★Insect Insectivore☆彡

helloooo it’s my first post here! I mostly write x readerslop (no use of y/n) and i’m lowkey debating whether to post here!! Unforch all my writing is entirely for me, so it’ll be fem implied (no mention of it usually, just written with it in mind) and male characters (IM A FILTHY STRAIGHTY) my current interests (that i’m willing to write for) are:

One piece Chainsaw man South Park 31 Minutos (i don’t speak spanish very well so pls forgive if it ends up mischaracterized) Red dead redemption 1/2 Jujutsu kaisen MY OCS!!! THAT!S RIGHT I’LL WRITE ABT MY OCS JUST WATCH And others!

my work will be largely sfw as i’m not entirely comfortable writing freaky stuff.. i left that life behind me….

i also love to write emotional stuff and angst that stretch like 2-6k words! AHHHHH!! i’m currently working on a koby x reader fic and it’s LIKE 6k WORDS LONG AND THEY’RE STILL FIGHTING BRO I HATE (love) SLOWBURNS UGH

IF I GET INTO HOMESTUCK (maybe, maybe not) I’LL DEF WRITE STUFF FOR THAT OR WHATEVS

potential mihawk cbc adopt if ppl are interested? Will probably take preoffers! Usd/money>mixed offers>art>anything else

THIS IS JUST A CONCEPT!! I’M MAKING A MORE REFINED VERSION RN…

The Greater Sphinx is my open species! Find more information about them here!

MY ONE PIECE OC!!! His name is Lucy Foreman. I have a lot more info on him, so if people are interested, I’ll probably write about him!

his uncle is Dale Foreman who makes an appearance in this fic i wrote (briefly) who he outranks. Dale is kinda bitter towards him about this, but is kind of charmed by his potential. He’s not a fan of his lack of work ethic and forgetfulness for marine rules, however.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ “It’s not enough to love me in secret.” CH. 1

Genre: angst/comfort, slowburn, romance

Word count: 3.2k

Warnings: !!MAJOR EGGHEAD SPOILERS!! Mention of roaches. Mildly detailed description of gross/unsanitary living situations. Written gender neutrally with female reader in mind.

Pairing: Koby x Reader (NO USE OF Y/N)

𐔌 ﹒ ⋆ ꩜ ⋆ 𓂃 ₊ ⊹

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You had no clue what in your right mind had brought you into this situation.

You lived a simple life, not truly desiring much more than to make a living for yourself. But after Vegapunk’s death, and the subsequent news that followed, you became… restless. Unsatisfied with your life. 

You’d had no desire to join the navy. You always said you’d rather join the pirates, especially with the waves being made in the world government recently. You knew how stupid it was to oppose the Strawhats. 

But as you reflected on your poor decision making as you lay in bed, beat from a day of intense training, you looked over the letter that pushed you to consider it in the first place. A letter from a.. friend. You met Koby during his early days as a marine choreboy, months prior to the incident in marineford that eventually led to you splitting apart. That was years ago now, and it was honestly a shock you heard from him at all.

You’d be fooling no one who happened to be acquainted with you if you said you didn’t have a crush on him. You’d read the letter about a hundred times. It wasn’t even anything profound, it was just enough to make your stomach feel alight with butterflies and your heart beat a bit faster.

“ I hope you receive this letter well.

It’s been ages, and suffice to say, I have continued to carry you heavy in my heart.

It’s a lot to ask, believe me, i know, but my conscience nags at me every day i can’t protect you. With the increasingly treacherous news surfacing, you plague my thoughts most days.

I cannot in good faith genuinely ask you to consider joining the marines.

However, despite my hesitancy, I would not be able to sleep well at night if I did not at least ask.

I would like to personally invite you to join the navy, under my command as a Marine Captain. 

I promise to make your workload light.

If not to serve the world government, then to be with me.

Sincerely, 

Koby. 

Marine Captain, and dear friend. 

P.S. If this letter drives you away from speaking to me ever again, please spare my heart and do not write me back to inform me, however selfish this request is. ”

He was ridiculous. You couldn’t believe he had so easily convinced you to change the course of your life. For what, to pursue a crush? 

Another grunt came knocking to inform you of lights-out just as you had finished reading the letter for the umpteenth time. You blew out the candle by your bedside, the prospect of a comfier arrangement once under Koby’s command the only distraction from the sickening sway of the boat, and the wafer thin mattress you were expected to become well rested on.

