Ivonne Writing for Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars. Specialty is Merc with a Mouth.
Requests/Ships are closed. Adult content at times NSFW . Not spoiler free **DO NOT REPOST MY WORK** Masterlist
The street was quiet, cars driving by in a lulled trance that only ever happened in the late hours of the night. Bucky held onto your hand freely since the two of you were alone; after a night out with the rest of the group, the two of you managed to sneak away. “I need to get some sleep; I’ll see you guys back at the house” was his excuse thirty minutes to bar hopping with Steve and the others. You waited a good thirty minutes after his departure to feign an upset stomach, hugging your friend’s goodbye and heading toward your apartment. No one questioned anything and you were sure the barhopping had planned its part in the grand master plan.
Well, it wasn’t the most brilliant plan, but it worked every time.
A whole six months of sneaking around and keeping things quiet. Bucky and you managed to successfully develop and nurture a healthy relationship – most of your time was spent away from the facility because it gave a sense of normalcy to the courtship. He would come over to your apartment most mornings with bagels and coffee. You would sneak into his room at the facility when everyone was asleep, unaware of what was conspiring under their noses. Alarm set for the early morning so you could pretend that you slept at the facility instead of driving back into the city. It took effort to keep things under wraps, but it had been worth it.
“Took you long enough.”
Bucky stood under a streetlamp, where he had been casually scrolling on his phone. He grinned when you stumbled into his arms, engulfing you in the safety of his embrace. He kissed you on the forehead when you whimpered that you didn’t want to walk back to your apartment.
“I actually think I drank too much,” you complained, allowing him to lead you toward the curb of the street. He held out a hand for a cab and grinned, explaining that you weren’t actually supposed to get drunk. “No shit.”
Bucky laughed. “A cab for three blocks, insanity.”
He was joking, of course, but you tugged him away from the curb. His hand fell to his side, and you told him you’d be fine to walk. He started to protest because if you were too tired, he really didn’t mind getting a cab. “Or I can carry you on my back?”
“Don’t be absurd. Of course, you can carry me on your back! You’re stronger than Steve.”
Your matter of tone sent Bucky into a laughing fit, turning himself away from you. He kneeled and beckoned for you to hop on – never one to ever deny yourself a ride on Bucky, you did as you were told. Effortlessly, he adjusted to your weight and stood up. Your hands fell over his shoulders, loosely holding onto his neck. He started toward the direction of your apartment, and it was quiet for a good five minutes, the two of you taking in the city. The cars passing by the handful of people walking by who didn’t bother laying a single glance in your direction. The same street, different moments – Bucky grabbing food from the corner deli because they had the best turkey sandwiches. Your favorite coffee shop a block down, where the two of you would sit at a table; Bucky reading a book while you did a word search. The bar that none of your friends knew about, that you would frequent so much every bartender knew Bucky and your order. On this street, your lives felt normal.
It did something to you.
It made the things you held in your heart easier to say out loud.
“Just so you know…” your words were quiet, a tiny bit messy from the tequila shots. “If you decide, one day, that this isn’t something you want I would never be able to walk down this street again. I’d move to another block, another city because I don’t think I could bear it. Losing you…”
Bucky’s pace slowed down but he continued down the street – toward your apartment. “I think we should tell everyone; I don’t want to hide this anymore.”
A sweet relief filled the air, and you kissed his neck. “Then you can finally move in with me.”
The corner light came into view and Bucky grinned, looking both ways before crossing. “That might be the best plan we’ve had yet.”
“We are true masterminds!” you shouted, yelping in excitement when Bucky began to run. You held on tight as he raced toward your soon to be shared apartment, laughing as your hollers of joy filled his ears. He grinned as he pictured the small engagement ring, he picked out weeks ago in his pocket. A lightness filled his heart with each inch forward against the pavement. Somethings were worth keeping to oneself but the love he had for you, could no longer be contain on this single, perfect street.
Bucky stared from his seat at the bar, the way that man grabbed at your waist. Anger fueled the veins pumping in his body and he tried for a whole thirty seconds to keep his cool. He tried. Until his boots were moving him across the room, too fast for his brain to catch up. Too fast for it to comprehend his hand reaching for the man’s hand, snapping it back a little too hard but not enough to break anything. The man cried out in pain and you shouted for him to stop, and Bucky did, instantly. You told the man to leave if he wanted to keep his wits. He would have won a gold medal for how fast he left the bar.
“I have no words for you.”
“Those sound like plenty,” Bucky replied, adjusting his shoulder as you motioned for him to calm down. “He was grabbing all over you, that isn’t right.”
The two of you moved toward the bar, the crowd staying away Bucky. You ordered two beers and asked Bucky if his shoulder was okay.
“You look a little worn out.”
“Sam’s running me into the ground. I’m out of the country more than I’m in it.”
Pushing the beer closer to him, you asked Bucky if he had been sleeping. He took a long drink before giving you a shrug. “I get by.”
“You mean you get off beating up guys who are hitting on me.”
Bucky grinned. “Don’t flatter yourself so much, sweetheart.”
“You’re a real jackass sometimes,” you smacked him and pretended to get up, but he quickly changed his demeanor and gently held onto your wrist. He whispered for you to stay and you did, because you always did.
“How long are we going to do this?”
“Until it sticks.”
Ping-pong. That’s how you would describe your relationship with Bucky Barnes. He was right, he hardly was in the country but when he was – it was like lightning striking the same place over and over. It was electric and frightening. He was damaged, trying his best, and you were willingly to wait but the ball had always been in his court.
“I don’t mind you going off for work, but you come back and don’t tell me. But you always seem to arrive just in time to save me from some creep.”
Bucky chuckled but apologized. “When I’m away for weeks, I think to myself, let her be happy. Let her go out with some nice guy, who’s going to be around and then I see you from across this bar…with some grabby little jerk. I hate it.”
“Then tell me you want to be with me, that I’m it for you and there will be no grabby little jerks. Do you think I actually want to be around these guys? The only reason why I even entertain a date with these idiots is because I need a distract from thinking about you and wondering if you are thinking about me.”
He watched as your hand came over his and he stared for a moment – the warmth of your touch sent him reeling and he realized it was okay. It was okay to feel this way, because you were in front of him saying you felt the same. He didn’t have to be afraid that you weren’t going to be here when he came home because you had always been here. Patiently waiting for him to see things as they were.
“I’m an idiot.”
“Glad we can agree on something.”
Bucky laughed and tugged you off the bar stool to him, wrapping his arms around his waist as your fingers ran through his hair. The bar noise grew louder as Bucky kissed you softly on the lips, people brushing against the two of you trying to get by as you held his face in your hands. His mouth on yours, music swirling in your ears as he pressed his forehead against yours – the two of you smiling fools.
“Just so you know, I have to leave overseas in two weeks…. Sam needs me to go. I want to go.”
Your hands moved to his shoulders, rubbing them gently. “Well, I’ll be waiting for you to come home but for now, let’s enjoy these two weeks. What do you say we get out of here and go back to my apartment?”
A devious smirk pulled from the corners of Bucky’s mouth as he stood up, dropping cash onto the bar for the beers. He took your hand in his and leaned in for another kiss, this time with a little more punch than before. Breathless, you motioned for him to lead the way, and he did. The two of you finally leaving the bar hand in hand, no more stolen glances or bruised egos from men who never had a chance with you because your heart had belonged to a man no other could compare with, Bucky Barnes.
His gaze consistently glared over to where you sat, but you ignored it. Cheeks didn't even warm to the thought of Bucky Barnes practically eye fucking you. He had plenty of time to make a move, but a person could only wait so long. Now, now you felt like being mean.
Truthfully, there was a spiteful, dramatic part of you that loved to show its face. God knows how much self loathing and torture Bucky loved, so why not give him what he wanted?
You were such a people pleaser.
Leaning further into the expensive couch of the lounge, you waved a hand to the waitress - she promptly walked over and you ordered three shots of tequila, tipping her with a hundred dollar bill. You could practically feel Bucky's eye roll but you ignored him and leaned over to Joaquin. He was sitting next to you, nursing a cold beer. It had been a long rough week, Sam had needed Bucky and your help with a mission he was running with Torres. It had been sort of fun at first, but eventually it turned into Bucky and you picking at each other.
It was sexual tension, according to Sam but what did he know? You had given Bucky so many chances but it was becoming perfectly clear he had no interest in you.
Which was fine, really, it was fine.
You spoke to Joaquin in Spanish and the two of you engaged in a conversation about his plans for when you’d all get to the States. Being the intelligent man he was , he caught on and laughed.
“He’s going to kill me, you know that, right?”
“It’s fine, I don’t think he speaks Spanish,” you assured him, pausing for a moment. Making a face, you started to laugh. “Shit, I actually can’t remember if he does.”
Joaquin shook his head just as the waitress arrived with your shots and his eyes seemed to brighten. Thanking the woman, you told Joaquin to take one for himself, double fisting the other two. He whistled but clinked his glass against yours and the two of you took the shots. The alcohol felt warm and your blood boiled, and without really thinking, you finally turned to acknowledge Bucky.
His eyes sat cold and you glared back at him. “Someone should really kick your ass.”
