#lyn's

✧ monkey d. luffy

luffy was observant but never to superficial things. he didn't mind you covering your smile, he thought it was a cute quirk of yours. but he loves making you laugh, and smile, and just happy.

one lazy afternoon, the two of you were hanging out on the deck. everyone was busy indoors despite the cool and cloudy weather so it was up to you to accompany your boyfriend.

you were just lying on the grass and staring at the clouds when you accidentally jabbed his waist, making him snicker and jab yours too.

somehow, luffy ended up on top of you, his arm literally wrapped around your wrists, locking your hands above your head. he looked at you with a grin before his other hand started assaulting your ticklish areas.

normally, you didn't mind a jab or two, but being tickled continously means you can't help but laugh continously too. you begged for him to stop but he didn't took it seriously, that was until he saw the tears from your eyes, and he immediately stopped. you sat up and wiped your tears, panting.

"what's wrong?! did i hurt you?" luffy frantically leaned closer in worry and confusion.

"you saw me laugh," you whispered into your palms, burying your face like there was more to hide.

"what does that have to do with you crying?"

"it's ugly. my smile is ugly; my laugh is uglier." you frowned before looking up at him again with glossy eyes.

"no, it's not! i like seeing and making you happy because it also makes me happy." he shook his head, refusing to agree with your statement.

"i am happy, it's just that i look bad when i am... and that makes me feel, i don't know, bad?" you shrugged and hugged your knees.

"should i stop making you happy then?" he tilted his head, jutting his bottom lip with furrowed eyebrows.

you smiled softly behind your fingers while your other hand reached for his hat and placed it on his head.

"you don't even have to try and you always do." you tilted your head in admiration.

your boy. your man. your special someone. the person who never fails to make you happy.

luffy giggled before slowly pulling your wrist from your face, making your smile smaller. he, not so gently, placed a kiss on your cheek, spit covering your skin when you whined and giggled, wiping his saliva on his top.

"you shouldn't hide your smile when you're happy, plus, you look very pretty!" he grinned.

the sun showed up and rays of sunlight began to hit you and the sea. the ray hit luffy's eyes; you saw yourself in his eyes.

maybe. maybe you do look pretty. you smiled. all you needed was to see yourself in his eyes.

✧ roronoa zoro

one of your favorite time of the day is post-workout zoro. it was after his workout and after you force him to shower, and the two of you spend some quality time sitting or laying somewhere together. this day, the aquarium was the winner.

it was unusual but anywhere with him is your favorite time of the day, to be honest. you were sitting across him in silence, drinking. your mind was elsewhere and zoro didn't have much to say either. you stared at your drink and watched as the ice melts and create a sound when they topple.

you gaze to your right where you saw yourself staring at you. a sigh escaped your lips as you thought, here we go again. and so it goes, you tried to smile at yourself, seeing what type of smile would suit your face.

smiling with your eyes? no. up your cheekbone? nah. with no eyes? oh, lord. soon enough, you frowned.

"if you like smiling so much, why do you hide it then?" zoro's voice startled you. you thought he was asleep.

"i– no, i don't. i wish i do, that's why i'm trying." you sighed, taking a sip of your now bland drink. sorry, sanji. "and you were awake the other times too? say something, would 'ya?"

"but you'll stop smiling if i do," he scratched his head. "if you don't want me looking or something, just tell me. don't wanna be the one who keeps you from doing so." he shrugged.

"it's not that," you countered as fast as you can.

"then what's bothering you?"

"it's stupid."

"if it's bothering you the it's not stupid." zoro looked over to the aquarium and watched at the fishes swam.

a few seconds of silence passed. he's your partner, you should trust him more, you thought.

"...i don't like my smile. i like smiling, but i hate my smile, if that makes sense." you mumbled.

"why?"

"because, it's ugly. it's crooked, asymmetrical. it looks out of place from my face and the fine lines makes it worse. it's like there's something wrong." you looked down on your lap, biting your lip. "ah, i'm sorry, i told you it's st–"

"stop saying it's stupid." he huffed before sighing. "you shouldn't sweat the small things, plus not that many people pay attention to your face anyways." ouch.

"smiling is the best you'll ever look, because you're happy. plus, you don't have to look all pretty just to be happy. that's stupid." he looked up the ceiling, yawning.

you stared at him, dumbfounded. because he's right. sure, it won't be that easy, but something inside you clicked.

"i don't have to be pretty to be happy?" you repeated, spacing out to your reflection does that mean i am ugly? you shook you head, you're sure that's not what zoro meant.

you were going to thank him before you saw him fast asleep and heard snoring. you shook your head, a smile creeping from your lips.

you stood and walked to him, placing a kiss on his forehead before gently positioning his head on your lap.

who would've thought that zoro would help you with these type of feelings? you thought you knew him but maybe not, perhaps you should open up to your boyfriend more.

you whispered an apology and thank you as you soon joined his slumber your fingers lost in his hair and a content smile on your face.

✧ black leg sanji

you were in the kitchen with sanji. he was preparing snacks and you just wanted his company. when he's not lovesick, his company is very relaxing, calming. the perfect background noise and presence when writing or reading.

he placed a plate of your favorite snacks in front of you. you gave him a smile behind you fingers, so that he knew you were smiling but wouldn't have to see your smile.

"i wish you'd let me see more of your beautiful smile!" sanji fake cried.

