4rticbolt - Oh!

4rticbolt

Oh!

| Procrastinator | One Piece x Readers | ENFJ | | Requests are open! |

215 posts

Latest Posts by 4rticbolt

4rticbolt
1 week ago

I HATE WRITING SO MUCH WHY CANT MY THOUGHTS AUTOMATICALLY BE WRITTEN ONTO THE NOTES APP

I HATE WRITING SO MUCH WHY CANT MY THOUGHTS AUTOMATICALLY BE WRITTEN ONTO THE NOTES APP
4rticbolt
2 weeks ago
Cats When You Open Their Box

cats when you open their box

4rticbolt
2 weeks ago
Zoro Is Bragging Again About A Protag-captain Who Is Immune To Losing 😮‍💨

Zoro is bragging again about a protag-captain who is immune to losing 😮‍💨

4rticbolt
2 weeks ago
4rticbolt - Oh!
4rticbolt
2 weeks ago

caught in the flash

Caught In The Flash

characters: sanji / ace / luffy / law

prompt: he sneaks a picture of you when you’re not looking

tag: fluff

my masterlist here ♡

Caught In The Flash

ace

You were lying belly-down on the Moby Dick’s deck, doodling on a crumpled bit of parchment, humming to yourself with your legs kicking in the air like a schoolgirl. Hair a mess, tank top halfway sliding off your shoulder, not a care in the world.

“Aw, that’s kinda cute,” came Ace’s voice somewhere above your head.

You didn’t look up. “Whatever you’re about to say next, don’t.”

You heard the faintest click.

You whipped around. “Did you just—?”

“NOPE,” he said way too quickly, hands very much behind his back, grinning like a guilty five-year-old.

You sat up so fast your hair fell in your face. “Portgas D. Ace, I swear to god—”

“Look,” he said, backing up a step, “it’s not even a bad picture! You’re just all—” He waved his hands vaguely. “…You.”

“That’s not a valid description!”

“Soft. And squishy.”

“EXCUSE ME?”

“I MEANT EMOTIONALLY—SHIT—”

You launched your sandal at him like a missile. “DELETE IT!”

He caught it mid-air. “Never. I’m putting it in a locket.”

“A LOCKET?!”

“Romantic, right?”

You screamed into your hands. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t,” he sang, skipping away, waving your sandal like a trophy. “You love me and you wanna kiss me and it’s so embarrassing for you!”

Caught In The Flash

sanji

You were half-asleep on the counter, stealing bits of chocolate off a cooling tray, hoodie sliding off one shoulder, licking your fingers like it was a sacred ritual. You were too tired to care.

Click.

You didn’t even flinch. “Don’t even try it.”

Sanji froze. “…Caught red-handed?”

“Caught being a creep.”

He grinned. “I mean, can you blame me? You’re licking chocolate off your fingers like you’re in a food commercial for sinners.”

You choked on the next bite. “SANJI?!”

“I’m just saying,” he said, already opening the picture on the snail. “If that was in a magazine, I’d buy ten copies.”

“You’re so—” you groaned. “Delete it.”

“But you looked so—” he sighed dreamily. “—biteable.”

You stared. “…Sanji.”

“Not like—well, I mean. Not not like that—”

“You wanna rethink your life choices, Romeo?”

He chuckled. “Too late. I’m fully committed to this flavor of disaster.”

You sighed, face in your hands. “You’re lucky I like disasters.”

“You’re lucky I’m a chef. I can make dessert out of this.”

“STOP.”

Caught In The Flash

law

You were curled up on the bench in the Polar Tang’s observation lounge, swaddled in a blanket like a sentient dumpling, watching fish float past the glass with the dead eyes of someone who hadn’t slept in two days.

Then you heard a soft click.

Your head snapped around. “…Law?”

He didn’t even flinch. “Hm?”

“Did you just take a picture of me?”

“No.”

You blinked. “Law.”

He met your gaze. Calm. Unbothered. “Yes.”

“WHY.”

“You looked like a sad sea creature.”

“THAT’S NOT A COMPLIMENT.”

“It was kind of endearing.”

You sat up in your blanket cocoon. “Delete it.”

“No.”

“Tra-guy.”

“That’s not my name.”

“Emo fish man—”

“That’s worse.”

“Give. Me. The snail.”

“Come take it.”

You launched off the couch and he teleported out of reach like the smug little warlock he is. “You’re not supposed to be fast!” you yelled.

“I’m a surgeon,” he said, already halfway down the corridor. “We’re quick with our hands.”

You short-circuited. “That sounded so much worse—”

“I know,” he called back, completely unbothered.

Caught In The Flash

luffy

You were on deck in a tank top, sweat on your brow, trying to fix a snapped rope. Your leg was up on the railing for balance, arms stretched over your head, totally focused. And totally unaware of your very specific pose.

Behind you:

Click.

You flinched, nearly dropped the rope. “LUFFY?!”

He grinned wide from behind the den den mushi. “You looked cool!”

You turned around. “Delete it. Right now.”

“But your leg was up and everything,” he said, tilting his head. “You looked like you were about to fight someone or… I dunno, climb me.”

“CLIMB YOU?!”

He blinked. “Yeah! You know. Like—grabby.”

“GRABBY?!”

“Not in a bad way!” He scratched his head. “You just looked like… really strong. And bendy. Kinda hot.”

Your soul left your body. “LUFFY.”

“Huh?”

“Say that sentence again. Slowly.”

“…You looked strong. And bendy. And hot?” He said it with total innocence—and then blinked. “Wait, was that—was that one of those weird lines Sanji says that makes people choke?”

You choked. “Yes!”

“Oh. Cool!” he grinned. “Should I say more?”

“NO?!”

“Okay, okay!” He tucked the snail away. “But I’m keeping the picture. You looked like you were gonna tackle me.”

You grabbed a nearby towel to throw at him. “I WILL IF YOU DON’T DELETE IT.”

He laughed as he ran off. “Promise?!”

“LUFFY!!”

4rticbolt
3 weeks ago

Unintentional couple behaviour

Unintentional Couple Behaviour
Unintentional Couple Behaviour
Unintentional Couple Behaviour
Unintentional Couple Behaviour
Unintentional Couple Behaviour
Unintentional Couple Behaviour

you two acts like a loving couple all the time, so what happens when someone points it out?

characters: luffy, kidd, katakuri, shanks and mihawk

(zoro, sanji, law, ace and sabo)

a/n: since a loooot asked for more, here I am eheh

words count: around 0.4k - 1.1k each

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

Unintentional Couple Behaviour

── .✦ Monkey D. Luffy:

You don’t know when it started.

Maybe it was the way Luffy always stole food from your plate, but make sure to never let anyone else touch it.

Maybe it was how he always grabbed your hand first whenever the crew split up.

Maybe it was how he insisted on napping with you, his head always finding your lap, his arms always looping around you like a makeshift pillow.

Whatever it was, it had been going on for way too long. And the worst part is that you never questioned it.

Until now.

It starts with Sanji.

You’re sitting at the dinner table, picking at your food, when Sanji suddenly snorts “You two should just date already.”

You blink “…What?”

Sanji gestures between you and Luffy “You’re basically a couple anyway.”

You choke on your drink.

Luffy just tilts his head, mid-bite “Huh?”

Sanji raises an eyebrow “Seriously? You guys act like a couple all the time.”

You open your mouth to argue, to deny everything, but then Nami nods “He’s right, you know.”

Usopp grins “Yeah, I mean, have you even seen yourselves?”

Franky chuckles “Super obvious, bro.”

You stare. And then Zoro, of all people, grunts “They’re not wrong.”

Your brain short-circuits. Luffy just blinks at all of them, then turns to you “Wait… are we a couple?”

Your face burns “No!”

The crew groans.

“Oh, come on.”

“You’re in denial.”

“This is painful to watch.”

You glare “We’re just friends!”

Luffy nods “Yeah! Just friends!”

The crew stares. Then Brook smiles “Oh? Then you wouldn’t mind if I asked y/n out on a date?”

Silence.

Then Luffy’s fork snaps in half and the table goes dead quiet.

Luffy grins at Brook, but it’s not his usual happy-go-lucky grin. It’s the grin he wears before picking a fight.

“Yohoho,” Brook laughs nervously “Just kidding.”

Luffy hums, still smiling “Good.”

Your stomach flips because holy shit. That was jealousy. Luffy was jealous... Over you.

The realization haunts you for the rest of the night. Because if Luffy was jealous then what did that mean?

Did he actually—?

No.

No, this is Luffy. He’s just protective. That’s just who he is.

…Right?

You barely sleep, and the next morning you wake up to Luffy in your bed.

Sprawled across your mattress. Arms locked around your waist. Face buried in your shoulder.

Like it’s completely normal.

Like he always does this.

Your heart pounds.

Because—wait!

He does always do this. Every night. Every time you’re on the Sunny, he sneaks into your bed without even asking. And you never questioned it.

Because it was just Luffy.

But now everything feels different.

You slowly try to move, but his grip tightens.

“Mm… don’t go” he mumbles sleepily, lips brushing against your skin.

And that’s it. You lose it.

“LUFFY, WHAT ARE WE?!”

Luffy jerks awake “Huh—?”

“What are we?!” you repeat, flustered as hell.

Luffy rubs his eyes, confused “We’re us.”

You groan “That’s not an answer!”

He tilts his head “What do you mean?”

You gesture wildly “This! Us! The sleeping together! The hand-holding! The food-sharing!”

Luffy suddenly grins “Oh.”

Your heart stops “What do you mean, oh?”

Luffy laughs. And then, without hesitation, he leans in and kisses you.

Soft. Certain.

Like he’s been waiting to do it forever.

You freeze. Your brain short-circuits.

He pulls back, grinning “So? Are we a couple now?”

You gape “…WHAT?!”

Luffy just laughs “Well, we’ve basically been dating this whole time, right?”

Your eye twitches “AND YOU KNEW?!”

Luffy shrugs “I just thought you knew too.”

You sputter, because what the hell. What the actual hell. Luffy just decided you were dating. And you never even noticed.

You flop back onto the bed.

Luffy just grins, tugging you closer “You’re thinking too much” he mumbles, nuzzling against you.

Your heart races.

Your face is burning.

But… maybe the crew was right. Maybe you and Luffy were always meant to be.

Even if you were the last person to realize it.

Unintentional Couple Behaviour

── .✦ Eustass Kidd:

You’ve always known Kid was the stubborn type. He was gruff, intense, and always had that tough guy act. But lately, you’ve noticed something strange. The more you were around him, the more he didn’t seem to mind you being there. In fact, he almost seemed to expect it.

It starts with those small things, things he doesn’t think twice about. Like when you’re both sitting on the deck, and a gust of wind hits just as you’re about to stand. Before you can catch your balance, Kid’s hand shoots out, steadying you. He doesn’t say anything, but his grip lingers just long enough for you to notice.

“Watch it” he mutters, his usual gruff tone, but there’s something softer behind his eyes. You smile but say nothing. Killer, standing nearby, simply raises an eyebrow before looking away, smirking under his mask.

A few days later, when the crew is at port, you notice Kid keeping an eye on you more than usual. Every time someone gets too close or even bumps into you, his sharp gaze zeroes in, and he doesn’t hesitate to step in between you and whoever’s too close. At one point, a shady pirate from a different crew tries to flirt with you. Before you can even respond, Kid steps forward, pushing the pirate away with a low growl.

“Get lost.”

You blink, surprised at his intensity, but he doesn’t look at you, just at the pirate who’s now backing off.

“Kid, I can handle myself” you say, rolling your eyes.

“Doesn’t mean you should have to” he grumbles under his breath, clearly annoyed by something. He turns away before you can say anything else, muttering about how annoying it is to babysit you. But you know it’s not just that.

The crew knows it too.

Heat lets out a low whistle as he passes by “Damn, Captain, didn’t know you were the protective boyfriend type.”

Kid turns on him with a glare “Shut the hell up.”

Heat just laughs, walking away. You shake your head, but the warmth in your chest lingers.

Then, it all comes to a head one evening. The crew’s just finished a round of celebrations, the ship rocking gently in the quiet of the night. You’re leaning against the rail, enjoying the peace when you feel him behind you.

“Can’t sleep?” Kid asks, his voice low as usual.

You turn around, finding him standing there, arms crossed, the moonlight casting a soft glow over his scowling face.

“I could ask you the same thing” you reply.

There’s a quiet moment as you both stand there, not speaking. His eyes never leave yours, and the tension between you both seems to grow with every passing second.

Suddenly, you hear footsteps approaching. Instinctively, you move closer to Kid. You don’t even think about it, but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, his hand shifts from where it was casually resting at his side to just hovering near your waist.

The ship creaks, the quiet atmosphere making you both more aware of each other’s presence. He doesn’t speak. Neither do you. His fingers are so close, just barely grazing your side as if to assure himself you’re right there.

The closeness feels… different. Intimate.

You glance up at him “Kid?” you ask softly, your heart beating a little faster.

He doesn’t answer immediately, instead, his eyes flicker over your face, and you can see the internal struggle within him. It’s a battle, and for a second, you think he might just ignore it, keep up the stubborn front.

But then, his hand finally rests against your side. His touch isn’t harsh, but gentle. You don’t pull away.

“I don’t know why I keep doing this shit” he admits, his voice low but clear “But when it comes to you… I don’t want to risk something happening.”

You blink, surprised “Risk what?”

His gaze softens, and the gruffness in his tone fades away. He looks straight at you, the usual deflective annoyance replaced with something more vulnerable.

“I don’t want anyone else near you. Not after I saw that idiot trying to hit on you.”

You smile, your heart fluttering in your chest “Kid, I’m not a damsel in distress.”

“I know,” he replies quickly, but there’s no hiding the quiet affection in his voice now “I just… I don’t want to lose you.”

His words hit you harder than you expected, and before you can even respond, something unspoken passes between you both. In a split second, his lips are near yours, and the kiss is soft, almost hesitant, like he’s still not sure if he’s allowed to show this side of himself.

But you kiss him back, your hand gently resting against his chest. The kiss lingers for a moment longer than either of you anticipated, but it feels like the world has paused, like this is the only thing that matters in that moment.

When you pull away, you both stand there in silence, but this time, it’s not awkward. It’s comfortable.

And then the moment is completely shattered by the sound of someone clearing their throat. You both snap your heads toward the entrance to the deck, where Killer and Wire are standing, watching with amused expressions.

“So,” Wire says, smirking, “you two finally gonna admit you’re basically married, or should we keep pretending this isn’t happening?”

Your face heats up immediately, but Kid just groans, rubbing a hand down his face.

“Go to hell” he grumbles.

Killer just shakes his head “Too late, Captain. Everyone’s been taking bets on when you’d figure it out.”

You gape “What?”

Wire grins “Yeah. Heat won. He said you’d kiss before the next port. Guess we owe him a round of drinks.”

Kid looks absolutely done. You, on the other hand, can’t help but laugh. Because honestly? It’s not surprising.

You look back up at Kid, who’s still scowling but isn’t pulling away from you. You squeeze his hand briefly before grinning.

“Guess we were the last ones to know, huh?”

He exhales sharply, shaking his head, but there’s no real annoyance in his expression anymore. Just acceptance. And maybe, just maybe, the start of something real.

Unintentional Couple Behaviour

── .✦ Red-Haired Shanks:

Being part of the Red Hair Pirates meant living in a constant mess of drinking, laughing, and reckless adventures.

And somehow you ended up being the most responsible one. Which was probably why everyone assumed you and Shanks were together.

The problem?

You weren’t.

But apparently, no one got the memo.

It starts with Yasopp.

You’re in the middle of patching up Shanks’ arm because, once again, he got into a bar fight for fun, when Yasopp smirks at you from across the deck.

“You know,” he says casually, “you’re basically married to him at this point.”

You nearly stab Shanks with the needle.

“What?!”

Shanks, meanwhile, just laughs.

And the worst part? He doesn’t even deny it.

“C’mon,” Yasopp continues, “you take care of him, clean up after him, yell at him when he’s reckless...”

“I yell at all of you.”

“Yeah, but you baby him.”

Shanks grins “It’s true. You do.”

You glare “I do not.”

Shanks just shrugs “If you say so.”

And that should be the end of it. But it’s not.

Because after that the whole crew starts treating you like... ugh.

“Oi, Y/N! Can you grab Shanks another drink?”

“Y/N, tell the captain to stop picking fights with Marines again.”

“Hey, Y/N, Shanks says he wants something spicy, maybe you could help... and it's not about food”

You want to scream.

But Shanks?

Shanks just goes along with it. Smiling. Laughing. Letting everyone assume you’re his.

And the worst part is that you let them, because deep down you don’t hate the idea.

And that’s dangerous.

Then one night, it all clicks.

You’re sitting at a bonfire, surrounded by the crew, listening to them sing and drink and bicker over who can hold their liquor best.

You’re not paying attention until you hear your name.

“So, Captain,” Lucky Roux says, “when’s the wedding?”

You choke on your drink. But before you can argue, Shanks just grins.

“Oh, give it time.”

The crew erupts into laughter.

You just stare at him.

Because... what????

Shanks turns to you, smiling like he didn’t just casually imply he plans on marrying you.

And something in his expression—

Something warm. Something knowing.

It hits you all at once.

The hand-holding. The lingering touches. The way he always pulls you onto his lap when there’s no room to sit.

The way he lets you fuss over him when he gets hurt, the way he only ever listens to you.

The way he looks at you like you’re something precious.

Your heart pounds.

And Shanks just grins against your lips.

“Took you long enough” he murmurs.

And when you pull back, breathless, flustered, you realize that maybe you’ve been his this whole time.

You blink, heart still racing as the weight of his words settles in. The laughter of the crew fades into background noise, the warmth of the bonfire casting flickering shadows over Shanks’ face. He’s watching you, waiting, like he already knows the answer, like he’s known it for years.

And maybe he has.

Maybe he’s been waiting for you to catch up.

Your throat is dry. You open your mouth, but no words come out, just a strangled sound of disbelief.

Shanks chuckles, eyes crinkling at the corners “You alright there, sweetheart?”

Sweetheart. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Like he hasn’t just upended everything you thought you knew.

Your hands tighten in his shirt, and you can’t tell if it’s to ground yourself or to pull him closer “You...” you swallow, voice quieter now, meant just for him “You should’ve said something...”

He tilts his head, considering “I thought I did. Plenty of times.”

You scowl, smacking his chest lightly, which only makes him laugh “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

“Oh, I know.” His fingers brush your jaw, featherlight, reverent “I just like seeing you all flustered.”