Sam, who had been seated next to Bucky, sighed but said nothing. Bucky’s jaw clenched and he leaned forward, smirking. “Plenty of people tried, want a turn?”
The two glasses in your hands started to warm, your fingers started to tingle but Joaquin quickly took them from you. He watched with apprehension, whispering for you to calm down - this made Bucky laugh.
“Always a hot head….”
“It’s better than being a little bitch.”
Sam had enough, standing up. “Yeah, I’m not doing this shit tonight - let’s go, Torres.”
Joaquin got up from his seat, taking all glasses with him; he wasn’t going to chance another bill from the fire marshall. The pair left, the lounge filled with subtle music and no one else seemed to notice the tension brewing in the corner of where you sat. Bucky continued to stare at you, a well trained son of a bitch - not even a single blink or flutter of his eye lids. He waited and you grew angrier, it had become worse. Every time you were near Bucky, it seemed to ignite the flame and you weren’t sure why.
That was a lie.
“Why are you so angry?”
Bucky’s question was soft hearted and it caught you off guard. Suddenly, you felt vulnerable and that was the worst feeling in the world. With your anger, it was easy to navigate, to push it all onto Bucky but the truth is always the hardest to understand. You wondered if he could see right through you. How scary.
“I don’t like to be played with and that’s all you do to me.”
He was taken aback, began to shake his head in protest but you continued. Veins icy and words sharp. “You treat me like one of your little bitches. You flirt with me, look at me with this fucking look. Then you act like nothing ever happened.”
Bucky was rendered speechless and you laughed. “....see, now you’re going to act like the wounded fucking animal. God, pathetic.”
Standing up, you reached for the bag and looked down at Bucky. “I have cared about you for a long fucking time and I have been a fucking saint about it. Even when Steve was still here, he always told me to give you time. That you needed time and I have done that but you continue to play with me. I won’t do this shit anymore.”
His eyes were remorseful, it made you feel sad. “Just….no more flirting or texting late at night because you had a fucking nightmare. I want to be there for you, but it’s too hard because I…”
Stopping yourself from even saying those forbidden words because once they were out, there was no taking them back. It would severely change the dynamic of the team and you weren;t going to do that to Sam. Sure, this was kinda crazy but this moment can be moved on from. Bucky will stop the flirting and playing, the two of you will just be friends and occasional teammates.
That’s what’s for the best.
So busy with your thoughts and trying to rationalize, you hadn’t noticed Bucky standing up nor the words he spoke until his hand grabbed a hold of yours. His touch broke your thought-filled trance. Your eyes focused on his handsome face, searching for some sort of understanding.
“I love you.”
What?”
Your heart raced, warmth swept across your chest and he smiled, apologizing for confusing you. “I didn’t think I was hurting you, I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. I never meant to make you feel like that. You have to know that. I worked too goddamn hard to get here and I can’t lose you.”
He moved closer to you; hands now on your waist. Eyes studied your face extensively, looking for any sort of clue. “ I tried to control it, I was okay with us just being friends but I couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry I made you feel like that.”
“I LOVE YOU.”
Bucky stood stunned and then you laughed. “Okay we can’t keep doing that. Let’s start over…”
He grinned, nodding as he moved his hands to your face; he looked so lovely in the lowlights of the lounge room. A smile perked from your lips as his head inched closer to yours, then he whispered that he loved you and you whispered it back. As the room seemed to blur, his lips touched yours and maybe Steve was right….
Taking a last hit, you flicked the cigarette to the ground and crushed it with a heavy black boot. Yelena looked to where you nodded, turning to see Sam Wilson and worse, Bucky Barnes soldiering right towards the two of you. She groaned outward, rolling her eyes.
"Don't they have their own shit to do."
Avoiding Bucky's glaring stare, you nearly pinched the bridge of your nose out of frustration and nerves. It had been about six months since you last seen Bucky, leaving him rolled up in a thin sheet as you escaped the hotel room. See, the thing was, you liked fucking Bucky Barnes - you were human after all, but things were complicated at best. Plus, Sam sorta severely disliked Yelena and your antics; always interrupting their investigations but was it your fault that you were simply better at espionage?
"Of course the two of you would be here." Sam was annoyed and you could only smile at the man, hands on your hips. Yelena examined her nails and shrugged. "Well, the job needs to get done and you two idiots are about three days late..."
Holding back a smile, you finally braved a look at Bucky and nearly flinched at how focused he was on you. Giving him a slight nod, you listened to Sam and Yelena bickered until a peace offering was given by Bucky. Yelena began to protest but you spoke to her in her native tongue and she practically pouted. Bucky inserted himself into the conversation and Sam demanded everyone speak in a language he too could understand.
You smirked. "Fine, we'll play nice...for now but my sister gets the kill."
Sam said no one was getting killed but he was naïve to what was really going on and you gave Bucky a look that questioned if he understand. Without Sam noticing, he gave a slight nod and you knew he got it.
"This is Red Room business, so we'll handle the asshole." Yelena spoke quietly and it sent a shiver down your spine - her tone left no room for objections and Sam dropped it. He mentioned the hotel they were staying at and you agreed to meet them to trade intel.
"We'll be there in two hours, we have some sisterly business to do."
Once everyone was satisfied with the arrangements, Yelena started toward the car but Bucky asked to speak to you...alone. Sam took the hint, drifted away down the street as you turned to your sometimes booty call. He looked good as always and it sent sinking feelings down your stomach. Hands in his pockets, he asked how you were.
"Shit hotels, but I always enjoy spending time with my sister."
He gave a small smile but it quickly faded. "How are you really?"
The interior wall you built fell when he reached down to your hand; his warmth filled all the little corners of coldest in your heart and you felt weak. He made you feel weak all because he made you feel wanted. Bucky was your downfall and that's why you kept him at a distance but he was the king of distance and downfalls. Yet, he stood there with the warmest touch a person had ever placed on you. It made you desperate to give in and even Yelena had pointed out the personal torture you were putting yourself through.
"You two are alive, why not?"
What a poet, your sister.
"I want some alone time with you, later..."
Feigning slickness, you purred at him. "Miss my body that much?"
Bucky didn't take the bait, inside he pulled you roughly against him. His hands held yours down at your side and he looked, no, he stared deep into your eyes. "I don't want you just like that, don't be stupid."
That should have pissed you off but it didn't. Instead you softened under his touch and you whispered okay. That's all you could say and when he released you, he touched the side of your face before kissing you gently on the lips. "Six months is too long..."
"...I know, I'm sorry."
He smiled then and kissed you on the forehead. The lightness reappeared in his eyes and he smirked. "Not so tough for an former assassin, are you?"
"Takes one to know one," you snapped back, smiling as he held your hand. He gave it a squeeze and promised to see you later. "Go spend time with your sister, I'll see you soon."
"Promise?"
The childlike air in your tone would have made you flinch months ago but it felt good to indulge. It felt good to be wanted and to have what you truly want - and that was the man in front of you.
"Promise," he smiled, giving your hand a kiss before departing to where Sam had disappeared. Watching him until he was no longer in sight, you felt an arm move around your shoulder and Yelena whistled.
Bucky laughed, holding out a hand to help you onto the decent sized vessel. “Don’t be such a baby, you’ll be fine.”
Mocking him, you repeated what he said but took his hand, nonetheless. He helped you step onto the boat and when you tripped over air, he caught you against his chest. Moving onto your feet, you pushed him away. “Don’t be a pervert, James.”
He laughed again, beckoning you over to the small table in the middle of the boat. It had a nice cotton tablecloth and two candles on it, partnered with two take out boxes. You beamed at your boyfriend and high fived him when you saw the takeout was from your favorite local diner.
Holding a hand to your heart, you smiled at Bucky. “You truly know the way to my heart.”
“Yeah, cardiac arrest.” Bucky pulled out a seat and motioned for you to take a seat. Once you were settled in, he sat on the opposite side of the cozy table. He reached down under the table to what you assume sat a cooler and he pulled out two cold beers. You couldn’t contain the pure delight on your face when he popped one open and handed it over, the two of you clicking the cans together.
Bucky Barnes was a man with a great reputation; sometimes a big bad one but over the years it was starting to change. He had put in a lot of work to make amends for all the terrible things he had done, even when he never had a choice in the matter. And now that he was part of this strange version of the Avengers, he had never tried harder in his life.
Big bad Bucky Barnes - super soldier and mister super serious face, found himself, yet again, in a fight.
Dodge, hit. Grunt. Hit. Repeat.
He let out a low breath, waiting for the next person to come toward him; he was in a room somewhere he shouldn’t be but what was new?
Always a damn fight.
He heard steps coming closer to the doorway and he readied his body, fists up.
“Oh, thank god!”
His demeanor changed in an instant as you stumbled into the room. From the looks of it, you had been dealing with your own fight. His chest heaved as his eyes took in the way you drew a glance over his entire body.
“Are you okay?”
Okay?
No one really ever asked him that.
“Yeah,” he cleared his throat. “I’m good.”
You approached him with a smile and placed a hand on his shoulder, fingers gripping onto him. “I didn’t want you to have to fight alone. The others are downstairs clearing the rest of the building out. I’m so tired.”
You confessed with a smile and moved your hand off Bucky’s shoulder, asking if he was ready to hit the next floor.
