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Luffy was sitting in a bar surrounded by people; the air was thick as bodies pressed against each other. Everyone wanted to celebrate with the Straw Hat Pirates after today’s victory. The bar was overflowing; Luffy assumed half of the town must have squeezed into the small pub. The pirate captain sat back in his chair, hidden away in the corner of the room. He was quiet, for once. He chose to observe everyone and let his social battery recharge; it was a long fight, after all.
Pint after pint was placed in his hand, the drink going down smoothly. Luffy wasn’t really a big drinker, but when it was free, who could complain? He tried locating his crew, his eyes dipping and diving to spot everyone. Zoro was sitting by the bar, empty glasses surrounding him. Nami and Brook were by the stage, the former in an arm wrestling match to see who could win the most berries. Usopp and Chopper were dancing and cheering with the children of the town. Sanji was surrounded by women, a huge smile on his face. Robin, Franky and Jinbe were sitting by the exit, all chatting to one another.
Luffy kept searching around the room, trying to find you in particular. He was growing a little frantic; had you left? Then he spotted you, (H/C) hair shining under the crummy bar lighting. Even from this distance, you were beautiful. Luffy sipped his drink tentatively, his eyes never leaving your form. You were surrounded by people, all of them laughing at something you had said. You looked happy, and that’s what Luffy liked to see.
Luffy loved your smile; he loved the way it stretched across your face, like you put your whole being into being happy. There were a lot of things Luffy liked about you: your kindness, your looks, your dreams and loyalty to the crew. It hit him like bricks: one day you were just a friend, and then next you were the missing piece from his dream. He doubted he could do anything without you by his side.
He watched as you moved animatedly among the townsfolk, heading to the bar to buy another drink. He wanted nothing more than to approach you and tell you how he felt. It was scary, the realisation. How could he possibly tell you that he loved you? There was never a good time. There was always some big fight going on, some motive or mission. He couldn’t just sit down with you and confess. Maybe now was the right time? He mused the thought; it was calm even if people were loud and rowdy. This was their calm. Luffy slumped against his chair, watching as another man approached you from behind, acting all friendly; his hands smoothing over your back.
Luffy stood up and marched over there, his hat covering his eyes. How dare some drunk bastard touch you? And the worst part was you didn’t bat him away; didn’t you know how much Luffy loved you? Didn’t you know Luffy would do anything for you?
You felt a presence behind your back, something dark. You could figure out who it was from the vague look of fear on the man’s eyes in front of you. He made some excuse to leave, rather quickly too. With a small sigh, you turned to see your captain.
“Hiya, (Y/N)!” He beamed, as though he didn’t look like a literal demon just a second ago. Luffy pulled a chair out next to you, his arm loosely wrapping around the back of your chair, pulling you closer. You sipped your drink, a small smile on your lips, “And what do I owe the pleasure, dear captain?” you laughed. Luffy avoided your eyes for a brief moment, “Just wanted to make sure you were doing okay, that guy wasn’t bothering you, was he?”
You shook your head. Luffy watched in awe as your hair twirled around you at the motion, “No, Captain, he wasn’t. But I think you scared him enough to not do it either way.” Luffy laughed at that, a proud, boistrous laugh. People turned their heads, scoffing at him, but Luffy didn’t care. His laugh brought a smile to your lips, “I like your laugh,” you said, absentmindedly. Luffy blushed at that, not used to you complimenting him, “I like your laugh too!” he beamed. You turned your attention to Luffy; the rusted swivel chair was hard to turn. Luffy helped you out, grabbing your chair and turning it himself.
“Thank you,” you whispered out. Luffy’s face erupted with a warm smile, “Anything for you.”
“Do you mean that?” You asked, rather suddenly. Luffy was caught off guard by your question, but he still nodded enthusiastically, “Of course, I’d do anything for anyone on my crew.”
You thought over what he said, your fingers tickling the rim of your glass, “Would you kill for me?”
Luffy was sweating; he didn’t think in a million years this would be where the conversation went. But he still found himself mulling the question, “It depends-”
“On?” you pushed. Luffy swallowed, “Whether or not they deserve it. If they hurt you or do something bad, then yes. But if they were innocent, then it gets more complicated.”
You seemed to like his answer, choosing to change the topic entirely, “What will you do after you achieve your dream?” This was something Luffy had thought deeply about too; it seemed his dream was quickly becoming reality. And though the thought scared him, he was excited too; excited to see what new things were out there for him. He’d be free from a shackle he put on himself.
“I have another dream; it’s probably waaay more important than finding the One Piece!” he gloated, arms folded across his chest. You quirked an eyebrow up at him, becoming interested, “You have another dream?”
“Of course, you always should have more than one dream!”
“Then what’s your second dream, Captain?” you asked, leaning closer to the rubber boy. Luffy’s eyes flickered from your lips then back to your eyes, “You won’t laugh?”
“Pinky promise!” You stuck out a pinky, wrapping it around Luffy’s hand. He smiled, feeling a little bolder, “My second dream, once I become king of the pirates-” he clarified, “-is to marry the love of my life and start a family.”
You pulled away from him, a little surprised, “You want to start a family? You?” He looked rather offended by the insinuation, “What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing, nothing is wrong!” You quickly apologised, staring at him with wide eyes, “It’s actually rather nice; I just didn’t think you’d be the person who’d want a life like that.”
Luffy picked up your glass, much to your protests, and swirled the liquid around. He kept his eyes on the drink, “I’ve always liked the idea of raising a mini me. I could teach them how to be the best pirate in the world.”
“Only problem is you’d have to find someone to have your kid. Is there anyone out there crazy enough to do that?” You laughed; it wasn’t meant to be horrible, more chiding than anything. Luffy smirked, side-eyeing you, “I think I found someone crazy enough.”
You caught Luffy’s gaze, your cheeks blushing a deep red, “And why would I ever marry you?” You questioned, your tone light and teasing. Luffy leant closer to you, his nose practically brushing yours, “Because I’m crazy for you, and I’d like to think you’re crazy for me.” Your breath fanned across his lips, your eyes scanning across his face, desperate to remember this moment, “I’m absolutely nutty for you, Captain.”
Luffy pushed his lips to yours in an instant, your surprised gasp being muffled. You stifled a moan, Luffy’s hands quickly moving to hold your waist as he pushed further into you. Pulling away from air, your pants mingled, “Luffy, I love-”
“-You listening to me? Oi, Luffy!” Zoro waved his hand in front of Luffy’s face; the poor captain jumped back in surprise. His eyes widened as he took in the scene, “Zoro? What are you doing here?”
The swordsman huffed, “We’re leaving. Are you coming or staying here?”
Luffy looked around; the bar was now barren. The atmosphere had changed; the lively music was gone, and the warm lighting turned cold. Luffy looked to the bar, where you had been sitting, but you were gone. Luffy thought deeply, “It was all a dream…” he mumbled out. Zoro raised a brow, “Huh? What are you on about?”
Luffy looked deflated. He stood up, placing a hand on Zoro’s shoulder, “It’s nothing!” He beamed, eyes closed as his smile eclipsed his face. He sauntered out of the bar, a confused Zoro trailing behind him. But in the darkness of the night, Luffy’s grin dropped. It was all a dream, the kiss, the confession; it never happened. Maybe his mind had cursed him. Maybe he was doomed to only have one dream.