you've only recently joined the whitebeard pirates and set out to sea, and your first storm is about to be a very bad one. you try to face it alone, no matter how scared you are, but a certain swordsman simply can't allow that.
notes: sfw ♡ f!reader ♡ fluffy ♡ pre-relationship
it's been so long since i posted ;-; i'm going to try my best with kinktober but it might be minute until i'm settled again ♡
Dark clouds roll in from the horizon, and the beautiful display momentarily distracts you from the impending trials the storm will bring. The sun is disappearing slowly, its warm glow a stark contrast to the angry blackness of the coming rain.
“You’d better get to safety, brat!” Pops’ loud voice echoes over the strangely quiet deck as he walks up to you. “It’s your first storm out at sea, and it’s going to be a bad one. The nurses will help you get ready, so run off now. I don’t want to see you on deck until it’s quiet again.”
His tone is as calm as always but his insistence on keeping you indoors isn’t reassuring. You know the risk of falling overboard and the nightmare that would be, your little body lost in the angry waves, your weak voice unable to compete with the thunder as your crew desperately searches for you while trying to maintain their course… The thought alone makes your stomach tie itself in knots.
The nurses are finishing up their preparations, locking cabinets and safely storing all the glass equipment in cushioned crates. Tate takes you under her wing, and walks back to your room while explaining the different steps the crew might take to face the storm, and the eventualities you should be ready to face.
“You’re gonna be shaken all over the place, it’ll be loud and dark, and you’ll hear some screaming, but don’t worry. We’ve seen dozens of these storms! It’ll be fine. All that matters is that you and your belongings are safely secured, so nothing is broken or damaged.”
“How long will it last?” you ask anxiously, following Tate around your room and paying attention to her movements so you can ready yourself next time.
“At worst, a few hours.”
That doesn’t make you feel any better, your loud gulp pulling a sympathetic chuckle from Tate.
“We’ve all been there, sweetie, don’t worry. It’s always scary the first time. We’ve gotta be ready to help in case anyone is injured, so you’ll have to face this alone, alright? I promise you’ll be okay.”
You look out of your little porthole window, just as a flash of lightning tears through the agitated dark clouds. Tate waits with you for the thunder to roll in, and pouts at how much closer and louder it already is. The wind picks up quickly, and you can see rain shimmering on the sea ahead of you, drawing nearer.
“Let’s get you in bed, hm? You’ll feel safer there. And,” she continues with a smile, “I can show you a few tricks to stay nice and comfy. Sit back in the corner, I’ll tuck you in.”
Your friend arranges your pillows on the wooden walls, cushioning you into the corner safely. She drapes your blanket over your knees and gives you a wide, reassuring grin.
“See you in a bit! You’ll be fine. Just enjoy the show!”
You thank her and watch her leave, still very apprehensive. You understand the appeal of storms and appreciate their beauty and violence, but only when you’re safely on the ground… Facing such a massive storm out at sea, even on a ship as strong as the Moby, frankly terrifies you.
In an attempt to calm your frantic heart, you focus on the sounds of the wind and the rain, and on noticing the rising swell of the sea. Tate was right, her idea to sit you in the corner really helps with the movements of the waves. Thunder grows louder, and you can hear calls from the deck as the crew prepares to face the storm. There’s laughter as well, the men excited to challenge the elements and proverbially defeat the forces of nature.
You almost share their excitement and are starting to smile when a bolt of lightning tears the sky far too close to the ship and cracks violently in your ears, startling you. You’re dislodged from your little corner nest and the next roll of the ship sends you forward, forcing you to steady yourself with your hands.
Everything moves quickly after that, wind and rain now violently striking the porthole, thunder loud and angry around you, and the entire ship shaking you back and forth like the inconsequential little creature you are.
Despite Tate’s best efforts, things are starting to rattle and bang about in your little wardrobe, and you can see the doors shake with the movements of the ship.
It’s dark, it’s loud, you can hear more yelling from above you, you’re shaken brutally by the ship’s swaying, and you’re getting more and more scared. Nothing is calming down, and you’re certain it’s only been a few minutes… Tate said this could last hours, and you’re not sure you’re ready to face that.
There are people rushing past your room in the hallway, yelling about the ropes and the sails and other things you can’t quite catch, and you almost want to go join them. The confusion might bring more panic in the end, but at least you wouldn’t be alone.
Just as you’re about to adjust yourself in your nest of pillows, a brutal wave sends you flying across your bed and throws your wardrobe to the ground, causing you to shriek in alarm and surprise.
Your name is called from the hallway, a deep and worried voice asking if you’re alright. Your door flies open and Vista rushes in, his eyes scanning your room to find you. As soon as he sees you on the floor, the swordsman hurries to pick you up before the next swaying of the ship sends you into the wall. He catches your wardrobe with his other hand and pushes it back behind your desk, trying to steady it while you’re grasping at his neck and clothes.
“We’ll worry about that once the storm passes,” he tries to reassure you, still holding you. “Let’s get you settled safely, hm?”
He’s gentle and careful when he places you back in your bed, but you refuse to let him go, too shaken up and desperate for the reassurance only companionship can bring.
“Please stay with me!” you whine over the thunder and rain, your words flying from your lips before you can stop them.
“Oh, little flower, are you scared?” Vista asks with no mockery, bracing one arm above you so he can hold you steady when the ship rocks again.
“Yes!”
He smiles and shushes you, then looks back to the door to call one of his men as they’re passing by. You hide yourself from view when Vista explains he’s going to stay to help you and gives orders to report to the other squads for now. The crew mate leaves after closing your door and you bite your lower lip when Vista resumes his efforts to adjust you in bed. The embarrassment of taking him from his duties almost outweighs your need for his protection, but Vista’s happy grin tells you he’s not forcing himself to take care of you.
“I’m sorry,” you mumble once the swordsman’s attention is back on you.
“You have nothing to apologize for, little flower. We shouldn’t have left you alone on such a big storm! But fear not,” he says while nestling you between the wall and his solid body, “I shall look after you.”
You’re blushing brightly now, and you’re very thankful for how dark it is, hoping it’ll hide your burning cheeks from the swordsman. You haven’t known Vista for very long, but already his charming and confident demeanor is winning you over. Being so close to him, for what you’re realizing is the first time, is very… unsettling.
Vista, for his part, is very happy with his current lot in life. Sure, fighting storms with the crew is always an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but getting to hold you and protect you brings him a whole new rush of pride.
Ever since your introduction to the crew, Vista has been taken by your delicate charm and playful personality, and getting to spend some alone time with you is everything he’s been hoping for. Of course, it would help if you weren’t terrified, but it seems his presence is easing your nerves.
Your smaller hands are clutching the blanket, your knuckles turning white when the ship sways again. Vista covers your hand with his and leans into you a little bit more, pressing you to the pillows he adjusted back against the wall and finally giving you some semblance of stability.
“This storm is bad, little flower, quite a first experience! But the most violent ones usually don’t last too long. Focus on breathing, and remember you are perfectly safe here.”
A violent crack of lightning and thunder tears through the sky just as he says those words, and you jump again, your squeal barely covered by the wind and rain.
“It must be right above us. That means it will be moving away now!”
“G-great,” you try to respond with as much fake confidence as you can muster.
He decides to tell you some tales of his first storms at sea, when he and his brothers were much younger and relied on Pops for everything. He actually manages to make you laugh, and keeps you fully distracted until the worst of the wind and rain passes.
You’re giggling at his last story, cheeks reddened adorably, your hands no longer trembling under his, when the last roll of thunder distantly echoes.
The two of you turn to your porthole window and smile at the rays of sunlight beaming through.
“There it goes,” Vista rumbles softly, leaning away from the wall but not releasing your hands, “your first storm at sea! Congratulations, little flower.”
You pout and look away, somewhat ashamed.
“I barely managed to get through it… I’m sorry I kept you away from your squad…”
Vista grins and wraps his free hand around your slender shoulder.
“We are a crew, a family. We help each other through such trials. Being by your side to keep you safe is as important a task as any!”
The swordsman feels your shoulders tighten but he doesn’t release you.
“Was I able to help you feel safer?” he asks with a grin and the suave tone that usually makes you chuckle.
“Y-yes, much safer,” you manage to respond.
“Then, I fulfilled the most important duty I could have.”
“Stop it,” you protest weakly, leaning away from him.
Vista only laughs softly, not responding for a minute before jostling you and hopping off your bed.
“Come along! Surely there’s a beautiful rainbow somewhere!”
Before you can protest, the swordsman has you in his arms and is walking briskly to the main deck, grinning proudly under his mustache. He might be pushing his luck with all the physical contact he’s getting from you today, but he can surely brush it all off under the guise of comforting you.
It’s not often you let him carry you, and Vista relishes the feeling of your smaller body in his arms.
The air on deck is fresh and damp, only barely warmed by the light of the setting sun. Sure enough, off in the distance, there’s a gorgeous rainbow painting the dark clouds of the receding storm, and Vista smiles when he hears your happy and amazed gasp.
“Isn’t it lovely?” Vista asks you, not really expecting an answer.
“It’s beautiful,” you whisper back, comfortably settled in his arms now.
“Storms are violent, and scary, and they can be a dangerous trial even for the most experienced of us,” Vista continues over the noises of the crew, “but they will always see us rewarded with a rainbow. And beauty of this nature is worth every trial.”
He can’t help himself and looks down towards you when he says those words.
You were already looking at him with soft, happy eyes, and quickly look away when his gaze catches yours. Vista smiles again but more privately, and he feels warmth far more comforting than the sun’s spreading through his chest.
Next storm, he will keep you safe and stay by your side, until you feel confident enough to face it without his protection. But never alone. Vista promises to himself that you will never have to face a storm alone as long as he breathes.
i'm going through yet another huge life event, trying to move ! it's for the best, but it's yet another storm i have to face alone...
well, not entirely alone ♡ Vista is always with me ♡
you've lost one of your favorite earrings... but never fear, Vista is here to spoil you, and take the opportunity to discretely claim you, as well as display his allegiance to you ♡
notes: NSFW ♡ f!reader ♡ fluffy ♡
After looking all over your cabin and in every single fold of clothing you own, you’ve come to the sad realization that half of your favorite pair of earrings is gone. Vista helped you as much as he could, providing emotional support and folding all the clothes you frantically shook around, but he wasn’t able to locate the missing jewelry either. All he can do now is comfort you and offer to buy or commission a new pair for you.
“You’re only missing the other half, right? It will be easy enough to get a duplicate crafted, I assure you.”
You pout and sniff and give him a pensive hum. Vista is right, all that matters is that you still have at least one earring. Even if you can never find a match, you’ll still have the precious memories carried by the object… But you’re in the mood to be coddled after a fruitless day of search, and the swordsman knows that.
“Come here, my pretty little flower,” he chuckles affectionately, pulling you in to press a deep kiss to your cheeks, smooching your face. “You’ll find something, my love. And if all else fails, we can turn that lonely earring into a pretty necklace pendant! Or a bracelet charm!”
“I just want to keep it for the memories, it doesn’t matter that much if I can’t wear it anymore…”
“Well then, I’ll find you a pretty keepsake display box, so you can keep it safe and look at it whenever you want.”
Vista peppers you with more playful kisses, nuzzling your neck and tickling you with his mustache until you’re fighting to push him off, laughing. He doesn’t let you pull away, instead takes you down to the bed and moves his kisses down to your exposed cleavage, his hands already pulling your shirt over your ribs to caress your breasts.
“Vista,” you protest halfheartedly, “we don’t have time…”
“Do you have somewhere else to be, my flower?” he rumbles lowly, fingers confidently brushing over your peaking nipples.
“I have to fix the mess I just made…”
“We can do that later.”
“You have your duties, don’t you?”
“Hmmm,” Vista moans pensively, lips and mustache now gliding along your collarbones. “My drills are done, my squad is in order… All that is left is to tend to my most beautiful and precious rose… Will you let me?”
He meets your eyes with a teasing smirk, and you smile back at him, your missing earring forgotten for now.
“Of course I’ll let you,” you breathe in response.
