The Kid Pirates came back in the afternoon with an impressive loot.

Killer's tip had been on point: the base they raided was holding most of their stolen belongings, including weapons and supplies.

The mood was high as the crew stepped back on deck, transporting cases and trucks filled with weaponry, food, clothes and, of course, booze.

You slid down the mast to welcome the pirates on board.

Since your talk with Kid, you had been feeling strange, emptied of all energy and emotions. It was like the things he said, the ideas he destroyed and built anew in your head were not quite clicking inside you, did not find the right place to wedge in in the turbulence of your emotions from the past few months, and the result had been an overall shut-down accompanied with exhaustion.

«Oi, Y/n!»

UK waved at you enthusiastically and beckoned you over.

«We've got stuff for you. Clothes, bullets, arrows and everything.»

«Thanks.» you walked by him and surveilled the case he indicated.

«The girls have more clothes for you but--»

«It's mostly Wano's style stuff.» DiskJ interrupted, earning a glare from the taller man «There wasn't much more to go by.»

«It'll do.»

Half-deck away, Kid walked in surrounded by other men. You felt his gaze on you and your eyes met for a few seconds across the ship before he continued in his path, dispensing orders.

I need to sleep.

«Y/n?»

One of the women (House?) approached you with a tentative smile, hinting to a truck behind her.

«We got some stuff for you. Do you wanna try it on?»

«It's fine, I just... I'll take something fresh, I want to get changed.»

You bent over the truck and your fingers quickly selected a pair of hakama and a fit-looking kimono.

«Sure, huh, should we unload the rest in the women's quarters?»

Women's quarters?

You looked up at her, tired and puzzled, long enough to make her feel uncomfortable under your stare.

«I mean... where are you going to sleep?»

Good question.

«The crow's nest.»

«My cabin.»

Both you and House startled at the sudden deep voice cutting through.

Killer towered on you, now wearing his usual mask and attire. Your stomach churned in seeing him like that again, looking exactly like your captive time on the Victoria Punk. Then his shoulders shook, the high-pitched laugh escaped his throat, and the moment shattered.

«So where are you going to sleep?» you asked him.

«With the other men. Fafafafa.» he cleared his voice, mane shaking lightly «Kid was going to give you his cabin, of course, but I think this is a better arrangement.»

You looked at him for a few seconds before sighing.

«Whatever.»

The crew celebrated that night.

They found a wide cove in a quiet corner of the shore, hid the ship, and organized a small banquet on the deck. The joy of being free and reunited mixed with the booze pouring across the tables, loud laughter and cheers echoing in the starless night.

That corner of Wano was dark and quiet, with the Victoria Punk being the only beacon of life for miles.

But what a life.

You took a seat in the far corner of the long table, away from the upper ranks, at least until Heat rose and came sitting next to you.

You glanced up at him before burying your face into the tankard.

«You don't have to babysit me, you know.»

«I know.» he took a few long sips from a bottle «You look tired.»

«Hm.»

The chaos from the rest of the crew enveloped you both, providing a nice cover for your little corner of quiet.

«You know, I never thought this far.» you murmured after some time.

Heat's eyes slid down on your small figure.

«Since I left the Marines to come here, it's been a non-stop struggle to find you guys, or just straight up staying alive.» a small smirk curved your lips «The latter, mostly.»

The pirate did not say anything.

«I guess I never thought I'd make it. So I never thought of what would come after. I just... I'm really tired.»

Heat was about to say something, but Booka's shouting cut him short.

«THEN FUCKING Y/N SHOWS UP AND, SWOOSH SWOOSH SWOOSH! SUDDENLY THE BEAST PIRATES ARE SIEVES!»

He jumped on the spot, standing up, and pointed the half-eaten chicken leg he was holding in your direction.

«OF COURSE WE DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS HER, ALL WE SAW WAS A RANDOM MASKED WOMAN WITH BOW AND ARROWS.»

«Man, I was soooo confused!» Bubblegum laughed «Like what the hell is happening?! I thought we were going to die, and then this gremlin shows up.»

The Mohican scoffed.

«Speak for yourself, I knew it was her immediately.»

«You're full of shit, man.»

«What did you say?!»

«You should have seen her coming and squaring up to all those fuckers!» UK interjected while Booka and the Mohican started their own brawl «She single-handedly took down like ten men!»

«Including the big one.» Papas added, before turning to you «What the hell was that last shot, by the way? His chest basically exploded!»

The volume around the long table quieted down and many heads turned to you. It took you a few seconds to realize they were actually expecting an answer. Kid's eyes were burning on your skin.

«Oh. Hum... it was just Armament haki.»

«I've never seen you using such brute force before.» Wire said, from the high-ranks corner.

«It's the bow. It's... eager. I feel like it could rip off my vital energy too, if I let it.»

