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merameraluvr · 13 days ago

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I’m Your Husband

fem!reader

characters: zoro, sanji, law, shanks and ace

tags: fluff, light comedy, established relationship, protective, pda

a/n: sorry for playing so much with ace T.T

words count: around 1.3k - 1.4k each

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

── .✦ Zoro:

The sun is down. The sky is dark, but the town is bright with lights and music.

You just finished eating at a small place by the sea. The food was great. Now, the crew stands outside, full and happy.

Luffy stretches his arms “Alright! Let’s go explore!”

Usopp nods “Let’s split up! We’ll cover more ground!”

You feel warm. Maybe too warm. That third drink… or was it the fourth? Either way, your head is spinning just a little. But your smile won’t leave your face.

Nami pulls out a map “Okay, I’ll go with Sanji, Chopper, Zoro, and Y/N.”

“Eh? Why am I in that group?” Zoro asks, already frowning.

Nami smirks “Because I said so. Try not to get lost this time.”

You giggle and stumble a little “I’ll make sure he doesn’t.”

Zoro looks at you, arms crossed “You can’t even stand straight.”

You step forward and grab his arm “That’s why I need you.” Your voice is soft. Sweet. Maybe a little loud.

Zoro freezes. His cheeks turn the faintest pink. He glances around—people are watching “H-Hey. Don’t cling like that.”

You grin and press your cheek to his shoulder “But you’re warm.”

“Oi, marimo,” Sanji says, cigarette between his lips, “If she wants to hold you, let her. You lucky bastard.”

“Shut it, curly-brow,” Zoro mutters “She’s drunk.”

“I’m not drunk,” you mumble “Just happy.”

Chopper runs ahead, excited “Let’s find some cool shops!”

You keep holding onto Zoro’s arm as the group walks. He keeps trying to shake you off, gently. But you won’t let go.

“Y/N,” he says in a low voice “People are staring.”

“So?” You look up at him with a small smile “I like holding you.”

He sighs “You’re impossible.”

“But you love me” you tease.

He looks away, his voice barely a whisper “…Yeah.”

You blink “What?”

“Nothing” he grunts.

Nami glances back and smiles “You guys are so cute.”

Zoro groans “Don’t start.”

You lean even closer “Zoro~”

“What now?”

“Carry me.”

“No.”

“Pleaaase?”

Sanji laughs “I’ll carry you, mademoiselle—”

“No!” Zoro snaps. He sighs again and crouches “Fine. Get on.”

You cheer quietly and hop onto his back. Your arms go around his neck “Zoro’s the best…”

“Yeah, yeah. Just don’t puke on me.”

You rest your head on his shoulder, finally closing your eyes.

Zoro walks, steady and strong, even with you on his back.

Behind you, Nami whispers to Sanji, “He’s totally soft for her.”

Sanji shrugs “Still don’t get what she sees in that mosshead.”

Zoro’s ear twitches “I can hear you, idiots.”

The streets are quieter now. Fewer lights. Fewer people.

You’re still on Zoro’s back, half-asleep. Your cheek rests against his shoulder. His body is warm, and his footsteps steady.

Sanji walks ahead with his hands in his pockets. Chopper’s beside him, talking excitedly about a candy shop he saw. Nami looks at the stars.

Then it happens.

“Oi, oi… look at those two up front.”

The voice comes from a shadowed alley. A group of men steps out. Maybe five… no, more. Eight? Ten?

All of them wear smug grins and old, ragged clothes. Drunk or bored, or both.

“Redhead’s got legs for days” one of them whistles.

Another points at you “And that one’s already clinging to her man. What a shame.”

You blink slowly, still a little tipsy, but even you catch that.

Zoro stops walking.

Nami’s eyes narrow “Great.”

Sanji steps forward fast, arm out in front of Nami and Chopper “Let me handle this.”

Zoro lowers you gently to the ground “Can you stand?”

You nod smiling proudly at you don't even know what “Mmhm. I’ll try my best”

He steps away from you, his hand already on one sword.

The men keep talking.

“Hey sweetheart,” one says to Nami, “you and your friend here, ditch the blond twig, the dog and that Grinch. We’ll show you a good time.”

Another laughs “Yeah the drunk one too. Bet she’s easy.”

Everything goes still.

Sanji’s eyes glow with rage “What did you say?”

Zoro doesn’t speak. He just draws his sword with a soft shing.

The leader of the group smirks “Look at these pretty boys. Gonna cry?”

Sanji takes off his jacket slowly “Nami-swan, Chopper—stay back.”

Chopper grabs Nami’s hand and pulls her behind a cart “Be careful!”

Zoro turns his head slightly toward you “Sit down. This’ll be quick.”

You nod and sit near the cart, leaning against it.

The men charge first, loud and sloppy.

Bad idea.

Sanji moves like fire, one man down with a spinning kick.

Zoro is calm and cold. His sword flashes but he doesn’t cut them, just knocks them flat with the dull side. Quick. Clean. Brutal.

But then someone tries to sneak around.

Toward you.

“Hey, maybe I’ll take the quiet one... she cute”

Zoro’s blade is at the man’s neck in a second. His voice is low, dangerous.

“Say another word.”

The man gulps.

“Zoro” you whisper. You’ve never seen his eyes like this. Sharp. Dark.

“I’m fine,” he says “But I don’t like people looking at you like that.”

Sanji grabs another by the collar and slams him into the ground “Next time you look at a lady like that, I’ll rearrange your face.”

The rest scatter fast. Limping, running, one even crawls away.

Silence again.

Chopper peeks out “Is it over?”

Nami sighs “Yeah. Idiots.”

Zoro walks back to you. He crouches “You okay?”

You nod “They were gross.”

He offers his hand. You take it.

“Next time,” he says, “stay close.”

“I was literally on your back.”

He grunts “Still.”

You smirk “Were you jealous?”

He looks away “…No.”

“You were.”

He doesn’t answer, just picks you up again, bridal-style this time.

You blink “What are you doing?”

“You can’t walk, and I’m not letting you fall behind.”

Sanji lights another cigarette, muttering, “Show-off.”

Zoro ignores him. You wrap your arms around his neck again, this time without teasing.

“Thanks” you whisper.

His voice is soft, only for you “Always.”

Zoro still holds you in his arms as the group walks again. You rest against his chest, eyes half-closed, smile lazy.

But after a few more steps, you squirm a little.

“Zoro?”

“Hm?”

“You can put me down. I can walk now.”

He pauses “You sure?”

You nod “Promise. I’m not that drunk anymore.”

He stops and gently lowers you onto your feet. His hands linger on your arms a second longer, just in case you stumble.

You wobble just a little but stay up.

“See?” you say with a proud smile “Told you.”

He nods “Fine. But don’t fall again.”

You start to walk, but then he does something strange.

He reaches down… and takes your hand.

Your eyes widen a little. So do Nami’s.

Even Chopper notices “Whoa… Zoro’s holding hands?!”

Zoro doesn’t let go. He doesn’t look embarrassed, either. Just keeps walking like it’s nothing.

Nami raises an eyebrow “Since when do you hold hands in public?”

Sanji raises both eyebrows “Yeah, mosshead, you sick? Got a fever or something?”

Zoro glances at them “Tch. I just don’t want her tripping.”

Chopper runs up beside him, grinning “But you never do that! That’s so cute!”

Zoro sighs but doesn’t snap “Yeah, well. You’re fine, Chopper. Just don’t push it.”

You look at him. Really look. His face is calm now, jaw relaxed, grip warm around your fingers. Not too tight. Not too loose. Just… right.

You don’t know why you feel shy suddenly.

But you say it anyway.

“I have a crush on you. Do you like me back?”

The group stops walking.

Zoro blinks. His eyes meet yours.

“I’m your husband...” he says, flatly “Literally.”

You freeze. Then blink “Oh yeah.”

And then you squeal.

You start bouncing in place, grinning like crazy “You do like me!”

Zoro doesn’t even try to hide the tiny smile that pulls at his lips.

You drop his hand and throw your arms around his neck “Zoro, I like you so much!”

He catches you easily “Yeah, I know.”

