Serotonin Chaser

One Piece

The Dance Can Wait - Sabo x Reader (Spicy)

Eating Guilt - Part 1 Platonic Strawhats x Reader, Part 2

Leaving Tonight - Ace x Reader (2

The Pokémon Trainer - Pokémon Trainer Reader x Multiple (1, 2

Transformers

Merformer Ideas - 1, 2, 3,

The Sound of Music - Merformer!Tarn x Reader

Caged - Tarn x Reader

Bungou Stray Dogs

If Three is a Crowd, What does Four Make? - Dazai x reader, Fyodor x reader, Shibusawa x reader (Spicy)

Ghosting - Odasaku x reader

Sonic the Hedgehog

Make a Wish - Platonic! Sonic x reader

Once More to See You - Shadow x reader

Dragon Ball

Screw Cringe, I Wanna be God - Goku x reader

My Disastrous Life - Gohan x reader (1, 2,

Gachiakuta

Idiots of Oz - Gachiakuta Characters x reader (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Sleepy Mornings

Zoro Edition

You can't call out for Marco on the Whitebeard ship. It's impossible with the jokesters aboard. Example:

You huff, twirling in your spot on the deck of the Moby Dick, eyes scanning faces again. The thought that, if you just look you'll find your favorite, loving bird in the crowd.

But no, he isn't here, at least at far as you know. So, you do the one thing you know that will get him here just from sheer annoyance.

The punishment would be worth it after all.

"Marco!" You shout.

A pause in the air.

The Crew stills.

Then....

"POLO!"

Everyone dissolves into laughter, even you can't stop a giggle or two from slipping out.

A tired sigh cuts through it all, and rising out from the belly of the ship a wash rag in hand, Marco.

The bags under his eyes look exaggerated in the light, his skin paler than usual from working on the patients from the recent attack. Pirates and Marines alike thinking they could actually challenge and win against the Whitebeard Pirates.

But his eyes find yours, crinkling with a sweetness reserved only for you. "You needed me?"

Ace cuts in before you can answer, his fire dancing on his shoulder from his excitement. "You fell for it again!" He claps Marco on the back, "They should call you more often, it's hilarious!"

"And a tired joke. I swear you're just a five-year-old in a twenty-year-old body." Marco shakes his head. "Now, Little Flame," His nickname for you warms your chest, "What do you need?"

"Oh, nothing to serious, just a checkup on my arm. I think it's broken." You use your working arm to hold up the limp one. Blood is dripping from deep cuts all over it, and it slumps lower than it should where your shoulder and arm connect.

The crew falls silent a second time, wide eyes and worry filling the air.

Overview: You went into the woods on a dare. Your friends explaining the rumors that those woods would take you to another world. You didn't believe them until you stumbled out onto a sandy beach, and no matter how many time you ran back among the trees, you'd end up staring out at the rolling waves again and again.

Then comes the monsters, human's that aren't exactly humans, and they've never met a real one until you. After a chase through the woods and a introduction to them all, you decide to stick with them. After all, they warned you, humans are rare and very much desired by many and they'll protect you, right?

Introducing!

The Strawhats

The Captain - Phoenix? Monkey D. Luffy

The Right-hand Swordsman - Oni Roronoa Zoro

The Navigator - Dragon Nami

The Sharpshooter - Tengu Usopp

The Chef - Selkie Sanji

The Doctor - Half-Human Reindeer Chopper

The Archaeologist - Demoness Nico Robin

The Shipwright - Centaur and Cyborg Franky

The Musician - Skeleton Brook

More to be revealed....

Overview: Luffy is a yandere that would never, willingly, take your freedom. His crew on the other hand…

You don't realize the crew has turned you into a helpless princess until you try to be independent. Luffy can't help but enjoy it as much as he hates it.

(Author note: I also have a headcanon that he has acne scars!)

You didn't realize how much your skills have regressed until you try to cook a surprise meal for Luffy.

It took a week to get Sanji to turn his back on the kitchen. His fear of your captain eating the entire ship out a real and alive one, but excessive at times when it came to even stepping near the room for everyone else.

So, distracting him had come at a price. One steeped in a few white lies of things you didn't want to repeat even to yourself.

But standing before the stove, hands hovering and twitching with unused energy, you suddenly froze. How do you start? Is it suppose to be the food, wait, ingredients first? Or the turning on the stove? It's been so long…

You decide to head to the pantry, realizing you didn't even know what you wanted to make in the first place. Meat is most definitely a win.

That seems to kick you into gear, hands grabbing a steak still wrapped on a bone, and other sides of fruits, mainly apples, to cook up. But then the stove looms before you again. It's like your own mind has turned against the current, knowledge that should be basic slipping away from reach.

You push through anyway, battering at a skull that begins to ache until something surfaces. Far off memories of cooking beside Sanji instead of behind. The dials he turns are sharp and focused, and you dive for them in reality too.

Flames burst to life on the stove.

You smile.

The flames leap to attack.

Raising your arms to defend yourself, they began to burn. Flames licking at skin, red welts appearing and-

You're thrown from the stove. Hitting a chest that bends like rubber around you, blonde hair darts past to the flames and works them down to smolders. The arm that had grabbed you begins to bend, wrapping and wrapping until they cover the entirety of your middle.

Luffy's head thumps against your shoulder, heavy breaths hitting your skin as you peer back. His charcoal eyes are locked onto the burn, teeth bared as he looks to the stove and back again.

Sanji turns back, his own chest heaving as he crouches before you. His words sting more than the flames did, "Why would you try to cook?"

"I-" The watery waver of your own voice has you pausing before gulping it down again. "I wanted to make something for Luffy…" Like I used to. You want to add, but toss it away with a shake of the head.

Sanji's eyes sharpen, and you have the sense he knows what you wanted to say, but Luffy's voice interrupts the intense moment before he can actually make it a bigger problem.

"Don't do that again!"

"Why not?"

His intense stare has you shrinking further into his hold. A possessiveness that borders on madness shaping before your eyes. "Because-" He struggles to put it in words, his free hand coming up to pick as old acne scars.