…

Your back ached as you scrubbed your section of the deck, your eyes sunken and weary as your uniform itched at your shoulders, and the sun beat down on you. A bead of sweat dripped from your chin onto the wood you’d just spent minutes scrubbing the grime off of. 

The low ranking officer who commanded you eyed you from the upper deck, simply watching for several moments before calling your name, beckoning you to his office. You hated the guy, but it was a means to an end anyways.

The chair squealed for death as you sat in the rickety thing, but you paid it no mind. You could barely muster a half pleasant expression for the prick who’d done nothing but give you verbal lashings and got off on having control. In your eyes, he’d wasted his miserable life. “Well,” he sighed, almost a scoff, breaking you out of your thoughts.

“Who would’ve believed it? By some measure, perhaps the mercy of some deity upon you, your bratty little soul made it through training. Color me… well, let’s skip to the chase.” Clearing his throat, he wet his fingers and peeled a page from another. “You’re certainly not an ordinary case, are you? Direct orders for your next permanent assignment to be under a Captain; Koby the Hero. A natural rising star. Lucky you.” 

He rolled his eyes so hard you were certain they’d’ve fallen out had he been a handful of years older. “You’ve got until sundown to pack your things. They know to pick you up at our next stop.” You opened your mouth to speak, but he raised a hand. “Save it. I’ve heard enough from your sorry hide.” 

Despite his harsh words and bitter attitude, there was a begrudging respect in his gaze. You weren’t exceptional by any means; by the seas, he of all people knew that, but he couldn’t help but see the flame that danced under your skin, refusing to be extinguished, even at the end of the world as everyone knew it. It made dread twist within you. Maybe you weren’t cut out for this. Everyone knew it, but you’d been blinded by love. Or lust.

The only other greenhorn who’d taken the time to have any sort of exchange with you, clapped you on the back when you stepped out of the room. “Should I be ready to cheer, or cry with you?” He chuckled, a genuine look of care in his expression.

“I don’t want any fanfare. I’m packing my bags.” You barely looked up at him. Every day felt distant for the 3 months you’d been out here. You barely remembered the bloke’s name. You lived off the words in that letter, and the gruel they called good enough to eat. Nothing more. His brow furrowed. “How delightfully… vague. You need help?” 

You nodded, finally meeting the man’s eyes. “Sure.” 

He followed you to your barracks. You had maybe fifteen things, each of which he helped you carefully load into a suitcase, every item stacked just so. You’d given up everything. What did it matter? Every fraction of the life you thought you knew was being peeled back one by one to reveal the nasty snarl of a beast. You’d at least rather be on a boat when the world sank. What else was there past love?

You mostly read until the ship docked. When it finally did, they ushered you off the boat with nothing but a nod and about five thousand beri. Just enough to get a hostel for the night. Cheapskates.. 

You made your way to the cheapest hostel in town. The five thousand they gave you wasn’t even enough to cover it. 

You scoffed as they gave you the charge, having to put three thousand of your own beri in just to cover the night. The place smelled of piss and crawled with people you were sure you’d contract seventy diseases from if you so much as breathed next to them. 

You were led into a room with six bunks, all but one bed filled. The sheets were vaguely sticky, and reeked, but at least there was more cushion than the marine barracks. 

… who were you kidding, this place was the worst.

You tossed and turned all night, a chill running up your spine as you were sure an insect crawled up your arm. Charging seven thousand beri for this place was highway robbery.

Your sole comfort was being able to see Koby in the morning. You let yourself fantasize, a bit too much, maybe. You pictured his face splitting into a grin, being wrapped into his arms, you pictured a kiss shared late that night, underneath the stars. You pictured many things, anything to bring you away from this bed.

So when you saw him come down off his ship, Helmeppo and a couple grunts flanking him, you figured things would be a bit different. He didn’t greet you with a smile. In fact, he barely looked at you. Your brow twisted, and so did your gut.

Koby looked pale. Paler than usual. He didn’t even seem a little happy to see you. “Koby?” You couldn’t help but call his name, a bid for connection, for him to look at you. His eyes locked onto the ground before your feet. “Please, call me Captain.” Something broke within you. The romantic hope you held suddenly felt distant and wounded. Why were you here..?

“Captain.” You corrected. He met your eyes, a smile that could barely even be described that way met his lips. “Welcome to the team, recruit.” He didn’t even say your name. 

