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"Hey! (Y/N)! Come down and let's explore the island!"
Luffy, your captain, is very enthusiastic to go explore the island you had docked on a few minutes ago. Though when is he not, right?
Almost everyone on the ship wants to go down to stay acquainted with the land, find food, or just like Luffy, have fun and explore.
For this island, you didn't want to go down simply because you are too lazy to do so. Chilling around quietly with Zoro surely is the best option for now–
"Alright, I'm going. Maybe I could find some sake."
Or not.
Well, there's always a next time to spend time with someone on the ship. For now, you'll have to stay by yourself.
Before Sanji got off the ship, he asked you if you were not going. You answered him no, so he retaliated with, "Okay! I'm going and will be back quickly to accompany you, my sweet!"
You did not bother answering him, not that you had a chance to, for he immediately jumped down and ran towards the forest.
The only one left to go down was Jimbei. He was checking something on the helm and sails. When he was done, he told you he'll go down too, and to be careful.
It sure is unusual for the Sunny to go this quiet at the time of the day. That's understood considering that they all went down.
Luffy is with Usopp and Chopper, roaming around the forest. They chance a glance upon a place up ahead. A beautiful waterfall, with a surrounding that's full of flowers, other kinds of plants, and fruits.
Their eyes shape into stars as they approach the place. Being in the sea and going into cities or countries was one thing, but seeing such beautiful scenery like this is something more and also enticing.
Luffy and Chopper easily speedwalked their way to the trees and fruits, immediately chomping down on each variety there was.
The waterfall was a beautiful one. If you're good with measurements just by looking at it, you could say that the falls was 300 feet at best. What's more to it is it was like there could be sparkles all over, like what you see in fairytales.
Overall, the place was vibrant and had a light ambiance that you could spend your whole life in.
Usopp checks out the water and rare plants that were there. He felt that the water was cold but tolerable, so he stripped down to his underwear and dove right into the plunge pool.
The other two were distracted by Usopp shouting and telling them that the water was nice. Pouting and now slowly chewing down on the fruits, the three realized that Luffy and Chopper were devil fruit users.
A good few minutes are spent in the place when the captain realizes something is amiss. Someone is missing.
"Ah! Did (Y/N) not go with any of us here? I'll go get her!"
Before his two companions could even answer, he is bolting right out of the bank of the plunge pool to go back to the Sunny.
"I don't wanna, Captain! I'm sorry, I'm just lazy!" A lie.
You shouted back at Luffy who was tilting his head while looking up, brows furrowing at your answer.
It was a lie that you were lazy about exploring the island. Truth was, a boy sneaked in while you were departing from the island you all were from days ago.
You had found him not too late in the day on the back of the ship. Panicking and thinking of what to do with him, you were about to call someone for help. But the boy beat you to it and he put a hand on your mouth.
"Please don't tell on me. I just want to get out of the island and go to the next island near here. My aunt is in there."
Your brows furrow at his statement. You slowly calmed down and peeled away his hand from your mouth.
"Why didn't you tell someone before sneaking up here?" The boy sits down quietly, head bowing down slightly.
"I… It's not easy to do, some people there don't listen to kids. Please don't throw me out." You mirror his movement, bowing your head was not what you did, instead you placed a hand on his shoulder while the other on his head, rubbing it with comfort.
"I'm sorry… But you can't be here for long. You see, we're pirates and you probably know the stereotype descriptions about us–"
"You look like you're a good one. Are you not?"
This kid is something. A straightforward one. And might be courageous. I mean, he did manage to sneak his way in a pirate ship.
"Okay, but you shouldn't just trust anyone based on their appearance. Don't worry by the way, I'm not one of those pirates. I'm not yet gonna tell them now for your sake. What is your name?" He perked up and smiled hopefully at your question.
"River!"
And that was how you're now stuck in the observation room with the boy River, watching him eat whatever from the fridge. But you sure were slightly sweating once you heard Luffy call you from below.
Besides you, Nami is the only one who knows about the boy. And like you, she was also worried about not yet letting anyone know, mainly Luffy. Although your worry comes with nervousness.