And then you kiss him.

Right there. In the middle of the street.

It’s soft but sure. You lean into him. He lets it happen.

He kisses you back.

Chopper covers his mouth “Oh my god…!”

Nami gasps, then laughs “This is so going in my diary.”

Sanji nearly drops his cigarette “I hate this timeline.”

Zoro pulls back just a little, still holding you “You’re drunk.”

You whisper, “But not that drunk.”

He exhales slowly “Yeah. Sure.”

You rest your forehead against his “I love you.”

He answers without thinking “I love you too.”

Another pause.

“You just said that out loud?” Nami shouts.

Sanji groans loudly “This is a nightmare.”

Chopper claps his hooves “They’re in love! So cute!”

Zoro finally sets you back down, brushing your hair out of your face.

“Come on,” he says “Let’s go back before the idiots behind us explode.”

── .✦ Sanji:

The Thousand Sunny docks at a bright island full of music, shops, and food stalls. The air smells like grilled fish and sweet fruit. It’s the kind of place the crew loves.

“Let’s eat everything!” Luffy cheers.

“You say that on every island” you say, smiling.

“Because it’s always true!”

You walk beside Sanji, your fingers brushing his. He takes your hand without even looking and brings it to his lips.

“My beautiful angel,” he murmurs “Shall we find a feast worthy of your beauty?”

“Just one that won’t kill us,” you joke “Please.”

The crew ends up at a cozy restaurant near the center of town. There’s a band playing outside, and the tables are shaded with bright cloths. People are drinking and laughing everywhere.

“Find a seat,” Sanji says “I’ll handle the food.”

You touch his arm “Don’t take too long.”

“Only death could keep me from you, mon amour.”

You roll your eyes, but your heart does that little flutter. Sanji always talks like that. He means it too, in his own dramatic way.

You sit with Nami, Robin, and the others. Everyone’s talking and laughing. Luffy tries to steal bread from someone else’s plate. Typical.

At the counter, Sanji orders. That’s when two women walk in, locals, dressed in soft, colorful clothes. They spot him instantly.

“Oh no,” Nami mutters “Look who just walked into his life.”

You turn and see them. One’s got curly black hair, the other wears silver earrings that swing when she walks. Both walk straight to Sanji.

You watch calmly.

“Hi, stranger” says the taller girl.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” the short one asks, leaning close.

Sanji smiles politely “Just visiting. I’m with friends.”

“Too bad,” the tall one says “We were hoping you’d say you were alone.”

“Oh? Then I must break your hearts, ladies,” he says, still smiling “I’m already spoken for.”

Your chest warms at that. But still… he doesn’t leave.

Then the shorter one laughs and says, “Just one drink. That’s not cheating.”

Sanji hesitates. He looks toward your table. He meets your eyes.

You shrug with a soft smile “Go ahead.”

He raises an eyebrow “Are you sure?”

You nod “You’re too polite to say no anyway.”

He stands there for a moment longer. Then he sighs dramatically, presses a hand to his heart, and says, “Forgive me, my love. It’s only a drink.”

“Don’t fall in love with anyone” you say.

“Impossible. You already own my heart.”

He walks with them to a small table in the corner. They giggle. One pours him something pink into a glass. He keeps his hands to himself, posture perfect, but he talks, smiles, flatters. You can almost hear the compliments from here.

Zoro leans closer “You’re really letting him do that?”

“Why not?” you say, sipping your drink.

“He’s literally flirting right now.”

“No. He’s just being Sanji.”

Robin chuckles “You trust him.”

You nod “I do.”

Still, your eyes don’t leave him. Even if your heart knows he’s yours, it’s hard to ignore two girls laughing at his jokes.

After ten minutes, he stands up, bows, and walks back. One of them tries to touch his arm, but he gently steps away.

“Thank you, ladies. But my real treasure is waiting for me.”

When he sits beside you again, you hand him a glass of water.

“Done being too polite?” you ask.

He takes the glass “It was torture, I swear.”

“You looked like you were enjoying yourself.”

“I was praying you’d come save me.”

You laugh “Liar.”

He leans closer “I only ever mean it when I talk to you.”

You smile and take a bite of your food.

But you don’t let go of his hand under the table.

The meal is almost done. Luffy’s plates are stacked like a tower. Usopp is bragging about something that never happened. You lean back in your chair, sipping a cold drink. Sanji sits beside you, close but calm.

You feel his warmth next to you. You feel… okay.

Until they show up again.

The same two girls from earlier. The tall one waves. The short one smiles like she’s just so happy to see him again.

“Is this seat taken?” the short one asks, already pulling over a chair next to Sanji.

“You’re back,” Sanji says politely “What a surprise.”

You don’t say anything. You’re watching. Listening.

They sit anyway.

Tall girl rests her arm on the back of Sanji’s chair “You left so fast earlier. We didn’t get to hear more about you.”

Short Girl adds, “We’ve never met someone so… elegant. You must be used to lots of attention.”

Sanji chuckles nervously “Please, you flatter me.”

You raise an eyebrow. He’s not leaning toward them, but he’s not moving away either. He’s being polite. Too polite.

You glance at Zoro. He’s smirking.

Nami mutters under her breath, “I’d slap them.”

Robin sips her drink “This is getting interesting.”

One of the girls tries to feed Sanji something off her plate.

You drop your fork.

Everyone goes silent for a second.

Sanji finally leans back “Ladies, I can’t—”

You stand up slowly. You smile. But not the nice kind.

You walk over and rest your hand gently on his shoulder. He turns to you like the sun just came out. You don’t look at him yet. You look at the girls.

And you say, loud and clear “That’s my husband.”

The words hit the table like thunder.

Both girls freeze. One blinks. The other pulls her hand back like she touched fire.

Sanji turns bright red. His eyes go wide. Then his mouth falls open “Y-your… husband?”

You finally look at him.

“Yes. You’re my husband, aren’t you?”

He starts nodding so fast it’s like his head is going to fall off.

“I’m your husband!” he says, grinning like an idiot, heart eyes in full bloom “Forever and ever! I belong to you, my love!”

He grabs your hands, kisses them one after the other “Your husband. Only yours. Always.”

You smile sweetly at the girls “Thanks for keeping him entertained.”

They stand up awkwardly, mutter something, and walk away quickly.

Sanji’s still holding your hands. Still blushing. Still staring at you like you just saved his life.

“I love when you get possessive” he whispers.

“You just love when I call you ‘husband’” you say.

“…Maybe.”

You lean down and kiss his cheek “Then behave, husband.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Sanji’s still holding your hands like they’re sacred treasure. The girls are gone, the crew is snickering quietly, and you finally sit back down beside him.

He hasn’t taken his eyes off you.

“You’re incredible” he whispers.

“You’re lucky I am.”

He gives you a dreamy sigh “Marry me again.”

“You’d flirt with the waitress at the wedding.”

He gasps “I would never!”

“You’d compliment her hair while holding my hand.”

“…I would,” he admits “But I’d still only see you.”

You give him a look. That look.

And then you glance down at his hands.

“Hey.”

“Yes, angel?”

“Why didn’t you wear your ring today?”

He blinks “What?”

You raise an eyebrow “It’s usually easier once they see that you’re taken.”

Sanji looks down at his bare left hand like he just noticed it. Then he immediately starts digging in his coat pocket.

“I—I was washing dishes this morning!” he says, panicking “I didn’t want to scratch it! I swear I meant to put it back on!”

“Uh-huh.”

He finally finds it. A simple gold band, a little worn from kitchen life, but still shining.

He grabs your hand and slides it on with dramatic care, like he’s proposing again.

“There. Forgive me?”

You hold up your hand and show him the matching one on your finger.

“I always wear mine.”

He groans “I’m the worst husband ever.”

You lean in close “You really are.”

He tilts his head, eyes hopeful “But I’m your husband.”

You sigh, pretending to be annoyed, but you can’t help the smile creeping across your face.

“Yeah,” you say softly “You are.”

He lights up again.

“You make me crazy” you say.

He kisses your hand “Then let’s be crazy together.”