You groan, but you don’t pull away. And well, that says everything, doesn’t it?

And Shanks knows it too, because his grin softens, something unreadable flickering in his gaze “So,” he murmurs, close enough that his breath tickles your lips, “now that you’ve finally figured it out, what do you plan to do about it?”

The challenge is there, teasing, but there’s something raw beneath it, something real.

You take a breath. Then, before you can overthink it, you grab the front of his coat and pull him in, kissing him again, firmer this time.

The crew erupts in cheers. Someone whistles. Someone else yells about winning a bet.

But all you can focus on is the way Shanks smiles against your lips, like he’s just won something far more important.

And maybe you have too.

Unintentional Couple Behaviour

── .✦ Charlotte Katakuri:

The first time someone calls you Katakuri’s spouse, you nearly drop your mochi donut.

“Excuse me, what?”

The Big Mom Pirates stare at you like you’re stupid.

“Well, yeah,” Oven says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world “You take care of him, he lets you into his tea time, you’re the only one who sees his face—”

Brûlée smirks “And you always defend him when people talk behind his back.”

Daifuku nods “Might as well be married already.”

You sputter “That doesn’t mean—! We’re not—! He’s just my commander!”

Oven raises an eyebrow “You ever see Katakuri treat anyone else the way he treats you?”

You freeze.

Because... okay.

That’s a good point.

Katakuri isn’t exactly warm with people. He’s respected, feared, distant. A perfectionist. The strongest Sweet Commander.

And yet, with you?

He lets you tease him. Lets you see him.

Lets you in.

Your stomach flips.

And you don’t know what to do with that.

You try to forget about it.

But after that you start noticing things.

The way Katakuri always saves you the best snacks at tea time.

The way he steps in front of you during battles without thinking.

The way he lets you touch him, his arm, his back, his face.

His unguarded moments are always with you.

And suddenly you can’t ignore it.

Neither can the crew.

It all comes to a head one evening.

You’re sitting with Katakuri in his usual spot, tea cooling beside him, the setting sun casting a warm glow over his sharp features. He’s eating, as usual, but his guard is down because you’re here.

And then the words slip out.

“…Katakuri.”

He glances at you, chewing “Hm?”

You hesitate. Then screw it.

“Are we… something?”

Katakuri pauses.

Slowly, he sets his cup down. Then he exhales, like he’s been waiting for this.

“You tell me,” he says, voice steady “Would it bother you if we were?”

Your heart pounds. Because no, it wouldn’t.

You swallow “No.”

Katakuri watches you for a long moment. Then, he smirks.

“Then I suppose we are.”

Your brain short-circuits.

“Wait—WHAT?!”

Katakuri chuckles, low and deep “Did you really think I’d let just anyone this close to me?”

You gasp, because hold on. Has he known this whole time?!

Your face burns “You could’ve said something sooner, you jerk!”

Katakuri just leans closer, his presence overwhelming.

“…Would you have been ready to hear it?”

You freeze, because damn it.

He’s right.

Unintentional Couple Behaviour

── .✦ Dracule Mihawk:

Living on Kuraigana Island with Mihawk isn’t easy, but somehow, you get used to it.

You get used to the silence. The way he watches you over the rim of his wine glass. The way he corrects your sword stance with the barest touch of his fingers.

You get used to the way he does things for you without asking, bringing you an extra plate at meals, fixing your sword when it’s damaged, moving his coat so you don’t sit on the cold stone steps.

It’s just how he is... Or so you think.

Until one day Perona stares at the two of you across the dining table and snorts.

“You guys act like a married couple.”

You choke on your drink. Mihawk just raises an eyebrow.

Perona grins “Oh, come on! You live together, train together, eat together—hell, you even drink out of each other’s cups sometimes!”

You freeze.

Because—wait. When did that start happening?!

You sneak a glance at Mihawk, expecting him to argue.

But instead, he just takes a sip of wine and says, “And?”

Your brain short-circuits.

Because what does he mean, ‘and’?!

Perona cackles “Oh, this is gold.”

Meanwhile, you’re too busy spiraling to notice the small, knowing smirk on Mihawk’s lips.

Because the truth is, he knew all along.

The next few days pass in a strange haze. Every time you’re near Mihawk, you’re hyper-aware of his actions. The way he hands you your sword when it’s too heavy for you to lift properly, the way he adjusts your stance when you’re practicing, even the way he leaves his wine glass half-filled so you can sip it without asking.

You can’t help but start noticing the little things. And it makes your stomach do these strange little flips you can’t quite explain.

You try to convince yourself that you’re just overthinking it. After all, you’ve spent so much time together, working side-by-side, that it’s only natural for him to be a bit… attentive. But you can’t help but feel that there’s more to it than that.

One evening, you’re training in the yard. Mihawk is watching from the porch, as usual, but today there’s something different in the air. Maybe it’s the cool breeze, or the strange feeling of him staring at you.

“Focus” he calls out when you fumble with your sword.

You grit your teeth and refocus, sweat already beading on your forehead. Your movements become sharper, more determined, but you can’t quite shake the feeling that something is… off.

When you finish the routine, Mihawk’s still leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. He doesn’t say anything at first, but you can feel his gaze. You give him a quick, sideways glance, noticing the faint hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

“Something wrong?” you ask, trying to sound casual.

His response comes as a slow, deliberate drawl “You still aren’t quite in sync with your sword. I’ve been waiting for you to catch up.”

You feel your face flush, but you push through it “Yeah? Well, I’m not some grandmaster swordsman like you, Mihawk.”

He steps closer, his presence almost overwhelming, but his gaze softens for a moment “You’re getting better. I’m simply making sure you don’t lose track of your progress.”

The softness in his voice catches you off-guard, and for a split second, you feel as if you’re standing on the edge of something, something new.

But you quickly push it aside, shaking it off as just another passing thought. You turn to grab your sword again, determined to change the subject.

“Thanks for the help,” you mutter, trying to keep your voice steady “But I think I need a break. My arms are sore.”

Mihawk doesn’t respond at first. Instead, he merely watches you for a moment before he speaks again, his tone unusually gentle.

“Are you sure you’re fine? You’ve been training for hours without rest.”

You give him a small, appreciative nod “I’ll be fine. You’re too used to looking out for me, Mihawk.”

He lets out a faint chuckle, but you notice that there’s a strange intensity in his gaze now “I suppose I am.”

Before you can react, you feel something slightly off, a flicker of tension between you two.

It’s subtle, but it’s there. And you feel it in the way he looks at you, the way he almost seems to be waiting for you to say something.

But, just like that, the moment passes. He steps back, motioning for you to take a rest.

“I’ll prepare dinner,” he says quietly, as if nothing had happened “I’m sure you’re hungry.”

You blink “You cook?”

“Of course,” he says with a slight, almost invisible smirk “It’s not difficult, and you’ve been working hard all day. You deserve a proper meal.”

You feel your heart race at his words, but you manage to keep it together “Alright, I’ll take you up on that.”

But as Mihawk turns to walk away, you pause.

For just a second, you wonder... has this always been a normal interaction between you two? Or has it grown into something more without you even realizing it?

The unease gnaws at you as you sit down on the steps, watching him disappear into the house.

You’re overthinking it. You’re just friends.

...Right?

Later that evening, you’re sitting across from Mihawk, your meal already finished. The conversation is easy, but there’s still that lingering, unspoken tension hanging in the air.

Finally, Mihawk breaks the silence, his voice low and casual “You’ve been avoiding the subject.”

Your brow furrows in confusion “What subject?”

“The subject of us.”

You choke on your drink, sputtering “What—us?!”

His expression remains unreadable, but there’s a faint glimmer in his eyes “You think I haven’t noticed? You’ve been acting strange around me lately. Ever since Perona made her comment.”

You freeze “I—uh—”

“Let’s stop pretending,” he continues “We’ve been behaving like a couple, whether we admit it or not.”

Your heart starts to race. You open your mouth to deny it, but the words get stuck. Instead, you just stare at him, trying to make sense of what he’s saying.

And that’s when Mihawk leans forward just slightly, his voice dropping lower “I don’t know what you’re feeling, but I do know that I don’t want you to leave.”

The bluntness of his words takes your breath away.

“I never planned to leave” you manage to say, the words barely leaving your lips.

Mihawk gives you a rare, genuine smile, one that’s so small and almost imperceptible that you’re not sure you saw it at all. But something in his eyes shifts.

“Good.”

And just like that, the tension finally breaks.

You’re not sure where this will go. But for now, you’re content to just be here with him, uncertain, but sure of one thing: neither of you are going anywhere.

4rticbolt
3 weeks ago
Mon Ster Trio ~ !! Kissing Their Scars.

mon ster trio ~ !! kissing their scars.

Mon Ster Trio ~ !! Kissing Their Scars.

warnings: a bit suggestive on zoro's.

masterlist and rules || have fun reading!

Mon Ster Trio ~ !! Kissing Their Scars.
Mon Ster Trio ~ !! Kissing Their Scars.

Monkey D. Luffy

He was lying on the deck.

Arms behind his head,

His shirt hiked up just enough to reveal the x-shaped scar on his chest.

You sat beside him,

Watching the way the sun caught his skin.

Without a word,

You leaned down and placed a soft kiss right on the center of the scar.

Luffy blinked.

“Huh? What was that for?”

You smiled.

“For being strong.”

He stared for a second…

Then grinned that big goofy smile.

“I didn’t even feel it! Do it again!”

You rolled your eyes and kissed it once more.

Just to see him laugh.

“Does it heal faster with kisses?”

he asked,

Clearly considering the science.

You giggled.

“Maybe.”

“Well then—”

He flopped dramatically onto your lap.

“Kiss the rest of me too! Just in case!”

Mon Ster Trio ~ !! Kissing Their Scars.

Roronoa Zoro

He had his shirt off after training.

Sweat clinging to his body,

Swords resting by the wall.

You stepped behind him,

Fingers ghosting over the long scar down his chest.

Zoro flinched.

Not from pain,

But from surprise.

“…What are you doing?”

You didn’t answer.

Instead,

You leaned in and kissed the base of the scar.

Your lips lingering softly.

He tensed,

Silent.

Then..

“…That’s not gonna help me train, you know.”

You smirked.

“It’s not for training.”

When you kissed higher along the scar.

He caught your wrist gently.

“You’re gonna make me forget what I was doing.”

His voice was low and rough.

But he wasn't stopping you.

You kissed once more,

Mear his collarbone.

“…Too late,”

He muttered.

Mon Ster Trio ~ !! Kissing Their Scars.

Vinsmoke Sanji

He was rolling his sleeves up,

Forearms bare,

Cigarette resting between his lips.

Your eyes fell on the old burn scars near his hands.

The ones he never talked about.

“Sanji?”

“Hm?”

Before he could react,

You brought one of his hands up and pressed a soft kiss to the scar.

Then another.

And another.

He froze.

The cigarette dropped.

“Mon dieu…”

You looked up,

Worried for a second.

“Too much?”

He cupped your face with his free hand,

Eyes a little glassy.

“No one’s ever… done that.”

You kissed the scar again gently.

“You deserve it.”

Sanji didn’t say anything.

He just pulled you in close.

And held you against his chest for a long, quiet moment.

And yes, his hands trembled just a little.

Mon Ster Trio ~ !! Kissing Their Scars.
4rticbolt
3 weeks ago

I love your stories!! Maybe a Zoro x princess!reader would be interesting? She ran away and became a pirate of the crew, but she is still very formal and polite while Zoro is... Zoro 😂😂

I Love Your Stories!! Maybe A Zoro X Princess!reader Would Be Interesting? She Ran Away And Became A

⛥゚・。 knight

synopsis: as a princess, you constantly have a bounty on your head, which means you are almost always under attack whenever the crew docks on an island. so, after zoro saves you from being kidnapped again, you both have a heart to heart... which ends in a little confession.

cw: fluffy fluff, comfort, reader talks very proper, reader's a little dense, zoro's a little emotionally constipated

I Love Your Stories!! Maybe A Zoro X Princess!reader Would Be Interesting? She Ran Away And Became A

"Get the princess!" the leader of the thugs shouted, swords drawn as the huge gang chased after you.

Hastily, Zoro attempted to cut a nearby corner, teetering to the side a little bit before he stabilized and continued to sprint down the street.

"What the hell were you thinking, huh?!" he panted, brows furrowed at he glanced at you, who was thrown over his shoulder. "I leave you alone for two seconds! And somehow you find a way to grab the attention of every damn criminal in town!"

"I was thirsty!" you exclaimed, defensively. "I thought I was going into a bar!"

"It was obviously a bounty hunter's nest!" he fired back.

"How was I supposed to know that?!"

"It was called the Killshot! And had a sign hanging outside with a picture of a gun!"

"I thought it was just a colorful theme!"

Zoro groaned, eyes nearly rolling to the back of his head as he cursed whatever god that allowed this to happen yet again.

One of these days, he was gonna pretend he didn't see anything.

You were a princess, plain and simple, heir to the throne of some far off kingdom in the New World.

Ever since you were a little girl, you'd longed for adventure, not wanting your world to be confined to the walls of your castle, or the borders of your kingdom.

So, you promised yourself that the moment you turned eighteen, you'd run away.

And that's exactly what you did.

Though, in hindsight, it was probably not the best decision, as you had absolutely no idea how the outside world worked.

Still, somehow by fate or by fortune, your clueless self had managed to make it all the way to Loguetown, where the crew saved you from a few assassins.

Thus, you became the Strawhat's resident princess and diplomat.

And Zoro's resident pain in the ass.

Whenever the crew docked on a new island, you always insisted on exploring it yourself, excited to see the new sights and sounds.

And, like clockwork, you always found some way to call unwanted attention to yourself, the swordsman always finding himself in close proximity.

He had half the mind to think you did it on purpose.

Brows furrowed, his feet picked up speed, muttering intelligible things to himself.

'Princess be damned... no woman's worth this much trouble...'

Out the corner of his eye, Zoro peeped an alley not too far away, quickly running to duck inside it.

Dropping you to your feet, his strong hands grabbed your shoulders, yanking you into the shadows and covering your mouth as you let out a tiny yelp, eyes widening.

'Brute!'

You'd never been handled with such lack of care...

Back home, you were referred to as the Crowned Jewel of the Kingdom, known far and wide for your beauty and kindness.

Many often sang your praises, sending you buckets upon buckets of fan mail and writing songs about the prosperity your family had brought to the kingdom.

And the few that actually got to touch you did so with the utmost care, often reverently.

Meanwhile... this man talked to you as if you were an incompetent child, and tossed you around as if you were some sort of rag-doll.

Safe to say, it was quite the culture shock.

As the large group of men passed, Zoro tightened his grip on you, watching closely they examined the shops and stalls outside—some of them having split up to search quicker.

"Coulda sworn they were right here..." one of them grumbled under his breath, brows furrowed.

The dark-haired man paused, giving the space one more once over before turning to the others, sheathing his sword with an annoyed sigh.

"Looks like we lost 'em. Let's circle back to where we found 'em and see if that redhead knows anything."

Your eyes widened, knowing exactly who he was talking about.

"Nami!" you whimpered, forcing Zoro's calloused hand to press harder into your face to muffle the noise.

"Quiet," his deep, rough voice ordered, tone leaving no room for argument.

Suspicious, the man glanced in your direction, narrowing his eyes at the darkness as he looked directly at you—though he didn't know it.

Your heart stopped, your entire body freezing up as both you and Zoro stayed as still as statues, pressing firmer against the wall of the alley to avoid being revealed as he left.

And once he was completely one, you both let out a sigh of relief, your shoulders dropping as the tension finally oozed out your back.

"Are you stupid or something?" Zoro spat, curtly, brows furrowed. "You could've gotten us both caught!"

"I already expressed my apologies! It was not on purpose!" you countered, throwing your hands up in the air. "I simply wanted something to drink, but then those thugs just grabbed me! And did so without asking!"

Zoro let out another sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as he hung his head.

You couldn't be serious...

"They're bounty hunters, (y/n)... they're not gonna ask permission to kidnap you."

"I'm afraid I just learned that firsthand," you huffed, a small pout gracing your lips and you leaned against the wall, crossing your arms over your chest. "And after I was so generous... I even offered to negotiate the terms over lunch."

With a raised brow, Zoro leaned against the wall with you, confused.

"Terms?"

"A closed contract between me and all affiliates of the Killshot gang that would have guaranteed my continued residency with the Strawhat crew in exchange for a sum total of five-hundred million berries, paid monthly or in advance, depending on their preference."

The swordsman nearly choked on the air he was taking in, floored by the number you said so casually.

"Five-hundred million?!"

You nodded, plainly, confused by his surprise.

"Money is no object for my family. Especially pertaining to my safety," you shrugged. "I extend that offer to my friends, as well. Back at the auction house on Sabaody, I would have happily bought Camie to save her... but Sir Raleigh had already beat me to the punch."

Slowly, a small smile crept onto the swordsman's face, the rigidness in his stance slowly morphing into one more relaxed.

'Well, I'll be damned...'

It was moments like these that he enjoyed, as he was actually offered a glimpse at your true self.

The woman that an entire kingdom absolutely adored.

Princess (y/n).

Sure, you were hard-headed at times, and completely clueless when it came to social interactions outside of high society.

But you had heart, and generosity that quite literally knew no bounds.

Just... maybe some self defense lessons were needed.

"I gotta teach you some hand to hand if you're gonna keep goin' on these little expeditions," he sighed, clearing his throat as he glanced down at the ground.

"Combat?" you scrunched your nose. "What is the point of that when I have you?"

The gears in his head came to a screeching halt, his head snapping over to you so fast, you'd think he'd have whiplash.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"You are a swordsman, are you not?" you raised a brow.

"Yes..."

"And you follow me around, yes?"

"I don't follow you around!"

The man flushed, face burning at your plainness.

"You are always there when I am in trouble."

"Yeah... well... that's 'cause I have shit luck..."

"But you care about me, right?"

Zoro froze, throat clamming up.

He had never been presented with questions like these before, and they were forcing him to think.

To read into why exactly he was always there whenever you called for help.

You were always within arms reach of him, the two of you seeming to just naturally float around each other, even as you did your daily routines.

And although you were far from his responsibility, Zoro couldn't understand why he felt the need to worry so much.

He knew million times over that the crew was capable of protecting you, and that if anything were to happen, Luffy or Sanji could more than adequately swoop in to your rescue.

But for some reason, reminding himself of that fact didn't subdue the concern that spiked in his chest when you left his line of sight, or the faint pang of panic in his breath.

