PFP & Header by @gav-san I mostly do art & sometimes write black reader inserts. I'm a 29 y/o black (Any Pronouns) Enby artist. Minors, NFT, Ai users DNI. https://linktr.ee/thatanonymouschocolate
Hi I'm ThatAnonymousChocolate! I'm a black artist sometimes draw/write black reader inserts. THIS IS AN 18+ SPACE. Do not follow me if you are under the age of 18 😒 if you are under 18 or no age in your bio you will be blocked.
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A low ranking demon named Crimson works as Hell’s Secretary. From checking in souls sent to hell, doing paper work, or playing game her comp
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AnonymousCocoa is an independent artist creating amazing designs for great products such as t-shirts, stickers, posters, and phone cases.
Request: Hello, could I request Can we keep it with Mihawk and Ace, please ? - anon
Summary: I found this little guy, can we keep it?
A/N: eee i love this little series so much, they are my favorite stories to write!! i hope anon enjoys! and i hope its okay I threw in Marco for extra luck 😉 as always, lmk if there are any specific characters you’d like to see in this series (i’ve got a few ideas but i would also love to give the people what they want)
also also! if you ever see a mistake in reader gendering please let me know!! i never want anyone to feel uncomfortable while reading, but I am human (with an insane schedule) and mistakes can slip by so i really appreciate the post-production help!
this is mostly proofread, but mistakes may persist! thanks so much for reading!! likes, reblogs, and comments are always welcome!
Portgas D. Ace
“This way! I set up everything over here!” Ace spoke excitedly as he led you down the forested path toward the meadow, where he had laid out a picnic spread. It wasn't often you found time to spend a day just the two of you and he was set on making it the best day ever.
“Ah, Y/N, you’re gonna love it! I think I’ve really outdone myself this ti— HEY!” As Ace stepped into the meadow, ready to pat himself on the back, he immediately noticed a ball of fur chewing at the snacks he had set up. Oh, this was soooo not cool.
“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?” He asked as he stomped over. The bunny paid him no mind as it nibbled away at a strawberry.
“Hey buddy!! Helloooo! Those aren’t for you!!”
“Awww Ace, he’s so cute! Let him have a few, it can’t hurt to share with the little guy.” You spoke, walking up beside Ace, wrapping your arms around one of his and resting your head on his shoulder as you watched the rabbit continue on completely unbothered.
He wanted to argue, it was your guys’ food after all, but the soft gaze you sent towards the rabbit left his retort dissolving on his tongue. As he looked between you and the bunny, he brought his free hand up to rub the back of his neck. “I guess he is sorta cute, huh?”
“Sorta? Ace, he’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!” You stepped away from Ace and slowing kneeled down beside the rabbit, trying not to startle it.
“What about me?” Ace asked with a pout.
“Oh, shush,” you laughed, sending him a humorous glance over your shoulder. Turning back to the rabbit, you talked softly. “You like strawberries, don’t ya friend?”
The bunny simply looked up at you and twitched its nose.
“Awwww! Ace, he’s so perfect. Can we keep him?? Pleaaassseeee.” You offered your lover your best puppy dog eyes.
“Hmm, I don’t know Y/N. He’s not exactly pirate material.”
“How dare you talk to my son that way!” You feigned anger as you scooped up the rabbit in your arms, to which the small creature simply snuggled in. “See Ace! He thinks I’m his parent now, we can’t leave him.”
“Okay, okay,” Ace laughed. He made his way over to you, talking a seat next to you in order to wrap an arm around your waist. “I was already gonna say yes, ya know. I don’t think I could ever tell you no.”
A blush bloomed across your cheeks. “Well, if we’re keeping him, he’ll need a name. Any ideas?”
“It’s gotta be cool if he’s gonna join the crew. Something like Dread Stevens or.. or Grimm!” Ace spoke excitedly, as always.
“Hmm, I don’t know. He doesn't really seem like the dark and broody type.” You held up the rabbit, who seemed to have no opinions either way, turning him left and right to try to assess his character. “I’ve got it! His name is Eddy Whitetail. He’s the emperor of all the meadows!!”
Ace couldn’t help but let out a loving laugh at the goofy grin and silly name you chose for the little fur ball. “Eddy Whitetail, huh? Pops'll get a kick outta that. His name will certainly send terror into the hearts of many strawberries.”
You lightly pushed his shoulder but laughed alongside him as you both settled in to enjoy your new friend and the meal Ace unknowingly curated for him.
Marco the Phoenix
“Uhh, hey Marco?” This was not how you expected your day to start.
“Yes, dear?” He asked as he stepped back into your shared cabin, holding two cups of coffee, ready to share in your morning ritual.
“Why is there a bird building a nest on our desk?”
You had woken up nearly an hour after Marco, as you always did, given how insanely early that man woke up. You were used to his side being empty, as he always snuck out to get a morning flight in and brew you both coffees to start your days. What you weren’t used to was the sound of cooing and the flapping of little wings greeting you as your eyes opened to the morning sunlight.
“Oh, I think he lives here now yoi,” Marco said so casually but with a smirk that told you he was being facetious on purpose.
“So you can see how that raises more questions than answers, right?” You asked as you grabbed the mug he held out to you and gave him a look that said, ‘It’s too early for this.’
With a small chuckle, he explained, “This little guy found me while I was flying around and decided I’m his mom, I suppose. Followed me back to the ship and all the way through the hallways into here yoi. Figured if he wanted in that bad, he could stay.”
All you could do was stare at Marco as you tried to process his words. After a few big blinks, you asked, “Well… what’re you gonna name him?”
Marco laughed, not really expecting that response. “I wanted to leave you the honor yoi.”
“Hmm,” you pulled an over-the-top thinking face. “We could always name him Marco Jr.,” you answered with a smirk.
“I’d like to reserve that one for our firstborn,” he spoke in a sultry tone, causing heat to rise to your face.
“Umm, well, maybe Nix like phoenix?” You asked, attempting to hide the blush washing over you at the thought of you and Marco having your own kids. “He’s your son after all, that makes an honorary phoenix.”
“Nix… I like it!”
Nix, still skittering back and forth on the desk, seemed to coo in agreement.
A calm settled over the room as you enjoy your coffee and company, watching the little bird take in its new surroundings, but with you the silence could only last so long. Bothering him was vital to your mourning routine after all.
“Marco,” you asked in a very serious voice. “If you’re his mom, what does that make me?”
Marco once more let out a hearty laugh. “You can be his nanny yoi.”
“HEY!! If anybody is the nanny, it’s gonna be Thatch,” you said with a pout.
“I’m kidding, love. You’re obviously his parent, too yoi. After all, I couldn’t raise him right without my other half.”
You kept up your grumbling, but gave in to his loving comments as you snuggled into his embrace.
Dracule Mihawk
You were his peace, his solace from the weight of the world, his escape from the title he bore, and the home he never knew he yearned for.
You were also his biggest, most beautiful nuisance.
“Mihawk!! Look what I found!”
Looking up with a soft gaze, Mihawk nearly offered a small smile before taking in the sight before him and deciding to redirect such efforts into maintaining his patience.
“Why have you brought a snake into our home?” He asked, already exhausted from the conversation but curious as to your motives.
“I was working in the garden — I wanted to get some new bouquets for the entryway, but then I saw the vineyard gate was open, so I head to head in there and make sure everything was alright — I think the grapes will be ready for harvesting soon—“
“Y/N,” Mihawk redirected your excited ramblings with a soft but steady look. “The snake?”
“Oh, yeah! So anyways, when I was making my way back, I saw this little girl slithering around the cabbages, and she turned out to be super friendly! Sooooo I was thinki—“
“No,” he cut you off with a tone of finality as he returned his gaze to the book in his lap, indicating the conversation was over.
“But—“
“The creature cannot stay.”
