A Pirate&#x27;s Life

"Who? Me?" Harry questioned innocently before a slightly guilty look appeared on his face when he gave his partner a sheepish grin. "If it helps, I didn't do anything that could get me hurt this time"

It was a habit that Harry was slowly managing to break with the relentless training from Lumi when he did fuck up and from the support of his love. "I think... Kinda got into a bet with someone who thinks he can beat me in a sword fight... I need a second. Wanna play?"

One mossy green brow arched at the sheepish grin even as his heart settled at the confirmation that Harry hadn't done anything that could get him hurt or kidnapped or nearly murdered to the brink of death or any of the other shit he'd pulled the last months. Only for him to roll his eyes seconds later at the admission of the duel he'd agreed to.

"The only reason that's not life-threatening is because I'm the only one who can beat you." Rising from where he'd been lounging on the bench-like chair in the Merry's main room, he rebuckled his swords to his hip before adding. "Who the fuck was stupid enough to challenge you?"

#[Hook D Harrison]#realmofthekatana #Harry woke immediately #I need to work but couldn't focus until I answered

"Don't let Pa hear that, he'll take it as a challenge to beat you" Harry laughed, trying to be as joyful as he could at the comment from his partner, he had seen the worry in Zoro's eyes when he thought that Harry had gotten himself into trouble again and felt a wave of guilt rise in his stomach and throat. The roll of his eyes did make him snicker with pure fondness at the other swordsman.

The only reason that Harry had agreed to the bet was because he knew that the ass was nowhere near even his sister's standard so he would be an easy win. However, he also had a sinking feeling that the man asked for a second because it would end up in an ambush which was why he had asked his love to be his second rather than Gil. It also meant that Harry was trying to prove that he was learning to rely on Zoro rather than trying to face things himself like he always did.

"Why do you think I agreed?" Harry retorted with a slight smirk, he also wanted to fight someone that wasn't wary of hurting him like the crew were. Someone who wasn't Lumi. "Some ass that I think is part of that crew the creep on Jaya was on, the blonde one that Luffy decimated... Can't remember his name. Although, I think he might try and play dirty when we win"

"I didn't eat all of it!" Luffy immediately protested, his hands coming up in surrender as he eyed his chef with wide eyes, chocolate still on his finger tips.

While he had stolen the chocolate because he was having a rare craving of sweet stuff, he hadn't eaten all of it, he'd given part of his pilfered stash to Robin and Nami too. He knew that his female crew mates loved chocolate, he also snuck some to Chopper too because he couldn't handle his doctor being upset at not getting any of the sweet treat.

His eye twitched before his gaze narrowed in on his captain. "There is no way that you managed to not eat all of it if you got your hands on it. You don't even leave crumbs behind."

Stalking forward, he fisted his hand in Luffy's shirt before pulling him nose to nose with him. "Why didn't you just come tell me you were hungry?"

#[Monkey D Luffy]#realmofthekatana #watching the waves [queue]

A small squeak of surprise escaped him as Sanji pulled him close before he whined lightly. He knew he was bad at eating everything, but he was always hungry, Gramps said it was because of the D in his name while there was also the devil fruit too

"I gave some to Nami, Robin and Chopper too" Luffy admitted to Sanji with a small pout on his lips "I didn't want to bother you, Sanji was busy..."

Paulie did his best not to flinch away in surprise as she appeared next to him, he hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings, mostly focusing on the ropes in his hands. The sugary sweet woman had been intriguing to Paulie, especially with how she was a pirate but didn't seem to know much about ships; although, given everything he knew about the elder brothers of the Big Mom family, he wasn't surprised.

"Working on my knots" he informed her lightly, thankfully she was one of the few women he'd met recently that seemed to dress sensibly enough that his automatic reaction of scolding wasn't triggered. Which meant he didn't make a fool out of himself around her unless the others were around.

"You never know when you need them" he continued as he worked on the overhand knot in his hand.

Humming in thought she shifted so that she could sit down next to him, the ruffles in her skirts spreading out around her so that she looked like a puff from the waist down as she folded her legs underneath the fabric.

