Super fan girl.

“Whatever. It’ll be resolved soon, so don’t worry.” The words are careless, but her tone points to a deeper insecurity. Something clicks in your mind and your eyes widen.

“Oh my god wait. No, no, no, it’s really not a big deal! I promise, Law. Honestly, you’re kinda cute.”

“That’s what Penguin and Shachi said too!” She groans, dropping into a chair and throwing her hands over her face.

You bite back a giggle, kneeling in front of her and tugging her hands away from her face, “Sorry. It’s true though. You still look like you, so of course you’re cute.”

She glares at you, but doesn’t pull away. You take that as a good sign and power on.

“But it doesn’t really matter what you look like, right?” You grin, poking her cheek as you try to goad a smile out of her, “Cause I love you no matter what.”

She huffs, shoulders slumping as she softens, “Fine. I guess so.”

“I said,” You say, pouting, “That I love you.”

Her lips quirk as she bats your hand away, “I love you too.”

You grin, leaning up to kiss her. It’s strange, the smaller lips slotting against yours. It’s not quite unfamiliar though, the way Law’s tongue brushes yours, one hand cupping the back of your neck to keep you close, is identical to her past kisses.

You push yourself up further, hands cupping her cheeks. Your breath catches as your chests brush, her soft tits catching you by surprise. You break the kiss, blinking down at her chest. The white tank is low-cut, exposing a generous amount of cleavage. Your mouth runs dry, arousal pooling between your legs as you take in the view.

She shifts nervously, crossing her arms self-consciously again, “I know it’s weird. We don’t have to do anything.”

You drag your gaze back up, lips parted in surprise, “Law, trust me when I say that I want to. You look really hot right now. I mean, you’re always hot, so it’s nothing new, but still. It’s okay if you don’t want to, but I think it could be fun. I can show you how good you usually make me feel.”

Her eyes darken, and she after a moment she nods. You grin, leaning in to kiss her again. Your lips slant over hers in a heated kiss, teeth and tongues clashing. You grab her waist, groaning at the way your hands can almost wrap all the way around it. She pushes herself forward, sitting on the edge of her seat as her hands find their way back to your neck and shoulder.

You bring your hands up her sides slowly, settling them for a moment underneath the swell of her tits. Law’s breath catches, back arching to push herself further into your touch. You fight a grin, taking your hands off of her to grab the hem of her shirt, tugging it up.

She pulls back, breaking the kiss and holding her arms up to let you tug the item of clothing off. Your mouth waters at the sight of her bare chest, perky tits and pebbled nipples begging for your attention.

You drop your head, flicking your tongue over one of her nipples. The stuttered gasp that leaves her makes you grin. Law has always had sensitive nipples, and it seems that was exacerbated by the change.

You brace one hand on her waist, the other coming up to knead her other tit. Your fingers pinch her nipple, matching the focus you pay to the one in your mouth. Pretty, breathy moans leave Law’s lips, echoing through the otherwise quiet room.

The weight of her chest in your hand and the feel of it in your mouth is intoxicating, but you find yourself getting impatient. What you really wanted lay further south. Reluctantly, you pull your mouth off of her with a pop, lips shiny as you grin up at her. Her eyes are half-lidded, lips parted as her chest heaves, trying to catch her breath.

Your fingers make quick work of her belt and pant buttons. She lifts her hips, letting you tug her pants off and leaving her fully exposed. Your hands grip the flesh of her thighs, pulling them open and letting you get a good look at her pretty pussy.

You almost moan at the sight, arousal dripping freely and leaving everything slick. You bring your thumb up to her pearly clit, pressing ever so slightly on it. Her hips jerk, a yelp escaping her.

Your eyes flick up to meet hers, a grin spreading. Her eyes are wide as she looks at you.

“Holy fuck that’s sensitive,” She breathes, making you laugh.

“Tell me about it. Should I stop?” Slowly, she shakes her head. You grin, bringing your thumb back down to rest on her clit. A shiver wracks through her body, but she otherwise holds still. You rub your thumb slowly, watching her twitch and whimper at the unfamiliar sensation.