“Get a room, this is disgusting.” Zoro says while drinking.

“Nooo, no room. I want to see.” Brook replies getting punched by Nami before he can even do his usual laugh.

The crew laugh but you don’t put your eyes away from your husband, blushing and smiling softly and he does the same.

── .✦ Law:

The fire crackles in the middle of the camp. Meat sizzles, drinks pour, and the air is full of laughter and victory.

The war is over. Kaido is down.

Tonight is for celebration.

You're sitting close to Law, sake cup in hand. It’s warm in your chest now. The fourth cup? Maybe fifth? You lost count. Whatever. You’re relaxed. Happy. Tipsy.

You lean back, stretch, and laugh at a joke Usopp just told, even if you didn’t fully hear it.

Shachi blinks “She’s having fun. Someone mark the date.”

“I’m telling her you said that” Ikkaku warns, grinning.

Law glances at you “You good?”

You grin “Mmhmm. Sake’s nice.”

He hums but watches you for a beat longer.

Across the fire, Luffy stands on a barrel “This party needs more energy!”

Sanji spins around at your laugh “Y/N-chwaaaan! You look radiant in firelight! Please, dance with me!”

You shake your head and gesture at Law “Taken.”

That single word makes Penguin choke on his drink.

Kid raises an eyebrow “Taken, huh?”

You smirk and lean into Law’s space, voice teasing, “Don’t worry, Captain. I’ll make it obvious.”

Law narrows his eyes “What does that mean?”

You grab his hat, pluck it off his head, and drop it on your own. It’s too big and slides over your eyes.

Shachi lets out a shriek-laugh “Oh my god, she’s wearing his hat!”

“Y/N, give it back.” Law says flatly, reaching for it.

You tilt your head “No.”

“Give it—”

“Say please.”

He stares at you “You’re drunk.”

“Didn’t say no” you sing.

Zoro makes a low sound that might be a laugh. Sanji, meanwhile, is clenching his wine bottle like it personally betrayed him “She’s flirting with him? With that guy?”

Nami snorts “They’re sitting in each other’s space, Sanji. She’s on him.”

“Tragedy!” Sanji whispers.

You grab Law’s face with both hands “Hey.”

“What.” he says stiffly.

“You know I like you, right?”

The fire quiets. Everyone freezes. Even Luffy stops mid-meat-bite.

Law tenses “What are you doing?”

“Reminding you. In case you forgot.”

Shachi and Penguin look away. Bepo buries his face in his paws. Ikkaku groans “Oh no, it’s happening.”

You poke Law’s cheek “I like your murder face.”

Kid laughs out loud “Murder face?!”

“Shut up” Law growls, glaring across the flames.

You curl up next to him, still wearing his hat “So handsome.”

“Y/N,” he mutters, voice low “Stop.”

You tilt your head “Why? You’re mine, right?”

“…Yes.”

Usopp drops his cup.

“Excuse me?!” Sanji shouts.

“Did we just get a whole relationship reveal during party time?” Nami blinks.

Robin smiles gently “I was wondering how long they’d keep it quiet.”

Kid looks between you and Law “You? With him? Damn.”

“Respect.” Heat adds, raising his drink.

You raise yours too, still leaning into Law “Cheers.”

Law looks like he wants the ground to swallow him.

You wiggle your fingers in Law’s hair, still wearing his oversized hat.

“You know,” you say, voice soft but playful, “you’re kind of impossible to ignore when you blush like that.”

Law tries to pull his face away, but you catch his chin gently “Don’t be shy.”

He groans, but you can tell he’s smiling behind the cup he’s raising to hide his face.

Sanji is practically vibrating with jealousy a few feet away “Oi! Don’t hog the captain! She’s mine too, damn it!”

You laugh “Sanji, you’re sweet, but Law’s got me.”

Law’s eyes flash toward Sanji “Careful.”

You glance back at Law, eyes sparkling “You know you’re the hottest boyfriend I could ask for.”

Law freezes. Then, deadpan but with a tiny smile, he says, “I’m your husband.”

The camp goes silent.

For a split second, your brain glitches—wait, husband?—and then you explode, louder than anyone expected, “OMG YAYYY! I FORGOT YOU MARRIED ME! BEST NEWS EVER!”

You throw your hands up in the air, practically bouncing in your seat like you just won the lottery. Your smile stretches impossibly wide, and your eyes sparkle with giddy excitement.

“Law! We’re married! Can you believe it?!” you gush, nearly knocking over your sake cup “I totally forgot you married me! I’m so lucky! This is the best news ever!”

Law’s eyes widen as he watches you go full-on happy dance mode, his usual calm cracking. He reaches out quickly, steadying you by the shoulders.

“Hey, hey, sit down.” he says with a low chuckle, his voice gentle but firm.

You wobble slightly but don’t stop grinning “Can’t! I’m too excited!”

He sighs, shaking his head fondly, trying again to settle you “You’re going to fall.”

You catch his hands, laughing “Maybe, but it’s worth it!”

Law’s cheeks darken just a bit, but he can’t help the soft smile tugging at his lips “You’re ridiculous.”

You lean closer, eyes bright and teasing “Ridiculous? I prefer when you call me adorable.”

A few of your crew are watching, amused. Penguin smirks “She really lights up when she talks about you.”

“Yeah, I’ve never seen her this happy” Shachi adds.

Law’s hand stays steady on your shoulder, and after a moment, you finally settle back down, still glowing.

“Don’t scare me like that” he mutters quietly.

You squeeze his hand “Never. You’re stuck with me... husband.”

He groans dramatically but the warmth in his eyes says otherwise “I’m already regretting marrying you.”

You laugh “Good.”

Luffy’s mouth is wide open, still holding half a meat leg “Wait… married?!”

Nami drops her drink “You two are married?!”

Kid bursts out laughing “Well, no wonder you’re so attached, freaky doctor!”

Sanji’s jaw drops, completely stunned “Husband?!” He looks like he might faint.

Bepo squeaks and hides behind a tree.

You bounce happily “Yep! Secret’s out! We’re married, but only the crew knew.”

Law sighs, adjusting his hat back onto his head “I wanted to keep it quiet.”

“Too late now! You said that yourself!” You grin.

Robin chuckles “Well, congratulations. I always thought you two were close.

Zoro shrugs, grumbling, “Figures.”

You lean into Law, wrapping your arm around his waist “Guess you can’t escape me.”

Law looks resigned but happy “Good.”

Sanji crosses his arms, muttering, “I need a drink…”

You giggle and whisper to Law, “Worth it.”

Law just shakes his head with a small smile.

The campfire flickers as everyone recovers from the big reveal. You lean against Law, still smiling but your eyes hold something deeper, a shadow behind the joy.

Law notices. His gaze sharpens “You’re quiet now.”

You take a shaky breath “I… I'm drinking to forget, but it's not working.”

His eyebrows knit “Forget what?”

You glance away, voice low “How you almost died in the fight. I saw you, Law. It scared me.”

For a long moment, no one speaks. The warmth from the fire feels heavier.

Law’s usual hard edge softens, and he reaches out slowly to pat his hat on your head.

“Hey” he says quietly, voice gentle.

Law reaches out and pats his hat gently on your head. His voice is low, almost careful.

“You’re important to me.”

You look up at him, surprised but steady “Same here.”

His hand lingers a moment on your shoulder before he pulls back slightly, the usual sharpness softened.

He almost forgets you’re in public, his hand lingering on your shoulder like he wants to pull you close. The tough captain’s guard drops for just a second.

Kid smirks “Whoa, Law getting soft.”

Penguin frowns, eyeing your sake cup “You’ve had enough.”

You reach for it again.

His hand shoots out, stopping you “No more.”

Shachi nods “We need you clear, not drunk.”

You pout “But I’m having fun!”

Bepo hops closer, worried “Captain, she’s too loud already.”

Law stands, arms crossed, watching you “They’re right. No more drinking.”

You frown but lower the cup “Only because you said so.”

Law’s lips twitch into a rare smile “Good.”

Your crew surrounds you protectively.

Ikkaku teases, “Lucky he’s soft with you.”

You lean on Law, feeling safe “I am.”

