#coby x reader

Koby quickly looks away, pretending to focus on a group of recruits jogging past. He tells himself he’s just being polite, he’s a Captain after all, and he should be keeping an eye on the base. But he knows that’s not the real reason he keeps sneaking glances in your direction.

“Captain Koby!” a voice calls, snapping him out of his thoughts. Helmeppo strides toward him, smirking “You look a little lost there. Something distracting you?”

Koby flinches, straightening “N-No! I was just—” He stops himself before he makes it worse “Never mind.”

Helmeppo follows his gaze and immediately raises an eyebrow “Ohhh. I see.”

Koby nearly chokes “You don’t see anything!” he insists, but it’s too late. Helmeppo’s smirk deepens.

Before Koby can stop him, Helmeppo waves in your direction “Oi, Y/N! Got a minute?”

You look up, blinking in confusion before setting down your clipboard and walking over. Koby wants to disappear.

“Captain Koby, you needed me for something?” you ask, tilting your head slightly.

Koby opens his mouth. Closes it. Opens it again “Uh—I—”

“Yeah, Captain,” Helmeppo drawls, arms crossed “You did seem eager to talk.”

Koby silently vows to get revenge on him later. For now, he struggles to form a sentence under your curious gaze.

“I—I was just checking in!” Koby blurts out “You know, making sure you’re, um, settling in alright!”

You blink “I’ve been here for three months, Captain.”

Koby wants the sea to swallow him whole “R-Right! Of course! I just... uh...” He rubs the back of his neck “How’s inventory going?”

You look down at your clipboard and back up at him "…Fine?”

Helmeppo snorts, and Koby kicks him (it’s not subtle).

An awkward silence falls between you both, and so you clear your throat “Well… thanks for checking in, I guess? I should probably get back to work.”

“Y-Yeah! Yeah, of course. Sorry for interrupting!”

You nod and turn away, but before you get too far, Koby calls after you “Wait!”

You pause, looking over your shoulder.

Koby hesitates, then forces out “Let me know if, uh, if you need anything!”

You smile small but warme “Will do, Captain.”

The moment you’re out of earshot, Helmeppo claps a hand on Koby’s shoulder “That,” he says, grinning “was painful to watch.”

Koby groans, face burning “Shut up.”

Helmeppo just laughs.

Morning drills leave Koby exhausted, but that doesn’t stop his mind from wandering. Specifically, to you.

It’s frustrating. He’s supposed to be focused on training, strategy, and leadership, not on the way you smiled at him yesterday.

Helmeppo, of course, has noticed “You’ve been sighing a lot today, Captain,” he teases, leaning against the railing of the training ground “Something on your mind? Or should I say… someone?”

Koby nearly drops the training manual he’s holding “I have not been sighing!”

Helmeppo raises an eyebrow “Right. And I haven’t been watching you sneak glances toward the docks all morning.”

Koby stiffens, gripping the manual tighter. He refuses to dignify that with a response. Instead, he turns his attention back to the field, where a group of recruits is finishing their sparring exercises. He clears his throat, forcing his voice to be steady.

“Focus on work, Helmeppo. We’re not here to gossip.”

Helmeppo snickers “Oh, you might not be, but I certainly am.”

Before Koby can protest, a voice calls out from the direction of the supply docks “Captain Koby!”

He turns so fast he nearly gives himself whiplash. And there you are, jogging toward him with a clipboard in hand, eyes scanning a sheet of paper.

“I need your signature for the new shipment approval. Do you have a second?”

Koby straightens too quickly “Y-Yeah! Of course!”

You stop beside him, close enough that he catches the faint scent of salt and parchment ink. He takes the clipboard from you, trying very hard not to let his hand brush against yours as he signs the form.

Helmeppo, standing a few feet away, watches the exchange like he’s witnessing a drama unfold.

You shift on your feet “The shipment came in earlier than expected, so I figured I’d get the paperwork done now.”

Koby nods, handing back the clipboard “That’s… really efficient of you.”

You blink at him, then let out a small laugh “Well, I try.”

Koby realizes, belatedly, that he’s still staring at you. He quickly averts his gaze, clearing his throat “Uh—good work. Keep it up.”

You tilt your head, amused “Thanks, Captain.”

Another awkward pause. Koby swears he can hear Helmeppo physically holding back laughter behind him.

You give him a small nod before heading back toward the docks. Koby watches you go, feeling his entire face heat up.

The second you’re out of earshot, Helmeppo claps him on the back, nearly knocking him forward “Captain, that was tragic.”

Koby groans, rubbing his temples “Please. Stop talking.”

Helmeppo grins “Oh, absolutely not.”

Koby has survived brutal training, impossible missions, and direct battles with some of the world’s most fearsome pirates. And yet, none of those things compare to the sheer terror of sitting across from Vice Admiral Garp while Helmeppo tries very hard not to choke on laughter.

“So, Koby.” Garp takes a massive bite out of a rice cracker, crumbs spilling onto the table “You got a crush?”

Koby nearly chokes on air “W-WHAT?!”

Helmeppo completely loses it, practically keeling over with laughter “Oh, this is amazing.”

Koby grips the table, staring at Garp like he’s just declared war “Where did you—who told you—what are you talking about?!”

Garp snorts “Oh, come on, boy! You think I wouldn’t notice? You get all stiff and weird whenever that supply recruit’s around. Like a nervous little sea slug.”

Koby buries his face in his hands “I do not get stiff and weird…”

Helmeppo, still wheezing, barely manages to say “Koby, you literally bowed yesterday when Y/N handed you a clipboard. A clipboard.”

Koby groans “I panicked!”

Garp laughs so hard the entire table shakes “Panicked?! Boy, if you freeze up over a clipboard, how do you plan on ever confessing?!”

Koby immediately launches into damage control “There’s nothing to confess! Y/N and I are just—we’re colleagues! That’s it! Absolutely nothing else!”

“Right,” Helmeppo says, smirking “That’s why you turn the color of a cooked lobster every time they talk to you.”

Koby’s about to protest when a voice calls out from the doorway “Captain Koby?”

His soul leaves his body.

You step inside the room, looking between the three of them, clearly confused “…Did I interrupt something?”

Helmeppo immediately straightens, looking like he’s about to combust from holding back laughter. Garp, meanwhile, just grins like he’s enjoying the show.

Koby, on the other hand, is desperately trying to appear normal. He sits up way too straight and forces a totally casual smile “N-No! Not at all! What’s up?”

You glance at him suspiciously before holding up a document “I need your signature on the cargo report.”

Koby nods too quickly “Of course! Right! Cargo! Work!” He grabs the paper and hastily signs it, nearly snapping the pen in half with how hard he’s gripping it.

You hesitate for a second “…Are you okay?”

“Yep! Perfectly fine! Why do you ask?” he blurts out.

You blink “…Because you’re sweating?”

Koby internally screams “I-I was just… uh… training! Hard training! Very intense!”

Garp chuckles “Yep, boy’s been real worked up today.”

Helmeppo snorts so loudly he has to cover his mouth.

You still look confused, but eventually just nod “…Alright then. Thanks, Captain.”

With that, you turn and leave, and the second the door closes, Koby slams his head onto the table “Kill me. Right now.”

Garp howls with laughter, slapping Koby on the back hard enough to nearly knock him over “Boy, you’re hopeless!”

Helmeppo wipes a tear from his eye “Hopeless and hilarious.”

Koby just groans, face still pressed against the table “…I need to be reassigned.”

Koby tries to avoid Helmeppo for the rest of the day, but it’s nearly impossible when the man keeps appearing everywhere just to smirk at him.

At one point, Koby swears he sees Helmeppo whispering to Garp about something before the old man grins in his direction. He doesn’t have time to question it, though, because the universe decides to make his day even worse.

“Captain Koby! I—oh—wait—ah!”

Koby barely has time to turn around before you crash directly into him, nearly sending both of you to the ground.

He instinctively reaches out to steady you, hands awkwardly hovering before actually making contact with your arms “Are you okay?!”

You immediately straighten up, waving your hands “I-I’m fine! I wasn’t looking where I was going!”

