Luffy isn’t used to feelings he can’t punch or laugh off… so when his chest starts doing something weird every time you’re around, he’s convinced something is very wrong.
(ft. the Straw Hats immediately figuring it out before he does)
The first time Luffy realizes something is different, it’s because he forgets about food.
Which is, frankly, a crisis.
Sanji has just set down a plate piled high with meat—perfectly cooked, steaming, calling to him—and yet Luffy is… not eating it.
Instead, he’s staring.
Not at the meat.
At you.
You’re laughing at something Usopp said, head tilted slightly, eyes bright in that way that makes Luffy feel like the sun has decided to sit right next to him instead of in the sky.
“Oi,” Zoro mutters from across the table, already suspicious. “Why aren’t you eating?”
Luffy doesn’t answer because something is happening in his chest. Something weird. Something tight and fluttery and loud. Like a drum he can’t turn off.
You laugh again, and Luffy’s heart goes boom.
“…I think I’m sick,” he announces.
It becomes a problem. A big problem. Because now every time you’re around, Luffy acts… strange.
He trips over nothing. He talks too fast. He forgets what he was saying halfway through a sentence and just stares at you like you’ve said something incredibly important—even if all you did was ask him to pass the salt.
“Here!” he says one afternoon, shoving an entire plate into your hands instead.
“I just needed the salt…”
“Yeah! I know! Food is good!”
“…Luffy, this is your lunch.”
“Oh.”
He doesn’t take it back.
You blink at him.
He grins, a little too wide. A little too bright.
“…you can have it.”
Which is deeply concerning.
You stare at the plate. Then at him and back at the plate.
“…are you sure?”
Luffy nods immediately.
“Yep!”
A pause. A moment where something in his brain finally catches up with his mouth.
“…wait.”
He reaches forward suddenly, grabbing the edge of the plate before you can move.
“Just half.”
“…what?”
“Half,” he repeats, already pulling a portion back with zero shame. “I still need food.”
“Okay, something is wrong with the captain,” Nami says later, arms crossed.
“He gave away food,” Usopp adds, voice shaking like he’s recounting a ghost story.
Sanji drops the tray he’s holding. “He what?!”
All eyes turn to Luffy.
Luffy, who is lying flat on the deck, staring up at the sky like it has personally betrayed him.
“…my chest feels weird,” he says.
Zoro snorts. “You ate something bad.”
“I didn’t eat anything bad!”
Zoro pauses, then slowly turns his head toward him, actually paying attention now.
“…you gave away your food?”
“…half,” Luffy corrects quickly.
Zoro’s eyes narrow. “You’re not okay.”
Luffy jolts upright, grabbing the front of his shirt. “I know! It does this thing when they’re around like... like...” He flails his hands wildly. “Boom boom boom boom!”
“Your heart is beating,” Nami says dryly.
“No, it’s different! It’s loud!”
Sanji narrows his eyes.
Then slowly… painfully slowly… realization dawns.
“Oh.”
“Oh?” Usopp echoes.
“Oh,” Sanji repeats, pinching the bridge of his nose. “He’s in love.”
Luffy freezes.
“…what?”
“No way,” Luffy says immediately.
“Yes way,” Nami replies.
“Definitely way,” Usopp adds.
“Hey! Don’t say it like that!” Luffy protests.
“YOU DID ASK!” Usopp yells.
Luffy looks back down at his chest like it’s personally responsible for this betrayal.
“…love?”
The word feels weird in his mouth. Like something too big and too soft and too serious all at once.
“…that’s when you want to eat all your food with someone, right?”
Sanji sighs deeply. “It’s a little more than that.”
“…oh.”
Luffy frowns.
Because now that he thinks about it…
He does want to eat with you... And laugh with you... Sit next to you, hear you talk. Make you laugh again.
You’re just sitting on the railing, watching the ocean, peaceful and quiet, and Luffy suddenly feels like his entire body has forgotten how to function.
Okay, he thinks. I just go talk to them.
Easy.
Simple.
He takes one step forward.
Stops.
What do I say?
He has no idea.
“Hey!”
You turn. Smile.
And Luffy’s brain completely shuts off.
“…meat,” he blurts.
There is a pause.
“…what?”
“Do you want—no—I mean—I like—no—wait—”
He flails.
Actually flails.
Hands everywhere, words nowhere, face scrunched up in pure frustration.
You blink at him. Then… you laugh. Not in a mean way. Just warm. Soft. Like you always do.
And suddenly, the tight feeling in his chest eases just a little.
“…you’re acting weird,” you say gently.
“I KNOW!”
You laugh again.
And Luffy thinks—
Oh. That’s it. That’s the feeling.
“I think I like you,” he says.
Just like that. No buildup. No grand speech. No plan. Just honest and a little too loud.
Your laughter fades into something softer.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” He nods quickly. “Like... when you laugh, it’s my favorite thing. And when you’re not around, it’s kinda boring. And I wanna give you food... even my food... and that’s really important.”
“…that is really important.”
“And my chest does the boom thing! A lot!”
You smile at him, eyes warm.
“That sounds serious.”
“It is!” he insists. “So I think...” he pauses, thinking very hard, “...I think that means I like you. Like… a lot.”
There’s a quiet moment.
The ocean sways gently behind you. The ship creaks.
Luffy watches you, suddenly unsure in a way he’s not used to, like the answer matters more than anything.
You step closer.
“I think…” you start softly, “I like you too.”
Luffy blinks.
“…you do?”
You smile, a little shy now.
“Yeah. I like being around you. And when you’re not there, it feels… off.” You glance down, then back up at him. “So I think… that means I like you a lot too.”
For a second, he just stares at you.
Processing.
You reach out and take his hand.
Luffy goes very, very still.
“…okay,” you say softly.
“…okay?” he echoes.