The swordsman’s skilled fingers pinch your sensitive nipples just right, pulling a pleasured whine from you. His hands release your breasts briefly to lift your shirt over your head, but returns to groping and caressing your skin as soon you’re laying back on the bed, very eager to earn more beautiful noises from you.
Relaxed and happy to be showered in his attentions, you don’t hold your voice back and sigh and moan freely as Vista teases your breasts. When he finally pulls back from sucking and nibbling your sensitive skin, Vista looks up to you with a grin. You’re panting and flushed and smiling at him, excitement and anticipation clearly visible on your pretty face.
“Would you consider getting these pierced?” the swordsman asks suddenly, pulling at your nipples lightly.
You laugh, surprised by the question, but your laughter is cut off by a moan when Vista tugs at your skin a little harder.
“I’m serious. It would look great on you…”
“Where is this coming from?” you ask breathlessly, still giggling.
“You wouldn’t lose that jewelry.”
You scoff and giggle some more until you’re interrupted by another pinch.
“I don’t want to put up with the healing process on such a… sensitive area,” you explain once you’re able to pull your words together.
“That’s fair,” Vista concedes, squeezing your breasts one more before moving further down your body, not pushing the topic any further.
His strange question is quickly forgotten, your thoughts gently drowned in waves of pleasure brought on by Vista’s lips and tongue.
You want to ask him about it the next morning, but he’s nowhere to be found. Izou tells you he went off to the port’s large market, and you’re a little miffed your lover went without even telling you. You keep yourself busy until lunch, and the swordsman returns then, holding a large bouquet of flowers, a box of fresh sweets, and another smaller wooden box you can’t guess the contents of.
You’re still a little mad he went without you, but if he wanted to surprise you with gifts, you guess you can forgive him. The flowers are set up safely in your shared room, and after lunch with the crew, Vista takes you to sit on the figurehead for desert, the wooden box under his arm.
“I’m sorry I had to leave you behind this morning, little flower,” the swordsman apologies, presenting you with your favorite sweets to appease you.
“What were you doing that required so much secrecy?” you ask suspiciously, plucking a sweet from the box and leaning into your lover.
“Well… I wanted to get you a little surprise.”
He pushes the box in your hands and you open it slowly, your eyes widening as a gorgeous trinket box is revealed, already sporting some very beautiful shiny things.
There are gold earrings with jewels, pearls, and painted porcelain beads, along with some pendants and gold chains of various lengths, all sorted in little cases and protected with a large glass panel held in an ornate gold frame. The bottom of the box is lined with dark pink velvet, cushioning the delicate pieces and contrasting them beautifully.
You smile bright and look up at your lover to thank him, but your words are interrupted when he hands you yet another box.
“Vista… You didn’t have to!”
This smaller box contains a new pair of earrings that looks very similar to the one you just lost, and you chuckle fondly.
“Look,” Vista rumbles proudly, tilting his head to show you his ears. “Now we can match.”
Indeed, he’s wearing new earrings, matching the design of the pair he just got you. You smile bright and reach up to kiss him, deeply touched by his gifts. Vista watches you put your current earrings in the box and replace them with the new ones, and gives you another kiss once you’re done.
“Perfect. Do you like the box?”
“I love it. Thank you.”
He beams with pride and wraps his arm around you, adjusting the box of sweets so you can take another one.
“I’m glad. You can fit the rest of your collection in here, and there should be plenty of room left for more pieces.”
“Will I get more pieces?” you ask teasingly.
Vista laughs and pats your hip.
“I don’t see why not,” he responds with a smirk.
“And once this box is full, will I get another box?” you continue, smiling wider.
“Hmm, now there’s a good question… Why don’t you give me a sweet, and I’ll think about it?”
The swordsman grins when you offer him a little treat from the box, and the two of you spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing together, on the figurehead then in your room as you arrange your precious trinkets in your new box, under Vista’s loving gaze.
That night, when he removes his earrings, he places them next to yours in the box, and smiles fondly at the intertwined pair. The swordsman hums pensively, and thinks he might deserve some more earrings too. Just to make sure he can always match with you.
thank you for reading this short and sweet little drabble !
Bouquet… you have single handily turned me onto Vista like opened my eyes and everything! How did I miss such a man 🤨 All your writing makes me giggle and kick my feet so who better else to ask then YOU to continue to fuel the Vista obsession. Mayyybee sumn like constantly teasing/flirting to try and get reactions? If you could be so kind as well(if up for) to add my beautiful wonderful Mihawk as well? I think I might have a type 🧍♀️
i'm soooo so so happy to be converting more people ♡ and i'm so touched by your compliments ! thank you thank you ♡
sorry it took me a minute to write this !! and sorry i didn't have inspiration for Mihawk... i hope you enjoy this little drabble !
[sfw ♡ fluff ♡ fem!reader ♡ beach day]
A Mean Tease
You always get bolder when you’re slightly inebriated, your cheeks reddened and your eyes glossy as you give Vista the most charming smiles. He knows he shouldn’t take any of that too seriously, you’re drunk after all, it’s just the party and the alcohol getting to you… But still… It always happens, and you only ever get that flirtatious with him… Surely that has some weight, no matter what he tries to tell himself.
The swordsman steadies you with a careful hand at your shoulders when you laugh a little too hard at Haruta’s joke and almost fall off the bench. Vista smiles when you lean into him, but your seductively slurred words fluster him once more, for the umpteenth time this evening.
“What would I without you, handsome?” you say quiet enough for just his ears to pick up.
Your delicate hand glides around Vista’s lower back and he tenses up a little, unaccustomed to such intimate and bold touches from you. His cape is keeping you both hidden, Haruta’s attention is on Ace again, and it briefly feels like Vista has you all to himself. Your fingers gently brush his side while you take another sip of your drink, and he almost embraces you.
But Vista needs to remember you’re only teasing him, flirting because you’re drunk, and for no other reason. You’re a mean flirt, Vista thinks to himself while you giggle up at him, finally withdrawing your hand from under his cape.
Instead of returning your hand to its initial position on the table, you place it on his thigh next, and almost make Vista jump off the bench.
Definitely a mean flirt, and a horrible tease, and a brat.
But when your pretty eyes find his and you smile almost bashfully, so beautiful in the low light of the Moby’s mess hall, Vista just can’t be mad at you.
It’s even harder to be mad at you when you get in a teasing mood at the beach, your wet little bikini sticking to your skin as you make your way to his side, in the shallow water. There’s mischief all over your face and Vista knows he’s in for it.
“Thatch got you cocktails already?” he asks before you can say anything, certain you’re tipsy, as always.
You surprise him when you shake your head with a wide grin.
“I finally have some free time outside of dinner hours,” you reply happily. “Saw you enjoying the waves and wanted to join you.”
Vista suddenly feels self-conscious, exposed in ways he normally doesn’t when he’s wearing his swimsuit. You poke his side, making him jump a little, and giggle at his reaction. So you’re like this when you’re sober too? And even though Haruta and the others are playing beach volley a few yards away, you decided to come to Vista, again?
“Wanna head out for a little swim?”
You’re tying your hair back, still smiling wide, looking as pretty as always and standing way too close to him, and Vista can’t say no to you.
“Here, since you’re a better swimmer,” you start in a teasing tone, “why don’t you carry me for a bit? At least until we’re in open water.”
Before he can respond, you’re tugging at his shoulders to get him to bend down, and Vista obliges you, mostly so he can cool down in the water. You could have simply walked around him to climb on, but as always you stick as close to him as you can, grinning proudly as you glide around his shoulder and attach yourself to his back, your arms linking around his neck.
Vista feels you carefully adjust his hair so you don’t tug at it, and he shivers uncontrollably when your fingers caress his neck. You are such a horrible, mean, cruel tease… Don’t you know what you’re doing to him?
“Readyyy ♪♫” you announce in a happy voice, your legs kicking the waves playfully.
“How far off would you like to go, my lady?” he manages to ask in a tone he hopes responds well to your flirtatious words.
“You decide! I know I’m safe with you.”
You press your cheek to his shoulder when your say those sweet words, holding him just a little tighter, and Vista feels the need to dunk his head under water. He swallows thickly and tries to reply confidently, without exposing himself any more than he already is.
“You’re always safe with me!”
The swim would have cleared his mind a little, if you weren’t humming a cute tune and adjusting your body along his bare back after every wave that lifted you ever so slightly off of him. Vista doesn’t take you too far off, but he goes far enough that the noises of the beach don’t really reach you anymore, and it feels like you’re truly alone now.
You thank him and prop yourself up on his shoulders to kiss his head, and Vista wonders why he puts himself in those situations with you. He watches you swim around him, all happy and relaxed, and he knows the answer already. It’s just hard to admit how deeply he loves you, when he knows this is only fun to you…
“See? I don’t need cocktails to have a good time with you! Whatever gave you that silly idea?”
“Well,” Vista hesitates. “You only come to me whenever we’re partying, and there’s always drinks of some kind involved.”
He catches up to you with a single stroke of his arm and steadies you when a particularly large wave rolls beneath you both.
“Aww, do I not spend enough time with you?” you tease easily. “You’ll have to put in a formal request for Haruta to give me different hours, then. He’s responsible for my schedule. Unless…”
You swim even closer to Vista and grin wider as you catch his shoulder to give your legs a rest from treading water.
“I’m sure we could find a way for me to join your division instead!”
That wasn’t the conversation Vista has envisioned at all, and he has no idea how to navigate that particular topic.
“N-now, now, I can’t very well steal my brother’s best subordinate!”
The glimmer in your eyes tells Vista he’s in for another unexpected comeback, and you don’t disappoint him.
“You could challenge him. Duel him for me. That’s part of the rules, isn’t it?”
It is, and Vista’s thought about it frequently these past weeks. He just hoped these thoughts would remain private.
“I’d like to have more time with you than just at night or during parties,” you continue in a quieter voice.
“You’re killing me, little flower…”
The commander didn’t mean to say that out loud, and he feels his heart beat a little harder from anxiety. This back and forth you have now, this constant teasing, it’s as precious to him as it is painful, and he doesn’t want to risk losing it. Or risk losing you.
But you look so pleased with yourself and with his reactions, giddy to know you’re getting to him, and Vista, as always, can’t discern any malice in your beautiful eyes. You’re a tease, but you don’t mean to hurt him. He’s hurting himself by falling more and more in love with you.
Another large wave lifts you both high into the sky and you squeal on the way down, clutching his shoulder tighter for safety. You don’t say anything else for some time, seemingly happy to simply tread water and enjoy the surf with Vista, your attention turned to the endless ocean but your arm still wrapped around his neck.
“You really think I only come to you when I’m drunk?” you ask in a softer tone than usual, not meeting his eyes.
“It’s- it’s what I’ve observed.”
You’re pouting when you turn to face him and Vista almost feels bad for assuming such a thing.
“Half of the cocktails Thatch makes don’t have liquor in them.”
Vista splutters and you grin again. He tries to defend himself, tries to protect the idea that you only flirt with him when you drink, because the alternative has too many implications.
“How am I supposed to know that?! Besides, you’re always- always blushing and giggling and- teasing me!”
You laugh loudly at his indignant tone, oblivious to his inner turmoil.
“And just think of alllll the extra teasing I’ll do once I have more time with you!”
“You… You really- want that?” he asks hesitantly.
“Of course! I love teasing you!”
Damn it. Damn you. Vista sighs in aggravation and tightens his arm around your waist and clenches his jaw and you smile so bright it’s almost blinding, your entire face alight with satisfaction. You’re getting exactly what you want from him.
“Will I still be allowed to tease you when you’re my commander?”
“This isn’t decided yet-”
“Please challenge Haruta to a duel, please, please, please, I want to see you fight for meeeee~”
The swordsman is about to snap at you when you’re both caught off guard by the next wave as it rolls over you, and Vista has to dive under it so you’re not sent tumbling around in the water.
You emerge with a gasp, shaking your hair away from your face and fixing your hold around Vista’s neck, your legs kicking to stay close to him. Vista’s irritation is instantly washed away and he’s quick to steady you, already apologizing for his carelessness.
“Are you alright, little flower!?”