You pouted, and even the snake seemed to be saddened at his words. “Dracule… Please? I promise she won’t be a bother. I just…" You took a heavy breath. "I just want a friend for when you’re away…”
Your sad tone nearly broke his heart in two on the spot. His hand, reaching to turn the page froze as his mind stuttered in its processing of your words.
He knew your heart ached when he was away, as his did the very same, but he had not considered that such a simple thing, such a small creature, could offer you such comfort in his absence.
As he navigated his thoughts, you began to lose hope. You knew your chances of keeping the animal were slim to begin with, but a small part of you hoped Mihawk would understand, would agree to it, but as the silence stretched, you became defeated.
Just as you had come to terms with the idea that the snake would not be stepping into the role of your animal companion, Mihawk spoke, stopping you as you turned towards the door. “You could use the old study down the hall from our bedroom as a vivarium for her. Perhaps she might deal with the rats that have nested in there.”
While he still did not raise his head from the novel in his hands, he could feel the warmth, happiness, and excitement spread over your features.
With a smile, you squealed and moved swiftly to his side. With the snake held in one hand, your other came up to his jaw as you brought your lips to his cheek. “Thank you, love. Thank you.”
“Just don’t let it near Yoru… or the cabbages… again.” He spoke with disinterest, but you knew better.
“What do you think we should name her?” You asked, sitting on the sofa next to him.
“I will not be naming it anything.”
“I don’t know, she kinda reminds me of Boa Hancock,” you spoke with a smirk. “Think I’ll name her Lily.” The snake stuck out her tongue in agreement.
“Very well, dear.” He sighed, already starting to regret his decision.
With a wide smile, you offered him one last kiss before heading to set up a room for Lily.
Mihawk could not help but smile softly as he watched you go.
You can't call out for Marco on the Whitebeard ship. It's impossible with the jokesters aboard. Example:
You huff, twirling in your spot on the deck of the Moby Dick, eyes scanning faces again. The thought that, if you just look you'll find your favorite, loving bird in the crowd.
But no, he isn't here, at least at far as you know. So, you do the one thing you know that will get him here just from sheer annoyance.
The punishment would be worth it after all.
"Marco!" You shout.
A pause in the air.
The Crew stills.
Then....
"POLO!"
Everyone dissolves into laughter, even you can't stop a giggle or two from slipping out.
A tired sigh cuts through it all, and rising out from the belly of the ship a wash rag in hand, Marco.
The bags under his eyes look exaggerated in the light, his skin paler than usual from working on the patients from the recent attack. Pirates and Marines alike thinking they could actually challenge and win against the Whitebeard Pirates.
But his eyes find yours, crinkling with a sweetness reserved only for you. "You needed me?"
Ace cuts in before you can answer, his fire dancing on his shoulder from his excitement. "You fell for it again!" He claps Marco on the back, "They should call you more often, it's hilarious!"
"And a tired joke. I swear you're just a five-year-old in a twenty-year-old body." Marco shakes his head. "Now, Little Flame," His nickname for you warms your chest, "What do you need?"
"Oh, nothing to serious, just a checkup on my arm. I think it's broken." You use your working arm to hold up the limp one. Blood is dripping from deep cuts all over it, and it slumps lower than it should where your shoulder and arm connect.
The crew falls silent a second time, wide eyes and worry filling the air.
Marco explodes into his half-phoenix form, barreling towards you. "What!!"
im surprised bout how Captain!Reader isn’t all too common
Like imagine all the scenarios with like rivalries with other captains/crews. Enemies to lovers/secret relationship thing with a rival crew member (or a marine), or maybe smth silly like your crew setting you up with someone else
Maybe Captain!Reader’s rlly well-known and feared, or maybe they’re still at the bottom of the food chain trying to get up in the world (with the goal of becoming King of the Pirates???????) see how other’s will react to their s/o with the same goal/similar goals to their captain
IDK i just find the idea rlly fun and has a lotta potential (in my opinion)
(I could??? Write bout this but i dont feel all too confident cuz im still on skypeia…. TAG ME IN ANYTHING LIKE RHIS I NEEDDDD ITTT)
Just thought it’d be funny if Crocodile, who had lived most of his life assumingly soulmateless ended up with someone half of his age. Just imagine him thinking his secret is safe bc he just assumed he was one of the few w/o a soulmate. Then on top of having to deal with meddling kids he has to deal with someone half his age judging his every move
Almost my entire premise for Croc is to await the revelation of what his secret is. He'll probably get a Sanji-level discourse, where I literally plot out the issues and how having a baddie solves them. YW, I've already started.
Summary: A lost bundle of Bubble Silk quietly ties your lives together until fate gives Killer the chance to keep a promise he made to himself.
A/N: Okay so I may have gone overboard, this was originally supposed to end at the first meeting, but I had too many ideas. Also, I have just gotten to Wano, I know what happens I just haven't watched it yet, so what happens in Wano is kept vague.
Masterlist
The Sabaody Archipelago was a massive mangrove forest with roots reaching into the sea floor, all around bubbles drifted through the air, and every street seemed to lead into another market packed with locals, marines, bounty hunters, pirates, and merchants trying to make as many berries as possible before sunset.
The Straw Hats had finally docked. Usopp, Franky, and Sanji were going to stay on the Sunny so Usopp and Franky could make some repairs while Sanji guarded the treasure. Zoro went off own his claiming the numbers of the grove would help him find his back. Meanwhile Luffy, Nami, Chopper, Robin, and Brook went to tour the island with Hatchan, Camie, and Pappag acting as tour guides around the grove before taking them to the ship coater that Hatchan knew.
But you, on the other hand, decided to head to a merchant that Pappag had mentioned to you. You were looking for a special type of fabric made exclusively only Sabaoby.
"I'll meet up with you guys later," You slinging your fabric bag over your shoulder. "I just need one thing."
"Nami said that about shopping once," Usopp muttered. "It turned into eight hours."
"It was important!" Nami snapped going to hit Usopp who quickly hid behind Zoro.
You laughed at the sight, "Well the deals she got were really good, but I really need to get the fabric that Pappag told me about."
"Just be careful, there are a marines and bounty hunters crawling all over the place." Pappag called out as you headed off the ship.
"Don't worry, I will! You guys too!" You shouted backing waving goodbye to the crew.
The narrow streets of grove were even busier than you expected. The bubbles drifted lazily overhead reflecting rainbows across polished wood walkways beath your feet. Vendors shouted over one another, advertising everything from handcrafted shell jewelry to exotic fish, strange fruits, and bubble-powered gadgets.
You tightened your grip on the worn fabric satchel hanging from your shoulder. "The shop has a blue shell hanging above the entrance," Pappag had told you before everyone split up. "Old lady Mero runs it. If anyone has Bubble Silk, it'll be her."
Bubble Silk was fabric unique to Sabaody, spun from the silky strands harvested from the mangrove tree leaves before being woven into cloth. The fabric was lightweight, nearly impossible to stain, and surprisingly durable. It was also expensive and difficulty material to work with; most clothing makers would avoid using it. But you weren't one to shy away from a challenge; your head was already spinning with ideas of piece you could make for the crew.
After weaving through another crowded marketplace, you spotted the sign. A faded blue shell swung gently above a narrow storefront tucked between a perfume shop and a bubble bike repair stand. As you pushed open the door, a tiny bell chimed and once the door shut behind you the noise of the marker disappeared almost instantly.
Bolts of fabric lined every wall from floor to ceiling, cottons, silks, velvet-like weaves, shimmering fish-leather, and dozens of colorful textiles you'd never seen before, and behind a wooden counter sat an elderly woman wearing tiny spectacles.
Without looking up from the embroidery piece she was working on, she spoke. "Pirate?"
"Yeah." You nod while approaching closer to the counter.
"Tailor?"
"How'd you know?" You asked, the old lady had yet to look up at you.
She smiled, looking up at you, "Your fingers plus the pin cushion." You glanced down noticing the faint needle pricks along your fingertips and the pin cushion you had forgotten to take off after fixing Sanji's suit jacket earlier that day. "You've made clothes."