Koby quickly steps back, rubbing the back of his neck “No, no, it’s okay! I wasn’t paying attention either!”

There’s a long, awkward pause as you both look anywhere except at each other.

Helmeppo, standing a few feet away, slowly puts his head in his hands “This is painful.”

You clear your throat, still visibly flustered “Um—right! I was actually looking for you!”

Koby’s brain completely shuts down “M-Me?!”

You nod rapidly “Yeah! I mean—yes! Because I, uh… I had a question! About… the, um… the thing.”

Koby blinks “The… thing?”

You shift your weight, clearly struggling “…The… Marine thing. With… the reports?”

Helmeppo audibly groans “Oh come on, Y/N, even you now?”

You snap out of your panic mode and shoot him a glare “Excuse me?!”

Helmeppo gestures wildly between the two of you “This! This! The mutual awkwardness! You’re both acting like nervous cadets instead of normal people!”

Koby sputters “W-We are not!”

You cross your arms, cheeks heating “I’m acting perfectly normal!”

Helmeppo gives you both a look before turning on his heel and walking away “I can’t do this. You two are a lost cause.”

There’s a moment of silence. Then, you nervously rub your arm “…I really did need to ask about the reports, though.”

Koby straightens “O-Oh! Right! Of course! Let’s—uh—go over that.”

You both walk toward his office, keeping at least a two-foot distance between you the entire way. Neither of you say a word. The tension is so unbearable that even the recruits passing by seem uncomfortable.

At this point, everyone in the base is starting to notice.

And everyone is waiting to see how long it takes before one of you finally admits something.

Koby does not want to be here.

Not because he doesn’t respect Vice Admiral Garp, he does, a lot even. But because you’re here too, standing stiffly beside him, and the moment Garp notices, Koby knows he’s doomed.

The Vice Admiral leans back in his chair, massive arms crossed over his chest, eyeing the both of you with a smirk that immediately puts Koby on edge “So. You two are spending a lot of time together lately.”

Koby nearly drops the stack of reports in his hands “I-It’s not like that! We—we just—work! We’re colleagues! Just normal colleagues doing normal Marine things together!”

You nod aggressively, gripping your own paperwork like it’s a lifeline “Yes! Exactly! Just work! That’s all it is!”

Garp snorts “Right. And I’m the King of Alabasta.”

Koby sputters “Sir, we’re serious!”

Garp waves a hand “Oh, I know you’re serious, boy. That’s the problem.” He leans forward, grinning “Because you’re so serious that it’s painfully obvious you’ve got it bad.”

You immediately stiffen “I—what?!”

Koby turns bright red “That’s—that’s completely incorrect, sir! I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

You nod far too quickly “M-Me neither! No idea! None at all!”

Garp glances between the two of you. Neither of you can hold eye contact with him or with each other. You’re both standing like you’re facing a firing squad, shoulders locked in place, expressions frozen somewhere between denial and horrified realization.

Then, Garp starts laughing.

Not just any laugh, a full-blown Garp laugh. The kind that shakes the entire room and nearly blows the papers off his desk.

“Oh, this is golden!” he howls, slapping his knee “You two look like a couple of schoolkids caught passing notes!”

Koby groans “Sir, please!”

Garp wipes a tear from his eye, then gestures toward the door “Go on, get outta here before I start planning your wedding.”

You both immediately move for the exit, neither of you daring to say another word. The second the door closes behind you, you and Koby stand there, stiff as statues.

For a long, awkward moment, neither of you move. Then, Koby slowly turns to look at you “…That was horrible.”

You nod, face still burning “Yeah. That was… a nightmare.”

More silence.

Then, you clear your throat “…Well. See you later?”

Koby nods way too fast “Yep! Later! Definitely! Okay bye!”

And with that, you both practically sprint in opposite directions.

From inside the office, Garp just shakes his head, grinning to himself “Hopeless.”

Koby swears he’s never been this embarrassed in his entire life.

And that includes the time he tripped in front of Admiral Sengoku. And the time he saluted the wrong superior and didn’t realize it for a full minute. And definitely the time he panicked and called Garp “Dad” during a training session.

But this? This is a new level of humiliation.

Because ever since the disaster in Garp’s office, the entire Marine base has started talking.

It starts small. A couple of recruits whispering when he walks by. A few smirks from officers who normally never pay attention to his personal life.

Then it gets worse.

Way worse.

By noon, Helmeppo has fully weaponized the situation. He strolls up to Koby while he’s trying to review patrol reports, looking far too pleased with himself “Hey, Captain.”

Koby doesn’t even look up “No.”

Helmeppo grins “I didn’t even say anything yet.”

“I know you’re going to say something, and the answer is still no.”

Helmeppo leans on the desk “Fine, I’ll just show you instead.”

Before Koby can react, Helmeppo holds up a sheet of paper.

Koby squints “…What is that?”

Helmeppo beams “It’s a petition.”

Koby feels instant dread “…A petition for what?”

Helmeppo flips it around. At the top, in very large, very bold letters, it reads:

“MAKE KOBY AND Y/N STOP BEING AWKWARD AND JUST ADMIT IT ALREADY.”

Koby makes a strangled noise “What—WHAT IS THIS?!”

Helmeppo chuckles “Oh, just something the crew put together. You’d be amazed how many signatures we got. Look, even Garp signed it.”

Koby’s eye twitches as he scans the list.

Not only is Garp’s name right at the top, but nearly half the base has signed.

“WHY IS THERE A WHOLE PAGE JUST FROM THE KITCHEN STAFF?!”

Helmeppo shrugs “Apparently, they’ve been betting on you two for months.”

Koby slams his head onto the desk “This cannot be happening.”

And just when he thinks it can’t get worse—

“Hey, Captain, I need to—”

Koby’s head shoots up.

It’s you.

And you’re holding a stack of documents, looking just as awkward and uncomfortable as he feels.

For a second, the whole room is silent.

Then Helmeppo, still holding the petition, smirks “Oh, perfect timing.”

Koby lunges for him “DON’T YOU DARE—”

But Helmeppo’s already turning to you, holding up the paper like it’s an official Marine decree “Hey, Y/N, wanna add your name to the list?”

Your eyes widen in confusion “ uh? For what?”

Koby desperately grabs for the petition “IGNORE HIM! IT’S NOT REAL!”

Helmeppo dodges, still grinning “Oh, it’s very real.”

You look between the two of them, clearly so confused. But then you catch a glimpse of the title. Your entire face turns red “…Oh my god.”

Koby groans “I’M GOING TO JUMP INTO THE SEA.”

You look horrified “WHO SIGNED THIS?!”

Helmeppo cheerfully flips through the pages “Well, Garp, obviously. Most of the officers. Some of the cadets. Pretty sure the janitor added a heart next to his name. Oh, and the kitchen staff wrote a whole paragraph about how sick they are of you two pretending you don’t like each other.”

Koby wants to die “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING.”

You cover your face “I need to quit. I need to leave the Marines and change my name.”

Helmeppo grins “Oh, come on, you both like each other, just admit it—”

“WE DON’T—” both of you yell at the exact same time, which is the worst possible answer because now everyone in the room is watching.

Helmeppo just sighs, shaking his head “You two. Hopeless.”

And with that, he walks away, still holding the petition.

Leaving you and Koby standing there.

In the middle of the Marine base.

Surrounded by people who are very clearly eavesdropping.

Neither of you say a word.

Then, at the exact same time—

“I have work to do—”

“I should get back to training—”

You both turn and power walk in opposite directions.

The second you’re gone, one of the recruits sighs loudly “I swear, if they don’t get together in the next month, I’m quitting.”

Koby cannot take this anymore.

It’s been three days since the petition incident, and somehow, things have only gotten worse.

Everywhere he goes, people give him knowing looks. Recruits whisper the second he walks past. The kitchen staff has started serving his meals in heart-shaped portions.

And Helmeppo? Helmeppo has been insufferable, more than usual.

Koby really tries to pretend none of this is happening. But then, this morning, he finds a new note pinned to his office door:

“Confess or we riot.”

That’s it. That’s the final straw.