Sanji comes in, sweeping his arm wide to the mess of food with a powerful glare. "Because of this."

"I didn't mean-I use to be able to-" You stumble over the words, frustration tightening your throat. A glance back at Luffy yields no support there either, his gaze distant and stormy.

"Listen, Love," Sanji get your attention again with a apologetic smile. "It's my fault really. As the Captain's Darling I couldn't help but spoil you as well….It's only natural that your own skills have receded under my care. But does it really matter that much to know how to cook?"

"Yes! It's a basic skill! And what if…" The second half of your sentence hesitates, but you push on with reality of your temporary stay, "What happens when I leave the crew to follow my dream and I can't cook?"

If the room felt hot before, it's freezing now.

Sanji stares, teeth grinding.

Behind you Luffy's breathing stutters .

But what you said isn't news. You've been a temporary member of the Strawhats for a while. Even with the love growing between you and the captain, it's inevitable you'll leave. You have a dream to catch after all.

"Let's get you to Chopper." Sanji bites out.

It swings the room back into focus, the pain following like a haunting.

Luffy's leaps to a stand with you clutched in his arms, rushing out the door as Sanji stalks after. Luffy is already screaming for the reindeer, the crew peering over in growing concern. But you can't stop watching the chef.

He slows, turning to Nami and Zoro and begins to whisper. His eyes are a predator who have caught the scent of blood. Above, Robin grins back at you, a knowing smile playing at her lips as she waves.

They all disappear behind wood paneling as Luffy dives into the ship. Chopper's clopping footsteps bringing you back to the present. The antiseptic does little to soothe the growing worry pooling in your guts.

Luffy set you down among the stiff sheets, one hand refusing to leave from where it's planted on your shoulder as Chopper gets to work. Hissing and scowling, you try not to wiggle too much under the care of your burn.

It's only when the reindeer begins to finish up that the door of the medical room swings open, slamming against the wall.

No one jumps, but your heart sure does as in comes Sanji, Nami, Zoro, Robin, and even Usopp. All with matching frowns.

"What's wrong?" Luffy is the one to ask.

You shrink further into his side, the pit becoming bottomless with dread.

Nami is the one to answer, "It's about them." She nods at you, Luffy's hold tightens.

"What about them." He's baring his teeth.

Zoro answers this round. "Their leaving, we think it wouldn't be good but downright stupid."

Nami nods, Usopp follows, though his eyes refuse to detach from the ceiling.

"What?" An anger starts to burn in your chest, and you clutch at the sheets in an attempt to ground yourself. "Why not? My dream isn't on this ship."

"That's the issue." Sanji cuts in, lighting a cigarette. "We're not saying we don't want you to follow your dream, but what about your well-being? You don't have a single skill you can use out there, away from us."

"Yes I do! I have-" But the words fall flat. Digging through the past few months for anything, anything at all, and coming up empty.

"You don't know how to navigate." Nami sighs, like she's dealing with a particularly naughty child.

"I-" Your mind fills in all the times Nami shooed you away from her maps and compasses. Her words ringing in your ears.

"As long as you're on our ship, the only navigating should come from me!"

"Can't fight to save your life." Zoro spits, rolling his eyes. "I've had to save you from a pickpocket the last island."

"That was just a fluke!" The words sound hollow, mind rolling with Zoro's past colliding with present.

"You're the Captain's Darling, which means I'll be your right-hand as well. Don't worry about protecting yourself, since I'll be doing it now."

Usopp is next, eyes still on the ceiling. "You've been really absentminded of your surroundings recently."

"We're on a ship!" But you know it's the truth. You'd bumped into everyone at one point or another, so focused on Luffy that everything else had been a passing thought.

Chopper nails the coffin shut as he taps his hooves together. "W…..well, the first aid you use to do isn't very good nowadays."

"I'm the doctor! So, don't worry about patching yourself up anymore, okay?"

You gulp, drawing away from Luffy, drawing away from his crew. Drawing into the corner of the bed as a dawning horror grows.

Luffy doesn't stop you, his face drawn with a grimace and he won't meet your eyes.

Robin sighs, "It just wouldn't be right to let you go without any way to defend yourself. Isn't that right, Captain?"

Luffy bites his lip, letting his straw hat cover his eyes. "As the captain of this ship, I can't in let you off."

"You-you planned this! All of this! You tricked me! Let me go! Let me go, please!" The words keep tumbling, pleas of freedom falling on deaf ears. As the Strawhat Crew stares victoriously down at you huddled in the corner, and their Captain won't meet your gaze. "Luffy, if you love me you'll let me go!"

A dirty trick, but the only thing you have at this point.

Finally Luffy looks up. Finally he meets your gaze. But it isn't his sunny warm love that greets you, instead it's scorching, twisted as he reaches a hand out. His fingers might as well be like the fire with how they burn where they touch.

Overview: Luffy wants to prove the ocean is his parent, and so calls to you.

Author note: Fun fact, I looked up gender neutral terms for parents and the one I used in this story is ren, which comes from parents.

"-I swear! My parent is the ocean!" Luffy shouts at the top of his lungs, eyes blazing and gripping his shorts in tight fists. He jumps face-to-face finding a frustration building at each pitying glance or roll of the eyes.

His own crew discrediting his claims.

But he never lied, not after his parent, you, told him it was wrong.

"Who would believe you then?" You had whispered to him. The waves of the ocean rocking against the edge of your palm. It was calming to listen to, helping dry his tears faster as he burrowed his cheeks against your hand.

"But Ace said-"

"Honey, there are times a places for lies, but among friends and family you should never."

He sniffles, rubbing at his red cheeks. Your coos are similarly soothing as you lean down and plant a kiss on his forehead.

"My parent said not to lie! So, I don't lie when I tell you that they are the ocean!" Luffy shouts now to his crew.

Nami sighs, waving her hand about. "Yeah, yeah, we believe you captain."

Usopp snorts, "Who knew you could pull it off. Good on you, buddy!" He gives a thumbs up, winking.