“We can do it together, if you’d like.”
Eyes so soft and humble, Bucky’s heart was beating so fast and for the first time in a long time, he felt flustered. He nodded and smiled, unable to string together a sentence as you looked at him. He felt his feet burning under his boots - your gaze that strong and bright.
“Yeah, that would be great.”
His answer was what you wanted to hear and you told him to lead the way. “Hey, so, I was thinking….”
Your voice trailed off as he led you out the room, down the hall to the stairway. He looked over your shoulder and asked what you were thinking.
Now you were flustered and Bucky looked away, smiling to himself as he started up the stairs. Following him, you asked if he wanted to get dinner sometime.
“Unless that would be weird for you. Please feel free to say no, I would understand…”
Bucky held onto the railing as he continued up, looking over his shoulder to you. He grinned and said he’d like that. “Sounds fun.”
Fun.
Your head started to spin and you moved forward, not realizing Bucky at stopped at the top of the stairs. Bumping into his back, he laughed and reached his arm behind his back to grab a hold of your arm to stop you from falling backward. His fingers held onto the hem of your jacket and your forehead relaxed on his back.
For a few seconds, the two of you stayed this way until he asked if you were ready to continue. “There’s still three more floors to clear.”
Sighing, you said yes. “I was just enjoying myself but we have a job to do.”
Bucky couldn’t even look at you, he was holding back a smile but he agreed. “Let’s just get this day over with and we can have that dinner. Sound like a plan?”
He finally turned to you and smiled - your face went warm and you nodded. “Sounds like a good plan but I get to pick the restaurant.”
“It better be a good one.”
“Hey! I have good taste in food.”
The two of you stood at the door leading to the next floor: Bucky adjusted his arm and you stretched out your back.
“Well,” Bucky fixed his arm and looked at you. “Didn’t you get food poisoning from that place you always eat at?”
Rolling your eyes, you reached for the doorknob. “That was one time!”
“One time is enough. I know a good Italian place….”
Agreeing, you nodded to the door. “Ready then?”
Bucky looked at you with a soft expression and you smiled. He was completely ready to take you out on a date, to hold the door open for you. To order what ever you wanted on the menu. To walk you back to your apartment and receive a goodnight kiss on the cheek from you. He was completely ready - he hadn’t been this ready in his entire life. Motioning for you to open the door, he stepped forward to lead the way and smiled at you.
A/N: I obviously took some liberties with the storyline, but I tried keeping it as true as possible to the canon history. No beta used this time around, so excuse my mistakes.
Summary: It started with a blind date. A date you had skipped out on, but fate had led you right to the man you stood up. Steve Rogers, a man small in stature but big in heart. A chance meeting set everything in motion, but decades later when he is unfrozen, he has been told you have died. But when a mission to retrieve Hydra plans turned up some interesting information, Steve’s left to wonder whether you are still alive. Or is this all just false hope?
Summary: A marine walks onto a ship - the ship belongs to the Straw Hats. Reader's little brother is Monkey D. Luffy. She also, sorta, has a thing with Zoro.
The wind engulfed your hair, calves tighten as you raced ahead; three voices were shouting close behind and you knew you had to get to the tree house first. Screaming in excitement and fear, you sprinted forward as the large tree came into view. A younger voice cried out in disbelief and you grinned, reaching the roped ladder. Climbing up, victory was yours as you collapsed on the floor of the hide out. With lungs filled with cold air, you reached into your pocket.
The new inhaler Gramps had sent was a shiny purple color and you took a deep puff, lungs relaxing as Ace appeared, then Sabo, and lastly, your little brother, Luffy. Sitting up, you laughed at how whiny Luffy was being and you told him you were proud of him.
“You didn’t use your stretchy hands, good job!”
He grinned and jumped into your arms, the two of you falling back. Sabo laughed but Ace told Luffy to cut it out. “You’re going to make her have a heart attack.”
“She has asthma, Ace, not a heart problem.”
Sabo rolled his eyes and walked over to the small basket of goodies the four of you managed to steal from the nice part of the town. He picked up four pieces of hard candy, passing them around. Everyone sat in a circle, Luffy spreading his body over your lap as he chewed on the candy. The sound of the forests filled the silence as everyone focused on eating - that is until Sabo farted. His little toot sent everyone into a laughing fit and then Luffy started choking, and it was even funnier…
The ship was even more beautiful in the morning light; docked and glistening in the sun, you approached it with excitement in each step. Knowing how wild it would look if anyone caught you on the Straw Hats ship. You smirked and climbed up the ramp, not caring but knowing if this got back to Gramps - there would be hell to pay. But not really…
Boots quietly landed on the ship; you looked around surprised no one was around. Moving closer toward the grass area, you chuckled - of course they didn’t have a watch out, these folks weren’t just some ordinary pirates.
“Pretty brave of a Marine to walk onto a pirate ship alone.”
A cooled voice spoke behind you, recognizing the husk voice you shrugged. “I came here for your captain, that’s all.”
“You really must be dumb.”
Laughing, you turned and smiled at Roronoa Zoro. “Nice to see you too, Zoro.”
He was bewildered, eyes widened until he smiled. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Moving to him, you hugged him and he didn’t object; the two of you had an interesting history - one that you made him swear to never tell Luffy.
Zoro pulled away, eyes warm. He had bulked up since the last time you had seen him - he looked a little older too. “You've grown up.”
“You haven’t changed…”
“So, you still think I’m beautiful, then?”
He blushed and got mad, telling you to knock it off and you apologized with a laugh.
“Where’s my little brother, I have something for him.”
Zoro mumbled that he’d go get him, taking his leave.
Left alone, you walked over to the railing and stared out into the ocean; you always felt at peace when the ocean was in front of you. It had been like that since you were a child - the third child to end up in Dadan’s care. Sabo came a little after. It had been a wonderful childhood, despite the unusual circumstances - the four of you had bonded and created your own little family.
Then Ace was killed and you nearly lost Luffy - what you ended up losing was your faith in the Marines but you couldn’t quit. Gramps had lost Ace and he was angry, the last thing you had wanted to do was disappoint him. You had a soft spot for the old man, always understanding where he was coming from.
Still, Ace had lived a life he wanted and that was enough to get you to sleep each night. Then Sabo was alive again; he had caught you off guard during a resistance fight on a small island where the Revolutionary Army had been spotted. You were one of a few captains leading the fight and somehow, he had cornered you. In an instant, you had recognized the hat on his head.
It had been so confusing until your eyes met his and it was unmistakable - it was your brother Sabo. That had shook everything in your life and when he hugged you, you collapsed into his arms and like the person he had always been, he comforted you.
“Hey, try to calm down,” he had smiled at you, placing his hand on your back. “You still have your inhaler?”
Finding out Sabo was not only alive, but he had been on his way to see Luffy for the first time - you had promised himself something that day…
“No way!”
The sound of your youngest brother’s voice echoed in your ears and you turned away from the ocean. Luffy stood in front of the door to the kitchen, jumping over the upper deck railing to land in front of you. He smiled widely and pulled you into a huge hug - pressing his face against yours.
“I’m so happy you’re here!”
His hold became tighter as the rest of the crew appeared, everyone equally happy to see you. Sanji announced a huge lunch he was going to make and Chopper asked if you were finally here to join the crew. Luffy’s eyes widened and he jumped on your back, just like he used to as a kid. Zoro told him to get off you and you agreed, reaching for your purple inhaler.
“Sorry, sorry,” your brother whistled and jumped off your back. He watched as you took a small puff and smiled at him.
“It wasn’t you, Luffy. I’m just happy to see you - I brought you a present.”
Pulling a small clear bag, you tossed it to him and he shouted in excitement - hard candies, just like the ones from when you were kids. He was ecstatic and announced he was not sharing with anyone but you - “Just like the old days!”
“Don’t be selfish, Luffy,” you chastised him and he sighed, agreeing to share. Chopper and Ussop were first in line - watching with amusement, you felt Zoro settle next to you. Eyes still on your little brother, you chuckled when Zoro stated how you spoil his captain.
“He’s not a little kid anymore.”
“He is to me,” you whispered, blinking the tears away, Zoro apologized and you touched his arm, telling him it was fine. “The world sees Luffy as this terror, this monster, but you guys know the truth. Everyone who meets him knows the truth and before that, I knew the truth. I knew who he was before the world could decide what they wanted him to be. He’s my little brother, my crybaby little brother. He will never be anything but that to me.”
“I get it.” Zoro’s demeanor softened and you nudged his chest with your elbow. “But I doubt you came all this way to give Luffy some candy.”
“You’re smarter than you look.”
“Very funny.”
The two of you looked at each other and shared a knowing smile; this is what you two did, inside jokes and sly looks. You had come to see Zoro as much as Luffy - he had been a constant thought in your head. He asked how long you planned on visiting and you asked what he thought if you said forever.
“You’re not leaving the Marines - Luffy told me how important it was to you.”
“It was,” you said sharply. “Until they stole Ace from us. After that day, I’ve just been going through the motions. I’ve been…I’ve been collecting information and sending it to Sabo. I came to tell Luffy that I’m working with the Revolutionary Army and when the time comes, I’ll be at his side fighting.”
