#norvwrites

But when he saw you, standing strong, wielding your blade and Haki, taking down foes with a swiftness he found as mesmerizing as the ocean wind itself. Fierce in battle, yet gentle when chosen so. Shanks had watched you with harbored fondness and a kind smile, noticeable to all except for the one person he was gawking at, as if they were his entire world.

Beckman scolded him, and Yasopp screamed in panic when Shanks almost lost his other arm because he was distracted. Shanks could care less, though. Especially when he was admiring your cunning form as you-

Wait.

You were so focused, a Marine took advantage, striking in your blind spot before you could even prevent it.. And he was stuck. Physically? No. He could’ve moved, run, saved you. But he froze in shock.

It was like time slowed, like a clock in the distant began to slowly tick down the seconds.. "No.." The strike, the scream, and the downfall of everyone around them when his Conquerors' Haki was released.

Benn had grabbed you as quickly as he could and rushed you toward the ship. Hongo met him on deck and quickly began bandaging all the damage. Shanks? His carefree demeanor, which was normally ingrained in him, was gone. He slowly walked onto the deck, absent-minded until he locked eyes with your limp body.

Eyes fluttering and a sad whimper every time Hongo applied a disinfectant to your gash. That's when he locked in. Crouching beside their worried doctor, he had taken your hand in his, squeezing and muttering. "You'll be okay.. It's okay.. Come on now, sweetheart." That's also what he was telling himself right now in his bed.

Mind aching with pangs of longing, guilt, and worry. He couldn't rest. Not yet. That's when the strained groan came, and the creak of his bed. Shanks had pushed himself upwards and sat up, shifting to the edge of his bed and tugging on a proper shirt and boots, he warily exited his quarters with the stealth of a cat sneaking toward the cream. He didn't want to hear Benn's mouth if he caught him sneaking through the ship, "Captain's rest", "tip-top shape", blah, blah, blah..

It took less than five minutes for Shanks to reach the medbay. When he arrived, he carefully pawed the door open and peered his head through the crack. To his luck, Hongo had gone to his quarters. All that was left was.. You. Heavily breathing in what was most likely discomfort. Sweat beading at your forehead and a disgruntled look on your weary face. "Hey, sweetheart, you.."

Maybe he should let you rest. Maybe he should turn tail and stop himself from getting all mushy. But it was too late. "H-Huh?.." A quiet grunt and a questioning grumble came from your lips. Bleary vision, taking in the sight of a redhead standing in the doorway like an awkward toddler who just threw up.

"Captain?.."

"Yes. It's me."

He hastily replied, entering the medbay and gently closing the door behind him, then he stepped toward you. His eyes softened as he took a seat on the edge of the examination table. "Sorry for coming so late, I just.." How was he supposed to explain he couldn't catch a wink of sleep just because he was worrying himself into insomnia?

"I couldn't sleep. Not after all of that. I.. I was worried." "I am worried." He corrected, his only hand coming up to shyly scratch at the back of his neck. Sure, he admitted silly things like missing you, looking for you, or just enjoying the time he spent bugging you. But.. Worrying was a step forward. It showed he cared to a deeper level. One that was almost embarrassing if Shanks had a radar for embarrassing. But, normally, he didn't-

"Worried? About me?.." A low rasp of surprise left your mouth at his revelation. Shanks didn't worry. Not about much, or you. He had faith in you.. And yet, here he was, pouting at you with an honest look, a worry-wart who had a heart full of yearning would give. That caused a laugh to escape you.It was a bit painful, you clutched your stomach and lay your head back on your pillow, but you smiled. It felt nice to know Shanks cared.

"It's okay.. You don't have to worry. I'm fine-"

"I want to worry." His interjection was firm. Honest. And his expression was serious to match, as if he was saying 'don't object' with his thin lips and furrowed brows. "Let me worry."

He grumbled at you with the sudden angst of a teenager. And suddenly, he began to move, nudging you to subtly shift so he could lie beside you. It seemed like an odd request, but you couldn't object, especially when it didn't fully seem like a request.. He laid down beside you. Still. Silent. His eyes fixated on the ceiling, and thoughts ran through his mind.

Eventually, whether you both noticed or not, your hands ended up intertwined. Holding hands with your captain, huh.. Odd thing that most pirates wouldn't say, but for some reason it felt right.

