“How old are you?” Robin asks, not unkindly. You’re sitting together on the deck, waiting patiently (some of the crew, at least) for Sanji to finish barbecuing a sea king the boys had fished up earlier.
Because really, when Luffy, Chopper, Zoro, and Usopp are flailing across the deck in an uncoordinated maneuver that ended up with a one-hit gum-gum KO… and two devil fruit users overboard, they are boys, and you can’t be convinced otherwise. No matter how much Usopp tries to claim he’s a ‘master fisherman’.
“Oh, I just turned 20,” You shrugged.
“Wait really? You’re not that much older than us, I thought you were more like Robin’s age.” Chopper says, even as Usopp shrieks scandalously like you’d revealed that you’d betrayed the crew and a marine ship was about to attack.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought too.” Nami comments, her tone hesitant. You look up to meet her eyes and it’s like her eyes can see right through to the depths of your existence. Her eyes spoke of the pain only traumatized children could understand, and it hurt to think about what she may have experienced.
“I admit, I had expected you to be older, even by a few years.” Robin revealed, and while her expression was pleasant, her eyes softened with a kinship that mirrored Nami’s.
You attempted a smile in return, but your thoughts lingered on the past and colored your expression regardless.
“Don’t worry, you’re with us now! Nothing bad can happen to you when you’re under the protection of the King of the Pirates!” Luffy exclaimed, catching and promptly washing away your mood with an enthusiasm that warmed your heart. You couldn’t help but ruffle his hair affectionately as he slung an arm over your shoulders, surprisingly gentle considering his track record of being a living whirlwind.
“That’s right! The Great Captain Usopp and our 8 million troops will protect you to the ends of the earth!” Usopp proclaimed, with a grandiosity that made you smile while the rest of the crew (in varying degrees of enthusiasm) cheered and raised their tankards to toast the sentiment.
Brook, feeding off the contagious enthusiasm, took the opportunity to play a shanty, while Usopp, Luffy, and a giggling Chopper attempt to change the lyrics to suit the occasion. They somehow make it work, although you are most entertained by watching Brook go out of his way to accommodate their lyrical free-styling, somehow making it sound seamless.
—Line Break—
“Are you busy?” Nami asked, after knocking at your door one evening. You left it open intentionally, as you enjoyed the opportunity to lay comfortably in bed, but wanted your crew to feel welcome in interrupting you for quality time.
“Not at all, what’s up?” You returned, closing the book you’d been reading and setting it aside to give the navigator your full attention. You were a little surprised when Nami closed the door and, after a second of hesitation, flipped the lock.
“I just, wanted to talk to you privately,” Nami trails off, and you watch as the confident woman you’d gotten to know receded into herself slightly. This was obviously something personal, enough to avoid being interrupted without notice, and you were quick to move over and pat the bed so she could join you.
“Absolutely, do you want to sit?” You tried to be patient, especially when Nami hesitated.
“Okay,” Nami eventually seemed to make a decision, settling on the edge of the bed as she turned to face mostly towards you. It took a while for her to find the words, so you idled yourself with rearranging the vast number of pillows and stuffed animals Luffy hoarded until you were propped up and supported enough to be comfortable for a while. “I wanted to ask you what it was like, to have a child? You don’t have to-“
“It’s alright,” you tried and failed to bite back a laugh, endlessly endeared by Nami’s consideration and kindness. “I don’t mind, it can be hard to talk about sometimes, but I don’t want to pretend as if it never happened. That’s not fair to me or to him.”
“I can understand that,” Nami said, although she still seemed a bit lost in her thoughts.
“I honestly didn’t know what to do at first, I was throwing up a lot, dealing with my parents, and sore in the worst places, but after that first trimester passed, I was so relieved and excited that nothing else seemed to matter. It was really hard, I mean, a lot of days towards the end I was so tired and sore in new ways, and I felt so useless, but the second I held him in my arms I knew it was all worth it. I don’t regret it, as much as I wish things had turned out differently.” Your smile was colored by grief, but you couldn’t deny the joy of meeting your child, and the love you had for him.
Nami was quiet for a long moment, and you tried not to stare at her while she processed your words. After a minute or two of occasionally opening her mouth but hesitating, she spoke. “How did you know? That it was, that you wanted a child?”
You nodded, thinking about the question for a moment. “I didn’t think about it much when I was younger, I didn’t think it would be right for me. But when I realized I was pregnant, I realized how desperately I’d always wanted to love and care for someone, how much I wanted to bring this child into the world. But I know people who lived in fear of becoming pregnant, who would rather leave their only home and take their life into their own hands by traversing dangerous seas to seek an abortion, than birth a child they knew they could not fully commit to. And I think that’s the type of choice no one can make for you, because forcing a child upon someone who is unwilling, is only going to cause harm to the child and parents. It takes a very brave person to know what they want and ensure that children aren’t born into a world where they’re already unloved by the person meant to love them most.”
Nami relaxed slightly as you talked, but it took a moment of silence for you to hear a sniffle and look up, only to see Nami fighting back tears. “I thought I was a monster,” your heart ached at the navigator’s hiccuped words, and you couldn’t help but pull her towards you. You were glad that Nami immediately dove into your arms, because you could feel your eyes brimming with tears. “I thought, I mean, how could I feel so empty, so apathetic towards my own child? But I didn’t want- I couldn’t, so I had to-“
“You did what you had to do, so a child wouldn’t have to suffer.” You could only hold her close and listen, even as you rubbed her arms and back soothingly, holding space for the weight of pain and loss. You didn’t need any more confirmation that you’d understood correctly, as Nami collapsed, crying in a way that seemed more cathartic than miserable.
“My mom died protecting me- she saved me as a baby even though my sister and I were orphans of war, and she protected us until the end.” Nami choked out, and you ignored both the fullness of your chest and the mucus soaking into your shirt, devoting your attention to the moment. “Even when pirates came, she pulled out her rifle and hid us. So when I, I tried to keep myself safe, I tried to keep everyone safe, but I knew that I couldn’t protect them if I was caring for a child. But it eats me up inside, how could I do that? How could I honor my mom when I-“
“You did what you had to do, so a child wouldn’t suffer,” you repeated, and you knew by her immediate protest that she still didn’t understand, so you used a firm grip on her shoulders to look her in the eye. “You were a child, Nami. You didn’t deserve to suffer the weight of an entire new life on top of everything else.”
The words seem to slap Nami in the face, based on the wide-eyed look she gives you in return. “But,” her protest is half-hearted, as if she wants to believe you.
“It was not your job to protect everyone, but you did it anyways. It’s commendable, you did what you had to do, but you were still a child holding more weight than any child should hold. You made the best choice you could, and you now have people who love you and would go to great lengths to protect you. How could your mom be anything but proud of you?” You smiled at Nami, gently brushing her hair out of her face as you finish your rhetorical question.
Nami’s eyes filled with more tears, and you continued to sprinkle affirmations and soothing words until she cried herself out. Even then, you continued to gently run your fingers through her hair and hum a gentle melody.
“I’m sorry, I got you covered in snot,” Nami says sheepishly, and you can only smile kindly at her.
“It is well worth it, if it means your mom doesn’t have to resurrect herself just to bonk you over the head with some sense,” you tease, grinning at the navigator’s look of betrayal.
“I can’t exactly argue with that but that’s still unfair! Just because she absolutely would doesn’t mean you just get to know that!” Nami exclaimed, with a barely muted smile.
“What can I say, it’s a mother’s intuition.” You can’t help but beam, spending time with this crew felt like a healing balm, infecting you with joy.
Nami attempted to playfully push at you in mock offense, but your mild wince and threat to tickle her in retaliation made the navigator call for an immediate truce.
You both collapsed in laughter, until you realized that amidst the snot soaking into the fabric of your shirt, you’d also started leaking through it. You frowned down at it, and Nami noticed and immediately moved over to give you more room.
“Are you alright? Did I hurt you?” Nami asked with no small degree of worry, and you could only chuckle at her concern.
“No, just full of milk, so it’s starting to leak. I’m sure Luffy will come looking for me soon anyways.” You waved it off, but Nami didn’t laugh along, making you realize she was intently staring at your chest.
“Do you need help? It’s painful, right?” Nami asked slowly, but you saw the way she licked her lips, a little too much hunger in her eyes for her concern to be entirely pure.
“Yeah, I mean, that would help me, which I appreciate, and Luffy didn’t seem to mind when Sanji helped me.” Nami’s eyes narrowed at the reveal that another crewmate had helped you, renewed determination in her eyes even as she asked politely to lift your shirt.
“Woah,” you were a little endeared by Nami’s awed expression as she saw your bare chest. Your breasts were swollen, and Nami winced in sympathy as she used the utmost caution and care in gently holding a breast while she latched. You sighed with relief, relaxing slightly as you tucked her hair away from her face. After a few moments of peace and relief, you gently encouraged her to switch, easing the still intense pressure on the other side. You were able to relax fully once you weren’t swollen enough to burst, enjoying the comfort and safety.
By that point, the doorknob jiggled as someone tried to open it, followed by a loud knocking on the door.
“Hello? Can I come in? I’m hungry and it’s been a while,” Luffy’s loud whining, and poorly disguised worry, made Nami let out a huff of exasperation, which you couldn’t help but find amusing.
“You better let him in before the repairs to the door have to come out of the treasure fund,” you commented quietly, biting back a mischievous grin.
“Ugh, I hate that you’re right,” Nami grumbled under her breath, and she barely had the door open before Luffy shot through it. He somehow managed to join you on the bed without disrupting you too much. You hadn’t bothered to cover your chest, and Luffy was quick to take the freely given opportunity.
“I’ll see you both later,” Nami said after taking a moment to watch with begrudging fondness, and you could tell Luffy barely avoided being chewed out based on the initial furrow to Nami’s brow when it almost looked like Luffy would accidentally hurt you.
Despite the brute violence Nami displayed when the boys made stupid choices, her wrath was exclusively protective when it came to you. You knew the kinship between the two of you was strong before, but you noticed a slight shift in her during your conversation, making you wonder what your relationship would look like moving forward. Regardless, you were happy to connect with her in such an intimate and significant way, and you hoped it would only bring the two of you closer.
You were almost immediately pulled from your thoughts, Luffy casually ensnaring your full attention without trying.
“Good talk?” Luffy’s eyes were on you, with the usual intensity. You were starting to get used to it, but the possessive hunger in his eyes was… new. Before, that hunger had been raw, like a starving predator. Now, it had a sweeter allure to it, more akin to a carnivorous plant attracting prey with tantalizing pheromones.
“Yeah, of course. Always a delight to chat with Nami.” That fondness you’d been holding in your heart was showing again, but it was impossible not to fall in love with this crew.
“She’s the best.” Luffy grinned, licking at his lips, still greedy for remnants of your milk amidst the overriding need to speak. “Knew you were meant to be ours, you take good care of us, Mama.”
He spoke reverently, and you were helplessly caught in his gaze. You felt like time had stopped, lost in the depths of his freely expressed need.
“I love my crew, but they can’t seem to stop hurting themselves.” He interrupted himself with a frustrated huff, more derisive than you’d expected for the fondness that shone in his eyes. Self-blame, then? “I couldn’t figure out what we needed until I met you. And, normally, I’d just punch jerks in the face and bring you with us, because you’re free to do what you want. But I.”