You know you haven't rejected or contradicted what Luffy says to the crew or you. This was the first that you rejected his invite and boy you were very unsure yet sure on what will happen next.
The captain also knows that fact, so he is now contemplating on what to say to be heard as an encouragement, and what to do next if ever you reject him again.
He was not going to have any of it.
"Oh come on, (Y/N)! You won't be lazy anymore once you find out what place we found on this island!" He laughed.
You nervously and sheepishly smile at what he says, River seeing your expression. The boy stops eating for a second to tell you, "I'll be fine here, Miss (Y/N)!" You sigh at this.
"I can't leave you here all alone with everyone far and deep on the island, River. Who knows what might happen to you here in just a second." With a sigh again, you close your eyes and wipe down your hands on your face.
"But your captain is calling you. I know what the captain says is absolute–"
"Sometimes, especially for Luffy. Still, I can't. You're my responsibility after all."
He stops his midway bite to the meat (oh Luffy won't be pleased to know that his meat was eaten) and gives you all his attention. "I'm sorry to be a bother…" he bows apologetically.
"What? No! You are not a bother, River! Don't worry, I'll settle things quickly with Luffy!" You stand abruptly, panic coursing through you due to the boy's apology and to Luffy's invitation.
Oh boy.
Making your way through and out of the room, you saw a hand on the ship's railing.
Luffy became impatient because he kept waiting for your answer. It was not like you to respond at such a long time. At least for him it was a long time.
Then came on the railing was your captain with his signature smile. He squats on it and holds on to his straw hat.
"I was waiting for your answer but you didn't, so now I'm here to really fetch you! What do you say– no– come on now!" He spoke hurriedly but every word was heard by you clearly. You gulp down and think of a way to make him come back down without you.
"Captain, I can't. I'm too lazy to stroll around! Heh…" you practically say with almost a stutter. It was hard to lie to Luffy, especially with a smile like that that makes you smile too.
"That's okay! I can carry you around!" He stretches his arm and wraps his hand on your wrist. Oh now you're in for one hell of a ride.
No matter how many times Luffy grabs you and literally flies you around back to him like a kite, it still makes you scared. You just hope that this time he pulls you carefully towards him before he takes off with you on his back.
That's not the case for now though.
He's just holding on to you, uncharacteristically.
"I don't wanna be a bother and I'm really lazy…" what a lame ass reason, right?
"But you're standing there now. I don't see that as lazy!" He snickers at you.
You are in the middle of the deck, almost to the railing. You sneak a little look up where you came from along with holding your upper arm, rubbing it for comfort.
"Not sure, Captain…"
He was about to give an answer when a choking sound was heard. Shit.
"What's that?"
Not caring anymore on what Luffy thinks, you bolt right to the observation room. You reach it in record time, bursting in and finding River choking on the meat. This boy is eager to eat.
"River! Shit!" You scramble to get the pitcher of water and pour in the glass.
While he was chugging down the water, Luffy came in with his head tilted and arms crossed loosely. A pout on his face and furrowed brows. What was a kid doing on his ship?
"L-Luffy I–"
"Who are you?" He stares at the boy who is now exhaling after drinking and relieving his choking state earlier.
"I'm River, Captain Luffy!" Luffy's brows furrow even more.
"Look, Captain, I will explain–"
He looks to the side where there is food, then he sees meat. It clicks in his mind that that was the meat he was looking forward to eating at dinner, having its appearance memorized earlier at lunch.
"That's my meat! Why are you eating it?" A stretched arm goes fast to grab the meat, and in a matter of seconds, he is eating it. Typical Luffy.
You slump down the floor, hands wiping down on your face.
"I'm sorry, Captain. I brought him food because he wasn't able to eat earlier. More importantly, he's here because he sneaked right in while we're about to sail out again. I was about to tell everyone on the ship but he pleaded with me not to. Nami knows, but I told her not to tell anyone. So I'm mostly the one to blame here. I'll take any punishment, just don't do anything to River." Not that they'll really hurt a kid.
Your words spill out without pause, it's like you drank or a truth serum was injected in you. If anything, lying to anyone, above all Luffy, is the one you hate to do. Except when you need to for your friends.
