v

new years resolution: luffy and bon clay reunion

[vviola]

hi ! i'm vio, nice to meet u :p turning 21, part time med student, part time one piece enthusiast. i just started writing on tumblr, as i previously only posted on ao3, where you can find all my fics, both in ita and eng version.

my masterlist !! i hope not too chaotic ps. you can tell i'm quite obsessed w sanji ♡ ao3 sanji & nami — highschool sweethearts eng — highschool sweethearts ita — stargazing eng — stargazing ita — boys talk eng — boys talk ita — porcelain eng — vaso di ceramica ita

♡ here on tumblr sanji & nami — porcelain eng — boys talk eng sanji & f!reader — portable kettle eng ('you' version of stargazing)

[namislogbook]

# ‘dealing with clumsy corazon’

pairing: Donquixote Rosinante x F!Reader

summary: What would an early morning with Rosinante go like?

-> based on this request

You woke up beside your giant husband, feeling a little suffocated. His heavy head was planted on your chest and you were struggling to breathe under his blonde curls.

“Cora,” you mumbled, kicking him off you. He didn’t really budge, but he woke up. “Wha’?” he shot his head up, looking around.

After squinting a little and noticing nothing’s wrong, he turned to see you peaceful on your side, sleeping better with the weight off your chest.

Usually you would be the one who suffocates the other, but apparently today it’s not your routine.

“You scared me.” he mumbled, letting himself back down on his cold side of the bed. Just as his head reached the pillow with a thump, you heard wood break.

And the next thing you know, you are rolling down on Rosinante. He hit the floor, but didn’t react to your weight on his body. Your eyes snap, changing your position and sitting crisscrossed in his lap.

“What the hell?” you rubbed your eyes, noticing your side of the bed is way higher than the one you’re on right now. “Hey, wake up…” you rubbed your eyes, trying to figure out what happened to your vision.

Rosinante sits up while holding his head, as he mutters nonsense. “Is it just me or is the bed taller on my side?” you tilted your head, and a sweat forms on Rosinante’s forehead.

“I, uh… I’m really sorry.” he muttered, and you raised an eyebrow. “What?” you asked, cupping his face. “I think i broke the bed…” he said, and you rolled your eyes.

“C’mon, no big deal. It’s okay.” you pressed a kiss to his nose, then to the corner of his mouth. “Roll on my side, we’ll deal with the broken frame later.” you wrapped your hands around him.

He held onto you, as he slowly scooted over to your part. He gently laid back down, letting you hang onto him. But as soon as he grabbed the quilt, the bed cracked once again.

You sat upright and huffed, annoyed glare on your face. “Damn bed frame, who even makes these shitty things…” you muttered, pulling on Rosinante.

Like a sorry kitten, he let you pull him up, shoulders slouched. You grabbed your pillows, one under each arm, another hand reached for a corner of the quilt.

Your free one grabbed Rosinante’s wrist, tugging him towards the fuzzy carpet. “Help me lay this down.” you let go of the pillows.

You then lent him a side of the duvet, and you both placed it down on the carpet, you began smoothing it. Rosinante went ahead and grabbed the the pillows, throwing them down.

He surprisingly didn’t break a leg while doing so. “So, about the bed frame.” Rosinante started, but you just pushed him down on the makeshift bed.

You grabbed a throw blanket from the nearby couch and straddled your lover, letting him cover your body and his body with the small bedspread— though his legs, from the knees down were exposed to the cold room.

“Mm, I don’t really care right now.” you yawned, tracing the pattern on his pajama. “It’s around 5:30 in the morning. We’re not up until 6:30. I need that extra hour.” you continued.

“But the…” he paused. “I love you, you know that?” he decided the broken bed could indeed be a subject for another day.

“Love you too, silly.” you pouted your lips, and Rosinante reached lower. He let you kiss him, and you both soon got comfortable to sleep.

But… Rosinante seemed to be fidgety. He wiggled his right leg, massaged you, looked around, bit his lips and tapped your back on the rhythm of the ticking clock.

You wanted but couldn’t get any sleep, and because you knew your husband, you got up. Your feet padded against the dark wood, as you grabbed his cigarette pack, lighter and an ashtray.

He watched you, but felt bad that you had to get up. “You didn’t have to get up.” he said, watching you plant the ashtray beside his head.

You placed a cigarette in his mouth, before reaching for the lighter. You lighted it up, and watched Rosinante calm down just a bit as you sat beside him.

“Well, I can’t sleep.” you announced, pulling your knees to your chest. Rosinante just nodded, letting out a long drag. “Sorry I woke you up. And thanks for the cigarettes.” he grabbed your hand with his free one, pressing a kiss to your palm.

“What do you want to do? We still have… approximately 40 minutes until we have to get up.” he added. You shrugged, not sure what could you do. You weren’t in the mood to read.

“Wait— how about we make a pillow fort?” you asked, as Rosinante nodded. “Sure.” he smirked, getting up. He tripped on the ashtray and ended up stubbing his toe on the already broken bed.

And so, you did. You grabbed every cover and blanket you could find, using chairs as pillars. And you made a suitable fortress, enough to fit you and half of Rosinante.

“We have a few more minutes.” you huffed, disappointed that you couldn’t enjoy this base more. “Then go to sleep.” Rosinante gently pushed your head against him.

You rested your head on his chest, since he was pressed against the wall. The astray was in the exit of the fort, and he was just a palm away.

As he leaned forward, he accidentally knocked down a chair and a blanket fell on his still light up cigarette. The fort was destroyed and blankets were burning.

Then your alarm began ringing, a Transponder Snail was also clicking. “Good morning, my love.” you laughed, amused by the whole situation.

“Good morning, d-dear!” Rosinante panicked, grabbing a wine bottle from the small tray and dumping it on the burning coverings while you answered the call.

Oh, and the pajama he was wearing was your favorite— would you get mad if he spilled some wine on it too?…

# a/n - greetings world! i missed writing on tumblr, and i was inactive the whole week because of academic reasons. i will post more during winter break, but i also want to say i have some ideas for christmas posts, but idk if i’ll get to write them. back to this post, hope i didn’t get cora-san too ooc, hope i did well because idrk anything about him and i had to do some research as well. have a wonderful day🫶

[luffydotcom]

physical touches

synopsis: where they are most physically affectionate feat: luffy, zoro, sanji (monster trio) warnings: none! just fluff here 🫂 notes: i feel like turning these into short fics/drabbles in the future perchance

luffy

arms

he's not just dangling off of your arms, he's wrapped around you at all times. LUFFY is known to be a huge hugger and this is no exception when it comes to a relationship.

he loves the feeling of being able to hold you close and the warmth of nuzzling against your skin, especially after a long day of fighting and adventuring. he's very jumpy and active, so this kind of affection in a way calms him down.

after you accomplish something big, or even after a small moment of excitement he's already diving into your arms for a big hug, whether you like it or not! or even if it's nothing at all, he likes to hug you at random, grabbing you and lifting you in a firm embrace throughout the day.

he likes hugging you during sleep as well, his stretchy arms enfolding you and leaving you with no escape from his warmth. you're practically tangled in his arms until he decides to let go... whenever that is!

zoro

shoulders + lap + chest

ZORO prefers affection when it is a smaller and more subtle way (although not always!), it's these little moments of affection that end up having the most meaning.

when you catch him sitting against the railing of the ship, napping, you sit next to him, leaning against his heavy shoulder. he won't say anything, but it makes him feel calm knowing that you're there. sometimes he'll catch you sitting and relaxing yourself and set himself down beside you and lean on you slightly too, no words needed.

if you're not sitting close to him and leaning against him, he likes when you rest on his lap when he's sitting. if you sleep on his lap, he'll occasionally look down at you just to see your face, feeling content to see you so completely at ease, and careful not to wake you.

his CHEST. he's a big guy after all, making his chest the perfect place to lie down on. he tries to play it off like it's nothing, but you can hear the fast drumming of his heart betraying him as you lie on him. you can easily trace the scar lining down his broad chest when he's asleep.

sanji

hands

for SANJI, this is obviously a given!! sanji sees his hands as the most precious and sacred part of himself, and treats them like treasure. his hands are trusted not just for cooking, but for giving and receiving all kinds of love and affection. because they are so well taken care of, every touch is soft, tender and careful.

when you're feeling stressed or anxious, a gentle squeeze from his hand is enough to take all your worries away and let you know that he's always there for you.

he loves holding hands and interlocking fingers with you. it's a small gesture of affection that he does over and over because he finds it oddly comforting. if you're close to him and you feel his soft fingers brush against yours, the next thing you know he's seizing your hand tight without a sign of letting go.

sometimes you gently take hold of his hands and hold them up so they're right between you both, or you'll bring them to rest against your chest, or delicately plant tender kisses on his knuckles. either option has him completely flustered. his hands start getting a little shaky from nerves and he has to look away to avoid meeting your gaze, face red.

© luffydotcom

[rubberducksuspicious]

I was trying to find the chapter Sanji first talks about the All Blue (for fic research) and noticed that Sanji took Luffy to his room to heal after Don Krieg. I think it's his room

Something about that seems so sweet to me. I can't remember if Sanji is actually aware how important Luffy's hat to him, but I like how he kept it close to Luffy anyway.

I then got distracted by the things Sanji has in his room. I can't really see what was on the shelves at the end of the bed, but you can see some things on the wall.

He has a picture of curly clouds and I think a newspaper article. Maybe the story of when the Baratie first opened.

Then Luffy and Sanji have a chat on Sanji's balcony, about the All Blue. It's a quiet and vulnerable moment between the two of them, where Sanji feels safe.

Sanji's recruitment onto the Straw Hats, just seem so different to the rest of the crew. It's private.

I think most of the times Sanji had a vulnerable conversation and is saved by someone in the crew, it's private. Luffy in Drum Island, Nami at Enis Lobby, Zoro at Thriller Bark and Luffy at WCI. Robin saving Sanji in Wano was probably the least private time Sanji has been saved by a crew member and that moment was seen as a huge moment of growth for him. I look forward to him being seen as vulnerable and saved by lots of people in the future. For him to finally understand that it's OK to be helped by others.

[vviola]

it's never getting older

[itsfumblebee]

I Love You

you guys remember how the last thing Cora said before disaster was “I love you”. yeah you doing that before going out. short and sweet.

repressed trauma go brrrr

Law watched you busy yourself with preparing to set sail with the Straw Hats, packing your belongings and choosing the appropriate outfit.

When all was said and done you looked towards him with a small smile. “I’ll be heading out soon.”

He set the book in his hand down, the thing forgotten a long time ago in lieu of simply observing you, drinking in the last embers of your appearance before your time together was extinguished.

Law stood up, walking over to you. Affection was still a touchy thing with him. You always allowed him to initiate it first, worried you’d only draw him away.

He rested one of his tattooed hands comfortably upon your hip, rubbing circles into your clothed skin with his thumb. His other hand was hesitant, fingers dancing upon yours then intertwining. He squeezed your hand three times in quick succession, something he recently began doing.

“You sure I can’t convince you to stay?” He mumbled, gaze drifting from your eyes to your lips then back again.

You hummed an amused noise. His affection was far and in between, but when he allowed that mask of his to slip, he was truly a sight to behold.

“You know as well as I do Luffy wouldn’t just let me go.”

“I can fight.”

“I know that.” You laughed, breathy and light, dancing upon clouds of emotion.

Law glanced at the clock on his wall, praying you wouldn’t notice and cut your time together short.

Of course, as always, luck wasn’t on his side. You noticed the shift, turned your head to look towards the clock. You cursed under your breath. Law winced as you spoke.

“I have to go.” You muttered.

Law sighed. “I know.”

You pressed a feather light kiss upon his temple, quick to pull away. The man found himself yearning for more but wouldn’t dare ask for it, not yet.

“I’ll see you soon. Don’t miss me too much.” You said, searching his eyes for the emotion that always betrayed his words.

He nodded his head. “I can’t wait.”

Taking your things in your hand you moved to the railing on the Polar Tang, the feeling of the sun welcomed upon your skin. You sighed. Time spent with Law was lovely, but you always found yourself missing the sun on your face and the scent ocean spray.

Feeling bold, you turned over your shoulder, flashing Law a bright smile. “I love you!”

Law’s knees wobbled, his resolve crashing down. You watched him stumble, faltering for a moment before you caught himself.

It was enough for you to notice.

You rushed over to him, holding his face in your hands as you studied his distant gaze.

“Law,” You spoke, attempting to snap him out of it. “Law, are you okay?”

“Don’t go…” He whispered, voice trembling.

“I’m here.” You reassured. “I’m not going anywhere, not yet.”

Law snapped back for a moment, but you lost him soon after. His hands cupped your wrists, that cloudy look flickering to your eyes.

“You can’t go… I can’t… Don’t…”

His emotions ran rampant in his mind, memories mingling with the present. He couldn’t form the words, so many things to say because he’d once left them unsaid.

His head fell against your shoulder. You felt him tremble, shaking as though afflicted by chill. You wrapped your arms loosely around him, rubbing circles into his back as you simply let him rest there.

You stood there for what felt like hours, worry enveloping you as you tried to make sense of the shift. But nothing came to mind, everything seeming so normal, so perfect. This was the first time something like this had happened. He’d watched you walk away so many times, bidding you a bittersweet farewell with smiles hidden behind a carefully cultivated facade.