'Dammit...'

Too many questions.

"I... yes," he answered, awkwardly.

Instantly, a warm smile broke out on your face, melting the swordsman's heart into a puddle on the floor.

"Then, that makes you my sworn sword!" you beamed, cheekily.

"Your sworn... what?"

"My sworn sword. My knight. My champion," you elaborated. "You stand by my side throughout my travels and keep me under your protection."

"I do WHAT?!"

"Is your hearing all right? You seem to be having a hard time processing what I am saying..."

"No, no... it's... it's not that..."

An uncomfortable silence suddenly settled over you both, the swordsman practically praying that the gang would come back so he could run you both back to the ship and escape the atmosphere.

You, on the other hand, had been feeling quite the opposite, wanting things to be settled right here and now.

Zoro had been your "crush"—lovingly dubbed by Nami—for over two years, and was the only person in the world that was consistently there for you, always rushing to your rescue without fail.

Despite his prickly exterior, and his sharp words, you could tell he was a kind, loyal, and compassionate man.

He just needed a little push.

Just then, the sound of running footsteps began to draw nearer to the mouth of the alley, your eyes shooting wide at the sound.

"Someone is coming!" you whispered, quickly turning to him .

Eyes doe wide, and breath quickened, you settled on something you'd read in a book once, hoping it would conceal your faces.

What possessed you to do it, you had no idea.

Pulling the man in by his robe, you smashed your lips into his, his eye shooting as wide as a saucer.

Everything had gone from zero to a hundred so fast.

Left was up.

Down was right.

But, in that moment, everything felt oddly right.

So, for the first time in his life, he caved, allowing his eye to flutter shut and his body to ease into the kiss.

Sliding your hands up, one of them cupped his face, while the other threw your arm around his neck, keeping him in place as he snaked his arms tightly around your waist, pulling you closer.

The kiss was electric, and, while very uncoordinated and eager, felt like liquid fire was coursing through your veins, pushing you forward.

Smoothly, the two of you shifted, Zoro pushing you up against the wall and tilting his head in order to get a better angle, deepening the kiss even further.

His hands gripped you even tighter, suddenly fearful he would float away if you didn't keep him grounded.

With your touch burning his skin and your scent flooding his nostrils, he felt like he was higher than the clouds, like this was heaven on earth.

Your lips were so damn soft...

Hell, you were so damn soft...

You washed over him like a wave of calm, the rhythm of the kiss lulling his worry-filled mind until the only thing he could think about was why the hell he didn't do this sooner.

"Aw, jeez! This is what you guys were doing all this time?!" Luffy exclaimed from the mouth of the alley, completely ruining the moment.

'Thats why...'

The two of you quickly threw yourselves off each other, faces burning with embarrassment as you looked in opposite directions.

"At least do that inside. You're gonna catch somethin' out here..." he shrugged, turning to walk away.

Your eyes shot wide, and you snapped your head over to the boy.

"Wait, Luffy, what did you think we were—?" "Don't wanna talk about it!"

"You idiot, we weren't—!" "M'not listening!"

You turned to the swordsman, brow raised in confusion.

"What is he talking about?"

Zoro's eye widened, and it finally donned on him that you hadn't been taught about... the birds and the bees.

'Christ...'

"I'll tell you another time," he sighed, talking your hand and leading you toward the exit of the alley. "Let's go back to the ship."

"Yes, of course!" you playfully bellowed. "Lead the way, knight!"

"I'm not your knight!"

"Whatever you say... knight..."

I Love Your Stories!! Maybe A Zoro X Princess!reader Would Be Interesting? She Ran Away And Became A
4rticbolt
3 weeks ago

I'm curious. Reblog this if you know how to cook

I don’t even care if it’s macaroni, ramen or those little bowls you stick in the microwave. Please, I need reassurance that most of the population on tumblr WOULDN’T STARVE TO DEATH if their parents couldn’t fix them food or they couldn’t go out to eat. 

4rticbolt
3 weeks ago

Hey just letting y’all know I’m going through an awkward phase of writers block, and potential migration attacks… so I’ll be on a little hiatus!

Be welcome to request though!


Tags
4rticbolt
3 weeks ago
"Still Too Light..."
"Still Too Light..."

"Still too light..."

Whumpril day 1: Hug (clammy)

(Yes I know it's May but I am just happy to finish this thing I started drawing like a year ago lmaooo)

I love Zeff and Sanji's father son relationship so so much. Zeff's poor Eggplant has gotten sick. Steamed himself instead of the actual food...

4rticbolt
3 weeks ago
What Appeals To Me About Whump: An Incomplete List
What Appeals To Me About Whump: An Incomplete List
What Appeals To Me About Whump: An Incomplete List
What Appeals To Me About Whump: An Incomplete List
What Appeals To Me About Whump: An Incomplete List

What appeals to me about whump: an incomplete list

4rticbolt
4 weeks ago

Breaking Point Chapter 2

Prev

Whitebeard Pirates x Teen GN Reader

4.9k words

Summary: You awake on an enemy ship after failing to evade them the day before. Your mind is heavy with what is to come, and the actions of the people you know to be your enemies only serves to confuse you further. What have you gotten yourself into?

Warnings: suicidal ideation, mentions of previous suicide attempt, brief descriptions of past child abuse, dehumanization, burns, drugging, being unable to move, unhealthy relationship with food

“S-S-Sir!”

Akainu whipped around to face the marine that dared to intrude upon him. He is able to keep his magma from pouring out, but just barely. “What?! Spit it out! I don't have time to be listening to you trip over your own damn words!”

The pathetic excuse for a marine stumbles back, looking like he's on the verge of pissing himself. Why people like this joined the Marines was beyond Akainu’s understanding. Just as he was considering terminating him permanently, the whelp finally finds his words, “W-We got word that the Whitebeard pirates have picked up the medicine, sir!”

“Have there been any communications from them since the last?”

“No, sir!”

The lack of communication from them was grating on his nerves. He assumed this meant that the original plan was still on, but he would prefer confirmation. He needed to see that you were still alive. Akainu releases a sigh that teeters on being a growl, then waves off the marine, “Understood. Now get out of my sight.”

Fortunately, the marine didn't need to be told twice and promptly made himself scarce. Akainu isn't sure that he would have been able to control his temper if he hadn't left. 

It could not accurately be put into words how much Akainu hated everything about this situation. The fact that a bunch of pirates got their filthy hands on his child was bad enough; that already had his blood boiling. But what was really eating away at him was what he saw in the communication feed that had come through.

Since it was of a visual nature, he could see that this wasn't a bluff. They had you in their custody. There was a horrifying moment in the beginning when he thought they were showing him your corpse. The only reason the Marine base wasn't a molten wasteland was because he saw you blink. From there, he was able to also pick up on the steady rise and fall of your chest as you laid chained to some medical gurney by one of your wrists. Sea stone cuffs, surely. 

The look in your eyes was haunting him. They were completely lifeless. As the pirate, Marco, gave their terms, all you did was stare blankly ahead at nothing. He doubted you were even cognizant of the fact that you were being recorded. 

It was clear to him that those pirates had drugged you. That was the only way to explain why you were just laying there instead of fighting. You had never been the type to give up so easily.

Now it was down to a waiting game. The pirates adamantly refused to hand you over before the medicine was on their ship. He fought hard against these terms, but he ultimately had to yield. They had the more valuable bargaining chip, and they knew it. Sure, it was most convenient to get the medicine in bulk now, but it didn't appear to be particularly urgent. They could find more elsewhere at a later date, but Akainu couldn't do the same. If they killed you, that was it. He was backed into a corner, and he was loathing every second of it. 

The sound of someone clearing their throat comes from behind him. It would have made his temper flare even more had he not recognized it. He takes a deep breath to calm his nerves- as much as they could be- and turns to face the Fleet Admiral properly.

For a moment, Sengoku just stares at him with his usual frown. He then sighs and shakes his head, “Of all the people I expected to make a deal with pirates behind my back, you most certainly didn’t make the list.”

That made Akainu’s eyebrow twitch, and his teeth grind down on the cigar in his mouth, “Do you think I’m happy about this?”

Sengoku was undeterred by his subordinate’s behavior. “I never said you had to be, but accepting those terms on your own was out of line.”

“Time was of the essence, I couldn’t afford to wait for you to get here when my child is actively in a hostage situation.” His temper is already rising despite previous attempts to calm it.

The next sentence out of his superior's mouth only fanned the smoldering flame. “A hostage situation that they got themselves into, need I remind you.”

For a moment, he's too stunned to speak. When he finds his voice, the words are forced out through clenched teeth, “Do you want to run that by me again?”

“I know you aren't stupid, Akainu. You and I both know that (Y/N) was nowhere near where they were supposed to be.”

The vein on his forehead feels like it's about to explode. “What are you implying?”

“Do you really need me to spell it out for you? Are you that blind?” Sengoku pinches the bridge of his nose and heaves a sigh, “That kid has never wanted to be a marine. You know that at least, right?”

That did it. A fiery hole was punched into a nearby wall as what was left of his short fuse burnt away to nothing. “Bullshit! (Y/N) has given everything to the Marines!”

“What they've given is irrelevant to the point. It doesn't matter if they give their all to something if they didn't actually want to in the first place.” Sengoku meets Akainu's furious gaze with one of annoyance, “The point is that they did precisely what I expected them to do.”

The anger cools and is replaced by genuine confusion. “What?” Akainu squints his eyes and steps closer, “Did you plan for this to happen?”

“Not exactly. The Whitebeard's were a wildcard, admittedly.” Sengoku walks past Akainu and stares down at the base below through a window, “I'd had hopes for (Y/N) in the beginning, I really had. They were so promising, and I knew that if they would grow into and accept their role as a marine, that they would be an excellent soldier. Possibly even an Admiral some day. But I never saw that acceptance. They were always only ever following orders. A cog placed into a machine.”

A humorless chuckle escapes the Fleet Admiral as he pushes the window open, “Did you honestly think that I was so desperate for information on Red Haired Shanks that I would send a child after him? Please. It was all a test. I wanted to see what would happen when (Y/N) was cut from their lead and without supervision. Just as I predicted, they ran off as soon as they got the opportunity. It's a shame that so many resources were wasted, but it's for the best that they left now rather than sticking around to cause problems later.”

“Now you wait just a damn minute,” Akainu seethed. “Just because that snot-nosed brat of yours went awol doesn't mean that my soldier did. (Y/N) would never go against orders like that. Something went wrong. Shanks must have caught on to the mission, so they pulled back.”

Sengoku’s reflection betrays the slight grimace on his face at the mention of Rosinante, but it's gone just as quickly as it arrived. Instead, it's replaced by a bitter scowl as he turns around to face Akainu directly, “You can't be this deluded. Not even Garp was stupid enough to force his family to become marines. You-” he lets out a hiss of a sigh, “It's like you're forcing a circle through a square shaped hole.”

“What the fuck do shapes have to do with any of this?” This conversation was going nowhere and getting more and more ridiculous by the second. 

“Just because you can force it to fit doesn't mean that's where it belongs. Was (Y/N) a damn good marine? Absolutely. No one will ever argue that, but they weren't meant to be one. The sooner you accept that, the better off you'll be.” Sengoku makes for the door, but stops just shy of it. “One last thing. If the deal you have with those pirates falls through and they don't hand (Y/N) over… I will not be permitting any further action against them.”

Everything said so far had been one sucker punch after another, but this took the wind from Akainu. His mouth opened and closed several times before he found the right words, “You want me to leave them to the mercy of a bunch of pirates?”

“Yes. They got themselves into that mess by abandoning their mission, they can get themselves out.” He meets Akainu’s shocked gaze over his shoulder, “I expect you to respect this. You're an Admiral, you have to put your position before your family ties.”

With that said, Sengoku takes his leave. Akainu stands alone in his office, thin wisps of smoke still filtering through the air from the smoldering drywall. 

—

It's the sound of turning pages that first starts to bring you out of your stupor. Bits and pieces of your memories seep into your foggy brain. 

Boats… you were looking at boats, but pirates tailed you after you left. The Whitebeard pirates. You got into a… fight? No, there was a chase, but they caught you. You were brought back to the ship and… Oh. That happened. 

When your eyes crack open, you're staring at the ceiling of an infirmary. You're still on the Moby Dick, so that's almost a plus. Definitely not ideal, but at least you haven't been handed back over to the Marines yet. 

God, your head is spinning. What happened to you? Did they drug you? Damn it, you can’t remember what happened. You try to reach up and rub your eyes, but you can't. Neither of your arms will budge. 

It takes a coordinated effort, but you're able to raise your head enough to see why you can't move your arms. Both of them are strapped to the bars on the sides of the gurney by a series of belts. You can't move them at all. 

You also take note of the picc line in your left arm. That definitely wasn't in there when you passed out. Your eyes trace up to the IV bag hanging above your head. Shit. They're probably keeping you on a steady stream of sedatives. That explains the lack of alarm you're feeling despite your current state of affairs. 

With your sleeve being rolled up for the picc line, one more thing was exposed. A large patch of scar tissue covering most of your forearm. A burn mark to remind you of one of the many times Akainu got too carried away while sparring with you. A plethora of similar scars littered most of your body, leading to you having a wardrobe consisting of shirts and pants that covered as much skin as possible. While many of your fellow marines took pride in showing off their scars, yours had always been a source of shame. Resentment. Hatred. Seeing one now only served to further sour your mood. 

“Oh!” 

The voice startles you out of your trance. When you follow it to its source, you spot a nurse sitting not far from you and holding a newspaper. You can immediately tell what her profession is because she has on the most stereotypical nurse's uniform you've ever seen. It's kind of odd to see such a sight on a pirate ship of all places. 

She gets up from the desk she was sitting at and hurries over to you with a smile plastered on her face, “Oh good, you're finally awake!”

Finally? “How-” You stop speaking and cough. Fuck, your throat is dry. Might be a side effect of the meds they have you on. 

Without even needing to be asked, the nurse fetches you a glass of water. She gently tilts your head up and allows the water to flow into your mouth at a steady pace. You greedily gulp it down in seconds. You watch the nurse closely as you drink, taking in her appearance. If you had to guess, she was in her early thirties. Coarse, blonde hair is held back in a ponytail with a few errant curls framing her round face. 

“Better?” The nurse sets your head back down and turns away from you, “You were out cold all night, we were starting to get worried about you. Well… more worried, I should say.” She coughs lightly and returns to your side with a clipboard in hand. 

“All night? What time is it?” Your voice was still a little croaky, but now you were thinking it had more to do with your brief coma than medication. You’re pretty sure it was only roughly midday when you got captured. You find it hard to believe you slept the rest of the day and through the night, but there isn't really any reason to lie about such a thing. 

“It's about a quarter till seven right now.” 

Damn. That shit really did knock you the hell out. You've always risen at five in the morning on the dot. Akainu would physically throw you out of your bed if you ever accidentally overslept, and then you'd have to run a lap for every minute. 

The nurse sat down on a nearby stool and smiled at you again, “I'm Elise. You'll probably be seeing a lot of me from here on out. Can you tell me your name, sweetie?”

Sweetie? The pet name made you cringe. You suppose you might as well answer her, though you can't imagine there's anyone on this ship that isn't aware of you and who you are. 

You tell her your name, making her hum in approval, “Very good! Now, can you tell me how you're feeling? Any dizziness or nausea? Difficulty breathing?”

“I'm… kinda lightheaded, I guess.” It's debatable if that's a side effect of the medicine or not eating for twelve plus hours, though. It could also be the result of prolonged sea stone exposure. Who knows?

Elise nods along and scribbles some notes down, “Good, good… Are you having any thoughts of harming yourself or others?”

For such a heavy question, she says it awfully casually, but the look in her eyes as she peers at you over the clipboard is anything but. You shift under her gaze. As much as you can, at least. The movement makes you realize that there are straps holding your legs down as well. 

What kind of question even is that? You're on an enemy ship, drugged, and restrained. How else does she expect you to feel right now? Especially with the impending doom of what is to come. 

Her stare doesn't let up for even a second. She isn't willing to let the question go unanswered, so you do what you have to. Lie. 

“No.”

It's evident to you that she knows that you're lying through your teeth. Mercifully, she doesn't call you out on it. After jotting down a few more things on the clipboard, it's discarded, and you're the center of her attention again. 

“I bet you're hungry after sleeping for so long. I'll ring the kitchen to bring something for you.” Elise picks up a transponder snail from nearby, “What do you like to drink in the morning? Coffee? Tea? Oh, I know! How about some hot chocolate?”

The response comes out before you can even really think about it, “I'm not allowed to have that.”

Elise gasps softly and brings a hand to her mouth, “Oh no, are you lactose intolerant? I think the kitchen has some alternatives they could use instead of milk.”

“No, I mean that it's too unhealthy. There aren't any benefits to drinking something like that.” Akainu never gave you the chance to form a sweet tooth. All of your meals were nutritionally dense with an emphasis on protein. Desserts were strictly prohibited.

At that statement, Elise frowns and puts her free hand on her hip, “Well that's just silly. Not everything you eat has to be “healthy”. A balanced diet is important, of course, but you're allowed to have treats.”

“But-”

“Ah, ah! No buts. I'm a nurse, so if I say it's okay, it’s okay.” Having made her point, Elise goes ahead and contacts the kitchen to order some breakfast for you. And a hot chocolate, apparently. 

Stubborn woman. But you suppose one has to have a firm foot and a backbone if they're on a pirate ship. Whatever. Might as well make the most of your last meal before you're sent back to hell. And subsequently executed for your misdeeds. 

The infirmary is empty, save for you and Elise. While you appreciate the privacy the vacancy affords you, it does leave you with a question.

“Where's The Phoenix?” You're honestly amazed he wasn't monitoring you directly given your perceived importance for the trade deal they had. 

Elise, having just finished placing the order for food, faces you again. “Marco? He left to supervise the retrieval of the medicine. A precaution in case the Marines try to pull something, I assume. Did you need something from him? He should be back tonight.”

Damn, they already have it? You thought you'd have more time before then. Your head drops down and your hands tighten into fists, “Oh. I'm guessing they'll be handing me over as soon as they're back…”

Genuine confusion flashes across Elise’s face, then realization, “Oh! No, no, no! We aren't going to be releasing you back to the Marines!”

Okay. You were officially lost. “You're… going to try and get more out of having me as a hostage?”

“That isn't it either!” Elise sighs and rubs her temples while quietly muttering, “Must be that medication's doing…”

“Am I missing something here?”