You wanted to cry, to run, but you straightened your posture, and offered a curt nod. You were sure the look on your face belied your feelings, but you could hardly care. Not when he was looking at you like you were secretly your own headstone. You said nothing as he nodded towards one of the grunts, who took your bag and carried it onto the ship. You followed behind Koby as he led you up onto the boat, the all too familiar sway under your feet feeling strange again.

You were allowed the day to relax and settle in, but every step you took felt like a minefield. You were sure no one would say anything cruel, but Koby’s cold demeanor haunted you. At least they had better food than on your last ship. A product of having a chef, and a smaller crew. Maybe thirty individuals or so. Far less than your last ship, which had housed at least five hundred soldiers alone, not accounting for higher ranked individuals.

You hung around the ship, reading and watching the flow of the crew until the sun began to meander down towards the horizon. Mealtimes were especially vulnerable. Everyone had their eyes on you, yet no one uttered a word. Koby was the only one who really even spared you more than a glance or two. Ten. You counted. 

By dinner, you took your plate and ate on the deck, away from the other crew mates. Moths danced by the lanterns, and you watched, empty plate on your lap. You felt like a fool. You had it good in your old life. Sure, things were changing, but was this really the best thing you could think of? You could’ve moved onto a houseboat or something. This felt extreme now. How you didn’t realize it when you were in training? You had no idea. All it took was one sheet of notebook paper for you to turn your entire life around. How stupid were you?

Half of you desperately wanted Koby to magically appear behind you, and apologize for brushing you off. Twenty minutes passed in complete silence, only a few soldiers passing by you. You returned to the mess hall, returning your plate to the dirty dish bin. Koby tapped you on the shoulder, still not looking directly at you.

“Please follow me.” His voice held a tone of finality. He didn’t want to talk. He barely even wanted to see you here. Why did he ask you to come here?

You didn’t say anything to him as he walked with you to his messy office. He sat across from you, eyes trained on the intake papers as he moved his glasses onto his nosebridge. “Name?” His gaze did not move to you. “Ouch. You know that, don’t you?” You scoffed, almost a laugh.

He didn’t reply, but he wrote something down on the paper. “Rank.” 

“Seaman Apprentice.” You replied, tone flat. He scribbled something else down. 

“Serial number?” “24051.”

“Direct commanding officer at last post?” “Dale Foreman. Serial number 11591.” Pen met paper as he jotted the information down.

Koby leaned back in his chair, eyes almost apologetic as he scanned your face. “Ship rules..” he sighed as he slid the paper to you. “Sign it after, please.”

Your brow quirked up in indignation as he continued, spinning a spare pen in his hand. “Rule one, we sail dark. When the sun sets, it’s light’s out on deck. We don’t police lights out in rooms, but keep curtains closed, and you’re limited to one candle per room. We become a spotlight otherwise.” His tone was still clipped and distant. “Two, all letters and personal logs must be personally vetted by me before we make port. No exceptions. Additionally, nothing about the inner workings of the crew should be written.” 

You almost laughed. “That’s insane, i can’t even keep a journal without you nosing through it? This is ridiculous, Koby. You drag me away from my life and now i can’t even have privacy?” Lividity snapped at the heels of your voice, presenting as barely contained by the thinnest of veils. His brow knit as he paused. “Please try to understand. A lot of sensitive information passes through my crew, and i take great care to make sure nothing leaks. The navy would have my head otherwise.”

You understood well enough. Keeping your tongue to yourself, you sighed. You didn’t have to like it.

He waited for your response, and when none came, he continued. “… Rule three; every crew member must keep themselves fit to engage in battle, and must uphold their duties on the ship unless otherwise unable.”

He seemed almost hesitant to continue. “Lastly, interpersonal relationships must remain largely professional.” His eyes became a bit.. almost sad as he finished. “… questions?”

Still fuming, however less so now, you folded your arms. “Yeah, i’ve got quite the question, actually.” You bit. Taking all but a second to calm yourself, you trudged on. “What’s wrong with you? I don’t hear from you in years, you send me a letter asking me to join the navy, and when I actually do, you treat me like some monster you can’t possibly bear to look at.” 

You could only hope your scowl conveyed the level of hurt you battled with as you spoke. Given the way his mouth twisted into a deep, apologetic frown, you were sure the message got across. 

