#first encounters

The life of a drifter had many possibilities; from lives filled with dangerous fighting to radical adventures at sea, there was always something interesting to add spice to the life of a lonely sailor. You, on the other hand, chose to follow a much more peaceful path, sailing around to escape all your problems and pursue all the simpler things in life that you loved. Things like good food, good booze, and hopefully one day… good friends. You sailed alone yourself, and didn’t fancy bonding with many of the people you’ve met. Things were just easier that way, anyway. 

Enough of that though, you had better things to occupy your thoughts with. For instance, at this moment you would rather focus on savouring the flavour of the delicious food you just finished, sipping away at a bottle of what they called ‘The House Special.’ It was a moonshine, and a damn good one at that. When you ordered your second bottle, you hardly remembered even finishing the first. It had branding and everything, showing that this town took its brewing and distilling seriously. This town… Wherever you were. It didn’t matter. You were at peace with your elbows on the counter-top, taking in the quiet chatter of the brewery you sat in, savouring the lingering flavour of your previous meal.

At least… It was peaceful. The idle chatter had all but disappeared once a band of fresh faces marched on into the bar, loud and boisterous as ever. You could tell it was a pirate crew most certainly not of this island. Their aura was much like yours, drifting free. That made them easy to identify as pirates, watching from the corner of your eyes as they filled out the tables on the main floor, then soon the remaining empty stools along the bar. Just your luck as well, the loudest one of the bunch had made a point to take a seat right next to you. You felt like a damn magnet for extroverts, which was always trouble for you as a preferred introvert. 

You tried to ignore them; you really did try. Plenty of fresh bullshit was tolerated from spilled drinks to dropped food; you handled it all as they inevitably sprayed in your direction. But, when the redhead next to you let out a belch so strong you felt it in your chest, you had enough. With a deep huff you slammed your bottle down into the counter and turned to the man on your left with fire in your eyes and poison on your tongue.

“Could you shut the fuck up for two god damn minutes?” You spat, staring him down. 

Silence. Total silence in that corner of the bar. The redhead looked at you with wide eyes, entirely appalled by how you spoke to him. Those closest to you watched on in either horror, or pure interest, feeling the tension thicken between you and this stranger.

“And who the fuck do you think you are to be talkin’ to me like that?” The man questioned you, inserting himself into your personal space. 

You did not hesitate and stood on the bottom rungs of your bar stool, grabbing his shirt by the collar and pulling it tight, throwing him off balance as you tugged him closer to you. It worked quite well, silencing him as he stared at you with wide eyes. With how you nearly choked him, he couldn’t really say much if he wanted to; yet he was strangely okay with that. He was… enchanted. 

“I’m a fuckin’ patron lookin’ for some peace, so shut. The fuck. Up.” You repeated with a growl. 

This time he looked entirely stunned, going red from the base of his neck to the tips of his ears. He looked almost sickly—at least, that was the best word you could think of to describe his expression. Before you could say anything else to him, you felt a tap on the back of your shoulder. You turned your head and came face to face with a blue and white striped mask, a mane of blonde hair practically bursting out from behind him. 

“Could you please let go of my Captain now? I fear he may fall in love with you more than he already has with how you’re manhandling him right now.” The blonde stated to you rather politely. 

The sudden tension that hung in the frozen scene; oh how thick it was in the silence; combined with how casually you were asked to let go of the captain—who was clearly into the way you handled him—was all too much. You did let go of him, but in a fit of laughter instead as you slumped back down onto your stool, continuing to laugh at the way the redhead had truly looked as scarlet as his own hair. The men were intrigued by your reactions to them, particularly because you were entirely unfazed by how they towered over you on either side of where you sat.

“M’kay, what the hell is your story?” You chuckled. “You two are clearly close, bold, and wild.”

“You’re one to talk; bold enough to handle Eustass Kid in such a way with your bare hands.” The blonde painted out. “How about you tell us your story first, bold one?”

Your jaw hung open, looking from the masked man to the redhead with the entire mechanical arm before it clicked in your head. “... Oh, you’re that Eustass Kid? Shit. No wonder you looked kinda familiar…” You mumbled quietly. “Kid… and Killer.”

“Kinda???” Kid spoke, sounding rather offended. 