“Yeah.”
His grin spreads instantly. Bright, wide, completely unstoppable.
“Okay!!”
He squeezes your hand a little too tight, bouncing slightly on his feet.
“So, does this mean you’ll eat with me?”
You laugh.
“Yeah, Luffy. I’ll eat with you.”
“YES!”
He immediately starts dragging you toward the kitchen.
“I’m telling Sanji! He needs to make more food! This is important!”
“…Luffy”
“And we can sit together! And you can laugh again! Do the laugh thing!”
You shake your head, smiling, letting him pull you along.
And somewhere between the chaos and the laughter and the way he refuses to let go of your hand, Luffy’s chest does that thing again.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
This time, though, he knows exactly what it means.
— 🌊 —
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request from anon: Hiiiii! First of all, I want to say that I love your imagines, and your writing is impeccable! Could you write an imagine of Luffy proposing to the reader? Thank you!
RULES AND MASTERLIST
Hello! Thank you for requesting!! :))) Thank you, and to everyone else, who reads my fics! It makes me feel nice and warm whenever I read a nice comment from you guys! :D
I originally wanted to upload this on my birthday (next week!), but I felt bad for not uploading for a month!
Also! Thank you for 300 followers (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)!!!!
word count: 4k
cw: fluff, established relationship, a little cringe, fem!reader, nervous Luffy, mentions of Luffy's trauma, swearing, proposing, kissing, minor spoilers if you are not caught up to Wano, no usage of Y/N, not proofread
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The afterparty in the Flower Capital was loud and inviting, the people of Wano celebrating the defeat of Kaido and their subsequent freedom — none the wiser that the man who lead that freedom was sitting running around beside them because he did not want to be seen as a hero. He didn't want a pirate to be the reason for their freedom, so he passed that on to Momonosuke.
Luffy, the newest Emperor of the Sea, ran around with Yamato — playing games and eating all of the food he could get. Why wouldn't he? It was all free food because it was a celebration, that is essentially a wet dream for him.
"Yama-o!" Luffy shouted to the man who was literally right beside him, beaming up at him with his cheeks puffed out with food, "Lesh goh ov'r dere!" He pointed to another food stand with a hand that was currently holding a skewer, hopping on his feet as he already started to run over without waiting for a response.
Yamato grinned, but quickly stammered as he realized that he was just left behind, "W-Wait up, Luffy!" He laughed, chasing after the rubber captain with heavy footfalls.
You had watched them run past you, shaking your head fondly as you turn your attention back to Tama — who was patiently seated on your lap as you did her hair, "Uwahh! Big bro sure has a lot of energy!" Tama admired, shifting in your lap as if Luffy's energy transferred to her and made her want to chase him.
"He sure does," You tell her gently, easing her to sit still on your lap again so her hair wasn't messed up from the movement. You looked up in the direction he went once more, only to find that he was no longer beside Yamato. The man in question was now beside Momonosuke, his expression seemingly nervous as he avoids looking in your direction altogether. Your captain, your boyfriend, was missing.
Your relationship with Luffy had started a good two years ago now, just after Enies Lobby had happened — just after Luffy got his act together and realized that he really should start taking things more seriously lest he want to lose the people he loves again. That feeling bled into how he handled himself as a captain and into his relationships with the crew. He was closer to them now, more protective, but all the more so with you. You had joined the crew a little after Nami had, but before Usopp, when they stopped at a small island before Syrup Village. You were cool to him, so he had simply asked you.
You agreed because you were bored… and because it felt nice to belong.
According to what Robin had told you, he had the conversation about feelings with his grandpa first after their brief squabble cooled down — in the quieter moments after he learned (and frankly didn't care) who his father was. Then according to Nami, who denied ever eavesdropping despite giving you information that was only obtained though eavesdropping, he had asked Koby and Helmeppo during his conversation with them. She mentioned that the two men startled so bad that they fell off the rock they were on, but still gave him the best advice they could despite being single men themselves — and that Luffy only really listened to what Koby said.
He had finally asked the question after Usopp rejoined the crew, after they escaped his grandpa with a coup de burst — while his adrenaline was still high and he couldn't chicken out of it. You said yes, and you hadn't regretted it since.
Technically speaking, your relationship was only a few months long due to the two years you spent separated from him. That didn't matter to either of you though, as you still loved each other completely during that time — you were his motivation to get stronger. He wanted to protect you better. He also wanted to protect the whole crew, but he really wanted to be enough for you. He knew if you were there that you would tell him that he already was enough, but at that moment he didn't feel like he was.
He couldn't even protect his brother who was right in front of him. How could he ever protect you if he couldn't save him? You're strong, he knows that… but so was Ace. Ace was strong, but he died protecting him because he was too weak to do it himself. At times, he believed that it should have been him instead.
At least that was what he told himself when it happened. He knows now that he did save Ace, in more ways than one. He knows Ace spent most of his life believing he was a demon, a man who should be dead. That was part of his dream, wasn't it? To have proof of his life that wasn't tied to who his father was? In the end, he got that and more. He realized that he was allowed to live, to be born, to be loved. He found his family in Luffy and Sabo, in Dadan and the mountain bandits, in Whitebeard and his crew. He lived regretting the fact he was born, but he died without it. Luffy did save him, but Ace saved him as well.
Because that is what true freedom is, isn't it? To choose how you live? But also to choose how you die?
If Ace never died, if Luffy had escaped with him… What then? He had no reason to believe he was too weak. They would have gone back to Sabaody, and he would have lost everything.
He came to that realization, and he also realized that he loved you. He wanted to be with you for the rest of his life, which Rayleigh had informed him was something called marriage. So when you reunited two years later, he told you he loved you for the first time — but he kept wimping out with proposing to you. There are multiple forms of strength, he had guessed.
