in the palm of your hands
Legends speak of a girl whose life was bound to a tiny heart of glass.
Hidden from the world since birth, she spent her life protecting the one object that kept her breathing.
But some treasures are too powerful to remain hidden forever...
Warnings:Fluff,Smut,comfort,angst
before anyone ever held your heart in their hands,there was your mother.you never remembered her face.you never heard her voice.but you carried proof that she loved you
the night you were born,the storm outside was fierce. the wind howled.the rain poured.and inside a small cottage, your mother held you for the first and only time ´.you were so small. so fragile.your heartbeat was weak.the healers tried everything,but nothing worked.your mother refused to let you go.she held you close and used the last of her strenght to perform an ancient spell from her family line.a spell meant to protect life.
only to save someone precious.
beside your baby basket was a small heart.an old familiy heirloom.a magical artifact passed down thourgh generations.but your mother changed it o purpose.she connected it to you.
the moment the spell was complete,the glass heart began to glow.and your heartbeat grew stronger.you survived.the magic came with a bond.the heart was no longer just an object ,it was part of you.as long as the heart remaind safe...
your mother held you close one final time.she knew she wouldnt be there to watch you grow.but she smiled becuase you were breathing you were alive.she placed the glass heart beside you in your basket "she will need this"
her voice was weak "not as a treasure"
"but a reminder that she was given a chance to live."
deep within the forest lived a witch named Elara the villager s spoke of her in a whispers.some called her mysterious.some called her dangerous but elara was not the kind of witch who sought power. she studied nature,she healed the wounded.she protected the balance between magic and the world around her.she had spent man years learning the secrets of,herbs,spirits and acient spells.but one night something changed...
the forest was fidderent.elara felt before she saw anything.a strange warmth in the air.a pulse of magic beneathe of the roots of the trees.not dark magic not a spell meant to harm.something else,something powerful.
something filled with... love ?
"someone is calling " the words left her before she even understood why.following the feeling, elara walked deeper into the woods
past old trees. past the rivers.
until she reached a small clearing and there...was you....
from that day on, elara became your guardian.she taught you everthing she knew how to heal,how to survive,how to recognize poisonous plants.how to listen to the ocean befor the storm arrived. how to control your own magic,but most importantly she taught you that the glass heart was not something that made you weak "its is not keeping you alive because you are fragile" she placed a hand over the glass heart "its keeping you alive because someone loved you enough to fight for you."
years later you would still remember those words.because before anyone else protected your heart ...before anyone earned your trust there was elara.the witch who felt a life calling through the forest and chose to answer .years passed you became skilled, too skilled people began hearing rumors about the forest witch´s apprentice
a girl who could heal wounds. a girl who could calm storm. a girl who carried a heart made ofn glass. and wit a rumor came danger.elara knew.
one night,she packed a small bag for you. you stard at it. "you´re sending me away?"
her expression was gentle
"i´m giving you a chance"
the word hurt because there were true .
"you have spentyour whole life protecting that heart"
she touched the glass pendant around your neck
"you will find someone who protects it for you"
before you left ,elara gave you one final lesson.
she placed her hands over yours.
"never give your heart to someone because you are afraid to lose it"
"give it to someone because you know they would never to own it "
you carried those words with you
The forest was silent.Too silent. hongo didn´t like forestes that ere quiet.
"the said moonbell herbs grows around here" he said pushing aside a large leaf.limejuice walked behind him,scanning the trees
"they also said this island was safe."
"and whoever said it was prbably an idiot"
"you´re" always so positive
"i´m realistic"the two red hair pirates continued going deeper into the woods,searching for the rare herbs their crew needed.
captain shanks had gotten injured again.of course
and naturally ,the crew´s medical supplies needed restocking.after nearly an hour,hongo finally spotted it, a strange plant with silver leaves growing near a tree root.
"there" he stepped forward
but before his fingers touched the leaves
"don´t" both men stopped.
a weak voice came from behind them, slowly they turned.and there you were standing between the trees.you looked exhausted , your cloak was ripped at the edges.your boots were soaked.your hair was messy from days of traveling through the forest.there was dirt on your face.and yet your eyes were sharp.
hongo stared . then looked at limejuice.
"are you always this dramatic when meeting strangers?"
"i´m trying to stop you from dying"
Hongo looked back at the plant
not too close, carefully.
you pointed at the leaves.
"the silver veins are wrong."
"the real Moonbell has three veins"
limejuice looked impressed.
"and what happens if someone touches it?"
"they lose feelings in their hands first" a pause
"then their muscles stop responding"
Hongo immediately steppd away "Good thing you were here"
limejuice crossed his arms
"how does someone who looks like they haven´t slept in a week know that?".
you looked down at yourself. you honestly hadn´t realize how bad you lokked.
you hesitated. searching,surviving.trying to keep your own heart from failing.
hongo noticed the way you avoided the question.
He noticed the little glass charm hidden beneath your torn cloak.
he notice the the exhaustion in your face.
yu looked at him like the answer was obvious.
"because someone needed help"
that made both pirates go quite.becauase you didn´t say it proudly.you said it like it was normal.like risking yourself for others was just something everyone did. limejuice looked at hongo the same thought cossed both their minds.
most people they met wanted something.
you had walked out of nowhere.looking half dead, only to stop them from touching a poisomous plant.
"you know " limejuice said
"most people would have just let us make that mistake"
you shrugged."why would i?"