Sanji mutters, “Unbelievable...”

Law’s hand slides around your waist, pulling you close “Stop worrying now. Stay with me.”

You sigh happily “Always.”

── .✦ Shanks:

The sun is high. The air smells like salt and grilled fish.

The Red Force is docked near a lively island. There's music, laughter, and drunk pirates everywhere. Shanks is somewhere near the tavern, talking too loudly, laughing like nothing in the world is wrong.

You sip your drink under a shaded canopy near the docks, far from him but close enough to hear his stupid laugh.

You haven’t spoken in four days. Not since the fight.

"You're impossible" you’d said.

"You're too stubborn" he'd answered.

Then silence.

Now? You're pretending he doesn't exist. He's pretending the same. Except that you know he sees you. Just like you see him. Always.

“Why are you even mad?” Lucky Roux had asked.

You didn’t answer. You didn’t even know anymore.

“Wanna talk about it?” Yasopp tried.

You glared at him until he walked away.

Suddenly, a shadow falls over your table. You glance up.

It’s a man. Not part of the crew.

Tall. Dark skin. A silver earring. Broad shoulders and a smirk you don’t trust.

“You look lonely” he says, leaning close.

You raise a brow “I’m not.”

“No one should drink alone on a day like this.”

You say nothing. But you don’t tell him to go away either.

From across the street, you feel Shanks before you see him. He’s leaning against a wall, one foot crossed over the other, grinning lazily.

He’s watching.

Of course he is.

The stranger sits down beside you “Name’s Davor” he says, offering a hand.

You shake it, quick “Mm.”

“What’s a beautiful woman like you doing away from the party?”

You smile, small. Still not interested. Still mad.

But then your eyes meet his again... Shanks.

He tips his head slightly, smug as ever. His eyes are saying, Go ahead. Play. You’re still mine.

Your blood heats up.

Fine.

You turn to the stranger, eyes a little softer “You look strong” you say, laying a hand lightly on his arm.

He grins, surprised “I train a lot.”

You let your fingers trace the curve of his bicep “I can tell.”

From the corner of your eye, Shanks pushes off the wall.

Still smiling.

Still calm.

But his jaw is tight now. You know that look. He’s coming.

Davor leans closer “Careful. You keep looking at me like that, and I’ll think I have a chance.”

“Yeah, but careful...” you say, smirking “I bite.”

“I like that.”

You let out a fake little laugh, sweet and mean at the same time.

Shanks steps behind the man without a sound “Hey,” he says, cheerful “Enjoying the view?”

Davor looks up “R...Red-Haired Shanks?”

“Red-Haired Shanks, yes.” He nods at you “That seat’s taken.”

Davor blinks “She didn’t say she was—”

“She didn’t have to” Shanks cuts in, voice low now.

You lean back, sipping your drink, acting bored.

But your heart is racing.

Davor glances between you both “I didn’t mean any disrespec—”

Shanks claps a heavy hand on his shoulder, all teeth “Course not. Just be careful. Some things look unclaimed when they’re not.”

Davor stands quickly “Got it. Sorry, ma’am.”

He walks away fast.

Silence.

You look at Shanks.

He looks back, eyes hot and shining.

Neither of you says anything.

Then, he leans down, his lips near your ear.

"That was cute," he murmurs "Trying to make me jealous."

You roll your eyes “Didn’t try. Just succeeded, or you wouldn't even be here.”

He chuckles “You done being mad?”

You shrug “Maybe.”

He reaches for your drink, takes a sip without asking “Good. 'Cause I’ve missed you.”

You don’t reply.

But you don’t stop him when he sits beside you either.

Not this time.

Shanks stretches his legs out under the table like he owns the world, like he didn’t just interrupt a conversation you were clearly enjoying.

He takes another sip of your drink. Loudly.

You don't look at him.

He waits a second. Two.

Then “So... was that your type?” he asks, too casual “The whole broody and tall thing?”

You blink at the horizon, bored. Still not speaking.

Shanks grins. He thinks this is funny "Should I cut my hair and start lifting barrels just to compete?"

Still nothing.

"Hello?" he singsongs, nudging your knee with his "Cat got your tongue? Or did Davor take that too?"

You sigh. Long. Loud. Then, you stand.

His smile falters just a second.

"Where you goin’, sweetheart?"

You don’t answer.

You walk.

Back toward the bar. Back to the party.

Back to Davor, who’s drinking something bitter and looking around like he wants to vanish into the floor.

You sit next to him again.

He jumps “Uh—didn’t expect to see you again.”

You smile sweetly “Why? Did my Captain scare you?”

“...A little.” He laughs nervously.

You lean in anyway, eyes half-lidded, voice soft “Don’t worry. He’s not gonna do anything. I won't let him.”

Across the square, Shanks is still sitting at the table. Watching.

You meet his eyes.

He raises his cup in a little mock-toast. That damn smirk is back, the one that says, Go ahead. You’ll come crawling back anyway.

So you turn back to Davor.

“I didn’t get to finish admiring these muscles earlier” you say, touching his arm again. Slower this time.

Davor blushes, but tries to play it cool “You really wanna keep poking the dragon?”

You grin “Why not? It’s not like he’s breathing fire yet.”

Behind you, you hear a whistle.

It’s Shanks.

You don’t turn around.

You just smile wider.

Let him feel the burn this time.

Davor laughs awkwardly when you run a finger down his arm “You’re bold...” he says.

You smirk “You’re still here.”

He shrugs “Only because he hasn’t killed me yet.”

You glance sideways. Shanks is still at the same table, drink untouched, elbow on the wood, chin resting on his hand and eyes fixed on you.

His smile is now gone.

He stands.

The chair screeches back. He walks slow, boots steady on the wood. No smirk now.

You brace, but don’t look away.

Davor sees him coming and tenses “Alright, maybe I should leave now—”

“No,” Shanks says, voice sharp “I’ll talk.”

You tilt your head “Oh? Now you want to talk?”

“I’ve always wanted to talk.” His eyes burn into yours “But you were too busy flirting with that guy’s forearms.”

You lift your chin “I wasn’t flirting. I was proving a point.”

“To who?!”

“To you!”

He runs a hand through his red hair, frustrated “Y/N, what do you want from me right now?”

“I love making you jealous” you say, arms folded, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

He steps closer “I’m not jealous” he says, jaw tight. Then softer, “Just… stop.”

His voice lowers even more “You were right. About the fight. I was stubborn. I didn’t listen. I acted like a damn idiot.”

You blink.

You weren’t expecting that.

“I…” You shift your weight “I don’t even remember why we fought.”

He stares at you “Are you serious?”

You nod “No clue.”

For a moment, the two of you just… stand there. Then his lips twitch. A small, surprised smile. It grows. That warm Shanks smile. Real.

You smile too.

“Wanna start over?” you ask, voice lighter now.

He nods, eyes soft “Yeah. I’d like that.”

You hold out your hand “Nice to meet you. I’m Y/N. I think I have a crush on you.”

He laughs, taking your hand, pulling you in close.

“Babe,” he murmurs, brushing your hair back, “I’m your husband.”

You grin, leaning into his chest “God, I love when you talk domestic to me.”

He kisses your forehead.

“Let’s go finish this somewhere more private.” he whispers.

“Lead the way, Captain” you say, arms wrapping around him.

Davor clears his throat in the distance “So uh… I’m just gonna go—”

“Good call” Shanks says without looking at him.

"Oh Devor!" you call making him turn in surprise "For real... nice arms."

You smirk, still tucked against Shanks’ side, while Davor nods awkwardly and shoots a terrified glance his way.

Shanks turns to you and flicks your forehead. You pout, rubbing the spot like it actually hurt, acting confused about why he did it.

He smiles at you before leaving a kiss on the same spot on your forehead "Idiot, I love you. Now if you're done here..."

And just like that the storm ends.

── .✦ Ace:

The sun is high when the ship docks near a strange little island. Green trees, bright flowers, and weird fruit hanging from every branch. It almost looks like a dream.

You lean on the railing, watching as Ace stretches his arms beside you.