He cut himself off again, and so many emotions flashed across his face, until he finally settled on one so familiar you had to bite back laughter to avoid shattering the tension and embarrassing him further. It’s just, he looked so much like a small child about to confess wrongdoing, not the captain of the most feared and beloved crew in all the blues. You wanted to encourage him somehow, but he regained his courage before you could think of something to say.
“I couldn’t stand the thought.” You’ve never seen someone look so simultaneously miserable and unapologetic. You hadn’t discussed the debacle preceding your pirate debut, and you’d (maybe naively) thought that it hadn’t meant much to him. A passing whim, or something, not- this. “I hated the idea of someone else stealing you away, I wanted you to be ours. And I couldn’t- can’t stop thinking about what Makino told me about love, and finding the person you want to cherish and spend the rest of your life with, and I’d thought it was enough like this but now I can’t stop thinking about-“
You’d never seen Luffy’s cheeks flushed like that, so contrite yet hungry, like you’d set a steak in front of him and told him not to eat it.
“About?” You asked, feeling your heartbeat throb in your ears in an echo of the warmth pooling in your stomach, and tried to pretend like you weren’t clenching at the thought of his fingers, tongue, something. You’d pushed aside your growing feelings like an invasive weed, smothering the thought. And yet, evidently, you weren’t the only one affected.
“You smell so good.” It was not a question, but a statement. You were transfixed by the hazy bliss that flashed across his face as he scented the air, shuddering with visible pleasure at-
“You can’t possibly be able to smell-“ the thought slipped out, unbidden.
“Can too!” Luffy protests immediately, eyebrows narrowing. He sniffs again, his features softening further, tilting his head down slightly to catch the scent of your arousal with inhuman senses. Apparently.
“It’s so savory and musky, it makes me hungry.” Luffy licks his chops, and you are feeling more and more like prey, but it doesn’t scare you. If anything, it does the opposite.
“Have you, felt like this before?” You hesitate briefly, before pushing through your question.
“Nah,” Luffy shakes his head, but it’s made contradictory as he continues. “I mean, I guess sometimes I feel kinda like this when I’m really hungry, or like when Zoro fights, and Sanji- my whole crew are awesome fighters, or after a big battle, or after a dream, or sometimes it all gets so much that it explodes and-“
“I think I understand,” you don’t, not really, but you’re starting to. Luffy looks a little overwhelmed regardless, and you realize belatedly that maybe he hadn’t thought this through before.
“I just, I thought it would get easier, you know?” Luffy shrugs, looking to you like you held all the answers he was seeking.
“Easier?” Concerning, but not cause for alarm- right?
“Before, we’d be adventuring, all together and I’d be so happy, but. Then I’d fall asleep, and either I’m losing everything all over again, or I’m chasing something I’ll never find, or I’m.” Luffy pauses for a long moment, and you give him the room to breathe deeply. “I hate waking up alone. I can’t- I barely lasted a week in the captain’s quarters, and even when I tried, I still ended up back in the bunks by morning, if I slept at all. But the worst part is that it’s never enough. All that time, all us guys sleeping in the same room, and I still…”
More pieces shift together as he talks, helping you to grasp the new information he pushes out like they’ve been rotting away at him.
“I’m not a hero, I’m a pirate. The King, I always dreamed of being the most free. But I’m… selfish. But I refuse to become the kind of person I hate most- the kind that steals freedom from others.”
The raw honesty is stunning. You can tell he’s not quite done, still chewing on his words, so you reach for his hand to steady him. Otherwise, you remain quiet.
“When I asked Makino the difference between friends and marriage, she said that they were only different in how you love them. Friends are everything, but marriage is for when you find someone really special. Someone you need like air, who makes your heart pound. And then I asked what to do if I love more than one person and can’t choose someone to marry- it was driving me crazy, I had to ask. And she just laughed and said I’d ‘figure it out’- whatever that means.”
His pouty little huff and use of air quotes was adorable, and while you didn’t take pleasure in his genuine confusion, the entire situation was comedic.
“Luffy,” you try to hold back a giggle, but his pout deepens, so you must not have been successful. “You said it yourself- you’re the king. Who says you have to choose?”
His eyes widen dramatically- he must not have considered that. He brightens significantly, before another thought must occur to him to dampen his mood so immediately.
“Do you think… it’s possible?” You have to give him credit, Luffy is adorable. And stupid, but still very adorable. And really, you value smarts and stupidity in equal measure- you’re not judging.
“Your crew is so not normal for you.” You level with him, although it doesn’t seem to translate.
“Huh?” You almost dislike how cute he is, like a puppy, with his head tilted like that.
“Your crew? You know- the most infamously protective crew that has gone to hell and back for even a single missing crew member? Are you not Monkey D. Luffy?” You tease, knocking on his head gently, playful as his posture loosens with wonder.
“You’re sure? I don’t,” Luffy seems to be struggling with the idea, so you shift tactics.
“I know, so let’s just leave things be for right now- we’ll talk with the crew later, whenever you want.” You tug him back to your chest, letting him resume the interrupted meal. “Just relax, and let me take care of you, I’m here to give you what you need.”
Luffy’s eyes darkened slightly, and you felt that surge of premonition tingling once more, skin alight with sensation as his stare followed the lines of your figure with single-minded attention.
“Everything?” He asks, with another swipe of tongue across his lips that adds to his now-eery aura.
“What do you want, sweet prince?” The words leave your mouth naturally, leaving Luffy gutted.
“Need to taste you,” it’s not exactly a request, but it makes you throb, and somehow he knows that.
He’s unrepentant, and while you stare openly for a few moments, letting the state of events catch up, it isn’t long before you’re leaning back to settle into the sheets of the only secured bed on board the Sunny.
You’re grateful for it, if it means he’ll be able to fuck you proper.
Your legs part naturally, and Luffy wades closer to settle between your thighs, marveling at the softness of your skin, paying close attention to scars and anything else that decorated your body. He was fascinated by everything- but especially the warmth and give of your body.
He takes his time pressing kisses into your neck, likely cataloging your reactions to use against you later, if you had to guess. He gets a wicked glint to his eyes every time you squirm, or let out a cry too loud for a space that echoed with each panting breath.
You’ve never seen him so focused outside of beetle hunting and eating. You’ve also never felt so comfortable with someone staring at you, but that was just the effect Luffy had on you. The safety you felt aboard the Sunny was unlike anything you’d previously experienced, a comfort that settled into every floorboard, secure and grounding.
You watched him, equally absorbed in his touch. Each hitch of his breathing, the pressure of his warm skin as his hands explored the broad curves of your stomach and thighs. Luffy’s touch drew you in and, like a sunflower, you were opening up to him.
He moulded the shaped of your hips, the swell of your ass, and then wrapped both hands around the back of your thighs in a mimic of holding you aloft. Your knees lifted to wrap around his hips, allowing him to freely explore every inch of skin. Your robe fell away from your body, tethered to the bed by gravity, as Luffy took hold of your hips and lifted you to settle his spread knees under your back. The new position elevated your lower half, and Luffy’s hands immediately shifted to reinforce the grip of your thighs around his waist.
The prolonged skin contact was luxurious, his body heat protecting you from catching a chill, without overheating you. Of course, you couldn’t help squirming when he leaned that little bit closer to resume mapping your neck with his mouth. Mostly because his own stomach pressed all-the-more insistently into your core.
You had little control over the noises that escaped as Luffy covered your neck, shoulders, and collarbones in bruises and teeth marks.
“Oh fuck, the crew is gonna think you tried to eat me.” The thought escaped your lips as quickly as it had come to mind, accompanied by a chuckle you promptly choked on when Luffy pushed into the non-existent distance between your hips.
“Tried?” Luffy’s grin is feral enough to put you on edge and make you wetter, and you’re a bit too tied up in the heat pooling in your stomach to reply.
Point: Luffy.
You thought you were prepared, as Luffy finally moved low enough to press a trail of kisses below your collarbones to the soft swell of your chest.
Each kiss was intentional, unhurried, and devastatingly reverent.
It set your body alight, made you squeeze your thighs together instinctively. It was hard not to dig your nails into him, emotion brewing hot enough to boil over. You compromised with a firm grip on the back of his head, letting your forefingers press together to capture the black strands, feeling them slide against your skin as you pulled your hand away from his head, then repeating the motion. You tried to keep the pressure consistent- for your own sake moreso than to avoid hurting him, as you doubted it would enough to deter Luffy.
Luffy’s hands, which had been continuously moving over your body, finally came up to support the underside of your breasts. It’s a relief to be mostly empty of milk, but it left you nothing else to focus on besides the new attention Luffy was paying to your nipples.
He was watching you, pupils blown wide, gaze rich with adoration and desire. He let his tongue lap gently at each nipple, getting them wet with his saliva before letting his thumb and forefinger twist and tweak at one nipple while he sucked on the other. It was different from his usual gentle suckling. Instead of long, careful pulls, he was laving his tongue over the swollen bud, watching your expressions as he tried new things.
It wasn’t long before you were vibrating with energy, letting Luffy wind you up until you couldn’t handle any more.
“Need you, Luf,” you panted, tone more whiny than you’d attempted.
The words lit a fire in his eyes, captivating and charming in equal measure. In many ways, Luffy was your sun. Your world revolved around him, and his gravity pulled you in without hesitation or regret. You knew your nakama felt it too. You hoped to see this side of your captain more often.
Luffy’s greed was addictive, intoxicating.
Who were you to deny him, when he wanted you the same way you wanted him?
So when he gripped your hips, moulding his fingerprints into your skin, and growled out “Mine.”
“Yours,” was instinctive, inevitable.
Your lips collided, courtesy of Luffy’s enthusiasm, but it was mostly because his huge grin was contagious. The press of Luffy’s forehead against yours was like a balm, even flushed and hot against your skin. The closeness of sharing the same air had your heart slamming in your chest.
You barely processed when Luffy tugged your shorts and underwear off, too focused on the heat of his hands as it fueled the heat in your stomach. He was quick to take advantage of the new surface area, kneading every inch of skin with narrowed eyes, intent on imprinting his touch until all you could feel was his hands… apparently.
The end result was clear, so.
You were pulled from your thoughts as Luffy’s grip shifted to your inner thighs, as it occurred to you that, for all you knew, Luffy could be a virgin. Whether he needed guidance or had experience, his movements were sure, which set you at ease. Regardless, it left too many unanswered questions to let go amidst the tide of happy chemicals and emotional release.
And really, you probably should’ve expected his blatant hunger to eat you out, but in your defense, it’s extremely hard to prepare for staring down the full weight of a conqueror’s desperation for more than just a taste.
Of course, with Luffy’s patience, you’re not left with much time to do anything but feel.
“Oh, seas, Luffy!” You’re not quite gasping for air, but you’re sucking it in like it’ll save you, the sloppy enthusiasm both unpredictable and mind-melding.
After lapping at your folds and collecting your taste on his tongue, Luffy pushes past your entrance for more. You keep expecting his tongue to bottom out, belatedly connecting enough dots to look down and catch the intense focus on Luffy’s face as he encouraged his fruit to stretch until he could push his tongue far enough to nudge at your cervix.