So now, Koby is marching down to the docks, fists clenched, heart pounding because damn it, if everyone is going to make his life miserable over this, he might as well get it over with.

And then he sees you.

You’re sitting near the supply crates, flipping through a stack of reports, completely unaware that Koby is about to have the most disastrous conversation of his life.

He takes a deep breath, walks up, and “WE NEED TO TALK!”

You jump so hard you nearly fall off the crate.

“What?? koby?!” You clutch your chest, eyes wide “You scared me. What is wrong with you?!”

Koby swallows, his face already heating up “S-Sorry! I just—I need to say something! Because if I don’t, I think I might actually die!”

You blink “…Okay?”

He exhales sharply “Listen. I don’t know when it started, and I don’t know why the entire Marine base thinks they have the right to butt into our business, but I… I like you, okay? There! I said it!”

There’s a long, horrible silence.

Koby’s entire body is on fire.

You just stare at him, mouth slightly open, as if your brain is still catching up “…You… like me?”

Koby nods aggressively “YES. VERY MUCH. A LOT, ACTUALLY.”

You blink again.

Then, slowly, your face starts turning red “…Oh.”

More silence.

Then you bury your face in your hands “I hate everyone so much.”

Koby freezes “…What?”

You groan, voice muffled against your palms “Because I like you too! But I was never going to say anything because I was convinced you didn’t feel the same and everyone was just trying to make fun of me, and now the entire base is going to rub it in our faces forever!”

Koby short-circuits.

“…You… like me too?”

You look up, expression absolutely miserable “Koby. Did you think I was just constantly being awkward for no reason?!”

Koby stares at you. Then he stares at the ground. Then he stares at the sky, as if begging for it to strike him down.

“Well, you thought that of me though… I am an idiot anyway”

You sigh “Yeah. Me too.”

And then, before either of you can say anything else.

“FINALLY!!!”

Koby whirls around.

Half the base is watching from the distance, cheering, clapping, and throwing their hats in the air.

Helmeppo is holding the petition, waving it over his head like a victory flag.

Garp is standing nearby, laughing so hard he actually wipes a tear from his eye.

The kitchen staff is clinking glasses.

Even the janitor is there, pumping his fist in the air.

Koby buries his face in his hands “…I should’ve transferred when I had the chance.”

You groan “We will never survive them”

Koby snapped his eyes back to his notebook. Helmeppo sneered.

"Shoot your shot, pal. About time you see someone."

Koby was annoyed that his friend caught onto his thoughts so easily, but he had to thank him for mentioning it because it drove him to search you online. That night, he learned that your Twitter account was private, but your Instagram had an active following and a decent number of posts. As expected, you curated your layout to match the shade of pink you proudly paraded everywhere, with subtle hints of greens and whites making their way into your thumbnails.

Koby scrolled further. As he hit the bottom of your page, he found a post so out of place that he clicked on it without thinking.

It was a celebratory post. You were celebrating the first three months of your relationship with somebody Koby never knew you had. Your friends flocked in the comments section to compliment your pretty face and clothes, while your man posed in front of a candlelit dinner and some wine.

It was an ordinary photo. But you were so committed to the red palette for some reason that it felt . . . off.

It felt incongruous with this whole pink theme you had going on.

Koby shook his head.

I'm just jealous, he thought. He's special. Of course he gets another color for himself.

He was quick to accept that you were taken but wasn't quick to forget. Koby found himself looking at you every time you entered the room, and every time he heard your name. He caught himself finding you in places he never thought he'd find you in—the historical section at the school library, the study café thirty minutes away, and a pop concert that Helmeppo somehow convinced him to attend. That evening, you held eye contact for a solid three seconds before your friends dragged you to the VIP section, only to be lost in a crowd of fans.

Koby saw you as often as he thought about you, and it was killing him. He never spoke to you because you were happily taken by another man, and it wasn't like him to interact with someone he had no business with. So he was set to move on from this hopeless romance until he found himself approaching you one night—an opening, as some people might call it, but he couldn't describe it as such when you were pouring tears in front of him.

There, on the last few steps leading to the study hall, he found you curled into a ball with your face buried in your knees. It was dark in this area of campus, the full moon covered by a dense canopy of trees. Koby wouldn't have seen you if he were any less aware of his surroundings. Given your current state, he was glad he noticed.

Unfortunately, he didn't know how to proceed. You knew each other, and it should've been okay. Yet he had never spoken to you, and you had a loving boyfriend. Was it wise to speak to you now?

He rethought the decision and decided, Screw it.

"Hey," he started, "are you okay?"

Koby was a few feet away when you looked up, your eyes glossed over and cheeks puffy. You hurriedly wiped your tears.

"Koby?"

His heart stopped when you recognized him.

You knew him. Not just by face, but also by name.

"Let me help you," he offered.

He pulled you to your feet and escorted you to the nearest restroom. When you came out a few minutes later, Koby handed you a bottle of water.

You chuckled.

The packaging was pink.

"It was all the vending machine had," said Koby sheepishly.

You smiled.

"It's better than nothing."

You led the way around campus while Koby lagged behind to allow himself to put his thoughts together. You seemed comfortable in his presence, yet he wasn't sure how to continue where he left off. He rethought every word he could say only to sink back into silence. Soon enough he realized that he sucked at this, with his feelings for you digging him an even deeper grave.

You eventually stopped at a bench overlooking the campus greenhouse, tucked away in forested terrain. Warm street lights illuminated nearby vegetation. As you sat down, the chilled bottle in your hands now half-empty, you beckoned him to sit next to you.

His chest thumped loudly.

The air was intimate. Too intimate for his liking. He wondered if you felt it, too.

"Thanks for checking up on me," you croaked. Now beside you, Koby ran his sweaty palms across his pants. He would have suffocated if you hadn't broken the tension. "I owe you an explanation."

"You don't owe me anything," he insisted.

"Well . . . ." You held up the water bottle and smiled. "Think of it as payment. Will you hear me out?"

He returned your smile. "Do I have a choice?"

And that was when he learned everything.

As perfect as you were, your boyfriend—now ex-boyfriend—was still capable of seeing other people behind your back. Worse, he never intended to break his affairs until he got caught. Koby had zoned out when you went into detail about catching him in the act, your frustrated face far too pretty for him to concentrate, but he heard enough to rightly call him a douche.

"He cheated on me," you wept, "and he deceived me into thinking it was my fault that he cheated. I was distraught. Then he took advantage of the situation and broke up with me."

Koby was raised well, arguably a little too well—he had a history of getting picked on because his kind heart didn't know violence. Then he met his friend Helmeppo, who had it just as hard as he did on top of his family issues growing up. Koby sought vengeance in his name, which was probably the worst thing he'd ever done to date. All that is to say, he sought blood only when necessary. Koby could grit his teeth and tolerate the bad and ugly, but his energy was reserved for when he actually had to fight back. And hearing the long list of terrible things your boyfriend had done to you made his blood boil.

Surely you weren't the only person in the world to be played by a manipulative prick, but Koby ought to do something about it.

Only to realize that he couldn't.

After all, he was just another stranger you locked eyes with every so often, someone you shared classes with for the past two semesters. He didn't mean anything to you other than some guy who wanted to help.

He was in no position to do anything.

Until you came to him yourself.

"Can I talk to you, Koby?"

You had approached him a few days later with a sunken expression, eyes trained on the ground and an arm wrapped around your stomach. Something was up. Not even the bright pink clothes that you often wore hid the anxiety on your face. The afternoon sun, burning in this time of summer, didn't help calm your nerves either.

"Anything wrong?" Koby asked once you pulled him to the courtyard. An open area, safe for you to talk.

"I know you have better things to do," you began, "but I need a third opinion on this cheating fiasco, and you're the next best thing there is."

"I am?" Koby was unbelieving.

You nodded.

"My boyfriend. He said he was sorry and that he wouldn't do it again. I didn't believe it, of course," you explained, "but the apology was genuine. I could tell that far. And for the many months we've been together, I just . . . ."

You sucked in a deep breath.

Koby knew what you were going to say before you even said anything.

"You want to get back together," he finished. Your head fell.