His thumb rubbed over your knuckles, a rhythmic pattern, something soothing to both of you..

This was nice. In a bout of exhaustion and comfort, your head lulled against his. Shanks said nothing. But his head returned the favor.

Now, he didn't have to worry.

He just had to lie here and embrace what he wanted for so long.

Shanks was the type of guy.. that made everything easy. From a literal sense to an emotional one. When he gave you instructions? They were easy to read, to follow. And when he was there when you needed him? He made everything that was hard in life easy. Like rum poured smoothly over the rocks instead of the wild waterfall life gave.

But as you spoke, thought, stared at Shanks with a subtly tilted head and soft eyes. Not thinking as hard as you usually would just because his presence. Shanks paused.

Blinking.

Mid conversation with Benn just turned into a gentle confession. One that made his second in command raise a brow, and himself following after.

Only difference between his surprise and Benn's, was that Benn looked somewhat baffled that was what you had to say. After just watching them go back and forth for the past hour, fun and serious things alike being spoken of.

Shanks? His surprise was first, but short. Soon his brows fell and his face faded into a look. That look. That stupid sappy look he always got for you when you did something he particularly found endearing or sweet.

You had half the mid to groan and take it back. Sensing the incoming barrage from Shanks that would either be teasing or as gooey as the stain he had under his bed.

Alas, you didn't.

"Really?" He questioned, turning fully to you, attention wise and physically.

"How so, hm?" He leaned forward, resting his elbow on the small circular table that sat between the three of you, his chin in his hand and his eyes glinting with what could only be his charming mischief.

"Easy as in.. to just be around." You muttered. Lower than before. Hating the satisfaction he got and yet feeling something warm in you finally being able to admit this.

"Kinda in everything. In a good way."

"Huh," he responded, processing, smiling to himself as he took it in.

"That's all I ever want to be for you, sweetheart." He didn't throw himself on you. Didn't drag you into his lap or tug you into a hearty kiss. Not like he would usually. He just.. took your hand in his only one. Sitting up straight and looking at you like he was looking at all that mattered. Drawing a line over your knuckles with his thumb. Smiling still, like an idiot.

Your easy idiot.

"Tch, you bunch of saps." Behind the mushy stuff, Benn rolled his eyes and click his tongue. But even he was smiling a bit as he lit his smoke and took a drag.

He loved you two together. His and the crew's two idiots.

You didn't have a friend. Not real ones.

People who pretended to stick around, long enough to leech what they needed off your brain and then leave. Like nothing. Like.. You were nothing.

Every test that was announced to come slowly turned from fun to an impending sense of dread for you. Not because the test itself, but because the people who grew attracted to you because of it.

They were never there for you.

You tried to remember that, time and time again, and yet this cycle always returned. The longing for companionship always left broken in the leave of others.

But..

No one did that to him.

Being smart wasn't the only way to be popular. Hell, it was the hardest way to be. And as it showed, most of the time it wasn't even real. Just what you could do, never you.

Not like him.

Luffy, the boy who paraded around school with the grades of a nitwit and yet a smile everyone fawned for.

He didn't try like you did. He didn't wish and wish for someone to find him. To want him. He just stuck his finger in his nose and.. Boom. Somehow the prettiest girl in school was at his side, cooing. Somehow, he had a group of friends who showed up and actually cared.

You admired him in some way, the way he constantly spoke of his dreams. To sail the sea, travel the world, be a pirate. Though it wasn't practical at all.. It was true to him.

And the way he was just so optimistic. It was contagious. Even creeping to you some days, those days, when you sat alone on the bleachers outside of school. Not for PE, just near the playfield to find quiet. He somehow always ended up there with a friend or two, even three. Practicing football and yet seeming so bright when doing so.

You admired him in a way it hurt.

You wished you could be like him.

Not stupid, but.. Liked.

Wanted.

Genuinely so.

This mixed, envious feeling always sat in your gut when you heard of Luffy.

Something pained, something sad, hopeful, broken, even bright?

Something that remained so wrong until..

Until he made it right.

It was one of those days, when you were on the bleachers, studying for an upcoming test. Trying to find peace in your passion when.. BAM!

It hit you square in the face. Literally.