Zoro let out a low curse. “If a well respected Marine Captain is willingly to turn her back on the government and her grandpa,, that says alot.”
Crossing arms against your chest, you agreed. “If I have to take on the World Government from the inside, I will but I’m hoping you guys will do the heavy lifting - my asthma’s been getting worse…”
“You can count on us for that, especially him.”
He nodded to Luffy, who was teasing Chopper with a hard candy. Laughing, you signed deeply. “As for our grandpa, I have a feeling he’s not going to let anything happen to Luffy - he’s going to want revenge for what they did to Ace. He doesn’t say it out loud but I see it in his eyes. I want to live as Ace did, as Luffy does - free.”
Zoro and you fall into a comfortable silence until he asks how much time you really had to visit. Moving closer to him, checking to see if anyone was paying attention - they weren’t, you allowed the back of your hand to touch his.
“Gramps thinks I’m just on a regular vacation - I’m so good at my job, they are allowing me two whole weeks off. Do you think everyone would mind if I stuck around for a bit?”
Zoro grabbed a hold of your hand. “I don’t think anyone would mind.”
Luffy shouted for you and Zoro moved his hand away from yours but he smiled at you. “It really is good to see you, even if you’re wearing that stupid uniform.”
“You know, blond hair would look really good on you.”
“Oh, shut up,” he muttered.
“Make me,” you teased.
Zoro’s eyebrows perked, a cocky smile graced his handsome face. “Is that a challenge?”
Luffy called for you again and you started toward him, just as Sanji announced lunch would be ready soon. Turning to Zoro, you told him if he was up for the challenge - to name the time and location. The man’s face grew red but he stepped forward, lowering his voice.
“Crow’s nest, tonight, after everyone’s asleep.”
“I can’t wait,” you mouthed before turning to your brother. “You better have some of those candies left, Luffy. I didn’t bring anymore.”
“Oh, man…”
Zoro, body flushed with warmth, watched as you threw an arm around Luffy and he tried to imagine how the two of you looked as children. He smiled to himself, for just a brief moment, imagining the two of you, along with Ace and Sabo. The four of you are scrawny and running through the woods - no doubt, Luffy falling behind and crying about it. This makes him laugh but his laughter turns to anger when he sees Luffy jumping on your back.
“GET OFF HER, SHE’S GOING TO HAVE AN ASTHMA ATTACK!”
The whole room could have been on fire and you wouldn't have noticed. Eyes moving back and forth from the beautiful and ample woman to the man she was clinging to. He was smooth mouthed, words forming between drags of a cigarette. The flavor was sweet, having consumed one or two on occasion.
Sighing softly, you focused on the ale in front of you and took a long drink.
“The way you’re drooling over that idiot is disgusting - you can do better.”
Turning your head slightly to the man perched next to you at the bar, you agreed. “I really am disgusting, aren’t I?”
Zoro stirred in his seat and said that wasn't what he meant.
“It’s true though,” you smiled at him and his eyes shifted to his own drink. “See, you can’t even muster to look at me.”
You were mostly joking but Zoro groaned and told you to knock it off. “I don't know why you want that dumb cook so much. He’s obviously a skirt chase. You’re not that kind of woman.”
Woman.
How nice to not be called a girl.
Giving the man a once over, you suggest he take you to bed. “I really need a lay. Haven’t had a good one in a while now, maybe then, I’ll forget about him.”
Zoro turned red and you laughed, patting him lightly on the arm. “I’m kidding. This whole Sanji thing is just me being lonely.”
He scoffed. “We have the whole crew on this ship.”
“True.” You called over the barkeep and asked for two more beers. Zoro grinned when you said you were buying. “I don’t know, sleeping between Robin and Nami isn’t as sexy as it sounds. I need a man’s touch.”
“Can you stop talking like that?”
Zoro stirred in his seat before pulling your stool closer to his. You hitched a breath, surprised by the sudden movement. Your knee touched his and his hand slipped up your back, fingers resting at the nape of your neck. He firmly pulled you toward him, your hands falling onto his chest for balance.
Staring up at him, you noticed how soft his eyes had gotten and you wondered if it was all the alcohol. But then he smirked ferociously and tugged you even closer, his lips pressing against yours. His mouth was warm and tasted like ale, but his lips were soft. A mix of emotions overtook you but then he kissed you again. His mouth moved against yours in a way that felt like something more than seduction.
Zoro finally pulled away, keeping his hand on your neck - his thumb softly rubbing against your skin.
“I’m right here, you know, if you ever need company.”
“I didn’t know you were into this sort of thing,” you admitted and he shrugged, releasing his hand from you.
“I guess I am, at least with you. So take it or leave it. Just no more talking about that idiot. You’re ruining my mood.
He turned his attention back to his drink and you watched as he chugged it down in one take. You could still taste him on your mouth and your cheeks went warm. Smiling to yourself, you relax and let your knee fall against his. He didn’t move, just ordered two more drinks. You could tell he was trying not to notice you staring and it made him look cute.
“So, say I wanted to spend time with you - I could…just ask…”
Zoro tensed for a second but then turned to you with that same ferocious smile he gave before kissing you. “All you gotta do is ask, I won’t turn you away.”
Nodding your head in understanding, you asked if this was something he wanted or was it just trying to be nice. This made him laugh and he looked at you with a funny expression, bringing a hand up to your head to pat it.
“You’re almost as dumb as the cook,” he laughed when you pouted, his hand moving down your shoulder. He gave it a squeeze and pulled you to him. He used a finger to lift your chin, so you could meet his gaze. “I’m never nice.”
That was a blatant lie but you just smiled. “How about a few more rounds and then we could go ... .to the crow’s nest. You know, to keep a look out….”
With his thumb, he grazed your bottom lip just as two more ales were placed on the bar. “This round is on me.”
Genya stormed out of the room and you gazed upon Sanemi with discerning eyes. He stared back and faltered for a moment - he was a hot head, you knew this but had never witnessed the way he reacted to his younger brother. You think of your own little brother and could never imagine speaking to him in such a manner.
Yet, you saw right through Sanemi - knew him well enough.
The countless sleepless nights the two of you spent together - over time he grew awfully fond of you and allowed his guard down around you. He was pushing Genya away to protect him but what you had just witness was unacceptable.
"My love," you whispered quietly and the man in front of you relaxed as you placed a hand on his shoulder. His head hung low as you reached up to pat his head. He didn't grimace from your touch but used the movement of your fingers against his hair to calm his breathing. "I know you ultimately want to protect Genya but doing it this way - you're only going to lose time with him. We both know what it means be a demon slayer - we are all on borrowed time."
"If he would just quit already."
His voice almost was pleading and you moved forward to embrace him; his arms stayed at his side but you still held him warmly.
"If he's as stubborn as his older brother, he's not going to quit," you whispered into his ear and he sighed. "Why not make amends and help him become stronger. Become brothers again. Stop being such a bastard."
The ending remarked had Sanemi smirking to himself but you caught it as you moved away from him. He tried to hide it but you commented on handsome he looked when he smiled.
"Will you stop that," he argued but you said no.
"I listen to know one but Master - "
His lips crashed into yours - anything to stop you from talking. He acted like he hated when you lectured him but he always took your advice to heart because he loved you.
He trusted you with his deepest, darkest thoughts.
"I get it, okay," he said quietly, reaching over to touch your face. "I'll try, that's all I can promise."
Satisfied, you patted his chest. "I'll invite him to dinner tomorrow night. What's his favorite food?"
"I'm going to go train," Sanemi muttered, heading toward the door until you said his name. He balled his hands into fist but turned his head to the side. "He doesn't eat human food, remember?"
"Oh, right," you felt silly but then you just smiled. "It's okay! I'm positive he'll enjoy our company anyway!"
"You're so damn cheery," he grumbled, moving to the door.
"I love you too, Sanemi."
The man faltered for a moment but released his fists and relaxed. "I love you too - I'll be in the courtyard if you need me."
"I'll always need you," you quipped back, knowing sweet talk embarrassed him.
His shoulders shook as you laughed, he cursed and fled the room; cheeks burning red but as he walked out into the courtyard, a cool breeze hit him. Your kind eyes and words marked his heart and he knew, even if it was hard for him, he'd try with Genya.
The tavern was crowded but there was no doubt in Law’s mind that it was you burning a hole in the back of his head. Your gaze was like fire, and he felt a prickly feeling on the base of his neck, so much so, that he rubbed at it. His cheeks burned as he finally looked over his shoulder and met your stare with a quick withdrawal. He felt ashamed and cowardly, but he couldn’t even manage a hello to you when he walked into the bar with your crew mates. He knew it, knew it to his core – getting involved with the Straw Hats was going to be a pain in his ass but what he didn’t anticipate was something far worse.
A pain in his heart.
The barkeep slid a glass of ale in front of him, Law thanked the man and proceeded to down it in one gulp. His nerves were shot, body ached from all the fighting; now that things were settled in Wano, he could finally breathe but for how long? How long before you inhaled him so? He felt like he was drowning in this odd feeling, a foreign feeling that had him looking for you on the battleground. Every other thought had been about you – were you safe? Had you pushed yourself past your limit? The worst: were you even alive? He should have known, you were a damn Straw Hat, of course you’d end up fine.
