ivyprayedtoday

[ivyprayedtoday]

This is so good. Drooling.

Sabo x Reader

~Just a hypothetical question~

All Parts:

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 *More Parts will be added.

[ivyprayedtoday]

  Chapter Eighteen: A Vision or a Memory? (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Eighteen: A Vision or a Memory? Chapter Seventeen: Cooking Up Memories Warnings: Suggestive Author's Note: Hey, everyone! Just wanted to let you know that I'm currently dealing with a bad case of writer's block. Now that I finally have some free time and am not using writing as a way to avoid studying for my finals, it seems like I've been slowing down a bit. I'll do my best to stay consistent, but I can't guarantee I'll be posting daily for the time being. Thank you for your patience, and I appreciate all the support! Much love to you all. <3

[Name] sat slumped in her chair, staring down at a small pile of documents she was supposed to review. Though the workload was light, her focus had been slipping all day, her thoughts persistently drifting elsewhere.

With a sigh, she slid open a drawer, retrieving a bounty poster that had been tucked away. 

Holding it up, she studied the image—a straw-hatted boy grinning fearlessly under a bold, scrawled reward of thirty million berries. “Who is this boy?” she murmured to herself, her brows knitting together. The questions swirling in her mind offered no answers.

Before she could sink further into her thoughts, a pair of hands covered her eyes. “Hey, Princess,” a familiar voice teased.

“Blondie,” she greeted.

Sabo’s gaze dropped to the bounty poster in her hands. “Is that the boy from Loguetown?”

“Yup,” she replied, popping the ‘p.’ “He’s been on my mind for the past week.”

Sabo chuckled, leaning casually against the edge of her desk. “He must’ve made quite an impression on you, huh?”

Her mind flashed back to the rainy streets of Loguetown. She saw herself trailing after Dragon, her boots splashing through puddles, the chaotic scene unfolding before her eyes: the straw-hatted boy declaring his dream to become the Pirate King.

She blinked, dragging herself back to the present. “Hard to forget a guy who shouts, ‘I’m the man who’ll become the Pirate King’ with a sword to his throat,” she joked.

Sabo smirked, though his interest seemed piqued. “What else happened? Is that all it takes to get your attention?”

Her thoughts wandered again, unbidden. She remembered Dragon disappearing into the crowd just before the boy’s miraculous escape. The way he had reappeared at a critical moment to save the boy… It didn’t make sense. Why would Dragon risk exposing himself for a pirate?

“Dragon had his eye on him,” [Name] admitted, her tone serious now. “But every time I ask, he dodges the question or kicks me out of his office. I’ve never seen him avoid a topic so hard.”

Sabo’s expression shifted, his grin turning playful. “Well, he’s always been one to keep to himself. Maybe… it’s his secret love child?”

Silence fell between them. 

The absurdity of the idea hung in the air before they both burst into laughter. Sabo doubled over, slapping the desk, while [Name] leaned back in her chair, clutching her stomach.

“I can’t imagine Dragon finding anyone interesting enough for that,” [Name] wheezed.

“Or willingly touching anyone,” Sabo added, wiping a tear from his eye. “He’s way too… emotionally constipated.”

Their laughter settled, and Sabo’s gaze flicked back to the bounty poster. “Seriously, though, what’s so special about this guy? Now that you mention it, Dragon’s never done anything like that before.”

Her eyes lingered on the boy’s smiling face, the image overlaying the memory of him standing triumphantly amidst the chaos in Loguetown.

“Whatever the reason is, it must be a good one,” [Name] mumbled. “This is killing me!”

Sabo took the paper from her hand, focusing on the image. ��In all honesty, he does seem a bit familiar,” Sabo leaned on her desk. “But maybe it’s just my imagination. Anyway,” he added, a sly grin creeping across his face, placing down the bounty. “It’s a good thing we’re finally getting some peace and quiet around here. I don’t think I could’ve handled another week without privacy.”

[Name] rolled her eyes but smiled. “You’re telling me. Sharing a room with someone who snores loud enough to shake the walls? Absolute nightmare.”

“Yeah, well, at least your roommate didn’t walk in on us. Twice,” Sabo shot back, his expression half-amused, half-exasperated. “I’m pretty sure I’ve developed a sixth sense just to avoid them.”

She laughed, tilting her head to the side. “Hence the genius idea to become ‘roommates,’ huh?”

“Genius?” he echoed, raising a brow. “I seem to recall you saying, ‘If I have to deal with one more awkward interruption, I’m throwing myself out a window.’”

“Dramatic, but accurate,” she conceded, chuckling. “Well, now instead of my roommates snoring, I get to be woken up by yours. But I can’t complain seeing as the room is much more spacious.”[Name] leaned back in her chair, smirking. “Guess it comes with the territory of sleeping with the soon-to-be second in command.”

He groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Not this again. It’s just a rumor, [Name]. I don’t even have the title!”

“Sure, sure,” she teased, waving him off. “But you’ve been acting like one for months now. The commanders listen to you. Dragon listens to you. You even get private meetings with him where the two of you plot things. And let’s not forget this lovely, spacious room.” She gestured dramatically to their shared quarters, her grin widening.

Sabo crossed his arms, trying to hide his growing smile. “Okay, first of all, the room is because Dragon knew we were planning on moving in together and not because of special privileges. And second,” he leaned down, meeting her gaze, “if I were to receive that kind of promotion, you’d be the first to know.”

“Right,” she said, feigning seriousness. “Because I’d be sleeping with him.”

Her deadpan delivery cracked him, and he let out a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here we are,” she said, grinning.

He sighed, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Fine, enjoy your ‘perks.’ Guess I got to start charging you more for your perks, huh?” Sabo pulled out the chair next to her desk and flopped into it, stretching his arms behind his head. “So, when are we christening this ‘spacious’ room with a proper celebration? We’ve got privacy now.”

[Name] raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You mean besides that bottle of sake we shared on move-in day? Because if you’ve got ideas, Blondie, I’m all ears.”

“Oh, I’ve got plenty,” he said, winking, before leaning closer. His voice dropped to a low murmur, just enough to make her cheeks warm. “But they all require that nobody knocks on our door for at least an hour.”

Before [Name] could respond, the door burst open without so much as a knock. Koala stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, her face a mix of amusement and exasperation. Why does this always happen?

“Seriously?” Koala said, eyeing the pair. “You’ve been together for two years now but you two still haven’t learned to get a lock? Get a damn lock.”

[Name] groaned, her head falling into her hands. “Maybe some people need to understand privacy. Even if there’s no lock, this still is our room.”

Koala snorted, clearly unimpressed by [Name]’s attempt at reclaiming privacy. “Oh, I understand privacy, trust me. But when you leave the door wide open like that…” She gestured dramatically toward the door frame. “It’s basically an invitation.”

Sabo sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “What do you want, Koala? Because if it’s another lecture on basic boundaries, I’d rather save it for Dragon.”

Koala ignored him, stepping further into the room. “I’m here for the document [Name] promised Dragon.”

[Name] cursed her luck, returning her attention to the work she still had to finish. She raked her fingers through her hair. “I’m not done with everything yet.”

Koala crossed her arms, a bit shocked at [Name]’s statement. “You’re not done? Wait, am I in the wrong room? This is [Name]’s room, right?”

[Name] shot Koala a dry look. “Yes, Koala, this is my room, and no, I’m not done. But thanks for pointing it out.”

Koala raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “You’re usually the type to have everything in order by now. I didn’t expect you to be the one scrambling to finish something, especially with such a small load. That’s Sabo’s job.”

[Name] flinched at Koala’s comment. “I’m not scrambling, I’m just... dealing with other things,” she muttered, her fingers tapping against the edge of the desk.

Koala tilted her head, giving her a curious look. “Other things? Like what? You’ve been off all day.”

[Name] could feel another lecture bubbling in Koala. 

Sabo stepped in, leaning against the desk and giving both women an exasperated look. “She’s fine. You know how she gets when she’s got too much on her mind.”

[Name] didn’t meet either of their gazes. She was trying to focus, but it was hard. That damn bounty poster kept pulling her back. That damn goofy boy.

Koala's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “[Name]...”

“You’re awfully impatient, Koala,” Sabo jumped in smoothly, giving [Name] a little breathing room. Sabo leaned over the desk, his tone light but deliberately distracting. “Got a hot date or something tonight?”

Koala’s cheeks flushed faintly as she scratched her cheek, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and exasperation. “No… Why would you think that?”

Sabo smirked, leaning forward with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Oh, really? Because from what I hear, you’ve got quite the line of admirers.”

[Name] perked up at the mention of admirers, feeling the urge to chime in. Just as she opened her mouth to join the teasing, she felt a light nudge against her leg. Sabo shot her a subtle look, silently telling her to stay on task. She grumbled under her breath, turning back to her papers and scribbling furiously to finish her work.

“It’s not like that, and you know it,” Koala said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “I just can’t seem to get them off my back.”

“Didn’t mean to ruffle your feathers, Miss Popular,” Sabo said with a playful grin.

Koala crossed her arms, smirking. “You should be careful throwing words like that around, Sabo. Last I checked, you’re the one who’s always getting stopped in the halls by half the women here.”

[Name] snorted, unable to hold back her amusement. “She’s got a point. You are ridiculously popular for someone who’s technically not even second-in-command yet. It’s practically a cult.”

Sabo groaned dramatically, running a hand through his hair. “Not you too, Princess. I thought you were on my side.”

“Oh, I am,” [Name] said sweetly, not even looking up from her papers. “But facts are facts, Blondie.”

Koala chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. “Looks like even your girlfriend can’t save you from the truth. But you also got a lot of admirers, too.”

“I could take them all on, not sweat,” Sabo interjected, not giving [Name] time to process Koala’s comment. “No one gets to admire [Name] but me.”

Koala rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to [Name]. “Seriously though, you’re almost done, right?”

“Almost,” [Name] muttered, flipping through the final pages. “One more signature…” Sabo leaned closer, resting his chin on his hand as he watched her scribble the final signature with a flourish. “There. Done.” [Name] capped her pen with a triumphant click and leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms over her head. 

Koala let out a small sigh of relief. “Great. Now I can stop being the middleman between you and Dragon.”

“Middlewoman,” Sabo corrected with a teasing grin. “But yeah, thanks for your service, Koala. You’ve been invaluable.”

Koala shot him a mock glare. “Don’t push your luck, Commander.”

“Commander, huh?” [Name] quipped, stacking the papers neatly. “Sounds kind of hot. Maybe I should start calling him that.”

Sabo tilted his head, an amused smirk tugging at his lips. “If you say it like that, how could I possibly say no?”

Koala raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorway. “[Name], stop turning Sabo on.”

“Oh, but it’s so much fun,” [Name] replied sweetly, a sly expression spreading across her face. She turned her gaze back to Sabo, eyes glinting with mischief. 

Koala snorted. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s just go and get those papers to him.”

Sabo chuckled, grabbing the stack of papers and tucking them under his arm. “Relax, Koala. You’re going to grow white hair if you keep stressing yourself out.” 

Koala smacked the back of Sabo’s head, earning an ‘ouch’ from the man. “Let’s go.” 

[Name] stuck out her tongue, taunting Sabo for getting hit.

Koala turned. “Don’t think I won’t smack you too.”

[Name] straightened up, sulking a bit before getting up. “Fine,” she defeatedly said, pulling Sabo with her. “Since you’re holding the papers, I’ll have you come along.”

Sabo allowed himself to be dragged along, a smirk still playing on his lips. “Not that I mind being manhandled, but you could’ve asked nicely, you know.”

“Oh, I don’t ask,” [Name] shot back with a grin. “I demand. Isn’t that right, Commander?”

Koala rolled her eyes, following close behind. “Here we go again.”

The three exited the room, and as they entered the hallway leading to Dragon’s office, the atmosphere shifted subtly. The low hum of activity echoed around them, voices murmuring, papers shuffling, boots clicking against the polished floor. When they finally arrived at Dragon’s door, Sabo knocked firmly before stepping inside, with [Name] and Koala close behind.

Dragon was seated at his desk, peering over a map spread out before him. He glanced up as they entered, his sharp gaze briefly flickering to the stack of papers in Sabo’s hands. “Ah, good. I wanted to talk to you three, anyway.”

As they placed the documents on Dragon’s desk and began discussing the plans, Dragon’s expression remained calm, though his eyes carried a weight that made [Name] uneasy. She couldn’t help but feel that he knew more than he let on, and he was hiding something bigger that they didn’t know about. While she trusted him, an itch of curiosity grew at the back of her mind.

“You seem to be out of it, [Name],” Dragon said, his sharp gaze scanning her. “Everything all right?”

[Name] blinked, startled out of her thoughts and quickly nodded, perhaps a little too fast. “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice steady but her stomach twisting.

Sabo chuckled, nudging her shoulder lightly. “She’s probably thinking about that kid from Loguetown. The one with those stretchy abilities. Apparently, he ate a Devil Fruit, the Gomu Gomu no Mi I think.”

The words hit [Name] like a trigger. Her breath caught as her vision began to blur. The room around her dimmed and twisted until it was no longer the familiar office she stood in.

Instead, she was in a vast, ominous chamber. The air was thick and cold, the oppressive silence broken only by the faint sound of her own shallow breathing. Five towering figures stood before her, their faces obscured by shadows, and she felt their gazes burning into her. Behind them, a massive, foreboding throne loomed, and on it sat a dark figure with piercing red eyes.

[Name] froze, her body unwilling to move. The figure on the throne seemed to look right through her, and her legs trembled beneath the weight of his presence. At the foot of the throne, two figures lay sprawled on the ground. Her parents.

Her mother, though battered and bloodied, was barely conscious. A bandaged hand reached weakly toward [Name], trembling as if trying to convey something important. Her lips moved soundlessly, and though her words didn’t reach [Name], the desperation in her eyes struck her like a blade.

Panic rose in [Name]’s chest. She couldn’t move, couldn’t scream. All she could do was stand there, paralyzed, as the black figure’s glowing red eyes bore down on her.

“Princess?” The sound of Sabo’s voice yanked her back to the present. Her vision cleared, and the dark room dissolved, replaced by the concerned faces of Sabo, Dragon, and Koala.

[Name] blinked rapidly, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt sick, her head spinning as she tried to ground herself.

“Are you okay?” Sabo asked, his voice low and concerned. “You look pale.”

She forced a smile though her lips trembled. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… zoned out, I guess. Thinking about that straw-hatted boy. He’s a stretchy man, right?”

Sabo hesitated, his eyes scanning her face as if searching for something deeper. “Yeah… stretchy,” he said slowly.

Koala and Dragon exchanged a look, both clearly sensing something was amiss. Sabo remained focused on [Name], his concern written all over his face.

“I think I need to lie down,” [Name] said suddenly, pressing a hand to her temple as a sharp headache throbbing behind her eyes. “Sorry. I guess I’m just tired.”

“Of course,” Dragon said, his tone calm but his gaze piercing. “Go rest. We can handle the rest of this.”

Sabo reached out, his hand lightly brushing her arm. “Let me walk you back.”

She shook her head, stepping back quickly. “No, I’m fine. Really.”

Without waiting for further protests, she turned and left the room, her legs trembling as she walked. She could feel their eyes on her back, but she didn’t look back.

Once she was alone in the quiet of her quarters, she collapsed onto her bed, clutching her head as the memory or vision, or whatever it was, played in her mind on an endless loop. Who were those men? What was that place? Why did it feel so real? Those red eyes…The questions swirled until her headache became unbearable, and she closed her eyes, hoping for sleep to take her away from the storm raging in her mind.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Pure gold.

Oda is a girl dad & I have a feeling I know where he got inspiration for what he's hinting at in 1134:

Of course sensei would understand the genius of the Barbie movie franchise. I expect nothing less from him.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Seventeen: Cooking Up Memories (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Seventeen: Cooking Up Memories Warnings: None Chapter Sixteen: Crossing the Line Chapter Eighteen: A Vision or a Memory?

The late morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting soft golden streaks across the room. The sounds of quiet clattering and the occasional clink of dishes filled the small kitchen as [Name] and Sabo moved around in a comfortable rhythm.

“You’re supposed to cut the vegetables, not annihilate them,” [Name] teased, leaning her hip against the counter. She folded her arms and smirked as she watched Sabo’s uneven chunks of carrots pile up. “Are you trying to make food or commit a vegetable massacre? I thought you were good at this with all that peeling we used to do as kids.”

Sabo shot her a playful glare, his lips twisting into a sheepish grin as he stabbed the knife into the cutting board. “It’s been a while, alright? Besides, you’re the one who asked for my help. You brought this upon yourself.” He picked up the knife once more, waving the knife pointedly at her, though it only made him look idiotic.

“You’re completely hopeless,” she said with exaggerated disappointment, shaking her head. “A lost cause.”

“Hey!” Sabo protested, dramatically clutching his chest as if she had wounded his pride. “Last time I checked, you were worse than me at this. Don’t act like you’re a chief, now.”

[Name] rolled her eyes, a fond smile tugging at her lips as she stepped closer. “That was when we were kids, for your information.” Without thinking, she reached up and brushed a strand of Sabo’s disheveled blond hair out of his face. “Unlike some people, I actually put in effort to improve. When I was training and working at the other base, I had plenty of time to practice my so-called ‘culinary techniques.’”

“Yeah?” Sabo crossed his arms, arching an eyebrow. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

[Name] shivered at the memory, pulling her arms around herself for emphasis. “It means my ‘teacher,’ that damn old hag, forced me to do all sorts of chores. I had to cook, clean, and eat the worst types of food. It was pure, unfiltered hell. I’m still recovering from the trauma.”

Sabo tilted his head, curiosity piqued. “Wait, wait… worst food? With your condition?”

[Name] hesitated, suddenly sheepish. “Well… remember how I used to throw up all the time when I first joined?” She scratched her cheek, glancing at him nervously. “It wasn’t because I was sick, like Dragon said. It was because I… well…” She sighed, finally confessing. “I wasn’t used to food like this. I grew up eating really fancy, luxurious meals, so the food here didn’t… agree with me.”

Sabo stared at her for a moment, his face blank as the realization hit him. “Wait… you mean you were throwing up because you were a spoiled brat?” His grin widened mischievously. “Oh, this is rich. I’ve got to start calling you Silver Tongue [Name] instead of Princess.” [Name] spun toward him with a glare that could burn a hole through steel. “Well, that’s why I was eating all kinds of gross food. It was part of my training! Besides, I’m better now, alright?! You can’t hold that against me forever!”

Sabo snorted, barely suppressing his laughter. “I think I can. It explains so much. ‘Oh no, the bread isn’t freshly baked! Someone fetch me a royal chef!’”

She groaned, turning her back to him with mock offense. “You’re unbearable. I’m letting you starve for this.”

“Okay, okay!” Sabo raised his hands in surrender, though his grin remained unrepentant. “But admit it. You probably needed that training.”

Her glare sharpened, but she couldn’t suppress the laugh that creeped out. “You’re on thin ice.”

Sabo couldn’t help but brighten up like a child as she stepped beside him again, more relaxed now. She bumped his shoulder gently before taking the knife from him.

“Here, let me show you,” she said, her voice softer now. “You’re holding it like you’re about to commit a murder. If you relax your grip, you’ll get better results.”

She reached for his hand, gently curling his fingers around the knife handle as she guided it. “Smooth, even motions. Like this.” Her hands hovered over his as she slid the blade through the vegetables, cutting neat, even slices.

Sabo should’ve been paying attention to her demonstration, but he wasn’t. Instead, he watched her… like really watched her. He couldn’t help but notice how the sunlight caught strands of her hair as she focused, the tiny crinkle of concentration on her brow. The sight brought a warm feeling to his chest, one that he was still not used to. 

“Got it?” she asked, oblivious to the way he was staring.

Sabo blinked, snapping out of it. “Hmm?” He quickly straightened, his cheeks feeling suspiciously warm. “Oh, uh… yeah. Smooth, even motions. Got it.”

He tried to replicate her motions, but instead of neat and even slices, he managed a strange mix of squashed tomatoes and uneven cuts. [

Name] snorted out a laugh, covering her mouth. “You suck.”

Sabo groaned, dropping the knife dramatically. “It’s official. I’m better at toppling governments than making a salad.”

[Name] laughed harder, shaking her head. “Stick to saving the world, Blondie. I’ll handle the cooking.”

She pulled back, content, and Sabo let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed, like they were still just friends teasing each other over small things. But then his gaze flicked to her lips, and he was reminded all over again of what had shifted between them.

“Hey,” [Name] called softly, pulling him from his thoughts. “You keep zoning out. Everything all right?”

Sabo placed the knife down, pushing the cutting board aside as he turned to face her fully. “Can you help me with something real quick?”

[Name] raised an eyebrow, clearly confused, but she complied, stepping closer. “What’s wrong—?”

Before she could finish, Sabo’s hands found her waist and in one smooth motion, he lifted her up,  perching her on the counter. She let out a startled squeak, her hands flying to his shoulders for balance as she shot him a look.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded, though the flustered expression on her face betrayed her.

Sabo leaned in slightly, resting his hands on either side of her. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes, accompanied by a smirk. “Can I have a kiss?”

Her heart skipped a beat, and she blinked at him, flustered. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” he replied, his voice lower now, quieter. “But you’re smiling, so I must be doing something right.”

She tried to glare at him, but it was half-hearted at best. Rolling her eyes with a small huff, she muttered, “Fine, just one.”

Sabo grinned triumphantly, but his expression softened as he leaned in, closing the distance between them. The kiss was slow and rhythmic, carrying a quiet intensity that spoke of unspoken emotions. It wasn’t rushed or overly intense, but it held a passion that simmered beneath the surface.

When they pulled apart, Sabo lingered close, his forehead brushing lightly against hers as he smiled. “See? Told you it was worth it.”

He placed his hands on her thighs, gently massaging them as he looked at her lovingly. 

[Name] let out a breathless laugh, her hands still resting on his shoulders. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re stuck with me now,” he teased, leaning back just enough to meet her eyes. “I hope you’re ready for that.”

She rolled her eyes again, but the smile she gave him was real, bright, and unguarded. “I think I’ll survive.”