"because you don´t know us"
you looked at him"that doesn´t matter"
the answer chaught him off guard.a sudden rustle came from deeper in the forest.you immediatly turned .
your hand went to the small glass heart around your neck.
hongo noticed.They knew one thing you weren´t an ordinary traveler.The moment hongo and limejuice returned to the red force,shanks knew something was different.usually, when his crew returned for a mission they complained.about the weather,the island,about the lack of food.
about how difficult it was to find anythimg they needed.but this time they were quite. Shanks leaned against the railing,looking between them
hongo placed the herbs on the deck
"we found what we needed"
shanks raised an eyebrow.
limejuice crossed his arms
a grin appeared on shanks face.
"she knew the forset better then we did"
"she stopped us from touching a poisonous plant."
shanks looked amused "sounds liked she saved you two "
limejuice sighed."that´s the annoying part"
"we don´t know anything about her"
hongo nodded "she appeared out of nowhere"
"she looked like she hadn´t slept in day"
"her clothes were torn,she was covered in dirt,and she still was more worried about us getting poisoned than herself"
shanks expression sofftend slightly."she helped you and ask for nothing?"
the deck became quiet.that was unusual.limejuice looked toughtful
"that was not the strangest thing "
shanks glanced at him. "what is it?"
"she carried a glass heart"
"a glass heart?"everyone paused hongo nodded
"it felt like it had some kind of magic"
"and when we asked about it she looked scared "
for some reason shanks couldn´t stop thinking about those words.a glass heart a girl alone in a dangerous forest.someone who looked liked she was falling apart but still stopped strangers from getting hurt.it bothered him.Not because she was mysterious.because she sounded like someonewho had been carrying everythong alone.
the crew looked at him,benn raised an eyebrow
"you don´t even know her name."
"no." shanks looked towards the island
"but i know she needs help"
lucky roux smiled slightly "that sounded almost like an order"
Everyone laughed.the search lasted until evening.the forest was massive.And the rain that had started falling made everything harder to see.
lucky roux´s voice echoed through the trees.everyone turned.
"i found her!" Under the roots of a giant tree, hidden away from the wind, you lay curled up beneath your cloak.
Your face was pale.Your breathing uneven.A fever had finally caught up with you.You had pushed yourself too far.You had spent days searching for herbs.Days walking without proper rest.Days pretending you were fine.But your body had reached its limit.Your hand was still wrapped around the small glass heart hanging from your neck.Even unconscious...
Lucky Roux crouched beside you.
No response.His cheerful expression disappeared.
He carefully lifted you.You were far lighter than he expected.Too light.
When Lucky carried you back to the Red Force, Shanks was waiting.The moment he saw you...He understood.This was the girl they had been talking about.The one from the forest.The one who carried a glass heart.You looked exhausted.Not dangerous.Not mysterious.Just tired.So tired that it hurt to look at.Hongo immediately moved forward.
Shanks nodded.But his eyes stayed on you.Especially on the glass heart you refused to let go of.
Even unconscious, your fingers held onto it tightly.Like losing it meant losing yourself.The crew expected Shanks to be curious.They expected him to want answers.But he didn't.Instead, he carefully pulled a blanket over you and stepped back.
That was all.No questions.No demands.No attempts to uncover your secret.Because whatever that glass heart was...It belonged to you.And Shanks respected that.
Hours later, when your fever finally started to break, you slowly opened your eyes.
The first thing you saw was unfamiliar.
A wooden ceiling.A warm room.A pirate ship.Your hand immediately went to your chest.
Still there.Safe.Then you heard a voice.
You turned.A red-haired man sat nearby, holding a cup of water.A stranger.
But somehow...A comforting one.
Your eyes widened slightly.
The name alone was enough.The pirate everyone knew.The man everyone feared.But the person sitting in front of you didn't look frightening.He looked worried.
"You saved my crew," he said.
"I just did what anyone would do."
Shanks smiled softly."Maybe."
"But not everyone would."
And that was the first time you met Red-Haired Shanks.Not because he knew your secrets.Not because he knew your past.But because you saved his crew...And he decided that someone who spent her life protecting others deserved someone to protect her too.When Shanks told you that you were staying on the Red Force...You thought he was joking.
"You need time to recover."
You stared at him from your place on the bed.
Hongo immediately looked up from checking your temperature.
"That is not the same thing as being healthy."
You opened your mouth to argue.Nothing came out.Because unfortunately...He was right Shanks leaned against the doorway, with a small smile.
"Stay until you're better."
Your eyes widened."On your ship?"
You looked away."Because I don't want to be a burden."
For a moment, nobody spoke.Then Shanks sighed.
"You know...""You saved two of my crew members."
"You warned them about a poisonous plant."
"You nearly collapsed in the forest because you were helping."His expression softened.
"I think letting us help you for once is fair."
You didn't know what to say.You had spent your entire life being the person who protected others.Not the person being protected.Finally, you quietly nodded.
"...Only until I'm healthy."
Shanks smiled."Of course." But judging by the looks his crew exchanged...You had a feeling they already considered you part of the ship
The first surprise was Lucky Roux.You woke up the next morning to the smell of food.Real food.Not dried rations.Not herbs.Not whatever you had managed to find while traveling.
A proper meal.You stepped onto the deck and saw him standing there with a huge plate.
He looked confused."Who else?"
"I don't want to trouble you."Lucky Roux laughed.
"Trouble me?"He held up the plate."I've cooked for this crew for years. You think one more person scares me?"
You smiled slightly."Thank you."
He grinned."Eat."There was no arguing with him.You quickly learned that Lucky Roux's kindness came in the form of making sure nobody was ever hungry.
Then came Limejuice.At first, you thought he was the serious type.Quiet.Difficult to approach.You were wrong.Completely wrong.He walked up one afternoon and sat beside you.
"You know what the difference is between a pirate and a thief?"
You looked at him suspiciously."What?"
"A pirate asks for permission before stealing your heart."
He burst out laughing."That was terrible, wasn't it?"
"I was trying to make you laugh."