Luffy's anger builds, grinding his teeth together as the urge to punch something rises. He turns his thoughts to you again, of the lights that dance along your jewelry like there own stars. And the fish that leap about whenever he gets close to the surface of your flowing mane of hair. Sea salt spraying at him as dolphins call for him to play, and flying fish leap over his head.

"Why can't I play with them?" He whined, crossing his arms as he sat once again in your palm.

"Because your Devil Fruit has cursed you." You answered, sighing so sadly he felt his own eyes water in frustration.

"I wish I hadn't atten that stupid fruit!"

"It's eaten, dear."

"Whatever! It just makes it impossible to swim!" Luffy puffs out his cheeks, stomping to a stand, and to add to his display of anger he stomps again.

"Sometimes things happen, and when it does some doors close." You patiently explained, your other hand rising up to rub his head until he can't help but giggle. "As you get older you'll want more out of this world. Some things that can only be offered because of the fruit you ate."

"But I still can't swim with you!" Luffy groaned, tiny hands catching at the edges of your huge finger. "I don't want to be alone, without you."

"You'll never be alone. After all, you'll be the King of Pirates if I remember correctly." He nods his head, puffing his chest out proudly. You continue on, smile bright. "That means you'll sail the sea where I hold dominion." At his confused expression, you clarify, "It means I'll see every adventure you have."

"Every adventure?"

"Yes, you may even call upon me whenever you need me. I will not leave any of my sons directionless."

"That's it!" Luffy shouts, jumping to a stand. He races for the door of the galley, ignoring the calls of his friends at his back.

Zoro's voice sharp and commanding, "Idiot! They were just messing with you!"

Usopp tumbling off his spot and scrambling after his captain. "Yea-yeah! We know you can't lie to save your life!"

"Neither can you!" Nami shouts, though her voice is tight with worry.

Slamming the door open, Luffy is blasted by the night air. He breathes it in as he stomps his way towards the head of the Merry. Nami, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, and the rest following to varying degrees of panic.

Luffy stretches himself, landing on the head of the lamb figure that got the ship its name, and stands staring out at the rolling waves.

"That idiot is gonna jump into the sea to prove a point!" Sanji shouts, already throwing off his suit jacket and preparing to play lifeguard.

"Maybe we should let him." Zoro spits. "Would teach him a lesson."

"I don't know, he may be speaking the truth." Robin murmurs, peering at her captain in growing curiosity.

"That what? His parent is the embodiment of the sea?" Nami retorts.

"Should I tranquilize him before he jumps!" Chopper runs about the deck, hooves to his cheeks.

But a shout rises above it all, Luffy crying out with all his heart as he cups his mouth. "Ren!"

The crews bickering die away as he continues to shout. They each look about, staring out at the waves like they really do believe a large person will appear from them. When nothing happens, all attention turns back to the captain.

"Chopper get ready to throw that needle." Nami spits. The little reindeer nods, gulping nervously.

But a bump at the ship has the crew pausing again. The Merry rocks more than usual on the calms waves.

"Did…did you feel that?" Usopp stammers, legs shaking and hand gripping at his head.

Another bump follows, bigger, bolder. Than another and another until the entire ocean churns like a growling beast.

Usopp panics, running around as he begins to scream his head off. Chopper following the man's lead. "A sea beast! A sea beast is attacking the ship! We're all gonna drown!"

The rocking instantly stops. Then comes the lights, flickering on one by one like lanterns set to the sky. The crew rushes to the edge of the ship, peering down into golden scales as fish the size of arms school the Merry.

It's then that they notice the hair, long and wavy the sea itself tangled with it that the crew couldn't figure out where it began or ended.

They looked to Luffy for a answer. But he was too busy beaming at the ocean to care.

It was then that the biggest bump shook the Merry and rising from the waves came a giant that put other giant's to shame. Gleaming jewels that had Nami drooling, kind eyes that had Sanji swooning, and an aura of ancient knowledge that drew Robin closer.

But the god had yet to notice the crew, gaze focused on their son at the head of his ship. Voice soothing as always as their hands reach up to cup the boy. "Luffy, my son, you called."

Jaws dropped.

"Ren! Ren! My crew doesn't believe me! They don't believe you're my parent!" Luffy stomped his foot, cheeks puffing out.

Your voice echoed with laughter as you answered him. "Does it really matter if they do or not?"

"Yes! You said never to lie! And I didn't! So, they have to believe me."

"I see." Finally you turned to the crew as Luffy stretched his arm and hoisted himself onto your shoulder. There he began scurrying about, chasing the glowing fish and splashing at the salt water despite the weakness it caused him. "Are you his beloved crew?"

Sanji was the first to answer, his arms waving about and hearts in his eyes. "Yes. Would you like a drink my dear? Or a snack? Your wish is my command." A smack to the back of his head knocked out the blonde.

Zoro, stepped over him with a snort of disgust. But he still bowed his head to the god in greeting.

Usopp and Chopper had fainted along the deck, and while one was playing dead, the other was actually out like a light.

Robin was the next to speak, voice curious but kind. "You're the ocean, correct?"

"I am." You hummed, raising an arm so Luffy could run along it. His laughter was loud like always as he blew his tongue at his crew.

"I told you!" He laughed, swinging himself back onto the boat with a new spring in his step. "I would never lie about my Ren!"

You were a blanket burrito.

Warm.

Safe.

Comfy.

And currently in the arms of Sabo as he worked away through the morning light. While one shuffled through files, probably too classified for you to see but could view anyway because Sabo could care less, the other was supporting you. His heat still reaching through the thick comforter as he penned his name along the bottom of one sheet and then another.

Sighing you wiggled just the tiniest bit.

Sabo paused instantly, beaming grin blinding. "Need something?"

"Yeah, you to stop being a morning person." You grumbled, hands coming out of the blankets to poke at the man's cheek.

He full on giggled, letting go of his pen to poke you on the nose in return. "Anything other than the impossible?"

"Coffee."

I gesture to his cup, forgotten in the corner of the desk.

"You do realize I didn't add any sugar or cream to mine, you sure you want it?"

"I like it bitter."