Finally, Law spoke, loud enough that you could barely hear him, the lashing waves almost drowning him out completely.

“You’re not leaving.”

“What?”

“If you go…” He said softer than anything you’d ever heard him say before. “You won’t come back…”

You pulled away, watching Law slump then force himself to remain standing. You cupped his face in your hands, watching for a reaction. He welcomed the touch, relishing in your warmth, the sensation of your skin. Here, breathing, whole.

“If you want me to stay I will,” You spoke, entirely honest. “But… I know you don’t want that, not in the way you think you do.”

Law finally looked into your eyes and saw the honesty of your words, the vulnerability as you offered your entire life to him.

He hated it. But not because it was vile, but because it reminded him of a love he once knew, one he’d never been able to recognize until many years later.

He’d loved and lost, then been forced to do it all over again.

Law couldn’t bear the weight of watching another die right in front of him. Not when he knew your affection ran as deep within you as it did for him.

“I…” Law began to speak. You cut him off with a kiss to the tip of his nose reddened by emotion.

“You don’t have to say anything, not if you’re still unsure… I just wanted you to know how I feel, how I’ve felt, and how I will until the day I take my last breath.”

“Be safe. I need you here.”

Law pressed a kiss against your lips, a gesture that spoke more than three words ever will. Because for a man who cowered in the face of love and steered clear of emotions, this was everything he could offer and so much more.

“I’ll see you soon.” You whispered softly.

“I’ll be waiting.”

[suguru-kun4224]

Corazon and Law happy, wholesome fanarts is my Roman empire, it owns a special place in my heart or should I say mi corazón~. To think I'd ever care about a celestial dragon, also if you want the cutest, wholesome Corazon fanfic ever read Clumsy on wattpad.

[vviola]

☹️

[vviola]

i aspire to be the summer of my seth

[wispitty]

(short reacts) | "you confess when you're totally shitfaced drunk" + one piece men

summary: you had WAY past your drinking limit and now you're just exploding with LOVE for him.

characters: crocodile, mihawk, marco, ace, shanks, law, corazon

CROCODILE

You’re swaying in his arms, eyes glossy, cheek pressed against his chest.

“Croco-babyyy…”

“Don’t call me that.”

“I LOVE you.”

He goes rigid.

You grab the front of his shirt.

“Like SOOO much. Like, if someone tried to stab you, I'd bite them. Right on the ankle.”

You squint.

“Your scary lil hook hand is soooo cool, I love it. You're my favorite angry man.”

He malfunctions. Literally just stares at you like you're an alien who dropped from heaven.

“You're drunk.”

“I'm in loveeeeeeee!”

You pass out mid-hug.

He just stands there. Frozen.

Mutters:

“...What the hell am I supposed to do with that.”

(Spoiler: He tucks you in and sits there watching you sleep like a guard dog with heartburn.)

MIHAWK

You cling to his arm like a koala. You’re warm and soft and talking a mile a minute.

“You’re sooo handsome. Like, it’s RUDE actually. I have to look away sometimes cause you’re too hot and I feel like I’m gonna die.”

He blinks.

“You’re intoxicated.”

“I’m INTO YOU.”

He blinks again.

You poke his chest with a pout.

“Do you know how annoying it is to like someone who looks like a vampire prince and has very judgmental eyebrows?”

He raises one.

“THAT.”

Then you melt into his coat and sigh.

“I love you sooooooo much… If you asked me to run away and start a farm I’d do it. For you. I'd plant cucumbers.”

He doesn’t sleep that night.

MARCO

You climb into his lap like a sleepy kitten.

“Marrrrrrcooooo…”

“Yeah, baby?”

You press your forehead to his.

“I love you SO much it’s dumb. Like, I wanna kiss your face and also cry and also buy you matching socks.”

He laughs softly.

“That’s a lotta feelings, huh?”

“It’s not my fault your smile makes me feel like life is worth living.”

He actually covers his face because holy shit that one got to him.

“I’m gonna fucking die, yoi.”

“Noooo you’re not, I love you too much. I won’t let you die. I’ll protect you with SOCKS.”

You fall asleep on him mid-rant.

He kisses your hair and whispers:

“You’re killin’ me, songbird.”

ACE

You run up to him and tackle-hug him.

“ACE I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!!”

“Wha—?!! Are you okay?!”

“I’m in love with you.”

“YOU’RE WHAT?!”

“Like a lot. Like, if you turned into a plant I’d water you.”

He’s already spiraling. Red. Stammering. Sweating.

“I—uh—what?! When?! Why?!!”

“Cause you’re cute and warm and you make my tummy do loop-de-loops.”

“SO DO YOU!!! WAIT—NO—WHAT AM I SAYING?!”

“Okay, wait, but would you love me if I was a worm?”

You both pass out cuddling under a table with Ace going into specific details about he'd take care of you if you were a worm and how you'd take care of him if he was a plant.

Sabo finds you both crying and whispers:

“Idiots. They deserve each other.”

SHANKS

You stumble in. Red-faced. Teary-eyed. Drunk on rum and love.

“Shanks…”

“Here we go…”

You grab his coat.

“I’m gonna say something crazy.”

“Hit me.”

“I’m in love with you. Like, I’d kill a seagull for you.”

“...That’s a weird standard but I’ll take it.”

“And I think your laugh is sexy. And your scars are cool. And your nose is NICE. And I’d marry you. Right now.”

He pauses.

Smiles.

“Say it again tomorrow when you’re sober, sweetheart.”

“Okay. But you’re mine now.”

“Deal. By the way, what’s your ring size?”

LAW

You shuffle in with a flushed face and a stuffed penguin.

“Trafalgaaaar…”

“Don’t slur my name.”

“I love you.”

He looks up from his book like you just summoned an ancient evil.

“Excuse me?”

“So much. You’re smart. And hot. And I like your hands. And your voice. And if you died I’d start a cult.”

“...A what.”

“A cult. With matching outfits. And hats.”

“You’re fevered.”

“I’m in love.”

You lean on his shoulder and then pass out on his lap.

He doesn’t move for two hours.

CORAZON

You run into him mid-giggle.

“ROSINANTEEEE!!”

He flails.

You grab his face and kiss his cheek.

“You are the love of my LIFE. Your laugh is cute. Your coat is STUPID but I LOVE IT. I love YOU.”

He goes full tomato. Tears are already streaming down his face.

You write “I’D DIE FOR YOU” on a sticky note and slap it to his chest.

Then immediately fall asleep in his arms.

He’s crying and hugging you and writing down “I LOVE YOU TOO” over and over and over.

He genuinely just loves you so much.

[itsfumblebee]

Oblivious

Trafalgar Law X Reader

you and Law are crushing hard, entirely oblivious to it, but the Straw Hats and Heart Pirates know better. (this is a long one sorry)

a man who yearns is a man who earns!!!!!!

The Polar Tang had become like your home away from home. The crew your fondest friends and family. Going a day without them would feel like torment, as though a part of you was missing.

But none so much as Law.

Your feelings for him were strong, yet you remained professional for the sake of the crew, never daring to tempt the boundary. You knew that if the man caught wind of your emotions it would disrupt the meticulously calculated roles each of you were intended to play.

You’d rather push your feelings away and hide than ruin a family forged upon the sea.

Besides, the probability of Law reciprocating your feelings was minimal.

Right?

Docking on an island to resupply was the cover Law had given for this outing. You were running low on items, sure, but nothing to the point you’d be unable to manage a while longer.

The Polar Tang was simply unbearable sometimes, and what better way to retreat from the suffocating environment than stretching your legs?

In all honesty, Law was just looking to spend a moment alone with you.

His plan had been to accompany you on one of the tasks he intended for today. He hates shopping, despises it, really. But with you he finds the task to be tolerable, maybe even enjoyable.

Law loves the way your face lights up when you spot something you like while out on errands. He certainly doesn’t secretly return to buy everything you merely touch, presenting them to you as though they mean nothing, feigning ignorance when you mention spotting it in a marketplace a few islands back.

He plays it off every time Shachi or Penguin bring it up, grumbling whenever they start teasing him.

“Captain, don’t you think these boots are nice?” Penguin exaggerated, waving the pair of shoes around. Law was internally panicking, already knowing where this was going, glaring daggers into the man.

“They’re fine.” He said, uninterested.

“If it was y’know who they’d already be in a bag.” Shachi chuckled at Penguin’s side, the two stifling their laughter with the palms of their hands.

“If you two idiots have something to say then say it to my—“

“Law,” You chirped, walking over with the same pair of boots, only these ones were in your size. “Aren’t these boots nice? Feel the inside, they’re so soft!”

Law humored you, sliding his hands inside and pressing against the cushioning within. To his surprise, they really were comfortable. A practical shoe, something that would ensure longevity and stability without compromising your contentment.

“They’re a bit pricey though…” You hummed in disappointment.

Law swiped them from your grip without a second thought. “Don’t worry about the cost, I’ll get them for you. You’ve been needing a new pair, haven’t you? Consider it a necessary expense.”

“Oh, no, you already buy me so much!” You replied, attempting to take the boots back. But Law wasn’t having it for a moment, shaking his head and holding the pair away from you.

“Why don’t you go find me the herbs on this list, yeah? I’ll take care of these.”

You huffed but agreed, taking the paper from his hand, knowing he wouldn’t relent. Thanking Law, you walked off to do exactly what he’d asked of you.

Once you were gone, Law caught the figures of Penguin and Shachi from the corner of his eye. He turned to face them, their mouths agape as though they’d just seen a ghost.

“You’re not even trying to hide it.” Shachi spoke. It wasn’t so much a jest as it was fact.

Law clicked his tongue. Their comments were the last thing he wanted to hear right now. “Shut up.”

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

On your way to find a shop that sold the herbs Law was searching for, you ran into Chopper and Robin, the pair window shopping outside a bookstore ahead of you.

Chopper was the first to notice you traveling towards them, the blue-nose reindeer flashing you a bright smile. He called out your name, skipping over to you and wrapping you up in a tight hug around your waist.

“Hey, Chopper!” You cheered. “It’s been a minute hasn’t it?”

Robin greeted you soon after, her soothing voice like a salve upon your soul. You’ve always admired the woman, an effortless paragon of beauty and intellect.

“Are you guys docked nearby?” You asked. Chopper nodded enthusiastically.

“We docked to do a bit of shopping, supplies are running low...” Chopper explained.

Robin felt his story required a bit more clarification. “What he means is our Captain raided the fridge in the middle of the night again.”

“Again?” You marveled. “I thought Sanji put a lock on it?”

“He did.” Robin replied. “Multiple.”

“Never underestimate the power of food on Luffy.” Chopper huffed.

As if on queue the aforementioned Captain could be heard yelling in the distance before you. You beamed, raising a hand in greeting only to watch him soar past you, dust kicking up beneath his feet. You coughed, waving the debris away as chants of a familiar nickname fill the air.

“Traffy! Traffy! It’s me, Luffy! Traffy! I know you hearrr meeeeee!”

You watched your captain deflate, clearly defeated. He could only feign ignorance for so long. Luffy was all over him in an instant, scurrying to catch up on lost time.

“Why don’t you guys come hang out on our ship tonight? We’ll have Sanji cook a huge feast for us!”

“We really don’t have the—“

“We’d love to!” Shachi and Penguin interjected, pushing in front of Law to answer on his behalf. The man only grumbled, conceding to their whims. You’d remain throughout the night and depart early tomorrow, anyways. He supposed there was no harm in free food and drink.

Law approached you from where you remained at Chopper and Robin’s side. “Any objections?”

You shook your head. “Sounds nice. When was the last time we relaxed?”

“Law always lets you relax…” Penguin mumbled under his breath. You turned to face him, furrowing your eyebrows.

“You’re talking a lot of shit to someone that has access to your medical records, Pen.” A smile crossed your lips but it didn’t dare reach your eyes.

Penguin felt a shiver run down his spine, leaning over and whispering into Shachi’s ear. “They’re perfect for each other.”

The rest of the supply run went by in a flash, the crew rejuvenated by the prospect of spending the evening with the Straw Hats.

You decided to forfeit your typical uniform and dress up for the occasion, the summer climate of the island causing your boiler suit to stick to you like a second skin. You went with a comfortable, breezy outfit that accentuated your natural appearance, applying lotion and a sweet smelling scent to top it all off.

The Thousand Sunny was roaring with chatter, laughter and dance dominating every corner of the ship. You sat happily listening to a story Usopp was telling, clearly exaggerating his contribution to the situation. You sipped a sweet drink Sanji had concocted for everyone, a hint of mint complimenting blueberry lemonade.

“So, when are you gonna confess to your captain?” Nami asked as though it was nothing more than an inquiry of the weather. You choked on your drink, Robin using her power to spawn a hand on the back your chair, the limb tapping your back in hopes of alleviating the choking.

You caught your breath a few moments later. Though you almost wished you’d passed out in an effort to avoid the conversation.

The two women were nothing less than good friends of yours. Despite your rivaling crews and their will to overcome the achievements of the other, it was always nice to spend time with them. You set your drink down, leaning back in your chair to stare up at the stars glittering across the evening sky.

“Please,” You laughed out, amused by their inquiry. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“We’re not blind, y’know. Anyone could see plain as day the two of you are smitten. So cut the crap, tell him how you feel!”

