٩(๑`^´๑)۶

A pirate rushes at you with a sword and you don’t move.

“Too slow!” you say.

You grab his wrist, twist, and throw him into three other men as they crash into a wall. Out cold.

Another one fires a gun.

You turn, kick the barrel up, and punch him in the stomach “Next.”

Silence falls for a second.

Then someone whistles.

“Woah,” a voice says, amused and calm “That’s scary.”

You turn your head.

Red hair. Relaxed smile. One arm.

You sigh “Great. More pirates.”

The man laughs “Hey now, that hurts.”

Behind him, a whole crew stands and watches but no one attacks you. They just look… impressed.

A tall man with long hair grins “Captain, did you see that throw?”

“I did,” the red-haired man answers “Hard to miss.”

You crack your neck “If you’re here to fight, do it. If not, get out of my way.”

Some of the crew stiffen.

“Oi,” a man with goggles snaps “You talk big. Don’t you know who we are?”

You look at him as if you’re trying to figure it out but failing.

The red-haired man raises his hand “Easy. We’re not here for trouble.”

“Then why are you here?” you ask.

He smiles wider “Same reason as you, I guess. These guys attacked a town nearby.”

You glance around. The enemy pirates are all down, broken and defeated.

“Hmph,” you say “Too weak.”

The red-haired man laughs again “You really don’t hold back, do you?”

“No,” you answer “Life is easier that way.”

You turn to leave but footsteps follow you.

“Wait,” he says “What’s your name?”

You stop, but don’t turn “Why?”

“Because I just watched you beat thirty men alone,” he says “And I want to remember the name of the person who did that.”

You look over your shoulder “You can call me whatever you want.”

He blinks, then grins “Alright. I’m Shanks.”

You snort “I know who you are.”

“Good,” he says “Then you know I don’t ask twice.”

You turn fully now “Ask what?”

He steps closer, not threatening, but just curious “Join my crew.”

The air goes still, then you laugh out loud “Absolutely not.”

Some of his crew choke.

“What?” Shanks asks, surprised.

“I work alone,” you say “No captain. No orders.”

Shanks studies you. His smile softens, but his eyes stay sharp “Why?”

“Because, as you could just see, I don’t need anyone.” you answer “And no one can slow me down.”

A big man with scars frowns “That’s a lonely way to live.”

You look at him “I’m not lonely.”

Shanks hums “You’re strong. Not just your body. Your heart too.”

You raise a brow “You flirting?”

He laughs “Maybe.”

You step closer, face to face “Careful.”

“Oh?” he says “Or what?”

You grin, sharp and wild “You might fall for me.”

The crew explodes with noise.

“CAPTAIN!”

“OH NO…”

“THIS ONE IS DANGEROUS—”

Shanks just laughs, loud and free “I like you.”

“Tough,” you say “Still no.”

You turn away again.

Shanks follows. Of course he does.

“You don’t even want to think about it?” he asks.

“No.”

“Not even a little?”

“No.”

“What if I bring booze?”

You pause.

He smiles, hopeful.

“…Still no,” you say “But nice try.”

He sighs “You’re stubborn.”

“So are you. Especially for someone who, and here I quote, doesn’t ask twice.”

They all basically walk with you to the shore. His ship waits there.

You stop at the edge of the water.

“This is where we part.” you say.

Shanks crosses his arms “You know, you’d fit right in.”

“I’d burn your ship down.” you answer.

He laughs “Worth it.”

You turn and look at him “…You really don’t give up.”

“Nope.”

You think for a second.

Travel. Fights. Strong enemies. Good food. Loud laughs.

You exhale.

“You know what?” you say.

Shanks leans in “Yes?”

“Why not.”

The crew freezes.

“…What?” Shanks asks.

“I’ll join,” you say “For now.”

Shanks’ smile is bright “Really?”

“But,” you add, pointing a finger at his chest, “I don’t follow stupid orders.”