Sabo laughs, eyes squinted as he shakes his head. "Lies. I've seen you pour all the sugar you can find into your cup."

I burrow further into the blanket, glaring.

Sabo reaches for the cup anyway, passing it to my awaiting hand. "But, I won't fight you darling, if that's what you want."

"How could I regret something I like?" I say just as I take a sip. It's sweet. I gulp down more as I grin up at Sabo in triumph. "Tasty." He's a liar! He likes it sweet!

The blonde chuckles going back to work while tucking you closer to his chest. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."

The scratching of pen on paper is what draw you to the land of the living. Eyes fluttering and the shades of blue from the waters outside the Polar Tang soothing to the senses that are adjusting to the new day.

But they don't stay on the dancing waves and darting fish, instead turning to the desk in the far corner of the captain's corridor. Where, shirtless and back to you, is the love of your life hunched over whatever has caught Law's attention this time.

Probably some new medicine or surgery technique.

You hum into the pillows, stretching out and feeling the fabric of both blanket and jacket alike. A trick Law learned early on in the relationship, that if he left his coat with you he could usually get away with overworking himself.

He's explained it too, why you seemed soothed by the cloth. His eyes lighting up in that rare display of joy as he listed out how the scent of loved ones could be effective in all sorts of capacities.

But this morning you won't accept just the scent of him.

A huffing sigh escapes you, eyes drilling into the back of his head.

The pen never stops as it skitters across the paper.

You weren't loud enough. So, you sigh again, loud and exaggerated. To add to the display, you throw his jacket to the floor.

The pen pauses for a moment then picks up again.

It's time for the extremes, then. Peering up at the bedpost, you see Law's beloved hat hanging off the closest post to you. Reaching up, you snatch it and fling it across the room, flopping back into the pillows with a giggle as it hits the back of his head.

The writing comes to a complete stop. Law finally straightening in his seat as he turns slowly to stare at you. Patting the bed, you stick out your bottom lip and whine, "I want cuddles now."

"I'm working."

"And? Whatever your doing won't disappear in the next…oh, thirty minutes?"

Law's eyes narrow, the bags under them larger than normal.

You grab at his pillow, his side of the bed as you push half your face into it. Peering one eye up at him, keeping the pout in place, you get him with his biggest weakness when it comes to you. Being cute. "Please?"

The air hums. It snaps, and then heat is greeting you as Law crawls under the covers. His bare chest taking over as the pillow and arms acting as personal heaters as they loop around your back.

Law has a mean scowl when you grin up at him.

"This is a one off thing, got it."

"Okay, Taffy, whatever you say."

He flicks you on the nose, groaning as red dusts his cheeks. "What did I day about the nickname?"

"I recall you said not to call you that in public, but we happen to be in our room if I remember correctly."

"Maybe I should just ban it all together."

I whine, pitching his own nose in retaliation. "Then you would be ruining my fun!"

"It's embarrassing!"

"You like it!"

Law sighs, ducking to rest his chin on your head. "You're impossible. Now it's twenty minutes."

"What! No fair!"

"You've brought this upon yourself."

Another blurb idea I will write for later, but it's been floating here and now you guys get to hear it! Ponyo is a great movie and I just have so many ideas from it.

Imagine Dragon married the ocean itself, an embodiment of freedom. And you just are so charmed by this man and have not one, but three sons with him. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy. Of course, not all of them are biological, but the minute Luffy swore them as brothers you heard and accepted them as your own anyway.

Let's take this even further with Luffy then deciding to introduce his brothers to his mother who swoops up from the ocean to hold Luffy with so much love and affection for their son. He melts and groans because the Devil Fruit makes him weak, but doesn't fight it because this is his parent.

Ace and Sabo are shocked, but accept the fact that the ocean is now their parent too.

Then imagine them older and bragging about how the ocean is always in their favor.

Ace telling the Whitebeards that they won't have to worry about rough weather ocean wise because his mom is the ocean. And you of course visit Whitebeard yourself to make him swear to protect your son.

Sabo, when he doesn't have his memories, still has the sense that the ocean adores him and that there is nothing to fear.

Overview: Luffy is chaotic the moment he gets up.

A gentle tug has you surfacing from sleep. Dreams cliging to your lashes as they begin to fade.

Another tug has you becoming aware of the bed beneath you and the arm wounding up your body like a living blanket.

The pats begin shortly after. Luffy's voice cutting through the void with energy that doesn't match the morning at all. "Hey. Hey! You awake? Are yuh?"

"What Luffy?" You groan, trying to reach for the pillows beneath your head. But it happens too fast to stop like every morning. Hand grasping at nothing as the air swooshes around you, the arm wrapped around you wounding further in a cocoon.

Luffy laughs, loud and bolsiterious like every morning. "Great! You are awake! Let's go eat!"

The door slams open as Luffy's flip flops hit the wooden deck. Light blinding even if your eyes are closed. You duck into his arms, groaning as you cling to him tighly. Even if you know he would never drop you.

Another door is slammed open, the clattering of plates and smell of eggs hitting the your nose. Nami shouts as you move further into the space against your will. Luffy laughing and Sanji greeting him familiar in its routine.

"Seriously, Luffy! You can't come barging in like that every time!" Nami growls. "And you've dragged them here against their will again? Leave them in bed!"

"Why would I do that?" Luffy asks, and you can imagine his tilted head. He sits down at the table. You know this because his arm cocoon slams against the bench, jolting you in the middle.

A groan of annoyance rises out of you.

"Sorry, sorry." Luffy is quick to apologize, but he cuts himself off as the smell of meat draws near. "Oooo! That looks yummy!"

Sighing, you finally open your eyes, peering cautiously over the rim of his arms to see everyone is at the table. Nami and Usopp are both sending pitying glances, while Robin giggles behind her book.

Brook and Franky are deciding to ignore this regular occurance and instead focus on their little projects littering the table, music and machine mixing in a confusing pile.

Further down the table, Zoro and Chopper are eating fast, trying to finish before Luffy and his endless stomach decides to steal it.

Jinbe relaxes in his own spot, observing the crew with interest. He still wasn't use to his new crew even though he's been with them for months.