Sabo laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “Good.” He stepped back slightly, offering her his hand. “Now, you gonna help me finish lunch, or are you just gonna sit up there looking cute?” [Name] let out a small chuckle, swinging her legs lightly against the counter. “Cute? I don’t think cute really describes me.” She tilted her head with a mockingly thoughtful expression. “Maybe beautiful, hot, sexy, a total knockout. But cute? Nah.”

Sabo hummed, his fingers drawing small circles on her thighs. “Whatever you say, knockout.”

[Name] burst into a fit of giggles, trying to slide off the counter. However, Sabo had other plans, keeping her firmly in place with a gentle but steady grip. She paused, tilting her head at him with a curious look when she noticed his expression had turned thoughtful.

“So,” Sabo started, his grip still on her, his tone quieter. “what was it like growing up?” 

The question caught her off guard, and her laughter faded into a soft hum of contemplation. “Curious, are we?”

Sabo nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “Can’t a boyfriend be curious?”

His words sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. He really knew how to throw her off balance and rile her up. 

She huffed playfully, pinching his nose in retaliation. “Guess so,” she responded, trying to keep her voice casual. “But what exactly do you want to know?”

Sabo shrugged, though his gaze remained steady. “Anything and everything, I guess,” he said, but his voice was muffled by her hold on his nose.

He didn’t have any specific questions in mind, but the thought of learning more about her… about the life she’d led before their paths crossed. There was so much about [Name] that he didn’t know, and he wanted to understand that side of her more.

[Name] finally released his nose with a soft chuckle. “Well, I doubt I’ll be able to tell you everything,” she said, resting her hands on the counter behind her, “but I’ll try. So why don’t you give me a specific question to start off with?”

Sabo looked down for a moment, considering his next question. He wanted to start small, something that wouldn’t weigh too heavily on her. “Did you have any siblings?”

[Name] placed her hands over Sabo’s gloved hands, absentmindedly fiddling with the seams. “Yeah, I did,” she replied softly. “My father had a lot of wives, so most of them were just half-siblings.” Her brow furrowed slightly. “Some were nicer than others. But I did have one full-blooded older brother.”

Sabo tilted his head curiously. Gently, he lifted her again, this time walking over to the chair by the table and sitting down with her perched on his lap. 

His hands rested on her waist as he asked, “Were you two close?”

“No,” [Name] muttered, her voice quiet but firm. “I spent most of my time with my mother. He hated her, so we rarely spent any time together.”

Sabo placed a comforting hand on her back, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “So, you were a mommy’s girl, huh?”

[Name] shot him a look but snickered at his comment. “You could say that,” she replied lightly. Her expression softened as she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. “My mother was… different. Affectionate, kind, and beautiful, so unlike anyone else in Mary Geoise. The way she thought, the way she carried herself… She was unlike anyone I met. I could never seem to figure her out. Even now, she’s a mystery to me.”

Sabo’s hand moved in slow, soothing circles on her back. “She sounds amazing,” he murmured. “Kind of hard to believe your brother didn’t get along with your mother.”

“Well,” [Name] began, her voice turning flat, “my mother was a slave.” She paused, her tone heavy with meaning. “It wasn’t uncommon for Celestial Dragons to marry slaves, but my mother was… defiant. Not in an obvious way, but in subtle, quiet acts that made her stand apart. She had this way of challenging the world around her, even in the smallest things. It started with my brother and me. She taught us that all life had meaning. That every living thing deserved to exist.”

[Name] let out a soft sigh, her gaze distant. “I remember one time, my father gave my brother and me a slave. We were just children, too young to understand. But my mother… She was furious. She chewed us out like never before. She was so mad, so disappointed. I’ll never forget how heartbroken we felt. My brother and I cried for days.”

Sabo stayed quiet, letting her continue.

“I must have been five years old, and my brother was around eleven. We told our father we didn’t want slaves anymore after that. Of course, we didn’t fully grasp what she meant or the depth of what it meant to own a slave.”

[Name] let out a dry laugh, though it lacked humor. “You can imagine how well that went over. My father hated her for it. She’d always find ways to anger him, even when she wasn’t trying to. And my brother…” Her voice trailed off, her brows knitting together in a frown as painful memories surfaced. 

Sabo’s hand stilled for a moment before resuming its soothing motion. “What happened?” he asked gently.

“My brother hated it,” she continued, her voice quieter now. “At first, he didn’t understand why she told us those things, but as we got older, he started to resent her for it. He didn’t want to be reminded of where he came from. Of our mother’s ‘lowly’ origins, as he called it. He thought her words were dangerous, that they made us look weak. Eventually, he started siding with our father, reporting to our father on all the so-called ‘nonsense’ she filled our heads with.”

Sabo’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, letting her speak.

“That’s when we grew apart,” [Name] went on, her words tinged with a feeling of sorrow she tried to suppress. “He couldn’t bear to look at her anymore. To him, she was a reminder of everything he wanted to erase. He threw himself into proving he was a ‘true’ Celestial Dragon, desperate to earn their respect by imitating their cruelty.” She paused, her fingers absently tracing the edge of the counter. “And I… I went the other way after my mother’s death. I wanted nothing to do with them.” Her voice softened as if speaking aloud gave the memories too much weight. “It’s strange, though. We’re so alike yet so different... He was trying to run from the shame of our mother’s ‘lowly’ origins and I’ve been running from the privilege of mine.”

Sabo leaned forward slightly, his hand still resting lightly against her back. “You cared about him, didn’t you?”

A faint flicker crossed her expression, caught between warmth and regret. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “He wasn’t always like that. When we were little, we spent time together, just the two of us. He even protected me once from one of Father’s outbursts, even though he knew it’d mean getting punished himself.” She paused, her voice quieter now. “But he changed.” Her hands tightened into fists at the memory. “Even so, I don’t think I’ve ever stopped wanting to understand him. I just… wish things could have been different.”

Sabo’s thumb brushed against her back. “Do you miss them? Your family and home, I mean.”

[Name] blinked, caught off guard by the question. For a moment, she seemed almost lost, staring at the ground as if searching for an answer. Though, her mind stopped at her father’s face, anger bubbling up inside her.

“No.”

Sabo noticed the sudden change in her demeanor and the way her eyes flared with hatred. But before Sabo could say more, the door burst open with a loud bang. Shun stood in the doorway with his usual air of exasperation, Koala peeking around him with a wide grin.

“I knew I should have never let you two cook,” Shun drawled, shaking his head as he took in the scene.

Startled, [Name] scrambled to hop off Sabo’s lap, only for her foot to slip. Luckily, Sabo quickly caught her, cradling her in his arms once more. 

“Really?” Shun’s voice took on a sharper edge of amusement, folding his arms. “Out in the open like this? I thought I raised you better, [Name].”

Koala couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Getting comfy, are we?”

Sabo released [Name], allowing her to fully stand up. He gave her a comforting pat on the back, but she ignored his attempts, and her eyes trained on Shun. Her face burned with embarrassment, though she tried to cover it with a feigned air of fury.

“You’re a dead man, Shun!” she barked, pointing an accusing finger at him, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her flustered state.

Koala snorted, barely able to contain her amusement, while Sabo leaned back on his heels, unsuccessfully hiding his grin behind his hand.

Turning on Sabo, [Name] crossed her arms and gave him a pointed look. “And just what are you laughing at, Blondie?”

He held up his hands in mock surrender, his shoulders still shaking with suppressed laughter. “Absolutely nothing. I wouldn’t dare, Princess.”

“Couldn’t keep your hands off him, huh, Princess?” Shun jabbed, his tone dripping with mockery. “Here I thought the heat was coming from the oven, but clearly, I was wrong.”

“Keep it up, and I’ll make sure that oven’s the last thing you see,” [Name] shot back.

Koala wiped a tear from her eye, catching her breath between giggles. “I mean, Shun’s not wrong. You two are radiating enough heat to warm the whole base.”

Sabo stepped closer to [Name], leaning slightly to murmur near her ear. “Want me to take the blame? I’m used to it.”

She shot him a sideways glance, fighting the urge to smile. “Don’t think for a second you’re off the hook.”

Before Sabo could respond, Shun clapped his hands together. “Alright, lovebirds, that’s enough. I’m starving and if you two are done playing house, maybe we can actually eat?”

[Name] huffed, grabbing the cutting board from the counter with exaggerated effort. “Fine! But if you’re going to hover, at least make yourself useful.” She tossed Shun a knife with a little more force than necessary, earning a small whistle of amusement from him.

Koala sidled up to Sabo, elbowing him lightly. “You’ve got her all riled up now. Good luck dealing with that.”

Sabo chuckled, brushing his hair back. “Oh, I’m looking forward to it.”

[Name] pointed the blade she was holding at him. “Keep talking and I’ll show you a new talent of mine, perv.”

Despite her mock threat, the warmth in her tone was unmistakable and as the group settled into the familiar rhythm of teasing and working together, the earlier tension melted away into laughter and lighthearted banter.

Time marched on, unnoticed amidst the chaos and camaraderie, the days blending into weeks, then months. 

And just like that, two years passed.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Sixteen: Crossing the Line (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Sixteen: Crossing the Line Warnings: None Chapter Fifteen: "Friends" Chapter Seventeen: Cooking Up Memories

As the weeks pressed on, life gradually resumed its usual rhythm. Koala and Hack drifted off in their own directions, caught up with their responsibilities and personal plans, leaving Sabo and [Name] to spend more time alone together. “Want to take a walk?” Sabo suggested one afternoon, dropping down onto the bench beside [Name]. He stretched out his legs, letting out a quiet sigh. “I’m feeling a bit restless.”

[Name] cocked her head toward him. “You need a shower first. I can see the outline of your muscles through your shirt.”

She delivered the tease with ease, though her words held no weight. If anything, she welcomed the view, though she’d never admit that. Not yet, at least.

Sabo’s lips curled into a playful glare, and he raised an eyebrow as if to challenge her. “Oh, so you’re staring, now?”

While he acted unfazed, her comment sparked a flicker of pride in his chest. He couldn’t help but swell up a little at the thought of her noticing.

[Name] scoffed, crossing her arms to feign innocence. “I’m merely pointing out the obvious. You look like you just climbed out of the sea.”

“Good to know I’m making an impression,” Sabo replied, though the mischievous glint in his eyes lingered as he studied her.

In response, she rolled her eyes, turning her head away to hide the warmth creeping up her face. “Go take your shower or I’m leaving without you.”

“Fine, fine.” Sabo threw his hands up in surrender but couldn’t resist adding one last quip as he walked off. “Try not to miss me too much while I’m gone.”

[Name] let out an exasperated groan though her smile persisted, betraying her. “Idiot,” she muttered under her breath, shaking her head.

But as she sat back down and let the quiet settle around her, she couldn’t help but let her thoughts linger on him. The teasing tone of his voice, the way his eyes lit up when they bantered, the way he somehow managed to get under her skin in the most unexpected ways. She loved every minute of it.

Restless, [Name] decided to pester Shun while she waited. She wandered into his workshop, careful with her steps as she snuck up behind him. He was hunched over his drawing board, so engrossed in his work that he didn’t notice her approach.

“Yo,” she said suddenly, projecting her voice with the intent of giving him a good scare.

Shun jolted upright with a startled yelp, his knee bumping the edge of the table. The drawing board wobbled precariously before toppling forward with a loud thud. He spun around, fixing [Name] with a glare as she stood there, hands raised in mock surrender, her expression anything but apologetic.

“Sorry,” she sheepishly said, though she let out a small giggle. 

Shun sighed dramatically as he propped the board back into place. “You couldn’t help yourself, could you? What do you want, brat?”

[Name] grinned, leaning forward to glance at the board. “Nothing. I’m just waiting for Sabo to finish his shower.”

Shun’s smirk was instant. “Oh, waiting on your boyfriend, huh?” Her smile dropped, her brain short-circuiting as the words registered. “W-what—He’s not—Shun! You know we’re not—”

Shun tilted his head, feigning innocence. “I know you two aren’t what?”

“Stop acting dumb, Shun!” [Name] snapped, her voice cracking as her face grew hot, the tips of her ears burning. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Shun crossed his arms, giving her a knowing look that only made her flustered state worse. “Well, I’m just counting down the days, now. After that little speech of his, I'd even fall for him.”

Despite herself, [Name] let out a small, breathy chuckle. “Oh, you would, would you? Well, he hasn’t exactly asked me out again since… you know.”

Shun rolled his eyes, his tone flat. “Are you stupid? You rejected him not that long ago. Why would he ask you out, again? The good ones don’t ask more than once, you know.”

Her face fell slightly as she bit her lip. She knew he was right. Sabo wouldn’t want to push after what had happened. He probably didn’t even realize her feelings for him. But how could she know when the right time was? The more she thought about it, the more tangled her thoughts became.

“Well, I rejected him in a brutal way, and even after that, he still stuck by me…” she trailed off, her voice quieter. “How do I make it up to him?”

Shun shrugged, his casual demeanor making it sound like the answer was obvious. “Take him out on a date or make him one of your homemade pumpkin pies. That boy loves to eat.”

Both of them went pale, a shared memory of Sabo’s insatiable appetite flashing vividly through their minds.

“Maybe not too much food,” [Name] muttered, her voice tinged with playful horror. “I don’t want to go bankrupt over one meal.”

Shun smirked, grabbed his tools, and turned away from her. “That’s what happens when you fall for a bottomless pit. You sure you’re ready for that kind of commitment?”

“I never said I fell for him,” she shot back quickly, though her face betrayed her.

Shun snorted, clearly unconvinced. “Right. That’s why you’re lurking around here acting like a restless puppy, waiting for him to finish his shower.”

[Name] glared at him, though she couldn’t stop the corner of her mouth from twitching upward. “You’re so annoying, you know that?”

“It’s my job to be honest.” Shun shrugged, his tone casual, though there was something gentler in his gaze now. “Just don’t overthink it too much. If you like him, show it. It’s not like he isn’t head-over-heels for you already.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, a flurry of butterflies erupting in her stomach. Just thinking of Sabo’s feelings for her was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. “Ugh,” [Name] groaned, clasping her hands on her cheeks. “Okay, I’ll talk to him today.” She just wanted to cuddle and love him till he was sick of her.

Shun laughed, content with her sudden change in mood. It was refreshing to see her so open and smitten, as opposed to the distant look in her eyes she used to have. “Anyway, now that you’re done distracting me, let me get back to fixing this mess.”

[Name] leaned forward, squinting at the half-drawn designs. “Looks like you finally got your robot to listen to you. Why do you look so unsatisfied?”

Shun groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Because it listens too well. I managed to get it to follow commands, but it doesn’t distinguish who’s giving them. If the enemy gives it an order, it’ll still obey. I need to find a way to make it respond to specific people only.”

[Name] whistled low, her brow furrowing thoughtfully. “That’s a pretty big problem. What about voice recognition?”

“Already thought of that,” Shun replied, tapping a pencil against his chin. “The tech isn’t reliable enough yet. There’s still too much margin for error.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” [Name] patted his shoulder, earning a tired glare. “You’re a genius, after all.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Shun muttered, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Now get out of here and stop bugging me.”

[Name] grinned as she turned to leave. “Fine, fine. Try not to blow anything else up while I’m gone.”

“Try not to confess your feelings too loudly when Sabo comes back,” Shun called after her, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Shut up, Shun!” she shot back over her shoulder, though the smile on her face lingered as she walked out.

When she stepped outside again, the breeze hit her face, calming the nerves Shun’s words had stirred up. Shun’s advice replayed in her head. Maybe it really was time to stop overthinking and start doing something about how she felt. She no longer had any excuses not to go for it. And if nothing else, at least she wouldn’t have to wait long. Sabo was already walking toward her, his blond hair still damp and tousled, and he had a bright smile on his face.

“Took you long enough,” [Name] said, crossing her arms.

Sabo chuckled. “I was gone for thirty minutes.”

“Too long,” she quipped, though her voice was softer this time.

He tilted his head, studying her with curiosity. “You’re in a good mood. Did something happen?”

She shook her head, brushing past him lightly as she began walking. “Nope. Just thinking about taking someone’s advice.”

Sabo blinked, completely oblivious. “Whose advice?”

[Name] shot him a mischievous look over her shoulder. “You’ll see.”

Sabo furrowed his brows, clearly confused, but followed after her anyway. “You’re so weird sometimes.”

“And you’re just figuring that out now?” she joked, her laughter echoing through the air as they walked together, side by side. “Come on. I owe you a walk, remember?”

Sabo grinned, quickening his pace until he fell in step beside her. “You sure do.”

The two took a right, their banter drifting with them as they found their way out of the building. The moonlight greeted them warmly, casting a subtle glow on the two. The moment couldn’t have been more perfect.

“Hey, Sabo,” [Name] called, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she fidgeted with her fingers. “I wanted to… thank you… for everything you’ve done for me over the years. You’ve been someone irreplaceable and… one of the biggest supporters in my life.”

Sabo blinked, surprise flickering across his face. “Where’s this coming from, [Name]? You’re not one to get sappy.”

She let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of her head. “Well, yeah, but I’ve realized I’ve never told you how much I appreciate you. Especially with everything that happened with the Celestial Dragon incident…” Her voice softened, her gaze dropping briefly. “And… I feel a bit guilty about the other situation.”

At her words, Sabo’s brows furrowed, his smile fading as he caught on. “Listen, [Name]. Forget about the confession. I’d never want something so little to affect our friendship. I care about you too much to let my feelings cloud that. And I definitely don’t want you to feel guilty about it, either.”

[Name] let out a frustrated sigh, her attempt at explaining clearly not going how she wanted. “That’s not exactly why I feel guilty, Sabo.” Sabo turned to her, confusion clear in his expression. “Then what exactly do you feel guilty about? Honestly, I’d rather you just not feel guilty and move on from it. You’ve been doing enough of that as is.”

His words pushed a nerve, her frustration bubbling over. “Forget about it? Do you hear yourself right now?”

Her tone came out sharper than she intended, and it instantly shut Sabo up. He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly avoiding her gaze. The last thing he wanted was to argue, especially now that they’d gotten back on good terms.

“Sorry, [Name],” he said softly, his voice gentle. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Unfortunately, his apology only made her more agitated. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.

“I’m not looking for an apology,” she muttered, rubbing her temples. “I’m trying to apologize to you.”

Sabo opened his mouth to argue, his confusion written all over his face. “But I already told you—”

“God, will you just shut up and listen?!”

Before Sabo could say another word, [Name] grabbed his collar, yanking him down until their lips met. It was brief, over in a second, but it was enough to freeze him completely and derail his thoughts. When she pulled back, she gave his stunned face a satisfied look, crossing her arms like she hadn’t just stolen his ability to function.

“Oh, now you’re quiet,” she muttered, her face a bit hot, though she refused to acknowledge it.

Sabo stood still, his face flaming red as he stared at her, completely dumbfounded. “W-What–”

“What I’m trying to apologize for,” she interrupted sharply, though her voice wavered slightly, “is not being completely honest when I rejected you.”

Sabo blinked once. Twice. The gears in his brain were struggling to turn, but he nodded anyway, still too stunned to form words.

“Good,” [Name] huffed, turning her head away. “Now that you’re listening, maybe you’ll actually hear me out for once.”

Sabo finally managed to swallow, his voice quiet and shaky when he replied, “I-I’m listening.”

She glanced at Sabo, feeling the weight begin to lift off her chest. “I’ve liked you for quite a while now,” she admitted softly, the words heavier than she expected. “That night when you confessed, it made me so happy. But at the time, I couldn’t accept it. I couldn’t just say ‘yes’ without being honest with you.” She took a shaky breath, her gaze drifting away. “I couldn’t drag you into something like that without telling you everything but at the same time, I wasn’t ready to face what might happen if you found out.”

Sabo swallowed hard, his heart pounding. “You’re not just saying that because you feel like you owe me, right? You really like me?”

[Name] gave him an exasperated look. “While your little speech was heartwarming, you really think I’d do that?” [Name] thought back to Sabo’s speech. “Though, according to Shun, it seemed like you got him swooning with that dramatic speech of yours.”

Sabo, flustered, ignored her teasing, his gaze locked on her. The intensity of his stare made [Name] feel self-conscious, and she shifted slightly under the weight of his eyes, anticipating what he might say next.

“You like me?” he repeated, his voice almost in disbelief, as though trying to process the words again.

[Name] couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the tension between them breaking. “Did I break you?”

A grin spread across Sabo’s face, the relief and joy evident in his expression. “Oh, yeah. You definitely did.” Without another word, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. [Name] quickly returned the gesture, her arms circling around him.

“I’m glad to know I wasn’t going crazy,” Sabo mumbled into her hair. “The whole reason I confessed was because I thought you felt the same way.”

[Name] pulled back slightly to look at him, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Guess your instincts were right,” she said with a smirk. “Should I reward you?”

Sabo’s eyes widened. “God yes. Please.”

[Name] chuckled softly, her fingers lightly tracing his jaw as she guided his face toward hers. This time, they kissed slowly, savoring the moment. No rush, no second thoughts. Just the quiet certainty that they were finally on the same page.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Fifteen: "Friends" (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Fifteen: "Friends" Warnings: None Chapter Fourteen: I'm Here

Koala knocked on [Name]’s door, her heart hammering slightly. She felt guilty for not saying anything during the incident. Not to mention her lack of care and tact for [Name]’s feelings during the bath. She felt like an absolute jerk for the way she treated [Name].

The door clicked, opening to reveal [Name]. “Koala, what’s up?” 

Koala hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the floor before meeting [Name]'s eyes. She took a deep breath, her voice soft but sincere. “Hey, I just… wanted to apologize… for earlier and everything else. I know I… didn’t put much thought into your feelings when I was telling you to talk to Sabo. I shouldn’t have been so careless.”

[Name] raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Koala’s sudden vulnerability. “What do you mean? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Koala's fingers tugged at the hem of her sleeve. “I did. I was so focused on trying to help Sabo that I didn’t realize I should have also been there for you. You’re also my friend, too. I should've seen it, but I was too caught up in my own head. And also… for not jumping in when everyone was ganging up on you, yesterday.”