You bring your other hand up, using your index finger to circle her weeping hole. Her breath catches, chin dropping so that she can watch you. You slip your finger in slowly. It moves easily from how wet she is, slipping in to the hilt.

Her walls clamp down on your finger, a loud moan leaving her. She starts to grind her hips subconsciously into your hand, and you take the hint. Your thumb draws quick circles over her clit, your finger pumping in and out of her.

You pull your finger out of her, ignoring her mumbled complaint. You quickly replace the finger with two, scissoring them in her tight warmth, enjoying the way she squirms. Her face contorts in pleasure, the expression almost identical to the one you’re used to on male-Law.

You pull your thumb away from her clit, making her whimper in frustration. You bring the hand up to knead her tits, dropping your head to flick your tongue over her clit instead.

She cries out, body shaking as her orgasm wracks through her. You continue your motions, pumping your fingers steadily into her spasming warmth. You suck on her clit as you watch her shatter, back arching off the chair as her fingers dig into the arm rests of the chair, desperately holding on.

You feel her come down slowly, finally pulling away from her when she pushes your head away with a whimper.

“Too much,” She breathes, voice cracked from how loudly she’d screamed.

You pout but oblige, tugging your fingers out of her too. Unable to resist, you suck the fingers into your mouth, eyes rolling back in your head at the heady taste of her arousal. You can hear her breath catch, making you grin as you suck your fingers clean.

“How was that?” You ask, lips quirked in an uncharacteristically cocky grin.

“Fuck off,” She mumbles, pouting slightly. “You know it was good.”

“Maybe I wanna hear you say it,” You laugh, brushing her hair out of her face to admire her flushed cheeks.

“Fine.” She huffs, though you know her annoyance is disingenuous. “It was really, really nice. I– Thank you.”

Your grin widens as you lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, “Good. Cause there’s so much more we can explore together while you’re like this, if you’re interested.”

Dracule Mihawk knew no deeper sleep than the slumber that came when he had Aurelia in his arms. 

It was the type of rest that rejuvenated the body and brought peace to the spirit. He could not recall a time when he experienced such a feeling before knowing her. He would not settle for anything less now. It was because of that Mihawk woke from his soothing slumber with brows furrowed in confusion. His arms -- limbs that were once wrapped around Aurelia’s warm body -- were now cold and empty. The only sound breaking the silence was the constant purururu that rang out. 

His earpiece.  

Mihawk shot up to his feet, eyes instantly taking in the sight before him. The plank of wood left out of place, the Den Den Mushi retrieved from its original spot hiding beneath the flood board… and Aurelia nowhere in sight. The pieces flew and fit together in his mind, and came to the same conclusion that Aurelia must have. The type of conclusion Mihawk hoped for would not be entertained. The type that could derail everything.  

“Where is she?”  

The question was immediate once Mihawk neared the campsite. Shanks seemed to be making good on his plan to pack up camp and prepare voyage towards the next port town, as his crew worked to transfer what remains of their goods back to the ship. He had expected guarded expressions at the sight of him. As joyful as the crew seemed when drinking, Shanks and his men were a force when it came down to business. He wouldn’t get an inch of ground when it came to Shanks’s men. Not when they’ve all decided to close ranks and defend their own. They considered Aurelia one of theirs. Mihawk knew only one man who could possibly grant him aid. The same man who made it quite clear where he stood when it came to Aurelia and her wishes. 

“She does not wish to speak with you.” 

Mihawk’s eyes snapped in the direction of Shanks’s voice. His old friend leaned over the side of the ship, eyes no longer twinkling with amusement. He made no movement; made no indication he would meet Mihawk halfway. Mihawk knew right then and there that he had lost what little advantage he had going into this battle. With his jaw firmly set, Mihawk marched towards the ship, enduring Shanks’s disappointed gaze all the while.  

“If what she said is true,” Shanks continued, “I fear I may have to join her.” 