"Okay." You stop moving, turning your vision on Luffy.
"What?"
"I said it's okay! He can join the crew too–!"
"Luf– Captain, no! We're gonna drop him off on the island nearby. And we don't want to adopt a kid–"
"Aw, we're not adopting! We're letting him join us!" He finishes off his meat, grumbling like a child.
"Captain, letting a kid join us is out of the question. If Nami heard what you said, she'll scold you for sure. Even Jimbei won't agree."
"So? I'm the captain!" He smiles with a laugh.
You put a hand on your forehead. "Not you using your "I'm the captain!" card." You mutter quietly, defeat in your favor for this conversation.
"Alright! Come on, we're going down! You can come too, Beaver!"
Beaver?
Having heard of the awaited stroll from Luffy, River did not pay any attention to the captain who mistook his name for "beaver."
"His name's River, Captain!"
The three of you go down and make your way to the said place that Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper had found.
When you got there, everyone was present. And everyone except Nami was shocked to see you two with a young boy.
"Oh? Why's a kid with you, (Y/N)?"
River is clinging on to your arm, which is adorable, like you'll leave him here any second.
On the way to sit on the make-shift seats, you explain what happened.
Predictably, River was accepted by the crew but not in that way. They agreed to drop him off the near island, not that they'll protest anywhere they'll be.
They also decided to stay here for a while, having Sanji, Jimbei, and Brook get the sleeping bags and food to be cooked.
The rest of the crew lounge about the place, Usopp and Nami soaking their bodies in the plunge pool. Zoro napping under a tree, Franky making a boat per requested by the doctor, Luffy and Chopper eating fruits again, and Robin inspecting every plant surrounding the place.
While you and River sit on the logs, chatting here and there. With him seated on your lap and you hugging him from beside his body.
The kid was around 7, has dark blue hair, and has features that will pass as an appearance girls at his age will like. He was also blunt as a sword, and soft as a marshmallow. Add up that he's most likely smart too.
"(Y/N), are you sure you don't wanna swim? The water's nice." Nami inquired, arms resting on the bank of the plunge pool.
The conversation with River was interrupted. You slightly tilt your body to the side to see and answer Nami.
"Maybe later, Nami. I'm keeping little River here for some company." You smile at her.
Luffy's attention was stolen by the navigator's question. He switched his look to the fruit he was eating to Nami then to you.
His chewing slowly faltered when he saw River seated on your lap. And he felt a twinge of something. Hunger? But he's eating to his heart's content here. What is this something?
Then he noticed your arms wrapped around the boy. He frowns and furrows his brows, completely stopping on chewing.
"That should be me…" he mutters while having his pout. Chopper noticed that Luffy had said something.
"What's that, Luffy?"
"Hm?"
The captain goes back to eating again. Chopper confusedly looked to where his captain was looking then back at luffy. He then shrugs, continuing to eat.
Night came and Sanji was just finishing cooking when everybody gathered around the small campfire.
The whole time, you didn't even attempt to leave River for swimming. You both just sat there, happily chatting along with you, occasionally switching positions for your legs to not strain too much.
And in that whole time, Luffy was less than energetic which didn't go unnoticed by Nami, Usopp, Jimbei, and Robin. The navigator and sniper glanced at each other from time to time, having an idea of why your captain was acting like that.
Now at dinner time, your captain was boisterous while eating. Still not that energetic like he always is. A slight change can be noticed when it comes to Luffy, that's why Sanji's serving him food with a glance at your direction.
Confirming his suspicions, he sighs with a little smile. The cook can only hope that the captain realizes what is up with himself.
"You haven't properly been introduced to these amazing people. So now while eating, you should. They're fun to talk with, swear!" You nudge your elbow lightly on River's waist, him being beside you since dinner started.
Introductions were exchanged between your friends and River, to which delighted the kid, laughing along and leaning on your side comfortably.
The sight makes Luffy's insides churn. The reason? He doesn't realize it yet but it is evident even to Zoro who doesn't pay much attention.