Leaning forward with the grace of a ballet dancer, something she was unable to do after years of training to be one, she pointed at the knots that he was working on. "Can you teach me? I'd like to be of more help to the crew now that I'm here."

Pulling her hand away, she rung her fingers before looking down at them and laughing sadly. "It's kind of embarrassing you know. To be the daughter of Big Mom and not even know how to tie a knot for sailing......my brother always made sure I had a fully trained crew for my ship, so all I had to do was.....ride along, I guess."

#[Paulie]#realmofthekatana #watching the waves [queue]

Paulie cocked his head to the side curiously at the request from her, before he hummed softly and gave a small nod of agreement.

"Sure, I can teach you some of the simpler ones for now, and we can work on bigger ones as we sail?" He offered to her as his hand went into his jacket pocket to remove one of the many spare pieces of rope that he kept on him for when he was bored and needed something to focus on. "You know that half of them still don't know the best knots to use, right? It's one of the reasons I'm here... You're only slightly behind half of them."

"I grew up playing with ropes" Paulie explained to her lightly as he started to show her the motions for one of the easiest but most used knots on a ship "You're not just a pirate, you're a princess... Most wouldn't expect you to know half of what you know, ropes is just something that slipped through the cracks. It's not embarrassing"

The crew around her were wary of her, especially with how she flipped the blade, she could sense that easily; but it just made her smirk a little even as she continued to hum gently.

Even with Hao Tian next to her, she continued to flip the blade, yet stopped humming as he sat beside her; she tilted her head to the side curiously at the comment about winning him a lot of gold. Although, considering what she could assume, the crew probably thought that she would be some pampered princess that wouldn't want to break a nail if a wind blew too strong on deck.

"Most think that because I'm only a half-sibling to Harriet and Harry, that I'm not as strong as them because Mama Kate's blood doesn't run through my veins. People forget that Papa's is a strong bloodline in his own right." CJ informed him lightly as she stopped flipping the blade, catching its hilt before twirling it in her hand. She shook her head at the question, a small frown on her lips "I haven't been able to train in a while... My adoptive brothers don't use blades, nor does Uncle Gaston, and Papa left not long after Ry... I'll train when I'm with my brother"

"To assume that one's bloodline determines their strength is a weakness that has killed many." He mused, well aware of the darkness of his own kingdom. True, the royal family was in charge of the hidden sect that ruled from the shadows of Borealis, but its ranks were filled by many of notable bloodlines and none at all.

Among the imperial guard's even that fact remained true. While it was easier to rise through the ranks if you were born to a noble family, there were plenty who had proven their strength on their own merit.

Still, there were still many who viewed their backgrounds as a birthright.

Glancing at her when she mentioned not being able to train properly he then hummed. "Our techniques aren't similar, but you are welcome to join in our daily workouts. I wouldn't mind sparing with you either to help sharpen your blade once more."

Glancing around the ship, he then added. "I'm sure once they see your skills, many will want to challenge you as well."

#[Calista Jane Hook]#realmofthekatana

CJ knew that Harry and her sister were strong, their bloodline had the Will of D in it, one that only Harry seemed to have inherited, while both were also blessed with a double dose of the Sirens Call. The family secret was held tight, not even the LeGume family knew of their heritage, but CJ had been noticing that since she turned sixteen, things had started to happen that could only be because of the Sirens blood in her Papa's bloodline. It wasn't as strong as her brother and sister, but it scared her a little when she realized her voice could be used as a weapon.

She knew how dangerous bloodlines could be, she didn't need any comments about that; but she didn't say that to Hao Tian, instead, she just nodded lightly in agreement.

CJ eyed him curiously at the mention of his techniques as well as the offer to spar before she gave a small nod of acceptance.

"I would like to learn your techniques if they are something outsiders can learn?" She hesitatingly asked, her voice light but there was a slight hint of eagerness too.

@apircteslife liked for a starter from Ace! (for Smoker)

"Come for round two?" Grinning as he leaned back in his chair, balanced precariously on the back two legs, a wide grin spread over his lips as he took in the marine. Adding almost lazily. "Because we both know who's going to win."

#[Smoker]#realmofthekatana #watching the waves [queue]

Smoker glanced over at the pirate, he had a brief urge to arrest the younger man but the urge disappeared as exhaustion hit him and he gave a slight shake of his head. He wasn't in his uniform even though he was recognizable.

