“Only good captain’s get gifts,” he tsked lightly, his turn for a teasing tone, “You shouldn’t have messed with me if you wanted something, Roger.”
“Rayleigh—” it would be incorrect to have called it anything other than a whine, but Rayleigh would allow his captain to keep some honor— “I was just playing around!”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Late entry for @rogerpirateswk Day 1: Fun! Week's been rough for me but things are slowly getting better so hoping to play catch up and finish the drafts I do got uvu
A theme week to celebrate the crew that sailed to the end and beyond! We want to see you indulge in the shenanigans of each of them, whether it’s in the past or with former members in the current timeline – there’s no limits, as long as it involves the Roger Pirates!
Running from Jan 23rd till Jan 29th 2023, find the prompts below! Tag us with #RogerPiratesWK2023 and @rogerpirateswk so we won't miss your post! See the About page for FAQ.
Prompts:
Day 1 - Fun: Laughter / Song
Day 2 - Past: Farewells / Memories
Day 3 - Family: Home / Kids
Day 4 - Surprise: Confessions / Stowaway
Day 5 - Relax: Hot Springs / Banquets
Day 6 - Connections: Rivals / Allies
Day 7 - FREE DAY
Roger Pirates Week - Day 2 - Past: Farewells / Memories
Enough angst for today ! But apparently not enough feels
This @rogerpirateswk also gave me an excuse to FINALLY WRITE A PROPER ROGERRAY FIC !!
Also posted on AO3 on 2023.01.24
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Roger x Rayleigh
Summary: Upon leaving Laugh Tale, Rayleigh reflects on his life since Roger barged into it.
Content warnings : tiny spoiler for Film: Red, rated M for non-graphic sex & canon-typical violence, feels, fluff, POV Rayleigh
Word count: 3.3k
✨ Promise
Rayleigh takes a large gulp of red wine from the bottle, turning around when he hears footsteps behind him. "Oh, Oden. What did you think of the last island ?"
The samurai grins wide. "I thought it was great ! My body still burns with excitement !"
Roger comes by, laughing brightly. "I feel the same !"
"Oh, Roger." Oden steps aside to make room for the Captain.
Roger leans on the railing, a serious frown creasing his forehead as he stares at the sea. "Rayleigh, you're here..."
Rayleigh gives him a once-over, then turns to face the sea too, heart threatening to burst from emotion. "Roger... Do you remember what you said to me when we first met ?"
Roger gives him a side-glance. "Huh ? Yeah, I do... Turn the world upside-down, wasn't it ?"
"You also said, We were destined to meet", Rayleigh adds as a soft smile curves his lips. Gaze still lost into the endless blue around the ship, he hands Roger the bottle he's been drinking from.
Without a word, Roger takes a good swig, then turns to his First Mate. "Is the promise fulfilled ?", he asks as he hands back the wine bottle.
Rayleigh is lounging aboard his ship, drinking from his flask under the sea breeze.
A brown-haired guy ashore spins a straw hat on his finger. "Oooh ! Hey ! That's a nice ship !"
Rayleigh deadpans, "It's a stolen ship. My house burned down, so I'm living here."
The other guy places the straw hat on his head. "I see. What's your name ?"
"It's Rayleigh."
"I'm Roger ! Our meeting here is destiny, Rayleigh !"
Rayleigh frowns. "Destiny ?"
Roger grins wide. "Wanna come with me and turn the world on its head ?"
"Eh ? The world ?" Rayleigh laughs. "Who do you think you are ?" He takes another swig from his flask. "Get lost."
"This ship is small, but once you learn how to handle it correctly, I'm sure it could survive almost any storm. It's a perfect ship for our voyage, don't you think ?"
Baffled by the audacity, Rayleigh retorts, "Our voyage ? Don't go deciding that on your own ! Why should I join you ?"
"Like I said, we'll take the world by storm ! So come on ! Let's set sail, Rayleigh !" Roger laughs brightly.
Rayleigh spends the rest of the afternoon trying to chase Roger away, but the guy is so persistent he ends up letting him aboard, and even agrees to take him a couple of islands away. He likes his independence and intends to keep it though, so he really hopes that by then Roger will have dropped his ludicrous idea to "take the world by storm", whatever that means.
Roger immediately starts making himself at home under Rayleigh's disapproving gaze.
And yet... against all odds, he takes a liking to the man over the next weeks.
Sure, Roger is a little pushy and hot-headed, and he's loud, whether he's awake and says the most outrageous things or at night when he snores... It doesn't help that the ship is small and that they're always virtually in the same space, not to mention they have to share the only cabin aboard at night. That aside, he's also incredibly kind, bluntly honest, and smiling so often and so wide that his good mood becomes soon, and often, contagious.
By the time they reach the place where Rayleigh said they would part ways, he's mildly uncomfortable that he said he'd drop Roger there in the first place.
