college is starting again tomorrow 😣 i regretted not writing and scheduling a post when i had my vacation, so i’ll try to write when i’m free and schedule it.
i’m in my third year arc, i hope i survive this one too 🥹
You like Sanji and you show it, but despite all the effort your feelings seem to be one sided or so you thought.
masterlist || for request || ko-fi
words: 3.8k
With a big grin plastered across your face, you placed down the cup of hot chocolate that Sanji had made for you a while ago. You just finished writing another simple letter for the cook and it's time to give it to him.
You happily skipped your way to the kitchen where Sanji was cooking lunch for the crew. When you opened the door, he was focused with his work. Sleeves rolled up, blond hair perfectly fell over his gorgeous face, and his hands gracefully moving around. He was completely in his element that he hadn't noticed you standing by the threshold.
A soft smile crept across your lips, you walked closer to him and then quietly placed the folded paper on the kitchen counter.
"Mon dieu, is it another one?" Sanji carefully picked up the paper as if it were fragile.
You nodded, your breath hitched as you watched him open the paper and read its content.
You like Sanji and you have always been vocal about it; everyone knew of your undying feelings for him—well, maybe except the cook himself. You write him letters, you show him affection, you take care of him whenever you can, and you’re honest with what you feel, constantly telling him you like him.
Though the thing is, Sanji had never said anything about it, nothing at all. He never flirted with you the way he does with Nami or Robin or any other women; he never had those nosebleeds when it comes to you; he never gawked at you. Yeah, sure, he calls you names like ma chérie, mon dieu, mon amour but nothing more than that.
You remembered going to the market with him one time, he was pretty much calm around you as always. He was telling you random things: what was the first food he had burnt that made Zeff almost threw him out of the Baratie, his mother and his love for her, his sister Reiju, the mouse he used to feed when he was a kid. He opened up to you comfortably like you were his human diary; it made you feel warm, because he has given you his trust in another level.
Sanji always lets you take care of him, be it in battles or after the battle, he lets you scold him for not taking proper rest, he lets you wipe his sweat away after cooking, he lets you roll up his sleeves for him.
Every time, Sanji's soul felt like leaving his body. Every touch, every actions, and every words, surpassed the physical level of flattery. The armor he kept wearing broke through his whole system with all the love and care you kept showing him—allowing him to be his truest self. You gave him sanctuary.
He was showing you a deeper version of him that no one knew existed. In the surface: he was the flirtatious, hopless romantic, heart-eyes fool, but underneath that was something more sincere and calm.
But, of course, you were oblivious of that. Thinking that the flattery words, the clasp hands while Sanji spin around, the heart-eyes combined with the nosebleed were his way of showing love—it was half true and half wrong in Sanji's defense. Because the way he acted around you—calm and collected—he felt emotional safety, maturity, and acceptance.
Maybe, he only sees you as a crewmate or a friend, but it won't stop you from showing him your feelings.
You stared at Sanji, his expression soft and his eyes smiling, a faint red spread across his cheeks. "Thank you, Y/N-chan."
That's all.
He folded the letter again and tucked it inside his suit, then went back to cooking. A quiet sigh escaped your lips before leaving the kitchen.
Nami noticed your long face when you sat down on the empty chair next to her and Robin. "Failed again to flirt with Sanji?"
"I'm not flirting." You pouted.
"Honestly, I feel like Sanji likes you too." Robin commented while reading her book.
"Are we looking at the same Sanji? Because he obviously doesn't like me." You leaned back on your chair, sighing in frustration.
Nami removed her glasses, narrowing her eyes on you. "Well, Robin could be right. He's not rejecting you, and he's accepting all the things you do and give for him."
"Yeah, gaslight me. You're really good at that."
"Hey!"
Robin chuckled lowly when Nami pinched your arm. "But think about it, he reacts differently when it comes to you."
"More reason to think he doesn't like me." You whispered, almost to yourself. "He combust to you guys and to other girls, then he just smiles sweetly at me."
"Isn't smiling sweetly more romantic?" Nami asked, the tip of her pen tapping lightly against her cheek.
"I'd rather have someone smile sweetly at me than combust because I breathe." Robin teased.
You dragged your hand across your face, feeling infuriated with all the Sanji things. Perhaps, you could just talk to him?
After lunch, you insisted to help Sanji with the dishes. You carefully washed the plates that the crew used, while Sanji quietly cleaned the table.
It was quiet, but not awkward.
Then he spoke.
"Y/N-chan," your name left his lips softly and the way he said it always made your knees wobbly.
You hummed, glancing at him after placing all the plates on its respective places.
He sat down before speaking again. "I heard there will be a meteor shower tonight."
"Really?!" You asked, voice high from excitement. Your body is now completely facing him.
Sanji smiled at you, that stupid sweet smile he always flashed at you—like he adores you. "Do you want to watch it with me?"
"Yes!" You answered almost immediately, then sat in front of him. "I would love to."
"You really love the stars."
"Of course, they are so beautiful."
"Yeah, just like you."
Your ears perked up, you didn't know if you just misheard him or if he really said those words. When you looked at him, he was smiling in the most sincere way.
"Hey, don't say things like that." You muttered under your breath, "You know I like you."
Sanji didn't say anything. He lowered his gaze while tapping his hand lightly on the table that separated the two of you, his fingers fiddling with the cigarette—perhaps having the eagerness to smoke, but couldn't because you were with him. He knew you hated the smell of cigarette and he respected that.
"Go on, have a smoke."
He stared at you, then at his hand. "It's okay, don't want you coughing up because of the smoke."
You pursed your lips in a thin line, thinking. "…But, you want to smoke."
Sanji chuckled lightly, then he placed the cigarette in its box again and hid it in his suit. "I will, later."
That simple gesture did something to your heart. It was bare minimum as what they would say, but it made you happy—he respects you, and somehow that was more than enough for you.
There was silence again.
"May I ask?" You glanced at him, then nodded. "Why do you…like me?"
You smiled at him, a genuine one, and answered him without hesitation. "Because, you're you."
It's simple, but it's real. And, that reason spoke louder than anything. It was enough to stun Sanji, his eyes widened in shock as if you just said something astonishing.
Sanji's lips opened like he was about to say something, but closed it again when no words came out. His mind kept repeating your words, it was genuine, and in many ways, it erased the doubt no one knew he was carrying.
"Is that enough reason for you?" You asked softly, eyes still on him.
He still didn't speak, he was fazed. His reaction elicited a laugh from you, because for once he wasn't the one making women speechless—for once, he was the one dazzled…by your truth.
After the small talk in the kitchen, Sanji unexpectedly started showing interest in you. In your mind, it was the first time Sanji felt interested in you.
That afternoon, he made you something extra for your snacks. He even accompanied you on your table while you ate and spaced out, he didn't leave your side the whole time. Of course, the crew noticed, but they didn't say anything just threw a few teasing glances your way.
During dinner, Sanji sat next to you. Handed you everything you asked for, well he had always been like that—but, there was definitely something different in the air. And for the record, he was close, really really close. It almost made your heart jump out of your chest, because you were too aware of his presence.
“Shall we?” Sanji opened the door for you like the gentleman he is.
You both headed towards the upper deck to wait for the meteor shower, the cool air softly hitting your skin. Sanji had already laid out blankets and pillows to keep you comfortable, you didn't even know when he prepare all of this.
You lie down comfortably with the fluffy blankets underneath you, while Sanji sat close to you, his eyes softly looking at you with familiarity.
"Are you comfortable, mon amour?"
You smiled. "Yes, I like it."
His shoulder eased, as if your comfort and your smile were the only thing that mattered to him. His gaze turned to the vast sky above you, his blond locks softly dancing with the breeze, and the way the moonlight casted soft glow on his jawline and side profile were magnificent.
You couldn't help but to stare.
He had always been handsome and a head turner, but in the midst of the stillness and quiet serenity of the night, he was breathtaking. The meteor shower hadn't even started, yet you were already watching something extraordinary.
You sat up, voice hesitant. "Sanji…"
He turned to look at you, those look in his eyes made your breath caught up. "Yes, my love?"
You swallowed, then looked away biting your lips. "I…I accepted it already…that you don't see me the same way. But tell me, why does it still hurt?"
Your sudden confession left Sanji shocked. He was frozen in his spot for a while, couldn't compose a proper words to say. He was just staring at you, eyes wide, and his chest tightened.
You continued, "I wonder…I wonder what do other women have that I don't?"
Sanji watched you as his heart slowly break. If anything, he never wanted you to doubt your worth. After a minute of silence, Sanji finally spoke. "Y/N-chan, you…you're wrong."
You looked at him and smiled. "It's okay, I'm not asking you to like me back just don't push me away."
Sanji slowly raised his hand, wanting to hold you, but giving you the choice to move away—you didn't. His cold hand carefully touched your cheek, and your eyes closing to feel him.
"You're wrong for thinking you're lacking." Sanji started, his voice low and softer. "And for thinking that I don't feel the same."
Your eyes shut open, your body froze, and your brain short-circuited. You couldn't process what he just said, the sudden revelation of the truth left you dumbfounded and speechless.
Sanji chuckled at your expression, his thumb caressing your cheek gently. "You don't know how much my heart exploded from your thousands of confessions, from your touch and affection, your letters, your words, and your actions."
"B-but…" You stuttered, still not quite sure what to say.
Sanji's voice trembled as his truth finally came out. "I didn't think I deserved it—your attention, your love, you."
"Sanji…"
"I can love women the way they deserve, but someone like me? I don't think I am worthy of anyone's love, especially your love." His fist curled, knuckles turned white. Your cheek he was holding earlier felt colder now without his touch.
This time you were the one reaching to hold his face, his hand instantly cupping yours. "Sanji, you're worthy of love—of my love. You just have to accept it and not doubt yourself."
Your heart swelled, you never thought Sanji was carrying this kind of weight. The man who love and give everything to everyone, the man who was always so kind and sweet without asking for anything in return—never believed he deserved to be loved, never believed he was worthy of everything.
"I'm here, I can show you that you're worthy. Let me." You whispered.
Sanji's gazed from your eyes moved down to your lips. It was quick, but you noticed it. Your hands then moved down to grab his collar, swiftly closing the gap between you two.
He blinked, too stunned to move. It was only after a few seconds that he melted away into your touch, he kissed you back. The kiss was soft and gentle, full of everything he needed to know. You didn't have to tell him everything, the kiss was already enough.