You notice and feel something weird when you were about to lay down with River beside you that night. Someone was uncharacteristically less noisy than usual.
Days go on, waiting for the day the Sunny will dock on another island again. In the first morning you woke up with the gang and River, you realized what might be happening to your captain.
You weren't dense.
It was noticeable that Luffy was less energetic because there was a kid with the crew, waiting to be dropped off the next island. Less energetic because he had the chance to have a kid as part of the crew but that chance was erased by the lot of you.
…
Fine, maybe you were dense at times.
Why would Luffy sulk about that matter? He brushes and shrugs off some things that don't go his way. It's no biggie at all.
In the span of three days with River, on the third day the crew finally reached the next destination. It was a relief cause then you won't worry about a kid aboard the ship
However, that kid grew on you. He became like your little brother in that little time spent. It was upsetting how you will part with the kid, but things have an end to them. And on this day, your bond with River will be cut short.
Not only you grew on him, but the boy as well. He's currently clinging to you like you'll never see each other again—let's admit it, it's most likely that will happen considering you're a pirate bound to be arrested one day; but that's a conversation for another time.
You're carrying River on your shoulders while he attempts to wrap his arms on your forehead. The boy was no means small nor too big but his arms sure won't cling on to your head properly.
On the way down the Sunny, you hear him sniffle which makes your heart even more hurt.
"Come on, Riv. That's no way to part ways with someone! You should be happy that we're here!" You squeeze his legs.
"I am happy but I don't know when I will see you again, Miss (Y/N)..." you told him many times that he didn't need to say "miss" every time, but being the respectful kid he was, you know that won't happen.
"Well, the world is wide and big! But who knows, maybe on the next island or two, we'll meet again!" You stop for a moment, looking for a place to hide. There may be marines or bounty hunters after all.
The alley between buildings was perfect for departing with someone. At the same time, it wasn't that filled with people. And here comes the predicament you're going to face.
"Maybe it is a good thing to accept Captain Luffy's invitation…" You kneel down on the pavement, letting River hop down from your shoulder. You tut at his statement.
"No, we are not gonna encourage that. As much as I want to spend more time with you, pirate life is not for you and will never be. I know I'm just a stranger to say this but you can't be a pirate. You're too good for piracy, anyway." Tears well up in his eyes that makes you sadly smile.
"Riv, don't worry, okay? We'll see each other again, I promise you that. It may take some time, yeah, but there's a lot of time in the world right? You're still a kid, a seven year old one! And me, well, I look young and is young but isn't young young– oh what am I saying?"
A tear escapes River's eyes, having a giggle come out of his lips because of your blabber. You kept on that smile for him, hand rubbing on his shoulder and another holding his hand.
"I will miss you, Sis (Y/N)." That caught you off guard. Resulting in immediate tears pooling in your eyes. You smile widely and pull him in for a hug, a hand on top of his head while the other was on his arm.
"Oh you!"
You and River parted ways on that alley, bright smiles gracing each other's faces. Walking furthermore out the alley, you realize you didn't even bother telling anyone on the crew that you'll go down before them. They might understand, even still you weren't rude.
Suddenly an arm wraps around your torso and you are met with a laughing Luffy, holding on to his straw hat while he clings his way to sit on your shoulder.
"You might wanna run, (Y/N)! The Marines saw me!"
"What?! Luffy, no!"
With that, you sprint your way to the dock where the Sunny is located. Sure enough, the Marines were chasing Luffy. A rain of bullets are heading your way making you panic a little. You contemplate on using your devil fruit for a second.
Making the earth rise out of the ground would cause problems with the town's people so it might not be a good idea. But you weren't pleased with bullets hitting you. Therefore you have no choice but to do it, shouting a quick apology to whoever.
Your captain on your shoulders has his legs dangling on your body while his arms are still stretched and wrapped around your waist. He was laughing at the chaos he once again caused but he didn't care.
Especially that you're with him on this one.
You raise your hand a little to make your index finger motion up and down for the ground to rise. Screams and shouts were heard making you feel a bit sheepish, increasing speed on your run.