Leaning further into Luffy's warmth, you sigh and relax. The cozy mood and comfort lulling you back to sleep. Until a spoon is suddenly in front of you. Meeting Luffy's gaze over the silver utensil, his grin is blinding in its kindess.

Kindness you fell for way too hard and way too fast. But completely worth it as the soup, half empty, on the spoon is given to you.

"Everyone needs Breakfast." Luffy says, poking your cheek again.

You open up and accept the bite. The only bite too, with how Luffy is already looking at it again and licking his lips. You'll just get more from Sanji later.

Overview: A Sleepy Morning with Zoro.

Loud snores drift through the haze of sleep.

Waves of your own washing away layer by layer. Awareness came the same way, with the warmth of Zoro's body against your own. Sleeping on his chest had that effect, after all, and a arm wrapped tightly around your middle.

As lashes fluttered along your cheeks, your blurred vision caught sight of his expansive chest. Towards the other side of him you caught sight of his favorite sword, the Wado Ichimonji, gripped in his other hand.

Him and that damn sword.

A grumbled thought more affection than irritation. You new the memories that blade held after all. Plus, if any one dared to intrude on the two of you, Zoro could slice them without much issue.

A protective measure you noticed early on in the relationship with the swordsman. He was a light sleeper too.

Raising a hand up, you feathered along his exposed chest. Fingers following the familiar ridges of his scars. Each one told a story, one of failure, another of victory cut too close, and another one yet for protecting his crew.

Then the long one that went from shoulder to hip. A gift, Zoro claimed, from the current greatest swordsman upon their first meeting. Zoro swore up and down many times that it wasn't just a loss, but a promise to himself and those around him that he'd always be there to protect them.

And Zoro did, still does, as his snores petered away and his arm tightens, drawing you close. His head moves as grumbles escape, but you see the way he tilts his head, listens for danger. His eyes follow, opening to reveal the obsidian hidden beneath. They dart about, taking in the room, before landing squarely on you.

Zoro softens into the mattress, eyes drooping and green hair tussled by sleep. He greets you with a sleepy smirk.

"Did you sleep well?"

You hum, fingers dancing along his chest as they tiptoe towards his face. Zoro rolls his eyes as you finally tap him on the nose, then raise up higher to mess with the short green hairs on his head. "Did you sleep?" You shoot back playfully.

You knew he slept fitfully, often jolting awake ready to fight. Other times leaving bed to patrol the ship or workout, never wanting to lack in his training. It was rare for him to make it a full night.

Not that you minded.

Zoro snorts, drawing you from your thoughts. "Of course I did."

You smile at his denial, despite the fact his eye bags give him away. A little teasing wouldn't hurt. "Then, you won't mind not sleeping in this morning?"

Zoro's eyes go wide, his smirk falling off into a big pout that he would deny was a pout. "We're not skipping my morning nap."

You hum, gently tugging at his ears. They grow red under your touch, spreading to his face. But he doesn't stop you. "Oh, we absolutely are. I have plans that require you awake."

"No you don't."

"Yes I do."

Zoro moves lightning quick, hand coming up behind you head and pushing you into his chest. His heart hammers away against your ear as he burrows into the pillows. "Then I guess we'll have to take the nap now."

Overview: Your morning routine with Sanji.

You know what time it is when the water starts running.

Sanji always showers in the morning. And not just any hour of the morning, but three am. The madman.

He's explained it before, too. The reason he gets up so early all to cook a fresh loaf of bread and plan the best breakfast he can with what's in stock. There's also the fact he needs to make twice as much for Luffy alone.

Not that is matters to your tired brain. Wrapping yourself tighter in the blankets of the bed, you groan curling into a ball.

The water stops running and a creaking announces the return of Sanji. A Heavenly scent of sandalwood fills the room, piercing through the blanket armor you had donned. It draws you out as the creaking grows louder.

The squeak of the shared closest has you sitting up, still wrapped up, as Sanji works to get dressed. A soft swish, swish following each movement.

You groan, gaining his attention. The bed dips and soft lips with fresh lip balm brush along your forehead. "I'm sorry my love, for being too loud."

Another groan passes your lips, leaning into his fresh warmth. His hands reach up, smooth fingers dancing along your scalp as he scratched just right. Humming in delight, you dig further into his chest. The open shirt allowing you access to freely feel his muscles.

His chuckle has you bouncing along with it, his other hand coming around your back to rub soothing circles.

"Love, I need to go. Breakfast can't make itself."

"I bharely ghet toh hod youh." Your thoughts drift lazily to interrupted sleep, Sanji leaving to check on the fridge in fear that Luffy has gotten to it. A jealousy chokes you, the thought of your own captain getting Sanji's time more than you having you tug the man closer by his belt.

"What if I promise a afternoon nap, hm?"

You grumble a weak agreement.

"All the cuddles you could ask for, and all my attention too." Sanji murmurs layering kisses along your hair. He draws back, the heat of his body leaving as he stands again. "And I'll thrown in the best breakfast I can serve for the trouble."

You snort. He always promise that one every morning after all. Still…

Hands reaching up blindly, you wave them about, trying to catch your blondie. His hum of confusion draws near again, breathless chuckles tumbling out as you catch his unbuttoned shirt in your hands.

"More kisses? I'll always provide my dear."

He leans in just as you begin a blind scramble to button up his shirt. That has Sanji laughing, hands coming up to hover over your working ones. "Oh, you wanted to help me get ready?"

You nod, rubbing fabric between fingers as you feel out the holes. Buttons popped in with grumbling complaints, until you feel no more, or probably can't find more.

Opening your eyes to check is too much work. So, you pat his chest and flop back among the sheets. His weight following as he brushes one last, lingering kiss to your forehead. "Get some rest my love."

You drift away as his scent curls around you.

Sanji closes the door as quietly as possible, blush heavy and heart racing. Your sleepy face does more than he could ever imagine. Every single time.

He wants to crawl back into the sheets, let you curl up against his chest and lay as many kisses as he can on your adorable little head. But then no one would have breakfast, especially you, and he can't have that.