And as if the sky had approved of your love, the meteor shower you had been waiting finally plummeted across the sky. The silver cosmos painted the heavens with glowing trails of dust, the beautiful night sky was turned into a celestial like fireworks.
It made everything feel more special.
When you finally pulled away, your faces were still close. His forehead resting gently against yours.
You smiled.
He did too.
"You're not just good with words." He softly whispered, chuckling under his breath. "You're good at kissing too."
You rolled your eyes, hands smacking his arms at the embarrassment.
Your eyes gazed up at the light that etched gracefully into the sky, to you it was the most beautiful sight. But to the man beside you, you were more beautiful than anything. You were the star that pulled him out of the darkness.
Sanji's hand carefully reached for yours, hesitant at first. Your small hand perfectly intertwining with his big one, as if it was carved to fit yours—as if it had always belonged with his.
For once, Sanji's self doubt has finally left his system. He has finally let himself believed that, maybe, he deserved you after all.
"Thank you, my love. I'll make sure you will not regret any of this." His eyes stared at you with conviction and his cheeks glowing faintly pink.
You giggled, the sound was a melody to Sanji's ears. "I'm sure I won't."
The next morning, you woke up with a light mood.
"Good morning, Nami! Good morning, Robin!"
The two exchanged glances first, before Nami cornered you and pinned you on the wall of the women's quarter. Her eyes narrowly stared at you, "What is it?"
You blinked, turning to her and Robin with a confused expression. "What?"
"You're not a morning person, but here you are greeting us cheerfully." Nami pulled away, smirking.
"Did you and Sanji kiss?" Robin teasingly asked.
Your eyes widened in shock, shoving Nami to the side out of panic. "What?! How…how did you know?"
Robin then giggled, "I don't, you admitted it."
"But—you asked!"
"Huh, caught you!" Nami grinned, clearly enjoying the game.
You groaned, burying your face to your hands. You really couldn't hide anything to these two, especially if Robin was this good at catching people off guard.
"So, what's the score?" Nami asked, her smirk still lingering on her face.
You sighed, "just ask him."
The three of you went out of the room and strode towards the kitchen. Some of the crew had already started their day, chilling and doing stuff across the deck.
"Y/N, is this a miracle?" Chopper's eyes were wide, couldn't believe that he was seeing you walking around the Sunny at early morning.
"Don't act like you just saw a ghost!" You replied, annoyed.
Even Zoro eyed you suspiciously, "Did the world turn upside down?"
You groaned, earning a laugh from the two women beside you. "You guys are annoying, just you wait, I'll get my revenge!"
At the kitchen, Sanji was humming to himself softly while he prepared breakfast for the crew. A big smile spread across his face when he saw you entered.
"Good morning, my love. Why are you awake so early?" He greeted before pressing a kiss on your forehead.
Before you could even react, Robin stifled a laugh that caught Sanji's attention while Nami looked at you with a big smirk.
"Good morning Nami-swan, Robin-chwan!" The stupid cook greeted the two.
"So, you're dating." It wasn't a question, Nami just stated was what obvious. "We were right all along, you like Y/N too."
"That's right, Nami-san!" Sanji smiled at you, the kind that always melted your heart. "I love Y/N-chan!"
The door to the kitchen burst opened, revealing the other crew with Luffy who was already full of energy. "Who love who?!"
Robin answered him, "Y/N and Sanji."
"He finally noticed you?" Usopp gasped.
"Wow, that's so cute." Chopper cooed.
"Yohohoho young love."
"Super amazing!"
Jinbei just smiled, while Zoro only smirked.
Luffy tilted his head a little, then grin at you widely. "As long as you don't snatch Sanji away from me!"
You frowned. "But Sanji's not yours, he's mine!"
"Hey, he's mine! He's my cook." Luffy argued back.
"But, I'm the one dating him."
"But, he's still mine because he's my cook!"
Zoro groaned. "Shut up, you two."
"Mon amour, relax. I'm all yours." Sanji placed his arm around your waist, kissing the top of your head softly.
The simple action earned a different reaction from the crew; some were disgusted and there were some who enjoyed it.
Then Luffy spoke again, "Well, you deserve each other."
"Because, they're both freaks!" Usopp commented.
"They're just into each other." Chopper giggled.
And in the midst of crew's chaos, your gaze lifted up to Sanji who was already staring at you. His smile reaching his eyes and his cheeks flushed a little, then he lowered down to whisper into your ear.
"I love you, mon dieu."
You didn't have to say it back, because Sanji knew how much you do.
And, Sanji will forever be thankful that you showed him his worth.
The day didn't end there. The crew found an island and decided to dock for a while, giving Sanji the chance to take you out on your first official date.
"Ma chérie, you look dazzling. If this is what I would see every day, I might get blinded by your beauty." Sanji dramatically complimented you when you stepped out of your quarters.
You looked down to what you were wearing, a simple halter dress and boots—nothing speacial, but of course, to Sanji it was the most amazing sight.
"What are we gonna do today?" You asked him, his hands gently clasped with your as he guided you towards the island.
Sanji flashed you a daring smile. "That's something you'll see as we go on with our day, my love."
You both stopped at a flower shop Sanji saw, he insisted to buy you flowers. "I can't let my gorgeous lady walk around town empty handed."
He picked the flowers and surprisingly it was all your favorite, you didn't remember telling anyone about your favorite flowers though.
"Is it just luck or you really know what I like?"
"Oh, princess, don't underestimate me. I know you like the back of my hand." Sanji handed you the flowers. "You always touch the same flowers whenever we were out buying kitchen supplies."
The corners of your lips turned downward, not from sadness or anything, but from feeling emotional. Sanji noticed it and he knew it before you even tell him, that was when you know he paid you attention more than you ever knew.
His hands carefully tucked a strand of your behind your ear. "Is that a look of sadness in your face?"
You immediately shook your head. "No, I'm happy."
Sanji then kissed your forehead, a simple gesture that somehow had become a hobby of his that kept giving you butterflies. His hand took your free arm and wrapped it around his, both seizing the day with lovely smiles and laughters.
You both saw a jewelry store and he made his way inside, buying you the most beautiful necklace you've ever seen. You insisted on buying him a bracelet that had the same design as your necklace, he bought it instead because he didn't want you to pay for anything. Outside the store, he flaunted it to everyone, because it matched yours.
He entered clothing stores too, ushering you to buy anything you want and he'd pay for it. He was incredibly happy when you let him pick clothes for you. You could never go wrong with his style choices, because, apparently, Sanji has a great sense of fashion.
In the middle of enjoying each other's company, you noticed how women kept turning their heads towards him. Well, you couldn't blame them you're dating a handsome man after all. Deep inside, you were nervous that Sanji might turn around and gush over them—forget that you even existed.
But the whole time, Sanji's eyes were locked on yours. It was as if you were the only person he could see, the only woman existing in his world.
Of course, Sanji noticed it. How you stared at the other women, because you think they were the kind of beauty that always caught Sanji's attention. How you unconsciously dropped your arms from his hold, and how your smile became smaller with each passing thought.
Sanji halted his steps, his hand reaching for your face. He carefully guided you to look at him, then he smiled. "You're worried."
You avoided his gaze, "about what?"
He softly caressed your cheek, just enough for you to turn your gaze back to him. "Darling, if you think I'll gawked at the other ladies, then I'm sorry, but you're wrong. Their eyes might be on mine, but rest assured, mine will always be locked on yours."
"Every ladies are beautiful on their own, but your beauty couldn't compare to anything. You're the epitome of ethereal beauty and perfection, my love." You bit your lips, trying to hold back the smile from creeping up into your face, because of his stupid compliments. "I'm all yours now, you should expect loyalty and respect from me."
That's it.
You tiptoed, grabbed his necktie, then smashed your lips into his. His body tensed at first, shocked from the sudden kiss. But slowly, he kissed back. He was smiling through the kiss, feeling pure enjoyment and liking the fact that you were the first one to initiate it.
You pulled away, breathless. "You don't know when to shut up."
Sanji laughed lowly under his breath, "I will never stop talking if this is how you'll shut me up."
In the midst of the crowd, the two of you were standing there and staring at each other with love. The time seemed to stop and that very moment felt like you two owned the world.
Please, observe proper manner when requesting. I write for free, but I would appreciate it if you can leave me some tip. It will help me a lot not just with my hobbies, but also for my studies (I’m a 3rd year college student, trying to earn money to help for my studies). Here is my Ko-fi. For Filos, you can dm me for my gcash. Thank you so much!
I write for:
One piece
Already wrote for: Law, Ace, Zoro, Sanji
Will write for: Sabo, Nami, Shanks, Luffy
If you want to request for other characters that aren’t written here, you can just tell me and I’ll see if I can consider writing for them.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles
Already wrote for: Rayne Ames
I’m open to write for other characters.
I will write for:
I’m considering writing for Jujutsu Kaisen.
For kpop, I would love to write for Seventeen (yes, I’m a carat).
What I write:
I love angst.
I write fluff, cute, romance, alternate universe (for One Piece).
I would love to try writing nsfw (I’m trying to learn at the moment).
I usually use fem!reader when writing, but I can also use gn!reader.
I’m open to writing for the same gender.
I’ll probably only write character x character that I like (e.g., Zosan)
What I don’t write:
No child/animal romance.
I don’t write poly relationships, because I honestly don’t know how it works.
How to request:
Say what gender, if not specified I’ll use gn.
Be specific. It’ll be better if you tell me the plot or how you want the story to flow.
Gentle reminders:
I’m a 3rd year college, so it might take a while to write the request.
I will let you know if the request is still open or already closed.
I sometimes don’t immediately post the fic once I got it done, I post it in scheduled times. But if I have a lot of drafts, then the request will be posted as soon as finished.
I write based on my imagination and the anime, so if you want the characters to be ooc you can indicate it.
I’m looking forward to your request! Thank you so much!
y’all just a quick rant about wano arc, because i don’t have anyone to talk this about.
there’s just something about wano arc that’s so yk mesmerizing and everything. the animation, the story, the fight scenes, the outfit, and the characters: soba mask, zoro in that damn outfit, kidd, law ofc, marco, izou, ace, yamato, and most especially luffy in prison!!! like where did that muscles come from, he was so buff. kaido was so funny to me for some reason, he was a drunk bastard. luffy gear 5, robin’s awakening. and idk, wano was just so peak and it’ll forever be my favorite arc. i never missed an arc the way i missed wano, maybe because it was the last arc with my husband too. aaaaa i miss law so much.