“Another island, another chance to explore” he says with that wide grin of his.

You poke his side “Another chance for you to pull dumb pranks?”

He laughs “No promises.”

He always pranks you. Hiding your shoes. Filling your drink with chili powder. That time he pretended to fall overboard just to hear you scream his name.

You still haven’t gotten him back.

Not yet.

As the crew unloads, you stay close to Ace. You already know the plan.

Marco leans in and whispers in your ear, “You sure you wanna do this?”

You nod “He deserves it.”

Thatch tosses a weird purple fruit into your hands “This will do the trick. Looks freaky, but it’s just sweet inside. Take a bite, pretend you lose your memory. He’ll freak.”

Ace is walking ahead, clueless. You smirk. Time for revenge.

The moment comes during lunch.

Everyone is sitting under a big tree. The sun is warm. Laughter fills the air.

You sit beside Ace and hold up the fruit “Hey, look what I found.”

Ace raises an eyebrow “That looks… sketchy.”

You shrug “You afraid of a fruit now?”

He scoffs “No. I just don’t want you turning into a duck or something.”

You grin and take a bite.

Everyone goes quiet.

You chew slowly, then suddenly drop the fruit and grab your head “Ow… what… what’s happening…?”

Ace sits up fast “Babe?”

You look around, eyes wide “Who are all of you?!”

He freezes “Wait, what?”

“I... I don’t remember anything! Why am I here?! Who are you?!” you shout, pointing at Ace.

"Yeah sure... nice prank, now you can stop alreaady." he says rolling his eyes at you.

You try your best to stay serious, confused and scared... and it actually works because one look over at you and Ace scrambles to his knees “It’s me! Ace! We’re pirates! You love me, remember?!”

You stare at him like he’s a stranger “Pirates?! I don’t even like the ocean!”

You hear muffled laughs behind you, Thatch’s hand over his mouth, Marco shaking with silent laughter, Izou biting his lip so hard it might bleed.

Ace grabs your shoulders “You’re joking. Right? Right?!”

You blink at him, dead serious “Please don’t hurt me! Someone help!”

He turns pale “What?! Hurt you?! I would never! I—guys, help! What do I do?! Should we call a doctor?! Is there a doctor fruit?! I don't know!!”

You sniff, faking a tear “I don’t even know your name!”

He holds your face gently, panic all over him “It’s Ace! Portgas D. Ace! We’ve been together for years! You sleep on my chest every night, you steal my food, you… love me.”

You’re so close on giving up already, you hate seeing him like this. But then you look over at the crew and they start silently making gestures to make you continue it.

And you do.

You’re back on the ship.

Ace insisted.

“If she sees our room,” he told the crew, “she’ll remember everything. Right?”

Marco just raised a brow “Maybe.”

Thatch was trying not to burst into laughter again “Yeah, maybe.”

So now you’re walking beside Ace, pretending to be confused but curious.

You glance around the deck, eyes wide “This is… a nice boat.”

He corrects you instantly “Ship.”

“Right. Sorry, bro.”

Ace flinches “Bro?”

You smile sweetly “Yeah. You’re being really nice to me, bro. I appreciate it.”

He narrows his eyes “You called me ‘lovebug’ yesterday.”

You shrug “Guess I was weird before the memory loss.”

He mutters something under his breath.

When you reach your shared room, he pushes the door open with hopeful eyes.

Inside, it’s warm and messy. Blankets kicked half off the bed. His shirt on the floor. Your hairbrush sitting on the dresser.

He points at the pictures stuck to the wall “See? That’s us. Kissing.”

You tilt your head “Wow. Looks like I liked you a lot, bro.”

He looks physically wounded “Please stop calling me that.”

You walk over to the bed and flop down “It’s comfy in here.”

Ace stands there, running a hand through his hair “You really don’t remember any of this?”

You shake your head with wide, fake-innocent eyes “Nope. But you seem chill. Kinda cute, too.”

He perks up “Cute?!”

“Like… for a brother.”

He groans “I’m not your brother!”

You stare at him, unblinking “Sorry. Bro.”

Ace falls to his knees beside the bed and grabs your hands “Okay, no. That’s it. This has gone too far. Bro here. Bro there. Bro??? I’m your husband!”

Your eyes go wide “What?!”

“Yeah?” he shouts “We sleep together, we travel together, we fight together, we’re in love! You kiss me every morning! You steal the blankets! You chew too loud but I still love you! And don’t make me say what we do closed door now!”

The rest of the crew looks annoyed by this last sentence.

“It’s not like you’re quite “closed door” anyway…” Marco says as if he’s scolding you both.

But Ace doesn’t even seem to care. He just stares at you with the sorriest expression you ever seen on him.

You sit up fast, eyes softening at Ace. The prank suddenly doesn’t feel as funny anymore.

“…Ace.”

“I don’t care if you don’t remember me,” he says, voice quiet now “I’ll make you fall for me again. I’ll tell you everything, every story, every stupid moment. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Your chest tightens.

You bite your lip, then finally blurt out, “Ace… I’m sorry. It was a prank.”

He blinks “What?”

“I didn’t think you’d fall for it that hard! I thought you were just playing along until a minute ago!” you say, grabbing his hands “It was Thatch’s idea. I just wanted to get you back! I didn’t mean to… Ace, I’m so sorry.”

He stares at you in silence.

Then slowly leans back.

Then throws his hands in the air and screams into the room.

“WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME?!”

You’re hugging him, trying not to laugh and cry at the same time.

Then you hear a snort.

Then a muffled cackle.

Thatch is holding his stomach, tears running down his face “OH MY GOD. ‘BRO?!’ BRO?! I’M YOUR HUSBAND?!’ I’m gonna DIE.”

Marco leans against the wall, arms crossed, shaking his head with a small smile “I warned you not to prank someone more dramatic than you.”

Izou is fanning himself “I almost broke character when she said he was ‘kinda cute’... That was brutal.”

Ace whirls on them “You were all in on this uh?”

Thatch throws both hands in the air “Obviously!”

“You could’ve given me a heart attack!” Ace says.

Marco smirks “I was watching to make sure you didn’t set the ship on fire with your emotions.”

Izou snickers “That speech, though. The blankets. The chewing. I was this close to crying.”

You nudge Ace “Aw. They all thought it was sweet.”

Ace glares at you, then at the others “You’re all monsters.”

Thatch shrugs “She warned you. Payback, remember?”

Marco points at you “Honestly, the acting was solid.”

“Thank you,” you say, bowing slightly “I trained for this moment my entire relationship.”

Ace groans and hides his face in your shoulder “I hate all of you.”

You stroke his hair with a grin “Still love me, though.”

He mumbles something like “unfortunately” again.

Thatch high-fives you as he walks out “Legendary. Absolutely legendary. That man almost proposed for a second time out of panic.”

Izou whispers, “I bet if we kept it going for ten more minutes, he’d have built you a wedding altar and remake the whole wedding vows.”

Ace grabs a pillow and throws it at him.

The crew finally clears out after what feels like hours of teasing, laughing, and Ace sulking like a kicked puppy.

You’re lying on the bed now, still in your shared room, staring up at the ceiling.

Ace is standing by the window, arms crossed, his back to you.

You sit up slowly “Okay, how bad is it?”

He turns around, eyebrows furrowed “What?”

“You’re planning something, aren’t you?” you say “You’ve gone quiet. That’s when it’s most dangerous.”

He doesn’t answer right away. Just walks over and sits down next to you.

You raise an eyebrow “So? What’s the plan? Fake poison in my tea? Switching out my shampoo with mayonnaise?”

He lets out a breath, like he’s been holding it.

Then, instead of answering, he leans in and gently presses his lips to your forehead.

You blink “…What was that for?”

Ace shrugs “Just felt like it.”

He pulls you close, your head resting against his warm chest, heartbeat steady beneath your ear.

“I really thought I lost you,” he says softly “Even if it was just for a few minutes… it felt real.”

You swallow, guilt creeping back in “I didn’t know it’d hit you that hard.”

“I didn’t know it would, either,” he whispers “But hearing you say you didn’t remember me… it scared me. More than I expected.”