Out of the corner of your eye you watched Law partake in the festivities from a distance, a content expression on his face as he simply observed the crews.

“He… doesn’t see me that way…” You sighed, turning back to fully face the two women staring at you as though you’d grown a second head.

“You’re joking, right?” Nami asked, incredulous. “Like this is a joke to you, isn’t it? It has to be.”

You shook your head, swirling your beverage in your hands. “We’re just friends.”

Robin cut into the conversation, her comforting silence put on pause. “Friends don’t stare the way your Captain is currently.”

You turned back to gaze at Law once more, your eyes meeting. It was like a trance, pulling you in but you couldn’t dare indulge. You smiled shyly, waving at the man. He regarded you with a nod of his head, turning away as Luffy pounced on him.

You laughed, Usopp dropping down from the table he recounted his tales upon and taking your hand. “Let’s dance already!” He cheered.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Law never was one for a party, content with observing from a distance while those he held dear indulged in their own fun.

He babysat a beverage you’d handed to him earlier, something Sanji had tended for his darlings girls—Nami swiping some for you to drink. You shared with him, and though it was a bit sweet for his taste, he endured.

The way you talked and laughed so freely while conversing with Nami and Robin had his chest tightening. He could look at you all day and never grow tired of the sight, not for a moment. There was something about you, something truly magnetic that just had him wanting more. He craved your presence, yearned for moments where the two of you could exist in blissful peace.

Law always had to fight the urge to reach out and touch you, crossing that boundary between captain and crew mate that had been set in stone the moment he asked you to join the crew.

In the midst of his thoughts you turned to face him. The man was thankful for the distance between you, a whisper of pink dusting his cheeks. You smiled, waving at him with that beautiful expression upon your face. He wished he could condemn the moment to memory and replay it for eternity.

He considered walking over to you, joining you in your conversation when Luffy bounded towards him, limbs stretching as he propelled right next to Law, nearly spilling some of the contents of his drink. He used his hand to cover the lip, glaring daggers at the Straw Hat pirate.

“C’mon, Traffy, have fun!” Luffy groaned.

“I’m content here. Go have your own fun.” Law responded.

“Lighten up! What, you mad Usopp is dancing with your cruuuuush?” Luffy teased.

Law scoffed. “I’m not upset that—! Long Nose is what?”

Luffy sidestepped for Law to get a better view, Usopp twirling you around while you both giggled happily. The night was warm despite it being well into the evening, and suddenly the once comfortable temperature was suffocating. Law downed the rest of his beverage, tossing the cup away and excusing himself to the Polar Tang.

“Hey, Captain!” Penguin called out. “Where ya goin’?”

Law just glared in his direction, the man jumping up and into Shachi’s arms.

“Get off!” Shachi yelled, dropping Penguin on his ass.

He didn’t look back, couldn’t handle the thought of you being whisked away by Long Nose of all people. His jealousy was suffocating, but he wouldn’t dare admit to himself that that was the emotion currently dominating his mind, body and soul. No, Law would rather sulk in the submarine than admit anything of the sort.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Dancing with Usopp had been a whirlwind of fun. You’d twirled between him, Nami, and Robin; Brook taking your hand and dancing with you, too. One by one members of both crews began excusing themselves from the festivities to turn in for the night.

Shachi and Penguin were completely wasted, Bepo bidding everyone a heartfelt farewell as he escorted them back to the submarine. You remained on the Thousand Sunny, head fuzzy as the night took over your mind.

You took notice of Law’s absence a while ago. It wasn’t anything particularly alarming, he was usually the last to arrive and first to go.

But something felt off about this time.

“I should get going.” You sighed. The only remaining member of the Heart Pirates alongside Zoro, Nami and Luffy. Everyone else had turned in, leaving the four of you to stew in each other’s company.

“Whaaaaat!?” Luffy groaned.

Zoro and Nami’s cheeks dusted pink, neither willing to admit they’d begun to feel the effects of alcohol.

“Go get your man!” Nami drunkenly slurred, holding another bottle into the air. You swiped it from her, the woman cursing, sticking her tongue out at you.

“Wait. You’re dating someone?” Luffy gawked. “Lemme guess! It’s a person right.”

Nami hiccuped. “He’s so hopeless…”

“It’s that damn shitty-hat captain.” Zoro mumbled, taking another long sip of his drink. “Anyone with two eyes and a brain could see it.”

“Ohhhh! You mean Traffy?” Luffy said. “That makes so much sense!”

You looked around with frantic eyes. “W-What’s that supposed to mean!?” You choked.

Luffy giggled, swiping leftover bites from what little food remained. He didn’t elaborate, nor did Zoro or Nami, both of them looking nearly passed out atop a barrel.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Much to Law’s chagrin, you concluded your evening on the Straw Hat’s ship, choosing to spend the night there rather than drunkenly stumbling back onto the Polar Tang in the middle of the night.

He’d been up late awaiting your arrival, watching impatiently as the hours ticked on. Law couldn’t remember when he’d fallen asleep. It wasn’t until Penguin mentioned you never returning that Law’s mood soured.

He stood in the kitchen with two mugs in his tattooed hands, filling both up with fresh coffee. He added milk and sugar to taste, then took a seat at the table. One mug in front of him and the other to his right, where you always sat. This was his routine every morning. You’d enter with a plate of something for the both of you to nibble on while sitting in a comfortable morning silence.

You always thanked him for making you the perfect cup of coffee, and everyday he’d hide his smile behind his own beverage.

But today your coffee had grown cold. It wasn’t an issue, he figured your likely hangover kept you in bed a little while longer.

Then Shachi entered, Penguin in tow. The morning silence you both typically shared had come to its end.

“Mornin’” Shachi groaned. Law hummed a greeting, not looking up from the book in his hands. He tapped his finger against the table impatiently. You were taking longer than usual.

“You waiting up for your lover?” Penguin mumbled, tiredly teasing the man. He poured his own mug of coffee, dumping a terrifying amount of sugar into it. “Didn’t come back last night. Must’ve spent the night with Straw Hat and them.”

“What?”

Law shut his book faster than Shachi or Penguin had ever seen.

“I’m going out.” Was the last thing he said before disappearing.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

All things considered, your late night and indulgent drinking, you weren’t hungover by any means. You felt calm, rejuvenated, even. A night of fun was just what you needed.

You’d departed early into the morning, Usopp alongside you while the two of you discussed anything and everything. The sniper had wanted to purchase some materials he’d forgotten for his tinkerings while you simply wanted to enjoy the island a little longer before departing.

You found some bookmarks in the window of one of the shops, beaming at the illustrations of anatomy painted onto them. Law would love them. He was always using random objects to mark pages.

Or, like a maniac, insisting he’d recall where he left off.

The thought sent shivers down your spine.

You ducked into the shop to purchase them without a second thought, inquiring on the most recent installment of a series he’d been reading for quite some time since you were there. To your surprise, they’d received a small shipment this morning, and you swiped that up alongside the bookmarks.

“Soooo…” Usopp drawled. “You guys a thing orrrr…?”

“Oh no,” You grumbled, pressing a hand to your cheek and refusing eye contact. “Not you too.”

“Listen, we’ve all been wondering, alright?” Usopp admitted. His words struck lightning through your heart, short circuiting your brain and making a mess of your thoughts.

He led you towards the stall he was searching for earlier, a small trove of mechanical parts that most would consider garbage. Usopp expertly plucked what he was looking for one thing at a time, slowly amassing a small pile of trinkets in his arms.

“We’re not together.” You finally admitted. The reality had your heart splintering, fragments fluttering onto the floor at your feet. “Honestly, he doesn’t see me that way.”

“Did he tell you that?” Usopp asked.

You shook your head.

The sniper hummed, tossing another part into his pile. “Then how can you be so sure? Have faith in yourself! They don’t call me Captain Usopp because I quit, they call me Captain Usopp because I take what I want when I want it!”

“Nobody calls you—“

“Anyways!” Usopp redirected, turning to purchase the items. “Have you even told the guy how you feel?” He asked.

You shook your head. “No! I could never tell him!”

Usopp shook his head, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you in close as the two of you departed from the stall. He made deep eye contact with you, his nose pressing against your cheek.

“What do you honestly have to lose?”

You held up your hand, counting on your fingers. “My dignity, my crew, my home, my purpose—“

“Okay, okay!” Usopp interrupted. “That was supposed to be encouraging…”

You laughed, poking Usopp in his side, the sniper yelping and jumping away from you. Moments like these made you grateful for the life you’ve lived up until this point, every decision leading you to this moment.

Though you weren’t ready to convey the depth of your emotions to Law, it helped knowing there was a crew of people who believed in you and your affections.

The call of your name diverted your attention from Usopp, the man now going into depth about what he intended for his tinkering. You whipped around, Law walking towards you, only a few feet behind.

You gasped, hiding the bag you’d purchased for him behind your back. “Captain!” You squeaked.

“You didn’t come back to the submarine last night.” He said without greeting. His expression was cold, a serious gaze as he his eyes flickered to the sniper at your side then back to you.

“I was not in any condition to walk back to the Tang,” You admitted. “Luffy offered to let me spend the night.”

Law hummed. “You could’ve called me.”

“You left so soon I figured you’d turned in for the night. Didn’t wanna bother you with something so stupid.”

“Your safety and comfort aren’t stupid.”

Slowly, whispering a farewell you barely registered, Usopp slipped away, running back to the ship to report what he’d just heard to the crew.

“I’m sorry. I’ll let you know when I’m staying out next time, Captain.”

Law shook his head. “There won’t be a next time. You call me, that’s it.”

Heat fluttered to your face. You managed to slip out a soft “okay” before he gestured for the two of you to get going. You looked around, wondering where Usopp had run off to.

“Did you see which way Usopp went? He was right next to me a moment ago.”

Law huffed, you hardly noticed, too busy concentrating on keeping the gift you’d purchased for him out of his view.

“What does it matter?”

“I just hope he isn’t getting himself into any trouble. He’s very… eccentric.”

Law wished you’d drop the topic. This morning was already going painfully long, his schedule thrown off course causing frustration to rise within him. He couldn’t fathom why you cared about that damn sniper so much.

“Have you eaten?” Law asked.

You shook your head. “I don’t think I could stomach anything. Still full from last night.”

“Can’t have you skipping meals.” Was all you heard Law say before he dipped into a nearby pastry shop. As quickly as he entered he emerged, holding up a sweet bread for you to take. You thanked him warmly, fumbling with shifting the bag of goodies you’d purchased for him in order to grab it.

Law’s eyebrow quirked up, taking notice of the paper bag you held tightly against your side. He caught the briefest glimpse of its contents.

“Do a little shopping?” He inquired.

Against your better judgement you decided this moment was as good as any other. A warm morning, a nice treat and the two of you alone on a nice stroll back to the Tang.

You swore you heard Nami scream but decided you were simply hearing things, shrugging it off.

“Got you a little something since I was out.” You sheepishly explained, handing the bag off to him.

Again. That damn scream.

Law surveyed its contents, first looking over the meticulously crafted bookmarks, condemning their every detail to memory before he smiled the smallest gesture.

“These are lovely.” He spoke softly. You watched the way his hands cascaded along the long-since dried ink, the art protected by an encapsulating layer of some kind. “I’ve been needing bookmarks.”

“I know,” You responded, taking another bite of your pastry. “I don’t know how much longer you can go on swiping pens and medical supplies to hold your place.

“I can remember the pages just fine, too.” He spoke. He knew how much you hated being reminded of it, relishing in the way a shiver ran down your spine.

“It’s psychotic.” You whispered, staring off into the distance.

“It’s practical.”

“There’s something else in there too.”

Law slipped the book out from within the bag, the nice attendant at the shop wrapping it neatly in a layer of tissue paper. Law ripped it apart, gawking at the newest installation.

“I had no idea this was even out yet!” He marveled at the cover. You watched the way he eagerly flipped through the pages, fingers dancing across the cover and lingering on the art.

You giggled, watching the way his excitement festered without him meaning to express it. He was always so cold, so concise. You longed for the moments between you where a slip of a smile or a hint of laughter disrupted his usual attitude.

Your walk continued in silence for a short while, taking in the sights and sounds of a foreign land. It was a crude imitation of the time typically spent between you every morning. You welcomed the change, it’s always nice to disrupt your routine every now and again. And despite Law’s previous reservations, this was a nice surprise, he had to admit.

“Will we be heading off soon?” You asked.

Law confirmed your suspicions with a silent nod, still hung up on the book you’d purchased for him. He was currently reading the first page, not a breath passing his lips as he became entirely engrossed.

The crowd began to grow, the early morning having steadily shifted into afternoon. People pressed against you, skin-to-skin, sometimes knocking you away from where you previously walked comfortably at Law’s side.

A hand pulled you closer, Law’s fingers delicately resting against your waist as he kept you at his side. You stiffened, the sudden contact something Law has never been fond of initiating. Small touches were often shared between you—the passing of a map, steady hands bandaging an injury—but nothing so direct as this.

You welcomed it, a small smile resting on your lips. Law’s face, hidden behind the book, held the same expression.

And again, in the distance, a scream that sounded suspiciously like the Straw Hat’s navigator.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Back on the Polar Tang you fell back into the rhythm of things. There was much work to be done before departing, and as much as you wanted to bid farewell to your friends, you knew there was much to be done between your crews.