Your next words were breathy and choked. “I uprooted my entire life for you. I left everything behind because of a handful of words you wrote and sent off without a second thought. And now? I’ve got nothing to show for it. What does that make me..?”

Koby let his head fall down, almost a bow. His hands clutched at the edge of the desk, and his pink hair, held back by his head scarf, slumped forward as well. His shoulders shook, not quite crying yet, but close.

“I’m so… so sorry.” He whimpered pathetically, voice breaking. “It was so selfish of me.. i’m a fool…” Tears dropped from his obscured eyes down onto the floor. “Go back to your old life. Please.” He sniveled, looking up to your face. He looked torn down. A man who had undoubtedly witnessed unfathomable atrocities, and was the only one left standing after. You felt your heart break, your fury tempered, peeling back for a softer, more compassionate version of yourself.

“To what?” You countered, though your tone wasn’t quite combative. “I have no home to return to. I have nothing, Koby. I left everything. I have barely a hundred thousand beri to my name.” As the words left your throat, it sunk in just how foolish you’d been.

Koby tried and largely failed to steel himself. “I’ll find a way, I’ll arrange for you to get back to a home somewhere.” Determination crept into his tone. “And what then? After that? These past months would’ve been a waste of my life. And besides, you heard what Vegapunk said. Even if i did, i’d be doomed to die with a sinking world.” You felt distant from your body, the words almost echoing without you really even trying to let them out.

Koby’s eyes welled with tears again. “And you’ll die here anyways. I wasn’t thinking. It was selfish to think i could protect you. Protect you how? By dragging you into the pit of snakes alongside me?” He buried his face in his hands, stalling there for several moments before letting his hands down, not looking up to you. 

You spoke before he could. “I’m not going to let you push and pull me because you feel guilty. If i thought i was going to be perfectly safe joining the navy, i would’ve quit after a week of training. It didn’t take much to convince me, because i already needed a change.” Your words settled like a javelin in a courtroom. He had no rebuttal.

“And if all you can offer me is a professional relationship, so be it. I’ll get used to it.” You fought the bitterness that lapped at your tone. You were a marine now, and Koby had made it clear that romantic feelings had no place here.

Koby took several shaky breaths and swallowed thickly, wiping his eyes. He steeled his lip and set the ink well in front of you. “You can still back out. If you sign, i’ll take it as your decision to stay,” His voice kept the slight waver from before, though you were a little impressed with how much he was able to temper it.

For several seconds, you simply stared at the paper. You knew your answer, but it felt… intimidating somehow. Koby watched you with a nervous eye. He was torn between wanting you to run and not look back, and stay with him. You were far from the level his other recruits were at, but something nagged at him, telling him to keep you close, keep you safe.

You inhaled sharply and shakily, taking the pen from the desk and signing your name. Koby’s brow twitched, pulling up in something akin to a flicker of sorrow. Though, as his eyes met yours, they were soft. He pulled the paper back to himself and signed on the other line. Giving the ink a moment to dry, fanning it with his hand, he folded the piece of paper and slipped it into an envelope.

He nodded towards you. “Welcome to the Navy, officially.” he offered a strained smile, a weariness and dread carefully masked beneath it. He lifted his glasses off his nosebridge, pushing them back up onto his forehead. He stood and reached over to shake your hand, and you clasped it. His grasp was firm, maybe a bit too much so; like he was afraid you’d blow away if he didn’t anchor you. “It’s good to have you.” His tone wasn’t cheerful.

You stood as well, and as he moved to the same side of the desk you were on, you spoke. “.. Koby?” He halted, looking at you, eyes almost longing. You knew it was silly, maybe even foolish to ask, but you had to. “Did you ever love me? Even a little?” Your vulnerable expression met his wounded gaze. He looked away. He couldn’t bear to face you.

Just as he took in a breath to speak, a knock broke the tense silence in the room. Helmeppo waited a moment before creaking open the door, nodding at you before addressing Koby. “Captain, it’s light’s out. We had business to discuss, remember?” Koby’s lips pursed and he nodded. “Right.” He turned to you. “Could we pick this up another time?” The intonation he used conveyed genuine care and desire to reconnect at this point later. 

Regardless, you felt deflated and a little brushed off. Tail metaphorically tucked between your legs, you offered a choked smile and moved to the door. You brushed past Helmeppo when you left, practically shoulder checking him. You couldn’t care, honestly. You needed air and a moment to think.

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