Your walls clamp down around his tongue, reflexive, punching a groan out of Luffy that almost matches yours. He’s pushed out slightly with the force of it, withdrawing only to bully two fingers inside your gummy walls.
“So soft,” Luffy says it under his breath, but you catch it anyways, like a careless match to the haystack now on fire in your abdomen. “Didn’t know you’d feel so good.”
“Luffy,” you’re too busy fighting for your life to respond with coherent thought, falling prey to the dark eyes still cataloguing your every reaction.
“So good, always so good for me.” The certainty was damning, a shot to the heart, choking your insecurities until devotion flourished.
“Please,” the first tear tipped the scales, emotions cascading in tumultuous waves, where yearning met anguish. Need became all-consuming fire.
“You’re mine, I’ve got you.” Luffy’s actions reinforced his words, slotting his length between your folds to rut between them, using the combination of saliva and arousal to lubricate himself.
You can’t relax completely, desperation building, but the promise of the closeness you’re overwhelmingly craving is enough to ease the anxiety so it is no longer able to claw at your chest.
Fortunately, Luffy doesn’t make you wait long, slightly rushed in his eagerness to notch the leaking tip at your entrance and-
“Oh, I probably shouldn’t… breed you, huh?” Luffy freezes in place before voicing the thought.
“You’re only thinking of this now?” You raise an eyebrow, and Luffy is appropriately cowed.
“Yeah, I was so busy thinking about how much I wanted to that I forgot.” The admission is almost worth the exchange rate- molten pleasure beating out the disapproval on a technicality. Being held hostage was a convenient excuse, if not a factual one.
“You’re so lucky Chopper had an implant in stock.” You have to let him off the hook, mostly because your uterus is making demands you can’t ignore.
Wait.
…
Demands?
“…And I’m ovulating, apparently.”
You didn’t like the glint in Luffy’s eyes, squirming as his competitive nature kicked in- quick to line up his cock with your entrance once more.
He was still gentle, settling your nerves the second anxiety flared with gentle hands and a comforting smile. He rocked into you, teasing you with pressure until it was a relief when he finally pushed in, warmth lighting up your insides as your walls stretched to allow the tip of Luffy’s cock inside.
Your captain was already unraveling- you could tell, his eyes lidded and breathing stilted as he watched your body move with each rocking motion.
The heat of him was delicious, between his hands roaming your skin and the weight of him between your legs, you should have expected the molten stretch when he pushed inside.
You’re equally affected by the thickness of him as he sinks deeper into your guts, gliding in and out of your fluttering walls just easily enough to feel everything. The stretch almost hurts, but even with his teeth gritted, he’s still attuned to your expressions. He’s exceedingly considerate, stopping at the slightest sign of discomfort, and it makes it even harder to think as he slides further into you.
When he finally bottoms out, you both have to take a moment to adjust.
As the overwhelm fades and shifts to need, you’re ready when Luffy finally begins to thrust for real. He eases back to lift one of your legs over his shoulder, searching your face with dark eyes as he tests out different angles. Understanding comes belatedly- after he finds the spot that has your brain melting out your ears.
“That’s it, Mama, y’feel so good.” Luffy groans, eyes shut and head tilted back. You know that you’re still clenching with aftershocks from that thrust, and you’re glad he didn’t immediately start abusing that spot.
Although, with how his face is scrunched up, breathing ragged, you’re starting to wonder if Luffy’s cock started throbbing inside you because he got too close to his peak. Not that you necessarily cared if he came immediately, but it was unexpected for your greedy captain.
“What was it those grannies said?” The sentence almost implied Luffy was talking to you, but he didn’t stop talking long enough for the impression to stick. “They never hit that spot, they finish early and roll over- but I’m not done yet. I want more!” While some may interpret his matter-of-fact words as whiny (given the whiny tone tucked under the pouty indignation), your self-preservation instincts were too busy overriding major functions to form an opinion. So, rather than unpacking all of that, your eyes helplessly latched onto the sight of one of the fiercest pirates on the seas, who hadn’t stopped staring at the intersection of your bodies.
“Wait, what?” You were barely attempting to maintain the illusion of coherence at this point, too many thoughts to keep track of them all. Luffy, on the other hand, had already moved on.
“So good,” Luffy murmured, eyes fluttering shut in a moment of bliss, your walls clenching around him. He shifted back slightly, only withdrawing from your warmth so far as to press back inside. The tip of his cock was kissing at your cervix over and over, gentle rocking that lit you up from the inside.
“Lu- ffy-”
…
Trying to maintain a real conversation was a mistake, actually. You almost had it in you to be annoyed at him for the perfectly-timed thrust that cut you off and turned the last half of his name into a cry of pleasure. Almost, if it didn’t feel so fucking good.
Each grind was slow, deliberate. No longer just rolling his hips into yours for the sake of it, now each thrust was steady and measured. Just enough to keep you from responding, without dragging you to the edge.
He might have been able to play it off as a selfish whim, if it weren’t for his eyes tracking your every movement. It was selfish- yes- but it wasn’t a whim. It wasn’t innocent, either. Those who knew his single-minded determination to enjoy everything life threw at him could often confuse his joy with innocence.
You knew better- the man left standing after going to war with the World Government knew exactly how things were. He just refused to accept it. And everyone was all the better off for it.
So you could recognize the look in his eyes, but the hungry possessiveness was made new. It wasn’t the desire of something coveted, it was a coming home.
Now, Luffy was earnest. He smiled wide, mischievous and joyful, with worship in his eyes and tender care pressed into your skin through wandering fingertips. He offered himself up, whole and unyielding, as a stronghold.
He did not force the erasure of distance, like he could have, muddying the waters where you ended and he began. Instead, all the strength of his will pressed against you, until you could feel him just about everywhere. You’d never shared this type of metaphysical closeness, the notion of privacy too pertinent to disregard so blatantly.
And yet, it was everything you’d never hoped to dream of, the safety and comfort long needed. You were blanketed in his joy-love-need, as Luffy’s emotions ebbed and flowed freely. It was a bit overwhelming, his every emotion flooding straight through you, but you barely had time to process it before the intensity lessened- just enough to focus more on keeping your eyes open.
“So pretty,” the words invite themselves, but you stand by it- Luffy looks gorgeous. Pupils blown wide, hair mussed and extra fluffy, sun-kissed skin glistening a little with sweat. He’s still tense in a way that tells you he’s holding back, but he’s pressing closer to pepper kisses across your face, distracting you.
“Taste so good, need you, Mama,” Luffy drags the words out, lapping at your neck, and it’s hard not to squirm at the sensation.
“You’re the one who’s been edging us, Luffy,” you reminded, a little absent-minded considering he’d already gotten bored and started biting, sucking bruises into your skin with enough teeth to keep you biting back gasps.
“Huh?” Luffy asked, around a mouthful of your shoulder.
“You could move, captain,” your exasperation lines his title, not unlike the way you’ve heard Nami say it- just shy of derogatory, both loving and insulting in equal measure.
Luffy leaned back enough to catch your gaze, and the teasing delight in his eyes made you question the wisdom of poking the bear.
“Oh- fuck-“ You barely had time to wrap your arms around your husband(?!)’s arms- trying not to think too hard about his earlier admissions even as Luffy shifted his weight to press long, devastating thrusts into your depths. You could feel the tackiness of drying fluids manifesting in the form of rough friction. However, it only takes those first few thrusts to have pleasure leaking out of you, Luffy’s cock bullying it out of your now-dripping cunt.
You let one hand fall down to your stomach, to feel the slight bulge of his cock, and to push against it, rhythmic clenching adding to the acute pressure.
The action had Luffy groaning, collapsing into you with his nose buried in your neck, looking awfully cute all dazed from the bliss.
“Fuck, ‘s so good,” Luffy pants, speeding up a little, and you can’t believe that it’s still not enough, still slow and steady compared to your racing heart and panting breaths. For all Luffy was biting back whimpers, you’d think you were torturing him, not the other way around.
“Luffy, please, more, just. Give it to me, please?” You’re so close, tears starting to pool in your lash line, nails digging into his shoulders. You just want that last bit to push you over, to push both of you over.
“Not yet,” Luffy’s got a glint in his eye now, and while you haven’t quite figured this out, you have most of the pieces already. Unfortunately for Luffy, you’d stacked the board in your favor (with his help, of course).
“Really?” You raise an eyebrow, unimpressed.
Sure, he was focused, tense yet languid as he moved, sturdy. But it’s like Luffy had forgotten he’d opened himself up to you, as if doing so was so natural and necessary he’d forgotten the part where he’s live-broadcasted every fiber of his being straight to you for… however long it’s been now?
And yeah, it had been overwhelming, adjusting to it all. Different mental images of your own body, being held and caressed with love, particularly strong thoughts and feelings bouncing around inside of you with the force of each emotion. So it was an adjustment, to say the least. But now, you also happened to gain some really specific knowledge about Luffy. His thoughts. His interests.
Like how he was mesmerized by the softness of your body, squeezing at your thighs and hips and stomach with gentle reverence. Most every part of your body had come across his mind in one way or another, and it was equally satisfying and flustering to see how much he wanted you.
It was almost too much, but in the best way. And for every fiber of him that wanted to see you fall apart in his lap, you wanted to fulfill that deeper urge that kept cropping up in the corner of his thoughts.
-Filling you up with his cum, watching it drip out of you-
So in the scant seconds that passed after you spoke, after he nodded with confident satisfaction, you let your expression relax, shrugged, and released his shoulders to stretch your arms out above your head.
“If you’re sure,” the words were intentionally careless- bait.
The distance between you was just enough that Luffy could go back to watching himself bottom out inside you, and (predictably) his gaze was immediately drawn.
“Sure ‘bout what?” Luffy’s grin tilted into pointed wariness, unwilling to be caught-out, but his gaze didn’t stray from your puffy hole.
One thrust, two, and-
“I mean, I was gonna let you breed me.” If the thought alone has you clenching, well, happy coincidences and all that.
Of course, that stops Luffy in his tracks, gripping at your hips and letting you feel all the tension only otherwise visible in the outline of his body. His thoughts swirl through you, but it’s over in an instant.
“You said-“ Luffy starts, as you cut him off.
“There’s always a chance- I thought you liked impossible odds.” Your grin is (im)politely smug, and Luffy’s is wicked to match.
Like you’d anticipated, letting the puppy off the leash has consequences you are all-too-happy to collect.
“Mama, need to breed you,” Luffy is determined now, one hand gripping the junction of your hip and thigh to anchor you in place, while the other hand presses tenderly into your lower stomach. His thrusts are deeper in a way that should be impossible by this point, and you can feel where he’s carving a space for himself in a place previously unaccustomed to it. “Gonna fill you up, plug you full, seas, ‘s too good-“
His whimpering, hiccuped cries at the crux of every thrust are addictive; sweet and needy enough to set your insides boiling. A low groan has you clenching, tugging him closer to feel the vibrations against your own skin- having him everywhere and still needing more of him, closer.
You can tell he’s close, and you’re losing your own grasp on the situation, grappling for air. You can’t fathom why he’s still holding back, still dragging it out, but you’ve already decided (just now) to completely avoid thinking about how much more of a menace he’s going to be.
“Luffy!” You bit out, gripping the hair at the base of his skull in an unforgiving hold, frustrated beyond measure and too out of breath to complain properly. Your voice was hoarse, with enough of a growl to hold his attention. “Give it to me, need it, now.”