You smiled sheepishly. "A few."
"A few," she repeated with a knowing chuckle. "The good ones always say that." She slowly stood setting the piece aside and adjusting her glasses, "So, you came for Bubble Silk."
You blinked. "Is it that obvious?"
She laughed warmly before disappearing through a curtain into the back room and a minute later she returned carrying several neatly folded bundles. Each one shimmered faintly as bubbles floated across its surface. The fabric came in a variety of shades, seemingly reflecting the light in the shop and the other bolts of fabric. There was silver, a deep ocean blue, pearl white, soft lavender, emerald green, and even black, though tiny rainbow reflections danced across it whenever it caught the light.
Your eyes widened. "Wow, it is beautiful."
She gently laid them across the counter. "Feel them."
The cloth was impossibly smooth, as if you were able to touch a bubble and not have it pop. It was light as air and cool to the touch, but somehow stronger than heavy canvas. "This is incredible."
"It is." She nodded proudly. "Harvested only from these mangroves."
You were already mentally planning half a dozen outfits, maybe a lighter travel coat, new outfits for the whole crew, perhaps something for... the bell above the door chimed again snapping you out of your thoughts. You glanced over your shoulder and watched as several rough looking men entered, pirates most likely. Judging from the matching armbands and visible weapons, they belonged to the same crew. Your brain tried to flip through all the bounty posters you had seen trying to piece which one. One noticed the Bubble Silk immediately. "Oho..." He grinned. "That's the expensive stuff."
Another elbowed him. "We don't exactly have the money."
"So?" The first pirate shrugged. "We're pirates."
The old shopkeeper sighed. "Not again..."
The pirate reached for one of the folded bundles. Your hand landed on it first, pulling it away from the man. "I was buying that."
The pirate slowly looked toward you, then at your hand, then back up again with a smirk tugging his lips. "You plan on stopping me?" The shop suddenly became very quiet.
Across the street, Killer had been waiting outside. A couple of the Kid Pirates had stopped nearby you look and most likely steal whatever they were wanting. He didn't want to cause any trouble right now, especially with the amounts for marines crawling around. He stood leaning against one of the store's fronts and watch as people went by.
Until he noticed three familiar figures walking into a store directly across from him. They were members of Apoo's crew. "You've got to be kidding."
One of the Kid Pirates lounging nearby looked over. "What?"
Killer tilted his head toward the storefront. "Apoo's men."
The pirate immediately straightened. "The hell are they doing here?"
"No idea." But Killer didn't like this, not with all the Rookie arriving within days of each other and not with Marines crawling through every grove. Unwanted attention was the last thing any of them needed. He pushed himself off the wall. "Stay here." He crossed the street just as another loud voice echoed from inside.
Back in the shop, you held your ground. You knew starting a fight would bring in trouble, but you couldn't just let them take the fabric either. Your grip remained firmly on the folded Bubble Silk. Another pirate came up behind leaning close enough that you could feel his breath on your neck, "You gonna let go or what?"
"No." You snapped back refusing to give them any satisfaction from flinching away.
"You got guts, hate to watch them spill out on the floor." The third said spinning a knife around in his hand. The pirate in front of you, hand drifted toward the cutlass hanging at his hip.
And at that moment the bell chimed once more, and attention was now drawn to figure that has just stepped through the door. He was tall figure with messy blonde hair reaching down to his thighs. He was wearing a black and white polka-dots shirt that was open showing off his muscular chest. He had a red sash wrapped around his waist along with what looked like riding chaps over his dark blue pants. But his most distinct feature had to be blue and white striped full-head helmet with rows of holes in it.
You knew who he was, the "Massacre Soldier" Killer of the Kid pirates. You had seen his bounty poster on Jaya and couldn't get that mask out of your head. You might be able to handle the other three, but your odds against winning a fight against Killer weren't good. You continued to stand protectively beside the counter hand still on the fabric, and while you couldn't see her, but you could practically feel the trembling old shopkeeper trembling
One of the men let out an annoyed sigh. "Seriously?"
Another folded his arms. "Kid's right-hand man."
Killer didn't answer immediately, his eye lingered on the three pirates before shifting to the pirate in front of you, "You three," His voice was flat. "Leave the shop now, I can't imagine Apoo would want you attracting marine attention before you ship gets it coating done."
The pirate barked out a laugh. "And if I don't?"
Killer's hand rested casually on one of the rotating blades, the faint metallic click of the mechanism echoed through the shop. "Then you're making today more difficult than it needs to be."
The man behind you stepped back slightly and clicked his tongue. "Whatever, we're leaving."
The one in front of you muttered, "This shit ain't worth it." The three walked out much faster than they'd entered. The little bell above the door jingled as the three hastily left
The elderly shopkeeper let out a shaky breath she had clearly been holding for the last several minutes. "Thank goodness."
Across the room, Killer still stood by the entrance. He hadn't drawn his weapons towards you or had taken another step further into the fabric shop. He simply watched the door for another few seconds before deciding the On Air Pirates weren't coming back.
His attention shifted toward the shopkeeper. "You alright?"
She nodded several times. "Y-Yes."
"And they didn't take anything?"
"No."
"Good." His gaze finally landed on you and for a moment neither of you spoke. Seeing him in person was different from seeing his bounty poster. He was taller than you'd imagined, broader through the shoulders, and carried himself with the relaxed confidence of someone who rarely needed to prove how dangerous he was. Even standing still, there was an intensity about him that made it easy to understand why people cleared out of his way.
Meanwhile, you still had one hand resting protectively on the bolt of Bubble Silk.
Killer noticed. "You can let go now; I don't have any need for fabric."
You glanced down and realized you were still clutching the fabric like someone was about to snatch it away. "Oh." You let out an embarrassed laugh, finally releasing it.
The old shopkeeper gave a warm smile. "I believe this belongs to you anyway." She gently pulled the folded cloth closer to your side of the counter. "You weren't about to let them steal it."
"I wasn't."
"You would've fought them."
You hesitated for only a second. "Well, I can't just walk away when someone needs help."
Most people, Killer had learned, either panicked or tried to bluff when cornered. You hadn't done either, you'd simply refused to move or back down. There was something oddly familiar about that sort of stubbornness, you kinda reminded him of Kid in that way. A faint, almost imperceptible huff escaped behind his mask; it might have been mistaken for a laugh had anyone heard.
"Well, then let me get what you need and I'll be back. All of the colors?" You gave her a nod and smile and then the shopkeeper slipped into the back measuring the Bubble Silk, giving the two of you space.
You looked toward Killer. "Thank you, you didn't need to step in."
His answer was immediate. "They would've caused trouble." He rested his hand against the doorframe. "Marine patrols would've flooded this grove."
"So, you were saving yourself the inconvenience?" You stepped closer to him, giving him a smile.
"In part."
"And the other part?" Killer was quiet, and even with his is mask you could feel his eyes on you. He then cocked to his head to side as if he was contemplating something deep, before just shrugging.
The old shopkeeper returned carrying the neatly wrapped bundle of Bubble Silk, tied carefully with blue cord. "There." She smiled, her hands steadier now. "And," She glanced toward Killer. "Thank you."
He gave a short nod. "No need."
You accepted the parcel, giving her the money owned, and then slipping it carefully into your satchel. As you adjusted the strap over your shoulder, voices drifted in from outside. "Oi!"
"Found him!" Another voice answered with irritation. "Killer! Captain's looking for you!"
Killer clicked his tongue softly. "Figures." He turned toward the door, then paused. Without looking back, he spoke. "Watch yourself, lots of pirate on the island." Then, with the soft jingle of the bell, Killer stepped back into the bustling streets of Sabaody, disappearing into the sea of bubbles and people as though he'd never been there at all.