"Just here for a drink Fire Fist, not a fight" he informed the other logia as he settled into the chair next to him

CJ played with her dagger idly as she glanced across the ocean, the horizon calling to her stronger than it ever had in her childhood, a soft song passing her lips in a hum as she flipped the instrument of danger; catching the hilt with every toss even when she wasn't looking.

She knew that joining Hao Tian was a strong idea, she knew her brother and father were both going to go nuts with her when they found out that she left the sanctuary of their island. CJ wasn't as hunted as her big brother and sister, but she was still the youngest child of the Hook family and classed as an easy target even though she had been raised and trained by two of the most dangerous pirates on the seas besides Gol D. Roger.

The island wasn't her home without her blood siblings and her father, even if she had the LeGume family there.

She would prove the Hao Tian that she could protect herself, that she wasn't the child that everyone believed her to be; she could hold her own against the best of them and she would continue to do so even after reaching her brothers crew. She just hoped Luffy would accept her as a Straw Hat and not send her home like her father would do.

Shitfing his gaze back down from the moon he took in the fact that CJ was expertly flipping a knife in her hands. It wasn't surprising in the least, though he knew some of the crew would probably underestimate her. A fact that would be idiotic considering who her father was. He had a feeling that, unlike other pirate parents, Hook had ensured all of his children could defend themselves.

Climbing down the stairs he moved to where she was sitting before looking back up towards the little pavilion that lead to the rooms she'd been given. Lumi's rooms to be exact, though he knew his princess wouldn't mind.

"Most of the crew thought you'd be up there for the journey. You've won me a lot of gold." Smiling as he sat down next to her before motioning towards the knife. "Do you need anything specific for training?"

#[Calista Jane Hook]#realmofthekatana #watching the waves [queue]

The crew around her were wary of her, especially with how she flipped the blade, she could sense that easily; but it just made her smirk a little even as she continued to hum gently.

Even with Hao Tian next to her, she continued to flip the blade, yet stopped humming as he sat beside her; she tilted her head to the side curiously at the comment about winning him a lot of gold. Although, considering what she could assume, the crew probably thought that she would be some pampered princess that wouldn't want to break a nail if a wind blew too strong on deck.

"Most think that because I'm only a half-sibling to Harriet and Harry, that I'm not as strong as them because Mama Kate's blood doesn't run through my veins. People forget that Papa's is a strong bloodline in his own right." CJ informed him lightly as she stopped flipping the blade, catching its hilt before twirling it in her hand. She shook her head at the question, a small frown on her lips "I haven't been able to train in a while... My adoptive brothers don't use blades, nor does Uncle Gaston, and Papa left not long after Ry... I'll train when I'm with my brother"

@apircteslife liked for a starter from Roronoa Zoro! (For Harry)

"You have that look on your face that says that you did something stupid and don't know how to tell me about it." Taking a sip from his beer he then lifted his gaze to his lover before adding. "So spill."

#[Hook D Harrison]#realmofthekatana

"Who? Me?" Harry questioned innocently before a slightly guilty look appeared on his face when he gave his partner a sheepish grin. "If it helps, I didn't do anything that could get me hurt this time"

It was a habit that Harry was slowly managing to break with the relentless training from Lumi when he did fuck up and from the support of his love. "I think... Kinda got into a bet with someone who thinks he can beat me in a sword fight... I need a second. Wanna play?"

@apircteslife liked for a starter from Hao Tian! (For CJ)

He still wasn't sure if it had been a wise idea to allow Captain Hook's daughter to accompany them. While it was true that they were both looking for the same pirate crew and both wished to help those that they searched for, there was more. A darker hidden danger that hunted Lumi outside of the politically official reason that he was the face of.

The imperial family wanted her dead.

Glancing down from where he was standing on the upper deck of the ship he'd been given for finding Lumi he watched Hook's daughter for a long moment before sighing and turning his face towards the moon. He knew what his princess's orders would be without her even being here.

Guard her with your life, Hao Tian.