You thought his pupils couldn’t dilate any further, but evidently you were wrong.
“Fuck, mama, take it, ‘s yours,” Luffy managed, hips faltering before regaining strength. It only took a handful of powerful thrusts to push both of you over the edge. Luffy continued to press inside with long, slow thrusts, dragging out the aftershocks until both of you were squirming from the overstimulation.
Even then, Luffy kept you plugged up a bit longer, peppering you with kisses and praise and idle chatter until he deemed it a suitable time to pull out.
The exhaustion made it hard for you to react when Luffy’s fingers pressed carefully at your rim, scooping up the cum leaking out of you and tucking it back inside. The tenderness really shouldn’t surprise you at this point, but it was startling to feel both cared for and attractive.
In that moment, processing that train of thought, you made eye contact with Luffy.
He was observing you, a thoughtful expression on his face, and you were made aware that his side of the metaphysical bond had gone quiet at some point, and you hadn’t noticed. It stuck with you, dragging the moment out while you grappled with being so seen.
It made you wonder if and when you’d started transmitting your own thoughts and feelings back.
But Luffy didn’t let you spiral, already pressing back into your welcoming walls, grinning with the confidence of knowing your immediate squirming protests were superfluous.
“You’re not going anywhere, Mama, it’s my turn.” Shit, those consequences have entered the room, haven’t they?
You don’t have much time to ponder it, drunk on the intimacy and pleasure, conveniently on your side of the metaphorical line that separated you from thinking about it.
However, if you had thought about it, just a little, you may have thought that you were rather pleased with these consequences, after all.
gender essentialism is soooo funny bc it's like "this is what women are like" and you're like "I've met women and many of them, if not the majority, have not been like that" and it's like "well women SHOULD be like that" and you're like "why should women be like that" and its like "because that's what women are like"
“What do you mean he never came to bed last night? You didn’t think to check and make sure he didn’t fall overboard?!” Nami’s voice was loud enough to ring clearly in your ears, loud enough to rouse Luffy from where he was still lazily latched to one of your breasts. You were pleasantly surprised by how good you felt, completely empty and well-rested.
Whatever reply was given was too muffled to hear, but must not have been satisfactory to Nami.
“I don’t care! Just keep looking, tear the whole place apart if you have to, and pray to the Sea that you find him or so help me-!” She cut herself off but the intention was clear given the sounds of scrambling on the deck.
“Sounds like you’d better go show your face before Nami kills somebody,” you tease, nudging at Luffy’s shoulder as he regains consciousness.
“Mmm they’ll live, I’m comfy,” Luffy’s uncaring words as he nuzzles closer to you are enough to have your heart thumping, just enough to make you cognizant of your full bladder.
“Lucky for them, I’ve gotta pee. So please go tell Nami she doesn’t need to kill anyone for losing their own captain.” You insist, wiggling out of his arms despite his whines. “Besides, we probably missed breakfast.”
As if his lethargy suddenly disappeared, Luffy was full of energy, bursting through the door and demanding breakfast, much to the relief of his (probably still confused) crew. You rolled your eyes and headed for the bathroom, reclaiming a sense of normalcy through your morning routine, then changing your clothes before leaving your room and heading to the galley.
As you’d previously assumed, the two of you were late, the food half eaten on the table as the crew had dropped everything mid-meal with their captain uncharacteristically missing.
You found an open spot on one of the benches, settling between Nami and Zoro as a full plate was immediately placed in front of you by a syrupy sweet Sanji.
You tucked in alongside the rest of the crew, noting how Luffy ate with slightly less gusto from before. Of course, he thoroughly cleaned his plates, but he did it without stealing from others, and was satisfied after a half dozen servings. You only realized how significant this was when the rest of the crew began commenting on it.
“Where were you last night? We couldn’t find you anywhere! I thought we’d lost you overboard hours ago!” Nami was clearly exasperated, close to bonking Luffy over the head.
“I’m hallucinating, are you all seeing this too?! Luffy hasn’t touched my food! I haven’t seen him steal from anyone” Usopp interrupted.
“Me either!” Chopper helpfully added.
“Yeah, that is weird…” Nami’s brow furrowed, and you tried not to make eye contact as you ate what had to be the best food you’d ever had.
You already knew Sanji’s cooking was good, but somehow every meal was as mouthwatering and delectable as the last. You were used to disliking more foods than you liked, so you were surprised at how many previously disliked foods you ended up trying and liking.
You were still picky, carefully steering clear of flavors that were too intense or unfamiliar textures, savoring the ones you couldn’t get enough of. With how Sanji’s suggestions slowly shifted from trying everything to trying specific things (his success rate increasing drastically) you figured he’d caught on to your reactions and was somehow also keeping track of your tastes.
Leave it to the so-called ‘love-cook’ to figure out all the foods I like, you thought, reminded of the handful of arguments where you’d heard Zoro and Sanji exchange insults, filling you with no small degree of endeared amusement.
“…didn’t come for a midnight snack either, so what the hell have you been eating?” You tuned back into the conversation at the right time to catch the, unfortunately reasonable, line of questioning.
Luffy was clearly focused on eating, but you caught him stealing a couple of glances in your direction. It made you realize he was not about to blurt out your private information, and considering how little boundaries this pirate captain displayed, you were a bit surprised. Maybe he was more socially aware than he acted.
“I just realized that after everything yesterday, there’s a few things I want to tell everyone now that we’re crew.” You were grateful to immediately have the attention of the room, even if you knew this next part would be a little embarrassing. “You all probably know that my family is shit. Well, it kind of gets worse. Less than a year ago, this pirate crew came through our village. They were powerful, and were threatening to burn the village down for some ‘entertainment’. The village head pleaded with the captain to spare them. Eventually, the captain said he wouldn’t hurt anyone, if the village offered someone to… ‘entertain’ him for the night.”
The room was impossibly quiet, especially for having so many people in it. You had been staring intently at your plate, but you chanced a look around the table. You don’t know why you didn’t expect it, but the fury reflected in the crew’s eyes made your breath catch on the sudden lump in your throat, inhaling deeply to will back the tears just starting to pool along your lower lashes.
“My parents tried to offer him a wife, but as you can imagine, he wasn’t really interested in something long-term. That didn’t stop him from… well. The pirates left the next day and within a few weeks I was sick, nausea and vomiting, it just wouldn’t stop. That’s when I found out I was pregnant. As much as my parents hated that I was pregnant and unmarried, there was nothing we could do. They believe that aborting an unwanted child is a sin, and, despite everything, I did love my child and wanted to carry it. So they just ignored me instead. I carried the baby, but I wasn’t doing well. I wasn’t eating or sleeping well, and my body was too weak. It, a few days after he was born, he.” You didn’t know when the tears had begun, but you were able to keep talking until the grief swelled, the aching loss in your chest taking your breath away.
Nami’s hand reached insistently for yours, gripping tight as you reciprocated, and you realized you weren’t the only one crying.
“He was so tiny,” you choked out. “Too weak to survive, not without a doctor or-“ a sob was wrenched from your throat, and now everybody was moving, shoving themselves between the table and the wall to be as near to you as possible. Warm, comforting hands held you as you cried, murmuring reassurances and kind words until the resounding sense of failure lessened in your chest.
“Sounds like you did everything you could,” Brook murmured empathetically, squeezing your shoulder.
“If, it’s not too much to ask,” Robin started hesitantly, and you wiped away your tears so you could look at her and nod for her to continue. “You said that this started less than a year ago, am I correct that this loss is painfully recent?” The room froze into stillness once more, as the rest of the crew put the dots together as well.
“He passed four days ago, now,” your words were quiet, an involuntary hiccuped sob catching on them, but they didn’t need to be loud for everyone to hear.
“Mon cherie,” Sanji uttered, almost wounded, and the rest of the crew offered similar degrees of expletives and empathy for your experiences.
“Does… does that mean you’re currently?” Chopper wondered aloud, but seemed to catch the private nature of his line of questioning and didn’t finish his thought.
“Yeah, that’s something else I wanted to share. My.. body still thinks I have a child to feed.” The words caught in your throat, though you could tell your meaning was properly conveyed based on the varying degrees of understanding nods and rosy cheeks.
“So I did see Luffy coming out of the captain’s quarters earlier,” Robin chose to reveal, making it your turn to blush.
“What?! Luffy, we’ve barely had this sweet darling on the ship for a day and you’re behaving like a brute- I’ll kill you!” Sanji’s ire was nowhere close to Nami’s, however, glowering with an aura of rage that felt deadly enough to kill someone before she got the chance, and you grabbed at her arm desperately before she could strangle Luffy.
“My body still thinks I have a child to feed!” You repeated emphatically, voice raised enough to regain the attention of the room, chaos becoming quiet as the room practically froze. “It’s painful, and nothing else helps. If he offered and I accepted, then that’s that.”
Fortunately, your glare had the rest of the crew properly cowed, and you could tell Luffy was relieved he didn’t have to start running for his life. He was scared of almost nothing, but family, namely angry family, is a different story entirely. If family finds out you’ve truly fucked up, there’s little to do but accept your dues. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
“If you’ve been feeding our glutton of a captain, you need more fuel.” Sanji was suddenly back to work, no-nonsense in his dedication to doing something for you, even if he couldn’t strangle anyone who’d hurt you.
The murderous intent emanating from the crew was intimidating, to say the least, and you were in awe that it was on your behalf. As much as you could tell, you were in for a significant amount of coddling, although that seems to be a better alternative than watching them slaughter most of the people you’d ever known.
Even if they deserved it.
As you’d predicted, you were accompanied by at least one crew member at any given time as you went about your day. Chopper dragged you to his office for a checkup, and you were grateful for his attentive, gentle nature. It made the whole thing less awkward as you chatted about his travels and patients he’d treated.
Eventually, it seemed Chopper ran out of tests and questions.
“I know what you said earlier, and you have full control over your body, but I just. Want to make sure.” Okay- maybe he got through all questions save the one he’s most worried about? Chopper takes a deep breath, seemingly to compose himself, shutting his eyes tightly before opening them with a determined expression. “If your breast milk is being regularly consumed, production will continue. Is this what you want?” He asks, all in one breath.
You take a moment to think about the question. Despite the circumstances, and even with your grief and conflicted feelings around your child, you found comfort and safety in feeding your child, and you found the same in feeding Luffy. You didn’t necessarily mind either way, but you liked the way it felt to care for others so intimately, and it was tantalizing enough to seal your decision.
“Yes, I mean, I don’t mind either way, but… I’m not ready for it to stop just yet. I’m still grieving and… it’s comforting. I always liked the thought,” You admitted softly, choking on the rest of the sentence, although your shy honesty seemed to relieve the doctor’s worries.
“I was just worried he was pressuring you into it! Our captain can be so stubborn sometimes, and he doesn’t even know he’s doing it!” Despite his exasperation, you saw the fondness in Chopper’s eyes as he talked about his captain, and you couldn’t help but smile as he recounts several tales of Luffy’s infamous stubbornness.
You remembered belatedly to ask about contraception, prompting a conversation about the newest medical implants.
“I could’ve sworn I had one left- oh, here it is. I hope it’s not expired- nope! Thank goodness. Here, this’ll just take a moment.”
