Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"We're here. I’m going clothes shopping with Robin. Sanji, food supplies. Zoro, Luffy, stay here so we don’t cause a scene. Chopper, medical supplies, Brook…do whatever, I guess. Franky, spare parts and rope. Usopp, get whatever you need to make more missiles. You were complaining about running low the past couple days. Coby, cartography paper and restock the drinkable water supply," Nami ordered.

"Isn’t it Luffy's job to give orders?"

Nami pointed at Coby. "Shush. Officially yes, but he never does, so I have to. End of story."

"You said I could come clothes shopping with you guys for warmer wear…why can’t Brook do the cartography paper and water while I come with you?"

"Because it’s summer and this is a tiny, barely known town. It’s not a huge trading port. You think they’re going to keep stuff in stock they can’t sell?"

"Okay okay, you have a point." Coby ran a hand through his hair. "Fine. I’ll be back in like, an hour."

With that, the group dispersed, Nami handing out the required money— and a little extra, either in case things were overpriced, or just for the respective person to spend or keep for themselves— to those who needed it. Then they all headed off. Coby's job was simple enough. Or rather, it would’ve been if he’d been careful not to be seen by more people than he had to. A merchant wouldn’t sell out his identity as a wanted man as long as Coby was a paying customer. Some people weren’t like that though. He managed to successfully haggle for and purchase the supplies and still have some money left over afterwards. He made the mistake of deciding to take the long way around, down the paved pathway, to take in the town on his way back to the ship.

Coby didn’t make it back. Strong hands grabbed hold of him from behind, he had sensed it with use of his Haki only seconds too late, and he had to drop his supplies to try and free himself. His wrists were pulled behind his back, and he became aware of the burning, rubbing sensation of his wrists behind bound with thick hempen rope. He twisted to look over his shoulder in annoyance at the men who had grabbed him. Two of them, one holding him in place while the other tied the rope too tightly.

"Hey! I was burned recently and the skin's still healing, be careful! What the hell are you doing? I never did anything to you!" Coby glared. They weren’t Marines, or they would’ve known he was a Devilfruit user and cuffed him rather than tied, but something was up. "Who are you guys?"

"Not important."

"Uh, yes important! I’m being kidnapped!"

"You don’t want to know."

"Yes, I do, or I wouldn’t have asked! I have to get these supplies to my friends, so if you’ll kindly untie me-"

"No. You can call your friends and tell them where to pick up the supplies later."

"What the hell is this?"

"This is bounty hunters making their living. As far pirates on the Grand Line, especially amongst your crew, at 50 million, you’re small fry, but it’s still something, and word on the street is you’ve got a Devilfruit. The satisfaction of having brought in a Devilfruit user is just an added bonus."

"News spreads fast, huh? What, you’re going to hand me over to the Marines?"

"What else would we do? We want our money. Was expecting you to fight a bit more, disappointing, but easiest cash we’ve ever made."

Coby struggled to try and free his arms, but the rubbing against the healing burns deterred him. Just a bit. "Oh, I’m sorry to have disappointed you. I’m not your goddamn money-maker. I’m a human being, okay? And if you turn me over to the Marines, since I have a bounty, since they know by now my crew will come free me if I’m left alive, they’re going to execute me."

"Kid, pirates ain’t human. You turned your back on civilization a long time ago. Now, you can come willingly, or we can knock you out and drag you along."

"Like hell if I’m willingly walking into my own execution!"

"Fine. Your call. We're doing this the hard way."

"What-"

Coby yelped in alarm when the man who had tied his hands proceeded to block his nose and mouth. Breathing. Suddenly he lacked the luxury of easy air. They're going to knock me out by suffocating me! What the hell? He thrashed against both his captors, but with no air, it didn’t last long. Dizziness set in, and just keeping his eyes open was a challenge. The man grinned at him.

"That’s it. It’s okay. Calm down. It’s not like freaking out will do you any good either way. Just let it all go."

"No need to taunt him," scolded his counterpart when Coby let out a muffled whimper. Dizziness made his head spin. Vertigo. Which way was up, or down? It was making his stomach churn unpleasantly. He tried desperately to draw a breath, but there was nothing.