“Yes. One of the side effects from what we gave you initially is mild memory loss. It makes it hard to recall everything that happened right before the dose.” She approaches your bed and starts messing with the levers, “After your… outburst, Marco told you that you didn't have to go back if you didn't want to. Do you remember any of that?”

You wrack your hazy mind for the memory, but you're coming up blank. The last thing you remember is… a knife? Yeah, you got your hands on a knife and tried to stab yourself with it. Everything else seems to be lost. You aren't even completely sure if you just failed to stab yourself, or if Marco's healing abilities far exceeded Marine records. 

The lack of a response is an answer in and of itself. Elise shifts the upper portion of the bed up so that you're in a sitting position. The change makes your head spin a bit, but you keep that to yourself. 

A warm hand settles on your shoulder, and Elise speaks in a gentle tone, “No one here is going to make you go back to the Marines if you don't want to. You can relax.”

“But… if you're not turning me in, why am I still here? It sounds like you've already got what you wanted. I don't see why you'd be bothering with all this,” you nod vaguely at your body, referencing the straps and IV. 

“We can't in good conscience release someone in your state.” Her smile drops, and she stares down at you with what looks to you to be pity in her eyes, “You tried to end your own life, sweetie. That's something we must take very seriously.”

An uncomfortable lump forms in your throat, and your face feels hot with shame. You hated the way she looked at you just now. Like you were some poor, pathetic thing. Like she was looking down at some helpless rabbit ensnared in a trap. Like you were weak.

“I got this ready as fast as I could!”

You’re startled out of your thoughts by the infirmary door slamming open and the proclamation following immediately after. When you look up, you see Twin Blade Thatch entering the room carrying a tray with a mug and a bowl balanced on it. There is a twinge of familiarity in the back of your mind at the sight of him, and you don’t think it’s from seeing his bounty poster before. Did you see him yesterday? Maybe? You can’t be sure.

Thatch hurries over to you and sets the tray on the bedside table before turning to you with a smile on his face, “How are you feeling today?”

His question prompts you to look down at your restrained limbs and the- more likely than not medicated- drip bag, then back at him with an unamused expression, “Guess.”

The smile becomes visibly forced, sheepish even, and he averts his eyes, “Fair enough. Dumb question.” He clears his throat in a dramatic fashion, then recenters his gaze on you again, “I bet you’re hungry after sleeping for so long.” He picks up the bowl he carried in and tilts it toward you so you can see its contents. It’s a bowl of porridge with sliced fruit and nuts arranged on top in a visually appealing method.

But that’s not what you care about, there is a far more pressing issue at hand. You level him with a stern glare, “You better not be planning to spoon feed me. I will bite you.”

Thatch freezes and just stares at you with wide eyes for a moment, and that immediately makes you realize how stupid that was to say. You can’t even move, and you thought it was a good idea to start threatening people? What is wrong with you?! He could slit your throat right now if he wanted to, and you wouldn’t be able to do a single thing to stop him!

Instead of making your thoughts a reality, the pirate does something that shocks you. He laughs. You don’t know what to do with this. What are you supposed to do about laughter? Why is he even laughing? Did he find the absurdity of you spitting out threats despite your circumstances that funny?

“Oh, that’s a relief. You’ve got a sense of humor even after all that.” Thatch chuckles quietly and sets the bowl down before looking over to Elise, “We could take the straps off for now, couldn’t we?”

Huh?

Elise hums in thought, then nods. “I suppose we could, so long as you stick around for a bit to help keep an eye on them.”

Huh?!

They… They’re untying you? On purpose? This must be a trap. It has to be. They’re testing you. That’s the only thing that makes sense.

Your face is grabbed, and Elise makes you look her in the eye. “Do not,” she tilts your head down to look at the picc line, “try to rip this out. Understood?”

“Understood.” You knew better than to do such a thing. That’s a mistake you only make once.

After a particularly brutal training session with your father, you’d ended up in the infirmary. A regular occurrence, if you’re being honest. By the time you’d come to, the sight of the sun being high in the sky sent you into a panic. You were late, and Akainu loathed tardiness. In your rush to get out of there and beg for mercy for such a monumental fuck up on your end, you ripped the picc line out of your arm. Blood went fucking everywhere. On you, on the cot, on the walls. One of the nurses in the room fainted at the sight, followed shortly by yourself because all of your blood was now outside your body. You were out of commission for the rest of the day, and Akainu made certain that you made up for it the following day.

With your confirmation that you wouldn’t egregiously injure yourself, the two set to work on undoing the belts holding you down. Elise was making quick work of them, but Thatch abruptly stopped. You glance at him quizzically, wondering what the hold up was, only to see that his eyes are locked onto the opposing arm. You follow his gaze, and then you get it.

It was the burn scar marring most of your left forearm. Ah. This bizarre situation had distracted you from the fact that it was exposed. You can’t even cover it up because that’s the arm the IV is going into. Not that your other arm is much better. Or any part of your body, really. The skin of your face was the most intact, presumably because Akainu didn’t want to risk giving you the permanent handicap that came with losing vision in one or both eyes.

Elise loudly clears her throat and levels the pirate with a glare that honestly surprised you. How fearless she must be to behave in such a manner toward someone with a bounty like Thatch’s. This tactic, credit where it’s due, was effective. He snapped out of his one-sided staring competition with your arm and freed the other one.

Cautiously, you stretch your arms out now that they’ve been liberated from their confines. Mostly. The left arm stops short. You’d almost forgotten about the sea stone cuffs. It makes sense that they left that on, given that you’re a quite literal flight risk otherwise.

The tray containing your breakfast is carefully placed on your lap. The aforementioned bowl of porridge is on it, but so is a large mug that appears to be topped with a whipped cream. Is this the hot chocolate Elise had insisted upon? Your eyes flit up to the two people looming over either side of you. They’re staring at you expectantly.

All things considered, it seems unlikely that any of this is poisoned. They wanted you alive, that much was clear even if the particular reason behind it wasn’t. Besides, even if it was poisoned, you wouldn’t complain. Being freed from this mortal coil would be a blessing in your book.

Might as well do what they want. Maybe it’ll get them to stop breathing down your neck, if nothing else. You reach for the hot beverage first to see what all the hype is about. The mug is warm to the touch, but not so enough to burn you. Granted, that could just be the nerve damage talking. You’ll find out if that’s an accurate assessment based on whether or not this burns your tongue.

You bring the drink to your lips and sip at it. The cream is cold, but then a warmth trickles through and mixes with it. It’s very sweet. A stark contrast to the black coffee your father would drink and force upon you. The radically different flavor profile is borderline startling… but you don’t hate it. You quite like it.

Instead of savoring the hot chocolate and making it last, you continue tilting it up more and more until the cup runs dry. Okay. Perhaps Elise was onto something with allowing oneself treats such as this one.

“So it was a hit, huh?” Thatch is grinning proudly, “I made sure it would be the best you would ever have after Elise said you’d never had it before. Do you want some more?”

Mild embarrassment spreads into your consciousness at his observation of your enjoyment. This was a quirk of yours you never could really explain. Others seeing you experience contentment felt inexplicably wrong. Like you were doing something you shouldn’t be and being caught red-handed. You shake your head and set down the mug, “No. I’m good.” You promptly take the spoon on the tray into your hand and scoop up a mouthful of oatmeal in hopes of getting him to drop the subject.

The flavors of honey and cinnamon enhance the meal, making it taste far more pleasant than you’re used to. It’s all so good. You can’t stop eating it, and the porridge is gone almost as quickly as the hot chocolate was.

That familiar burn of shame reared its ugly head again. It would be bad enough to be so over indulgent at the best of times. What the hell were you doing doing so on an enemy ship? How disgraceful. 

“Good job! I’m so happy that you were able to finish it all,” Elise claps her hands together, looking weirdly elated over you eating. It’s unclear as to why that would matter to her. She continues, “Since you’re doing so well, how about we take you onto the deck for some fresh air and sunlight?”

“The deck? Like… of the ship?”

“Yeah? What else would it be, silly?” Elise moves behind the bed, clicks something, then begins to push it forward.

She’s trying to take you someplace where there will no doubt be a bunch of pirates. Some of which you may have even crossed paths with before. And you’re completely defensive. You look around at her and plead, “W-We don’t have to do that. I’m fine with staying in here.”

“Oh, hush. This’ll be good for you!” Undeterred, Elise proceeds to wheel you out of the infirmary with Thatch holding the door open.

Good for you? She’s trying to throw you into a den of wolves, and somehow thinks that’s going to be good for you? This was a set-up the whole time. They lowered your guard with a good meal just so they could rip the rug out from under you. Now you’re going to have to face the bulk of the Whitebeard pirates in your current hapless state.

All you can do is hope that pirates of all people will have the good grace to put you out of your mercy quickly.

Taglist: @twotrucksinatree @tigerstarstorm @mu5hro0m @brooks-real @one-piecelover

4rticbolt
4 weeks ago

One of the mind-only fics I’ve had rolling around in my head is kinda similar to the Strays AU, but whatever, might as well.

Reader is Akainu’s kid and by some series of misadventures ends up being collected by Whitebeard. Kinda shifts between whether the Reader is a marine like their dad wants them to be, or if they ran away because they don’t like their dad. I typically imagine them as an older teenager, but I guess it doesn’t matter.

Maybe a bit much on detail, but if they ran away, Akainu reports them as missing, either because he won’t publicly admit that his child ran away, or he’s delusional and doesn’t realize how much they hate him, so marines are actively searching for them and when they show up with Whitebeard people think that the pirates kidnapped them, (which may or may not be true, not like the old man wouldn’t).

Breaking Point

Next

Whitebeard Pirates x Teen GN Reader

3.7k words

Summary: An espionage mission gives you the perfect cover to get away from your Admiral father and the life he forced you into. Everything seems to be going according to plan until some pirates corner you.

Warnings: unhealthy parent-child relationship, akainu being akainu, reader being in a terrible mental state, hopelessness, suicide attempt, blood, drugging

I did tweak the prompt a little bit, so I hope you don't mind. I also hope you aren't opposed to darker themes. If it bothers you, I'll write an alternate version of the scene where the reader snaps.

Clothes? Check. First aid kit? Check. Matches and firestarter? Check. Food and water? Check. Hygiene supplies? Check. Emergency shelter? Check. Money? Check.

Looks like you’re all set. After settling your hat into your head and pulling the bill down over your eyes as you always do, you head out.

With your backpack slung over your shoulder, you march out of the barracks so you can begin your mission. At least, that’s what everyone thinks you’re doing. You’ll let them keep believing that.

A sharp call of your name brings you to a halt, and you instinctively stand at attention. The empty halls allow for the sound of his footsteps to echo all around you. It’s debatable which is louder. The Admiral’s footsteps, or your own heartbeat. 

Akainu comes to a stop in front of you, glowering down at your form. His piercing eyes scrutinize your appearance. Instead of your usual uniform, you’re in civilian clothing for the mission. Spying in a Marine’s uniform would obviously not go well.

“At ease.” You relax your posture at his command. “I trust that you don’t need any further briefing on your mission?”

“No, sir.” Despite the man in front of you being your biological father, this is the only way you referred to him. Both in and out of work. “I understand the assignment in full.”

“As you should. I expect you to come back with results.”

“I will, sir.”

The Admiral stares at you a moment longer, then nods sharply, “You are dismissed.”

“Yes, sir.” With that, you take your leave, stepping down the halls of the base to leave. Just as you’re about to pass the threshold, you hear your name spoken again.

Akainu’s expression is as terse as ever as he stares a hole into you. He then sighs and turns away, “Don’t disappoint me.”

Of course those are his last words to you. Resentment twists inside you like a knife. Fuck this. You can’t wait to never have to see this bastard’s face again. You don’t respond to him, and you know that he doesn’t expect you to.

You march out of the base and toward the docks where a privateer vessel is waiting for you. It was a small, inboard paddlewheeler with an enclosed helm that doubled as a sleeping quarters. A nice ship. Shame you’re going to have to ditch it soon.

“(Y/N)!” There was a call of your name yet again, but this time it didn’t leave you in a worse mood for it. Koby sets down a couple of boxes of provisions on the boat, then leaps onto the docks, “We’ve got her all ready to go!”

A wisp of a smile graces your typically stern features, “Thanks, Koby. I appreciate it.”

“Hey!” Helmeppo jumps from the ship to the docks as well, landing with noticeably less grace than the former, “I- whoa- I helped too, don’t give him all the credit!”

His moody outburst makes you chuckle. Almost no one dared to speak to you in such a way given who your “father” is. You’ll miss these two. “Sorry, sorry. Thank you, Helmeppo. The Marines would be lost without you.” The new recruit beamed with pride, seemingly not picking up on the sarcasm. 

Koby was looking at you with awe. He’d never once tried to hide his admiration for your strength and rank, and he wasn’t about to start now. “It’s amazing that you get to go on a solo mission! I can’t wait until we get to do something like this!”

Helmeppo has a whole body reaction to the statement, recoiling away from his comrade as if the very words would harm him, “Speak for yourself! Did you miss the part about them having to spy on Red Haired Shanks?!”

“I know! Imagine being entrusted to go after an Emperor!” Koby’s eyes had turned to stars as he fantasized about his own missions some day resembling yours. 

“I’d rather imagine literally anything else.” Helmeppo shudders at the thought, “I mean, really? Why are they sending some kid to do this? Shouldn’t an Admiral like your dad be taking on missions of this caliber?”

Hearing Akainu getting referred to in such a cozy term of endearment makes you want to punch Helmeppo in the face, but you refrain. Barely. Hoping that your schooled expression doesn’t bely your true emotions, you answer him curtly, “Because they need to send someone that won’t be instantly identifiable. Do you think there’s a single pirate in the world that wouldn’t recognize an Admiral immediately?”

“I guess that’s true, but it’s still kinda messed up to be sending a kid. There are plenty of no-name Marines that are actually adults. I don’t see why they’re sacrificing you.”

Okay, the twenty questions game was starting to get old. You wanted to get out of here, not linger and explain your mission in excessive detail to a newbie. If you don’t leave soon, you run the risk of Akainu coming over here and asking what the delay is. You shoulder past the two recruits and leap onto the boat, “I’m not a sacrifice. The rank of Commodore wasn’t handed to me, I earned it. I’ve been trained for this for as long as I can remember.”

Koby ducked down to untie your boat with haste, then tossed the rope to you. He’s still starry eyed, and waves excitedly at you as your boat begins to drift away, “Good luck! I can’t wait to hear about everything when you’re back!”

Instead of answering, you just hit him with the good old smile and nod maneuver, then slip inside the cabin. You won’t be back. Never. You’d rather die than ever set foot on a Marine base again.

—

Several weeks have passed since your departure and covert runaway. At this point, they still believe you to be on assignment, and if everything continues as planned, it should be several months until your absence becomes known. Due to the high risk nature of spying on an Emperor, there would be zero communications until you got back. Sengoku wasn’t willing to risk you being found out if the Red Haired Pirates had a black transponder snail on them. Not only would it jeopardize your safety seeing as that you were alone and didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell against an Emperor’s crew, but the discovery would likely make them much harder to tail going forward since they would now know to be wary of this tactic.

Of course, you were nowhere near where that crew had been sighted lurking about. Your end goal was to get out of the Grand Line entirely and start life anew on some remote island where no one would ever think to look for you. Ideally, you would be assumed dead. Killed in action while stalking a predator you had no hopes against. 

If anyone knew you were still alive and just deserted the marines… Well, you’ve seen what Akainu does to people like that, and you aren’t naive enough to think that you’ll get special treatment because you’re his child. If anything, that would incentivize him more to make an example out of you. To prove that he would never go easy on anyone.

All in the name of his precious Absolute Justice. 

Currently, your biggest hurdle was the calm belt. Even if you hadn’t ditched- and burned- your original vessel, it would have done little to help you cross it. Sure, the absence of wind and ocean currents wouldn’t have slowed it down, but its wooden structure never would have stood a chance against the dense population of sea kings lurking in the depths of that part of the sea.

What you needed was something sturdy and fast. A high powered engine in a preferably metal boat that could take a few hits if need be. On top of that, you needed some weapons to assist you in fending off the beasts. As powerful as you were, even you could only do so much against the likes of such a creature.

Despite all of the risks, you feel relatively confident in your plan. All that you need to do is make it at least halfway through. After that, you think you’ll be able to fly the rest of the way out or at least island hop to the North Blue. Of course, you being a zoan devil fruit user came with risks, but hopefully the fear of drowning if your wings grow too tired will motivate you to persevere through exhaustion.

As long as you can pull this off, and do so without calling attention to yourself, you’ll finally have the freedom you’ve yearned after for so long. It’s so close that you can taste it.

“Commodore (Y/N)! Fancy seeing you here.”

W h a t ?

Once hot blood runs cold as ice through your veins. Who the fuck said that? You slowly turn your head to look over your shoulder to see who just recognized you. This could ruin everything. You can’t risk a sighting. You’ll have to kill whoever saw you.

“Whoa! If looks could kill, I don’t think I’d survive that one!” The man laughs and jumps down from the rooftop he’d been perched upon. Oh, fuck. That’s Fire Fist Ace. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck-

Another person drops down in front of you, prompting you to whip your head back around only to see Marco the Phoenix blocking the other exit to this alleyway. Oh, this couldn’t get any worse! What’s next?! Is fucking Whitebeard himself going to appear, too?!

More Whitebeard Pirates filter into the alley, but Ace and Marco appear to be the only big name members here. Your hands clench into fists at your sides, “What the fuck do you want from me?”

Marco holds up his hands in a placating manner, though it’s anything but. “Nothing much,” he steps closer, “I promise that none of us want to hurt you, but we’re in a bit of a bind.”

“And? How’s that my problem?”

“We need to pick up some medicine for pops, but the only island that has enough of it right now has a Marine base on it. This medicine is really important, we can’t risk it getting destroyed in an attack, so that’s where you come in. In order to guarantee its safety, we’ll let them know that we have an Admiral’s kid in our custody, and that you won’t be released unless we get what we need.” Marco smirks, “Now are you going to make this easy or difficult? Because I can promise you, you’re coming with us whether you like it or not.”

No. No, no, no, no, no, no! This isn’t happening! This can’t be fucking happening! You were so close, and now everything is going to be ruined because of some fucking pirates! Your hands are shaking- no, your whole body is! Your heart is pounding, adrenaline is spiking, your nerves are on fire. No. You aren’t about to give up and let them take you and ruin your life.

