We Already Have But This Definitely Help 🥲

Can I request a fic where reader is in love with zoro but he’s Zoro and doesn’t notice for forever. Years maybe even. But then law comes into the picture and likes reader and she finally realizes maybe it’s time to give up on Zoro and go for someone who may love her back…only for Zoro to realize how he truly feels ? 🙃 ending can be either angst or happy for Zoro!

Almost Noticed

zoro x reader + law x reader

a/n: it's almost similar to the last one I did but it was fun... and since they're my two husbands I couldn't choose a winner and I let google choose for me T.T (gonna put the photo at the end lmao)

tags: pre and post time-skip, spoilers, slow burn, tension, love triangle

words count: 6.7k

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

You sit near the railing watching Zoro from across the deck.

He’s lying on his back under the mast, one arm slung behind his head, eyes closed, but you know he’s not asleep.

It’s been months, or maybe even longer, since you started looking too long when he trained shirtless in the sun. Since you started noticing the way his voice drops when he’s serious, the way his brows furrow when he’s annoyed. Since you realized your heart does stupid flips when he calls your name in that lazy, gravel-deep voice.

He never notices. Not the way you notice everything.

He doesn’t know that you make him an extra rice ball at lunch because he always wants seconds, even if Sanji starts complaining. He doesn’t know you patch up the seams of his bandanas when they start to fray. He doesn’t see the way you look at him like he’s something holy, somehow both untouchable and familiar.

And it’s fine, or at least you tell yourself it’s fine.

“Oi.”

You blink and turn. He’s standing right behind you now, towel over his shoulder, swords glinting under moonlight “You spacing out again?”

“I—no, just thinking.”

Zoro stares at you, then leans against the railing beside you like it’s nothing. Like being close doesn’t twist your insides into knots “Don’t think too hard. You’ll overheat.”

You laugh softly “Thanks for the advice, Mr. ‘All Brawn No Brain’.”

“Tch.” He doesn’t even pretend to be insulted “At least I don’t sit around staring at people.”

Your heart stops. Just for a second.

Did he notice?

Guess no because he’s already turned away, already yawning like the conversation’s over. Like your entire world isn’t spinning.

Weeks later you are all on Sabaody Archipelago when the island becomes hell, full of chaos. You expected tension. You didn’t expect the world to start cracking apart at the edges.

The ground shakes with every step Bartholomew Kuma takes. Everything’s falling apart. Again.

You’re standing with the crew, breathing hard, bruised, blood on your temple, and Zoro’s right beside you. The air tastes like ozone and smoke. Pain screams in every bone, but you hold your stance anyway.

Zoro’s stance is steady, swords drawn, chest rising and falling. He’s ready to fight, even when it’s hopeless. He always is.

“Get back” he mutters, low enough for just you to hear.

You grip your weapon tighter “Not a chance.”

His eyes flick to you, just for a second.

Not long enough.

“Kuma’s not human” Franky shouts from across the field “We can’t beat him!”

“We have to try!” Luffy yells back.

It happens fast… too fast.

One flash of light. One massive hand. And then Poof.

First it’s Sanji.

Then Chopper.

Then Franky.

(I don’t remember the exact order, bare with me if I forget to check before posting lmao)

Gone. Like smoke in the wind.

“No… NO!” you scream, running forward, but Zoro grabs your arm and pulls you back hard.

“Stay behind me” he growls.

You should say it now, before it’s too late.

“I love you” You swallow the words.

Then Kuma steps forward again.

“Room.”

You don’t hear it but you feel like a buzz in the air, a coldness at your back. And then, suddenly, you’re not behind Zoro anymore.

You’re inside a glowing sphere. The world around you slows, like someone turned the volume down on the chaos. You spin, breath caught in your lungs.

“Trafalgar Law, right?”

He stands a few paces away, hat casting a shadow over his gold-ringed eyes, hand lifted.

“What—What are you doing? What did you do?”

“Getting you out.”

Your heart slams in your chest “I can’t leave! I have to go back. Zoro’s still—”

“I saw him.” His voice is low. Calm “You know he’s the next one and you can’t do anything.”

“No,” you whisper. Your fists shake “He—he doesn’t even know—”

Law watches you carefully “But you do.”

You turn, trying to run back toward the others but Kuma’s hand is already over Zoro, light bursting around him like a nova.

And then he’s gone.

Just like that.

“NO!” You scream, stumbling forward, but Law grabs you and pulls you against him.

“Don’t waste it” he murmurs against your hair “You got lucky you weren’t far enough for me to reach you.”

“I didn’t want luck,” you breathe “I want them back.”

Later on you wake up to a low hum. Not waves. Not creaking wood. Something colder. Something deeper.

Your eyes snap open. The room is dim, lit only by a strip of soft light lining the metal walls. You’re not on the Thousand Sunny anymore.

“Where—?”

You try to sit up too fast, pain flaring in your ribs. Your voice is hoarse.

“Careful.”

You turn. Law is standing near the door, coat off, arms crossed over his chest. His tattoos catch the low light like ink on porcelain.

“You passed out,” he says “Shock, maybe. Or blood loss. Or both.”

You sit back slowly, memory returning in fragments.

Sabaody. Kuma. Zoro.

All of your crew… gone.

You close your eyes, chest rising with a shaky breath “You shouldn’t have pulled me out.”

Law says nothing.

“I would’ve rather—” You don’t finish the sentence.

He watches you for a long time. Then “I know.”

That’s it. No lecture. No pity.

He just says it like a fact. Like someone who understands what it means to lose everything in a single heartbeat.

The next few days pass in a blur.

The Polar Tang is too clean. Too quiet. The crew is polite but distant. You eat in silence. Sleep too much. You try not to think them, of Zoro, you try not to remember the way he stood in front of you before Kuma could reach you.

Try not to remember that he never even turned around to see if you’d followed, widening his eyes when he realised you disappeared like that.

Law keeps his distance. He doesn’t ask questions. Doesn’t comfort you. But you catch him watching sometimes.

When you forget to eat, he sends food without a word.

When you sit in the med bay too long staring at nothing, he walks in, grabs supplies, and walks out again, without breaking the silence.

You wish you could hate him for pulling you out. For saving you when no one else made it.

But you don’t. You can’t.

Because in those rare moments when he looks at you, you feel like maybe he’s just as lost.

One night, you’re in the observation room, staring at the ocean through a round porthole. You don’t hear him come in.

“I keep seeing it,” you say softly, not turning around “Zoro… the way he disappeared. I didn’t even say anything.”

“You wouldn’t have had time” Law answers.

You let out a hollow laugh “I had years, actually.”

That shuts him up.

You finally look over your shoulder “You’re not going to tell me I’ll move on?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

He pauses, then shrugs “Because I wouldn’t.”

The words hit harder than you expect. You swallow.

He steps closer, hands in his pockets, voice low “I didn’t save you for you, you know.”

Your breath catches “What does that mean?”

Law meets your eyes for half a second. Then he shakes his head.

“Forget it.”

He turns to leave.

You almost call out to him, ask him to stay, but you don’t.

Because Zoro never said what you needed to hear. And now Law won’t either.

Days pass. Maybe weeks. You don’t count them.

The crew leaves you alone. Law doesn’t.

Not in an obvious way, he never lingers too long, never asks too much. But he’s always there, hovering at the edges of your grief like someone who’s used to ghosts.

And Zoro is a ghost. Not dead. Not gone forever. But still gone.

You wonder if he thought of you before he disappeared. If he was scared.

You dig your nails into your palms and force your mind blank.

Law, standing across the room, doesn’t comment. But you know he notices.

Later, at night, you go sitting on the cold metal floor in the lower deck, knees tucked to your chest.

Law’s voice cuts through the silence.

“You keep sitting in dark corners like that, and someone’s gonna think you died.”

You huff a quiet laugh, not looking up “Maybe I did.”

He doesn’t respond right away. Then he says “That’s not how it works.”

You finally glance at him. He’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, unreadable as always.

“How does it work, then?” you ask “Losing people?”

Law exhales, slow “Like an open wound. You live with it.”

Your throat tightens.

“You ever lost someone?” you ask before you can stop yourself.

His jaw shifts slightly.

“Yes.”

The weight of it sits between you.

You don’t ask who.

He doesn’t ask why you’re asking.

The silence stretches, but this time, it doesn’t feel empty.

You don’t realize how long he stays there until you finally stand up, lightheaded, exhausted, and he just… turns and walks away.

Like he was only there to make sure you got back up at all.

Another week passes, maybe?

You start eating more. Sleeping less.

The crew stops treating you like a ghost. Bepo tells you stories. Shachi and Penguin try to drag you into their dumb arguments. And Law still keeps his distance.

But one night, when you wake up from another dream where they disappear right in front of you, you stumble into the hallway, breath shaky, and he’s already there. Like he knew.

He doesn’t touch you. Doesn’t say a word.

Just stands there, hands in his pockets, eyes sharp in the dim light.

And for the first time since Sabaody, you don’t feel completely alone.

It’s chaos. Worse than Sabaody.

The battlefield burns, the sky cracked open by fire and screams. Bodies fall. The ocean churns red.

You stand on the deck of the Polar Tang, numb, gripping the railing so hard your knuckles go white. You don’t blink. Don’t move. Because if you do, you might break apart completely.

“Luffy!”

He’s right there.

Not an echo. Not a dream. He’s alive, stumbling forward with Ace’s lifeless body still clutched against his chest, screaming so raw and broken it rips through you.

Your throat closes. You feel sick.

I should have been there.

You don’t realize you’re crying until a hand closes around your wrist.

“Go inside” Law says, voice quiet but firm.

You shake your head wildly “No! I have to—”

“You’ll only get in the way.”

The words cut deep, but you know he’s right.

This isn’t your fight anymore. It was never yours to begin with.

When it’s over, you sit beside Luffy in the Polar Tang’s infirmary. He’s unconscious, face pale, breath shallow.