"That’s it. No air left." When Coby's eyes slid shut and he fell limp, the man pulled the cloth away. "Sleep well, kiddo."
______________

Coby woke up on a small ship. This wasn’t the Sunny. There were people here, but they weren’t his friends. His hands were still tied behind him, his ankles bound now too, he was laying on his side. He wriggled into a sitting position, pressing his back against the side of the small boat, and glanced towards the men who had kidnapped him. He tried to speak, only to find he'd been gagged too. His face flushed. This. Bound, gagged, and captured, and too easily. This was more than a little humiliating. I'm glad the others can’t see. No wait, I wish they’d see, then they’d help, but that doesn’t make this any less embarrassing.

"Well look at that, the kid's up. Nice sleep?"

Coby glared murderously at him, straining against his bindings. Even when he tried though, his claws couldn’t reach the thick rope enough to cut it. Eventually, one of the men came over and removed the gag, setting it aside and kneeling in front of Coby, grinning triumphantly. Coby gasped in air greedily. He’d been able to breathe, but not deep breaths, and with how close he was to panicking right now, lord did he need them. He closed his eyes and slumped. There was no way out of this as long as he was tied up. Not unless he could somehow get a message to the others in time. They’d expected him within an hour. How long had he been out of it though? Was it just minutes? Or was it hours? Of could it even be days?

"How long was I out?"

"Three hours. Started to get worried."

"Why? After all, I’m wanted, right? Dead or alive."

"Maybe, but the money's better if you’re alive. We're two days from the nearest base. You should eat something."

The man held up a bowl and dipped a spoon into the soup. Despite his hatred of the whole situation— and now of being spoon fed too— food did sound good, so Coby didn’t argue, accepting the food. After all, who knew when he’d next be fed? If the Marines didn’t kill him right away, they may just starve him half to death. Coby would take food while he still could. It didn’t take long for him to grow fuzzy-headed though, a tingling to spread through his body, fatigue crashing down on him out of nowhere. He brought his vision back into focus with a little difficulty, fixing his gaze on the man who had spoon-fed him, who was now smirking at him, and that was when Coby knew, but his mind and body hadn’t quite linked up, and he asked anyway.

"You…You drugged the soup, didn’t you? Drugged me."

The man set the bowl aside. "What were we supposed to do, kid? You’re a fighter, and a Devilfruit user. We don’t have Seastone, but drugs are the next best thing."

"That wasn’t necessary while I’m tied so tight I’ve lost a good bit of blood circulation! Not to mention, where the hell am I gonna go? I’m a Devilfruit user on the open sea, tied up and wounded and tired. Is this fun to you? Is that it? Seeing me collapse? Having me at your mercy and then screwing with me while I’m helpless? Is that entertainment to you?"

"Maybe. Maybe it’s genuinely for compliance. We can tie you up all we want, but once we're on land, we can’t guarantee you won’t find a way out."

Coby closed his eyes. "Please…just help. It hurts…"

"Huh?"

"The ropes are making my skin burn, the being tired from the goddamn drugs makes my body ache, and the lack of blood circulation makes me cold…"

The man draped his jacket over Coby's shoulders. "Didn’t think about that."

"Ah, why worry?" The other captor commented. "A few days and he'll be dead anyway. It’s not like a coat or food is going to make much of a difference."

"It’ll make it more comfortable," said the first, buttoning the jacket in front of Coby to wrap snugly around him like a giant blanket. "He still has needs while he is alive. No need for excess cruelty. Weren’t the drugs enough to satisfy your nasty side?"

"Don’t do this, please, please don't do it. I’m not even an adult yet and I just…I have so much to do…" Coby managed in a shaky tone. "I won’t say anything, I promise. But…if you insist on taking me, my crew will notice, and they will come for me, and there will be trouble."

Yeah. If they can catch on to the situation and catch up in time. Relax, kid. The drug's probably made you a little drowsy. Feel free to sleep."

"There’s not much else I can do, is there?" Coby sighed. "Hard to sleep when it’s uncomfortable."

One of the men tucked another jacket under Coby's head when he lay down, which didn’t do a whole lot, but it was still something to make things a little more bearable during the wait. Tears stung Coby's eyes.he had faith his crew would come for him, Luffy would gladly lay down his life for any of his crew, but then it became a matter of if it was possible to salvage the situation. If not, I’m already a dead man walking.
_____________

Coby shivered. He’d expected Luffy to make a miraculous appearance by now, and yet, there they were, standing in front of the Marine base, with an officer coming out to meet them, pay the bounty hunters, and take Coby off to his cell. Coby kept looking over his shoulder at the harbour as if the crew would magically appear. How would they know where he’d gone, or what base he was transferred to? I'm as good as dead.