You hugged him and called him baby, told him you’ve mistaken him for someone else. A playful prank led to something unexpectedly beautiful.
masterlist || for request || ko-fi
❤︎ cross-posted on ao3
❤︎ 1.5k words
❤︎ note: bcoz i miss my baby
═════════════════════
“Whitebeard pirates are here! Hurry! Run!”
The loud screams of people scurrying away from the shore caught your attention. Another pirate ship decided to dock at your island again, causing panic to the people. You stood up from your seat, stretched your arms, then walked out of the bar towards the shore. It’s time.
Being a pirate wasn’t your dream, but the idea of being able to sail across the ocean and explore different places—it has always been your dream. So, every time a pirate group docked at your island, you would try and see which group would be worth joining in.
And today, the Whitebeard Pirates decided to show up.
You stood by the shore—the shadow of the Moby Dick towering over you—your hands fell to your hips while you thought of a way to join the crew. Then, you heard a boisterous laughter coming from a shirtless man standing not so far from where you were. Fire fist Ace, the second division commander.
With a big smirk, you charged forward, arms instantly snaking around the man’s warm torso. “Hey, baby! I’ve been looking for you!”
Ace almost stumbled down from the sudden impact, his small eyes widened at the horrifying sight before him. The silence that followed was louder than the abnormal beating of your heart from the embarrassment. You loosened your arms around him, ready to pull away and face the rage of the fire man—but Ace’s laughter echoed through your ears.
“There you are, baby.” His voice dripped with smugness, as if telling you chose to play with the wrong person.
The look on his face terrified you, indeed you chose the wrong man. You hurriedly removed your arms around him and apologized before scurrying off. “I’m sorry, wrong man!”
You loved pranking people and no one, as in no one, has ever played along with your pranks. People would always be mad or dodged or avoid your pranks, but him? Well, you think he’s a different breed. You kicked the sand, frustrated, you never imagined you’d back down that easily in front of a man.
The walk back to the town wasn’t as peaceful as you thought it would be, because you could feel him following behind you. You knew it was him, of course, it would be him.
“Baby,” Ace chuckled from behind, “why did you leave?”
Groaning, you spinned on your heel and face him. “I told you, wrong man! Now, stop following me!
He only laughed even louder and in a swift move, he was already in front of you. His face contorted with a big, annoying, grin.
“I’m Ace!”
You looked at him, still infuriated. “Y/N”
He smiled, this time it was softer. “So, baby…Who’s the right man?”
You rolled your eyes and proceeded to tell him the truth. “It was a prank. I didn’t know you’d play along.”
Ace laughed again, it was a proud one. “Well, I am Portgas D. Ace, master of pranks!”
You shook your head, then walked past him. Perhaps, the Whitebeard pirates weren't the right crew to join. Or it wasn’t your time yet. Maybe, you still have something you need to do on this island. You tried so hard to brush the thought off, you wanted to leave so badly, to travel, to sail in the ocean—yet you don’t know when you’ll set sail or if you’re really meant for it.
Ace spoke, interrupting your train of thought. “Eh, what’s with the long face?”
You thought he already left, but he was still following you around. An idea then came to your mind; if you weren’t meant for the sea, then maybe you can just ask Ace about it.
“Ace, can you…” You hesitated. Ace only smiled at you, waiting for you to continue. “Can you tell me about the ocean and your adventures? Which was the prettiest island you’ve visited? Have you seen monsters?”
Your consecutive questions earned a laugh from Ace and it says everything—he was amused.
He leaned in, his eyes glowing with joy from all the memories of his adventures. And it made him giddy that someone wanted to hear about it.
“Hmm, the ocean…it’s vast, wild, and beautiful, especially during sunset. I would say every island is prettier in their own way, but maybe Alabasta? And monsters…there are a lot—some are scary, but some are also strange, it would make you laugh.”
Your hand was clasped tightly together and you were jumping from what you heard, you were practically vibrating from happiness. You might not experience it first hand, but at least, you could now paint it in your head.
Ace noticed how your eyes light up from hearing his story. To him, you looked like an excited puppy ready to explore the world. Something in him stirred and he felt his heart warm. But then, a question popped into his mind.
“How about you? Any adventures?”
Ace saw how fast your expression dropped, your big smile turned into a frown, and the sparkle in your eyes suddenly disappeared.
“I haven’t been able to leave this island yet.”
His arms held your shoulders, eyes wide open from shock. “Eh? Why? You should! You will have fun!”
You pursed your lips in a thin line, “I haven’t found the right people yet. I believe it’s important to have adventures with the right people.”
He paused, his smile softened. He tilted his head a little, he was staring at your face—maybe, reminiscing about his adventures and the people he was with.
“You’re right,” he finally said. “You can go to the most boring place and still enjoy it, because you’re with the right people.”
It was silent for a few seconds, Ace had his head tilted to the side as if he was thinking deeply. You jolted when he suddenly screamed, his grin wider than before, and he was almost bouncing from excitement.
“You should join us!”
A lot of pirate crew had asked you to join them before, and every time it didn’t feel right, like you were not meant to be with them. But right now, it feels different. The question left a warm feeling inside you, it wasn’t a scary feeling nor hesitation—it was belongingness, it was right, like this time it’s meant for you.
Ace held out his hand in front of you, he was grinning and patiently waiting for you to take it. With a happy heart, you placed your hand on his, your chest feeling light.
On the deck of the Moby Dick, the crew was scattered around, their loud laughter echoing through the air. It has already been a day since Ace asked you to join their crew, he also accompanied you to get your things and say goodbye to the people in the island, because the crew is already leaving. The whole time, you were feeling ecstatic. Why? Because finally, your dream is only a few inches away from you.
Heads turned around when you boarded the ship with Ace, the crew erupted in whispers from curiosity and amusement. Whitebeard, who was sitting in a big chair in the middle of the deck, only smirked at his son.
“Pops, this is Y/N, my baby.”
Silence.
Oh.
OOOOOHHHHHHHHH.
You smacked him on the head, mortified, but your face betrayed your movement. You felt the heat rising from your cheeks, was it because of the embarrassment or from the weird feeling in your chest?
The crew burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the sight unfolding before them. It suddenly felt like you were at the center of the world, and Ace, who was smiling widely, seemed cool with it.
He glanced at you, “She’s joining us.” Then he turned to everyone, “you better be kind to my baby.”
This time you kicked his shin, feeling done with his antics. His grin didn’t falter, instead it grew wider and his laughter echoed across the deck. The crew was curious, yet continued to tease, laugh, and welcome you wholeheartedly. Whitebeard nodded his head at you in approval, his smirk not leaving his face, somehow proud of his son’s boldness.
You felt Ace tugged at your hand, then in a second, you were already away from everyone. He brought you somewhere quiet, somewhere far from the eyes and whispers of the crew.
You spread your arms wide, eyes closed, feeling the cold breeze of the sea. Then you felt him behind you, arms spread out too while holding your hands gently, his cheeks resting against yours.
“I’ll make sure you’ll have the best adventures in the world, baby.” His voice was soft and sincere.
The way he called you baby did something in your chest, it was warm in the heart, and it didn’t feel wrong; if anything, it felt right.
For the first time in a while, you felt like you belonged—to the sea, to the crew, and to Ace. It might be the first time you met him, but you knew he’d eventually be someone so important to you.
You leaned comfortably against him, “Thanks, baby.”
okay so this is so random. i have read a lot of fics and i am so sure there are moreeeee out there, but i don’t know why i just keep on coming back between you two @inseobts @namism. i just re-read your stories instead of reading others, i doom scroll on your page (be it here or on ao3). what do you guys put on your stories, are there some kind of magic recipes there because you write masterpieces 🥹🥹
3 years of love and slowly everything became a wreck. You both still wanted it to work, but somehow love isn’t always enough and letting go was the only option.
masterlist || for request || ko-fi
note: I honestly don’t know why I chose Law for this story. I tried to justify it, so in my head, Law would be the type to be in this kind of relationship. He lost a lot, lost his biological family, lost Cora, and I’m not sure if he met his crew again (correct me if I’m wrong). So, he would definitely be scared to lose anyone again.
─────────────────────
Love has always been one of the most complicated things in the world.
How come you always prayed to be loved, yet when the right love came, you suddenly didn’t have the capability to hold it right?
How come you used to beg for someone to stay despite how hard it was to love you, yet you chose to leave when someone wanted to keep you?
How come, after experiencing the worst kind of love and finally being with the person who promised to show you a different kind of love, you ended up becoming the worst to him?
It was another one of those nights that kept you awake, thinking about everything and almost nothing. The steady whisper of the sea waves created a soft lullaby that was supposed to calm you down, but the loud noise inside your head made it impossible.
You have been thinking again, days and nights. Your head was a mess, it was loud, some days it’s empty, most days it’s full of everything. It started interfering with your duties, you lost focus during meetings, you placed the medical supplies at the wrong spot, forgot to eat your meals, and was almost killed by an enemy. All because your head was full of poison.
You tried so hard to pretend everything was alright, even though you were dying inside. But of course, Law noticed it, he knew something was wrong even before you spoke of it. He could feel it, there’s just something about being a couple that makes you feel the emotions of the each other—and every time, Law was never wrong.
“It’s late, why are you still awake?” You didn’t have to turn to see who it was, you knew it was him before even seeing him.
“What’s on your mind?” He asked again when you didn’t answer his first question. “I know something’s wrong, I can feel it.”
You let out a deep breath when you felt your eyes starting to sting, you knew one more question from him would break you down.
Law walked closer, the fabric of his clothes touching your skin. Then, with a gentle touch, he held your arm and turned you around to him. That was your breaking point, seeing his tired eyes looking at you softly, it made your heart sank.
You immediately lowered down your head and your hands flew to your face to hide yourself from him. Your cries only grew louder when he pulled you into his chest and wrapped his arms tightly around you, his hands making circles on your back to comfort you. He didn’t move, didn’t speak, he was just trying to calm you down.
Underneath the cold expression he always shows, Law carried a soft spot for you in his heart. Seeing and hearing you cry always break something inside him, especially because you’re a crybaby—but tonight he witnessed the loudest and most heartbreaking cry he ever heard from you, and it tore his heart into pieces.