You said goodbye to old lady and began the track back to the Sunny You hoped you would run into Killer again; he was interesting that was for sure and you were growing curious about him. Unbeknownst to you, you would sooner than you thought as your Den Den Mushi began to ring, and you learned of Camie kidnapping.
~~~~~~~~~~
The auction house was loud. Rich nobles laughed from velvet seats, slaves stood silently in cages beneath bright lights. The auctioneer's voice echoed through the hall as another person was paraded across the stage. Every time the auctioneer's hammer struck, another person's future was bought by the highest bidder.
Killer hated places like this. Not because it was unusual, human trafficking existed all over the World, but because there was something particularly revolting about seeing it dressed up as entertainment. Velvet curtains, polished floors, fine wine, and smiling crowds did little to hide what was really happening. There were men, women, and children being reduced to mere merchandise. His fingers flexed once around the handles of his Punishers before relaxing again.
Beside him, Kid lounged in his seat with one boot propped against the chair in front of him, looking as though he'd rather be anywhere else. "How much longer is this gonna take?" He muttered. "This is boring."
Heat snorted. "I'd rather be setting this place on fire."
Wire folded his arms, leaning back in his chair. "You say that about every building."
"Because most buildings deserve it."
Killer ignored them and instead let, his gaze swept across the auction house. Ther was rows of pampered nobles along with their bodyguards pretending to look intimidating. Wealthy merchants were eagerly waiting for the next lot, and there were some government officials trying not to be recognized. Toward the rear sat several pirate crews, each keeping to themselves while pretending not to notice the others.
Among them was the Heart Pirates. Trafalgar Law sat with his usual detached expression, Bepo beside him while Penguin and Shachi quietly observed the room. His gaze continued until movement caught his attention. Another group had slipped into the back of the hall.
The Straw Hats, he recognized the orange-haired navigator, the racoon dog, the cook and... you?
For the briefest moment, Killer thought he'd mistaken someone else for you, but no. The satchel slung over your shoulder and the distinctive fabric sticking out was enough to confirm it was you. You had the same calm posture from the fabric shop earlier, but this time there was anger burning in your eyes.
Suddenly your eyes turned your attention from the stage where someone was being sold as if you sensed someone watching. Your eyes wandered across the room meeting his mask. Recognition flickered across your face and then, to his surprise, you offered the smallest smile and nod. Killer gave the faintest inclination of his head in return before looking away, as though nothing had happened.
Kid, however, hadn't missed the exchange. "You know them?"
Killer answered without looking over. "We met."
"When?"
"Early today."
Kid raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"They were buying fabric."
Heat blinked. "Fabric?"
Wire looked between the two of them. "That's unexpectedly normal."
Kid barked out a laugh. "You disappear for an hour and come back making shopping acquaintances?"
Killer didn't dignify that with a response. His attention returned to the stage just as the auctioneer's booming voice rang through the hall once more. "Ladies and gentlemen! Our next item is a true rarity!"
Whatever was coming out, he could feel the tense from coming from your crew. Killer watched as the auctioneer brought Camie onto the stage. And time seemed to move fast and slow at the same time. A Celestial Dragon had outbid the orange haired women. He saw as you clenched your fists as the auctioneer happily prepared to sell Camie off like property. You had made a moved like you were going to go down there when the blond hair man gently caught your wrist.
Next thing Killer knew, the ceiling was ripped open as wood and dust rained onto the auction floor as Straw Hat himself crashed through the roof atop a Fish Rider, even your crew looked stunned by their entrance.
Luffy spotted Camie and was ready to charged the stage without hesitation. When a fishman desperately threw himself in front of him, using his arms to hold Luffy back. Suddenly same nobles who had been eagerly buying slaves recoiled in disgust, shouting and scrambling away in panic more than they were from when Luffy and Zoro had crashed through the ceiling.
A gunshot rang out through the auction house, the sound bouncing off the walls. Hatchan crumpled to the floor. Camie's horrified cries rang from inside her tank while Pappag shouted helplessly. Beside you, the Straw Hats stood frozen for only a heartbeat. Saint Charlos simply laughed, as though he'd shot an animal.
The Straw Hat captain was just standing there eyes covered by his straw hat. Hatchan, bleeding heavily, begged him not to retaliate. He apologized for everything he'd done years ago, insisting this was his own fault and reminding Luffy of the promise he'd made not to strike a Celestial Dragon. Then Charlos raised his pistol again and Luffy walked forward and his fist connected with Charlos's face so hard that the World Noble flew through several rows of seats before crashing unconscious into the far wall.
In that single moment the entire auction house forgot how to breathe. Except Kid, his captain burst into loud laughter, grinning from ear to ear. "So he actually did it!" Even Killer couldn't stop the small huff that escaped behind his mask.
Panic swept through the auction house as nobles fled for the exits and guards rushed toward the Straw Hats. Rosward screamed for an Admiral while wildly firing at Luffy, accomplishing nothing. Zoro cut Camie's tank open, freeing the terrified mermaid as more of your crew arrived aboard additional Fish Riders. Usopp's spectacularly bad landing somehow resulted in another Celestial Dragon being knocked unconscious, making the guards even more frantic.
Killer's attention shifted toward the exits, marines would already be surrounding the building. Getting out of here and off Sabaody just become nearly impossible
~~~~~~~~~~
As Kid, Law, and Luffy go out to deal with marines. Another tremor shook the building as more debris ran down, and you tried to move out of the way but another pirate bumped into you causing you to be pushed back into were the ceiling was falling apart. Suddenly you felt arms wrap around you pulling back a piece of the ceiling crashed down were you once stood. You found yourself pressed against a solid chest, one hand instinctively gripping the front of a black and =white spotted shirt to steady yourself. Looking up through the settling dust, you met the familiar metal mask. "Killer?"
His grip loosened the moment he was certain you were steady on your feet. "You were about to get crushed." Another section of the ceiling groaned overhead. Killer glanced upward, then back toward the exit. "This place is coming down." Only then did he release you completely, giving you just enough space to move while subtly positioning himself between you and another shower of falling debris. His head turned toward the doorway where the rest of your crew had already begun making their way outside. "You should catch up with your captain."
You gave him a nod as you both made your way out of the building. As you reached the shattered entrance, another wave of Marines appeared. "There they are!"
"Don't let them escape!"
Killer nodded towards you, "We're splitting up here, you still have your fabric?
You looked down. Somehow, in all the chaos, the carefully wrapped bundle was still tucked safely in your satchel and you smiled despite everything. "Thanks for making sure I didn't lose it."
"You looked happy when you bought it." He gave a small shrug.
Before you could respond, "OI, KILLER!" Kid was already several yards ahead, cutting through a line of Marines with a grin that promised trouble. "You planning on joining us today?"
Killer looked toward his captain and then back at you. "Stay alive."
"You too." With that, he turned, sprinting after Kid as steel flashed in the afternoon sun.
You watched him disappear into the chaos for just a second before Nami grabbed your sleeve. "Come on!"
"Right!" You tightened your grip on the fabric bundle, then ran after your own crew.
The battle had gone from bad to impossibly worse. The Marines refused to stop coming. The Straw Hats were exhausted and the Kid Pirates had already withdrawn to avoid getting trapped. A pressure settled over the battlefield as a massive man stood among the wreckage. Bartholomew Kuma, the real Bartholomew Kuma, not the robotic versions.
What followed made no sense, one Straw Hat vanished, then another, and another. The screams of their captain echoed through the mangroves. "No!" Luffy's voice cracked. "STOP!" Ever member of the crew simply gone, the captain included. Luffy's desperate screams still seemed to linger in the air. But once they faded, it left the grove eerily quiet.
"Killer." Kid's voice came from behind him. "We're leaving." Killer felt a pit in his stomach. "Killer!" Kid voice barked out sharper than before.
He finally moved. "Yeah." Then something caught his eye, near a collapsed section of wall. He quickly changed his direction, hurrying towards the item that had caught his eye. It was the bolt of fabric that you had, still wrapped in the blue cord. He bent down a picked it up one corner had been scorched by the fighting. He carefully smoothed the fabric flat, placing it back in the satchel you had been carrying it in that had also been discarded.