«Fafafafa! Sometimes you come across weapons like that.» Killer agreed «Where did you find it?»

«It belonged to a former royal guard or something, from before Kaido. Some old lady gave it to me when I reached Wano.»

«How did you reach Wano?»

Kid's voice shut down any residual chaos on the deck. Now all eyes were on you, no exception.

You took a breath and put down the tankard.

«I rode the Coi's.»

More silence.

«You what?»

Your mouth twitched.

«Looking back, not my brightest idea.»

«You rode a fucking giant fish up the waterfalls?» Pop asked.

«Not very efficiently.»

«So you...»

«Huh... lost control and fell in the water, yeah.» your gaze dropped «I washed ashore through sheer luck, I guess.»

Hop turned to Papas.

«She's crazy as fuck.»

«Wait a second,» you blurted, waving your hand «Are you telling me that there is another way to get here?»

«Well, there's a port.» Wire replied.

You deadpanned him.

«What.»

«There's a port. Granted we were captives in the basement when we were brought here, but I heard about it afterwards.»

«Yes, fafafafa, it's hidden through the waterfalls. It transports you up to Wano.»

You let out a frustrated snort and ran your fingers through your hair.

«Okay, look, I was on a sinking dingy and had no idea what to do.»

«So you decided to ride a Coi.» Killer completed.

«They were the only things going up the waterfalls!»

«It's a miracle you're even alive!» Mosh laughed.

«I thought you matured but you're the same crazy bitch--» Booka cut his sentence short with an alarmed look toward Kid «I'm sorry boss, I didn't mean it!»

You chuckled and so did Kid.

«How did you know we were here?» Heat asked.

«I...» your eyes travelled over the crew before landing on the captain «I beat up a Beast Pirate until he told me.»

Kid's pupils dilated. He held your stare for a second before bursting into laughter.

One by one, most of the men followed suit.

«You crazy woman!»

«That's our Y/n!»

They slapped your back and bumped their tankards into yours. You couldn't avoid the small smile creeping onto your face. Your heart beat a little lighter.

After that, the pirates returned to their own chaotic matchups, with loud cheers and drunken bickering. Your figure slowly slid against Heat's arm, eyelids heavier and heavier, until your struggle to stay awake faded into sleep. Heat looked over at Kid, who nodded.

«Take her to my cabin.» Killer said.

Without a word, Heat lifted you in his arms and walked below deck.

A day later, in the late afternoon, Kid barged into Killer's cabin.

«Emma, what the hell?» he barked.

The girl was sitting by the bed, your limp wrist in one of her hands while she readjusted her medical tools on the nightstand with the other.

As soon as Kid's eyes dropped on your sleeping face, the captain bit his tongue, lowering his voice. Emma slightly recoiled before collecting herself and replying.

«There's nothing wrong with her.» she said, gently lowering your arm on the mattress «I think we should just let her sleep for as long as she needs.»

«It's been almost twenty-four hours.»

«Yeah.»

Emma stood and turned to him.

«Heat-san said she spent days in Wano, trying to survive.» she shrugged «Maybe now she feels safe enough to rest.»

Kid grunted, his eyes gliding back to your features. You did look peaceful, on Killer's newly dressed bed, buried in heavy blankets. Your hair sprawled on the pillow, the lips slightly parted, the line of your neck disappearing—

«I will leave you alone.» Emma mumbled, collecting her bag and heading to the door.

Kid abruptly averted his gaze.

«No need.» he grunted, preceding her outside.

You woke up the morning after, sun almost peaking in the sky already.

The ship was sliding through the calm coastal waters, seagulls calling each other among the sails and the noise of the crew lively on the deck.

You blinked at the ceiling.

Remember when you woke up here and you were terrified of every single day?

Slowly, you shed part of the blankets and pulled yourself up, palm wiping your eyes. The coarse laughter of the pirates reached you through the ajar porthole.

Remember when you woke up alone in the official's cabin of the warship?

You pushed your messy hair back and stood, unsure. The muscles in your legs and shoulders were stiff and protested as you stretched.

As soon as you marched on the deck, Booka, the Mohican, Papas and Leo were all over you.

«Y/n! Finally you woke up!»

«Are you hungry?»

«We fixed the plumbing of the ship, if you wanna take a shower.»

«That sounds inviting.» you murmured, eyes squinting in the sun «How long was I asleep?»

«A day and a half.»

«WHAT?»

«Yeah, it was a bit scary, but the boss told us to let you be.»

«Damn.»

You did feel rested, although your body was still in the process of shedding the numbness of so many hours of sleep.

«Y/n.»

The men around you all took a step back as Killer approached from the upper deck.

«It's good to see you on your feet again, fafafa.»

Suddenly, a realization entered your mind.

«Killer! What day is it? The Fire Festival...!»