Of course, you weren't worried all that much that you couldn't see him anymore. It was a party, it was safe with all of the straw hats and allies littered about, and Luffy was strong enough to defend himself against anyone here — but you were just briefly confused. Weren't him and Yamato having fun? Why would he abruptly ditch him?
Looking around, you noticed that a few other Straw Hats were also missing. You knew Nami and Robin were nearby, with Sanji naturally following them while swooning, but now the three of them were missing alongside Luffy.
You frowned, carefully getting up and easing Tama onto the bench you were sitting on, "Stay here with big bro Zoro for a little bit, alright? I'll be back in a moment to finish your hair," You tell her calmly, motioning to Zoro who just so happened to be sitting nearby. Said man opened his eye briefly in acknowledgement with a grunt, allowing Tama to bother him. As much as he would deny it to the grave, he is a softy.
After you had walked off, Usopp and Franky had approached where you previously were. Usopp paused, blinking in confusion at the fact that you were no longer there. He slowly looked over at Zoro.
"Zoro," Usopp questioned, his tone slightly wobbling with rising nerves. Not because he was scared of Zoro, but at the fact you were not there, "Where did she go? The bathroom, right Zoro? Zoro, please tell me she went to the bathroom."
Zoro didn't open his eye, but his tone was both irritated and confused, "No. She went to find the rubber moron," He grumbled, not fully grasping why Usopp was so startled all of a sudden.
The sound that left Usopp was one of pure panic, causing Tama to also become worried, "ZORO!" Usopp shouted, grabbing Zoro by the shoulders and shaking him, "ZORO! You idiot! Don't you get it?!"
Zoro was awake now, completely irritated as he squinted his eye at Usopp, "Knock it off, long-nose! What's the big deal?!" He looked behind Usopp at Franky, hoping for some assistance — but the cyborg just shook his head in disapproval.
Usopp let go of Zoro's shoulders, pacing back and forth for a moment while muttering. He abruptly stopped, pointing at Zoro, "It's the big day, dumbass! We have to find her before she finds him!"
Zoro paused, racking his brain for what Usopp meant. The gears turned, and his eyes widen when it finally clicked, "…Shit," He muttered, ready to get up. Franky, though, pushed him back down.
"Stay here, bro," Franky suggested, pointing his large thumb at Tama, "You need to watch her."
"Hah?? But I know what direction she went!"
"Sorry pal, but that means nothing coming from you."
"Why, you—"
"ENOUGH!" Usopp shouted in a panic, already turning to find Chopper, "We do not have time for this!"
Franky nodded, pointing two fingers at his eyes before turning them to Zoro. Zoro scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched the duo go and search for Chopper. Tama, from beside him, tugged at his sleeve in curiosity. "Big bro? What does 'big day' mean?"
Zoro stared ahead for a moment before smirking, his eye closing again, "It means you are possibly going to have a big sister-in-law."
Tama gasped.
Back with Usopp and Franky, and now Chopper in walk point as he sniffed after your scent, was chaotic. They had quickly asked Chopper to start tracking after declaring it "code red: she moved." Chopper abruptly lifted his head, stopping in his tracks as he looked off in a direction.
"This way!" He called, galloping off. Usopp yelped, quickly running after him with Franky in tow. They ran through the celebration, weaving through the confused partygoers, and to the outskirts of the Flower Capital where it was more reserved — private to the world unless you explicitly came looking.
They stopped at the base of a hill, Usopp hunched forwards with his hands on his knees and he heaves out heavy breaths. They did not even have a moment to gather themselves as Nami, Robin, and Sanji came down from the top — Nami grabbing Usopp's shoulder to drag him away while whispering something aggressively to him. Turns out, they were a little too late in stopping you as you were already at the peak of the incline with Luffy, but luckily you were still none the wiser. Usopp, Chopper, and Franky quickly leave with the trio.
Up on the hill, overlooking the celebration as the lanterns flickered in the sky like a second set of stars, you were alone with Luffy. You tilt your head, grabbing his hand as you stood in front of him. He seemed nervous, uncharacteristically so, and that concerned you. "Is everything alright, Lu?" You asked him, your thumb gently rubbing over his knuckles.
He hesitated, scratching the back of his head as he looked away from you — as if worried that looking at you would make him blurt out whatever was going on in his head. He may be impulsive, not one to think about his actions, but this was something that he wanted to do right.
"Y— Yeah, s'fine. Why'd think it's not? Everythin' s'good," He stammered, scrambling for any words that would belay any notion that he was nervous. It didn't work, because Luffy's face was anything if not honest.
You blinked, your thumb stilling on his hand. You were confused. He would never not tell you anything, especially when it came to his emotions. You were the one person besides Jinbe that he confided with when it came to Ace, or even the stresses that came from being captain when everyone else thought he was fine.
He sighed before you could question him, releasing your hand to turn away from you. His hands rub down his face a few times before slapping his cheeks and going loose at his side. He bounces in place, hyping himself up before turning and facing you again. His cheeks were red, but you didn't know if that was because he hit himself or for another reason.
"I love ya," He blurted out, his brows furrowed in his seriousness. You blinked, a bit stunned at his abruptness and the fact that you just watched him hype himself up.
"I love—" You paused when his finger came up, shushing you. He shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Sorry. Jus'… let me do this first," He mumbled, his arm dropping as he looked down at the ground. His foot kicked at the dirt beneath him, his hand coming up to punch his arm like he were trying to wake himself up — like he was not convinced he was really about to do this.
Your hand came up to stop that action, knowing he would have done it too hard. He inhaled, nodding a quick thanks to you before looking up at you again. He grabbed both of your hands, because maybe your touch would center him in reality.
It did.
"I love ya," He repeated, this time not taking his eyes off of you, "Like… Like a lot."