“Y-yeah!” you cough a little but you’re already giggling again. “I told you, I know I’m safe with you~”
Vista sighs heavily and surrenders to you, as always.
“Of course you’re safe with me.”
You grin proudly and shimmy your hips in his hold, your face closer to his than it’s ever been. It hits Vista all at once, as soon as he’s realized it, just how close you are to him. You’re both mostly bare, plastered together chest to chest, arms wrapped tight around one another, isolated from the rest of the crew… Never before, not even when you playfully danced with him, did you get this close to Vista.
You cock your head to the side a little and release one of his shoulders to swipe your fingers along his mustache, carefully fixing it and wiping the sea water away. The gesture is tender and intimate and nothing like your usual playful teasing, and the whiplash after all your mischief and the unexpected conversation is too much for Vista to handle.
Your lips are cool and salty and soft against his, and Vista’s hand perfectly cradles the back of your head as he finally snaps and kisses you.
He’ll blame his actions on the sun, the heat, dehydration, lack of sleep, old age, anything he can think of to hide the truth. That the real reason he couldn’t hold back anymore, and the reason he can no longer pull away, is because of how madly in love he is with you.
It has to be the reason he loses track of time as well, because one desperate press of his lips against yours turns into two, three, then deeper kisses, and he’s lost count but you’re not pushing away. You’re… kissing him back.
When Vista is finally able to take a proper breath and reconnect his brain to his body, he realizes you’ve grabbed hold of his hair and adjusted his face slightly to the side. Your tongue is gliding along his lips, teasing once again, flicking his tongue playfully, your nails are pressing into his scalp, and you moan softly when Vista’s hand tightens at your lower back.
The sound is enough to fully snap Vista back to reality, and he tries to pull away to apologize but you don’t let him. Your next kiss is far more passionate and confident and the way you pull his hair makes Vista groan and distracts him from everything that isn’t you.
Being dunked by a wave just as your tongues finally meet was not how Vista envisioned your first kiss going. Though to be fair, he never thought there would be a first kiss.
You’re coughing a lot more than when you got dunked earlier, and Vista is even more apologetic this time.
“I- I’m terribly sorry, I don’t know what came over me-”
The swordsman starts swimming back a little closer to the shore, carefully keeping you above the water, and calls your name when you don’t respond to him, worried.
“Do you really regret it?” you ask softly.
It’s a level of vulnerability he hasn’t seen from you very often, especially not around him. You’re always so confident in your mischief and flirting, but maybe… Maybe that was all a shield to hide the softness he sees in you now, pretty eyes unsure, reddened lips slightly pinched together, your back stiffer in his arms and your shoulders drawn in.
Vista sighs and smiles softly at you. You’ll drive him mad, he’s sure of it.
“No. I only regret not getting your permission first.”
You immediately perk back up at that, bratty and proud once more, releasing your lips to lick them as your eyes flicker to Vista’s.
“So does that mean I get to join your squad? Or will it be an issue if I’m dating my commander?”
Vista chuckles and shakes his head.
“Were you really just waiting for me to snap?”
“Duh. I put so much effort into it! You’re a tough man to break.”
“And here I was, wondering if you were just playing with me…”
You giggle and kiss him again and Vista sighs happily, still slowly making his way back to shore.
“You didn’t answer my question about joining your squad.”
“You just want to watch me duel Haruta…”
“Yes.”
Figuring it’s his turn to tease you, Vista grins and adjusts you in his arm.
“What will you do if I lose, hm?”
“You would lose? With me on the line?”
And as always you all too easily turn things around. Vista just can’t win against you. Unless…
“It depends what ‘dating’ would entail…”
You gasp and splash him lightly, making Vista laugh.
“Haruta is a fierce opponent!” he continues in a joking tone. “But if your heart is on the line…”
“Not my heart, silly, you already have that.”
Vista finds himself destabilized again, but instead of anxiety, now that he’s learning your feelings mirror his own, your flirtatious teasing fills him with joy.
“This would be about keeping me all to yourself~” you hum happily, giving him another light kiss. “And I would also get to watch you fight. I love watching you fight.”
“You do?” Vista asks softly, pulling you up on his chest to carry you back to shore faster.
“Especially when I know you’re not really in danger.”
“How long have you- felt that way?” he hesitantly asks.
“How long have I been teasing you?”
Your cool fingers glide along his collarbone and Vista chuckles again.
“All that turmoil for nothing…”
“Turmoil? Were you really suffering so badly?”
“To think that you were only teasing me for fun, whenever you got drunk, and that you had no deeper affections for me? I suffered tremendously.”
That had you cooing in sympathy, your hands cradling his jaw in a tender and comforting gesture.
“Then you’d better win that duel, so I can have all the time in the world to show you just how deep my affections go~”
Vista laughs and turns his head around to see how close they are, and where Haruta is. Knowing his brother, as soon as Vista brings it up, Haruta will want the fight to take place immediately. Which might work in Vista’s favor, given how much more experience the swordsman has when it comes to fighting on sand.
When Vista spots his brothers already pointing at you both and yelling excitedly as they notice the very obvious development in your relationship, he grins and kicks his legs a little faster.
“I have a feeling that duel might take place sooner rather than later,” the swordsman muses.
You squeal in anticipation and spend the rest of the swim back to shore trading gentle kisses with your lover, eager to watch him fight and eager to finally have more time to spend with him, already looking forward to all the ways you’ll be able to tease him.
i hope you liked this !
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The Whitebeard pirates never needed an excuse to throw a party and get drunk, but victory after a good brawl was always an excellent excuse to do just that. Everyone was in high spirits, particularly the squads that got a taste of battle, and the others were just as happy to partake in the general excitement. Even the nurses were partying, since there had only been a few relatively light injuries to treat.
You had been drinking with them for most of the night, trading gossip and raunchy tales over the plethora of fruity and sugary cocktails Thatch had brewed up. Most of the nurses were ready to go to sleep by now, and you too felt ready to return to your bed. It was late into the night by now, and the drinks and weariness of the day’s excitement were getting to you.
As you make your way to the center of the party, it becomes obvious to you that the commanders are the only ones with enough strength left to keep partying. Thatch is done cooking and is loudly singing with Rakuyo and Ace while Blamenco and Fossa are laughing and clapping in rhythm with the barely intelligible lyrics. Vista is leaning precariously on his stool, finishing up a drinking competition with Blenheim, who doesn’t look much better off than the swordsman.
You wince a little when you notice that. Vista doesn’t usually get incoherently drunk at parties, but when a drinking game was involved, you knew his competitive and fun-loving nature would push him past his limits.
Blenheim finishes his shot and brings his fist down on the table far too hard, pushing it into Vista and compromising his precarious balance. Everyone laughs when the swordsman hits the deck, and Marco declares Blenheim the de facto winner. You shake your head fondly, chuckling as your lover struggles to get up.
No point in chastising him for his behavior now, he’s too drunk to remember anything and will be suffering enough come morning. Instead, you walk up to Vista’s side and try to help him steady himself, one arm wrapping around his and the other catching his shoulder.
He turns to look at you, confused and unable to focus on your face, going cross-eyed as he sways closer to you.
“Time for bed, love?” you ask over the merriment still taking place around you.
Vista grunts and tries to shake you off, sitting up straighter.
“I’ll have you know,” he slurs loudly, swaying some more in an attempt to face you, “that I,” he continues angrily, confusing you, “HAVE A PARTNER!”
His loud voice causes a few of the guys to arch an eyebrow. Never before have they heard Vista use that tone with you, not even while drunk. His words don’t register until it’s too late, and none of them have time to get you out of the way.
Vista’s palm hits you square in the chest as he shoves you away, sending you flying backwards. The strength of his push knocks the breath clean out of you. There’s a beat of silence as your brain struggles to comprehend what’s happened to you, alcohol and shock preventing you from reacting. Your friends are in a similar state of surprise, but the loud crash of your airborne body colliding with a bench snaps everyone out of their momentary trance.
Pain shoots through you, searing hot at the back of your skull, dull and confusing around your neck, shoulders, and hips. You’re unable to sit up straight, your head is killing you, and you can only vaguely recognize Marco when his blurry face enters your vision, his panicked words unrecognizable in your confusion. You try to mumble something but can’t gather the strength to speak, and it’s not long before you’re falling limply in your friend’s arms, unconscious.
**
Mornings after a wild night of partying are always painful, and Vista knows he’s in for a miserable day when the sun’s rays assault his eyes. He groans softly and internally berates himself for losing control, unable to recall much of the night past hazy memories of a drinking competition with someone. Even in his youth, such parties left painful reminders, but at his current age, he was sure to feel his poor decisions all day.
At least now he can look forward to being coddled by you… If you’re not too mad at him for getting too drunk. Vista feels around the bed for a minute, still refusing to open his eyes, but finds the sheets empty and cold. He winces a little, sad to think you’re probably angry with him. He must have made quite a pathetic sight…
The swordsman grunts when he forces his eyes open and sits up slowly, his head hammered painfully by the brutal hangover he brought upon himself.
As he’s getting his water pitcher, he longingly looks to your empty side of the bed, then frowns.
The sheets aren’t even undone, and your pillow is still fluffed from the morning before… You didn’t even make it to bed.
Vista winces again, anxiety rising in his chest. If he did anything to make you angry enough not to spend the night with him, he’s got a lot of apologizing to do. Hopefully it’s just anger that kept you away, and not hurt or sadness from something stupid he might have said… Gods, he’ll never get that drunk again.
He shows up to breakfast already dreading the embarrassing stories he’ll have to hear about his behavior, but when all he gets is a dark glare from Fossa, Vista gets a little more anxious.
“Morning!” he tries to say as jovially as possible, his voice still rough and too loud to his own ears.
Fossa doesn’t respond immediately, his sharp eyes surveying Vista before he shakes his head and snorts in disappointment.
“You don’t fucking remember a goddamn thing,” the older man grumbles.
Vista sits down and swallows thickly.
“What- uh… What did I do? Was it that bad?”
Thatch overhears his question when he comes in with fresh coffee, and the chef cringes a little, eyeing Fossa wearily. Sure enough, their angry older brother glares harder at Vista and gives him a direct, dry answer, with no care or caution.
“You threw our little flower into a fucking bench.”
Vista pales and tenses up, his eyes finally opening fully despite the pain it causes him.
“Split her head open.”
“Marco took care of her,” Thatch immediately adds, trying to reassure Vista.
Fossa glares at him too and continues his angry tirade.
“He and the nurses had to stitch her up, put her on fluids, and she’s still bed bound. You sent her fucking flying across the room, right into the edge of a fucking bench, and if she’d hit that fucking bench with her neck, she wouldn’t be here anymore, you got that?!”
Vista feels like he’s going to throw up. He hears Thatch quietly reprimand Fossa, arguing that Vista didn’t do it on purpose, but that only angers the other man further. They finally quiet down when Pops stomps into the mess hall, his gaze heavy when it lands on Vista.
“Did you drink some water yet, son?” the captain asks quietly.
Vista is unable to answer him, and Whitebeard sighs.
“Drink something, then come find me.”
Thatch pushes a mug of coffee towards his brother and ignores Fossa’s snarl. Vista is despondent, still pale and drawn and clearly fighting nausea.
“She’s alright,” Thatch says quickly. “Marco stitched her up, like I said, she got a good night of rest, she even ate breakfast, don’t worry-”
The rest of his words are a blur that Vista’s mind refuses to register. His blood is thundering in his ears and he doesn’t know if he should be grateful that he can’t remember shoving you. He should remember it, he has to, has to feel the full impact of what he did, he shouldn’t be allowed to run from the shame of his actions…
Thatch pushes Vista’s shoulder a little and reminds him Pops is waiting for him, so the swordsman grimly chugs some coffee then walks out, ready to face whatever punishment will come.
**
The infirmary is silent and peaceful and you’re grateful for it, still in pain and shaken from how last night ended. Marco tended to your wound, there’s nothing left to do now but rest and wait for your muscles to mend themselves and your bruises to vanish. Your mind is alert once more, and you’re trying hard to pull your emotions and thoughts together.