Tears slip down your cheeks, silent and endless.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper “I’m so sorry.”

You don’t hear Law approach, but suddenly, his shadow stretches across the dim room. He doesn’t say anything, just watches.

After a moment, he kneels beside you.

“He’ll live” he says simply.

You press a hand over your mouth, nodding shakily.

Law stays kneeling there for a few seconds longer, like he almost wants to reach for you. But then he stands, and the moment is gone.

Two weeks later Luffy stands on the shore, fists clenched.

“I’m going to train” he says “For two years.”

You nod, already knowing.

Then he turns to you “You should train too.”

Your breath catches “With you?”

“No.” Luffy shakes his head pointing slightly and fast at Law “With him.”

Your stomach drops “Luffy—”

“You’re not strong enough yet...” he says, no hesitation, no softness “None of us were.”

You flinch.

Luffy doesn’t mean to hurt you, but he’s right. You weren’t strong enough. Not to stop Kuma. Not to fight in Marineford.

Not even to keep Zoro in your life.

You turn to Law, who watches you in that unreadable way of his.

“You want me to stay?” you ask.

He shrugs “Your captain does.”

“And you?”

Something flickers in his eyes, quick as lightning. But then it’s gone.

“We leave tomorrow.”

That’s all he says and you don’t argue.

Luffy waves from the shore one last time, grinning even though he’s still healing, even though everything’s shattered.

“Train hard!” he yells “Don’t die!”

You wave back. Smile. Fake it.

“See you in two years, Captain!” you say.

He disappears into the jungle with Rayleigh at his side.

And that’s it. Luffy’s gone.

The last thread connecting you to the Straw Hats...

You don’t make it far. Maybe ten steps onto the Polar Tang before your knees buckle.

You sink to the floor in the hallway, fists clenched, trying to breathe.

They’re all gone. And Luffy, your captain, your anchor, isn’t the one you have to follow now.

Your whole chest aches with the weight of them, and Zoro... who never even looked back at you in the same way you looked at him.

Your hands shake. You press them to your mouth, try to swallow the sob, but it bursts out anyway.

You don’t hear footsteps. But suddenly Law is there, crouched beside you like he’s been waiting.

“Let it out” he says, voice low, steady.

You cry harder.

Ugly, gasping sobs that have been locked in since Sabaody. You curl into yourself, and he doesn’t touch you, he just stays.

You don’t know how long it lasts. Minutes. Maybe more.

When your breathing finally evens out, you whisper “I didn’t want to go with you.”

“I know.”

“I wanted to stay with them.”

“I know” he says again. But it’s softer this time. Almost careful.

You look up at him, eyes swollen and wet “Why did you even save me?”

He doesn’t answer. Just stands and offers a hand.

“Come on. I’m training you. Start now.”

Day one, training begins and you’re sore within an hour.

Law doesn’t go easy on you, not out of cruelty, but because he doesn’t believe in easy.

He corrects your stance with a flick of his sword, shoves your balance when it’s off, tells you when your swings are weak. But he never mocks. Never smirks.

And when you collapse into the dirt, gasping for breath, he tosses you a canteen and says:

“You did better than yesterday.”

“…It’s the first day.”

He shrugs “I’m setting the bar low.”

It almost makes you laugh.

That night, you stare at the ceiling of your bunk, arms aching, mind fogged with exhaustion.

And you realize Law could’ve left you behind. Could’ve dropped you off somewhere from the beginning. But he didn’t.

He’s not kind. But he’s constant. Present.

You fall asleep thinking of Zoro.

But just before your dreams take you, you actually see Law’s eyes, calm and steady, and feel just a little less alone.

Month one, and Law doesn’t hold back.

He pushes you until your muscles scream, until you’re too exhausted to think. Maybe that’s the point, maybe he knows you’d drown in your own thoughts if he let you rest too long.

At night, you collapse into your bunk, body bruised, mind blank.

And sometimes, when the nightmares come, he’s already awake. He never says anything. Never asks. But if you step outside to breathe, he’s always leaning somewhere out there, pretending it’s a coincidence.

Month three, and training drill goes wrong. Your foot slips, and you hit the ground har, too hard. You try to get up, but your vision sways.

Law is there in an instant as he kneels beside you, eyes sharp with something you almost don’t recognize. Worry.

“You hit your head,” he mutters, scanning you “Idiot.”

You blink up at him, dazed “You care.”

His hands still for half a second.

Then he scoffs, expression smoothing into something unreadable “Don’t flatter yourself.”

But when he helps you stand, his grip is steady. Careful.

Month eight, Law’s sword crashes against yours, and your blood thrums with the fight, and when you smirk at him, he smirks back.

Not mocking.

Not cold.

Just something warm.

The moment is gone too fast. But that night, lying in bed, you realize you stopped thinking about him that much.

Year one, and you have your first real battle of your time with the Heart Pirates. A raid gone wrong.

You’re cornered, outnumbered, bleeding, one knee on the ground.

And then shink. A blade flashes.

When you look up, Law is standing over you, sword drawn, eyes dark with something dangerous.

You breathe hard, staring up at him “You...”

“Idiot.” His voice is sharp, but his hands, when he helps you up, are steady “You were reckless.”

“You saved me again.”

“Tch. I told you before.” he mutters, gripping your arm “Don’t flatter yourself.”

But that night, when you pass out from exhaustion, you swear you feel someone pull a blanket over you.

It’s weird. You don’t remember when it started, when the metal walls of the submarine stopped feeling cold.

You laugh easier these days. Mostly because of the crew.

Bepo makes dumb jokes that hit way too hard when you’re tired. Penguin and Shachi bicker like toddlers. You’ve been caught in the middle more than once.

“You’re taking my side, right?” Shachi demands.

“She likes me more” Penguin argues.

You just smirk “Bepo’s the only one with a brain. I’m staying on his side.”

They groan in betrayal. Bepo beams.

You catch Law watching from the upper deck, arms crossed, leaning against the railing like he’s not paying attention, but you know he is. He watches a lot now. He listens when you’re laughing, eyes sharp, expression unreadable. Not because he’s annoyed, but because he knows the clock’s ticking.

Soon, you’ll leave.

He doesn’t say it. He never would.

But you see it in the way he looks at you like he’s memorizing it all.

And what makes it worse is that with time you’ve gotten even bolder. You tease him now, just to see if you can crack that calm exterior.

“Law,” you lean across the table with your chin in your palm, “have I finally impressed you yet?”

He doesn’t even glance up from the reports “No.”

You grin “Liar.”

He looks at you then. Just briefly. But there’s something dangerous in his eyes. Warm and annoyed.

“You’re becoming a nuisance” he says.

“And yet,” you whisper with mock drama, “you’ve never kicked me off your ship.”

His jaw ticks. You love it.

You turn away smiling, leaving him there, stoic and silent, pretending you didn’t just get under his skin again.

He watches you walk off, fingers tapping once against the table, tension in his shoulders that has nothing to do with the reports.

Year two, you still think about Zoro, but your heart is quieter now.

You don’t think of him every night like before.

And that realization actually terrifies you. Because you’ve spent years thinking of Zoro.

And somehow, without meaning to, without wanting to, you started looking at someone else.

Two years vanish in the wind.

Your boots hit Sabaody’s soil.

Same place. Same light in the sky. But nothing feels the same, not the way you stand taller, breathe steadier, walk with quiet strength instead of wide-eyed hope.

The crew is here.

Your crew.

Luffy’s laugh is the same. Usopp’s dramatic wailing makes you snort. Nami nearly tackles you in a hug.

Sanji cries actual blood when he sees you. Chopper does his little spin.

You smile so much your face hurts. But your heart stays still.

Because he’s not here.

Not yet.

You hear the footsteps behind you first. Steady. Heavy. Familiar.

You turn and there he is.

Zoro.

He’s taller. Broader. Scars you don’t recognize. A presence so solid it makes the air shift.

His gaze snaps to yours, and it holds. No blink. No hesitation.

Your breath catches.

“Hey” you whisper.

It’s barely a word. Barely a sound.

He’s staring like he hasn’t seen anyone else since the day you disappeared.

“…You’re alive” he says. Voice low.

You nod “So are you.”

A beat.

He steps forward, and for a second you think he’s going to touch you. Say something. Anything. But he just stops a foot away.

“…You look stronger.” he says.

You blink, a laugh slipping out that’s part broken, part breathless “Took me long enough.”

He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t look away. Just says “I looked for you.”

Your heart slams.

“What?”

“When we got back.” He says it like it’s nothing “I looked. Didn’t stop for months. Thought you were dead.”

You try to swallow, but your throat’s tight “I—I was with Law.”

His jaw tenses “Yeah. I heard.”

Silence stretches between you.

He looks the same, but not really. He feels different. Like the sharp edges are still there, but dulled by time. Regret.

And you’re not sure what you feel, because for these two years, Zoro haunted you. And now he’s here, real and solid and late.

He shifts closer again, eyes flicking over your face “You okay?”

You nod, barely “You?”

“Better now.” he says, almost too low to hear.

You don’t answer. You can’t.

Because behind you, someone calls your name.

You turn, just enough to see Law, standing off to the side, watching. Zoro’s gaze follows yours.

And the moment breaks.

Law finds you leaning over a crate on the dock, hands smudged with oil from helping Franky. The sun’s setting, orange light stretching long across the sea.

“You leaving already?” you ask, tossing him a crooked grin.

He nods “I did my job and you're here now. My crew’s waiting.”

You straighten up. Suddenly, it doesn’t feel like just a goodbye.

“Oh.”

He doesn’t meet your eyes “You’re back where you belong.”

You hate how your throat tightens “Law...”

“I don’t regret it” he cuts in, voice low “Any of it. Saving you. Training you. Keeping you.”

You stare at him, heart thudding.

“I don’t say things I don’t mean” he says, eyes flicking up to meet yours.