#[Calista Jane Hook]#realmofthekatana

CJ played with her dagger idly as she glanced across the ocean, the horizon calling to her stronger than it ever had in her childhood, a soft song passing her lips in a hum as she flipped the instrument of danger; catching the hilt with every toss even when she wasn't looking.

She knew that joining Hao Tian was a strong idea, she knew her brother and father were both going to go nuts with her when they found out that she left the sanctuary of their island. CJ wasn't as hunted as her big brother and sister, but she was still the youngest child of the Hook family and classed as an easy target even though she had been raised and trained by two of the most dangerous pirates on the seas besides Gol D. Roger.

The island wasn't her home without her blood siblings and her father, even if she had the LeGume family there.

She would prove the Hao Tian that she could protect herself, that she wasn't the child that everyone believed her to be; she could hold her own against the best of them and she would continue to do so even after reaching her brothers crew. She just hoped Luffy would accept her as a Straw Hat and not send her home like her father would do.

@apircteslife liked for a starter from Sanji!

"Luffy! I swear to the sea gods you better not have eaten all of the chocolate again!"

#[Monkey D Luffy]#realmofthekatana

"I didn't eat all of it!" Luffy immediately protested, his hands coming up in surrender as he eyed his chef with wide eyes, chocolate still on his finger tips.

While he had stolen the chocolate because he was having a rare craving of sweet stuff, he hadn't eaten all of it, he'd given part of his pilfered stash to Robin and Nami too. He knew that his female crew mates loved chocolate, he also snuck some to Chopper too because he couldn't handle his doctor being upset at not getting any of the sweet treat.

@apircteslife liked for a starter from Candy! (for Paulie)

"What are you doing?" She supposed it would be strange to others to find out that while she had grown up as a pirate, she'd barely ever spent time on a ship. Having become the minister of Sugar for an island in the sky had kept her occupied. That and her mother had used her for political meetings more than the others. So even when she'd been on a ship, she'd had a part to play. Her brothers often ensuring that she'd never had to lift a finger.

Dropping down to crouch next to him, her arms wrapping around her knees, she tipped her head to the side as she examined the knot he'd been tying.

#[Paulie]#realmofthekatana

Paulie did his best not to flinch away in surprise as she appeared next to him, he hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings, mostly focusing on the ropes in his hands. The sugary sweet woman had been intriguing to Paulie, especially with how she was a pirate but didn't seem to know much about ships; although, given everything he knew about the elder brothers of the Big Mom family, he wasn't surprised.

"Working on my knots" he informed her lightly, thankfully she was one of the few women he'd met recently that seemed to dress sensibly enough that his automatic reaction of scolding wasn't triggered. Which meant he didn't make a fool out of himself around her unless the others were around.

"You never know when you need them" he continued as he worked on the overhand knot in his hand.

Paulie rubbed the back of his neck once he realized that the cook was flushed. Perhaps showing off had not been the best idea, if it had possibly made things awkward. Dark eyes flicking back up at the sound of the cook clearing his throat.

He could not help but think that the other blonde looked attractive, blushing the way that he was. It wasn't fair just how attractive the pirate was.

"That so?" He was curious, stepping forward, watching how nervous Sanji seemed. "I will take the compliment, then."

#[black leg sanji]#seaoftheworst

Sanji had to steel himself so he didn't take a step backwards as Paulie stepped forward, his insecurities around anyone he had a crush on was making him want to turn tail and run; but Paulie knew him as a Straw Hat and he wasn't going to let his crew down by hiding from something as simple as flirtation from a hot man.

"It's definitely a compliment" Sanji informed him with as much strength he could muster as he tried to will the blush from his cheeks, especially when he replayed the aerial manoeuvres in his mind. "What made you learn that?"

He had a feeling that the way the the boy was avoiding answering him, was seemingly looking to escape meant that he was not likely to appreciate the manner in which the scar had been acquired. If the boy had gotten into a fight he could respect the wound, but if the boy had done something idiotic...

Garp moved forward, scruffing the boy before he could get away. He may be older than when he has last had to wrangle a child, but if Luffy was anything like Dragon he was going to try and make a break for it. "But you are gunna. No arguing, boy."