"beautiful? funny word. my smile is far from beautiful," you rolled your eyes and chuckled behind your flesh again, as always.

"everyone know that's a lie. everyone's beautiful when they smile, except zoro, but that's besides the point." he lit a cigarrete. despite the joke, sanji knew there was a truth to it. his behavior changed.

"well, i am not everyone." you took a bite out of your snack and thanked him. silence. not even a reply.

you started to feel anxious when a loud shout came from him, followed by "I'M THE LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE" as he passes out.

it wasn't long before he woke up inside the infirmary while you waited for him. chopper said there was nothing to worry about, it was just because of extreme emotions.

sanji opened his eyes and sat up, mumbling "an angel... i saw an angel..."

"you idiot! what was that for? you could've hit your head on the table or something!" you scolded him, not only that but you also choked on your snack.

"you shouldn't smile without a warning. a man like me can only take so much." he looked at you like he was actually serious.

you felt heat climb your face and flustered.

"don't say things you don't mean," you looked down to avoid eye contact. a person like you can only take so much.

"i mean what i said, really! you're very pretty and you smiling is something words can't even describe. i really did see angel, i'm looking at one right now." he looked like he was in love, and you couldn't bear to look at his eyes.

you sighed before conceding. you looked up to his eyes and gave him a defeated smile.

"you really know your way with words."

"Your Royal Highness, Your Majesty requested dinner to be sent to your room as you wouldn't want to dine with him," Irisha, your retainer informed you, doing a curtsy before the maids fixed your table and brought the food in.

"Thank you," you bid as they quickly left while your retainer watched and stayed.

"Your Highness–"

"Quit the formalities, it's just the two of us." You patted the space beside you while you munch on your meal. If you were with your father, you would be nibbling on food until it's cold and your appetite's ruined.

“What do you think about His Majesty’s proposal?” Irisha looked up to you, half your size.

“Preposterous!” a flame igniting on your back. “He told me I was miserable and that he would bring men into the palace, and that whoever makes me laugh would be granted my hand in marriage on my 18th birthday!” You paused to take another bite of your meal.

“Well, the King thinks the cause of your desolation is the death of your late mother, the Queen.” She sighed, obviously internally against your father’s idea and belief.

“The cause of my desolation,” you rolled your eyes at the word desolation. “Is isolation. Damn old man won’t let me out of this stupid place.” 

“True, but I can’t blame him, especially after…” Your retainer’s voice drifted to silence as she recalled the distant memory. She wasn’t serving around that time but everyone from every part of the world must’ve heard of the news. 

"I also understand his reasoning, Irisha. It's just that... I wanna see more of the world and its people." You sighed, eyes drifting from the food to the floor.

"Y'know, I've served you for 3 years yet I've never seen you smile," green eyes looked up to you with a soft gaze. She stood up and began to gather your now empty plate and cutleries.

You gazed out the window where distant lights from the capital reflected in your eyes. Since you've only gone out one time, you cherished the memory of you and your mother's trip. You close your eyes recalling those memories.

“Where are you going, Dearest?” Your father pinched your cheeks lightly.

“We’re going to the city!” You giggled at your father’s face, reaching out for him. He leaned down so you could caress his cheeks with your tiny palms.

“Be careful, okay?” He placed a kiss on your forehead before doing the same gesture to your mother.

"It's Her Majesty!" a man called below you and your mother. Your race towered over humans, yet despite your mother's intimidating stature, her soft voice and king gestures made humans adore her.

"And the General!" For as long as you can remember, the General has always been there the moment you were born. 

"Hello," your mother greeted with her kind voice, smiling down at the people around her before lowering herself. "I come to introduce someone special," the Queen let you down from her arms.

"Go on sweetheart, you've practiced this," she gave you a small gesture. The people talked and whispered.

"H-Hello everyone, my n-name's (Name), and... uhm," You looked up to your mother smiling brightly, nodding her head to encourage you.

"I am t-the King and Queen's d-daughter." You squealed before running back to your mother's arms. She clapped, telling you how you did a great job.

"It's Her Royal Highness!" a woman called clapping her hands as the people around her followed.

"She's adorable!" Another called in adoration. "How beautiful." The compliments and praise followed one after another. You slowly peeked to the crowd, your face slowly forming a smile. 

"Pfft, what a wimp," an even smaller figure laughed. He was quickly shut up by two other kids with him, one with freckles and one blond. The people shouted at the kid in fear of what happened to him. Tears slowly formed in your eyes.

"How impertinent," the General stepped forward, hand resting on his sword.

"Run!" His two companies dragged him away as they bolted away from the scene, bumping a few carts and baskets, leaving a trail of dust behind them. The General stretched his wings before your mother raised her hand.

"Calm down, that's just how kids are." She giggled at the kid's comment before returning her attention to you. "Are you gonna cry?" Your mother tucked a strand of hair behind your ears, tilting her head.

"I'm no crybaby!" You sniffed before turning to the General. "Sir Alber, can you give them a scare?" 

Alber simpered behind his helmet before giving you a small nod, turning to the Queen for approval. It seems that she agreed for fun when you saw the General spread his wings and fly in their direction. "That'll show them." 

After the incident, the General quickly returns to you and your mother. The people of the city and downtown came to give you gifts. Your arms were filled with trinkets and flowers, some even gave expensive jewelry, only for the Queen to refuse expensive items. Some girls and stylists offered to braid your long white hair, in which Alber was against. 