"You usually don't talk much at all."

“Then take this as a rare moment of honesty.”

You laugh a little, shaky “Okay…”

He steps closer, close enough that your shoulders nearly touch “You were never just someone I saved.”

The world tilts. You don’t breathe.

“You're back with them now…” he hesitates, swallows, “With him... as you always wanted.”

That’s when it hits you.

The shift in your chest. The ache you’ve been ignoring. The weight behind every time you teased him. Every time he didn’t laugh, but stayed.

You look up at him and it’s all over your face.

Law sees it.

You don’t say anything. You can’t. Because it’s too late.

So you just nod, eyes shining.

“Goodbye, Law.”

He looks at you one last time, as if memorizing it. Then he turns and leaves.

Zoro watches from the shadows. He doesn’t mean to. But he sees it all.

The way you stand still long after Law disappears from sight.

The way your shoulders tremble, just once.

And, worst of all, the look you gave him. That soft, broken, aching look.

Zoro’s chest goes tight, because he knows that look. You used to give it to him, back when he was too blind to see it.

Now, he sees it clear as day, but it’s not for him anymore.

Later that night, he tries anyway.

He finds you on the deck, alone, arms wrapped around yourself.

“Can I talk to you?” he asks.

You turn slowly. Smile tiredly “Sure.”

He steps closer. Hesitates. Then “I meant what I said. I missed you. I still do.”

You blink, surprised “Zoro...”

“I didn’t know how to say it back then. But I do now.”

You look at him, really look, and something in your face flickers.

Soft but sad.

“I waited a long time” you whisper.

“I know.”

“And now…” you trail off “Now, I don’t know what I feel.”

He nods, jaw tight “But I do.”

You close your eyes “I’m sorry.”

And that’s it. He’s too late.

Zoro isn’t good with words, but he can do actions. So he sticks close.

He stands by you during battles. Helps you sharpen your blade even when you insist you can do it yourself. He throws his jacket at you during a cold night on deck without saying a word.

You stop flinching when he shows up.

You stop looking away so quickly.

That’s progress, right?

One night, he brings you food. He sets it beside you with a quiet, “Eat. You skipped dinner.”

You glance up “Didn’t think you noticed.”

“I notice a lot more now.”

Your eyes meet his. There’s warmth there, brief, flickering. And Zoro clings to it.

He doesn’t say the words again. Not yet. He knows now that words have weight. That the next time he confesses, it can’t be casual. It can’t be a maybe.

So he waits.

Watches.

Hopes.

You’re softer with him. You laugh sometimes. You don’t run anymore. But you also don’t reach for him. Not the way you used to.

Weeks pass. Battles come and go. And with every scar, every shared glance, every late-night conversation, Zoro starts to think.

Maybe this time he’ll be enough.

Maybe you’re still finding your way back.

Then Punk Hazard happens. The fog. The cold. The chaos.

And amid all that... “Room.”

Zoro turns fast. His hand tightens around his sword.

Law.

He’s standing like he never left. Calm. Collected. Surgeon’s eyes scanning the area.

And then he sees you.

You freeze. You don’t say anything, but you smile.

Not the polite kind. Not the cautious one you give strangers.

It’s soft. Familiar. Full.

Zoro watches your whole face change, lit from within in a way he hasn’t seen in years.

And that’s when it hits him.

You really do look at Law the way you used to look at him.

He turns away before you can see the hurt break through his face.

For the first time since he started trying, Zoro feels something crack.

He’s not done yet. But for the first time, he wonders if trying is enough.

The alliance happens fast. Faster than anyone expects. But not without meaning.

Luffy grins wide as ever, standing on the snowy remains of the Punk Hazard wreckage, hand outstretched “Let’s do it!”

Law hesitates for half a second, like he always does. Like he’s weighing every possible outcome.

But then his eyes flick past Luffy, just for a moment. To you.

Standing there, watching, quiet.

He takes the hand.

The crew erupts behind you, half celebrating, half groaning.

“An alliance with him? Really?!” Usopp yells.

“Great,” Nami mutters “Another brooding one.”

Sanji lights a cigarette, eyes narrowing at Law “As long as he keeps his hands off certain people, I guess it’s fine.”

You roll your eyes “Sanji!”

Law blinks, then tilts his head “Was that directed at me?”

Sanji blows out smoke “You did spend two years alone with her, didn’t you?”

You choke. Zoro tenses.

And Law... oh God, he blushes.

It’s the faintest thing. Barely there. Just a brush of pink at his cheekbones.

But everyone sees it.

Robin smiles knowingly. Franky lets out a long “oooooohhh!” Chopper gasps like he’s watching a soap opera.

You cover your face with both hands “Oh my god.”

Law clears his throat and looks away “This is an alliance. Nothing more.”

Sanji grins like a wolf “Didn’t say it wasn’t anything else.”

Luffy just shrugs “Trafalgar’s cool. He helped when I couldn’t.”

That makes everyone pause, because that matters.

Luffy doesn’t say things like that often.

He looks at you next, eyes clear and serious for once “He kept you alive. And that means something to me.”

Your chest tightens.

Law doesn’t respond, but his shoulders shift, barely. The way they do when he’s holding something in.

Zoro doesn’t say anything either. But he hears everything. He sees everything. And it burns.

You’re all in the same ship now, as Law temporarily sail with you all.

It’s chaos. Tension thick in the air. But it’s not the alliance that’s unstable.

It’s Zoro and Law.

It starts small.

During a strategy meeting, you lean over Law’s shoulder to point at the map.

“Right here. If we flank from the east—”

Zoro cuts in from behind you “That’s a crap angle. It exposes our backs.”

Law doesn’t even look up “Not if we use your crew as decoys.”

Zoro’s eye twitches “You offering to lead that charge, or just hoping we’ll take the hit for you?”

“Don’t project your martyr complex on me, Roronoa.”

You sigh, stepping between them before things can escalate “Can we not have a dick-measuring contest over a map?”

Law raises a brow “Who said anything about that?”

Zoro smirks “Pretty sure I’m winning anyway.”

“Zoro!”

He glances at you. Shrugs “Just saying.”

Law’s lips twitch, somewhere between annoyance and something else “Very mature.”

Later that day, you’re sparring on deck, Zoro by your side, running drills. He’s focused, strict, pushing you hard, harder than usual.

“You’re dropping your left,” he grunts “Again.”

“I’m tired...”

“You’ll be dead if you fight like that.”

You glare at him, wiping sweat from your brow “God, you’re such an ass sometimes.”

“Only when you’re being lazy.”

“You wanna fight?”

He smirks “Thought we were.”

Before you can respond...

“Maybe she needs a better teacher.”

You both turn.

Law stands a few feet away, arms crossed, tone dry.

Zoro straightens, blade resting on his shoulder “You volunteering?”

Law shrugs “At least I know how to critique without barking like a feral animal.”

Zoro steps forward, slow, deliberate “She’s strong because I push her. I’ve been training with her since before you knew her name.”

Law’s gaze doesn’t waver “And yet, she still survived two years without you.”

You can feel the tension crackle in the air, and you’re right in the middle.

“Enough!” you snap, stepping between them “I’m not a prize. You don’t get to fight over me like I’m some damn bounty.”

Neither of them speaks. But they don’t look away from each other either.

Zoro’s jaw is tight.

Law’s hands curl just slightly at his sides.

“Get your shit together. Both of you.”

And then you walk off. Neither of them follows, but both of them want to.

You avoid them both for a while.

Let them stay in their own awkward silences and heavy stares.

Zoro finds you first.

“You’re pissed.”

You don’t look at him “You think?”

He doesn’t back off. He never does.

“I wasn’t trying to make you feel like you’re caught in the middle.”

“You weren’t?” you laugh bitterly “Because it really feels like it, Zoro.”

His voice lowers “I’m trying to tell you I still—”

“Now you want to say something?” you cut in “After years of pretending I didn’t exist? After I stopped looking at you like you were my whole world?”

Zoro flinches. Just a little.

You don’t stop “You only noticed me after someone else did. That’s not love, Zoro. That’s jealousy.”

“It’s not,” he says, sharp now “You think I didn’t feel it back then? I did. I just… didn’t know what to do with it. I thought we had time.”

You stare at him “We didn’t.”

Silence.

And then “Do you love him?”

The question lands like a weight.

You blink. Breathe. Whisper “I don’t know.”

Zoro doesn’t move. But everything in him tenses.

You keep going, quieter now “I loved you for so long, Zoro. I would’ve followed you anywhere.”

He’s looking at the ground now “I know.”

“And you didn’t even have to do anything. You just had to see me.”

“I see you now.”

You shake your head “Maybe too late.”

That night, Law comes to you. Quiet as ever.

You’re sitting at the railing, staring at the sea like it has answers. He stops beside you and sits.

“I shouldn’t have fought with him.”

You glance at him “Didn’t exactly help.”

He nods, once “I know.”

There’s silence for a beat. Then “I didn’t want to come back. I thought maybe it would be easier for you if I stayed gone.”

“That’s not what I wanted.”

He turns his head to look at you “I know. But I also know how you looked at him.”

You laugh softly, bitter “I used to. Not sure I even remember how it felt anymore.”

Law watches you “Do you remember it when you look at me now?”

You swallow “I don’t know.”

It’s the truth. And it hurts.

“I think I wanted to.”

His eyes soften “That’s not the same thing.”

You nod “I know.”

Two men.

One you loved for years.

One who helped you find yourself again.

And now, you have to choose.

Zoro doesn’t approach you after that conversation.

For days, he stays distant. His eyes heavy with everything unsaid, his silence louder than any words could be.

It’s not easy for him. But somehow, it’s easier for you.

You’re not holding on anymore. Not to him. Not to the past.

The nights spent on deck, watching the stars with Law, become moments of clarity for you. He’s the calm in your storm. The one who doesn’t try to change you, doesn’t try to fix you.

He simply… is.