You looked away, but he noticed the small smile you tried to hide.
"You all keep noticing that."
"Because you don't do it enough."
And somehow...You found yourself laughing more often
Then there was Yasopp.He didn't bring food.
He didn't tell jokes.He brought a deck of cards."Your turn."
You looked at the game in confusion."I don't know how to play."
You raised an eyebrow."Perfect?"
"People who know how to play are dangerous."He smiled.
"People who don't are easier to beat."
You narrowed your eyes."Are you saying you want an easy victory?"
"Exactly." Ten minutes later...You beat him.
Yasopp stared at the cards.Then at you.
He slowly nodded. "I have been betrayed."
You laughed.The whole deck turned to look.Because everyone had been trying to get that reaction from you.And Yasopp had succeeded.Even Benn, who was usually quiet, started making sure you rested.
"You don't need to prove you're strong every second."
You looked at him. "I wasn't."
You didn't argue.Because he was right.Days passed.
Your fever disappeared.Your strength returned.But something else changed too.The Red Force stopped feeling like a stranger's ship.It felt warm.
Safe.Like a place where you didn't have to constantly watch your back.One evening, you sat on the deck watching the sunset.
Lucky Roux handed you food.
Limejuice told another terrible joke.
And Shanks watched from nearby, smiling.
He shook his head."Nothing."
"About what?" He looked at his crew.Then at you.
Your fingers touched your glass heart.For so long, you had been afraid of being a burden.But here...
Nobody saw you as something fragile.They saw you as someone worth keeping.And for the first time in a very long time...You felt like you had found a home.Time had a way of changing things.When you first stepped onto the Red Force, you were a stranger.Someone who kept her distance.Someone who apologized every time she needed something.Someone who looked at kindness like it was a gift she hadn't earned.But the Red Hair Pirates were patient.They didn't force you to open up.They simply stayed.
You started to believe them. Hongo was the first person you truly became close with.
At the beginning, he was your doctor.The person who checked your fever.The person who made sure you ate properly.The person who reminded you that pushing yourself until you collapsed was not a good survival strategy.
"You know," Hongo said one afternoon while checking your pulse, "most people rest when they're injured."
You looked away. "I wasn't that injured."
He stared at you.You stared back.A long silence passed.
"You were extremely injured." Hongo laughed.
Over time, he started asking you questions.Not about your glass heart.Not about your secrets.Just about you.What herbs you liked.What places you had visited.What you had learned.And he quickly realized something.You knew a lot.A lot more than you gave yourself credit for.You could identify plants by their scent alone.You knew old remedies forgotten by most doctors.You understood the way different medicines reacted together.One night, Hongo found you organizing his medical supplies.
"You rearranged my entire cabinet."You froze.
He looked at the shelves.Then back at you.
"...Actually, this is better."
"Really."A small smile appeared.
"You have a gift."Nobody had said that to you before.Not about surviving.Not about protecting your heart.About you.
The rest of the crew noticed the change too.You started laughing more.You stopped eating alone.You stopped disappearing whenever you felt like you were taking up space.Lucky Roux no longer had to chase you around with food.Yasopp no longer had to convince you to play cards. And Limejuice considered it his personal mission to make you laugh at least once a day.
"You know," he said one afternoon, "you're getting harder to scare."
You raised an eyebrow. "Was I supposed to be scared of you?"
He looked offended. "Yes."
You laughed. And he smiled because that was exactly what he wanted.
But there was one person who made everything more complicated.Shanks.
You didn't know when it started.Maybe it was the way he always checked if you were comfortable.Maybe it was the way he listened when you spoke.Maybe it was the way he never looked at your glass heart like it was something strange.Only something precious.You started noticing small things.The way his smile changed when he saw you.The way his voice became softer when he spoke to you.The way he always seemed to find his way to wherever you were on the ship.
And unfortunately...You were terrible at hiding how you felt.
You nearly dropped the cup in your hands.You turned.Shanks was standing there.Too close.
He smiled. "Are you okay?"
You nodded quickly. "Yes. Fine. Completely fine."
A pause. "Why are you talking so fast?"
You looked away. "I don't know."
Shanks laughed softly. That laugh always made your heart race.Not the glass one.The other one.The one that had nothing to do with magic.The one that belonged only to you.
The crew noticed.Of course they noticed.They were pirates.They noticed everything.One evening, Lucky Roux leaned toward Yasopp."She's doing it again."Yasopp looked over.You were talking to Shanks.
Or rather...Shanks was talking.You were trying very hard not to forget how words worked.
"Captain says one sentence and she forgets how to speak."
Limejuice nodded seriously."It's impressive."
Hongo smiled."They like each other."Everyone looked at him.
"Hongo shrugged."They stare at each other like they're the only people on the ship."
Shanks noticed too.Not the teasing.Not the crew whispering.Just you.The way you looked away whenever he caught you staring.The way your fingers touched the glass heart whenever you were nervous.The way you trusted him more every day.One night, he found you sitting alone on the deck.The ocean was calm.The stars were bright.
He smiled."You don't have to be nervous around me."
Your eyes widened."I'm not."
The answer came too quickly.Shanks laughed."That was very convincing."
You covered your face."I hate that you notice everything."
He sat beside you."I like that you let me."
You looked at him.And for once...You didn't look away.Neither did he.For a moment, there was no Emperor.No pirate.No dangerous seas.No glass heart.Just two people sitting beneath the stars.And Shanks smiled softly.
Your heart skipped.And this time...You didn't stutter."...Me too."
From across the deck, the crew quietly celebrated.Lucky Roux whispered:"Finally."
Yasopp grinned."About time."
Hongo just shook his head."They're both hopeless."