Roger never packs his things either, and keeps acting like Rayleigh's agreed to travel with him and follow him on his crazy idea.
Rayleigh takes the bait and acts like he's forgotten about leaving Roger there. He's grown accustomed to his presence, warm and somehow comforting, and despite still being unsure about the whole "turning the world upside down" thing, he's grown curious about Roger's ambition. So they set sail again, and as they roam the East Blue, Rayleigh teaches Roger how to steer the ship, how to fish, how to cook.
Much to Rayleigh's surprise, Roger eagerly learns, his face scrunching up in a serious frown whenever he struggles with something.
Rayleigh often teases Roger about being stubborn, yet he feels strangely proud, and genuinely happy whenever his face lightens up as he masters something new. He grins back and finds that he really likes spending time in his company, now. Weirdly enough, he even got used to Roger's loud snores, and doesn't mind sleeping beside him anymore – the man is warm like a furnace, and on colder nights he rather enjoys snuggling next to him.
And as much as he complains about chores and training and every other thing, sometimes Roger looks at Rayleigh like he's the best thing that ever happened to him.
Rayleigh shrugs it off, then waits for Roger to look the other way to discreetly observe him, too.
He's twenty-five now, about one year younger than Rayleigh, yet still growing – taller than him, to his mild annoyance. Everything about him is big anyway : his appetite, his dreams, his words, his smile... and he wears his heart on his sleeve too, his anger as loud as his excitement, and his laughter even louder.
Rayleigh finds endearing the sight of Roger pouting whenever he's told to calm down or wait a while. Speaking of which... Rayleigh is surprisingly at ease with the fact that they're pretty much complementary, too.
While Roger often needs someone to rein in his impulses and make plans before jumping head first into something, Rayleigh rather appreciates having someone who pushes him forward and helps him get out of his comfort zone sometimes.
Rayleigh never thought he'd appreciate having someone like him around, much less actually enjoy their adventures together. There's one strange thing lingering in his mind though, and he wonders why, of all things that have happened since Roger barged into his life, it's this one that he can't wrap his mind around. It doesn't strike Rayleigh as obvious at first, but the more time passes, the more he's drawn to Roger... physically.
Wide gray eyes looking into his, full of hope and eagerness, plus something weirdly tender behind it. Shameless crushing bear hugs whenever he's happy about something, and not only Rayleigh doesn't fight against it, he's even kind of upset and disappointed when Roger sets him back on the deck, an apologetic smile on his lips. Sun-kissed skin shining under the stars. Warmth radiating from him as if his body was home to an everlasting sun.
And, well... Rayleigh might have denied it at first, but he really can't now.
Body temperature aside, Roger is really hot.
Rayleigh wonders why Roger is the first man that has such an effect on him. He doesn't want to act on it though, just in case it alters the relationship they have now, and not in a good way. He's fine the way things are now, and he wouldn't even know what to do. He's only flirted with women until now, so flirting with men is new territory, and how would Roger react ?
Is he only into men ? Or women, for what it's worth ? Roger always seems dead set on adventures and nothing else, so there's a chance he would simply shrug the matter off and set sail right away.
And well, Rayleigh really doesn't want to lose him now, so he cautiously keeps his feelings, whatever they are, to himself, and simply basks in Roger's presence, enjoying day after day in his company.
Still, Roger keeps growing on him as they explore this part of the sea, and he's getting more and more eager at the prospect of setting sail towards the Grand Line.
Rayleigh's managed to convinced him to wait until they have a better ship and they got a few crewmates.
For now, they're making a name for themselves in the East Blue, looting other pirates to gather money so they can buy their next ship.
They're almost done defeating one of those crews when Rayleigh gets one eyelid split open in the fight.
Roger worriedly turns to him then. "Rayleigh !"
Holding a hand over his injured eye, Rayleigh quickly dismisses as he crouches and blindly pats the ground, "I'm okay, I just- Ugh, where are my glasses ?"
The next thing he knows, Roger roars in anger and the air becomes thick and heavy.
Rayleigh's still looking for his glasses, and despite the blur in his vision he distinguishes their opponents falling to the ground one by one, foaming at the mouth. He feels a little dizzy, too, and he's grateful when finally the pressure around him becomes more bearable.
Once he confirmed there's just the two of them left conscious, Roger pats his shoulder and hands him his broken glasses. "Here", he simply says, and as soon as his hand's empty, he wraps his big arms around Rayleigh and hugs him tight.
Rayleigh leans into Roger's warm embrace and pats his back. Lately, he can't recall why he ever wanted to stay alone aboard the ship, much less why he wanted Roger out of his life.
Roger next takes him to a doctor, and anxiously waits while he gets patched up. He's relieved when the doctor says that his injured eye still sees, and he pays him double in gratitude. He gets him new glasses too, and grins wide when Rayleigh thanks him in return.
