passed by. He smelt like smoke and the sea, home and adventure. Like freedom.

Your heart skipped a beat when you both did lock eyes as you passed, both staring at each other wide eyed and jaws slack. Both falling head over heels for each other, despite the major differences between the two of you.

It wasn’t until your father, the King, called your name that you both snapped out of the trance, giving him a shy smile and a soft wave before turning to follow your father.

You still didn’t understand why he wanted to risk being caught by the Royal Guards just to see you. You would have definitely snuck out of the castle to see him again if he wasn’t so persistent on clambering up your tower every night. You would have been served a lesser punishment if you were to be caught sneaking out, unlike Ace who would be handed over to the Marines, or kept down in the castle’s dungeon.

Ace gently held your wrist as your thumb caressed his forehead, his inky strands of hair cascading down your hand. You let out a soft sigh at his stubbornness before pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Just… be more careful next time, please?” You mumbled, leading the fiery captain over to your bed, just as you had done the previous nights. “I don’t want you being caught, 𝐀𝐜𝐞.”

Ace chuckled at your concern. He found it sweet how much you cared about him in the short time that you had known him. “I guess I can tryyy to be more careful, just for you.” He teased lightly as you both settled down on your comfortable bed.

“𝐀𝐜𝐞…”

“Fine, fine! I’ll be more careful next time, (𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞).”

You pressed a gentle kiss to the nape of his neck in response, letting out a soft breath of air against his skin.

His arms wrapped themselves around you as you basked in his soothing warmth, your head placed delicately on his chest. This is what you needed after a long day of Royal duties, of walking around in heels until your feet started to blister, and having to wear a dress that was so heavy you felt like you were carrying massive bags of sand.

Your mother and father would have a heart attack if they ever saw you snuggled up next to someone of a lower class, especially a pirate. But you didn’t care at all. You liked Ace, and Ace liked you back. Although you had never said it to one another, you both could easily tell that you liked one another very much. You didn’t care that he was a pirate, or that he was never of nobility to begin with.

At this point in the evening, it was routine to fall asleep in Ace’s arms, for him to stay until the sun started to peak through your window, where he would have to make a quick exit before he was spotted. Before his crew woke up, and before they grew suspicious as to where their captain ran off to every night.

Sometimes you would stay up all night talking about anything, telling each other your dreams and your fears. Talk about your childhood, or arguing softly over the silliest things, giggling like schoolchildren. Holding and loving each other like you had all the time in the world.

But something about this night felt different, like the air was heavy with unspoken tension. You could see it in the way Ace held himself, his shoulders more stiff than they would normally be. A tense sigh from Ace brought your attention back to him, tilting your head upwards to get a better look at his face.

“𝐀𝐜𝐞.” You called out gently, watching the way his eyes dart back to you at the call of his name. “You okay?”

Ace hummed, his voice more rigid when he spoke. “I’m okay, (𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞). I’m just… thinking.”

“About?”

The way he hesitated, his eyes glancing out your window towards the open sea told you everything you needed to know. You knew he had to leave eventually, that he couldn’t stay around forever. He was a pirate, free to do whatever he wanted, to go wherever his heart desired. You were a Princess, tied down by the weight of the crown. You weren’t able to stray from who you were meant to become.

You just wished it wasn’t so soon.

“I don’t want to leave.” Ace whispered, shaking his head softly. “I don’t want to leave you behind.”

You didn’t want him to leave either. You didn’t want to go back to those same old repetitive days of Royal duties that wore you down. Of having to be the perfect Princess for your parents. It wasn’t until Ace showed up that you actually started to feel alive.

Ace showed you what it felt like to live, to finally be free of the metaphorical shackles that were given to you at birth. To be something more than just the ideal Princess for your parents.

If he were to leave, you don’t know what you would do.

“Take me with you.” You whispered to him. Your voice, although quiet, popped that growing bubble of tension like a sharp needle. “𝐀𝐜𝐞, please take me with you.”

You wanted to be by Ace’s side as he travelled the seas, going on exciting adventures and exploring new islands. You wanted to watch him conquer other pirates, face off against Marines. You wanted to hold him when things got tough and love him openly, without the fear of being seen by your parents.

You wanted to be with him for the rest of your lives.

Ace laughed loudly at your bold words, his signature dazzling smile spreading across his handsome face.

He knew his crew would not be impressed that he had managed to steal the heart of the islands Princess. And he knew once the royal family found out that you were missing, all hell would break loose.