And for once...You didn't mind being teased.Because after a lifetime of protecting your heart...You had finally found people who made you feel safe enough to share it.The first time you let Shanks see your heart...You were more afraid than you had ever been.
The Red Force was quiet that night.
Most of the crew was on deck, celebrating after a successful journey. Laughter echoed through the ship, music played, and Lucky Roux was already telling everyone that he deserved extra food for "saving the day."But you weren't there.You were standing outside Shanks' cabin.Your hand rested over the small heart around your neck.The glass heart inside was warm.You had carried it your entire life.Protected it.Hidden it.Never let anyone get close enough to see it.Until him.
"Y/N?" You looked up. Shanks stood at the doorway, surprised to see you.
You nodded.Then immediately shook your head.Then sighed. "I don't know."
He smiled softly."That might be the most honest answer you've ever given me."
You looked down."Can I come in?"
His expression softened."Of course."Inside his cabin, everything felt strangely peaceful.Maps covered the walls.Books were stacked on his desk.A few personal treasures sat on shelves.Things from years of traveling.Things that told stories.You realized something.Shanks had shared pieces of himself with the world.But you had only ever shown people your armor.Not your heart.Not the real one.
You reached for the glass heart,Shanks noticed immediately.His expression changed.Not curiosity.Concern."Y/N...""It's okay."Your voice was quiet.
He stayed completely still."You don't have to."
"I know."You looked at him.
"That's why I want to."Slowly, you pulled the small glass heart from the pouch.
The room filled with a soft glow.For a moment, Shanks didn't speak.The tiny heart rested in your hands.Beautiful.Fragile.Alive.
"This..."His voice was barely above a whisper.
"This is what you were protecting all this time?"
You nodded."It's my life."
His eyes moved from the heart to you."You trusted me with it?"
You smiled faintly."I trust you more than anyone."Those words hit him harder than any battle ever had.
Shanks had been given treasure.Fame.Power.People had asked him for protection.But nobody had ever placed something so precious in his hands.
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to."You stepped closer."Just hold it."
Shanks carefully took the glass heart from you.Like it was made of the thinnest piece of glass in the world.Like even his strength could hurt it.
His thumb gently brushed over the surface.
You looked at him."Understand what?"
"Why you were always afraid."
Your eyes lowered."I spent my whole life thinking if someone knew..."
"They would see me differently."
Shanks looked at you seriously."Y/N."
"I don't see something fragile."His voice was gentle."I see someone who survived."
"And someone who trusted me with the most important thing she has." The silence between you changed.
Not uncomfortable.Not uncertain.Just full of everything neither of you had said.Shanks stepped closer.
You looked away."I know."
"Why?"You laughed quietly.
"Because you're making me nervous."A smile tugged at his lips.
"Because you're the person who walked into a dangerous forest alone."
You smiled."I wasn't afraid of the forest."
He tilted his head."What were you afraid of?"
You looked at the glass heart in his hand.Then back at him.
His expression softened."I would never."
Slowly, carefully, Shanks placed the glass heart back into your hands.Not because he didn't want it.Because it belonged to you.Then he reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair away from your face.
"You know you're allowed to be happy, right?"
Your eyes softened.No one had ever said that.Not like that.Before you could answer, he leaned closer.Giving you every chance to move away.You didn't.The kiss was gentle.Nothing rushed.Nothing taken.Just a quiet promise between two people who had spent their lives carrying things alone.When you pulled back, your face was warm.And, unfortunately...You started stuttering.
Shanks laughed softly."There it is."
You covered your face."Don't."
"Only when it's you."You looked at him.And he smiled.
Outside the cabin door...The crew was completely silent.Too silent.
Lucky Roux whispered:"Do you think they know we're listening?"
Yasopp shook his head."No."
Limejuice grinned."Should we tell them?"
Hongo immediately answered."No."
"Because for once..."He smiled. "Let them have a moment."Inside the cabin, you rested your forehead against Shanks' shoulder.And for the first time in your life...Your heart wasn't something you had to hide.It was something you had chosen to share.You stayed there for a while, resting close to him, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing.For once...You weren't thinking about protecting yourself.You weren't thinking about what could go wrong.You weren't thinking about the possibility of losing something precious.Because Shanks was there.And somehow, that was enough.Slowly, you lifted your head.
Shanks looked down at you, his expression soft.
You nodded.Then your eyes moved to the glass heart still resting between your hands.A quiet decision settled in your mind.You reached out and placed it back into his palm.This time...
You didn't hesitate.Shanks looked surprised.
Your fingers closed gently around his."Take care of it."
The words were simple.But he understood what they meant.
Not just the glass.Not just the magic.Your trust.Your life.Everything you had spent years guarding.His expression became serious.
"I will."His voice was steady."I promise."
Shanks walked over to his desk and opened a small wooden chest inside one of his drawers.It wasn't filled with gold.Or treasure.It was a place where he kept the things that mattered.Little memories from his journey.Things he couldn't replace.Carefully, he placed the glass heart inside.Not hidden away.Not locked up like a possession.Protected.
Safe.He closed the chest gently and slid the drawer shut.Then he turned back to you.
For a moment, neither of you spoke.You watched him.
The strongest pirate you had ever met.The man feared across the seas.The man who could stand against anyone...Treating your heart like the most delicate thing in the world.
"You really trust me that much?"His voice was quiet.
You smiled softly."I wouldn't have given it to you if I didn't."
Something changed in his expression.A warmth.A feeling he couldn't hideHe stepped closer.
"You're impossible, you know that?"
You tilted your head."Why?"
"Because you spent your whole life believing you had to protect your heart alone."He gently touched your cheek.
"And then you hand it to a pirate."
You laughed quietly."Maybe I picked the right pirate."
Shanks smiled."Maybe you did."