“No… you can’t do this to me.” You shake your head and meet Marco’s lax eyes, “I won’t let you!”

In a split second, your arms transform into wings, and you shoot yourself up into the air. Your legs turn next, shifting into clawed talons that you use to send an attack at Fire Fist and the people clustered around him. Everyone but him dives out of the way as the strike slashes through the cobblestones and walls. Ace tanks the hit directly, but all it does is go right through the logia devil fruit user.

“Not bad, but you’re going to need to do better than that to actually hurt me!” Ace erupts into a column of flames and directs it right at you. Just what you wanted. You flap your wings hard, blasting the fire right back at him- but more importantly- the people around him. They all scream as their clothes catch to fire, making Ace immediately panic and focus on them rather than you.

Not wanting to waste a single precious second, you take off, cutting through the air with remarkable speed. That much is to be expected of someone with the Tori Tori no Mi Model: Peregrine Falcon. As one of the fastest animals on the planet, your speed was generally unmatched. Kizaru was the only person that could ever really challenge you in terms of speed. Escaping these pirates should be a breeze.

“You’re pretty good! I wouldn’t expect anything less from an Admiral’s kid!” The voice of Marco comes from above.

You look up just in time to dodge him swooping down to try and grab you. Fuck, he’s fast! It’s time to engage in some real evasive maneuvers. You rip off your backpack and chuck it at him, then shift into your full beast form.

With your body shrunk down to the size of the bird your devil fruit is modeled after, taking the backpack with you would be impossible. You’ll have to come back for it later, or maybe not at all depending on how poorly this goes. 

In your true form, you’re able to take full advantage of the speed the peregrine falcon is known for. Buildings all meld into a blur as you rocket through and around them. A family shrieks as you speed through one open window and out the other, then you’re weaving through lines upon lines of laundry, and next you’re in an open market.

As quickly as you shot off, you stop and slip under a table, the cloth on it easily concealing your presence. Your heart is pounding and you’re panting hard as you wait in silence. The tablecloth doesn’t get ripped off by your pursuer or anyone else, so you’re cautiously optimistic that you succeeded in losing him. Now you just had to figure out how to get out of here without being spotted again. All of those pirates saw what you look like in all of your forms, which was going to be a major problem. The second you leave this sanctuary, you’re going to be at risk.

There isn’t a clear, easy option. You’re just going to have to take a gamble and hope that your beast form will be unassuming enough to not catch their eyes again. You peek under the tablecloth to see if any of the Whitebeard Pirates are lurking nearby. It doesn’t look like any of them are here.

Okay, here goes nothing. You fly out from your hiding spot and high into the air at what should look like a normal speed for a bird. Flying as fast as you can would just draw attention to you. So long as you look like a normal bird at a glance, you should be able to get away unnoticed.

“There you are.”

Before you can even blink, a taloned foot closes around your small form. You squawk in surprise, then immediately shift into a half-bird form to try and break Marco’s hold. Something cold snaps around your wrist, and all of your energy is sapped away in an instant, right along with your powers.

Sea stone cuffs. They came prepared. You fall through the air, but only briefly before Marco catches you. He lands hard on a rooftop, but remains upright and doesn’t drop you. He grins, but his eyes have an odd gleam to them that you don’t recognize, “You’re good. I didn’t think they still made Marines like you anymore.” Why is he complimenting you? Weird.

You start to struggle in his hold, but he’s faster than you and locks the other cuff around your free hand. Now you’re completely at their mercy. This is awful. This is a worst case scenario.

“Now then, let’s get you back to the ship.”

—

The journey from the small seaside town to the Whitebeards’ ship was lost on you. You weren’t processing any of it. As soon as reality sank in, you went completely numb. Every word said by the pirates around you bounced right off you.

They were going to know. You’re nowhere near where Shanks and his crew are. They’re going to know you deserted. He’s going to know you deserted. It’s over. Your life is over. These pirates signed your death certificate as soon as they locked those cuffs on you.

Distantly, you glance at your surroundings. You’re chained to a cot in what looks to be the ship’s infirmary, if all the nurses milling about are anything to go off of. Only one of your hands is cuffed, the other is free again. They aren’t concerned about a devil fruit user being dangerous while sea stone cuffs are eating away at their strength. What a disaster. Years of training, and this is how it ends.

And to make it worse: your hat is gone, leaving your face bare for all to see. Now that you're thinking about it, you probably lost it during the initial chase.

Fingers snap in front of your face, and you look up sluggishly at the person disturbing you. Twin Blade Thatch is at your bedside, looking… confused? Sad? This is another expression that you don’t recognize.

He smiles slightly, but it doesn’t quite meet his eyes, “You okay there, kid?” When you don’t answer, he looks over his shoulder, “Did you give them something?”

“No,” the voice belongs to Marco. “They’ve been out of it since we caught them. They’re… really upset about getting captured, it seems.”

Thatch lightly claps you on the shoulder, “Don’t beat yourself up about it, kid. It’s not like you got caught by a weak crew. There are plenty of Marines well above your rank that wouldn’t have won that fight either.”

“Yeah, you actually gave us some real trouble there at the start.” Ace was in here too, apparently. “Not many people are able to use my own powers against me, that was pretty smart.”

“Before I forget to ask, do you have any allergies? I don’t want to accidentally kill you with my cooking.” Thatch stares at you expectantly, but his smile fades as you neglect to answer his question. “Is that a… no? Come on, I’m just trying to help you out here, you don’t need to be so guarded. I can even make you your favorite meal to make up for the situation we put you in.”

“It doesn’t matter…” Nothing does.

“Don’t say that. We’ve gotta feed you, kid.” That weird expression is on his face again. You wish he’d stop making it. “It won’t take long to get the medicine we need. You’ll be back with your old man before you know it.”

No! “I won’t go back!” Hot tears start to drip down your face, then pour as the last thread of sanity within you snaps, “I’m not going back! You can’t make me go back there! I won’t let you!”

Ace is standing close enough that you’re able to lunge at him and rip the dagger from his belt with your free hand. He tries to snatch it back, but your frenzied state gives you the speed you usually only have with your devil fruit’s help. You aren’t going back, you’ll make sure of it! Marco might be able to heal, but he isn’t a necromancer. Even he won’t be able to do anything about a corpse. Dying by your own hands will be better than being burnt alive by the magma Akainu will use on you.

You raise the knife high, then plunge it down at your stomach. Blood splatters all over your torso… but you don’t feel any pain. You blink once, then twice. Your eyes finally focus on the sight in front of you. The knife is stabbed into a hand. It then closes around the hilt and snatches the weapon from your hands. Ace lets out a string of curses as he stumbles back and rips his own dagger from his hand.

All you can do is stare at him. W… What? Why did he do that? That shouldn’t have hurt him. Why would a logia devil fruit user let themselves get hurt like that?

Nurses rush toward him, but also you. All of your limbs are pinned down by them. Not that there was any need. The fight had left your body as your mind grew hazy again. You didn’t get it. You couldn’t comprehend what just happened or why.

A prick to your neck snaps you out of it. Your head was being held down, but your eyes flit to the side and see that Marco had a needle pressed into your neck and was injecting you with something. In an instant, a warmth spreads through you, and your body goes completely slack.

Marco heaves a sigh and sets the syringe aside. His hand gently strokes your hair for reasons you couldn’t understand. He speaks softly, “There we go, just calm down. You don’t have to go back if you don’t want to. It’s okay.”

On the other side of the room, Nurses are fretting over Ace’s wound. One even goes so far as to scold him, “What were you thinking? You have logia powers! Why would you let yourself get hurt like this?” Even in your sluggish state, your ears perk at the interrogation. You wanted to know this, too.

Ace looked almost offended by the question. “What do you mean “why”? If I’d let that go through me, it would have gone into them instead. Better my hand, than their guts.”

His answer did nothing but spawn more questions. What did he mean by that? Why would it be better for him to get hurt than for you to die? Your life was of no real significance to him. All that you were was a bargaining chip, and you didn’t even need to be alive for that. They just had to make the Marines believe that you were.

None of this makes sense. What is wrong with these people? You’re an enemy. Your death should be celebrated, not prevented. You don’t get it, and your mind growing more and more foggy by the second isn’t helping.

Your eyes are so heavy. Sleep… Sleep sounds good. Just for a little bit. You’ll figure this out after. It’s not like you’re going anywhere.

4rticbolt
4 weeks ago

Enclosed |Master-list|

Straw Hat x !GNReader, platonic, can be interpreted as romantic, comfort fic, angst, fluff, crack, straw hat shenanigans, the crew is very protective of you

Summary: Experiencing a vivid panic attack, you clumsily avoid the crew.

A/N: This is the re-made version of Anxiety, and I cannot BELIEVE how much my writing has changed since the original. Also, there's no Jinbei in here—I apologize, I'm not that far yet 💔

Around 3.2k

Warning! Anxiety/Panic Attacks written in detail + Orthostatic Hypotension.

•-•-•—•-•-••-•-•—•-•—•-•

Mindlessly walking the deck of the Thousand Sunny, you used the rail for balance. With blurred vision, you helplessly caught your breath, gripping the rail like a lifeline as it cut edges into your palm.

Blood didn’t draw, but it pooled at your feet as you sluggishly walked down the stairs.

The moon hung high, and it was nearing 11:00 as the crew kept to themselves and their duties, relaxing in the galley or their designated spots.

The Sunny traveled at night, meaning everyone had to be alert. Shifts were taken and naps were often, though you were left to your senses.

Feeling everything—but nothing at once.

Your nervous system couldn’t tell the difference between being held at gunpoint to the peaceful company of your crew.

It could never make up its mind, and it left you cautious of those around you. Especially Zoro, who you avoided as he rested by the mast.

You carefully, as quietly as you could, stepped down the stairs, faintly making out his form through the dark. His arms were crossed over his lap, protecting his swords even in peace, soundly asleep.

Or so you thought.

Stepping down the last step, your breath hitched.

crk—

A sharp pain ran up your side, making you stagger to grab the rail, fighting yourself as you fought the raw ache in your chest.

You squeezed your shirt, temporarily kneeling, and you knew you had given yourself away. Quickly, you looked up to watch the swordsman—but it was too late.

Zoro didn’t move; he was as silent as a ghost, no longer snoring.

Fuck. Great—he’s awake.

Embarrassed, you fled inside, unaware of the eye that cracked open to watch you. The door swiftly shut, and Zoro sighed, leaning up, muttering something soft under his breath. “Idiot . . .”

You hurried down the hall, passing the kitchen as you ignored soft-talk; limbs burning in protest, with a hand muffling your breath, but you pushed on.

You couldn’t let them see you like this. It wasn’t fair. They hadn’t done anything—it was just you.

It was your problem.

“Your tea, Robin.” Sanji swooned, probably spinning around the table by now. “Ah, thank you,” she smiled, taking the cup. “Hey, where’s my tea?” Usopp grumbled, tinkering with his gadget

“You’ll get in a second.” Sanji replied, then casually, “Chopper, yours.” “Hey—rude! I’m right here, you know!”

You held the wall, slowing down, keeping quiet. But it was damn near impossible to.

“Sanji, I’m hungry!” “I just made you something!” “And since when has that ever worked? He’s an endless pit, bro.”

Suddenly, your hand grazed a painting, and you froze.

“Sooo... about that meat, Sanji?” “Get out of my kitchen!”

“Shh—wait,” Chopper muttered, “did you guys hear that?”

“Hear what?”

With your heart racing, you slipped into the infirmary, going unnoticed. Footsteps came from the galley, and you knew you had to act fast. Tears covered your vision, though a shortcut to the aquarium bar sparked your movement.

You shifted to the hall, exiting from Chopper’s side door—but a familiar hum filled the corridor. Flinching back, you realized it was Brook.

Shit. Shit—Shit.

Impulsively, you left in the opposite direction with your back facing the skeleton. Your shoulders were hunched, and you quietly cried into the palm of your hand.

“Oh, ____! I thought I heard you!” Brook piped, then paused, watching you stumble into the tank room. “Oh, there they go—“

Crashing into the couch, you gasped for air, holding your chest. Dammnit. You couldn’t do this. Too much.

Way, too much.

You loved them with all your heart, and every single of your being—but fuck. There was too much action. Adrenaline coursed through your veins, and you could barely breathe.

A struggled noise escaped you, and you curled into the couch’s armrest. Your limbs ached, tingling as they grew weak, and you muffled a sob, sharply drawing in.

The quiet surrounded you, suffocating you only for a moment, before you realized the room’s lights were on.

Someone else was in here.

“____?” Nami asked, peeking over the couch. “Oh my god, hey,” she worriedly came to meet you, but you’d already bolted up.

“I’m okay,” you rasped, using the wall for leverage. “I’m fine,” you repeated, wiping your eyes.

“Hey—hey, wait,” only getting so far, voices sounded from the door you reached.

You flinched, stepping back—bumping into Nami—you were lost. You didn’t know what to do.

“I knew I heard someone, I figured it was—“

Someone touched your shoulder, and you flinched, covering your ears. You searched for an exit, looking through tears, but there was nothing.

There was so much happening at once.

“___, hey—hold on.”

Voices. Muffled voices, in blurs shapes—you could barely make out what was in front of you. You stepped back, bumping into something, and you couldn’t tell what happened after that.

Your eyes shut.

“Yohoho, there you are!” “I told you they were in here!” “No, you didn’t, you said they were—“

“Oh—You guys, hold on—“

“Stop talking!”

For a moment, you looked for some way out, and a peaceful, single storage closet called to you. You didn’t even hesitate. You bolted.

The door slammed shut, and you crashed into whatever was inside.

Silence shrouded, and objects poked at you. Your head felt like it was going to explode.

With your heart pounding and anxiety raging, you couldn’t think, you couldn’t feel. Only the burning of your nerves, to the shaking in your limbs, was overwhelming.

In the dark, static blurred with reality, and tears covered them all. You felt like it was the end of the world, with everything folding in on you at once.

•~•~•~•

Outside the closet, a room of confused and worried crew members stood still.

“Shh!” Nami hushed, silencing the group. “Be quiet.”

“Sorry!” Chopper whispered, covering his mouth, side-kicking Usopp, who winced.

“Are they okay?” Luffy asked.

“What do you think?” Sanji spoke, physically tensing as the cyborg strolled in. “Yoh! What’s the big—“ A giant hand slapped over Franky’s face, and he nodded, immediately getting the memo.

Robin’s hand disappeared, flurrying into petals, and Zoro silently followed in.

Everyone shared a look, checking the closet, and an understanding passed through. The moment seemed to slow.

Luffy slipped by Nami, sitting beside the door to listen to your panicked breaths. His hat covered his face, and his fist clenched over his knee.

You’d think he was angry, but right now? It was the complete opposite. He was torn.

Another moment passed before Sanji spoke quietly. “What happened?”

“I don’t know,” Nami muttered, “They burst in here, trying to be alone, I think I scared them.” A hand rubbed over her chest, and her eyes softened.

“She was already startled,” Robin murmured, taking a seat on the couch. “I believe it’s a panic attack.”

“Yeah,” Chopper mumbled, lowering himself beside her. The doctor looked to the closet, wishing he were in there with you.

It wasn’t fair that you were alone.

“I wish I’d noticed sooner,” he added quietly,

“You couldn’t have done anything,” Zoro said, leaning against a table, “they were hiding. I saw them sneaking around the deck.”

“Sneaking?” Brook blurted, a little too loudly. The skeleton quickly covered his mouth, ducking to avoid Robin’s hand that sprouted from the wall. He placed a bony hand over his heart, thinking back to earlier, when you’d avoided him.

Realization set in, and he sighed.

“Oh—____, no one deserves to be alone when experiencing something so hard.”

Sanji hummed, his expression growing grim. He leaned against the wall, opposite of Zoro, bringing a cigarette to his lips.

No. No one did. Especially you.

“They were fine earlier,” Usopp whispered, pausing. He looked at his hands, closing them into fists. “I swear, I saw them not even 30 minutes ago, they helped me find a piece for something.”

“They come on fast,” Chopper responded, sniffling. He rubbed his nose, leaning against Robin. “It’s hard to control them when they do, I just... I don’t think they wanted us to see them like this.”

“They avoided me like the plague.” Zoro tsked, crossing his arms. “It’s probably a lot more than that.”

“Well, that’s too bad,” Luffy said firmly,

“They’re a part of this crew—they’re ours. They don’t get to go through this alone, not when we’re here.”

A gentle pause, and the heavy breathing finally stopped. Everyone listened, but only to silence. Nami let out a breath, looking at Robin.

Already acting, the archeologist crossed her arms, muttering a soft; Un Fluer,” and a single hand sprouted from inside the closet.

It gently reached your leg, grounding you with single taps.

You sniffled, blinking through tears, and you hesitated. Through the dark, you saw her hand, and you didn’t know why you froze. Your throat tightened, as if this simple gesture were a grand speech.

Outside, Robin was determined. Her eyes had a focused gentleness to them, and she wouldn’t let this go. She closed her eyes, making her hand reach yours.

It was the gentlest push, but it was needed, and your hand squeezed hers, signaling you were okay.

Robin smiled, reciprocating the gesture. “They’re coming out of it, just give them some time.”

“Fine by me,” Zoro grumbles, taking a seat. “I’ll sit here all night if I have to.”

“For once, I agree with you,” Sanji sighed, blowing out his cigarette. He leaned against the tank, quietly watching the reflection of the glass.

“Uh-huh,” Franky agreed, “we’re super patient, kiddo, take all the time you need.” he plopped down, creating a loud thump, and Nami shook her head at Usopp.

They shared a look, checking the closet.

Clunk

Something fell from inside, as if you were moving, and the crew acted casual. They lounged, creating a soft tension that left it easy to breathe. They made sure not to make you feel small or crowded, even if they were secretly watching.

Another object fell, thumping softly, and a weak “ow” echoed.

Usopp cracked a smile, and so did Luffy. The captain leaned on his left knee, peeking at the door that cracked weakly open.

“Shishi, there you are.” he smiled, “We were worried about‘cha.”

You wiped your eyes, managing a smile, though it wasn’t convincing. It was weak, just a tip of the lips, but it was there.

Papers littered where you sat, with bent boxes and random trinkets—you slowly stretched your legs, leaning against the doorframe.

“Yeah, sorry about the shelves.” You mumbled, looking behind you.

“It’s fine,” Robin assured, as calm as ever. “We didn’t need it anyway. It was just free storage.”

“Yeah,” Franky mentioned, “I was gonna turn that into room space, but you just did the demolition for me.” he laughed, eliciting a few smiles throughout the room.