When you finally felt yourself calming down a little, you slowly pulled away from the hug and met Law’s eyes. It looked tired, he always looked tired; but every time he was looking at you, his eyes turned gentler and softer than it usually was, and something about it pains you.
“We’re not okay.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement of what he had been feeling the past days.
You looked away, biting your lips. “We’re not.”
You saw him slowly nod at your peripheral vision, but he remained staring at you.
“We’re slipping away,” he started, “And…and you changed.”
The only thing you could do was to give him a nod, because what else can you say? He was telling the truth. In your 3 years together, everything constantly changed. It was a better change before, but now…it’s different, it’s wrong.
“I…I don’t know what’s happening, but everything feels so wrong.” You glanced at him, he was already looking at the vast ocean in front of you. “We argue a lot and it’s mostly because of me, but I’ve improved, I’m sure you know that.”
Law tousled his messy black hair, clearly frustrated. “Yea, that’s why I don’t understand why we’re being like this.”
“I always hurt you, I always do something you don’t like, say something that hurts you. I’m sorry, Law.” And there it goes again, your tears kept falling like there’s no tomorrow.
Law grabbed your arm and made you look at him, but you felt so guilty to even look at his eyes. “Don’t say that, don’t blame yourself. I have my part too, I know I hurt you too.”
You shook your head, harshly wiping off the tears on your face. “You did nothing wrong, it was always me. And I…I don’t know why, but I tried to be better. There were improvements, but how come the more I try, the more I hurt you.”
“We can try again, but right now you need to rest.” Law reached for your face, his rough hands carefully wiping off your tears.
“Try again? Then what, hurt you in the process? Law, are you not mad at me? You should be mad, I hurt you, I keep hurting you!” Your voice trembled, it started sounding louder than before.
You wanted to be mad at him, because after all the pain you had caused him he still wanted to try, he still wanted to fix it. And it’s not like you don’t want the idea, of course you do! You love him, you love him so much, but you’re hurting him.
“I’m not mad at you.” You pulled away from his touch, feeling frustrated at the situation. “I love you.”
You froze, your lips trembling, and your tears continuously fell down your face. You heard it, the softness in his voice, the quiet desperation that lingers on the way he said those three words. It was a silent begging, because he knew, he knew damn well where this conversation is going.
You walked closer to him, your hand reaching for his face. The moment you touched his cheeks, he leaned into it and momentarily closed his eyes. “I love you too, that’s why I can’t hurt you anymore.”
Those words did something to Law, he felt his heart stabbed a million times. “Law, I don’t feel like I deserve your love. I don’t feel enough, I’m not meeting you halfway. I…I can’t love you right, I’m not loving you right.”
“Then, love me right! Like you used to.” His words came out shaky and desperate. When he realized his voice was loud, he lowered his head. “Sorry.”
You both fell silent for a moment, not really sure what to say. The only thing you could hear was the loud beating of your heart, the chaos inside your head, and the echoes of your cry. Law kept sighing, his jaw tight, and his hands curled into a tight fist. His emotions were mixed of hurt and tiredness—he might not say it, but you knew he’s tired: of you, of the situation, of everything.
And right now, you wanted him to be free of that.
Then Law spoke…
“I can wait for you while you fix yourself. I will stay, I’ll be here.”
It broke you even more.
You slowly shook your head, “You can’t do that.”
“Yes, I can.”
“No, Law. What if…I don’t get better? What if I can’t fix myself? I will just hurt you more!”
“Then, let me help you.”
“Baby, you don’t understand.” You placed both of your hands on Law’s cheeks, your lips colliding with his. When you pulled away, you could see the pain in his eyes. “I love you so much, but you have to let me go. I have to let you go.”
Is it selfish for wanting to let him go? Is it selfish for not wanting him to be hurt anymore?
He never told you, but you knew how hurt he was, how hurt he has been in this relationship. You both knew how many times you fell and got back up, how many times you tried to fix yourself, your relationship. You both knew how many times you both fought for your love and how many forgiveness it took for your relationship to get to this point.
You’re losing yourself, he’s losing himself. You’re both tired and broken. You want to love him with all you can and with everything you have, but it just doesn’t seem enough. Both of you caused pain to each other, but you’re blinded by the idea that you’re the only one to blame, the only one at fault.
“Is that really what you want?” Law asked, his voice almost cracking.
“No…but maybe, maybe it’s for the better.” Law let out a deep breath, then he nodded, repeatedly whispering to himself the words you said. “Nothing’s wrong with you, it’s me, I’m the problem.”
Law slowly stepped back, his hands still curled on his side, it almost reached for you. Then with a heavy step, Law walked out of the deck and to his quarters.
If loving him means having to let him go for his sake, for the better, to not hurt him anymore, then you’re letting him go.
You have to fix yourself first, to grow, to learn. And if you’re really meant to be in his arms, the time will allow for you to be with each other again.
The silence on the deck pressed in after Law left, you were standing there staring at the spot he was at a moment ago. The air felt heavy as if carrying the same weight you’d been holding. For the whole night, you stayed there at the deck. Wondering what went wrong, if you did the right thing, or if you should chase after him.
Inside Law’s quarters, the man was wide awake too. He kept repeating your words to himself like a curse, and it broke him more each time. His chest was aching—he wanted to ran back to you, he wanted to talk to you again and fix things, but he also felt like he was responsible for your pain, that maybe he was not loving you right as well to make you think that you were the problem.
Alone on the deck, your tears finally fall once again. The memory of your conversation with Law kept screaming at you. But what’s worst was that, all the memories of your relationship started hunting you down that night.
Maybe, the worst kind of love wasn’t those that you endured before him, but the kind that you have to set free despite desperately wanting to hold it.
Leaving kiss marks on his gorgeous face was the thing you like to do the most.
Law Version | Sanji Version
masterlist || for request || ko-fi
cross-posted on ao3
A/N: I wrote it here in tumblr and got lazy to copy paste it, so couldn’t properly count the words.
——————
The sea rocks Sunny gently.
It was a calm afternoon. Some of the crew decided to take a nap, while some were doing their own things.
You were quietly humming to yourself while you strode around the Sunny, looking for the particular green headed man. You have been walking around, opening every door you could find, flipping through things in every corner trying to find Zoro. And the last spot that you hadn’t checked yet was the crow’s nest.
You could only giggle at the sight of Zoro sprawled out on the bench, sleeping peacefully. With a careful steps, you kneeled in front of him. Your fingertips brushed against his cheeks as softly as you could to avoid waking him up, but what did you even expect from the swordsman.
Zoro’s hand held your wrist with his eyes still closed, “What are you doing?”
“Can I kiss you?” The question made him shot his eyes open, and his lips tugged into a smirk.
“You don’t need to ask.” He gently pulled you closer to him, his other hand holding the back of your head as your lips melted into his.
When you pulled away the first thing you noticed was not his smile, but the red stain of your lipstick on his lips. You pursed your lips together trying to suppress your laughter.
“You’re blushing” Zoro said, his voice playful.
You slapped his shoulder, embarrassed. “I’m not!”
His smirk only grew bigger, and his brow raising. “Oh yeah?”
You leaned closer to him, making sure your nose touched his. With a smirk, you teased him “I can kiss you more, you know?”
Zoro didn’t waver—of course he didn’t. Instead of backing away, he also leaned in, his lips brushing subtly against yours. It was enough to feel his lips and to make your heart race, but not enough to let him win.
“Sure.” He whispered, his low voice sounding seductive as ever.
A mischievous smile spread across your face. You cupped both of his cheeks, gently leaving kisses on his face, one after another. You pressed your lips on his forehead, to his nose, then his cheeks, even his chin, and then his lips again. You didn’t stop, not until your lipstick had faded.
Zoro’s eyes were closed, smiling from ear to ear. No one knew about it, but Zoro had always been a big softie. Perhaps it was only because of you, but it was something that you had always loved about him.
“Well?”
“You’re relentless.”
“You love it.”
Zoro took your hand, pressing a soft kiss on it. And then he whispered, “Always.”
After spending a few more minutes with Zoro in the crow’s nest, you decided to let him sleep more. It had already been an hour since then.
Unfortunately, the peaceful day didn’t last long when marine ships started attacking the Thousand Sunny.
“What’s happening?!” The door to the kitchen opened, revealing Luffy with Sanji behind him.
“It’s supposed to be a peaceful day!” One by one the crew members went towards the deck to position themselves for a counterattack.
“Where’s Zoro?!” Asked Nami, clearly frustrated that the swordsman isn’t in position yet.
But before any of you could answer, the swordsman in question jumped from the crows nest to the deck of the Sunny. Zoro’s face as annoyed as ever, but the red stains on his face didn’t go unnoticed by the crew.
“What? Am I the enemy?” Zoro grumpily asked when he noticed the crew staring at him.
“It’s nothing!” Nami and Robin both gave you a knowing look, while the others simply laughed it off and focused again on the enemies.
Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji charged forward towards the enemy ships, while the rest was left to protect Sunny.
When Zoro landed on one of the ship, the marines were all trembling down because of fear. The menace swordsman’s boots clanked across the wooden floor, his dark aura was enough to make them clutched their swords in fear.
“R-ronoa Zor–” One of them whispered, but before he could finish muttering Zoro’s name he was already on the floor—bleeding and unconscious.
“Too scared to even attack me?” Zoro smugly asked.
The marines were surprisingly not attacking him—was it because of fear or was it because of his face?
“Are those…kiss marks?”
“No…maybe war paints?”
“Or b-blood?”
“Stupid! It’s obviously kiss marks.”
Zoro drew his Sandai Kitetsu, irritation spread all over his face because of the continuous whispering of the marines. “Are you going to fight or not?”
The marines almost collapsed from fear. The terrifying aura he emits is enough to make them shiver, yet they couldn’t ignore the ridiculous lipstick stains stamped across his face. They wanted to run and some wanted to laugh, seeing the Roronoa Zoro having kiss marks during a battle wasn’t on their bingo card that day—and Zoro? he was oblivious of it, they think.
After slicing through everyone in the ship, he wiped off the blood in his words before putting it back in its sheaths. His brows furrowed as he boarded the Sunny, he couldn’t stop thinking why some of the marines were secretly laughing at him.