If fine meant badly wounded and at the point of death but alive.
He had personally tended to your wounds and gave Chopper specific orders for your recovery. Days later, he saw you for the first time. Refreshed and smiling as you walked through the town with Roronoa Zoro. You looked well and he could never forget the relief that swelled in his chest, but he acted cowardly and ducked into a sweets shop. He watched from the window as you walked by with the swordsman, your laugh filled the muffled air, and he felt a cramp in his heart. It was sickening, he felt sick watching you walk away but at least you were alive and breathing.
If only that could be enough for him.
All he wanted was to get on his ship with his crew and leave Wano for good, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it even days after the final battle. Of course, Bepo and the others were having a good time but all he could do was wallow because what was the point? He had his crew and you had yours – and that was that. Wasn’t it?
“Tra-guy!”
Law cringed at the sound of the Straw Hat’s captain voice and attempted to get off the stool for a quick escape, but Luffy had an arm around him in seconds. He pulled him toward a large round table, where the rest of the crew sat, including you. Law grumbled as Luffy called for a toast, pushing a drink into the doctor’s chest. He took it reluctantly and avoided you as he listened to Luffy give a short, dumb little speech until everyone cheered and clinked glasses. It then, as everyone laughed around the table that Law found himself looking in your direction. He anticipated your gaze, but you were laughing at something Jinbei was saying and all he could do was stare. His heart pattered and all he wanted to do was pluck it out of his own body, throw it away in the sea. That way he wouldn’t have to feel it bursting in his body attempting to burn right through his chest.
“Law.”
He blinked a few times and realized you were standing in front of him – how long had he zoned out? He cleared his throat before commenting on your recovery. “You look well.”
“Because of you,” you smiled, hands behind your back. “When I woke up, Chopper explained what you had done for me. Thank you.”
“Of course,” he replied quietly, afraid to move a muscle but it seemed you were set on making him go into cardiac arrest because you drew slightly closer to him. He could feel his cheeks go warm as you asked if he planned on staying longer in Wano.
“We’re set to leave in a few days. I am sorry to leave this place,” you confessed, and he asked why. Grinning, you reached down for his hand, not caring that there was room full of people, specifically, your crew surrounding you two. Law held his breath; your hand was warm and gentle as it was that night…
“It’s such a beautiful place but this is the place I got to know you better, Trafalgar. I’m glad we got to spend some time together, I just wish…. we had more time, don’t you?”
Oh, God, this was it – he was going to die. He couldn’t contain himself any longer and he quickly, without meeting a single person’s look, gripped your hand and led you quickly out of the tavern. He maneuvered you through the tables and chairs, drunk people out into the cool night. Once outside, he pulled you off to the side, away from the festival lights and sounds. His hand around yours, he stumbled over his words. It was upsetting, unnatural for him to feel so clumsy and unprepared. - that wasn’t him, what a fool love made him.
Love.
“We’re from two different crews…”
“Thank you for stating the obvious.”
You teased and it relaxed him for some reason; that’s what you did to him. Soothed away all the anxiousness he had built up, gave him a sense of calmness – which was laughable considering the crew you were apart of. How he wishes he could steal you away to be his. “I won’t ask you to come with me,” he said quietly, thumb pressing into your skin. “I know you wouldn’t, and I wouldn’t want you to choose…”
“Because I would always choose my crew.”
Law smiled softly and looked down at your hand in his; his grip softened, and he laughed, mostly to himself. “A damn Straw Hat, of all people….”
“Believe me, I wasn’t looking for this either,” you laughed, giving way to a deep sigh. Law finally gave in, fully gave in, and tugged you to him. With ease, you melted against his body as his arms wrapped around your back and he held you close to his chest. A brief sadness danced around the two of you, as the sound of Brook’s violin carried the night. It sounded so lovely, and Law closed his eyes, holding you close – mesmerizing this moment for later, when the nights on his ship would be quiet and lonely. He’d have this to look back on but more importantly, he’d have this to look forward to.
Law pulled back to look at you, hands gracing the sides of your face; his thumb caressed your cheek, and he studied the look in your eyes before telling you it wasn’t over. “It doesn’t end like this. We’ll go our separate ways for now, but let’s find each other again. I can wait, can you?”
Say yes, please, say yes – he wouldn’t know what to do if you said no. Can he move on and continue his journey. Can you become a small pebble in his story? A cliff note, a passing thought? A fond memory he can look back on when he’s much older and trying not to regret the choices he has made in his life? Can he be that strong?
“You’re worth the wait.”
Stunned, heart stunned, as you smiled. He searched in your face for any sides of hesitation but all he saw was love and hope – things he thought he lost so long ago. Dozens of thoughts ran through his head, but everything went quiet when you leaned in for a kiss. He was pacified with love as he leaned in to capture your lips with his. How tender life felt as your hands moved up around his neck, his hand on the small of your back , fireworks painting the sky, and the land of Wano thriving, once again.
Mid-day and the air was brisk. The shops all opened as many made their way through the streets, going about their days. Satoru Gojo happily complained as you walked beside him. He carried a large duffle bag over his shoulder, reminding you that cleaning services existed.
“We really don’t need to be doing these sort of things.”
Stopping in front of the laundromat, you looked up a the man. “You’re a spoiled brat, Gojo. Not all of us were fed with a silver spoon. Now shut up and open the door for me.”
He laughed but obliged, stating how much he enjoyed seeing your bossy side. “It turns me on.”
“How wonderful,” you muttered.
Gojo followed as you grabbed an empty rolling basket and ordered him to put the duffel bag in it. He took far too much pleasure in pushing the cart, following like a duckling as you got change and found a suitable washing machine. His clothes and your own were mixed together, as he had been spending far too much time at your apartment off campus. He said he liked how quaint it was, which really just meant he thought it wasn’t as fancy as his own quarters. But he sure didn’t complain about spending endless nights on your couch, watching movies and eating ramen like two college kids - even though the two of you were nearing 30.
“I like when you wear these.”
Gojo held a pair of very lacy panties up to the light and you snatched them with one hand, smacking him in the face with the other.
He grinned. “Oh, you’re in that type of mood? Does this place have a restroom?”
“Oh shut up.” Ignoring as he laughed and laughed, you started throwing the clothes in the machine and noticed a red hoodie. “Really? Now I’m washing the kid’s clothes too?”
“Ah, I guess he left it at the apartment the other day. We should be nice and wash it for Yuji - he’s an orphan, after all.”
One thing your kind sorta boyfriend knew how to do, was guilt trip you about the kids. Well, it wasn’t so hard, considering how close you were to all three of them - Yuji, Megumi and Nobara had become staples at the apartment.
Placing the hoodie into the machine, you closed it up and put in the coins. You explained the functions of the washing machine to the spoiled brat and he pretended to understand.
Holding back a smile, you told him to press start and he wiped his forehead dramatically. “All that work ran up my appetite. Let me buy you a coffee and lunch.”
Knowing the way to your heart, you agreed and a laugh escaped your mouth when Gojo pulled you into a hug.
He kissed your forehead and promptly lifted you up and into the basket.
Your eyes widen in fear as Gojo pulled the basket closer to him. In the reflection of his sunglasses, you saw your distorted face and pleaded for him to not do what you knew he was about to do.
Gojo grinned. “This is what you get for not letting me take our clothes to the dry cleaners. Now hold on tight, sweetheart.”
Gripping the edge of the basket, you cursed the man as he, with all his might, sent the basket skating across the long aisle of washing machines. He stood straight and started clapping, laughing as you screamed that you were never going to allow him to see you in those lacy panties ever again.
Three seconds.
That’s how fast it took for Gojo to get across the room to stop the basket from colliding against a large industrial dryer. He looked down at you and smiled.
“Now that’s just not fair.”
Bursting into a bright smile, you looked at the man with a softness that stilled him for a brief moment. Then he reached down to touch your face, the back of his hand grazed your cheek.
“I hope you never change, Gojo.”
He remembered then, why he had come to cherish you so much: you reminded him that he was not just some weapon. He was a person with real feelings - you made sure he knew that.
“I love you,” he said quietly. It was the first time he had ever said those words to someone romantically. You took his hand and leaned into it, turning your head to kiss the back of his palm. He felt his face warm as you said you loved him too. He broke into a small smile and asked if you were ready for some lunch.
“The machine says we have 20 minutes.”
“Help me up, will ya?”
Always.
That’s what he was thinking as he helped you out of the basket and slung his arm around your shoulder as he named off different places to eat near by. “What about some ramen?”
You groaned, allowing him to open the door for you. “We always have ramen. I want a burger.”
“A burger it is,” he followed you out the laundromat and reached down for your hand. “Question for you…”
Looking at him, your eyes narrowed in his direction. “Yes…”
Gojo smirked and touched the side of his face. “Have you always had such a heavy hand?”
“OH, WHY DON’T YOU GO TO HELL!”
“I’ve been there before, at that laundromat back there.”
Pain searing throughout your body but nothing could stop you - not even the look of pity on Roronoa Zoro’s face. He looked slightly amused as you stood up straight and taunted him with a wave of the hand.
Come on, big guy.