Quickly right after letting your hand down, you wrap your arms around your captain's legs. This made Luffy very happy, laughing more and squeezing your waist ever so slightly.
Finally making it to the docks, Luffy quickly unwraps his other arm to stretch and hold on to the Lion's head. There you go again, flying like a kite, only this time Luffy is wrapped around you.
"You just had to bring unnecessary company, Luffy! Alright guys! You know what to do!" Nami yells.
You breathe heavily while going down to the deck from the Lion's head, slumping your whole body down on the floor. It was exhausting having to use your full speed again.
"That was fun! We have to do it again, (Y/N)!" Luffy comes down and squats beside you, poking your cheek.
"Les not do that ag…ain, Captain. I'm so tired." You reply breathlessly.
Everybody on the ship was busy fending off the incoming Marine ship so it was just you and Luffy having a moment. The canon blasts and the crew's loud voices served as background noises.
"You called me by my name earlier! Why go back to captain again? I like you calling my name!" He whines and sits beside you.
Your eyes widen. Did you really? Oh my!
"What? I'm sorry, I didn't mean that! It was a spur of the moment thing, Captain!" You regain your normal composure, sitting up right and facing your captain.
He has that big, happy smile again. And you can't help but do it too. This sunshine never fails to make you feel things.
And did he just say he likes you calling his name? What!
He pouts at you now and is crossing his arms. "Stop calling me captain!" He childishly pouts and looks to the side. You laugh at his behavior.
"That's kinda inappropriate for me. It just feels right to not call you by your name, Captain."
"But everyone calls me Luffy! Why can't you?"
Sighing at him and standing up, you offer your hand to him which he gladly takes.
"Well, I have this promise to call you by your name if I ever say something." You make your way to the kitchen to drink a big amount of water due to that chase.
The crew was able to outsail the Marines, so now they're settling down back to their previous activities.. Sanji, Nami, Usopp, and Robin making their way to the dining room.
"I'm sorry, (Y/N)! I'm supposed to be the one to get you water!" The cook dramatically comes up to you but stops when pulled by Nami, giving him a knowing glance. He clears his throat up and instead goes to the kitchen to prepare food.
"'S okay, Sanji. No big deal."
Luffy was sitting beside you on the dining table. The other three were sitting on the opposite side, having small smiles.
"So why won't you call me by my name? I've already asked you many times! Come on!" The captain whines at you. You just shake your head a little and shrug.
The rest of the day was spent with Luffy following you everywhere like a dog. He was eager to know why and what the promise was.
His other objective was to be with you because he missed your near presence greatly. Even if you didn't mention that said promise, he is sure to follow and be there where you are. Even in the bathroom!
Seeing you with River the past few days, he realized that he was jealous. We all know that Luffy isn't one to keep his thoughts in his mind. So he said that conclusion aloud where you were nowhere to be seen. And the confession was heard by the crew, all of them except for you and River.
That's what they thought but the young boy heard it too. Smiling and happy to know that your captain likes you too. The conversations shared with him were half a hundred percent about your captain, so he caught on that you like Luffy.
They were satisfied to know that he realized what he was feeling. Now just waiting for him to confess.
Dinner came and you and Luffy were beside each other. Him uncharacteristically and secretly placing some of his food on your plate. That made you wonder immensely. Luffy doesn't share his food, ever.
Then night came. Everybody except Jimbei and Robin was in their quarters resting. Though you have other plans so you went out of the room and made yourself comfortable on the side railings of the Sunny.
What was Luffy doing to you?
The past few days, he wasn't that enthusiastic like normal. Not bothering you so much maybe because of River. It saddened you to not be able to spend time with your captain like usual. You had your responsibility prioritized so now you're having the feels of missing Luffy too.
It's obvious that you like Luffy. What you wouldn't give for your captain's sake. You'd put your life on the line for him, be a shield for him even if he doesn't need to have one, and be a trustworthy and faithful friend to him.
Seeing him smile brightly like the sun, and seeing him suffering makes you mirror his said feeling. Whatever it was, you felt for him too.
You call him captain religiously because you respect him that much. It's not that it's wrong for you to call him Luffy, it was just for you if you call him that, it should be personal. Personal as in you as his partner. If this even makes sense.