True to form, the doctor managed to keep the process fairly quick and painless.
By the time you left Chopper’s office with a wave, the sun was high in the sky and you realized you’d missed lunch. You were mostly reminded of the passage of time by the fullness in your chest, but your stomach made a compelling argument leading you to the galley for something to eat. Sanji was right, you were extra hungry after feeding Luffy all night.
Speaking of, Sanji was in the kitchen as usual, and greeted you with his too-sweet words. He was quick to put a plate in front of you, and you realized he must have prepared your food specifically and set it aside for you.
You gratefully dug in, groaning and commenting on how good it was. You were too focused on eating to notice if Sanji had been staring at you (he was), so you were surprised to catch his gaze when you finally sat back, satisfied.
“Is there anything else I can help you with, my darling?” Saccharine words held an underlying heat that made you flush with attraction, as you realize the swell of your now-full breasts had started to leak. “I’m at your service.”
“Do you intend to risk getting between Luffy and a meal?” You teased, enjoying the power you held over the man, given his immediately smitten reaction. With Luffy’s sharp nose, you expected it wouldn’t be much longer before he hunted you down.
“A taste couldn’t hurt, right?” You had to hide a laugh when Sanji’s nose started to drip blood, belying his feelings. You were a little endeared despite yourself, feeling more and more comfortable with your decision to join the crew.
As if summoned, the captain burst through the door.
“There you are! It’s been forever since lunch, and I’m hungry!” Luffy grinned at you expectantly. You caught the automatic response that Sanji seemed to swallow, and you could tell it was disconcerting for him to hear those words directed towards someone that wasn’t him.
“Sanji wants a taste, will you share?” You asked Luffy, mostly to watch Sanji react to them. You weren’t disappointed, as it didn’t seem like the chef was breathing anymore, his face a deep rosy shade.
“Sure, but just a little, okay? I have dibs!” Luffy was grinning when you finally met his gaze, unbothered (although you caught an amused twinkle in his eye), and you wondered briefly if there was anything Luffy wouldn’t share with his claimed family.
You moved to lay on the couch in the galley, as Luffy settled in the small gap between your body and the back of the couch. He waited somewhat impatiently for you to lift your shirt enough for him to latch, barely inches away, not wasting a second once the fabric was out of his way. You immediately sighed in relief at the release of pressure, running your fingers through Luffy’s hair, gently pushing his hat to hang loosely over his shoulders instead of upon his head.
You turned your head to look at Sanji, who appeared stuck in space, his eyes unable to depart from where Luffy was nursing from your heavy breasts. You beckoned him over, and he tried to wipe at his nose inconspicuously before he followed your siren’s call until he was reverently kneeling next to your torso.
“You gotta be gentle, watch your teeth, they’re sensitive.” Luffy detached long enough to state the words with a degree of seriousness he rarely showed. You could only stare at him, as he explicitly protected you without hesitation. Even if Sanji was slightly offended at the insinuation he wouldn’t be gentle, especially considering your experiences.
“Of course I will, I’m not a brute. Unlike you and that stupid swordsman.” Sanji grumbled even as he leaned forward to cup your other breast in his large hand. His touch was gentle, but the slightest pressure had you wincing as your breast started to leak.
Luffy growled a little in warning, and you realized he was watching Sanji closely. Sanji was quick to relieve you once the initial curiosity wore off, carefully protecting your tender flesh from his teeth as he latched.
You watched as Sanji’s expression relaxed almost immediately, clearly enjoying the taste of your milk and the feeling of your fingers combing through his hair. Luffy seemed to relax as well, once the tension left your body and you were finally relieved of discomfort. The flood of hormones were blissful, and you greatly enjoyed having both of them so close. It soothed you in the same way that Luffy’s company the previous night had, and you were loathe to lose it.
The three of you lingered for a while, even after Luffy finished draining his side and cut Sanji off. Sanji hesitated, seeming unsure as to his welcome, but quickly caved to your insistent tugging and laid his head against your shoulder. He was just out of Luffy’s way, allowing you to enjoy the closeness for a bit longer.
Once you were empty, Luffy almost immediately drifted off to sleep, releasing little snores that made you smile. You reluctantly allowed Sanji to go back to his dinner preparations after taking advantage of his offer to help lift Luffy enough for you to fix your shirt. Luffy whined and complained as he tried to get closer to you, and seemed to hold you more protectively when he was released to lay against you once more.
You enjoyed watching Sanji cook, until the comfort of a napping partner eventually lured you to sleep.
When you woke up, it was to the hustle and bustle of a crew that functioned like a well-oiled machine. You had time to come back to awareness, processing the voices, the clatter and sizzling coming from your small kitchen, and fast-moving footsteps.
“I swear, if you wake them up-“ Sanji hissed out.
“I know I know, you’ll skin me or whatever,” the gruff voice of the swordsman seemed to surprise the cook. Sanji may have been expecting Luffy, who’d just darted in and out with loud stomps that had, in fact, woken you up (this time?), now that you thought about it.
“Here, take these so he stops stealing food meant for the ladies,” Sanji said, voice still low, presumably handing a plate over.
“Here,” Zoro says after an affirmative-sounding grunt.
“What?” Sanji huffs, then- “Oh.”
“You were talking about it.” Zoro says, and you peek over to see that he’s holding some kind of metal bowl.
Sanji takes it, seemingly unable to come up a response. Zoro doesn’t seem to expect one, turning and leaving with the food he’d been given.
-Line Break-
It wasn’t long before food was ready, and you observed another rambunctious mealtime with the Strawhats.
The crew split off into groups after breakfast, off to restock supplies.
It was quieter for several hours, and lunch seemed to last forever with everyone returning and eating at different times. Watching Sanji manage the needs of the entire crew while making it look effortless, Nami keeping the crew’s chaos functional- it was fascinating to watch the crew’s strengths in action.
You were so caught up in the experience, only to be struck with melancholy as you remembered Nami telling you the previous day that the crew would be setting sail after dinner, to avoid marine patrols.
You didn’t have time to mope, barely coming to the realization before Luffy was tugging you away from their campfire, shouting something at his crew about being back soon. The Strawhats, left to cleanup and break camp, were not amused- telling him to hurry up.
Before you could blink, the noise was behind you, as Luffy had launched the both of you further into the forest.
“So which way to say goodbye?” Luffy asks.
“Say goodbye,” you echo, catching up to the situation.
“Yeah, gotta be this way, huh?” Luffy checks, and you realize belatedly that he’s already going in the right direction.
“Yeah,” you say, trying not to think too much.
Luffy set you down closer to the town (when had he started carrying you?). It’s not long before you’re approaching the town gathering hall. You guide him without words. Luffy is quick to push the doors open wide, surveying the space and its occupants.
“Hello,” you say to the room, out of habit more than anything, when Luffy turns to you expectantly.
“Ah, there you are. We’ve come to an understanding, since our friend is looking for a wife, he will be responsible for you from now on.” The jerk doesn’t even bother looking at you, too caught up in following another conversation.
“And what if I say no?” You ask, chin quivering with the effort required to keep your emotions at bay.
“We tried to at least make a decent woman of you and look how that turned out! It’s not like anyone else will take you now, you should contribute to the community and be grateful for the food you’re given, understood?” That tone was all-too familiar, and you could feel yourself shutting down, body locking up.
“Understood.” Your tone was placid, eyes vacant, as if your personality was never there to begin with. For a moment, it felt like that moment with Luffy had never happened at all.
Out of the corner of your eye, you caught when Luffy’s shoulders hunched, tension lining his features. After a few moments of silence, he straightened suddenly, eyes shining with determination. He crossed the room in a few smooth strides, gaze slightly obscured by the brim of his hat, to kneel in front of you. He raised an open palm, a request for your hand, patient even as you hesitated. Eventually, you placed your hand in his, a sign of faith you granted after looking into his eyes and unerringly finding him trustworthy.
“I am asking for your hand in marriage.” Luffy watches you as he says it, and one might think he was asking you, but none in the room mistook the person he sought approval from.
“What… you’re not serious.” The immediate disbelief from someone you’d tried so hard to earn respect from still managed to hurt, but you fortified yourself against it.
“And what makes you think I would trust a random traveler with my beloved child? How do I know you’ll be able to sustain yourselves?”
This woman; claiming to be your mother and demanding monetary compensation in the same breath, as if you were merely an object for sale. These people were less than subtle. It would have made the entire conversation uncomfortable- if not for Luffy.
“Of course.” Luffy was serious, and you found that even more unnerving, as he reached for a cloth bag tied at his waist. He stepped forward and tossed it, letting gold coins spill onto the table, priceless currency from a land unfamiliar to you, but their value could not be ignored.
“I cannot deny that a gift like this would bring many blessings upon this island, and our child would surely benefit from this union.” The lack of emotion from your so-called ‘family’ at the sentiment was more familiar, but was made easier with the hope that this might actually turn out for the better.
You dissociated through most of the ceremony (barely one, at that), a combination of denial and willful ignorance, only made easier by the playful grimace Luffy gave you when you made eye contact.
Maybe that’s why it hardly feels real when Luffy takes your hand and drags you back the way you came- laughing exuberantly. It kicks in slowly, until you’re busting out laughing with him, finally feeling the freedom setting in.
—Line Break—
“Everyone!” Luffy bellows, after another slingshot ride, this time onto the deck of your new home, which shakes you up more than you might care to admit. “We have a new crew member!”
As the Strawhats pile onto the deck, you can only smile at their obvious enthusiasm.
“Hello,” you wave, in an attempt to be polite and feel less awkward, but it doesn’t ease your nerves. Sure, the crew was welcoming enough, but this wasn’t exactly the expected trajectory for your life, and the sudden departure from everything you’ve known adds an element of anxiety both foreign and familiar.
“Everyone, this is-“ Luffy excitedly shares your name with the crew, a formal introduction you hadn’t expected for people you’ve already met, but considering Luffy drops a few details that you hadn’t expected, maybe this has more significance than you’d realized. “We’re married, so anyone who hurts them or lets them get hurt, I’ll kick your ass, crew or not. The captain’s wife is everyone’s mom, so anything that happens to them is on us to make right- your pride is on the line, got it?!” You’re still creeped out by Luffy being serious, but it helps that it seems to have the same effect on the rest of the crew, who turn their focus to you with varying degrees of awe, interest, curiosity, and protectiveness.
“Married?!” Sanji exclaims, alongside Usopp and Chopper, who don’t share Sanji’s fiery concern.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Nami says, a hand covering her face. “We could’ve just left in the middle of the night, but no, you just had to demand their hand in marriage?!”
“Well, I gave them money, too.” Luffy says, like this makes any sense coming from a pirate.
“You WHAT?! I lost- did you?- THAT WAS FOR GROCERIES!”
With the crew watching the proceedings with the varying emotions befitting a soap opera unfolding in real time, you couldn’t help but turn, alongside everyone else, to gauge Luffy’s reaction to the accusation.
“What? Those jerks said I had to.” Luffy manages a demure yet defensive shrug that barely passes muster, but with your proximity, you identify look on his face as 100% genuine, certified self-satisfaction.
“No, they said they wanted to marry me off to someone else-“ Unable to think about the implications of Luffy choosing matrimony over piracy, you’re forced to focus on the inaccuracy of it all.
