#gloriosa

She was a Playboy, Brigette Bardot...

We got a new volume which means a new SBS. Little light on the new information this time. Though through Rocks's tastes we have clarified Bacardi exists in this universe which is neat. Personally this was the big one for me. Former Kuja Empress Gloriosa's design was based on the well known French actress Brigette Bardot. Who left a legacy we'll call...complicated. Big deal in the 50s/60s and broke off of that to focus on animal rights advocacy but could be extremely racist/homophobic in how that was carried out, especially in her later years. Regardless, I do think her inspiring a design for someone like Gloriosa is pretty neat. Especially since it translates to both young and old Gloriosa. Also appreciate the Reddit thread for the nice comparison pics.

just a draft. GLORIOSA x FEM!READER

“A pirate who has somewhere to return to... that surprises me every time,” she meets your gaze as she brings the bottle to her full lips. “What else do you have that could surprise me again?”

You smile, shaking your head. “Well, I think I told you at some point, but the story is this: I don't even know which island I was born on. My mother was always on the move, and I adapted naturally.” Your voice is soft, lost in a nostalgia that Gloriosa can share, even if she doesn't fully understand it. “I always think that I simply belong to the sea. It's where I've spent most of my life — traveling, growing, learning, and consequently, where I found an enjoyable job.”

“Piracy?”

“It was also a way to reach you, so it couldn't have been all bad.”

She laughs, a quiet laugh, a pleasant sound that keeps you from looking away. Even though the ocean around you is treacherous and violent, your attention could not be pulled from this woman who still enchants you in every detail — every single day.

That night, aboard the small vessel of a solitary traveler, you lay silently against the wood, your head tilted toward Gloriosa, feeling her nails gently caress your face while she kept her eyes fixed on the bright, star-filled sky, as though every star shone only for two travelers on a journey of rest. She would find a way to thank you for loving her, even knowing that you would not mind waiting, already aware of Gloriosa's feelings and intentions. Could she truly be deserving of someone who had waited for her? If she spent the rest of her life without ever crossing Amazon Lily again, that would be alright. At last, she would make peace with herself. To put it plainly, she would dedicate her life to following you and loving you as you deserve.