You zipped your boiler suit back up onto your body, noticing a freshness it hadn’t held previously. It held the scent of linen, freshly washed.

Odd.

Nevertheless you went straight to work, helping Bepo chart a course in nav then assisting Shachi and Penguin with a few chores that had to be done prior to departure.

“Sooooo…” Shachi trailed off, leaning on the mop between his hands. “Have fun spending the night with your little partner?”

You titled your head. “What?”

“You and the sniper!” Penguin clarified. “You two were dancing all night! Is there something we should know?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“Gosh, no!” You laughed, spraying some disinfectant onto the counter’s surface and wiping it away. “Usopp is like the weird brother you go to for advice.”

“Great news,” Shachi sighed in relief. “I was beginning to think Captain’s mood would be all over the place.”

Again, confusion crossed your features. “Why would Law be upset?”

“I mean, isn’t it obvious…?” Penguin spoke, staring into your soul.

You slowly shook your head, stilling your movements. “Am I missing something?”

Shachi and Penguin shared a look. “They’re hopeless.” The two spoke in a strange tandem.

Shachi was the one to bite. He took a deep breath, propping his mop up against the wall. “Listen, anyone can see you two are smitten. Just get it over with already and tell each other how you feel!”

“Oh, not this again…” You groaned, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Guys, I already heard this from Luffy’s crew all night! Don’t make me hear it from you too.”

“Oh… and that didn’t… raise a few signals…?” Penguin interjected.

You shot the man a glare.

“There’s nothing going on between Law and I. We’re crew mates, that’s it… that’s all we’ll ever be.”

“Could you be anymore oblivious of each other?” Shachi was practically gnawing at nothing, fighting back words he promised Bepo he’d keep to himself.

“You guys are delusional.” You laughed.

That was the straw the break Shachi’s back.

“He buys you presents, like all the time!” He groaned, fed up. If it was up to him he’d lock you in a broom closet and force you to kiss.

“Expensive ones.” Penguin chirped.

“Expensive ones!” Shachi reaffirmed.

“I ask him not to. I’m capable of buying them for myself.” You spoke confidently, as if those words helped the situation in the slightest.

Shachi raked his fingers down his face, unable to take another moment of this.

“He knows how you take your coffee, can somehow sense when you’d prefer tea, waits for you every. single. morning. like a lovesick fool and was soooo pissed this morning when you weren’t there!”

This was news to you. You opened your mouth to say something, but Shachi continued to cut you off.

“And you! You’re no better! With your cute little snacks while he’s working, checking up on him, listening to him ramble about his medical findings!”

“I think they’re interesting.” You weakly defended.

“Of course you do!” He yelled, taking hold of your shoulders and shaking you like a doll. “He could shit in his hands and clap and you’d find it interesting!”

Penguin stilled Shachi, urging him to calm down before Bepo came in and heard a conversation he made the two of them promise was forbidden.

Or worse. The captain himself.

As if on cue, Bepo entered to let you guys know you’d be leaving momentarily. He stilled, viewing the way Shachi held you in place while Penguin urged him to be silent.

“Please don’t tell me…” He gasped. You were sure he went pale underneath that already stark white fur of his.

“He choked.” Penguin blamed, pointing a finger at Shachi.

“Me!? You’re just as guilty.”

The pair began bickering between themselves, Bepo silently swooping in and delivering you from your misery. “Let’s get you to your room, yeah?” You nodded without a word, hanging onto Shachi’s frustrations like a prayer.

He wasn’t right, was he?

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Shachi’s words left you avoiding Law, throwing off a rhythm once carefully cultivated. You wondered if you were coming on too strong, doing too much when Law would simply prefer if you’d give him a moment away from it all.

He was a silent, reclusive man, after all.

It started the next morning. You’d walked into the kitchen yearning for a warm cup of tea.

Law, as always, was seated in his usual spot. In front of him he had his own steaming cup of coffee, while to his right there was a warm mug of tea.

“I added lemon today,” He spoke softly, voice still lingering with the effects of the morning. “I hope you don’t mind.”

You shook your head, thanking him softly. Rather than taking a seat you picked your mug up off the table and leaned against the sink, sipping away as you stared into nothingness. Law noticed this, furrowing his brows but not looking up from the book you’d purchased him the day previous.

You finished your beverage, dipping out of the kitchen without so much as a farewell, leaving Law there to ponder what had just happened.

Law’s day had been painfully devoid of you after that. While he was working he could typically count on you to make a few appearances, checking up on him and offering him a glass of water, or splitting a snack you’d made for yourself (though you had every intention of sharing it with him).

The man was growing frustrated. One day turned into two, then three. Before he knew it an entire week of this behavior had passed. It soured his mood, dampening what patience he typically held, and it surely showed.

“Cap, need you to look over these charts.” Shachi asked politely.

Law huffed. “I’m sure they’re fine.”

“Bepo asked me to check with you to be sure.”

The man groaned, looking over the charts quickly, absorbing the information but hardly caring about the contents for once in his life.

“See? They’re fine. Now leave me alone.”

“R-Right.” Shachi affirmed, offering a messy salute due to his arms being full of charts.

He ran like hell out of there and back to Nav. Bepo and Penguin were discussing the next island on course when Shachi burst in, a frantic expression on his face.

“He’s pissed.” He squeaked.

“What did you do now?” Penguin asked, clearly irritated.

“Why does it have to be me?”

“It’s always you!”

“Nuh uh!”

Bepo snapped the two out of it. “No, he’s right, it’s definitely your fault.”

“What the hell!”

“No, seriously. Think about it. Have you seen the two of them together ever since your little talk?” Bepo asked.

Penguin and Shachi exchanged a frantic look.

“We messed up.”

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

You hated the silence.

Well, usually you wouldn’t mind it, often sharing it with Law. But today, devoid of his presence, you couldn’t stand it for a moment.

You found yourself pondering thoughts of him, what he was doing right now, though that was painfully obvious—always working, never taking a moment to relax if he could help it.

Bepo knocked on the frame of your open room, lingering in the threshold.

“Cap is doing surprise checkups right now. You’re up.”

You thanked Bepo for letting you know, a sigh escaping your lips as you hopped off your bed and started down the hall. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. If there was one thing Law took seriously, it was the collective health of the Heart Pirates.

“You’re here.” Law greeted, setting his tools neatly onto the table at the examination beds side. He gestured for you to have a seat. You took it without a word.

The air was tense. That much was for certain.

The examination continued as usual. Questions pertaining to your diet and daily activity, whether there had been any particular changes or observations of note for him to be aware of.

“Everything is the same as always.” You spoke honestly. “No changes that I can think of.”

“I can think of a few…” Law huffed under his breath.

Your eyes flickered to his in an instant. “What?”

Law cursed under his breath. “Nothing… forget I said anything.”

“No,” You urged. “You have something on your mind. What is it?”

Law attempted to avoid the topic as best he could, taking his final notes of your examination without a word. But you pressed forward, pushing until he reached a breaking point.

Finally, after much pestering, Law relented.

“You’re avoiding me.” He spoke.

Your eyes widened, breath caught in your throat. You knew it’d likely been obvious, but you never thought it would’ve bothered him enough to bring it up. You couldn’t bear looking into his eyes, seeing the emotions pooling within them. Was this the result of unspoken emotion?

Or was it merely an observation?

“I wouldn’t say avoiding… more like… staying clear.”

“That’s the same thing just worded differently.”

You agreed, staring into your lap, hands cupped delicately.

“Can you tell me why?”

You shook your head, embarrassed you’d brought it to this point.

“Room.”

Law’s sudden use of his devil fruit caught your attention immediately. You looked up, watching as the chart in his hand was quickly replaced with a small bag. You tilted your head, confused as he held it out to you.

“I’ve been meaning to give you this. Just haven’t found the right time.” Law admitted.

“What is it?” You asked, a bit embarrassed by the sudden presentation.

“Open it.”

So you did. Slowly, as if opening it any faster would shatter what was inside. Within the bag was a box. You were careful with the lid, gasping when its content was on display for you to witness.

“It’s so cute!” You gasped, picking up the transponder snail in two hands, beaming at the creature’s cheery expression.

“I’ve already saved my number onto it, so you don’t have to worry about doing that yourself.” Law spoke, watching the way you cooed at the little creature.

“You didn’t have to get this for me, Law. I’ve been fine using the one we all share on the Tang.”

Law nodded. “I know. I wanted you to have a way to contact me—us!—whenever you need it. That way you won’t be stranded all night like you were the other day.”

You set the snail down gently at your side.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so distant lately. I didn’t mean for it to influence you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re alright.”

You smiled. Glad the air had settled between you. The last thing you wanted was for the calm that surrounded the pair of you to be disrupted.

“But, if you don’t mind me asking, what brought this up?”

Honestly, if you ever intended to move past this, you’d have to speak about it. Only through silence were you condemning yourselves to failure.

“Shachi said something totally crazy! I mean, you’re gonna laugh when you hear it, I’m sure.”

Law remained silent. Your sign to continue.

“He went on and on about how you have feelings for me. Saying how obvious it was that we’re smitten.”

You rambled about the conversation that’d occurred, the way you thought it would be best to keep your distance so Law didn’t get the wrong idea. You even told him about what the Straw Hats and Usopp had said only a short time before that.

Law broke his silence in the midst of your ramble. “Do you?”

“W-What?”

He got closer, the distance between you steadily faltering into nothingness. “Do you have feelings… for me…?”

You didn’t know how to answer. What would be the correct response? Should you jeopardize your dynamic and potentially ruin everything? Or lie and condemn your feelings to ruin?

“I heard everything that day. I listened to every word Shachi’s big mouth blubbered and heard everything you said in response.” He admitted.

Law took your hands in his, looking into your eyes.

“Tell me you don’t have feelings for me,” Law almost begged. “It would make this so much easier.”

“Easier?” You whispered.

“If I know this feeling is mine alone I’ll force myself to forget, make it so that I never let my emotions hinder me again. But…” You watched the way he paused, considering his words carefully. His grip on you tightened ever so slightly. “I can’t stand another moment like this. My chest hurts so much and there’s practically no logic about it, apart from it being a side effect of affection.”

“Do you like me?” You asked carefully.

“I asked you first.” He dryly attempted to make you laugh, his nerves betraying him.

Words are a difficult thing. It’s the very reason so little are shared between you. You were comfortable with your long stretches of silence, favors passed between you without having to ask. Morning coffee and snacks, daily check-ins and little gifts that should mean nothing. But to you, to both of you, they’re everything. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not affection was present, it was whether you were willing to admit it, willing to surpass that threshold and conquer what had been holding you back.

Because no matter what you told yourselves, every action since you can remember has been an act of undying affection.

So, wordlessly, Law pressed his lips against your cheek, pulling away just as quickly as he’d been there. He still lingered, your body tingling where his lips had met your skin.

“Was that… um… was it okay?” He was suddenly so timid, worried he’d read your reaction wrong and you would momentarily condemn him for being so dense.

But you looked down where your hands remained conjoined, tracing the shape of his tattoos with your thumb. Then you leaned forward, pressing your own kiss against his lips.

It was shy, almost awkward. Law didn’t kiss back, not right away. By the time he’d gathered the courage you were already pulling away.

And so the two of you remained there, once more enveloped in that comforting silence you enjoyed so much, the silence that told you he was there, the silence that told you he always would be.

puta-puta-puta puta-puta-puta

You turned to your side to find your snail ringing.

“Should it be doing that?” You asked, confused.

Law shook his head, hesitant to allow you to take the call. His gaze was criminal as he watched you pick up the receiver, holding it up to your ear.

Nami called out your name from the other line.

“How did you get my number?” You asked, your confusion only growing. The only one with access to your line should be Law and Law alone.

“Don’t worry about that right now!” She deflected. “I sensed cash in the wind and I knew I had to call you!”

“Nami, what the hell are you talking about?” You laughed out, a bit nervous.

“Did you and Law just confess your very obvious feelings?”

“W-What!?” You choked.

Law gently coaxed the snail from your hands, pressing the receiver against his ear.

“That’s right, Navigator. What’s it matter to you?”

“Hah!” She cackled. “Zoro, pay up!”

Cuh-lick.

“What… just happened…?”

“I really don’t wanna know…”

[vviola]

portable kettle | sanji x f!reader one shot

( sanami version stargazing on my ao3 )

« Hey? » he answered the phone, a sweet smile approaching his lips after such a long day - a shame you couldn't see that. « Sanji-kun, are you heading home? » you asked. « Yeah, I've just got changed. I'll be on the way soon. » « Gotcha... » « Anything I can help with? » Sanji closed the staff room's door, wished a good evening to his colleague, sighed due to the perception of the cold wind he hadn't felt during his shift, then set out. He wondered why you chose to call him earlier than usual; that surely sounded weird.

« I kinda forgot..? Oh right, well, there is actually something I want to ask you. » You better arranged the scarf around your neck. « Go ahead, dear, » he turned the corner. « What are you doing tonight? » « Nothing relevant, I was planning on chilling out a little... » his grin deepened. He found it cute that, despite having been dating for weeks, you still showed a bit of hesitation in making proposals, as if you feared to disturb him.

