He feels her approach as though she had a string attached to his chest; a familiar tug pulls at him with each step she took towards his ship.

They had been docked for a couple of days, awaiting the arrival of the Straw Hats at the place they’d agreed upon weeks ago. Shanks could hear the sound of his crew’s hollering long before he even made it above deck. Shouts of welcome fill the air when she steps aboard and the captain can’t help but grin and shake his head.

Robin had long since become a regular on the Force. Most of his sailors continued their duties with friendly waves or greetings–his officers, however, had become far friendlier with her. Breya and Lennox flock to her with smiles, questioning how her trip was and how long she’d be staying this time. A sense of ease washes over him as he observes her with his crew and then she looks at him–and he beams right back.

“Step aside, you lot. Don’t crowd the lady.” He shoos them off with a wave of his hand as he approaches, grinning, and, with a few grumbles, they begrudgingly leave them.

Shanks reaches out to brush strands of dark hair behind her ear, thumb stroking her cheek, smile turning into an easy one.