But Ace liked the thrill, and he liked you. A lot.

“Well, Princess… you better start packing.”

(Spoiler: his crew was not impressed)

Dating Ace was all passion and flames… literally!

Ace is like a wildfire. One minute, he's tame, lounging around on the Moby Dick with you in his arms, curled up under the mast. The next, he's a roaring fire, causing mischief everywhere he goes. You never know what's going to happen next with Ace.

Being his significant other, you'd think he'd try to spare you from his antics. Oh no...

Ace will drag you into every bit of adventure or mischief that involves him in any sort of way. Whether it's on Whitebeard's ship, in a cozy town on an island, or against the Marines, you will never be safe from his fire, his passion.

It's not like you mind, however. You love Ace. He's your daily dose of fiery mayhem, and you wouldn't have it any other way. The days are never boring with him around, bringing his charm and reckless attitude with him wherever he goes. And you, of course. He wouldn't leave his most prized possession behind, his one true treasure.

A normal day with Ace is one filled with chaos, adventure, and amusement. A day of eating until his narcolepsy kicks in, and you have to stop him from going headfirst into his food until he wakes back up and starts eating again. A day of exploring the latest island that the Moby Dick stopped at, running from street vendors when Ace decides he doesn’t want to pay for his food, or from the Marines if they found out where you were.

When Ace finally relaxes after a day terrorising his latest victim, whether it's Marco or the Marines, he relaxes. Hard. Due to his narcolepsy, it's common for him to fall asleep anywhere on the ship. But when he wants a day to relax and unwind, the first thing he does is search for you. He wants to relax with you in his arms, preferably in your shared room, away from the others.

Once you're both settled on the bed in a position that feels comfortable, Ace is out like a light.

Napping or sleeping with Portgas D. Ace is another thing in itself entirely. He drools. He sleeptalks. He snores. Sometimes it's loud and annoying, especially when he's snoring right into your ear, his body draped over yours so you can't escape or move. Other times it's quiet and soft, like he's trying to hide away from the world, curled up against your side.

The one thing that stays constant, however, is that Ace's need to be holding you. Whether it was an arm draped over your stomach, you lying on his chest, or him accidentally smothering you as you sleep, he needs that skin-on-skin contact. It makes him feel like he was both protecting you and being protected by you.

Of course, you know who his father is, and the expectation that people have put on his shoulders to be like him.

When he first told you was when the Moby Dick was at its quietest. Curled up with each other on your shared bed, letting the waves caressing the ship lull you to sleep as the stars lit up the night sky, he finally spilled the secret of who his father was.

He told you everything that he knew about the infamous Gol D. Roger, how there are people out there who wanted him dead for just being the Pirate King's son, for just existing. How he felt like the world wanted him to be something he's not. He spilled his fears, his distaste for his father. He told you about his mother, his life in Foosha Village, and about Luffy and Sabo.

"You're not like your father, Ace. You don't have to be like him." Is what you whispered to him that night, your hand running through the inky black strands of his hair as he curled up against your side, head resting on your chest, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I don't care who your father was. I only care about you."

Those words stuck with him till this very day, gently carved into his mind by your soothing words.

Although you and Ace have your days when you're upset or angry, it's rarely at each other. There are almost never any arguments between you two, and if there are, they are solved straight away.

Ace learnt this the hard way after you didn't talk to him for a few days over an argument that you both agreed was petty and not needed at the time.

You’ve never liked how you looked, no matter how many people told you that you were ‘pretty’, or even ‘fine’. It was something ingrained deep into your soul. Something that you couldn’t shake, no matter how hard you tried. The extra chub that you so desperately wanted gone never seemed to go away. It was a constant losing battle with your own body.

Insecurities from your childhood still cling to you. Even though it’s been years since you left your hometown, the island, and all the negativity along with it, you still couldn’t get rid of those voices in your head. Those grating voices criticising you for how you looked, the way you dressed, your hobbies, interests, anything that their grubby little minds could conjure up.

Life on the Thousand Sunny was everything you dreamt of as a child. The freedom to do whatever you wanted and look a certain way without the judgement of others was refreshing to say the least. You definitely didn’t miss your hometown, not when everything you ever wanted was on the Sunny.

However, those insecurities never seemed to fade, even with your new life.

From years of bullying in your childhood, it’s been engraved into your mind that some articles of clothing will never look good on you; or that’s what you thought. Skirts and dresses especially.