"Your Majesty, it's the King's ord-" He was quickly shut down by your mother.

"The King isn't present, and when the King isn't present, the Queen takes charge," your mother grinned. The General could only sigh and watch you closely as you and the Queen enjoyed yourselves.

“Her Highness?” Irisha’s voice snapped you back to reality. “Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, don’t worry. I think I’m gonna head to bed,” you stood up, towering over your retainer.

“I’ll call the ladies.” She informed you before leaving you alone with your thoughts.

The night was long, at least this time. A lot was going through your head. Your father, his plan, your mother, your longing. Were you really that “desolate” since your mother died?  You couldn’t remember. The years seem to fly by ever since her passing. 

A week passed by and the gates were opened for the first time since the Queen’s death. Men came flocking with props and attempts to make you crack a smile. Instead of being excited to see humans from the city, you were grim.

The men that came banging on your gates were greedy. They were after power and riches, and of course, your pretty face. Easy to say, none of these men amused you. You weren’t even resisting a smile. This whole event was nothing but disgusting. 

There were a few interesting men such as a prince from another kingdom named Cavendish. His purpose was to prove that all women swoon over him, and he was quite mad at you for hogging all the attention to yourself.

Another man was a noble nearby, Stelly. He was obviously there by orders but was fascinated by your beauty. He made a fool out of himself, even the General beside you was struggling to watch his attempt to make you laugh.

“Anyone of your interest, Princess?” Alber’s voice spoke from behind you. He wasn’t wearing his helmet, strange but not unwelcome.

“No,” you sighed, pulling the hair clip that was keeping half of your hair up. “Do you think this whole idea is stupid?” Alber leaned on the railing beside you.

“With all due respect to His Majesty, yes, it doesn’t make sense with his spite for humans” he admitted, watching nothing in the garden. “Princess, may I ask you something?” He turned his head to you. 

“Y-Yes, Sir?” You weren’t interested in the General at all but you can’t deny he was incredibly handsome. You cleared your throat and returned his gaze. It wasn’t that you haven’t seen his face before, but because you seldom see it. How charming.

But being an heir means you shouldn’t be intimidated by good looking men and women. 

“Do you not feel an inch of spite towards humans?” 

“Why do I want to meet humans? Hmm…” Alber’s eyebrow twitched. You caught him too easily for his liking. “The humans who killed mother were executed, I don’t see why I should hold onto that hatred.” 

“You have Her Majesty’s heart,” he pushed himself away from the railing before facing you completely. You mirrored his actions until he bent one knee, kneeling. 

His eyes were filled with adoration and respect. You saw his hand reach out for yours, rough calloused hands against your soft ones. Your hand in his, he lowered his head before placing his lips on the back of your hand. 

“You’ll make the perfect Queen. Her Majesty would be proud of you.” He looked up to you to give you a smile.

“Thank you, Alber,” you did a curtsy. He stood up, once again looking down at you.

Weeks passed by and less and less men came, discouraged as other kingdom’s like Germa, Totto, Wano, and Dressrosa came home empty handed. Everyone thought how insatiable the Princess is, how arrogant and self-centered you are as you stared down your suitors, your standards that are higher than your castle’s Baroque ceiling. 

Suddenly, it was already your birthday. As the day approached, the more timid you grew. You ate less, talked less, spoke less. You heard Alber talk to the King about taking you out on the city for your coming of age, but once again, this idea was shunned by your father. You tried again the night before your birthday. 

“I already said, time and time, over and over again, the answer is and will always be no!” Your father repeated.

“I’m finally of age and I still haven’t left this so-called “home” since mother died!” You raised your voice, popping a vein on your forehead.  

You and your father’s shouting echoed through the corridors, free for every staff to hear. Most sided with you despite being aware of the King’s reasons, but who would dare speak against the King? Everyone pretended to not hear anything, years of working there would prove that as time passed, anyone would get used to this shouting that provided white noise. 

“So called?! I provided you a place to sleep, feel safe, and necessities that keep you alive and you don’t even consider this place home?!” Your father stood up, hitting the vase on his table as it shattered into pieces.

“This place stopped being home ever since Mom died!” you roared, voice cracked, as tears fell and streamed down your face. 

“I am your Father and the King, my orders are absolute. I order you, the Princess, to stay in this castle.” The sound of his staff sounded inside your head and the room

“Mom would know better. She loved humans, not every one of them is the same as those bastards!”

“Language! And it’s exactly why your mother died, because she trusted those fiends too much.”

“Then I’d rather happily die in their hands than spend my life in these cold walls with you!”

A loud noise resonated inside the castle’s walls before the silence fell. The staff looked at one another with worry before a few shook their heads and told the others to mind their own business.

You looked up from the floor, stunned as you held your cheek. The number of pieces of glass on the floor was nothing compared to the pieces your heart shattered to. The pain from the shards of glass embedded in your flesh was nothing compared to the pain of your heart breaking. 

Your Father stared at you in disbelief of what he’d done, but alas, his pride was higher than his love. He walked past you, the sound of glass crunching underneath his steps keeping you sane. As soon as he turned the corridor, Irisha came and rushed to your side.

“Get a doctor!” she yelled to the other maids who followed her, only to be interrupted by a deep voice.