“I’m just glad you’re not hurt! I heard the crash from upstairs.”

“As did I, you startled us ___.” Brook started, crossing his legs. “Yohoho—it looked rather painful, seeing you so lost.”

“Yeah, it was, I’m sorry you have to go through that.” Usopp said, rubbing the back of his neck, “You don’t have to hide that, though.

“You know we’re here.”

“Mm,” Sanji agreed, “We’re everywhere, whenever you need. Always.”

You nodded, looking at your feet. “Thank you, that... means a lot.”

“I’m sure it does,” Nami hugged her sides, checking the clock. Not out of urgency, but as a reminder. That you, right here, right now—we’re struggling.

12:05am…

This late. And you still tried to hide it.

She was frustrated—not at you, but herself. She’d been the one to startle you further, and that guilt lingered.

Nami—just like everyone else thought, knew this wasn’t fair. Because you were safe: with them, not with whoever made you feel the need to act this way.

To hide, bury your feelings—tune it out till it all boils over, leaving you overwhelmed. Bittersweetly, she smiled.

You reminded her a lot of herself.

“And you’re welcome, but you shouldn’t feel the need to thank us.” “It’s not out of obligation,” she added.

“It never is.”

“We want to be there for you, even if you think something like this is ‘small,’ it’s not. Everything matters, and if you already know it, I, and everyone else, are going to remind you, over and over again—you matter.” Nami walked forward, standing close.

“It doesn’t matter what it is, just tell us. Tell someone. You don’t deserve to suffer alone.”

Luffy stretched, internally relieved—because in his own words, he would’ve said the same thing.

Just . . . Not as Nami-ish.

However, he still had something on his mind, and it was killing his patience to ask you. Luffy nudged your foot with his own, bumping it again as if he were thinking.

“Is that why you hide?” he asked, casually.

“'Cause you're scared?”

Pulling a leg close, you shrugged, knocking his foot back.

“Sometimes,” you admit. “Sometimes it’s like that, when I don’t know what you’ll say, or how you’ll react. Or, I just don’t really know. It just... happens, and I freeze up. I can’t think, and I can’t talk, and I don’t know what to do with myself other than hide.”

A short pause.

“It feels safer that way.”

Luffy hummed, bumping your foot again.

“It shouldn’t,” he muttered, almost grumbling. “We’re just as safe as some stupid storage closet. And you shouldn’t worry about that, we’d never hurt you.”

Weakly, you nodded. You couldn’t stop your tears, but you didn’t know if you wanted to. You hadn’t let yourself cry like this in a long time, not with people who cared for you now.

“I know you’re safer than some storage closet, Luffy.” You chuckled, sniffling. “It’s not that I think you’re not, it just... It’s different.”

“I know it is,” he shifted forward, placing his straw hat on your head. “Just come to one of us next time, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you agreed, nodding. Nami rubbed your shoulder, and Luffy slowly stood up.

He offered you his hand, as a choice, and you took it. With little warning, he pulled you up, and almost instantly, dizziness washed over you.

You didn’t have enough time to even think.

“Oh—Luffy, be careful—“ Chopper warned. But it was too late.

Static spread up your body, crawling into your vision—and as stable as you came, it suddenly disappeared. You went limp, ears blaring as both knees gave out underneath you.

“Oi—____!” Luffy quickly caught you, eyes wide as he held you to his chest. In a matter of seconds, the room erupted.

“Idiot! You can’t just pull them up that fast! Their body needs to readjust!”

“Readjust? What does that mean?!”

“He means acclimatize, Luffy,” Robin sighed, watching your head loll gently against his shoulder. Her eyes softened, “They just can’t seem to get a break, they?”

“No, apparently they cannot,” Usopp sighed, his head dropping.

“So what—they just passed out?” Zoro ignored, walking over. “Are they okay?”

“Yes, and no, I mean—technically?”

“Chopper.”

“It was a drop in blood pressure! Orthostatic Hypotension, they had a lot of things to contribute to it, anxiety, dehydration—standing up too fast,” Chopper listed, coming beside you.

“When that happens, their brain and heart don’t have enough blood or oxygen to properly function,” he finished, gently taking your vitals.

“I understood none of that.” Franky blurted.

“Exactly, that’s why I’m the doctor.” “Ok, lil’ bro.”

“They just passed out, they’re only unconscious,” he continued, pausing. Worriedly, his eyebrows scrunched.

“Oh, that’s not good, that’s really low.”

“Low? What’s low? Are they dying?!” Usopp panicked. “Yohoho, my heart can’t take this—“

“No, you idiots! They aren’t dying, quit it!” Nami snapped.

“They just passed out, like Chopper said. Just give it a second.” Robin assured.

“Yeah, well, I hate waiting,” Franky muttered, standing above Luffy. With his hands on his hips, he watched you protectively, just like the crew did.

If he ever found out who’d done you harm, to this extent? Bringing your anxiety to an all-time high? They wouldn’t walk another painless day. If at all.

“Sanji, can you get them some water? They’ll need something light to eat too, for when they wake up.” “Already on it.”

•~•~•~•

Blearily, you stirred to panicked voices.

Luffy’s hat had tipped to the side, shielding your vision, while Chopper tracked your pulse, and Zoro broodingly hovered . . .

You wondered how long you’d been out, but you’d been too tired to move—or signal that you were alive.

“God, there you are.” Sanji sighed, placing a hand to his heart. “You’re just all over the place.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Chopper muttered, “How are you feeling?”

You blinked, slowly, very slowly—almost grogily. “Did I j’s pass out?”

“Yeah, you did.” Nami deadpanned, gently adjusting Luffy’s hat. She looked at the captain, glaring. “Don’t ever do that again.”

“I won’t,” Luffy chuckled, “sorry, ____.”

“It’s fine,” you muttered, shakily leaning up. Your balance didn’t last, and Luffy let you rest against him. “Ugh, I think I got hit by a ship.”

“No, you got hit by a Luffy.” Usopp corrected, letting Sanji slip by with some water. “Here, this’ll make you feel better. There are some electrolytes in there, so it’s sweet.” He soothed.

“It wasn’t that bad,” Luffy grumbled, but Franky was quick to interrupt. “Oh, it was that bad. They folded like a chair.”

“I did not.” You mumbled, though it was completely ignored.

“How was I supposed to know they’d do that?” Luffy huffed, his arms tightening around you.

“Yohoho, because.” Brook shrugged. “Because—?”

“Ok, on a serious note!” Chopper finished, bringing their attention back to you. “Your blood pressure is low, you’re dehydrated, and you need rest. So don’t even think about doing anything strenuous.”

You nodded, but went to say something—

“And no. I’m not sure about training tomorrow, we’ll see how you feel.” “Seriously?”

“You just passed out, moron.” Zoro’s eye twitched. “Give yourself a break.”

“You’re one to talk.” “Oi—watch it.”

“They’ve got a point, Zoro, I don’t know how many times I’ve seen Chopper chase you around.” Usopp plopped a seat beside you.

“Haha—remember when he bandaged him to the mast?”

Here we go . . .

“Don’t turn this on me!”

Leaning against Luffy’s side, you listened to the crew’s banter, relaxing. Everyone had made themselves a comfortable spot, lingering close, and your eyes began to droop.

“It was a good waste of bandages, I’d do it again.” Chopper proudly smiled, crossing his arms as he finally let your wrist go. “Shishi—he looked like Sanji’s pork wraps!”

“I did not!” Zoro blushed, scoffing as he turned away. “I’m leaving you to drown next time you fall overboard.”

“No, you won’t!” “Oh, yes, the hell I will!”

Luffy’s hat fell in your lap, and slowly... your eyes closed. The light-hearted arguing acted as a white noise, and as insane as it sounded, the loudness was comforting.

Yet again, everyone’s voices blurred, but this time it was by sleep, not by the torment of your anxiety. Your body, for once, relaxed, and almost instantly, you were at peace.

In the arms of your captain, and the company of your crew, you could finally rest. It would be okay, and in a matter of no-time, your energy would return.

It wasn't everlasting, only temporarily in the depths of your episode, and you had to remember that it would pass. And I would be okay.

•~•~•~•


Tags
4rticbolt
4 weeks ago
Gif By @apparently-artless

gif by @apparently-artless

OF LAND AND SKY

F!Reader x Trafalgar Law

SFW

Gif By @apparently-artless

Law didn’t find joy around loud noises, uncontrollable chaos, and, over all, people. Like a snow leopard, he preferred to hide in the shadows. Planning, observing, thinking…wanting to make sure that what he envisioned came true.

However, that changed when he and the crew were docked at a village during the winter season—snow was unavoidable and the temperatures were significantly colder than what they were used to.

Gif By @apparently-artless

“Captain, are you really sure you wanna go out there?” Penguin asked, looking out at the white landscape.

Law nodded as he slipped on a coat and zipped it up. “I’ll be gone just for a couple hours. Let Bepo be outside as much as he wants. He deserves it.”

With that said, he stepped outside and felt the frigid wind slice through the air like knives. The town was quiet, muffled by the snow, and the villagers paid him no mind. His history as a former warlord and title as the Surgeon of Death made him untouchable. The fact that he was also involved in Big Mom’s fall added to his list of accomplishments and reasons why he shouldn’t be crossed.

But there was someone willing to cross the line.

You.

At the village, Law had a goal. He was looking for you, his contact, someone who promised him information regarding Blackbeard, his next target for elimination.

As he passed by a library, he didn’t hesitate to enter. In your letters you described a quiet meeting place. And a library fit the description perfectly.

Quiet corners make better conversation.

Inside, Law shook off the snow and walked down the quiet aisles, eyes wandering from their books to him. He didn’t know what you looked like, which was a minor complication. But the situation was still controllable. If he played his cards right. If you two found common ground, it would be smooth—any hesitation from you he’d bend to his favor.

“Hey, stranger,” your voice cooed, smooth and amused. Law turned and looked at you, who naturally expressed an aura of confidence with a dash of elegance, a dangerous combination. Your dark gold eyes had an intense stare, posture straight, and you stayed in place.

You weren’t afraid of him. You had no reason to.

“Didn’t expect Mihawk’s daughter to be lounging around here.”

You lifted an eyebrow as you set a book in your hands back on the shelf. “What gives you that idea, Dr. Trafalgar?” His name sounded smooth as silk from your lips, your tone containing a hint of coyness that you knew would test his patience.

“Instinct.”

“Ah, like a cat hunting its prey.” You smiled, turning to look at him fully. “I’m more of a hawk like my father and observe from above.”

“Then we’ll get along well.” Law replied. You leaned against the bookshelf and crossed your arms over your chest, your fingers naturally touching the matching cross necklace you wore like your father.

“We’ll see about that.” You started, “and, even though Mihawk is my father, I am my own person. Don’t expect me to be like him.”

“Noted.”

Now there you were: two predators, ones from land and sky planning a high stakes mission, not knowing that this partnership unfolded a growing tension none of you planned for.

Gif By @apparently-artless

@onepiece-bingo

Animal Instinct

Gif By @apparently-artless
4rticbolt
4 weeks ago
Gif By @apparently-artless

gif by @apparently-artless

OF LAND AND SKY

F!Reader x Trafalgar Law

SFW

Gif By @apparently-artless

Law didn’t find joy around loud noises, uncontrollable chaos, and, over all, people. Like a snow leopard, he preferred to hide in the shadows. Planning, observing, thinking…wanting to make sure that what he envisioned came true.

However, that changed when he and the crew were docked at a village during the winter season—snow was unavoidable and the temperatures were significantly colder than what they were used to.

Gif By @apparently-artless

“Captain, are you really sure you wanna go out there?” Penguin asked, looking out at the white landscape.

Law nodded as he slipped on a coat and zipped it up. “I’ll be gone just for a couple hours. Let Bepo be outside as much as he wants. He deserves it.”

With that said, he stepped outside and felt the frigid wind slice through the air like knives. The town was quiet, muffled by the snow, and the villagers paid him no mind. His history as a former warlord and title as the Surgeon of Death made him untouchable. The fact that he was also involved in Big Mom’s fall added to his list of accomplishments and reasons why he shouldn’t be crossed.

But there was someone willing to cross the line.

You.

At the village, Law had a goal. He was looking for you, his contact, someone who promised him information regarding Blackbeard, his next target for elimination.

As he passed by a library, he didn’t hesitate to enter. In your letters you described a quiet meeting place. And a library fit the description perfectly.

Quiet corners make better conversation.

Inside, Law shook off the snow and walked down the quiet aisles, eyes wandering from their books to him. He didn’t know what you looked like, which was a minor complication. But the situation was still controllable. If he played his cards right. If you two found common ground, it would be smooth—any hesitation from you he’d bend to his favor.

“Hey, stranger,” your voice cooed, smooth and amused. Law turned and looked at you, who naturally expressed an aura of confidence with a dash of elegance, a dangerous combination. Your dark gold eyes had an intense stare, posture straight, and you stayed in place.

You weren’t afraid of him. You had no reason to.

“Didn’t expect Mihawk’s daughter to be lounging around here.”

You lifted an eyebrow as you set a book in your hands back on the shelf. “What gives you that idea, Dr. Trafalgar?” His name sounded smooth as silk from your lips, your tone containing a hint of coyness that you knew would test his patience.

“Instinct.”

“Ah, like a cat hunting its prey.” You smiled, turning to look at him fully. “I’m more of a hawk like my father and observe from above.”

“Then we’ll get along well.” Law replied. You leaned against the bookshelf and crossed your arms over your chest, your fingers naturally touching the matching cross necklace you wore like your father.

“We’ll see about that.” You started, “and, even though Mihawk is my father, I am my own person. Don’t expect me to be like him.”

“Noted.”

Now there you were: two predators, ones from land and sky planning a high stakes mission, not knowing that this partnership unfolded a growing tension none of you planned for.

Gif By @apparently-artless

@onepiece-bingo

Animal Instinct

Gif By @apparently-artless
4rticbolt
4 weeks ago

the problem with reading and writing leading to a strong vocabulary is that you tend to know the vibe of words instead of their meanings.

if I used this word in a sentence, would it make sense? absolutely. if you asked me what it meant, could I tell you? absolutely not.

4rticbolt
4 weeks ago

CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT

Shanks x GN!Reader

Zoro x GN!Reader

Mihawk x GN!Reader

a/n: this js me trying to write ffs, this is experimental and for fun only so expect this ff cringe and oc

tags: sfw, fluff, soft, ooc(?)

masterlist | ko-fi

: 𓏲🐋 ๋࣭  ࣪ ˖✩࿐࿔ 🌊

SHANKS

CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT
CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT

You were many things aboard the Red Force—calm, sharp-tongued, and painfully unbothered by Shanks’ endless antics.

You were also completely unaware of the fact that the most feared (and flirted-with) captain in the New World couldn’t seem to stop touching you.

Not in a creepy way. Not even in a romantic way… at least, not that you noticed.

He’d toss an arm around your shoulders like it was a habit. Rest his hand on your waist when laughing. Tug you into his side when something “dangerous” happened, like a slightly aggressive breeze or a seagull flying too low.

You just chalked it up to him being Shanks.

Until, one bright morning, the crew decided enough was enough.

It started with Benn Beckman sighing dramatically as he walked onto the deck.

“Do you two need a room or something?”

You blinked from where you stood, arms crossed. “We’re not even doing anything.”

Benn pointed. “His hand has been on your lower back for ten minutes.”

Shanks blinked down at his own hand like it betrayed him. “Huh. Didn’t even notice.”

You raised a brow. “Are you okay? Do you have tactile issues?”

Lucky Roux snorted as he passed by with a turkey leg. “Yeah, it’s called ‘falling for someone and not knowing what to do with your hands.’”

Shanks turned red. You remained… utterly unaffected.

“Touch-starved pirate disease,” Lime Juice muttered, jotting fake notes like a doctor. “Tragic. Symptoms include: prolonged physical contact, excessive grinning, and spontaneous cuddling in public.”

Hongo popped his head out of the crow’s nest. “I saw him brush your hair behind your ear during the storm last week.”

“That was because it got in their face,” Shanks defended.

You nodded. “He didn’t want me to get stabbed by my own bangs. Very heroic.”

“You’re wearing a braid,” Yasopp called from the helm.

A long pause.

“…Okay, I’m not good with excuses,” Shanks muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. His hand bumped yours in the process.

You tilted your head, eyes narrowing. “Captain.”

“Yes?”

“You’re touching me again.”

“...I genuinely didn’t notice DAHAHAHA.”

The crew erupted into laughter.

You blinked slowly and glanced down at your joined hands, then back up at him. “You’ve been holding my hand for a minute now. You good?”

“Maybe.”

You stared.

He stared.

“…You’re kinda warm,” he added, grinning.

“I’m wearing gloves.”

“Exactly. Impressive.”

You didn’t smile, but your voice was flat with dry humor. “You wanna marry me, too? Get it over with?”

Shanks choked. “Whoa—what?”

“You’re already touching me like I’m your lover. Might as well commit.”

The crew howled.

“I’m starting to like them more than you, Cap,” Benn said, lighting a cigar.

“They’ve got more bite,” Lime Juice grinned.

Lucky Roux offered you a celebratory turkey leg like a sword. “You just proposed better than he ever could.”

You calmly took it, giving a single nod. “Thanks. I accept my own proposal.”

Shanks was still frozen. “Wait, are we actually engaged now?”

You took a slow bite of the turkey leg, deadpan. “Keep touching me like that, and you’ll owe me alimony.”

CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT

ZORO

CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT
CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT

You were minding your own business—arms crossed, eyes half-lidded, back leaned slightly against the Sunny’s railing—when a familiar weight thunked into your side.

Again.

You didn’t flinch, didn’t glance, didn’t even blink. Just spoke.

“Zoro.”

“What.”

“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what.”

“Treating me like a living chair.”

He grunted. “You’re stable. And not annoying.”

“That’s a compliment?” you asked, still deadpan.

“Take it or leave it.”

The crew had noticed. Of course they had. This was the sixth day in a row Zoro had casually latched onto you like a sleepy barnacle.

“Oi, mosshead!” Sanji snapped, appearing from the galley with smoke swirling and a righteous fury in his eyes. “Get off them, you clingy cucumber!”

Zoro cracked open an eye. “Make me.”

“Oh, I will!” Sanji stomped over dramatically. “Y/N-chwaann shouldn’t have to carry your freeloading swordsman body weight! If anyone deserves to be close to them, it’s me!”