"My friends think it's silly. It is, considering all that he's done, but"—you bit your lip—"it's hard to forget. To leave him."

Koby was stunned, to say the least. With pursed lips he stayed silent, refusing to speak without thinking things through. He understood that it was a difficult decision; you were manipulated by the guy, for goodness' sake. To get up and go with fresh wounds was not easy.

"Don't you think it's better to just leave?" he challenged.

"I can't get myself to do it," you confessed.

Thinking to himself, Koby bit the inside of his cheek. The least he could do was provide comfort, but you wanted his opinion on the matter, and it bothered him. He couldn't possibly tell you what to do—Koby had a solid opinion on your lover, but he was not about to dictate the course of your relationship. Not while he had feelings for you.

"Look, I'm not good at this," he prefaced, "so I won't tell you for certain what to do." He slid his hands into his pockets, thinking to himself. "Although if there's one thing that you should do, it's to make a decision you won't regret. Do what makes you happy. Not just now, but in the long run, too."

Suddenly, your phone lit up. A text came through.

Moments later, it rang.

Your ex was calling.

"You should take it," said Koby.

You played with your fingers. "I-I don't know."

He offered a tight-lipped smile. Somehow, it looked forced.

"You'll get through it," he said. He looked down at your phone. "I should go."

Koby distracted himself with a music playlist on blast, then cut through the grass to leave the perimeter swiftly. He left the courtyard with no intention of looking back. Just when you were about to chase after him, your phone rang again.

A few hours later, Koby received an Instagram notification that he would've otherwise ignored if it hadn't come from you. A new story had been posted on your account. To satisfy his curiosity, he clicked on it.

A photographed bouquet of red roses greeted him in the passenger seat of a brand-new Aston Martin. You were in a car that wasn't yours.

"Crap," groaned Koby. His mind raced with a million thoughts, none of which he could articulate. "I screwed up."

Looking back, Koby was sincere with the advice he gave, but there were a couple of things that he regretted. First, he should've been upfront with his thoughts—surely your friends shared the same sentiments, so Koby wouldn't look like an opinionated jerk had he told you to leave him for good. Second, he should've stayed while you took the call. He knew you were vulnerable. Your ex knew you were vulnerable. Koby had no right to be jealous, but it bothered him immensely that you were taken advantaged of.

It annoyed him even more that your ex was reclaiming the color red like he still deserved it.

To hell with him. Koby ought to do something.

Not with violence, but with something much better. Something you'd appreciate.

The next day, you opened your Instagram to see a couple of messages from Koby. He had replied to your story a few minutes ago, just as it was about to disappear.

Koby: You got back together?

You sucked in a deep breath.

You: hi! You: uhh it's complicated You: i can explain.. Koby: No worries. I just wanted to check up on you 😄

You frowned.

You: thank you Koby: Did he give you those flowers?

Your eyebrows drew together.

You: yeah! why? Koby: Do you like flowers? You: i do, they're beautiful :) You: any reason why you're asking? Koby: Well...

You watched as the chat bubble disappeared and reappeared a few times.

Koby: I don't doubt your love for red bouquets specifically, but I'm sure you like them better when they're the same color as my hair...

Your eyes grew large.

Koby: So I was thinking if you can open your door to get them?

He waited for your reply.

To his horror, the chat stayed dry.

Koby: ...I'm sorry. I got ahead of myself You: no omg You: it's okay Koby: I'm sorry! You: NO You: koby!! You: i thought it was cute You: are you actually outside my room? Koby: It's fine! I just left! You: NO COME BACK

"Koby—" you gasped the moment you swung your door open, surprised that he had gone back like you asked. "You're actually here."

"You, uh," he panted, "you told me to come back."

He took his bandana off and finger-combed his pink hair in an attempt to look presentable. Then your eyes looked down at the floral arrangement in his other hand, a professionally crafted piece of pink camellias in the same shade as his hair.

Koby took one last breath before he offered you the bouquet.

"For you," he said.

You accepted it.

"What's it for?"

He cleared his throat, looking nervous all of a sudden.

"First things first, I don't intend to court you. At least not yet . . . ." He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. Heat rushed to your face. "Second, I think you needed someone. A friend. We haven't known each other for long, but I wouldn't be a good friend if I lied to you about how I felt."

"Oh." You shuffled your feet.

"How I felt about your ex," he clarified. "Or your boyfriend, if you're back together."

"It's complicated," you muttered. "What are you trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say is that you deserve better." He pursed his lips. "You can forgive him a thousand times and he still won't deserve you."

"Are you saying I'm unhappy?"

"No!" Koby flinched. He shook his head. "I just— I meant that you looked happier without him, not that you were necessarily unhappy during your relationship. Maybe it would be a huge burden off your shoulders to not think about someone who stresses you out all the time. I noticed you don't look as well as you did before, not that you were unhappy, like I said, but I . . . ."

He took a deep breath.

"I think you're unhappy, and I think it was a bad idea to get back together."

He looked down at his feet.

"I'm not beyond your relationship, but if it's bothering you this much, I hope you reconsider. There are better people out there waiting for you."

You brushed your fingers across the bouquet. The pink matched Koby's hair almost perfectly. From his little efforts to cheer you up, be it a bottle of water or a posy of flowers, he knew you would love it based on color alone.

"Better people like you?"

He turned pink. Arguably pink like his hair.

"When the time is right," he said.

After Koby left yesterday, your ex invited you over to talk things through. You drove yourself to his flat with clouded judgment, festered by your friends' sermon on your decision to offer him a second chance.

You had approached Koby that afternoon to clear your head—he was a good listener, and it felt good to talk to him. Unfortunately, it didn't go the way you wanted it to.

You knew little of Koby until a few months ago when he appeared everywhere you went. With no prior opinion, you expected less of him. But Koby had a gentleness you didn't see in anyone, not even in your own boyfriend whom you'd been with for the past nine months.

"C'mon, you know you want me back." Your ex wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pressed a kiss to your temple. "If you can forgive me once, you can forgive me again."

You pushed him away. "Let me think."

"You serious?"

"Just give me more time," you pleaded. "It's the least you could do."

Maybe Koby was only kind to you because he liked you. Still, he'd shown you respect in the short time you spoke with him, from his advice to his little gifts.

Shaking his head, your boyfriend grabbed his keys and stepped outside. "I have something for you." He led you to his car, where a bouquet of red roses awaited you in the passenger seat. "You like it?"

"They are pretty," you mumbled.

"Show it to your friends, yeah?" He seized your phone from your pocket and took a photo. "Beautiful. Let me take you home."

"Did you just post a photo on my story?"

He patted your head. "To capture the memory. Love you."

You cried yourself to sleep hours later, the bouquet left to wilt at your doorstep. You didn't meet for long, but being with him felt like an eternity. The drive home was suffocating. And while the flowers were beautiful, the red wasn't to your liking.

So to hold this pink bouquet from a guy you expected less of was a breath of fresh air.

Koby understood you, and it felt good to be understood.

"It means a lot to me, this bouquet and all," you said, "but I can't return your feelings so soon. It's not fair."

"Feelings?" Koby blinked. "Ah. Right. I do like you. I've liked you for months, but it's not what I came for. I'm here as a friend. At least for now."

"You came here as a friend with flowers?" you teased.

"I figured you wanted them pink," he muttered. You chuckled.

From the corner of his eye, Koby spotted the wilting roses on the ground.

"Do you want me to throw those out?"

You looked down at your feet, where some rose petals laid. You shrugged.

"Go ahead. I got what I wanted, anyway." You hugged the bouquet close to your chest. "Get me a vase while you're at it. Any color, but a touch of pink would be appreciated."

Koby laughed. Just as he was about to leave, you held his hand.

"Koby . . . thank you. For being a friend, and for understanding me. For knocking some sense into my brain."

He smiled. He held your hand in his and squeezed it tight.

Your situation wasn't easy. Leaving was better said than done. But Koby was glad that he could help, no matter how difficult.

"Anytime."

-

Koby dropped his coat onto the ground and immediately made his way to you on the couch. He leaned down and planted a kiss on your lips, a small innocent peck. Then he delved into the crook of your neck and pressing hungry kisses before pulling away, afraid to lose control. He sits down next to you, then laying his head on your lap.