This time, when he kissed you, there was no hesitation.No fear.No wondering if he should pull away.It was deeper than before.A promise without words.A reminder that you weren't alone anymore.His hand rested gently against you, careful and protective, like he was reminding himself that you were real.That you were here.That you had chosen him.When you finally pulled away, your cheeks were warm.And just like always...Your words failed you.
Shanks laughed softly."Still getting nervous?"
You looked away."Only around you."
His smile softened."Good."
"Yeah."He leaned closer, resting his forehead against yours.
"It means I still have an effect on you." You couldn't help smiling.Somewhere outside the cabin, the crew was absolutely losing their patience.
"Lucky," Yasopp whispered.
"How long do you think we wait before we leave them alone?"
Lucky Roux thought for a moment."Probably five more minutes."
Limejuice sighed."You said that five minutes ago."
Hongo shook his head."she finally trusted someone with that heart."
A small smile appeared on his face."Let them have their moment."
Inside the cabin, you looked at Shanks.For the first time in your life...Your heart was not something you had to carry.It was something someone carried with you.And you knew...You had chosen the right person.Inside Shanks' cabin, everything was quiet.
You were still standing close to him, your face warm from everything that had happened.The glass heart was safe.Your secret was no longer something you carried alone.And somehow...That felt more frightening than hiding it ever had.Because trusting someone meant giving them the chance to hurt you.But Shanks hadn't.He had done the opposite.
Then you heard it.A muffled voice outside the cabin.
"How long are you all planning on standing there?"
You froze.Shanks blinked.
"..."Another voice whispered."We're not standing."
A pause."We're quietly observing."
You stared at the door.Shanks slowly closed his eyes."Oh no."
You covered your mouth, trying not to laugh.Outside, Benn Beckman sighed.
"You are all terrible at being subtle."
Lucky Roux whispered back:"We were worried.""You were listening."
"We were making sure the captain wasn't doing something stupid."
Benn was silent for a moment."That is somehow worse."
You looked at Shanks."They've been there this whole time?"
He scratched the back of his head."Probably."
Your eyes widened."Probably?"
He laughed awkwardly."My crew is very protective."
A voice from outside immediately called:
Everyone went silent.Benn sighed.
You couldn't help it.You laughed.A real laugh.The kind the crew had worked so hard to hear.Shanks looked at you and smiled.
There it was again.The sound he loved seeing.The one that meant you felt safe.Then Benn spoke again.
His voice became firm."Everyone, leave."
"You can tease him tomorrow."Another pause.
You heard footsteps moving away.Except for one person.
"I'm making sure they actually leave."
Shanks smiled."Thank you."
A quiet hum came from the other side of the door.Then Benn added:
"Take care of her, Captain."
The words were simple.But they carried meaning.Shanks looked at you.His expression softened.You looked toward the door."Your crew really cares about you."
Shanks nodded."They do."Then he looked back at you.
"And now they care about you too."
You looked down, touched by the thought."I don't know why."
Shanks stepped closer."Because you gave them a reason."
You looked up."I didn't do anything."
He smiled."You saved two of them."
"You helped us.""You trusted us."A pause.
The moment Benn’s footsteps finally faded away, the cabin became quiet again.For the first time in several minutes, you and Shanks were completely alone.You looked at the door, still a little embarrassed.
When you looked back at him, Shanks was already watching you.Not the glass heart.Not the mystery.Just you.
"You know," he said quietly, "you keep surprising me."
You tilted your head."How?"
"Because you spent so long protecting yourself..."He stepped a little closer.
"And somehow you still stayed kind."Your breath caught.You never knew what to say when he spoke like that.Around everyone else, you could be confident.Calm.
Capable.But around Shanks...You forgot how to hide.
"I don't know what to say."
His smile appeared."You don't have to."
Shanks exhaled softly, as if making a decision, then gently took your hand.
"Come here."He led you toward the bed, his grip warm and steady, never pulling too hard, just guiding you with quiet certainty.
You followed without hesitation.When you reached it, he sat first, then drew you closer between his knees, his hands still resting at your waist like you were something precious he refused to let slip away.For a moment, neither of you spoke.Then he leaned in and kissed you again.This time it was slower.Deeper.Certain.It wasn’t a question anymore—it was a promise he was finally brave enough to make.Your fingers curled lightly against his shirt as you melted into it, your thoughts scattering the way they always did when he got too close
he pushed you closer so you sat in his lap,the kiss grew wet and sloppier,his hand slipped under your shirt gentle never breaking the kiss.he only parted for air as soon as you too catch your breath his lips were already on yours again.
you got even more shy you never been with a man like that.as you start think about it that shanks was your first kiss,warmth creept up your neck your face got red just as his hair, your hands find the back of his neck to steady yourself while slighlty grinding on him.he pushed at your chest a little bit to see your face.
all he could see was your eyes glowing with love and maybe lust.
so he took his hand and let it find it way to your breast underneath your shirt.you let out a small moan as he starts to massage it,you throw your head back.shanks took the chance and started to kiss bite and lick at your neck.you let out little whimpers and could feel yourself getting wet.you reached down to the hem of your shirt looking shanks deep in the eyes ,face red,lips swollen from the kiss you two shared
you slowly start to lift your shirt,as soon as shanks sees your white laced bra he let out a small dark growl,his hands find your back to free your breast from your bra,throwing it in a corner of his cabin.
his hand find yur breast once again but this time rougher he starts to massage it and lowerd his head an took your nipples in his mouth.
you let out a load moan,overwhelmed with the new feeling.
you could feel something pressing against your thight,you pressed at shanks chest to look down at his hugh bulge inside those ugly pants.
you reached down akwardly and put your hand over his clothed member,he let out a small moan that sends shiver downs your spin,so you squeezed a little bit harder.he pulled your hair you let out a suprised gasp at his roughness,he guide your face to his to kiss you for the hundred time that night and surely not the last time.his arm slung around your waist spun you around,your head meet the soft pillows of shanks bed,it feels hot but also dirty having a man his size all over you kissing you and touching you so genlte but yet so rough.
he lifted your legs around his waist sliding up and down your thighs till his hand rested at your butt giving it a squeez
you giggled akwardly.shanks smiled down at you.
your skirt felt to much and to thight so you tried to pull it down,shanks looked at you amused,seeing you struggle and all shy makes him hungrier even more so his hands found the waistband of your skirt and panties and pulled them down in one smooth motion.