You nod, letting him speak because he had already shushed you once.
"Like, uhm, more than y'know. More than meat, swear!" He grinned, though it was wobbly and nervous, "Can't imagine of any… ah— any…"
He paused, thinking of a good word to relay the scope of his feelings, "Universe. Yeah. Any universe where ya aren't with me," he nods quickly, as if proud of himself for what he said, "If there is one, I don't like it. S'not right."
Your heartbeat sped up, your eyes widening as your brain slowly caught up with what was happening. You don't say anything, not wanting to ruin it for him, but your grip tightened on his hands.
"M'not good at the… romance talk. S'more've Sanji's thing," He laughed nervously, looking to the side for only a moment before looking back at you, "But I love ya, so… so I gotta try."
"Ever since we've been separated, er… physically separated," He clarified, cringing at himself because you had obviously already known what he had meant, "I— I wanted this. Real bad. Couldn't stop thinkin' about how I wanted t'tell ya. Had it planned out for all th'way back in Sabaody — when we got back. Got scared."
Your eyes soften. You knew it wasn't easy for Luffy to admit when he was scared. Genuinely scared, that is.
"Can't wait longer though. Could'a lost ya," He says, closing his eyes with a scowl to rid himself of the thought. He wasn't wrong, either. During the raid on Onigashima, you had gotten inflicted with the Ice Oni virus from Queen. If it weren't for Marco halting the virus long enough for Chopper to create the antibody, he likely would have lost you.
"I'm okay now, Luffy," You reassure him, and he opens his eyes again. He looks over your body, almost confirming his reality once more to soothe the growing agitation in his veins. You were fine. Chopper took care of you. You are here, holding his hands, looking at him with love and care.
"I know. But I can't wait any longer," He nods, releasing your hands just to clasp them together in a prayer position between his. He seemed frustrated, not knowing how to word this elegantly like Sanji had told him. He wanted to, but… would that really be him?
Would making it sound like a prince really sound like it were coming from his heart and not just the script someone else had given him? If he were really going to do this, would that be what you wanted?
Sure, he had gone to Nami and Robin for advice first and Sanji later because he happened to overhear it. Sanji had given him a list on things he should do, only half of it he remembered. Nami had told him not to be an idiot, and don't make it sound forced. Robin just told him to be himself, to do what he thought was best.
At first, he thought Robin gave bad advice simply because Nami and Sanji had structure to what they said while she just told him to not overthink it. How could he not overthink it? He didn't know what he was doing, he needed the guidance.
But Sanji and Nami didn't know what they were doing either, did they? Sure, Sanji had been engaged before — but that was against his will. Something he thought he had to do to save his family of bastards and his sister, to save Zeff and the Baratie, to save the crew he loves. Nami had also never been married, so maybe she was just saying things that she wanted in a proposal — but that wasn't you.
You didn't date him for formality — for words that were minced and careful. You date him because he is him. Unapologetically. So maybe Robin's advice was the best, but he was too caught up in what "perfect" could be that he disregarded it.
He said your name with a reverence you had only heard in the bedroom, in moments alone with him — his hands tightening around yours, "I… I can't—"
He paused again. Because technically he could, as much as he didn't want to admit it. If you said no, you would likely still stay on the crew. At most you would still date him, just not ready for the next step. Neutrally, you would just be his friend. At worst, a fate he didn't want to happen, you would leave him and the crew because you couldn't bare to be on the same ship with the man you rejected. He shook his head rapidly, that thought upsetting him because he couldn't bare it.
But this wasn't a situation like it had been with Sanji where he almost left for good, you were still here and likely would still be here even if you say no. He could become pirate king still
"I don't want t'be King of the Pirates without ya by m'side," He rephrased, his eyes shining with devotion and unwavering hope, "I want to find the One Piece with you, I want to be completely free with you, and—"
He paused, his hands starting to tremble as he pulled them away from yours and reached into his yukata. He pulled out a ring, a bright gold band with a diamond set on the top — smaller gemstones surrounded it and went around the band. It looked expensive, something that you couldn't really believe Nami let him buy — but she had, because it did not look like anything from a treasure haul. You finally realized why Nami was so adamant on trying on rings back at Sabaody.
It wasn't in a box or anything, like he was worried that if he wasn't physically touching it or looking at it he would keep hesitating on doing it. Like seeing it gleam in the sunlight, or under the shine of the stars late at night, gave him the courage. It still shined, too, even outside the box. Like he took inexplicable care of it. More than anything he has previously other than his hat.
"I want you t'be by my side. Forever. Even after I am Pirate King and then some," Luffy spoke softly as he held the ring by its band, his tone wavering like he wanted to cry but held back until he got the answer that would determine which type of tears he would shed, "As… As my… queen of… the pirates…"
He trailed off, his face completely red like he couldn't believe he said something as cheesy as that. He shook off the embarrassment of that line, thrusting the ring out closer to you like a child nervously giving his valentine flowers.
"Please," He just about pleaded, his eyes searching your face, "Marry me. Be my wife."
You stared at him, and then at the ring gripped in his trembling hands, processing it all. You were stunned for a moment even after knowing what was coming. Your heart was beating out of your chest. Your face crumples before you can stop it, tears streaming down your face so quickly that Luffy almost panicked because he hates seeing you cry — but he stopped, because he noticed you were happy.
"Y-Yes, Luffy," You hiccup, nodding as you rub away the tears with minimal success with the heel of your hand, "Yes! I'll marry you..!"
Luffy froze, his eyes widening as he looked at you. He processed your words, taking a moment to really digest what you said. A wide, though wobbly, grin adorned his face — tears of his own leaking out before he could stop it. Not that he cared in the moment.