You go sit beside him, your shoulder grazing his. Your heart is full of things you can’t put into words, things you don’t need to say because he knows.

And for once, you’re not scared of the future.

“I’m sorry” you murmur, breaking the silence.

He looks at you. His expression unreadable, but there’s understanding in his eyes “For what?”

“For everything,” you say, a little shakier than you expected “For making this so… messy. For making it hurt.”

His lips twitch, just a little. A subtle hint of a smile “It wasn’t just you.”

You look down at your hands, fingers fidgeting “I don’t know when it happened. When I stopped thinking about him like that. But I guess… I was always looking for something different from that. Someone who would…”

“See you?” Law finishes softly.

You nod “Yeah.”

“I see you.” His voice is steady, as it always is.

The words wrap around you like a blanket, and you feel something inside you uncoil, like it’s been waiting for this moment. For someone to just see you. All of you. No conditions. No hesitations.

“I’m sorry” you repeat, but this time, it’s softer. Not a confession, but a release. A letting go.

He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leans closer. You’re not sure if you should pull away. You don’t. You can’t.

When his lips meet yours, it’s gentle. You kiss him, and it feels like coming home.

The next morning, Zoro is gone. Not physically, he’s still there. But he’s… gone.

He doesn’t look at you the way he used to. He doesn’t demand your attention. He doesn’t hold your gaze for too long, hoping you’ll see something in him that you used to.

And you don’t feel the ache in your chest anymore.

It’s the quietest goodbye you could’ve hoped for.

You stand beside Law as the waves crash against the ship, the wind tugging at your hair. It feels like a beginning. A new beginning.

“I’ve got your back” Law says quietly, his voice the same steady promise.

You smile, looking out toward the horizon “I know.”

You pause for a moment, then turn to him with a teasing grin “But, you know…”

He raises an eyebrow “What?”

“If we’re going to be all teamwork and allies like this…” You give him a playful glance, “You have to stop looking so serious all the time. It’s like you’re trying to compete with Zoro again but for the ‘most brooding’ title this time.”

He actually blinks at you. And then… he smirks “Is that so? I didn’t realize I had competition.”

“Mmhm.” You tilt your head, as if seriously contemplating the challenge “But I’ll let you have it. For now.”

He chuckles softly “I’ll try not to disappoint, then.”

You nudge him with your shoulder, laughter bubbling up between you “You’re lucky you’re cute when you do it.”

His smirk widens "You have a type."

You gasp at his honesty, and you push him away just for him to push you back in his arms. You laugh and he smiles, you'd pay to stay in this moment forever, because joking, laughing with him, loving him... it feels even better than you could ever imagine.

Alternative Ending

The days after your conversation with Zoro are tense. He stays distant at first, too, as if unsure how to act after everything. But the quiet between you both doesn’t last long.

One evening, you find yourself standing at the edge of the ship, staring at the vast sea, the weight of your heart pulling you down.

It’s late. The only sound is the gentle rush of the waves.

You can feel him before you hear him.

“Y/N.”

You turn and see Zoro stands a few feet away, his silhouette dark against the moonlit sky. His expression is unreadable, but his voice cracks slightly.

“I’ve been an idiot.”

You blink, surprised at the words.

He steps forward, hesitating, then adds, “I should’ve told you. A long time ago. I...” He stops himself, runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated “I wasn’t ready. And I thought… I thought you’d wait for me. But I was wrong.”

You stare at him, heart beating faster with every word.

“I don’t know how to say this, but...” He takes a breath, looking you directly in the eyes now “I’ve been in love with you since the beginning. Since the first time I saw you, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. But I didn’t know how to show it. And when you started looking at someone else…” He clenches his fist “It killed me. I know I didn’t deserve you, but I couldn’t just... let you go.”

You swallow hard. He sounds so vulnerable now, in a way you’ve never heard before. It’s the side of him that never showed, always hidden behind his gruff exterior.

“Zoro…” you say softly, taking a step toward him.

“I know you might think it’s too late.” He looks down, the weight of his regret pressing him down “But I’ll keep fighting for you. If you’ll give me the chance.”

Your heart flutters, a mixture of relief and a longing you haven’t felt in so long. You step forward until you’re right in front of him, your breath mingling in the quiet air.

“I...” you hesitate for a second “I thought I was over you. That I had to let go.”

His hand twitches at his side, wanting to reach out but unsure “I know. And I don’t deserve you anymore.”

“But you’re here now.”

His eyes flicker with hope “I’m here now.”

Without a word, you step closer, closing the small gap between you. And you kiss him.

It’s slow at first. Tentative, unsure, like the beginning of something new. And for a moment, the entire world disappears. There’s no tension, no confusion, just you and him.

When you pull away, he’s staring at you, eyes wide, disbelief and joy mixing in his expression.

“Zoro, I…” You can barely catch your breath “I choose you. I choose us.”

He blinks, then grins, a rare, honest smile you’ve only seen glimpses of. He pulls you closer, this time with certainty.

“I’m not letting go this time, Y/N. I promise.”

The next morning, you wake up to the sound of Zoro sharpening his swords on the deck. You sit up slowly, stretching your arms, a small smile tugging at your lips.

He notices you and pauses, wiping his sweat from his forehead.

“You’re up early” he grunts, clearly still adjusting to this softer side of him.

You nod “Couldn’t sleep. Had too much on my mind.”

“Like what?” He smirks, teasing now.

You chuckle and roll your eyes “Like how stubborn you are sometimes.”

He raises an eyebrow “Me? Stubborn? You must be confusing me with someone else.”

You walk over to him, standing beside him for a moment before you take a deep breath and add, “I’ve always been in love with you, Zoro. But I needed you to see me.”

He grins, his usual cocky demeanor returning “I see you now.”

“You better!” you reply with a playful smirk, your heart finally light.

And for the first time in a long while, it feels like the beginning of something that could last.

- THE END, for real now -

this probably happened right

Opposite vinsmokes again

It's been a while

Previous posts can be found [here]

*Busts out Sketchbook*

ZOSAN ZOSAN ZOOOOOSAAAAAAAAANNNNNN

Too Cool For Me

bartolomeo x strawhat!reader

he worships every strawhat… except for you

a/n: I didn't mean to post this today but it's too late now... ugh dumb me

words count: 1.3k

tags: misunderstandings, idiots in love, romance, comedy

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆ .:・☆°

The first time Bartolomeo meets the Straw Hat crew in person, it’s everything he ever dreamed of.

“Straw Hat-senpaiiiiii!!!” He falls to his knees, tears streaming, hands clasped in pure, unfiltered reverence “I-I’m not worthy to stand in your presence!!”

Luffy laughs, delighted by the over thetop reaction “You’re funny, Barto! Let’s go eat!”

Bartolomeo practically ascends to another plane of existence.

One by one, he fawns over each of your crewmates “Zoro-senpai! Your badassery knows no bounds!!” “Nami-senpai! A goddess of the sea itself!!” “Usopp-senpai, your legendary tales are the stuff of history!!” Even Brook gets a full five-minute monologue about his status as a rock star and a living legend.

And then he gets to you.

Or rather... he doesn’t.

Bartolomeo barely spares you a glance. No tears, no fangirling, not even a comment. Just a stiff nod before turning back to Franky and screaming about how “SUPER” he is.

At first, you think nothing of it. Maybe he doesn’t know as much about you. Not everyone gets the spotlight in every newspaper. But as time passes and Bartolomeo keeps ignoring you, doubt creeps in.

You watch how he interacts with the others, clinging to Luffy like he’s the second coming of the Pirate King (which, fair okay), showering Sanji in praise for his “divine cooking”, even giving Chopper one of those ridiculous “senpai” speeches. But when it comes to you? It’s like you barely exist.

“Hey, Barto” you try to start a conversation one evening. He flinches like you just threw a punch “How long have you had your Devil Fruit?”

“Huh?” He blinks at you, then shrugs, suddenly aloof “Dunno. Long time.”

“…Right.” You shift awkwardly “I ate mine when I was a kid. The—”

“Ah, crap, gotta go! Luffy-senpai might need a drink!” and he bolts before you can say another word.

Your Devil Fruit ability, one that allows you to manipulate gravity in a small radius, suddenly feels useless. Not cool enough. Not impressive enough. You’re not impressive enough.

Days pass, and it only gets worse. Bartolomeo is the loudest person on the ship, yet somehow, he speaks the least around you. He acts like you’re just… there. The way he hypes up the others makes it glaringly obvious that he doesn’t think you’re at their level. Maybe he doesn’t even think you deserve to be a Strawhat.

“Yo” Zoro drops next to you while you sit at the edge of the Sunny, staring at the ocean “You’re sulking.”

You snort “I don’t sulk.”

He gives you a look.

You sigh “It’s Bartolomeo. He never talks to me. Barely looks at me. It’s like I don’t measure up to the rest of you.”

Zoro raises a brow “You actually care what that guy thinks?”

“No!” You pause “…Maybe. It’s just weird. Like, I know I’m not as legendary as you guys, but I thought I at least mattered, just a little bit. Now I’m not so sure...”

“Tch.” Zoro leans back, arms crossed “You’re an idiot.”

“Wow, thanks.”

He jerks his chin toward the other side of the ship. You follow his gaze and freeze.

Bartolomeo is watching you.

Not just watching.... he's actually staring. Jaw clenched, fingers digging into his arms, looking like he’s barely holding himself together. The second your eyes meet, he panics and whirls away, nearly tripping over himself as he rushes below deck.

Zoro smirks “Idiot.”

Realization crashes over you.

Bartolomeo doesn’t ignore you because he thinks you’re uncool.

He ignores you because he thinks you’re too cool. And now, you have a plan.

The next morning, you corner Bartolomeo before he can escape “Oi” you step into his path, crossing your arms “Are you avoiding me?”

“N-no! What? Pfft, no way!” His voice jumps an octave, and he won’t meet your gaze.