A football to the face, courtesy of the person who hurt you most without trying. But instead of a shitheaded giggle like you expected, instead of brushing it off, just asking for their ball back. He gasped like he just committed a crime. And he yelled your way, worried.

"HEY!! You! YEAH YOU! Are you okay??"

Worried.

He was..

The breath was knocked out of you for multiple reasons, you could barely manage a nod his way as Luffy bounded over towards you. Ignoring the football which fell on the bleacher below you and hopping to your level. He gaped, wide eyes, that shined in a way you couldn't explain.

"I'm sorry! I didn't even- It slipped! Zoro-"

"DON'T BLAME YOUR SHITTY AIM ON ME!" His friend yelled at him before he could continue. Some mossheaded guy who was a part of the kendo club, the best even in it. And who also seemed to do football. Busy guy, huh?

That didn't matter though. Not when Luffy was brushing your hair aside, checking your agitated red face with a stuck out tongue of focus. Your heart weirdly skipped.

"You're like a tomato.. But.. You should be fine. I think. Hope-"

He then sat down beside you. Sat. He didn't.. Go. You stared silently as he leaned back, propped up on his arms. Looking at you with a newfound curiosity.

"I know you." He suddenly said. Tilting his head.

"You're the study person." It wasn't a surprise he knew you because of that.. That's all people knew you for. Your heart sank at the fact.

"You're the smart one."

"You're also pretty kind, huh." You stared at him, shocked by the second sentence he uttered.

But Luffy, unaware of what he doing to you, continued.

"Yeah, you're pretty kind. Always helping everyone for free." You never really thought of yourself that way.

"Huh." He exclaimed, looking at the field for a moment, maybe Zoro who was now meditating as he waited, before meeting your eyes.

"Wanna be friends?"

"Really?.." Was what escaped your lips before you could think.

Because you could tell, he meant it.

He meant everything he said.

"Course! I'd love to know you more, Study!!" You weren't ever gonna escape that nickname, huh? It didn't matter.

You laughed, suddenly, with your eyes glossing over. And Luffy began to laugh too, though a bit clueless to what you were both even laughing about.

"You're so funny Study, c'mon!" He then grabbed your hand and tugged you up with him. Leading you to the field, to Zoro, and..

To a friendship.

To something that was warming your heart with every step you took.

"Yes, I'm quite lonely, unfortunately abandoned by all my crewmates," Shanks spoke with exaggerated sorrow, sticking out his bottom lip at you, dangerously tilting his head like a puppy asked a question. "Oh?" You had to stifle a chuckle at the way he responded. You've spent years in this old, rickety tavern, you've seen many come and go, young and old, and every man you approached reacted the same two ways. Disgusted, or interested. Yet, this man in a straw hat was playing this like a game. A game he fully believed he'd win.

"Yes, they're all bastards, betrayers!" Get this man a stage, with the way he threw his head back with his hand to match, your eyes widened. If you didn't smell the intense scent of sea salt that clung to him like a second skin, you would've taken a gander that he was a performer of some sort. But, behind him, someone cleared their throat and wearily spoke.

"Bastards and betrayers, aye?.. Oh, tell us, Captain, where are your bastards and betrayers now?"

Benn was giving him that look, that 'you're full of shit look' with an exhausted gaze of a man who parented when he wasn't supposed to. Gesturing sarcastically with his hand, he expected an answer from Shanks. All he got was an intense mock coughing fit to direct the attention away from his fed-up right hand.

"So.. About lonely, want to sit and have a pint, sweetheart?" His tone was finally tainted with something other than playful dramatics, something sugary and convincing. You were used to sweet talk, but his sweet talk felt like a dose of pure sugar being siphoned down your throat.

You couldn't resist it.

"Sure!" You pulled out a chair, intending to sit beside him, but Shanks raised a singular finger in protest and tutted, "Here," he said, shifting his cape behind him and angling his lap out in an accessible manner. "What man would I be to let a fair dame sit on a stool of agony and splinters?" You gaped at his audacity, and he just grinned back at you. A bit too proud of his smoothness and genuine with his response.

You knew better than to sit in a stranger's lap, right?

Especially if they weren't paying.

But, next thing you knew, you were leaning back into his chest and laughing up a storm that could kill off a sea beast. You hadn't laughed this hard since you were a kid. And Shanks hadn't felt this type of feeling in decades.. Infatuation, but one so genuine that he felt like a boy in love.