"Sorry, kiddo." One of his captors offered a weak smile. "It’s nothing personal."

"Nothing personal? You’ve just condemned me to death, god dammit!"

"Maybe you’ll get lucky. Maybe they’ll be merciful and just put you away for a bit."

Coby had never heard of that. The people wanted pirates off the seas. Once upon a time— and sometimes still— Coby could understand that. There were some pirates out there who were just screwed up, but there were also good ones; Like the Straw Hat Pirates, and although there had been a day he’d dreamed of being a Marine, Coby had learned that wasn’t his path. Yet here he was, at the door of the Marines. Only instead of walking in as the officer he had once hoped to be one day, he'd be going as a prisoner. It was with dry amusement that Coby recognized the Marine he was handed off to as Helmeppo. Again. It seemed no matter what happened or where he wound up, it seemed like he could always find this guy lurking around somewhere. Helmeppo's smirk didn’t make Coby's awkward embarrassment any better as he was handed off.

"Well would you look at what the cat dragged in?"

Coby ducked his head. "Please, don’t say anything, just…do what you have to and leave me in peace."

"Criminals don’t make the calls around here, kiddo."

"Please. This's embarrassing enough without being taunted about it."

"Oh I’m sure." Once the men had left, Helmeppo untied Coby quickly.

Coby frowned. "What’re you doing? Figured you’d at least take me in and lock me away first."

"This isn’t right."

"What?"

"I'm supposed to be the one to capture you."

"You said you wanted to see me behind bars, right?"

"I do, but I want to be the one to put you there."

"Then…what?"

"You run."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Run. Get far, far away from here. We say you used your Devilfruit to free yourself and made a break for it."

"You’re…letting me go?"

"Get out, before I change my mind. God you’re annoying."

"No no no! This isn’t right! You’re a Marine. It doesn’t matter if it was you or a pair of bounty hunters, you should be happy I was brought in. You sure as hell shouldn’t let me go! This is what I mean, for selfish reasons, Marines let things slip. This is why the system is flawed."

"You can stand here, complain, and I can drag you off to be imprisoned and executed, or you can run now."

Coby crossed his arms. "I said back then I wanted to fix things. I can’t stand to see people here bend and break rules for their own sake."

Helmeppo rolled his eyes and grabbed Coby's arm. "For a pirate, you sure are boring. You sure you choose death?"

"Awe, are you worried about me?" Coby joked, smirking.

"Of course not. You’re a filthy pirate. Why would I worry about you?"

"Mmm. Be careful with how you talk then. I might start to think you care."

"Cheeky jackass."

Coby winked. "Well, I am a pirate, and pirates don’t like Marines, soooo if the offer's still open, I’ll just slip away now."

Helmeppo tightened his grip on Coby's arm. "Coby."

Coby's heart raced. "I’m sorry I talked back! I’m sorry, just…" he clamped his mouth shut. I'm done. I’m embarrassed enough.

"Just what?" Helmeppo smirked. "Go on. Beg. Maybe it’ll be more satisfactory to see you begging on your knees than crying behind bars."

"You really are a sick bastard, aren’t you?" Coby snapped before he could stop himself. His eyes widened. "I-I don’t mean that! I’m freaking out, okay? I’m scared, and I don’t…I’m not…I just…" he squeezed his eyes shut. "Please! You said earlier you’d let me go because you wanted to be the one to catch me, right? S-So give me the chance to run. Chase me right now if you want, but at least give me a chance. We haven’t had the chance to have that fight I promised you, remember? And I’m not at full strength. I’ve been tied up and drugged for almost three days straight."

Helmeppo slowly breathed out, releasing Coby's arm and shoving him away. "Get out. Go."

Coby couldn't help but be a little surprised. This was the same guy dead set on capturing and/or killing him, Luffy, and Zoro, and yet, he’d been let off the hook just like that. I know I asked for it, but it’s Marines who have such fast and loose rules that cause me dismay. The world is never going to be free of all this chaos. Coby offered a weak smile though, then turned and staggered off, towards the town. Great. Now what?
____________

"Coby's been gone four days."

Luffy stared out at the ocean. They’d been looking, for clues, for information, taking guesses, but nothing had shown up. Even if the rest of the crew was bound to laugh, what wouldn’t Luffy have given to be able to hold Coby now? To pull him into his arms and never let go so they would never get separated again? Nami teased incessantly, and while Coby always became a flustered mess, Luffy had stopped trying to deny anything. Now he just wanted to find his friend and bring Coby back home.