So, Sanji parts while clutching his fists, already planning how best to hold you during the nap.

Would you prefer to be the little spoon this time?

Shaking his head, he instead focuses on his other problem. The one that had your clumsy hands ruffling his white shirt. The one that currently looked beyond disorderly with missed button holes and unaligned where they did connect.

Sanji looked more a mess than when he woke up.

Okay, so my brain can't stop circling this thought now that it's planted.

Adding onto my original idea, what if the read is from The Children of the Watch like Din. They wear their helmet all the time, and can't show their face.

Luffy would go crazy trying to take that helmet off. He wants to wear the armor even when it makes him weak, 'cause he thinks it's cool. And then the helmet is the best part!

Now reader has to fight to keep their helmet on while constantly explaining why they can't remove it.

Luffy doesn't care.

Then comes a scene where reader has to remove their helmet for one reason or another. Maybe it's a life or death situation, maybe it's a forced thing where another bounty hunter removes it.

Either scenario leads to two things.

Luffy staring at you, stunned and amazed by how pretty you are. Then he gets angry, because you feel so ashamed of yourself, revealing your face and all. He'll beat up the bounty hunter's if that's the scene you go with, but in the other....

Luffy slams his head into the ground, chanting he doesn't remember. Does anything really to make things better, saying you're still like your clan, handing you his vest to cover your face, even trying to patch up the helmet and hand it back to you.

Blurb idea I might write a full story on later.

Mandalorian-like reader who wears refined seastone armor and is from Egghead. Who is adopted by a clan but still treated like an outsider and burden. Who, when coming of age and gains their armor, is given the task to hunt down and capture a Emperor of the Sea. But not any Emperor, but Luffy.

It's a way to exile you without exiling you.

No one has captured a Emperor and lived long enough to tell the tale after all. So, either way you're not your clan's problem.

You take to the challenge with the burning need to prove yourself worthy of your armor, or your clan, and take to sea.

The hunt begins and capturing Luffy is both the easiest and most difficult thing you find out.

Finding his crew and ship, easy. Capturing the captain, not so much.

You take to stalking the crew, like any of your clan would do, with a predator's ease of blending in and striking when least expected. Tailing the Thousand Sunny with different ships each time they leave an island, sticking transponder snails on board when they're away and listening in, and finding out weaknesses.

You learn more about the Strawhats then you wanted to, forming a connection you know you can't foster. Both because they don't know about you, and because you plan to take their captain.

But it's a guilty pleasure to listen to their energy and excitement. Happy for each other, sad for each other, supporting in all the ways you know your own clan should be.

When they land the next time, you strike. Luring away Luffy with food, a big weakness of his, onto your ship and tying him up with seastone chains.

You set sail just as quickly, because the Strawhats, when they realize their captain is missing, will be hot on your tail.

Overview: Ace wakes up and so does his obsession for you. (Or, in other words, an excuse to write obsessive Ace)

Chaos collided the minute Fire Fist Ace woke up again.

The first to notice the change was Law, who was on his way to check on the patient and his partner. But the closer he got, the hotter the air burned. Ash and smoke billowing from underneath the door, metal warping along the submarine.

Law threw caution to the wind and rushed inside.

The door slammed against the wall and the doctor cursed as it burnt his hand. Worse still, the door didn't clang against the wall, more it splat and groaned. More curses left Law's mouth.

The waves of heat and smoke distorted the view of the room. Law had to peer into it with narrowed eyes just to see Ace in what used to be a bed. Sheets nothing more than black soot and the frame, along with the mattress, curling inward to swallow the patient whole.

In the center of it all, a beast of fire balefully glared.

Ace wasn't a human in that moment, more a raging creature that had burnt up all its energy one to many times and now lay immobilized, chained where it didn't want to be and tore at its bonds to show it.

Law was quick to send out his crew in search of you while he, himself, braved the space to calm what he could. After all, if the submarine couldn't handle Ace's flames, then everyone inside would suffer.

Including the Strawhat captain just a few doors down, resting from surgery himself.

Law tries everything, from gentle reminders and greetings to harsh words that would make anyone else settle down in the bed. But not Ace, Law is quick to note, just like his younger brother he is single-minded and driven.

Nothing could settle Fire Fist Ace except for you.

And that's the problem as Law darts in and out of the room. Each time his men return, hopeful they're dragging you along. Instead it's worst news. The island they docked on has signs of missing crates the Heart Pirates set aside, and a dinghy that isn't accounted for.

And each time Law returns to the room it's hotter than before. It rivals a volcano and that isn't a good sign at all. So, the doctor pulls out his last shot, the truth and then some.

"Luffy is on this ship! If you don't calm down you'll kill him!"

Ace's flames falter then fall. A human takes form in the center of the soot and melted metal. His head is bowed, bandages unraveling and wounds raw and bloody. But the hunger in his eyes doesn't dim, glare still sharp.

Law has no choice but to move forward into unsteady territory. "They're gone. They ran, we don't know when or which way they went, but they're gone." The flames return, softer this time and not nearly as hot but not a good sign. "If you don't rest and let your wounds heal," Law pauses, tries to think through the panic, "we won't help you find them." He lands on.

The flaming beast tilts his head, considers the threat. It's enough to get the flames to go away, for Ace to collapse with a wheeze of pain. His lashes flutter, energy spent as he crashes into unconsciousness.

Law is finally able to get close, to begin patching wounds and redoing stitches that had been snapped. He grounds his teeth as he does, thoughts miles away as his hands move with memory, on a little stolen dinghy and you with broken promises.

Law has a fleeting feeling of worry for your well being. It's gone just as fast, knowing what group you worked for, what they were molding you to be.

The biggest concern though, comes when Bepo returns and Law has to order a search for you again, beyond the island. He has to find you, drag you back kicking and screaming if need be, because otherwise…

He glances at Ace again, sweat rolling down his face. The heat of the room hasn't completely returned to normal, still too warm. Law shudders to think what Ace would do to get you back at his side.

Miles away, half awake in a stolen boat with stolen supplies you lay. Unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon behind you as the moon falls away to let forward a new day.