It’s hilarious, really, what prompted this accident. The fact that Vista got so drunk he couldn’t recognize you, but still remembered to be faithful to you, is ridiculously funny. Unfortunately for you both, he’s far stronger than your little frame can withstand, especially when he’s too drunk to control his movements. So what should have been just a clumsy shove ended up being a huge deal, and now you’re alone, injured, very sad, and you’re certain Vista will hate himself for a long, long time.
You do your best to smile when Thatch walks in but you know your face can’t properly mask how you’re feeling.
“He’s up,” the chef starts as he sits down next to you and hands you a big cup of lemonade. “He just doesn’t remember anything… Fossa had to tell him. And now, well… Pops is lecturing him, I bet.”
He shushes you when big tears cloud your vision, and tries to reassure you.
“It’s alright, everything’s alright, yeah? You’ll be fine, Vista knows he messed up, and I’m sure he’ll be here to apologize soon!”
“He’s going to hate himself,” you choke out in a pathetic voice.
“Well, yeah. I mean… He hurt you. He got embarrassingly drunk, which is bad enough at his age, and then he hurt you, in front of everyone… That’s really bad, sugar.”
“It was an accident!” you try to argue, still on the verge of tears. “Doesn’t everyone get that?”
“Listen, sugar… Accidents happen and we all know that. But we also know we gotta be careful, cause not everyone on this ship is as sturdy as us. Pops is always careful, even when he drinks. The big guys like Blenheim are always careful too, because there are too many of us on this ship that can get hurt if we’re not careful. And Vista lost sight of that, and it could have ended horribly.”
“But it didn’t!”
“Thank the gods for that… But that won’t save him from the consequences of his actions.”
“I don’t want to have to pay those consequences too,” you argue with the saddest eyes Thatch has ever seen on you.
“Pops is gonna make sure you won’t. That’s probably what he’s talking about right now. Aw, sugar, it’s okay…”
Thatch sits next to you on the infirmary cot and wraps a comforting arm around your shoulders, just in time for Ace to barge in.
“You’re okay!” the young man yells. “Why are you crying?”
“Why do you think, pinhead?!” Thatch replies loudly.
Their playful back and forth warms your heart, and when Ace joins Thatch’s hug by plastering himself to your other side, you finally smile genuinely, happy for their comforting company. When Ace heads out, Thatch goes with him, and you’re surprised to see Vista waiting by the door.
He looks more serious than you’re ever seen him, and he can’t meet your eyes.
“May I come in?” he asks cautiously, like you’re about to reprimand him too.
You feel like crying again and you reach out for him, arms spread out to embrace him.
“Come here,” you whimper pleadingly.
Vista’s previously stern and somber facade fractures at your words and he rushes to you, already crying when he carefully wraps you up in his arms.
“Oh, my flower, I am so, so sorry… I can’t tell you how sorry I am, I- Are you alright?”
“Mhm. I’ll be fine.”
You voice is small and muffled in his neck, little sobs barely contained behind your trembling lips. Vista shushes you through his own tears, his large hands light and careful as they rub your back and cradle your injured head.
“What I did was unforgivable,” the swordsman starts, serious once more.
You cut him off with an unhappy sound and shake your head.
“It was just an accident, I’m okay, you don’t need to apologize-”
“I do, my flower. I absolutely do. I got too drunk and compromised your safety, and put my hands on you. I should apologize until the end of my days.”
“Well you don’t need to. I know it was an accident and you would never have done that if you hadn’t been so drunk-”
“And that’s precisely what I must apologize for.”
When you try to continue arguing, Vista gently presses his thumb to your lips and smiles sadly at you.
“There’s nothing to argue about, my flower. I am deeply, profoundly sorry. My behavior was unbecoming. Pops handled the more… formal discussion and repercussions for my behavior, but I must also ask for your forgiveness, and be prepared for anything you ask of me.”
“I have forgiven you-”
“My flower,” Vista interrupts again, adjusting himself so he can rest his forehead on yours. “You are upset, and I understand that. I will not leave your side-”
“You’d better not-”
“I won’t. I promise.”
He gives you a soft kiss and waits until you nod in agreement to continue.
“It is important for me to ask for your forgiveness properly, and for you to know that I am prepared to make whatever changes you wish. If you want me to never drink again, I will happily do so. If there is anything else you would ask of me, please speak freely, and I will bend to your every wish.”
You sniffle and meet his eyes after giving yourself some time to think. It’s true, you’re upset right now, and you’re still so shocked from what happened last night… But you’ve forgiven Vista already, fully, and genuinely find some humor in his drunken reaction… Even though, to be honest, you’re also quite hurt. And this kind of thing can’t happen again.
“I think… I think I would like that. If you stopped drinking so much… Or if you promised to never lose control again. I still want to be able to enjoy wine with you,” you add in a smaller voice, smiling a little.
Vista chuckles at that.
“It is sworn, my flower. I might not be able to partake in wine for some time, per the captain’s orders, but it will not be permanent.”
You pout at that but you know you have no power to sway Pops’ decisions.
“He wasn’t too harsh with you, was he?”
“My flower… Given that I very well could have killed his daughter, he was quite lenient.”
“What’s going to happen to you?”
“Nothing that you need to concern yourself with. Though… we might spend a little less time together in the coming weeks.”
“What?! Why?!”
“Extra work, extra hours on deck… Most of it will be at night, but… I’m sorry, I won’t be with you as often, my flower.”
“But I-”
“It’s done, my love. It won’t last forever, don’t worry.”
You get another soft kiss when you pout.
“I’d much rather lose a few hours with you than… lose you.”
“Vista… I promise I’m fine.”
“I know, my darling, I trust Marco and the nurses.”
There’s a comforting beat of silence between you, and you close your eyes to enjoy Vista’s proximity, gently pressing your foreheads together and rubbing the tip of your nose against his.
“Can you stay with me today?”
“No, my flower. I’m sorry. I’ll have to leave you before lunch, and won’t return until late tonight. I’ve spoken with Marco, and he will keep you here until tomorrow, but after that you’ll move back to our room and we’ll sleep together once more.”
“Will you wake me up when you come to bed?”
The swordsman smiles and takes a deep breath before answering.
“I don’t want to interrupt your sleep when you’re on the mend… But if you insist, I will wake you.”
“I insist.”
With a chuckle, Vista returns your affectionate nose bump before sighing and pulling away.
“I must go now. Take it easy, my treasure, and heal well.”
“I love you.”
Those quietly spoken words almost bring Vista to tears again as he remembers just how close he came to causing you horrible harm, to killing you, by his own drunken hands. Any grueling extra labor is not only well-deserved, but a welcome respite from that horrifying thought.
He kisses you once more then stands and leaves, giving you one last smile on his way out. The next few months will be trying, but you are still with him, have forgiven him for his dreadful blunder, and Vista is certain time will fly between his usual chores and his extra duties.
this was tough to write and i wasn't happy with the result for so long, but i think in the end it came out ok !
summary: Sina is finally reunited with Mihawk, and she must now find a way to leave her uncle's crew without arousing anybody's suspicion. Her relationship with Mihawk remains a closely guarded secret, for both their sakes. But with interest from another swordsman, her love for both of them might be tested in the future...
pairing: mihawk x oc
length: 7k words
cw: semi-public sex, rough sex, canon-typical violence, major character death, family grief, discussion of sa
this chapter is NSFW (lots of smut)
After another month of silence from Sina, Mihawk decided it was time to seek her out. Ever since he’d noticed the darkness on the vivre card, he checked it daily, and even though it had not shown any changes, he was still worried. Shanks pouted when Mihawk told him he’d be taking a break from their daily matches, but he did feel a little uncomfortable when the swordsman reminded him of Sina’s silence.
Shanks was her brother, he should have checked in on her sooner… But he trusted Mihawk to look after Sina, and was a little apprehensive of seeing her again, after their captain… well… It would be difficult, and Shanks wasn’t ready.
So Mihawk sailed off, following the little seashell’s movements from port to port, frustrated by the horribly stale duels he had to fight along the way. No one measured to Shanks. And he longed to be reunited with Sina.
The vivre card’s movements were growing more pronounced as he approached a large island, and he felt his heart beat harder with anxiety and excitement. He missed Sina. He’d been away from her for too long. Her safety, as always, was paramount, but Mihawk knew he should have gone to her side sooner.
They’d parted ways shortly before Roger was captured, as they had parted ways many times before, Sina’s beautiful smile warming his heart as he sailed away. When Mihawk had heard of the Pirate King’s capture and impending execution, he sought Sina out, and ended up running into Shanks first. The red-haired pirate had told him Rayleigh was hiding her, that she wasn’t safe and needed to be as discreet as possible. So instead Mihawk had followed Shanks to the execution, and has witnessed the frenzied rush that gripped the crowd. Roger’s death had shaken the world, and he was certain it had caused Sina great distress. But he’d stayed away from her, as Shanks had said. To keep her safe.
The more he thought about it, and about the stains he’d seen on her card, the more he regretted staying away for so long. Her crew was no longer able to ensure her protection, after all. Shanks did not seem ready to face that task, so it was Mihawk’s duty now. He remembered his blunder on Sabaody and frowned deeper. He would not fail Sina again.
As the pirate port came into sight, Mihawk clenched his jaw. He recognized the massive ship docked there and did not appreciate its sight, or the thought that he would have to dodge its crew in his pursuit of Sina. He briefly wondered if her presence here had anything to do with Whitebeard, but quickly chased the thought from his mind. She would not sail with another crew, she’d always said that, and even though Newgate was a pirate, he had been a friend of Roger’s, and had watched Sina grow. He would not cause her harm.
It was late in the evening when Mihawk reached the docks, the sun’s golden glow fading away lazily, and he resented having to wait for dawn before resuming his search. He scanned the port briefly, looking for the closest inn, and his breath caught in his throat when he recognized her.
Her pale hair was mesmerizing in the dying light of day, shimmering down her waist as she walked slowly across the port. She was just a few meters from him, dressed in clothes he did not recognize (or like), and she seemed lost in her thoughts. He dissimulated his presence to the best of his ability, weaving through the crowd. Sina jumped a little when he closed his hand around her arm, her eyes widening when she turned and saw him.
She gasped his name, voice brimming with emotion, and turned around quickly to grab onto him. He shushed her and made sure no one had noticed her, shielding her as he lead her away, wrapping her in his arms. He didn’t stop until they were in the cover of an alley, and once he was sure they were hidden, he embraced her fiercely. Sina nuzzled into him, breathing in his scent, tucking her body as close to his as she could.
It didn’t matter why she had been silent; she was here now, and she was safe, and she would be leaving with him this time.
Mihawk pressed a wet kiss to the crook of Sina’s neck, delighting in her breathless gasp. She held him tighter to her, her blood pulsing faster and harder beneath his teeth. He maneuvered them further down the alley, behind a pile of crates, handling her roughly in his impatience to feel her against him. Sina yelped in his shoulder when he pinned her to the brick wall, her arms and thighs quickly wrapping around his body.
She pulled back to look into his eyes, lips parted, panting wetly, before diving into him for a deep, desperate kiss. It didn’t matter why he hadn’t heard her; he was here now, holding her like she was his lifeline, like he’d suffered her absence just as badly as she’d suffered his. When he rolled his hips into hers, Sina gasped in the kiss, clutching his jacket and pulling him in even closer. He pushed her short skirt up quickly, and Sina reached for his belt, still kissing him passionately. He hadn’t been this bold with her yet, hadn’t forgone the time to find privacy, the time to take their most cumbersome clothes off, or to put his sword down. It sent her head spinning with lust, that he’d missed her so intensely…
“I’m sorry,” he muttered tensely when he pushed into her. “I should have come sooner-”
Sina stopped him with another deep kiss, her thighs pulling him in further, whimpers high-pitched and unsteady, barely muffled by his tongue and lips. Mihawk clutched her ass tight and rutted hard into her, grunting with pleasure. Her legs bounced at his hips, struggling to maintain their hold around him. The Siren pulled away from his lips, dizzy and breathless, eyes unable to maintain their focus under her lover’s assault. Her voice started rising, slipping from her control, and Mihawk quickly released one of her thighs to catch the back of her head and pull her into his shoulder, muffling her.