"Y-Yeah? Yeah!?" He repeats, excited. When you nod, he rushed forwards, almost dropping the ring. He caught it with a yelp, causing you to choke out a laugh, as he grabs your hand to steady the shaking. His own were shaking hard, more than you ever seen from him. You didn't know if it was from excitement or the nerves from it all anymore, but you didn't care.
Carefully, more carefully than he has every been in his life, he eased it onto your ring finger until it was seated snugly at the base. He paused after that, just holding your hand in his as he stares at it — one again confirming that it was real and not a figment of his imagination.
"I'm… I'm so glad," He mutters out, looking up at you with wet eyes. He looked like he was going to say more, but you wrapped your arms around his neck and tugged him down into a kiss. He yelps against your lips before making a pleased noise, tilting his head into it as his arms settle on your waist — tugging you impossibly closer.
The moment was ruined by wailing, and not from you or Luffy. You both pulled back, looking down the hill to see the straw hats — plus Yamato, Tama, and Momonosuke — all poorly hiding in the bushes. Franky was currently being scolded for sobbing loudly by Nami, but she also was tearing up.
"SO SORRY, BROS!" Franky sobbed, "ITS JUST SO… SO… SUPER!"
He wasn't the only one crying, either. Sanji, Chopper, Usopp (though he claimed it was brave tears, despite there being nothing to be brave about), Nami, Yamato, and Momonosuke were all in tears.
"Can't believe that rubber bastard has a wife before me," Sanji wept, but it was clear he was happy for you and the captain. He got hit by Nami pretty quickly, who yelled at him through her own tears.
"THIS ISN'T ABOUT YOU!"
Zoro, though he was smirking, teased the others who were crying, "Not even Tama is crying," He snorted, pointing at Tama with his thumb. Tama's eyes were sparkling, and it seemed that Zoro spoke too soon as she very quickly burst into tears and sprinted up the hill despite Yamato trying to catch her.
"BIG BRO!" She wailed, launching into Luffy's arms so suddenly that he had to let go of you to catch her. Her cheek pressed against his as she cradled his head, "I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!"
Luffy laughs, holding Tama tightly for a moment as he thanks her. You watch fondly, wiping away the remaining tears on your face. Yamato finally scrambled up the hill, taking Tama out of his arms.
"Carry on, you two!" He encouraged as he put Tama on his shoulders, giving them a thumbs up before rushing down the hill again before Tama could protest and start hitting his head.
The eavesdropping group began to disperse, heading back to the party. Luffy turned to you after watching them leave, offering his hand with a smile, "Let's head back?"
You look at his hand for a moment before looking back at his face. His eyes were shining no longer with tears, but overwhelming joy and love. You smiled softly back, taking his hand as he walked with you down the hill.
"So I'm thinkin' 'Monkey' s'a good last name f'ya."
"Luffy…"
"What? I'm bein' honest!"
You laughed, "We'll see."
His laughter rang through the air, louder than the party — but only to you.
“You know, your heartbeat isn’t all that different.”
As you look up at Luffy from your vantage point, your left palm resting on his chest as you turn your ear away from where you were listening carefully, he looks at you quizzically. Your smile is wide as you gaze at him, then you pat his chest gently.
“Why would it be different? I’m just laying here.”
He’s right about this, the two of you have turned in for the night and are just about to sleep, but every so often in these serene moments, you’ve sometimes wondered if you’d ever be able to catch a glimpse of something different in his pulse ever since the events that played out at Wano.
He has a heart that has stopped, started, experienced all sorts of arrhythmias… you have heard that in some ancient medical traditions, a thousand conditions could be gleaned from just close attention to the steady (or not so steady) rhythmic thump of someone’s heart, that you could learn so much about someone from every beat -
And yet, Luffy sounds regular, steady, just like he’s always been, which isn’t particularly upsetting nor is it exciting.
However, the familiarity of it does put you at ease naturally. You press your ear against him again to listen and inhale slowly, then exhale, consolidating all your senses into just one.
Lub-dub. Lub-dub. Lub-dub.
“Do you want to know what it sounds like when I transform?” Luffy asks. His palm comes to a rest on the top of your head, a soft caress of your hair accompanying the question. His voice is lower, quieter than usual, perhaps because he’s already sleepy since it is the middle of the night and he’s starting to wind down from the day.
“No, not now. I just…” your voice trails off as you close your eyes.
Lub-dub. Lub-dub. Lub-dub.
Trillions and trillions of people have heartbeats just like this. But this one, his heartbeat, is the one you might cherish the most.
You’re entranced, pulling closer to him as you relish in this sound that reminds you that he’s here with you, always, connected. With two free fingers, you feel your own pulse in your neck.
Not the exact same rate - yours a little faster, a little fainter, but you’re both still here. Together.
“Are you okay?”
Your mind naturally runs a mile a minute, a train of thought often too fast for him to catch up to before he decides to give up on trying to match it and decides to wrangle it into comprehension. An arm curls over your waist and he shifts easily until he’s atop you in bed. He’s careful to be light on your body as he supports his weight while he looks deeply into your eyes.
“What are you thinking?” Luffy asks, finally. Deep brown eyes run over your body; you’ve already had sex tonight - he could very easily indulge in more but rest is a good idea too sometimes, he figures.
Your arms wrap loosely around his neck.
“That I’m happy your heart is always beating.”
His eyebrows knit in confusion for a moment, but then just as quickly he eases into a smile and dips low to kiss you on the forehead, before letting just a little bit more of his weight rest onto you. His warmth and pressure is just as comforting as the sound of blood coursing through his body, as his indomitable spirit.
“I’m happy about that too. And yours, of course,” he says, cheerfully.
“I love you, Luffy. Your heart better never stop beating,” you declare.
He laughs, letting his face bury into your neck as he nips at it, kisses sleepier and sloppier over time. His chest presses against yours and you feel it again, every beat after beat.