[Name] hadn’t expected this conversation. Her heart softened at the sight of Koala's regret, but her own guilt lingered, making her hesitant to say too much. Finally, she shrugged lightly, trying to downplay the weight of the moment.

“Oh Koala.” She pulled Koala into a hug, resting her head on her shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize for that. Everything happened all at once.” She let out a small, nervous laugh. “It was a lot for everyone.”

Koala stiffened for a moment, surprised by the sudden embrace. But as [Name] rested her head on her shoulder, Koala's body relaxed, and she allowed herself to melt into the hug. The warmth and softness of [Name]’s presence was a comfort that she hadn’t realized she needed so badly.

“I just... I felt like I was so focused on Sabo and I wasn’t really seeing you,” Koala murmured, her voice small. “It wasn’t right. You were carrying so much, and I didn’t do enough to support you.” She pulled back slightly to look at [Name], her expression apologetic. “I should have seen that.”

[Name] pulled away from the hug, offering her a small, understanding smile. “I’m a grown woman, Koala. I don’t need to babysit. Besides, you can’t blame yourself for not knowing when I didn’t tell you.” [Name] patted Koala’s head. “But thanks. This means a lot. Plus, I’m feeling a lot better.”

Koala's shoulders relaxed at [Name]'s words, but she still couldn't completely shake the feeling that she had let her down. She nodded, her gaze soft but still tinged with concern. 

[Name] smiled gently, giving Koala a reassuring look. “I can see the gears still turning. Come on, let’s go hangout. Maybe look for Hack and Sabo, too. No point in moping about it all. Especially when I have such amazing friends here to support me.”

Before Koala could argue, [Name] grabbed her wrist and started pulling her down the hall. [Name] was clearly in too good of a mood right now to linger on anything gloomy. Her steps were light and almost playful as she tugged Koala along.

“Wait, [Name]!” Koala protested halfheartedly, a smile sneaking onto her face despite herself. “Slow down! I’m not as fast as you!”

[Name] glanced back with a mischievous grin. “You’ve got long legs. You’ll survive. Come on!”

They didn’t have to search long to find Hack sitting outside near the training grounds, a book in his hand and his large frame perched on a stool far too small for him. He glanced up as the two approached, one brow arching in mild surprise.

“You two look cheerful,” Hack commented, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his tone. “Something happen?”

Before either of them could answer, a familiar voice rang out from farther in the yard.

“[Name]! Koala.” Sabo’s voice carried on the breeze as he jogged toward them. His face was flushed, sweat glistening from what must have been an intense training session. He slowed as he approached, his gaze flickering briefly between [Name] and Koala. “What are you two up to?”

[Name] rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms. “Oh, nothing. Just saving this one from sulking.” She jerked her thumb toward Koala, though her teasing tone carried no bite.

Koala let out a mock gasp, feigning offense. “Me? Sulking? Never!” She placed a hand on her chest in exaggerated shock. 

[Name] interrupted, pulling Koala into a side hug. “We wanted to see what you guys were up to.”

Sabo’s gaze lingered on [Name] for a beat longer than necessary, his lips parting slightly as if to say something before he thought better of it. 

He shook his head, smiling softly. “Not much. Just blowing off steam.”

“Looks like it,” [Name] teased lightly, eyeing the sweat soaking into his collar. “You look like you ran through a storm.”

Sabo chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Something like that.”

Their gazes locked again, and for a moment, time seemed to stretch. There was something about the way they looked at each other, hesitant yet curious, as if searching for the answer to a question. It was awkward in a quiet, pleasant sort of way.

Koala raised a brow, clearly noticing the shift in the atmosphere. She opened her mouth to say something snarky when Hack, of all people, cleared his throat loudly.

“Ahem,” Hack said, his stoic face betraying a faint blush. “Did anyone hear the news about Ivankov?”

[Name] and Sabo snapped their heads toward Hack in unison, momentarily pulled out of their strange, lingering silence.

“What happened to her?” Sabo asked, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt to cool off.

[Name] glanced, just for a second, but long enough to commit the sight to memory. Nothing wrong with looking at the goods, right?

“She was arrested and sent to Impel Down,” Hack stated grimly, his tone low.

“What?!” [Name] nearly shouted, her eyes widening in disbelief. “No way! How did that even happen?”

Hack shrugged, closing his book and resting it on his knee. “No clue, but she sent us a message saying she’ll be staying there for the time being. Didn’t seem like it was urgent and Dragon didn’t look too worried about it.”

[Name] frowned, the initial shock of the news simmering into confusion. “She sent a message? From Impel Down?”

Hack nodded, his expression as calm as ever. “That’s what I heard. You know how she is, always making the impossible look easy.”

Sabo furrowed his brows, his frustration shifting into reluctant amusement. “That does sound like Ivankov. But still… staying there voluntarily? What’s her game?”

[Name] sighed, crossing her arms tightly. Despite Hack’s reassurance, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease. Ivankov was practically like an older sister to her… well, if you ignored the massive age gap. She was too youthful and wild to be considered a mother figure, but her wisdom, confidence, and endless energy made her an irreplaceable role model in [Name]’s life.

“Well, if Dragon isn’t worried, I’m sure it’s fine,” [Name] said, though her tone lacked conviction. She paused, then added with a hint of determination, “I’ll ask him about it later, just in case.”

Koala nudged her lightly, sensing the lingering tension. “I’m sure Ivankov knows what she’s doing. She’s not exactly the type to let herself be backed into a corner. And if she is up to something, it’s probably part of some wild plan only she understands.”

Sabo nodded in agreement, though his expression remained serious. “Yeah. If Ivankov’s making a move, there’s a reason for it. We just need to trust her for now.”

[Name] allowed herself a small smile, their words offering her a sliver of comfort. “You’re probably right. It is Ivankov, after all. She’s unstoppable.”

Hack stood, his towering form casting a shadow over the group as he stretched his arms lazily. “That’s the spirit. You’ll hear more when Dragon decides to share. For now, focus on what’s in front of you. Things will start moving soon enough.”

The three of them exchanged glances, sensing the truth in Hack’s words. Something about the calm before the storm always left an uneasy feeling in the air, and no matter how much reassurance they gave each other, they all knew it wouldn’t last forever.

Sabo broke the silence, offering a small grin to lighten the mood. “Well, if Ivankov’s pulling stunts in Impel Down, I say we make bets on how long it takes her to turn the place upside down.”

Koala laughed softly. “A week at most. She’s probably already made half the guards her fans.”

[Name] smirked, the tension in her shoulders finally easing a little. “I’ll take that bet. Three days, tops.”

Sabo raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Oh, confident, are we? Alright, I’ll say five days. Ivankov doesn’t like to rush a good show.”

Hack shook his head at the trio, though there was a ghost of a smile on his face. “You’re all impossible.”

As they fell into lighthearted banter, the unease faded. They laughed and teased each other, content to know their friend was all right.

Suddenly, a small explosion echoed from the base, and [Name] was the first to react, bolting to her feet.

“Let me check on Shun,” she called over her shoulder, already halfway gone.

The three were left staring after her retreating silhouette. Koala giggled at [Name]’s sudden exit while Sabo shouted, ‘Be careful!’ after her.

Koala turned back to Sabo with a knowing smirk. “So, how are things with you and [Name]?”

Sabo didn’t pay her much mind at first, still watching where [Name] had run off. “The usual,” he replied casually.

Koala crossed her arms, unimpressed. “The ‘usual,’ huh? Well, you can button up your shirt now.”

Sabo flinched, his cheeks flushing as he scrambled to cover his chest. “I was… hot! I’ve been training all day, you know.”

“Sure,” Koala teased, tilting her head. “Though, it looked like she was checking you out.”

Sabo practically jumped from his spot, grabbing Koala by the shoulders. “She did?! When?”

Koala snickered at his sudden lack of composure. “So much for ‘the usual,’ huh?”

Realizing he got played, Sabo let go of her, taking a step back and clearing his throat. He looked down, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Fine… Maybe not the ‘usual.’ But we’re good. Really good.”

Koala’s teasing smile softened. She understood what he meant. The news of [Name]’s background had been a shock to everyone, herself included, but it was clear that sharing that secret had lifted a weight off her shoulders. They were all closer now.

“It’d be even better if the two of you finally got together,” she teased again, though her words carried a hint of sincerity.

Sabo’s smile faltered for a moment, his eyes betraying something deeper before he looked away. “We’re better as friends,” he said quietly. “I won’t lie, I’d love for it to be more but I know better than to push her. What [Name] needs right now is a friend, not a relationship to weigh her down. I’d never want to be a burden to her. If things aren’t meant to be, then… I guess they’re just not meant to be.” He paused, forcing a small smile. “Or at least, that’s what I keep trying to tell myself.”

Koala’s shoulders slumped. She hated seeing her friend like this, but she knew better than to push too hard. She’d learned her lesson the last time she pried back at the bath with [Name].

“That’s why you were unbuttoning your shirt?” she muttered with a small eye roll.

Sabo’s hand shot up defensively. “Listen, I didn’t do that on purpose! I was training! And…” His voice trailed off as he turned slightly away, his ears tinged red. “I can’t help it, alright? I want her to look at me more than just a friend. I really do want to be supportive and give her space, but she’s just… too irresistibly… hot.”

Koala stared at him, blinking. Then she snorted. “You’re hopeless.”

“Maybe,” Sabo admitted softly, exhaling as he crossed his arms. “But even if she doesn’t see me that way, I’ll still be here for her. As her friend. That’s what matters most.”

Despite his words, Koala couldn’t miss the small, wishful look in Sabo’s eyes, the one he couldn’t quite bury, no matter how hard he tried.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Fourteen: I’m Here (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Fourteen: I’m Here Warnings: Angst Chapter Thirteen: I Thought You Trusted Me Chapter Fifteen: "Friends"

“That’s enough.” 

The voice cut through the room like a blade, sharp and commanding. The shouting, the insults, the chaos—all died in an instant. All heads turned toward the door. Shun stood there, his eyes blazing with barely restrained fury, shoulders squared like a man holding back a storm. On either side of him were Dragon and Koala, their expressions grave, with Hack close behind, his gaze cold and unyielding.

Shun’s voice came again, low but filled with a venomous weight. “What good do you think throwing ale and shouting insults will do? If she’s who you think she is, does humiliating her prove anything? Does it undo what was done to you?”

The crowd faltered, silence stretching out like a heavy chain around their necks.

“[Name],” Dragon said, his voice calm but authoritative, “you’re dismissed.”

But [Name] didn’t move. Her feet stayed rooted to the floor, her gaze locked on Shun. She stared at him as if seeing a ghost. Her trembling gaze stayed locked on Shun, shock and fear swimming in her eyes. 

Her lips parted, her voice a tremor. “Shun, please… don’t…”

Sabo stared, his breath catching in his throat. The sound of her voice, so weak and pleading, twisted something deep inside him. Is this really her? He had never seen her like this. Never. Not even when the odds were stacked against her when the enemy towered over her. This wasn’t the [Name] he knew. Where was the sharp glint of rebellion in her eyes? The teasing smirk, the unshakable defiance that she wore like armor?

In her place stood someone unfamiliar, a shadow of herself. Her gaze, so wide and trembling. It reminded him of a lost child. Alone. Afraid. Defeated. The sight of her like this, so vulnerable, so stripped of everything that made her her was unbearable. His chest tightened, his hands curling into trembling fists at his sides. He had always known her as someone strong, someone who laughed in the face of chaos, who threw herself into battle with a fearless smirk and fire in her heart. Seeing her now, drenched in ale and shame, her head bowed under the weight of their accusations, made him feel as though the ground had dropped out from under him. He wanted to reach out to her. He wanted to be there for her, now more than ever.

“This isn’t how we treat one of our own,” Dragon said, stepping forward. His presence loomed over the room like a force of nature, heavy and undeniable. “Does her identity really change anything? Do her contributions and sacrifices suddenly mean so little?”

A soldier broke the silence, his voice laced with anger and bitterness. “It doesn’t change what they’ve done. The lives they’ve taken. The way they treated us like animals, like slaves! Like we were nothing.” His gaze snapped to Shun, his tone biting. “You, of all people, should understand that!”

A muscle twitched in Shun’s jaw. He didn’t flinch, didn’t move, but his fists curled tight at his sides, knuckles white and shaking with restraint.

“If she was really one of them,” Shun said, his voice dropping to a dangerous calm, “why isn’t she sitting in their palaces right now? Why isn’t she drinking their wine and living their life of luxury?” No one answered. The silence returned, heavier now. “She abandoned everything,” Shun continued, his words striking like hammer blows. “At twelve years old, a child, she turned her back on that world and chose this. She chose to fight for you. For all of us.” His gaze swept over the room, sharp enough to cut. “What kind of person does that?”

“Isn’t that convenient, though?” Another voice spoke up, bitter and cynical. It was another soldier, eyes narrowing on [Name]. “How can we be sure this isn’t just a ploy? Who’s to say she’s not a spy? You don’t forget your roots. None of us do.”

Before Shun could respond, another voice cut in.

“Shut your mouth!”

All eyes turned toward Sabo, who stood near the back of the room. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his chest rising and falling as though he’d been holding back for too long. 

Sabo stepped forward, his gaze locked on the soldier who’d spoken. “You think it’s a ploy?” he said, voice low and seething. “Then you haven’t been paying attention.”

The soldier sneered. “Easy for you to say. You’d defend her no matter what. What do you know about what we’ve been through? What she’s done?”

Sabo’s expression darkened. He took a deliberate step forward, his voice quiet but razor-sharp. “You’re all so quick to point fingers. To look at her blood and forget the years you’ve fought side by side.” His eyes shifted over to the group, cold and unyielding. “How many battles have you seen her fight? How many of you have bled next to her, only to see her pick herself up again and keep going? How many of you have had her pull you out of the dirt when you couldn’t stand?”

Several soldiers glanced at one another, shame flickering on their faces.

Sabo’s tone dropped lower, cutting even deeper. “When did we start deciding a person’s worth by the sins of their ancestors? Is that the justice we’re fighting for? You’re so blinded by your hatred that you’re turning on someone who’s done nothing but fight for you.”

One soldier shifted uncomfortably, opening his mouth to speak, but Sabo cut him off with a sharp glare.

“You call her one of them because it’s easier than facing the truth. You’re afraid. Afraid that what she is challengesyou. That it makes you question what you think you know.” Sabo’s words struck like hammer blows, his voice unwavering. “But if you can look at her, at everything she’s done and still doubt her, then maybe the problem isn’t her. Maybe it’s you.”

The room fell still again, the weight of his words pressing down like a heavy stone.

Dragon stepped forward again, his presence bringing the room back under control. “Enough,” he said. “ If anyone still has doubts, they can bring them to me later. For now, this ends.”

The tension lingered as the soldiers slowly began to disperse. Some looked ashamed, others uncertain. But no one said another word. 

When the room emptied, Shun turned on his heel and walked out without a glance back. Dragon followed, as did Koala, though she gave [Name] a lingering look filled with silent understanding. Sabo remained. He didn’t speak at first, his gaze steady as it rested on her. 

Finally, he stepped forward, his voice soft but laced with unspoken weight. “I won’t lie… I’m hurt you didn’t tell me. That you thought I’d turn my back on you.” He paused, letting the words settle, then exhaled quietly. “But I get it. After everything that just happened… I understand but it’s still a shitty feeling.” Sabo reached up, pulling off the handkerchief around his neck as he closed the space between them. He stopped in front of her, his expression gentler now. “What really got me, though?” He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing, not in anger, but something more like frustration. “You just sat there and let them say all that. Like it didn’t matter.” He reached out, carefully patting her face and hair dry, the handkerchief soaking up remnants of the ale.“What happened to my resilient [Name]?” he murmured, his tone light but firm. “The one who doesn’t take crap from anyone? If this is how it’s going to be every time someone brings up your past…” He paused, his lips curling into a faint, teasing smile, though his words held genuine resolve. “I guess I’ll just have to fight in your place until you figure out how to do it yourself.”

[Name] watched his hands carefully, her fingers curling around his as he continued to wipe away the remnants of the ale. Her gaze was distant, conflicted, as though she was trying to piece together something that felt too broken to fix. 

“But it doesn’t change the fact that I’m a product of the Celestial Dragons,” she murmured, her voice wavering. “I was part of that world. I contributed to it, even if I was just a child. I saw the suffering, the pain… and I did nothing.” Her voice caught, the weight of her own guilt suffocating her. “I watched slaves get tortured and killed… I watched Shun, too. And yet, I just kept going, thinking that somehow it wasn’t my responsibility. How can I say I’m not like them when I stood by and let all of that happen?” Tears welled up in her eyes. “And then I ran away, leaving that world behind instead of doing something to change it. I’m nothing but a coward.”

Sabo’s hands stilled, his fingers gently tightening around hers as he met her gaze, his expression a mixture of sadness and understanding. The weight of her words hung in the air, each one striking deeper than the last. He didn’t know how to fix her pain, but he couldn’t just stand there and let her drown in it, either.

“You’re not a coward,” he said quietly, his voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity. “Leaving that world behind wasn’t running away. It was the first step toward something different. Toward something better.” He leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving hers, searching her eyes for any sign that she might believe him. “It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t perfect. But look at you, now. You’ve been fighting for years.”

Her lips quivered as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. She wasn’t looking for a solution, not really. His words weren’t going to fix everything, not in a single moment. It wasn’t what she needed, anyway. What she needed was someone who would stay beside her, who would accept her as she was, flaws and all. And that was exactly what Sabo was offering.

Her thoughts drifted back to her mother, to the memories of her warmth and the unconditional love she had given her despite everything. Her father’s love had always been conditional, tied to expectations and demands, but her mother had never asked for anything in return for her love. It was the kind of love that didn’t require you to change, to be better, to be worthy of it. Just simply to do your best. And now, standing here with Sabo, she realized that maybe, just maybe, that kind of love was possible outside the walls of her past.

His support, his willingness to stay, wasn’t going to solve her insecurities, but it was a reminder that she wasn’t alone in this. It was the first step of a long journey toward self-acceptance. She didn’t know when or how she’d learn to forgive herself or to truly understand her own worth, but with Sabo and Shun by her side, she felt like maybe, one day, she would. And for the first time, she didn’t feel like a coward for running. She didn’t feel like she had abandoned anyone. She felt like she had made a choice. A choice that had brought her here, to this moment, to this person who was offering her what her mother had always wanted her to find.

Tears streamed down her face, but the anguish in her expression melted away. “Thanks, Blondie… and sorry you had to find out… like this,” she laughed, waving her hands to her soaked clothes.

Sabo's expression softened at her laugh, though he could see the trace of vulnerability in her eyes. His fingers gently brushed away a tear that had escaped down her cheek, his touch tender yet grounding. “You don’t have to apologize,” he said quietly, wiping away her tears. “What are best friends for?”

She gave him a shaky smile, her chest tight with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. The weight of everything didn’t disappear, but in that moment, surrounded by Sabo’s quiet strength, it felt a little lighter.

Her smile morphed into a smirk as she finally collected her thoughts. “Well, who doesn’t like a little drama to spice up their lives? It was getting a little dull, anyway, huh?”

Sabo raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly, clearly enjoying the shift in the mood. “Dramatic?” he echoed with mock disbelief. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I thought the whole ale-shower thing was pretty subtle.”

Her laugh bubbled up, and despite herself, she couldn't help but tease back. “Oh, sure. Real subtle. You’ve got a knack for making an entrance, Blondie. Are you sure you're not secretly a performer?”

Sabo grinned, clearly pleased by the change in her mood. “Maybe I missed my calling. But hey, at least I know how to make an impression, right?”

She rolled her eyes, though there was a lightness to her tone now. “That’s one way to put it. You could’ve just stuck with a simple ‘hi,’ you know. But no, you had to make it dramatic.”

“Hey, it got your attention, didn’t it?” Sabo shot back with a playful wink.

“Yeah, you definitely got my attention,” she teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow. “I’m still trying to figure out how I ended up with a walking disaster for a best friend.”

Sabo laughed, a carefree sound that filled the space between them. “Hey, I like to keep things interesting.”

“Well, mission accomplished,” she said with a smirk, feeling lighter than she had all day. 

As the laughter died down, a peaceful silence settled between them, the tension of the earlier chaos dissipating into the air. Sabo’s teasing grin softened into something more sincere as he reached out and lightly ruffled her hair.

“You’re gonna be okay, right?” he asked, his voice quieter now, though the concern behind it was clear.

[Name] nodded, giving him a small smile, her eyes glimmering with the first real hint of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Yeah... I think I will be.” Her voice was steady now, the uncertainty still there but mixed with a new sense of resolve. “As they say, ‘one step at a time,’ right?”

Sabo gave her a playful salute. “How cliché. Didn’t peg you to be the cheesy type.”

She chuckled, and for a moment, the world outside felt a little more bearable. With Sabo beside her, there was no telling where the journey might take them, but for now, she was content to walk it. They lingered in the quiet, two figures standing together, both knowing that they weren’t alone anymore.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Thirteen: I Thought You Trusted Me (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Thirteen: I Thought You Trusted Me Warnings: Angst Chapter Twelve: Overheard Chapter Fourteen: I'm Here

Sabo stomped down the hallway, his little feet carrying him toward the training grounds. Sabo was supposed to be attending Hack’s lessons, but he had no plans of sticking around. Hack’s training moved too slowly, and if he wanted to get results, he’d do it his way.

But his plans had one problem—her.

Sure enough, when Sabo glanced over his shoulder, there she was, following him like a shadow with her big, goofy grin plastered on her face.

“Stop following me,” Sabo snapped, not even bothering to slow down.

“I’m not following you,” [Name] replied, her voice cheerful despite his tone. “I’m just… walking in the same direction.”

Sabo groaned. “Then take a different direction.”

“Why? This one’s more fun!” she chirped.

Sabo rolled his eyes, speeding up his pace to shake her off, but [Name] was surprisingly fast. He barely made it five steps before she grabbed the back of his shirt, forcing him to stop.