"You seriously stopping for cloth?" Heat sounded baffled.
Kid looked over his shoulder. "What's that?"
Killer stood. "Nothing important."
"It looks important if you're picking it up."
He looked down at the bundle. "It belongs to someone."
Kid snorted. "That Straw Hat is gone."
"Maybe." Without another explanation, Killer tucked the bundle securely beneath his arm, it wouldn't hurt to keep it, just in case. That night, after the crew had finally settled aboard the Victoria Punk, Killer found himself alone for a few minutes below deck. He opened one of the empty chests in his room and laid the fabric inside, before pushing it under his bed. He didn't know why, he picked it up or kept your fabric, but he couldn't bring himself to leave it lying in the dirt. There was just something about you, he couldn't get out of his head.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The first newspaper arrives after the war at Marineford, Kid snatched it first before anyone else could. "Tch." He clicked his tongue as he skimmed the front page. "Old Whitebeard's dead along with Fire Fist."
Heat let out a whistle, "Damn..." Wire is reading over Kid's shoulder while everyone discusses the aftermath or war. Killer says nothing, he simply waited until the paper was passed to him. His eyes moved steadily through the article, Whitebeard, Blackbeard, marines, the seven Warlord, and Straw Hat Luffy. He was alive, well possibly still alive after being taken to Trafalgar ship. He read the article again, then again, and third time slower. There isn't a single mention of the rest of the Straw Hat crew, but if Luffy was alive, maybe, you were too. It wasn't a guarantee, but it was something.
From then on, newspapers become routine; Killer would read through the whole thing watching for any mention of the Straw Hats, especially after Luffy rang the bell at Marine headquarters. He would look carefully, just hoping for one photograph, one rumor, really anything to hint that you were still alive.
Heat notices this change in reading habits after a few weeks. "You reading the paper again?"
"Hm."
"Looking for Straw Hat?"
"Just reading the news."
"Uh-huh."
Heat grins. "You're looking for that straw hat of that the fabric locked up in the chest in your room belongs too."
"No." Killer simply turns the page refusing to speak further about it. Heat takes the silence that followed that he had guessed correctly.
And slowly over the next two years, Killer continued to read the paper looking for any word of you. Every now and then, whenever the Kid Pirates docked somewhere with a market, Killer found himself wandering through fabric stalls. Then he noticed threads dyed in colors he'd never noticed before; buttons carved from shell, fine needles, lengths of ribbons, quality leather and soft cotton. Without really thinking about it, he'd buy one or two things before returning to the ship.
Each purchase disappeared into the same wooden chest in his quarters. The original bundle of Bubble Silk remained neatly folded beneath everything else, waiting, just like he was.
Then comes the two-year mark and the newspaper hits the table with a smack. Heat unfolds it. "Captain!"
Kid looks up from working on his arm, "What?"
Wire's eyes go wide as he leans over Heat's shoulder, "No way..."
Killer looked up from polishing his blades and over at the paper. The headline fills half the front page.
THE STRAW HATS RETURN TO SABAODY.
Every single one of them was alive. Heat starts reading the article aloud, but Killer has already reached for the paper taking it from Heat. His gaze immediately goes to the group photograph on the front page. There you were standing next to green haired swordsman. You were alive, you may have had a different hairstyle, new clothes, but the smile on your face was unmistakably you. Kid says nothing and just watches his first mate with a knowing look in his eyes.
Later that evening, after the excitement of the day dies down, Killer opens the chest in his quarters. The Bubble Silk is exactly where he left it along with all the other items he had gathered. He runs a hand over the neatly folded bundle, "I will give this to you the next time we meet." He mutters to himself and then carefully closes the lid of chest.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Fire Festival had become an enormous celebration restored to it's original purpose. Lanterns drifted into the night sky, as music echoed across the Flower Capital. Children laughed and played through the streets. People danced, party and ate. While the samurai drank until they could barely stand. The alliance had finally won. For the first time in what felt like forever, everyone could simply exist.
You'd spent most of the evening repairing torn sleeves and reattaching buttons for anyone who wandered over. "You know," you laughed as Franky held out another ripped shirt, "one day I'm charging all of you."
"You can bill me later!" Franky grinned.
"You've said that for years." You responded back with a laugh in your voice.
"I'll pay eventually!"
"Sure, and the sea is purple." The people gathered around burst into laughter.
Across the celebration, Killer watched everyone around him trying to find you. Kid had already gotten into his third drinking contest. Heat was singing loudly enough that people several streets away were probably suffering. Wire had been pulled into dancing by an unusually enthusiastic Bepo, who seemed determined to get every pirate crew involved.
And finally, he found you. You sat beneath the warm glow of a paper lantern, chatting with Law while carefully stitching a tear in the brim of his spotted hat. The expression on your face was different. It wasn't the strained expression he'd caught glimpses of during the raid nor the determined face from Onigashima. You were just happy and relaxed.
Killer found himself watching a moment longer than he'd intended, over two years he'd spent wondering if he'd ever see that smile again and now it was only a few steps away. Without drawing attention to himself, he stood from where he'd been sitting. Leaving Kid to his drinking contest and Heat to whatever song he'd started singing now, Killer quietly crossed the festival grounds.
You didn't notice him immediately, neither did Law as you both discussed Sora, Warrior of the Sea comics. It was only when his shadow fell across the lantern light did you both look up. Your eyes met his or at least were you assumed they were behind his mask. For the briefest second, surprise crossed your face, then it softened into a familiar smile. "Killer."
Law glanced between the two of you, one brow lifting ever so slightly before he reaching towards his hat. You snipped the last thread and handed it over. "There. Good as new."
Law inspected the stitching. "Better than new."
You grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"You should." He settled the hat back on his head before looking toward Killer. The faintest hint of amusement tugged at the corner of Law's mouth as he stood. "I'll leave you two to it."
Without another word, he melted back into the festival crowd, leaving the two of you sitting side by side beneath the lanterns. For a moment, neither of you spoke. The music drifted through the warm air while laughter carried across the capital. Finally, you tilted your head toward him. "So..." A teasing smile touched your lips. "I was starting to think you'd only ever talk to me during life-threatening situations."
Behind his mask, Killer let out the quiet huff that had long since become the closest thing he was willing to a laugh. "This seemed like better timing."
You smiled a little wider. "I'd have to agree."
A comfortable silence settled between you, the sounds of the festival filling the space instead of awkwardness. Somewhere in the distance, Kid roared triumphantly after winning another drinking contest, only for someone to immediately challenge him again. Killer's gaze drifted toward the lanterns floating overhead before returning to you. "I've been meaning to return something to you." He said after a moment.
You tilted your head. "To me?"
Rather than answer, Killer rose to his feet, he extended a hand toward you. "Come with me." You looked from his hand to the curious tilt of his masked head. For someone who rarely spoke more than necessary, there was something almost hesitant in the gesture, as if he wasn't entirely sure you'd take it.
A smile tugged at your lips. "You know," you teased lightly, "you're being awfully mysterious."
"I know."
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"No."
"Not even a hint?" He shook his head and you laughed softly, shaking your head. "I suppose that's the most information I'm getting." Without another word, you slipped your hand into his. His grip was firm enough to steady you as he helped you to your feet, yet careful, as though he was making a conscious effort not to hold on too tightly.
Once you were standing, he let his hand fall away after a small moment of hesitation. "This way." Together, the two of you slipped away from the heart of the celebration, but neither of you noticed the pair of eyes following from across the festival. Kid watched the two of you disappear between the lantern-lit streets before taking another drink from his cup.
Wire wandered over, looking thoroughly exhausted after being repeatedly dragged into dances by Bepo. "Where's Killer going?"
Kid smirked into his drink. "Keeping a promise to himself."