“If yours keeps beating, mine will too. They’re talking to each other, like best friends,” he teases.
His hands run the length of your arms, searching for your fingers; you slip your fingers in between his naturally.
“Like lovers,” you correct him in a teasing voice.
“Like lovers,” he repeats affectionately. His eyelids lower languidly, and he murmurs the words, “I love you.”
He’s dozing off, his heartbeat slowing against your body. Your body clings naturally around him even as he slips carefully to the side so he doesn’t suffocate you.
“Love you,” he repeats again, drowsy. You press your head against his chest again, to let that steady heartbeat, one amongst trillions, but a sound so terribly precious to you, lull you to sleep.
Content: fell first, fell harder trope, alternate versions, some death, lots of fluffy love, kinda like a choose your own ending
Word Count: 870+
A/N: This was 1) inspired by the fell first fell harder trend cause I was thinking Luffy would do well as both and 2) it's inspired by this short story I read for one of my classes called "Happy Endings" by Margaret Atwood (it's very fun), which is where I got the idea for the different versions of the story! I hope you all enjoy!
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Luffy fell first and he fell harder.
No matter the circumstances.
A.
At a single glance, Luffy fell for you and you fell just as fast. He’s gravitating towards you just as you gravitate towards him. There hardly needs to be a single word spoken between you two past a simple greeting because you two just know. It’s as if your very souls know--as if they’d been calling out for each other your whole lives. Two sides of the same coin is what you two are.
He helps your island. You help his crew. He asks you to join his crew and you agree before he can even finish the question.
Where one is found, the other is right there too. There is rarely anywhere you two go alone. Many a crew member have commented “if they could crawl into each other's skin, they would have a long time ago.”
You fall harder and harder for each other the longer and longer you two are together. You’ll follow him wherever he goes, just as he will follow you and you both will do so till you are old and gray and wrinkled. You two will follow each other into death’s embrace and live together forever in whatever sunny afterlife awaits you.
B.
Luffy saw you, working for the enemy, yet still fell. He could see your pain--your struggle for survival and wants to help.
You don’t. You see him as a thorn in your side. Someone in the way of your plans. You don’t want or need his help. You joined your Captain's crew for a reason and no amount of love Luffy gives you is going to change that.
Luffy can’t get you out of his head and he can’t help but keep falling harder for you. Not when you stand for the same things he stands for, no matter how you choose to go about it.
Fighting occurs. The Straw Hats win. You are left beaten and bruised and, even when you fought against his family--when you tried to kill them--he extends a hand out for you. He wants you to take it so badly. Wants you to be free with him and yet you spit at his feet. You can’t fathom why he would offer you any amount of love.
He offers you the freedom you’ve been craving so easily. You hate it. You reject it.
You limp away, never once turning back to look at him.
Luffy understands, no matter his disappointment, and walks away too.
He believes you’ll meet again and when the time comes, he’ll offer his hand for you to take once more.
C.
Luffy falls for you the moment you give him an extra loaf of bread he didn’t have the berri to afford. You gave it to him because of his smile and warmth--things he wants to keep sharing with you as long as you will let him.
Luffy saves you from a band of bandits raiding your bakery and you fall for him hard. You keep falling for him over and over again the longer you follow him across the Grand Line.
You two spend day after day together. Neither one of you ever wants to let go of the other. You two are happy and oh so carefree within each other's arms.
The Straw Hats face off against an unforgiving foe. It’s a hard battle. The crew can hardly find the strength to keep on fighting, not when their bodies are beaten beyond repair.
You’re injured too. Bad.
Luffy sees this and defeats the big bad at just the last minute.
Chopper can’t get to you in time.
Luffy loves you even when you are no longer in this world with him. He’ll love you till the day he leaves it too.
D.
You’re a part of the enemy's crew and yet Luffy falls for you the moment you shed a tear for the village your boss has just destroyed.
Luffy wants to save you. You want him to save you too.
You help Luffy even when you know doing so has put a target on your back. Though, with your extra help, Luffy and his crew defeat your former one. He asks you to join him--to sail around the world and help whoever you wish to help. You join him with hardly a second thought and do just that.
Everyday Luffy is around you, the more you two talk and laugh with each other, harder and harder he falls. You fall right back and you fall hard because he has become your best friend.
You follow him throughout his journey and he helps you learn to love yourself despite all the bad from your past.
E.
You believe you’ve fallen first for Luffy and are stuck in a constant battle against your own emotions because you believe Luffy has only ever viewed you as a friend--a fellow crewmate.
Luffy believes you two have been together ever since you joined his crew--has loved you since then. Nami even told him this--that you liked him and he thought that was that. He loves you and you love him, therefore you were his.
Robin tells you this one day and you only fall harder for him.
First time writing for Luffy, so I hope I did well!
Summary: Getting up for a late-night snack with Luffy, they get nearly get caught by Sanji, who always yells at fluffy for sneaking in the fridge at night, hiding together, and learning how close they are while enjoying a late-night snack on the Sunny...
Warnings: Slight Swearing (That's about it!)
Word Count: .8k
"Luffy, is that you?" Yawning and rubbing my eyes while making my way to the kitchen, I could hear his stomach rumbling, his eyes still closed as he nodded, walking into the kitchen and mumbling:
"I'm hungryyyy."
"Me too," I yawned, following in behind him, seeing him trying to budge the fridge open, but Sanji had put a lock on it just because of Luffy:
"Why does Sanji have to do this to me?!"
"Shhh," I hushed, stepping up and unlocking the fridge, "Sanji will be pissed if he knows I let you in the fridge, so try to stay quiet."
"Okay," He whispered, giggling and rummaging through the fridge, exclaiming, "You're the best, Y/N! There's so much yummy food in here!"