You look up at him, surprised to find his expression completely open. No smirk, no teasing. Just soft eyes and a gentle smile.

“I thought you’d be busy drawing diagrams for your next prank” you murmur.

“Meh,” he says, brushing a hand through your hair “Not tonight.”

You chuckle “Wow. Ace skipping revenge? That’s suspicious.”

He laughs too, but it’s quiet “I’m serious. I just wanna hold you right now.”

He pulls the blanket over both of you, his arms wrapped around your waist, his nose brushing your hair.

You press a small kiss to his collarbone “You’re kinda sweet when you’re not threatening chaos.”

“Don’t get used to it,” he says, smiling “I’m still gonna get you back one day.”

“Sure, sure. But for now?”

“For now,” he says, kissing your temple again, “I just wanna be with my award-winning actress of the Grand Line… Ladies and gentlemen, my wife Y/N.”

You laugh into his chest “I’m the luckiest wife in the world.”

His fingers trace lazy circles on your back “And I’m the happiest ‘bro’ alive.”

You groan and smack his chest lightly “Don’t ruin the moment.”

He kisses your cheek “Okay, okay. No more ‘bro’.”

Just soft smiles. Quiet breathing. Warm skin. No pranks.

At least for now.

#folder.fave #folder.multicharacter #ONE OF MY FAVORITES #SCREAMING TO THE SKY ABT THIS RN

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merameraluvr · 13 days ago

Text

LOOKING FOR AFFECTION — M. LUFFY

pairing — monkey d. luffy x gn!reader

summary — when you need a date to accompany you on a double date, your best friend, luffy, is the one who offers to step in. however, can you still contain your feelings for him after going on a date with him that tests your control every step of the way?

𖤐 word count — 5.01k

𖤐 genre/tags— university! au + best friends to lovers. fake dating, maybe a little ooc! luffy, FLIRTY LUFFY FLIRTY LUFFY, tension, namvivi mentions, slightly suggestive, both the reader and luffy are absolute idiots in a horrible state of yearning.

𖤐 author's note — vaguely inspired by the song affection by between friends + mood board here

꒰masterlist꒱

THE lab’s cold air burned your nostrils as you released a sigh and carefully closed the door to the cold room. It was a long, grueling, class with the lab managing to take up the full three hours slotted for the class. The hallway lights flicker slightly and in the distance you see a slumped figure curled up in a red hoodie and clutching their backpack for dear life.

Stepping forward, you let out an incredulous, “Luffy?”

It was indeed Luffy who was loudly snoring outside the room to your laboratory class with his (practically empty) backpack being cuddled in his arms and a Hello Kitty bento box tucked by his side. You nudge his thigh with the corner of your shoe, trying to gently wake him up.

After some gentle nudges and a (less than gentle) flick to the forehead, Luffy wakes up falling forward and with a snort. He looks around blearily like he isn’t quite sure how he got there - there being the math and science building - before he squints up to look at you towering over him, standing and exhausted.

He brightens immediately at the sight of you and hauls himself upwards with his backpack strapped on to his chest rather than his back and engulfs you into a hug. You let out a slight oof at the sudden contact before you’re also wrapping your arms around him despite the front side of his bag digging into your ribs.

“That class is so long, I think I spent half of my life just sitting here!”

You feel your heart skip a beat at the feel of him wrapped around you. His skin is warm somehow despite the cold environment and you feel your skin warming at the contact of his skin on yours. You take a deep breath to compose yourself and with a roll of your eyes you release him before giving him a nudge with a smile. “What are you even doing here? You know my labs are always long.”

He grins before flourishing the pink bento box towards you, waving it at you for you to take. “I missed you! Plus, Sanji is trying out some new recipe for his international cuisine class and he wanted you to try some.”

He leans in a bit closer in a conspiratorial way before saying in a stage whisper, “It was really hard to not eat it, I think I deserve a thanks, personally.”

You let out a snort before shoving his face away. “Right, thank you so much for not eating the food that was intended for me.” You press a hand to your chest and mock a princess-like swoon. “My hero, really.”

Luffy grins before shuffling closer to you as the two of you slowly walk out of the freezing building and out into campus, the sky shadowed by the dark colors of dusk and the peek of starlight.

It’s a subtle thing really, the way Luffy’s fingers brush yours, slowly but almost intentionally, waiting for the right time to strike. He continues talking to you about his day, ranting about his professors and their sheer audacity to assign a paper to be done over the upcoming fall break and how he has yet to start his Global History project. He continues to talk and talk, not because he doesn’t want to hear you but because he knows you’re tired. He knows in the slump of your shoulders, the tiredness lining the creases of your eyes, the yawns that filter through your mouth every few minutes. He knows you.

It feels like he’s known you for almost an eternity - when you were children, screaming and running as you tagged each other as ‘it’, when you were in that middle space between child and teenager and you had told him about having your first ever crush, the way it felt like your heart was being twisted and turned in every direction, when you were teenagers and were each other’s rock, motivating the other to push through school because then in the end it’d mean the two of you would land in the same school, always together.

It was always you and him. He knows you like the back of your hand and you know him down to the freckles littered on his back (all sixty six of them). So when you feel the tips of his fingertips graze yours, you feel your heart catch in your chest. Somewhere along the way of pinky promises and midnight adventures, you had caught feelings for him. Not the fleeting kind you once had for crushes in your childhood, but the full throttle of feelings that threw your heart in a blender and wanted more, more, more from every touch, every glance.

You glance over at him as he continues to talk animatedly as if he isn’t aware of his hand inching closer and closer to yours, continuously meeting for the briefest of seconds before separating again. Until you feel the skin of his pinky finger curl around yours, tight and snug, ensuring it won’t go anywhere. You let out the smallest gasp at the contact before smoothing over your expression and looking back at him again. Luffy? He’s the picture of nonchalance right now - like he’s not even aware of your racing heartbeat or that he’s practically two steps away from holding your hand. No, he just continues to rattle on about how he had to search up what an MLA header is again like that should be the main concern right now.

The two of you continue to walk all the way across campus till you reach your dorm building. Standing by the heavy metal door, you stand there as Luffy lets go of your pinky finger (are you supposed to already be missing the touch?) and leans in close to you to tap on the bento box in your hands. He’s so close and his smile borders on a smirk as he says, “Let me know how it tastes, yeah? I’m gonna make Sanji cook some more of it, if it is.”

Rolling your eyes, you laugh as you say, “Like you care if it’s good, you’d eat fried plastic if it was free food.”

Luffy leans back and shrugs, grinning as he says, “Hey, free food is free food, if Sanji made fried plastic I’m sure it’d be gourmet plastic at the very least.” He pinches his fingers, mimicking a chef.

You let out a laugh, before you feel him reach out to tuck a few stray strands of hair behind your ear. There’s mirth in his eyes but also so much care as he says softly, “Go inside. You’re tired and you should eat and get rest for your classes tomorrow.”

Feeling warmth rise in your face, you nod lightly before opening the door to your building. You give him a light wave and he smiles a bright smile, waving back, and watches you go inside before he turns back to start his walk back to his dorm.

Inside, you clamber up the stairs and burst into your shared dorm and immediately flop onto your bed, groaning loudly. Behind you, you hear shuffling and Nami’s exasperated voice ring out from across the room. “Luffy again?”

You get up from the bed to face her and run a hand down your face slowly before nodding. You can still feel the warmth lingering on your face as you recall to her the way he had held your finger and close proximity as he smiled at you. Nami had been the subject of multiple hour long talks about Luffy and your feelings for him since freshman year. The two of you had been assigned roommates and since that year, you’ve been rooming with each other every year proceeding that. If Luffy was your best friend then she was right after him on that list.

She has been a witness to many of you and Luffy’s interactions and she has been adamant on her verdict on the issue ever since she first saw the two of you. Not that you agree to it, only hope.

You can hear Nami’s frustration more than see it as she drones out, “You know he likes you, right? Surely, you can’t deny it now.”

The warmth resurges on your face at her declaration but still you shake your head at her. “No, I doubt it. It’s just…Luffy being Luffy y’know? He’s always friendly.”