“Yeah, so I had to.” Luffy shrugs again, but this time there’s an edge to his eyes that only seems to reach his crew, bypassing you entirely. The implications are significant enough to shut the whole crew up, leaving you to grapple with your sanity amidst the rapidly evolving situation.
-Line Break-
“Where do I put my things?” You asked, hesitating on the deck as you enjoyed the feel of the ocean rocking the boat beneath your feet.
Luffy’s eyes opened wide as he seemed to consider it for a moment, before his eyes lit up.
“I know!” He grabbed your hand and dragged you around the corner from the open door where you could see into the men’s bunkroom. You assumed Robin and Nami had their own room, and you didn’t know if you’d feel comfortable sharing a room with anyone just yet. “Nami and Robin share, and us guys share, so no one’s using the captain’s quarters!”
His accompanying grin, as he opens the door with a flourish, makes you smile.
“Are you sure?” You raise an eyebrow, a little surprised he’d give you what was supposed to be his room. Or at least, not without sharing-
“Yeah! Look, it’s got a bathroom here-“ you hesitantly followed Luffy as he brushed off your worry in favor of his excitement to share the room’s features. “Franky made sure the Sunny has the best of everything, and she’s your home now, so she’ll take good care of you.”
“O-kay,” you’re a little off-kilter, but Luffy is gone before any of your questions can be answered.
You didn’t have a lot of time to pack, what with Luffy rushing you, but you didn’t have much to begin with. It made unpacking easier, storing breakables and clothes alike within the drawers and cupboards built into the walls. The Sunny was truly a marvel.
You were finished around the time Sanji called for dinner, and by the time you were finished eating, you were too exhausted to do anything but return to your room.
However, as you settled into your new room for the night, you became increasingly aware of the problem you’d been trying to avoid thinking about. The pressure coming from inside your chest was intense, and you ached with the fullness. You had been trying and failing every day to empty yourself, ever since… and your success rate was decreasing, much to your own distress.
You were still trying, fingers numb and nipples sore, when a somewhat quiet but unending series of knocks began at your door. You rushed to clean your fingers, wiping yourself off and covering yourself up quickly as you rush to open the door. You’re panting slightly, flushed with exertion and frustration, and you feel like a hot mess when you make eye contact with Luffy.
“Can I come in?” He asks, nostrils flaring and eyes intense, and you wordlessly step away from the door so he can enter. You close the door softly behind you, curious even with the aching pressure still vying for your attention.
“Is everything alright? Do you need something?” You ask, and with how he’s still eyeing you, you finally realize that Luffy looks hungry.
“At first, I was impressed by your Haki, but then you offered food, and the whole time you’re smelling so good-“ Luffy cuts himself off to inhale deeply, stepping closer until he’s brought the two of you face to face, pressing himself against you in a way that somehow doesn’t feel threatening.
Your breath catches when his head dips, his nose tracing a line down the column of your neck to the delicate skin of your collarbone, breathing in your scent.
“Can’t figure out where it’s coming from but god, I just know I have to have a taste, please? Smells so good, so sweet, I couldn’t sleep without at least asking, it’s driving me crazy.” The admission surprises you, and while you assume he’s somehow managed to catch the scent of your milk, you have to manually regain your self control when your mind interprets his words as a euphemism.
“Okay, okay,” you are snapped out of your thoughts when you catch his attention drifting towards the lure of the growing stains on your shirt where milk is actively leaking from your nipples. Fortunately, your words regain his attention long enough for you to continue. “On one condition.”
“Anything, please.”
“You gotta drink it all, it hurts otherwise,” you tell him, running a hand through his hair as you speak.
“I promise!” Luffy nods with both excitement and a surprising degree of seriousness. You giggle when he immediately nods excitedly, and you don’t think he realizes how he practically manhandles you into your bed, eager yet focused on your comfort and attentive to your winces and groans as you settle where you’re propped against the headboard.
You tug your shirt over your head and he is immediately entranced. You can’t help the way your face heats under his smoldering attention.
While you had barely known him a day, you already knew better than to get between Luffy and a meal. You had a feeling you were about to be included in that category, and you didn’t know whether to feel flustered or worried.
“Just, be gentle, please,” you cautioned. “They’re sore.”
“Of course, I promise.” The intensity of his gaze belied the sincerity of his words and it caught you slightly off guard, taking your breath away for a moment. Despite your heart racing in your chest at what was happening, you couldn’t help but notice he may not always be as carefree as he looked. You watched as he carefully took the swell of your swollen breasts into his hands, marveling at how the slightest pressure on your nipples with his fingers caused milk to leak, contributing further to the sticky mess you already dreaded dealing with.
You were a little lost in his expression, obsessively focused, even as his eyes were alight with excitement and awe. He lifted one hand to taste the milk that had transferred to his fingers, and the resounding groan that filled the room sent a flood of heat down to your stomach.
Luffy was quick to clean his fingers with his tongue before returning his attention to his prize. He didn’t waste a drop, lapping at the remaining mess before carefully latching onto one nipple. He minded his teeth, much to your relief, and each gentle suckle had you sighing as your discomfort melted away, quickly replaced with the happy endorphins rushing through your brain. Your hand went to brush the dark hair away from his face. You nudged him to switch sides, and he obeyed, causing you to melt further against the headboard.
Luffy was nothing if not a fast learner, and he continued to dutifully switch sides to relieve your breasts evenly. The two of you stayed like that until he had fulfilled his promise, and you had to finally push him away from your now sore nipples, realizing belatedly that he wasn’t stopping just because you were empty.
“That’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted, it’s not all gone, right? Will there be more?” The slight whine to his voice as he sat back and licked his chops had you biting back a groan.
“Yeah, just takes a few hours and I’ll be full and aching again.” You’re quick to reassure him, but the exhaustion in your tone must leak out because Luffy takes your hands into his and presses his face close to yours. You feel a sense of deja vu, especially with the bright sparkle in his eyes.
“Yay! I can’t wait! You’ll let me have it, right? It’s so good! When it comes back, you’ll be full again, but I’ll be there whenever you need me, I promised, so please?” The last word was drawn out, and you couldn’t help but laugh at how eager and excited he was.
“Yeah, you did promise, huh?” You caught on to his interpretation of the promise, as if he has to continue to ‘drink it all’, as you’d said. It was worth it though, for the way he beamed.
“Yes!” Luffy cheered to himself. That settled, Luffy relaxed and curled into you with a yawn.
“Is it time for bed, sleepyhead?” You teased softly, rubbing at the back of his neck. You were rewarded with him nuzzling into your neck, obviously enjoying the physical touch as his arms and legs curled around you.
Without answering, Luffy moved with you to lay fully on the bed, snuggling back into you once the two of you were comfortable. You enjoyed the comfort of his presence, and the two of you drifted off to sleep.
The next time you woke, there was a fullness to your chest again, mostly on one side. You were a little surprised to feel the pressure slowly diminishing, and realized Luffy was currently latched to the full breast. The early morning sunrise barely peaked over the horizon, leaving your room mostly dark
“Luffy?” You murmured, a little confused, as Luffy’s eyes were closed and breathing even, almost as if he was suckling on instinct. You realize he must have already nursed the other side, and you are a little amazed that you’d managed to sleep for so long undisturbed by discomfort.
The quiet lull of the sea rocking the boat had you drifting back to sleep, feeling the most secure and happy you’d felt in a long time.
How exactly does one get abducted befriended, by the Strawhat Pirates?
Or: the large-bodied/disabled reader AU that's been sitting in my drafts for over a year
Tags: Strawhats x reader, Straw Hat Pirates As Family, Protective Straw Hat Pirates, Queerplatonic Relationships, casual polyamory, BDSM - Freeform, Breastfeeding (sexual and nonsexual), Shotgun Wedding, Polycule Speedrun, BDSM as therapy, therapy as therapy, mentions of past trauma, I created a fictional child just to kill them off (Don't Worry About It)
Reader is large-bodied, disabled, has trauma (only briefly mentioned/relevant in first couple of chapters), and non-binary (some afab language but interpret how you like)
Chapter 1: Chaos Incarnate (5k)
(Read on ao3 here)
You liked to spend time by the sea. I mean sure, you hated the grit of sand covering your skin, and disliked the sensation of bugs crawling on you, and really didn’t like feeling dirty, but the call of the sea was a siren you could scarcely ignore.
You had barely eaten, wasting away in your bed. Hours passed so slowly now, except for when you slept, but you’ve only had nightmares since…
The sudden flood of soul crushing grief had yet to become familiar, not in the way your older wounds have. You had barely left your bed in the last day or… however long it’s been. You’d spent hours in bed wondering if there was anything you could have done, any way to prevent what had happened, any chance you could have saved your precious child.
You hated your upbringing. Facetious, passive aggressive words heavily laced with strict religious morality left you questioning reality from a young age. You didn’t know why some people were “good” even if they weren’t nice, and others were “bad” even if they hadn’t done anything. You hated a lot of things you were told by your “parents” as a child, but you disliked that one most. Even if they didn’t say it in so many words, you’d met the indigenous peoples living on your island, and they were kind to you- normal, decent people. You didn’t understand why the villagers thought themselves superior to other people without good reason, as if the hard-worn beliefs and traditions carried down over the years were anything to scoff at.
You’d long discussed this with one of your only real friends, one of the tribal elders. Her home was closest to where you lived, well removed from the village you could never call home. Your island rarely got visitors, so other than your village, and the tribal elder who’d learned your language after years of putting up with your village’s leaders, you didn’t have many people to converse with. You were learning the tribe’s native language, and had spent plenty of time listening to the countless tales passed down to the newest generations, but the language and cultural (and personality) differences meant that none of the other members of the tribe sought out your company. The children were more friendly, but their attention-spans were reasonably short. You were kind to all, and they were kind to you, but that was the end of it, so you cherished the meaningful conversations you had with your dear friend.
Getting to discuss the complexities of different cultures and generational experiences, alongside someone who had lived far longer. Learning from experience gleaned in her younger years, during time spent exploring shores beyond this single island… you treasured every moment.
So you were surprised when, after trekking down to your usual spot by the beach in the early hours of the morning, you spotted a ship on the horizon. You rubbed at your eyes, wondering if all the crying was getting to your eyesight, or if you’d mistaken a rock formation, but the ship remained. The Jolly Roger somehow managed to radiate cheerfulness, a dissonance you noted with curiosity. You could barely make out bright colors, further challenging your expectations. You knew not all pirates were what the marines and world government made them out to be, although your previous interactions with pirates had fit the stereotypes.
You settled into your spot on the viewpoint, wrapped in blankets to keep the morning chill out, and watched the ship slowly grow bigger as it got closer. Eventually, you managed to make out more details, like the giant lion figurehead, although you still didn’t feel any danger coming from the ship.
Your “parents” had always ignored your sixth sense for danger. Regardless of how many times you were right, they never seemed to actually listen to you.
You were only a little surprised to be noticed before the ship officially anchored at the shore. Despite the early hour, the ship was cacophonous. A feminine voice was shouting instructions while others argued and joked. You watched on, a little fascinated by the vibrant colors on the ship and crew. Your attention was so focused that it took you a second to realize you were unconsciously reaching out to connect with them.