Unless you tell him your feelings for him, you won't say his name. The slip-up earlier truly was due to the situation. So you're gonna slap yourself lightly as punishment.
You lean on the railing, looking far beyond the deep seas, not that you see anything from this darkness.
Maybe you'll observe everything starting from now.
The next day, Luffy was all over you again. Then the next. And everytime you spend too much time talking with any aboard the ship, he pulls you right back to him. Or he sits on your shoulders while you talk to whoever.
Like right now, you're talking to Sanji about a certain recipe you learned from where you're from. You ask him if he can add the dish for today's lunch which he happily nods at, heart eyes activated. For that, you were about to place a hand on his head to rub when an arm wrapped around your whole arm, instantly hurling you away from the cook. "Nooooo!" You yell while being pulled and it was like flying away.
"Captain!" You didn't expect to be pulled away all the way to the top of the Lion's head. It gave you whiplash by the time Luffy had set you down on the surface. He's laughing again.
"Oh, sorry sorry, (Y/N)!" Dizziness made its way through you. Oh this man.
"I told you to stop doing that! Why am I here anyway?"
"I want you close to me." He shrugs and then sits down beside you.
"Care to elaborate? You've been like that for a while now, Captain." Waiting for his answer, you sit up straight and stare at him.
"I just want to be around you always! And I want you to make me your favorite, (Y/N)!"
The expression you made was priceless. Shock obviously evident on your face, with a mouth agape and all.
"Favorite?"
"You know, like me having meat as my favorite!"
There was no way in hell.
Is this true? Is this happening? Is this really true?!
There is no doubt that your heart is beating rapidly right now. What does this mean? Is there any more to this?
"You know I asked everybody on the ship what I feel towards you. They said I like you! And it feels like it too!"
"Captain?"
Luffy likes you too?! This has got to be what you least expected.
"I felt jealous when you and Beaver were together. So I'm with you all the time now because I want to spend time with you!" It was ridiculous to be jealous over you being with a kid. But can you blame him? He just wants you to give all your attention to him.
"Are you making up for that lost time?"
"Yes!"
He laughs again. And you can't believe all he just said casually. You glance down at your arm that still is engulfed in Luffy's arm but not fully, just a single twist on your forearm.
This was it. This was it! Finally!
"Luffy, I…"
He now gives you all his attention, and his smile widening more if that is possible. Well, it is, he's a rubber person after all.
"Don't call me captain again, (Y/N)!" He giggles.
"I like you too, Cap– Luffy. Oh this is a relief!"
You slouch your body for a second then go to throw yourself on your captain, embracing him with all your heart. You laugh along with him.
Everything is worth it when it comes to Luffy. This joyous situation makes you want to tear up with joy.
"Luffy…" a whisper of his name and a nuzzle on the crook of his neck. He hummed at you. "Luffy…"
Now you're crying. Happy tears going down freely on to your captain's neck. "Are you crying?" You pull out of his neck.
"No, not at all." Wiping your tears away and grinning at Luffy was a sight he was conflicted with. You were beautiful while having that smile but those tears are making him uncomfortable.
"Don't worry, Luffy, these are happy tears. I'm just so happy that you like me too. I could just die–"
"Hey, you can't die! We still have many things to do together! I need you here! Don't wanna be King of the Pirates without you!" He pouts.
"Oh Luffy. Maybe I am in love with you now."
"I love you too!" He shouts while grinning so wide.
"You dork! But I love you more." You sit beside him and hug his torso sideways, head on his shoulder. Both of your body facing the horizon ahead.
"No! I love you even more!" You chuckle at his competency while he wraps his arms around you too, making his arms stretch to wrap his arms around you again and again like you'll disappear.
"Okay, you win, Luffy. You always do."
The aura radiated from both of you can be described as lovely, glowing, and blissful. The rest of the crew can tell and feel, confirming it more because of Luffy's loud voice.
"I don't want you away from me and I want to be your only favorite, (Y/N)!" You nod and smile widely at him.
"Absolutely, Luffy. Anything for you."