You raised an eyebrow. “You literally tripped into my lap yesterday trying to ‘tie your shoe.’ You were barefoot.”

“It was a metaphor!” Sanji cried. “For falling head over heels!”

Zoro scoffed. “That was the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Says the mossy limpet glued to their side like a touchy fungus!”

Zoro didn’t move. “Jealousy’s not a good look, curly.”

“You—!!”

“Guys,” Nami sighed, “can’t we go one day without turning affection into a shouting match?”

Brook leaned on his cane, chuckling. “Yohohoho! Young love… or something!”

Usopp squinted. “Wait. Has Zoro always been this clingy with Y/N?”

Robin smiled mysteriously. “Since thriller bark, at least.”

Franky nodded solemnly. “Saw him fall asleep on their shoulder mid-battle once. SUPER unconscious.”

“I thought he was dead,” Chopper added, horrified. “Turns out he was just really comfy.”

Zoro’s grip on your shoulder tightened very slightly, and you finally glanced sideways at him.

“Do you know you’re this touchy?” you asked.

He looked like he wanted to evaporate into the deck. “I… just don’t mind you being close.”

You blinked slowly. “Is that samurai code for ‘I like you’?”

Sanji audibly gagged. “Oi! Don’t flirt in front of me!”

“We’re not flirting,” you said.

Zoro mumbled, “Might be.”

Sanji died inside.

“Y/N-chwann” he said gravely, dropping to one knee. “I beg of you—pick me instead! I would never lean on you like a sweaty tree log!”

Zoro growled. “Because you’d faint from being close.”

“AT LEAST I’D DIE HANDSOME!”

You looked between the two of them and sighed.

“I just want to drink my tea without being fought over,” you muttered, walking off—Zoro immediately following, like a shadow with swords.

“You’re still touching me,” you noted.

“Didn’t say I’d stop,” he replied casually.

You stopped walking, turned, and looked him square in the eye.

“You’re aware this is very couple-coded, right?”

He blinked, then grunted. “Guess we should make it official then.”

You blinked right back. “That was fast.”

“Why waste time.”

You smirked just a little. “Romantic.”

He shrugged. “You’re warm. And you don’t talk too much.”

“That’s your idea of a proposal?”

“Worked, didn’t it?”

From behind you, Sanji dramatically screamed into the ocean.

CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT

MIHAWK

CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT
CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT

Kuraigana Island was a wasteland of stone, wind, and uncomfortable silences. You didn’t mind. You were the type to thrive in eerie places — quiet, observant, and allergic to nonsense.

Which is probably why Mihawk didn’t bother with small talk.

Or... so you thought.

Lately, the world’s greatest swordsman had developed a habit of materializing wherever you were. You’d be cleaning a blade — and there he was, pouring tea. You’d sit on the crumbling stone wall for some air — and there he’d be, suddenly trimming the overgrown vines right next to you.

At first, you thought it was coincidence.

Until today.

“...You know you don’t have to sharpen every one of my knives,” you said flatly, watching him work silently at the bench beside you.

“I didn’t,” Mihawk replied, still honing the blade. “Only the dull ones.”

You blinked. “That was my butter knife.”

“Then it was very dull.”

From the far side of the ruins, Zoro grunted as he finished a set of squats. “He refilled their canteen twice this morning.”

“Once,” Mihawk corrected, still not looking up.

“Twice,” Zoro insisted. “Once after breakfast. Then again after they just looked at the sink.”

Perona floated down with a snort. “He also folded their coat. While they were still wearing it.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Wait. Is that why my sleeves were shorter for a second?”

“You had a wrinkle.”

“I always have a wrinkle.”

Mihawk looked up with that unreadable expression. “And now you don’t.”

Zoro huffed. “What even is this? He acts like a butler. But like, a scary one.”

Mihawk narrowed his eyes at him. “I’m not a butler.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Perona muttered, arms crossed. “You fixed the strap on their satchel too.”

Mihawk didn’t respond to that.

Perona raised a brow. “You gonna deny it?”

“No,” Mihawk said coolly, “because it was crooked.”

Zoro leaned against a stone pillar, towel around his neck. “He also moved your seat at the dining table.”

“That was my seat,” you said.

Mihawk finally gave you a long, side glance. “You’ve sat on the left for the past four mornings. I simply ensured it remained consistent.”

You deadpanned. “You rearranged the furniture.”

“Briefly.”

Zoro stared. “And when they tripped over that vine—”

“I cut the vine before they fell,” Mihawk snapped with a tone just shy of defensive.

“Bro. You lunged across the courtyard.”

Mihawk sipped his wine calmly. “It was in the way.”

You raised an eyebrow. “And when you pulled me by the hood into the shade the other day?”

“You were overheating.”

“I wasn’t sweating.”

“You were blinking slowly.”

You stared. “That’s just how I blink.”

There was a long pause.

Then Perona gasped. “Wait, wait — you also fixed the strap on their scabbard!”

“I adjusted it. The weight distribution was uneven.”

Zoro clapped once, grinning. “So you are clingy.”

Mihawk’s eyes narrowed, the glint in them sharp and dangerous. “I am not.”

You leaned your chin on your hand, amused. “Then what would you call this?”

He paused. “Awareness.”

Perona lost it. “You mean hyper-awareness. Of one (1) person.”

Mihawk ignored her. “It’s strategic. I simply ensure you're at your most efficient.”

“That’s not efficiency,” Zoro said, wiping his forehead. “That’s doting.”

Mihawk arched a brow. “You think a swordsman cannot be observant?”

“You folded their laundry in order of fabric weight.”

“They prefer it that way.”

You blinked. “I never said that.”

He side-eyed you, expression cool. “You didn’t need to.”

You blinked again.

Zoro grunted. “You see? He’s acting like we’re all weird for noticing.”

Perona jabbed a finger toward him. “He's totally doing the ‘if I act calm, no one will notice I'm obsessed’ thing.”

Mihawk finally gave a soft, tired sigh — the kind that said you people are exhausting.

Then, turning to you, he asked, “Would you like tea?”

“I haven’t said I was thirsty.”

He didn’t blink. “You will be.”

You stared. “Are you psychic?”

“No,” he said simply. “You’re predictable.”

You squinted. “...That sounds like flirting.”

Mihawk blinked slowly. “I don’t flirt.”

Perona groaned. “OH MY GOD—”

Mihawk stood up, cloak sweeping behind him, expression unreadable as always. He held out the canteen like he’d already won this conversation.

You took it with narrowed eyes, muttering, “Thanks... I guess.”

He nodded, calm as ever. “You’re welcome.”

Zoro crossed his arms. “Still denying it?”

Mihawk looked at all of them — then at you — and with perfect poise said,

“I’m just efficient.”

And with that, he turned and walked away.

You stared after him, took a sip from the canteen, and sighed.

“…Efficiently annoying.”

4rticbolt
4 weeks ago
a meme

a sock of a happy penguin labelled "how people see the work of writers and artists" and to the right is the same sock but turned inside out and the sock looks unhinged and messy, labelled "how writers and artists see their own work"
4rticbolt
4 weeks ago

"I know adverbs are controversial, but "said softly" means something different than 'whispered' and this is the hill I will die on."

4rticbolt
4 weeks ago

“how did you get into writing” girl nobody gets into writing. writing shows up one day at your door and gets into you

4rticbolt
4 weeks ago
4rticbolt
1 month ago

ONE PIECE FANFICS I'D RECOMMEND

ONE PIECE FANFICS I'D RECOMMEND

DONQUIXOTE ROSINANTE / CORAZON

general and specific headcanons ⸝ @zorosangell

greedy (18+) ⸝ @sunshinescribes

i like matching (18+) ⸝ @fanaticsnail

tomorrow ⸝ @sunshinescribes

MONKEY D. LUFFY (NO NSFW FOR HIM)

as happy as a cat in the sun ⸝ @gingernut1314

fell first, fell harder ⸝ @gingernut1314

just trying to sleep ⸝ @gingernut1314

PORTGAS D. ACE

dress up ⸝ @dollcher

NAMI

kiss her you fool ⸝ @mydearlybeloathed

truth or dare? ⸝ @gingernut1314

RORONOA ZORO

beautiful things part 1 + part 2 ⸝ @sanjisleggy

i'm your conscience, i am love ⸝ @softlypaintedseafoam

it's cold ⸝ @gingernut1314

just breathe (18+) ⸝ @imsryyimlate

three words part 1 + part 2 ⸝ @escenariosinfumables

to be vigilant ⸝ @fanzou

we don't talk about it (18+) ⸝ @korebringerofded

SHANKS

can't leave just yet, sweetheart ⸝ @atsumutu

not like you ⸝ @yoomiwrites

TRAFALGAR D. WATER LAW

birthday boy ⸝ @sunshinescribes

morning cuddles ⸝ @mewnewew

a new horizon ⸝ @stararonia

not cute ⸝ @yoomiwrites

VINSMOKE SANJI

spoil me! (18+) ⸝ @fanzou

warning! this story does mention/includes about a manipulative relationship. do not read if it makes you uncomfortable! your mental health matters :)

MULTIPLE CHARACTERS

(accidental) pda ⸝ @inseobts

characters: roronoa zoro, vinsmoke sanji, trafalgar d. water law, portgas d. ace, and eustass kid

big, fat, crush ⸝ @fanzou

characters: roronoa zoro, trafalgar law, and vinsmoke sanji

skin to skin part 1 + part 2 ⸝ @traflawgar

characters: (part 1) trafalgar d. water law and roronoa zoro. (part 2) monkey d. luffy and vinsmoke sanji

sleeping separately after an argument part 1 + part 2 ⸝ @st4rpiece

characters: (part 1) monkey d. luffy, roronoa zoro, usopp, and vinsmoke sanji. (part 2) dracule mihawk, sir crocodile, and buggy the clown

walking in on you ⸝ @kleftiko

characters: roronoa zoro and trafalgar d. water law

4rticbolt
1 month ago

hi there ! i saw ur requests open so i would like to req an usopp x reader fic ! (there's should be more methinks methinks)

the scenario i have in mind is Usopp drawing reader,, artist x muse trope is my favorite <3 (established relationship please thxx!! <3)

This is absolutely adorable, and I agree. Usopp needs more love and fics—also I am SO very sorry it took me this long. I had a few other Ace fics I was working on, and I have like 17 drafts 💔

But here you go! I hope you enjoy 💪

Talent |Master-List|

4rticbolt
1 month ago
Talent |Master-List|

Talent |Master-List|

Usopp x Reader, fluff, crack, teasing, Usopp is underrated, we need more of him, brief swearing, SFW, kisses

Summary: You’re are Usopp’s muse.

A/N: This is literally the sweetest idea, thank you so much for requesting. I mixed in some of the other Straw Hats with this, so I hope you don’t mind!

•-•-•—•-•-••-•-•—•-•—•-•

Inspiration, and ideas.

The hardest things to come across.

In a world of grey, Usopp used to be lost. He’d search in pictures, cook books, even Robin’s boring historical papers to find ideas. He was beyond desperate to clear his art block.

The sniper needed something to clear his mind, he just didn’t know what.

But little did he figure, all the answers to his problems would be you.

The moment you’d joined the crew, he’d look at you from afar and things would magically fix. His ideas would run clear, and he could draw. It was like some cure, some unbelievable discovery—with clouds and magical unicorns—he could think.

Actually think.

He fell in love with you because you colored his world.

The softness in your eyes brought out the colors he’d once thought bland, some he’d thought boring. But no, he could finally draw and create with them.

It was a blessing—no, correction—you were the blessing. Your smile brought light into his world, and he couldn’t help but fawn from afar. He’d watch you, a lot. Even in the simplest of tasks, cleaning, chores—you name it. He couldn’t believe you were real.

Usopp drowned in art, better yet you.

Even now as he sits on the stairs, months into your relationship—sketching you in a journal, he makes art. His thoughts never dry, and they’re always full of life and color, though he kept it secret.

It wasn’t embarrassing—he just . . . didn’t mention it, he didn’t know how to tell you. At-least that’s what he convinced himself.

Or maybe his journal was just full of you, and he didn’t want you to know.

Regardless, he sketched you now as you fished with Luffy and Chopper, casting from the rail while he sketched a soft scene.

The boys had been long forgotten, now replaced with mangly fish while you looked ethereal. He wasn’t jealous, he was just…exploring his creativity. Yeah, that’s it.

Creativity.

“I got something!” You suddenly shouted, standing up. Usopp jumped, almost dropping his pen. “Haha—suckers! I win!” you got behind the rail, reeling in whatever you baited.

“Noo!” Luffy dramatically fell back, and Chopper sulked lowering his head. “No fair, I wanted to get it first.”

“Maybe next time,” you smirked, pulling your rod, but instead—it pulled you forward. You stumbled into the rails, letting out a yelp—and Chopper immediately grabbed you.

“AH! ____, no—Help!! The fish is gonna eat ____! USOPP!!”

Scrambling up, Usopp dropped his journal by the stairs. The pen rolled, and he hassled down like a hero—grabbing your waist.

“I gotcha! Hold on!”

You looked back, sending a smile and thanks, and Usopp about caved. His knees would’ve gone weak, if it weren’t for the fact a fish was about to drag you below.

He snapped out of it, flushing red, “Hey, focus on the fish idiot—not me! I mean I’m flattered—but—focus on the rod!”

“Ew! You guys are gross!” Luffy let out a yuck, grabbing the three of you.

Yeah, he couldn’t believe you were real.

“On three guys!!—“ Chopper turned to his human-form, dragging you both back.

“One!”

“Two!” Usopp held you tighter, leaning on his heels.

“Three!” Luffy shouted, yanking back with all his might.

SNAP

The rod broke. No—shattered.

The fish was lost.

And in slow motion, you were all sent flying back.

A chorus of yells echoed throughout the ship, and like bowling balls, you and Usopp knocked down a few barrels by the stairs.

He shielded you, completely winded by the force of the fall, dazed. Usopp slowly let you go, giving you the freedom to move as he recovered.

Weakly coughing, you leaned up.

“Ow,” you muffled, sitting on his hips. Your arms were placed at either side of his head, and the position wasn’t awkward till you locked eyes.

“I-uh, you okay?” He blurted, blinking idly. His hands balanced your waist, and you hesitated to shift forward.

“Yeah, I’m fine silly—you?” You brushed off, pulling some pieces of wood of his hair.

“Your the one who took the fall, idiot.”

“Oh—I did? Haha, I mean—of course I did, I’m the amazing Usopp, I save my girlfriend whenever she’s uh . . . Gonna get eaten by a fish.” he leaned up, letting out a nervous laugh.

SLAM

“What the hell was the crash?!” Nami snapped, bursting out from inside. She looked down to you—and like a science trick with pepper and salt, she was the dish soap that sent you both scrambling away from eachother.

“Uh—“ Usopp stuttered, bright red, unable to form a response.

“It was my fault,” you said quickly, covering him. You brushed off, standing to your feet. “Me, Luffy and Chopper were fishing, and I caught something—but my rod broke.”

“Wait as in MY rod?!” Franky boomed, appearing beside Nami. “There’s no way! I built those to withstand anything!”

“Well, clearly not.” Zoro scoffed, casually walking over the shattered pile of wood.

“OH MY BABY!!” Franky dramatically dropped to his knees, cradling the remnants of his work. “You will not be forgotten, Wendy.”

“Ugh, he named it?” Nami sighed, leaning into her palm. “Ok—I’m going back inside, you all are ridiculous.”

You sighed, looking over to Luffy and Chopper who were already back to fishing, determined to catch whatever you had.

Then, looking to the spot Usopp just was—he was gone. Surprised, you called his name only to find him prying his journal away from the skeleton.

“Yohoho, true love at its finest,” Brook laughed, and Usopp blushed red walking back to you, grumbling.

“What’s he on about?” you asked, confused as Usopp grabbed your hand, pulling you forward. He was muttering incoherent curses under his breath.

“Usopp?” you laughed, “what’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing!” He blurted, “nothing at all—I just, I just want to go inside.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so!” he was now beet red, pulling you into his workshop. He let out a long breath, letting you go as his shoulders sagged,

Relieved, he looked back to you, before quickly away.

Something was definitely up.

“So . . . What’s goin’ on?” you asked, moving to face him.

“Nothing.”

“You said that already, make a different excuse.” you teased, placing a hand on his jaw—and he about exploded.

Though he didn’t respond.

Looking down, you paused. His sketchbook was held behind him. Out of curiosity, you couldn’t help yourself. So, you reached for it.

“Hey, what are doing—wait!” he yelped, trying to get it back, but it was too late. You took off, and he chased you around the room.

“This isn’t funny, come on! Give it back!”

You let out a laugh, jumping over his chair to avoid him around the table. Back n forth’ he desperately tried to grab it, but you’d already opened to the newest page.

“____!” Usopp groaned, rolling his hands down his face.

“What I just wanna see? You haven’t showed me your art in awhile anyway—“

Usopp braced, leaning his head against the table.

“Oh.”

. . .

“I’ll just go die in a hole now.”

You snorted, closing his journal. “What why? This is so sweet.”

Appalled, his head jerked up. “Wait what?!”

“What do you mean, what? Usopp these are all amazing, better yet they’re me!”

Usopp’s mouth dropped, as in like all the way to the floor before he picked it up. “Y-you think?”

“Of course I do.” you strolled around the table, and he immediately stood.

Yes—as stiff as a board, but stood.

He’d never been so nervous in his life, even if he loved you with all his heart.

“Why’d you hide this from me?” you asked, softly, but realization washed over you. “WAIT—is this why you never showed me any of your other books?!”

“What?! NO—“ a panicked look crossed his face, and for once, he couldn’t come up with a lie.

“I—just—you, uhm—it’s personal!”

“It’s me! Of course it’s personal!”

“No! Not like that I—“

“I wanna see your other journals.” you finished, deadpanning as you turned around.

“NO! I am not mentally prepared for that!” Usopp immediately followed you, but you were faster.

“____! Don’t! I swear!”

“Or what?” you rose a brow, looking over your shoulder, and he froze.

“Or—or, I’ll—“

“You’ll, what?”

Usopp swallowed, and a bead of sweat rolled down his face. “Uhm, I’ll—I’ll . . .”

Pff—what the fuck now idiot! Think!

“I’ll kiss you!”

“You’ll . . . Kiss me?” you titled your head, placing your hands on your hips. “Really? Is that supposed to be a threat?”

Shit—plan B!

“Absolutely,” he feigned, sweating like a bullet. “You’ve uh—“

“You can’t distract me,” you huffed, turning around.