He looked at you, giggling like a schoolgirl, your body subconsciously tucking against his chest and your head finding a comfortable spot beneath his chin. You knocked the wind out of him, just like that.

Benn was behind Shanks, shaking his head as if he could already imagine the future just from his captain's look alone. Children on the Red Force was something he really didn't want. But damnit, Shanks looked ready to dive headfirst into marriage and perhaps between your legs.

"O-oh, I probably shouldn't be.." You seemed to realize your position once you had calmed down from wheezing and keeling over like an idiot. You were clinging to this guy you had met probably an hour ago, and he was letting you, that had to be wrong in some formality somewhere- But before you could shift away, that's when he muttered,

"Hey.. Where do you think you're wandering?.."

Trouble, temptation, that stupid mug that was smiling down at you so fondly as if you were the love of his life. "Stay, please." He didn't demand, he asked, ever so politely with another tilt of his head and the gentle guiding of his hand to your chin.

Your nose brushed his, and you didn't even pull away. You thought you were a tough person, determined, strongly willed, and independent. But all those thoughts faded when you blushed under his touch. His gentle, oddly romantic touch, for just being a stranger.

"Fine.." The word ran away from you like breath leaving your lungs..

And that, that's how the love of his life, a woman on the street, came to be.

That's how come now, as he repeated those words that hooked you onto him in the first place, you could also care less. He held you like you were his, and now you were. Years later, you belonged to a Yonko. A fairly protective one who let you wander as you wished unless someone drew too close for comfort. One who loved holding you by with waist with his one arm and snuggling the life out of you with his face.

Shanks, that damn 'lonely' bastard.

Creds to : sisterlucifergraphics and cafekitsune for the dividers!

Marco

"Feeling better yet?.." Marco cooed over from his desk, scratching down whatever updates on your healing process. Softly chuckling when you grumbled instead of answering him clearly.

Turns out, what everyone assumed was a simple cold was something greater- Days turned into weeks, and you looked like a dead man walking. That was the point Marco gave up pretending you were okay for your pride and dragged you to the medbay. The point where you were wheezing in bed as he now approached you, raising a brow at your sour expression and eventually sighing.

"I know, I'm sorry you got this bad.. I should've caught onto it sooner."

Of course, he felt bad; it was his job to notice these things and nip them in the butt. Now you looked like.. This. A blink away from meeting the Grim Reaper. Though Marco knew you were stronger than that. Or hoped.. Not that it mattered, for his mental fussing was interrupted by another sound from you. Causing him to glance down and see you glaring at him, in a "don't you dare say that" kind of way. It was endearing despite the scenario. It made him laugh.

"Alright, I won't.." But clearly, you didn't take that as enough. Not when you mustered all he strength you had just to tug him down into you. Marco yelped, and you grunted. He was lying beside you in shock. But even stunned by your actions, he didn't protest when you leaned into him or shyly tossed an arm his way.

He just.. Laughed. Louder than before and more mirthfully. "You are just full of surprises, hm?" He hummed, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and pulling you in close.

King

"I don't care what complaints you have over the matter. Locate the young master and bring him back to Kaido, or else." Ulti's shrill whines over her brother's shoulder; they fell on deaf ears. King wouldn't humor such a pathetic show. There was a task to handle, and it would be handled. As simple as that. No matter how many times Yamato ran or defied his father, it wouldn't matter. Not when Kaido said so. Turning away from a now shrieking Ulti who had the gall to shake her fist at him, King left the hall where he had summoned all the Tobiroppo. Or most of them.. Seeing as Sasaki and Who-Who didn't show yet again. King knew the others would tell them of their mission soon enough, so he had no care for their appearance or not. He just wondered.. As the doors fell shut behind him, and soon enough, silence was found. Something that didn't grate on his nerves for once. But no, he couldn't have silence for long, could he? "King-" A voice with a curious tone came creeping from around the corner. And soon, his eyes locked onto you. Oh, he hadn't even noticed you missed the small meeting. Were you that insignificant to him? Let's just go with.. Less irritating. So far, he tended to forget you existed until shown. "What is it?" He inquired, tone a fraction "softer" than the one he used on Ulti. If you could even call that softer.. "I heard something about the young master. He's already in his quarters again." King's eyebrow shot up, not that you could see it behind his mask. "What?.." How did you even.. So fast- He found himself mildly impressed with a Tobiroppo for once in his life. "I ran into him his mid.. Whatever." You gestured with your hand as if that was enough to explain. After all.. Yamato was Yamato. An adventurous trouble child that most Beast Pirates wished Kaido hadn't had. "Good," King responded with a curt nod. "Snail the other's the task is off." "Already done."