You ignored him at the moment, grabbing the bottle you drank from and squinting at the label. When you finally saw the proof on it, you puffed your cheeks out and exhaled, looking away from it with wide eyes. You hadn’t really checked just how strong of a drink you were having tonight. 

“Fuck that’s strong.” You muttered, putting the bottle down again. “Oops.”

“You’re about to make me fall in love too with that move.” Killer chuckled as he moved to sit on the other stool, scooting it closer to you. 

Even as the two clearly dangerous pirates closed in on you, you did not flinch; rather, you settled in as their shoulders barely touched yours. They were definitely looming, but if it was to intimidate, it most certainly did not work on you.

“You two are really bold, but now that I understand who you are, it makes sense.” You huffed, picking up your bottle of booze again as if you didn’t just cringe at its strength moments ago. 

“I still think you’re the bold one here.” Killer hummed. 

“Where’s your crew? Surely you wouldn’t parade yourself around with such confidence without a bit of backup?” Kid asked you, leaning in a bit closer. 

“Don’t have one.” You answered flatly.

“Truly? You sail alone?” Killer asked this time. 

“Who said I sail?”

“You don’t exactly give off the vibe of a local.”

“You’re a lot like us.” They each spoke, respectively.

You raised a brow after hearing this, looking between them. “Funny you say that, honestly.”

“So, You have nowhere to go then, right?” Kid pressed. 

“Are you making an offer to the stranger who nearly choked you out moments ago?” You chuckled. “I’m nuts, you know. Who knows what kind of other crazy shit I could do to you?”

The two of them chuckled. That was all you needed for an answer honestly. But you heard them out when they spoke. 

“I think we’re willing to take that risk. You caught our attention quite strongly.” Kid carried on. “Unless… You’ve got somethin’ to lose. Maybe you’re not as tough as you say~”

“Shoot, if you wanted me to choke you out more often, you could’ve just asked!” You teased, earning some laughter as the bar settled back down into normalcy. 

“So you’re considering it then?” Killer asked. 

“Perhaps. I’ve got no destination and no crew, so effectively nothing to lose. Why do you want me though? It can’t be just because of how bold I am.” You questioned. “What’s the catch? You pirates always have a catch.”

“‘Ey, ey, nothin’ wrong with wanting to take along a cutie that can hold their own, is there~?” Kid asked you in mock defense. “You’re the one who made yourself known to me by getting ticked off.”

“Or perhaps we do want to fall in love with you and that strength of yours a little more.” Killer mumbled, partially speaking for the both of them. 

“Both of you are so fuckin’ cheeky—not something I would have expected from reading all the horror stories about you in the News Coo.” You huffed, sipping at your drink still. “... So say I do go with you. What do I do about my ship? And don’t say leave it here. No one can have her. It’s either me, or no one at all.”

“Then burn her.” Kid suggested. “Yours is that tiny thing down in the harbor, hey? The one that’s got wood rot.”

“Mhmm. My lil’ terror of the sea.” You nodded. “That rot should’ve taken her long ago. I can’t believe my silly treatments kept her sailing this far, honestly.”

“Take what you need, put it on board our ship, sail out behind us, swing back to our ship and see your girl off in honourable flames.” He elaborated. “Toss a molotov from our deck, so you’re out of the flames.”

“You’re nuts.” You scoffed. 

“So are you.” He grinned. “You don’t gotta be nuts alone though. I feel like you’d fit right in with us.”

You thought about it for a moment; they were right. You were as wild as they were, and you felt it when they walked in. This was not the intended route for this interaction, but you were considering it heavily.

“I can see you thinkin’ about it, and doing so makes you smile real pretty.” Killer commented, watching your eyes dart from the floor, to him, then to your drink where your gaze lingered. “Our ship needs some more fun on board.”

“Tch, I’ve got nothing to lose at all. Sure, what the hell. I’ll join you.” You finally agreed, having partially hoped they were serious about the offer, “You seem fun.”

”Then leave with us tonight; keep and commit to your word, bold one.” Kid then challenged you. 

“My name is [y/n], not bold one.” You corrected with a stern look. 

“Mm, and now we know the name of the one who can lift a man your size off his feet for a couple seconds.” Killer hummed. 

“Tsk, you could’ve just asked.” You sighed, swirling the remaining contents of liquor in your bottle. “... You think this is strong enough to be a good igniter?”

“You really are mad.” Kid laughed. “Why don’t we go find out, hey?”