He thrust into her until he felt her clench and quiver around him, her nails biting into the skin of his back. His climax came quickly after that, tearing broken grunts from his throat and blinding him briefly. After a few unsteady breaths, he finally remembered to check the mouth of the alley, to make sure no one had seen them. It was dark now, the cover of night adding to the protection provided by the crates. Mihawk sighed heavily and released Sina’s neck, cradling her gently against his chest.
Her breaths were as uneven as his and she was still trembling around him, her sweat-slicked fingers caressing the marks she’d left on his chest. Sina’s magic rose slowly as she regained her senses, the cool touch of her skin fading away every bruise and cut on Mihawk’s flesh. He kissed her temple and forehead while she healed him, breathing her in silently.
“I don’t think I can walk back,” she whispered.
“Back where?” What a silly thing to say, surely Sina wasn’t thinking of leaving him now?
After a deep breath, Sina pulled away to look into his eyes.
“I’m staying at an inn with Uncle Newgate’s crew. I’ll tell you more in the morning, but if I don’t get back soon they’ll worry.”
Mihawk frowned but didn’t question Sina. He hated the idea of letting her go, but hated the thought of facing the Whitebeard pirates even more. They were loud and troublesome, and would certainly not take too kindly to Mihawk stealing the Siren away from them. He helped her steady herself, tucked himself back in his pants, and fixed her clothes and hair before quickly carrying her back to the inn she pointed out to him. There was loud partying inside, so it was easy enough to sneak around the building and climb up to her window. Mihawk pushed it open and let her down carefully on the floorboards.
“In the morning, come find me here,” Sina murmured, kissing the swordsman once more. Mihawk hummed in acknowledgment and hopped down, sparing one last glance at his Siren before walking away.
Sina collapsed on her bed just as Whitey Bay stumbled in, buzzed from liquor and happily singing.
“Where the hell were you?” she asked jovially. Sina was about to answer with a poorly thought-out lie when Whitey’s eyes playfully widened, the young woman pointing at the hickeys on Sina’s neck with a happy smirk.
“Oooooh you really are a little minx, huh?! Already found someone to play with?”
Sina chuckled, relieved the lie was telling itself and that her forgetting to heal her own marks was coming in handy. She’d have to be more careful next time…
“I’ll need to get away from these losers if I ever wanna find someone! They drive everyone back!”
Whitey launched into a long tirade of complaints about her brothers’ behaviors towards potential suitors, and Sina listened with a smile, adjusting herself under the covers. She pinched her lips when she felt Mihawk’s release dripping down her thighs and onto her sheets. Her legs were still too numb to walk on, buzzing pleasantly from the rough treatment they’d endured, and asking for Whitey’s help with that was… frankly too embarrassing.
The Siren’s smile widened. To think, only a few weeks ago, she’d been sure she would die… Whitey rambled on while Sina thought back to a brief conversation she’d had with Izou, about Sina’s resentment towards Shanks for not answering her calls. She hadn’t mentioned Mihawk, their very acquaintance a carefully kept secret, but Izou’s words had applied all the same.
It doesn’t matter now. No point in dwelling on the past. You are safe, and you will find him again. Forgive him, otherwise he’ll never forgive himself.
When Whitey saw Sina’s eyes getting heavy with sleep, she assumed it was from their long journey and chuckled gently, walking over to press a drunken kiss to the Siren’s head.
“I’ll let ya sleep it off, Sissy. See ya in the morning!”
Sina did her best to wipe herself clean with her skirt once Whitey had left to the washroom, and closed the covers over herself, smiling in contentment at the pleasurable ache in her hips and thighs. Tomorrow, she’d speak with Whitebeard and say goodbye to the crew, finally free to sail off with Mihawk.
**
The Siren woke up early and rushed to the little washroom she shared with Whitey, relieved to find the other pirate still sleeping. She brushed her hair out and changed into another set of Whitey’s clothes, silently apologizing for the stains she’d left on her skirt last night. Once she’d dusted the bruises and hickeys off her neck, she sauntered downstairs to collect some breakfast before her meeting with Mihawk.
Sina was surprised to find the place deserted and silent. She ate some bread quickly, looking around and expecting any one of the crew to show up. Once she was done, a little confused by the unchanging silence in the inn, she decided to go meet Mihawk. She’d find Marco and the others later, and would find some way to explain why she was leaving the ship.
When she stepped outside and made her way to the back of the building, the sun had started warming the dew-damp grass at her feet. Sina smiled as she walked over to the large shrubs in the garden of the inn, sensing Mihawk’s presence. He stepped out from the cover of the leaves and held out his hand, which Sina bypassed in favor of wrapping herself around his chest.
The swordsman chuckled and kissed her forehead gently, hands going to her hips and rubbing her skin.
“Come,” he muttered, pulling her back further away from the building, under the shade of the taller shrubs. Once they were safely obstructed from view, he pulled back from her embrace and looked into her eyes.
“I did not hear any calls from you for many weeks. Did something happen to you?”
To anyone else, he would have sounded accusatory, but Sina knew him. He was worried, and angry at himself. She smiled sadly at him.
“Many things happened to me. I didn’t have the strength to keep calling out to you, but that doesn’t matter. Someone heard me, and-”
His unhappy frown and abruptly tensing body stopped Sina’s words. The Siren grabbed his shoulders tighter and shushed him gently.
“Mihawk, please, it’s alright.”
He bared his teeth with an angry scoff, but Sina didn’t let him protest.
“It’s alright. I’m safe now.”
Sina released his shoulders to hold his face gently, soothing his angry brow with her light fingers, humming softly to comfort him. He couldn’t stay angry. Not when she was so sweet with him… He sighed in defeat and looked away from her, still clearly unhappy to hear she’d been in danger.
“I should have checked your vivre card more often, if I had known you were in danger, I-”
“I know.”
He frowned deeper.
“You would have thrown yourself in the middle of that buster call, cut down as many warships as you had to, and you would have gotten me off that island. I know you would have.”
Buster call? Warships?! Mihawk’s mind reeled with the memory of the ash stains on Sina’s vivre card. The sudden need to butcher Marines overtook him, and his heart hammered angrily in his chest.
“That’s exactly what Uncle Newgate did. So it’s alright.”
She kissed his chin softly, her fresh and smooth lips gradually easing Mihawk’s mood. Sina peppered his jaw, cheeks, and neck with gentle kisses until he sighed deeply, his fingers once again rubbing her hips lovingly.
“I am taking you with me,” he stated firmly. He felt Sina smile against his neck and pulled her in, bending down to capture her lips in his.
“I’ll talk to my uncle and the crew, and I’ll leave with you,” she murmured in the kiss.
A satisfied hum answered her from Mihawk’s chest, the swordsman tightening his hold around her. They stayed together in the garden a while longer, hidden by the lush foliage, sharing kisses and longing gazes in silence. Mihawk cuddled her into his chest and looked back towards the inn, making sure no one had noticed them. He could still feel rage rolling deep within his chest at the thought of what Sina had endured. He looked down at her, and his anger was quieted by the sight of her eyes peacefully shut, a soft smile pulling at her pretty lips, cheek pressed against his chest. Safe.
“What will you tell Whitebeard?” Mihawk muttered in her hair, moving his hand up to caress her neck.
Sina sighed pensively, not opening her eyes.
“I can always tell him I’m going back to Shanks…”
The Siren toyed with Kogatana, pulling a little at the string tying it to Mihawk’s neck.
“Did anybody see you were in port?” she asked him, looking up.
Mihawk shook his head. They were silent once again, simply holding each other tight. Noises were starting to come from the inn, and Sina turned her head back.
“They must finally be waking up…”
She pulled away from her lover, smiling apologetically.
“I will wait for you in my room. Meet me before sundown?”
“Will you leave with me then?”
“Yes.”
Before he let her return to the pirates, Mihawk caught her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles, pulling a little chuckle from Sina. She pulled his hand to her lips, kissing the tips of his fingers playfully, laughing as a Mihawk’s cheeks turned pink. He watched her leave and waited to make sure no one would spot him before sneaking out and away from the inn.
**
Sina walked back into the tavern section of the inn, cracking jokes at the still-sleepy commanders who were already play-fighting over breakfast.
“What were you awake for anyways?” Izou grumbled, reaching for a cup of hot tea.
“Couldn’t sleep,” she half-lied.
“Was Whitey snoring too loud?” Thatch asked in a loud cackle, elbowing his sister playfully.
Whitey pulled her tongue at him and knocked him over the head. She turned her attention back to Sina, raising an eyebrow at her blemish-free neck.
“What happened to all those hickeys, Sissy?” she asked loudly. Sina gasped, shocked by the betrayal.
“HEY! I’m not the one who accused you of snoring!”
Whitey laughed loud, unrepentant and quickly joined by the others.
“Not wasting time, are you?” Izou teased. He’d heard some stories of what Sirens were like, old legends from Wano mostly, but he hadn’t expected Sina to go on the hunt as soon as they reached port. Or for her to refrain from seducing members of the crew.
“Were none of us good enough for you?” he chuckled.
The Siren spluttered in surprise, her cheeks growing red.
“Surely you don’t want an answer to that,” she scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly.
Izou smiled from behind his mug.
“I’d be curious to see the kind of man that earned your favor.”
“Bold of you to assume it was a man.”
Whitey’s eyes went round, and it was her turn to blush fiercely. Sina laughed at her friends’ reactions and sat down with them, plucking a little pastry from Thatch’s plate, who was too dumbstruck to do anything about it. She wiggled her eyebrows at him and turned back to Izou. The man studied her carefully, more than a little impressed by her quick and shameless comeback.
“I’m a pirate through and through,” she reminded them.
“Did anybody ever doubt that?” Vista asked loudly, coming down the stairs. Izou shook his head and denied the accusation with an easy laugh, and the crew’s banter shifted to another topic, especially once Marco stormed in from the front doors with many long lists of supplies to acquire and load onto the ship before their departure. Sina waited for them all to be busy before gathering her courage and walking off to the Moby Dick, ready to tell her uncle she was going to leave, and ready to lie if he questioned her.
**
The day went by lazily, far too slow for Mihawk’s liking. He sat in his own inn’s bar, by the window, gazing every so often at the imposing ship bustling with activity. He didn’t see Sina leave it, even when the sun started going down. He paid his tab quickly and made his way back to the garden of her inn, pointedly ignoring the hushed remarks and panicked looks he got along the way. When he reached the inn, he noticed a party had already started, too many Whitebeard pirates crowding the surrounding area for him to sneak by unnoticed. Especially with the commanders there.
He frowned and adjusted his trajectory, opting to walk further back and find a way to signal his presence to Sina. He hopped over a few barrels in a back alley and managed to get a good view of her window, relieved to see her already there.
She was pouting at the merriment in the garden, intricately braided hair hanging over the balcony and swaying in the breeze. Mihawk observed her in silence, waiting for her to take notice of him, his anxieties dissipating the longer he basked in her beauty.
Just as Sina raised her eyes to the back of the garden and saw him, someone called her from the ground, calling her attention away from Mihawk. Her watched as her face lit up in a bright smile, an easy laugh shaking her shoulders. She reached down and caught a rose in her hand, laughing harder at whoever had sent it.
An uncomfortable, angry feeling twisted in Mihawk’s chest. Sina brushed her hair back, tucking lose strands behind her ear, and said something to the people calling to her before retreating from the window.
Hopefully she’d be making her way to him, now that she’d seen where he was waiting.
He heard music and singing and loud voices rising from the tavern, and Sina’s perfect voice cutting through all the noise… apologizing so sweetly… Mihawk snarled.
Sina was his. There was no one in the world who had any right to command her attention in this way.
The swordsman took a deep breath, reeling his anger back and hiding his presence once again. Nothing upset him more than the knowledge that Sina was surrounded by a crew he neither liked nor trusted.
He heard her footsteps getting closer, and immediately was at peace once more. Until he noticed the rose was tucked in her hair. Sina came to a stop before him, her smile fading in surprise when he landed in front of her and angrily stared at the offending flower. She snickered at his reaction, covering her mouth to stay quiet.