“Long day baby?” You ask him, your hand gravitating to his scalp, gently massaging as you continue to watch the TV.

“Always a long day when Garp decides I could use a bit more training. More training on my usual routine and even then I train more then needed. But it’ll all be worth it.” He takes your hand off his scalp and pulls it down to his lips, pressing another gentle kiss on your knuckles.

“Can’t imagine what you go through. You must be stressed.” You lean down while taking off his head band and you press a tender kiss on his hair line.

“Only a little. I feel a thousand times better now that I’m with you.” He turns his head slightly and kisses your knee.

“I think I know how to make you feel better.” You bite your bottom lip as your hand makes its way towards his torso, your hand slipping underneath his shirt. Your fingers grazing at his abs. His breath hitched and he sighed at your soft touch. His skin immediately covered in goosebumps.

You pulled him up from your lap and he immediately pouted. You giggled and you sat down right behind him, your back pressed right up against the cushion and his muscular back. You nipped at his ear making him gasp. Your hand traveled down to his waist and your other unzipping his pants. You could feel him heavy breathing but trying to regulate it. He lifted his hips a bit from the couch to allow you to slip his pants off just a bit below his knees. You teasingly ran your fingernail over his shaft. He gasped again. He gently took your hand and looked back.

“Sweetheart… you don’t have to.” He looked at you with so much desperation hoping you would. You saw right through him but played along pretending like he wasn’t dying to feel your touch.

“But I want to. Just let me take care of you, okay?” You kissed his cheek, your hand gripping his shaft. He inhaled violently and he held his breath. With your other hand you pressed your palm over the clothed tip, his precum leaking through his boxers. You rubbed as you kissed his shoulder blade. “Just relax baby. You deserve it.”He finally exhaled and let himself relax. His body occasionally twitching.

“F-fuck… y/n. I thought about you so much at work I missed you so much.” His voice cracked and whiney. Oh how you loved making him break despite not doing anything yet. You leaned in closer to his ear.

“Yeah? Did you think about this? Hmm? Thought about my hands pumping your cock?” Your breath sending shivers in hai ear drum down his spine. He nodded immediately with a whine.

You pressed down harder with your palm, your hand soaked in his precum. Then with both hands you gripped it tightly by the base and pumped his cock a couple times. He threw his head back, his whining getting louder. Your hands moved faster and faster and with a final thrust of his hips trying to fasten the pace, he came inside his boxers. His moans dying down and he tried to catch his breath.

“Holy… you’re an angel y/n. You’re so… you’re too good for me. I don’t know what I’d-“ You cut him off with a kiss.

-He loves when you take over, not in the way where you’re putting in all the work, but more of you telling him what to do. He loves being praised and being complimented. Please tell him that he’s fucking you so good. But he loses all self respect when you degrade him. He kisses the ground you walk on.

He looked up at you all wide eyed but with such a look of intensity and hunger. “I’m sorry… I can’t… I don’t think I can.” He tried to explain himself for his disobedience but you weren’t having any of it. You leaned down, taking your foot off of his cock. You roughly grabbed his jaw and you pulled him close to your face.

“I thought you were going to be good for me? Was I wrong?” You looked down at him, your lips dangerously close to his. He fought everything in him to not kiss you but he knew that would be disobeying you further since you didn’t ask for a kiss. He shook his head.

“N-no… not wrong… y/n please. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.-“ You cut him off by pressing your foot onto his cock again. You rubbed up and down before harshly letting his jaw go. He fell back a bit, his head tilting backward and he pressed his knuckle to his mouth, biting it, trying to muffle his groan.

“Get your hand out of your mouth if you know what’s good for you.” He nodded.

-During sex, his glasses tend to fall off his head and land on his nose making you giggle. This happens all the time and every time it mortifies him. He always tries to put his glasses on the night stand but you make him put them on his head just to see them fall. He hates it.

-If he was already wearing his glasses, the thrusts of his hips as he pounds into you makes the glasses slip a bit making them crooked. You reach up and fix them for him every time.

koby knew this, but he didn’t care anymore. it had been an agonizing week without you and he couldn’t bear it anymore. your touch, your voice, your love, you. he needed you. who were you to deny him?

“baby, answer me.” your tone, slightly sharper than it was seconds ago, forced his gaze up where it had been locked on your fingers that lingered at the waistband of his pajama pants. his big blue eyes glistened behind his round glasses when they met yours. “think you can be quiet for me?”

koby nodded eagerly, his disheveled pink locks bouncing. “yes ma’am, i-i’ll be quiet.”he pleaded, trying to keep his voice as soft as possible. the corners of your lips quirked upwards at his poor attempt. it was good enough for you.

“such a good boy f’me,” you murmured before your lips landed on his, hardly muffling the whimper he let out at the contact. the tip of your nose bumped the rims of his glasses in your own haste, knocking them uneven on his face. koby either didn’t notice or didn’t care, pushing desperately into the kiss.

you felt the tips of his fingers brush against your thighs that straddled him, practically aching to feel you. so you gave him what he wanted, letting your hand slowly move down to his cock, hard in his pants. you gently palmed him at first, relishing each whine and whimper that tore from his throat.

“p-please, ma’am,” koby whispered, his voice trembling with pleasure and excitement. looking into his eyes, you knew exactly what he wanted. but you still furrowed your brows and tilted your head ever so slightly.

“please what?” you wrapped your fingers around his clothed cock, granting him the slightest of friction before he could get a proper response out. “c’mon, use your words, my pretty boy. what d’you want me to do?”

koby desperately tried to muffle his shaky moans with the back of his hand, nearly buckling in on himself from that alone. “touch me, please. wanna feel you s’bad.”

you hummed with satisfaction, admiring his flushed face and tented eyebrows when he managed to find your eyes again. they were glossed over as impatient tears started to prick at them.

“that’s it, my good boy. go on ‘n lay back for me, hm?” you aided him, easing him down onto his elbows before your lips crashed onto his again, catching him by surprise. koby whined into your mouth when he felt your hand leave, though it was back in a blink, this time tugging at his waistband to free him from his thin pants.

he was painfully hard against his lower stomach, tip red and leaking already. you held a cupped hand beneath his chin, koby not missing a beat as he spat into your hand. “good boy.” you mumbled, hypnotized by his compliance.

you wrapped your hand around his hard cock, koby shuddering at the sudden sensation. he wanted to beg you to keep going but his voice got caught in a particularly pitchy moan, at which you raised your eyebrows.

“what’d i say, baby?” your expression turned stern and your eyes narrowed slightly. koby quickly shook his head.

“‘m sorry, won’t happen again.”

the stare you gave him made him feel tiny underneath you. a soft yet uncertain hum vibrated in your chest. “no. no it won’t. can’t have anyone waking up, hm?”

you waited for him to reply, and just as he went to whisper something to you, you twisted your palm around and up his shaft, catching koby off guard.

“fuck,” he shakily hissed, bucking up into your hand. “nono, i promise i’ll be quiet.” he all but pleaded this time.

“atta boy.” you smiled down at him, only half confident in his claims. but you still gave him what he wanted, slowly starting to pump his cock while you planted sloppy kisses to his neck.

koby whined into the back of his hand, his head lulling back. “f-feels so good — fuck — don’t stop.” he begged, shamelessly rutting up into your warm, wet palm.

“so eager, hm?” you cooed. his noises were like music to your ears, lulling you into an indescribable high. your hand moved quicker, craving more of them.

koby’s legs tensed and his body writhed underneath you, and he pleaded for you to slow down in between choked moans. but you knew he didn’t mean it. his hips betrayed him, lifting to match your pace.

“c’mon, baby, you can take it.” you whispered against koby’s neck before latching onto his collarbone, painting deep purple bruises on his skin. his hand grasped at the nape of your neck with a groan, keeping you in place.

his head fell back, allowing you to press messy kisses to his throat. “‘m gonna cum.” he tried to keep his voice low, inhibitions steadily slipping the closer his orgasm grew.