Usopp’s eyes widened and without hesitation, he lunged forward. His hands urgently grabbed your face, pulling you in for a deep—or rather breathless kiss, teeth and all.

A muffled noise escaped from him, and you couldn’t help but melt.

Your lover pulled away, panting softly. Unconsciously, Usopp licked his lips unable to look away from yours. Like a spell, he was momentarily drunk off your touch, and he couldn’t help but feel the need to do it again.

“Hey,” you whispered, questioningly, but not unkindly. You were interupted as he cut you off again, this time tenderly.

Yeah, that journal was long forgotten.

His hands desperately pulled you closer, not trying to distract you, but hold you. After discovering his secret, it was clear it meant a lot more than he led on. His heart was wide open, and he pouring every last drop of it into this.

“I’ll, I’ll show you, I just—I wasn’t ready . . . For you to see that.” he muttered, leaning back, but not far.

“See what?” you murmured, holding his hands. “Usopp you’ve seen every part of me, and I’ve seen every part of you, do you think a few drawings will make me leave?”

“No, it’s not that, I thought—ugh, I don’t know what I thought, it’s not embarrassing—you’re not embarrassing you could never be, I just,” he let out a sigh, resting his forehead against yours.

“You give me inspiration, ____. I can think clearly when I’m with you, and I . . . I was embarrassed, not that I have to rely on you, I just didn’t know how you’d react, or what you’d say.”

Nervously, he let out a breath. “It’s stupid, huh?”

“Not at all, I had no idea,” you whispered, blushing. “I don’t even know how to respond to that.“

“You don’t have to.”

“No I want to, but that’s like—the biggest, I don’t even know how to say it—compliment?”

Usopp paused, blinking.

“It’s probably not the right word, but if it makes sense—I’d draw you you too, if I could. I’d . . . There’d probably be a lot of sketchbooks. You already motivate me as is, so from an artist’s perspective, I get it.”

Usopp cleared his throat, holding back an ear to ear grin. “I—uh, thanks, that’s really sweet of you to say.” he let out a breath, trying not to crack.

“And, thanks for not—I don’t know, not calling me weird?” You held eye contact, quietly, and he let out a little laugh looking away.

“You’re such a dork,” you scoffed, smiling.

“I am not. You’re the one being sappy.”

“Oh really? Says Mr. You’re My Muse!”

Usopp choked on his breath, and a familiar blush creeped up his neck. “I never even said that—!”

“You don’t even have to, it’s drawn—literally, it’s everywhere.”

“Ok—and?? I regret nothing!”


Tags
4rticbolt
1 month ago

hii darling, i am the one who requested the study motivation fic. Thank you so much for writing it. Really.... thank you so much.... ❤️❤️❤️ It was a long day and nothing better than reading a Ace's comforting fic. I love your writing... They are really good. Thank you again.... ❤️❤️❤️

Yes of course! Anytime, in glad you enjoyed it. And I 100% agree, nothing beats a comforting fic after a long day 🫶

4rticbolt
1 month ago

zoro pouts in his sleep sometimes but he vehemently denies it even if you have photo evidence. he’ll call you a creep for watching him while he’s asleep and then turn away from you, pulling the covers over his head and grumbling something about sleep away from you from now on.

this is probably so ooc but idgaf cause that’s my baby boy. i’ve also been watching too many videos of mingyu sleeping on tiktok so…

4rticbolt
1 month ago

Oh my god, I love your Katakuri fics so much, they are so good! I was wondering if I could make a request with that same time-line, following reader and her children, but maybe—she’s injured, and she’s pregnant with one of them? And it’s just immediate devastation, but it turns out the kiddo will be okay?

Idk I think Katakuri would just go f-ing ballistic, and you write him so well, especially with a sweet-hearted reader, so I couldn’t help but ask!

(I’m not sure if you’ve done this before, but if you have pleaseeee direct me in that direction.)

Oh My God, I Love Your Katakuri Fics So Much, They Are So Good! I Was Wondering If I Could Make A Request

⛥゚・。 necklace

SECRET BONUS/prequel to pocus -- (after orchids) katakuri returns from another mission to find that you are with child. but when a familiar face returns to harm you, katakuri goes fucking ballistic.

cw: fluff, comfort, kinda angsty a bit, dad katakuri, katakuri is katakuri, the girls are adorable, he is thirty-, you are thirty-four, soda is eleven, cocoa is eight, the twins are four, chai is two,

Oh My God, I Love Your Katakuri Fics So Much, They Are So Good! I Was Wondering If I Could Make A Request

"Commander!" Kota greeted, subconsciously holding his breath as he straightened his posture, bowing in respect as the general entered through the impossibly huge doors of the Whole Cake Chateau.

His spurred footfalls were like knives cutting through the silence of the room, his gaze just as sharp as it landed on the boy.

"Welcome back, sir!"

Silently, Katakuri nodded, shrugging off his cloak and allowing the guards to take it as he started down the hall.

"Kota," he replied in a monotone, eyes trained forward and walk powerful. "If you're here, then I take it all the necessary preparations have been made?"

Fervently, the boy nodded, quickly flipping through the pages of his clipboard until he found his to-do list.

"Yes, sir! As requested, a bouquet of orchids has been sent to Lady (y/n)'s bakery along with the necklace you commissioned. And as for the rest of her gifts, they are being delivered to the mansion as we speak."

"And her day?"

"Completely clear. I finished her paperwork and already have her stamp of approval for today's menu. In about an hour, I'll take over the bakery, which leaves her totally free from now 'til tomorrow afternoon."

At the good news, Katakuri nodded, before his tone turned chilling.

"Security breaches?"

Thickly, Kota swallowed, a cold shiver rolling down his spine at the taller man's oppressive aura.

"Not a single one. The gate system at the mansion is functioning at one-hundred percent, and, per instruction, her guard detail has remained around the clock. Though, of course, they've been relieved upon your arrival."

Before Katakuri could say anything in response, a bright, warm presence began to flood his senses, forcing a rather Pavlovian thrum to rush through his veins, already sending his heart into a fluster.

The familiarity of this blissful sensation felt like coming home more than entering a house ever could, and almost always meant that his favorite person in the world was nearby.

His beautiful wife.

Slyly, he glanced out the corner of his eye, his gaze visibly softening watched to come to a stop near a humongous marble column, hands clasped together as you waited patiently for your husband to finish his debrief.

Tranquility could not even begin to define the calmness that washed over his body at the sight of you, the experience like a soft, rolling tide of the freshest water one could dream of.

Hell, the man hadn't realized how much he was dying of thirst until he'd caught a glimpse of the ocean.

"Good work," he commended, already checked out of the conversation as he turned to walk toward you. "You're dismissed."

Respectfully, Kota bowed once again.

"Thank you, sir," he nodded. "Enjoy the rest of your day."

And with that, the boy quickly scurried away, thoroughly understanding that now was his cue to leave.

Katakuri, on the other hand, had no place he'd rather be, managing to cross the width of the large hall in four long strides before finally reaching you.

Even his scarf couldn't muffle his grin as he enveloped your smaller frame in a tight bear hug, relishing your tiny squeal, and the feeling of you in his arms once again, as he swirled you both around without a care in the world.

"Kuri," you sighed, relieved, as you cupped what you could of his face in your hands, pressing two, firm kisses on both sides of his nose before throwing your arms over his shoulders, pulling him closer.

Burying his face in the crook of your neck, he allowed himself to inhale your sweet scent, years of work in your bakery giving you the permanent smell of cinnamon sugar and vanilla.

It was intoxicating, like a drug he could never get enough of.

"I've missed you, (y/n)," Katakuri muttered into your flesh, tightening his hold around your waist.

Pulling back, you held his face in your hands once again, smoothing your thumbs over his cheeks as your eyes rushed to scan over his face, committing his every feature to memory.

"There was word that you'd run into trouble at sea," you stated, breathlessly, your unease finally beginning to make sense.

"I'm all right," he assured, his large hand coming up to cup your cheek, his heart doubling in size as you instantly leaned into his touch.

You stared up at him as if he was the only thing in the world, as if he'd hung the stars and moon right before your eyes.

He wasn't too shy to admit, the sight brought a certain puff to his chest.

"Been ages since I've seen your face," Katakuri stated, taking a moment to marvel. "Would've been longer if it weren't for Custard's wedding."

To your extreme surprise, he hooked a finger into his scarf, tugging it down just enough to free his mouth before pressing his lips firmly against yours, nearly toppling you over.

Off balance, you tightly gripped his shoulders, eyes slightly wide as he pulled back, your mind still reeling at what he just did.

"I don't think Mama would've ever brought me back from that damn island."

With that, he was quick to jump back in, capturing your lips in another heated kiss before you managed to pull away.

"Kuri, not here."

"Yes, here," he purred, chasing your lips as you left him.

That is... until he realized you were shaking.

Instantly, he stopped everything, shifting to rest his hands on your shoulders as he looked you over.

"Are you all right? You're trembling," he asked, brows furrowed with concern. "What's going on?"

Nervously, you glanced down at your feet, taking a second to muster up your courage.

It was now or never.

"Kuri..." you started, a faint glint of fear flashing in your eyes as you stared up at him, only confusing the man more, "...I'm pregnant."

Instantly, his eyes went wide, yours frantically scanning over his face for every minute expression.

"That's—"

He paused a moment, searching for the right word, his hesitation sending a cold pang of terror through your chest.

Noticing this, he quickly corrected himself, pulling you into his embrace and placing a kiss on your temple.

"That's wonderful."

"What are we going to do? With your mother and the bakery, I—"

"We're not gonna worry about anything right now," he assured, carefully lifting your chin, allowing his thumb to glide over your bottom lip. "This is a happy moment... the happiest moment of my life."

The man placed a gentle kiss on your hairline, tightening his hold on you as your body began to slowly melt into his.

"You're making a habit of these welcome-home surprises."

At that, you chuckled, glancing up at him with a knowing look.

"I'm afraid this one's all you, my love... given how much you enjoyed the last surprise."

His cheeks flushed at the reminder, your night of passion two months ago still very much at the forefront of his memory.

One of the best nights of his life... and one you made sure he'd never forget.

"Speaking of, we've got time to take our merienda early," he chimed, hands sliding down to rest on your hips. "I've made sure the both of us are free until tomorrow evening."

"Perfect," you smiled.

Leaning forward on your tippy-toes, you pressed a firm kiss on his cheek before tugging up his scarf with a cheeky grin.

"Let me just go get my things."

As you slowly pulled away, Katakuri's hand persisted, carefully sliding down your arm as you gracefully slipped away.

But, even when you finally left him, his arm remained outstretched, limply reaching for you as he watched your perfect form disappear further into the castle.

God, the things he'd do for you...

Never in a million years would he have ever foresaw himself so helpless at the hand of the woman he'd see around town with her nose in a recipe book.

Never would he have guessed that he'd be at her complete and utter mercy.

The man hung off every silvery word that left your plush lips, your every glance giving his heart new life.

Hell, one would think flowers sprang at your feet the way he revered your every step.

He truly and wholeheartedly believed that you were the embodiment of beauty and perfection, no matter how many flaws and quirks you attempted to point out—to him, your every trait was a pro.

And now, with the wonderful news that you were with child, a certain sense of wholeness began to settle itself in Katakuri's chest.

Of course, you overflowed his heart in every way possible, but this feeling was different.

He was starting a family... not one out of power or obligation but of love.

Real, honest-to-goodness, knock-you-off-your-feet love.

Every decision he'd ever made had led him to this perfect moment of totality, where the world seemed brighter and his stresses nonexistant.

Under his scarf, he couldn't help but don a sincere—honestly adorable—smile, a child-like sense of giddiness rippling through his veins.

He was going to be a father.

Oh My God, I Love Your Katakuri Fics So Much, They Are So Good! I Was Wondering If I Could Make A Request

Humming to yourself, you gave up on trying to muffle your smile, too busy marveling at the beautiful flower arrangement your husband got as you touched up your hair the mirror.

Leaning forward, you tucked a few unruly flyaways behind your ear, before taking a step back and examining your dress, specifically by turning to the side.

Sure, being only two months along, there wasn't a noticeable bump.

But that did stop you from talking.

"Oh, I can't wait to meet you!" you sing-songed, giddy, as your hand slid over your belly. "My little girl... my baby boy... we're going to have so much fun. We'll tell stories and play, and I'll bake whatever your little heart desires."

Already you were prepared to give this child the world, to shower it with all the love and affection you'd failed to receive during your childhood.

Your father, although present, was quite distant, more concerned with finding a way to worm into the Charlotte family than anything.

Your mother, although warm, had sadly died of a severe cold when you were only eight.

And with no brothers or sisters to speak of, you'd spent the better half of your childhood raising yourself, occupying your time by learning how to bake until you eventually became one of Totto Land's most esteemed chefs—at the ripe age of eighteen, no less.

Things were going to be better for them though... you would make sure of it.

Thoughtlessly, your hand rose to rest over your heart, eyes drifting over to the nearby table only to find that your new necklace was gone.

Concerned, your brows furrowed.

"What the—"

"Looking for this?"

You practically jumped out your skin at the unknown voice, a sharp gasp ripping from your lips as you whipped around and bumped into the vanity, knocking over your new vase of flowers with a loud smash.

(Despite still being all the way in the foyer, Katakuri heard this, his brows furrowing almost instantly as he started toward the dressing room.)

Turning toward the source, your eyes went wide as the man you thought you'd never see again menacingly shut the door, stepping out from the shadows behind it with a sinister grin.

'No... it can't be...'

"Gino..." you exhaled, stomach dropping to the floor as your chest began to rapidly rise and fall, an all-too familiar sense of terror turning your blood to ice.

"Ah, so you do remember me," he grinned, pleased, as he began to stalk toward you, twirling you gold necklace around his finger. "That's good... saves me a whole lot of trouble."

Every red flag one could possibly imagine was waving fiercely as the man approached, an insidious glint in his eye.

You knew better than to try to take him on yourself, and with no nearby weapons, you opted for the smarter option.

"KATAK—!"

With lightning speed, the man surged forward, harshly silencing you with a slap across the face, the force sending you crashing to the ground.

"Nuh uh uh. Hubby's not gonna be here to save you," Gino sneered, grabbing you by the neck before lifting you back on your feet. "God, doesn't this bring back memories?"

Instantly, your mind flashed with images from your relationship with the bastard.

Screaming...

Begging...

Crying... so much crying...

You thought you'd left that life behind you; but, like most things, the past always seemed to come back when you least expect it.

"What... do you want... bastard..." you manged in between breaths, doing your best to keep a steady flow of air despite his bruising grip on your neck.

"I want what's rightfully mine... what I never should've had to give up," he paused a moment. "Though, I suppose things are different now that you're his whore."

Shamelessly, his eyes raked over you, taking account of every inch of your body before finally landing on your face.

"Then again... you've always were a real knockout."

Suddenly, Gino's eyes seemed to brighten, a lightbulb going off in his head.

"How about a kiss, eh? For old times sake," he suggested, though it wasn't really a suggestion at all. "You know I used to rock your work... does your husband do that, too?"

His grip tightened, and your eyes slowly went wide as air became scarcer and scarcer.

"Gino... please..." you gasped, frantically tapping his shoulder, hoping to invoke some sort of human emotion in him.

"God, I forgot how great it feels to hear you beg," he grinned, manically. "Y'know, not a day went by for me these last two years without thinking of this very moment... and not its about to become a reality..."

Slowly, he began to pull you closer, lips puckered and ready.

'Oh, God!'

"No...!"

Suddenly, the door opened to reveal Katakuri, his eyes widening and chest igniting at the sight before him.

Your eyes... glassy and fear-ridden.

Your throat... slowly beginning to bruise.

Your cheek... outlined by a stinging, red hand mark

Causes A, B, and C of Gino's imminent death.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" he roared, startling Gino into dropping you as a mochi appendage swiftly snatched him up by the throat.

"Katakuri!" you gasped, entering a small coughing fit as you attempted to sit up.

Harshly, the general strangled Gino, waiting until he began to audibly choke before slamming him against a wall.

But your husband refused to waste any time, already retrieving Mogura from his mochi before storming toward the man with murderous intent.

His blood was practically steeping with rage, planning on turning your bastard of an ex into a smear on the wall for what he did.

The Sweet Commander had never felt such intense rage before, and you better believe he was going to take it out on the bastard responsible.

"Why don't you try fighting like a man without your Devil Fruit tricks?" Gino spat, brows furrowed as he coughed himself back to life, standing from the crumbled remains of the wall and entering a fighting stance.

Without hesitation, Katakuri tossed Mogura to the ground, deactivating his mochi and shrugging off his leather vest before surging forward and decking Gino right in the face.

The blow swiftly brought the man to his knees, but your husband was quick to hit him with another, this time laying him out flat on the floor.

Though Katakuri simply snatched him up and stood him back on his feet, using the man's body as a punching bag as he hit him with all sorts of hooks, jabs, and elbow strikes.

Thoroughly bloodied, Gino had managed to meet one of the general's fists with his own, but the sickening crack and the scream that followed proved it to be a fruitless endeavor.

Katakuri continued like this for a long while, cycling through some boxing moves before smashing and dragging the bastard through the most painful things in the room—the glass table, the mirror, the window.

That is, until Gino finally took his last breath, having died from being literally beat to death—his body was completely mangled and his face totally unrecognizable.

But your husband couldn't have cared less, finishing off by snatching your necklace out of Gino's dead grasp before making his way over to you, being sure to tug off his bloody gloves and discard them.

"(y/n)—"

"Katakuri!" you quickly launched yourself in his arms, burying your face in his neck as you wrapped your arms around his neck. "Thank God!"

Instantly, he reciprocated, holding you flush against him as his hand came up to stroke your hair, the two of you sinking to the floor together.

"I-I was so scared! I thought he was gonna—"

You trailed off, not even wanting to think about what could've happened if your husband hadn't shown up

Katakuri caught on immediately, fury already beginning to bubble in his chest once again at the implication.

Fuck shattered bones and internal bleeding... the bastard got off too easy.

"You're safe now," Katakuri promised, muttering into your hair. "He can't hurt you anymore.'

"Please stay with me..." you sniffled, tightening your hold on him. "Don't leave me alone."

As if the statement was absurd, he shook his head, holding you tighter as well.

"I'm not going anywhere, my love... I'm right here."

Oh My God, I Love Your Katakuri Fics So Much, They Are So Good! I Was Wondering If I Could Make A Request
4rticbolt
1 month ago
4rticbolt - Oh!
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