.. "Great." He began striding past you. Gait long and quick, head miraculously unhurt from this interaction. This positive little experience led King to count on you for more things. You weren't difficult, you were efficient, and you didn't feel as lowly as the others to him. It also led to the two of you being seated together at one of Kaido's elaborate feasts. Queen's obnoxious music blaring and all of the other Beast Pirates rocking their souls away. King sat still beside you, the only giveaway to the fact that he was secretly scowling was the narrowing of his eyes. Why did his "equal" have to be such a pain in the ass.. Thoughts, questions, and the wish that he could have a sip of sake passed through his mind. But in the end, it all came to a halt. When you, tipsy from the encouragement to drink by your peers, leaned into his side. You didn't throw yourself, you didn't ramble or cry, you just.. Slumped into him. Tucked somewhat beneath his wing and face, huddled into his leather. King had half the mind to shove you away with his wing. But something in him felt oddly.. Okay with this. That's when his wing shifted. Not to reject you, but to cover you a bit more. Therefore, shielding you from the blaring music and lights, and saving his reputation because no one could see you behind his feathers.

Note: Is it obvious I have a favorite between the two?..

You can't blame me thoo 😻😻 And yeah figuring out my layout more.. Anyone who follows my work will come to learn I'm so indecisive with my layouts 😭.

He was here to apolo.. to..

He labeled this as merely fixing a misplaced puzzle piece.

You were upset. Why? Perhaps he had accidentally won your heart. Whether it was between the blood or his cold looks, you had fallen so hard it clearly hurt. And he? He found you.. somewhat appealing. Or that's what he said to himself.

You were just a temporary fix for anytime now unsettling human need came. That was it.

You didn't matter much.

He was here for the sake of keeping CP9 under wraps. To prevent the team from becoming tense just because your attitude of a toddler.

It wasn't any other reason that he stood firmly at your door for an hour straight. Even leaning on it at some point just to listen to you move inside. So quiet, like you knew he was listening. Like you were attempting to be as small as a mouse in hopes he'd go away.

But that wouldn't do, would it?

He sighed at your lack of a response. Hattori, who also had been unfortunately sitting here this entire time, mimicked the sound with one of his coos. Trying to express how he could be spending his time in a far better way than waiting for Lucci's lover to emerge from her shadows.

"I can stay here all night. Even all tomorrow. I'm sure you understand how my endurance is." The best, was wordlessly said. His endurance was the best. As was many things about him. But Lucci was never one to flaunt-

All that mattered was the job.

And now,

You, apparently.

You seemed to stop shifting around at his last notion, as if finally thinking. He was right. He could probably last days straight without budging from that spot. And if he couldn't? He'd assign Hattori to be here for him. There was no point in keeping this up.

So, you reluctantly moved. And Lucci moved as well.

He stepped away from the door, now standing upright and facing it. And you cracked it open, peeking between the sliver with eyes that had seen better days.

Your gaze which laid as his feet lifted. Your eyes held each other's, and nothing was said. Not till you finally spoke to him for the first time in a week.

"I don't want to see you."

"You understand, that is impossible." Lucci stated, plainly. Truly. Because he was right. You worked together, it was impossible to ever avoid his face. Especially when you were destined to see it on a weekly if not daily basis.

"So?.." You mumbled, hand twisting your doorknob. Subtly tightening the crack that showed your desire to create distance between you again.

"So," His foot found it's way between your door. "We will speak of the misunderstanding."

"What is there to misunderstand?" You hissed at him. A daring thing to do seeing as it was.. Him. But Lucci didn't even blink at the spit that flew toward his pristine suit. He just stepped, once, twice, until he forced you to pry your door open and allow him to stand in the doorway.

"A lot, apparently, seeing as you have the mind and patience of a child." He then gestured for you to step into your room. No room for questions in that motion. He knew you'd comply, and you did, as always. Falling into place as he closed the door behind him for privacy.