#[Monkey D. Luffy]#seaoftheworst #Watching the Waves [Queue]

The moment Luffy saw his Gramps shift, he tried to dart away but because of just how large his grandfather was, he could barely get a step from him before he was caught. He whined at being scruffed like the Tiger Lord did to her cubs when she wanted to carry them without a fight.

Pouting, with a weak scowl, Luffy kept his mouth clamped shut. He didn't know if his Gramps knew about Shanks coming around, he was a little happy that his straw hat was hidden behind the bar for a moment since Makino had suggested it when they heard Garp arriving. If Luffy told his Gramps about Shanks, would his grandfather cut his visit short and leave to chase after the pirate? Would he still stay and spend time with Luffy?

The man may be mean with his scary training, but Luffy liked their nights by the fire with meat from hunts. It was nice to cuddle with his Gramps on those nights.

Luffy rocked on his feet, his smile widening when Smoker questioned him. The pirate always had a reason behind pretty much everything that he did, even if his reason didn't seem to make sense to most everyone else in the world that wasn't him.

"You're strong, and you have helped us more than once. You are a good guy, too. I can tell." Many of the Marines he had ran into were jerks, but Smoker, Smoker he could tell was a nice guy, much like Koby.

"So, yeah, just like that."

#[Smoker]#seaoftheworst #Watching the Waves [Queue]

"What about your crew? Won't they have something to say about that decision?" Smoker continued to question since he was sure that the rest of the Straw Hats may have something to say about Smoker joining their crew. Especially if Luffy agreed without talking to them about it.

The Loguetown native shouldn't trust any of them, but in all honesty, he knew that the crew were good people. Zoro and Sanji were obviously in tune with their Captain most of the time and fought without hesitation, Nami was their voice of reason and common sense but even she gave into the Captain's choices sooner or later. It would be interesting working with Franky and Robin since the two had many things to hold against a former marine, while Usopp, Chopper and Brooke would probably accept it with just a little terror.

It was endearing to see how much he had thrown Sanji off his game. He had seen the man flirting almost non-stop with Nami and Vivi earlier, to see him out of that charming and suave demeanor. It was quite the treat indeed. Amusement filled him at the blonde's question, a devilish smirk coming to his lips as he thought of another way to see how the cook would react.

The cook had a passion to him, and he could only describe it as if Sanji burned as brightly as he himself could.

He firmly took the other man's chin in his hand, forefinger bracing as his thumb rested on Sanji's lower lip as he tilted his head to look up at him. "Not really, most men aren't usually my type. You, though, you have a certain spark."

#[Black Leg Sanji]#seaoftheworst #Watching the Waves [Queue]

Sanji should have gotten out of Ace's lap.

He should have used common sense and gotten out of his Captain's older brother's lap and done a retreat. But common sense evaporated with the heat of Ace's thighs under him and the scent of fire and smoke surrounding him like a blanket.

It took all of Sanji's willpower and childhood 'training' not to release an embarrassing sound at the light touch of fingers on his chin, especially when the logia moved his thumb to Sanji's lip. Sanji gazed at Ace wide-eyed at the movement "I'm your type?"

The chef wasn't sure why that was his response, but it was the first thing that came to mind even as his cheeks grew darker at the comment about him having a 'spark', they really needed to be careful because if Ace kept going then Sanji would be putty in his hands and there would be nothing changing that.

sirensofthefiveseas

“I don’t care about rumors.” Boa protested softly, truly uncaring if the marines thought anything. They no doubt thought she had taken most if not all of the warlords to bed, she was the only female among them. It didn’t help that her people were famous for their raids on towns for males for a night or two. At the tease she looked back at him over her shoulder, smirking slightly.

“It helps keep you safe from pawing hands if they know you’re off limits.” She was the Empress, she was allowed to keep someone to herself while the others would try to share the man in order to get as many of them pregnant at once. Sighing softly she left the rooms, knowing that Mihawk would follow behind her. Even if she couldn’t hear his steps he wouldn’t just leave her.

The girls were already getting the ship together as they saw her approach, though she could see them glancing amongst each other at Mihawk’s presence. “Bring Mihawk’s ship onboard as well. He’ll be joining us back to the island.” She said simply, ignoring the looks as she headed to her room.