"What’s the plan, then, captain?" Robin asked.

"We keep looking. I’m not giving up. I’m not stopping. Not until I find him. He’s one of us, and that means we don’t give up on him."

"You don’t think he could’ve used the chance to ditch and go to the Marines after all, do you?" Nami asked, brow knitting with worry. "Zoro said Coby's original dream had been to become a Marine. I’ve heard it from Coby himself too. He wanted to be a Marine Admiral and make a big change right from the start. You don’t think he changed his mind about being with us?"

Luffy's chest tightened. The thought hadn’t even crossed his mind. Normally he would’ve denied it, but Coby had been acting weird, and then disappeared the second he was alone? "It’s not not possible. In which case-"

"The nearest Marine base is a whole two days from here. I don’t see how he could’ve gotten that far, but crazier things have happened."

"Set a course. If there’s a chance he’s there, then we have to check it out," Luffy ordered.

"What if he did change his mind?" Robin pressed. "What’ll we all do then?"

"We'll…" Luffy trailed off. He’d never thought about it. Didn’t want to. "We'll say thanks for the good times, and we won’t stand in his way. If he’s found a dream and chased it, then who are we to try and force him to stay where he’s unhappy? I couldn’t if I tried. Coby's determined. He’s focused. He always knows what he wants, and he takes it. If that’s what he wants, none of us try to stop him. That’s an order as your captain, not a request from your friend."

Robin's lips curved into a small smile. "Aye aye, captain."

"You’re worrying too much," Zoro noted, sidling up to stand at Luffy's shoulder.

"No such thing. He’s Coby. He’s not strong like you and me. He’s not as smart as Nami, or as observant as Robin. Like I don’t think he’s stupid, but he’s not a genius."

"Well you’re still here, so clearly genius isn’t needed to survive," Zoro teased, trying to lighten his captain's mood just a little. It did nothing.

"What if he’s not okay? What if he’s hurt or lost, or-"

"Luffy. Calm down. He may not be the strongest or smartest of our bunch, but you know what he is? He’s Coby. He's fast, he’s durable, he’s a quick-thinker, and he’s a lot tougher than some people give him credit for, you know. Now that he’s developed his own combat style and has a Devilfruit, maybe he doesn’t need to be crazy strong."

Luffy knew he was right, but it didn’t do much to alleviate his worry. "But he’s gullible, trusting. It could land him in trouble one day."

"Says you!" Zoro pinched the bridge of his nose. "We're going to find him, Luffy. We're going to find him and you’re going to see that he’s perfect fine. Maybe he got sidetracked, or pursued his old dream, which wouldn’t be ideal, but at least it’d mean he’s okay."

Luffy let go of a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. "I know."

In all honesty, selfish as it may be, Luffy wasn’t sure if he’d rather find Coby in the Marines, or find him laying hurt in the street somewhere, waiting to be found. Him leaving them for the Marines would leave the entire crew with a world of hurt, a hole in what was the heart of the crew. A heart that each and every one of them made up. A hole that would never be complete again. However, finding him hurt would mean someone or something had done him harm, and Luffy would have to go and figure out whose ass he had to kick. And he would. For Coby's sake, he would. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for Coby.
_____________

As it turned out, Coby had spent time in the town, sheltering in a cheap inn with what little money he had saved while he tried to figure out a way to get out of there. He would have to soon. The woman running the inn offered a hearty breakfast each morning, and alcohol in the evening— Coby tried to steer clear, but once he’d drunk himself stupid just to forget his worries for once— but beyond that, food was up to Coby. He couldn’t live on just one meal a day forever, and after three days at the inn, he’d already lost a scary amount of weight, which he hadn't had much of to begin with. He was quickly running out of money.

He spent his days wandering the streets, searching for shops that might provide building supplies he could make himself a small boat with, or down by the harbour, trying to see if he could borrow a boat or get a ride with someone, but…to where, exactly? He was completely lost on that front. The crew undoubtedly had left the harbour they’d last docked in. And what sane man would go out of his way to drop a kid off with a gang of pirates? Every option he had seemed more and more unrealistic.

Every night, Coby cried into the pillow, wishing he was with the crew. Wishing for a checkup from Chopper, or one of Sanji's meals, made with only the best, most fresh ingredients— nothing against the inn food, but Sanji's was the taste of home— or for a sparring session with Zoro. He wanted to cuddle with Luffy or Nami, or read a book with Robin. Hell, he even wanted to cluelessly help Franky with repairs and listen to Usopp's tales of grandeur, not sit in an old, rustic inn, moping around and internally dying. 