“go on, baby. cum for me.” you pulled back to study his face, watching his eyes squeeze shut and his brows furrow as it hit. his lips parted with a shattered moan, though it was muffled when yours landed on his in a deep kiss.

you felt him tense underneath you as thick ropes of cum painted your hand and his stomach. you kept going, pace unrelenting, drinking in each shudder of sensitivity he’d let out. “that’s it,” you softly encouraged him.

koby rode out his orgasm, gently rutting into your fist with a whine until there was nothing left. his cries got higher and harder to hide when he found he couldn’t stop, the stimulation like a drug.

“want more, please.” koby begged, breathless once he managed to ground himself.

Every night in your bunk you thinking about quitting the Marines. Your muscles have gone past the point of sore and aching, past pain, right to shut down. Every night you are confident you’re not going to get up in the morning, that you’ll get dumped off at the next port and figure out your life from there. And then you remember what your life was like before.

It made your stomach turn remembering the man you were set to be married to. Everything about him made alarm bells set off in your head- how much older he was, how disrespectful he was to you- but what was the worst was how you had no choice. So you made a choice. You ran to the first marine base you knew of and joined up, making the recruiter promise to transfer you a whole sea away. You were free- free to push your body to its limits every day.

But there was one other (embarrassing) reason you stayed. Your Captain. You had a giant stupid crush on your superior officer, Koby. I mean it was hard not to. He was kind, selfless, gentle, and not to mention handsome. Even when you were failing miserably he was soft and encouraging which made you want to do well and keep going. You had even developed a friendship with him, as close of a friendship as you could have with your captain but you cherished it. Chats in the hallways, asking you for feedback on training, and sometimes sneaked late night snacks became cherished moments for you.

You weren’t under any delusions though. There was no way you could be in a relationship with your superior officer on the off chance that he liked you back. Which you couldn’t imagine he would. He joined the Marines to be a hero, to help people in need. You joined for a selfish reason and you can only imagine what Koby would think of you if he knew what your story was. So it was just a crush.

A crush that kept you getting up before the sun every morning to run drills, to try and eke out every bit of praise you could get from your Captain. And as hard as it was, you were doing pretty well. Far from the top of your group, sure, but not the bottom and you were happy with that.

You were at the end of one of your grueling training sessions, laying on the deck of the ship with your fellow cadets as you all caught your breath so you could go about your daily chores.

“Cadets! One more thing.” Koby’s voice cuts through the chatter and you and every other cadet sit upright immediately. You see him standing there with a bucket under his arm and a wide smile on his face.

“I’ve got a small mission I have to leave on for a few days so you will be left in the capable hands of Helmeppo.” You groan internally at the thought of him being your commanding officer. He was mean and snotty, you’re not quite sure why him and Koby got along in the first place. “But one of you cadets will be joining me as a learning experience. Now I don’t want anyone to think I have favorites so I will be drawing a name out of this bucket, alright?”

Your stomach swirled with anticipation at the thought of spending that much alone time with Koby. But when you looked around and remembered how many of your fellow cadets there where you curbed your expectations. Only one name was getting picked and it certainly wasn’t-

You are yanked out of your thoughts by your name being called loud and clearly by your captain. Suddenly everyone is looking at you and that confirms that, yes, it was your name.

“I’ll see you at my desk after dinner to give you the mission details.” Koby says after you make eye contact. All you can do is nod and just like that he walks off and you have to go about the rest of your day.

A mission. With just you and Koby. You don’t know if this is amazing or awful. Yes you get a chance to get closer to him and to prove yourself as a Marine. But this also gives you a huge chance to embarrass yourself.

The rest of the day goes by quick while you’re stuck in your own thoughts and churning emotions until suddenly you’re standing outside the door to Koby’s office. Taking a deep breath you knock and wait for your Captain’s cheery “come in” before entering his office.

“Nice to see you! Are you excited for the mission?” Koby stands as you enter and gestures for you to take a seat. As you sit down he sits back down as well.

“Excited, nervous, same thing right?” Your tone is joking but it is how you actually feel.

“I know how that is.” He pulls out some folders from his desk and opens one. “So the mission isn’t anything complicated. We just have to check up on a Marine safe house to make sure everything is in working order and restock it. It’ll be a days trip there and then we will stay one night and head back. There shouldn’t be any trouble, just a routine thing that fell on us since our ship is passing close by.”

Oh. That sounds like a mission you can actually handle. A good amount of weight feels lifted off your shoulders. “Sounds easy enough.”

“It should be. We will leave tomorrow bright and early so be sure to get some rest, alright?” His kind smile and caring words have butterflies flittering around in your stomach.

“Yes Captain.” You say with a smile and a nod and stand up to go back to your bunk for the night. Right as you get to the door the voice of you Captain stops you.

“And just so you know I’m glad you’re the one coming with me.”

You don’t turn around to face him, knowing your face would give away the effect his words had on you. “Thank you Captain. I’m glad too.”

You rush out the door after that, speed walking back to your bunk so you can fling yourself into bed and scream into your pillow. Getting all your emotions out now was good you thought, so maybe for the next few days you had a chance of not showing your stupid crush.

Packed and standing ready on deck you fold your arms behind you and rock in an attempt not to pace while you waited for Koby. He wasn’t late- he never was- but you were painfully early after a restless night. You didn’t have to wait too long before you saw his pink hair turn a corner, his bags in tow. He beams when he sees you and you can’t help but beam back, his energy was infectious even this early in the morning.

“Looks like you’re all ready to go. Hope you’ve brushed up on your sailing.” He nods to the small boat the two of you will be taking, a small but sturdy sailboat about to be lowered into the water.

“Yes sir.” Sailing was one of the first things you learned when you joined up, and you secretly hope you remember what you learned.

“Then let’s go!” He hops in the boat and extends his hand out to help you up and your heart lifts as he clasps your hand and pulls you up. When you land on the boat you stumble forward a bit, colliding into Koby’s chest. You suck in a deep breath as you quickly hop away, hoping he doesn’t notice the flush on your cheeks.

Once the boat was in the water most pleasantries were dropped as the two of you got into a working rhythm. It wasn’t a bad thing- in fact working on this small ship made you feel more like a Marine than running drills ever had. The two of you worked well together (at least you thought so) and were on course to your destination.

Pausing for lunch you got to have a nice conversation with Koby. Normally any talks you had were cut short by duties and such but out here you were actually able to get into the rhythm of conversation. You shared embarrassing first moments as cadets, talked about the awful meals they always served you, and generally how crazy it was to be a Marine during the age of pirates.

Eventually you had to get back to sailing as the sun dipped lower and you got closer to your destination. The destination, you learned, was a small uninhabited island not important enough to make it onto most maps. A perfect place for an emergency safe house for the Marines.

As you sail up to the rocky shore the sun is dipping into the horizon and you as you glance over to see your Captain you can’t help but admire how he looks in the light of the setting sun. His soft pink hair gets warmer in the orange and red rays and the concentration on his face is highlighted. You catch yourself staring and quickly shake yourself out of it, finishing up your knots and stowing away everything on deck. He helps you off the boat, ever the gentleman, and the two of you make your way inland to the safe house.

The safe house is barely a house. A well constructed shack would be a more apt description. But you figured in a situation that needed a safe house beggars couldn’t be choosers. Koby entered first, just in case there was an ambush waiting, but of course there wasn’t an after a few seconds he called you in. Again, house was a very nice and not applicable word. It was one room and a bathroom furnished with a few lockers for storage, a single folding chair, and one bed.

Wait a second.

“It’s a bit dusty but I think we can handle it for a night, yeah?” Koby turns and smiles at you and you don’t have the power within you to smile back, gears turning in your head over the bed situation. Koby follows your line of sight and catches on.

“Oh. Yeah I didn’t think that would be an issue I assumed there would be a couch or something.” Koby rubs the back of his neck. “But it’s no bother I’ll just sleep on the floor.”

“No- I should be the one on the floor.” Your brain finally starts back up. “You’re my Captain I’m just a cadet.”

“Yeah but-“ He sighs. “I’d feel bad if you slept on the ground.”