Shanks parted your legs, all he could see was how wet you already was his hand found your clit rubbing it so light and slow.
as soon as you realize wher this would led to you close your legs.
"Shanks...i-im a virgin." you looked to the side to hide in the pillows but shanks hand found your chin slowly tilt it back so you can look at him.as soon as your eye found his he starts to undressed himself
his cloak found it way next to your forgotten cloth then starts slowly painfulyl even to unbutton his shirt.blood shot through your face you looked away again this time shanks didn´t reached for your face
your chest thightend not because you are scared but because you felt safe.so your eyes found hisw naked chest his missing arms. his scar that glow in the dark because of a small latern at his bed side.
he took your hand and placed it over his heart, his bare chest.
you could feel his heart beat.so he took his and placed it against your chest not to do something only to reminde you that as long as his heart beat, yours will beat also.
his hand found the way back between your legs this time you let him,you could feel his thumb brush agianst your wet fold then at your swollen clit,you let out a shaky breath Shanks looks at you like you were the only thing that could satisfied his hunger,which was also true because he never felt so devoted to someone.
your breath hitched and stopped when you could feel his finger inside of you
"breath...my heart..you are doing so good for me"
his praises make you relaxe and shanks could feel it too,letting another finger slip inside of you.
"shhhhh baby let me make you feel good."
"just relax and let yourself feel it"
you let him and in that moment you know not only your heart was his,
also your feelings your body and everything that belongs to you.
"i need to have you" ´shanks pulled his fingers out
"i cant wait any longer" his hands were coverd in your juice he took him between his mouth and sucked them clean to savour your taste
he lean down so you are chest to chest he starts to kiss you again gentle that turned more sloppier,you could feel his cock against your wet fold you moaned in the kiss.
shanks chuckled and liend himself up never breaking the kiss, you felt a burn between your legs that kind of it hurt but it feels so good.
Shanks gave you time to adjust around him,when he felt you relax he starts to push in slowly careful.
with slow and careful strokes he made love to you.breath mixed, moans that cut through the quiet of the cabin, the sound of wet skin that met.
and also the bed quaking becuase of his slow but steady trust
you could feel a new sensation in your tummy the type that makes you feel weird like you have too.. pee?
"please i think i have to Pee-nghh."
shanks was experienced so he knew you would be close
his words where your undoing you let go the feeling and every sense in your body
with a loud moan surely everyone could hear.
His forehead rested against yours, his breath warm against your skin.
he could feel you clench around him he picked up his pace and started to trust faster to reach his peak the hands that where once scratching his back came to his face you pulled him closer to kiss him
he lost himself in the kiss and inside of you,
with one hard thrust he spilled himself inside of you
his body collapsing on top of yours.after a few moments he lifted himslelf went too the bathroom and returnd with a wet washcloth and an ovrsized t shirt of his.
he cleaned you with such gentle touch and with kisses along your body.
you giggled and he smiled up at you.once hes done he helped you sat up and starts to dress you in hiss big t shirt
you couldn´t feel your legs but what you could feel was that you were getting real tired.
shanks could see it too he laid down and slung his arm around your waist pushed lightly so your head was against his cheast,the sound of his steady heartbeat made you close your eyes and let yourself rest without being scared you wouldn´t wake up next morning
For years, you had believed your heart was something fragile.Something that needed to be hidden.Something that could only survive if you protected it alone.But standing there with Shanks...You realized something.Your heart had never been weak.
It had survived everything.
And now...It had finally found somewhere safe to rest.
The next morning...You and Shanks walked onto the deck together.The moment the crew saw you...Every conversation stopped.
Silence.You immediately looked at Shanks.
"...Why did everyone stop talking?"He sighed.
Before either of you could say another word—Lucky Roux grinned.
Shanks pinched the bridge of his nose."...Don't."
"We leave you alone for one evening...""...Lucky."
"And suddenly the captain has a girlfriend."
The entire crew burst into laughter.Your face turned bright red.
"There it is!" Limejuice laughed, pointing at you.
Yasopp laughed so hard he nearly dropped his mug."Oh, she's adorable."
Shanks crossed his arms, trying very hard not to smile.
"You lot were supposed to leave."
"We did," Lucky Roux said innocently.
Hongo cleared his throat."Benn made us."
Everyone looked toward Benn.He calmly sipped his coffee.
"I told them to stop eavesdropping."
"You did," Yasopp admitted.
"We just... heard enough."
Your eyes widened."...Enough?"
Limejuice scratched his cheek."Enough to know the captain finally got the courage to kiss you."
You hid your burning face behind your hands."Oh no..."
Shanks laughed beside you."I was wondering how long it would take."
"I've sailed with these idiots for years."
"They're terrible at being quiet."
Lucky Roux walked over and handed you a plate stacked with breakfast.
"For surviving the captain."
Shanks looked offended."Excuse me?"
Lucky shrugged."You're the one who confessed."
"I don't remember saying the words."
Yasopp grinned."You didn't have to."
"The kiss kind of gave it away."The deck erupted into laughter again.