She lets out an incredulous laugh at your words, “Right, that’s why he also walks me home to my dorm and waits for three hours for my class to finish and looks at me with those disgusting puppy eyes.”

You’re about to retort a comment back to her, denying her accusation before Nami flaps her hands around in a shooing gesture. “This is exactly why I’m dragging you along on that double date. You need to either jump his bones or find someone else. Clearly you won’t do the first option so double date it is.”

Curling around the blanket of your bed, you let out yet another groan before tossing a pillow over to her side of the room. “I still have to go to that? I don’t even know the guy you set me up with.”

There’s a small pause in the room and you look up from your blanket and squint at Nami who’s awkwardly shuffling in her slippers and avoiding eye contact with you. “What?” you ask.

She twirls a strand of hair around her finger, still avoiding eye contact with you. “Well… actually the guy that was supposed to be your date cancelled.”

Your eyes are still narrowed at her, waiting for her to continue. “Which means?”

She lets out a sigh. “Which means, we’re still going on that date but now you have to find someone who’s going to be your date for the double date.”

“Why can’t I just not go?”

She gasps dramatically at this, the mischief back in her voice. “You can’t leave me alone! I need my best friend to join me, you have to come.”

Flopping back against your mattress you wave a hand at her. This would be a problem for later. “Fine, fine, whatever, I’ll figure it out, I’ll come with.” You say half-begrudgingly.

You hear a squeal and she jumps on top of your bed to give you a tight squeeze as she declares her thanks. Smiling, you return her embrace, feeling at peace in your own bed and next to your friend, romantic feelings be damned. It’ll be a problem for later.

✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚

‘Later’ comes way too soon and suddenly you’re hit with the dilemma of having to find someone to drag along with you to this dreaded double date.

The library is cold and leaves its cold air on the rich wood desk that you and Luffy were currently sitting side to side by. There’s a laptop covered in pirate flag stickers and two open notebooks strewn across the table and covered in tic-tac-toe matches (he was losing). You groan before sinking lower in your seat and resting your head against the cool table.

“I don’t know what to do, I mean who am I even supposed to ask.”

Luffy takes off the earbud that’s connected to his ear. You’re both sharing a pair of wire earbuds, an indie song’s bass blaring from the tinny speakers. He tilts his head in question before asking, “Ask who? For what?”

You lift your head, feeling the imprint of the desk left on your forehead. Rubbing it gently, you grimace and tell him, “The double date Nami signed me up for. Apparently my date cancelled - not that I’m all bummed out about it - but now I have to find someone else to come with me.”

Luffy takes you in, down to the light imprinted line on your forehead. He hums in response, nodding lightly and taking in the words. He taps his fingers almost impatiently against the lacquered table as you continue to explain the situation.

“It’s just awkward to ask anyone and I wish I could just bail but I’d feel bad if I just left Nami alone and-”

“I could be your date.”

“It’s just annoying- what? You?”

He eases back into his seat and grins his bright grin at you. He shrugs, “Why not? We could pass off as a couple, we know each other well enough.”

Your heart feels like it’s about to burst as you stare at him incredulously, at a loss for words. He stares sincerely back at you, the curl of his smile the whole situation just that more heart-throbbing. Was he insane? Did he want you to suffer through heart palpitations? Did he enjoy this? Was he some kind of sadist who was reveling in your nervousness?

A silence passes between the two of you before you release a tentative “Okay.”

Luffy grins and pushes his shoulder against yours. You feel him gently place your fallen earbud back on, the wire re-connecting the two of you to the soft tune. His hand lingers near your face, his thumb brushing against your cheekbone gently. There’s a look in his eyes, a look so soft and so gentle that it nearly makes you question all of this. A look so soft, almost akin to yearning. Or maybe it is a look of yearning.

“It’ll be the best date you’ll ever go on.” He murmurs softly.

Your faces are so close to one another that you can feel the soft puffs of his exhale fan over your face as the two of you are stood frozen in motion. One hand is twiddling with the hem of your shirt, always touching you while his other hand is still gliding gently across your cheek. He traces down your face lightly, cupping it, and you’re staring at him with a mixture of love and curiosity, melting into his touch.

Then, as it does, the moment is broken when someone on the desk near you lets out a horrendously loud sneeze and the two of you blink at each other. You slap a palm to his forehead and shove his face away from yours, laughing nervously. “Well- you better finish your history paper first then! Don’t want to be worrying about the assignment while we’re on our date.” The word sounds awkward coming out of your mouth now.

Luffy moves his hand away from your face, blinking rapidly as if trying to wake himself up. He nods almost robotically before you feel his pinky finger curl around yours. He drags your hand closer to him before using his one hand to pull his laptop back open and start typing up his assignment. You try to tug your hand back from him to let him do his work with more ease but he only tightened his grasp on you, refusing to let you go.

He really was going to be the death of you.

✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚

Smoothing down the front of your jeans, you inspect yourself in the mirror taking in every aspect of yourself to see if there was anything else that needed adjusting. The plan was to meet at a nice ramen restaurant before switching over to watch one of the newest movies that came out at the theater. Luffy was coming to walk both you and Nami to the restaurant, ever the gentleman, despite Nami nagging in your ear about how he just wants to spend more time with you and how she was now being forced to third-wheel.

When the doorbell rang, you rushed to the door to open it while yelling at Nami to hurry up and her responding back with throwing some random cosmetic in your general direction. Once you do get the door open, Luffy stands behind it dressed in a loose black short-sleeved button up and clutching a bouquet of red petunias in his hand.

For a moment you gape at him, momentarily taken aback by not only the flowers but him. He looked beautiful with his perpetually messy hair and the sliver of a necklace peeking out from his shirt where the top button was unbuttoned. He looked like the epitome of boyfriend material and you were trying your hardest not to make it apparent that you were flustered by it. To his credit, he looked equally as in awe at the sight of you. His cheeks were slightly flushed and he nervously ran a hand through this already ruffled hair, looking at you up and down.

He clears his throat before flourishing the flowers at you, the brown paper crinkling slightly. “For you,” He pauses, taking his time to let his eyes roam your figure once more. “You look pretty.” Another pause. “Very pretty.”

You feel a flush warming your face, the heat taking over your ears. You gesture to him frantically, trying to play off the compliment, “You look nice too, perfect, actually, for a fake date.” You had said it to lighten the mood but Luffy imperceptibly frowns at this, as if realizing the circumstances of the situation and disliking them.

“Right. A fake date.” He repeats hollowly.

Just then Nami bursts from the front door, a cloud of vanilla perfume following her trail as she shoves Luffy past the door. “We’re gonna be late, what’re you guys standing out here for?”

You and Luffy make eye contact with each other and burst into laughter while Nami grumbles and saunters off ahead of you two.

Quickly, you tuck the flowers into a pretty glass jar before hurriedly locking up and following behind Nami with Luffy right by your side. The rushed walk to the restaurant included being led by the click-clack of Nami’s heels and the feel of Luffy’s arm brushing yours, each touch sending shivers down your spine. When you had glanced over at him, wondering if his touches were purposeful, wondering if he knew just the effect he had on you. He smiled back at you and you felt your heart clench at the radiance of it.

When the three of you had arrived at the restaurant, Nami’s date was already sitting there waiting. She’s pretty, you thought, with elegant long blue hair cascading down her back and glimmering gold jewelry adorning her ears and wrists. She had introduced herself as Vivi and you could see the instant chemistry between her and Nami, as the two hit it off instantly, damn near leaving you and Luffy in the dust.

Not that you needed it, because Luffy was playing his part of your date and he was playing it well. He fiddled with your fingers as the four of you debated what to order from the menu (Luffy insisted on getting the family meal for himself), when you took your turn to narrate a funny story for the group, he trailed a finger down your arm, leaving goosebumps behind as a trail. When the food had arrived, he insisted on feeding you a bite of his food and he insisted you give him a bite (or three) of yours in exchange, only accepting the food if it was you personally offering it to him.

When the bill was paid (Vivi had paid for Nami, claiming something about a rich father - nepo babies, right?) and the four of you were wrapping up when you heard Vivi mutter something to Nami, something you assumed they thought was beyond your earshot.