“Hold on.” Killer spoke, looking out at one of his crewmates and tapping his wrist. When he received a nod, he turned back to you and Kid. “The log pose is set. We’re good to go at any time.”

“Then let’s go now, before you decide to change your mind.” Kid grinned, standing up. 

“Don’t wanna lose your new choking device, hey?” You laughed. 

“You’ll fit right in.” Killer noted with a suppressed chuckle. “It’s now or never though; that’s about to be your Captain.”

“Yeah. I can’t believe I’m gonna follow this loud mouth.” You huffed. “You’ve made the idea sound far too enticing.”

“There’s a reason we’re close. I translate and provide a more enticing voice of reason.” Killer told you, surely smirking under that mask of his. “You’re welcome.”

“Alright.” You huffed, tossing a coin pouch on the counter. “Let’s get out of here then.”

There was chatter from the crew when you turned around and moved with their Captain, whoops and whistles coming from everyone as they joked about their Captain kidnapping another crew member. Some of them thought for sure you’d get some sense knocked into you, but were surprisingly chill with the way things turned out instead. They truly trusted their Captain. 

The lot of them led you to the pier where you saw how embarrassingly small your boat was in comparison to their massive ship docked just a few meters away. How convenient that they had chosen a spot so close to you without realizing. The rest of them boarded their ship, but Kid and Killer stayed back with you, looking over your tiny vessel. 

“Get your valuables and I’ll take them on board.” Killer offered. 

You nodded and scurried away, returning to them after a few minutes of gathering your things into a bag. Cautiously, you offered it to the large masked man, and he took it from you with a small huff. 

“Don’t hesitate now.” He warned. 

“I’m not. I’m wondering if you’re serious. You really want me to come along with y’all?” You questioned, wondering if the offer was all some drunken dream. 

“As serious as I’ll ever be. You interest me, and this is how I’d like to go about learning all I can about you” Kid answered. “Now take her out to sea alongside us, then light her up from the safety of our deck.”

“Heh, good enough reason for me. You lead.”

The two men left with your things, carrying them on board their own ship while they left you to yours; your own little ship that barely held it together. Even your vessel was pushing you for newer beginnings, to get you out of your rut and back on your feet adventuring the way you used to. She was begging to retire, and you felt the moment you would grant her that grace growing near. They cast off, and then you shortly after. 

They sailed out just far enough that the island was a thin line on the horizon. When their ship settled in the water, so did yours, and time seemingly stood still. You stood in the center of your tiny deck, and they gazed out from theirs, watching you stand there in the silence. 

“Come aboard! I’ll drop a rope!” Kid called out. 

You watched said rope get thrown over the side, still only watching as the end of it kissed the waves across the ten meter gap. Instead of jumping in the water to get to it though, you sighed, turning around and reaching into a crate, bent over halfway inside of it. Those who watched you grew concerned, fearing that you had a plan to bail. To their surprise though, you rose from the crate with that bottle of booze still in your hand, feeling a kerosene soaked cloth down its neck.

“Are you nuts?!” Kid hollered. 

“Yeah… Yeah a lil’ bit!” You belted back, pulling out a match book from your pocket. 

You struck a single match, lit the end of the cloth, and smashed it on the deck at the bow, engulfing the entire front in flames. The kerosene you soaked the rag with had leaked out of the bottom of the crate you were once bent inside of, having dropped the canister carelessly inside. It flowed across the floorboards and encouraged the flames to spread, giving you a spectacular background as you leapt clean across the gap towards Kid’s ship, your legs just barely dipping into the water when you grabbed the rope. 

Kid gawked too long so Killer had to snap into action, pulling you up with the rope as you finally left your old ship behind. After walking up the side of the ship and climbing on board, you sighed with relief, brushing yourself off. Though you were met with wide eyes and silence, you didn't care too much; far more concerned with your wet pant legs. 

“... Y’know, I think I forgot some of my pants down there. Fuck.”

This drew laughter from Kid finally, and he cracked a wide grin. “Oh yeah, you’re gonna fit right in perfectly.”

===

It had been a few months since you had gone along with them, and boy were they ever right; you fit in with the whole crew perfectly. They were all fools in their own special way, and you were just another one to add to the foolishness. Spontaneously accepting an invite to join the crew of the man you almost choked out once had never gone so smoothly. 