You smirk “Really? ‘Cause it kinda seems like you are.”

“I... I just...” He grits his teeth, then groans, dragging his hands through his hair “Ugh! Fine! I am avoiding you!”

You tilt your head “Why?”

Bartolomeo groans again, this time slumping dramatically against the mast like you’re physically torturing him “Because you’re—so—damn—cool!!” He throws his hands in the air “Like, I saw you in the papers and thought, ‘Damn, this one’s gonna be strong.’ But then I met you and you’re not just strong, you’re awesome! The way you fight, the way you talk, your Devil Fruit—it’s all so—gah!!” He grips his head “And I... I get nervous! I don’t get nervous! But around you, I feel like a dumbass, and I don’t wanna say something stupid and make you think I’m lame!”

Silence.

Then you laugh.

Bartolomeo’s face turns bright red “Oi! What’s so funny?!”

“You! You’ve been acting like I’m nothing special this whole time because you’re nervous?” You grin “Dude, I thought you hated me.”

His eyes go wide “What?! NO! Never!! You’re...” He grabs your shoulders, shaking you slightly “You’re amazing! I could never hate you! I’m just a dumbass who doesn’t know how to act around someone that cool!!”

You blink “Wow. That’s… actually really sweet.”

Bartolomeo freezes, realization hitting him like a truck. He just admitted all of that out loud. To you.

He promptly screams, lets go of you, and sprints away at full speed.

You watch him go, shaking your head “Idiot.”

But this time, you’re smiling.

Bartolomeo avoids you even harder after his accidental confession, but this time, it’s not because he doesn’t know how to act, instead it’s because he’s utterly convinced there’s no way you could ever return his feelings. To him, you’re like an untouchable star, way out of his league. Just being near you makes his heart feel like it’s about to explode.

And you? You’re getting really tired of this his nonsense.

The entire crew notices. Luffy, as oblivious as ever, just assumes Bartolomeo is naturally weird. Sanji is too busy trying to flirt with Nami and Robin to care. But Zoro? Zoro is actively annoyed.

“For fuck’s sake,” he grumbles one night, sitting next to you while Bartolomeo pretends to be fascinated by a wall on the other side of the ship “Are you seriously just gonna let him keep running?”

You scowl “Of course not.”

“Good. Because it's annoying to watch.”

It takes another day before you get him alone. You corner him in the storage room, blocking the only exit with a casual lean against the doorframe “Alright, enough of this.”

Bartolomeo stiffens like he’s been caught committing a crime “E-enough of what? Haha! I don’t know what you’re talking about—”

“You’re avoiding me again.”

“I’m n-not—”

You step closer. He steps back. His face is redder than ever “Barto.”

His breath hitches “Y-yeah?”

You smirk “For someone who thinks I’m so cool, you sure keep running away from me.”

His brain short-circuits “I—uh—I—”

“Why?”

He looks away, gripping his jacket like it’s the only thing keeping him standing “Because someone like you… you could never…” he swallows hard “You deserve someone better.”

Your expression softens “That’s what you think?”

He nods “Yeah. Like Zoro-senpai... he—he takes good care of you.”

You sigh, then grab his hand. He jolts like you just shocked him with a lightning bolt.

“Barto, you dumbass,” you say fondly “If I didn’t like you back, I wouldn’t even be standing here.”

His jaw drops. He blinks once. Twice.

Then... “EH?!?!”

You grin “Took you long enough.”

Bartolomeo malfunctions entirely. His knees wobble, his face somehow gets redder, and he looks two seconds away from passing out “B-but—but I—I—”

You roll your eyes before pulling him down by the collar and pressing a kiss to his lips.

For one terrifying second, you think he actually did pass out. But then his hands snap up, gripping your waist like he’s afraid you’ll vanish. The kiss is messy, desperate, and so incredibly Bartolomeo that you can’t help but smile against his lips.

When you finally pull back, his eyes are wide with disbelief “Holy shit.”

You chuckle “Well, yeah.”

Then he promptly screams, lifting you into the air and spinning you around in sheer joy “I’M THE LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE!!!”

Somewhere outside, you hear Zoro groan, “Finally.”

Bartolomeo ignores him, holding you close like you’re the greatest treasure he’s ever found. And to him? You absolutely are.

fem zosan based on that one game and the fact that Sanji is one of those who makes haircuts for strawhats

oh my goddd I just read the Monster trio & pregnant reader fic and i loved it.

Could you write about them as baby dads?

🫵 Made Him a Dad

after the pregnancy and labor let's see they’re doing as newly dads?

a/n: tried to not be repetitive but it was hard lmao

also a special thanks and credits to @katsukis-foxie6 for giving me some ideas, espcially for sanji's ❤︎❤︎❤︎

characters: luffy, zoro, sanji

words count: around 0.9k - 1.3k each

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

── .✦ Monkey D. Luffy:

The Straw Hat crew was anchored at a small island, taking a rare break after a long stretch of adventures. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the ship as you cradled your baby girl, Dawn, in your arms. She was only a few months old, but her presence already seemed to brighten every corner of the Thousand Sunny. Her tiny hands wrapped around your finger, and the sound of her soft giggles filled the air.

Luffy, his usual exuberance toned down just a bit, sat across from you, his eyes locked on Dawn with a mixture of pride and awe.

“She’s so cute, y/n,” Luffy said with his signature grin, his voice filled with warmth “Look at her! She’s already so strong! I bet she’s gonna be a great pirate!”

You couldn’t help but laugh softly at Luffy’s enthusiasm “She’s barely even walking yet, Luffy. Maybe let’s wait a few years before we start recruiting her into the crew.”

Luffy’s face lit up “Oh, at her age I already wanted to be the king of pirates!" He turns to look at you and your serious face kinda scares him "...Y-yeah, we should let her grow a little first! But she’s gonna be the best, I just know it! I’ll teach her everything I know!”

Suddenly, a loud voice boomed from the shore, and you looked up to see none other than your grandfather-in-law, Garp, strolling toward the ship with a big grin plastered on his face.

“Oi, Luffy!” Garp shouted, his signature Marine coat fluttering behind him “I heard you had a kid! About time you stopped being such a carefree idiot and started taking responsibility!”

Luffy jumped to his feet immediately, his eyes widening with excitement “Grandpa! You’re here!” He grabbed Dawn from your arms before you could even protest, holding her in front of Garp with the same proud grin he always wore “Look! This is my daughter!”

You stood up and approached them with a smile, watching Garp’s reaction carefully. Garp stared down at the tiny bundle in Luffy’s arms, his usual gruff expression softening as he regarded her.

“She’s tiny,” Garp muttered, squinting at Dawn, but his voice held a strange tenderness “I didn’t think Luffy could make something this cute.”

Luffy puffed out his chest with pride “She’s gonna grow strong, just like me! And she’s gonna be a great pirate!”

Garp grunted, crossing his arms “A pirate, huh? You’ve got a long way to go if you’re gonna make her one of your little nakama, brat.”

Luffy beamed, clearly not bothered by the teasing “I’ll make sure she’s ready! Right, Dawn?” He shook her gently, making silly noises that caused her to giggle. Dawn’s tiny fingers grasped at Luffy’s hand, and it seemed like the whole world stopped for a second.

Garp let out a low chuckle, his usual gruff demeanor melting a bit as he saw the deep love in Luffy’s eyes “Well, kid, looks like you’re serious about being a dad. I can’t believe it, but I guess you’ve really grown up. She’s got your stupid grin, that’s for sure.”

Luffy looked over at you with wide eyes, his face flushed with excitement “Grandpa likes her! He said she looks like me!”

You smiled softly, your heart swelling with affection for both your husband and daughter “She has your smile, alright” you said gently, brushing a strand of hair from Dawn’s face.

Luffy beamed, clearly feeling validated by Garp’s approval “I’m gonna teach her all kinds of stuff! How to eat a ton, how to never give up on your dreams, and how to make sure the meat’s always cooked perfectly! She’s gonna be awesome!”

Garp raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching upward into a smirk “Well, she’s not gonna be a pirate, that’s for sure.”

Luffy blinked in confusion “Huh? What do you mean? She’s gonna be the greatest pirate ever!”

Garp crossed his arms, grinning mischievously “No way. I’ve seen what happens when you let brats like you run wild. She’s gonna be a Marine, just like her old grandpa.”

Luffy’s eyes widened, and he took a step back, shaking his head in disbelief “What?! No way! She’s gonna be a pirate! You can’t stop that!”

Garp laughed, thoroughly amused by Luffy’s reaction “Oh, I can see it now: ‘Little Dawn, future Marine Admiral!’ No pirates for her! She’ll be the one taking you down one day.”

Luffy’s face scrunched up in determination “No! You’ll see! She’ll be a pirate! And she’s gonna be the best one there is!”

You chuckled softly at their bickering, watching as Garp playfully ruffled Luffy’s hair and then glanced down at Dawn.

“She’s got a strong spirit, though,” Garp admitted with a sigh, softening just a little “I can tell she’ll be a handful, just like her old man. But I’ll make sure she knows the proper way to punch things if she ever tries to follow in your footsteps.”

Luffy grinned, not giving up on his dream “I’ll make sure she’s ready to punch things too—pirate things!”

Garp snorted and let out a deep laugh “Well, kid, you’ve got a good one here. Just don’t be surprised when she ends up in a Marine uniform one day.”

Luffy huffed but looked down at Dawn lovingly “We’ll see about that.”

As the sunset painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, you felt the promise of a new journey unfolding, one with your family at the heart of it all. With Luffy by your side and Garp giving his usual advice, there was no doubt that little Dawn would grow up surrounded by love, adventure, and laughter, her own future as bright as the sun setting before you.

── .✦ Roronoa Zoro:

Your daughter, barely a few months old, has her tiny fingers wrapped around his index finger, her grip firm, almost unrelenting. Zoro raises an eyebrow as he tries to gently pull away, but she refuses to let go, her tiny face scrunching up in determination.