That damn flutter in your chest happens again. “And I’d feel bad if you slept on the ground.”

“Well it’s my duty as your Captain to take the less favorable option so-“

The words come out before you can think to stop them, cutting Koby off. “Why don’t we just share.”

Koby looks back at you, a bit stunned.

“I mean, we’re both adults and if we just sleep back to back it’ll be fine, right?” You explain, hoping you don’t sound like an absolute creep.

“I mean, as long as you’re not uncomfortable that might be to best solution.” You can’t tell if it’s the light of the setting sun or if Koby’s face is just as flushed as yours feels.

“Right then.” You stand there awkwardly for a few beats. “So do we stock now or-“

“Oh yes!” Koby snaps back into action and the two of you go about replenishing the stock in the small house as the sun finally dips below the horizon.

It only took the two of you 30 minutes, maybe, and then you were faced with the bed once again. You excused yourself to the bathroom for your nightly routine, taking way longer than needed out of sheer anxiety. After brushing your teeth for the third time (a desperate attempt to combat morning breath) you decide it’s finally time to get back out there. Koby goes into the bathroom as you stare at the bed.

It’s an average sized bed and you can guess that if you put yourself right up to the edge and Koby does the same there will be an inch or two between you- not really a lot of space but just enough where maybe you won’t be touching. You slide under the covers and line your front with the outer edge of the bed and take deep breaths, doing your best to calm down before Koby joins.

It’s not too long before you see the bathroom door open and Koby slip out, wearing the same Marine uniform pajamas you are wearing as well. He turns the lights off and lays down on his side of the bed, back to you like you talked about earlier.

“Goodnight.” His voice is muffled slightly by your positions.

“Goodnight.” You return, hoping that Koby can’t sense your heart pounding in your chest.

Even though you aren’t touching you can feel the warmth radiating off of him and you want nothing more than to just press your back to his- any kind of physical contact would be fine since you’ve gone so long without any of it. But you don’t. You shove those feelings down and screw your eyes shut and hope sleep comes mercifully fast.

The first thing you notice when you wake up is how warm it is. Where you sleep is normally so cold so waking up to a comforting warmth relaxes the muscles in your body as you soak it up.

The second thing you notice is where the warmth is coming from. Somehow during the night Koby turned around and put his arms around you and now his front is pressed to your back. Your body immediately tenses up again as you’re jolted awake.

One of his arms is around your midsection, his hand over your stomach. You feel his breath on the back of your neck, even and deep so clearly he is still asleep. Your hand had drifted over Koby’s and you quickly retract it. None of your reactions are out of disgust no- all of them are because you are painfully aware of how much you want this.

An easy morning waking up in Koby’s arms is something you’ve fantasized about and you can’t help but soak it up despite knowing that it isn’t quite the same. It’s just something that happened involuntarily in the night, not something your Captain would have wanted. He saw you as a cadet- maybe as a friend- not this. Guilt for enjoying the moment stirs in your gut but all that is shot out of your mind when Koby shifts in his sleep and pulls you ever so closer to where you can feel more of his body pressed against you and-

Oh.

Right against your lower back you feel something hard press against you and you immediately know what it is. You bite the inside of your cheek and fight to keep your breathing level as the situation sinks in.

Of course, logically, you know it’s not about you. This is just a thing that happens sometimes and it’s just biological and not you. And you know if you were to move and wake him up Koby- perfect gentleman Koby- would be mortified and apologetic. He would never willingly put you in this position. But some part of you- a large part of you- like this. Likes feeling his body pressed against yours, his length trapped between your bodies. A cruel part of you wants to grind back into him but then you know you’d be taking advantage of him and you could never do that.

So you lay there. Impatiently waiting for him to wake as you keep your breaths low and even as if you were sleeping, tamping down your heart rate until this whole thing is over.

You don’t have to wait long, both of you exist on the same strict Marine schedule and you feel him wake up as he suddenly goes stiff, probably having the same realizations you did minutes ago. His hand slowly retreats back and then he practically flings himself backwards out of the bed. Your eyes are shut so you don’t see him move but you hear the opening and closing of the bathroom door and after a few moments you too shoot upright. The distinctive noise of the shower turning on signals you have at least a few minutes to yourself and you flop backwards into the bed with a groan.

Thank god it’s only one night and-

The sound of Koby’s transponder snail makes you sit back up again. Since Koby just got into the shower you know you should answer it- it was probably base wanting an update. You pick up the receiver and hear Helmeppo’s voice and after a short conversation you were filled in on a situation.

A nasty storm front had rolled in making it ill advised for you and Koby to sail back today, but it should be cleared up by tomorrow so just hang tight for one more day. You thank him for the update and fight the urge to fling the receiver into the wall.

One more night.

In that tiny goddamn bed.

It was a swirl of emotions because it was agony being so close to him but at the same time it was everything you wanted. It was selfish and pathetic but you kept ghosting your hand over where he held you and trying to recapture that feeling. You shoved that all down as you heard the water turn off and you quickly made the bed.

“Did I hear my snail out here?” Koby’s voice is behind you from the doorway of the bathroom and you turn to see him. And there he is. Shirtless.

Logically you know how strong Koby is, you’ve seen him fight and run drills without breaking a sweat but it’s one thing to know with your brain that Koby has muscles. It’s another thing to see it in front of you, the sheen of water glistening off of every single abdominal muscle he has. And he has a lot. It takes you almost too long to register that all he has is a towel around his lower half, seated just a bit lower than it should and you have to scream at yourself not to stare at the V shape his muscles carve in his pelvis.

Realizing you’ve probably taken painfully too long to answer you finally respond. “It was Helmeppo, apparently a storm rolled in and we are not clear to return today. He said to call him back with any questions.”

Some emotion came over Koby’s face just for a second before he was smiling again. “Well, I guess it’s good we brought all those rations.”

He ducked back into the bathroom and closed the door and you sighed. You could get through another 24 hours. Probably.

The rest of the morning is quiet as you trade places with Koby and get dressed and then breaking open some rations for breakfast. Koby suggests a patrol of the island- a glorified walk- and you agree.

Silence fell to comfortable conversation out on the rocky shore and eventually the two of you were skipping stones and laughing together. Sharing stories and blunders, you learned about Koby’s training under Vice Admiral Garp and why he was so close to Helmeppo.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever asked you why you joined the Marines.” Koby’s question forms a pit in your stomach.

You turn over the smooth rock in your hand, debating how to answer. When your fellow cadets ask you it’s easy to lie. But when it’s Koby? He picks up on your hesitation.

“I mean you don’t have to answer if it’s personal- I was just curious.”

“No it’s just-“ You sigh and stare downwards. “I don’t want you to think less of me.”

“I would never.” He voice is so honest you crumble.

You tell him everything. Everything you’ve kept pent up for over a year comes spilling out onto the shore in emotional waves. King listens patiently through it all and by the time you’re done you feel his hand on your shoulder.

“There’s nothing to be ashamed about.” He speaks low and you feel tears prick in your eyes.

“But I mean there’s people like you, who do this just to help others. You’re a hero and I’m just a coward.” You bring your sleeve up to dot away the tears threatening to fall over your face.

“Hey, look at me.” Koby moves so he’s in front of you and you look up into his eyes. “You’re not a coward. You’re so incredibly brave, alright? At least I think you are.”

His words hit some deep part of you you weren’t sure existed and you crumble. Tears stream down your face and Koby pulls you in for a hug. You sob into his shoulder for what feels like hours, releasing all of your emotions. When you’re finally drained you take a deep breath and lightly step out of Koby’s hold.

“Thank you.” You whisper, trying not to cringe at the damp spot your tears made in his uniform.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m glad you told me, seems like you really needed to.” He offers you a small smile and you can’t help but return it.

“Yeah I guess I did.” You wipe away the last of your tears. “We should head back…”

“Oh, I guess it is time for dinner.” Koby slings his arm over your shoulder as the two of you walk back to the safe house and you fight the urge to completely snuggle up into his side.

The two of you eat rations and have more fun conversation as the night wears on, and you finally feel comfortable being open. You laugh harder than you have in a long time with him. Before you know it the sun has already set and it’s time, once again, to deal with that damn bed.