"Coby? Hon? Are you okay?" The inn woman asked on his fourth morning there. "You’ve been staring at your breakfast instead of eating. Is the food that bad?"

"No ma’am. The food is always amazing. Thank you, I know it’s a bit out of your way to prepare a home cooked meal for a guest-"

"I’m cooking anyway, I may as well feed my boarder. Are we expecting another night?"

"More and more nights, until I find a way off this little island."

"You know, there’s a man by the harbour who may be able to take you to another island or something if you have a specific destination in mind."

"Thank you, but I barely have the money for one more night here, I certainly can’t afford a boat on a whim that I can find what I’m looking for in the first place. I'm guessing my friends are all worried about me by now."

"If you want to call someone, I have a transponder you can borrow," the woman offered.

Coby's eyes widened. He hadn’t even thought about that. "Yes! That would be amazing. If I can get ahold of them…"

The innkeeper's brown eyes sparkled warmly. "Then maybe they’ll come get you out of this excuse for a village, huh?"

Coby smiled sheepishly. "You’re a very kind woman, and most of the people around here are very generous, but I worry that I put you at risk by staying here longer than I have to."

"Oh? Why’s that, dear?"

Coby took a bite of French toast to stall for time. What could he really say aside from the truth that would make sense? He swallowed tensely. "Do you want something easy to comprehend, or reality?"

"Whatever you can tell me. I won’t say a word to anyone."

"Is that a promise you can keep?"

"Have I lied to you before?"

That was a good point. So Coby shakily breathed out. "I'm…I'm a crewman and assistant navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates."

Brown eyes widened in shock. So, she hadn’t recognized him from his wanted posters. "For real? There was news that a crewman was missing after a head count of the Straw Hats, but I never imagined…" she stared at him like she couldn’t comprehend it. That was alright, Coby was a well-mannered kid with a kind heart. He was hardly what one would expect when they thought of pirates.

"Yes, ma’am." He closed his eyes. He’d never been ashamed of it until he saw the look of astonishment on the face of a woman who had been so kind to him. A woman he had lied to of his identity, saying he was no more than a traveller passing through.

"But…you’re such a good kid!"

Coby all of a sudden felt as though he couldn’t breathe again. "I know, thank you. However, not all pirates are terrible people. I never would’ve joined their crew if they were the kind of pirates to go out of their way to cause harm."

"I believe you."

Coby's shoulders tensed at the conflicted look on the woman's face. "Let me guess, this is the part where you wish me good luck in future endeavours but tell me you can’t harbour me."

"Of course n-"

"It’s okay. I’ll finish here, call my captain, then I’ll pack my things and go, and nobody will be able to suspect that this place ever slept and fed a criminal."

"Coby. You can stay here as long as you need. I’ll take the risk. You’re a lost soul looking for a way out of a tricky situation. You're alone and caught between a rock and a hard place, just trying to hold yourself together. I see it when I look you in the eye. I could never turn away someone in such desperate need, and you’re such a sweet kid."

"I only have the money for one more night. Hopefully it’s all I’ll need."

"Forget it. Fifth night here, I’ll waive the fee. Haven’t had a long-term guest in a while."

"I…are you sure? You’re being so kind…I just told you I’m a pirate, a wanted criminal, and you want to keep me another night, for free? And feed me? This isn’t some kind of joke?"

"Of course not. I’d never be cruel."

"Would you turn me out if I told you that I’m only on this island in the first place-"

"Because you were arrested?"

"How did you know?"

"Nobody winds up in this tiny dump unless there’s shady business or Marine business, and the fact you were a pirate who ended up separated from his crew…you were arrested, probably off-base Marines or bounty hunters, and somehow you were an escapee."

"Damn you’re good at this."

"Don’t worry, I won’t tell them I ever saw you."

"Why are you protecting me?"

"Because maybe I agree with you. There are pirates like the ones that tore down my hometown, but there are also pirates like you, kind and generous, human. Pirates who aren’t heartless monsters, but humans with thoughts and worries and feelings buried in their hearts. Maybe even pirates who are kind. I hope you’re not one of a kind in that regard, Coby."

"I’m not. Just about everyone on my crew has a kind heart, and they're only greedy for food, alcohol, and adventure. And one of them is money-obsessed, but she’d never burn a town down for it."