Mihawk’s eyes scanned the deck of the ship the moment he stepped aboard. No trace of Aurelia in sight. He knew she would throw her lot in with the other pirates and knew they would be more than happy to comply. He also knew Shanks. If Aurelia had come to Shanks upset, Mihawk knew the other man would have bent over backwards to comfort her. Starting with having her settle somewhere private. Roaming gold eyes slowed to a stop at the sight of the captain's quarters… and its conveniently closed door. 

“You’re mistaken,” Mihawk finally replied, “And so is she.” 

Shanks fell into quick step alongside Mihawk as he began to move in the direction of the closed quarters.  

“When we spoke last night about Aurelia, I thought you were seeking out my infinite wisdom and approval--” 

“I don’t need your approval when it comes to her.” 

“Well, that remains to be seen, as who you currently seek has decided to take up solace in my chambers.”  

Mihawk stopped abruptly outside of the door, whirling around in his boots to face Shanks. Golden eyes were lit with near-deadly heat at the other man’s words. Shanks held up a hand in peace, though he held his ground. 

“When you spoke of taking her with you to sea,” Shanks said, “You failed to mention you were still in communication with those seeking to capture her.”  

“Who I’ve spoken with does not matter--” 

“Marines,” Shanks stopped him, nearly spitting at the word. He lowered his voice to soften the harshness, though it seemed a fruitless effort the more he spoke. “A Vice Admiral at that!” 

“They are of no concern to me,” Mihawk said, “Nor are they a threat.” 

“To you, perhaps,” Shanks returned, “But she is not you, friend.” 

“If she were with me, she’d be protected,” Mihawk said, “I would ensure her safety.” 

“You promise her security without even questioning why she requires it,” Shanks said, “You seek to claim her, yet you do not truly know her.” 

“And you do?”  

“More than you apparently.” 

Shanks saw it then. The twitch of Mihawk’s fingers. The way they itched to reach for his cross knife -- or worse, Yoru.  

“Have you even a clue why there’s a bounty on her?” Shanks sighed out, “Or who sent Marines to find her? Had you even taken a moment to ask?”  

Mihawk opened his mouth to reply, though no words came out. In truth, he did not ask. He did not care to know. In his time on the island and his moments with Aurelia, those questions had escaped him completely. Shanks’s shoulders softened at the sight before me. His friend, all-knowing when it came to battle and the sword, completely out of his depth in the ways of women. Or at least this particular woman.  

“Hawk-Eye,” Shanks took pity on him then, “There are things we must continue to discuss--” 

The words were halted as the door to the captain's quarters was thrown open and the two men’s eyes were drawn to the woman on the other side of the door. Her expression was one that had clearly soured, walls that were so carefully taken down seemingly placed up once again.   

She began to move past the two men, stepping into Shanks’s space just to avoid brushing against Mihawk. Her steps went no further than three before Mihawk’s hand shot out and took hold of her wrist. The low little dove that left his lips was as much of a warning as it was a plea. The look in her eye was nothing short of murderous though. A lesser man would have shrunken away from such a withering look. 

Unfortunately for Aurelia, Dracule Mihawk was not a lesser man. 

Unfortunately for Mihawk, Aurelia knew men of the same caliber as him. 

Mihawk heard the distinct click of a pistol readying one in the chamber, knew it was Benn Beckman before he could turn his head to the side and confirm. His fingers remained around Aurelia’s wrist, thumb unconsciously brushing over the pulse point there. One swipe, then another before Mihawk moved to release her.  

“Place as many men between us as you please,” Mihawk said, voice low as he spoke to Aurelia alone, “But you must hear me now.” 

Mihawk watched as Aurelia’s eyes moved to look at Shanks. The other man had posted himself by the door to the captain’s quarters, body leaning against the frame seemingly without a care in the world. The aloofness in his body couldn’t hide the look in his eyes though. Shanks looked back at Aurelia with a seriousness in his gaze. Silence passed between them, but Mihawk was certain the two were engaging in a conversation with only their eyes. It was brief, but the synchronicity between Aurelia and the other pirates left a strange pang in Mihawk’s chest. A feeling that he forced himself to set aside for the moment. He’d have all the time in the world to unpack that after he secures Aurelia’s trust once again. 