"Luffy!" I scolded quietly, "I said be qui-"
"LUFFY! IF YOU'RE IN THE KITCHEN EATING ALL THE FOOD, I SWEAR TO GOD!"
Just great, Sanji was awake.
I stared at Luffy with fire in my eyes, "Just great. He's going to flip on us."
"Not if he doesn't know where we are," He laughed, shoving the food into my hands before wrapping up with his rubber arm, "Hold on to that with your life, got it?"
"Huh?" Seized in his arm, Luffy took off and out of the kitchen before Sanji could get there, jumping to the deck, his free arm shooting up to the crow's nest, making me squeal as we flung to the top:
"WOAH!"
"Shhh!" Luffy was one to try and silence me, eyes peeking over the crow's nest to see Sanji searching for him:
"Got damn it, Luffy! Just wait till I find you!"
Slouching back against the floor, Luffy giggled, taking the food from my arms, "He didn't see us. We're in the clear."
"For now," I huffed, staring at the dark sky till he held a piece of meat over my face, mumbling out of his full mouth:
"You said you were hungry, right?"
"Yeah, thanks," I smiled tiredly, taking the meat and chowing it down with him.
"It's good, right?" Luffy smiled at me, sitting up as Sanji was gone now, devouring the food we took.
"Really good," I yawned, relaxing back as just that one piece of meat satisfied my hunger, staring at the full, bright moon as Luffy laid back with me, shivering slightly at the wind passing by, freezing as I felt Luffy's arm around me, sliding closer to me.
I stared at him, a bit confused, and he tilted his head at me, confused himself as he asked:
"What? You were shivering, so I thought you were cold."
"It is a little chilly," I swallowed, looking back up to the sky, "I just want to enjoy the view for a moment."
"Enjoy it," He nodded, looking at me and keeping me close, "And I'll keep you warm till you're done."
Never in a million years did I imagine that someone would make me feel so flustered, let alone that specific someone being my captain! Although, he was warm and oblivious as always when he saw the flustered look on my face:
"The cold getting you sick or something? Why are you making that face?"
"No, Luffy," I sighed, nervous and whispering, "You realize we're practically cuddling, right?"
"Do you not like cuddles?" I only kept on confusing him. It wasn’t that I didn’t like cuddles; I was just so nervous; trying to explain to him:
"I just-I never-"
I had never been in a situation like this, and his goofy but pure ways made me smile as he gasped:
"Oh, you don't know how! It's easy!"
Fixing me against his chest, our legs intertwining, he showed that he had no idea what he was doing by whispering under his breath:
"At least, I think that's how you're supposed to cuddle."
"It's fine," I smiled at him softly, that bright smile of his making me happy like it always did, my heart skipping beats as he placed his hand on my head, keeping it against his chest and playing with my hair, whispering:
"Now, you can enjoy the moon and stay warm."
"Thank you, Luffy," I whispered, curling up against him, staring at the moon, and my brain flooded with thoughts and emotions I never felt before.
Why did I feel happier than ever right now? So peaceful and content? Why did I not want to leave Luffy's arms? I started to realize what I was feeling, and it was a lot to process because Luffy wasn't just anyone; he was my captain.
"Hey, Luffy-" I was going to attempt to maybe talk to him about how I felt, but when I picked up my head, he was fast asleep, snoring, and he looked so adorable.
I didn't want to disrupt his peace, laying back against his chest, whispering even though I knew he couldn't hear me:
Summary: You never seem to like sleep but with Luffy there, sleep isn't so scary.
Content: gender-neutral reader, Luffy being a love bug as usual, set on the Thousand Sunny, Sanji mentioned
Word Count: 880+
A/N: Cause I will never and can never get enough of love bug Luffy like he's too good SOB like can I just get one hug from him? Please? I hope you all enjoy!
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The deck of the Thousand Sunny was quiet.
A rare occasion when the crew you belong a part of was as rowdy and chaotic as they came.
Night had fallen on this part of the Grand Line, and though your crew members were not quiet sleepers, their rooms lay on the other side of the Sunny, leaving you in the silence of night. Silence only broken up by the dark waters below lapping at the hull of the ship.
You’d been a part of Luffy’s crew for a long while now. They were your family. Your comfort but nights never ceased in being a battle for you.
You were used to it. It was a battle you had waged since you were little. Though now you had company here and there, joining Robin in her own sleepless nights in the library. Tonight, though, she had found sleep it seemed.
You were happy for her. Very much so but…it left you alone in your discomfort.
You hugged your knees a bit tighter from where you sat at the stern of the ship, peeking out at the sea through the white rungs of the railing.
Your eyes burned in exhaustion, body feeling all too heavy.
All you wanted was to sleep, but every time you closed your eyes, shadows came to haunt you.
So you kept them trained on the sea. On the moonlight shimmering over it’s waves and the occasional sea creature poking its head upward.
Waves lapped at the hull.
The ship rocked like a mother would her child’s crib.
Your eyes blurred.
Eyelids dipped and rose. Dipped and rose. Dipped--
Something landed beside you, startling you from your wearily found sleep. Something that giggled impishly at you.
“Whatcha doin’?” The warm sound of your captain's voice filled your ears. You rolled your head to the side, letting your cheek rest on your knees as you gazed up at Luffy. He grinned widely down at you, eyes trained on you and you alone.
“Just trying to sleep.” You murmured. “What are you doing?” Luffy was quick to kneel beside you, leaning in so close his nose was brushing against yours. You couldn’t help the small tug your lips gave at his closeness.
“Got hungry.” The quietness of his voice wasn’t all too quiet. Maybe two notches turned down from its typical volume. You didn’t mind. It kept your brain full and occupied and away from the shadows plaguing you.
“Oh? And did you wake Sanji up for a snack?” Luffy’s eyes glanced away from you, lips puckering tightly.