One that you don't want in all honesty. Yearning already hitting hard as you think of Ace's warm hold, his smile, his kindness.

A rough wave has you shaking the thoughts off and dragging yourself up. Digging through a barrel for fresh fruit, you snack as you pull out a Log Pose. It's already pointing ahead, to your own new future.

One you know will be filled with uncertainty and much island hopping because you know Ace. He will try to find you once he can stand and you can't let that happen. Let his mental wounds heal without your constant reminder of before Marineford.

You don't even want to remember at this point, but your mind is working against you. Training, promises, threats, a warmth that could never be replaced.

It didn't matter!

It didn't.

It did.

Clutching the Log Pose, staring at the needle pointing so surely towards a future you can't imagine, you make another decision.

You won't return to Ace, can't, but that doesn't mean you can't collect reminders of him or listen to the news to hear when he returns to the land of the living. It's fine if you love at a distance you decide.

Chapter 6: Spidey-Tingle Helps No One

How do I keep getting into these situations?

I grinned painfully big as Jabber leaned against the table, his own just as demented as last time I met him. Though without the shadows of the building it was kinda more horrifying to witness.

Back a couple of hours ago, almost a month after joining the Cleaners, I had been deemed ready for action after being trained under the other Supporters. Despite all the blood, there was no blood, sweat, so much sweat, and tears, I cried a lot too, I poured into that month, they still wanted to send me on a easy mission.

That mission being, go out and explore the city while looking for any suspicious activity. Which translated roughly to, have fun in our world while we watch from afar!

I knew because after being dropped off at the edge of town, and giving me an allowance if I saw anything I wanted, they looked like they left back towards base. But the minute I entered the walled town I spotted Enjin on the roof from the corner of my eye.

Explore my ass!

I'm playing where's Waldo!

Huffing, I opened my pouch and counted what they had handed me. Enough for a couple of meals and maybe a few trinkets if I was feeling up to it. Clearly they had planned to leave me here for the entire day.

Is this a test? I didn't study for a test!

Being in the Cleaners' HQ for the entirety of a month had left me dependent on them for survival, and now being kicked to the curb had me anxious to just go back and hide in my room instead of be independent.

You made your point Corvus! I am entirely at the Cleaners' mercy so please take me home!

My feet carried me further into the town, catching sight of other familiar Cleaners darting between buildings and streets as fast as possible. Follo there hiding behind a menu, Zanka standing in the shadows of the alleyway, and even Gris who looked beyond guilty as he walked in his day-to-day outfit a few feet from me.

Though he was looking really good. Great eye candy!

The baseball cap with a faded team symbol on it, low over his eyes to try and hide his scar. A fur lined leather jacket that hugged his arms just right, and loose cargo pants paired with his usual steel-toed boots.

I needed to get a ring for this man and lock him down, I swear.

But now I need to take this "mission" seriously.

I wandered the streets like someone who very clearly was lost. Nothing weird was happening as far as I could see and even the people I passed never had anything negative happening nearby. It was a chill town at the moment.

So, I went to the nearest art store. It was small and right below a stack of apartments which had thin walls that let in the noises from above. But I didn't care, instead browsing the colors that I was sorely missing from my art.

All of it had been done in a single pencil, shading and all, and honestly it was getting draining on the peak of my artistic flow.

I won't let art block return. I refuse!

Buying the materials I left the building behind. At the same time locating my group of babysitters. They were all scattered about like usual, but some of them were grinning happily at me.

Gris especially, since I often told him that with all the training my only outlet was my art. I had also told him the drag I was feeling because I couldn't bring out their full potential without colors and he had scavenged the base for anything to replicate what I needed. Tomme joined in the search, being a archivist herself she knew how important it was to have drawing material.

It also meant my book had recently taken on a coffee scent.

My growling stomach drew me to the nearest restaurant. I ordered quickly and took a seat in one of the outside sets. Mainly for my watchers to be able to see me.

Tomme and Follo soon joined at a table on the other side of the patio, heads down and menus up. Gris took another a small distance away, and Enjin and Zanka sat on the roofs across from the place.

I'm starting to get the feeling I am bait.

And of course the minute I think it someone joins me at the table. Someone who giggled a little to giddily.

I met Jabber's deranged gaze, happy at least his smile looked somewhat normal.

I tried to get the waiter's attention by blinking in morse code.

Wait, I don't know morse code. Damnit!

The waiter, rubbing it in my face I couldn't just call for help, handed Jabber a menu. He flipped it open and waved the man off, eyes never straying from my own.

"Hey Sphereite, you ran out on me last time." He rolled his head on his shoulders, stretching. "That left me quite sad y'know?"

"I didn't realize we were playing." I forced a laugh out of my throat.

Jabber was quick to cut it off. "Jesus! Don't make that noise again, gonna have your babysitters on me way too fast. Not that I wouldn't mind my ass being handed to me." I swear drool started to come out of the corner of his mouth. "With their looks of disgust…" He sighed in wonder.

"Why are you here?" I asked so that I wouldn't feel awkward.

Jabber snapped out of his little haze, leaning forward. One of his hands landed on my book. I tensed up.

Don't touch it! Don't touch it! Don't touch it!

He grinned, knowing what he was doing as he slid it closer to himself. "Well, I just so happen to be in town."

"I don't believe that."

He shrugged, nails scrapping against the cover.

I slammed my hands on the table. "Stop!"

He paused, frowning.

I noticed behind him Gris, Follo and Tomme had all abandoned their disguises of laying low to stare openly at our table. Gris had even broken a piece of his table off.

"Shhhhhh, wouldn't want the cavalry to jump us yet."

"Give me one reason not to scream."

Jabber laughed. "'Cause don't you want to know why we're so interested in you Sphereite, or should I call you the Otherworlder?"

My hands fisted the table. "How…"

"Did we know?" Jabber shrugged, finally lifting his hand away from my art book which I snatched up instantly, leaning back in his chair. "Eh, the new boss has quite the intel apparently. I guess you just didn't act enough like you came from up there to pass. Not that I care."