“It’s just a rose, Mihawk, come on,” she whispered, taking his hand and leading him away from the inn.
“Are you free to leave?”
They walked quickly back the way Mihawk had come, headed for his inn.
“Not until morning. My uncle was busy today.”
“Did you speak with him at least?” he grumbled angrily.
“Yes. I’ll tell you everything back at the inn.”
“You didn’t tell him about me?”
“Of course not,” she murmured emphatically, her steps faster.
Mihawk spared a glance behind them to make sure no one had seen them, and it seemed the Whitebeard pirates were too busy with their party to take notice of their passage. He was thankful he’d left Yoru back at the inn, the sword’s hilt far too easy to recognize and impossible to hide.
Sina turned back to Mihawk to hurry him along, lips pinched in an excited smile. They reached the inn before nightfall, dodging the bar’s crowd and rushing to Mihawk’s room.
**
Izou chuckled silently, leaning against the tavern’s wall, looking out in the direction he’d seen Sina sneak off to. He hadn’t managed to catch a glimpse of her date, had only briefly seen a tall and dark haired man, and he internally rolled his eyes at Sina’s bold-faced lie this morning. She’d managed to throw Whitey and Thatch off her tail, the two them gossiping all day about who Sina could possibly have messed around with, but Izou hadn’t been fooled.
He’d also seen the Siren was still wearing the rose Vista had tossed her, which didn’t bode well for the swordsman’s intentions… If she wore that gift to a date with another man, she clearly didn’t care much for it…
The samurai turned around, returning his attention to the party. Marco called him over and he made his way to the commanders’ table, catching a rumor in the crowd as he passed an agitated group of crew members. Izou frowned as he sat and asked his brothers about it.
“Did you hear that hawk-eyes is on this island?”
**
Mihawk slammed Sina into the door and quickly fumbled with the lock before carrying her to the bed. She’d been plastered to his front ever since they made it to the inn’s dark staircase, passionately kissing him, her nails sharply digging into his shoulders. The other patrons’ loud voices still reached his room, only somewhat muffled by the wooden walls. He’d have to be careful with Sina’s voice, perhaps even more than usual.
He knelt over the bed, laying Sina down in one smooth move, clenching her thighs tight when she whined in appreciation, rolling her hips up into his. Mihawk grabbed her skirt and pulled it down her legs harshly, sparing a disapproving glance at the garish fabric. It landed somewhere in the room, quickly forgotten. He tried to tear off the horrible matching top keeping Sina’s breasts from him, but the leather of the straps held strong. So while Sina was pushing his jacket off his arms, he quickly freed one of his hands, snapped Kogatana from his neck, and slipped it under the straps, cutting them off cleanly.
Sina gasped and leaned back, unbelievably aroused by the action, her trembling hands pulling Mihawk back in. When the short blade dug into her underwear, she was unable to silence her excited cry, too focused on the metal gliding against her skin. Her cold magic slithered down Mihawk’s spine, tearing a curse from him. He tossed the short knife to the ground carelessly, moving quickly to tear off the rest of Sina’s underwear.
He moved so fast and Sina was so dizzy with lust that she barely registered what Mihawk was doing until he had her pinned down, one hand covering her mouth, pressing her hard into the pillow, the other harshly fingering her, and his lips fastened to her breast, sucking hard on her nipple. She thrashed against him, eyes wide, heart wild in her chest, hands clasping uselessly at his back before finally finding purchase in his hair and the sheets by her head.
Sina figured Mihawk would stretch her out like he usually did, but quickly realized he had other plans when he pushed a third finger in her, his thumb pressing hard into her clit. He released her breast and licked his way up her neck, to her ear, hotly whispering to her as his fingers curled deep in her body.
“First time I have you in a bed. Wanna make you feel good.”
Sina moaned, high-pitched and trembling, against the palm of his hand. His eyes met hers when he pulled back to face her, and she thrashed again, the wild look in his eyes sending another wave of arousal careening down her body.
Her fingers lost their strength as Mihawk focused his assaults on her most sensitive spots, shamelessly using his haki to read her reactions and give her even more pleasure. He pressed his hand harder against her mouth when Sina’s eyes rolled in the back of her head, and used his body to hold her down to the bed as her orgasm hit her, her back lifting off the mattress. The sight and feel of her quivering made him so hard it hurt.
Sina gasped for air when Mihawk pulled his hand back, her arms limp by her head, her thighs still trembling as he pulled them apart. She heard her lover’s belt hit the floor, and brought her scattered attention back to him. He was fully naked now, adjusting her body on the bed, handling her into the position he wanted her in, his face serious and focused. She let him move her around, still catching her breath, and ended up with her legs over his shoulders, one of his hands holding her waist tight, the other going back to her mouth.
“Don’t be too loud,” he muttered, pressing her down again. Sina nodded excitedly, reaching to caress his shoulders and arms.
Mihawk released her waist briefly to guide himself into her, swallowing tight when he felt Sina whimper against his hand. He secured her in his grasp again and braced his knees on the mattress, looking back up into Sina’s eyes.
“Hang on.”
Sina barely managed to close her hands around his biceps before he thrust into her hard. Mihawk bit his lip for a moment, pleasure almost causing his eyes to close. Once he felt that Sina had him in a good grip, he pulled back and started pushing into her hard, speeding up gradually.
The slick sounds of their skin slapping together was almost louder than Sina’s muffled calls and the creaking of the bed, so much louder than it usually was on a beach or his boat. She was so wet, so warm, clenching so tight around him… And the sight of her like this… Pinned down, breasts bouncing from his movements, eyes hazy pools of lust…
She was intoxicating.
He bent down over her, moving even faster, the stretch of her legs making her tighter still. Sina was glossy with sweat now, her fingers slipping from his biceps, nails scratching down his skin as she attempted to adjust her grip. Mihawk’s breaths grew harsher as he got closer and closer. He slipped his hand under Sina’s hips, grabbing her ass tight and raising her body slightly, allowing him to push even deeper inside her and tearing a louder moan from her.
It only took a few more thrusts for pleasure to overcome Mihawk. He pinned Sina down hard, folding her in half, rutting into her in quick, uneven movements, gasping in her neck and clutching at her thigh. She whimpered and shuddered underneath him, bucking against him until she came again, toes curling high in the air.
He didn’t release her mouth until he pulled out, and immediately kissed her once her lips were free. Sina brushed her fingers through his hair lovingly, wrapping her unsteady legs around his. Their trysts usually ended with a bit of a struggle to find comfort on the unforgiving wood of Mihawk’s boat, but this new experience was simply heavenly. She barely had the strength to complain when he parted their lips, her body suddenly so heavy, and the mattress so soft… Mihawk was quick and efficient, adjusting them in the bed and tossing the soiled sheet away. He wrapped Sina up in his arms, studying her face for any sign of discomfort, and was proud to find nothing but satisfaction.
“When can we leave tomorrow?” he asked quietly.
Sina opened her eyes and pouted, her current situation coming back to her mind.
She told Mihawk about her brief talk with Whitebeard, trying not to let other crew members hear that she was leaving, lying about her destination.
“I only feel bad because he was happy. He smiled all proud and said he owed my captain at least that… Asked me to wait until the worst of the work was done, so the crew could say goodbye…”
“It doesn’t have to be a lie.”
“Hm?”
“That you’re going to Shanks,” Mihawk elaborated. “I wish to return to him, to continue our duels.”
Sina smiled at her lover and rubbed his chest affectionately.
“I’ll get back to the inn in the morning. Whitey saw the marks you left and they all teased me for messing around with a stranger last night. Won’t matter if I’m out tonight too…”
Mihawk frowned, remembering the rose and pointing it out to Sina. It was missing petals now, tossed across the room and forgotten by the Siren.
“Oh, don’t worry about that either, it’s just Vista. He’s a smooth talker.”
“Vista… I’ve heard that name. He’s a good swordsman.”
Sina’s eyes flickered to his, her pupils darkening slightly.
“Don’t. He took good care of me.”
Mihawk didn’t reply.
“Mihawk, not him.”
“You will not get in my way.”
She pushed herself up on her elbow, still staring at him, darkness slowly spreading in her usually pearly eyes. Mihawk only ever spoke to her like that when it came to duels, and she understood. She knew who he was. She’d never feared for Shanks, and had never cared for any of his opponents before. But Vista…
“He saved me.”
“His captain saved you.”
Sina was about to argue again, but Mihawk sat up, facing her, and silenced her with a hard stare. They glared at each other until the ink receded from Sina’s eyes and she sighed heavily, looking away. She let herself fall back on the bed, silky hair flowing around her head, bare and bruised breasts bouncing softly. She knew who he was, after all…
Some uncertainty and regret clouded Mihawk’s face at her reaction, but Sina was quick to reach for his jaw, stroking it with her thumb.
“I know,” she whispered. “I know, don’t worry…”
He turned his attention to the wilting flower again, angered and itching to challenge this swordsman who dared vie for his Siren’s favor. He caught Sina’s hand, pressing a deep kiss to her palm. Before he could say anything, Sina was gently humming, low enough not to be overheard, eyes glowing pale and beautiful once again.
“Yours,” she reminded him, calling him back into her arms.
Mihawk lowered himself into her again, shifting in the cheap bed until he could rest his head just above her breasts, his arms wrapping possessively around her smaller frame.
“Only yours,” Sina continued, closing her eyes slowly. “If you’ll only ever be mine. Mine, mine, mine…”
The swordsman’s rough hand traveled from Sina’s shoulder to her waist, grabbing her flesh and pulling her in tighter. She chuckled and kissed his hair, humming until she felt his breathing become even and his hands relax. The Siren traced idle patterns on his shoulders, following the dips and raises of his muscles, replaying in her mind the duels she’d witnessed. Mihawk was cold and ruthless when he fought, and he never lost. She’d sat by and watched him butcher lesser swordsmen, bounty hunters, and high-ranking Marines, and she’d never once feared for him, even when his opponents seemingly out-classed him. She’d seen him raid a Marine base once, from afar, and had been surprised to feel nothing for the amount of blood that pooled at his feet. Nothing for the blood that would inevitably reach her feet too, should she stay by his side.
The seas had sung to her once, when she was laying on his boat while the Roger pirates partied on the beach, holding Mihawk much like she was holding him now. The song had been cold and lovely, and she’d seen herself older, standing alone in a dark and ruined island, walking barefoot among broken swords as the deadly beasts of the night scurried off her path, driven away by his large shadow looming over her.
Perhaps, among the broken swords the waves sung of, were those of men Sina had befriended. Men she would miss, should they fall. She knew she would have to accept that possibility, if she stayed by Mihawk’s side. That everyone she’d come to know would fall by his black blade, and she’d be alone in the night, cloaked in his shadow.
Sina also knew there was another path for her, one Rayleigh had clearly told her he favored, filled with sunshine and drinking and careless laughter, where she would be just as safe, and perhaps even just as loved as she was with Mihawk. But that other path was red too, with more than just her brother’s hair. And even though the Moon sometimes seemed happy to bask in the Sun’s presence, it was only in the embrace of darkness that she truly shone. Alone.
Kissing Mihawk’s head again, and inhaling his comforting scent, pine and musk and steel and the salt of the sea, Sina knew she would never chose any path other than his. Because his shadow was warm, and it belonged to her.
**
The sun warmed Mihawk’s back form the blind-less window and he opened his eyes to his favorite sight. Sina was sprawled beneath him, lips letting out even breaths, her chest rising and falling slowly, dusted with kiss marks. Her arms were raised by her head, hands relaxed, strands of pale hair twisted in her delicate fingers. A beam of sunlight was approaching her eyes, and Mihawk adjusted himself to shield her, to preserve her rest a few minutes longer.
He timed his breaths to her, staying as close to her skin as he could without waking her. He thought of their upcoming journey back to Shanks, and their stay on whichever island the red-haired pirate was now calling home. It was going to be the first time he got to keep Sina, truly keep her, without having to hide her or let her go. He would never have to let her go again.