“No need, taking Her Highness to the doctor is faster,” strong arms lifted you up bridal style, your blood stained dress mildly soak while blood trickled from your arms and legs. But blood wasn’t the only liquid trickling, not when you can taste the salty tears from your tear ducts.

You spent the entire morning holed up inside your room and haven’t talked to anyone. You’ve seen Irisha bring food in and out by herself as you didn’t eat breakfast or snacks. She tried to talk and encourage you, even greeting and singing you a Happy Birthday with little to no reaction aside from a mumbled ‘thank you’. 

Alber greeted you before informing that he and the King would have to go somewhere important. You could only nod in response. Since you woke up, you’ve been staring out the window in the city’s direction.

With the King away, you were in charge of the Kingdom and castle temporarily. You could sneak out as you were basically a temporary queen, but you were sure the staff and guards would snitch once offered extra income. Perfect opportunity, all down the drain.

“Her Highness!” A maid barged into your room, startling you. You turned your attention to her, finally breaking your eye contact with the city.

“An intruder!” she pants, hyperventilating. You told her to breathe and she did. “There’s an intruder in the kitchen! The guards can’t apprehend him!” 

You stood up from your seat. Of course, you weren’t afraid of a human. They’re puny and powerless compared to your race. You headed to the kitchen, deprived of sleep and a peace of mind. Foolish humans.

“Y-Your Royal Highness, please, no need to bother yourself over a mere disturbance.” You rolled your eyes, hearing the skepticism in his voice. Despite every guard’s attempt to stop you, you decided to deal with it yourself. It’s not everyday you meet a human.

The set up was that everyone was outside the kitchen’s doors, waiting for the intruder to exit and catch him while doing so. Of course, you had other ideas. Talk.

“Talk?! With all due respect, Your Highness, but that’s out of the question! You don’t know what he’s plan–” 

“I didn’t ask for your opinion. Plus, mother said talk over violence, and it’s only one intruder, nothing I can’t deal with.” You stepped towards the kitchen, taking deep breaths. 

“Your Highness–” 

“Silence. Her Highness did not ask for your feedback. Stop questioning her decision.” Irisha’s voice silenced the staff and soldiers in which you internally thanked her for. 

You stared up the high kitchen doors, wondering. Why would someone raid this castle, much less, the kitchen? He must be very dumb or famished and desperate. The rattling of utensils and casseroles made you flinch, slowly doubting if the intruder is actually a human.

You raised your hand to knock on the door. “Excuse me? Is someone in there?” Everyone gulped in anticipation, raising their weapons or clenching onto whatever they’re holding.

“Nope!” A young man’s voice answered back, making you furrow your eyebrows. Huh, maybe he is stupid enough to intrude the castle. You found yourself amused before clearing your throat.

“My name is (Name), Princess of the kingdom. May I ask what you’re doing in the castle?” Silence. The sound inside seemed to have stopped and the boy fell silent.

Inside the kitchen, a boy with a straw hat gobbled fowl and meat. (Name)? Sounds familiar. The young man found the kitchen strange. Shouldn’t a kitchen be filled with people? What’s important is no one knows he’s inside the castle. He shrugged before munching back on his food. 

“Hello?” The man looked up at the door before taking another bite.. “Is someone in there?” He chewed the slab of meat. “Hello?!” His grip on the bone tightened. “Ex-”

“Man, you’re annoying! I’m trying to eat here!” The boy kicked his feet in the air, huffing in annoyance.

“H-HOW INSOLENT!” everyone behind you yelled at the boy’s words and tone. Your eyes widened in surprise. 

“HAH?! What the hell did you just say, you bastard?!” Irisha was held back by the other maids and staff. Your whole life, no one but your father has ever raised their voice on you, especially a commoner. You chuckled with your throat.

“Ah, my apologies.” You cleared your throat. “May I come in? I want to see you. I promise I won’t chase you,” whoever behind the door was an interesting person. It’s painfully obvious that this is a castle, and you introduce yourself as the Princess.

“Your Highness?!” Everyone reacted violently. Well, you can’t blame them as they would pay a price if something were to happen to you, especially by a human.

“It’s fine, I can sense he means no harm.” you attempted to reassure them and failed. You turned back to the door before knocking lightly once again. “I’m coming in.”

You peeked into the room, bones, vegetables, seasoning, casseroles, and utensils, all scattered over the place. Slowly, you entered the room before shutting the door and locking behind you.

Outside, a lot of people called to you as they banged on the door. Your eyes wander the room for another entity. Over a few counters away, you saw a straw hat moving. 

Your mouth formed into an ‘O’, excited to see and talk to another human from outside the castle. You slowly made your way to the strawhat to not scare the person away. 

“There it is!” The strawhat disappeared from your vision as a man stood straight, food in hand with crumbs and grease on his face.

You squeaked, nervous. It’s actually a human, and not one you recognize. Wait. Wait a minute, that straw hat, that scar, that hair, those round eyes. The boy seemed to have noticed your looming presence as he looked up to you. 

“Oh, you’re the crybaby!”

“You’re that brat!” 

His laughter filled the room, hitting his knees and rubbing his stomach. “No wonder your name is familiar!” He grinned widely at you. “I almost didn’t recognize you because you weren’t crying this time.” He laughed at the memory while you flinched, embarrassed.