Zoro then spotted Usopp and Chopper exchanging glances at each other, biting back their laughter at the sight of the lipstick stains on his face. Sanji, on the other hand, was fuming in anger, muttering curses. He was jealous of the kiss marks that the marimo got from his girlfriend.
Luffy could only laugh at Zoro’s face. “You look funny, Zoro.”
His scowl deepened, “What’s funny?”
The crew erupted into laughter, but Zoro only grew more annoyed. With a big grin, you followed him into the crow’s nest where he decided to train again. He was too focused, his brows furrowed, he stared at his swords like it offended him.
You wanted to tell him about the kiss marks, but you also felt scared that he might get mad about it—after all, he always takes his battles seriously. Slowly, you walked up to him, towel in hand, while your heart pounded against your chest.
“What?” He grumpily asked.
You sat down on the bench in front of him and ushered him to come closer, which he did after keeping his swords aside. Without a word, you reached over and carefully pressed the towel on his face, wiping away the stains on it. He didn’t flinch from the touch, clearly used to your gestures of taking care of him—he probably thinks you were simply wiping off his sweat.
Zoro slowly loosened up, his body relaxing, the tension completely melted away. Then unexpectedly, you felt him gently placed a kiss on the top of your head.
“Thanks,” he softly whispered.
Days passed after the encounter with the marines. None of the crew talked about the funny red stains on Zoro’s face, it was completely forgotten leaving you feeling relieved.
“Are you going with Nami?” Zoro stared at the crew who were excitedly jumping off the Sunny to the island where you just docked to gather some supplies.
“Nah, she’s going with Robin.” You stretched out your arms, happily feeling the warmth of the sun for a moment. “Let’s go, you’re going with me.”
You were happily skipping your way around town with Zoro, who would glance over at you for every second with a little smirk on his lips—he found it cute whenever you’re excited, but of course, he would never say it.
The big smile on your lips suddenly dropped when you noticed a picture on a random wall across the market. You made sure Zoro was busy looking around before you hurried off to look at it, and you were right. It was a picture of Zoro: his usual intimidating pose, smirking, and gripping his swords tightly…except the red stains on his face were glaring obviously. And below, written in bold letters “Kiss-marked Demon.”
You felt your knees weakened when a towering shadow hovered above you, “Kiss-marked Demon.”
You turned around almost immediately, “I can explain!”
Zoro didn’t speak, instead he dragged you towards the steep and dark alleyway. Your back pressed against the wall, and Zoro’s arms braced against it, trapping you. You couldn’t see him clearly, but you knew so damn well, he’s wearing that annoying smirk of his.
Zoro leaned in closer, his face a few inches away from yours, his voice low and almost like a growl. “You really think I didn’t know?”
Your heart beats faster than anything, it could leap out of your chest. Zoro had always been a tease, but he hadn’t done anything like this. And it made your knees weak not because you were scared, but because you found it hot.
Zoro rested his forehead against yours, then he murmured—obviously teasing you. “It’s payback time.”
His lips brushed yours—at first it was slow and soft, then you wrapped your arms around him and tugged his hair, the kiss became deep and rough. His body pressed against yours and his hands gripping your waist tightly. It was the kind of kiss you knew he’d continue when you get back to the Sunny.
it’s so hard to be an anime fan and kpop fan at the dame time, like i can’t balance it anymoree??! i write anime fanfics and i also want to write for seventeen, this is stressing me out 😖
Every mission in the Eternal Eclipse Division is a gamble between death and survival. You, a lone wolf haunted by the past, chases after death as if it were nothing. But fate intervenes, forcing your path to collide with Trafalgar Law— the Surgeon of Death himself—who despises your reckless, self-destructive style.
Then you came face to face with the ghost of the past that lived within you. You discovered a truth that was buried deep within. The truth that will change your fate forever, will you continue to chase after death or chase after the Surgeon of Death?
“Agent Oblivion. Agent Pyre,” you slowly read out loud. The names burned like scars you thought had healed. You forced the intel shut, hands trembling. The other pages of the intel were torn as if someone had deliberately hidden the truth. “What is this?”
“You know what it is,” Shanks answered firmly.
Everything inside the intel was a memory you wanted to bury. You no longer wish to be reminded of it. It was a mission that shattered everything, a mission you failed.
“It has been 2 years, why are you bringing this up again?” You asked.
“I have a feeling that we need to dig deeper into that mission, there might still be truth that we haven’t discovered yet.” Shanks paused, letting out a deep breath. “I’ll be assigning Agent Death to this, and this will be a secret mission.”
“What?! No! This is about him! You can’t just assign anyone else to this. I will do it.” Your voice came out cracked, your chest heavier.
Shanks eyes narrowed at you, “Y/n, I know Agent Pyre—Ace was important to you. But if I gave this to you, your emotions might cloud your judgement.”
“This isn’t just another mission!” Your fist clenched, the intel trembling in your grip. “Dad—no Shanks, do you think I can just stand aside while someone else uncovers the truth about that mission?”
Your dad, Shanks, who happened to be the Eternal Eclipse Division’s head looked at you. His eyes glistening with worry, you knew he couldn’t stand seeing his daughter getting hurt, let alone be assigned to a mission that was once ruined your world.
His jaw tightened, you could see in his eyes that he was having a hard time. The authority as the head of EED and the vulnerability of being a father to you were clashing inside him.
“Do you think I don’t know what this meant to you? Y/n, you weren’t the only who lost someone. I lost you too…and if I send you back there again, I might lose you for good.” Shanks voice was deep, and heavy with concern. He thought he had lost you when you were suffering from the pain of that night. That was one of his biggest nightmares.
“I still blame myself for what happened, and if there’s still truth behind all of this that we haven’t discovered yet, I should be there.” You looked up, trying your best not to cry in front of your father. “Dad, that night didn’t just happen once…It haunts me everyday.”
Shanks stayed silent for a moment, just looking at you. Conflict was visible in his eyes, but before he could open his mouth, a new presence interrupted him.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the tunnel, alerting you both from the arrival of a new man. He was exploiting a dark aura, he looked like someone who could kill you just by his glares, his cold eyes can pierce through you.
“Apologies for being late,” even his tone was as cold as his eyes.
Shanks only nodded at him, then turned back at you. “I’ll give this mission to you, but I have a condition.”
You couldn’t help but roll your eyes, but what else can you do. “What?”
He glanced at the man behind you, an annoying smirk tugging on his lips. “You’ll work with him.”
Heyy! Love your work! I have an idea for law and ace (my goattss dont playy lol), but it can be for anyone else in one piece too! I was thinking reader thats similar to Maomao(apothecary diaries) and her obsession with poisons, eating it etc. As for plot, really up to you but I have an idea, maybe they dock at a new island with lots of herbs and their caught trying to eat the most textbook poison looking plant, no doubt thats not poisonous type of plant. Idk it can be like their secret or something. A lil basic cause I have the creativity of a stick, so if u think of something better then plss do it no hesitation fr!! If you do write this thank youuuu!! 🫶🫶
Poison Queen
a/n: I don't know the anime/character but I hope I got the intention of it right after a small google research T.T
The island is lush. Dense, dripping green stretches as far as the eye can see, humid air thick with the scent of earth and herbs. From the deck of the Polar Tang, you practically bounce on your heels.
“Is that… purple nightshade?” you whisper, eyes gleaming unnaturally.
“Don’t eat it.” Law says without looking up from the chart he’s examining, standing nearby. His voice is as flat as the sea on a windless day.
“I wasn’t going to…” you lie.
He turns his head a fraction, golden eyes narrowing “Yes, you were.”
You hum innocently, stuffing your medical satchel with your vials and note scrolls “I’m just here to observe, Captain.”
Shachi leans over the railing besides you “This place gives me the creeps. Everything looks like it wants to kill you.”
“Or cure you” you murmur, a little too enthusiastically.
Penguin eyes you warily “Why do you sound excited about that?”
You flash them a polite smile “Because it’s fun.”
Law sighs, sharp and tired “No wandering alone. You stick close to the group. Got it?”
You nod obediently “Of course.”
He doesn’t buy it. No one does.
The island is a botanical goldmine. You’re taking notes faster than your ink can dry. Moss that numbs the tongue, vines that smell like overripe peaches but rot skin on contact, and…oh. You spot it.
A crimson-stemmed flower, petals a sickly sweet yellowish pink, growing under the shade of a tree.
You gasp.
Law, who had started sketching a tree trunk for identification, stiffens “Don’t.”
“But it’s not poisonous!” you defend, already crouching, eyes wild “It looks like it, but this is Miracle’s Folly. It only mimics toxic flora to keep herbivores away. You can eat it, and it has incredible stimulant properties.”
“You just said it looks poisonous.”
“Exactly!” You pluck one with clinical precision “I’ve never seen one in the wild before. This is amazi—”
Law snatches it from your hand, holding it between two fingers like it’s radioactive.
“You’re obsessed” he accuses.
You blink “I prefer the term enthusiastic professional.”
“You tried to eat a known neurotoxin last week.”
“I suspected it was a neurotoxin. And I was right, wasn’t I?”
“You lost motor control for six hours.”
“It was valuable data.”
He stares. You stare back, unbothered.
There’s a beat of silence before Shachi and Penguin burst out laughing behind you.
“She’s gonna kill herself one day” Shachi cackles.
“Captain’s gonna lose his mind before then” Penguin adds.
Law exhales through his nose. He pockets the flower, out of your reach “You’re banned from going anywhere without supervision.”
Your eye twitches “Captain, please. This is a scientific expedition—”
He turns “Touch another cursed-looking plant and I’ll have Bepo chain you to the ship.”
You pout “Kinky.”
His ears turn red. You catch it.
Later that night, while the others are prepping camp, you quietly flip open your hidden pouch. Inside: one perfectly preserved Miracle’s Folly bloom.
You smirk “I am a professional.”
You glance at the campfire where Law is sipping his tea, glancing up only when your giggles reach him.
His eyes narrow again.
You chew the petal. Slowly. Carefully.
It’s bitter. Burns the tip of your tongue. But beneath that… Electricity.
The world tingles. Not in a hallucinatory way but in a sharpened, humming, this-might-kill-me-or-make-me-a-god sort of way.
You lean back on your heels, staring up at the canopy as the flower’s effects trickle through your veins “Oh, I have to isolate what’s responsible for this…”
“What are you muttering now?”