«According to what Trafalgar said, it's tomorrow night.»

«Oh.» a sigh of relief left your chest.

«We are not waiting that long though.»

«What?»

Never mind the relief.

«We stocked up and made our preparations. Kid wants to attack tonight.»

You blinked at the tall man.

«Excuse me?»

The men around exchanged a few glances then made themselves scarce. Other pirates nearby turned towards you and their first mate.

«Y/n.» Killer warned.

«"Y/n" my toned ass. What the hell are you thinking?»

«Kid is done with alliances. We are dealing with Kaido by ourselves.»

You eyes widened.

«So, let me get this straight. I do all this work to save your asses, and then you go and do the same dumb shit again?»

«Fafafafafa! You don't know what happened then.»

«I do know! Kaido dropped from the sky, your allies betrayed you and you were floored!»

The crewmates in the area were now following the scene in absolute silence. No one ever dared to talk to Killer that way.

The pirate suppressed a fit of laughter, arms tensing.

«How do you know that?»

«Is Kid in his workshop?» you asked, already stomping toward its door.

«Fafafa, Y/n, you can't just barge in there.»

«Watch me.»

Killer slid in front of you with a fluid, quick movement, blocking your way. You stopped. The crew held their breath.

«I'm sorry, Kid gave his orders.»

Your eyes narrowed. You took a step ahead, then another one, until your chest was inches from Killer's abs and you had to crane your neck up to look at his concealed face.

«I don't answer to Kid. Nor to you.» you hissed «I'm willing to fight an Emperor, but not to simply walk into my grave just because your captain is an idiot. So move, or throw me overboard.»

Killer towered over you, his aura darkening for an instant. Then he moved aside.

«Be my guest then.»

You released the breath you were holding.

«Thank you.» you grunted, before walking ahead and opening the door of the workshop.

Kid's head snapped up at the intrusion, but his fiery eyes lost their rage when they landed on you.

«Y/n. You're awake.»

You stepped in and brusquely closed the door behind you.

Kid's frowned.

«You are not going to wait for the Fire Festival?»

Realization entered his face and he dropped the tools he was holding.

«Why would I?»

«Oh, I don't know, not to die maybe?»

The volume of your voice was already rising as you walked around the table to approach him. He pushed his chair back.

«Why would I fucking die? Do you think I cannot beat Kaido?»

«Are you insane?!» your hands ran through your hair in frustration «Did you forget what happened last time?!»

«This time we will be ready!» he barked, standing up.

«It won't make a difference!»

«So you do think I cannot beat him!»

«With Trafalgar and Strawhat, yes! I do think we stand a chance if we attack all together. But just us?»

A sour smile pulled at Kid's features.

«I knew it. Here's all your bullshit of you thinking I could be the King of the Pirates, huh, birdie?»

He stomped past you, gaining the wider side of the room. You frowned at the now empty space for a second before turning to his back.

«What? No...! Do you think Gold Roger was made in a day? He built his title in decades! You've only been at sea for a few years.» you gritted your teeth before continuing «I think you can become greater than the Emperors, but you're not there yet! And you'll kill us all if you think you are.»

Kid didn't turn to you, busying himself selecting some new tools from a chest.

«No one is forcing you to join.»

And so he managed to wipe away what little remained of your idleness.

You turned, grabbed the heaviest thing you could spot on the working table and hurled it at him.

He caught the piece of metal mid-air with his flesh hand, then finally turned to you with burning eyes. You held his gaze with the same fury.

«I'm gonna follow you in that fight no matter what.» you growled «So, if I die a dumb death, it'll be on you.»

Kid took a step toward you, his hold suddenly tightening and the metal wrinkling between his fingers.

«If you're going to start a physical confrontation, birdie, be prepared to finish it.»

You grounded your weight, legs standing a little wider and shoulders squaring.

«Game on.»

The metal in his hand snapped, pieces falling on the floor. He approached until his shadow enveloped you.

«You think you can take me?»

A smirk tugged at the corner of your mouth.

«When could I not?»

Kid grabbed your chest band and yanked you against his hard torso, forcing you to stand on your toes. You suppressed a gasp, lips now curving into a full-fledged smile.

«Also I'm totally cheating because I know you're not gonna touch me, Eustass Kid.»

He bared his fangs, leaning over you so your breath mixed. You swallowed and lowered your gaze, face suddenly hot.

«...and I sincerely hope this reaction doesn't come up any time you're fighting someone.»

In fact, his very noticeable erection was pressing against your waist, the feeling causing a twitch between your legs.

Instead of releasing you, Kid's snarl morphed into a tense sneer.

«No. This is reserved for you, my little birdie.»

You felt the heat invading your cheeks and neck. Kid let you go with a laugh.

«Still blushing like a little virgin, I see.»

«Shut up!»