After changing you get back into the same position as you did last night and Koby does the same. You lay there, consumed by thoughts of your day and how happy you feel. You feel the heat radiating off of Koby and you wish secretly you could wake up in the same position as this morning, to have just a few more moments of contact with him.

After who knows how long Koby shifts behind you and you hear a whisper. “Are you awake?”

“Yes.” You respond and roll over and see Koby laying on his back, staring up at the ceiling.

“I- um.” His hands play with the edge of the thin blanket. “After I say this I want you to know you can kick me out of this safe house. I’ll sleep outside, and there will be no punishment whatsoever for whatever you say after I ask you this.”

Confusion and nervousness come over you and you prop yourself up a bit to get a better look at him. “Okay?”

“I really like you.” He’s looking everywhere but you as he confesses this and you feel your stomach turn over. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable so I thought I would let you know and I’ll just sleep on the floor or outside-“

“Koby.” Your voice cuts him off and you have to take a deep breath before you continue. “I like you as well.”

Silence hangs in the air as Koby finally looks at you and the two of you just stare at each other in the darkness. Terrified if you move you’ll wake up from this dream you wait patiently for him to make the next move.

“Good. Well.” It’s clear Koby didn’t think he would get this far and the flush on his cheeks makes your heart warm. “Then I guess it would be ok to sleep here again.”

“It would be.”

“Then. I guess tomorrow we can talk about what this means.”

“We can.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

You nod but don’t lay back down completely. Your body screams at you to hold him close but you don’t- seeing where he wanted to take this. He watches you not move, eyes scanning over your body before going back to locking eyes with you.

“Would you- I mean-“ His hand takes through his hair. “Would it be alright if I hold you?”

A grin splits your face as you nod, laying down and sliding up to his side. His arm goes behind your shoulder and pulls you closer as you wrap one of your arms around his chest. As your head settles in his shoulders you hear how loud his heart is beating- a comfort since yours is also hammering in your chest.

But as you lay there you can’t help but think of the morning. How he felt against your back and a heat pools deep in your stomach as you wonder what happened after he left bed this morning. Your fingers trace circles on his chest as you work up the courage to talk.

“Hey, Koby.” Your voice is soft, barely above a whisper.

“Yes?”

“This morning I um… I have to admit something. I was awake before you were.” You feel his muscles stiffen under you.

“I’m so sorry.” He sounds mortified.

“No, no it’s-“ You keep tracing the circles. “I wasn’t- it wasn’t bad is what I’m trying to say.”

“Oh.”

You and Koby sit in silence for a bit as this information sinks in for him. You don’t press any further, waiting for his proper response.

“Can I admit something as well.” Koby’s voice is strained.

“Of course.” You move so you can look at his face, bright red and embarrassed.

“I might- this morning after I got up I had to-“ He groans, the words not coming out right. You decide to help.

You sit up and swing one of your legs over him so you’re straddling his lap. Koby seems surprised and his hands hang in the air for a bit before settling on your knees. “Did you think of me this morning Captain?”

“Yes.” It’s said barely above a whisper, but just that sends a wave of arousal down your spine.

“What did you think about?” You ask, hands slowly unbuttoning your top.

“How you felt against me.” Koby’s hands travel up to the tops of your thighs.

“And?” Fully unbuttoned you shrug off your top, smiling at the way Koby’s eyes become glued to your chest.

“How it would feel if we both had less clothing on.”

“I thought about that too.” You place your hands over Koby’s and bring them up to your hips. “You can touch me. I want you to touch me.”

His grip on your hips tightens slightly as he looks you over and you can see the gears turning in his head. Suddenly he sits up, using his grip to keep you steady on his lap as he pulls you in for a kiss.

His lips are soft as he kisses you deeply. One of your hands steadies yourself on his shoulder while the other goes to the back of his head and lightly grips some of his soft pink hair. The two of you kids until you’re breathless, pulling away panting as you rest your forehead against his. As you dive back in for more you shift your hips back and down and can feel his length against you through fabric and Koby groans loudly into your mouth.

His hands at your hips grip hard as you repeat the motion and he breaks away from the kiss to moan and pant. His mouth moves to your neck as he takes charge and thrusts his hips up to yours.

“Koby-“ Your plea breaks off into a moan. “More.”

The second the word leaves you mouth Koby’s hands are at the waistband of your pants and you lift your hips up so he can pull them down. You have to awkwardly leave his lap, rolling over on your back to fully shimmy off your bottom layers but Koby takes the opportunity to fully switch your positions- him hovering over you.

He presses kisses to your clavicle and slowly works down your sternum to your stomach and then your hips. You’re a whiny mess by the time his head is between your legs, hands holding your thighs open for him.

“You’re so wet.” He says it with a reverence that makes you blush hard, squirming a bit under his gaze. His fingers spread out your folds as he just looks, causing you to hook one of your legs around his back in an attempt to signal you want him closer.

He seems to get the message as two fingers press between your folds and slowly enter you. You sense how hesitant he is so as he pumps his fingers in and out you encourage him.

“Fuck- Koby feels good. Just need a bit more.” Your hand gently tangles in his hair and he takes the direction immediately, adding a third finger in. You arch your back as you get stretched out, moaning loud.

“Can I-“ He presses a kiss to the inside of your thigh and when you see the embarrassment on his face you know what he’s asking.

“Please Koby.” You whisper.

He kisses further in until you feel his breath on your folds. His fingers part the way for his mouth as he slowly licks up your entrance and you shudder at the contact. As your fingernails graze his scalp he dives further in, tongue entering you and gathering up your slick. He’s slow and methodical, picking up on every noise and movement you make and adjusting to what you like the most.

Three fingers pump in and out of you as he sucks lightly on your clit. Your heels dig into his back as he takes you apart bit by bit and you tug on his hair lightly.

“I’m close.” You breathe and he doubles his efforts, fingers curling inside you as he flattens his tongue against that bundle of nerves and you see stars as you gush over his face.

Panting, you barely notice his fingers exit you as he crawls up beside you, lovingly pressing kisses all along his path. As you finally settle back into your body you pull his face to yours, kissing him deep and tasting yourself on his tongue. Your hand dips down and finds Koby’s hard length and you squeeze through the fabric, earning you a deep groan into your mouth. You slowly work your hand up and down until Koby stops kissing you and whines, pressing his forehead to yours. Knowing he’s hesitating again, you push.

“I want you inside me.” You press a kiss to his cheek and gently push at the waistband of his pants. You watch his brain short circuit a moment before he catches up, hurriedly pushing his pants down and flinging them somewhere across the room, along with his shirt.

He gets onto his knees and you get a good look at him, cock red and leaking, almost painfully hard as it curves up towards his stomach. Adjusting your positions his knee holds one of your thighs open as the other rests on his thigh. He guides his tip to your entrance and you see him shudder as he first feels your heat. It’s not long before he’s pressing fully into you, made easy by all his previous ministrations.

Moans fill the room and he bottoms out inside you and he doubles over, forehead pressing to your shoulder as both of you adjust to his length inside you. You don’t need long before your hand soothes over his back and you tell him to move. And of course he listens.

He sets a steady pace, one hand gripping your hip as the other keeps him above you. He presses kisses to your neck and shoulder and whispers praises to you. How good you feel, how perfect you are around him, how he dreamed of this. You would love to tell him the same but you can’t quite form words so you settle for digging your nails into his back and scalp every time he thrusts.

It’s not long before both of you are teetering on the edge- Koby’s thrusts get sloppy and you need more.

“Faster- just a bit- almost-“ You choke out as one of your hands go between your two bodies and you circle your clit as he goes faster, chasing his own end. With one finally deep thrust you feel him coat the inside of your walls and it’s not long before you’re cumming as well, screaming his name.

Koby gently collapses on top of you and the weight is not unwelcome. You press kisses to the top of his head as you both gather your senses and you feel his arm latch around your side.

“Hey, I know things might be… hard for us… but I want you to know that I really do care about you.” Koby’s words hit deep in your heart and you wrap your arms around him tightly.

“No matter what I really care about you to.”