Law’s voice cuts through your thoughts like a scalpel.
You jolt and whip your head around. He’s standing there, arms crossed, dark brows drawn low.
You swallow quickly “Nothing.”
His eyes narrow “You’re sweating.”
“It’s humid.”
“Your pupils are dilated.”
“I’m excited to be alive.”
He steps closer. You instinctively step back, hiding your pouch under your coat. He notices.
“Show me what’s in your bag.”
“No.”
“Y/N.”
You sigh, dramatic “You know, trust is the foundation of any good captain-crew relationship.”
“You ate that flower, didn’t you?”
“No! Just a piece of it.”
“Unbelievable,” he mutters, stepping forward “Tongue out.”
“What?”
“Tongue. Out.”
You blink at him.
He’s completely serious.
“…Always so kinky.”
He closes his eyes like he’s mentally ejecting himself from the conversation “Just do it.”
You stick out your tongue, smug “Ahhh~”
He leans in, inspecting “Slight discoloration… mild irritation… your body’s resisting the stimulant effects.”
You raise a brow “You’ve memorized what this flower does?”
“I know every entry in that ridiculous notebook you leave lying around. Including the one titled ‘Things I Definitely Shouldn’t Eat But Might Anyway’.”
Your stomach flips.
“Oh” you say, quieter.
He straightens, expression unreadable “You think I haven’t noticed? The stash in the med bay. The coded labels. You catalog poisons more lovingly than most people talk about their pets.”
You look away “It’s just… interesting. The line between medicine and poison. It’s so thin. One drop too much and—”
“You die.”
“Or you cure something incurable.”
There’s a beat of silence.
Law studies you, tone dropping low “Is that what you want? To be the one who finds what no one else has the guts to touch?”
You meet his gaze “Wouldn’t you?”
His jaw ticks.
“…You should be more careful.”
You grin “But then you’d have no one to lecture.”
Law huffs, walking past you “Bepo’s watching you tomorrow. Don’t test him.”
“Bepo lets me eat weird berries if I tell him they’re for science!”
“Exactly.”
Later that night, as the rest of the crew sleeps, Law leans over the log where you were sitting earlier.
He finds a scrap of petal.
Miracle’s Folly.
He twirls it between his fingers, thoughtful.
“You’re not letting me touch anything…” you whine.
“Correct” Law replies, not even sparing you a glance as he adjusts his gloves.
You’re trudging behind him, Bepo flanking your other side like a very fluffy prison guard. The island is buzzing with life but all you’ve gotten to do so far is stare longingly at roots and flowers like a kid with her nose pressed to a candy store window.
“I’m an herbalist,” you mutter “This is discrimination.”
“It’s self-preservation” Law deadpans.
Bepo pats your shoulder gently “You did try to lick a hallucinogenic frog yesterday.”
“It looked juicy.”
“You said you saw the celestial dragons dancing salsa.”
“…I mean, I did.”
Law shoots you a look over his shoulder.
You grin at him.
By midday, you’re sulking on a log while the others finish whatever they were doing.
You pull out your notebook and begin scribbling, sketches of the strange bulbous blue fruits you passed earlier, notes on the slightly vibrating moss near the creek, and, of course, the effects of Miracle’s Folly.
You don’t notice Law watching you.
He clears his throat “Give me your hand.”
You blink up “Why, so you can handcuff me to Bepo?”
“No,” he says, kneeling in front of you with a small vial “I want to run a test.”
You hesitate, then slowly offer your hand.
He drops a single, translucent drop of something onto your skin. It tingles.
“New tincture?” you ask, curiously sniffing it.
“Neutralized extract of Miracle’s Folly. I isolated it this morning.”
Your eyes light up “You tested it?”
He mutters “Voluntarily. With supervision.”
You snort “So boring.”
“But now I need to observe secondary exposure. You’re uniquely qualified.”
Your heart does a little somersault “You mean I’m special.”
He rolls his eyes “You’re reckless. And resilient.”
“And a little cute?”
“Don’t push it.”
You grin.
Minutes pass. He keeps his fingers on your wrist, counting your pulse with the pad of his thumb.
You try not to think about that.
“It’s steady” he murmurs.
“Disappointed?”
He ignores the question “You’re reacting differently than I expected.”
“How so?”
“Your nervous system is adapting.”
“Like immunity?”
“Like something else” he says, voice quieter now “You’ve been exposing yourself in microdoses, haven’t you?”
You pause.
“…maybe.”
He looks up at you, eyes unreadable “Why?”
You drop your gaze, suddenly unsure.
“It’s not just for fun.” you say “I mean, partly, yes. But it’s more than that. I want to understand them. The poisons. The lines. Everything people fear. I want to know it. Control it. Be stronger than it.”
He’s silent.
You add, softer, “I was sick once. Really sick. No one could help. All the doctors, all the books… nothing. But the old apothecary in my town? She mixed me something that should’ve killed me.”
You glance at him, eyes bright “But it didn’t. It saved me.”
Law doesn’t speak for a long time. When he does, his voice is gentler than before.
“You and I aren’t that different.”
You blink.
He rises to his feet, brushing off his coat “But if you ever eat another unknown fungus without telling me, I’m performing surgery with no anesthesia.”
You beam “That’s fair.”
That night, Law catches you adding a drop of something green and shimmering into your tea.
He stares.
You pause “It’s just moss extract.”
He raises a brow.
You sigh “…Okay, mildly hallucinogenic moss.”
He snatches the cup.
“Captain!”
“You can have it back after I test it.”
Your eyes widen.
“…Wait. Are you going to drink it?”
He gives you a rare smirk “For science.”
Your jaw drops. And suddenly, you think you might be falling a little bit in love.
Now you’re staring.
Not at the moss sample.
At him.
Trafalgar D. Water Law, Surgeon of Death, Warlord-turned-revolutionary, terrifyingly brilliant man of mystery… just drank the tea you spiked with a moss known to mildly bend reality.
He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand like it’s nothing.
You blink “That was an experimental dosage.”
“I adjusted for body weight.”
“Oh my god.”
Bepo’s ears twitch “Captain… are you sure that was smart?”
Law gives a slow blink “I’m fine.”
You and Bepo exchange a look.
Fifteen minutes later, he’s very much not fine.
“What… the hell is that?”
You follow Law’s dazed line of sight “That’s… the campfire, Captain.”
He squints.
“It’s breathing.”
You purse your lips “Okay, slightly more than mild hallucinations.”
“Why is it breathing, Y/N.”
“Symbolic warmth?”
He stares at you. His pupils are so dilated.
You pull out a notepad “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“I see seven.”
“…I’m holding up two.”
He sways.
You sigh and grab his arm “Alright, that’s enough science for tonight.”
He lets you guide him with surprising ease, mumbling under his breath.
You make it back to the tent just as the hallucinations seem to peak.
“I need to sit” he mutters.
You lower him down gently, watching as he pinches the bridge of his nose “Throbbing temple. Flashing visuals. You’re not vomiting, though… interesting.”
He opens one eye “You’re enjoying this.”
“A little,” you admit, handing him water “You’re cute when your grip on reality is slipping.”
“Y/N.”
“Mm?”
“There are tiny doctors running in circles around me.”
You blink. Then look around the tent.
“…Well. You’re not wrong.”
You sit next to him. Close, but not touching. It’s oddly quiet for a jungle night.
“Headache?” you ask softly.
He nods once.
You reach up and, very carefully, press your fingers against his temples. Slow circles. He doesn’t flinch.
“Pressure can help the tension pass” you say.
He closes his eyes. Exhales.
You pause “Tell me what else you see.”
“…You.”
You snort “No kidding.”
“No, I mean…” he trails off, brows twitching “You look… soft.”
Your hands freeze “I—what?”
“You’re glowing.”
You’re absolutely not glowing, but...
“Oh” you whisper.
“You’re always buzzing,” he murmurs “Like something dangerous in a pretty bottle.”
You stop breathing for a second.
“Law…” you say, too quietly.
But he’s not done.
“I always thought I hated that. The unpredictability. But now it feels like… I don’t know.”
He leans his head forward, forehead bumping gently against yours.
“You scare the hell out of me,” he breathes “And I think I’m starting to even like it.”
You think your heart just stopped.
“Definitely a side effect…” you whisper, but your fingers are still on his skin, still gently pressing against his temples.
He exhales “I’ll regret saying all of that, won’t I.”
You smile, a little shaken “Only if you pretend it wasn’t true later.”
Silence. He doesn’t move.
Then he mutters “I’m keeping the tea recipe."
You laugh.
Outside the tent, Bepo lowers his paw from the tent flap and whispers to Shachi and Penguin “They’re in love. Told you it wasn’t poison.”
After that, Law pretends nothing happened.
You give him three days.
Three days of ignoring the fact he hallucinated tiny doctors and confessed to liking the chaos you bring to his life. Three days of sidelong glances, awkward silences, and you very purposefully reminding him of the tea incident every time he gets too comfortable.
“Captain,” you say sweetly as you walk by him, “you’re not seeing glowing versions of me today, are you?”
He glares “No.”
“Shame. I looked great in your hallucination.”
He drops his pen. Hard.
But he doesn’t say anything else.
Coward.
Later on - You don’t mean to get sick.
Not really.
It’s just that the vines didn’t look that threatening, and you were pretty sure it was just a paralytic contact toxin, and well… maybe you’d misjudged the concentration.
The world tilts sideways.
You feel your legs give out before your brain registers it.
And then darkness.
You wake to voices.
“…found her by the river. Unresponsive.”
“I told her to stop touching unknown plants. Why can’t she just—”
“She didn’t do it on purpose.”
A long silence.
Then Law’s voice again. Quiet. Cracked.
“She always makes it look like she’s in control. But she’s not.”
You open your eyes.
The ceiling of the Polar Tang greets you. So does a pounding ache in your chest. You shift and wince.
Law’s at your side in an instant.
“Stay down.” he says, low and sharp.
Your voice is hoarse “Didn’t think I’d go out like that. No drama. No romantic poisoning. Just a stupid plant.”
His eyes flicker “It was… dramatic. You stopped breathing.”
“Oh…” you say, blinking.
“I didn’t know what it was. For once, you knew more than me. And I couldn’t—” He swallows the words.
You offer a small smile “So… scared the hell out of you, huh?”
He doesn’t answer.