“For your information, I didn’t cry.” You leaned down to his level, quite low. “I bet you did after the General gave you a chase,” you proudly announced as you recalled him and his friends screaming as they bolted away from the crowd.

“Oh, yeah, him! Is he here? I bet I can beat him now,” he punched his own fist, his smile never leaving his face. You scoffed at his overly positive behavior. “How stupid, no one can beat Alber in a one-in-one or even thousand-in-one duel.” 

“He’s that strong?” You nodded, proud of your General. “Damn, now I actually wanna go and fight him!” You could only roll your eyes at his naiveness.

“He’s not here at the moment, traveling with Fa–... the King.” You fell silent as you remembered your father and what he did. For a small moment, this man was able to distract you from your thoughts for a little while. Tears pricked my eyes, recalling the fresh memory.

“You haven’t changed at all, you’re still a crybaby. I hate people like you.” The boy continued with his meal that you didn’t even notice he got.

“I am not, and crying doesn’t mean I’m a crybaby.” You huffed. The little man talked to you as if you’re a friend. No, actually, he talks to you like you’re just every other person. He was honest, blunt. 

“But you’re always crying when I see you.” He shrugged at your statement, not caring less.

“Whatever,” you sighed, it was pretty obvious he was the type of person you shouldn’t reason with. 

“Ahh, I’m full!” He stood up and stretched his upper body. “I should probably go back to my friends. Thanks for the meal, crybaby!” The boy gave you a small wave before wearing his straw hat and walking to the storage downstairs where you assumed he got in.

Panic rose in you. He was just gonna leave like that? You haven’t asked him about the outside world. He has friends, unlike you who only have Alber and Irisha, you wanted to ask about them

“WAIT!!!” You screamed when his hand lifted the trapdoor, flames roaring from your back. The boy cringed before turning to you. “What? What was that for?!” His reaction made you realize how loud the scream was, your staff and guards banging on the kitchen door, trying to break it down with a log.

“I’m fine!” you called out, stopping whatever was going on outside the kitchen. 

“Don’t leave yet!” you pleaded, leaning down on him. “I have a lot to ask you, can you please stay? Even if just for two days!” You pouted, using your looks to win him over. 

“Two days?! That’s impossible, I have to go back to my friends,” he crossed his arms and furrowed his eyebrows. You lost count of how many times this man made your eyes wide, he’s full of surprises.

It has always worked before? But my appearance and appeal don’t seem to affect him at all. You shook your head, quickly thinking of a way to persuade him. You looked around for ideas, anything to make him stay. That’s it!

“We have good food! I’ll tell the chefs and cooks to give you the best marinated meat and fowl.” The boy frowned before scratching his head.

“Sanji can do that for me. He’s a good cook! You should try his cooking some time,” he beamed. You felt your chest warm up for a brief moment. He seems to really love his friends.

Also, Sanji… Wasn’t he the one who… You shook your head, doesn’t matter. Weirdos can be good cooks too, the world is big and you haven’t even seen half of your kingdom. 

“But it’s unlimited here! I bet you don’t have an unlimited supply of meat with your friends. You can eat until you puke it all out,” you leaned forward each word, but the boy didn't move.

You thank the gods no one else was in the room to see your pathetic attempt to negotiate, but you weren't going to let this opportunity slide.

“Okay, fine! Two days max!” He raised his index and middle finger. “Yes, of course.” You gave him an affirmative nod.

The castle was in chaos. They didn’t mind a human staying, most of the staff and guards are humans, but they’re afraid of the King. The guards were under the General, so they were also afraid of Alber.

“Are you really sure about this, Your Highness?”  Irisha followed beside you and your new company.

“Yes, I am. I have a lot to ask… uhm,” your face grew warm, you lowered yourself to the strawhat man. “What’s your name?” You heard Irisha facepalm behind you.

“Monkey D. Luffy, I’m gonna be the King of Pirates!” You felt shivers run down your spine as you grew excited. 

“I have a lot to ask the future King of Pirates,” you gave Irisha a grin before leaving to tour Luffy.

The remaining day passed by and you toured Luffy around the castle, avoiding boring and pointless rooms. Overall, his favorite was Arsenal and surprisingly, your bedroom.

“I wish I had a bed as big and soft like yours,” Luffy bounced on the bed before plopping on his stomach, snuggling your sheets. “Smells good too,” he buried his head deeper. 

You felt heat rush to your face at your company’s behavior but you chose not to speak of it to maximize your time with him. He flipped to his back, placing his hand on the back of his head, relaxing. With the two of you settled, you took the time to observe more of Luffy’s physical features.

You noticed that his smile never goes away. Sure it disappears for a minute or two, but he always has a smile on his face. He was also handsome, not overwhelmingly handsome, but he definitely has a look, but his personality just overshadows these traits.

He was also well toned which was obvious because of his open top. His body was covered in scars, they weren’t visible unless you really look at his skin, the only noticeable one was under his eye. 

“Whaddya staring at?” Luffy’s voice snapped you back to reality where you realized you were staring at his face for a while. 

“N-Nothing,” you looked away from him to your window. The distant lights seem to get farther and farther as the years go by. Your expression faltered to a melancholic one. 

“Hey, Luffy, why did you come here of all places to eat?” You turned your eyes to meet him again.