« ...Then, would that be okay if we see each other? » « ... I was invited to a party, but I'm not even considering going. » « A party..? You, too? » « You know, that place that opened recently... I don’t even remember the name, » the initiative went in one ear and out the other. « Same here; Usopp insisted as usual, and as usual I avoid. » « Would you like to come for dinner? I can prepare whatever you prefer. » « Actually... I was thinking we could go out. I’ll pick you up, around nine, if you don't mind. » « Sounds perfect... you got something in mind? » Sanji was getting quite suspicious. « Where, I’ll show you later. Just wear something heavy. » « Outdoors..? At night? » « Yes, out in the open at night. Just the two of us... » you whispered, almost hoping he couldn’t hear it.

He, unfortunately, heard it. He imploded.

«That’s perfect! No worries, really, whatever you decide to do with me I will accept my fate without saying a word—» then, he exploded.

Your crystalline laughter would've echoed through his ears all the way home. He suddenly felt even more excited, aware he would've seen you soon.

« Look, I’m passing by the minimarket, » you continued. « Good to hear..? » he was confused. And dazed. « What should I take? » « Need some advice on grocery shopping? » « No, you dummy. That's for tomorrow morning. For our breakfast. » « Our what..? » such an eloquent tone could not lead to misunderstandings. His eyes widened. His body stopped functioning, in the middle of the street. Passersby hardly managed to dodge the collision. He did not hear their insults, nor did he care. All he could and desired to perceive was your voice.

« You’re perhaps inviting me to come ov—» « I’m going in, see ya later, Sanji-kun. »

Sanji would've never been aware that you had hung up the phone on his face because of the irrational fear that your heartbeat could be heard from the other side of the phone.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

« Here I am. »

Miraculously, you managed to show up at the appointed time. It wasn't the first time you had driven to his house, yet you had made sure to leave well in advance, in order to avoid the risk of running late. Considering it was Sanji who usually picked you up and arranged the evening for you, you indeed were a little restless. Your grip on the steering wheel tightened.

Her hands are trembling

Sanji thought; he never let anything slip by him. But he couldn’t help being flattered. That meant you felt the same way, right?

Having occupied the passenger seat, he finally took a glance of appreciation at you. He delightedly watched you blush.

« You are so beautiful... »

He really appreciated your fashion sense, and would praise you often; this time, however, he wanted to mock you a little.

« ... yet so careless of the cold. What luck I've brought an extra jacket, expecting you would not be dressed properly. » « I don't need it... » you grumbled. « And I don’t want you to get sick, » he stared into your eyes, before tying his seatbelt. « Annoying, » you muttered, but that didn't fail to please you. You liked it when he cared for you and he was making eye contact. You read a special reverence lurking in his gaze, as if he unconsciously considered himself unworthy of your company. You already felt more confident.

« Don't I deserve a kiss, now..? » « I'm sure you do, I also fear that's out of my concern, » you replied. « I'll head back then, have fun. » « Such a shame, it would have been a beautiful evening, for sure, » you joked, implying more than said. Sanji stiffened in his seat. « Guess I'm having second thoughts! »

You chuckled. « Have you got everything? » you asked. « Yup, right there. » You had texted him last minute, begging him to bring a thermos, "the only thing you had forgotten." The truth is, you did that on purpose, in order to avoid burning up another pot in an attempt at cooking hot chocolate—and Sanji knew that.

« So, where are we going? » he asked, once you took off. Nine fifteen on the car watch display; the moon, more and more evident, was convoying your late-night ride. « I'm not telling you yet. Just be patient. » You didn't really know yourself, to be honest; but telling him that wouldn't have been really wise. « As you wish, Your Majesty, » Sanji, the actual passenger princess, stretched out to grab his phone, abandoned in the back seats. « Playlist? » « Playlist. »

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

« We did... we've already been running this road before, am I wrong? » « Yeah, and I'm totally aware of that. » « Then why didn’t you just go straight? » Your odd behaviour had been amusing him for the last twenty minutes. You, again, proceeded to ignore his questions. « Right... there. » « "Right there"? » « I kept spinning around trying to figure out what the perfect place was; I can say, now we are there. » You got out of the car and headed for the trunk.

« Is parking allowed here? » « I don't know, who cares though? It's Thursday night honey, nobody will come supervise. » You pulled out everything you had not forgotten to bring, satisfied with your own gimmick. Except for the fact those ambiguous situations, where you don’t know if you’re breaking a rule or not, made Sanji nervous.

« ...Are you taking me on a hill? » so late at night? To do what? « You're being a real pain in the ass, Sanji-kun. To stargaze, wasn't it obvious? »

... there was no place for anxiety now, with such a heart-pounding.

« You really are... » « Go on, say that. » « Nothing. My mouth marbled and my tongue unable to cooperate. » « …as you want. »

You passed him by, dragging the heavy backpack along. Sanji, without saying anything, lifted it off your shoulders to relieve you of the burden. You, for the sake of fairness, reached out to hold his hand, causing your fingers to interlock. Sanji felt his cheeks catch fire, and the evening temperature no longer seemed to be an issue.

« Sanji-kun… I'm still a bit cold... just a little bit, » you had the courage to admit, squeezing in his jacket. Precisely as scripted. « No prob, » Sanji pulled out of nothing two blankets and handwarmers « here you go. » « The heck..? From where..? » « Tricks of the trade. For you. » « Thank you. » He didn't let you the time to say anything else, making his way for a comeback. Sometimes, he sure knew how to act nasty.

« Without me, you would've frozen. » « To begin with, I must still maintain a decorum, » Sanji guiltily took a glance at his suitpants: a garment he didn’t really wear so often, but chose for the occasion, keeping in mind your suggestion of "dressing heavily" — an indication you yourself had not followed. « Secondly, I still could go back to the car and its heating system. » « But you wouldn’t have seen the sta— » « Be a good boy and shut up. Third, I wouldn't have been there in the first place, without a reason to do so. »

Sanji was dead silent.

« ...I would not come here with anyone, » you didn't have the guts to look him in the face. « You really are... » « Go on, tell me. » « Words aren't enough. » «... as you please. » You set yourself up, wrapped like a nun, and bowed your head upwards to look at the sky; but soon you found yourself imitating him, who had thoughtfully laid a third blanket on the lawn and lay there.

« You know, » « Yes-sh? » You, while chewing what had just come out of the portable kettle, were trying not to burn your tongue. « With you, I never get bored. » « What are you... » you didn't face him, only because you were ashamed of how easily he made you blush. Not that he could have seen it, in the dim light.

« I'm being serious. Even now, that we are literally doing nothing... I would never rise again. » « Sanji-kun... » « I… I think… » I think I'm in love with you. « Cut the crap alread— Wait. No, sorry. I'm really sorry. I'm terrible. I wanna cry... » You already had become a fountain, but noticing it in the dark was not easy; and the crowd won't judge you.

« I am glad to spend this night together. I would have felt painfully alone, apart from you. » « You really are... » « “Go ahead.” » « Really, » you sniffled loudly. « That's hard to explain, Sanji-kun... it's you... always been you, from the very first moment. It's you, don't you get it? »

The weight of words always frightened you. Those rare times when you had dedicated some, you did instantly regret it. You had been the subject of so many statements, love letters, confessions: idiots who only seemed to appreciate your body, your pretty face, the reputation you chose to show. You had given many chances, only to find yourself perpetually saddened by the realization no one was interested in digging deeper, searching for your soul.

And now you couldn't help but feeling frustrated, struggling to let loose, to convey your thoughts, even though you knew he would've guarded those words as if they had been the shiniest jewel in the universe. He was different. Sanji was the one you had always waited for.

You sighed. « I'm not able to express myself as I want, » and as you'd deserve. « Don't worry, I totally understand, » he really had the sweetest smile. « Hope I'm not too late for that kiss? » « You can never be, babe. » He welcomed you under the blanket, holding you to himself with fondness.

Only the stars above, no other around.

[flwrbo]

Pretty Princess (Law x f!reader)

fluffy, sexy blurb with law and his pretty girl gf. soft gf x mean bf i love u...

"Get your toes off of me, you brat," Law grunts, pushing your feet off his lap.

A pout takes over your face, forcing them back onto his legs. "Look! I painted them," You shake them a bit, grinning down at the red paint adorning your nails. "Don't you like them? You meanie," You roll your eyes, digging your heels into his muscular thighs.

"Ah! Down, girl. That fuckin' hurts," He grumbles, squeezing your calf. "Yes, princess, they look beautiful." He glances down at the new pedicure.

You stare at his side profile, bored. You had already done everything on your to-do list. Your hair was already done, face mask already finished, and sweet-smelling lotion was on. The last thing was your nails, and now that they're finally dry, you were craving something for your attention.

Your boyfriend was nose deep in a book, one that Corazon had recently gifted him. This just simply won't do.

You take your freshly manicured nail and start dragging along his perfect cheekbones, down to his facial hair. His lips upturn and bring his dimple out of hiding; your finger's next adventure. You smile as you pet his face, giggling a little as you go. "You bored or somethin'?" He quirks an eyebrow up, finally looking away from his book.

"Just admiring my sexy, rich, funny, smart boyfriend," You look up at him through curled eyelashes.

He scoffs out a laugh. "What're you, buttering me up? You finally admitting I'm funny?" A cocky, toothy grin takes over his face. Nose wrinkled up, you push his face away with your palm.

"I take that one back. The other ones are true, though, especially the sexy part." Your eyebrows raise, taking in the sight of him. He was in loungewear too, dark contrasting the pretty silk set you'd had on. Black sweatpants low on his hips, tight white shirt over his chest. His hair was out, lazy, and swept out of his eyes while he was reading. You bring your eyes back up to his, making quite the show out of checking him out.

He finally puts his book to the side. He moves to lie down, hand sliding up your side, guiding your back to the bed. "So now that you're done with your long, grueling routine, you've come and interrupted my reading time to give you all my attention?"

You tap on your nose, smiling as you sink into the mattress. "What, are you complaining? I put a lot of work into looking good. You should be saying 'Thank you.'" Your hand wraps itself around his body, feeling his back muscles through his shirt.

He leans back, looking down at you. Your cute matching set hugs your hips beautifully while your hair is sprawled about behind you on the bed. If he believed in angels, he's sure you'd give them a run for their money. His tattooed hand runs over your legs, feeling the smooth skin there. He slowly drags it up your hips, ghosting over your tits, landing on a loose grip around your neck.

"Thank you, pretty," He drawls, leaning down to give you a kiss. The strawberry-scented lip gloss leaves a sheen on his lips. You giggle, leaning up to give him another kiss on his cheek.

[strawberrychansora]

Morning Heat

Ace x fem!reader

Cw: fluff and light suggestiveness ig? Idk lol

One Piece Masterlist

You wake up slowly — the kind of slow where your mind is still foggy and warm, drifting somewhere between sleep and consciousness.

What pulls you fully awake isn’t the sunlight or the rocking of the ship.

It’s heat.

A familiar, steady, radiating warmth pressed against every inch of your body.

Your cheek is resting on bare skin — Ace’s chest, rising and falling in a lazy rhythm. His arm is wrapped around your waist, holding you flush against him, and his other hand… yeah, it’s definitely resting on your ass like it belongs there.

He’s awake.

You can tell because the moment you shift, his fingers flex just slightly, rubbing slow circles into your lower back.

“Mm… morning,” he murmurs, voice still thick with sleep.

Before you can answer, he dips his head and presses a soft kiss to your cheek. Then another. Then one to your jaw. Then one to your neck — warm, lingering, like he’s tasting the moment.

You inhale sharply, and he smiles against your skin.

“You always make the cutest sounds when you wake up,” he says, lips brushing your neck as he speaks.

You try to lift your head, but he tightens his arm around you, keeping you exactly where he wants you — sprawled across his chest, legs tangled with his, his boxers sitting low enough that his V‑line is basically mocking you.

“Ace…” you whisper, half‑scolding, half‑melting.

“What?” he asks innocently, kissing the corner of your mouth now. “I’m just saying good morning.”

His hand on your back slides up, warm and gentle, fingertips tracing your spine. The other hand stays right where it is, thumb brushing slow, lazy strokes that make your breath hitch.

“You’re staring,” he teases, eyes half‑lidded and smug in that soft Ace way. “Like you didn’t fall asleep on me last night.”

“You’re half‑naked,” you mutter.

He grins. “I’m always half‑naked.”

You can’t argue with that.

He tilts your chin up with his knuckles and kisses you — not deep, not rushed, just soft and warm and slow enough to make your heart ache. When he pulls back, he rests his forehead against yours.

“Stay like this a little longer,” he whispers. “Feels too good to let go.”

His hand rubs your back again, soothing, protective, and the way he holds you — like you’re something precious he gets to wake up with — makes your chest tighten in the best way.

You settle against him, letting his warmth sink into you.

Ace presses one more kiss to your cheek, smiling against your skin. “Yeah,” he murmurs. “Perfect morning.”

[strawberrychansora]

Consent king

Sanji x fem!reader

You two are doing it, but when you suddenly get nervous, Sanji stops instantly and comforts you.

cw: suggestive content but no smut

Sanji Masterlist • One Piece Masterlist

The night had quieted around you, the Thousand Sunny drifting gently as you and Sanji lay together in his bed, tangled in warm sheets. Lantern light spilled softly across the room, catching on his skin as he kissed you breathless — slow, savoring kisses that left your heart fluttering and your body aching for more.