Just sits back down beside you. Shoulders tense. Jaw clenched.
You watch him, softly “Law.”
“Don’t say it.” he mutters.
“Say what?”
“That I was right. That you should’ve listened. That this was inevitable. That I knew you’d get hurt eventually.”
You tilt your head “Wasn’t gonna say any of that.”
He looks up, surprised.
“I was gonna say,” you murmur, “that I’m sorry I made you worry.”
You reach out weakly, stupidly, and your hand grazes his.
“I forget sometimes,” you whisper “That people care.”
Something breaks in his expression.
“Y/N,” he says tightly, “you can’t keep doing this. You can’t keep flirting with death like it’s a hobby.”
“I wasn’t flirting with death.” you tease “That was basically a date. I only flirt with you, Captain.”
He glares.
You smile, and it fades slowly as your fingers curl around his.
“I didn’t want to die. Not really. Not before I figured out what this thing is.”
He blinks “What thing?”
“This,” you whisper “Whatever this is between us. The hallucinations. The confessions. The weird tension where you want to kill me and kiss me at the same time.”
“You’re wrong.” he says.
Your chest tightens “Oh.”
“I don’t want to kill you, you already do that to yourself alone.”
Pause.
“I just want to kiss you.”
You stop breathing.
He leans forward. Slow. Intentional. One hand brushing your jaw, tilting your face toward him like you’re something fragile and fleeting.
“Captain” you whisper.
“Y/N” he breathes.
And then he kisses you.
It’s gentle, for all of three seconds, then desperate, frustrated, furious about the fact that he was almost losing you.
When he pulls back, you’re both breathless.
“You’re the most dangerous thing I’ve ever studied” he mutters, forehead against yours.
You grin.
“And you’re my favorite side effect.”
── .✦ Portgas D. Ace:
The sun is brutal on the upper deck, but you don’t notice. You’re too busy holding a tiny, glittering vial up to the light with the reverence of someone holding an engagement ring or, in your case, an exciting new potential toxin.
It’s pink. Slightly viscous. Smells faintly like fermented fruit and regret.
Perfect.
“Please tell me you’re not going to drink that.” Marco says behind you, half-exasperated, half-terrified.
“I’m going to sip it,” you say, rolling your eyes “For science.”
“For science?” he repeats.
“For science,” you nod solemnly, uncorking the bottle “And also morbid curiosity.”
He groans “Y/N…”
Too late. You down it in one go.
There’s a moment of silence as you smack your lips thoughtfully.
“…Taste?”
“Like someone dissolved candy in cheap rum and lies.”
“Oh good,” Marco mutters “You’ve poisoned yourself again.”
You wave him off “If I die, I’ll write it down first.”
He opens his mouth to argue but a loud whistle cuts him off.
“Oi!” Ace calls, walking over shirtless, sun-drenched, grinning that smug grin that says I’ve definitely started three fires before breakfast “You experimenting again?”
You nod, blinking a bit “Just something I found in a locked crate under Izo’s bunk.”
Ace raises a brow “You… drank random liquid you found in Izo’s stash?”
“Yes,” you say matter-of-factly “And also, your laugh makes my spine feel weird.”
He stares.
You stare back.
Marco sucks in a sharp breath “Oh no.”
You tilt your head thoughtfully “And your shoulders are distracting. I’ve catalogued seventy-eight poisons but can’t remember what you said this morning because you yawned mid-sentence and I lost focus.”
“…You what?” Ace coughs.
You continue, voice perfectly even “Also, I sometimes fake headaches to watch you carry me to the infirmary. You’re very warm.”
You slam your hands on your mouth to stop it from saying more, while the crew begins to gather like sharks to blood.
Thatch appears holding popcorn. Someone is calling for Izo. There’s actual cheering.
“You’re glowing,” Marco says quietly, inspecting your skin “Shimmering. That’s one of Izo’s truth serums. A prototype he was working on some time ago.”
“Oh.”
“Oh?” Ace echoes weakly.
You turn to him “Also, I ranked your freckles once. The ones on your jaw are my favorite.”
Ace turns so red you think he might combust without using his powers.
“You… I… how long is this stuff supposed to last?!” he splutters.
You shrug “Few hours, probably. Don’t worry. I’ll be asleep before I get to the part about your hands.”
“What about my hands?!”
“Nothing!” you say, far too quickly “They’re just… statistically… dangerous looking.”
He’s speechless. Marco is already reaching for his notebook.
You’ve become the Moby Dick’s favorite form of entertainment.
You’re still sitting cross-legged on the deck, glittering faintly in the sun like a cursed disco ball, while the Whitebeard Pirates form a loose circle around you.
“Truth serum,” Thatch hums, rubbing his hands together “This is the best day I’ve had in weeks.”
“It’s unethical...” Marco mutters beside him.
“It’s hilarious,” Izo corrects, snapping open a fan and leaning in “Y/N, darling, be honest... who took the last chocolate muffin last week? It was you, am I wrong?”
You open your mouth immediately “Not me. It was Ace.”
“Traitor!” Ace sputters from somewhere behind you.
You shrug “You left crumbs in the storage room. Also, your heartbeat spiked when someone mentioned it at breakfast.”
Everyone turns to Ace. He throws his hands up “It was one time!”
“You licked the wrapper, too.” you add calmly “Twice.”
Someone howls.
“Alright, my turn!” Thatch grins “Y/N, have you ever sabotaged anyone’s food?”
You nod serenely “I put mild laxatives in Namur’s tea once because he wouldn’t stop stealing my ginger cookies.”
Namur gasps “You monster!”
“You deserved it,” you reply without a trace of guilt “You called my medicinal brownies ‘dirt bars.’”
“Next question,” Izo purrs, leaning forward “Have you ever kissed someone on this ship?”
The crew leans in.
You blink “No.”
“Have you thought about it?” Marco asks, suddenly very interested.
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“Ace.”
The sound Ace makes is somewhere between a squeak and a small, internal detonation.
The crew loses it.
“YES!”
“I KNEW IT!”
“PAY UP, IZO!”
“I had money on Marco, damn it!”
You sigh as if this is all deeply inconvenient, like the truth is just leaking out of you against your will, which, of course, it is.
You say casually “He smells good. Like firewood and something sweet. Maybe toasted sugar. I haven’t narrowed it down yet.”
Ace is covering his face with his hands now, bright red from the neck up.
“Can I go lie down?” you mumble “Or roll into the sea?”
Marco snorts “Not until the glitter wears off.”
Thatch throws an arm around your shoulder “C’mon, Y/N, one more... if you had to kiss anyone else on this ship—”
“I’d rather drink from the mildew jar in my lab.”
“…Fair.”
You blink slowly, tone still deadly calm “Thatch, you once tried to trim your chest hair with surgical scissors. Drunk.”
Thatch chokes “That was off the record!”
“No such thing,” Marco laughs “She’s the serum’s hostage now.”
“I regret nothing,” you reply “Except licking the blue mushroom last month. That hallucination lasted eight hours. I tried to dissect the air.”
Ace groans “Can someone drag her below deck before she tells everyone what I look like shirtless in creepy detail?”
You look straight at him “You’re built like a statue someone made while going through something personal.”
He explodes.
The next morning you’re back to your usual self.
The strange, glittering effects of the truth serum have worn off, leaving you feeling… normal again. You’re busy carefully grinding some herbs into powder, a mixture for your next experiment, when a familiar voice rings out behind you.
“Morning, poison queen.”
You freeze.
“Don’t call me that” you mutter without turning around, but there’s an unmistakable edge of dread in your tone.
Ace slides onto the bench next to you, uninvited, a grin spreading across his face as he leans toward you, looking like he’s about to launch into a full assault.
“Oh, I think I will...” he says, practically purring “You’re the one who told the entire crew how much you love my shoulders, remember?”
You tense “I did not—”
“And those freckles?” Ace raises an eyebrow, already loving the flush spreading across your face “Did you know that Marco bet I’d get at least five different comments on my jawline today? Maybe next time you should be more specific.”
Your eyes snap to his, and you open your mouth to argue but then he continues.
“You really should have warned me before you started cataloging all my features. Or how about when you admitted you fake headaches just so you can get me to carry you to the infirmary?”
The teasing tone in his voice is getting under your skin, and you try to focus on grinding your herbs, but his words are still ringing in your ears.
“You do know that it’s not even the ‘headaches’ you fake that’s the problem, right? It’s that you actually like it when I carry you. Which I can totally tell from the way you always sigh in my arms.”
You bite your lip, cheeks burning, desperate to look anywhere but at him.
“Or how about when you—” Ace’s voice drops low, “—admitted that I smell good? Like firewood and… What was that you said? Oh, right! Toasted sugar!”
You inhale sharply “I never said that.”
“Oh, yes you did, and you know.” he says, leaning in closer, the amusement in his eyes dangerously obvious “And you also said I’m built like a statue. Do you really think I wouldn’t remember that?”
“Shut up.” You finally look up, but your voice is strained as you meet his teasing gaze.
“I mean, I’m just curious,” Ace continues, a little too happily, “how much more stuff you’ve been hiding from me. How long have you been analyzing my muscles, exactly? Do you think they’re… aesthetically pleasing?” He pauses to let the words sink in “Hmm, maybe I should flex for you to get a clearer answer.”
The crew, who had been quietly watching from a distance (but clearly listening), suddenly bursts into laughter, but you just want to curl into a ball and disappear.
“Oh, this is good,” Thatch says, clearly enjoying the show “I never thought Ace would get revenge like this, but here we are.”
“You should see her when she’s trying to make that poison tea thing,” Marco says, shaking his head “She’s way too serious about it, but now we know she’s been obsessed with Ace’s shoulders the whole time.”
“You guys are awful.” you mutter, sinking into your chair, arms crossed tightly across your chest in an attempt to hold yourself together.
Ace, however, is not letting up. He knows the soft spots, and he’s making sure to press every single one of them.
“So, how’s it feel?” Ace grins, tapping your shoulder playfully “Being soooo open about how much you like me? You definitely don’t look uncomfortable at all.”
You shoot him a glare, but it’s hard to stay mad when he’s looking so damn smug about it.
“I don’t know, Ace. It must be so hard for you to carry the weight of being so perfect that I couldn’t stop talking about how handsome you are, huh?” you bite back.