"Huh?" Kid only chuckled, saying nothing more as the music of the Fire Festival carried on into the night.
Killer led you through the quieter streets of the Flower Capital, away from the lantern-lit crowds and endless music. The further you walked, the quieter the festival became until all that remained was the distant echo of laughter carried on the night breeze. You glanced over at him. "So..." He looked your way. "You've been awfully quiet."
"I usually am."
"Fair."
You smiled to yourself. "I was hoping maybe tonight would be different."
"It is."
You raised an eyebrow. "You've spoken more to me tonight than you did during the entire raid."
A soft huff escaped behind his mask. "I suppose."
You laughed quietly. "I'll count that as progress."
Eventually, the two of you stopped beneath one of the massive cherry blossom trees overlooking the capital. The branches swayed gently in the evening breeze, pink petals drifting lazily through the air before landing on the river below. There wasn't another soul around.
Killer turned to face you. "Wait here." Before you could ask what he meant, he disappeared around the corner of a nearby building. He returned a minute later carrying a weathered wooden chest. It wasn't large, just enough to carry in both hands, but from the way he handled it, you could tell it wasn't empty. Setting it carefully on the ground between you, Killer knelt and undid the brass latch and the lid creaked softly as it opened.
You leaned forward and then your eyes widened. Inside lay neatly folded bundles of fabric. Spools of thread in nearly every color imaginable. Rows of carefully organized buttons made from shell, wood, bone, and polished metal. There were needles made of different metals in a variety of sizes. Ribbon with different cuts and colors. There was even two pairs small tailoring scissors, one gold and other silver.
And familiar bundle wrapped in faded blue cord rested near the bottom. You recognized it immediately. "The Bubble Silk."
Killer nodded. "I found it on Sabaody and wanted to return it to you."
Your gaze lifted from the fabric to him. "You kept it?"
"Yes."
You looked back into the chest. There was far more than just the Bubble Silk. Every piece had been carefully arranged, nothing was tossed in carelessly. It looked like a collection, "Killer..."
"I kept stopping at markets." His voice remained even but a bit slower than usual. "If I found good material," He shrugged slightly. "I bought it."
Your fingers paused over the Bubble Silk. "You really held onto to this and got all of this for me?"
He nodded once. "I wasn't sure," His words faltered for the first time since you'd met him. "if I'd ever see you again. But if I did I wanted to be able to give you something you would like." The confession hung quietly between you. You smiled, warmth spreading through your chest in a way you hadn't expected. Carefully, you lifted the folded Bubble Silk from the chest, running your fingers over the smooth fabric before placing it gently in the chest again
Then, without thinking too hard about it, you stepped forward. Killer stiffened slightly as you wrapped your arms around him, just long enough for him to realize what was happening before you stepped back again. "Thank you." Your voice was quiet. "No one has ever done something like this for me before."
For a moment, Killer simply stood there, completely still, then, behind the familiar metal mask, another soft huff escaped him. "You're welcome." A cherry blossom petal drifted between the two of you, carried on the night breeze as the sounds of the Fire Festival echoed faintly in the distance.
~~~~ Extra Scene ~~~~
The festival had long since settled into a quieter celebration. Most of the drunken singing had moved toward the center of the capital, leaving the riverside wrapped in the warm glow of paper lanterns. You sat cross-legged on the engawa outside one of the houses the alliance had been given to rest in, needle flashing in the lantern light.
And with one final stitch, you tied it off with practiced fingers before holding your work up with a satisfied smile. "Done."
Footsteps approached from behind you. "I thought I'd find you sewing." You looked over your shoulder, to see a very familiar figure, Killer.
You let out laugh, "I suppose that wasn't much of a challenge."
"It wasn't." He stopped beside you, glancing down at the folded piece of fabric in your lap. "You've been working on that since yesterday."
"I have." You stood, brushing a few loose threads from your clothes. "Close your eyes."
There was a pause as Killer cocked his head to the side, "Why?"
You placed your hands on your hips. "Humor me."
Another pause and Killer nodded, "Alright." Satisfied, you stepped closer. Carefully, you tied the red sash around his waist. His shoulders tensed ever so slightly at your touch but then relaxed. The Bubble Silk caught the lantern light with the faintest iridescent shimmer before settling into a deep crimson that almost perfectly matched the old one you had seen him wear the first time you had met.
You tied the knot securely. "There, now you can look."
Killer opened his eye. His hand instinctively rested against the sash, it was lighter than the old one he had back then. This one was softer and stronger as well. He ran his thumb over the stitching also done in the thread that he gotten for you. There was imbordered work done, he could feel the Kid Pirates skull stitched into the fabric. "You..." His voice caught for just a second. "You made this for me?"
You nodded. "From the Bubble Silk." His gaze lifted to yours looking as you smiled a little sheepishly. "Since you spent so long keeping it for me, it seemed right that you should have the first thing I made."
Killer looked back down at the sash. "I'll wear it."
"I know."
"No." His voice was quiet. "I mean..." He rested a hand over the knot you'd tied. "I won't take it off, if I can help it."
Your smile softened. "I'd like that." The breeze stirred between you, carrying the distant sound of shamisen music through the night. Then, before you could say anything else Killer stepped closer, close enough that you could hear his breathing beneath the mask. One hand rose slowly, his fingers hesitated beside your cheek, giving you every opportunity to pull away.
You didn't, instead, you leaned into the touch. His thumb brushed gently against your cheekbone. "Thank you." The words were barely above a whisper. Before you could respond, he lowered his head slightly. You could here a click of his mask and a slight shift as he push it upward and then he pressed a gentle kiss against your forehead. When he drew back and his masked clicked back into place, you looked up at him, your cheeks warm.
"You know..." You smiled. "I was kind of wondering what was under the mask."
Another soft huff. "One thing at a time."
You laughed, reaching down to straighten the sash one last time. "One thing at a time."
Somewhere in the distance, Kid's voice carried across the capital. "KILLER!" Followed by Luffy's shouting your name.
You both sighed at exactly the same time. "Duty calls," you said.
"Unfortunately." Still smiling, you slipped your hand into his and this time he didn't let go.
A/N: thanks dear @mustangshelbyy for requesting "Can you write a scene where the woman he’s involved with starts laughing because of a slightly absurd or ironic situation, and it surprises Crocodile enough that he ends up laughing too" I'm sorry it's a bit short but I thought drawing it out would be a bit weird. Hope you like it though.
Plot: Buggy is causing chaos and you find it extremely funny and apparently Crocodile seems to enjoy it a bit more than he likes to admit
Warnings: none, SFW, Buggy being a clumsy dork, and me trying to come up with a ridiculous scene (that's just so weird, sorry), not proofred
Charactes: FReader, Sir Crocodile, some shouting from Buggy
The Cross Guild hideout was never truly quiet. Even when Crocodile tried to enforce silence. It still leaked in through the walls, Buggy’s voice, mostly…..especially to be honest.
“…AND THEN I SAID, ‘OF COURSE I DESERVE THE TREASURE! I AM THE FUTURE KING OF THE PIRATES!’”
A pause, no one wanted to say something at first before one of the crew decided to break the silence. “…Captain Buggy, that was not what happened.”
“That is EXACTLY what happened,” he insisted.
“It absolutely wasn’t,” Avlida sighed sipping from a glass of wine.
From the other side of the office door, Crocodile didn’t even look up from his paperwork. “Shut him up,” he said flatly to you.
You leaned against the desk, watching him with mild amusement. “You say that like it’s easy.”
Another crash echoed outside, followed by shouting. Then what sounded like several men arguing over a map that may or may not have been upside down.
Crocodile’s pen stopped when someoneknocked on the door. He was clearly annoyed by now. “…What now.”
The door creaked open slightly. One of the Cross Guild members peeked in. “Sir Crocodile… there’s been a situation.”
“I can hear that.”
“It involves… Captain Buggy,” the man explained with a shaky voice.
