I couldn't help but let out a soft giggle as I revisited the memory of Shanks animatedly yelling at Luffy, declaring that he would never be able to swim again. The sheer absurdity of that moment filled my mind, especially as I remembered how Luffy had simply shrugged it off moments later, his carefree spirit shining through.
"Sweetheart, what are you laughing at?" Shanks asked, his voice laced with curiosity. He was sprawled on his side of the bed, an all-too-familiar position that felt comfortable yet new. As he reached out to pull me into his embrace, I felt that strange, odd mix of warmth and uncertainty. It was still an adjustment for me, this tender intimacy that was somehow both comforting and unnerving.
"Luffy, silly," I replied, feigning ignorance of the flutter of awkwardness that crept in whenever we cuddled. I found myself avoiding eye contact, pretending to be lost in my thoughts.
"He really is a piece of work, isn't he?" Shanks chuckled, a broad, childlike grin spreading across his face. His laughter was infectious, lightening the air between us and drawing me in despite my initial hesitation.
"Good Kid," I whispered, a hint of tenderness in my voice. "Lonely."
"Yeah, I see that too. He really is, but you know how stubborn he can be," Shanks replied, chuckling softly, a mix of amusement and exasperation in his tone.
"No bodyguard," I remarked with a light giggle, the air between us filled with camaraderie. Uta wasn't around to divert Luffy's attention, leaving him to cling to Shanks like a lifeline. Yet recently, Luffy seemed to be avoiding Shanks altogether, his gaze fixed elsewhere, likely still angry over the recent bandit incident.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm still going to say no." Shanks chuckled, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he waved a dismissive hand in the air. His eyes twinkled with mischief, embodying a light-hearted defiance that made it clear he was thoroughly enjoying my little joke.
"Nap," I muttered softly, as exhaustion seemed to plague my bones. I turned my back towards Shanks, resigning myself to the inevitability of being manhandled into a restricting cuddle session. I found myself becoming pulled into his embrace as the little spoon, my head resting against the arm he had propped up as my makeshift pillow. There was no way he was going to let me go, so I might as well make myself comfortable for my long-awaited nap, compromising to drift off to sleep in his warm embrace.
…
"Tell me a story," I whispered, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the walls around us.
"A story?" Shanks asked, his eyes glinting with interest.
"Yes, a story," I confirmed, leaning in closer, eager for his words.
"Hmmmm," he mused for a moment, then began. "Once upon a time, there was a girl named… let's say Sara, renowned for her beauty. She was cherished by many, including notorious pirate bands who roamed the seas. However, Sara's heart belonged to someone else—a brave pirate named. Hmmm, let's call him Rowan, who had captured her affection even when he was utterly uninterested.
Despite the admiration from the pirates, Sara remained steadfast in her love for Rowan, refusing the advances of any other suitor. Her unwavering loyalty made her even more beloved among the different powerful pirates. But peace would be short-lived; a dark turn of fate led to her kidnapping, seeking to make her the ultimate prize for a hunting competition.
The news of Sara's abduction spread like wildfire, leaving the town in despair. Whispers in shadowy taverns spoke of the Celestial Dragons planning a grand event, and it was rumored that Sara would be displayed as part of their extravagant prize, entirely devoting her to her own autonomy. This event, laden with peril and opportunity, drew the attention of daring pirate crews from across the seas.
Rowan himself was part of a relatively strong pirate crew. His captain gathered the crew, each member vowing to rescue Sara. As the day arrived, the atmosphere crackled with tension. Pirate ships thrummed beneath billowing sails, all converging on the arena where the Celestial Dragons flaunted their wealth and power, with the Navy and World Government there to protect the Celestial Dragons.
A fierce battle erupted amidst the chaos of gunpowder and steel. The air was filled with shouts of both defiance and desperation. The grounds for the event were actually home to a mass of happy, peaceful people, who were captured to serve as the animals for the hunt.
Rowan fought valiantly, his eyes locked on Sara, who stood captive, bound in chains, fear glinting in her eyes. When their eyes met, she rushed to him. After a grueling struggle against insurmountable odds, Rowan's crew managed to break through the ranks of the Marines and World Government agents.
But the tribulations didn't end there. Many brave souls perished in the fray, while others returned home bearing the scars of battle. Through the smoke and chaos, Rowan and his crew emerged victorious, their spirits uplifting amidst the grim losses. Among the treasures they acquired, nestled in the depths of a grand chest, was something unexpected—a tiny, swaddled baby."
"Baby?" I asked, my brow furrowed in confusion as I tried to comprehend the bizarre idea of a baby being hidden inside a chest.
"Yes, a baby," Shanks replied, chuckling heartily at my bewilderment.
"Why a baby?" I pressed, still trying to wrap my head around the scenario.
Shanks leaned back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, it's all a bit of a twist on my own story. You see, I was actually found in a chest by the Roger Pirates. I decided to play around with the details and thought it would be amusing to swap in some names."
"In a chest?" I repeated incredulously, the absurdity of it all making me laugh. "What?"
"Exactly that! When the Roger Pirates stumbled upon me, they didn't know what to think," Shanks continued, his grin wide.
"Who are Sara and Rowan?" I asked, trying to piece it all together.
"Sara is actually Shakky, and Rowan, well, that's Rayleigh," he clarified, nodding as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "But isn't it fitting?" Shanks chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "They discovered me nestled inside a treasure chest overflowing with gleaming gold and shimmering jewels. It definitely wasn't what they were expecting." His laughter echoed through the air, a warm, infectious sound. "You know, Uta was also found in a treasure chest—what an incredible twist of fate! It was a true surprise, I tell you. It seems the world has a way of weaving its own peculiar stories. Just like me, my daughter was discovered in a chest, a whimsical reminder that life on the seas often unfolds in the most mysterious and unexpected ways."
I couldn't help but giggle at the playful turn of events.
"Now it's your turn to share a story," Shanks said, his eyebrows wiggling mischievously above his sparkling eyes.
"My turn?" I replied, a hint of surprise lacing my voice.
"Yeah, it's your turn, Sweetheart," he teased, a warm grin spreading across his face. "Otherwise, it just wouldn't be fair."
"I don't know any stories," I said.
"I'm sure you do, tell me something, anything, as long as it's related to you, I'll be interested." Shanks encouraged.