"So what, what do you have to say?" You bit at him, gut churning with the recent memory.

This distance, this silent treatment, it stemmed from an incident on a mission. It was just you and Lucci, collecting intel. It was simple, it was at a tavern, and it ended in shambles.

For you.

Between eavesdropping and entertaining patrons in hopes liquor would ease the truth from them, somehow a woman ended up by Lucci's side. On his lap.

Over his lips.

And he hadn't even.. budged. He didn't resist it. He.. accepted it. Reciprocated it.

The memory made you feel nauseous.

Especially when you compared it to your first kiss. The one where he sat like a statue, not even closing his eyes. Just staring at you with that dark gaze. It was a miracle he didn't slash your throat. A shock your.. quote on quote relationship, made it this far.

And this far it came till you stopped it after that mission. You couldn't take it. How could he kiss another woman, so willingly, so heartedly, and not even peck your lips in return of your kiss?

"What I have to say is, everything I do is for the mission." He spoke slowly, as if trying to lay out something for a child. It was hurtful how condescending he was being, but you couldn't be surprised, seeing as you had been acting a bit childishly.

"That, was because that woman, held the intel we needed. Not the man you were buttering up, or the bartender we were eyeing." Each word, he inched closer. With the grace of a predator. As beautiful as he was frightening.

"That woman, gave us a trace on those unrighteous revolutionaries. One that Kaku and Blueno are hunting in this very moment."

He stopped before you. So close, you chest almost brushed his. His head, tilted down, his eyes peered, so sharp it almost stung. You had to hold back a shiver.

"And if my acting, for our job, is too much for you to handle, I don't see how that is my fault and how I am deserving of your treatment." He spat, showing how he clearly detested your little stunt. How lowly he viewed you in the moment.

"I.."

"You're right." There was no point in denying it. No point in dragging on your sulking. You would admit, you thought and acted irrationally, because of your feelings.

"I acted in a way unfit of an agent."

"I apologise."

You spoke even when it felt bitter on your tongue. As your jaw clenched to hold back your feelings, the main two being a mix of sorrow and shame. You were undeniably hurt by what you saw that mission, what you had felt in your heart, but now it was accompanied by a newfound sense of embarrassment.

How could you even call yourself an agent of Cipher Pol if you couldn't keep your personal life and emotions under wraps.

With a sudden motion, Lucci raised his hand. Instinctively you tensed, bracing for impact. He had never hurt you outside of training. Never in the terms of your relationship. And when training, it was often minor. But.. you couldn't help but expect the worse. Especially after acting so foolishly.

But Lucci paused, noticing the way your shoulders hardened and the sudden shutting of your eyes. He analyzed it all. And a soft tch escaped his mouth.

"You are utterly embarrassing."

"And yet, I won't tear one into you." He mused, with what someone could barely even call amusement.

Then, his hand lowered. To your cheek. Gently cupping it with mannerisms that didn't exactly match a deadly assassin. He guided your gaze to meet his, and he simply stated.

"Don't expect me to be so lenient next time."

You internally flinched, imagining what next time could possibly hold.

"But also, don't act as if some random woman could compare to you."

His thumb gently traced a pattern over your cheekbone as he continued.

"I saw you that night. Your face."

"Your jealousy is what made me act.."

His hand dipped to your chin, and tilted your face up to meet his. Your breath hitching as your nose brushed his.

"It felt as tempting as blood in that moment. Your rage."

"I wish you looked like that more often."

"You did that.. on purpose. To see me mad?" You couldn't believe this man. And yet, you couldn't find yourself mad again as he purred to himself. Pleased. Clearly that had been the case. He found your passion toward him attractive, but being him, he didn't verbalize it. He just caused it.

"Yes, and I'm sorry for accidently causing your wallowing. Though, I don't take responsibility for your response."

"Be better next time. Or else." He pinched your chin between his fingers. Releasing your face and taking a step back. Leaving you feeling relieved, agitated, and a bit empty without his touch.

You stepped forward without thinking and wrapped your arms around one of his. A sharp sigh escaping you as your forehead bumped against his shoulder. You felt so conflicted, and yet the strongest thing of all those feelings was.. ease. You felt at ease, knowing the truth.

"Never do that again."

"Of course," He curtly replied. Not reciprocating your touch, per usual, but not pulling away. He stayed still. Just for you.