“Oh, I heard it was the Princess’ birthday so I came for the food. Y’know, for someone’s birthday, that was too little.” He picked his nose, throwing his booger somewhere down on your carpet, making you snort. All of the men you met always looked and acted their best around you. Luffy was one of a kind.

“Oh, wait, that’s you. Happy Birthday!” He sat up, excited. “I can’t wait for the cake and lots and lots of food!” The pirate happily bounced on your bed.

“Thank you, but we won’t be having cake. I told the chefs to just prepare the usual,” you sighed apologetically. 

“But I want cake…” He frowned, crossing his arms. “You told me I’d get any food I want.”

“Right, okay, I’ll tell them to make you one–” You were halted by Luffy who jumped off the bed.

“I’ll tell them. I wanna take a walk anyways.” He didn't even give you a chance to reply when he just got up and went outside. 

Around 20 minutes passed and Luffy still hasn’t come back. You decided to look for him as he might be lost. When you were about to exit the room, the smaller door on your door opened. 

“My bad, I got lost.” He laughed it off before flinging himself back to the bed. 

“You have a Devil Fruit?” You are fascinated, you’ve read a lot about them but never met someone who ate one.

“Yeah, I ate the Gomu-Gomu no Mi! I’m basically a rubber man.” He stretched his cheeks only for it to snap back into place.

“Does it hurt? Where’d you get it? Can I try? Since when have you had one?” you beamed. Reading about them always fascinated you. To think that a fruit can give someone supernatural powers, you wish you’d get one but that would be overkill.

“You’re asking too many questions,” he whined. “Sorry, this is my first time meeting a Devil Fruit user.” You scratched your head. 

“Really?! How come?” He leaned up to you, tilting his head. How adorable and handsome.

“Yeah, when I first saw you was my first and last time getting out of the castle,” you sighed, looking out of the window again. “Why?” You stared at Luffy’s eyes. He seems like a good and trustworthy person, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to tell someone aside from Alber or Irisha.

“Well, my mom was killed by humans. She loved humans dearly and enjoyed spending her time around them. My f– the King could care less but always warned her to be cautious. Ever since her passing, the King forbade me to exit the castle grounds. Until now, I’ve only stepped once out of the castle.” You explained, not wanting to go much into detail.

“Wow, your life sucks.”

You snorted. “You think?” Fits of giggles escaped your lips. “Anyways, I asked the King if I can go out with Alber on my 18th birthday but he said no. We got into a huge fight, thus this,” you lifted your sleeves that were hiding the bandages.

“Your father did that?” Luffy followed the bandages on your arms. “Yeah, not actually hurting me directly though.” He didn’t say anything after that but you saw how his jaw clenched.

“Thank you so much!” you thanked the servers. You glanced at Luffy’s side of the floor. You were a lot bigger than Luffy, triple his size but his appetite was also three times more than yours.

A giggle escaped your lips as you watched his mouth stretch and manage to fit blocks of food one after another. What a glutton. You felt happy with this. Most people you’ve met aren’t genuine, full of rehearsed and practiced replies. They made the food feel cold, unlike Luffy. 

“Are you gonna eat that, crybaby?” he pointed at your favorite side dish. You gave it a glance before shaking your head, pushing the plate in front of Luffy which he happily devoured. 

For twelve years, the castle walls grew colder and colder. The warmth you felt before disappeared along with your mother’s. The warmth that Irisha and Alber gave was different from Luffy’s. Maybe it’s because Luffy doesn’t have the obligation to tend to you, but this warmth you feel with him, you wish it could stay.

“Didn’t you ask for a cake?” you glanced around the table that was absent of dessert.  Luffy seemed to perk up with your words. “Yeah, I did!” Just in cue, the head chef and Irisha came with a handful of cooks out from the kitchen, carrying a cake with lit candles.

The staff sang a shorter version of Happy Birthday before placing the cake in front of you. You stared in awe before looking up to Luffy. 

“My request!” He grinned, placing his hand on his feet. “Make a wish, hurry, I wanna eat.”  You laughed at his antics before making a wish and blowing a candle. 

“What did you wish for?” Luffy licked the icing off his lips. You chuckled at the sight. “It’s a secret. If I tell you, it won’t come true.” 

The morning air was filled with the scent of meat. Apparently, Luffy wanted to have breakfast in your room with you. After breakfast, you asked your questions to Luffy. He told you all about his adventures, he went to an island in the sky where your sister and brothers were, Shandorians and Skypieans.

He met two giants on the way to Alabasta where they helped Princess Vivi gain her country back. He even met a giant mermaid who was even more of a crybaby than you are, and a lot more. You listened in glee, amazed at how one person can have so many adventures.

You asked about his friends which he happily told you all about. Zoro is a strong swordsman with green hair and no sense of direction. His dream is to become the world’s greatest swordsman. Nami was a navigator and uses some type of staff to manipulate weather and throw hard punches. Her dream is to make a map of the world.

Usopp is an amazing sniper, artist, and liar. His dream is to be a brave warrior of the sea. Sanji was an amazing perverted cook and uses his legs for fighting because of his pride as a cook. His dream is to find All Blue. 

Chopper was a talking reindeer who ate the Hito-Hito no Mi and is a doctor. His dream is to create a cure for any diseases. Robin is an archeologist who knows the ancient language and ate the Hana-Hana no mi and her dream is to find the Rio Poneglyph.