“Deal.”

“And if I want to leave, I leave.”

“Fair.”

“And if someone tries to control me—”

“I’ll stop them myself.” he says, serious now.

You nod “Good.”

You walk past him, onto the ship.

“Well?” you call “Are you coming, Captain?”

Shanks laughs and follows.

The sea feels different already and you smile.

The first rule on the Red Force is simple.

No one tells you what to do.

The second rule is that everyone learns very fast not to annoy you.

“WHY is she sleeping on the deck?”

You open one eye.

Lucky Roux is staring down at you, meat still in his hand.

“The sun is nice,” you say “Problem?”

He freezes “…Nope.”

You close your eye again.

Yasopp laughs from the other side of the ship “Told you. Let her be.”

“You’re all weird…” you mutter.

“Coming from you, that’s rich.” Shanks says.

You sit up and look at him. He’s leaning on the rail, relaxed as always, watching the sea.

“You don’t sleep much.” you say.

“Neither do you.” he answers.

You shrug “Sleeping is boring.”

He grins “I like that answer.”

Weeks pass and the crew adjusts, even if slowly and very painfully.

“HEY—DON’T MOVE THAT—”

Too late because you lift a heavy crate with one hand and drop it where you think it should go.

The deck cracks.

Silence.

“…That was load-bearing.” Benn Beckman says calmly.

You look down and then up “Oops.”

A beat.

Then you laugh.

Benn sighs, lights a cigarette “Captain, she’s a menace.”

Shanks laughs “She’s perfect.”

“I can hear you!” you say.

“Good.”

They learn other things too.

They learn not to sneak up on you.

They learn you eat a lot.

They learn you train every morning, bare fists, no weapons, until the deck is shaking.

They learn you don’t lose.

Ever.

One day, some idiot pirates attack the ship.

You jump first.

“Hey!” Shanks starts.

You’re already gone and when he reaches the shore, it’s over.

Bodies everywhere.

You wipe blood from your cheek “They were loud.”

The crew stares.

Shanks walks up to you, eyes bright “You didn’t even use Haki.”

“Didn’t need to.”

He laughs under his breath “You’re unreal.”

You shrug “You’re not bad either.”

That’s the first time you see that look on him, like he’s not just impressed, like he understands you.

At night, the crew drinks.

You don’t talk much but you listen.

Shanks sits beside you, shoulder touching yours.

“So,” he says, “still planning to leave?”

You take a sip “Not yet.”

“Good.”

“You sound confident.”

“I am.”

You glance at him “You always this sure?”

“Only about important things.”

You snort “Careful.”

“Why?”

You look straight at him “I don’t belong to anyone.”

He meets your gaze.

“I wouldn’t want you to.” he says.

That… does something to your chest.

Annoying.

Later, the wind is strong but the sea is calm.

You stand at the front of the ship.

Shanks joins you.

“You know,” he says, “you changed the mood of the crew.”

“Sorry.”

He laughs “Don’t be. They’re stronger now. Sharper.”

You roll your shoulders “They were soft.”

“Ouch.”

“They still are,” you add “But less.”

He smiles “You fit here.”

You don’t answer.

Instead, you say, “You’re not like other captains.”

“Thank you?”

“You don’t cage people…” you continue “You walk beside them.”

He looks at you, really looks.

“And you don’t kneel,” he says “even when you care.”

You turn “Is that a problem?”

“No,” he answers softly “It’s why I like you.”

Silence stretches.

Not awkward.

You step closer “Shanks.”

“Yeah?”

“If you ever try to own me—”

“I won’t.”

“If you ever lie to me—”

“I won’t.”

“If you ever break my trust—”

He steps closer too “Then I lose you.”

You nod “Good.”

You both smile.

Both strong and confident.

Like fire meeting fire.

Somewhere behind you, the crew watches.

Lucky Roux whispers, “They’re scary.”