Clothes were forgotten somewhere on the floor, discarded in a flurry of impatient hands and rising temperatures. Warmth pooled where your naked bodies met, hips pressing, legs intertwining, every inch of bare skin against his making you feel utterly noticed, utterly desired. Sanji’s hands, no longer merely tracing your sides, began a slower, more deliberate exploration, finding the curve of your hip, the small of your back, pressing you closer even as his touch trembled with a fierce, barely contained hunger.

His movements were a slow, patient dance, his hips pressing against yours, a soft, seeking rhythm that guided your body only when you yielded, never claiming an inch you didn't offer. And when that perfect alignment became something more, a soft, seeking pressure against the very core of your being, a gentle nudge at the threshold you’d both been aching to cross, your breath caught and your pulse leaped—and your body suddenly tensed.

Just a tiny, involuntary tremor.

Sanji noticed instantly.

He stilled beneath you, breath catching, the hunger in his eyes softening to concern.

He pulled back just enough to see your face. “Darling… did I hurt you? Was that too much?”

You shook your head quickly. “No— it’s not that.”

His hands, which had been bracing your hips, slipped gently away, though he stayed close, the intimate warmth of his body still pressed to yours beneath the blankets.

“Sweetheart,” he murmured, “look at me.”

When your eyes met his, worry melted into something softer. “We can stop. Right now. No explanation. You owe me nothing.”

Your chest tightened. “Sanji… I want this. I want you. I just… got nervous.”

Relief washed over his features. He reached up to brush your hair from your cheek, his touch warm and shaking just slightly.

“My angel… being nervous doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.”

He pressed a slow kiss to your forehead, lingering so long you felt his breath warm against your skin. “It means this matters to you. And that matters to me.”

“It’s just… a lot. All at once,” you whispered.

“I know.” His thumb stroked the soft curve of your inner thigh beneath the blankets, sending a warm shiver through you. "And listen."

His voice dropped, deep and sincere:

“We go only as far as you want. As slow as you need. Slower than that.”

He brushed his nose against yours. “I can be gentle. Gentler than you’ve ever known.” As if he wasn’t already gentle. Sanji never was rough with you during sex. Even when you begged for it, he still touched you carefully, reverently like he didn’t know how to be anything else.

Your breath hitched — but the fear began to loosen.

“So… you’re not upset?”

“Upset?” Sanji laughed softly, cupping your cheek. “My love, stopping for you is the easiest thing in the world.”

He kissed your hand, lingering. “Your comfort means more than anything we were about to do.”

Heat bloomed in your face as you sank against him again.

“I still want you close,” you whispered.

His expression softened into something warm and hungry all at once.

“Then come here.” He eased you back into his chest, tucking you under his chin as he wrapped his arms around you beneath the blankets. “No pressure. No rush. Just you… right here.”

You melted into him, tension slipping away.

After a moment, he whispered into your hair, his voice low and warm:

“Whenever you want more… even just a kiss, a touch, a little closer… I’ll be right here. Patient. Gentle. Always ready to stop if you ask.”

You breathed out slowly. “Thank you, Sanji.”

He smiled into your hair.

“Anything for you, my love.”

[dollymingo]

Law being romantically awkward is my favorite headcannon. I'd love to read a scenario with him just genuinely not knowing how to express his feelings or not knowing how to respond to flirting. Even better if it's like him and reader end up hooking up on the DL and Law is super inexperienced BUT he's a quick learner cause ya'know, anatomy is a doctor's specialty.

STUDYING YOU; law

oh my, oh my… i hope you enjoy this. i hope he’s awkward enough for you… i think i’m too weird myself to really know how to write characters like this haha

law x reader 18+, nsfw, medical terms (?), v in p, awkward law ♡ law is a very complicated and busy man, someone who doesn’t have time to beat around the bush. or he’s simply not yet familiar with his own feelings, especially toward you.

Alliances are, by nature, temporary things.

That’s what Law tells himself when the Straw Hats dock alongside the Polar Tang. Or when Luffy grins too wide and shakes his hand like they’re already friends. When Nami negotiates terms with a sharp eye. And then when Robin watches him as if she already knows exactly how this is going to end. 

And also when you steep aboard. 

You’re not part of the deal. Not officially, at least. And yet, your presence slips into his daily routine immediately, way before he even realizes it. The curious way your gaze wanders over the submarine, the bright smile you offer to everyone you interact with.

He notices the way you look at him, too.

It’s not obvious. Not intrusive. Just… a little too attentive. Like you’re listening for more than just his words.

Like during the first strategy meeting. In the Polar Tang’s control room, you’d blended easily into the strange mix of people gathered around Law, and claimed a spot at his side. He hadn’t noticed you at first. But when he looked up, interrupted mid-sentence by one of his crewmates, he saw you, studying the map with a slight frown, completely focused.

Then you lifted your eyes to him. That smile of yours was already forming.

And every time he glances up again, you’re already looking at him. Not staring. Worse than that. Observing.

“So,” you say at one point, chin resting in your palm. “Are you always this serious, or is this just your alliance face?”

The room goes quiet for half a second. Law blinks. “This is my normal face.”

You hum thoughtfully. “Shame. I think you’d look good smiling more.”

He doesn’t respond. He also doesn’t stop thinking about it for the rest of the meeting.

It keeps happening.

You always find reasons to be near him. Leaning over his shoulder to read documents, handing him things you could easily put down instead. You thank him too warmly. Tease him lightly. Compliment him in ways that have nothing to do with his intellect or his combat ability.

“You’re surprisingly gentle, you know,” you remarked once, watching him rewrap his own hand. “For someone with such a scary reputation.”

He pauses mid-bandage, his thoughts a little unclear, the way they always do when you’re this close. “That’s an inaccurate assessment,” he says.

You smile. “Is it?”

He doesn’t answer again, but he just finishes the bandage tighter than necessary.

Strangely enough, with all these small interactions, this careful dance of flirtation and awkwardness, your crew starts to notice.

Usopp was the first one to notice.

He points it out in a loud whisper during lunch, elbowing Luffy so hard he nearly drops his meat. “Hey. Hey. Why does she keep sitting next to Tra-guy?”

Luffy squints across the room, chewing thoughtfully. “Huh? Oh yeah. She does that.”

Nami follows his gaze and freezes. You were leaning in close to Law, head tilted as he showed you something on a map. Too close. Law’s arm was rigid at his side, jaw tight, eyes focused far too intensely on the parchment.

Robin smiles faintly. “That’s interesting,” she says, folding her arms. “He’s also been watching her whenever she leaves a room.”

Usopp’s eyes widened. “That’s creepy.”

“No,” Robin replies pleasantly. “That’s affection.”

Across the room, you laugh at something Law mutters. It’s soft. Private. And for just a second, Law’s shoulders relax.

Nami smirks. “Give it three days.”

“Three days for what?” Luffy asks.

“For him to realize he’s already lost.”

The days pass. Never quite the same since the Straw Hats stepped into his life. And somewhere along the way, a quiet warmth settles into the hollow of Law’s chest, unnoticed at first, until he finally allows himself to acknowledge it.

Allows himself to be interested in you.

Law prides himself on control. On understanding systems. Bodies. Cause and effect. But there was never supposed to be space for you. You don’t fit.

You make his chest tighten at inconvenient moments. You make his focus slip. You make him hyper aware of where you are in a room, how close you stand, the way your voice lowers when you speak to him like you’re sharing a secret.

It’s distracting. And it’s starting to piss him off.

So one night, when most of the crew is already asleep he corners you in the infirmary.

“You need to stop,” he says, closing the door behind him.

“Stop what?” you ask, genuinely confused.

He exhales slowly through his nose. “This behavior.”

You tilt your head. “You’ll have to be more specific, Doctor.”

He hates that you make him spell it out. “The comments. The proximity. The– ” he gestures vaguely, frustrated with himself now, “... tone. It’s unnecessary.”

A beat. Then you smile. Soft. Knowing. And this new behavior, not really new because he already saw it in the sparkle of your eyes before. 

“Oh,” you say lightly. “I was wondering how long it’d take you to say something.”

That… wasn’t the response he expected. “You were aware of it?” he asks.

“Of course.” You step closer, deliberately slow. “I’m flirting with you, Law.”

There it is.

Clear. Direct. No ambiguity.

His brain stutters. “…You are,” he says flatly.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

You laugh quietly. “Does there have to be a strategic reason?”

He opens his mouth. Closes it. “…I don’t know how to respond to that,” he admits.

You stop just in front of him, close enough to feel his warmth, his scent, but give him enough space if he wants it. It takes effort from him to not step back.

“You don’t have to do anything special,” you say gently. “I just wanted you to know.”

“That’s the problem,” he replies, voice lower. “I don’t know. Every response I consider seems… incorrect.”

You study him for a moment. He watches you too, grey eyes unfocused, thoughts spiraling somewhere he hasn’t quite learned how to navigate yet.

“If you don’t like this,” you say quietly, carefully, “I can stop.”

“…I don’t dislike it,” he cuts in almost immediately. Then, softer, like a confession: “I just don’t know what comes next. I wasn’t prepared.”

Your heart stutters.

So you reach for his hand slowly, giving him time to pull away. He doesn’t. His fingers tense, then curl around yours with surprising firmness.

“Prepared for what?” you murmur.

“For wanting you to keep doing it.”

Silence settles between you. You smile – not teasing this time. Something warmer.

“Then we’ll go slow,” you say. “Alliance pace.”

He exhales sharply. “You’re infuriating.”

“Mm. You’ll survive.”

And that’s how it starts.  With a fragile understanding. An unspoken agreement that something has shifted between the two of you, and neither of you is quite sure where it will lead. 

***

Law does not sleep that night. Not because he’s injured. Not because of strategy. But because his mind won’t stop replaying your voice. Your closeness. The warmth of your hand in his. The way you looked at him when you smiled.

Just before dawn, he comes to a conclusion. If this is going to continue, he needs to reciprocate. That’s how this works – he assumes.

So he plans. Badly.

The next afternoon, he finds you alone on deck, leaning against the railing, watching the sea. Perfect. Controlled environment. Minimal witnesses. He approaches you. “You’re… standing differently today,” he says.

You glance over. “Differently?”

“Yes.” He nods once, confident. “Yesterday, your weight distribution favored your left side. Indicative of fatigue. Today, it’s evenly balanced.”

You stare at him. “…So I look well-rested?”

“This is a simplified interpretation,” he replies. “But yes.”

You smile despite yourself. “Thank you, I think.”

Law winces. That hadn’t sounded right. Clearly not the reaction he was aiming for. He clears his throat, fingers curling into the hem of his coat like he’s grounding himself.

“I’ve also noticed,” he continues, “that since you joined the alliance, there has been a measurable shift in my crew behavior.”

You turn fully toward him now. “Measurable?”

“Statistically speaking, your presence has had a positive impact on crew morale.”

You bite your lip, fighting a smile. “Oh?”

“Yes. You’re… efficient. In a social sense.”

From behind the mast, Nami clamps a hand over her mouth. Usopp silently screams. Robin looks delighted.

“You’re saying I’m good for morale?” you ask, clearly amused.

Law hesitates. “…In simplified terms, yes.”

You step closer, tilting your head. “Law. Are you trying to flirt with me?”

His face goes completely still.

“…Yes,” he admits after a beat. “Is it not working?”

You laugh, a soft and fond expression on your face. “It’s… not traditional.”

“I suspected as much,” he mutters. “I researched nothing.”

You reach out and take his hand without hesitation. He tenses for half a second, then relaxes, his fingers instinctively lacing with yours. “You don’t have to try so hard,” you say gently. “I like you the way you are.”

His chest tightens. “…Noted,” he says quietly. “But I’d still like to improve.”

You squeeze his hand. “We can practice.”

Behind you, the Straw Hats collectively lose their minds. Sanji drops to his knees. Usopp celebrates in complete silence. Nami smirks as she holds out her hand toward Zoro, collecting her hard-earned money. Robin smiles, watching the scene with serene satisfaction.

And Law, still awkward, still terribly bad at flirting looks at you like he’s willing to study this feeling until he finally understands it.

***

Through forced training and relentless practice – thanks to Sanji and Usopp mostly – Law has started to feel freer. Less rigid. Less painfully aware of how awkward he can be when it comes to courting you.

Courting.

A word he picked up from Sanji, one he’s clung to in a way that surprises even him. Something sincere. Intentional. Passionate. A feeling he was never taught to recognize, yet one that makes perfect sense whenever his thoughts drift to you. Being respectful. Being honest. Finding the right words and the right gestures, too.

And over time, he started noticing the subtle details of your body: the way you react to a light touch, the tension in your shoulders, the way your breathing changes when his fingers drift too close to a sensitive spot. But also, more than anything, the way you electrify his mind and his skin with a single touch, how you make him weak, make him want you even more. Always.

And maybe this is what all that clumsy learning was leading him toward to this moment, where theory finally met the practice.

His touch is always tentative at first. Careful. He treats you like unfamiliar land. His hands map you, pause when you inhale sharply, adjust when you lean closer. He really takes his time noticing everything. And now, he’s starting to know your body better.

“…There,” he murmurs under his breath, more to himself than to you. “That reaction… did I cause that?”

You nod, smiling faintly. “Yeah.”

He files it away quickly in the back of his mind. Each touch after that grows more confident. Still gentle but deliberate now. Like he’s connecting patterns. Cause and effect.