Nami and Robin, bless their hearts, always tried to get you to wear adorable skirts or pretty dresses that accentuated your features. You just never felt comfortable enough to wear them, especially when the two girls were gorgeous! You just felt… unpleasant to look at compared to them.

It’s not like you didn’t want to wear them, far from it actually. But from the way you were treated back in your hometown for wearing skirts that you thought were cute, or frilly dresses that danced around with every step you took solidified your distaste for them.

Whenever you tried to wear them, all you could picture was their faces, hear that snarky tone as they spewed insults after insults, not caring that you were hurting from their actions. All they saw was someone who wasn’t like them. Someone who was looked down upon, who they thought was lesser than them.

However, one major factor that you forgot to consider in the whole messed up situation was your captain, the literal embodiment of the sun, Luffy.

Oh Luffy. Sweet, adorable Luffy. Your captain. Your boyfriend. Luffy, who was extremely goofy, whose confidence could rival those of gods… who you were head over heels for.

Luffy, who for the life of him, couldn’t figure out why you didn’t like the way you looked. He thought you were breathtaking, a goddess amongst men! It wasn’t hidden how much Luffy adored you; everyone on the crew knew that the captain was hopelessly in love with you. He didn’t care about the extra chub. It just meant there was more for him to hold, to love and cherish.

Your relationship with the captain was still very new. So much so that everyone was still in shock that you two were dating. So new that the only intimacy that you shared was innocent hand holding, or when Luffy would wrap his stretchy limbs around you, clinging to you like you would disappear if he were to let go.

Luffy had no care whatsoever, always saying and doing whatever he wanted. This was especially apparent in your relationship. He frequently expressed how much he liked you, whether it was by words or actions. He always clung to you whenever he saw you, nuzzling his head into the crook of your neck. Always sharing his meat with you, which was a big surprise to both you and the crew. Shouting to the world that he liked you and that you two were dating.

You, however, were more reserved with showing affection.

It was hard to say that you liked Luffy back. Even when he first exclaimed that he liked you, screaming it out over the noise of canon fire from a Marine ship, all you did was nod and tightly hugged him, a surprised but happy smile spreading across both your faces. He never expected a response from you. He knew that you liked him back. He didn’t need words to confirm what he already knew. Your actions were enough for him.

With how new your relationship was, Luffy’s childish nature, and the lack of affection you show, your insecurities were bound to flare up. It was an impending disaster waiting for the right time to strike, sinking its venom into your mind until you couldn’t think of anything but those nightmarish voices in your head.

Seeing couples walk around, hands intertwined, stealing kisses from one another when you docked on islands for supplies wasn’t helping much either. It’s not like you minded, but the way they loved one another, the intimacy that was so easily shared, was something that you yearned for. A foreign concept that you never had the pleasure of experiencing. Something that you didn’t know how to give or take.

You understood Luffy’s childlike attitude, his careless nature. You understood that he never had this kind of relationship before, intimacy a new concept for his brain to grasp. That wasn’t the problem!

You loved his childlike wonder, his bold way of acting and thinking. It’s one of the things that you loved about him. It was YOUR brain, your way of thinking, that seemed problematic. Your mind that conjured up the meanest thoughts about yourself, that no one on the crew dared to even consider.

The day you dreaded, where your insecurities once again bubbled over the steaming cauldron of your mind, finally arrived. It started out like any other day, filled with laughter and joy. The sun rays illuminated the ship as it travelled through the glistening waters, the wind a gentle caress. Waves softly kissed the edge of the ship, as if reuniting with a long lost lover.

The delicious aroma of food wafted through the air as Sanji meticulously prepared lunch. The sound of weights clanking against each other as Zoro trained, accompanied by a soothing melody from Brook. Your captain was running around the ship like a madman, bouncing off the walls… literally, followed by Usopp and Chopper, all seeming to be engaged in a friendly game of tag.

However, all you felt at the moment was the annoying fabric of a skirt against your bare skin as Nami ferociously tore through your closet, muttering on about how her and Robin ‘needed to get you cuter clothes at the next island’ as the latter sipped on her tea in a nearby chair. The girls (mainly Nami) had decided to doll you up in the shortest skirts, form fitting tops, and cute dresses they could find that you owned, which wasn’t much.

They threw one article of clothing after another at you, wanting you to try them on, telling you to give them a little spin to witness how their visions came to life, gasping in awe of how you looked in each outfit. It was a cute bonding moment for you girls, something that you would cherish if your mind didn’t constantly hate you.