Ace stares at you for a moment, clearly thrown off by your unexpected response. Then he laughs “Oh, that’s rich. You think you can out-tease me?”
“You’re the one who’s been doing it all day.” you shoot back, finally turning to face him fully “Seems like you loved me pointing out all the things I like about you.”
The crew laughs even harder, and Ace’s grin only grows.
“I won.” he says, smug as ever “It’s not my fault you’re so obsessed with me. Honestly, I’m kinda flattered.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet you are.” You roll your eyes, not willing to give him the satisfaction of seeing you break.
But Ace doesn’t relent “Admit it, Y/N. You’re in love with me.”
You pause.
“And if I am?” you ask coolly, holding his gaze.
The teasing gleam in his eyes flickers, then vanishes. Ace looks just a little taken aback by the way you’re holding your ground.
“Well…” He scratches the back of his head, clearly flustered now “You’ve already said it once. So I’m just making sure you’re still on the same page.”
And just like that, it’s his turn to feel the heat in his cheeks.
“Well, maybe you should stop teasing me, then.” you say with a sly smile.
Ace grins, shaking his head “Nah, this is fun. You’ll get used to it.”
Now it’s your turn to mess with Ace.
After days of relentless teasing, you’ve decided that it’s time to use his own game against him. He’s made it clear that he loves to toy with you and now, it’s time for him to spill the truth, whether he wants to or not.
The deck is quiet, the crew all doing their own thing, but you know Ace will find you soon. He always does. And, sure enough, as you’re mixing something into a flask in the corner of the kitchen, his voice floats over the rim of the doorway.
“Hey, poison queen,” he says with a grin, clearly thinking of another thing to tease you about “Are you planning to poison the whole crew with whatever concoction you’re making today? Or is it just my poor, unsuspecting self?”
You don’t answer right away, focusing on your work. You’re careful with every motion. Just one drop of this ingredient, and you’ll have him talking like a parrot for hours.
“Alright, alright, what’s in the flask today?” he presses, inching closer “Am I going to shit myself?”
You glance over your shoulder, smiling sweetly “Oh, nothing dangerous, I promise.”
“Then why do you look so… suspicious?” Ace narrows his eyes playfully, still not suspecting a thing.
You flash him a mischievous smile, taking the flask with one hand and adding a few drops of your carefully prepared herbal mix into his mug “Just a little something to make sure your day is… interesting.”
Ace raises an eyebrow, but at this point, he’s practically inviting the teasing. He’s completely unaware of the slight adjustment you made. After all, you’ve poisoned your own drinks with far worse. The concoction in his mug isn’t lethal, but it’ll get the job done.
You hand it over with a flourish “Here you go, fire boy. Drink up.”
Ace takes the mug, his smirk growing wider. He’s used to your antics, but he doesn’t know you’ve just pulled the wool over his eyes. He takes a swig, and just as the liquid slides down his throat, you watch him carefully.
But then, a few seconds later, Ace’s expression shifts, his eyes flickering with confusion as he sets the mug down.
“You okay?” you ask casually, keeping your voice neutral.
Ace blinks, a frown tugging at his features “Yeah, just… feel a little weird. Like, light-headed… You didn’t actually put something in here, did you?”
“Oh, it’s just a little herbal remedy,” you say with a shrug, your grin widening “You know, to make you feel better.”
“Well, I do feel better, but I also feel...” he admits with a nervous laugh “Weird.”
That’s your cue. You pull out a chair and sit down, raising an eyebrow “I think we can have some fun with that.”
His eyes flick to yours, unsure “What do you mean?”
“You see, I didn't drink all that bottle the other day. And, well… the thing is,” you continue, now holding his gaze, “you’ve been teasing me for days, Ace. And I’m really curious about how much of what you said was… well, the truth.”
Ace stares at you, confusion melting into realization as the drug starts to kick in, the subtle influence of your concoction making him more vulnerable to his own thoughts.
“Wait, what…?” He shakes his head, trying to focus “This is… a trick, right? Did you really—”
“So, Ace...” you say in a soothing tone, leaning in slightly “Admit it, you like me.”
Ace laughs awkwardly, his eyes unfocused as his lips move to speak without hesitation “Well, uh, yeah. I’ve liked you for a while now… I just thought it’d be funny to make you squirm about it.”
You narrow your eyes, pretending to act surprised “You like me? You’ve been teasing me because you like me?”
He stumbles over his words, but it’s too late to stop himself “Yeah, you’re like… fun. I don’t know how to act around you, okay? Every time I try to be normal, you just—ugh, you get under my skin. And I can’t stop teasing you.”
You smile wickedly, feeling the rush of victory surge in your veins.
“Is that so?” you ask sweetly, letting his confession sink in “And here I thought you were just being a brat.”
"That's just my love language ok? I don't know how to act normal around someone I like, so I just tease and tease and tease."
"Love language?" you ask actually a bit shocked "So you really do like me?? Couldn't you just confess back when I got exposed with that truth telling thing?"
"It's too complicated. I just... didn't know now." he says trying to avoind your eyes.
"You just did it."
"Well, not in a fair way, though."
"I've put nothing in that drink, you idiot..."
Ace freezes “Wait a sec… Are you messing with me right now?” he asks, his voice suddenly more wary “This isn’t real?”
“Oh, it’s very real,” you reply, letting a mischievous grin slip into your expression “The truth serum is working, wihtout even the need to actually use it. You’re just… a little more vulnerable than you think.”
His eyes widen “Wait… wait, what did you do to me?”
You chuckle, leaning back in your chair “Just a little something to get you to spill your guts. But what’s even better is that you’re admitting things you didn’t even realize you were feeling.”
Ace’s face twists as the realization hits him “I—I thought I was poisoned? You… you tricked me into confessing everything?!”
The crew, who has been silently observing the entire exchange, erupts into laughter from all corners of the room. Marco, Izo, and Thatch are barely holding it together, while the rest of the crew seems equally entertained by the spectacle.
“That’s right, fire boy,” you say, leaning closer “You weren’t poisoned at all. You were just brainwashed into thinking you were.”
Ace stares at you, his face redder than ever, looking like he’s ready to combust.
“Yeah, well, now I’m gonna make you regret it” he mutters, his earlier smugness replaced by genuine frustration and something else you can’t quite place.
But for now, you’ve won. And you’ll savor this small victory for as long as you can.
The crew is still chuckling from the aftermath of your little “truth serum” game. You can practically feel the heat radiating from Ace’s flushed face, the sheer embarrassment of his earlier confessions hanging in the air like a cloud.
“Well, Ace,” you say, leaning back in your chair with a smug grin, “I gotta say, you made it pretty easy for me to get all your secrets out.”
Ace grumbles, clearly trying to salvage what’s left of his dignity “I can’t believe I fell for that.” He crosses his arms, glaring at you but clearly not all that mad, more like… flustered.
You lean in a little closer, a teasing smirk tugging at your lips “You did admit a lot, though. Like how much you actually like me.”
That catches him off guard. He stumbles for a moment, as if he wants to deny it, but there’s no escaping the truth now “Well, what can I say, you did say a lot of embarrassing things, too, when you drank that ‘serum’.”
You raise an eyebrow, the teasing still simmering beneath your words “Like what, exactly?”
“Oh, you know, I still think about you counting my freckles…” He flashes you a grin, almost too proud of himself for turning the tables.
You smirk, taking a deep breath “Well, now that I know you like me back…” You pause for effect, leaning even closer, “I can finally say it all again without the need for any truth drink.”
The realization hits him like a punch to the gut. Ace’s eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, he’s speechless “Wait, what?”
You grin, thoroughly enjoying his discomfort “Yep. So now, I’m free to repeat everything. Your teasing? It’s actually kind of cute. And maybe I even find you hot… especially with that devil fruit power of yours.” You’re clearly enjoying this far too much “Might even be into that.”
Ace is completely flustered now, cheeks burning red, and he stammers, “You… you really are messing with me, huh?”
Before you can answer, he suddenly leans forward, a spark of determination lighting up his eyes “Alright, then, I’ll just prove to you how much I like you.”
You blink, confused “What are you talking about?”
He leans in, his usual cocky grin back on his face “You wanna tell me what you like about me? Then I’ll tell you what I like about you... Like a competition since you like it.”
You tilt your head, intrigued “A competition, huh? Alright. But what’s the catch?”
Ace leans in even closer, voice dropping to a low, teasing tone “No backing out. You have to admit everything you like about me, truthfully, no holds barred.”
Your eyes glint with mischief “Alright, fine. But be warned. You might not like what you hear.”
Ace’s grin only grows wider “I’m all ears, Y/N. Let’s hear it.”
“First off,” you begin, your tone as playful as ever, “I might like how your hair looks like you just rolled out of bed. It’s… charming in a ‘I just woke up and I’m not trying’ kind of way.”
Ace scoffs, looking both proud and a little defensive “Well, you know, some people can’t pull it off, but I do.”
You roll your eyes “And I might find it kind of adorable that you get so riled up when I call you out. Your pride’s kind of cute… in a completely frustrating way.”
Ace stares at you for a second, then grins, almost cocky “I’ll take that as a compliment… for now.”
But before you can continue, someone shouts from the back of the room.
“Get a room, you two!”
The words echo across the deck, and everyone bursts into laughter. Ace’s face turns redder than ever, and for a moment, it looks like he’s about to explode.
“Shut up!” he snaps, but the crew’s laughter is uncontrollable.
But the comment gives Ace an idea. He stands up suddenly, grabbing your wrist and tugging you toward the stairs leading below deck.
“Alright, fine. We’ll take it to my room,” he says, his voice a little breathless but determined “Let’s see how much you really like me.”
You blink, surprised at his boldness, but you can’t hide the grin forming on your face “Ace… you think you can just drag me to your room and get away with it?”
“Maybe,” he says with a sly wink “But you’ll never know unless you come with me.”
You chuckle, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline you get when Ace is being this unpredictable “Alright then, hothead. Lead the way.”
The crew, of course, continues to shout playful remarks as you both head toward his room. Marco just shakes his head with a knowing smile.
Ace’s room door slams shut behind you both, and whatever happens next is anyone’s guess. But one thing is certain, this game of teasing is far from over. And in the end, neither of you is going to back down from it anytime soon.
amandla
pixelskylines
tangentwithtanner
kianamaiart
izzy806
snowghoul
origamiaround
germansingergirl
andulkaphoto