“...yes.” You couldn’t help but laugh at his truly horrible lying skills. It was adorable.
“Sanji’ll kill you, you know,” Luffy whined, fingers grabbing hold of the sleeve of your pjs and giving it a small tug.
“But he’s so grumpy when he wakes up.” You gave a small huff in agreement. Sanji was a monster if woken by someone other than the sun or an alarm. Many who tried received a swift kick to the head.
“We can say it was both of us. Maybe he’ll go easy on you then.” You said in amusement. Luffy huffed, all but smacking his forehead into yours, the motion knocking his straw hat from his head.
“Okay.” He groaned pitifully, big old puppy dog eyes gazing straight into yours.
You smiled, letting one of your arms slip from around your legs to snake its way around Luffy. Your captain was quick to scoot closer, face moving from your forehead to bury itself in the crook between your knees and chest. His own arms wrapped around you, pressing you tightly against him.
Your eyes began their tedious dip and rise all over again as Luffy’s warmth seeped through you to the very bone. You moved sluggishly to rest your cheek against his head, wild black hair tickling at your skin.
Dip and rise. Dip and rise. Dip--
“...are you okay?” Luffy’s voice had you lulling your eyes open once more, lips pulling into a sad little frown.
“I’m…I just don’t like to sleep I guess.” You responded, fingertips pressing into Luffy’s warm skin. “Being alone like that…scares me.” Luffy snuggled deeper into you. Held you just a bit tighter.
“I don’t want you to be scared.” You nodded into his hair.
“Me too.” His hands began to make soothing circles into your back. Circles that made the heaviness of your eyes and body feel unbearable to keep at bay.
“Can I help?” You nodded again.
“Stay with me? Till morning? Please?” As soon as the last words left your mouth, Luffy was plopping to sit down. His strong but gentle arms moved you around so that your side was pressed against his chest. Legs and arms wrapped around you, keeping you curled up in his warmth and musky scent.
Keeping you safe.
Your eyes burned in something other than your exhaustion.
You grabbed hold of one of his hands he had stretched to allow the hold. Held it like a lifeline as sleep called to you once more.
“I love you.” You whispered to your captain, who responded with a firm yet tender kiss on the top of your head.
“I love you too.” He beamed, giving you a few more kisses before nuzzling his face down to rest next to yours.
More Like This: Demons and Claws {Zoro x gn!reader} ⋆ Couldn't Sleep? {Robin x gn!reader} ⋆ How Can I Be Of Service? {Sanji x gn!reader} ⋆ Feeling Generous {Nami x gn!reader} ⋆ Nightmares {Usopp x gn!reader}
Summary: You are tasked in waking Luffy up from his nap.
Content: gender-neutral reader, Kissing Luffy, Luffy kissing reader, Luffy being a love bug as usual, set on the Thousand Sunny
Word Count: 580+
A/N: I know I just wrote something for Luffy but I really can't seem to get enough omggggggggg. I hope you all enjoy!!
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You found Luffy sprawled out on his back in the grassy deck of the Sunny. He’d found the perfect spot, one with lots of sun and a clear view of the picturesque sky you all sailed under.
Not that he was seeing the sky, your captain having found that warm spot in the sun for a nice nap.
You stood just before his head, his snoring all the more bone shaking from this close.
Not that you minded. You thought it was cute. How his lips hung open, a little bit of drool running from the corner of it.
Thought his sleep-soft face was even cuter. How he seemed so so happy in this state. As happy as a cat in the sun.
The sight almost had you curling up into his side and joining him in his midday nap, but you had been sent to do the complete opposite of that.
With a little reluctance, you knelt down before his head of wild hair, his straw hat having been knocked off and now tucked snugly beneath it.
“Captain.” You whispered, poking a finger into his squishy cheek.
Luffy’s snoring halted.
His sleep-soft face twitched.
Eyelids clenched and--
Luffy gave another loud snore as if he hadn’t stopped.
You couldn't help the laugh that spilled from your lips.
“Get him awake now before I take over,” Nami shouted at you as she marched past, heading towards the helm.
You knew Nami’s takeover would include a nasty tongue-lashing and a sharp whack to the top of the head, so you hastened your task.
“Luffy.” You spoke louder now, leaning down closer to his face. You brushed some of his hair from his forehead, making space for your lips to place a gentle kiss there. “Hey--wake up.” You placed another kiss to his temple. Then to the other. “We’re going to dock soon. Wake up.”
He fell quiet. His snoring seemed to have ceased, meaning you were closer to fulfilling your task.
You continued to litter his face with sweet kisses, finding you enjoyed kissing those rounded, sun-warmed cheeks of his the most.
You had just placed a kiss on the scar under his left eye when a pair of hands grabbed hold of either side of your face. A wide grin pulled at Luffy’s lips, a giggle spilling from between them.
“Do it again.” He laughed, eyes snapping open to take in your face. You did as he asked, placing a smacking kiss on his scar. “Again.”
“Luffy--Nami said you need to get--”
“Pleaseeeeee.” Luffy begged, pulling your face closer. “Just one more.” You gave a small sigh.
“Just one more.” His grin pulled wider as he nodded up at you. You kissed his scar once more, letting your lips linger there for a long moment. The whole while Luffy giggled and wiggled beneath you in his joy.
You pulled away with an overdramatic Mmmaw! sound, smiling brightly down at your captain.
“Okay, you gotta get up now.” Luffy groaned, but let you go. Before you had even got a foot beneath you, Luffy was springing upright and popping a kiss on your cheek. A small kiss he attacked you with once you had stood fully, the kiss landing on your other cheek. Luffy followed you towards Nami, bouncing around you like some giggling land snark circling its prey, lunging forward here and there to keep gifting you kisses. Kisses that were being to make you feel like that happy, sun-loving cat.