Mihawk thought back to her reaction when he’d mentioned a potential duel with Vista, and his eyes darkened. Did she truly understand? Did she fully grasp what kind of life he was going to take her into? What it meant to be his? He cared for nothing and no one, only for his rivalry with Shanks, his sword and title, his peace, and her. He would not allow for any of those things to be threatened. His sword would never be allowed to threaten her, and she would never be allowed to threaten his title.
She said she knew, she said she understood…
Shanks had told Mihawk everything he’d learned from the many whores and barmaids and village girls he’d run into over his travels, and Mihawk didn’t know how much of what he’d shared could apply to Sina. Women and girls fell in love easily with pretty words and Shanks’ blinding smile, but Sina had never been phased by charm alone. The red-haired pirate had told him about romance and flings and flirts, what women want from men, how their hearts swelled and broke. How they endured and quickly bloomed again when the next crews came around.
Some love fleeting, some love faithful. Shanks had laughed at the very notion that people could belong to one another, and Mihawk, as always, had remained silent. It was his rival who had said it after a beat of silence, with a pensive look on his face.
“I guess we do have one eternal love, us pirates…”
He had not needed to say it. Mihawk knew.
The sea.
It would always be the sea.
The shifting waves of Sina’s hair, the color of shallow lagoons over white sands. The ever-changing tides of her eyes, perfect pearls sometimes darkened by anger, sometimes alight with joy. The curves of her skin, rich and heavy at her thighs and breasts, smooth and round at her stomach and shoulders, fragile and precious at her hands and feet. The maddening tones of her voice, sprung forth from her delicate lips…
It would always be her.
Tracing his fingers over Sina’s hips, slow and careful not to disturb her, Mihawk recalled reading the rest of the Marine reports he’d found about Sirens. They had once been a wild and unruly breed, bedding men and women alike, freely sharing their songs with all who took to the sea, bestowing handsome blessings upon their lovers. Sirens used to be treasured and shared, but over the centuries, their kind became rare.
From what little knowledge remained, it was believed that Sirens would only ever birth one child, a daughter, similar in every trait to her mother. And many Sirens, it seemed, lost their lovers before they were with child. Sirens, though they charmed freely, were fiercely faithful to the ones they loved, and often died of heartbreak, a tragic tale that was still popular in this era (though its origin was forgotten). In the end, only a dozen were left. Then fewer still. The last three known Sirens witnessed the rising greed in men, the wars and atrocities committed to earn their favor, and swore to never have daughters, swore to end their race.
Sanya, Sevilla, and Satia.
Mihawk had yet to share this with Sina, but once they were alone, he would have all the time in the world to tell her about her kin, if she did not already know.
Sina had mentioned things “said” to her by the sea, by her mothers… It seemed Sirens did not die the way humans did.
His musings were cut short when Sina stirred, luxuriously stretching before his eyes, moaning softly as she woke up. He shifted closed to her, providing more cover from the sun, and searched her eyes. When Sina blinked sleep from her sight and found him, she smiled lazily.
“Good morning, Mihawk beloved…”
She must have still been dazed with the night, for she had not yet dared to use such words when addressing him. It stilled Mihawk to hear it, the sounds eliciting emotions that were foreign and complex and new and… perfect.
“It is still early,” he responded to distract her from his sudden awkwardness.
Sina hummed pensively, reaching up to tousle his hair.
“Breakfast together?”
He looked at her for a moment, enjoying her caress, before nodding shortly.
“I will return soon.”
Sina watched him stand and dress, sitting up as he walked out of their room, carefully locking it behind himself. She stretched again and surveyed what was left of her clothes, chuckling to herself at the state the top was in. She’d make sure to leave plenty of berry to Whitey to make up for the ruined skirt from two nights ago, the ruined top from last night, and the torn underwear.
The rose was there too, looking quite pitiful. But that, she would not apologize for.
The Siren busied herself with healing the marks off her skin, taming her silky hair, and wiping her thighs clean before Mihawk returned. She had just finished making the bed when he entered the room, carrying water and dark bread. Sina patted the bed next to her and kissed his cheek in thanks, reaching for the pitcher and promptly downing half of it.
They ate in silence, and only spoke when it was time for Sina to return to the Whitebeard pirates and bid them farewell.
“I will sail away from the island before you. It will be more discreet for you to swim to me.”
“You don’t look happy about that idea,” Sina pouted, fixing Mihawk’s collar.
He wasn’t. Of course he wasn’t. He would be forced to leave without being sure that Sina would follow him. He would have to trust her, but most importantly, he would have to trust that the Whitebeard pirates would let her go.
“Mihawk.”
Ringed golden eyes looked into hers, conflicted and anxious.
“I will come to you. Don’t doubt me.”
You’re the one who did not come, her treacherous heart whispered, still sore from his silence in her time of need. Sina held her tongue tight, remembering Izou’s words. There was no point in holding this over Mihawk.
“It is not you I doubt,” he mumbled.
“I will not be kept from you.”
They stared at each other for a moment, their silence hanging heavy in the room. Mihawk reached for her hip and tugged at her skirt, distaste obvious on his face. Sina chuckled, breaking the tension.
“I don’t like this,” Mihawk muttered.
“I can tell,” she teased with a wink, flicking her tongue over her lips. “When we’re alone at sea, I’ll let you take it off.”
He swallowed hard, leaning back with a slight blush.
“I wasn’t talking about the skirt,” he protested.
With a genuine laugh, Sina hugged him tight and kissed his jaw.
“Sail off. The further you are from port, the safer we will be. The waves will take me to you.”
She left quickly after that, her perfume still clinging to Mihawk’s clothes. He gathered his belongings, picking up Kogatana from the ground and tying it back around his neck, and collecting the rose and Sina’s ruined undergarments before walking away, leaving nothing of them in the room but the soiled bed sheets.
sorry Vista, Sina isn't the one for you, i am teehee
had some quick little Vista thoughts, nothing too fancy, but it still felt so good to write a little after work... i have an actual fic to post soon too ♡
Thinking of Vista who is so desperately and completely in love with you while you remain clueless and only playfully flirt with him…
Everyone on the ship knows except for you, you just think he’s being nice to you, Vista isn’t overbearing with his intentions after all, he doesn’t want you to feel pressured.
And maybe you grew up being asked out as a joke, being laughed at for thinking anyone would ever want you, so you gave up on the idea entirely, and now that it’s genuine you don’t even allow yourself to notice it.
Of course Vista is dying to be with you, to hold you and kiss you and give you love and tenderness and tell you everything he’s been silently screaming through his discreet gestures.
He is by your side as often as possible, with a quiet happy glow in his eyes, a dopey smile hidden under his mustache whenever you look away.
You make jokes with him, laugh and giggle so sweetly, blush when he compliments you, but you never take his comments seriously.
Vista stays patient, he doesn’t even plan or expect you to end up with him eventually, he just appreciates every moment spent with you, treasures whatever he gets from you, and dismisses his brothers’ assurances that he should make a move on you.
But every time you are near him and he can smell you, feel your skin, hear your breathing, study the details of your face… all he can dream of is tasting your lips.
What would it take for you to realize he is in love with you? To see that his feelings are genuine? Would you ever accept it?
He asks himself those questions all the time, and you have no idea.
Vista starts collecting things that remind him of you, because he suffers in your absence, and when he finds something he thinks you will like, he buys it discretely and finds a good occasion to give it to you without arousing your suspicions.
He loses interest in anyone who tires to flirt with him at bars, and since you have no interest in being taken for a fool again and asked out as a prank, you stay with him.
You tell him he makes you feel safe and Vista has never felt more pride.
The bar gets a bit too loud that particular night, and you suggest going for a walk, and of course Vista isn’t about to let you head out on your own, or pass the opportunity to spend more time with you.
And you look so pretty in the moonlight, shimmering hair and soft skin haloed beautifully in the night… The sight of you, as always, makes his heart race.
It feels like it would be the perfect time to speak his heart’s truth, the mood is romantic, you won’t be interrupted, you’re close enough to the ship that if you turned him down you could walk home on your own…
Vista knows he should be happy with your simple presence and company, but he’s starving for more of you. His heart skips a beat when you huddle a little closer to him, looking for warmth when a cold wind rises from the shore.
He wraps his arm around your shoulder, nothing too forward… It’s still enough to briefly overtake him, the urge to pull you even closer uncontrollable.
“It’s quite chilly,” he rumbles as an excuse, and you chuckle happily.
“Not anymore,” you respond with a twinkle in your eyes.
Do you truly have no clue what you’re doing to him? And if he were to reveal his feelings to you now, would you… would you accept him?
Maybe he’s allowed to take a chance, and maybe your playful flirts are an indication that your feelings for him are deeper than simple friendship… Maybe if he gives it a shot, he will have what he so desperately wants, and finally ease his yearning heart…
You tilt your head a little, his unusual silence piquing your curiosity.
When Vista holds out his hand, you smile and catch it easily, but his serious demeanor alerts you that something is different tonight.
What will you say when he finally bares his love for you?
Whitebeard: sees right through you and laughs fondly, then gives in to whatever you want (he loves spoiling you)
Marco: is never fooled, and will only relent if he's tired or overwhelmed by his work (you give up quickly, he's no fun compared to the others)
Ace: falls for it so easily, he hates to see you upset and is clueless when it comes to manipulation (you sometimes feel a little bad for tricking him)
Jozu: is confused because he knows you're not genuinely upset, but gives in because he doesn't like to see you cry
Thatch: falls for it every time and always gives you the most dramatic reactions, he's the most fun to mess with and he never makes you feel bad for tricking him
Vista: knows you're playing with him (most of the time, you can fool him if you try hard enough) and will sometimes tease you a little before giving in, too happy to see your sad pout morph into a pretty smile
Blamenco: laughs at your antics and will placate you with some strange trinket or little gift he keeps in his many magical pockets (you can't trick him, but you'll still get a little something from him)
Rakuyo: 50/50, he's either completely fooled or calls you out on your lies with a loud cackle
Namur: does not understand your strange displays of fake emotions and will call someone else for reinforcement (if he gets Marco you're getting scolded, if he gets Thatch or Ace you're getting your way)
Blenheim: it depends what you're crying for, he tries to be reasonable and not spoil you as badly as the others, but he can't really resist your teary eyes and pouty lips
Curiel: so easy it's almost too easy, he caves in immediately and is one of the reasons Blenheim tries to be more stern
Kingdew: he doesn't understand what there is to cry about, and your little show doesn't work very well on him so you give up after a few disappointing attempts
Haruta: becomes very uncomfortable when you start crying, and it became more fun to try to make him cringe rather than try to get your way
Atmos: chuckles at your little show because his younger brothers tried that on him many times before, and you're no better than them (he thinks you're very cute so he will still spoil you, don't worry, he'll just make you work extra hard for it)
Jiru: frazzled and worried he'll get in trouble for making you cry, so he tries to remedy the tears immediately, which makes him both an easy and fun target
Fossa: is never fooled but always gives in with a heavy sigh, then gently reprimands you for trying to trick him like that (which Blenheim always tells him is pointless, since Fossa keeps rewarding your behavior)
Izou: unsurprisingly, he is never fooled, no matter how genuine you try to appear, and unlike Fossa he doesn't reward your attempts and will wait until you calm down to respond to your request
Roger: falls for it soooo easily, despite Rayleigh's assurances that you're tricking him, but will try to comfort you instead of giving you what you want
Rayleigh: chastises you and refuses to give in, so you don't often try that trick on him unless Roger is nearby
Gabban: laughs at you and then gives you tips to put on a better show and be more convincing (and will probably give you whatever it is you came crying for, he doesn't care either way)
Shanks: is (almost) never fooled by you, but can't resist spoiling you despite Beckman's admonishments (sometimes you really do fool him, and his crew will laugh at him for a while)
Beckman: responds with tired silence and tries to patiently lecture you, but his efforts are thwarted by his captain (and in the end he loves the smile you give him when you get your way)
Buggy: panics and gives you random things before finally listening to you and giving you what you wanted (you'll leave with an extra carnival plushie, balloons, candy, coins, whatever was in his pockets, and what you initially wanted)
Mihawk: your attempt to fool him is endearing, and he might let you work for a bit before either caving in or denying your demands (it's always worth a shot, you never know what mood he'll be in)
Crocodile: hates it when you cry and will throw expensive things at you to get you to stop, he doesn't really care if you're genuine or not, he just wants you to stop
you have a busy schedule, and can only spare time to ask one favor from your lover... the rest will come later ♡
notes: silly and fun ♡ f!reader ♡ NSFW
You catch him just as he’s leaving the training grounds, untying his sweaty hair, with his shirt swung over his shoulder. Vista gives you a surprised look and smiles wide, excited to find you here.