I gulped meeting his intense gaze again.

"'Cause I got a sixth sense for these things, and you, oh you, are gonna be so enterainin' to rile up. I can feel it." He gripped his shoulders with a shiver, head thrown back as he groaned. "I just can't wait until you do to! The beating is gonna surpass all of the past ones, I know it!"

I shivered in fear.

Jabber hopped from his seat then, the chair slamming into the ground hard. Everything moved at once, Gris lunging with a fist drawn back, Follo with his hammer, Enjin and Zanka from above, and Jabber falling into the ground where a manhole had appeared.

They wouldn't catch him, or the other raiders for that matter. And I was only happy that Jabber was leaving, that I had the Cleaners at my back. Until Jabber's last words hit me square in the chest.

Chapter 2: Captain, Where are We?

My new captain is full of surprises.

After trying to dive into the ocean due to his own boredom, or trying to catch fish as he claims he's spotted, and Lapras catching him before he could hit the waves, I've accepted this new reality. Now he sits criss-cross on Lapras' shell, playing games with Togepi who trills in delight under the attention.

Koby, the pink-haired boy who was with Luffy, sits with a tight smile. He constantly asks if it is safe with so many passengers. Though I meet it with the same response, "As long as we all sit still it'll be fine." This does little to calm his nerves.

It's another leg of the journey that I learn my captain has eaten a Devil Fruit and is stretchy. Mainly because he angered Lapras who nipped his arm and tugged. But instead of the boy going flying his arm just became longer.

Now Lapras is determined to keep Luffy on her shell in fear that he'll drown. I am too, already liking his energy.

The next hour leads to me learning about his dream. One that lights his face up like the sun itself. Smile so large it covers most of his face.

It's no wonder Munna was following him around after his confession. Though now the pink pokemon is tucked away in a Pokeball, which was explained heavily to the two clueless boys who had panicked when I caught her.

They, for some reason, thought I had made the Pokemon disappear.

I also think Luffy tuned out after I said Munna was okay.

With the closest island rising up among the waves, my new captain is beyond excited. Bouncing a leg, drumming his hands on his knees, and asking how much longer before reaching it.

When close enough, Luffy abandons shell, arm stretching out and wrapping around the nearest, jutting pole. Like reeling in a fish, he let's himself become one as his arm tosses him forward.

Koby and I exchange frightened glances, Lapras calls out in surprise. The blue pokemon surges forward, crying out again and ending with a coo reserved for only Togepi. It's that call that has me searching for my partner.

He isn't here.

Which means.

"Luffy! Wait, Togepi is with you!" I shouted, standing up on Lapras and cupping my hands.

The captain is too far gone and I begin to panic.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no…Lapras go, go, go! Use surf." I cry, patting her shell. She answers with a nod, the waves tossing up as she uses her special move. Koby cries out in surprise, clinging to one of the spines on her shell.

Land races closer, buildings clearing up and ships and docks rising up from the waves. Lapras serves right before the wooden piers could touch us, trilling her tune of delight for me.

"I hear you. Don't have to copy after our captain just yet."

Lapras water gun's me to the face in retaliation.

Getting off, I call back Lapras and clip her Pokeball to my belt, right in the middle of the three currently there. Togepi's closest, the first Pokeball and pokemon I had ever added to the team as I set out from my home island.

And now he was lost among this city with a huge Marine base and a reckless captain.

Clapping my hands, Koby jumping in surprise, I grin. "I might have to write down a page just for Luffy at this point." I pat the bag strapped to my back, where a hand drawn and written Pokedex rests waiting for me to fill out.

Koby mumbles more to himself than to me, "But don't we have to find him first?"

"Yup! Which means…." I trail off, a bubbling anger rising up. I tamper it off just before it bursts, remembering what my sisters taught me back home. "…talking to people."

"You have a problem with that?" Koby adjusted his glasses in surprise.

I sighed. "It's not like I hate you or Luffy per say…I was just going to leave you if you were cruel though."

The pink-haired boy gulps. "So, so, you mean to tell me if Luffy…"

"I was ready to kill Luffy for hurting poor Munna!" I stated it proudly, puffing up with hands on my hips.

Koby wilted further. "Oh…"

"But then Munna wouldn't stop talking about his dreams and how tasty they are. So, I realized that Munna was probably around for a long while if a punch wasn't even a concern of hers."

"Well, that doesn't clear up anything. And we still don't know where Luffy or Togepi is!"

"That's why we talk to the locals. They must have seen a boy flying by."

Koby nodded, and together we headed into town. Each conversation was stilted with all the locals, their eyes darting over their shoulder like someone would strike them for speaking. Though they still pointed us in the right direction.

I knew we were getting close when Munna burst out of her Pokeball, drool already spilling out of her mouth. She darted forward, right for a bar. I took off, hot on her heels.

The pink pokemon burst in with a trill the same time Togepi cried out.

Barely glancing around at the startled faces of the humans, I looked to the furthest table loaded with food. Mainly meat, I noted. Luffy was throwing himself into the feast as even more plates were brought out.

And, a small space cleared on the table was sitting Togepi. He was munching away on apples, balancing on them on his head before gulping them down in one bite.

Togepi was looking too much like our new captain.

But that was a issue, of how quickly my pokemon were attached to the strawhat, for another day. Instead-

"Togepi!" I cried, throwing myself at my partner.

Joy flooded my system as I touched his shell. Little hands patted at my face as I rubbed him happily along my cheek. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Wha-Hey! Get off!" Luffy shouted as Munna shot for his head. She fell short as Luffy raised a arm, so she decided to chew that instead. "Of course Egg would be fine, he's with his captain! I said get off!"

Lowering Togepi into my arms, I glared. "How was I supposed to know that? Are you stupid or what?"

"That's no way to talk to your captain! Ouch, Pinky stop!"

Sighing, I raised up Munna's Pokeball. "Munna, return." A bright light followed as the pokemon was recalled.

"Thanks!" Luffy went right back to eating.

Koby finally caught up, huffing and puffing as he bent over. He stood up, red in the face as I confronted my captain.

"Next time wait for me."