You glanced at Shanks, completely embarrassed.
"I'm never leaving the cabin again."
He leaned closer so only you could hear."I think they're just happy."
You looked at the crew.Lucky Roux was grinning.Limejuice looked far too pleased with himself.Yasopp was already planning his next joke.Hongo was smiling quietly.
Even Benn...Even Benn had the smallest smirk behind his coffee cup.You smiled.
"They really don't mind?"
Shanks gently squeezed your hand beneath the table."They've wanted this for weeks."
He chuckled."Apparently we weren't as subtle as we thought."
From across the deck, Benn spoke without looking up from his coffee."You weren't subtle at all."
The entire crew laughed.Even you.And for the first time...Being teased didn't make you feel embarrassed.It made you feel like you belonged.Half a year had passed since you stepped aboard the Red Force.Half a year since Lucky Roux had found you unconscious beneath that giant tree.
Half a year since Shanks had insisted you stay "until you were healthy."
Somehow...You never left. Life aboard the Red Force had become your normal.
A few days after the crew had finished teasing you and Shanks...You sat quietly on the railing, watching the others train.Wooden swords clashed.Laughter echoed across the deck.Everyone moved with confidence.Everyone except you.You looked down at your hands and sighed.
The words were barely louder than a whisper.But Shanks heard them.He walked over and leaned against the railing beside you.
"What makes you say that?"
You watched Benn effortlessly disarm Limejuice.
"But if something happened..."
You clenched your fists."I'd only slow everyone down."
Shanks frowned."You've never slowed us down."
He stayed silent, letting you finish.
"I hate standing behind everyone while they protect me."
"...I want to stand beside you."
Shanks smiled softly."You already do."
You shook your head."No."
"I hide while everyone else gets hurt."
"I don't want that anymore."
For a moment, Shanks simply looked at you.Then he called across the deck.
The first mate looked over."Hm?"
"I think it's time."Benn looked at you, then gave a small nod.
"I was wondering when she'd ask."
"Looks like you're starting training tomorrow."Your eyes widened.
Yasopp laughed."Oh, this is going to be fun."
Limejuice twirled his practice staff."Don't worry."
"We'll make a pirate out of you "
For the first time since joining the Red Force...You smiled at the thought of picking up a sword.Training began the very next morning.And it became part of your life.Every single day.
Benn taught you how to hold a sword, how to keep your balance, and how to stay calm in a fight.
"You don't win with strength alone," he reminded you. "You win by keeping a clear head."
Limejuice focused on speed.He had you running across the deck, dodging swings from his staff until moving became instinct.
"You hesitate too much," he'd laugh.
Lucky Roux trained your strength.Whether it was carrying barrels, lifting supplies, or helping load the ship, he always found a way to make you stronger.At first you complained.After a few months...The barrels felt lighter.
Yasopp worked on your awareness.He'd suddenly toss an apple, a rope, or even a rolled-up map at you."Eyes open!"
More than once, it hit your forehead.By the end of the sixth month...You caught every single one.
Hongo never let you forget your greatest strength.
"Knowing how to fight is important," he said.
"But knowing how to save a life is just as important."
The two of you often spent evenings making medicines together, sharing everything you knew about herbs and healing.
He trained with you whenever he had the time.He celebrated every improvement, no matter how small.When you landed your first proper hit on him, he laughed proudly.
Though he also had a habit of standing just a little too close while correcting your stance.Every single time...
You started stuttering.The crew found it hilarious.
Months passed.The bruises became fewer.Your movements became smoother.The sword no longer felt heavy in your hands.
Slowly...The frightened girl who had once hidden behind the crew disappeared.In her place stood someone who could finally stand beside them.Months had passed since you placed your glass heart into Shanks' care.Life aboard the Red Force felt peaceful.
The crew had docked at a small island to restock supplies.While Lucky Roux searched for food and Hongo gathered medicines, you wandered through the marketplace with Shanks.
An old man sat beneath a faded canopy, surrounded by dusty books and ancient scrolls.
He froze.His eyes widened.
You instinctively stepped closer to Shanks.The old man's gaze never left you.
The old man slowly stood.
"I've spent fifty years searching for records."
He reached for a weathered book.His hands shook as he opened it.Inside was an old drawing.A woman.Holding a small glass heart.It looked exactly like yours
"There have only ever been a handful."The old man's voice was quiet.
"They are called Living Hearts."
"They bind themselves to a single soul."
"They keep that person alive."
Hongo stepped closer, reading over his shoulder.
"I've never heard of this..."
The old man turned another page.Then his face fell.
The old man looked at you."There is one way to break the bond."
Your breath caught."...Break it?"
"The one who truly loves the Heartbearer..."
"...and is loved in return..."
"...may willingly destroy the heart."
Silence.The crew stared.The old man continued.
"When shattered by true love..."
"The magic returns to its rightful owner."
"And a real heart takes its place."
"But..."His expression darkened.
"There is another possibility."
Shanks immediately noticed."What aren't you telling us?"
The old man closed the book."If someone driven by greed destroys it..."
"They steal the blessing."
"And the one who shattered it..."
"...becomes nearly immortal."
Silence.The air itself seemed to stop.
The crew slowly turned toward you.
Benn's expression hardened immediately.
A deafening explosion shook the harbor.BOOM!
Smoke filled the air.Pirates.Dozens of them.Their captain stepped onto the docks, laughing.
"So the rumors were true."His eyes landed on you.
"The girl with the immortal heart."
Chaos erupted.Steel clashed.Gunfire echoed across the harbor.The Red Hair Pirates charged without hesitation.
Shanks never left your side."Stay behind me."
"I know."He smiled briefly.
"...I'm protecting my future."
Your cheeks warmed despite the battle.