As they walk back to the ship Rayleigh asks, "Say, what was that earlier ?"
"Hm ?" Roger turns to him, then awkwardly rubs his neck. "Ah, I don't know. I just..." He purses his lips. "I couldn't stand to see you injured, and I wanted them all gone, that's it... I guess."
Rayleigh offers him a lopsided smile. "I'm okay, though. Told you so back then, too."
Roger has a serious frown and jabs back, "But nobody hurts someone I love."
Rayleigh's heart misses a beat, and he looks into Roger's eyes, searching for any trace of a lie despite already knowing that he's virtually incapable of such a thing. After a while, he turns his head around and murmurs, "Alright."
Once back on their ship Roger takes over the chores unprompted, dinner and all.
That leaves Rayleigh with nothing else to do than think about their earlier exchange as he watches Roger keeping himself uncharacteristically busy. He tries to convince himself that he didn't mean it that way, only to mentally slap himself because of course he did, Roger's never been able to hide his feelings, let alone lie about them.
But if Roger really feels that way, why didn't he try anything before ?
Rayleigh realizes that he's never tried anything either in case he would face rejection, and that maybe Roger thought something along the same lines. A single question remains hanging : does he love him back ?
Roger brings him dinner, a soft smile on his lips as he sits beside him. "Eat so you get better."
Rayleigh gently nudges Roger's arm. "The doctor already told you I'd be good as new in a few days, so stop worrying."
Roger grumbles something inaudible, but leans a little into his touch.
Rayleigh fondly smiles. "I appreciate, though. Thanks."
Roger beams at him then, worries seemingly all forgotten.
Rayleigh blinks, and before his mind catches up he raises a hand to Roger's cheek, fingertips tracing his jawline while his gaze meets Roger's, before traveling down to his mouth.
Roger leans in.
Rayleigh tilts his head up and parts his lips, sighing in surprised delight when Roger meets him halfway.
Roger's soft and tender at first but soon his eagerness shows, as he claims Rayleigh's mouth, hands wandering on his face, his neck, his torso, wherever he can reach to pull him closer, flush against his taller frame.
Rayleigh doesn't stop him either, rather flattered to be desired like this... Had he realized that the attraction was mutual, he would have given Roger an opening or a hint long before tonight. And he idly wonders in the heat of the moment, how he's been able to go on for so long without even trying : Roger's hands and mouth are as addictive as they're demanding, and Rayleigh feels like he's been missing on so much until now...
As for catching up, Roger fucks him several times that night, leaving Rayleigh sore but utterly happy as they tangle their limbs together and fall asleep, dinner long cold and forgotten, another kind of hunger sated.
It takes Rayleigh another few days – and as many steamy nights – to realize that he does, in fact, love him back.
Roger's taking the dry laundry off the rigging, unaware that Rayleigh stopped doing his share of chores to enjoy the view of him half-naked, a few beads of sweat glimmering on his muscular torso under the afternoon sun.
Rayleigh very much enjoys sex with Roger, he knows that. But even with such eye candy in sight, he finds that his first physical reaction happens deep within his chest and not inside his pants. Eventually, he gets up and goes to Roger, wraps his arms around his waist and rests his head against his slightly damp back.
Roger immediately drops the laundry in favor of leaning into the unprompted hug. "What's wrong ?", he asks after a quiet moment.
Roger wraps his arms around Rayleigh's, holding him close as he exhales a deep hum. "Me too. What brought this up ?"
Rayleigh nuzzles his nose against Roger's skin, inhaling his scent. "I love you", he simply says after a while.
Roger laughs, loud and bright as usual. Then he turns around and kisses Rayleigh, grinning against his lips as he tackles him to the deck and claims him again.
Rayleigh happily lets him do as he pleases. And just like he gave his heart and soul – and his body – he keeps lending his skills, help and knowledge in order to follow Roger on his outrageous dream. They buy a new ship, recruit a few trusty crewmates and explore the world, rising to infamy on their way, intimacy and love cementing their relationship into something more solid than Rayleigh would ever have thought possible a handful of years back.
On a morning while Rayleigh stirs awake, Roger wraps his arm tighter around him, pulling him closer to his warm body. "Will you help me find the island at the end of the Log Pose ?", he asks, voice still hoarse from sleeping.
Rayleigh exhales a sleepy chuckle. "Yeah", he says, and tilts his head up for a kiss.
Roger grins against his lips, and open his eyes as he leans back. "And will you marry me ?"
Rayleigh blinks, and searches into Roger's eyes, where he only finds determination, infinite fondness and love.
Roger's never lied to him, never tried to trick him, and he couldn't even if his life depended on it.