His fingers trace the sensitive swell of your breasts, then drift lower, following the subtle line of your stomach, dipping beneath your hips. You arch immediately, your breath hitching, and he smiles faintly. Internal satisfaction mixing with lust. He adjusts, presses harder where you respond, your mouth round and glossy, almost begging for more.

When he leans down to press a kiss to your collarbone, your fingers slide into his hair, tugging him closer. He groans softly at the contact.

With his hand, he reaches down, his thumb dragging through the slickness between your thighs. You’re soaking, your natural lubrication coating his fingers and dripping onto the sheets.

“You’re so wet,” he growls softly, almost in disbelief. Two fingers brush along your slit, wetting them before sinking into you without any resistance. “Shit… it just slides right in.”

And you’re almost certain it’s desire speaking for him, not his brain, but it still makes you blush at how lewd it sounds.

His fingers move fast, so fast. Each thrust precise, controlled, yet desperate all at once. He feels your walls clench around him with every movement, and it makes him lose what little composure he had left. His breathing turns short and uneven, his mouth pressing against your breast, as if he were the one being toyed with. He feels you tighten even more around his fingers, and it draws a low groan from his throat, overwhelmed by the way your body responds to him.

You moan softly, a helpless sound slipping from your lips above his head and it makes something inside him tighten.

The sound is raw, unrestrained. And suddenly he can’t stop himself from talking, from telling you exactly what you’re doing to him. His voice is rough, urgent, spilling out with every breath.

“You feel… so good… like this… I can’t…” he pants, pressing closer, brushing his lips over your nipple. Every movement, every gasp, every tremor of your body is proof of how perfect this is. How much he wants to give, how much he needs you to feel it too.

So this is what Sanji meant, he thinks distantly. Courting. Paying attention. Not taking but giving. And he wants to give you so much that a shy whimper slips from his mouth.

“Law…” you whine softly.

“Yeah?”

“I want it inside…”

“Hm…” He’s already lost. “What inside?”

“Want it inside,” you repeat, this time pressing your hand against the bulge in his pants and he gathers every ounce of restraint he has not to grind into your touch.

Instead, he lifts himself toward your face and kisses your warm mouth. It’s messy and wet, but he doesn’t care, he’s too busy tugging his pants down with long, angular fingers still slick with your fluids. He doesn’t even bother undressing properly, just pushes them down far enough to free himself, strokes his cock a few times then presses into you.

When he finally enters you, it’s slow, deliberate, almost clinical, until he hears you whimper his name.

“Mm… you like that?” he murmurs against your neck. A low sound slips from his throat as he starts to move, carefully. In his mind, he’s mapping the internal sensations. He’s a doctor, so of course he knows the placement of every nerve ending, but feeling them pulse and clench around him is an entirely different story.

And even as he experiences those sensations with you, he can’t stop watching you. Watching, again and again, the way you react. The way your body jolts when he reaches a certain depth. How your fingers dig into his shoulders hard enough to leave marks. He adjusts his angle by just a few degrees – and fuck, there it is. That exact spot. The one that makes you cry out.

There, he thinks, a slow smirk finally tugging at the corner of his mouth.

It’s deeply satisfying, in a way that goes far beyond pleasure. He isn’t just having sex, he’s studying you. He wants to be the best you’ve ever had, not out of ego, but because the idea of anyone else knowing the map of your body better than him is unbearable.

Law’s large, tattooed hands slide over your hips, thumbs pressing into the dip of your pelvic bone. His mind flickers briefly to the pudendal nerve, the most important conductor of sensation here. He leans down, lips brushing your ear, voice dropping, rougher now.

“Your skin’s so hot,” he breathes. “Mm… blood flow’s all concentrated in your pelvic floor.” A quiet groan escapes him. “You’re… fuck– you’re really ready for me.”

He pushes into you again, with a slow and an agonizing push. Your eyes roll back and a broken moan spills from your throat. “Ah– Law…” He stills, buried deep inside you, breathing hard.

He makes a mental note of everything: your strained voice, the way your body arches into the mattress, the way your pussy slicks even more around his cock. His hips begin to move in slow, deliberate circles, grinding into that deep spot, until your breath stutters.

He is not  smooth or seductive like a master of seduction, but devastatingly precise. Efficient. He experiments with the angle of his hips, rotating slightly until your internal muscles clamp around him in a frantic, involuntary rhythm.

“It’s here, hm…?” he murmurs. You don’t even know if it’s a question, but there’s something almost condescending in his tone, and it makes you spill a needy sound out of you, a soft, helpless little mewl.

Your fingers twist in the sheets, knuckles white. “I see,” he mutters. “Maybe your g-spot.. fuck–, what if I apply upward pressure…”

He thrusts again, harder, hooking his hands under your thighs to pull you closer, forcing his cock to go deep. The wet, obscene sound of skin against skin fills the room.

“Law—!” you scream, body arching off the mattress.

Watching your chest heave, hearing the high, shattered sounds you’re making, his heart rate spikes. He’s not just a doctor anymore but a man utterly obsessed with the way your body reacts to him.

One hand reaches down, long fingers finding that sensitive bundle of nerves, his thumb pressing, circling, perfectly timed with his thrusts. Internal. External. Every sensation layered with surgical precision.

“Look at me,” he orders, voice dropping so deep that your pussy tightens up a little. When you do, you see the raw, desperate hunger in his gaze.  “I’m going to make you…” His breath stutters. “…I’m going to make you come so hard you forget your own name.” A strained groan slips out. “That– mm.. alright with you?”

You don’t even get the chance to answer. He speeds up, thrusts turning deep, urgent, almost desperate. When you finally break, your body convulsing in a powerful orgasm, he watches every muscle contraction with a mixture of pride and pure, unadulterated lust. He doesn’t pause, no,  but matches your rhythm, trusts perfectly in time with your spams. And everything drives him higher, faster but he’s not done yet. 

“You’re not over yet, right?”, he leans closer to you, his eyes darken with need. “Because I want to try… other things with you.”

Let’s just say… Law learns to be better, a little less awkward, every single day.

if you noticed any medical terms used incorrectly… no, you didn’t ☆ masterlist ★

[vviola]

porcelain | sanami one shot

post wci, wci spoilers !!

( originally posted on ao3 )

« Nami-san...! S-sorry, I didn't... »

A calm Nami turned approaching the door, her face showing no trace of surprise.

As if she had expected, at any moment, the young man to be crossing the threshold of the room she shared with Robin, and she had perhaps been waiting for him for longer than she cared to admit. On the outside, this situation would appear ambiguous and uncomfortable, and anyone with a minimum of observational skills could clearly visualize the following events: Sanji, who for once wasn't acting with bad intentions, being kicked unceremoniously into the hallway; Nami, berserk furious considering he hadn't bothered to knock, urgently closing the door behind her, remembering that she was, well, still in her underwear, and not wishing for anyone else to see her like that.

However, none of the crewmates had the honor of enjoying such a scene. Nami was indeed quite naked, sitting in front of the damaged ruins of the dear old vanity—severely tested by the events of Whole Cake Island, Franky certainly wouldn't hesitate to build a second one asap—with a certain unusual relaxation in noting Sanji-kun, after all, was there.

Sanji-kun, for his part, initially recall all his willpower not to faint on the spot at the sight of the harmonious, splendid, canonic, elegant, stratospheric... body, constrained by that skimpy white lace set, almost unworthy of containing and framing the girl's generous breast. Seized by guilt, he turned away, instinctively bringing his palms to his eyes.

« I didn't expect someone like you, who claims to worship the ladies, to prove so timid in practice » she simply chuckled, showing not the slightest embarrassment, as if he had caught her in her pajamas. She didn't add anything else, though.

Sanji didn't notice the lack of irony in her voice, panicked as he was, busy murmuring more and more apologies and cursing himself for having, again, albeit unknowingly, cracked the very rickety respect the girl he was in love with might now feel towards him; a feeling that, like the vanity, had been rapidly reconstituted following the recent events, patched up.

« I’m so, so, terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to… »

He considered dashing out of the room, in the most painless way for both of them, when Nami’s amused tone got him in a chokehold.

« What do you think you’re doing now, running away? » she asked, undermining the validity of his plan.

« You look at me, » she continued, a demand that didnt fail to instill confusion in her stunned collocutor.

Sanji couldn't match his intellect to her intentions, and the minimal self-control alive in him was suggesting this wasn't an invitation and, since it was her, she wasn't dressed like a doll for him. The multiple little voices in his head compassionately alerted him, that he should prepare to lose some teeth from a well-placed backhand. Decided to face the trap head-on, he sighed, displaying sincere regret, then turned around.

Nami was no longer where she had been sitting shortly before, actually standing in front of him. He forced himself not to back away, even when she approached him dangerously, and stared into her beautiful eyes, to avoid looking elsewhere. He tried to change the subject, or rather, to explain why he had entered without checking what she was doing.

« It wasn’t on purpose, Carrot-chan t-told me— »

« That was a lie. I'm not sick, I don't really need something warm to drink, I'm not agonizing in bed… you must have noticed, » she interrupted him, emphasizing the last whisper just to enjoy his predictable reaction.

Sanji felt breathless, especially now that he felt the lace of her bra against his chest. Nami-san was enjoying making him uncomfortable, and she had premeditated doing so. He didn't have time to verify what had gotten into her all of a sudden; grey cells overload was interrupted by the perception of the girl's slender fingers on his wrist, which she guided to her side, where his hand laid, dead, as if to prove, through the tactile sensations, that it wasn't there by the will of its owner.

Sanji withdrew from Nami's intense gaze, fixing his own as far away as possible, on the porcelain flower vase, placed on the windowsill, and then on a seagull that, fleeting and irritating, disappeared from the window frame, leaving behind the echo of its screech; he thought the bird wasn't wrong to mock him. He didn't dare to move his left palm a single millimeter, ignoring what seemed to him a silent prompt to do the same with the right one, to pull her closer, since he was conscious and strongly convinced that everything that was happening was devoid of any logic and he could not rely on the trail of common sense, which had never abandoned him before, when dealing with other, many other, women. But Nami-san was certainly not one of the many, so he didn't have the audacity to rely on the patterns previous experiences had allowed him to consolidate. This time, he felt very uncertain about what to do, paralyzed by the horrific contemplation she was just teasing him, anticipating her revenge, a resonant punch to the nose.

« I’ve just told you that you can look at me, why are you avoiding me? » she protested, seeking for his eyes, in vain.

He didn’t answered, unable to take control of such an audacious and controversial situation, which he certainly wouldn't have disdained if only she had shown, before, a vague symptom of rapprochement, any sign of having finally yielded to his avanches and gestures, the result of that long courtship developed exponentially, day by day, starting from the first meeting on the Baratie. He had tried very hard for Nami-san to grasp the extent, perhaps too affected, of his feelings, and perhaps he didn't want them to be stomped on like grass stems by her, at that moment, in that way. He swallowed, in silence.

« Maybe it’s true, I’m not good enough… » Sanji heard those sheepish words whispered, quietly; escaped from her lips without any malice, much less with the intention of being freed, Nami must have been ashamed of the mistake, giving that her cheeks flushed a bright red, as if she had only realized at that very moment that she was leaning over his sculpted body, her face a breath away from his neck and his bristly chin, looking for the attention that, she would have sworn, would never be lacking from him. She immediately lowered her head, staring at her hands, which had snapped into her lap, her eyes ran over her sides, one unadorned, the other protected by a warm presence. She blushed further, the security she had intended to wear instead of clothes, faded in a flash, and she felt more naked than ever.

« I don’t think I understand, Nami-san? What do you mean? » his gentle, as well as surprised voice, encouraged her to shift her gaze from the floor, and meet his. He was looking at her with a special seriousness, now. Still attempting to read her mind. Enchanted and softened by her shyness, his limbs moved on their own and Sanji didn't realize he had given in to instinct until he felt her body tremble at his touch.

I’m hugging her. Well done. I’m an idiot, I fell for it.

He’d wrapped both arms around her waist, this time, as he’d been rarely allowed on past and certainly dissimilar circumstances. He mumbled apologies, but couldn't reject that closeness. Feeling Nami's heartbeat drumming on his skin at that excessively rhythm was too much for a fainthearted like him.

I'd bet we look like... lovers... about to... no, no, I need to concentrate. Concentration. Damn it.

« Is that how you held Pudding last time? In her room, when you called her your salvation... » she whispered.

...Huh?

Nami's expression regained authority, although minimal, strong in having evaded his uncomfortable question with a provocation. Not such a smart move, however, she agreed with herself, calling herself foolish, since she had revealed, named, the cause of her sudden hesitation. Sanji-kun must have just understood, he was endowed with sharp intellect, when he didn’t behave like a fool: she was jealous. Of Pudding, of Sanji’s manly side, the same one she had always stubbornly refused. Incoherent and unfair, as well as jealous, but determined to hold on tight to what had almost slipped through her fingers.

«Huh?» he smiled, confused, dumbfounded. Nami intuited, or relied on hoping, he had read between the lines and was acting all dense, to induce her to explain herself better. Unmasked, she decided to go all the way. She had launched the nerve-wracking business and the responsibility for what was happening was only hers, of course. She took a deep breath and spoke, progressively losing her shit.