The enemy captain laughed."You think I came for the girl?"
His eyes shifted toward the Red Force."I came for the heart."
Your blood ran cold."The cabin..."
Without another word, several enemy pirates broke away and sprinted toward the ship.
Benn cursed."They're after the chest!"
Shanks was already moving."Protect Y/N!"
He disappeared in a flash.
Inside the captain's cabin...
One pirate had already forced open the drawer."There it is..."
The small glass heart glowed softly inside its wooden chest.He reached for it.A hand grabbed his wrist.Hard.
"You chose the wrong ship."
Shanks.His expression held none of its usual warmth.Only fury.
The pirate ripped the heart from the chest and raised it high.
"So this is what everyone wants!"
For one terrifying second...Everyone froze.You couldn't breathe.
Your knees gave out."Shanks..."
The pirate laughed."If I crush this—"
"You won't."Shanks' voice was calm.Dangerously calm.
The pirate smirked."And who's going to stop—"
He never finished.In a blur, Shanks crossed the room.His sword flashed.The pirate's weapon shattered.
The glass heart slipped from his fingers.Shanks caught it.
As gently as if it weighed nothing at all.He held it against his chest.Relief washed over his face.
"You've got it..." you whispered.
He looked at the glowing heart in his hand.Then at you.
"I promised."His voice was barely above a whisper.
"I told you I'd protect it."
"And I always keep my promises."
The remaining pirates fled moments later.
No treasure.No victory.Only fear.
That day, every pirate in the New World learned one thing.
If you wanted the Heartbearer...You would first have to face Red-Haired Shanks.And there was no force on the sea that would make him let go of the heart he had sworn to protect.Not while he was still breathing.
Weeks passed after the attack.The crew couldn't stop thinking about what the old scholar had told them.There was a cure.A way to free you from the glass heart forever.But none of them dared to mention it.Until one quiet evening.
The Red Force was anchored beside a peaceful island.A campfire crackled softly as the crew laughed nearby.Slowly, one by one, they drifted off to their tents, leaving only you and Shanks sitting beneath the stars.The little glass heart rested in his palm, glowing gently in the firelight.
You watched it in silence."It kept me alive for so long."
You smiled sadly."But I don't want to live because of magic anymore."
"I want to live because... I'm alive."
You reached over and covered his hand.
He swallowed."You know what this means."
"You won't be."You smiled.
A small laugh escaped him."I do."
Tears filled your eyes."I love you too."
Finally, Shanks stood.The crew noticed.
Benn looked over from across the camp.
Shanks looked at the glass heart.
Silence fell over the camp.No one stopped him.
He looked into your eyes one last time.
Shanks took a shaky breath.Then...
The glass heart shattered.Its light exploded into thousands of shimmering fragments, scattering through the night like tiny stars.For one beautiful second...Everything was silent.
You smiled."...It worked."
Then...Your smile faded.Your knees buckled.
Shanks caught you before you hit the ground.Your body had gone completely limp.
His trembling fingers searched for your pulse.Nothing.He pressed an ear against your chest.Silence.
His face drained of all color.
He pressed his ear against your chest.The silence was deafening.
Shanks looked at him desperately."Tell me."
Hongo couldn't.The answer was written across his face.Lucky Roux quietly looked away.Yasopp removed his hat.Limejuice clenched his fists.Even Benn stood frozen.
No one had expected this.Hours passed.
The campfire slowly burned down until only glowing embers remained.The stars crossed the sky.No one left.Not a single member of the crew.
Never let go.He sat exactly where he had fallen, your body cradled tightly against his chest, one arm around your waist, the other gently supporting your head.
As though you were only asleep.Every few minutes, he brushed a strand of hair from your face.His thumb traced your cheek.Then he placed his trembling hand over your chest.
Lucky Roux quietly stepped closer.
"You should let Hongo examine her again."
His voice was barely a whisper.
"I'm not letting her go."
Lucky looked down sadly before stepping back.As the hours dragged on, Hongo checked your pulse again.And again.
He looked at Benn and silently shook his head.Benn walked over and rested a hand on Shanks' shoulder.
"I promised I'd protect her."
A tear rolled down his cheek."I killed her."
Benn's expression softened."You don't know that."
Shanks held you even closer."I was supposed to set her free."
His forehead rested against yours."I was supposed to give her a real life..."
Another tear slipped onto your hair."...and instead I took it away."
No one knew how to answer him.So they stayed.Sitting beside their captain in silence.Refusing to leave him alone.
The first rays of sunlight crept across the beach.Hongo sighed quietly.One last time.He reached for your wrist.
Not because he expected anything...
But because he couldn't stop hoping.The moment his fingers touched your skin...He froze.
Shanks didn't respond.His eyes never left your face.
Hongo gently guided Shanks' hand back to your chest.
Shanks stopped breathing.
Warmth slowly returned to your skin.Color returned to your cheeks.Your fingers twitched weakly against his shirt.
Hongo laughed in disbelief.
"The magic's returning to her."
Shanks couldn't take his eyes off you.Tears streamed down his face as he felt your heartbeat growing stronger beneath his hand.
A heartbeat.From your chest.
You took a sudden, shaky breath.Air rushed into your lungs.
The first thing you saw...Was Shanks.
Still holding you exactly where he'd been for hours.His face stained with tears.
His arms trembling around you.A sob of relief escaped him as he pulled you impossibly closer.
he whispered into your hair."You came back to me."
You looked at him, still weak, and managed the smallest smile.
"...You never let me go..."
He buried his face against your shoulder."Never."
Around them, the crew quietly smiled, many wiping away tears of their own.They had watched their captain refuse to let go of the woman he loved all night long.And in the end...
She had awakened exactly where she belonged.