“Are they in love?”

A strangled laugh from Nami comes out, “Worse. They’re stupid.”

Then, when it was finally time to head to the movie theater it seemed the world was trying to trip you - for better or for worse. Somehow, your seats had been upgraded from single seats to loveseats. Brown cool leather that reclined and cooled and heated at the touch of a button and all with close proximity to your lover. What a deal! Nami was excited by this upgrade undoubtedly, seizing her chance to further chat up her date and bond with her, but you? Being in close proximity with Luffy was the best and worst thing for you.

He would sit so close, thighs side by side, elbows knocking against each other, and hair brushing against the other’s shoulder. While your heart would race at this, it would also fall, knowing none of his touches were intentional and were just a byproduct of his personality. Nonetheless, you basked in the moment, taking in his affections like they were the only time you’d receive them and maybe they were.

The movie passed with him just like that - slowly edging closer to you till his head was laid down on your shoulder, tucked perfectly in the crevice between your neck and shoulder like it was meant to be there. He had managed to intricately intertwine your fingers together, like they were weaved together instead of the regular way to hold hands and you could feel strands of his ever-messy hair brushing your cheek. And when it was over, the two of you slowly, reluctantly, peeled away from each other and glanced to the other loveseat pair where Nami and Vivi were laid only to find the two of them holding each other’s faces softly, not a single speck of attention towards the movie, kissing each other.

You and Luffy exchange a quick glance at each other, unsure of what to do. He kicks a foot in their general direction, letting out a stage whisper in your direction. “Do we… separate them?”

Nami’s head pops out from a mess of limbs and gestures at the two of you in a shooing motion. “Go already, I’ll meet you at home, I’ll walk her home first.”

You let out a giggle before waving back at her, “Alright, alright, we’ll leave you to your… business.”

The two of you burst into peals of laughter as you exit the movie theater, giggling about the whole interaction and placing bets if your friend would get laid tonight.

“She was basically sucking that poor girl’s face off, she has to do it as an act of service now!”

You cackle, “Nami’s a gentleman, I think she’d wait until the next few dates though.” You pause as the two of you keep walking. Like always, he insisted on walking you back home like it was his personal knight duty. Your shadows meld together in the dark of the night, the moon and streetlights leaving a trail of lights on your backs. “I think she had a good time though, they seem like a good match.” You murmur, letting the words float in the wind.

This time, his hand doesn’t creep slowly against yours but grasps it solidly and firmly like it’s meant to be there. “Yeah? You think it was a good date?”

You warm at his words, feeling like there was a double meaning to his words. You hold his hand tighter, squeezing it. “Yeah. It was a good date, Luffy.”

The walk ends too soon, with the two of you awkwardly standing by the door to your dorm building once again. Somehow, even though it wasn’t a real date, it very much felt like the end of one. The one where you wait, you hover, for the first kiss. The kiss that ensures that the date went well, that you want more. But that’d never happen, this wasn’t a real first date, and Luffy didn’t have those feelings for you. He was just here to help his best friend out.

He stares at you with an indistinguishable look in his eyes and steps closer to you. There was barely a foot of space between the two of you now, and he reaches out to cup your face and your heart lurches at the touch. Surely he’s not- his head leans down towards your and his breath is fluttering over yours. His nose brushes your and he looks at you, unsure, maybe he’s trying to figure out if this is what you want.

He doesn’t kiss you. Not on your lips at least - but he leaves a chaste kiss on your cheek before he pulls away from you. There’s a rosy dusting across his cheeks that’s seen from the moonlight as he grins at you. “Gotta end the date with a kiss, right? I’ll see you tomorrow." He waves, walking backwards until he sees you enter your dorm building.

Once the door closes behind you, you clutch your cheek like it’s your lifeline. Luffy just kissed you. Or well- he kissed your cheek and that definitely means something, right? Luffy wasn’t going around kissing everyone’s cheeks so surely this meant something, held some kind of meaning.

Were you supposed to say something to him? Reciprocate it back? What if he didn’t want you to do that though? You sighed, collapsing onto your bed, and replayed the moment in your head. Once, twice, and then you lost count of how many times you had rewinded the moment. You’d wait for Nami. She’d know what to do, how to go about this situation. Yes, you’d wait on her to help dissect this.

✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚

You found yourself back in the library a few days later. It felt like a mimicry of the day when Luffy had offered to be your date, except this time you had a plan residing in your back pocket as courtesy of Nami. The cool air of the library blew out and left the brown wooden table cold to the touch. Earbud wires were connecting you and Luffy once again, some love song blaring in your ears. It was the first time you had seen him since the (fake) date and you were determined to make a move.

Slumping downwards in your chair, you let out a groan and set down your phone. “Nami wants to set me up for another date since hers went so well.”

You felt Luffy still next to you and stare right at you. He set his pencil down gently and then said softly in confusion, “What?”

Got him. You nod vehemently, as you imitate frustration, tugging at the earphone wire as you continue, “Mhm, she said she wants me to have as good a date as she had with Vivi.”

A loud exhale and Luffy runs his hands through his hair. “I thought-” He pauses. “I thought I had made it clear, I thought I was obvious.”

You cock your head, tilting it in confusion. “Made what clear?”

Now he tugs at the black strands, like he was going insane. “I thought I made it clear that I like you. I thought it was clear that I want you. I want to be the one who takes you out on dates, who holds your hands. I want to be the one that kisses you and the one who’s taking you back home late at night. I thought I made it clear I want to be yours, that I am yours.”

There’s a silence where you’re just gaping at him in awe. You had expected something from your little ploy but not this. You hadn’t expected him to bare his whole heart to you, to feel all that he did about you.

“Luffy-”

He plows on, “But either I’m the idiot or you are, because I thought I was being obvious and I thought you liked me too but-”

There’s a muffled sound and your lips are on his. Clearly, he wouldn't have let you get a word in so you had to silence him somehow. You cup his cheek as you kiss him, letting your thumb trace the scar on his cheek. His hands trail down your spine, his fingers following the path of your spinal cord before they find home at your waist. He squeezes your waist lightly, as if trying to confirm that this was real.

Reluctantly you pull away from him, breath panting from the intensity of the kiss. “I like you too, idiot.” You pause for a minute, fiddling with the front strands of his hair. Taking a deep breath, you soldier on, “I want to be the only one you go on dates with, the only one you do that weird finger weaving thing, the one you steal food from, the one you kiss, the one you want. So yes, I want you just as much as you want me Luffy.”

You glance back at him and your heart stutters at the look of pure love in his eyes. The affection in his eyes was so clearly abundant that you wondered how you hadn’t noticed it before. His pupils were blown wide and his thumbs were tracing circles on your hips as he pulled you closer into the stuffy library chair he was sat in.

He kisses you again, more softly this time, but just as emotion-filled. His lips are soft and he opens his mouth slightly, gasping for air in between kisses but refusing to let go of you for too long before he’s on you again. His tongue licks the bottoms on your lip once before you pull away all too fast, suddenly conscious that you’re still in the library. He chases your lips all the same and you push away his face, giggling, “We’re in the library, Luffy.”

He lets out a laugh but still brings his face close to yours. “Can’t blame me when my dream just came true.”

“Ugh, since when were you such a smooth-talker?”

“Always, you just were too oblivious to notice. Plus, I can feel your face being warm right now so I know you like it.” He leaves a kiss on your cheek gently before burrowing his head in the junction between your neck and shoulder, lightly biting the skin there.

Later, you send a picture to Nami – it has Luffy cuddled up in the warmth of your arms, letting out a snore, both of your lips slightly swollen from kissing, and earphone wires still tangled somewhere in between the two of you, all you get in response is a ‘Finally.’

#folder.faves #folder.luffy #GOODDDD I LOVE THIS FIC SO MUCH #I COULD YELL ABOUT IT FOREVER #HI OP #if you read this op this is the person in the replies who said that luffy would get help from ace and sabo lol #i made a dedicated blog...#anyways i love this #im so excited to see more of your stuff!

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