« Brook told me the truth, Sanji-kun. From how you had recounted it to him afterwards, in his opinion, you really grew fond of her, despite everything… I know it’s not my place to interfere with your choices, and besides, she too, from the little I seemed to understand, ended up falling in love with you, you could read it on her face… I think she’s suffering letting you go, after realizing how important you’ve become… her certainty… »

Nami wasn't just talking about Pudding.

A wave of negative feelings overwhelmed her, as memories not so distant took over. The realization Sanji would abandon them, that he would abandon her, followed by the onset of a singular form of desperation, to which she had given a face in those quiet sailing nights towards Wano, once the waters had calmed. A deep weight at the base of her chest, dissipated only once, the wedding cake having been delivered, the figure of Sanji-kun had returned to dwell the wooden kitchen of the Sunny.

His absence… makes me hold my breath. Geez…

Sighing, and rolling over in the covers, she had listened to herself, suffering a little from the lack of consultation with her roommate; she didn't judge herself and the crush she had gotten on the onboard cook, an eventuality that had never ever tickled her before.

Sanji-kun..? Seriously..?

Yet, she smiled to herself, in the dark, unable to feel guilty for that childish and primordial feeling. It had never happened to her.

« …Perhaps Brook fell asleep while I confessed that, despite everything, unfortunately, I am in love with you. »

Nami’s heart palpitated further, if possible, observing the dilation of his pupils. She understood he wasn’t lying. His voice had stopped trembling, not colored by the usual boldness, but by a sure clarity, the seriousness he reserved when discussing truly important things. She saw herself as part of these.

She wished to believe him. She decided to believe him.

She hid her forehead against his collarbone, not knowing where to put her hands, helpless. Again she felt insecure, percepiving the embarrassment flow up to the tips of her ears. In such a situation, she was unable to annihilate that declaration with the power of biting irony. And, intimately, deep inside, she was aware she didn't even want to.

« You're good with words... »

« I would have been better with actions, but you never let me »

Sanji didn't hold back from teasing her a bit. He was presumptuous enough to finally consider himself in control of the situation—at least, a little more than her; clever enough to begin stroking the little of her back, with his fingertips, aiming for her underwear, still not that brave enough. Lowering his head, to bury his face in her red hair, he even felt audacious enough to place light kisses on her temple, on her cheekbone. Surreal gestures he had always and only been able to touch within his most restless dreams. An absurd scenario, in which everything seemed simply right.

Nami, for her part, feared her body would melt like butter; she tried to hold back a sigh, failed miserably. Her knees betrayed her and she found herself leaning on his chest, cutting out any physical distance, and she awkwardly tried to interpose her palms. She stayed there, still as a stone.

Sanji barely chewed a smile, in order not to undermine her already rather cracked pride. He liked, for once, to think of her as subdued by those feelings that had accompanied and tormented him for years. He wanted to convince himself his happy ending had arrived, that she had finally accepted his zelant courting. He poked fun at her a little more.

« I just can't read you, Nami-san. First, you show yourself so bold, and then it seems you're regretting it. Your inconsistency makes you clumsy… you’re so cute, really »

He intended to rest his chin on her head, height difference allowing, but Nami's face snapped towards his, troubled.

« I'm not regretting it! Stop teasing me, it's obvious for a girl to feel nervous… in a moment like this… » she protested, her cheeks matching the chromatic scale of her hair « ...and you were like that too until a few minutes ago »

Clearly satisfied with the clarification, she managed to sustain his amused and smitten gaze.

« In a moment like this..? May you explain yourself better? »

Sanji’s fingertips moved up the path of her spine, curving at the height of her kidneys, settling on her hips, just under her breasts. His tone growing deeper. The tips of their noses now touching.

« You dummy... » she whispered, without really meaning it « I asked you to take me ser—”

He had stolen her a kiss. He had gathered all his courage and now that he had succeeded, he could hardly believe he had managed to wait for so long.

In that brief moment of silence and tension, Nami’s eyes flashed with an expression that was well known to him, certainly not because it had ever been directed at him. The need not to be subservient snapped within her, the burning desire to lead what she herself had decided was the moment to face, to choose for herself. Sanji, who knew her like the back of his hand, understood instantly.

« There hasn’t been a moment I haven’t taken you seriously, believe me. My only purpose is to make you content and, if feeling like the object of my actions makes you uncomfortable, I’ll be more than willing to let myself be tormented as you prefer. Seeing you self-assured and satisfied fills my heart with joy, even if it means depriving myself of your most hidden and rare versions. If I say I love you, that’s because I’m in love with your every side »

His frankness moved her to tears. For a long time, she had seen herself incapable of loving. She was now sure she felt the same, that the exact words pronounced by those enamoured lips traced the vision she had of him. It was useless to run away. That emotion, so pure, that she had always obstinately pushed away, which had continued relentlessly to die and bloom, cyclically, for months and months, she decided to let it grow into something beautiful, to make it a bit her own too, to honor Sanji-kun's resilience.

Common sense, shame, fear could go to hell.

She kissed him, with sweetness and anticipation, and he, abandoning the grip on her hips, preferring to take her face in his hands, perceived her smiling: she was making the right choice.

[vviola]

boys talk | sanami one shot

no major spoilers

( originally posted on ao3 )

« Nami-san is angry » « 'Morning to you, too » Usopp yawned, sitting in the same rickety corner of their long wooden dining table, personally elected as his own seat, for no reason at all.

Sanji turned his back, leaning towards the cupboard, trying to grab more cutleries and glasses than his interlocutor actually needed. The hum of their little chatter would have draw the others from their covers to the kitchen, and he could not be unprepared.

« Even this morning, I notice, I'm the first one to keep you company » Usopp continued.

That means, I'm going to be the very first one to be sored by your girls-related crap, again...

Still seven am, after all, but he didn't have the courage to complain.

« Mh », his dry and inattentive answer.

Now that he could observe his face from a better angle, now that Sanji turned again to pour him his coffee, and now that Usopp had began to give his attention to what surrounded him, he quickly could take notice of the fact Sanji looked gloomy, absent minded by something else.

« Why d'you claim Nami is angry? » « Actually, you've been the third to enter the kitchen... and I've been the second one » « Are you telling me a riddle..? »

Sanji's lips curled into a crooked smile.

« I mean, Nami has already been there » « And she's gone to..? » « She went back to our room as soon as she heard me arrive. She actually filled herself a cup, but she's left it here, still steaming » « ...So? »

Sanji, an habit of him, dipped a hand in his pocket. Then the interest in lighting a cig vanished like a bubble, for him being too conscious it wouldn't be enough to sweep away the knowledge of being ignored.

« Then, that equals she's mad at me »

He finally turned his gaze to interlock his now-trusted-morning-confidant's. It's been a while since the two of them happened to spend that handful of minutes alone, chatting about meaningless topics or even situations that burdened the one or the other' mind.

Random ritual, but a please for both of them - not that they would've ever admit that, Usopp especially.

« She might be angry, still, there's no proof this is your fault, Sanji » « I must've said something that has pissed her off » « You surely know her better then anyone among us... » « But last night, before going to bed together, she looked ok » « ...you obviously can't deny, she's quite moody » « Perhaps, is my footsteps that've got her annoyed » « Are you serious? » « Deadly serious » his voice cracked by regret, Sanji cowered in front of his nakama; his was the closest seat to stove, and the best to take a quick look to everyone who would enter the room.

« What's up, aniki? »

Sanji's blue eyes, from their vertical location, framed an iconic red drape approaching. Red underwear, to be precise.

Franky's moral code had abolished the existence of pants a long time ago, so there was nothing to be shocked about.

« We need your opinion, Franky,» Usopp inserts himself into the convo « on a scale from one to ten, how much Sanji ought man up? » « Ehi! This is a concern of mine we are talking about- » « Again, Sanji? Lemme say that! I've always been brutally honest with you, during the times it seemed you got like no possibility at all to get together with her. But now, that's clear as a day: she's suuuuper into you, and loves you, even though nobody here has grasped the reason yet, so don't worry about trying to always get her. Women sometimes tend to be a lil bizarre, you let her free of acting as they please »

The person concerned frowned. First, since when did Franky know all about women? Secondly, how did he just understand?

« But she didn't even say a brief hi to me... » « Maybe, she hoped you would've instantly known something's off, kneel, taken her by the hand, asking why her delicate yet numb with sleep face was frowning » « Usopp, you don't want to push me to edge » « You haven't greeted her first? » « If only I've got the time, she passed me by like I was invisible » « Soba mask magic » a whisper Usopp was lucky Sanji didn't hear. « Suuuper 100% obvious it's your fault. Neglecting a babe like her, truly idiotic »

He hardly managed to repress the sudden and violent desire of engraving his forehead’s mark, repeatedly, into the wooden surface.

« Can someone just explain me, for the love of God, how the hell am I supposed to behave in such circumstances? Sorry if I’m not even able to read a girl’s mind, whom by the way is the first and the very last I desire to deal with »

« Such a softie, Sanji-san. You tell her those exact words, you’ll see, everthing will be fine. I’d gladly offer my musical support, if you please » Brook and Chopper sat on Usopp’s right and left. « I feel that... by bringing her breakfast to bed, you’ll gain both her happiness and an excuse to talk to her. I don’t know if she’s already eaten though... »

The youngest’s solution seemed extremely more reasonable and appetising than the ones offered by men who had lived four times his years. Sanji found himself on the same page as a teenage reindeer, the only one who took his worries seriously. He warded away the thought all this was purely paranormal.

« Thank you, Chopper, you are right. I shouldn’t be torturing myself, when I get the chance to clear my mind to her immediately »

Sanji got up, loaded a tray with what he knew Nami preferred and marched towards the bedroom. Along the way, he met Robin - the crew was unfreezing itself. She kept looking at the load he was carrying in his hands and she smiled, without saying anything, guessing his intentions.

Getting closer and closer to the hallway, Sanji began to cold sweat. No one would ever say that, not even himself, but he was terrible at dealing with similar situations. He had never taken part in relationships that could be called such. In general, perceiving tension did not create major problems for him. Knowing he had messed up with a woman, however, made him go insane. Feeling rejected, unwelcome. He couldn’t stand the awareness of having made some mistakes, he who always tried his best in becoming the perfect partner, just for her.

Perhaps, that was it. He was just… too much, yet too little, too zelous, yet not enough.

Maybe she was tired of him, but given the forced togetherness she couldn’t do much, and she would have to put up with him all her life, because she wouldn’t have the courage to leave him, so as not to hurt him, and also because she was too good, she knew he would’ve never got over her-

« Sanji-kun? Is that you? »

He instinctively held his breath. He had knocked, unconsciously.

« Are you there? » « C-can I come in? » without even waiting for her answer, he was already in the room, stiff as a toy soldier. « You brought me breakfast, thank you! Put it here, on the desk. Lemme finish drawing this little corner and then I’m all yours »

Sanji remained there, petrified, on the side of the door. Everything seemed fine, she was the same as always. Did he misunderstood, in the kitchen?

« Why are you so quiet? Talking when working usually bothers me, not if it’s you though » she continued, her eyes still glued to the map.

He couldn’t help but blush. They had been together for a while, however any sign of appreciation embarrassed him anyway. He was sensitive to criticism, as well as to compliments.

« I was thinking, you’ve been acting weird from before, » Nami commented, « something wrong? »

Me?

« Nami-san I thought you were mad at me » he proclaimed, all in one breath.

She looked up, interlocking her gaze to his. She now, too, looked confused.

« Me? But why? We haven’t even talked yet this morning » « You haven’t greeted me, when I entered the kitchen, and you’ve just left » « That’s not the truth! I even got up earlier to make you some breakfast, it’s you who have arrived before I could finish » « Ah? » « You didn’t drink your tea, did you? Didn’t you like it? » « That was for me..? » « No, for Zoro. For whom you think it was supposed to be? » « Then, why did you…fled? » « Well… I felt like… anyway, I thought you’d understand… » « Felt like what? » eventually, Sanji’s expression stretched. He walked a few steps closer to her desk. « Sanji-kun, sometimes you just don’t get it! Doing this kind of things doesn’t really fit me, okay? You are definitely better, yet for once I attempted to reciprocate the treatment you always reserve for me, as well as for everyone else. But since I’m embarassing, unable to set up two cookies for my man... seeing you at the door has made me panic »

He burst into laughing. His Nami-san, who got no half measures, to the point of acting quite bossy sometimes… in those special occasions, when the little clumsy kid buried in her soul took over, Sanji always found himself loving her even more deeply.

He made up the distance still present between their bodies, to hug her tightly.

Nami, still sitting, felt his rib cage vibrating in contact with her cheek. The palpable sensation of Sanji’s laughter chased away that small pout, which used to house on her lips whenever she was awkward.

« You’re making me feel dumb… » she smiled. « I am too, then: spending the last half hour trying to understand whether I had done something wrong... » « Would I sulk for no reason..? » « ...and actually you did everything by yourself » « Sanji-kun! » Nami whined, struggling into breaking free from his arms. At times, his physical strength was a pain in the ass. « Don’t make a fool of me, I just wanted to be girlfriend material for you! » « You are always sweet to me, and I really appreciate your gesture. Next time, however, you keep ahead for more than five seconds, so that I’ll be able to understand your intentions »

Before she could ever reply, he kissed her tenderly, a morning habit the vicissitude of events had forced him to procrastinate until that very last moment.

He owed one to little Chopper.