"I believe it. You don’t strike me as the type to join up with those who would be cruel, regardless of what the stories say about your crew."

Coby raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what do the stories say?"

"They say terrible things, rumours that must be untrue. Towns, burned to the ground in all the chaos, how you’re a band of bloodthirsty killers-"

"We would never! Captain Luffy specifically has a no-kill rule, with the exception being in the case of truly a last-resort move. They’re good people, all of them, even if chaotic is definitely a decent word to describe us. I mean…we're a band made up of a burglar, a girl who was wanted from the time she was a kid, a rubberman, a cook who can set himself on fire, a former pirate hunter, a former wannabe Marine— that’s me— a cyborg, a storytelling sharpshooter, a reindeer doctor, and a skeleton with a violin. I’d say we aren’t exactly your typical pirates."

The woman chuckled, taking his plate once he’d finished. "Certainly doesn’t sound like it. Though for all your joking, I can hear the affection in your tone. They’re not just crewmates. They’re family, aren’t they? You love them."

"Of course I do! They’ve done more for me than anyone ever has. They’ve given me a place in the world, even though I still have to figure out what my next life goal is, find a new dream."

"You’re young. I’m sure you’ll figure these things out eventually. Now come, call your friends."

The innkeeper set a small, still-napping blue transponder snail in front of him. Coby picked up and dialled, watching the snail open its eyes wide and miraculously gain a straw hat out of nowhere as Luffy answered, his tone dull and flat, almost empty. Something was missing in his voice. Life. The usual chipper attitude and energy weren’t present when Luffy greeted him with a flat hello. Not even a tone of curiosity. Not even asking who it was, as if he simply lacked the energy to even care.

"Luffy, it’s me, Coby! I’m at the inn at the island with the Marine base closest to where we had docked. I was captured by a couple bounty hunters, long story. I’ll explain later. Can you just…come pick me up? I’m kinda stuck, and worried the bounty hunters or Marines will come after me again."

"Again? That means you escaped?"

"More like I was set free, but yes. I’m mostly in hiding, laying low when I can, not giving away my identity to anyone but the innkeeper, she’s very nice. It’s kinda hard to hide with the pink hair and all though. So the sooner, the better."

"Actually we're in the area now. We'll dock and come get you, wait for us at the harbour!" There it was, the life Coby was used to, bright and upbeat.

"Gotcha. Headed out now."

"See ya!"

Ca-lick. The snail went back to sleep almost the second Luffy had hung up on him. Oh it was relieving to hear Luffy's familiar voice, even if it had only been a few days away from the crew. A few days that felt as if they had dragged on for all eternity, though. The innkeeper took the snail and set it on a shelf in a pile of towels Coby assumed was meant to be a nest or bed of some sort. Then she turned to him as he stood up and headed towards the stairs leading to his tiny room to pack his things.

"So that’s it? You’re headed out?"

Coby nodded. "Looks like it. Again, thank you so much, for everything."

"Of course, dear. Best of luck going forward."

Coby quickly packed what little he had, just the small remainder of his money, an extra set of clothes he had purchased, and a water canteen he’d bought around the same time, shoving it all into his bag. Upon heading downstairs again, the innkeeper absolutely insisted he take what felt like ten pounds of fruits, vegetables, and a large bag of home-baked brownies and biscuits. Coby figured the crew would be more than happy to have some sweets, and Sanji would be happy to have free ingredients, even if he couldn’t ensure they were the freshest in the world, it was still food that could be put to good use.

"Thank you, this means a lot, to me and my crew alike. I wish I could find a way to repay your kindness."

The innkeeper winked. "Oh you can, just promise you’ll live a life that you can be proud of, no matter what."

Coby's lips curved into a small smile. "Yeah, I think I can do that. Sail the world and chase my newfound dreams."

"Then you’re safe. I’ll pretend I never saw you if anyone asks. As far as the world knows, you and I never even met. Your room is all cleared out?"

"Everything. Looks like nobody was ever there."

"That’s a good boy. Alright, off you go then. Best of luck from here on out!"

Coby didn’t understand her kindness after what he had told her, after hiding right under her nose, but smiled and accepted her gifts, putting them in his now-heavy bag and heading towards the harbour. She knew he was a wanted criminal now, knew that there could be huge trouble if it was discovered she had harboured him, even if for less than a full week, and yet, if anything, she had been even kinder to him than anyone had ever been. It was good to meet people like that. Unselfish, kind people with only good in their hearts. People like that gave him hope.