After all that time had passed, you still held onto one thought though, that thought being of what both Kid and Killer said to you that night. Hearing that either of them may fall in love with you because of your actions—because you were so authentically you. You had thought about it a lot, actually, and over time, found yourself falling in love with your now Captain and his other half. Kid and Killer. You couldn’t control how your heart swelled for both of them lately, and you were now at the point where you had to tell someone or you would combust. And who exactly do you confide in?

Heat and Wire, of course. 

“What the fuck do I do.” You sighed, sitting in your room with the two men, seeking their advice. 

“About what?” Wire asked.

“... I think I’m in love with both Kid and Killer.” You finally mumbled, the confusion audible in your voice. 

“No shit.” Heat snorted.

“It’s not funny! I feel like a total sucker and I haven’t stopped thinking about the first few words spoken between us…” You pouted. 

“Was it the part where you told him to shut the fuck up?” Wire joked, remembering the night quite well from his perspective.

“I believe they mean the part where Killer said the Cap’n might fall in love with them; further to that, the part when Killer also said that he may fall in love himself.” Heat saved, curing the scowl on your face and saving Wire and earful. 

“Thank you, Heat.” 

“So, what’s buggin’ ya about what he said then?” Wire pressed.

“I… wanna know if he meant it. If it’s even possible that both of them could love me too…”

Heat and Wire gave each other a look. It was one of those looks, and you missed it entirely with how you gazed down at your hands.

“I believe it is very possible.” Heat stated.

“How do you know, though?” You asked. 

“Listen. They talk out their asses a lot, but I remember how that night played out. We were there too. I can guarantee you that they meant it, and most likely still do.” Heat told you with complete confidence. “I’ve never seen either of them take a liking to someone so quickly before.”

“But… Would both of them even want me in that sort of way? Is that not overly selfish of me…” You asked softly, looking up at them.

Wire laughed, shaking his head. “They are the definition of selfishness. Trust me when I say they want you.”

“Well then… H-how the hell do I even bring it up with them?”

“Do just that. Bring it up. Be yourself entirely, just like the day you first crossed paths.” Heat advised. 

“So, what I’m hearing is… Grab them both by the shirt and drag them off to confess?” you said slowly.

“Yeah, that sounds like you.” Heat chuckled. “You know, when you’re not all flustered over our boys.”

That comment earned him a smack, but he knew he deserved it. 

“Now quit ruminating. Go.” Wire advised. “Before you get shy again.”

“Alright, alright!” You laughed. “I’m going. Where did you last see either of them?”

“No need for that. You can hear them bickering in the kitchen.” Heat pointed out. 

When you finally allowed a moment of silence, you could definitely hear the two of them arguing about something faintly in the background. The distance told you they were definitely in the kitchen, and you sighed, forgetting how predictable those fools were when you got to know them. 

“Fine. I’ll go do it now.” You huffed. “Just gimme space.”

“Aye aye.” They both chuckled.

You made sure to noticeably roll your eyes at them before you left your room, leaving the fools to gossip between each other while you went to ask another bold question.

Sure enough, when you followed the sound of their bickering voices, it led you to the kitchen where you found them arguing over when it was a good time to have brownies, Kid viciously arguing for that time to be right now. Some of the crew watched on from the dining table, having snacks of their own while they watched. This was an awkward time to step in, but it was quite literally now or never for you. 

“Oi. You two, shut the fuck up and come with me right now.” You spoke up, stepping in between them mid argument. 

“Hey-!”

“Woah-!”

You clenched your hands around part of each of their shirts and dragged the two of them away without another word, pulling them outside to a quiet area at the stern of the ship. The sun was setting by now, and as your fingers curled into their clothing you grew more and more nervous about what you were going to say to them. You hadn’t really thought it over; how can you think over being yourself, after all? When you eventually let them go, Kid gave you a look of confusion and mild irritation, and you assumed Killer did some sort of similar look himself behind that mask of his. 

“You better have a good reason for dragging us out here, troublemaker,” Kid grumbled. 

“I don’t mind cutting the argument short.” Killer huffed, revealing that he didn’t seem to mind the situation at all. 

“It was a debate!” Kid shot back. 

“Did you really mean that shit you said back on the day we first met?” You spoke up over them, finally grabbing their attention. 

“Mean what?” Kid asked. 

“What did we say?” Killer questioned further. 