He was fast but you had the edge on him; your body was limber, moved like a ballerina. You didn’t even have to use the devil fruit powers you possessed to get behind him and land an elbow to his face. Naturally you were just that fast. He groaned back and touched his nose, where your elbow had connected. Blood splashed out and he grinned.
“Damn, you got faster.”
“I’ve been training endurance with Sanji. Every time we dock, we go on very long runs.”
“I see.” Zoro walked over to the bench against the window of the crow’s nest. He reached down for a white towel and held it up against his nose. “I guess he’s good for something.”
Rolling your shoulder blade, you grimaced. “Oh, stop pretending you dislike him so much. Shit, you really landed a blow on my shoulder.”
He apologized and tossed the towel aside. “You’re tough, I wouldn’t have done it if I knew you couldn’t handle it. “
Agreeing, you mentioned an ice bath.
Lost in thought, you hadn’t seen the look of panic on Zoro’s face but felt his hand on your shoulder seconds later. Your body stilled and he said to hold still. “Sorry about going too rough.”
You laughed. “It’s okay. That’s what trainings all about. I need to learn to take the blows and not always count on my power. But can you massage a little to the left?”
He said nothing but did as you asked. His fingers were rough but his movements gentle. Your shirt was acting as a barrier and he asked quietly if it was okay to lift it up. “….that way you could feel it better.”
You said yes even though you could feel his fingertips burning through the fabric of your shirt. When he lifted your shirt, he cursed. “There’s a bruise. I’m sorry.”
His fingers ran along the now darkening bruise and you shivered. “It’s okay, I promise.”
Zoro moved closer, his body nearly up against yours. “You need ice.”
“I’ll go to the kitchen for some…”
Any attempt to move toward the door was blocked by the sudden movement of Zoro’s arms around your waist. He pulled your body back against his, forehead rested on the shoulder that was not bruised. He apologized against your naked back, his body warmth setting ablaze the blushing bruise. It felt soothing and you placed a hand over his arm.
“This feels nice. Can we stay like this for a bit?”
You could feel the intensity of his body releasing any tension it had held and he held you closer. All Zoro could do was whisper okay and he stood there, moving his head to your shoulder. His arms strong and safe, around your waist. You leaned into his back and allowed him to hold you in place.
The two of you said nothing but the air was filled with something ever so sweet and new. Eventually, when both of you deemed it was time to get you ice; Zoro turned you around and kissed you gently on the lips. It was unexpected but nice and it made him blush.
This caused you to laugh and he feign annoyance but he smiled and told you to quit it.
“Let’s go get you ice.”
“I can’t walk. Can you carry me down the ladder?”
Zoro turned even redder and cursed you. “Is this what you’re gonna do all the time now?”
You shrugged. “You’re the one that kissed me first.”
He said nothing but turned and told you to hop on his back. Grinning like a fool, you did so and secured your arm around his neck. He adjusted your body on his back so effortlessly and started down the ladder of the crow’s nest. It was when you placed an innocent kiss on his neck that he nearly lost balance on the ladder and cursed you out.
“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU WOMAN.”
With your chin on his shoulder, you whispered in his ear that it was him. “You kissed me and I want more.”
Zoro gripped the rope and slowly descended down. When his footing reached the deck, he placed you down and turned to look at you. Expecting a blushing Zoro, the serious expression on his face stunned you. He took a deep breath and looked right into your eyes.
“I’m all in, if you are but I think we both know the crew comes first.”
“Always,” you agreed, holding out a pinky to the man. He rolled his eyes but linked his pinky with yours.
Roronoa Zoro x Reader, ex-boyfriend!Trafalgar D. Law x reader
Summary: After leaving the Heart Pirates to join the Straw Hats, can you move on from Law?
warning: 4.5 words. spoilers for wano arc. some angst.
notes: For story purposes, reader joined the Straw Hats right at the two year skip - so a little after they all get back together. Also, flashbacks are in italic.
The morning sea breeze was cold and unwelcoming, but the view was as it always was - beautiful. On the deck, your feet dragged across the wood to the far left railing of the Sunny. Chopper’s favorite mug in hand, he liked when you used it, warm with coffee. The cook of the ship usually woke up before everyone to put on a pot of coffee and to prepare breakfast, he had been up and smiling when you walked into the kitchen.
“Morning, beautiful - coffee as per usual.”
“Thank you, Sanji. I couldn’t get much sleep last night.”
“It is the arm? I thought Chopper said it was almost fully healed?”
Touching the sling on your left arm, you said no. “I kept having this nightmare over and over.”
“Sorry to hear that.” Sanji readied your coffee and asked what the dream was about. You moved next to him at the stove, describing the dream. “I was just falling from the sky. Just falling, never landing. I wasn’t even panicking in the dream, I just….kept falling. Never landing - strange, huh?”
Sanji poured the correct amount of creamer into your drink and handed the mug over. “Kinda sounds peaceful.”
Thanking him, you left Sanji to his prepping to enjoy the morning.
The sea was calm, you gazed up at the sky and took a careful sip of coffee. The way Sanji roasted the coffee was diving, even Zoro couldn’t muster up a single negative thing to say about it. Speaking of, your eyes moved to the crow's nest. If Zoro wasn’t sleeping, he could be found working out in the crow’s nest. Smiling, you turned back to the ocean and for a split second, you thought of another pirate. A captain that had broken your heart into a million pieces - a man whose ship you had left because he couldn’t or wouldn’t love you the way you deserved.
“Law….”
His name came out in a whisper, but there was nothing to hide. Everyone on the ship knew of your affair with your former captain; the two of you had never hid your relationship to the public. There had been rumors of a secret marriage but that wasn’t true - Law was not the marrying kind and to be frank, neither were you. The pirate life was not a normal life and you had been content with being at his side. Until he became too protective - in the most well meaning way. He had never been controlling, but above all, he had been your captain. There were ways to keep you out of harm's way, even if it meant not letting you reach your true potential.
Even without a devil fruit, you had been a strong arm in his crew. Smart and quick witted, you had been a hell of a shot when it came to handing a pistol. You had become a sniper for the Heart Pirates and Law used your skill to get you far away from the fight.
Keeping you on roofs, on top of buildings, as a look out. Yes, this had been useful and some of the guys on the crew were thankful you had their backs - even from afar. Everyone has their role on a crew but you hate the feeling of being benched. You knew, deep down, Law’s intentions were good and it was because he loved you but sometimes you could love someone too much.
“I just want to keep my crew safe, you safe."
“So why are we even pirates, then, Law? Let’s quit this life, you and I. Let’s run away from whatever revenge you are seeking on this world. Find a place far away and settle down. Please, Law ....”
His face said it all, as the two of you stood on the wooden dock of a small island. The Strawhats had been docked there too, a funny coincidence but six months later, as you gazed upon the ocean on the Sunny - it felt like fate.
That night you had wandered into the village, towards the nearest tavern. Bumping into the Straw Hats that night, as they filled the bar with light and joy, laughter and light bickering. All this reminded you of your crew, the family you had loved for so many years. It was Luffy that beckoned you over to their table, grinning like a fool. He had changed so much in two years - you remember the state he was in after Ace died, he looked so much happier now that he was with his crew again.
He formally introduced his crew and they thanked you for helping him. It was true, you had been there when Law saved Luffy and the crew took him to Amazon Lily. The crew had stayed there for a while and you had gotten to know Luffy more.
Taking a seat next to Roronoa Zoro, you had humbly reminded Luffy that it was Law that saved him. “My captain is due all the credit, I just follow orders.”
“Wait -aren’t you two an item?”
Nami smiled across the table and you laughed. “I suppose…not really sure….”
Your words drifted off as Zoro slid a mug of ale in your direction; thanking him, you attempted to dodge a follow up question from the beautiful navigator but she was persistent. “Everyone says you two are married.”
“Just a rumor.” Not knowing how you ended up in the hot seat or why you felt somewhat relaxed around the group, you shrugged. “Things are a bit rocky between us - not that I want things to be aired out…”
“Mum’s the word,” Sanji smiled softly.
Gazing around the table, each Straw Hat’s attention was on you; without a reason, this warm feeling surrounded your body. Was it the crew? Did they have this secret power they could hold over people? You couldn’t say but you felt comfortable enough to indulge in the issues your captain and you had. Never speaking negatively of Law, you explained it all.
Sanji shook his head, lit up his second cigarette since you started talking. “Sounds like the man’s just trying to protect you. He's going about it the wrong way though…”
Zoro scoffed next to you. “Sounds like he can’t handle a strong woman - never let anyone hold you back.”
The entire table agreed, but Luffy sat quietly for a moment until he grinned. “I have a great idea! You should join our crew!”
There was no way - you stared at the captain and laughed. “Luffy, I’ve been with the Heart Pirates for a long time….”
“So,” he shrugged with a smile. “You always looked so miserable.”
Nami chastised the man but he was right. At that point, when Law had decided to stay a bit on Amazon Lily - things had gotten bad between the two of you. A distance had grown and that’s why you spent so much time with Luffy. Watching him train and admiring his eagerness to get back to his crew. When the time came for the Heart Pirates to leave, you had felt a sadness saying goodbye to Luffy.
“It would be kinda cool, you do have a badass reputation. I’ve heard you’re one of the best shots on Law’s crew. ” Franky chimed in and you smiled. The rest of the group started chatting about how they could always use another member.