“If you insist on speaking your truth,” Shanks finally said, “It might be beneficial for all parties to do so. Get the whole picture and whatnot.” 

All parties?  

There was a coolness to Mihawk’s gaze as he watched Shanks nod in Aurelia’s direction. The chill there ran up Aurelia’s spine when he turned his eyes towards her. Despite Mihawk’s cooled expression, Aurelia remained relatively calm. Aloof even. A mask, of course. One that Mihawk chose not to mention. Given the circumstances, she had the right to it. 

“If you insist upon it,” Aurelia finally said, “It’s of no consequence though. Truly. I don’t think it’s even worth--” 

“You’re stalling, sweetheart.” 

Aurelia itched to cross her arms over her chest, as childish as it may look. Instead, Aurelia brought her hands to her back, fingers interlocking once she did. She straightened her back; shoulders stiff in place as she turned to address Mihawk fully. The nearby pirates grew silent as Mihawk waited. Suspiciously silent . The unnatural kind of silence that came with this kind of bunch. The kind of silence that came with holding one’s breath. 

“The Vice-Admiral who sent you to me was employed out of Citrinetown, the central city of Ore Island,” Aurelia began to explain, “Where Iron Island’s resources go to inventions, Ore Island’s resources are dedicated to the detection of minerals used for the manufacturing of weaponry. The Marines being the group outsourcing the results the most.” 

Aurelia cast a look towards Shanks, continuing. 

“The Marines have their connection to the island,” she continued, “It’s why the Vice-Admiral sought out the best to retrieve me and return me there.” 

“And why would that be?” 

She spoke the words before she could meet his eyes. 

“Because that land is my birthright.” 

Dark eyes met gold. 

Held the gaze. 

“Because in time that island, it’s people, and those resources will be bequeathed to me... and will be mine to protect and command with my life as their queen.” 

The silence that sat between them was enough to fill a thousand ships. No one in the area seemed to move an inch. All were unsure what doing so would do when it came to the Warlord of the Sea, who remained eerily silent. It would be Shanks, the gentleman that he was, who would attempt to dispel the tenseness of the moment. 

“You see now, do you not?” Shanks asked, “Why it is important that she does not be delivered to the Vice-Admiral?” 

Silence. Cold, distant silence from the man Shanks tried to break through to. 

“Shanks.” 

Beckman. A low warning. Asking permission to intercept should anything go awry. 

“Captain’s quarters.” 

Two words sent a wave of hesitations through the ship, but Mihawk spent no moment thinking about it. He immediately moved, striding past Shanks and Aurelia towards the quarters. The two that were left behind exchanged a look as Mihawk disappeared into the room, a silent attempt at planning the next move. Mihawk’s voice boomed from the room when Shanks began to move towards the quarter’s lone door. 

“Not you. Only her.” 

Aurelia made no effort to rush after Mihawk. She’d follow, but there would be no begging to explain. There was nothing further to explain. Not to the man in league with those who sought to drag her home. She sent a reassuring nod in Shanks’s direction as she moved towards the door. Shanks would trust the situation in her hands. That thought would only be confirmed just moments later, as she heard Shanks tell the others to get back to work. 

Aurelia moved into the captain’s quarters, closing the door with a soft click. When she turned, Aurelia saw Mihawk’s back to her. He had set Yoru atop the wooden desk across the room. Bent over the desk slightly, his palms pressed to the surface of the desk. Immediate thoughts ordered Aurelia to approach, but pride dictated she remain where she stood.  

“I won’t apologize,” Aurelia finally broke the silence, “Not for leaving your side after discovering what I did and certainly not for who I am—” 

“What you are is mistaken and hard-headed.” 

Aurelia’s eyes narrowed. 

“I beg your pardon?” 

“I do believe you heard me,” Mihawk replied. He brought a hand up, taking his hat off and dropping it on the desk beside his blade. “Your Highness is many things – frustratingly stubborn, brave to a nearly reckless fault – but you are not hard of hearing.” 