“Damn,” he mutters, glancing at you as you sit beside him, amused “She’s strong.”

You laugh softly, leaning against his arm “Like her dad.”

Zoro doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he watches your daughter with an unreadable expression, his free hand absentmindedly running over her soft, wispy hair. The moment lingers, quiet, thoughtful, before he finally speaks again.

“No,” he says, voice low “Like her mom.”

You blink, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. When you look up at him, you see the way his jaw tightens, the way his fingers twitch slightly against your daughter’s back. He’s thinking about something serious. Something deep.

Zoro’s gaze flickers to you, intense in that way only he can be “That day…” He exhales sharply through his nose. “And not just that day. The whole damn time. Pregnancy, labor... all of it. I thought I knew what strength was, but I didn’t. Not really.”

Your chest tightens. Zoro isn’t one to put things into words often, but when he does, he means every syllable.

“I couldn’t do anything at all,” he admits, still staring at your daughter’s tiny hand around his finger “I just had to sit there and watch while you went through all of it. No fight I’ve ever been in, no injury I’ve ever had... it’s nothing compared to that.” He finally looks back at you, eyes dark with something raw “You’re stronger than me, y/n, believe me.”

You feel your breath catch.

It’s not just the words, it’s also the way he says them, with complete sincerity. Zoro, who has trained his entire life to be the strongest swordsman, means it. He believes it.

You squeeze his arm gently, your voice soft “Zoro…”

He huffs, shaking his head as if the thought still overwhelms him. Then, his expression softens just a little as he looks down at your daughter again. She’s still gripping his finger tightly, completely oblivious to the weight of the moment.

Zoro smirks faintly “She’s lucky to have you as her mom” he mutters.

You smile, warmth blooming in your chest “She’s lucky to have you as her dad.”

He doesn’t answer right away, but you catch the way his grip on your daughter shifts slightly, gentler, but still firm. Protective. Always.

She might have his strength, but Zoro knows exactly where it comes from.

And he’ll never forget it.

Zoro started to be protective towards her since you first announced your pregnancy.

He’s that type of super stressed dads who keeps running around following every single thing she does so that he can catch her if needed. All this with always a big blush on his face.

But it’s not that bad that he controls her bec, in fact, right now, your one-year-old daughter is standing in the middle of the deck, holding onto Luffy’s index fingers as he swings her back and forth like a human jump rope. Every time he lifts her up, she squeals in delight, kicking her little legs mid-air before landing on the deck.

“Again! Again!” she demands, her tiny fists gripping Luffy’s fingers with ridiculous strength.

Zoro, standing nearby with his arms crossed, scowls “Oi. Don’t drop her.”

Luffy grins, stretching his lips wide “Don’t worry! I won’t!”

You, sitting on a crate just a few feet away, shake your head with a sigh “She’s fine, Zoro. Look at her, she’s having fun.”

Zoro doesn’t budge, arms still crossed “She’s one wrong step away from flying into the ocean.”

Luffy gasps, looking at Kazuki with sparkling eyes “You wanna fly?!”

“Luffy, NO.” you and Zoro shout at the same time.

Kazuki claps her hands “Fly!”

“NO,” Zoro repeats firmly, glaring at Luffy “You are not throwing my kid.”

Luffy pouts “But she’s got a strong grip! She wouldn’t even let go—”

“Luffy,” you say, rubbing your temples “let’s not test her durability today, please.”

Luffy sighs dramatically but doesn’t argue. Instead, he lifts Kazuki up and plops her on his shoulders, holding onto her tiny hands so she doesn’t wobble off.

Zoro mutters under his breath but doesn’t stop it. At least Luffy’s holding onto her.

Sanji chooses this moment to stroll onto the deck, cigarette between his lips but dropping it as he walks towards Kazuki “There’s my little princess,” he coos, hands in his pockets “You hungry, sweetheart?”

Kazuki, who has long since associated Sanji with food, beams “Yummy?”

Sanji grins “The yummiest. I made you something special.”

Zoro immediately frowns “What did you make her?”

Sanji raises an eyebrow “Relax, moss-head. Just some soft fruit and rice balls.”

Zoro doesn’t move “You sure there’s nothing weird in it?”

Sanji bristles, instantly getting in his face “Weird? She’s a baby, you muscle-brained swordsman! What the hell do you think I’d put in her food?”

You sigh, standing up to intervene before they actually start fighting “Okay, okay, both of you calm down. Sanji, thanks for making her food. Zoro, you really do look stressed, why don’t you go take a nap? I’ll stay with her.”

“I’m good, I’ll go later… don’t worry” he says softly but still watches like a hawk as Sanji hands Kazuki a tiny rice ball. She immediately grabs it with both hands and shoves it into her mouth, cheeks puffing out like a chipmunk.

“Good?” Sanji asks, kneeling to her level.

Kazuki chews, sways on her little feet, then beams “Good!”

You smile and ruffle her hair “Say ‘thank you,’ Kazu.”

Kazuki tilts her head, then garbles around the mouthful of rice “Fanku.”

Sanji clutches his chest like he’s been shot “Ohh, my sweet little angel, you’re so polite—”

Zoro scoffs “Don’t act like you raised her.”

Kazuki points a chubby little finger at Zoro and proudly declares “Dada’s idiot.”

Silence.

Then the crew loses it.

Luffy collapses onto the floor, clutching his stomach. Nami has to lean against a barrel, wiping tears from her eyes. Sanji turns away, shoulders shaking with laughter. Even Robin chuckles from where she’s reading in her chair.

Zoro stares at Kazuki, completely betrayed.

You, barely containing your laughter, kneel beside her “Sweetheart, don’t call your daddy an idiot.”

Kazuki tilts her head, as if deep in thought. Then, just as serious, she looks back at Zoro and says—

“Dada’s big idiot.”

Zoro groans so loud it nearly rattles the ship.

Luffy wheezes. Nami nearly falls over. Usopp actually falls over.

You bite your lip, but it’s no use, you’re laughing too.

Zoro glares at all of you “I blame all of you for this... y/n, stop it”

Kazuki, sensing she’s won, lifts her arms up to Zoro. He sighs, scooping her up, resting her against his chest. She immediately nuzzles into his shoulder, letting out a happy little hum.

“Dada” she murmurs.

Zoro exhales, the corner of his lips twitching despite himself. He presses a kiss to her hair, murmuring, “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky I like you, brat.”

You step closer, resting a hand on his arm “You love her” you tease.

Zoro scoffs “Obviously… unlike you, she doesn’t know what she’s saying”

You go and leave a quick peck on his lips “You’re my lovely big big idiot”.

He blushes like crazy.

Kazuki looks up, sleepy “Dada?”

“Hm?”

She grins “Dada’s big big idiot.”

The crew howls with laughter.

Zoro sighs so deeply, but even as the teasing continues, he holds Kazuki a little closer.

She’s happy, safe, and in his arms. That’s all that matters.

That afternoon, you find them sleeping adorably together, in the same napping position. Smiling, you take a blanket and gently cover them both. Zoro stirs awake, thinking the baby has moved, something that makes you smile even more, knowing how hard it usually is to wake him. When he sees it’s you, he reaches for your hand and quietly invites you to join them, pulling you in for a cuddle.

── .✦ Vinsmoke Sanji:

Sanji is soft with her.

Softer than you ever thought possible.

You watch from the doorway as he sits on the edge of your shared bed, cradling your daughter so delicately, like she’s made of glass. His thumb gently strokes over her tiny fingers, his breath slow, steady, controlled. But his eyes hold something else.

Something hesitant.

Something uncertain.

Your heart tightens.

“She’s sleeping,” you whisper, stepping closer “You don’t have to be so tense.”

Sanji barely glances up “I know.”

But he doesn’t relax. Not even a little.

Instead, he just keeps staring at her, as if waiting for something. As if at any moment, she’ll change into something unfamiliar, something he won’t know how to handle.

You sit beside him, curling close, resting your head against his shoulder. One arm wraps around his waist, the other reaching out to trace the soft fabric of the onesie your daughter is bundled in. She shifts slightly, making a tiny sound, and Sanji freezes.

You feel the sharp inhale he takes. The way his fingers twitch, just barely, as if bracing himself.

And suddenly, you understand.

“Sanji.” You keep your voice gentle “What’s wrong?”

He exhales slowly through his nose “Nothing.”

You don’t let that slide. Not with him. Not when he’s never been able to lie to you.

You shift, pulling back just enough to see his face “You’re scared.”

His jaw tenses, his grip on your daughter tightening the smallest bit “Of course I am,” he murmurs “I’ve never done this before.”

You shake your head “No, I know it's not just that.”

He doesn’t answer, but he doesn’t have to. You can see it all over him, the weight of his past, the fears he won’t say out loud.

So you say them for him... “You’re scared of being like him.”

Sanji flinches.

It’s barely noticeable. A fraction of movement, a flicker in his expression. But you know him too well.

“I’m not,” he starts, but his voice falters “I mean—I would never—”

“I know,” you cut in softly “And she’ll know too.”

His breath shudders “But what if—”

“She won’t be like them, Sanji.” You rest your hand over his, where he’s still holding her so, so carefully “And even if she was, she’d still be ours.”

Sanji swallows hard “I don’t want her to be cold,” he whispers “I don’t want her to feel like she has to earn love. I don’t want her to think—” He stops, jaw clenching “Like I did.”

Your chest tightens.

You knew. Of course you knew. You knew how deep his scars ran, how much he still carried, no matter how much love he poured into everyone else.

You squeeze his hand “She won’t.”

Sanji shakes his head “You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do,” you insist, voice steady “Because you are her father.”

That makes him pause.

“She’s going to grow up knowing love, Sanji. Because you give it so easily, so naturally. Because you would rather die than see her cry. Because when she wakes up at night, you hold her before I can even sit up. Because you—” Your voice wavers, but you press on “Because you are already the best father she could ever have.”