“Good morning, my flower! What brings you here?”
The look in your eyes must be rather transparent, because his demeanor changes as soon as he notices your desire. You can’t really be blamed, not when his bare chest is glistening with sweat, his training pants are riding low on his hips, and he’s still out of breath and disheveled. Besides, when you have time to come to him after his drills, it’s usually to pull him in the storage closet and have a delightfully illicit quickie.
But today, you came for something else. You don’t have time to stay, so you just reach up to pull him into a kiss you don’t let him deepen, and simply give him a mischievous look. Vista responds with a confused hum and waits for your next move, hands hovering at your waist.
“Flex for me.”
He splutters and laughs, catching your hips to bring into a hug.
“That’s what you came here for?”
“Pleeaaase! Before I go back to work on these stupid maps!”
Vista steps back from you a little and brings one arm up, flexing his biceps for you with a cocky grin.
“How’s that?”
You pout and complain that he knows exactly what you want, and beg him to stop teasing. This gets an even wider grin from your lover, who very proudly complies, flexing both his arms and puffing his chest out, turning to the side so you get the best view possible. It makes your mouth water and you really regret not having enough time for a good private post-workout session. At least you know you’re leaving him as hungry as you are.
“Gods above, you’re sexy,” you mutter, biting your lip.
“Sure you don’t have some free time?”
“Certain. I’ll be thinking of you!”
Before Vista can react you’re running back to your work, waving him goodbye with a pleased smile. The swordsman shakes his head and chuckles to himself, then heads off to the baths for a long cold shower. The end of your work day can’t come quick enough…
He catches sight of you at lunch, but only has time to notice your smoldering eyes before you’re running back to your maps, a far-too-light sandwich in hand. You’re finally free in the late afternoon, emerging on deck with a tight groan as you stretch your arms in the setting sun. Vista quickly drops his conversation with his brothers and jogs over to you, smiling at you.
“Hey,” you start in a happy voice, “how was your da-AH!”
Vista doesn’t slow down when he approaches you, simply bends a little to grab your waist and sling you over his shoulder, then continues straight to your bedroom, chuckling at your protests. He chucks you into bed and locks the door, then descends on you just as quickly as he tossed you.
His kiss is deep and warm and careful despite how he got you in bed, and it makes you smile against his lips. He can never resist being tender with you, even when you’ve been a horrible tease.
“Finally got some time for me?” Vista murmurs when he pulls back, eyes glinting with excitement.
“All the time in the world.”
“Perfect. Want me to flex some more, or… would you like a more personal demonstration of strength?”
The cheesy question makes you laugh and suddenly your day of work doesn’t feel so heavy anymore, your body happily melting into the mattress as Vista blankets you.
“Personal sounds perfect… I’ve been dying to feel all that power in action.”
You both laugh at that and share another playful kiss while Vista slips his hands under your clothes, eager to undress you. He hitches your legs over his, spreading your thighs wide, and hovers above your lips as he runs a finger along your crotch, lightly teasing you. Your airy gasp makes the swordsman smile, and he repeats the motion to get more reactions out of you.
“Is this payback?” you ask with a smirk, rolling your hips impatiently.
“Whatever for?” Vista taunts, his hand leaving your shorts to undo your blouse.
“This morning…”
“No, my flower, I know how hard you work. I just want you to relax, let me take care of you, let me make good use of all these muscles, hm?”
He flexes his arm again, grinning at you, and you chuckle at his teasing.
“You’ll give me what I want?” you ask sweetly, shifting around to help him remove your top.
“No. I’ll give you what you need.”
You scoff and Vista shushes you, still grinning widely as he undoes your shorts’ buttons.
“I always give you what you need, don’t I?”
It’s a rhetorical question and even if you wanted to answer, his searing kiss wouldn’t let you. Vista only pulls back to pull his glove off with his teeth, and then he’s at your lips again, tongue plundering your mouth while his hand gropes and teases your bare breasts. He only leaves your chest to slip his fingers back between your thighs and push your shorts off your legs, leaving you almost naked and already out of breath.
Vista sits back to remove his other glove and toss his tunic away, hungry eyes roving your bare body. He smiles when you reach out to touch him, and lays back over you, indulging your desire to caress and grope his muscles.
“Been wanting you all day,” you mutter almost to yourself. “Couldn’t focus on work…”
“You have me now, little flower.”
You smile at him as you thread your fingers through his chest hair, and shift a little to wrap your legs around his hips and bring him closer to you. Vista chuckles and bends down further to press soft kisses into your neck, spending more and more time suckling your skin as he moves down your throat. You lose yourself in his touches and kisses and let him slip your underwear off, legs falling back onto the bed, spread even wider than before as the swordsman carefully fingers you open.
Wooden creaks, soft pants, moans, and wet noises fill the room gradually, your voice gaining volume as Vista’s lips find your nipples and he gently worries them with his teeth. He’s got three fingers pushing deep inside you, his thumb is rubbing over your clit, and you’re getting so close to your peak your thighs are jumping with each press of his hand.
Vista pulls his fingers out of you and chuckles and your frustrated whine, swatting your hip when you lightly kick his side.
“I told you, my darling, I’ll give you what you need,” he chastises you.
He pulls away from you to remove his pants, his eyes roving your body with open hunger while you roll your hips and seductively stroke your own breasts and stomach, your tongue pinched between your teeth. Vista smirks when he crawls back over your body, gaze locked with yours, his hands adjusting your body beneath his.
The swordsman groans when you grab his cock, your teasing fingers squeezing and tugging him, lining him up at your entrance.
“You want it?” he rumbles in a rough voice.
“Very much…”
“You need it, don’t you?”
“Yes, I’ve been needing it- nh!”
Vista pushes himself inside you, cutting you off. You have to brace yourself on his chest with one hand as he keeps pushing deeper inside you, your fingers still holding him steady. Your nails bite into his muscles, the slight sting pulling a pleased groan from the man. When you release him to catch his shoulder with your other hand, he thrusts himself inside you all the way, your wavering cry ringing in the quiet room.
“There you go… That’s what you needed, huh?”
You barely have enough self control to nod, eyes shut as your body adjusts to the deep and wide stretch you love so much. The first thrusts he gives you is slow and measured and tears another plaintive sound from you.
“Yeah… I told you I’d give you what you need.”
Vista shifts a little on top of you, catching your hips tighter to have more control over his rhythm, and you do your best to grab his shoulders in a firmer grip in preparation for what’s to come. But instead of giving you what you want, as promised, Vista only gives it to you the way he’s decided you need it: deep and slow. Far, far too slow for your tastes.
You try to beg and wrap your legs around his thighs to pull him in a little faster but only earn yourself a wicked grin and another slap on your ass.
“Patience, you little brat. I waited for you all day… I’ll get you there. You know I will.”
Despite your whines and attempts to protests, Vista refuses to speed up, chuckling at you instead. He tortures you with his slow pace a while longer, tilting your hips upwards slightly to hit your spot straight on, but never giving you enough pleasure to allow you to approach orgasm.
He leans down to give you a deep kiss and finally moves a little faster, and when he pulls back you’re ready to beg and argue once more, but the swordsman silences you quickly, pressing his thumb to your lips.
“Shhh, darling.”
Your lips part around Vista’s finger and he pushes it inside your mouth, letting you wrap your tongue around his thumb and cover it in saliva. He kisses you again when he pulls his finger out of your mouth, swallowing your surprised moan with a kiss as he rubs his wet thumb against your clit.
“That’s better, yeah?” he murmurs on your lips.
You reply with a shaky nod and a high-pitched moan, prompting another satisfied groan from your lover. Vista’s thrusts keep their slow pace but he’s finally moving a little harder, pushing even deeper into you, pressing his thumb tightly to your clit every time his hips meet yours. But even with that extra stimulation it’s torture, perhaps more so than before, since you can feel pleasure sizzle between your legs, but still can’t get enough.
When you buck your hips a little too hard and whine in frustration, Vista pins you down and stills himself deep inside you, clicking his tongue.
“What did I say, hm?”
“Vista, come on-”
“No. You get there on my time, little flower.”
You whine again but your complaints are cut off in a gasp when Vista draws tight and quick little circles over your clit. He stops quickly and chuckles at the way your thighs jolt around his hips.
“You said this wasn’t payback- ah!”
His thrusts resume, hard and deep and no longer frustratingly slow, his weight pushing you into the mattress to hold you still. Vista’s hand doesn’t leave your stomach, his thumb still pressed to your clit and his palm pushing into you, increasing the pressure against your spot. After being teased for so long, the pleasure overwhelms you quickly, leaving you whimpering and trembling beneath the swordsman.
Your fingers slip off his shoulders and you find purchase on his biceps, squeezing his muscles tight and mindlessly begging for more. Vista chuckles at you again, delighted by your reactions, and after giving you a few more thrusts he stops to shift you around a little, adjusting his angle. He nestles your head in his elbow and holds you still for a deep, passionate kiss, silencing your complaints.
Vista’s wet fingers find your clit again, rubbing and teasing you until your hips are fighting his, bucking under the pleasure and pulling more smug chuckles from the man.
“Didn’t I tell you?” he taunts under his breath, lips brushing your temple. “I’ll give you what you need… I always do.”
You’re not able to respond, not when he’s pushing you closer and closer to orgasm, strong arms holding you place, muscular body now pounding into yours, not letting up even when you cry out and clutch at his arms.
“There you go, baby. There’s my beautiful little flower.”
He prolongs your peak for as long as he can, until there are tears in your eyes and you can’t string your words together, smirking at you the whole time. When he finally pulls his hand back and adjust himself over you once more, you’re panting and whining and your fingers are still twitching around his arms, glossy eyes seeking his out.
“Doing alright?” Vista asks in a rough voice, sliding one of your legs up and over his hip. “Ready for more?”
You give him a dopey smile and thread your fingers in his curly hair, pulling him in for a kiss just as his hips grind against yours once more. Vista’s control is slowly slipping, more and more of his strength and weight bearing down on you. He’s groaning by your ear, holding you tight, fucking you without restraint now, truly showing you what his muscles can do, and you’re loving every minute of it.
Just like he promised… Vista is giving you exactly what you needed.
His grunts pick up as he gets rougher, heavy hands groping your thighs to hold you still. You’re gasping for breath when he cums, your eyes blissfully shut and your parted lips pressed to his neck. Vista is quick to snap back to his senses, already lifting off you and helping you shift your legs back to the bed.
“So?” he whispers playfully, studying your face. “Satisfied?”
You smile and caress his arms.
“For now.”
Vista chuckles softly as he pulls away from you, careful not to hurt you, and he quickly retrieves a clean cloth to take care of you. You sigh and stretch luxuriously on the bed, relaxed and happy, when suddenly Vista bends down to kiss your sensitive slit.
“Hey!” you squeal, jolting in surprise.
“Hm? Sure you had enough?”
“Have you not had enough?”
The swordsman smiles and kisses your clit again, his grey eyes not leaving yours.
“I’ll never have enough of you, my flower.”
You pet your fingers through his hair with a loving smile and sigh quietly.
“I suppose I don’t have anywhere to be…”
“Hmmm… Then stay here with me. Let me show you more of my strength, hm?”
With a soft laugh, you lean back in bed and get comfortable. After a long day of work and dreaming of Vista, lazing around in bed with him sounds absolutely perfect… Exactly what you needed.
happy monday !!! i won't be posting as much as i was before (at least not just yet) but i started writing again and i have a few things baking ♡