“Come on, Sabo! Let me tag along!” [Name] said, planting her feet like she weighed a thousand pounds.

Sabo tugged his shirt, but she wasn’t letting go. “No way. You’ll just slow me down.”

“Will not!” [Name] shot back, her tone playful but determined. “I’m faster than I look!”

“You’re faster at throwing up, maybe,” Sabo muttered under his breath, remembering last week’s incident.

“That was one time!” [Name] said with a laugh, completely unfazed. “And to be fair, you were the one who spun me around like a top!”

“Because you wouldn’t stop pestering me!” Sabo said, glaring back at her.

Filled with determination, [Name] launched herself onto his back like a spider monkey, wrapping her arms and legs around him tightly. Sabo stumbled forward with a grunt, face-planting into the cold floor.

[Name] grinned wider. “And look at me now, still pestering you. Some things never change, huh?”

Sabo let out a groan. “Why are you so annoying? Don’t you have anyone else to bother?”

“Nope.” [Name] said proudly, hugging him closer to her. “You’re the coolest kid here, so naturally, I’m sticking with you.”

“I’m not cool. I’m busy,” Sabo corrected bluntly. “And you’re not helping. You’re heavy. Get off of me.”

[Name] tilted her head, not missing a beat. “Says the kid who carries rocks bigger than his body. I’m pretty sure I’m the one helping you. Look at all this extra weight training.”

“You’re not weight training. You’re dead weight.”

“Same thing!” [Name] teased, shrugging her little shoulders.

Sabo stared at her, unamused, but her cheeky grin stayed firm. He let out a resigned sigh before standing up, grabbing her thighs, and adjusting her so she was more securely on his back.

“Fine. But if you throw up again, I’m leaving you,” Sabo warned, bolting down the hallway.

“Deal!” [Name] called over the wind, gripping him tightly. “And I won’t throw up this time. Promise!”

“You said that last time,” Sabo shot back.

[Name] laughed, unfazed. “Well, I haven't eaten anything yet, so I can’t throw up if there’s nothing in my stomach!”

“That’s the dumbest logic I’ve ever heard,” Sabo muttered, though he couldn’t help but smile.

[Name] rested her chin on his shoulder, a playful sparkle in her eye. “You know, for someone who says he doesn’t want me around, you’re awfully good at carrying me.”

Sabo grumbled under his breath. “Yeah, well, it’s easier than arguing with you.”

“See? I’m making your life easier,” [Name] declared triumphantly.

Sabo didn’t answer, but there was a certain calm to his silence now. A small, unspoken acceptance of her presence. Even if she was annoying, stubborn, and far too cheerful for her own good, there was something about [Name]’s honesty that was… refreshing. And as they rounded the corner, her laughter echoing through the hall, Sabo realized he didn’t mind it nearly as much as he pretended to.

When they reached the training grounds, Sabo finally stopped running. He let go of [Name], letting her drop to his feet. 

“Now, sit there and stay out of my way.” Sabo warned, walking over to the boulder near them. 

“Stay out of your way? I’m practically part of your training plan,” [Name] replied, plopping down on the ground and crossing her legs.

“Yeah,” Sabo scoffed, crouching to prepare for his workout, “like a splinter in my foot.”

“You’re welcome,” [Name] joked, watching him roll the boulder on his back. 

Sabo tuned her out, rolling the boulder onto his back with a quiet grunt. He fell into a rhythm, one-handed push-ups, switching arms as smoothly as a machine.

“Wow, Sabo!” [Name] yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice. “You’re really amazing!”

Sabo didn’t respond, but the tips of his ears turned noticeably red. Of course, [Name] noticed. She always noticed, and it was precisely why she never stopped.

She hopped to her feet, determination lighting up her face as she jogged over to a nearby rock, smaller than the boulder Sabo used but still heavy enough to cause trouble.

“What if I try it with this weight?” she asked, crouching down to inspect it.

Sabo paused mid-rep, turning his head sharply. “Don’t you dare.”

[Name] pouted, dragging out her words. “Why not? I won’t be bothering you, so what’s the harm?”[Name] pouted slightly.

“Because you’ll hurt yourself,” Sabo replied bluntly, rolling the boulder off his back with a sigh. Begrudgingly, he walked over to her. “Fine. Hold still. If you’re going to do something stupid, at least let me make sure you don’t break anything.”

[Name] beamed as Sabo kneeled down, carefully positioning the rock onto her back. It wasn’t as heavy as his boulder, but it was more than enough for her.

“Thanks, Sabo,” she said sweetly, adjusting her stance to balance the weight. Her voice was quieter now, more sincere. “You’re the best friend a person can ask for.”

Sabo looked away, grumbling as he stood up. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t fall on your face.”

He turned back to his boulder, muttering under his breath about her stubbornness. But despite the trouble she caused, there was a gentle gleam in his eyes. As [Name] wobbled under the weight, her determination only seemed to grow. And as annoying as she could be, Sabo had to admit, she was a lot tougher than she looked.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sabo let out a quiet sigh, watching her at a distance. Years ago, when she used to cling to him like glue, it annoyed him more than anything. But at least back then, things were simple. The sincerity of her laughter echoing through the halls, her persistence, her unshakable nature… those were the things he couldn’t help but miss now. Back then, there were no shadows. No silence-filled questions he couldn’t answer. Now, no matter how hard she smiled, there was something off. Something in her eyes, as though a wall had gone up between them. Sabo couldn’t figure out if it was her or if it was him that had changed.

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling in his chest. ‘She rejected you, remember?’ 

The thought stung. But every time she gave him that look, that soft, lingering gaze that made his heart pound, he felt himself falling harder. He’d thought it was a look of unspoken love, like she was silently asking him if he felt the same way. But he must have imagined it. Why else would she have turned him down?

“Did I push too hard?” he muttered to himself, gripping his hands tightly as if to steady his thoughts. “Was I too forward? Why did she say no?” The words hung in the air like accusations, each one heavier than the last. ‘You’re overthinking again,’ he told himself, but it was a losing battle. Sabo couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d ruined everything. No matter how long they’d known each other, the affectionate touches, the teasing smiles, none of it felt platonic to him looking back. He was sure she had felt the same. Or maybe he’d just been a fool.

Sabo dropped to the ground, crossing his legs and arms as his self-loathing deepened. “What if she never wants to talk to me again?” he muttered bitterly. “I ruined everything. I was too cocky, too—”

The sound of hurried footsteps broke his thoughts. A couple of Revolutionary soldiers rushed past him, whispering among themselves, their voices tight with tension. Sabo furrowed his brow but ignored it. He figured it was just another fight or drunken argument. Nothing new around the base. But when a third wave of soldiers rushed past, murmuring anxiously, he couldn’t ignore it any longer. Something was going on.

Sabo stood up, brushing himself off and following the crowd. ‘What now?’ he wondered, his steps quickening. Annoyance prickled at him, but curiosity won out. As he neared the mess hall, the unmistakable sound of shouting echoed through the air. 

When Sabo entered the room, his entire body froze. His eyes immediately landed on [Name] who was standing in the center of the hall, soaking wet. Ale and water dripped from her clothes and pooled at her feet, and yet she didn’t move. She didn’t flinch. Her head was slightly bowed, casting a shadow over her expression, making it impossible to read.

His heart sank. 

“You—how long were you planning to hide that you’re a Celestial Dragon?” a voice roared from the crowd. Before Sabo could react, another mug of ale flew through the air, splashing against her shoulder and down her front.

[Name] made no effort to dodge it, no effort to wipe it away. She just stood there, unmoving.

“Did you think we wouldn’t find out?!” another soldier spat, his voice sharp with betrayal. “How long did you plan on pretending to be our ally? Huh?!”

“We trusted you!” someone else yelled, their words cutting through the air like a blade.

Sabo’s heart hammered against his ribcage. ‘What… what are they talking about?’ He clenched his fists at his sides, nails biting into his palms as the mess hall swirled into chaos. “What the hell is going on?” he whispered under his breath, though no one seemed to hear him.

But then she spoke.

[Name] lifted her head, slow and deliberate, her gaze sweeping over the crowd like a stormcloud. When she looked up, Sabo felt his chest tighten. Her face was calm, too calm, but her eyes… her eyes were cold. The warmth he had always known, the spark he’d relied on, was gone.

“Yeah, that’s right,” she said evenly, her tone carrying through the room like ice. “I’m a Celestial Dragon.” 

The room exploded.

Sabo staggered as though her words had knocked the air out of his lungs. ‘A Celestial Dragon?’ The noise around him faded to a dull hum. Shouts, accusations, the sound of fists slamming against tables—all of it blurred. He was staring at her, only her, trying to make sense of what she’d just said.

“Liar!”

“She’s been using us!”

“How many of our secrets did she take back to her people?!”

Each accusation felt like a knife in his chest, but Sabo still couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. His gaze stayed locked on [Name]. He recognized the tone in her voice. Cold, detached, taunting. He’d seen her use it before. When she felt cornered… when she was on the verge of breaking but didn’t want anyone to see it.

‘Why are you doing this?’ he thought, his mind reeling. ‘Why won’t you fight back?’

“Do you hear her?” the soldier from before barked, stepping forward and pointing a finger at her. “She’s not even denying it! And what do you think, Sabo?” The man’s attention snapped to him, dragging Sabo out of his daze. “You were her best friend! What are you going to do about her?”

The mess hall went quiet. All eyes turned to him. Sabo opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He looked back at [Name]. She met his gaze, and for the first time, she looked at him as if he were a stranger. Her expression was empty, blank. But in her eyes, beneath the cold mask, he saw something that made his chest ache. Shame.

Something cracked inside him. Anger? Confusion? Sadness? He couldn’t tell what he felt more. Betrayed. He felt… betrayed. But not for the reason they thought. She wasn’t asking for his help. She wasn’t explaining herself. She wasn’t even looking to him for support. Instead, she looked at him like he’s already made up his mind. Like she knew he’d turn his back on her.

His stomach twisted.

How could she think that? After everything…

But she kept going.

[Name] turned toward the crowd and let out a small, bitter laugh, a sound that didn’t suit her. “He has to take accountability because he’s my so-called best friend?” Her smirk was sharp and hollow. “I lied to him too. Just like the rest of you. Would you really consider me his ‘best friend’ now?”

The words hit Sabo like a punch to the gut. He stared at her, his blood running cold. The logical part of his brain knew what she was doing, pushing him away and protecting him from the crowd. But that didn’t stop it from hurting. That didn’t stop him from hearing what she’d said over and over in his mind: I lied to him, too.

The murmurs started up again, the room teetering on the edge of chaos. Sabo barely noticed. He could only hear his own pulse roaring in his ears.

“Is that what you think of me?” he muttered so quietly that no one else heard.

She didn’t answer. She didn’t even look at him again. Sabo’s fists trembled at his sides. A mix of anger and heartbreak churned in his chest. ‘You think I’d turn my back on you? That you meant so little to me?’

His head was spinning. The words ‘Celestial Dragon’ echoed in his mind like a curse, but they didn’t change anything. Not to him.

What did change, what hurt, was that she thought it would.

The crowd roared louder, voices rising in anger and triumph as if his silence was all the answer they needed. Sabo didn’t care. He didn’t hear them. He looked at [Name] one last time. She still wouldn’t meet his eyes. For the first time in years, Sabo felt like he didn’t know her at all. And that thought scared him more than anything else.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Twelve: Overheard (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Twelve: Overheard Warnings: Angst Chapter Eleven: I'm Sorry Chapter Thirteen: I Thought You Trusted Me

[Name] submerged herself in the bath, the soothing hot water relaxing her muscles. The gentle ripples lapped against her skin as steam rose thickly around her, turning the room into a hazy sanctuary. Across the bath, she could barely make out Koala’s figure through the mist.

“How’s the water?” [Name] called out, slowly making her way over. The resistance of the water slowed her movements, every step deliberate.

Koala let out a contented sigh, stretching her arms along the edge of the bath. “Perfect. It feels like all my stress just melted away.”

[Name] couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “You’re right.” She sank down until only her shoulders remained above the water, her posture less relaxed than Koala’s.

Koala raised an eyebrow at her, though her expression was lighthearted. “Are you actually relaxing, or are you just brooding in silence over there?”

[Name] shot her a playful glare. “I am relaxing.”

Koala laughed, wading closer to [Name], the water sloshing softly around her. “I’m glad to see you’re finally relaxing. If only Sabo could do the same.”

The comment hit harder than [Name] expected. Her hand stilled over the water’s surface, brushing it absentmindedly and creating faint ripples. “What do you mean?”

Koala gave her a look, her brows lifting as if she couldn’t believe the question. “What do you mean, ‘What do you mean?’ Have you seriously not noticed how he’s been acting the past month? Especially this last week?”

[Name] shifted uncomfortably, shrugging her shoulders to deflect the weight of the question. “I mean… I’ve noticed—”

“Then you know something’s wrong,” Koala cut in, her voice firmer now. “He’s all over the place. First, he was quiet, then acting happy like nothing could touch him, and now…” She trailed off, the teasing edge in her voice replaced with clear concern. “Now he’s just throwing himself into work. Like, really throwing himself into it. He’s barely sleeping. Every time I try to get him to talk about it, he just brushes me off.”

Koala paused, searching [Name]’s face carefully. “You know Sabo doesn’t get like this for no reason. If he’s pushing himself that hard… it must be something serious.”

[Name] bit the inside of her cheek, her gaze fixed on the water swirling around her fingers. “Maybe he’s just trying to stay focused,” she offered weakly, though even she didn’t sound convinced.

Koala didn’t let up, moving closer until she was right beside [Name]. “Focused? [Name], he’s not just training, he’s practically punishing himself. If you’ve seen him, you know I’m right.”

[Name] sighed softly, leaning back against the edge of the bath. She didn’t need Koala to remind her. She had noticed.

“I don’t know what’s going on with him,” [Name] murmured finally, staring at the steam rising between them. “But… I’m sure he’ll be fine. Sabo’s strong. He always figures things out.”

Koala let out an exasperated sigh, crossing her arms. “That’s not the point! Just because someone’s strong doesn’t mean they don’t need help. You’d think you’d know that better than anyone.”

The words hit their mark, sharp and unrelenting. [Name] froze, her fingers stilling against the water’s surface. Her expression dulled, the light in her eyes dimming into something hollow and unreadable.

Koala’s frustration melted instantly, replaced by a flicker of regret. She softened her tone, gentler now. “Sorry,” she murmured, shifting closer. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just—” She sighed, brushing her damp hair back. “It’s Sabo. He cares about everyone so much, but he’s so stubborn when it comes to himself. I hate seeing him like this. He won’t talk to me, but…” She hesitated, studying [Name] carefully, her words deliberate. “Maybe he’d talk to you.”

[Name] blinked. “And what makes you think he’d talk to me?” she said quietly, her voice more guarded than before.

Koala tilted her head, watching her carefully. “Because you’re you,” she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “You don’t see it, do you? Sabo’s different when it comes to you.”

[Name] tensed, her fingers curling beneath the water. “Koala, the reason Sabo is like that in the first place is because of me.”

Koala’s brow furrowed, her teasing demeanor replaced by genuine concern. “What do you mean?”

[Name] leaned back, resting her head on the ledge. “He… confessed to me… the other day.”

Koala’s eyes widened, her expression slipping into shock. “He… confessed?” she repeated, disbelief creeping into her voice. “To you?”

[Name] nodded, her gaze fixed on the steam rising in thick clouds between them, trying to avoid looking directly at Koala. The words felt heavy, like a weight in her chest.

Koala’s expression softened as she leaned in, her tone turning gentle. “And what did you say?” 

[Name] ran her fingers through her hair, closing her eyes. “I said I couldn’t accept his feelings.”

Koala’s face fell, her eyes widening in disbelief. “You said that?” Her voice was soft, but the shock was evident. “You turned him down?”

[Name] nodded, her chest tightening with the memory. “What should I have said?”

Koala’s gaze lingered, confusion clouding her face. “Well, I don’t know. Honestly, I’m surprised you rejected him. I always thought you two would eventually end up together. Get married, start a family… all that. I didn’t even realize he had feelings for you, but I thought it was inevitable.”

[Name] felt her heart twist at the thought of it. Getting married. Starting a family with Sabo. The idea, however fleeting, felt like a bittersweet dream.

Koala stepped closer, studying her. “Wait… you’re smiling. Do you like him?”

[Name] immediately dropped her smile, her cheeks flushing as she quickly looked away, her heart racing. “What? No, I—” She stumbled over her words, her mind racing to find an explanation.

Koala raised an eyebrow, leaning in even closer. “Come on, you can’t deny it. You were smiling just now, and I’ve seen how you look at him.” Her voice was teasing, but there was an edge of seriousness to it, too.

The heat of the water only added to the growing warmth in her face. “I’m not smiling because of him. I was just… thinking about what you said.”

Koala gave her a knowing look. “You’re avoiding the question. You like him, don’t you?”

[Name] fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind. She wanted to deny it, to keep her feelings locked away, but the truth sat in her chest like an unspoken confession. “Koala, it’s not that simple.”

Koala puffed out her cheeks, her tone slightly exasperated. “What do you mean it’s not simple? You both like each other. How much more simple can it get? The only one making this complicated is you.”

[Name] met her gaze with a stern look. “Koala.”

“You’ve known each other for years,” Koala said loudly, her voice a little too eager. “You know each other’s likes and dislikes. You have a history. You’ve basically been together already without the labels, without the kissing. What’s the harm in just getting together?” She paused, her eyes widening. “Oh, shoot—”

At that moment, Koala’s hair tie slipped from her hair, falling into the water. She spun around, kneeling to fish it out. But as she did, [Name] caught sight of it. The mark on Koala’s back.

This was the reason for her turmoil, the lingering weight she couldn’t ignore. It felt like a sign, something the universe had placed in front of her to make it even harder to look away.

[Name] stood abruptly, her voice cold as she spoke. “Koala, I’ve already made up my mind.” She turned away and began to leave the bath, her heart heavier than ever.

[Name] left the bath without another word, her footsteps echoing faintly in the hall. The door clicked softly shut behind her, but the heavy silence lingered in the air.

[Name] walked with deliberate steps, her mind still racing with Koala’s words. The corridor seemed quieter than usual, the soft clicking of her sandals against the stone floors the only sound. She passed by a few rooms but felt the weight of the conversation she'd just had with Koala hanging over her like a stormcloud.

Her feet brought her to Shun’s workshop, a familiar place that always felt like a refuge from the chaos. She hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door.

“Come in,” came the calm voice from the inside.

[Name] opened the door, finding Shun hunched over a workbench, his hands focused on some intricate piece of equipment, a tool in one hand and the other holding a metal part with careful precision.

“Shun,” [Name] began, her voice quieter than usual, “do you have a minute?”

Shun looked up, his brow furrowing slightly at the unusual tone in her voice. “Of course. What’s going on?” He set the tool down, wiping his hands on a cloth before gesturing for her to sit.

[Name] lingered by the door for a moment, the tension from her earlier thoughts still lingering. She crossed the room slowly, settling into a chair nearby. “I don’t know what to do anymore,” [Name] said, looking down at her hands. “About Sabo...”

Shun’s expression softened. He had noticed how distant Sabo had been lately, his mood swings, and the frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “I’ve noticed,” he said quietly, crossing his arms. “He’s been like this for a while, hasn’t he?”

[Name] nodded, her chest tightening with the memories of their earlier interactions. “I don’t think I can handle all this for much longer. Even Koala’s pressing me about it, now.” [Name] let out a shaky sigh. “I really do care about him and I hate seeing him like this but I don’t think it would be right of me to accept without telling him the truth. That’s a line I’m never willing to cross. He doesn’t deserve to be lied to like this but I’m not ready to tell him or anyone. Maybe I never will.”

“You’re not wrong,” Shun said softly, his voice steady but filled with understanding. “The truth... it’s a heavy thing to carry, especially when it has the potential to change everything. But you're also right that keeping it from him won’t protect him in the end. It’s not just your life that’s affected by all of this. Sabo... he’s involved, too. And whether you tell him or not, he’ll find out eventually. That’s how these things go.”

[Name] felt her shoulders slump under the weight of his words. She didn’t want to think about it. She didn’t want to think about the consequences. But deep down, she knew Shun was right. Sooner or later, the truth would find its way to Sabo. Especially when the Revolutionary Army launched an attack on Mary Geoise. 

“And if he accepts?” Shun asked quietly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. “If he knows and still chooses to be with you?”

[Name] looked up at him, a small, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. “Then I’d be with him in a heartbeat.”

Shun’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he stepped closer, his expression soft but serious. “You know,” he said, almost offhandedly, “I used to be a pirate before I met my wife.”

[Name] blinked, surprised. “You were a pirate?”

Shun smiled wryly. “Yeah. I wasn’t always this... well, this version of myself. When I was younger, I was stubborn and reckless, not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. One day, my crew was wiped out at sea, and I was the sole survivor. I washed up on the shore of a small island, half-dead, half-ready to give up. That’s when I met her.” He let out a small chuckle, the memory softening his features. She saved me in every sense of the word. I did everything I could to win her over... though I hid the fact that I’d been a pirate.” He turned slightly, pointing a tool at [Name] with a teasing glint in his eyes. 

[Name] rested her chin on her hand, intrigued. “Why hide it?”

Shun’s smile turned a little rueful. “Shame, I guess. I didn’t think I deserved her. She was everything I wasn’t and more, a perfect angel.” He paused, his eyes distant for a moment. “But eventually, we had our first child, and I couldn’t keep the secret anymore. The guilt was eating me alive.”

[Name] arched an eyebrow. “So you were a bit of a mess, huh?”

Shun chuckled. “Something like that. Anyway, eventually we had our first child, and she still didn’t know I had been a pirate. Then, one day, I couldn’t handle the guilt anymore, and I confessed.”

[Name] leaned forward, intrigued. “What did she say?”

“When I told her,” Shun said, a faint, wistful smile tugging at his lips, “she just laughed. Said it didn’t matter. What I’d been, what I’d done… she told me I wasn’t that man anymore.” His voice softened further, his words carrying a quiet reverence. “All that guilt I’d carried... it disappeared with one smile.”