Their enthusiasm created butterflies in your stomach and you glanced over to Luffy, the smile on his face ever so inviting.
----
A voice called from the door of the kitchen - it was Sanji, a serving tray in hand. Giving the ocean one last glance, you left the railing and went over to the cook.
“Can you take this up to Mosshead. I would rather not ruin my morning by seeing his ugly face.”
You laughed and placed your coffee mug onto the tray - which was filled with two plates of scrambled eggs, bacon, a few orange slices, another cup of coffee and toast.
“Are you able to carry it with one hand?”
Slipping your right hand under the tray, you balanced it expertly. Sanji seemed satisfied and you thanked him for the meal. “You are a true gift to this ship and humanity.”
Sanji laughed, rolling his eyes. “Just go give that idiot his breakfast. I don’t want him complaining about how I starve him.”
“Yeah, well, that’s inevitable.”
The two of you shared a laugh before Sanji disappeared back into the kitchen. Holding the tray, you started toward the ladder that led to the crow’s nest but Zoro was already standing at the bottom of it. He lifted the bottom of his shirt to wipe sweat from his forehead and smiled when he saw you with breakfast.
“I was just about to come up to deliver breakfast.”
“That damn cook yelled at me through the intercom, told me to come down so you wouldn’t have to carry the tray up.”
You grinned and asked if he wanted to eat on the grass, he said yes and took the tray from you but not before you retrieved your coffee. He followed you to the grass and settled beside you - telling you to take the plate with the most food.
“You need to bulk up a little, on Wano, I could tell you were getting tired during the fights.”
“Well, shit, I was getting slammed left and right,” you pretended to be annoyed but then you took the plate with the most food and Zoro grinned. He yawned and took a sip of coffee, grunting angrily.
“Can’t stay a bad thing about the coffee, huh?”
Zoro’s face dropped. “It really pisses me off.”
You stared at him and he laughed, shrugging and stating Sanji had to be good at at least one thing. Choosing to ignore him, you started in on the breakfast and the two of you settled into a comfortable silence. Your eyes stole a glance of the man next to you and for a brief moment, you tried to imagine Law in his place.
You had left the Heart Pirates - a crushing moment in your life, they had been your family for so long. Law was understanding and mature about the whole situation, and you weren’t surprised. He had always been a level headed person but for once in his life, you had wanted him to not be. You wanted him to beg you to stay, to promise that he’d change and let you flourish. All you wanted was to be the best version of yourself, his crew, for him but he had let you go. He let you go and you felt that because it was with the Straw Hats, with Luffy, it was easier for him to let you go.
“You’ll fit in well with them - you’ll be good.”
“I’ll miss the crew…you…”
Law smiled softly, lifting his hand to your face - his thumb caressed your cheek before he whispered, “ Good luck.”
The transition from pirate crews had been surprisingly easy - Law had been correct, as always, you did fit right in. The crew, especially Nami and Robin, took to you right away. The three of you became close quickly, but the others were just as welcoming. Surprisingly, Zoro had been very open to you training with him. He didn’t mind you working out with him and even gave you tips, and before you know it - he was sparring with you daily. It had been hard work but you grew stronger as time went by.
Law lingered less and less in your mind, time with the Straw Hats had changed you for the better. Love had cost you your first crew but this time around, the love you had felt with Luffy and the others - it felt empowering. These people were something else and by the time Wano was in your line of sight - it felt like you had been part of the crew since the beginning.
Something else happened - something unexpected.
You fell in love again.
The rescue mission for Sanji on Whole Cake Island had been successful - hard but successful. It was difficult when the crew was split into two - some went off to Wano, while the rest, including yourself, went to get Sanji back.
When you landed in Wano - you were all eager to reunite with the rest of the crew. Then things got interesting - apparently the Heart Pirates had infiltrated the island a month prior to Zoro and the others' arrival. You hadn’t expected to see your old crew or captain. So imagine your surprise when you finally reunited with the other Straw Hats and encountered Law.
“I see them!”
Nami’s voice cracked, her eyes watery as she pointed up toward a grassy knoll. Your eyes trailed up the small hill, from the distance you spotted several figures. Unable to tell, you hurried along with the others. Luffy had gotten split up from Sanji, Nami, Brook, Chopper, and yourself upon your arrival in Wano. Now it seems, the whole crew was finally reuniting before the inevitable fight with Kaido.
Hiking up the knoll, your eyes zeroed in on Luffy. He was waving and smiling, you felt elated to see your captain. Then your eyes wandered to the man next to him - tall, broad shouldered, green hair. His eyes found yours and you ran to him - his arms opened up to engulf you. Zoro lifted you off the ground, squeezing you tight as you laughed. It felt like too long since you last saw the swordsman.
When it was decided that you’d be part of the group that would go to Sanji, Zoro had pulled you aside. He placed a firm hand on your shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.
“I’ll see you in Wano, got it?”
Nodding, you placed a hand over his. “Don’t worry about us, we got this.”
Zoro grinned proudly, giving you a hard kiss before resting his hand around the base of your neck. He moved his forehead against yours and the two of you shared a smile. “I know you do.”
At that point in time, the two of you were established among the crew. It was what it was - no one asked questions and everyone seemed fine with it. Even Sanji, sans the jokes here and there, knew that if Zoro was openly acknowledging your relationship -it wasn’t something to dismiss. The pair of you weren’t overzealous with PDA or affection, that was reserved for private moments and long needed reunions. Zoro had believed in you - saw the potential and had never even thought of keeping you from a fight. He downright encouraged it, he wanted you strong.
“Luffy’s going to be King of the Pirates, his whole crew needs to be strong. You need to be strong, get it?”
You did get it - and over time, as you pushed and trained, Zoro and you fell in love. It was organic and unexpected, a love fueled by the loyalty of being a part of the Straw Hats crew. Zoro and you put your duties to Luffy first and that mutual respect had bonded your relationship.
“It’s good to see you,” Zoro murmured under his breath, letting you down as you placed both hands on his face. He grinned as you gave him a quick kiss, aware that the rest of the crew was around. Like you said, the two of you liked to keep things private but some things couldn’t be helped.
“I have to admit, this getup looks great on you,” you eyed Zoro’s yukata and his face went red. Laughing, you left his side to Luffy. Giving him a hug, you told him you were glad everyone was together again.
“Yeah, Law’s here too!”
In that moment, you finally noticed Law standing off to the side. He was wearing traditional Wano clothing and he looked nonchalant as you noticed him. The last time you had seen him was on Dressrosa and there hadn’t been much time to even talk. The two of you had a brief conversation to catch up but he hadn’t known about Zoro and you.
Leaving Luffy’s side, you looked to Zoro - he stood next to Sanji, eyes on Law. Not an ounce of jealousy in his eyes. You recognized the look on Zoro’s face; he was just observing, he knew you could handle any situation, he was just there in case you needed him.
Law straightened up when you started towards him - he smiled softly when you asked where the rest of the crew was.
“They’ll be here shortly. They’ll be happy to see you.”
“I wish we’d stop meeting under these circumstances but I guess that’s what happens when you form an alliance with the Straw Hats.”
“We are not in an alliance,” Law muttered but you just smiled.
“Yes we are - our crew is more than happy to have you guys tag along but Luffy’s got dibs on Kaido.”
The man in front of you stared blanky, but you could tell your words had gotten under his skin and you laughed. “I guess we have another battle ahead of us but I have faith in Luffy - he’s going to free this country.”
Law said nothing but he nodded toward where Zoro stood. “I didn’t know you two were together.”
“Yeah, it sort of just happened.”
“I didn’t know he was capable of anything but fighting.”
“That’s the thing, Law, you have to believe in people,” you smiled and said you wanted to get back to your crew. He nodded and watched as you walked back to Zoro, feeling a ping of something when the swordsmen placed a strong arm around your shoulder as you conversed with Sanji and him. He heard you laugh and when you left Zoro’s side, he had to look away when your hand softly touched Zoro’s.
…
Wano had proven to be the toughest fight the entire crew had ever faced - it seemed like a never ending battle. Death had gripped its nasty fingers on you several times but every time, you thought of Luffy. And when it was said that Luffy had been defeated, died - you could not believe it because deep down, you knew. Knew Luffy was going to defeat Kaido and become King of the Pirates. So you continued to fight and when he presented in that beautiful form of his - white hair, hysterical laugh, it fueled the fire inside you.
In the end, Luffy defeated Kaido.
When it was announced, the fighting ended and you collapsed on the ground. All you could do was cry tears of joy and relief. Robin found you first, helping you off the ground - your left arm felt broken. The two of you embraced and when Sanji arrived - reporting about Zoro and Luffy’s state, you rushed to them. The next couple of days were filled with rest and anxiously as you waited for both men to awake. You were sitting in one of the palace’s gardens - staring into a pond.
With your left arm in a sling, the rest of your body was finally feeling less sore.
“Jinbe said I’d find you here.”
It was Law, you didn’t have to turn to know. His footsteps approached you and he asked if he could sit down. Making room, you patted the stone bench. He sat down, dressed in his regular clothes now. His eyes went straight to your arm and he asked if you wanted him to take a look at it.