Benn exhales smoke “They were born wrong.”

Yasopp grins “Born perfect you mean.”

Shanks and you stand side by side, facing the sea.

Months pass.

Now you wake up on the Red Force like you belong and no one questions it anymore.

“Morning.” Shanks says, already handing you a cup.

You take it without looking “You’re late.”

“You woke up early today.”

“Hm.”

Benn watches from the side “…You two are married already.”

“We’re not!” you say.

Shanks smiles “Yet.”

You glare at him as to kill him and the crew laughs.

You move together now, and it’s not planned or forced, it just happens naturally.

When danger comes, you stand back to back.

When the sea is calm, you sit close.

Sometimes your knees touch. Sometimes your hands brush.

None of you pulls away.

“Captain,” Yasopp says one day, grinning, “are you sure she’s not your first mate now?”

Shanks looks at you “Is she?”

You answer without thinking “No.”

Then, softer, as if you’re trying to not let anyone hear, not even Shanks, “I just walk beside you.”

But he hears it and his smile is so proud now.

At night, the ship is quiet and you usually sit alone on the deck as your thoughts are loud.

Shanks finds you there basically every night.

He always sits beside you, but every time it’s closer.

Your shoulders touch tonight as well.

“You’re thinking too much lately.” he says.

“So are you.”

“Fair.”

Silence, the good kind.

But tonight… it hurts you a little.

You inhale then speak “Shanks.”

He turns “Yeah?”

“I’m scared.”

His brow lifts a little.

“Not of fights,” you add quickly “Not of dying.”

“Then what?”

You stare at the sea “Of staying.”

He doesn’t interrupt.

“If I stay,” you say, “I care.”

Your voice tightens and you hate that “And when I care… I lose things.”

The word lose hangs heavy.

He shifts closer “You don’t have to tell me anything.”

“I know.” you say.

Another pause, but the words are already pushing up.

“The Marines burned my home,” you say quietly “They said it was… necessary.”

Your chest aches.

“They killed people who couldn’t fight back,” you whisper “and they smiled.”

Shanks’ hand curls slowly into a fist.

“I survived,” you say “so they hunted me instead.”

You laugh, bitter “Funny, right?”

“No,” he says “It’s not.”

You swallow “I learned to be strong because no one came to save me.”

Silence stretches, then Shanks speaks, voice low “They took someone I loved too.”

You finally look at him.

“I was young,” he continues “I thought the world was simple. Good and bad.”

He exhales “I was wrong.”

Your shoulders slump a little.

“…It doesn’t go away.” you say.

“No,” he agrees “But you don’t have to carry it alone.”

That hits harder than any punch.

You look away quickly.

Then…

“Well,” Shanks says suddenly, too cheerful, “this is very depressing. Should I juggle with my one arm to fix it?”

You blink, then you laugh.

A real and soft laugh that surprises you, but it surprises him more.

Shanks freezes.

“…That laugh,” he murmurs “it’s different.”

You feel warm and embarrassed. Bare.

“Don’t get used to it.”

“I hope I do.” he says.

His heart is racing and he knows it now. This isn’t admiration. This isn’t interest.

This is love.

“Hey, y/n…” he says gently.

Your name sounds different than when he usually says it.

You turn.

His hand lifts, careful, like you might disappear.

He cups your cheek warm and steady.

“You’re not alone anymore.” he says.

Your breath shakes.

He leans in slowly, but still giving you space somehow.

Then his lips touch yours, soft and careful.

You freeze for a heartbeat but then you let go and melt into him to kiss him back.

It’s gentle, honest and deep.

When you pull away, your forehead rests against his.

“Shanks…” you whisper.

“Yeah?”

“If this hurts me—”

“I’ll be here.”

“If this breaks—”

“I won’t run.”

You close your eyes “…Okay.”

He smiles, pressing one more soft kiss to your lips.

Somewhere on the ship, Lucky Roux whispers, “Oh no.”

A pirate rushes at you with a sword and you don’t move.

“Too slow!” you say.

You grab his wrist, twist, and throw him into three other men as they crash into a wall. Out cold.

Another one fires a gun.

You turn, kick the barrel up, and punch him in the stomach “Next.”

Silence falls for a second.

Then someone whistles.

“Woah,” a voice says, amused and calm “That’s scary.”

You turn your head.

Red hair. Relaxed smile. One arm.

You sigh “Great. More pirates.”

The man laughs “Hey now, that hurts.”

Behind him, a whole crew stands and watches but no one attacks you. They just look… impressed.

A tall man with long hair grins “Captain, did you see that throw?”

“I did,” the red-haired man answers “Hard to miss.”

You crack your neck “If you’re here to fight, do it. If not, get out of my way.”

Some of the crew stiffen.

“Oi,” a man with goggles snaps “You talk big. Don’t you know who we are?”

You look at him as if you’re trying to figure it out but failing.

The red-haired man raises his hand “Easy. We’re not here for trouble.”

“Then why are you here?” you ask.

He smiles wider “Same reason as you, I guess. These guys attacked a town nearby.”

You glance around. The enemy pirates are all down, broken and defeated.

“Hmph,” you say “Too weak.”

The red-haired man laughs again “You really don’t hold back, do you?”

“No,” you answer “Life is easier that way.”

You turn to leave but footsteps follow you.

“Wait,” he says “What’s your name?”

You stop, but don’t turn “Why?”

“Because I just watched you beat thirty men alone,” he says “And I want to remember the name of the person who did that.”

You look over your shoulder “You can call me whatever you want.”

He blinks, then grins “Alright. I’m Shanks.”

You snort “I know who you are.”

“Good,” he says “Then you know I don’t ask twice.”

You turn fully now “Ask what?”

He steps closer, not threatening, but just curious “Join my crew.”

The air goes still, then you laugh out loud “Absolutely not.”

Some of his crew choke.

“What?” Shanks asks, surprised.

“I work alone,” you say “No captain. No orders.”

Shanks studies you. His smile softens, but his eyes stay sharp “Why?”

“Because, as you could just see, I don’t need anyone.” you answer “And no one can slow me down.”

A big man with scars frowns “That’s a lonely way to live.”

You look at him “I’m not lonely.”

Shanks hums “You’re strong. Not just your body. Your heart too.”

You raise a brow “You flirting?”

He laughs “Maybe.”

You step closer, face to face “Careful.”

“Oh?” he says “Or what?”

You grin, sharp and wild “You might fall for me.”

The crew explodes with noise.

“CAPTAIN!”

“OH NO…”

“THIS ONE IS DANGEROUS—”

Shanks just laughs, loud and free “I like you.”

“Tough,” you say “Still no.”

You turn away again.

Shanks follows. Of course he does.

“You don’t even want to think about it?” he asks.

“No.”

“Not even a little?”

“No.”

“What if I bring booze?”

You pause.

He smiles, hopeful.

“…Still no,” you say “But nice try.”

He sighs “You’re stubborn.”

“So are you. Especially for someone who, and here I quote, doesn’t ask twice.”

They all basically walk with you to the shore. His ship waits there.

You stop at the edge of the water.

“This is where we part.” you say.

Shanks crosses his arms “You know, you’d fit right in.”

“I’d burn your ship down.” you answer.

He laughs “Worth it.”

You turn and look at him “…You really don’t give up.”

“Nope.”

You think for a second.

Travel. Fights. Strong enemies. Good food. Loud laughs.

You exhale.

“You know what?” you say.

Shanks leans in “Yes?”

“Why not.”

The crew freezes.

“…What?” Shanks asks.

“I’ll join,” you say “For now.”

Shanks’ smile is bright “Really?”

“But,” you add, pointing a finger at his chest, “I don’t follow stupid orders.”

“Deal.”

“And if I want to leave, I leave.”

“Fair.”

“And if someone tries to control me—”

“I’ll stop them myself.” he says, serious now.

You nod “Good.”

You walk past him, onto the ship.

“Well?” you call “Are you coming, Captain?”

Shanks laughs and follows.

The sea feels different already and you smile.

The first rule on the Red Force is simple.

No one tells you what to do.

The second rule is that everyone learns very fast not to annoy you.

“WHY is she sleeping on the deck?”

You open one eye.

Lucky Roux is staring down at you, meat still in his hand.

“The sun is nice,” you say “Problem?”

He freezes “…Nope.”

You close your eye again.

Yasopp laughs from the other side of the ship “Told you. Let her be.”

“You’re all weird…” you mutter.

“Coming from you, that’s rich.” Shanks says.

You sit up and look at him. He’s leaning on the rail, relaxed as always, watching the sea.

“You don’t sleep much.” you say.

“Neither do you.” he answers.

You shrug “Sleeping is boring.”

He grins “I like that answer.”

Weeks pass and the crew adjusts, even if slowly and very painfully.

“HEY—DON’T MOVE THAT—”

Too late because you lift a heavy crate with one hand and drop it where you think it should go.

The deck cracks.

Silence.

“…That was load-bearing.” Benn Beckman says calmly.

You look down and then up “Oops.”

A beat.

Then you laugh.

Benn sighs, lights a cigarette “Captain, she’s a menace.”

Shanks laughs “She’s perfect.”

“I can hear you!” you say.

“Good.”

They learn other things too.

They learn not to sneak up on you.

They learn you eat a lot.

They learn you train every morning, bare fists, no weapons, until the deck is shaking.

They learn you don’t lose.

Ever.

One day, some idiot pirates attack the ship.

You jump first.

“Hey!” Shanks starts.

You’re already gone and when he reaches the shore, it’s over.

Bodies everywhere.

You wipe blood from your cheek “They were loud.”

The crew stares.

Shanks walks up to you, eyes bright “You didn’t even use Haki.”

“Didn’t need to.”

He laughs under his breath “You’re unreal.”

You shrug “You’re not bad either.”

That’s the first time you see that look on him, like he’s not just impressed, like he understands you.

At night, the crew drinks.

You don’t talk much but you listen.

Shanks sits beside you, shoulder touching yours.

“So,” he says, “still planning to leave?”

You take a sip “Not yet.”

“Good.”

“You sound confident.”

“I am.”

You glance at him “You always this sure?”

“Only about important things.”

You snort “Careful.”

“Why?”

You look straight at him “I don’t belong to anyone.”

He meets your gaze.

“I wouldn’t want you to.” he says.

That… does something to your chest.

Annoying.

Later, the wind is strong but the sea is calm.

You stand at the front of the ship.

Shanks joins you.

“You know,” he says, “you changed the mood of the crew.”

“Sorry.”

He laughs “Don’t be. They’re stronger now. Sharper.”

You roll your shoulders “They were soft.”

“Ouch.”

“They still are,” you add “But less.”

He smiles “You fit here.”

You don’t answer.

Instead, you say, “You’re not like other captains.”

“Thank you?”

“You don’t cage people…” you continue “You walk beside them.”

He looks at you, really looks.

“And you don’t kneel,” he says “even when you care.”

You turn “Is that a problem?”

“No,” he answers softly “It’s why I like you.”

Silence stretches.

Not awkward.

You step closer “Shanks.”

“Yeah?”

“If you ever try to own me—”

“I won’t.”

“If you ever lie to me—”

“I won’t.”

“If you ever break my trust—”

He steps closer too “Then I lose you.”

You nod “Good.”

You both smile.

Both strong and confident.

Like fire meeting fire.

Somewhere behind you, the crew watches.

Lucky Roux whispers, “They’re scary.”

Benn exhales smoke “They were born wrong.”

Yasopp grins “Born perfect you mean.”

Shanks and you stand side by side, facing the sea.

Months pass.

Now you wake up on the Red Force like you belong and no one questions it anymore.

“Morning.” Shanks says, already handing you a cup.

You take it without looking “You’re late.”

“You woke up early today.”

“Hm.”

Benn watches from the side “…You two are married already.”

“We’re not!” you say.

Shanks smiles “Yet.”

You glare at him as to kill him and the crew laughs.

You move together now, and it’s not planned or forced, it just happens naturally.

When danger comes, you stand back to back.

When the sea is calm, you sit close.

Sometimes your knees touch. Sometimes your hands brush.

None of you pulls away.

“Captain,” Yasopp says one day, grinning, “are you sure she’s not your first mate now?”

Shanks looks at you “Is she?”

You answer without thinking “No.”

Then, softer, as if you’re trying to not let anyone hear, not even Shanks, “I just walk beside you.”

But he hears it and his smile is so proud now.

At night, the ship is quiet and you usually sit alone on the deck as your thoughts are loud.

Shanks finds you there basically every night.

He always sits beside you, but every time it’s closer.

Your shoulders touch tonight as well.

“You’re thinking too much lately.” he says.

“So are you.”

“Fair.”

Silence, the good kind.

But tonight… it hurts you a little.

You inhale then speak “Shanks.”

He turns “Yeah?”

“I’m scared.”

His brow lifts a little.

“Not of fights,” you add quickly “Not of dying.”

“Then what?”

You stare at the sea “Of staying.”

He doesn’t interrupt.

“If I stay,” you say, “I care.”

Your voice tightens and you hate that “And when I care… I lose things.”

The word lose hangs heavy.

He shifts closer “You don’t have to tell me anything.”

“I know.” you say.

Another pause, but the words are already pushing up.

“The Marines burned my home,” you say quietly “They said it was… necessary.”

Your chest aches.

“They killed people who couldn’t fight back,” you whisper “and they smiled.”

Shanks’ hand curls slowly into a fist.

“I survived,” you say “so they hunted me instead.”

You laugh, bitter “Funny, right?”

“No,” he says “It’s not.”

You swallow “I learned to be strong because no one came to save me.”

Silence stretches, then Shanks speaks, voice low “They took someone I loved too.”

You finally look at him.

“I was young,” he continues “I thought the world was simple. Good and bad.”

He exhales “I was wrong.”

Your shoulders slump a little.

“…It doesn’t go away.” you say.

“No,” he agrees “But you don’t have to carry it alone.”

That hits harder than any punch.

You look away quickly.

Then…

“Well,” Shanks says suddenly, too cheerful, “this is very depressing. Should I juggle with my one arm to fix it?”

You blink, then you laugh.

A real and soft laugh that surprises you, but it surprises him more.

Shanks freezes.

“…That laugh,” he murmurs “it’s different.”

You feel warm and embarrassed. Bare.

“Don’t get used to it.”

“I hope I do.” he says.

His heart is racing and he knows it now. This isn’t admiration. This isn’t interest.

This is love.

“Hey, y/n…” he says gently.

Your name sounds different than when he usually says it.

You turn.

His hand lifts, careful, like you might disappear.

He cups your cheek warm and steady.

“You’re not alone anymore.” he says.

Your breath shakes.

He leans in slowly, but still giving you space somehow.

Then his lips touch yours, soft and careful.

You freeze for a heartbeat but then you let go and melt into him to kiss him back.

It’s gentle, honest and deep.

When you pull away, your forehead rests against his.

“Shanks…” you whisper.

“Yeah?”

“If this hurts me—”

“I’ll be here.”

“If this breaks—”

“I won’t run.”

You close your eyes “…Okay.”

He smiles, pressing one more soft kiss to your lips.

Somewhere on the ship, Lucky Roux whispers, “Oh no.”