[Name] couldn’t help but smile, too. “So all that worrying was for nothing?”

Shun’s laugh filled the room. He walked over to her, ruffling her hair playfully. “Guess so. She taught me a lot.”

The warmth in his voice faltered slightly as he turned his gaze away, his eyes distant, as if looking at someone only he could see. “She was the love of my life. There’s no one like her. There never will be.”

[Name] went quiet, her heart aching as she watched him. Shun rarely spoke about his wife, and even now, she could feel the weight behind his words, the kind of grief that never fully fades. Losing someone you truly loved... Was that what it felt like when her mother died? That had been the hardest day of her life, but could she really say it was the same? Could she claim to understand his pain?

No, she realized. Even if their losses mirrored each other, they were two different people. Different hearts, different ways of carrying the weight of grief. She couldn’t pretend to know what he felt. But even so, she wished she could comfort him, just once, as he had so many times for her.

“She sounds wonderful, Shun,” [Name] said gently, stepping closer to his side. “You were lucky to have had her with you.”

Shun glanced down at her, his expression softening again. “I was, wasn’t I?”  He placed a hand on the top of her head, the gesture full of quiet affection. “Sometimes, we carry our past like a curse, but the people who care about us see beyond it. Maybe Sabo’s the kind of person who would, too.”

[Name] blinked, startled, but Shun’s small, knowing smile made it hard to argue. For a moment, they both laughed, the tension in the room lifting just a little.

Neither of them noticed the shadow lingering just outside the cracked open door to the workshop. The figure stood still, half-hidden in the dim light, only shifting slightly as a soft exhale escaped them. Then, without a sound, the shadow slipped back into the darkness, leaving no trace behind.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Eleven: I'm Sorry (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Eleven: I’m Sorry Warnings: Angst Chapter Ten: What's Hidden in My Heart Chapter Twelve: Overheard

[Name] stood hovering over Dragon’s shoulder, her presence quiet but persistent. She had been silently watching him work for what felt like an eternity, but Dragon seemed impervious to her antics. He continued writing, flipping through pages and scribbling notes without so much as a glance in her direction.

Every so often, she would let out an exaggerated ‘Oh’” or ‘Ah!’ just to catch his attention. The corners of his mouth twitched in irritation, but he didn’t acknowledge her.

“If you’re going to read along, at least do it in silence,” Dragon muttered without looking up, flipping to the next document and continuing his task. “Or you could tell me why you’re here.”

[Name] chuckled at his directness, clearly not fazed by his lack of enthusiasm. “Well, I was going to see if I could take the–”

“No,” Dragon cut her off simply, shutting down her suggestion without even hearing it out.

[Name] pouted, the expression betraying her usual confidence. “Come on, Dragon. You haven’t even heard what I was going to say.”

Dragon rolled up a piece of paper and smacked it lightly against her side. “You want to take the mission on the Red Line, don’t you?”

Her lips twisted into a small ‘3’ shape as she halfheartedly nodded. “Well, you don’t understand how useful I can be.”

Dragon finally turned to face her, his sharp eyes assessing her. “I do understand how useful you are. But I also know how reckless you can be. Knowing you, you'd probably take advantage of the location and attack Mary Geoise.” Name] flinched at his words, her thoughts briefly flickering to the place she had once called home—the place that had destroyed everything for her. She quickly pushed the thought away. “The Revolutionary Army isn’t ready for that yet. So, you’ll have to be more patient. Not to mention, if the World Government found out we had a Celestial Dragon helping us, our cover would be blown. But, when the time comes, I’ll make sure you get to lead that mission. With your knowledge, it would be a huge advantage.”

[Name] sighed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She knew he was right, but the thought of sitting idly by when she could be doing more was unbearable. Still, she couldn’t argue with him.

“I’ll hold you to that,” she muttered, crossing her arms.

Dragon offered her a small, knowing smile. “As long as you settle down and listen, I’ll keep my promise.” She leaned forward, suddenly wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug, catching him completely off guard. “[Name], I can’t breathe!” Dragon gasped, tapping her on the shoulder lightly.

Realizing her mistake, she let go immediately, a sheepish smile on her face. “Whoops.”

She perched herself on his desk, watching him work again, though her thoughts were miles away. Dragon’s promise lingered in her mind, but her thoughts inevitably turned back to Mary Geoise. Every memory felt like a weight pressing on her chest, guilt over her failure to protect her mother, the injustice of her mother’s suffering at the hands of the Celestial Dragons. What would she do if she returned there?

The question haunted her, but the answer was clear: she’d kill the man who had stripped her mother of her life. Nothing else mattered.

Just as her mind spiraled deeper, the door to Dragon’s office creaked open. A familiar blonde figure stepped in, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw [Name].

“Hey, Dragon? I had a question–” Sabo paused, his words dying in his throat as he saw her sitting there. His heart skipped a beat, and he found himself struggling to find the words. The usual excitement in his voice dimmed slightly, but the look in his eyes betrayed a sudden surge of warmth as he took in her presence. “–about some papers you gave me.”

Dragon, completely oblivious to the subtle shift in the room, glanced up. He nodded in response, though his attention was divided. Sabo stood still for a moment, caught in the tension between them, before he shook himself out of his daze. He quickly turned back to Dragon, his usual easy going demeanor slipping back into place. “Right, about those reports...” 

But his eyes kept flickering to [Name]. There was something about her presence, about the way she sat there, that made him feel different. His heart thudded faster than he cared to admit. Despite the quiet normalcy of the conversation, Sabo was fighting with himself. Every glance, every half-hearted word he spoke to Dragon felt like it was leading him somewhere he wasn’t sure he wanted to go. Or perhaps somewhere he was afraid to go.

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but notice how [Name]’s expression remained unreadable, her eyes distant as if lost in thought. For a moment, he wondered what was going on inside her head. Had she noticed how different he had been acting lately? Did she feel the same tension he did, or was he just imagining things?

His heart pounded in his chest as he considered how to approach her, how to finally admit what had been occupying his mind. He wanted to make her his already. He couldn’t take it anymore. If only she knew the effect she had on him. It was as though his every thought, every action, was tethered to her, like a dog on a leash he couldn’t break free from.

Dragon’s voice broke the moment between them. “Sabo, you’re rambling.”

Sabo blinked, suddenly aware that he had drifted off mid-sentence. He flushed, chuckling awkwardly, but his mind was still occupied with thoughts of [Name].

[Name] let out a light chuckle. “He seems passionate, Dragon. Come on, you can tell how much he’s been thinking about it.”

Dragon grumbled in response. “Yeah, yeah. Of course, you’d jump in to defend him. You two are practically jumping to take each other’s bullets.”

[Name] lightly hit Dragon’s shoulder. “Well, that’s what happens when you know someone for years. You get all chummy and close, to the point where you’d even take a bullet for them. Right, Blondie?”

Sabo’s heart skipped a beat at her words. “That’s right, Princess.”

[Name] froze, her eyes widening in surprise at his slip-up. He had only ever called her ‘Princess’ in private, never around anyone else.

“Princess?” Dragon questioned, clearly amused. “Are you two dating?”

Sabo straightened, flustered by his mistake. “No— I mean— Well— You see—” His face turned crimson, unsure of how to respond. He turned to [Name], hoping she’d deflect the question with her usual humor. But there she stood, the same expression she wore that night she visited his room.

Sabo paused, his embarrassment forgotten for a moment. That look... it haunted him. Shun’s words echoed in his mind. “She declared that you could never do anything to make her mad or hate you.”

“Oh,” Sabo mouthed, realization hitting him.

[Name] cleared her throat, finally regaining her composure. “He calls me princess because he thinks I’m a brat.” She shot a playful glance at Dragon. “Don’t you think that’s a little harsh?”

“You two are both brats,” Dragon sighed, resuming his work. “Maybe you should call him Prince.”

“I like that idea, Dragon.” [Name] turned to Sabo, her smile teasing. “What do you think, Prince?”

Sabo returned her smile, looking at her as if no one else existed. “Whatever you want, Princess.” [Name] hesitated, her throat tightening.

“Ahem, anyway,” [Name] cleared her throat, hopping off Dragon’s desk. “I should get going. Thanks for listening to my request, Dragon.”

“I’ll go with you,” Sabo said, giving Dragon one last wave before walking alongside her. 

[Name] reluctantly agreed, but her gut told her she wouldn’t like where this was headed. As they walked, she discreetly scanned the halls, hoping to spot someone, anyone, who could act as a convenient third wheel to break the tension building between them.

“Let’s just hang out, the two of us,” Sabo stated, his voice calm but confident, eyes fixed straight ahead.

[Name] felt her stomach drop. “The two of us? But what about Hack and Koala?”

Sabo ignored the question entirely, grabbing her wrist gently but firmly. “We can hang out on the rooftop.”

Her heart nearly crashed into her ribs. “The rooftop? Why don’t we go get something to eat instead?”

“You just ate before heading to Dragon’s office,” Sabo countered smoothly, not breaking his stride as he tugged her along.

[Name] jerked her wrist slightly, trying to wriggle free. “Wait, how did you know I already ate?”

He didn’t answer, his grip still secure as his sharp eyes scanned the hallway. Then, without warning, Sabo suddenly pulled her to the side, pinning her against the wall with his hand over her mouth.

Her eyes widened, her protests muffled against his palm. ‘What is wrong with him?’ she thought, glaring daggers at him. But Sabo wasn’t paying attention to her; his focus was on Koala and Hack, who were strolling down the hall, completely unaware of the two of them hiding just out of sight.

[Name] forced herself to take a deep breath, steadying her racing heart. ‘It’s just like last time…’ She remembered him pulling this exact stunt on a previous mission when they were trying to avoid detection. He had a bad habit of evading problems this way, but what frustrated her more was how flustered she felt every time he did it.

Finally, once the coast was clear, Sabo pulled his hand away and flashed her a cocky, triumphant grin. “All clear, Princess.”

[Name] exhaled sharply, pressing her hand against his chest to shove him back. “You just had to do that again, didn’t you? Pinning me to the wall like that?” Her voice carried an edge of frustration. “You’re always dragging me around and doing whatever you want, huh?”

Sabo didn’t flinch at her pushback, the grin never leaving his face. “Well, you’re the one being difficult. You don’t want to hang out with me?”

[Name] crossed her arms, still glaring at him. “I’m the one being difficult? Me? I’ll have you know,” she continued, jabbing a finger toward his chest, “that I wasn’t the one dragging people through hallways or pulling ridiculous stunts like that.”

Sabo only tilted his head, his grin softening into something more amused than smug. “Oh? So, you did want to hang out with me? Could’ve just said so.”

Her face heated instantly. “That’s not what I—!”

Before she could finish, Sabo grabbed her wrist again, much gentler this time, and started walking, his pace leisurely as if the conversation had never escalated.

“You really are difficult sometimes,” he said playfully, releasing her hand once he was sure she was walking beside him. “But don’t worry. I’m used to it.”

“I—what—ugh!” [Name] threw her hands up in exasperation, glaring at him from the corner of her eye. “You are impossible.”

“And yet, here we are,” Sabo shot back with a carefree shrug. “You still put up with me.”

She opened her mouth to argue but stopped short. For a split second, Sabo’s smile faltered just a bit, revealing something quieter beneath the teasing exterior. It was subtle, like a ripple across still water, but it was enough to make her pause.

Her voice softened. “...Why are you so insistent on this? Hanging out, I mean.”

Sabo slowed his pace. “Do I really need a reason?”

“Yes,” she replied firmly, stopping to face him.

Sabo stopped as well, meeting her gaze head-on. “Then tell me this—why did you look at me like that?”

[Name] blinked, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”

“That night,” Sabo clarified, his voice low but steady. “When I came to your room. And when I called you Princess in front of Dragon. The way you looked at me…” He leaned in slightly, his eyes piercing through her defenses. “I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It’s been absolute hell trying to figure it out. Why you kept me at such a distance. Why it felt like there was a wall between us.”

[Name] froze, her breath catching in her throat.

Sabo’s hand brushed a strand of her hair away with the back of his fingers, his touch featherlight. “I was scared, you know? Scared that I messed up. That I did something to upset you.” His voice softened, raw and honest. “I hate this distance between us… and this tension I can’t seem to shake.”

[Name] bit her lip, her heart pounding painfully in her chest. Was he going to say it? No, there was no way. He couldn’t possibly—

Her thoughts came to a screeching halt as Sabo pinched her cheek lightly, drawing her back to reality. “I hope you’re actually listening to me and not zoning out again,” he teased, though his tone carried a quiet edge. “Because I want all your attention.” He paused, his expression shifting into something far more serious. “…Honestly, that’s not the only thing I want from you.”

Her chest tightened as the air between them grew heavier. Her head shot downward, her gaze fixating on the ground as if avoiding temptation itself. If she admitted to how badly she’d dreamed of hearing those words, it would break her.

Sabo’s hand lifted her chin gently, forcing her to meet his gaze. His voice was soft but unwavering. “[Name]... I want all of you. I love you.”

There it was.

The words she’d longed for—dreamed of—for what felt like forever, yet dreaded more than anything. For a fleeting second, warmth flooded her chest. Relief, hope, joy... But reality crashed over her like a wave, snuffing it out just as quickly. The irony was a blade twisting inside her. In another life, maybe she could have accepted him. Maybe.

Slowly, she pushed his hand away, her movements deliberate yet trembling. “I’m sorry, Sabo.”

The silence was immediate. Heavy. Deafening.

Sabo froze, his smile faltering, his hand falling limply to his side. “What...?” His voice cracked—soft, fragile—as confusion bled into hurt.

[Name] turned her head, unable to meet his gaze. The weight of her decision felt crushing, as though every ounce of strength she’d mustered was about to shatter. “I can’t accept your feelings.”

The hallway seemed to close in around them, the air colder, sharper. Neither of them spoke. The distant sound of footsteps echoed faintly, hollow and far away like a cruel reminder of the emptiness between them.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Ten: What’s Hidden in My Heart (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Ten: What’s Hidden in My Heart Warnings: Angst Chapter Nine: Behind That Smile Chapter Eleven: I'm Sorry

Koala and [Name] stood side by side, peeking out from around the corner of a building. Their movements were careful, quiet, and utterly ridiculous as they craned their necks, keeping a close eye on the blond out in the clearing. Neither of them spoke a word, too focused on the subject of their surveillance to risk drawing attention.

“What are you two doing?” Hack’s deep voice nearly startled both of them out of their skins. The fishman loomed over their heads, frowning as he tried to see what they were staring at so intently.

The two girls whirled on him in unison, their glares sharp enough to kill. “Shh!” They both held up a finger to their lips in perfect synchronization, their eyes wide with urgency.

Hack blinked at them. “What—?”

“Shush!” Koala hissed, cutting him off. She turned back to the clearing and whispered out the corner of her mouth, “You’ll give us away.”

Hack grumbled, rubbing the back of his head as he crouched to join them, curiosity piqued. He squinted over their shoulders to see Sabo training alone in the distance, obliviously upbeat. The blond was practically glowing, smiling to himself as he ran through his combat drills, movements fluid and… oddly enthusiastic.

“He’s all smiley and glowy…” Koala muttered, narrowing her eyes at him. She tilted her head and gave Sabo an exaggerated once-over as though trying to spot a glitch in him. “Did something happen?”

“No idea.” [Name] frowned, her face growing pale like she’d seen a ghost. “It’s kind of unsettling…”

Koala nodded sagely. “I want our old Sabo back.”

Hack blinked again, his confusion only deepening. “He’s always smiling,” he said matter-of-factly, glancing between them and the cheerful blond. “I don’t really see any difference.” Both girls turned to look at him slowly, their expressions filled with a mix of pity and exasperation.

“You wouldn’t understand,” Koala said, her tone final.

Hack’s forehead twitched. “Then explain.”

[Name] sighed dramatically as though it were a burden to spell it out. “It’s the kind of smiling that’s suspicious. Like he’s plotting something.”

Koala nodded, crossing her arms. “Or someone did something to him. He’s too happy. It’s… unnatural.”

Hack’s gaze flicked back to Sabo, who, at that exact moment, laughed to himself over something no one else could hear. Hack’s frown deepened. “Maybe he’s just having a good day.”

“No. Look at him,” Koala said, jabbing her finger toward Sabo for emphasis.

“Yeah,” [Name] chimed in. “It’s like he’s been replaced with… with a smiley impostor.”

Hack groaned, finally giving up on trying to reason with them. He stood back up to his full height, muttering something about ‘paranoid kids.’ He couldn’t help but glance back toward Sabo. The blond really was smiling an awful lot. Still, it was a nice change from how distant and distracted he’d been over the past few days. Maybe whatever this was wasn’t so bad.

“Why don’t we just talk to him instead of spying on him?” Hack finally suggested, stepping forward and pushing the two out from behind the building with a gentle nudge. “You know, like friends do.”

Both girls whipped around, their faces contorted into identical glares. Their mouths were open to argue, but no words came out.

Koala blinked. 

[Name] opened her mouth again, then closed it.

Hack crossed his arms, victorious. There was no arguing with that.

“Fine.” Koala huffed, brushing invisible dust off her skirt as if to reclaim her dignity.

The three finally approached Sabo, who was still training, oblivious to their scheming. Koala walked stiffly, her movements suspiciously awkward. [Name] followed beside her, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve as though suddenly unsure of what to do with her hands.

Sabo noticed them approaching, his movements slowing. His usual smile remained in place, though there was something softer in his expression now, almost curious.

Koala cleared her throat, shooting [Name] a quick glance.

“That was… impressive, Blondie,” [Name] said first, her tone casual though her words felt carefully chosen. “You’re getting faster.”

Sabo froze for half a second mid-turn, his back still halfway to them. Then he faced her fully, his entire expression lighting up like someone had just handed him a treasure chest full of gold.

“You think so?” Sabo asked, his tone bright, as if he’d just won a competition. His grin stretched wider, practically blinding the three of them with its intensity.

“Uh…” [Name] faltered, caught off guard by the excessive enthusiasm. “Yeah? It looked good.”

The pure delight on Sabo’s face didn’t waver. Instead, it doubled. “I’ve been working on it, you know?” He grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wasn’t sure if anyone would notice.”

Koala and Hack exchanged a look behind [Name]’s back, both of them trying not to laugh at how easily Sabo had lit up like a lamp.

“Well, we did notice,” Koala spoke up, not missing  a beat, her voice tinged with amusement. “You’re like a kid who just found a shiny new toy.”

Sabo’s face reddened faintly, but his smile remained brighter than ever. “What can I say? Positive feedback really works for me.”

The group burst into laughter. Even [Name] joined in, though her laugh was forced. Something about Sabo’s demeanor was starting to unsettle her.

Koala clasped her hands together with an exaggerated cheerfulness. “Why don’t you take a break and join us for lunch? [Name] and I are feeling a bit hungry.”

Sabo agreed easily, and the day stretched on. Despite the shift in activity, his strange behavior streak continued, leaving [Name] more and more confused. She kept it to herself, though, unwilling to draw attention to it.

At one point, when [Name] bent over to adjust her boot, Sabo suddenly crouched down in front of her, reaching to help without a second thought.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice low and soft as he fiddled with the leather strap. “You’ve been quiet.”

[Name] startled, blinking at him. “What are you…?” She pulled back slightly. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Before she could say anything more, Koala’s sharp voice rang through the air, her tone laced with accusation. “Sabo, what’s with you today? You’ve been acting like a puppy following [Name] around.”

Sabo nearly choked on his saliva, his eyes widening as he coughed in surprise. “What? I haven’t!”

“You totally have,” another friend chimed in, smirking as they leaned forward. “You’re hovering, compliment-fishing, fixing her clothes—”

“I’m just being nice!” Sabo shot back, flustered, his face growing steadily redder as he avoided looking at [Name] entirely.

“Adjusting her boots is nice, but adjusting her skirt?” Koala added, grinning devilishly. “What are you? Her father?”

Sabo’s head snapped toward her, his glare full of exasperation. “It was hiking up a little too high! I was being respectful!” He turned desperately to [Name], pleading for backup. “[Name], tell them I’m not acting weird.”

[Name] paused mid-bite, her gaze darting between Sabo and the group. She knew perfectly well he was acting weird. “…He’s been acting completely normal,” she said, forcing a calm expression.

Sabo let out a visible sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging as he relaxed. Koala, however, raised an eyebrow at [Name], catching the subtle glint in her eye before Sabo could catch on, a sly smirk curved across [Name]’s lips.

“Sabo has always been a father to me.”

The group erupted into laughter once more while Sabo groaned, covering his face with his hands. Even [Name] couldn’t hold back a small, teasing smile, but something about the moment bugged her.

As the laughter died down, she quietly excused herself. The lighthearted atmosphere suddenly felt stifling, Sabo’s lingering gaze still warm on her back as she walked away. She didn’t look back.

Almost on instinct, her feet led her to a familiar door. Shun’s shop. The familiar jingle of the shop’s bell rang out as [Name] stepped inside, the soft creak of the door announcing her arrival. The scent of old wood and lacquer greeted her, mixed with a faint trace of something burnt, probably Shun’s failed attempt at crafting earlier.

“Welcome back,” Shun’s voice drew from behind the counter. He was hunched over, sawing down a wooden plank. Without even glancing up, he added, “Took you long enough. Thought you’d forgotten about little old me.”

[Nam] rolled her eyes, shrugging off her coat as she leaned casually against the counter. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m only here because the wind blew me in.”

Shun smiled. “Harsh as always, brat.”

“Just telling it how it is,” [Name] shot back, her gaze drifting to the scattered tools and half-finished projects littering his workbench. She wrinkled her nose. “You’re a mess, you know that.”

Shun’s smile faded as his eyes flicked to her, his tone shifting. “And you’ve been weirder than usual.”

[Name] snorted. “So I’m usually weird?”

“Don’t deflect.” Shun set his tools down with an audible clink and leaned against the bench, arms folded across his chest. “I have a question.”

The shift in his demeanor sent a ripple of unease through [Name]. His voice carried that tone, the one that meant he wasn’t about to let her wriggle out of this. Reluctantly, she made her way to the worn stool across from him and sat down. “Alright. What’s up?” 