“No, Chopper did a good job at wrapping it up. It’s definitely fractured, I should be good in a couple of weeks.”
“Well, at least you’re alive.”
“The crew?”
Law sighed but smiled. “Everyone made it through. I just wanted to come and check up on you.”
You told him you were fine but just waiting for Luffy and Zoro to finally wake up. Law hummed and began to explain what had happened on top level with Kaido. You listened as he recounted the fight against Kaido. You listened as he gave all the details but he left one thing out.
At one point, before they all ended up on the roof - Law found himself searching for your face in the crowd of fighters. His eyes scanned the room and then he saw you - you were crossing the banquet hall, pistols in both hands. You dodged several attacks, never faltering. Out of pure instinct, he lifted his hand and almost used Room to switch places with you but a hand firm gripped his shoulders.
“Leave her alone, she’s got this.”
His hand fell to his side as Zoro stepped up next to him, Law turned his head slightly and eyed the man. His eyes were on you and the look of pride on Zoro’s face changed everything Law had thought. In that mere interaction, he realized he had never really loved you. Or he loved you in the wrong way.
“We need to head up, now’s your time to say anything you need to her.”
Zoro scoffed. “You just don’t get it, do you?”
Law grimaced at him but said nothing. Zoro laughed but he was not amused. Instead he gripped both of his swords and kept his eyes on you; watching the hard work you had put in pay off. Yeah, he could see you were getting tired but he also recognized the fire in your eyes. That’s what made Zoro proud.
“She’s not going to stop until she’s dead - she’s a goddam pirate. She’s a Straw Hat and you might not know what that means. But to her, to me, it means we fight until we’re dead and when that happens - we get up and keep fighting.”
Zoro gave one last look at you before turning his back on the fight. “We need to get up there with Luffy.”
“Have any clue what Luffy is now? That form ... .I have never seen anything like it.”
“No,” you said, adjusting your arm against your chest. “I’m sure it means something none of us will understand but for now, I just want them to wake up.”
“I better go.”
Law stood up and you did the same, facing him with a soft smile on your face. He selfishly took it in, knowing this would probably be the last time the two of you would ever have a moment alone. He didn’t know what was next but after what he saw on Onigashima - the Straw Hats were going to give the entire world a run for their money.
“I was right, you know.”
“About what?”
Law grinned, reaching for your uninjured hand and gave it a squeeze. “You fit right in with the Straw Hats - it all makes sense to me now.”
Before you could say something, Nami appeared at the edge of the garden - shouting for you that Luffy and Zoro had awakened. Law saw the excitement in your eyes and he told you to go. Squeezing his hand back, you thanked him for coming to check on you and made him promise not to leave the island without a goodbye. He agreed and watched you rush back into the palace. Law took in a cool breeze against his face and in that moment, he felt the sense of closure he needed.
Zoro’s chest was bandaged up, he was nourishing a bottle of sake when the doors to the room slid open. Nami ran in with a wide smile on her face as you followed behind. The first thing you did was check on Luffy but he was too busy eating an elephant's weight in food. Leaving him to eat, you turned to Zoro.
His body settled as you locked eyes with him and you rushed to his side - he laughed as you placed a gentle arm on his chest.
“Damage doesn’t seem too bad, from what Law said you really pushed yourself.”
Zoro grinned. “Impressed, are you?”
Taking the bottle of sake from his hand, you leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. “You never cease to impress him, Roronoa Zoro.”
Not caring that the rest of the crew made their way into the room or that Luffy was bouncing around eating all the food in the room, Zoro’s fell grew serious and he whispered that he was glad you just had a broken arm. He pushed fallen hair away from your face and sighed deeply.
“I love you.”
Neither of you had said those words to each other but now, after everything that happened, it felt right. His eyes bore into yours and you touched his cheek softly. “I love you too.”
…
“These eggs are so good,” you hummed, taking another sip of coffee. Zoro begrudgingly agreed and asked if you wanted to train after breakfast.
“You can work out your legs - when does the sling come off?”
“Chopper said I can start physical therapy soon - I told him you volunteered to help me.”
Zoro agreed, pushing his serving of eggs onto your plate. “Fuel up.”
Not arguing, you let out a deep sigh and closed your eyes for a second. Zoro asked if you were tired and you told him that you kept having a nightmare.
“Now that you mention it, I kept having this dream over and over the other night. Except it wasn’t a nightmare.”
“Oh really? What was it?”
Polishing off the rest of his coffee, Zoro wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He grinned proudly, “In my dream, I kept catching you from the sky.”
The fork in your hand fell onto the plate and you laughed. “I was falling in your dream?”
“Yeah,” he stretched with a yawn. “Over and over again. The same dream, you falling from the sky and me catching you. See, even in my dreams, I'm a badass.”
“No, you’re just an ass,” you teased and Zoro grinned, lifting the plate off your lap and pushing aside the tray. He effortlessly moved you onto his lap, your back against his chest. He leaned back onto his arms and you laid against him, the two of you watching the clouds above. His chest rose and fell underneath your back and it started to soothe you.
“Why don’t you get some sleep, we can train after.”
“You sure,” you whispered, eyelids fluttering shut.
You felt Zoro kiss the top of your head. “Yeah, I’m sure. Get some sleep.”
Not one to argue, your body fully relaxed against Zoro and you could feel the warmth from his body - the cool air of the ocean breeze countered, leaving you in the perfect condition for a nap. As you fell asleep, you whispered to Zoro that you loved him and he held you tighter - being careful about your arm. He whispered it back and sat still the entire time as you slept. This time, no nightmares, just heavenly sleep.
Pain searing throughout your body but nothing could stop you - not even the look of pity on Roronoa Zoro’s face. He looked slightly amused as you stood up straight and taunted him with a wave of the hand.
Come on, big guy.
He was fast but you had the edge on him; your body was limber, moved like a ballerina. You didn’t even have to use the devil fruit powers you possessed to get behind him and land an elbow to his face. Naturally you were just that fast. He groaned back and touched his nose, where your elbow had connected. Blood splashed out and he grinned.
“Damn, you got faster.”
“I’ve been training endurance with Sanji. Every time we dock, we go on very long runs.”
“I see.” Zoro walked over to the bench against the window of the crow’s nest. He reached down for a white towel and held it up against his nose. “I guess he’s good for something.”
Rolling your shoulder blade, you grimaced. “Oh, stop pretending you dislike him so much. Shit, you really landed a blow on my shoulder.”
He apologized and tossed the towel aside. “You’re tough, I wouldn’t have done it if I knew you couldn’t handle it. “
Agreeing, you mentioned an ice bath.
Lost in thought, you hadn’t seen the look of panic on Zoro’s face but felt his hand on your shoulder seconds later. Your body stilled and he said to hold still. “Sorry about going too rough.”
You laughed. “It’s okay. That’s what trainings all about. I need to learn to take the blows and not always count on my power. But can you massage a little to the left?”
He said nothing but did as you asked. His fingers were rough but his movements gentle. Your shirt was acting as a barrier and he asked quietly if it was okay to lift it up. “….that way you could feel it better.”
You said yes even though you could feel his fingertips burning through the fabric of your shirt. When he lifted your shirt, he cursed. “There’s a bruise. I’m sorry.”
His fingers ran along the now darkening bruise and you shivered. “It’s okay, I promise.”
Zoro moved closer, his body nearly up against yours. “You need ice.”
“I’ll go to the kitchen for some…”
Any attempt to move toward the door was blocked by the sudden movement of Zoro’s arms around your waist. He pulled your body back against his, forehead rested on the shoulder that was not bruised. He apologized against your naked back, his body warmth setting ablaze the blushing bruise. It felt soothing and you placed a hand over his arm.
“This feels nice. Can we stay like this for a bit?”
You could feel the intensity of his body releasing any tension it had held and he held you closer. All Zoro could do was whisper okay and he stood there, moving his head to your shoulder. His arms strong and safe, around your waist. You leaned into his back and allowed him to hold you in place.
The two of you said nothing but the air was filled with something ever so sweet and new. Eventually, when both of you deemed it was time to get you ice; Zoro turned you around and kissed you gently on the lips. It was unexpected but nice and it made him blush.
This caused you to laugh and he feign annoyance but he smiled and told you to quit it.
“Let’s go get you ice.”
“I can’t walk. Can you carry me down the ladder?”
Zoro turned even redder and cursed you. “Is this what you’re gonna do all the time now?”
You shrugged. “You’re the one that kissed me first.”
He said nothing but turned and told you to hop on his back. Grinning like a fool, you did so and secured your arm around his neck. He adjusted your body on his back so effortlessly and started down the ladder of the crow’s nest. It was when you placed an innocent kiss on his neck that he nearly lost balance on the ladder and cursed you out.
“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU WOMAN.”
With your chin on his shoulder, you whispered in his ear that it was him. “You kissed me and I want more.”
Zoro gripped the rope and slowly descended down. When his footing reached the deck, he placed you down and turned to look at you. Expecting a blushing Zoro, the serious expression on his face stunned you. He took a deep breath and looked right into your eyes.
“I’m all in, if you are but I think we both know the crew comes first.”
“Always,” you agreed, holding out a pinky to the man. He rolled his eyes but linked his pinky with yours.