Soon, Coby was standing on the docks as the Thousand Sunny pulled into the harbour and the anchor was lay down long enough that Usopp and Franky could lower the gangplank for Coby, who boarded quickly, as if afraid the opportunity would disappear if he waited a moment longer. He hurriedly took the bag of goodies and meagre belongings into the galley, pulling out the food for Sanji, and dropping the now mostly-empty bag around the back of his usual seat at the long table. As soon as he emerged from the galley and to the main deck, he was assaulted by a crushing tackle-hug from their captain.

"Sorry I worried you guys. I certainly did not ask to be kidnapped and handed over to the Marines. Apparently a bounty of fifty million is enough to attract the attention of bounty hunters."

"Pretty high bounty to hunt. If you’d been ready for a fight, it would’ve been super easy to take them on!" Franky insisted, drawing up the anchor.

Luffy wrapped his arms tightly around Coby, pulling the younger pirate to his chest. "I missed youuuu! We thought you were hurt or dead or…or had changed your mind and joined the Marines after all!"

"Never. It may have been my dream once, but you’ve all become my friends. I wouldn’t trade it for the world."

Zoro set his swords aside and slouched against the wall to take a nap. "See, Luffy? Told you."

"What?" Coby looked between them.

Zoro closed his good eye. "He was worried you’d abandoned us. Your disappearance left him depressed and gloomy for days."

"But sometimes he was just angry whenever he realized you might’ve gotten hurt," Usopp put in as Zoro drifted off.

"You said they were bounty hunters, right? I’ll kick their asses," Luffy announced.

Coby returned Luffy's tight hug, cuddling into the other boy's shoulder. "Don’t bother. If they realize I’m still free, they’ll only come after me again. Something about me being easy money."

"Just keep your guard up. As pirates, that’s a must," Usopp pointed out.

Luffy reluctantly let go. "I wanted you back. I need to talk to you."

"Okay? What’s up?"

"Alone."

Coby's first thought was that he was in trouble for something, but he couldn’t remember what. Very little seemed to pass as trouble around here. If there was trouble, usually Nami just hit the offender and that was the end of that. She hadn’t hit him yet. Actually, come to think of it, he’d been well-mannered enough that she hadn’t hit him in the entirety of the year he’d been sailing with them. Well. That was encouraging. If not trouble, what was this about? Curious, he followed as Luffy led him belowdecks and into the cabin, closing the door behind them and immediately tackling Coby all over again, shoving him against the wall and while Coby was stunned and confused, immediately moved in to kiss him. A real, full-contact kiss.

Shock rippled through Coby, but unsure of what else to do, he wrapped his arms around Luffy's neck loosely and pulled the taller boy in. Luffy's hands found Coby's waist and held him with a firm grip. Finally, that kiss ended, and Coby found himself straining towards Luffy again, wordlessly begging for another. Damn that had felt good. Luffy humoured him, just for a heartbeat, before pulling back again, but he never let go of his firm grip on Coby, and Coby didn’t let himself lower his arms.

"L-Luffy?"

"I like you."

"I can tell."

"Did the kiss give it away?"

"Yeah, kinda."

"Well it’s not like you didn’t kiss back."

"I know I did."

"You like me too?"

"Well…I-"

"Well what’s this?" Nami teased, poking her head inside.

"Nami! This is the boys' cabin, get out!" Coby yelped.

"Heh. The two lovebirds decide to make out yet, or what?" Sanji put in.

"Looks like it." Nami's voice was airy, teasing.

"Give them some privacy," Robin insisted.

"Use protection! Prevents spread of infections and diseases!" Chopper called.

"Doesn’t matter. Luffy is a living condom. They’re called rubbers for a reason," Zoro mumbled.

"That's not always the same thing! It’s not that simple!"

"We're not having sex or anything!" Coby yelped.

"Yeah. I just wanna kiss him," Luffy agreed.

Nami rolled her eyes. "About time too. We'll give you two your space." She ducked out of the room, ushering the others out with her and closing the door.

"Coby?" Luffy's glistening dark brown eyes turned on him. "I wanna kiss you, and I want to kiss you senseless, until you can’t even breathe or think."

Coby's breath caught. "Yes please."

"Do you trust me?"

"What? Of course. You’re my captain and friend."

"Do you trust me as a partner? Trust me to take care of you?"