Shun didn’t hesitate. “You like Sabo, right?” 

The words hit her harder than she expected. [Name] froze mid-movement, her casual façade faltering for a split second before she forced herself to scoff. “What kind of question is that? He’s my friend.”

“Cut the crap,” Shun said bluntly, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. “You know exactly what I mean.”

 A heavy silence settled between them. [Name] frowned, her fingers unconsciously tapping against her thigh as she stared at the floor. The teasing deflections that normally rolled so easily off her tongue failed her now. Finally, she muttered, “Yeah. I do.”

Shun let out a long, weary sigh, running a hand through his hair as though he’d already known but needed to hear it. “I thought so.”

[Name] shifted uncomfortably, heat crawling up her neck. She didn’t like admitting it out loud… it felt too real. Without her usual jokes to cushion the truth, the words sat heavy in the air.

Shun watched her carefully before speaking again. “And you know Sabo feels the same way, right?”

She flinched, her gaze darting to the drawing board as if the scratched-out blueprints were suddenly fascinating. “...Yeah. I know.” 

The silence that followed stretched uncomfortably between them. Finally, Shun spoke, his voice soft but firm. “Do you think that changes anything? If you told him? About your past, I mean.”

[Name] let out a quiet exhale, leaning back, her posture slumped with a kind of weariness that betrayed her calm facade. “It changes everything,” she replied, her voice distant. “Not in the way you’re thinking, though. It’s not like he’d run away or turn his back on me, but it’s... too much.”

Shun was silent for a moment, his gaze steady as he met her eyes. “What you are doesn’t decide who you are. You know that. I’m another good example of that.”

[Name] shook her head, lips curling into a small, rueful smile. “I wish it were that simple. But it’s not. Being a Celestial Dragon isn’t just some title you can forget. It’s a mark. And not the good kind. If I told him... if I told anyone, it wouldn’t just be the past they’d see, it’d be everything tied to it. Everything I can’t undo.”

Shun’s expression softened. “You know better than anyone that blood doesn’t have to mean anything. It’s actions that matter. You’ve lived that. You’ve fought for that. That’s why you’re still here. Why we’re still here.”

[Name] glanced away, her fingers tracing an absent pattern on the stool’s armrest. “I know. But there’s a difference between what’s in your heart and what the world sees. Not everyone can see past it, no matter how much I wish they could.”

Shun didn’t rush to respond. He let her words linger, unspoken but understood. The silence held its weight, a quiet acknowledgment of everything that needed no more explanation.

After a moment, [Name] broke it, her voice softer than before. “Hey, Shun?”

“Yeah?” His tone was calm and attentive.

She hesitated for a beat, her gaze lowering as if weighing the words before she spoke them. “Thank you. For all you’ve done for me. For staying by my side.”

Shun’s expression softened, and he gave her a slight, reassuring nod. “Someone has to, right?” he said, his voice light but carrying a quiet sincerity.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The quiet felt comfortable, like an unspoken understanding between them. Outside, the wind had picked up, rustling through the cracks of the old shop’s wooden frame, but in this small corner of the world, everything felt still.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Masterlist

Sabo x Celestial Dragon Reader

Chapter One: Shadows in Paradise

Chapter Two: Conditional Love

Chapter Three: Rooted in Weeds

Chapter Four: Through the Winds of Change

Chapter Five: A Chaotic Distraction

Chapter Six: The Weight We Carry

Chapter Seven: The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter Eight: Between the Lines

Chapter Nine: Behind That Smile

Chapter Ten: What's Hidden in My Heart

Chapter Eleven: I'm Sorry

Chapter Twelve: Overheard

Chapter Thirteen: I Thought You Trusted Me

Chapter Fourteen: I'm Here

Chapter Fifteen: "Friends"

Chapter Sixteen: Crossing the Line

Chapter Seventeen: Cooking Up Memories

Chapter Eighteen: A Vision or a Memory?

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Nine: Behind That Smile (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Nine: Behind That Smile Warnings: Angst Chapter Eight: Between the Lines Chapter Ten: What's Hidden in My Heart

There Sabo stood, eyes focused ahead, his stance prepared for battle. With the swing of his pipe, a rush of wind swept through the air, sending a cloud of dust and sand spiraling upward. His movements were sharp and fluid, each strike cutting through the tension that coiled in his chest. But no matter how many times his pipe connected with the air, no matter how many blows he landed, the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach wouldn’t go away.

He couldn’t stop thinking about [Name].

His mind replayed the events of the night before, the moment he climbed to her window. The way her gaze had shifted, the strange, tense silence that settled between them when he was so close to her. Her sudden step back. He hadn’t thought anything of it at first, but now, as the memory lingered in his thoughts, it began to eat away at him. The way her eyes avoided his, the way she tried to push the tension away with humor. Had he done something wrong? She had always been a mystery, but lately, she seemed even more distant.

He swung his pipe again, the motion sharp, but his thoughts remained on her. Why had she looked at him like that?

His grip tightened on the pipe, the metal cold against his palms. He had always known her better than anyone. They had grown up together and shared experiences that only those close enough could understand. He had always paid close attention to her. But something had changed recently that he couldn’t put his finger on. Maybe it was the way her voice faltered when she joked or the way she couldn’t meet his gaze anymore. He had always been protective of her, but now, he was starting to feel like there was something more, something he couldn’t acknowledge.

Sabo’s mind wandered back to when they were younger, to the first time they had met her.

The faint hum of rain outside was the only sound that filled the small, dimly lit room. Sabo lay still on a bed, his head pounding as if it were being crushed. The light in the room flickered weakly through the dusty window, casting long shadows across the floor. It was hard to focus on anything; his vision was blurry, and his mind was a fog of confusion.

His hand instinctively reached up to his left eye, the area swollen and bandaged. Panic surged through him when he couldn’t open it, a rush of fear tightening his chest. What had happened? Why couldn’t he see?

“Your eye won’t heal if you take that off,” came a soft yet firm voice from his left.

Startled, Sabo whipped his head in the direction of the voice, wincing at the movement. There, sitting quietly beside him, was a small girl. Her elbows rested on her knees as she observed him with wide, curious eyes, her expression unreadable. 

“Who… who are you?” he managed to croak, his voice hoarse and thick from the confusion.

The girl didn’t respond right away but continued to study him, her small fingers idly twisting a piece of cloth between them. She seemed completely unfazed by his questions or his discomfort.

“I’m [Name],” she finally said, her voice soft yet with an edge of quiet authority that belied her youth. “You’ve been asleep for a while. Don’t worry, you’ll be okay.”

He frowned, trying to remember what had happened, finding the girl's words annoying. His headache was too much to think straight. “What happened to me?” he asked, his words slipping out of him without thinking.

She tilted her head slightly, studying him for a long moment before answering. “You got hurt. Don’t worry. Just rest. Your body needs to heal.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, as though this was something she had seen a thousand times before.

Sabo felt a sharp irritation rising within him. He wasn’t used to being treated like this—his frustration bubbling over. “You know, you absolutely suck at comforting people, Ms. Know-it-all,” he shot back.

For the briefest moment, her eyes went wide, taken aback by his blunt words. Then, to his surprise, she burst into laughter, genuine and bright, her smile lighting up the dim room.

Sabo blinked in confusion, his cheeks warming. Was he being that ridiculous? Her laugh echoed in the room, so carefree, so unrestrained. He shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to handle the situation.

“You’re right,” she said between giggles, still smiling. “I was being rude, wasn’t I? I’m sorry. I’m not good at things like this.” Her smile softened, but it didn’t fade. “But just know that you’re going to be alright, now.”

Sabo stared at her for a moment, still unsure how to feel about the situation. He scratched the back of his head, embarrassed at his behavior, now.

So much time had passed since then, yet he still remembered that moment clearly. The way she had responded–raw, honest, and unguarded—was so different from now. Now, he couldn’t trust her smile. It no longer held the same sincerity; it had become a mask, hiding something deeper.

Sabo clenched his shirt, his heart tightening in his chest. He was hurt. Upset. Why wouldn’t she tell him what was wrong? It sounded selfish, but he wanted to believe she’d come to him for anything, especially if something was bothering her. Wasn’t he her best friend?

Best friend.

The words tasted bitter in his mouth.

Sabo shook his head as if trying to shake off the feeling that had settled in his chest. To feel sour about calling her his best friend? He felt a little disappointed that he had let his frustration and anger consume him so much that he thought that way. 

He just had no idea what to do with all this uncertainty. Every time he thought about confronting her, something stopped him. Was it fear? Fear that whatever she had been hiding would break everything between them? He didn’t know if he could bear that.

He took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind, and tightened his grip on the pipe in his hand. It wasn’t like him to feel this lost. He was used to having control over things, but now, it wasn’t that simple. His thoughts kept returning to her. To the way she had looked at him when he approached her at the window. How she had backed away so quickly as if he were a stranger to her.

“Hey, Sabo,” a deep voice called out, pulling him away from his thoughts. 

Sabo turned, surprised to see Shun standing there with his usual stoic expression.

“Shun,” he greeted, raising an eyebrow. “What brings you out of your workshop? Did it finally burn down?”

“Don’t start with me, boy,” Shun laughed, his tone light but still carrying an edge. “I get enough of that from [Name]. I don’t need any more from you.”

At the mention of [Name]'s name, Sabo's face faltered, his emotions still too raw from earlier.

“Ah-ha,” Sabo chuckled awkwardly, trying to cover the slip-up, but it didn't come out quite right. His mind was still tangled with frustration and confusion.

Shun paused, his sharp eyes catching Sabo's less-than-convincing reaction. There was a long moment of silence before he spoke again.

“Let’s head to my workshop.” Shun gestured toward the building, his tone firm, almost like a command.

Sabo hesitated for a brief moment before nodding and following Shun in silence. Once they entered the workshop, Shun locked the door behind them with a decisive click, ensuring they wouldn’t be interrupted.

Once inside the workshop, the heavy wooden door clicked shut behind them, cutting off the sounds from outside. The familiar smell of metal, oil, and firewood filled the air, reminding Sabo of all the countless hours Shun spent crafting and perfecting his projects. The dim lighting from the oil lamps cast long shadows across the cluttered workspace, adding to the quiet, almost somber atmosphere.

Shun turned to face Sabo, his expression unreadable but serious. He leaned against a nearby workbench, crossing his arms. “Did something happen between you and [Name]?”

Sabo stiffened at the direct question, his gaze dropping to the floor. He hadn’t expected Shun to be so straightforward, but then again, Shun never had a problem calling things like they were, especially when it came to [Name].

“I… I don’t know,” Sabo replied, his voice thick with frustration. “She’s been distant lately. And I don’t know why. I keep thinking I did something wrong, but I can’t figure it out.”

Shun’s eyes narrowed slightly, observing Sabo closely. “Thinking like that isn’t productive and I doubt it’s something as simple as that. If it really was something you did, she would have chewed you out for it.”

Sabo nodded, feeling a slight sense of relief. It wasn’t like he wanted to hear that he’d messed up, but at least Shun wasn’t treating him like he was overreacting. “I don’t know, man. She won’t even look at me the same anymore. It's like I'm a stranger to her.”

Shun pushed himself off the workbench and stepped closer. “While I don’t think you did anything wrong, I can’t help but think it is about you.” 

Sabo’s heart dropped, a wave of anxiety washing over him once more. His stomach churned, the familiar, uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty growing stronger. “What… What do you mean by that?”

Shun’s gaze drifted over to the stool in the corner, the one he had gotten for [Name] so she could sit and reach the high spots only he could reach. He stared at it for a moment before turning back to Sabo. “Yesterday, I had a conversation with her. When we came to the topic of you, her face changed into an expression I’ve never seen before. I tried pressing her, but she kept dodging the questions. So, I changed tactics and asked her directly if you had done something to her.”

Sabo’s chest tightened, a knot forming in his throat. His mind raced, heart hammering in his chest. He had no idea where this was going.

Shun’s voice lowered, a hint of seriousness in his tone. “When I did, she got unusually upset, Sabo. Not just angry, but… hurt. She declared that you could never do anything to make her mad or hate you.”

Sabo’s eyes widened. A mixture of relief and confusion filled him. So it wasn’t me? He wasn’t sure what to feel. A beat of silence passed before he muttered, almost to himself, “I… I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her.” Sabo’s fist tightened. “I just want to make her happy.”

Shun’s brows furrowed, but he didn’t comment immediately. “Ah,” he finally said, his voice low and measured. “That’s it, then, isn’t it?”

Shun’s expression softened, his usual stoic demeanor cracking just enough to show a hint of understanding. “You don’t think of [Name] as a ‘best friend’ do you?” 

Sabo felt a flicker of defensiveness rise within him. “What do you mean I ‘don’t think of [Name] as a best friend?’ You should know by now how much I care about her.”

Shun tilted his head slightly, looking at Sabo with a knowing look. “I never said you didn’t care about her. But you’re right about one thing. It’s not just friendship, not anymore.”

Sabo’s heart raced, a knot forming in his stomach. His voice wavered as he asked, “What do you mean? What are you trying to say?” He could feel the gravity of the moment settling over him, the uncertainty gnawing at him. His breath hitched in anticipation of Shun’s answer.

“You love her, don’t you?”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Sabo couldn’t move. He felt as though the ground beneath him had shifted. His breath caught in his throat, and the truth he had crashed over him like a wave.

Sabo clenched his jaw, staring at the ground as if it could give him some kind of answer. He hadn’t realized it until now, but hearing it aloud made everything painfully clear. He had tried so hard to deny it, to hold onto the idea of their friendship, but it was so much more than that.

His hands balled into fists at his sides, the weight of his feelings pressing down on him. “I…” He swallowed hard, the words stuck in his throat. “I don’t know what to do with that.”

Shun rubbed the back of his neck. “Listen, kiddo,” Shun sighed. “Why don’t you let it settle for a bit, okay? You’re in a bit of a tough situation, right now.”

Shun wasn’t trying to stop Sabo from confessing. He just knew things were more complicated than they seemed. If Sabo confessed now, Shun had a sinking feeling it would only make everything worse, especially with [Name]’s inner turmoil regarding her bloodline and self-hatred. 

However, Shun wondered if  Sabo would be able to handle it. Would he accept her as she was, or would the truth shatter his perception of her? It wasn’t that Shun doubted Sabo’s ability to accept [Name]. He knew Sabo well enough to believe that. But deep down, Shun couldn’t help but wonder. What would be more difficult for Sabo to handle the fact that she was a Celestial Dragon, or the fact that she had kept that secret from him? The betrayal of her hidden truth, how would that sit with Sabo? Could he overlook that to accept her as a person, or would the revelation of her bloodline overshadow everything else?

The weight of these questions hung in the air, making Shun’s heart ache in a way he hadn’t expected. He was beginning to understand [Name]’s struggle a little more, but it wasn’t any easier. He couldn’t help but feel for her, caught between the desire to reveal her true self and the fear of losing everyone she cared about in the process.

It wasn’t just about love or friendship. It was about trust, identity, and acceptance, things that felt fragile, especially when secrets loomed so large. And right now, Shun wasn’t sure what the right thing was for any of them.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Eight: Between the Lines (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Eight: Between the Lines Warnings: None Chapter Seven: The Calm Before the Storm Chapter Nine: Behind That Smile

The room was dark, the moonlight spilling through the open window in silvery streaks. [Name] leaned against the window frame, her gaze fixed on the stars above as the cool breeze kissed her flushed face. She inhaled deeply, the night air doing little to settle the restless storm inside her.

She hadn’t slept properly for days, exhaustion tugging at her limbs but never quite winning. It wasn’t the work or the missions keeping her awake. It was him. The feeling in her chest was that unwelcome thrum of something new that refused to let her go.

[Name] groaned quietly, burying her face in her hands as her cheeks burned. The mental image of him, all bright smiles, sharp confidence, and gentle teasing, flooded her thoughts without permission. She peeked through her fingers, trying to shake the feeling away, but her heart betrayed her.

A familiar figure caught her attention, pulling her gaze downward. There, in the distance, under the pale light of the moon, Sabo moved through the motions of his training. His form was steady, sharp, and relentless, his focus unshakable even in the stillness of the night.

[Name] lingered, watching him quietly. “Of course, he’s fine,” she muttered under her breath, exasperated but unable to tear her eyes away. 

The new feeling, while exhilarating at times, tortured her relentlessly. At first, she had reveled in the thrill of being near Sabo, enjoying the warmth of his presence. But the more she thought about it, the clearer her predicament became. There was no future for them, even if he did feel the same way. She was tainted by the blood of the Celestial Dragons, a group he despised with everything he was. It had been hard enough hiding that truth as his friend, but as someone he could be with…? She shouldn’t be that selfish, yet the thought of him with anyone else drove her insane.

She hadn’t been rejected but it sure felt like she already had been. The weight of her past, of what she represented to him, made any possibility of a future seem impossible.

“Hey!” A voice called out, pulling her from her thoughts. 

Sabo was no longer training. Now, he stood below her window, peering up at her with that signature grin of his. Her heart clenched at the sight, her ears growing hot as she took in his features. She couldn’t help but wonder when he had gotten so handsome. 

“Hey,” she responded, leaning over the edge to get a better look. 

“You’re up late,” he pointed out, his gaze sharp and observant. “What’s keeping you up late?”

“Well, I saw a handsome blond training and couldn’t help but gawk,” [Name] teased, her smirk playful, though the words didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Handsome, huh?” Sabo quirked a brow, his smile shining brighter than ever. “Try not to fall in love.”

She let out a small laugh, but it wasn’t at his comment. Rather, she was laughing at the irony of his words. If only he knew how much she already felt like she was falling, how much it terrified her.

“Could say the same for you,” she replied with a wry smile. “Visiting a woman this late at night? How scandalous.”

Sabo chuckled, his grin never wavering as he looked up at her with a mockingly innocent expression. "I’m just making sure my favorite person is alright," he said, the sincerity in his voice catching her off guard. The quiet sincerity behind his words hit harder than she expected, and the tension in her chest tightened. “Stand back, Princess. I’m coming up.”

She blinked, caught off guard by his sudden declaration. “What?” she said, her voice a mix of confusion and amusement.

Without waiting for a response, Sabo leaped up, catching the window’s ledge with his right hand. With a swift motion, he pulled himself up, now standing face-to-face with her. His presence was so close that she could feel the heat radiating from his body, her breath hitching slightly in her throat.

“What’s with that look on your face?” Sabo questioned, his brow furrowing slightly as he peered at her, his expression completely oblivious to the turmoil swirling inside her.

[Name] opened her mouth to say something, but the words caught in her throat. She wanted him more than anything, but at the same time, the weight of her secret pressed down on her. 

Sabo tilted his head, misinterpreting her silence as something more playful than serious. “You’re making that face again. Don’t tell me you’re already regretting the company?” He pinched her cheek, trying to lighten the mood, but his eyes held an underlying curiosity. 

[Name] snapped out of her trance, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Do you not like my face?” she asked with a teasing smile.

Sabo’s grin faltered for a moment as he blinked, clearly caught off guard by her question. “Huh?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Of course, I like your face. Why would you even—”

Before he could finish, [Name] tilted her head slightly, her expression softening into a mix of teasing and something deeper, a quiet vulnerability she hadn’t intended to show.

Sabo’s eyes widened slightly as he saw the shift in her demeanor; the playful energy that had surrounded them was now turning into something heavier, something he wasn’t sure how to handle.

“Stop commenting on my face, Blondie,” she said, pushing his hand away from her cheek, the teasing tone clear in her voice.

Sabo chuckled, clearly relieved that the tension had shifted back to their usual playful banter. “Well, I can’t help it. You make it so easy,” he teased, still watching her closely, though his eyes were softened with a hint of concern.

“Oh, is there something funny about my face? Perhaps you need to have your eyes checked,” [Name] shot back. “I’ll have you know many find my face quite attractive.”

Sabo placed a hand dramatically over his heart, pretending to be struck by her words. “Oh, I’m sure they do, Princess,” he said with a wink. “But… uh… how many is ‘many?’”

[Name] raised an eyebrow at his playful challenge, crossing her arms with a smirk. “Oh, you know… enough to make you reconsider your standards,” she replied, her voice dripping with mock confidence.

Sabo let out a low laugh, taking a step closer, his eyes sparkling with amusement. But as he closed the distance, [Name] instinctively stepped back, her gaze shifting away from him. She cleared her throat, trying to hide the sudden unease that had settled in her chest.

The room felt too small, the air between them too charged. Her roommate was away on a mission, leaving them alone in a situation that was beginning to feel far too dangerous. Every glance, every word exchanged seemed to be inching them closer to something neither of them had fully acknowledged.

With the way she was looking at Sabo, the temptation to let things continue was nearly overwhelming, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t risk losing herself to this moment. Not when the consequences could be so much greater than a mere slip of words or a laugh too far.

Sabo’s smile faltered just slightly, but his curiosity only deepened. He took another step, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he didn’t say anything.

[Name] didn’t move this time. “Let’s get something to drink.” 

Sabo tilted his head, studying her for a moment. “Sure, sounds good,” he said, his voice light as if nothing had changed.

As [Name] moved toward the door, Sabo followed her, the air between them thick with unspoken words. He was silent, but his gaze lingered on her, his mind running through the odd shift in the atmosphere.

The next day, [Name] headed to the mess hall from Shun’s workshop, her stomach growling in protest. She’d been so absorbed in her work she had barely realized how much time had passed, and now she was starving. But as she stepped into the mess hall, the familiar buzz of conversation greeted her, and her eyes immediately landed on her teammates gathered around one of the tables.

Hack was leaning back in his chair, gesturing animatedly as he recounted something with that usual, over-the-top enthusiasm of his. Koala was sitting calmly, listening intently, her fingers wrapped around a cup of tea as she nodded thoughtfully. And Sabo was with them, casually resting his arm on the back of his chair, completely zoned out. 

She approached the three, standing behind Sabo.

“What are you three–”

Before she could finish, Sabo jumped up in surprise, his chair scraping against the floor with a loud noise, causing a few heads to turn in their direction. Hack, [Name], and Koala all stared at him in surprise, none of them expecting such an outburst.