“I assumed,” Crocodile said rubbing the bridge of his nose. You were surprised that he wasn’t yelling by now and found the whole conversation rather amusing already.
“…He attempted to ‘improve morale’ by personally leading a treasure retrieval mission.”
Crocodile slowly exhaled smoke. “…And?”
The man paused for a moment and it was clear he was debating with himself on how to continue or if it would be smarter to sent someone else in and just run. “…He got stuck in a cannon,” he finally said.
Silence followed his word, you tried not to smirk and found a stain on the floor suddenly very important.
“…Again?” Crocodile asked, dangerously calm.
“Yes, sir.”
From outside Buggy’s shouting could be heard. “UNHAND ME, YOU FOOLS! THIS IS PART OF MY MASTER STRATEGY!”
A second voice was sounding like someone was panicking. “He’s upside down.”
“Actually, he’s been upside down for ten minutes,” Galdino's voice added.
You though had started to press your lips together, you knew that it was kinda embarrassing thinking that the man that had become a Yonko, that was believed to be the mastermind behind the Cross Guild, the one leading Sir Crocodile and Dracule Mihawk was currently stuck upside down in a cannon — again.
Crocodile’s eye twitched slightly. “…Continue,” he ordered wanting to know what caused that mess this time.
“Well Captain Buggy wanted to fire a glitter bomb with the cannon but it didn’t work and… he tried to check why it didn’t work said something about disrespect and then he lost his footing and he slid into the cannon…” the man paused for a moment because that wasn’t even the worst part of it. “….apparently the cannon decided to put aside it’s protest of not working and so he got fired…..sideways…” the man finished and you were feeling so damn close to explode from laughter, that you were clawing at your own arm to keep you from it.
“…Toward what,” Crocodile asked clearly close to losing his shit.
“The supply warehouse,” the man stammered clearly regretting that he was the one to report.
You saw Crocodile’s eye twitch again and this time a bit more aggressive but he didn’t erupt not yet at least. “…And?”
The man exhaled and clutched at his sleeve. “…He broke through three walls.”
Crocodile finally set the pen down. Very slowly, very deliberately and very annoyed. “…And ruined the map room.” He said more as a matter of fact.
“…Yes, sir.”
You made a sound, something between half cough, half laugh, and immediately tried to hide it behind your hand. Especially when Crocodile shot you a look that clearly meant 'don’t'. Which made it even harder. It was like a switch flipped inside you whenever you knew you weren’t allowed to laugh you felt like bursting out into it. But before that could happen you could hear shouting from outside again.
“I HAVE DISCOVERED A NEW CONTINENT!” Buggy’s loud and boisterous voice shouted.
“That’s a barrel,” Cabaji sighed.
“I NAME IT BUGGYLAND!” Buggy exclaimed totally ignoring Cabaji.
That was the final straw in your composure snapping. To hold back was no longer possible and you knew Crocodile would be scolding you for it but it just burst out of you. Pure, genuine and unfiltered laughter. Not loudly at first, just a small, incredulous sound that slipped out before you could stop it.
Crocodile’s gaze lingered on you, his eyes unreadable and you tried to recover but it didn’t really work. “I’m sorry— it’s just— Buggy calling a barrel a continent—” you stammered before another laugh escaped you.
Crocodile rubbed his temple and looked back toward the door. “…Idiots,” he murmured as he dismissed the man in the office who looked extremely relieved to get out.
“Complete idiots,” you nodded, still laughing before you managed to calm down again.
Your eyes locked with his and for a moment there was silence again, not the uncomfortable kind though.
He finally exhaled, low and deep. “…He called it Buggyland,” he said shaking his head slightly in disbelief
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, that was it again. Hearing Crocodile repeat it caused you to lose it and the laughter bubbled out of you again. “Sorry” you said but couldn’t stop yourself and simply let it out now. He could scold you later for it, right now it was just too funny.
Crocodile didn’t react immediately, he just stared at the paperwork. But then you heard it. Very quietly, a short rough sound was leaving his lips. Not quite a cough but not quite ‘nothing’ either.
You froze, your laughter ebbing out. “…Was that—” you asked, eyes wide and lighting up at him.
“No,” he denied flatly.
You looked at him and pointed a finger. “It definitely was!”
Crocodile groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “It wasn’t.” But his mouth had already betrayed him, just slightly. A faint crease at the corner, like the idea of amusement had forced it’s way through sheer pressure.
Before you could say something else you could hear Buggy’s voice again.
“DECLARE IT AS CROSS GUILD TERRITORY! I DEMAND A FLAG!” Buggy shouted and you felt your lips twitch again.
“…He’s asking for a flag,” Crocodile rumbled and leaned back in his chair, taking a drag from his cigar. “…Give him a flag.”
You stared at him with wide eyes and furrowing your brow. “You’re indulging him?”
“I’m ending the situation,” he explained.
You tilted your head slightly, still totally surprised by this. “That’s not how this sounds.”
“It is.”
You didn’t believe him but you knew that this conversation was leading nowhere and instead you smiled again, softer this time, watching him instead of the chaos outside.
“…You were going to laugh,” you said crossing your arms.
“I did not,” he said, his eyes meeting yours.
Your smile didn’t falter in fact it actually widened a bit. “You almost did.”
Crocodile glanced at you. “Don’t make it a habit of noticing things.”
“I already do.”
You kept looking at each other without any words being said and you saw his own gaze softening. Outside, Buggy continued declaring sovereignty over a barrel, he deemed a new continent.
Crocodile sighed. “…It is a ridiculous name,” he rumbled quieter than before.
Your grin widened immediately. “Oh my god — you are laughing,” you smirked pointing a finger at him.
“I am not.”
“Come on you laughed over Buggyland, over the fact that Buggy got stuck in a cannon that sent him flying into the map room to ‘discover’ a new continent and demanding a flag to make it officially Cross Guild territory” you said, purposely repeating everything to see his lips twitch. “I knew it," you almost shouted as you looked at him.
“What."
“That,” you said pointing at his mouth. “That little smile right there”
“It wasn't a smile,” he frowned.
“It absolutely was.”
“I was exhaling.”
“That was not an exhale that was a smile.”
“It wasn’t,” he protested again.
This time though you didn’t let him off that easy. “It was.”
“...You're becoming insufferable.”
Your eyes remained locked on his. “Buggyland” you repeated again and then giggled yourself it was just too ridiculous. And just in that moment the chaos outside decided to reach it’s absolute high.
“CAPTAIN BUGGY! THE BARREL HAS ROLLED AWAY!” someone shouted.
“AFTER IT!” Buggy ordered.
“..Captain... it's rolling downhill.”
“...THEN DECLARE IT A COLONY!” Buggy screamed loudly and over the top and that was it. Crocodile actually let out a short laugh. Not because he wanted to but because Buggy and your laughter had defeated his self-control for good.
The sound made your heart swell. You looked at him with open delight as your laughter joined his. Not solely because of Buggy but because somehow Crocodile’s laugh was infectious. When his dark rumbling laughter stopped, he looked at you and then down at his papers as if he had been burnt and the sound of his own laughter had embarrassed him because it wasn't that villainous laugh you knew. It was lighter, more genuine.
“I like that sound,” he suddenly rumbled.
You were ripped out of your thoughts at his sudden words and you looked up at him and blinked confused. “What sound?”
He didn’t answer immediately and seemed to hesitate for a moment as if inwardly annoyed with himself that he brought that up. “Your laugh,” he finally admitted.
You were caught off guard and stared at him for a long while before he cleared his throat. “It suits you,” he said like a matter of fact and that didn’t make this moment any less shocking and surprising for you. In the best way though.
“Was that a compliment?” you managed to ask feeling your cheeks heat up slightly.
“No,” he lied.
“It definitely was,” you said grinning wide.
“I made an observation.”
“That's your version of a compliment.”
He didn't react on it and instead reached for a file on his desk and pretended like he was busy. “Get out,” he grumbled.