Sanji exhales, shaky, uneven. His grip on your daughter loosens just slightly, his thumb resuming its soft strokes against her tiny hand.

“She’s so small” he murmurs, almost to himself.

You smile, leaning into him again “Yeah. But she’s yours.”

That does something to him.

You feel the tension in his body shift, melting just a little. He looks down at your daughter again, something lighter in his expression now. Something less like fear and more like wonder.

“She’s beautiful” he breathes.

You kiss his shoulder “Like her dad.”

Sanji huffs, but you can hear the warmth creeping into his voice “I hope not. She deserves better than a troublesome cook.”

You nudge him playfully “She has a father who will love her unconditionally.”

Sanji doesn’t answer right away.

Instead, he shifts, adjusting his hold on her, drawing her closer. And when he finally speaks, it’s barely above a whisper, so quiet you almost miss it.

“Yeah, she has that.”

Your throat tightens.

You don’t say anything, just slide your arms around him, tucking yourself against his side, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw.

Sanji rests his chin lightly atop your head. He’s quiet for a moment, but you can feel the way his heartbeat slows, steadying.

Then, just as softly, almost like an afterthought, he murmurs, “I was easy to love. My father was just really bad.”

Your breath catches.

It’s not something he’s ever said before, not so plainly, not so simply.

But now, with his daughter sleeping in his arms, with you curled up beside him, with love so clear and so real around him, he finally believes it.

The fears won’t vanish overnight. The scars won’t disappear. But right here, right now, in the quiet of your room, with your daughter safe in his arms Sanji finally lets himself believe it.

He is more than enough.

And he always will be.

The next morning you wake up to chaos.

“Oi, oi, oi, CAREFUL!” Sanji nearly vaults over the table as Luffy lifts the baby girl high into the air, laughing as she squeals in delight “Luffy, she’s not a sack of flour, PUT HER DOWN!”

“She likes it, though!” Luffy beams, spinning in a circle with her in his arms “Right, mini-cook?”

His daughter giggling is the only reason Sanji doesn’t immediately drop-kick his captain into the next century. Instead, he clenches his fists and growls, “If you drop her, Luffy, so help me—”

“Oh, come on, love-cook,” Zoro snickers, leaning back against the railing “You’re acting like she’s made of glass.”

Sanji whirls around to glare at him “You grip your sword too tight, you sit too close, you BREATHE wrong, and I swear—”

“Oh no,” Nami sighs, crossing her arms with a smirk “We’ve lost him.”

Usopp nods dramatically “RIP Sanji. He used to be cool.”

Franky wipes an imaginary tear “Another victim of dad syndrome.”

Sanji ignores them, practically vibrating with anxiety as Luffy tosses the baby just slightly in the air before catching her again.

“LUFFY, I SWEAR TO ALL THE—”

You snort. Loudly.

And just like that, Sanji freezes.

His brain short-circuits because—oh.

You’re laughing.

Not a little chuckle, not a polite giggle. Full-on, tears-in-your-eyes laughter.

Sanji forgets about murdering Luffy, forgets about all the dumbasses around him, because you’re happy.

His shoulders drop. His fists loosen.

Then, as if sensing his shift, his daughter suddenly reaches her arms out for him.

Sanji immediately swoops in, taking her from Luffy and holding her close to his chest, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead “That’s enough flying for today, sweetheart.”

Nami smirks “Aww, the overprotective dad act is over already?”

Sanji barely reacts. Instead, he turns to you, watching the way you’re still wiping laughter from your eyes, and—

God.

If this is what family feels like, if this is what love feels like, then he never, ever wants anything else in the whole world.

Ok I’m dying to know what you think, if somehow law got to meet a superhero reader (idk like Ironman or Spider-Man kind of inspired superhero) from like, marvel universe that fell near his submarine, would he be amazed they are like sora the sea warrior? (I know very little about sora and why law likes him so much other than he like captain America but in one piece? Do we even know if sora has a rank in the marines??) would he think they cool with their cool super suit or strong morals?! Or would he only think sora is cool? (Seriously willing to get into an argument with law on whose cooler, sora or Ironman)

The Hero Beneath the Waves

Law × gn!Reader

a/n: I truly love nerdy Law sakjie so glad I could write this lmao

words count: 2.6k

tags: first meeting, superhero reader, humor, action, marvel-inspired

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

BANG! SPLASH!

A massive object crashes into the sea, sending waves slamming against the Polar Tang. The submarine rocks violently. The crew shouts in alarm.

“What the hell was that?!” Shachi yells, gripping a railing.

Law strides toward the monitor “Scan the area.”

The sonar pings rapidly. Penguin squints at the screen “Uh… Captain? There’s a person down there.”

“A person?” Law frowns.

Ikkaku zooms in with the external camera. A metallic figure floats in the water, faintly glowing. The person inside stirs.

“…They’re alive.” Bepo confirms.

Law sighs “Bring them in.”

Inside the Polar Tang, the unconscious figure lies on a stretcher. Their armor is sleek, futuristic, advanced tech. The faceplate slides open with a hiss, revealing you, blinking dazedly.

“…Ugh. That was not a smooth landing.” you mutter. Your eyes dart around “A submarine? Who—?”

You see Law “Oh. You look important. What’s with the hat?”

Law scowls “Who the hell are you?”

You smirk “Call me Iron Phantom.” You flex your fingers, testing your mobility “Mind if I sit up? Not really a fan of lying down in strange places.”

Law crosses his arms “That depends. Are you a threat?”

You chuckle “That depends... Do you consider saving people a threat?”

Law tenses. That kind of line… It’s too familiar.

Bepo, intrigued, leans closer “You’re a hero?”

You grin and give a two-fingered salute “At your service.”

There’s a heavy silence. The crew exchanges glances.

Law exhales sharply “Tch. You sound like someone... nevermind.”

You raise an eyebrow and Law’s eye twitches.

Shachi whispers “Captain’s thinking of Sora…”

Penguin nods “Definitely Sora.”

You tilt your head “Who’s Sora?”

Law scoffs “Just some fictional warrior of the sea.”

You smirk “So… a hero?”

Law glares.

Shachi nudges Penguin “He totally thinks they’re cool.”

Law growls “Shut up.”

You chuckle “I am pretty cool.”

Law pinches the bridge of his nose. This is going to be a long day.

The crew is staring at you. You take the opportunity to sit up, rolling your shoulders.

“Okay,” you say “I’ve woken up in worse places.”

Law narrows his eyes “Where did you come from?”

“Technically? The sky. More specifically? Got hit mid-flight, lost control, and, well…” You gesture vaguely “Gravity, I guess?”

Shachi gasps “That’s kinda badass.”

Law shoots him a glare. Shachi clears his throat and looks away.

You tilt your head at the submarine’s interior “This your ship?”

“Submarine” Law corrects.

You grin “A submarine? That’s sick. Not enough heroes operate underwater, you know. It’s all ‘soaring through the sky’ or ‘running at the speed of sound.’ But the ocean?” You nod approvingly “Respect.”

The crew looks between you and Law.

Penguin whispers “Captain is so weak to hero talk.”

Law ignores him “How does your suit work?”

You glance down at your armor “Oh, it’s powered by an advanced energy core. Flight, enhanced strength, force fields, the usual.”

“…Tch.” Law clicks his tongue, crossing his arms “A walking weapon.”

You smirk “A walking hero.”

The twitch in Law’s eye is noticeable.

Bepo, still curious, leans in “Why do you save people?”

You blink “Uh. Because it’s the right thing to—” you stop and gasps as soon as you focus on Bepo "Oh wow, you're so cuteeeee"

Shachi and Penguin grin at Law.

He exhales sharply “The right thing to do... Of course that’s the answer.”

You raise an eyebrow “Something wrong with that?”

Law rubs his temples “Nothing. It’s just...” He gestures vaguely at you “You sound exactly like...”

“Sora?” the crew chimes in.

Law glares “Shut up.”

You laugh “Oh, so I do remind you of someone.”

Law scowls “Not a compliment.”

“I dunno,” you tease “Sounds like a compliment from you.”

Law turns to his crew "Get them off my ship.”

“Aw, come on, Captain,” Penguin says “They’re kinda cool.”

Law’s eye twitches “We are not keeping a superhero.”

You smirk “You say that like I’m a pet.”

Shachi snickers “Captain’s just mad you’re like his childhood idol.”

You lean toward Law, grinning “You a fan of heroes, Captain?”

Law gives you the most unimpressed look possible “No.”

You nod sagely “Denial. The first stage.”

Law sighs. This is going to be an even longer day than he thought.

Law wants you off his submarine.

Your problem is that you got kinda injured from that fall.

Nothing life-threatening, but the moment you try to stand, your body wobbles like a newborn deer. The suit took the worst of the damage, but the impact rattled your brain enough to make the world spin.

“Great,” Law mutters “A half-broken superhero.”

You shoot him a weak grin “I prefer ‘slightly dented.’”

Bepo catches you before you tip over completely “Captain, we should let them rest.”

“No,” Law says “They’ll be fine.”

You blink “You must a doctor here, right?”

Bepo ears start to move “Captain is our doctor”

Law crosses his arms “So?”

“So, you’re supposed to help people when they need a doctor” you point out.

The crew watches, completely fascinated as their Captain is forced to process being out-moraled on his own ship.

Law pinches the bridge of his nose “I don’t treat reckless idiots.”

You smirk “Bet you’d treat that Sora.”

Silence.

Shachi and Penguin choke trying not to laugh.

Law inhales slowly through his nose “Fine.”

Later on, Law works efficiently, scanning for injuries while you sit on the examination table, feet swinging.

“You ever met a superhero before?” you ask.

“No.”

“You excited?”

“No.”

You grin “You sound excited.”

Law glares “I could throw you back into the ocean.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time I got thrown out of somewhere.”