Sabo quickly regained his composure, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, his usual cool demeanor faltering just for a moment. "Uh, sorry about that," he mumbled, offering a sheepish grin. His eyes flicked nervously to [Name], and then quickly back to the others.

“Are you… okay, Sabo?” Koala asked, clearly confused at his reaction. The way he had reacted made her worry, though it didn’t seem like anything physical had happened.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Sabo said a little too quickly, giving an awkward laugh as he tried to brush off the odd moment. He cleared his throat. “Just, uh, didn’t expect you to sneak up on me like that, [Name]. You’ve got a way of making an entrance, huh?”

“She did anything but sneak up,” Koala interjected, knitting her brows. “You haven’t been paying attention to anything this whole time. It’s not her fault she scared the crap out of you.” 

Hack leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Yeah, Sabo, seems like you’ve got your head in the clouds today,” he teased, clearly amused by Sabo’s discomfort.

Sabo shot Hack a look, but the playful edge in his voice was back. “Not everything’s about you, Hack,” he said, though his grin didn’t quite reach his eyes. He turned his attention back to [Name]. “So, what’s up? Something you need?” [Name] placed a hand on her hip, giving him a questioning look. “Yeah, food. That’s why I’m here. At the Mess Hall.” She gestured vaguely around the room, trying not to laugh in his face.

He gave a small chuckle, clearly trying to shake off whatever had him so out of sorts a moment ago. “Right, of course. Food. How could I forget?” 

[Name] went to order her food. As [Name] returned to the table, her plate in hand, the mood around them seemed to shift back to a more comfortable, if not slightly awkward, normal. Sabo sat down beside her, his usual easygoing demeanor returning as he grabbed his own food. He avoided her gaze for a moment, busying himself with his meal, though the silence felt heavier than usual.

[Name] turned to Hack as if nothing happened. “So, Hack, what exactly had you so excited earlier?” 

Hack glanced up, momentarily caught guard, but recovered his usual expression. “We were talking about one of our students.” Hack pointed between him and Koala. “She had been struggling to keep up with the class but with some extra attention on Koala’s part, she soon became one of our top students.” 

Koala confidently smiled, crossing her arms. “Of course she did. She is my student, after all.”

[Name] clapped her hands, intrigued by the conversation. “Impressive,” she said, nodding toward Koala. “It’s not every day you turn someone around that quickly.”

Koala shrugged modestly, though the pride was clear in her eyes. “It takes a good student, too. They have to want to learn. But, yeah, it’s nice to see results when you put the effort in.”

Hack leaned forward, his gaze locking onto [Name]. “She was a determined little thing. Reminds me of you, [Name],” he remarked, his voice full of knowing amusement.

[Name] chuckled, placing a hand on her cheek, feigning embarrassment. “You’re going to make me blush, Hack.”

Hack didn’t miss a beat. “I’m serious. You’ve always had that stubborn streak, refusing to back down, no matter what.” He paused for effect, eyes glinting with mischief. “Even if it meant puking your guts out.”

[Name]’s cheerful demeanor dropped. “And there it is. You were doing fine until you just had to ruin it,” she muttered her voice light but tinged with mock annoyance.

Koala, clearly entertained, couldn’t hold back a quiet laugh. “You know, at some point, you had to carry around a bucket just in case you threw up.”

[Name] rolled her eyes dramatically but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I swear, you both have a thing for embarrassing me.”

Hack leaned back in his chair, clearly satisfied with the effect of his words. “Hey, it’s the truth. You always found a way to push through, even when it was tough. Especially in the last two years when you were away. You’ve grown into a fine woman.”

[Name] paused, her smile fading for a moment as Hack’s words lingered in the air. “Thanks, I appreciate it but I couldn’t do it without my teacher.” 

Hack shifted uncomfortably in his chair, suddenly awkward under the attention. He scratched the back of his neck, clearly caught off guard by her compliment. “Well, I just did my part. You did all the hard work,” he said, trying to brush it off, though his cheeks remained tinged with a hint of red.

Koala, noticing Hack’s flustered reaction, leaned back in her seat with a smirk. “It’s cute when you try to act modest, Hack,” she teased, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “You were definitely a big part of everyone’s progress, whether you want to admit it or not.”

As the conversation flowed, [Name] couldn’t help but notice Sabo had been unusually quiet, his focus entirely on his food. His usual banter was absent, and there was a strange distance in the air around him despite the warmth of the conversation that surrounded everyone else.

Hack, ever observant, was the first to catch on. “What’s up with you, Sabo?” he asked, a playful glint in his eyes. “You’ve been awfully quiet. I know we’re all that entertaining, but come on.”

Koala, picking up on the subtle shift in the atmosphere, glanced at him, too. “Yeah, you’re usually the one making all the noise,” she added her tone light but with a hint of concern. “Everything alright?”

Sabo, startled out of his quiet spell, blinked at her for a moment. He then leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of playfulness and mild embarrassment. “I’m fine, don’t worry. Just… lost in thought, that’s all.”

[Name] tilted her head, unblinking as she decided to jump in. “What’s got you so lost in thought? A sexy blonde? Brunette? Or maybe you’re into men, now?” 

Sabo’s eyes widened slightly at the sudden shift in her teasing, his face flushing a little. He quickly recovered, raising an eyebrow at her. “You’re really going there, huh?” he chuckled, though it was clear he hadn’t expected the question. “I’m just thinking about…stuff,” he added quickly, a little too casually.

[Name] leaned in slightly, her gaze sharp. “Uh-huh, sure, ‘stuff.’ That’s totally convincing.” She crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look. “Come on, Blondie. You’re telling me you can’t think of anything more interesting than stuff? I was just trying to spice up your imagination a bit.”

Hack and Koala exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. Hack leaned forward, eager to throw in his own two cents. “Yeah, Sabo, don’t be shy. We’re all friends here,” he teased, clearly feeding off [Name]’s energy.

Sabo let out a breath, trying to remain unfazed by the sudden attention. “You guys are unbelievable,” he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. He took a swig of his drink, attempting to cool off his sudden embarrassment. “Just been thinking about something Dragon told me. It’s just some boring stuff.”

The three didn’t push any further, catching the hint. 

[Name] stood up, picking up her clean plate. “Right, I’ll catch you guys later. I’ve kept Shun waiting for too long.”

Hack gave a small nod, leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed. “Don’t let him blow himself up while you’re gone,” he joked, earning a chuckle from Koala.

Koala waved a hand lazily in farewell, her expression still amused. “Tell Shun we said hi. And remind him to take a break once in a while.”

Sabo, still nursing his drink, glanced up as [Name] turned to leave. “Don’t work too hard,” he offered, his voice softer than before, though the teasing lilt hadn’t entirely disappeared. “We wouldn’t want a repeat performance of you tossing your guts everywhere.”

[Name] froze mid-step, throwing him an exaggerated glare over her shoulder. “Oh, so we’re still holding onto that, are we? Real original, Blondie.”

“You always remember the good stuff,” Sabo quipped back, finally allowing a small, genuine smile to break through. It was fleeting, but it lingered just enough for her to see it before she turned away.

As she disappeared through the door, Koala leaned closer to Sabo, her voice quiet. “I thought you were too lost in thought to hear our conversation?” 

Sabo paused, his cup hovering halfway to his mouth as he shot her a sidelong glance. “I hear plenty. Doesn’t mean I need to comment on everything.”

Sabo blinked, genuinely thrown off, his cup settling back on the table as Hack and Koala continued to watch him with mild confusion. “Wait, her?” he repeated as if the word itself didn’t quite compute.

Hack frowned slightly, his brow furrowing. “Yeah, [Name]. Who else would we be talking about?”

Koala tilted her head, patting Sabo’s shoulder again like he was being slow on purpose. “You’ve always looked out for her since we were kids. It’s not like it’s new, Sabo.”

Hack chimed in, crossing his arms as though stating the obvious. “You two have been like that forever stuck at the hip. It’s no wonder you’re a little extra protective sometimes. Not exactly a mystery.”

Sabo opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out at first. He quickly closed it, looking between the two as if trying to piece together something only he seemed aware of.

“Right,” he mumbled, zoning out from the conversation once more.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Seven: The Calm Before the Storm (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Seven: The Calm Before the Storm Warnings: Mildly Suggestive Chapter Six: The Weight We Carry Chapter Eight: Between the Lines

The room was quiet except for the soft rustle of turning pages. Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting golden beams across shelves brimming with vibrant-colored books. The gentle glow pooled in the center of the room, where [Name] sat, a book cracked open on her lap. She was fully immersed, her eyes dancing with excitement as she devoured the story before her, the world around her momentarily forgotten. “What are you reading, [Name]?” came a familiar voice, light and teasing.

Reluctantly breaking away from her book, [Name] glanced up to find a certain redhead standing in the doorway, arms crossed, lips curved in a playful pout. “Koala,” [Name] replied, a smile tugging at her lips. “I’m reading that book you found the other day.”

Koala groaned dramatically, striding further into the room with one hand pressed over her head. “You mean the one that attacked me? The book that fell off the shelf and gave me a bump the size of a cannonball?” [Name] laughed softly, the sound bright and genuine, as she turned the book toward Koala like a prized treasure. “Your sacrifice wasn’t in vain, I promise. This book is amazing! The romance alone is worth the lump on your head.”

Koala huffed, but her expression softened at the sight of [Name]'s clear enjoyment. “I guess I’m a hero, then,” she muttered, sitting beside [Name] and peeking curiously at the pages. “If it’s that good, maybe I should give it a read too… when I’m not risking my life for it.”

[Name] smirked and nudged her gently. “You’re braver than most, Koala. Not everyone could endure such peril in the name of literature.”

Koala scoffed but snatched the book from [Name]’s hands, flipping through the pages. “No wonder you’re so glued to this thing. It’s so… passionate.” Her eyes scanned a passage, brow twitching. “Wait, all of this happens in the garden? They couldn’t wait to make it to their room?”

[Name] wore a devious grin, leaning closer. “It was an emergency. His hands were tied.”

Koala shot her a suspicious look. “From what I’m reading, her hands were the tied ones.”

Before [Name] could fire back, the door creaked open, and both of them froze like guilty children. Sabo stood in the doorway, balancing a stack of papers in one hand and raising an eyebrow at the scene.

Startled, both women jumped. In their flurry to hide the book, Koala shoved it behind her back, unintentionally pushing [Name] in the process. The sudden motion sent [Name] tipping backward in her chair, flailing before hitting the ground with a thud.

Sabo blinked, his gaze darting between them. “Are you two… okay?”

[Name], still sprawled on the floor, groaned while Koala offered an innocent smile, clutching the book behind her back. “We’re great! Why wouldn’t we be?”

Sabo raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. “Uh-huh,” he said, clearly unconvinced. “So, [Name], are you just going to lay there or are you going to get up?”

Luckily for [Name], the fallen chair shielded her from Sabo’s view, sparing her the embarrassment of unintentionally flashing him. She sat up carefully, tugging her skirt back into place before rising to her feet. Dusting herself off, she gave the chair an accusing glare as if it were to blame for her predicament.

“Next time, you get the chair,” [Name] grumbled to Koala, though the reluctant smile tugging at her lips betrays her supposed ‘frustration.’

Sabo eyed the two of them suspiciously as he walked into the room, a stack of papers balanced in his arms. Koala, still clutching the book tightly behind her back, smiled a little too brightly.

“We’re great!” she chirped again, inching subtly toward the chair as if that would hide her better.

Sabo didn’t buy it for a second. He glanced at Koala, noticed her oddly rigid posture, and let out a small sigh, pretending he didn’t see the way her arms were awkwardly curled behind her. “Uh-huh. Completely normal, I’m sure.”

[Name] bit her lip to keep from laughing, already amused by Koala’s desperation.

“Well,” Sabo continued smoothly, finally approaching them, “as long as you two are done with your antics…” He set the stack of papers down on the table with a dull thud, grabbing both their attention. “These are the newspapers I collected regarding that last mission. I figured we should all take a look at the reports.”

At the mention of their work, [Name] straightened up, a curious glint in her eyes. Koala quickly shuffled to the table, desperate to shift focus away from the book. “Right, the newspapers! Very important!” she said enthusiastically, forcing her attention to the papers.

Sabo gave her a fleeting smirk but didn’t say anything. His eyes darted briefly to the book she’d not so subtly dropped into her lap under the table. Without missing a beat, he began talking. “Most of the articles focus on the fallout. Some are questioning the Revolutionary Army’s involvement, but others…” In a swift, practiced motion, Sabo snatched the book right out of Koala’s hands mid-sentence. “...are just speculating.”

Koala froze.

“Wait! Give that back!” she screeched, lunging for the book.

Sabo stepped back with an infuriatingly calm expression, holding the book high out of her reach. He thumbed through the pages casually as if he weren’t fending off a panicked Koala. [Name], on the other hand, was doubled over in her chair, clutching her stomach as she roared with laughter.

Koala turned to her in betrayal. “Why are you laughing?! Help me!”

Sabo, still flipping through, raised an eyebrow. “You know, for the longest time, I thought [Name] was the only pervert in this group.”

Koala spluttered her face a furious shade of red. “I—It’s not my fault! It fell on my head, and [Name] was showing it to me!”

[Name], tears in her eyes, grinned wickedly. “Specifically page 305. You’ll thank me later.”

Sabo paused mid-turn, flicking a skeptical glance between the two of them. He flipped to the indicated page, his brow furrowing as he scanned the words, only for his expression to freeze completely. A beat of silence passed. Then, with an audible thud, Sabo closed the book.

[Name] couldn’t breathe, her laughter echoing off the walls. “Was it too much for you, Blondie?” she teased, barely able to get the words out.

Koala exhaled, finally calming down. “You’re as guilty as me, now.”

Sabo lightly tapped [Name]’s head with the book, shaking his head in disappointment. “You’re hopeless, [Name], you know that?”

[Name]’s hands shot to the book, gripping it. “Then give it back if you can’t handle it.”

“Nope,” Sabo said, tugging it away from her. “This is evidence. Dangerous contraband, clearly.”

[Name] grinned ear to ear. “Well, I guess I have a whole library of weapons at my disposal.” 

Sabo gave her a deadpan look. “This is an addiction. You need some serious help.”

“It’s just a book, Blondie,” [Name] replied with a dismissive wave. “Right, Koala?”

Koala, standing off to the side, simply shrugged, clearly uninterested in participating in the conversation.

Sabo raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused. “Just a book? You’ve got a whole library of ‘just books’ in here.” He flicked through the pages one more time, shaking his head. “Honestly, I can’t believe I’m even touching this.”

[Name] leaned in, a teasing smirk on her face. “So, you’re saying you don’t enjoy a little... passion in your life?” She arched an eyebrow, her voice lowering with mock innocence. 

Sabo’s eyes darted to her briefly, and for a split second, there was a hint of something in his gaze. His lips twitched, but he quickly masked it with a cough, shifting his weight uncomfortably. “What’s that supposed to mean?” But then, as [Name] continued, his expression faltered.

“If memory serves, you’ve come back to the base pretty late a few times, all messy hair and crumpled clothes.”

Sabo’s gaze dropped to the papers in his hands, his posture stiffening slightly. He forced a casual shrug, but the flicker of discomfort passed over his face. “’m not sure what you’re implying,” he muttered, his tone dropping just slightly as if he were trying to distance himself from the thought.

[Name] cut him off with a dramatic gasp. “Oh, I’m not implying anything, Blondie. Just thought I should mention it.”

Koala, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, suddenly cleared her throat. “Yeah, Sabo, I’ve noticed you’ve been coming back late too. Messy hair, clothes everywhere... and you’re always so out of breath.” She gave [Name] a sly smile, clearly enjoying the teasing.’

Sabo’s eyes widened, then narrowed in on Koala. “Oh, come on. You too?” he groaned, his cheeks flushing further.

[Name] leaned back in her chair, slightly arching her back, crossing her arms with an exaggerated air of innocence. “It’s not like we’re making any accusations, right, Koala? Just... mentioning things we’ve observed.”

Sabo’s eyes flicked toward her for a moment longer than he intended, noticing the way she shifted, the casual yet confident way she leaned back.

Koala snickered, folding her arms and tapping her chin thoughtfully. “I mean, you are always the last one to come back from patrols. It’s a little suspicious, don’t you think?”

Sabo glanced between the two of them, his usual confidence slipping away. “You’re both impossible,” he muttered, trying to ignore the teasing. “I’m telling you, it’s just... business. You know, the kind that requires getting my clothes dirty and... being out late.”

Koala raised an eyebrow. “Is that what they’re calling it now? Hmm, seems like Sabo’s a little too defensive for it to be ‘just business.’ Maybe there’s more to his ‘dirty work’ than we thought.”

[Name] clapped her hands, grinning mischievously. “You know, Sabo, you don’t have to get so defensive. We’re just... trying to help you. You don’t need to hide your passions from us.”

Sabo sighed in exasperation, tossing the book onto the table. “That’s it. I’m done. You two are impossible.”

[Name] just smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Sure, Blondie. But remember, if you ever need any... advice, we’re here for you.” 

“Right, well I’ve got things to do, so I’ll leave you two bickering,” Koala hummed, deciding to end her teasing. “I’d rather leave before it turns back on me.”

“I’d never turn on you! I need you! You’re my partner in crime!” [Name] cried out, a giggle laced in her words. 

Koala ignored her pleas, giving her a small smile before departing.  

Sabo took a seat next to [Name], his thigh brushing against hers. “I thought I was your partner in crime? I’ve known you longer than Koala, after all,” Sabo said, his voice low but playful, as he stretched out in the chair.

[Name] snickered. “Jealous much? It’s not a competition.”

Sabo leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head, his usual confidence returning. “Yeah, you and I have known each other since we were twelve. That should count for something.”

[Name] tilted her head, placing her cheek in the palm of her hand, looking at him with a cocky expression.“I never said it didn’t.” 

“Then what am I?”

The question caught [Name] off guard. For a moment, she hesitated, blinking as she processed the weight of his words. It was unlike Sabo asking something directly and personally. Usually, he would never go this serious unless there was something important on his mind or unless he was messing with her. But this didn’t feel like a prank.

She wasn’t sure how to respond. Should she give him a straightforward answer or brush it off as a joke? There was no denying the importance Sabo held in her life. He was her best friend, the first person she had truly trusted, and the one who had been by her side since their escape from Mary Geoise. He had always been there for her, offering comfort when she was sick and always looking out for her. Even when it came to her ridiculous books, he’d scold her, but it was always with a kind heart. When trouble came their way, they faced it together, having each other's backs through thick and thin.

Sabo had become someone irreplaceable, a constant in her life, much like the rest of the Revolutionary Army. They had built something strong, rooted in respect, shared experiences, and an unspoken understanding that they could always count on each other. So, when he asked what he did, it felt like he was looking for something more than just a joke. It felt like he was asking for reassurance, and [Name] knew that, above all else, she valued the trust between them.

[Name]’s smile faded, her expression softening with sincerity. “You’re my best friend, Sabo.” 

For a long moment, Sabo simply stared at her, his eyes hard to read. The tension hung in the air, thick with unspoken words. 

Finally, Sabo rubbed the back of his neck, breaking the silence with an almost shy tone. “Sorry about yesterday,” he muttered, turning away slightly. “I didn’t mean to upset you during the sparring match.”

[Name] blinked in confusion, her mind briefly derailing from their earlier conversation. "Sorry? Yesterday? For what?"

He glanced at her with a sideways look, his voice quieter. “You seemed upset when I said something. That’s why I came to check on you.” [Name] didn’t respond, letting him continue. “I can get carried away sometimes," he continued, scratching his head. “Next time, if I say something that bothers you, just hit me. I can take it.”

[Name] blinked but played coy. “So, you’re giving me permission to abuse you, Blondie?”

Sabo let out a dry laugh, a little chuckle escaping. “Well, I’m not giving you permission to abuse me... but a little whack on the head is fine.”

She smirked. “I don’t think I’ll be able to control myself. If you give me an inch, I might take a whole mile.”

“Do what you want, Princess,” Sabo teased, but his tone softened as he leaned closer, resting his head briefly on her shoulder. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

Thump-thump

His words stirred something in [Name], something that caught her off guard. It wasn’t a feeling she could easily name, but it was undeniable, a rush of intensity that settled in her chest and refused to dissipate. She couldn’t make sense of it at the moment, and it felt overwhelming. It was a feeling she hadn’t experienced before, and it made her heart race in a way she wasn’t used to. 

One thing was certain. It felt like trouble.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Six: The Weight We Carry (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Six: The Weight We Carry Warning: Angst Chapter Five: A Chaotic Distraction Chapter Seven: The Calm Before the Storm

[Name] dropped to the ground, panting, trying to regain her composure. She hugged one of her knees, letting her other leg extend out. 

“What part of this is supposed to be light exercise?” [Name] huffed, lifting her gaze to meet with Sabo’s. He grinned, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “Maybe I downplayed it a bit,” he said, chuckling as he shook his shirt out. “Another round?”

[Name] raised an eyebrow, her smile sly. “You’re just as worn out as I am, and you’re still asking for more? You really are relentless.” She wiped the sweat from her brow, her voice teasing. “How do you have this much energy this early?”

Sabo extended his hand to her, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “If it makes you feel better, you’ve got some serious stamina. No one lasts this long against me, except Dragon, of course.” With a scoff, [Name] grabbed his hand, using his grip to pull herself up. But the moment she was on her feet, she twisted her body sharply, sending Sabo flipping over her shoulder with a swift motion. He hit the ground with a thud, completely caught off guard.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Blondie,” [Name] quipped, crouching down by Sabo.

Sabo blinked up at her, momentarily dazed, and then raised an eyebrow. “And here I thought I was the one with the tricks.”

 Name] smirked, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Well, I do have a few moves up my sleeve.” She paused, tilting her head with a playful glint in her eyes. “And, just so you know, my stamina? It’s one of my most alluring qualities.”

Sabo’s eyes widened slightly, and for a split second, he gulped, just enough for [Name] to catch it. He quickly regained his composure, a grin spreading across his face. “Pft— I’m sure it is.”