Franky is an amazing shipwright who built their ship, Thousand Sunny. His dream is to build a ship that can withstand any hardship and reach the last island, and Brook is a funny skeleton who ate the Yomo-Yomi no Mi. His dream is to reunite with his friend that he promised to return to 50 years ago.

You also learned that Luffy wasn’t actually from this kingdom, but was just traveling with his grandfather, and that the two little boys with him were his brothers; Ace and Sabo.

It was very clear to you how much Luffy values his friends, and that’s just so sweet. If you let him, he could talk about them for hours. You spent the entire morning and afternoon listening to his stories and playing around the castle, and the evening talking about whatever.

You’ve never met someone so charismatic your whole life. He can talk about anything and still make the conversation fun. He was so emotionally transparent, no fragile masculinity or any of that bullshit. With him in the room, happiness came easily to you unlike those of the King or your suitors. Luffy provided a different kind of warmth.

Morning came by and Luffy had to go in a few hours. The two of you were just snacking on some junk you found, talking about whatever comes in mind.

“Don’t a lot of people visit you? What do you mean by this is the first time you actually talked to a human out of the castle?”  Luffy munched on his snack, littering all over the carpet.

“I have, but all of them only come for show, appearance, and of course, marriage. Everything they say is already rehearsed, so yeah,” You shrugged, fiddling with the flowers on your table where you and Luffy were sitting by, except Luffy is actually on the table. 

“That’s boring, how do you even deal with them for 18 years?” Luffy shook his head, not even wanting to imagine that his friends are all scripted and programmed.

“I know, I wish I had friends and adventures like you.” You sighed, thinking of how much you missed your youth and childhood.

“Then join us,” he licked the powder out of his thumb, looking up to you.

“W-What…?” You stared at his eyes as he did to yours, waiting to see if you heard him wrong.

“Join my crew! Then you’ll be friends with us and have adventures like us.” He grinned, leaning in anticipation. “We’ll travel the world and have fun. What do you say, (Name)? I’ll be the King of Pirates.”

“I can’t.” You pulled away from him, looking anywhere but his gaze. “Why?” 

“I can’t just leave, everyone in this castle would be punished and some possibly executed.” You shook your head at the possibility. “Everyone here took really good care of me, I don’t think I can ever live knowing that they died for the sake of me.” 

“This is my kingdom, they are also my people. The people mustn't die for the King, but the King shall always be ready to die for his people.” Every heir to a kingdom, country, or tribe knows these words. As a leader, no one should die for you. 

“It’s not like you chose to be born in a royal family–”

“But I was.” Your breath quivered. 

“I think Luffy is right, Princess,” Irisha joined the conversation. “You should go with them.”

“No! What about you people h–”

“Luffy made you laugh, Princess,” Irisha smiled tenderly. “His Majesty didn’t have any exceptions on who can make you smile. If you smile, you’re theirs, that was the rule.

“But the King was away, he wouldn’t agr–” 

“He didn’t say anything about needing his own witness. You have more than 50 witnesses here that Luffy not only made you smile, but also laugh.” She has a point. You never really realized that you finally smiled and laughed. 

You were aware you were happy around Luffy but you didn’t realize you finally smiled and laughed.

“So (Name) is mine?” Luffy scratched his head.

“Precisely,” your retainer nodded a little too enthusiastically. “Then join my crew!” 

“Woah, woah, woah, hold on.” You were quite lost on the topic, everything happened so quickly.

“Listen, Princess. If you smile, you’re theirs. That was the only rule of the event. The person that made you smile is Luffy, so you’re now his.” She explained.

“I know, but this is all too fast. The King isn’t even back, Sir Alber too.” You shook your head, sitting on top of your bed.

“Princess, you either have to stay here, with His Majesty and never get to see the world outside these cold walls, or you can accept the event and go with Luffy and travel the world and fulfill your dream.” Your best friend took your hand into hers. 

“Leave this place to us, and live your life the way you want to.”

Luffy informed the crew of the situation while you all waited for a few more days for the King and his General. You get to meet the people Luffy gushed about and you spot not a lie in his words. They were amazing and quirky as their captain described them to you. They lived in the castle for a few days with your approval, enjoying the luxury and service as much as they could.

You heard the familiar salute of guards from a distance. “They’re here.” You shivered as you stood beside the Strawhats and your maids. They assured you everything’s gonna be okay. Once the King entered, all of you either bowed or curtsy, even by force.

“We had a handful of guests while I was away.” Your Father glanced at the familiar faces. “Quite famous too. What is the purpose of your visit?”

“Your Royal Majesty, Monkey D. Luffy visited about a week ago and made Her Highness not only smile, but also laugh,” your father’s vasal, lowered his head.

Your father paused before turning his gaze to you.  “Is this true, (Name)?” 

“Yes, your majesty.” 

“How did he enter?” Your father mused, you cleared your throat to answer before Luffy interrupted you.

“I broke in. I heard it was someone’s birthday so I came for the food. Sadly, there wasn’t much.” You stared at Luffy in disbelief, he seems to be more concerned for the lack of food.

The King chuckled, amused. “And everyone here is a witness?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I see. Luffy, my daughter is yours. Tell me, what do you plan with her?”

“She’ll join my crew.” Luffy scratched his backside, yawning.

“That’s all you’ll do with your ownership?” Confusion settled within the King. Monkey D. Luffy is a notorious pirate, and with a beauty like you, a Lunarian and royalty, anyone would marry her in the blink of an eye.