"And if you want me mad.. just.. do something that doesn't involve other people." You shyly added.

He nodded, as if mentally filing that away.

Creds to im4yeons and strangergraphics for the dividers! And my gosh ive been on a Lucci frenzy. So many hot men in water 7..

Gaara isn't used to this. To you. He isn't really used to anyone. Being shunned, hated, and feared most of his life catered to that. So the idea that you- smiling, wonderfully cheerful, sweet you.. Of all people, wanted to be around him? It was foreign, practically unbelievable, and did off put him.

But being off put didn't cause him to turn you away. Whether before or after Naurto caused a change in his heart. Before? He'd keep you more out of curiosity than anything. You were lucky he found your spunk intriguing instead of irritating.. After? It'd be genuine, out of want for a connection. Though there'd definitely be curiosity there still as well! He's very curious to what you even see in him.

And by off put, it's more of an awkwardness and disbelief than anything. Gaara can't get why you want to be around him. To even go as far as befriend him- He was.. He had blood on his hands. Unwanted or not. And yet, here you stood, commenting on his his hair matched the radiance of a red desert flower. Making him stand in silent awe that appeared so horribly awkward to any onlookers.

But you're never fazed. That makes it worse. He has flaws, even when now on the path to being a good person, and you don't care. He was awkward, you were calm. He was hesitant and you were kind. He was stiff and you teased. Teased him silly until he gaped and flushed, as if he wasn't the Sand's Kazekage but just.. Him.

He never got your teasing at first. Though used to what Temari and Kankuro subjected him to, when they were younger and occasionally now, it was different with a person who wasn't them. Nonetheless that teased so often and giggled so vibrantly afterwards. It took him time, many questions, or flushing faces, but eventually he began to grow used to it and even manages to retort back now. His own small teases that are rare and yet hit harder than all of yours combined.

His comfort also grew with time. It wasn’t off the bat that this push and pull dynamic formed between the two of you. The playfulness, the ease, the love. It started off as more pushing from you than anything, and shy tugs on his half. He did like you, trust you, want you even. But.. He feared to mess up. That's what took him longer to be fully their in the companionship you formed. But once he got there, he made it whole.

Gaara is an absolute sweetheart unknowingly. When around you he does practically anything to make you smile or laugh. In subtle ways though. He tries to be sneaky, ends up looking kind of obvious, yet is so endearing you likely don't comment on it and just enjoy his gestures. He just wants to make you as happy as you make him.

Interactions between you two go like:

There was always a kind of calm in the Kazekage's office that you couldn't describe. Not dry, nor boring, not.. Tense, with the weight of expectations and power. It was just calm. Like the still in the midst of the desert. Nothing but the gentle breeze.

Nothing but you and Gaara.

Normally, people didn't just "hang around" Lord Kazekage. Not unless they were his personal guards, or needed advisors which didn't even stay as long as the guards did. But you, you were always the exception.

He always let you stay, like now. While he did paperwork, signing things, noting things, giving permissions and input. You both didn't speak. Just sat. The sound of pen to paper and the wind guiding the sun beneath the horizon the only things heard.

Peace.

You loved it. Especially for Gaara. The peace was something he deserved for so long and yet was kept away from. It warmed your heart to see the softness in his eyes, especially when he gazed upon you.

Which he did periodically.

Which caused you to tease, as always.

"Do I have something on me?" You questioned, tilting your head with mock curiosity, knowing fully well you had not even a speck of dust on your nose at the moment.

Gaara paused. Verbally caught. He then glanced at your face again, silently hoping you did have something on you he could use as an excuse to escape your teasing.

".. No."

There was no escape.

"Then what? Miss my face that much?" You prodded, lopsidedly smiling.

He seemed to actually ponder before responding.

"Yes, actually."

You hadn't been expecting that, but hearing his honesty made your heart swell. You couldn't help yourself anymore. Leaning forward on his desk you began to coo, even reach to gently pinch his cheek.

"You are so sweet and utterly adorable, Lord Kazekage." It was even more obvious you were teasing because you didn't use his honorific title unless surrounded by other people.

"T-Thank you.." He scrunched his face up at your pinching, but didn't pull away. Just endured it. Because he loved seeing you be yourself. Your teasing, pinchy, utterly honest self.