You didn’t fully understand how it worked, as it was something you could only feel, but you did know that people rarely noticed your curious prodding.
You physically leaned back when an excited presence slammed into you in response, and suddenly a blur of what almost looked like hands were being propelled in your direction.
You barely had a second to blink before the rest of an elongated person was crashing into you, knocking you into the grass, or rather, the blanket now protecting you from the slightly muddy earth.
Your arms instinctively curled around him as you righted the two of you, the cackling of the young man in your lap cementing a hell of a first impression. He made no move to help you re-orient, besides offering an apology. Of course, the bright grin and stifled giggles made you doubt his sincerity.
“Well hello there, do you tackle everyone you meet?” You asked, more out of startled disbelief and sheer curiosity than anything. Your eye is drawn to the increased noise from the beach, as the pirate’s crew had dropped anchor and disembarked, yelling and cursing at your new friend(?). This only makes the boy laugh more, which finally draws a bemused laugh from you. It was hard to take it all seriously, and you found yourself relaxing enough to laugh more genuinely.
“Oh! I almost forgot! Do you know where the closest restaurant is? I want meat!” His words are rushed, excited as his face fills your view until you’re practically nose to nose. The details of his face are suddenly in focus and it’s only now that you realize he is quite handsome, with a bright smile and a well-healed scar decorating his left cheek.
“I don’t think anything is open yet, but I do have some meat in my freezer-“ the words leave your mouth without your permission, but it’s too late because he throws his head over his shoulder to yell back towards his crew.
“Sanji!” You clamp your hands over your ears, pinching your ear canals closed to reduce the overwhelming volume of this guy’s pipes. “I found meat! Hurry up so you can make barbecue!”
“Who are you?” You had to ask at this point.
“I’m Monkey D. Luffy, I’m going to be King of the Pirates!” The bright grin on his face was blinding, enough that you barely processed being pulled to your feet until you were being tugged away from your blanket cocoon.
“Wait!” He immediately halted, dropping your hand as you turned to carefully collect your blankets to keep them from getting anything else dirty. By the time Luffy was dragging you away again (with your direction of where to go), the rest of his crew had almost caught up. Luffy laughed as the two of you were chased, and you couldn’t help but laugh as well, especially when he used himself as a slingshot to give you a head start. You barely had time to prepare before you were launched into the air. Rather than landing, the two of you were sent tumbling in the grass until your momentum slowed enough and the pirate could pull you back to your feet.
When the two of you reached your home, the pirate burst through your threshold with a cheer about winning the “race” no one else had agreed to compete in.
In the end, it was him who was left pouting as he had to wait for the rest of his crew to catch up. They weren’t far behind, and it gave you just enough time to pull out all your frozen meat and start a pot of tea before they crashed through your door.
Luffy, who had just finished chattering introductions you could barely make sense of, greeted them tactlessly.
You were a bit unimpressed by the two guys who tried to fit through the door at the same time. The well-dressed blond simultaneously flirted with you while arguing with the green haired swordsman, who was grumpy and seemed to care more about making sure he had the dark haired pirate in his line of sight.
Unable to fit their combined size in the narrow doorway, they shattered your doorframe with sheer force.
“Luffy, you can’t go running off like that!” A red headed woman said as she entered through the place where your door used to be, panting as she held onto what remained of the doorjam for stability.
“Please, let me, a lovely lady like yourself should be resting! I’ll take care of everything, my dear, I swear. Especially after my brute of a captain treated you so carelessly.” The blond man was immediately in your space- overwhelming you enough that you had to focus on one thing at a time.
“I’m not a woman, I’m not a man either.” You commented, honestly wanting to protest more, but you were distracted by the sudden cacophony of noise, reaching heights never previously known to your tiny abode, and you were honestly sore after being flung like a ragdoll. You settled yourself into the rocking chair you’d claimed after your grandmother passed, a lingering remnant of the few happy parts of your childhood, your hand going to your stomach out of habit. The sudden, harrowing ache of hollowness was quickly disrupted by the chaos happening around you.
A woman with dark hair, a man with curly hair, a giant guy with blue hair, and a smaller humanoid deer(?) had entered, followed by a skeleton! You almost choked in surprise, trying not to let the wave of fear overwhelm you even as you saw the crew interact in a way that communicated family and safety, rather than danger.
You’ve found it helps to focus on each presence while you acclimate, rather than appearances, and the same holds true in this case.
Luffy settled at your feet, crossing his legs as he demanded “Brook” play a song, ignoring the exclamations, questions, and berating from the loud woman and the curly haired man. The skeleton(!)- Brook, presumably- pulled a violin out of nowhere, laughing and playing a tune that filled the air with joy and peace, a feeling that eased the high emotions of the room and settled them into merriment while they watched Sanji prepare a truly outrageous feast. The crewmates, in various states of confusion, curiosity, anger, and calm, settled on the floor of your well-decorated but sparsely furnished home. The rocking chair was the only piece of furniture, aside from your bed, as you were one person. If the crew had seen the wooden bassinet, covered in a blanket yet unmistakable in shape, they had yet to comment on it.
After a few songs, the energy had calmed enough that you almost missed when the small humanoid deer approached you.
“My name is Chopper, and I’m a doctor! I saw Luffy slingshot you earlier, can I look you over? Just to make sure you’re okay!” The boy(?) was so genuine and sweet, yet shy, and it made your heart warm with affection. You could already tell that this sweet child, even if fully grown(?), was worth protecting.
“Oh, yes,” you shifted forward in your chair, and Luffy wordlessly slid to the side of you so he was out of Chopper’s way, still remaining close to you. Something about it felt protective, but you couldn’t think much further about it as you were left to answer a host of questions from the small doctor.
“Does this hurt? What about this?” Chopper asked once he’d checked your heartbeat and breathing, waiting for the corresponding response before continuing to gently check for bruising, broken bones, or any other type of damage from the tumble.
You had to hold back a wince at pressure to your stomach, still recovering from the aftermath of creating life, but managed to distract the small doctor by commenting on the pain in your shoulder from where you’d landed slightly wrong.
“Oh no! I’ll apply some creams to help with healing, and give you some pain medicine. I made these myself- you’re not allergic to anything, are you?” The doctor paused, and you realized the quiet in the room meant all focus was on your medical treatment.
You try to ignore them as you answered Chopper’s questions about your medical history, wanting to have it over with already.
“Thank you, Dr. Chopper.” You smiled at him, and at his reaction to your response.
“Flattery won’t work on me, you-!” You couldn’t help but find the blush on Chopper’s cheeks adorable, smiling down at him while he worked with studious dedication.
You adjusted your clothing as needed, but didn’t feel watched when the permeating sense of normalcy surrounded you. The conversation restarted at some point, flowing across a variety of topics from their adventures, simple likes and dislikes, to needed supplies and funny stories.
“Food is ready!” Sanji called, catching the attention of the room just as Chopper finished applying bandages to protect your clothes from absorbing the medicinal creams he applied to the forming bruises on your shoulders.
You couldn’t help but watch the crew as they ate with the same rambunctiousness they did everything with, and you barely had a plate handed to you before the food was practically devoured.
Luffy, the curly haired man who was called Usopp, and Chopper were quick to regain energy and curiosity about the island once their stomachs were full.
You found yourself explaining the local attractions, including your village’s prided exports and their treatment of the native people you now preferred to interact with.
“Those cowards! Reminds me of the time the Great Captain Usopp fought off 10,000 warriors to protect a child!” Usopp launched into a story that was entertaining for its immediate lack of realism. The whole crew was laughing by the time he was done, enjoying the lighter atmosphere.
The story also helped by introducing the names of the crew members, helping you fill in the gaps between context clues and body language. The crew was overwhelming, often talking over each other, but you couldn’t help enjoying the warm atmosphere they created with their life and joy. It was like nothing you’d experienced before, and it felt like home- which was jarring considering you’d barely met these people.
Luffy was starting to become fidgety, full of energy now that his stomach was full, and expressed his eagerness to explore the island. Chopper and Usopp were quick to match the excitement, dancing and chanting for adventure in a way that was both too loud and too much movement for the small space.
“Okay! Enough!” The red haired woman, referred to as Nami by the others, seemed fed up with their antics. “You can go explore if you take Sanji and Franky with you. Brook, Zoro, we need firewood. And lots of it! What are the rules?”
“No fighting unless we’re attacked or saving someone!” Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Chopper, Usopp, Franky, and Brook replied simultaneously with varying degrees of completeness and enthusiasm, as if the phrase had been repeated more times than one could count. The words were followed by an excited scramble out of your home.
“Don’t let Zoro get lost,” Brook added, dutiful and in good humor, as the last to leave. You had a feeling that Brook winked, even if a skeleton technically couldn’t do so.
You honestly didn’t think much of it, taking advantage of the calmness to catch your breath- so to speak, until the two women turned their attention to you.
“Sorry about them,” Nami was flippant, in a way that communicated she wasn’t all that sorry, mostly just fond and resigned to their dumbfucker-y.
“How are you feeling, I hope our captain didn’t hurt you earlier?” Robin, as you’d heard someone call her, was both otherworldly and calming. Both women emanated strength and confidence in a way you found comforting and terrifying.
“No, no, nothing too serious, he mostly just caught me off-guard.” You laughed it off, knowing that any bruising was only temporary, even if your chest continued to throb, as had become your new normal.
“No kidding,” Nami scoffs.
“What our navigator means, is that our dear Captain is very easily excited, and often acts without thinking.” Robin says, making you smile.
“I can tell, although I can’t say I’m upset after receiving a wonderful meal and exceptional medical treatment in return. I’ve met pirates, but I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed their company before now.” You couldn’t help the way your smile lingered, even as you surveyed your home. It looked more chaotic than you could remember, and it brought you joy to host so many different people in the space that had become your primary source of comfort.
Even if your door was broken.
“I’ll ask Franky when he gets back, but he can surely fix your door.” Robin said, noticing your gaze.
“Oh! That would be nice, actually, thank you!” You smiled, hesitantly relieved.
It was nice of them, much nicer than you would normally expect from pirates, and it was surely welcome. Speaking of- Sanji had cooked truly amazing food, but there was still-
“I better take care of the dishes-” You started to stand, only to be interrupted.
“Please, allow me,” Robin said, and you were pleasantly surprised when she used a sudden plethora of arms to carefully pick up, wash, and dry all of the cutlery, pots, pans, and dishware- you didn’t realize you had so many, and were only a little surprised to see unfamiliar dishes that Sanji must have supplemented from their own kitchen.
“So, I imagine you have some incredible tales of life on the seas?” You ask, even as you watch Robin work in awe.
Nami and Robin spent the next hour regaling you with tales of their crew’s adventures- starting in the East Blue as they traveled across Reverse Mountain, into the Grand Line, and beyond. You were wide-eyed throughout most of the conversation, asking questions and furrowing your brow at the horrible things happening in the world, only to relax and grin once you were told how they overcame the obstacles in their way.
The sudden return of the rest of the crew almost startled you, but the significant change in nearby energy caught your attention in time to watch as Luffy burst through the door.
The look exchanged between Nami and Robin as you went from relaxed to alert was lost to you, although you noticed the tension had long dissipated.