Coby nodded without having to think about it. "Yes. I know I’ll be safe with you."

"Then relax and just let me take care of you, okay?"

Coby smiled from the corner of his lip. "Of course. Ready for those kisses when you are."

Luffy guided Coby over to bed and gently lay him down before clambering on as well, straddling him and holding himself above his younger partner, then leaning down to cup Coby's cheek and firmly kiss him. Once, twice, again. Again and again, barely leaving time to sneak a breath in between, leaving Coby panting and gasping in shallow breaths whenever he got the chance. Luffy was right, soon enough, Coby could barely think anymore, couldn't hold a thought track. All that mattered was this moment, the touch of lips to his, then trailing down his neck made his vision blur in and out, made Coby whimper and mewl. Need. It was the most amazing feeling Coby could imagine, and he instinctively pulled Luffy closer and held him in place at the firm kiss that was placed on the side of his neck, and Luffy was surprisingly quick to get the unspoken cue.

"You like the neck kisses best, huh?"

Coby weakly managed to nod. "Yes…please, never stop…"

"I have to eventually, but how about not until dinner?"

"Mmmm…fine by me."

That still left plenty of time for their little makeout session. The more he got to feel Luffy's lips on his skin, the happier Coby would be, and Luffy was more than happy to oblige him. After all, doing the kissing felt good too, and watching Coby coming undone, mewling and panting and begging for more with both words and body…there was so much satisfaction in that, he decided. He was making Coby happy. That was all that mattered. Those whimpers and that start of a suppressed moan was for him.

"Coby?"

"Shush. No talking," Coby mumbled. "I need this."

Luffy gently kissed his partner's throat. "You're shaking."

"I’m fine. It’s just…never been kissed, and it feels really good."

"Want more?"

"Never ever stop," Coby begged.

Luffy chuckled. "Whatever ya want! Never ever disappear like that again."

Coby wrapped his arms tightly around Luffy. "I didn’t want to."

Luffy kissed Coby's still-developing jaw. "I know." His voice softened. "You had us scared. Had me scared."

That was something. Luffy was never scared of *anything.* A twinge of guilt tugged at Coby's heart. "I’m sorry. Forgive me?" He smiled sheepishly. "Please?"

Luffy pulled Coby up into his lap to cuddle, nuzzling into his neck. Breathing in the scent of a forest after rainfall, and sea salt. "It’s not your fault."

"I promise I’ll be more careful from now on."

"Good."

Coby slowly breathed out, that breath becoming a quiet whimper when Luffy kissed his collarbone, then his neck. "Luffy…what is this?"

"What?"

"This. Are we just…going to pretend like this didn’t happen?"

"Only if you want to."

"No!"

"Good. I wanna be your boyfriend, Coby."

Coby nearly choked on his next breath. "What now?"

"You heard me! I wanna be your boyfriend!"

"You’re hitting me with this the same day I get back from being kidnapped? Don’t you think there’s already a lot to process?"

"I know, I know. Sorry." Luffy kissed Coby's cheek. "I just wanted to say it before-"

"I get it." Coby lay his forehead against Luffy's. "I can’t say anything yet. I don’t know what to say."

"You don’t have to say anything."

"I’m sorry, I just-"

Interrupting him, from outside, Sanji yelled, "Dinner's up!"

Luffy perked up. "Food time! You’ll be back to your usual self after food, come on!"

"Wait a sec." Coby leaned forward to softly kiss him, innocent and chaste, before pulling himself away and letting Luffy get up. "You’re the one who initiated all the other times. I know this isn’t the time, so I’m sorry. I just…had to do that."

"Why isn’t this the time? I’ve been kissing you senseless."

"Because I just told you that I don't-"

"I don’t care. Just…think about it." Luffy paused by the doorway. "And Coby? You’re a good kisser."

Coby's face went cherry red, and he hid in the cabin for several minutes until he was sure the blush had disappeared. Of all the skills he possessed that he could be praised on, *kissing* was definitely not the first thing that came to mind. But if Luffy appreciated it… No! I’m not out here in search of some fairytale romance, this can’t happen again, and Luffy is my captain, no less! I’m just here for the adventure, for the freedom, to explore the world.

"Oh hey, we were worried you weren’t going to join us," Sanji noted when Coby emerged, head down. "Saved you some dinner. Eat up before Luffy tries to swipe it."

"He wouldn’t swipe my food."

Sanji chuckled, handing Coby a plate. "Don't count on that."