So Rayleigh leans in for another kiss, humming appreciatively. His heart grows bigger as he buries his head into the crook of Roger's neck to prevent a few salty drops from falling from his eyes, and he murmurs, "Of course."
Gaban weds them the same day in the afternoon, aboard their ship as they sail the Grand Line, under the hollers and hoorays of their crew.
Rayleigh never thought he'd admire a man so much, yet there he is, putting his heart and his fate into Roger's hands again, and ready to follow him to the end of the seas and beyond.
It takes them twenty eventful years to reach Lodestar and once there, Roger determines that there's another island somewhere. Of course, he's dead set on finding it. Both fists held up above his head as he faces his crew, he announces, "We'll do it ! We'll find the last island and become the greatest pirate crew that has ever sailed !"
Rayleigh is in awe at Roger's new dream, and absolutely ecstatic at the prospect of yet another crazy adventure by his side.
A year later, they set sail for God Valley after forming a temporary alliance with the Vice-Admiral who's been regularly chasing their crew for the last three decades, and fight the Rocks Pirates' until their complete defeat.
Garp earns a mighty epithet to boast about afterwards, while the Roger Pirates' major involvement remains hidden from public knowledge.
At least, they've gotten loads of loot back there, and they're happily counting their earnings as they set sail towards their next destination...
Roger finds a baby crying in one of the treasure chests.
Peeking from behind him, Rayleigh and Gaban are equally shocked and wondering what to do.
Roger holds the baby in his arms, softly humming, and as the baby instantly calms down he turns to Rayleigh and declares, "We'll raise him."
Gaban sends Rayleigh a worried glance.
Rayleigh shakes his head in disbelief, but he knows better than anyone than to try and change Roger's mind. He cracks a smile. "I guess that's settled, then."
They find Buggy not so long after, and raise him with Shanks. The kids get along quite well, despite their regular bickering, and as they grow up they become pretty decent cabin boys.
Rayleigh is happily surprised that Roger and him turn out to be decent parents, and he's very proud of the boys as they learn to fend for themselves under their care.
While searching for the Road Poneglyphs, Roger gets Tom in Water 7 to build him a new ship.
The Oro Jackson is magnificent, and allows the Roger Pirates to travel faster and more safely in the most dangerous places of the New World. They're standing at the top of their era, mighty and feared, competing against the former Rocks Pirates that started to build their own crews since the defeat of their former captain. They're solid and nothing can stop them...
Which is why Rayleigh doesn't believe the doctor who diagnoses Roger as terminally ill, with barely a few months left to live.
Roger, hot-headed as usual, considers it a sign that he needs to wrap up his impossible journey soon.
Rayleigh worries that his condition might worsen on the way to the last island, and manages to convince him to recruit the doctor at Twin Capes.
Crocus makes a mighty fine addition to the crew, and he keeps Roger in fine shape during the last leg of their voyage.
Over the next two years, defying his initial diagnosis, Roger successfully faces Shiki and his armada, duels against Newgate, recruits Oden from the Whitebeard Pirates and gathers the missing Road Poneglyphs in Fish-Man Island, Wano Country and Zou, then finally reaches Laugh Tale.
Rayleigh laughs along with everyone, happy beyond measure that he was able to help Roger realize his crazy dream.
Roger barged into his life and turned it upside-down, asking for the impossible... only to make it happen himself.
And Rayleigh is glad and proud that he's been here long enough to have seen this incredible adventure from the very start, to have lived and felt all of it.
Rayleigh grins wide as he grabs the wine back. "Yeah", he earnestly says. Promise fulfilled, and so much more. His Observation Haki idly catches a wave of emotion washing over Roger, and he takes another good gulp from the bottle to drown it. Then he turns to Roger, his Captain, his partner, his lover, his soulmate.
He stands proud, as always, impressively determined.
Rayleigh still smiles, proud beyond belief of the lives they've had up to this moment.
Roger intensely stares at the sea, not meeting his eyes.
Rayleigh focuses his Observation Haki on Roger for a brief moment, only sensing a strange, melancholic calm. He frowns a little, then his smile softens. He knows that their travels will soon come to an end, much too soon for his liking... But he'll cherish the memories for his whole life – memories of their adventures, their dreams, and their love, strong and loud and magnificent, just like the man he devoted his life to.
a chance to have the family together (or what Noah can never experience)
(I hope it is still in time to post)
inspired by this
Day 3 - Family: home/kids
@rogerpirateswk
Summary: Family could be made of many things: blood relations, creation, or togetherness. For Roger, family was all of these and then some, from the friends he made on his adventures to the crew that sailed with him to the end and back.
He loved and cared for everyone, even those who left his crew, and for their happiness he would do anything, even destroy the world.
And they would all do the same for Roger, even if they had to fight for the world just to have Roger with his smile.
It was just obvious that his family would not let him go that easily.
word count: 10k
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