“... When you said it was possible for me to make you fall in love with me, did you really mean that?” You finally asked with a wavering tone. “Am I someone worth falling in love with…”

The boys stopped bickering entirely now, facing you head-on in the silence. They both looked like they had been waiting for this moment, even the movement of their chests falling still for a second, tensions rising as the waves gently broke the silence surrounding you. 

“Do you?” Kid finally spoke, surprising both of you. 

“Do I? Fuck, I fear I’m deeply in love with both of you so please, tell me you weren’t just saying things.” You huffed, leaning against the railing. “I burned my fuckin’ boat to be here with you. I coulda repaired her honestly, so don’t be fuckin’ with me. Please.”

Both of them seemed to breathe again, grabbing you this time and pulling you quite literally in between them, sandwiching you in a perfect hug; a hug you’ve only ever had the privilege of experiencing in your dreams. The initial contact made you squeak, turning into their own personal heat source between them; Kid on your right and Killer on your left. 

“We did actually fall in love that day.” Killer said.

“Killer here just wanted to make sure you’d love us both the same.” Kid added on. “Our bond is special, but your spark blends with ours.”

Your eyes widened. “So it… wouldn’t be selfish of me to want to have you both…”

“Fa fa! Really? I’d argue it’s more selfish of us to want to have you.” Killer laughed, snaking an arm around your waist.

“You.. W-want me?” You stammered slowly, feeling your heart beat faster. 

“Been wanting.” Kid hummed in your right ear. “Your spark is familiar… I crave it.”

“As do I.” Killer agreed on your left. “I feel that spark too.”

“You two really are little shits, aren’t you?” You mumbled, your heart now pounding in your chest so hard they could feel it.

“Careul, don’t have a heart attack~” Kid joked.

“K-kinda hard not to do so when I can see up Kil’s mask with how close you two are…”

“Oh, sorry, darling. Let me move it out of the way for you.” Killer purred. 

He slipped the helmet off with his other hand quite easily, as if he had already loosened it to do so. Your eyes were quick to lock onto his purple lips, gazing in awe as you fought to see past his messy bangs. Kid clicked his tongue at this action, and you caught his smirk out of the corner of your eye. 

“C’mon, you said you wouldn’t pull that card until after a little more teasing.” Kid chastised. 

“Mmm, too bad, I want to kiss them now.” Killer hummed, looking down at you. “Can we?”

“Yeah, can we?” Kid jumped in, proving that neither of them had any patience any longer after hearing your confession. 

“Please?” They said in unison, leaning in extremely close. 

“Please do.” You finally said, having already given in to their body language. “I’m dying to be painted in streaks of red and purple. Please.”

The two men let out staggered breaths, trying to decide who goes first. The look they exchanged said ‘Captain first’ and Kid did not waste that opportunity given. Kid took your chin gently in his right hand, stealing a deep, tender, ten second kiss from you. He left his mark with streaks of red lipstick on your cheek, caused by Killer taking his turn to gently turn your jaw towards him, stealing his own kiss from you too. Just as long, just as sweet, and in such a way that you caught a glimpse of his crystalline blue eyes behind his messy bangs. 

“Mmm… I’ve craved this… Your love…” You mumbled between kisses, chasing your breaths as you happily drowned in kisses. 

Leaned up against a wall now, the three of you gradually slid down said wall until you sat in a tangled heap on the deck, smears of red and purple lipstick decorating your neck and face, just like you asked for. They had calmed themselves to softer kisses, having given in to the cuddling pile, each with an arm around you with your legs tangled together. The setting sun warmed you where you sat, enveloped in their arms and showered with their love. 

“Do you still feel selfish?” Killer asked you, resting his head against yours.

“Not even a little.” You answered softly with a smile. 

“Good. I knew we felt something right when we fell in love with you back then.” Kid told you. 

“What made you realize it?” You suddenly asked. 

Kid paused, quickly turning red again. Killer laughed softly, deciding to step in here. 

“The exact moment I said he would. When you got in his face, mildly choking him out, he fell hard. And so did I. It’s not often I come across someone that can handle him.” Killer told you, making Kid even redder. “Fell hard, and we’ll love even harder.”

Laughter shook in your chest as you got comfortable between them, feeling nothing but pure bliss. “I love you guys too. Thank you for taking me with you.”

“You had no choice. We decided we liked you.” Kid hummed. 

“We were the real selfish ones.” Killer added on.