“We got meat!” Luffy’s voice is sharp and loud. He’s all smiles as he chattered about his catches. He didn’t comment much on the flora, simply bringing it close enough to the doorway that you could see, before starting to drag his catches into view with significantly more enthusiasm.
Sanji entered, and was quick to wash up and begin prepping ingredients, working swiftly even in your humble kitchen. Watching him had you coming back to the belated awareness of his not-so-hostile takeover. It was weird, having people in your space. It almost lacked realism, but that feeling quickly faded- or rather, Luffy was quick to regain your attention.
The amount of food in front of you was almost ridiculous. Between local herbs, fruits, and vegetables, as well as several larger animals (including an “imported, escaped jungle cat wanted for killing at least a few of the native people- a couple of warriors and a wandering child, losses that were deeply felt by the community. A cautionary tale for exotic pet owners everywhere”).
As much as you empathized with the cycle of life, you were relieved it would no longer threaten people you cared for, nor the island’s ecosystem. Caught up in the sentiment, you almost regretted sharing all of this with the Strawhats (as you’d now learned they were called), but you were met with grim nods from Nami, Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy. Franky was trying not to cry, and failing, and the strong sense of empathy was both endearing and relatable.
You were also impressed by the amount of wood collected, which you only saw once Luffy swooped in to drag you out to see the rest. You couldn’t help but respond attentively to Luffy, his pure enthusiasm and affection contagious in a way that warmed a part of you that had felt so empty for so long. It was hard to think about anything else with the blinding nature of his being.
In all the chaos, you missed the look Nami and Robin shared, endeared despite their best efforts to uphold suspicion of a new face. Those thoughts lingered between the two sea-faring women, having caught enough details to know something wasn’t adding up in your life.
-Line break-
The crew was settling down for the evening, slightly sedated with newly full bellies from Sanji’s excellently prepared evening meal. Most settled next to your home, where the crew was starting to make camp, like Brook who started playing the violin, as Zoro, Nami, and Robin sat down nearby. The others simply ferried items back and forth, like Sanji who needed to put away refrigerator items and extra food they wouldn’t need for tomorrow.
Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp led the charge for the camping supplies, roping Franky into helping them, and you couldn’t help but notice the way Zoro “supervised” by not-so-subtly glaring in the direction of the ship like he could ensure their safety through aura alone, with his eyes closed. And for all you knew, maybe he could.
Your range wasn’t quite that extensive, but you could already tell that these people were free spirited enough to need several powerhouses on alert at any given time. The single-minded focus was admirable, and even if Zoro could convince the average person he was sleeping, the facade was easy to discern when all you could see was a man devoted to the safety of his loved ones. It helped that he was a lot like a sunflower- and weren’t you all? Everyone changed when Luffy was near- it was easy enough to see and appreciate their captain’s open devotion to his crew and, really, to life itself. It was intoxicating, addicting in the sense that his absence felt larger than his presence. After all, it was hard to forget basking in the sun for the first time, realizing you’ve waited a lifetime to feel its warmth.
Luffy had that effect.
You sat with them as they enjoyed the sunset, dancing, singing, and telling stories. Eventually, they settled down enough to ask lighthearted questions. Of course, they quickly landed on food.
As it turns out, there's an awful lot of good food out there- most things you’ve never heard of, never mind tasted. It became a game of sorts- asking if you’ve tried any number of delicious-sounding foods, from places and cultures across the Grand Line and beyond.
“Oh- oh- the sweets at Whole Cake island is the absolute best- everything was so yummy!” Chopper exclaimed, received with emphatic nods from Nami, Luffy, and Brook.
“That’s not really specific, though.” Nami says, “I can’t remember what half the stuff we ate at Fishman island was called, but it was amazing.”
“Pineapple upside down cake?” Sanji suggests, thoughtfully considering what you might like.
“Upside down cake? What does that mean?” You ask, having never heard of such a thing.
“Well, the mould is a special shape,” Sanji explains, a smile sliding onto his face, his hands gesturing as he talks. “So you plan the cake backwards, you put the toppings on the bottom, like pineapple and cherries and some melted butter, and then you pour the cake batter and bake it. So then, when it’s done, you flip it!”
You have more questions, but there are plenty more foods to be discussed and explained and debated and by the time Chopper’s eyes start to droop, you’re filled with intangible knowledge of the unknown.
Not long after, a few returned to the ship- Nami, Robin, Franky, and Brook. Zoro was quick to scoop up Chopper and Usopp (who was also starting to fall asleep) putting them to bed in the large shared tent before settling against your house, the perfect picture of a guard dog. Sanji was the last to turn in, cleaning things up and securing them for the evening.
As you made to stand, the chef started to offer to help you back inside, but Luffy jumped at the opportunity, leaving a sour expression on Sanji’s face as you went inside. It made you bite back a giggle, and you made a mental note to make it up to Sanji later, if possible. If only because you wanted an excuse to reward him- the man looked like he could use some praise and gentle treatment.
You were interrupted in your thoughts as you finally noticed you’d stopped just inside the door, leaving Luffy to stare off into space, lost in his own thoughts. You were about to ask about it when he spoke.
“You don’t like the people here, do you? You’re so polite, it’s like you don’t have anything nice to say about your family, their community, ‘cuz they’re not nice.” The serious look on Luffy’s face kickstarts your heart- momentarily blindsided by his intuition and care. You take a moment to sit down, settling into the cot you’d known for the better part of a year. Luffy nudges the door closed with his sandal-clad foot, then leans against the wall, waiting for your answer.
“I mean, not really. Some are better than others, but they all side with my ‘father’ in the end.” You say eventually, with a shrug, the fatigue slipping unbidden into your tone. That word sits like a sour taste in your mouth, a reminder of the ties you no longer believe in, leaving you to fidget with your fingers idly.
“Is there anything you love to do?” Luffy asks, nudging closer as he settles next to you on the bed, peering at you like he could find all the answers he was looking for, if only he stared long enough.
“I love to teach,” you said wistfully, with an air of grief sharp enough to choke on. “Even after… I had hoped it would be worth it to see my little flower bloom. Maybe it was never meant to be, though I can’t help but wish…”
The pirate captain leaned into your side, but this time, it was not for the sake of invading your mental walls, but for providing a sense of strength and comfort amidst your crumbling composure. Luffy doesn’t speak for a long moment, but when he does, it’s quieter than you had ever expected from him.
“You’re not happy here, so why stay?”
“There’s not much I can do about it but mind my own business and find joy anyways. I just hope someday I can see the world, find people to share my joy with.” Swallowing the emotional response bubbling up, you’re caught off guard when Luffy places a hand on your arm.
“Join our crew,” Luffy’s gaze is intense, burning a hole through you as he bores into your soul. His words brokered no room for refusal, and the fierce protectiveness tinged with desperation was enough to stun you. Luffy had a strange habit of tearing down all your walls, every protective mechanism designed to keep people from looking closer.
“I,” you didn’t know what to say.
“You know Sanji’s the best cook, and Nami is the best navigator, and Zoro is the best swordsman, and Usopp is the best sniper and Chopper is the best doctor and-“
“And I’d just get in the way.” You frowned, looking down at the curves of your body that didn’t change no matter how many years you’d trained.
“You’re a good fighter, and besides. All you gotta do is what everyone else does- what only you can do. I think we need you.”
“You do? What does that even mean? How do you know…” You trailed off, more confused than ever.
“I don’t know. Just a feeling I guess.” His words made you laugh incredulously, but they also made you seriously consider it.
“Are you sure you’re not going to regret it?” You ask, picking at your fingernails anxiously.
Luffy grinned at you, as if you’d handed him a key to the world. “That’s a yes, right? Good.” He seemed to decide for you, taking your lack of protest for agreement. He wasn’t wrong, but still.
He slid off the bed and coaxed you under the blanket, settling cross-legged on the floor with his back to the bed frame.
By the time you’d thought long enough about it to have more questions, you looked over and Luffy was fast asleep, head tilted back and eyes closed, but mouth wide open. He let out a snore that punctuated the assessment, and somehow you drift off to sleep unbothered by the noise.
Some part of your consciousness registered the two presences in closest proximity, a measure of safety and security that eased you into a dreamless sleep.
Quick shout out to the Down syndrome kid from my after-school program back when I was in grade school. Like yea he had the usual issues but he was a sweetheart and quite funny; and one day both his parents showed up at the same time to pick him up and I had the experience of meeting a family of genetically disabled people that had jobs and a home and a kid in school and it was a profoundly normalizing experience for me like I couldn’t take eugenicists seriously after that because like “no they totally can have whole entire meaningful lives with marriage and children and work and hobbies have you not met Dennis??” Anyway quick shout out to Dennis you were a real one
Without fail, every time a woman is talking about how she does not want to have children and never wants to be pregnant and how medical professionals, romantic interests and family members keep trying to bulldoze her decision and keep expecting her to change her mind because motherhood is something that is expected of all women and it is abhorrent to think a woman could not desire it, a random mother spawns in the comments to be like “Well, actually, you never know! I didn’t want children and then I got pregnant and I realized I love being a mama and I have five little babies now! Could happen to you! 🥰”
Sister, keep that to yourself or make your own goddamn post, you are ignoring that woman’s central concern and belittling her, you don’t even think you’re doing it. Formerly childfree women who ended up having children and loving it are like detransitioners in the sense that there is nothing inherently wrong with changing your mind about having children or realizing you were mistaken about your gender identity but immediately weaponizing your indecision to tell people that the barriers to healthcare and the violations of their bodily autonomy and the way society ignores that person’s wishes is actually okay because you were wrong. Some people do know themselves.
Seeing people I know and like using AI is making me understand the protagonists of those old time sci fi dystopia's.
"Oh I don't normally use AI, I just wanted it to plan my trip"
You lived on this planet for decades, you know what you like, there are hundreds of websites where you can type into any search engine " things to do in [area]" and have at least a hundred different options.
"Oh I only use it so I can figure out what to make during the week with what I have"
The most popular website as you type in "recipes" into google have sections where you click dinner- quick and easy and those usually rely on staples + 1 or 2 items. I found 30 recipes on chicken alone.
"I had a writing idea, so I typed a few sentences into Chat GPT and I was able to write 20 pages with it."
i think fat girls should walk around in crop tops booty shorts buzzcuts dyed hair piercings no bra killing and maiming all who stand in their way with weapons before sitting down for some yummy ice cream and so forth. it's the only way.
So what I think is that there's this default belief in patriarchy that men are superior to women and therefore the "masculine" sphere is superior to the "feminine" sphere. And so, as feminists have fought to expand the number of allowable female activities, men (on the aggregate over generations) have retreated from those activities because they're now seen as "feminine", and so partaking in them is incommensurate with their belief in their own superiority. And, unfortunately, as this has progressed, this has resulted in a lot of men sectioning themselves off from, frankly, everything that actually makes being alive worthwhile. It's a misery spiral, and the only way out is to abandon male supremacy.
#men gave up deep friendships and reading and poetry and colourful fashion#all things that used to be considered manly in the 19th century#they're currently giving up on studying law and medecine#it's so stupid and sad
(I mean, the colourful fashion was more of an eighteenth century thing, but yeah)
#more women in higher education meaning fewer men is incredibly depressing to me. funny in a sad way#what happens when women will finally get into trades? will they just stop working
gracieabrams
snowghoul
vaporwave
pixelskylines
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origamiaround