Mihawk turned then, crossing the distance between them until he stood before Aurelia. 

“I’ve no intention of following the Vice-Admiral’s orders,” he told her, “The idea that I would have died the day our lips met. In truth, all previous intentions flew away the moment you first slipped from my hands. All I wanted after that was to find you... and I found you. Not under idea circumstances and certainly not with ideal company—” 

“Shanks and the others are perfectly fine company—” 

“Little dove,” Mihawk said, nearly exasperated, “Just this once allow me the upper hand.” 

Aurelia set her hands on her hips, eyes narrowing slightly. It didn’t deter the man before her. 

“I found you,” he continued, “And you could curse me now by leaving once more, but I will give you fair warning that I will give chase. I care not for the trouble Shanks and his men will cause me, nor what the Vice-Admiral wants. I haven’t a care for your family’s wishes. I do not give a damn regarding your rank or social standing. It’s all meaningless to me, but you…” 

Mihawk let out a sigh. 

“I care for you,” he confessed, “No matter how many times you vex me, your company is all I care for. Your approval, your affection… You, darling. And damn you for it, but I will do whatever it takes – for however long it takes – if the result is you returning the feelings I possess for you.”  

Aurelia searched Mihawk’s face. Hand still set on her hips; she let the air around them fill with silence as she considered his words. His truth. Right there. Nothing more. 

“You can understand how one might have doubts, do you not?” she finally asked. 

“I do.” 

“Waxing poetic one moment about whisking me away to a castle, then the next I hear a Vice-Admiral—” 

“I apologize for the trouble it did to your heart.” 

“I mean honestly,” Aurelia continued, “If you knew so early, it made no sense to keep it from me for as long as you did—” 

“Torturous woman,” Mihawk interjected, exasperated breath slipping from his lips, “I confess the depth of my affection to you – forsaking all others and all plans – and you choose to prolong my suffering with chatter?” 

Aurelia saw it then. The faint curve that appeared and disappeared on the corner of his lip. A ghost of a smile. Mihawk raised a hand slowly, fingertips faintly tracing the outline of Aurelia’s hair. No lighter than a feather’s touch. She was out of reach before his fingers could comb through her hair. A small step back. A divide between them.  

“It’s a lovely dream,” she told him, “Being swept away to a castle by a dashing, albeit infuriating confident and competent pirate. Entertaining the idea of a future with you would be beautiful and thrilling... and utterly unheard of.” 

Her gaze dropped, a faint sigh filling the space between them. 

“My parents wouldn’t allow it,” she continued, “Their Marine affiliates would object to it. At the end of the day, I’d still have a kingdom to be concerned of, and you’d never truly enjoy being tethered to one island for all your days. A royal and a Warlord of the Sea... It sounds like an impossibility.” 

Mihawk watched as Aurelia took a step back – and another and another – until her back neared the door. She leaned against the door, her hand resting on the door handle as she did. She took a moment, eyes falling closed as she considered her next words. 

“But in a world of impossibilities,” she continued, “There is one thing I am certain of.” 

Her eyes slowly opened. 

Met his. 

“The affection you feel for me, I feel for you in return,” Aurelia confessed, “And I do not wish to be parted from you. Not today, nor any of the days that follow...” 

Aurelia’s words trailed as Mihawk moved forward, closing the space between them wordlessly. His forehead dipped down, rested against hers. Hands – his and hers – reached for each other, held on. Refused to let go. He could feel it in her touch. The wanting and the worry. The admission of feelings coming in waves and the looming concerns on the horizon. He wanted nothing more than to rid the conflict from her mind. He would in time. He was certain of that. 

But that would be later.  

“Mihawk,” Aurelia began to speak. 

The man before her shook his head, giving her a soft shush as he did.  

“We’ll go over logistics after, darling,” he spoke against her mouth as he leaned in closer. 

He felt her smile against his lips as she whispered to him. 

“After?” 

Mihawk reached over, fingers flicking the lock on the door.