[Name] laughed, shaking her head. “I’m just teasing, Sabo. Get your head out of the gutter.”

Sabo pushed himself up, brushing the dirt off his clothes with a mock sigh. “I don’t know what you’re inferring but my head was never in the gutter, Princess.” “Princess?” [Name] arched an eyebrow, momentarily distracted from their earlier conversation. “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for my charm and decided to submit to me? Well, I should have known. You’re only human, after all.”

“Princess because you’re as bratty as one.”

“Oh, you’re really asking for it now, Blondie.” With a swift motion, [Name] threw a hard kick at his side, which Sabo blocked with ease.

“Bring it on, Princess.” Without warning, Sabo launched himself forward faster than she anticipated. [Name] instinctively blocked, their bodies colliding with a force that made her body hum with the effort.

“Not bad,” she muttered under her breath.

“You’re just getting started, aren’t you?” Sabo jabbed, trying to get a reaction out of [Name].

“Don’t make me prove you wrong, Blondie,” [Name] said, not allowing him to get under her skin.

They went back into it, their movements a blur of strikes and blocks, each testing the other’s limits. It was a dance, one that was as much about challenge as it was about connection. Finally, after a fierce exchange, they both took a step back, breathing heavily. 

[Name] wiped the sweat off her brow, glancing at Sabo through her messy hair. “Remind me to never piss you off.” 

Sabo placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt.  “Already? I thought you were just getting started.”

[Name] gave him a tired look, hands on her hips as she tried to catch her breath. “I’m tapping out, Blondie. I need a shower.”

“Really?” Sabo teased, raising an eyebrow. “And here I thought you had stamina. I’ve barely broken a sweat.”

She shot him a playful glare, her tone sharp but still playful. “I guess you’re the one with the ‘serious’ stamina.     Lucky you and any broad who gets the full brunt of it. They’re in for a real treat.”

Sabo stifled a laugh at her comment, pleased with her assessment. “You’re a real tease, you know that?”

[Name] didn’t even hesitate. “All in good fun, my friend, but don’t lie. You love it. Admit it.” 

“That’s a secret,” Sabo replied with a shrug, a faint grin tugging at his lips. “But what I will admit is even if you’re no match for me, it’s still impressive how much you’ve improved.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone transitioning from joking to sincerity. “I mean, you used to have such a weak constitution as a kid.”

[Name] rolled her eyes and swatted his hand away. “Well, excuse me for not being born a battle-ready prodigy like the rest of you hooligans.” Her tone was light, the jab affectionate rather than critical.

Sabo chuckled and flicked her forehead, earning an indignant ‘Hey!’ in return. “Hooligans, huh? That’s a fancy way of saying ‘capable troublemakers.’ You can’t fool me with the compliments hidden in that jab.”

She stuck out her tongue in response. “Took you long enough to catch on.”

“Still,” Sabo continued, leaning back slightly as if reminiscing. “I can’t forget how even the simplest chores used to trip you up. Peeling potatoes? You’d end up cutting up your whole hand and having to wrap it up in bandages every time. It was like watching a royal dropped into the wilderness for survival training.”

For the briefest moment, her smile faltered, but she quickly masked it with a scoff, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “Well, it’s not my fault potatoes are so… unforgiving. Besides, I’m much better now. Can’t hold my rookie mistakes against me forever, Blondie.”

Sabo raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her attempt to deflect. “Oh, trust me, those memories are burned into my brain. But you’ve got a point. You’ve come a long way, I’ll admit. You’d probably only need a band-aid now instead of the whole first-aid kit.” Sabo, oblivious to her unease, leaned against a nearby tree, his grin widening. “Honestly, you should be proud you turned out so decent, especially seeing as you had a fragile body back in the day. Can’t say the same for those pompous Celestial Dragons. A lifetime of luxury and all it gets them is a bloated sense of entitlement and absolutely zero survival skills.”

Her laugh came quickly, maybe a touch too quickly. “Well, as you said, I had a pretty weak body and got sick easily. Now, I’m practically your poster child for self-sufficiency now.”

Sabo nodded approvingly, completely missing the flicker of discomfort in her eyes. “Exactly. You’re the embodiment of resilience and hard work.”

She gave him a wry smile, leaning slightly on one hip. “Don’t go soft on me, Blondie. I like it better when you’re throwing jabs. Though, I guess comparing me to Celestial Dragon’s is a job in itself.”

Sabo snorted, waving a hand dismissively. “You’re nothing like them, and you know it. Besides…” he added with a teasing glint in his eyes, “...if you were, I’d probably be dragging you through the mud right now instead of standing here singing your praises.”

Her smile remained fixed, but her fingers twitched at her sides, betraying a momentary tension. “Good thing for both of us, then,” she said lightly. “I’d hate for you to ruin your reputation by being nice to a ‘pompous royal.’”

“Exactly,” Sabo quipped, straightening up with a grin. “Nice doesn’t suit me anyway.”

She laughed, though her smile didn’t fully reach her eyes this time. “Don’t I know it,” she replied, stepping back slightly as if to create some distance. “Anyway, I’m in need of a hot shower, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

“Huh?” Sabo questioned, looking down at his clothes as he tugged the hem of his sweat-soaked shirt. 

“You’re sweating like a dog,” [Name] teased, keeping her tone light, but her hands now firmly at her sides, no longer reaching to playfully shove or swat at him. “Your whole shirt’s a mess.”

Sabo raised an eyebrow, sensing a subtle shift but not quite piecing it together. “Well, when you’re this good, you’ve got to work for it,” he joked, smirking as he leaned casually against a tree.

She let out a soft laugh but didn’t linger, turning toward the base with a wave of her hand. “Keep telling yourself that, Blondie. Maybe one day someone will believe you.”

Sabo watched her go, tilting his head slightly as if noticing something different but unable to put his finger on it.

As [Name] made her way back toward the base, her steps slowed. The usual banter with Sabo, something that always left her feeling lighter, had instead left a heaviness in her chest. His words, spoken so casually, replayed in her mind. 

Her fingers twitched at her sides, her nails biting into her palms. Moments like these reminded her that no amount of hard work or charm could wash away her origins. 

By the time she reached her room, she felt suffocated by the weight of it all. Stripping off her sweat-soaked clothes, she stepped into the shower, cranking the water as hot as it would go. Steam filled the small space, but even the scalding heat couldn’t distract her from her thoughts.

The steam from the shower swirled around [Name] as she stood under the scalding water, letting it cascade down her shoulders. She scrubbed her arms harder than necessary as if trying to erase the invisible marks of guilt clinging to her skin. “If you were [a Celestial Dragon], I’d probably be dragging you through the mud…” Sabo’s words echoed in her mind, each syllable a jab to her conscience.

Finally, she turned the water off with a sharp breath and grabbed a towel. She stared at her reflection in the fogged-up mirror, her fingers gripping the sink tightly. 

Pulling herself together, she dressed quickly, shaking off the lingering doubt. She needed a distraction, something to keep her mind and hands busy. The workshop came to mind immediately. Shun would be there, neck-deep in wires and blueprints, working tirelessly on that robot. The thought of his focus, his determination, gave her something to latch onto. He was her light and guidance. 

She grabbed her boots and stepped out the door, making a quick decision. Her pace quickened into a light jog as she moved through the hall, her mind still buzzing from her earlier conversation.

Before long, she found herself standing in front of Shun’s workshop. Without hesitating, she pushed the door open and called out.

“Shun!” The Fishman looked up from his workbench, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of focus and recognition. “Need help?” she asked, her voice steady despite the faint tension she felt still lingering from her earlier thoughts.

Shun didn’t immediately respond, instead giving a lazy thumbs-up toward the robot, which sat motionless in the middle of the room. “Yeah, help me unbolt his head. I’m planning to reprogram him with the blueprints you brought back from the mission.”

[Name] walked over, grabbing a stool to help her reach the robot's head. It wasn’t too high up, thanks to the robot’s seated position, but she still needed the extra height. After adjusting the stool, she grabbed a wrench and climbed up, focusing on the task. 

Shun continued working on his side, but after a moment, his voice broke through the quiet clinking of metal. “You didn’t stop by at your usual time. Were you with Sabo?”

[Name] paused for a split second, her grip tightening on the wrench as her mind flicked back to the sparring session with him. “How did you know?” 

Shun didn’t even look up, clearly more interested in his work than in her response. “Hunch.” 

“He…”[Name] grunted, twisting the final bolt free. “...asked me to be his sparring partner.”

Shun didn’t react at first, but then he glanced over with a smirk, tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You lost, huh?”

“Shut it,” [Name] muttered, not hiding the flash of annoyance in her voice. 

[Name] worked silently for a few moments, focusing on the bolts holding the robot’s head in place, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the sparring session with Sabo. She twisted the last bolt, setting the head free from its mechanical body, and carefully placed it on the workbench beside her.

“Done,” she muttered, wiping her hands on her pants.

Shun, who had been busy with his own task, walked over to inspect her work. [Name] watched him move, her gaze naturally drifting over the contours of his back—until her eyes caught it.

The mark.

The red, twisted symbol burned into his skin, the unmistakable Claw of the Celestial Dragon.

[Name]’s stomach turned, a sick feeling bubbling up as if something vile crawled beneath her skin. She knew she shouldn’t look, but she couldn’t help it. The sight of that brand, the permanent scar of a life stolen, twisted her insides. It was a silent reminder of all the horrors her people had inflicted. The chains, the whips, the torture, the lives.

The weight of it pressed down on her chest, suffocating her.

“Still staring?”

Shun’s calm voice cut through the silence like a knife.

[Name] froze, her breath hitching. She looked up to find him glancing at her over his shoulder, his expression unreadable.

“I—” Her voice caught, and she quickly dropped her gaze to the tools scattered across the bench. “I wasn’t.”

Shun didn’t move for a moment, his eyes lingering on her. Then, with a small sigh, he turned back to the robot, grabbing another tool from his belt. “You always get quiet when you see it.”

The words hit harder than she expected. [Name] stiffened, forcing herself to shrug even as the guilt gnawed at her. Say something, she thought, her mind scrambling. Anything to fill the space.

[Name] stiffened, guilt gnawing at her even as she tried to keep her expression neutral. “I was just checking out your muscles,” she said, forcing a thin, casual tone. “And might I say, looking good? I bet the ladies are ready to pounce on you.”

For a moment, the only sound was the distant hum of machinery. Shun let out a dry chuckle. “You think your jokes work on me? I practically raised you since you were ten.”

[Name] stiffened again, guilt gnawing at her even as she tried to keep her expression playful. “Should I start calling you father, then?”

Shun paused mid-motion, the tool in his hand hovering above the robot. His lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile, though his voice remained steady. “Let’s not. I don’t need that kind of stress in my life.”

[Name] managed a snort, grateful for the small crack in the tension. But even as the moment passed, her gaze flickered to his back again, to the mark, and her heart twisted in her chest.

“You were just a child.” Shun’s voice was steady, but there was a quiet weight behind his words. He turned back to his work, the soft clink of metal filling the space between them.

He knew that the guilt [Name] carried was a deep, unhealed wound carved into her heart. One that no words, no reassurances could mend. He had said it before and would say it again, but he also knew it wasn’t enough. All he could do was hope that one day, she’d find a way to let go. To forgive herself. To see herself not as the sins of her bloodline but as the person she had chosen to become. Until then, he kept his hands busy and his words simple because sometimes, that was all you could do for someone you cared about.

[ivyprayedtoday]

Chapter Five: A Chaotic Distraction (Sabo x Reader)

Chapter Five: A Chaotic Distraction Chapter Four: Through the Winds of Change Chapter Six: The Weight We Carry Warnings: Mild Violence

[Name]’s back was against the wall, her soft breath filling, disrupting the silent air. Her eyes darted over the dimly lit hallway, the flickering light from a nearby lantern casting uneven shadows against the cold stone walls. She squinted at the sound of faint footsteps echoing in the distance but found no one in sight. Once confident she wasn’t being watched, she slipped forward, her footsteps light against the polished floor.

She moved swiftly, her sharp eyes scanning for surveillance transponder snails. When she reached the end of the hall, a dead end loomed ahead. With a resigned sigh, she surged forward, her foot slamming into the wall with a resounding crack. Dust and debris scattered around her, and without missing a beat, she leaped through the opening she’d made, brushing rubble off her shoulder as if it were no more than a mild inconvenience. “Subtlety is overrated anyway,” she muttered with a smirk.

Her transponder snail rang, stealing her attention from the task at hand. She wasted no time pulling out the snail and holding it to eye level.

“[Name]!” Koala’s exasperated voice rang out. “Where did you run off to? Is everything going well on your side?” 

“I was able to infiltrate the castle, and I’m looking for the rogue mercenaries right now.” [Name] trained her focus on the soldiers ahead, who had lined up, pointing guns in her direction. “I caused a bit of chaos, so they’ll be focused on trying to stop me instead of you and Hack.” The soldiers began shooting at [Name], but as per usual, the bullets never seemed to touch her. The expression on the den-den morphed into an exaggerated, angered expression. “I thought I told you not to bring attention to yourself!” 

“Oh, come on, Koala. You told Sabo to hang back, and yet here we are. What’s that saying again? Chaos is contagious?” [Name] teased, dodging a stray bullet with a sidestep. “I’m just picking up bad habits from your favorite lunatic.”

“You’re turning into Sabo 2.0, and it’s not a compliment!” Koala snapped, the den-den snail’s face scrunching into an expression of pure, unfiltered exasperation. “One chaotic lunatic is enough, thanks! If you keep this up, I’m tying you both to the same anchor next time.”

“Listen, I had no choice but to cause chaos this time.” The den-den’s angered expression changed to one of suspicion, suggesting Koala didn’t believe her excuse. “They had a whole army just for security. I had to pretend to be a soldier just to get in here, but even then, I was caught. They’re so strict about security and identity for a bunch of mercenaries.” 

Koala sighed, conceding to [Name]’s excuse. “Then I guess you were left with no choice, then. Are there any good entry points?”

[Name] pointlessly nodded, even if the Koala couldn’t see. “I stirred some trouble at the front and back entrance, so they’ll tightly guard those areas. If you use the courtyard, you should be able to get in, but be careful. They have a bunch of surveillance transponder snails decorating the halls.”

“All right, got it and good luck.” Koala said, finally satisfied with [Name]’s plan. 

“Same to you. Let me know if anything happens.” [Name] put the den-den, finally returning to the soldiers she had been ignoring. “Wait, when did you guys get here?” [Name] questioned, surprised by the soldiers shooting at her. 

“What did you just say?” one soldier squawked, nearly dropping his rifle angrily. 

“She’s kinda hot.” His partner nudged him with an elbow. 

“Oi, don’t get distracted—she’s—wait, where’d she go?”

[Name] sighed dramatically, hanging from a pipe above their heads. “You know, if you stopped yelling and actually aimed, you might hit something. Maybe.” She let go of the pipe, twisting mid-air to land silently behind them before vanishing down the hall.

Meanwhile, Koala and Hack made their way to the courtyard, evading any soldiers. The two crept along the courtyard’s edge, their eyes flickering toward the castle. 

“[Name] wasn’t kidding about the transponder snails,” she muttered, spotting one latched onto a pillar. “They’re everywhere.”

Hack grunted beside her, his hands tightening, prepared to fight. “At least she drew most of the guards. But let’s not waste her effort.”

Koala crouched behind a column, her sharp eyes darting across the courtyard. Several guards patrolled in pairs, their rifles slung loosely over their shoulders. She tapped Hack's arm, motioning to a narrow path near the eastern wall.

“That’s our best shot,” she whispered. “Stay low and quiet. I’ll handle the snails.” Hack nodded, his massive frame somehow moving with surprising grace. Koala reached into her pouch, pulling out a small spray that would blind the snails. She aimed at the nearest snail, which perched high on a wall, its eyes lazily scanning around. A quick hiss of spray later, the snail was tearing up, unable to see around it. “One down, too many to count.”

Hack peered around the edge of a pillar. “There’s a service door up ahead. Should lead inside.”

Koala’s reply was cut off by shouts echoing in the distance, back where [Name] had disappeared. The commotion sent several guards scrambling toward the noise.

“Looks like she’s keeping them busy,” Koala muttered, her tone half-exasperated, half-admiring. “Let’s move.”

[Name] was indeed keeping them busy. A blaring siren echoed through the halls, sending the castle into chaos. Despite the relentless pursuit, her breath remained steady, adrenaline fueling her every move. The heavy thud of boots reverberated behind her.

“Can’t you guys take a hint?” she shouted over her shoulder, her voice tinged with mockery. “I’m done entertaining you! Go find someone else to bother!” Her taunt was answered with another round of gunfire, as usual. The bullets whizzed harmlessly past her, the soldiers still unable to land a single shot.

Rounding a corner, she veered right, her mind racing for a way to lose the mob on her heels. The echoing footsteps grew louder, and she knew she was running out of time. Before she could react, a firm hand shot out of the shadows, grabbing her arm and yanking her into a side room. She opened her mouth to protest, but another hand clamped firmly over her mouth, muffling her objections. 

Outside, the thunder of footsteps passed by.

“Where did she go?” a soldier’s voice barked, tense and frustrated.

“She went that way!” another shouted, the noise receding as the group rushed past.

The moment the footsteps faded, [Name] pried the hand from her mouth, her breath escaping in a relieved sigh. “Sabo, you’re a lifesaver.” Her voice was calm, though the adrenaline still hummed beneath her skin.

“Well, it’s all thanks to you that I got this-” Sabo pulled out a thick file filled with colorful papers. “They were so busy chasing after you they didn’t even pay me any mind.”

[Name] arched a brow at the folder in Sabo’s hand, giving him an amused look. “You know, for someone who claims to dislike chaos, you sure know how to take advantage of it.” [Name] took the folder from his hand, looking through the contents. 

Sabo chuckled, tucking the file securely into his coat. “I learned from the best.” Sabo hovered over [Name]’s shoulder, looking along with her. “Now, we just have to find a way out.”

“What about the mastermind behind all this?” [Name] continued to look through, pulling a specific blueprint from the folder. 

“Handled him. How else would I have those documents and blueprints?”

[Name] gave a low whistle, tapping the blueprint with her finger. “Looks like you were busy. This is way more detailed than I expected.” She squinted at the intricate design and held the paper to the dim light. “With all this, Shun can definitely make some good weapons and tools for the Revolutionary Army. Not to mention, we now have the layout of the base.” [Name] turned on her heel to face Sabo, handing Sabo the folder opened to the blueprint.

Sabo took the folder from her, his fingers brushing against hers for a moment longer than necessary. He glanced at it briefly before folding it carefully and tucking it inside his coat. “We also need to locate Koala and Hack.” 

[Name] silently agreed, scanning the dim corridor around them. “Right. Koala and Hack are waiting for us in the courtyard. But getting there won’t be easy. The entire castle knows we're here now.”

Sabo grinned, his usual mischievousness returning. “Guess we’ll have to keep them distracted a little longer, huh?”

[Name] chuckled a playful glint in her eyes. "You do love your distractions." She stepped closer to him, her voice lowering to a near whisper. “But before we make things worse, let’s try giving them a call to get a sense of their situation before we cause another scene.”

Sabo reached for his den-den, ready to dial, but [Name] grabbed his wrist. “With your track record, let me make the call. For Koala’s sanity, and ours.” Sabo threw his hands up in mock surrender, letting her pull out her den-den.

“Hello, Koala?”

The den-den snail chirped to life, and after a moment, Koala’s familiar face appeared on the snail. Her brows furrowed in immediate concern. “What’s the situation? Are you all right, [Name]? You didn’t cause too much trouble, did you?”

Sabo snickered in the background, shaking his head. “If by 'everyone' you mean the entire castle, then yeah, we're just making sure they stay... entertained.”

“Sabo!” Koala yelled, her voice practically killing their eardrums. “At least have the decency to pick up your den-den! Where were you this whole time?”

[Name] stifled a laugh at the familiar exchange, turning slightly toward Sabo with an amused smile. Sabo took the den-den from [Name]’s hand.

“I figured you’d appreciate the blueprints and intel,” Sabo bragged, waving the thick file at [Name]. 

Koala sighed, relieved that the two were all right. “You two are such a headache. Now, hurry up, and we’ll meet you at the ship.” Koala paused. “You two better not-”

Sabo hung up, throwing the den-den back at [Name]. 

[Name] caught the den-den, tucking it back into her pocket as she glanced at Sabo.“Callus much? I’d hate to see how you’ll treat your future girlfriend if this is what you’re like on critical missions.” 

Sabo rolled his eyes, peeking out into the hall. “I’m not exactly in the mood to be sweet-talkin’ anyone right now,” he said, his voice low as he scanned the hallway for any signs of guards. “And as for future girlfriends, well, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”

[Name] chuckled, shaking her head as she moved closer to him. “Fair enough. No romance on the battlefield, I get it. But you could still stand to communicate more, you know.”

“I communicate enough.”

“Sure,” [Name] sarcastically commented. “I hope Koala really gives it to you, this time.”

Sabo frowned at the thought. “I swear, if Koala gives me another lecture, I might just—” Sabo muttered under his breath, his eyes flicking over to [Name] for a brief moment.

[Name] raised an eyebrow, catching the hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “You? Getting lectured? That’s hard to imagine. You’ve got a way of getting out of trouble without even trying.”

Sabo shot her a sidelong glance. “Oh? And what makes you think that?”

[Name] playfully stuck out her tongue. “It’s just that look on your face when you act all 'too cool for this.' Koala can’t even get mad at you for more than five minutes.”

Sabo rolled his eyes, though a quiet chuckle escaped his lips. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

[Name] chuckled softly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Of course, you don’t.”

“Let’s just get back to the ship before Koala hunts us down herself. We’re already pushing our luck as it is.”

With that, they moved silently down the hall, making sure to stay out of sight. The tension in the air was palpable as they crept through the halls, the sounds of distant footsteps and shouting growing fainter as they progressed. [Name] and Sabo stayed in sync, their years of training making their movements seamless. Every step was calculated, every turn purposeful.