The fabric was too tight, the skirt too itchy, or the dresses too short for your liking. All of the outfits they carefully created showed off the chub that you desperately wanted to keep hidden from the world. You weren’t used to this kind of attention, the praise, the way they complimented you so easily. It was starting to overwhelm you.

Finally, when the outfit was to their liking, Nami practically pulled you out of the room, dragging you up to the ships main deck. You would’ve wanted to take in the beauty of the day if your mind wasn’t on overdrive. You kept trying to pull the short skirt down further and further as you grew more uncomfortable being paraded around the main deck.

Your insecurities weren’t helping the situation either. They were just adding fuel to the fire. Their snarling words criticising your outfit, your weight. How you weren’t pretty enough. Growing louder and louder the longer you were out on the deck. You were trying to hold it in, to appease Nami. But it was getting harder. The voices seemed like they wanted you to break, to cry. They wanted you to beg, plead them to go away.

Luffy, who was chasing Chopper around the mast with Usopp not far behind, turned to face the commotion, his jaw quickly stretching open, dropping onto the deck of the Sunny when he saw you being flaunted around by the redhead navigator. To say Luffy was in awe was an understatement. It felt like he was falling in love with you all over again just from the sight of your curves and chubby body that was always hidden away.

The rubber boy was frozen solid in place from the heavenly sight. He watched the way the skirt danced in the gentle breeze, how you’d pull it down when it rose too high, almost exposing more of your thick thighs. It took Usopp crashing violently (and comedically) into his back to knock Luffy out of the trance he was in, and at the same time, effectively knocking him onto the deck of the Sunny.

But, as quickly as he was knocked down, Luffy bounced back up, racing over to you and leaving Usopp on the deck in a cloud of dust.

“𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄!” Luffy shouted as he jumped onto your back, wrapping his rubbery limbs around your body once, twice, three times before nuzzling his head into the crook of your neck. That action alone halted those malicious words coursing through your mind.

A small, shy smile spread across your face, your cheeks darkening slightly from the attention the stretchy boy was giving you. “Hey, 𝐋𝐮.” You mumbled softly, turning your head slightly to look over at your boyfriend over your shoulder. Hearing you say that adorable nickname that you had lovingly given him made Luffy giggle, lifting his head from the crook of your neck to look at you.

“You look pretty!” The rubber boy bluntly stated. “I mean… you always look pretty, but you look super pretty today!” He quickly added, his smile widening as he spoke.

You were surprised at how easily he was to say something like that. You’re not pretty. You’re hideous, fat, a freak. Wasn’t that what he was meant to say? He was meant to laugh at you, call you names, torment you until you cried. Not call you pretty, not attach himself to you like a baby koala clinging to its mother’s back.

“You really think so?” You finally spoke up as your eyes shimmered with tears, voice wobbly and filled with uncertainty, but at the same time, hope. Hope that he does find you pretty. That he’s not like those people back at your hometown. Your eyes dart away from his beaming face, like someone who didn’t want to get blinded by the sun.

Luffy nodded his head quickly. “I know so!” He responded surely, his response but surprising and grounding you. “You are pretty, (𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞), and the coolest person I know! That’s why I like you so much!”

“I like you, (𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞)… no, I love you!”

Luffy was your sun, your person, your home. Someone who both made you feel nervous and calm at the same time. Someone you could rely on, turn to when things got rough and the voices in your head grew louder.

“I… I love you too, 𝐋𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲.”

Luffy’s eyes widened at your words, before a bright laugh bubbled out from his mouth. “You said it back!” He exclaimed happily, dropping back onto the ground to lift you up in his arms, spinning you around in his hold.

It would take time for you to finally get over your insecurities and fears. But for now, his words, his actions, were enough.

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬:

𝐌𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ☀︎︎

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬:

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬:

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐃. 𝐀𝐜𝐞 = ༅☀︎︎☁︎︎

𝐀𝐜𝐞 𝐱 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 = ༅☀︎︎

“𝐈’𝐦 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨, 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?” = ༅☁︎︎☀︎︎

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬:

𝐋𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲 𝐱 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 = ༅☁︎︎☀︎︎

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐃. 𝐋𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲

𝐑𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐚 𝐙𝐨𝐫𝐨

𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐢

𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐃. 𝐀𝐜𝐞

𝐁𝐨𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤

𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐨

𝐁𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐧