Unbetitelt

author’s note: In case you couldn’t tell I absolutely love this man.

Law knows he has a crush, and he hates it. Feelings are liabilities. People close to him die. So the more he likes someone, the colder he becomes. It’s not really tsundere behavior. It’s a trauma-driven emotional shutdown.

Law becomes protective in this unnerving, clinical way. You get injured? He patches you up himself, no matter who else is available. His hands are steady, but his eyes avoid yours.

Staring too long. Law stares. Calculating, cold-eyed, completely blank. But it’s not judgment—it’s the storm in his head that you can’t see: Why them? Why now? Why do I keep looking? He doesn’t realize how intense he looks.

He overanalyzes every damn thing you do.

He watches like a hawk, quietly studying every expression, gesture, tone—not out of romantic adoration, but analytical compulsion. You’re a puzzle now. And he must understand the mechanics of you.

Your tasks will mysteriously get easier. Suddenly, someone’s organized your books by genre in alphabetical order. Suddenly, no one assigns you night watch. He’ll deny any involvement.

“What? You got lucky. That’s all.”

Law is not out here peacocking to impress or woo you. He tells himself he is playing the long game while he is actually just really emotionally constipated.

Rare but meaningful compliments. “I trust your judgement.” He doesn’t want to shower you with compliments in fear of chasing you away. But that makes the ones he let slip out every once in a while all the more heart warming.

“I rely on your presence.” “You calm my mind.”

Reads books he thinks you would like, either to recommend them or learn more about your interests. Romance? History? Geography? Math? Philosophy? Doesn’t matter, he is reading it.

Remembers. By that I mean a wide variety of things. Your allergies, medical conditions if you have any, foods you like and dislike, how you take your drinks. If you told him something, anything at any point in time he remembers it.

When it is just the two of you, he softens. Slightly. Awkwardly. But it’s there. His gaze softer, lingering on your face. His voice lowers, more tired if it’s been a long day.

Jealousy in silence. Law won’t interfere if someone flirts with you… but his entire body stiffens. His fingers twitch towards Kikoku. He’ll walk past just close enough to “accidentally” bump their shoulder hard. Subtle violence, not-so-subtle claim.

Hyper-control. Law’s natural instinct is to calculate and plan, so if he likes you, he probably has a ten-step hypothetical escape plan in case you reject him, and a backup Room prepared to teleport away mid-conversation. Just in case.

Actual confession? It would come out during a moment of pressure, like:

Your steps speed up.

Shachi is up ahead, waving both arms “There! He’s right there!”

You see a tall shadow near the edge of the cliff. Spots on the fluffy hat.

Your lungs stop working.

“T—Trafalgar…?” Your voice comes out small. Too small.

He turns. His golden eyes meet yours.

Your chest tightens so hard it hurts.

He’s alive. He’s right there. And something inside you, something heavy and angry, stirs awake.

You walk toward him fast, almost tripping on the uneven ground.

Law’s eyebrows lift a little “Y/N.”

Just your name. Flat voice. Like he didn’t leave without a word. Like he didn’t almost die.

Your feet stop in front of him. You stare up at him, breathing fast.

For one second… you want to hug him. You want to grab him and scream at him. You want to cry. You want to punch him.

You settle for speaking.

“You’re really alive…” you say. It sounds stupid, but your throat is too tight.

Law looks down at you, face calm.

“I told you I would be.” he says.

Your hands curl into fists.

“No,” you snap “You didn’t tell me anything at all. You just left.”

Shachi and Penguin exchange looks behind you.

Law’s jaw moves a little “I had to go.”

“WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING? NOT EVEN GOODBYE?”

Bepo flinches at your volume.

Law lets out a slow breath through his nose “It was safer if you didn’t know.”

You step closer, angry heat rising fast.

“Safer for WHO?” your voice cracks “For us? Or for you?”

He doesn’t answer. The silence is heavy.

You shake your head, trying to keep your voice steady.

“You don’t get to decide that,” you say, chest tight “You don’t get to disappear and pretend you’re protecting me. Or us. Or anyone.”

Law’s eyes narrow just a little, a warning.

“I didn’t pretend,” he says “I did what was necessary.”

You laugh. Sharp. Bitter.

“Necessary? Really? Leaving your entire crew behind without a word is ‘necessary’? Almost dying alone is ‘necessary’?”

He stays quiet.

You don’t.

“Do you know what it felt like?” Your voice is low now. Dangerously soft.

Law’s fingers twitch at his side, but he doesn’t look away.

You swallow and say it “I even thought you were dead.”

The words hang between you. Heavy. Raw.

Law’s face finally cracks, just for a second. A flicker of guilt. Pain. He hides it fast.

“I’m here now.” he says.

“Yeah,” you whisper “But you left.”

You stare at him, waiting for something… anything. An apology. A reason. A sign you matter to him.

Instead he looks away, eyes slipping to the ocean.

“We should regroup with the rest.” he says. Cold. Final.

Your chest drops. Behind you, Shachi whispers, “I think she’s gonna explode—”

You spin around “Not. A. Word.”

The crew goes silent.

You shoot one last look at Law. He stands there, stiff and unreadable, like a door slammed shut.

Fine.

You turn and start walking.

Your heart is still pounding.

And the fight you just started? It’s only the beginning.

Night on Zou is warm. The bonfire crackles, sparks flying into the dark sky. Everyone sits together, Strawhats, Heart Pirates, you. A big messy circle.

You sit between Bepo and Shachi. Law is across from you.

Too far for someone who is supposed to be your boyfriend who just came back from a deadly mission.

You don’t look at him. You haven’t really looked at him all day.

Your chest feels heavy, like you swallowed a stone.

Luffy talks with his mouth full of meat “So Sanji just left! He even left a letter!”

Nami sighs and nods.

You look down at the fire.

A letter.

Sanji left a letter.

Your voice escapes you before you can stop it, soft but bitter “…And in all that chaos he still took the time and heart to leave a letter…”

You think you whisper it, but the whole circle goes silent.

Bepo freezes. Zoro lifts an eyebrow. Usopp’s mouth opens a little. Everyone else looks away.

Even Law hears it. You feel his eyes on you like a knife, but you don’t look up.

No one says anything.

Instead, Robin gently changes the topic “So… Dressrosa.”

Everyone relaxes a little.

Luffy jumps right in “Oh yeah! And then Law! I thought he was dead! I was SO MAD!”

You freeze.

Your throat closes instantly. The sound of your pulse rises in your ears.

Usopp joins in, waving his hands “Seriously, I thought Law died more than one time! It was terrifying!”

You stare at the fire and suddenly it looks blurry.

No tears. Not here.

You push yourself up fast, feet digging into the ground.

You turn around and walk away before anyone can see your face.

Behind you, whispering starts immediately.

Usopp: “Is she okay…?”

Zoro: “What’s her problem?”

Nami: “She looked upset.”

Brook: “Fufufu… perhaps it is love—”

Then sudden silence.

Because your crew says nothing. Not one word.

They know exactly why you walked away. And Law… still hasn’t moved or spoken.

You keep walking into the dark until the voices fade.

The air on Zou is cold, but your anger burns hot.

He left to die. He didn’t tell you. He didn’t trust you. And now he sits across the fire like everything is fine.

You clench your jaw and wipe your eyes with the back of your hand.

You don’t cry.

Not for him.

Not tonight.

The next days are heavy. You and Law barely speak.

He tries once, says your name in that quiet way he does, but you walk past him without stopping.

He doesn’t try again.

You sleep with the Strawhats girls some nights, with your crew other nights, but never next to him. You talk to everyone except him. You laugh with everyone except him.

And every time you avoid him, the lines around his mouth get tighter.

Everyone gathers again around the fire. No party this time, just planning.

Luffy stands up and slams his hands on his knees “OKAY! I’m going to get Sanji back!”

Everyone nods, serious.

You sit between Robin and Bepo. Law stands on the other side of the circle, arms crossed, eyes cold.

Luffy continues, “We’ll split up! Some of us go after Sanji. The others go ahead to Wano!”

You feel your heart beat faster. Your fingers tighten around your cup.

You raise your hand a little “…Can I help with Sanji?”

The Strawhats blink.

Usopp: “You want to go?!”

Luffy grins wide “Yeah!! Of course!! The more the better!”

But before the smile even finishes forming on Luffy’s face, Law’s voice cuts through everything “No.”

The whole circle freezes.

You look at him slowly, like turning a blade.

“No?” your voice is calm.

He stares back, jaw tight.

You exhale through your nose, annoyed “Well, why not? We have to wait for them in Wano anyway. So I can go help them. Then we meet at Wano again and go on another deadly mission.”

The last part is a knife, a clear stab at Dressrosa.

Shachi winces. Penguin looks down. Bepo covers his ears.

You’re not finished.

“At least,” you add, voice cold, “I’m telling you about my mission.”

That lands exactly where you want it.

Law’s expression finally cracks.

He steps forward “Enough.”

You raise your eyebrows.

He takes another step and his voice gets sharper “I’m your captain.”

You laugh under your breath, bitter “Right. Now you act like it.”

Law’s teeth clench.

“You follow my orders,” he says “And I’m ordering you to go to Wano with your own crew.”

The Strawhats tense.

Law’s voice grows colder, like ice cutting through the night “Sanji isn’t our mission.”

Your heart slams against your ribs, anger spikes fast.

You stand up slowly, staring at him “Oh. So NOW you care about missions. About rules. About the crew.”

You take one step closer “Where was that energy when you ran off to fight Doflamingo ALONE?”

Law opens his mouth, but nothing comes out.

The silence cracks through the circle. It’s painful. Heavy.

Luffy scratches his head “Uh… should we… leave?”

Nami whispers, “This is bad…”

Usopp: “Really bad…”

Your crew stays silent again. Not moving. Not breathing.

Because this isn’t about missions. Or captains. Or Sanji.

This is about betrayal.

This is about you.

This is about him.

And the wound between you both is still open… bleeding, raw, and impossible to ignore.

Wano arrives with its bright lanterns, noisy streets, and the smell of grilled dango everywhere.

You’ve been avoiding Law for days now. You sleep on the opposite side of the hideout. You walk ahead of the crew on missions. You talk to everyone but him.

He pretends it doesn’t bother him, but it bothers him so much he can barely breathe.

Days later, one day, you return from town in your disguise, cheeks flushed from the cold wind, steps light. You push open the door of the hideout and the entire Heart Pirates look up.

Shachi sits up “You look happy.”

Penguin leans forward “What’s that in your hands?”

Bepo gasps “Did you steal something?”

You grin, which is dangerous “Guys… you won’t believe what happened.”

Everyone gathers close like children waiting for a bedtime story. Even Law, sitting in the corner with his arms crossed, raises his eyes.

He’s pretending he’s not curious, but, again, he is very curious.

“Okay, listen. I was in town, right? I went to see Usopp, to ask if there were any news. And then—” You lift a hand “—this annoying, perverted, OLD, UGLY man starts flirting with me.”

The crew leans in.

You deepen your voice and add a fake fancy accent “‘Madame, are you new in town? I could show you around. I know all the best places.’”

You wink, over-the-top.

Shachi: “EW.”

Penguin: “What the hell—”

Bepo: “Disgusting!”

Law doesn’t react outwardly, but his jaw sets hard. He freezes completely, the way he does when he wants to kill something slowly.

The thought of you being flirted with by some old pervert? He hates it.

The thought of you answering back? He hates it more.

You continue, unaware or uncaring of the storm brewing inside him “So, I’m about to kick his disgusting old ass, right? But then he points to this huuuuuuuuuge house and goes: ‘I live there, madame.’.”

You stretch your arms as wide as you can “HUGE, guys. Like ‘I bathe in gold every morning’ huge.”

Penguin whistles “Whoa.”

Around the circle, a few eyes flick nervously toward Law.

His fingers tap once on his knee.

He’s imagining it. You walking up to another man’s house. Smiling. Getting close enough for him to think he had a chance with you.

He hates it.

You continue, full dramatic energy “And I was like, OH DAMN YEAH, LET’S GO!”

The entire crew freezes.

Penguin slowly turns his head toward Law.

Law’s head lifts fully. His eyes lock on you.

His voice is quiet, low, and dangerous “…You… went with him?”

You ignore that “So he takes me to his house, right? And I tell him to go shower first, not just because he smelled like rotten fish and expired sake… I needed time to look around and leave.”

Shachi snorts. Bepo covers his mouth.

Law does not laugh. He looks like he’s actively trying not to teleport back into town to murder someone.

You speak louder “And while he’s in the shower, I do look around a bit. Just exploring. And then I find THIS!”

You unroll the big canvas dramatically.

The crew gasps.

A gorgeous painting: a healer touching the heart of a wounded woman, light pouring between them, the man kneeling in pain but smiling softly at her.

Bepo: “It’s beautiful…”

Shachi: “It looks expensive…”

Penguin: “Why’d you bring it here?”

You grin like a fox “Don’t be like this! This is a fucking expensive painting. We could sell it and be rich for the rest of our lives!”

They cheer but Law doesn’t.

He hasn’t looked away from you since you stepped inside.

The idea of you flirting your way into another man’s house, or letting someone THINK he had a chance with you, or doing anything even close to intimate with someone who wasn’t him…

It burns inside him.

Because he knows he has no right to say anything right now.

He left you. He lied to you. He hurt you.

He sees you laughing, bright and excited, telling stories to the crew while he sits in the shadows.

And it hits him like a stab: you don’t need him to feel alive.

He grips his knee, knuckles white.

The painting glows under the lantern light.

And inside a big room in Trafalgar Law’s heart, a new fight is already starting.

You clap your hands once “Okay, kids. Now the smarter one in this room is going to give you some history art lessons!”

Every single head turns toward Law.

He blinks. The crew freezes.

You lift your chin irritated “I was talking about me!”

Everyone snaps their heads back to you immediately.

Shachi bursts out laughing. Penguin wheezes. Bepo claps softly.

Law sighs.

You clear your throat and take your place in front of the painting like a professor about to teach.

“Alright. This painting is from the Flower Capital, from a very well-known traditional artist, one of those old geniuses who spent all his life brushing ink and thinking about romance instead of touching grass.”

The crew nods like good students.

You tap the painting gently “This scene shows a man, a healer giving his heart to a wounded woman. Literally.” You point at the man in the painting, kneeling, offering the glowing heart.

Your voice is calm, but your eyes cut toward Law for half a second.

“Basically, it’s the story of the usual man who decides to sacrifice himself...” you drag out the words “…without asking the woman if she wants that.”

The crew collectively winces.

Law’s jaw tightens.

You continue sweetly “It’s a common theme, actually. Men doing STUPID, RECKLESS things because they think they know what’s best.”

Your finger circles around the man in the painting.

“For example, leaving without saying anything.” Another casual glance at Law “Or going to die alone.” Another “Or deciding the woman is too fragile to handle the danger.”

Penguin coughs hard, trying not to laugh. Shachi’s mouth is fully covered by both hands. Bepo whispers, “Oh no oh no oh no…”

Law sits perfectly still, but the vein on his forehead is slowly becoming visible.

You tilt your head, smiling way too sweetly.

“But the artist is very clear here.” you gesture at the woman’s hands, reaching out, trying to stop him “She’s NOT asking him to do this. She never did.”

Your voice softens, but it’s sharper than any sword “He’s choosing alone. Acting alone. Making decisions for both of them.”

You lean back, arms crossed, satisfied “That’s why this painting is worth so much. Because it shows a tragic story of a man with a hero complex—”

Law inhales sharply.

“—who doesn’t understand the word communication—”

Shachi chokes.

“—or trust—”

Bepo hides behind his paws.

“—or basic relationship rules like ‘don’t leave your girlfriend while you run off to die in a revenge mission without even telling her or saying goodbye or giving her a choice’.”

Silence.

Heavy.

Explosive.

Everyone slowly, sloooowly turns to look at Law.

He sits completely still. Eyes dark. Shoulders tense. Hands clenched.

He looks like he’s been stabbed by the painting itself.

But he doesn’t interrupt. Not yet.

He’s letting you talk and take the shots he knows he deserves.

Something big is about to explode.

The room is dead quiet.

Law doesn’t move for a long moment, then his voice breaks the silence “…Have you finished?”

Every crew member looks between you and him like watching two wild animals about to bite each other’s heads off.

You raise a brow.

“Finished? No.” You wave your hand dramatically “Art history is always long and complex. Not everyone can understand this.”

Law’s eyebrow twitches.

You continue “And since this room has only TWO women…” You point between yourself and Ikkaku “…it makes it even harder to explain.”

Ikkaku freezes with a why are you dragging me into this? face.

Shachi bites his fist. Penguin covers his eyes. Bepo whispers, “What to do…”

You sigh, loud and dramatic, and lift your hand to continue “Anyway, as I was saying, this man in the painting—this poor, delusional man—believes that throwing himself into danger without talking to the woman first is—”

Law interrupts. Sharp. Snapped. His voice cuts through yours like a blade “Just say what exactly are you trying to say.”

The crew jumps.

You look at him, eyes innocent, fake sweet “I’m explaining art, Trafalgar.”

He stands up slowly and dangerously.

“That’s not art history,” he says “That’s you turning a painting into another excuse to insult me.”

You shrug “I don’t need excuses. You make this too easy.”

Crew: dead.

Law steps closer “And you think you’re the only one who can interpret this painting?”

“Yes.” you say immediately, with a proud smile.

Law’s eye twitches. The crew panics silently.

You continue cheerfully “Now, please, do not interrupt the class again. The next part is very important.”

You point to the healer’s hands again “So… this man, who thinks he’s alone in making choices, shows a great example of—”

Then you say it.

The line.

The final drop of gasoline on the fire “—a classic male problem of assuming women are weak and cannot fight by their side. Sadly, very common even today—”

SNAP.

“ENOUGH.”

His voice hits the walls like thunder.

Everyone freezes.

Law steps right up to you.

His eyes burn.

“You think that’s what this is about?” he growls “That the healer thinks the woman he loves was weak?”

You open your mouth, but he doesn’t let you “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

The crew stares, wide-eyed.

Law’s hands are shaking, barely noticeable. But you see it.

You hit the nerve.

His chest rises and falls slowly, like he’s holding everything inside by force. Then he steps closer to the painting, lifts a hand, and points at the healer.

His voice is low and rough.

“The healer is doing his best to save the woman he loves.” He swallows once “You can see how he didn’t even think about it. He just… acted.”

Your breath catches.

You stare at him. At the painting. At the light on his face.

Then you ask, bitter and soft at the same time “So you think he saw the woman trying to stop him from doing it, and he still thought it was for her best?”

Law closes his eyes for half a second.

Then he nods.

“Yes.” A sigh leaves him “It’s about choosing her over himself.”

Your throat tightens. Your eyes sting instantly.

“So he better die alone to save her?” It comes out shaky. Too honest. Too close to the truth you’ve been avoiding.

Law hears your voice break. He turns fully toward you.

And suddenly his expression changes. Painfully soft.

“Yes,” he says gently “He would do anything to save her.”

That’s when something inside you snaps like a rope pulled too tight.

Your tears hit your lashes.

“THEN WHAT IF SHE WOULD HAVE RATHER DIED WITH HIM?!” Your voice rises without your permission. Loud. Raw. Breaking.

You point at the painting with a shaking hand “What if she would rather die next to him, instead of knowing he was dying alone?!”

The room goes silent.

Completely silent.

Then suddenly Shachi, not reading the mood and with his usual innocence, or stupidity, whispers “…I mean… I don’t think the man was about to die too… it was just the woman.”

His voice fades when he realizes what he just said.

You look at the painting. Your vision blurs.

Then your anger floods back, boiling hot.

You grab the painting and throw it down onto the crate, the sound echoing through the room.

“IT’S NOT ABOUT THE DAMN PAINTING!” Your voice cracks. Your hands shake.

Everyone jumps.

You stand there breathing fast, chest trembling. Then you look down. Quietly, you speak “I just…”  your voice drops “I just wanted to be with you, Law.”

His eyes widen.

You continue, words soft but sharp like broken glass “I don’t care if it was dangerous. I don’t care if I could have died.”

A tear falls down your cheek “I’d rather die next to you than spend my days wondering if you’re bleeding out somewhere alone.”

Law’s face breaks for a second, a small crack, but enough to see everything inside.

You wipe your eyes quickly, breath shaking.

“It’s not that hard to understand…” You lift your head toward him, even though your vision is blurry “I just wanted a choice. And my choice was you, Law.”

The words finally leave your mouth. Your heart feels heavy and free at the same time.

You can’t look at him anymore.

You turn around, wiping your face walking toward the door.

No one says a word.

Not Law.

Not the crew.

No one moves.

Your steps echo in the silent room until you disappear outside, leaving behind the cracked painting, the stunned crew, and a man who finally understands exactly what he’s done… too late.

The night air hits you like a cold wave.

You step out of the hideout, wipe your face again, and lean against the wall, breathing hard. Your throat hurts. Your eyes burn. Your hands won’t stop shaking.

You whisper to yourself “Stupid… stupid painting…”

But really, it was never about the painting.

You close your eyes, and that’s when you hear the door sliding open behind you.

You don’t even need to look to know who it is.

His steps are soft, but you feel them like thunder “Y/N…"

Your eyes stay on the ground and so you don’t answer.

Law stops a few steps behind you. You can feel his hesitation, like he’s afraid to get too close and make you run.

For a moment, neither of you says anything.

Then he tries again, quieter “Please… look at me.”

Something in his voice twists your heart, because for once he isn’t angry and he isn’t cold.

He sounds… scared.

You turn your head just a little, but not enough to meet his eyes.

He sighs, frustrated with himself “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

You laugh, a small bitter breath “Well. You did a great job anyway.”

He flinches.

“Not telling you… leaving for Dressrosa…” His voice shakes slightly “I thought it was the only way.”

“So you didn’t trust me.” The words spill out immediately “Or you didn’t trust us.”

He looks away.

You shake your head, tears gathering again “You talk like you’re the only one allowed to choose, Law. You choose the danger. You choose the plan. You choose the sacrifice.”

Your voice breaks “And you choose to go alone.”

He swallows “I didn’t want you to die for my choices.”

“Well, too bad!” Your voice rises, raw “I wanted to stand with you. Even if it meant dying!”

Law steps forward fast, as if your words hit something deep inside him. His hands almost reach out, then stop mid-air.

“Don’t say that…” he whispers. His voice is shaky for the first time since you’ve known him “Don’t talk about dying like it’s nothing.”

“You did!” Tears fall again “You acted like your life didn’t matter! You acted like losing you was something we could just deal with!”

You finally look at him, and Law looks destroyed.

“I didn’t think I deserved to have someone at my side.” The confession leaves him like it hurts “I didn’t think you’d want to stay… if things went wrong.”

Your heart stops “…What?”

Law lifts his eyes to you, angry at himself, desperate.

“You’re… everything to me.” He says it quietly, like it’s the most dangerous thing he’s ever admitted “And people like me don’t get to keep the things they care about.”

He laughs once, dry and bitter “So I thought leaving you all behind was the only way to keep you safe.”

You stare at him, stunned.

Slowly, you walk toward him.

This time, he doesn’t move back.

“Law,” you whisper “I wasn’t angry because you left.”

He breathes in sharply.

“I was angry because you didn’t let me choose you.”

He closes his eyes like that hurts worse than anything.

You touch his face gently, your hand on his cheek.

He leans into it instantly.

His hands lift, trembling, and rest on your hips. Not pulling… just holding, like he’s afraid you’ll disappear.

“Y/N… I’m sorry.” the words come out crushed and honest “I’m sorry I made you think you meant less than everything.”

Your breath catches.

Because hearing Law say “sorry” is more shocking than the sky falling.

He opens his eyes and steps closer, forehead almost touching yours “I don’t want to leave you again.”

Your hands slide up to his shoulders “Then don’t.”

For the first time since he even remembers, he smiles. A small, broken, real smile.

His thumb brushes the tear on your cheek.

“I’m still going to be reckless.” he says, trying to lighten it.

“Yeah, I know.” You sniff, rolling your eyes “Idiot.”

“Mm.” he presses his forehead to your “You’re right.”

Your breath stops completely.

You let your hands rest against his chest, feeling his heartbeat, steady and warm.

For a moment, the world is quiet.

Just you, him and everything you finally said.

Then Law whispers “Can we… try again? You and me?”

You lean closer, lips almost touching “We never stopped, did we?”

He exhales in relief and finally pulls you into his arms.

Law’s breath is warm on your lips, his hands still trembling lightly on your waist.

He leans in slowly and it feels like the world is holding its breath with him.

Then he kisses you, softly and carefully, as if he’s afraid you’ll break.

You melt into it immediately.

Your arms slide around him, pulling him closer because you’ve waited so long and everything inside you feels warm and full and finally at peace.

Law deepens the kiss a little, the softest pressure, and you answer it without thinking, like your body has been waiting for this moment more than your mind.

His lips move against yours gently and guarded.

You smile into the kiss.

He does too.

But then—RUSTLE. THUMP. WHISPER.

Law freezes.

You both break apart, blinking.

Behind the wooden hideout door:

“I can’t hear them anymore—move!”

“Did they kill each other?”

“No way, they’d scream louder.”

“Shut up, I’m trying to listen.”

“Why are they not talking anymore, did they faint?”

“MOVE, I want to hear too!”

You stare at the door.

Law stares at the door.

You both sigh at the same time.

You gently push Law’s shoulders back half a step, he tries to lean back in for another kiss, but you place a hand on his chest, whispering “Hold that thought.”

Law grumbles softly under his breath.

You grab the door.

Take one step back.

And then—SLAM IT OPEN!

The door flies open and suddenly all the crew collapse forward in a giant pile of limbs, fur, and pure disappointment.

They all look up at you from the floor.

You cross your arms.

Your expression is: unbelievable.

Law stands behind you, trying (and failing) to look intimidating with kiss-flushed lips.

Penguin lifts a hand weakly from the floor “So uh… are you two… good now?”

Shachi elbows him “Dude, they were obviously kissing.”

Everyone gasps.

Law goes scarlet and so he snaps, ears red, “Shut up or I will perform surgery on you OUT OF SPITE.”

You look back at Law.

He looks back at you.

His expression softens immediately, all the irritation melting away just for you.

You smile.

He steps closer, enough that your shoulders touch.

The crews watch silently, holding their breath.

You murmur “We’re okay.”

Law’s hand brushes yours.

Bepo claps and everyone else smiles.

Law leans down and whispers in your ear, voice low “…Now close the door. I wasn’t finished with you.”

Your face heats up instantly.

The entire crew screams “WE HEARD THAT!!!”

You shove Law’s shoulder, trying not to laugh, and he gives you that tiny, rare, soft smile that makes your chest flip.

He wraps an arm around your waist and guides you inside while the door closes leaving the crew outside now.

Softly, you say “…Don’t leave me again.”

He presses his forehead to yours one last time “I’m not going anywhere. I learned it from my last art history class.”

You laugh softly and mutter an “Idiot…” before kissing him again. This time less softly and more… hungrily.

Days pass.

Plans, alliances, loud voices, too many strong personalities in one place.

You finally reunite properly with the Strawhats. And with Kidd and his crew too.

The room is full. Maps on the table. Luffy arguing with Kidd. Killer standing quietly. Everyone talking over each other.

And you stand next to Law the whole time.

Your shoulders brush sometimes, and everyone notices.

Especially the Strawhats.

Nami’s eyes flick between you two.

Robin smiles like she already knows everything.

Usopp whispers to Chopper, who gasps dramatically.

After a long discussion about plans, routes, and targets, the tension finally eases.

Luffy stretches his arms “Okay! Sounds good!”

Usopp scratches his head and looks at you “So…” he smiles awkwardly “Is everything between you two good now?”

You smile and nod “Yeah.”

Before anyone can say “awww” Penguin opens his mouth.

“She went completely crazy,” he says seriously “She came back with a fake painting and a fake story about an old man flirting with her and her going to his house just to steal it. But hey, at least it worked.”

You blink “…Fake?”

You slowly turn toward him “Wait. Who said that was fake?”

The room goes quiet.

“I was telling the truth the whole time,” you say “Usopp even saw me with the man.”

You point directly at Usopp.

He freezes.

Sweat runs down his face.

“Y—Yeah,” he gulps “He was flirting really bad with her. Like… REALLY bad.” he shudders “Disgusting old man.”

Luffy bursts out laughing “That’s hilarious!”

Law does not laugh. He slowly turns his head toward you “…Y/N.”

Uh oh.

“You went into some old pervert’s house.” His voice is calm “Alone?”

You smile. Guilty. Innocent. Dangerous.

You look around, like you’re searching for help “Hey, look over there—”

Before you can even leave you hear him mutter, deadly quiet “I’ll kill that pervert…”

You smile.

Nami suddenly lights up.

“WAIT—what famous painting?” Her eyes turn into berry signs “And it’s expensive? And you STOLE it from a man?”

She grabs your hands “You’re just like me!!”

Before you can answer, Law crosses his arms “No. She’s not.”

Nami’s excitement dies instantly “…Rude.”

You give her an apologetic smile “Sorry…”

Then, without warning, you throw yourself at Law.

Instinctively, he catches you before you fall, one arm wrapping around you.

The entire room gasps.

Law’s face turns red instantly “WHAT are you doing—”

You grin, arms around his neck “Just checking if you still catch me.”

Kidd groans loudly “Disgusting.”

Luffy cheers “DO IT AGAIN!”

Robin smiles. Sanji faints.

Law clicks his tongue, clearly embarrassed, and lifts you properly.

“We’re leaving now…” he says.

And just like that he walks out with you, ignoring all the teasing behind him.

Outside, away from the noise, he finally sets you down.

Law looks at you seriously “Are you ready for this battle?”

You grin “I’m born ready.”

Then your smile softens.

“As for the plan… I’ll help the others while you fight Big Mom and Kaido.” You lift a finger “Don’t worry. I won’t do anything that would make you choose between your life or mine.”

You wink and start to walk past him.

He grabs your hand “Hey.”

You turn back.

You look at him and smile gently.

“Really, Law. I love you.” Your thumb brushes his knuckles “We’ll meet again at the celebration for Wano’s freedom.”

You lean up and kiss him.

Full of promise.

He closes his eyes for a second, then presses his forehead to yours.

You smile “Try not to die.”

He smirks “You first.”

You walk away, heart full, steps steady.

He can be possessive sometimes, like he wants the world to know you're his and he's yours but only sometimes, not toxic possessiveness y'know

Honestly might be the type to forget about your date plans because he fell asleep and forgot about the time (unintentionally) or got lost on the way to the location so you gotta be the one that picks him up for the date

Tbh I can't see Zoro driving you home because one, he doesn't have a car and two, he's not allowed to drive because he still gets lost even with GPS💀

But he will; walk you home, give you piggyback rides on the way home or send you into a taxi

I think he has a motorcycle but he rarely uses it

9.5/10 because he gets lost and so are late to most dates

Portgas D. Ace:

Can you tell, he's my favorite sunshine boy😭

Sunshine, the extroverted playful golden retriever type of boyfriend

Very wholesome, will buy you pads and tampons (if you have periods), bring chocolates and cuddle with you when you're having a bad day (without you asking)

Man is a walking heater, his favorites are cuddles and headpats!

He initiates most of the dates because he just loves you so much😭 but sometimes he fell asleep and forgot about the time too

I feel like even though with that easy going and confident exterior, he's actually really insecure tho

Like why would you want to date him, does he deserve your love, if you're better off with other person blablabla those kind of thoughts gets to him late at night that's why he always does his best to give your love back

No, sir. Listen. You're very lovable and you deserve all the love sir portgas, I'll marry you so shut up 🗣️

Very protective but in a lowkey way possessive. He lets you do whatever you want but the moment he felt someone's eyes linger more than it should on you, he'll be sending death glares

Asks for relationship advice from Marco, Sabo, and the other

I feel like he would have a motorcycle buy not like the gangster vibe of motorcycle, like a retro one yea (idk much about motorcycle sorry) so he would take you around with that

100/10 would recommend but pls shower him with lots of unconditional love

Trafalgar D. Water Law:

If Ace's my favorite sunshine boy, he's my favorite 'moon' boy, since he's the opposite of Ace😭

You guys probably have a weird or a long story of getting together because honestly speaking, I don't see Law as the type to want to have a relationship 💀

Tired bf but still lets you do anything you want; taking him to amusement park dates, put a flower crown on his head, etc.

The comfortable bf, you two are like an old married couple, your relationship with him will be VERY chill (not a bad thing, it's a comfortable thing)

Like we have Ace with cute dates, couple items and with Zoro we have going to the gym walking at the park type of date, with Law it's just study dates and cuddling while napping in the sofa at home

You two are so comfortable with each other even in silence, but if you're the bubbly type, he wouldn't mind too, he likes hearing you talking, it's soothing to him in a way

Very protective and very possessive (but not in a toxic way🙄, maybe a tiny bit), pls don't talk about other guys/girls/person of platonic interest (even tho it's platonic) when you're with him because he gets jealous and he would overthinks late at night to the point he's sleep deprived

Being with Law is just so comfy like wearing your comfort sweater or blanket in a cold rainy day

But he's very awkward with words and affection/PDA overall but know that he loves you very much through his act of service and quality time

Drives a car and a motorcycle, this man is the full package so he drives you home safely

Fine sir, fine man, definitely looks hella sexy while trying to park parallel (no, I'm not down bad for this man trying to park parallel) 🤡🤏

Overall Personality based on data

Based on personality database, he's an INTJ. But some blogs claim that he's ISTJ. For those who don't know, those are Myers-Briggs type personalities. Whether he's INTJ or ISTJ, it's ok because sometimes someone's traits can be pretty uncertain. Take a quiz at sakinorva and you'll know! For example, mine's INFP but the P is very faded because I can be INFJ or INFP.

☆ INTJ - Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging.

INTJs are very complex and I agree that Law is a complex character. Based on what I read, INTJs are rational and quick-witted. INTJs minds are never at rest and they are thirsty for knowledge and they aren't afraid to break the rules to make discoveries. Some may even call them nerds or bookworms (in which we know that Law is a huge nerd for germa) and they prioritize success and rationality rather than politeness and popularity.

They are blunt or to the point when it comes to social interaction. Not to mention, they often have a sarcastic sense of humor. Which I admit, those points are very Law and you can see evidence of these traits throughout one piece.

☆ ISTJ - Introverted, Observant, Thinking, Judging.

Reserved yet willful. When they commit to something, they make sure to follow through. Which is a very Law thing to do. Basically a logistician. They have the ability to stay grounded and logical even in the most stressful situations. People with this personality type believe that there is a right way to proceed in any situation, make plans.

They strive to meet their goals and obligations so they tend to have strong work ethics, and take responsibility for their actions and choices. ISTJs also have a deep respect for structure and tradition, and they are often drawn to organizations, workplaces, and educational settings that offer clear hierarchies and expectations.

In conclusion? Whether he's INTJ or ISTJ, both are valid. The only difference is that INTJ uses intuition and ISTJ uses logic. Which I can see both in Law on how he handles things - both with logic and intuition.

Law is rational and quick-witted even when things don't go his way, if you watch stampede, you'll know how quick he came up with improvisation or coming up with a new better approach when things don't go his way. Well, he always does. And how ISTJs have a deep respect for structure and tradition and are drawn to settings that offer hierarchies and expectations? We can see how Law respects the Hippocratic Oath as a doctor, which is an oath that emphasizes the importance of ethical and professional standards in medicine.

He avoid unnecessary murder and save lives like Luffy's even though he wasn't a friend of Luffy back then. We also know that he aims his goal towards taking down the four emperors, which is a moment of "you want to take on the emperors of the sea?!!" for me. Even applying to be a warlord before that just for his evil little plan.

About Him

Ok, enough learning from the data, let's talk more about Law that we can see from One Piece. I made a timeline analysis on Law's character development but it was too long so I'm just going to summarize it.

Tbh we really don't know what this man is thinking. He's kinda a tough character to read. He's very cocky and laid-back from pre-timeskip but then we have our all serious, kinda stressed out Law. But that's due to the straw hats' influence too so we aren't going to talk about that sadly😞.

☆ Well in summary, I might say that he's a man who plans ahead, a strategist I would say. A man who sees opportunities but also self-preserved. He's also calculative and takes what benefits him more. He can be blunt but he only speaks what's on his mind. But tbh we really don't know what this man is thinking.

After Sabaody, we get to see him during the marineford arc where he saves Luffy's life. And his reason for saving Luffy when he wasn't a "friend" of his (yet) was because he "acted instinctively" and that "it was a shame" if his rival dies there. Honestly I don't know what this man's real motive was. It could be his future investment or his way of networking. I mean look at them now, they're thriving as pals. He even goes out his way to "protect" the strawhats from Doflamingo during the dressrosa arc.

Overall, I think he's genuinely a good man. I mean that guy is WEAK for cute things (like Bepo). He took in those who don't have a place to go. Like Jean. Jean was a slave to the celestial dragon as we can see during the Sabaody arc. Law took him into his crew because Jean didn't have another place to go.

He may have a scary reputation, but he builds those up to protect his crew away from danger. He has a submarine because he wants to avoid unnecessary fights and danger away from his crew. He doesn't involve his crews on dangerous missions, he even sacrifices himself so just his crew can be free (Wano arc). I can't emphasize enough on how he SO protects his crew.

He don't like the idea of unnecessary murder. In fact, when he uses his power, he cuts at non-fatal places. I might be biased but a man with broad knowledge is my kink. And he's a doctor so he's very knowledgeable about stuff. He got some big brains if those "3 AM" thoughts are keeping him from sleeping, like we can see the dark eyebags Law🙄 go to sleep for once. He might be restless too.

What I Recommend - A Headcanon

Now here's the talk where I think how Law would be in a non-canon setting but is not OOC of him. I saw a lot of fics about him and tbh it's kinda my pet peeve that he's OOC :/ from how his character actually is.

Romantic tropes that I can see him in are slow burn, enemies to lovers, and liked each other but never made a move. But truthfully speaking, his character isn't one that thinks about having a romance. I don't see him "being in a romantic relationship".

If he does fall in love, I don't think he's the type to admit it out loud either. He would just show more of like a platonic love where he cares about your well-being just like how he cares about his crews'. You = the crews. More like a family love, not as a partner of interest. But it might be more complex than that and it's already a headcanon.

But talking about the headcanons where he is in a relationship, I can see him being the chill one (not especially laid-back but the calm, more mature one). Especially in a modern setting, one trope that I think suits him best is the smart cool boyfriend with glasses, books, and coffee and wears a dark brown coat or a jacket/hoodie. He can be flirty but only when it's necessary, not the fboy type of flirt and it is the right amount.

Talking about a type, that's up to your interpretation but one thing to keep in mind is that I think Law definitely finds smartness sexy 😉 *wink wink*

Yeah, basically that's all I can brain for Law. I might be biased but do let me know more in reblogs, comments, or ask box about your opinion because I would like to hear about Law more ☝️😩 Law's appreciation post <3

Whatever it was, it had been going on for way too long. And the worst part is that you never questioned it.

Until now.

It starts with Sanji.

You’re sitting at the dinner table, picking at your food, when Sanji suddenly snorts “You two should just date already.”

You blink “…What?”

Sanji gestures between you and Luffy “You’re basically a couple anyway.”

You choke on your drink.

Luffy just tilts his head, mid-bite “Huh?”

Sanji raises an eyebrow “Seriously? You guys act like a couple all the time.”

You open your mouth to argue, to deny everything, but then Nami nods “He’s right, you know.”

Usopp grins “Yeah, I mean, have you even seen yourselves?”

Franky chuckles “Super obvious, bro.”

You stare. And then Zoro, of all people, grunts “They’re not wrong.”

Your brain short-circuits. Luffy just blinks at all of them, then turns to you “Wait… are we a couple?”

Your face burns “No!”

The crew groans.

“Oh, come on.”

“You’re in denial.”

“This is painful to watch.”

You glare “We’re just friends!”

Luffy nods “Yeah! Just friends!”

The crew stares. Then Brook smiles “Oh? Then you wouldn’t mind if I asked y/n out on a date?”

Silence.

Then Luffy’s fork snaps in half and the table goes dead quiet.

Luffy grins at Brook, but it’s not his usual happy-go-lucky grin. It’s the grin he wears before picking a fight.

“Yohoho,” Brook laughs nervously “Just kidding.”

Luffy hums, still smiling “Good.”

Your stomach flips because holy shit. That was jealousy. Luffy was jealous... Over you.

The realization haunts you for the rest of the night. Because if Luffy was jealous then what did that mean?

Did he actually—?

No.

No, this is Luffy. He’s just protective. That’s just who he is.

…Right?

You barely sleep, and the next morning you wake up to Luffy in your bed.

Sprawled across your mattress. Arms locked around your waist. Face buried in your shoulder.

Like it’s completely normal.

Like he always does this.

Your heart pounds.

Because—wait!

He does always do this. Every night. Every time you’re on the Sunny, he sneaks into your bed without even asking. And you never questioned it.

Because it was just Luffy.

But now everything feels different.

You slowly try to move, but his grip tightens.

“Mm… don’t go” he mumbles sleepily, lips brushing against your skin.

And that’s it. You lose it.

“LUFFY, WHAT ARE WE?!”

Luffy jerks awake “Huh—?”

“What are we?!” you repeat, flustered as hell.

Luffy rubs his eyes, confused “We’re us.”

You groan “That’s not an answer!”

He tilts his head “What do you mean?”

You gesture wildly “This! Us! The sleeping together! The hand-holding! The food-sharing!”

Luffy suddenly grins “Oh.”

Your heart stops “What do you mean, oh?”

Luffy laughs. And then, without hesitation, he leans in and kisses you.

Soft. Certain.

Like he’s been waiting to do it forever.

You freeze. Your brain short-circuits.

He pulls back, grinning “So? Are we a couple now?”

You gape “…WHAT?!”

Luffy just laughs “Well, we’ve basically been dating this whole time, right?”

Your eye twitches “AND YOU KNEW?!”

Luffy shrugs “I just thought you knew too.”

You sputter, because what the hell. What the actual hell. Luffy just decided you were dating. And you never even noticed.

You flop back onto the bed.

Luffy just grins, tugging you closer “You’re thinking too much” he mumbles, nuzzling against you.

Your heart races.

Your face is burning.

But… maybe the crew was right. Maybe you and Luffy were always meant to be.

Even if you were the last person to realize it.

── .✦ Eustass Kidd:

You’ve always known Kid was the stubborn type. He was gruff, intense, and always had that tough guy act. But lately, you’ve noticed something strange. The more you were around him, the more he didn’t seem to mind you being there. In fact, he almost seemed to expect it.

It starts with those small things, things he doesn’t think twice about. Like when you’re both sitting on the deck, and a gust of wind hits just as you’re about to stand. Before you can catch your balance, Kid’s hand shoots out, steadying you. He doesn’t say anything, but his grip lingers just long enough for you to notice.

“Watch it” he mutters, his usual gruff tone, but there’s something softer behind his eyes. You smile but say nothing. Killer, standing nearby, simply raises an eyebrow before looking away, smirking under his mask.

A few days later, when the crew is at port, you notice Kid keeping an eye on you more than usual. Every time someone gets too close or even bumps into you, his sharp gaze zeroes in, and he doesn’t hesitate to step in between you and whoever’s too close. At one point, a shady pirate from a different crew tries to flirt with you. Before you can even respond, Kid steps forward, pushing the pirate away with a low growl.

“Get lost.”

You blink, surprised at his intensity, but he doesn’t look at you, just at the pirate who’s now backing off.

“Kid, I can handle myself” you say, rolling your eyes.

“Doesn’t mean you should have to” he grumbles under his breath, clearly annoyed by something. He turns away before you can say anything else, muttering about how annoying it is to babysit you. But you know it’s not just that.

The crew knows it too.

Heat lets out a low whistle as he passes by “Damn, Captain, didn’t know you were the protective boyfriend type.”

Kid turns on him with a glare “Shut the hell up.”

Heat just laughs, walking away. You shake your head, but the warmth in your chest lingers.

Then, it all comes to a head one evening. The crew’s just finished a round of celebrations, the ship rocking gently in the quiet of the night. You’re leaning against the rail, enjoying the peace when you feel him behind you.

“Can’t sleep?” Kid asks, his voice low as usual.

You turn around, finding him standing there, arms crossed, the moonlight casting a soft glow over his scowling face.

“I could ask you the same thing” you reply.

There’s a quiet moment as you both stand there, not speaking. His eyes never leave yours, and the tension between you both seems to grow with every passing second.

Suddenly, you hear footsteps approaching. Instinctively, you move closer to Kid. You don’t even think about it, but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, his hand shifts from where it was casually resting at his side to just hovering near your waist.

The ship creaks, the quiet atmosphere making you both more aware of each other’s presence. He doesn’t speak. Neither do you. His fingers are so close, just barely grazing your side as if to assure himself you’re right there.

The closeness feels… different. Intimate.

You glance up at him “Kid?” you ask softly, your heart beating a little faster.

He doesn’t answer immediately, instead, his eyes flicker over your face, and you can see the internal struggle within him. It’s a battle, and for a second, you think he might just ignore it, keep up the stubborn front.

But then, his hand finally rests against your side. His touch isn’t harsh, but gentle. You don’t pull away.

“I don’t know why I keep doing this shit” he admits, his voice low but clear “But when it comes to you… I don’t want to risk something happening.”

You blink, surprised “Risk what?”

His gaze softens, and the gruffness in his tone fades away. He looks straight at you, the usual deflective annoyance replaced with something more vulnerable.

“I don’t want anyone else near you. Not after I saw that idiot trying to hit on you.”

You smile, your heart fluttering in your chest “Kid, I’m not a damsel in distress.”

“I know,” he replies quickly, but there’s no hiding the quiet affection in his voice now “I just… I don’t want to lose you.”

His words hit you harder than you expected, and before you can even respond, something unspoken passes between you both. In a split second, his lips are near yours, and the kiss is soft, almost hesitant, like he’s still not sure if he’s allowed to show this side of himself.

But you kiss him back, your hand gently resting against his chest. The kiss lingers for a moment longer than either of you anticipated, but it feels like the world has paused, like this is the only thing that matters in that moment.

When you pull away, you both stand there in silence, but this time, it’s not awkward. It’s comfortable.

And then the moment is completely shattered by the sound of someone clearing their throat. You both snap your heads toward the entrance to the deck, where Killer and Wire are standing, watching with amused expressions.

“So,” Wire says, smirking, “you two finally gonna admit you’re basically married, or should we keep pretending this isn’t happening?”

Your face heats up immediately, but Kid just groans, rubbing a hand down his face.

“Go to hell” he grumbles.

Killer just shakes his head “Too late, Captain. Everyone’s been taking bets on when you’d figure it out.”

You gape “What?”

Wire grins “Yeah. Heat won. He said you’d kiss before the next port. Guess we owe him a round of drinks.”

Kid looks absolutely done. You, on the other hand, can’t help but laugh. Because honestly? It’s not surprising.

You look back up at Kid, who’s still scowling but isn’t pulling away from you. You squeeze his hand briefly before grinning.

“Guess we were the last ones to know, huh?”

He exhales sharply, shaking his head, but there’s no real annoyance in his expression anymore. Just acceptance. And maybe, just maybe, the start of something real.

── .✦ Red-Haired Shanks:

Being part of the Red Hair Pirates meant living in a constant mess of drinking, laughing, and reckless adventures.

And somehow you ended up being the most responsible one. Which was probably why everyone assumed you and Shanks were together.

The problem?

You weren’t.

But apparently, no one got the memo.

It starts with Yasopp.

You’re in the middle of patching up Shanks’ arm because, once again, he got into a bar fight for fun, when Yasopp smirks at you from across the deck.

“You know,” he says casually, “you’re basically married to him at this point.”

You nearly stab Shanks with the needle.

“What?!”

Shanks, meanwhile, just laughs.

And the worst part? He doesn’t even deny it.

“C’mon,” Yasopp continues, “you take care of him, clean up after him, yell at him when he’s reckless...”

“I yell at all of you.”

“Yeah, but you baby him.”

Shanks grins “It’s true. You do.”

You glare “I do not.”

Shanks just shrugs “If you say so.”

And that should be the end of it. But it’s not.

Because after that the whole crew starts treating you like... ugh.

“Oi, Y/N! Can you grab Shanks another drink?”

“Y/N, tell the captain to stop picking fights with Marines again.”

“Hey, Y/N, Shanks says he wants something spicy, maybe you could help... and it's not about food”

You want to scream.

But Shanks?

Shanks just goes along with it. Smiling. Laughing. Letting everyone assume you’re his.

And the worst part is that you let them, because deep down you don’t hate the idea.

And that’s dangerous.

Then one night, it all clicks.

You’re sitting at a bonfire, surrounded by the crew, listening to them sing and drink and bicker over who can hold their liquor best.

You’re not paying attention until you hear your name.

“So, Captain,” Lucky Roux says, “when’s the wedding?”

You choke on your drink. But before you can argue, Shanks just grins.

“Oh, give it time.”

The crew erupts into laughter.

You just stare at him.

Because... what????

Shanks turns to you, smiling like he didn’t just casually imply he plans on marrying you.

And something in his expression—

Something warm. Something knowing.

It hits you all at once.

The hand-holding. The lingering touches. The way he always pulls you onto his lap when there’s no room to sit.

The way he lets you fuss over him when he gets hurt, the way he only ever listens to you.

The way he looks at you like you’re something precious.

Your heart pounds.

And Shanks just grins against your lips.

“Took you long enough” he murmurs.

And when you pull back, breathless, flustered, you realize that maybe you’ve been his this whole time.

You blink, heart still racing as the weight of his words settles in. The laughter of the crew fades into background noise, the warmth of the bonfire casting flickering shadows over Shanks’ face. He’s watching you, waiting, like he already knows the answer, like he’s known it for years.

And maybe he has.

Maybe he’s been waiting for you to catch up.

Your throat is dry. You open your mouth, but no words come out, just a strangled sound of disbelief.

Shanks chuckles, eyes crinkling at the corners “You alright there, sweetheart?”

Sweetheart. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Like he hasn’t just upended everything you thought you knew.

Your hands tighten in his shirt, and you can’t tell if it’s to ground yourself or to pull him closer “You...” you swallow, voice quieter now, meant just for him “You should’ve said something...”

He tilts his head, considering “I thought I did. Plenty of times.”

You scowl, smacking his chest lightly, which only makes him laugh “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

“Oh, I know.” His fingers brush your jaw, featherlight, reverent “I just like seeing you all flustered.”

You groan, but you don’t pull away. And well, that says everything, doesn’t it?

And Shanks knows it too, because his grin softens, something unreadable flickering in his gaze “So,” he murmurs, close enough that his breath tickles your lips, “now that you’ve finally figured it out, what do you plan to do about it?”

The challenge is there, teasing, but there’s something raw beneath it, something real.

You take a breath. Then, before you can overthink it, you grab the front of his coat and pull him in, kissing him again, firmer this time.

The crew erupts in cheers. Someone whistles. Someone else yells about winning a bet.

But all you can focus on is the way Shanks smiles against your lips, like he’s just won something far more important.

And maybe you have too.

── .✦ Charlotte Katakuri:

The first time someone calls you Katakuri’s spouse, you nearly drop your mochi donut.

“Excuse me, what?”

The Big Mom Pirates stare at you like you’re stupid.

“Well, yeah,” Oven says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world “You take care of him, he lets you into his tea time, you’re the only one who sees his face—”

Brûlée smirks “And you always defend him when people talk behind his back.”

Daifuku nods “Might as well be married already.”

You sputter “That doesn’t mean—! We’re not—! He’s just my commander!”

Oven raises an eyebrow “You ever see Katakuri treat anyone else the way he treats you?”

You freeze.

Because... okay.

That’s a good point.

Katakuri isn’t exactly warm with people. He’s respected, feared, distant. A perfectionist. The strongest Sweet Commander.

And yet, with you?

He lets you tease him. Lets you see him.

Lets you in.

Your stomach flips.

And you don’t know what to do with that.

You try to forget about it.

But after that you start noticing things.

The way Katakuri always saves you the best snacks at tea time.

The way he steps in front of you during battles without thinking.

The way he lets you touch him, his arm, his back, his face.

His unguarded moments are always with you.

And suddenly you can’t ignore it.

Neither can the crew.

It all comes to a head one evening.

You’re sitting with Katakuri in his usual spot, tea cooling beside him, the setting sun casting a warm glow over his sharp features. He’s eating, as usual, but his guard is down because you’re here.

And then the words slip out.

“…Katakuri.”

He glances at you, chewing “Hm?”

You hesitate. Then screw it.

“Are we… something?”

Katakuri pauses.

Slowly, he sets his cup down. Then he exhales, like he’s been waiting for this.

“You tell me,” he says, voice steady “Would it bother you if we were?”

Your heart pounds. Because no, it wouldn’t.

You swallow “No.”

Katakuri watches you for a long moment. Then, he smirks.

“Then I suppose we are.”

Your brain short-circuits.

“Wait—WHAT?!”

Katakuri chuckles, low and deep “Did you really think I’d let just anyone this close to me?”

You gasp, because hold on. Has he known this whole time?!

Your face burns “You could’ve said something sooner, you jerk!”

Katakuri just leans closer, his presence overwhelming.

“…Would you have been ready to hear it?”

You freeze, because damn it.

He’s right.

── .✦ Dracule Mihawk:

Living on Kuraigana Island with Mihawk isn’t easy, but somehow, you get used to it.

You get used to the silence. The way he watches you over the rim of his wine glass. The way he corrects your sword stance with the barest touch of his fingers.

You get used to the way he does things for you without asking, bringing you an extra plate at meals, fixing your sword when it’s damaged, moving his coat so you don’t sit on the cold stone steps.

It’s just how he is... Or so you think.

Until one day Perona stares at the two of you across the dining table and snorts.

“You guys act like a married couple.”

You choke on your drink. Mihawk just raises an eyebrow.

Perona grins “Oh, come on! You live together, train together, eat together—hell, you even drink out of each other’s cups sometimes!”

You freeze.

Because—wait. When did that start happening?!

You sneak a glance at Mihawk, expecting him to argue.

But instead, he just takes a sip of wine and says, “And?”

Your brain short-circuits.

Because what does he mean, ‘and’?!

Perona cackles “Oh, this is gold.”

Meanwhile, you’re too busy spiraling to notice the small, knowing smirk on Mihawk’s lips.

Because the truth is, he knew all along.

The next few days pass in a strange haze. Every time you’re near Mihawk, you’re hyper-aware of his actions. The way he hands you your sword when it’s too heavy for you to lift properly, the way he adjusts your stance when you’re practicing, even the way he leaves his wine glass half-filled so you can sip it without asking.

You can’t help but start noticing the little things. And it makes your stomach do these strange little flips you can’t quite explain.

You try to convince yourself that you’re just overthinking it. After all, you’ve spent so much time together, working side-by-side, that it’s only natural for him to be a bit… attentive. But you can’t help but feel that there’s more to it than that.

One evening, you’re training in the yard. Mihawk is watching from the porch, as usual, but today there’s something different in the air. Maybe it’s the cool breeze, or the strange feeling of him staring at you.

“Focus” he calls out when you fumble with your sword.

You grit your teeth and refocus, sweat already beading on your forehead. Your movements become sharper, more determined, but you can’t quite shake the feeling that something is… off.

When you finish the routine, Mihawk’s still leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. He doesn’t say anything at first, but you can feel his gaze. You give him a quick, sideways glance, noticing the faint hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

“Something wrong?” you ask, trying to sound casual.

His response comes as a slow, deliberate drawl “You still aren’t quite in sync with your sword. I’ve been waiting for you to catch up.”

You feel your face flush, but you push through it “Yeah? Well, I’m not some grandmaster swordsman like you, Mihawk.”

He steps closer, his presence almost overwhelming, but his gaze softens for a moment “You’re getting better. I’m simply making sure you don’t lose track of your progress.”

The softness in his voice catches you off-guard, and for a split second, you feel as if you’re standing on the edge of something, something new.

But you quickly push it aside, shaking it off as just another passing thought. You turn to grab your sword again, determined to change the subject.

“Thanks for the help,” you mutter, trying to keep your voice steady “But I think I need a break. My arms are sore.”

Mihawk doesn’t respond at first. Instead, he merely watches you for a moment before he speaks again, his tone unusually gentle.

“Are you sure you’re fine? You’ve been training for hours without rest.”

You give him a small, appreciative nod “I’ll be fine. You’re too used to looking out for me, Mihawk.”

He lets out a faint chuckle, but you notice that there’s a strange intensity in his gaze now “I suppose I am.”

Before you can react, you feel something slightly off, a flicker of tension between you two.

It’s subtle, but it’s there. And you feel it in the way he looks at you, the way he almost seems to be waiting for you to say something.

But, just like that, the moment passes. He steps back, motioning for you to take a rest.

“I’ll prepare dinner,” he says quietly, as if nothing had happened “I’m sure you’re hungry.”

You blink “You cook?”

“Of course,” he says with a slight, almost invisible smirk “It’s not difficult, and you’ve been working hard all day. You deserve a proper meal.”

You feel your heart race at his words, but you manage to keep it together “Alright, I’ll take you up on that.”

But as Mihawk turns to walk away, you pause.

For just a second, you wonder... has this always been a normal interaction between you two? Or has it grown into something more without you even realizing it?

The unease gnaws at you as you sit down on the steps, watching him disappear into the house.

You’re overthinking it. You’re just friends.

...Right?

Later that evening, you’re sitting across from Mihawk, your meal already finished. The conversation is easy, but there’s still that lingering, unspoken tension hanging in the air.

Finally, Mihawk breaks the silence, his voice low and casual “You’ve been avoiding the subject.”

Your brow furrows in confusion “What subject?”

“The subject of us.”

You choke on your drink, sputtering “What—us?!”

His expression remains unreadable, but there’s a faint glimmer in his eyes “You think I haven’t noticed? You’ve been acting strange around me lately. Ever since Perona made her comment.”

You freeze “I—uh—”

“Let’s stop pretending,” he continues “We’ve been behaving like a couple, whether we admit it or not.”

Your heart starts to race. You open your mouth to deny it, but the words get stuck. Instead, you just stare at him, trying to make sense of what he’s saying.

And that’s when Mihawk leans forward just slightly, his voice dropping lower “I don’t know what you’re feeling, but I do know that I don’t want you to leave.”

The bluntness of his words takes your breath away.

“I never planned to leave” you manage to say, the words barely leaving your lips.

Mihawk gives you a rare, genuine smile, one that’s so small and almost imperceptible that you’re not sure you saw it at all. But something in his eyes shifts.

“Good.”

And just like that, the tension finally breaks.