You though didn’t move. Instead you laughed again and this time, the corner of his mouth lifted immediately. You didn’t comment on it, you simply enjoyed seeing him like this.
Taglist: @jintaka-hane @fleetadmiralsoffice @hakiofdreams @welcome-to-the-grandline @sailing-to-laugh-tale @legends-of-the-grandline @devilfruitdiaries @waannty @luna-the-moon-guardian @sweetsaltygingerbitch @mapachito (once again I'm just reminding you that if you want me to stop tagging you please tell me or if someone wants to get added)
a/n: i love mihawk, and the fact that he has his own farm in that lonely, dark and brooding island makes me giggle.. this can be read with opla mihawk!
the morning sun spilled across kuraigana Island in lazy ribbons of gold, painting the overgrown castle and its surrounding fields in a warmth that almost made the place look... welcoming.
almost.
a crow called.
another answered.
then, from somewhere inside the castle...
"GET OUT OF MY ROOM, YOU MOSSY MENACE!"
"i wasn't even in your room."
"YOU WERE STANDING IN THE HALLWAY."
"i was walking."
"menacingly!"
you sighed into your cup of tea.
"...they're awake."
across from you, dracule mihawk calmly buttered a slice of freshly baked sourdough as though the argument echoing through the halls were nothing more than birdsong.
"they're energetic."
"energetic?" you laughed. "they're trying to kill each other before breakfast."
"they have not drawn weapons yet."
"...fair point."
the door burst open.
perona stomped outside with her arms crossed, her pink slippers kicking up little clouds of dust. behind her came zoro, yawning so loudly it almost sounded like he hadn't been the cause of half the noise.
"you tracked dirt inside again!" perona accused.
"it's dirt."
"it's my clean floor!"
"it's a floor."
you hid your smile behind her mug.
"they've started today's routine."
mihawk took another bite of his bread.
"earlier than yesterday."
"progress."
life on the farm had become strangely... peaceful.
which was ironic considering they lived with perona and zoro.
you spent most mornings tending vegetables while mihawk handled heavier work around the property. he rarely spoke unless necessary, but after years of marriage, you'd learned his silence wasn't empty.
it was comfortable.
you crouched beside a row of tomatoes, humming quietly while tying up vines that had begun leaning sideways.
a familiar shadow settled beside you.
without looking, you smiled.
"you finished repairing the fence?"
"yes."
"and the chicken coop?"
"mhm!"
"and you definitely didn't glare at the fox until it left?"
"..."
you looked up.
"...you glared at the fox."
"it understood."
you burst into laughter.
"darling, it's a fox."
"it will not return."
"i think it's terrified."
"as intended."
you leaned forward, brushing a speck of dirt from his cheek with your thumb.
"there."
he didn’t react much.
but you noticed the almost invisible softening around his eyes.
enough to make you heart flutter after all these years.
"you have soil on your face as well," he said.
"i know."
"you missed a spot."
"i know."
"..."
"you gonna clean it?"
"...no."
he sighed the tiniest sigh before gently wiping your cheek with his gloved thumb.
"there."
you grinned.
"i could've done that myself."
"i am aware."
"you still did it."
"..."
"i win."
"...perhaps."
CRASH!
you and mihawk both looked toward the barn.
a second crash followed.
then perona screamed.
"YOU ABSOLUTE CABBAGE!!!!"
"i didn't do anything!"
"YOU SAT ON MY GARDEN GNOME!"
"i thought it was a rock!"
"DOES A ROCK HAVE A FACE?!"
you pinched the bridge of your nose.
"they've escalated."
mihawk quietly stood.
"i'll retrieve the gnome." he sighed.
a few minutes later...
you found perona dramatically cradling a cracked garden gnome while zoro awkwardly stood nearby with a hammer in one hand.
"i said i was sorry."
"you broke him..!"
"it was an accident."
"he had dreams!"
"It was concrete."
"HE WAS BEAUTIFUL!"
you couldn't stop laughing.
perona pointed accusingly.
"don't encourage him!"
"i'm trying not to!"
"you're smiling!"
"i can't help it!"
zoro scratched the back of his head.
"i can glue it."
perona gasped.
"you think glue can fix betrayal?!?!?!!!"
"...probably?"
she looked ready to faint.
meanwhile...
mihawk silently walked over.
took the broken gnome.
examined it.
then disappeared into the workshop.
no explanation.
twenty minutes later he returned.
the gnome had been repaired so flawlessly that not even the crack remained.
perona's eyes sparkled.
"YAY!!!!"
she hugged the statue.
"it's perfect!"
"...hm."
she immediately skipped away, happily humming.
zoro blinked.
"...you can do pottery?"
"i can."
"you've never mentioned that."
"you never asked."
"...fair."
the afternoon settled into a gentle rhythm.
you watered flowers while mihawk split firewood.
you stole glances every few minutes.
his sleeves were rolled to his forearms, each swing of the axe effortless.
he looked completely at peace.
which made you smile.
you wandered over carrying two glasses of lemonade.
"you've been working all morning."
"so have you."
"i know."
you handed him a glass.
your fingers brushed.
a tiny thing.
yet somehow still enough to make butterflies bloom inside your chest.
he noticed.
"...you're smiling."
"i married a very handsome farmer."
"i'm a swordsman."
"babe, you're holding an axe."
"..."
"so..."
"...perhaps today."
you laughed so hard you nearly spilled the lemonade.
by sunset the farm looked beautiful.
fresh vegetables had been harvested.
the chickens had finally stopped chasing zoro.
perona had forgiven him after he carved her garden gnome an impossibly detailed little wooden hat "to make up for emotional damages."
you still weren't entirely sure how that solved anything.
dinner was eaten outside beneath a sky painted orange and violet.
perona rambled about decorating the castle.
zoro argued that gargoyles counted as decorations already.
"they're creepy!"
"they're supposed to be."
"they're judging me!"
"they judge everyone."
you rested your chin on one hand.
"you two really are siblings."
"WE ARE NOT!" they shouted in perfect unison.
mihawk calmly sipped his wine.
you giggled.
night eventually settled over kuraigana.
perona and zoro's voices faded somewhere inside the castle, already beginning another argument about whose turn it was to wash dishes.
you didn't bother checking.
they would figure it out.
eventually.
you stood beside Mihawk near the edge of the fields.
the breeze carried the scent of flowers and fresh earth.
crickets and sang softly.
you slipped your hand into his.
his fingers immediately intertwined with yours.
no hesitation.
no words.
"i like this life," you murmured.
"the quiet?"
you smiled knowingly.
"...the moments between the loud parts."
his gaze drifted toward the castle where another distant yell echoed.
"i believe they are arguing over bathroom usage now."
"...remarkable."
you laughed again, leaning against his shoulder.
"thank you."
"for what?"
"for building this life with me."
the world's strongest swordsman remained silent for a long moment.
then, with the same quiet certainty he brought to everything he did, he pressed a gentle kiss against your forehead.
"there was never another life i wanted."
your cheeks warmed.
"you always know exactly what to say."
"i disagree."
"you do."
"...only because it's you."
the castle erupted with another muffled shout.
"I SAID THAT'S MY PLATE!"
"PLATES DON'T HAVE OWNERS!"
you and mihawk looked at each other.
then, for perhaps the first time all day...
mihawk laughed.
it was quiet.
low.
rare enough that you treasured every sound of it.
you joined him, your laughter mingling beneath the stars while the castle behind them continued hosting the world's loudest pair of honorary siblings.
and somehow...
it felt exactly like home.
this fic is written by @qwehwa 2026 / please do not feed any of my work into ai, copy, plagerise, nor translate them into any other language.
"why do men watch porn instead of just having sex with their girlfriends?" is already silly for numerous reasons, but seeing it being used as like. a feminist talking point is so crazy to me because like of the implication that being in a relationship means being available for sex all the time, which you know. doesn't feel great for women i think.