“Oh, yeah!” Everyone anticipated his answer, including you.

“Let her go.” Everyone except his own crewmates’ eyes widened.

“You’ll let go of her?! Anyone would marry her the moment-” your father exclaimed. The atmosphere changed within a second when Luffy glared at the King. 

“I don’t understand this ownership bullshit you’re talking about. She’s not an object nor an animal, (Name) does not belong to anyone. I’ll marry her when I want to.” Everyone was in awe, including you, even the Strawhats.

“W-Wait, marry… ME?!” you stuttered, taken aback by those last words.

“Don’t you marry someone when you like them too much?” 

“Oi, what the hell are you saying, Luffy?!” Sanji bit his tie

“Do you like me more than you like your crew?” You felt hot.

“In a different way. I don’t know what it is but it’s different. I like how it feels,” he giggled.

“Do what you please. This is none of my business anymore. But you are still my daughter, you are expected to be the next heir when I pass away. Until then, do what you like,” your father walked towards you before wrapping his arm around you.

“I’m sorry. I wish I was a better father. Happy birthday.” He pulled away and walked to the direction of his room. 

“I wish you were too,” you purse your lips, you can never accept his apology. You watched his back as he walked away from you but he paused right before the turn to his room’s corridor.

“I wish you happiness, Dearest. Be careful out there.” He continued until he was out of your sight.

You felt your heart break again. How long has it been since your father called you with that endearment? Hearing it again after all these years reminded you how much your mother’s death took a toll on not only you, but also your father. Perhaps you were both selfish in your own ways.

“Your Highness,” the General caught your attention. “Alber.” You called back as he removed his helmet and gave you not a bow,  but a salute.

“I am no longer able to protect you in your journey to life. Take care, Your Highness.” You gave him a tender smile, opposed to his stern expression. You threw half your bodyweight to him when you gave him a hug.

“Thank you, Alber, you were the brother I never had.” You pulled away before patting his shoulders.

“As you were a little sister to me, (Name).”

“Ready to go?” Robin called, distracting you from your thoughts.

“Yeah,” you climbed up the stairs of the Sunny.

“(Name)!” You heard a familiar voice from the distant call. From a visible distance you saw Alber and Irisha waving goodbye to you. You gave them a big wave before boarding the Sunny.

“(Name)! Sit here!” Luffy patted the space beside him on the figurehead. 

“The ship’s amazing! She’s beautiful.” You knocked on Sunny's head before patting her head.

“I told you Franky’s an amazing shipwright!” He rubbed the figurehead.

“Thank you, Luffy, you made my wish come true.” You placed a huge kiss on the top of his head.

you and ace were sitting shoulder to shoulder as you two watched and snacked in the dark. the scene was getting emotional. it was building up to the confrontation part. you braced yourself for the emotional damage.

the female lead was fixing herself, excited for their date as the male lead stood beside her.

"babe, we're out of popcorn, i'll get some more." ace kissed your cheek before walking to the kitchen to microwave a pack.

"darling!" the girl called when she turned around, giving the guy a warm smile.

"we need to talk," the guy coldly looked to the bench on the side.

"is there something wrong...?" the girl worriedly asked. they both sat down.

"i think we should break up."

you felt a sting in your nose.

"b-break up? haha, you shouldn't joke about those things!" the girl laughed as she smacked the guy's arm lightly.

"..."

"come on, babe, we're gonna be late for our reservation." the girl stood up, grabbing the guy's hand.

"stop." the guy called out to the girl who played deaf.

"hey, i said stop." the girl continued to ignore him as she hurriedly walked.

"i said stop!"

the girl stopped, but she refused to turn around.

"why? why all of the sudden?" the girl's voice cracked.

"i'm getting tired of you. everything you do is so annoying. you're always so pushy; you're too much. i don't think i can take it anymore." the guy confessed.

"i'm sorry, goodbye." he turned his back from the girl, lips quivering before a shaky breath escaped his lips. after a second, he walked away with sorrow on his face.

"is that it?" the faced the guy who was walking away.

"hey! is that it?!" she called out to him with little to no avail.

"hey, babe, i'm back, sorry it too− WHAT'S WRONG?!" ace placed the bowl of popcorn down, spilling a few as he rushed to your side.

the scene showed the guy's face streaming with tears and filled with guilt as he continued to walk. he wanted to stop but he couldn't.

you sniffed and sobbed, unable to give him a proper answer in your state. ace frowned and glanced at the tv, then it clicked. he cupped your face ever so gently with his palms like he does to your heart. his thumbs wiped your streaming tears that came one after another, not a feeling of exhaustion on the tips of his fingers.

"shhh, it's okay," he cooed before wrapping his arms around you, pulling you into his warm body.

his scent invaded your nostrils, bringing a sense of calmess and comfort along with his touch. ace kissed the crown of your head before patting and rubbing circles on your back as you softly cried.

after a minute, you pulled away from his chest, tears and snot stained ace's sweater and your face but he couldn't care less. you were still as beatiful as ever.

"you should never leave me," you croaked, sniffing while you looked up to him pleading.

ace smiled, moving his hands from your back back to your face, once again holding it on his palms. he connected his forehead with yours, eyes closed then opening them. they stared at yours with love, adoration, and everything in between. he smiled.

"never."