Law ignores you, eyes flicking to your suit’s exposed wiring “Your armor needs repairs.”

You sigh “Yeah, I don't know how to do it myself. I usually have a team for that. But seeing as I’m currently stranded on a submarine…”

Bepo perks up “Ikkaku’s good with machines!”

Ikkaku grins “I’d love to take a look at it.”

You brighten “See? Your crew likes me.”

Law doesn’t even glance up “My crew is full of idiots.”

Shachi grins “Idiots who think superheroes are cool.”

Law clenches his jaw.

You lean back, watching him “You ever wanted to be a hero?”

“No.”

“Not even as a kid?”

“No.”

You smirk “Liar.”

Law swears under his breath. This is officially his worst patient ever.

You’ve been on the Polar Tang for a grand total of three hours now, and you’re already Law’s biggest headache.

Not because you’re demanding. You actually sit still while he patches you up, which is more than he can say for his own crew.

No, the problem is that you’re clearly a walking Sora reference, and the crew will not shut up about it.

Law applies a bandage to your arm, muttering, “You heal fast.”

You grin “Perks of the suit. It boosts recovery.”

“Ridiculous,” he scoffs, but he doesn’t look away from your gear. He’s analyzing every detail, the material, the tech, the way it integrates with your body.

You catch him staring “You’re interested.”

“No.”

“You’re totally interested.”

“I’m analyzing flaws.”

“Oh? Find any?”

Law tugs the bandage a little tighter.

You hiss “Ow! That was petty.”

“No, that was medical precision.”

Shachi leans against the wall, grinning “Captain’s totally geeking out.”

Law glares “I do not ‘geek out.’”

Penguin nudges him “Then why’d you grab a notebook?”

Everyone looks.

Sure enough, Law’s holding his personal notebook, the one he uses for medical observations, or in this case, detailed notes on your suit’s tech.

He immediately closes it “You all need to shut up.”

You laugh “Busted.”

Bepo tilts his head “Captain, if you’re curious, why not just ask them?”

Law crosses his arms “I’m not curious.”

You smirk “If I told you how my flight system works, you wouldn’t be interested?”

“…No.”

“Not even if I explained the physics behind it?”

Silence.

Shachi grins “He wants to know.”

Law drags a hand down his face “I swear to—”

You stretch lazily “Well, I guess I won’t explain, then. Too bad.”

Law’s eye twitches. You can practically hear his inner self screaming for answers.

“…Tch.” He exhales sharply “Fine. How does it work?”

The crew erupts in laughter.

You grin “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

Law already regrets this conversation.

You swing your legs from the medical table, grinning like you just won a bet.

“I knew you were interested” you say.

Law rolls his eyes “It’s scientific curiosity, not admiration.”

You raise an eyebrow “Uh-huh. And if I asked you how your submarine works, that wouldn’t be admiration either?”

Law scoffs “Of course not.”

“You saying there’s a difference between admiration and respect?”

Law tenses.

The crew watches.

Penguin whispers “Oh, they got him.”

Law glares “Shut up.”

You smirk “Sooo, you respect my tech?”

“…It’s functional” Law admits, very grudgingly.

Shachi grins “That’s the closest thing to a praise that Captain has ever given to a stranger in years.”

Law snaps his notebook shut “I hate all of you.”

You chuckle “It’s fine, I get it. You’re a grumpy, cynical doctor who doesn’t believe in heroes—”

“I don’t.”

“—but deep down, you definitely wanted to be one as a kid.”

Law inhales sharply through his nose.

Silence.

You smirk “Called it.”

Shachi and Penguin high-five in the background.

Law grits his teeth “I am a pirate captain and a doctor, not a hero.”

“Sure, sure,” you say “And that Sora is just a propaganda story.”

“…Tch.”

You hop off the medical table, rolling your shoulder “Welp, I feel way better. Thanks, Doc.”

Law mutters “Unfortunately.”

You glance at the crew “So, when’s dinner? I’m starving.”

Ikkaku grins “I’ll make extra.”

Law glares “They are not staying.”

You smile “C’mon, Captain. You wouldn’t kick an injured guest out, would you?”

Law exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose.

This is officially his problem now.

Right as you were all sitting down for dinner, the Polar Tang shakes as explosions erupt outside.

“Captain!” Ikkaku yells from the control room “Enemy ship approaching, they're bounty hunters!”

Law grits his teeth “Of course it’s bounty hunters.”

You glance at him “Want me to handle it?”

“No.”

You ignore him and start walking.

“Oi,” he snaps “Did you hear me? I said no.”

You just shoot him a grin “Yeah, but you’re not my Captain... Captain.”

Law swears under his breath.

Outside the Polar Tang a massive bounty hunter ship looms overhead. The crew scrambles, manning the cannons. You step onto the deck and roll your shoulders.

Law follows, grumbling “I don’t know why I even bother.”

Then he watches you activate your suit.

Thrusters ignite at your back, launching you into the air. The ocean wind whips past as you twist midair, dodging cannon fire.

Law stops moving.

His crew doesn’t notice but he does.

His surgeon’s brain starts analyzing instantly.

Your suit doesn’t just grant flight, it adjusts to air resistance, correcting your trajectory with perfect precision. No wasted movement. Every boost of your thrusters is calculated.

"The reaction time...” Law mutters under his breath.

You spin between cannonballs, dodging like it’s nothing. Then you fire back. A pulse blast rips through the enemy’s mast.

Shachi and Penguin shout in awe. Bepo gasps “That’s incredible!”

Law tilts his head, completely fascinated.

Your targeting system, how does it calculate angles so instantly? Is it predictive tech? Some kind of AI support?

You land on the enemy ship with a metallic clang. The bounty hunters charge.

One swings a sword.

Your gauntlet snaps up, catching the blade.

Law’s eyes widen.

The armor absorbs the impact. No recoil. The distribution system must be flawless.

Then, in one fluid motion, you twist the sword away and deck the guy in the face.

The crew is freaking out.

Shachi grabs Penguin’s arm “Captain’s doing the thing.”

Penguin nods “He’s totally doing the thing.”

Law doesn’t even blink.

His gaze flickers from your footwork to your reaction time to the way your suit enhances your natural movements rather than restricting them.

“…They can still maneuver at that speed?” he mutters, barely realizing he’s speaking aloud “That shouldn’t be possible without—”

You dodge a bullet mid-air.

Law inhales sharply.

The bounty hunters rush again. You move like a blur.

You slam one into the ground so fast that Law’s brain lags. Another charges, you sidestep effortlessly, then launch a repulsor blast point-blank into their chest.

Law leans forward slightly.

His crew watches him instead of you now.

Ikkaku whispers, “He’s in full nerd mode.”

Bepo nods solemnly “He’s already started taking mental notes.”

You flip over another opponent, land gracefully, and turn back toward the Polar Tang “That’s the last of ‘em.”

Shachi and Penguin cheer.

Law is staring at your boots.

“That propulsion system...” he mutters, completely absorbed “The shift in weight distribution should’ve thrown off the landing, but—”

You smirk “You like what you see, Captain?”

Law snaps out of it.

His expression hardens instantly “Tch. You’re reckless.”

You laugh “So you said. But I did just save your ass.”

Law clicks his tongue “You’re a pain in mine.”

You step closer “Admit it. You think it was cool.”

Law crosses his arms “I think it’s impractical.”

Penguin grins “That’s what he says when he’s impressed.”

Law turns on his heel and walks away “We’re leaving. Get back on the ship.”

You watch him go, then glance at the crew “He’s totally geeking out, isn’t he?”

Shachi nods “Oh, 100%.”

You chuckle. This is way more fun than you expected.

Dinner on the Polar Tang is surprisingly cozy.

You sit at the long table, surrounded by a crew that definitely doesn’t see you as a stranger anymore. Ikkaku chats excitedly about possible modifications for your suit, while Shachi and Penguin keep pestering you with questions.

“Do you have a secret identity?”

“Do you have a superhero name?”

“Can you shoot lasers from your eyes?”

You laugh “I feel like answering would ruin the mystery.”

Across the table, Law eats in silence.

Or, well... he tries to.

Bepo keeps throwing glances his way.

Shachi and Penguin keep nudging each other.

Everyone is waiting for him to say something.

Finally, after finishing his food, Law sighs and sets his chopsticks down.

“You can stay” he says.

The crew erupts into cheers.

You blink “Just like that?”

Law glares “Until you figure out how to get back to wherever you came from. That’s it.”

Penguin grins “That’s basically an invitation to join the crew.”

“It is not.”

Bepo tilts his head “But Captain, if they’re stranded—”

“They’re not stranded,” Law insists “They have a high-tech flight system, which means they can leave any time they want.”

You smirk “But you’re letting me stay anyway.”

Law scowls “Only because it would be irresponsible to throw an injured person into the middle of the ocean.”

Ikkaku grins “And because you wanna study their suit more.”

Law’s eye twitches.

“I don’t care about their suit.”

Shachi leans back, arms crossed “Mmm, right. So that whole time you were staring during the fight—”

“I was analyzing a potential ally’s combat effectiveness.”

Penguin snorts “Nah, you were nerding out.”

The whole crew bursts into laughter.

You grin, propping your elbow on the table “It’s okay, Captain. You can admit it. You think I’m cool.”

Law exhales sharply.

Then, in the most neutral, deadpan tone possible, he says “You’re marginally less annoying than the rest of my crew.”

Everyone gasps dramatically.

“That’s basically love” Penguin whispers.

Law stands abruptly “Dinner’s over. We leave at dawn.”

You watch him go, chuckling “He likes me.”

Shachi nods “He totally does.”

Bepo smiles “Welcome aboard.”

You glance around at the crew, at the warmth, the laughter, the feeling of belonging, even if just for now.

You might not be a pirate.

But for now this isn’t a bad place to be.

i changed the background to gray because the white was hurting my eyes

⚢