You both stepped away to collect yourselves. For a few seconds, the silence in the cabin was marred only by your slightly labored breaths.

Kid wiped his face with his hand and groaned, as if he regretted his actions already.

«Kid... it won't turn well if we attack tonight.»

He scoffed.

«I'm done with alliances.»

«Because two shitheads betrayed you?» you blurted «I'm sorry, but I could have told you from the start that you picked the worst scum to meddle with. You know, if you asked while I was here.»

«How do you even know about it?»

«I kicked Hawkins in the face and he told me.»

Kid's frown fell.

«You... what?»

«Huh, yeah.» you pushed your hair away from your face «I mean, I didn't go against him alone but--»

«You kicked Hawkins in the face?»

«Yes. Like this.»

You pretended to kick and imaginary ball, harshly. Then looked up at Kid again. His eyes were wide.

«He was laying down, that's why the kick was so low.» you murmured after a few seconds of silence.

Kid's non-existent eyebrows twitched. More silence followed.

«I want to fuck you so much right now.»

You snorted at his confession, hand quickly pressing against your lips.

«I mean, huh— I told you, I wasn't alone.»

«Who took him down?»

You lowered your arm.

«Trafalgar.»

As expected, Kid's attitude changed instantly.

«Is that why you wanna wait for the Fire Festival so much? So you can see your fucking little friend again?»

You frowned.

«What?»

«Trafalgar mentioned you two got pretty cozy, didn't you?»

«Kid, what THE FUCK are you talking about?»

«What about Red Flag? Did you screw around with him too--»

«I swear to the fucking devil, Kid.» you seethed «Sometimes I wish I was proficient in Armament haki just so I could beat the shit out of you, and this is one of those times.»

Kid gritted his teeth and averted his gaze.

«Of course I took the help that I could get!» you continued «What do you think, that I can go against the Worst Generation by myself? I took an opportunity with Trafalgar. He was captured by Hawkins, I helped him getting free so he could jump the bastard, then we asked our questions.»

«So he owes you.»

«He... it's kinda settled. He helped you guys out after all.»

«We didn't need him.»

«But we do now.»

Kid shot you a burning glare but you didn't falter.

«Look, I don't know him or Strawhat, but... they are different from the likes of Hawkins and Scratchmen, that I can tell. And I know you can too.»

He grimaced.

«You guys stood together against the Marines in Sabaody, didn't you? And you defeated a Pacifista with Trafalgar.»

Kid rolled his eyes.

«Wow, you know everything.»

«Every marine knows about the Sabaody incident, especially the ones stationed in the Headquarter at the time.»

His gaze softened for a second.

«Were you there? At the time.»

Your body relaxed a little.

«No. I was preparing to pick up Firefist Ace from Impel Down.» you smirked «The three of you would have gotten a bullet in your head, if I were there.»

Kid laughed.

«Keep dreaming, birdie.»

You smiled.

Kid released a breath and walked back to his chair.

«So?»

«So...?»

«Will you wait until the Fire Festival?»

He leaned both hands on the table.

«I told you, I'm done with alliances. I don't trust anyone outside my crew. Not Strawhat, certainly not Trafalgar.»

You watched his gaze wander over the scattered tools on the desk.

«Don't you trust me?»

His amber eyes flicked on you.

«I'm not part of your crew either.»

«That's--»

«It's fine if you can't trust Trafalgar or Strawhat. You just need to trust me.»

Kid stared at your resolute expression for a while, his jaw tensing beneath the skin.

You waited, heart pounding in your chest.

Eventually, a scoff broke out of his lips and he averted his gaze.

«Fine.» he grunted «It's just one more day anyway.»

Relief flooded your veins and you smiled.

«Thank you.»

«Hm.»

For a few moments, you both stood there awkwardly, not sure what to do – should you touch him, maybe hug him?

He seemed to have the same doubts as he picked up some trinkets from the desk and toyed with them.

«Huh, well, I need to try out the guns. I should get a handle of them before the big battle.» you muttered.

«Right. Get the bullets from Emma, she made some.»

«Cool.»

«Can you call Killer in?»

«Ah, sure.»

You walked to the door, but turned to him before opening it.

«Kid?»

His eyes met yours.

«We may change the world.»

That evil grin of his made your stomach flip.

«We fucking will, birdie.»

You swallowed and quickly slid out of the workshop, in the sun of the deck.

As you walked outside, the pirates around you noticed your silly little smile and the lightness in your steps.

Killer was by the stairs to the upper deck, talking to Heat and Wire. They all turned to you as you approached.

«So?»

You offered the blonde a smug grin.

«We're waiting for the Fire Festival, baby.»

They stared at you for a few seconds. Then Killer threw his head back and burst into laughter.

«FAFAFAFAFAFA! I can't believe it!»

«I know.» you looked at Heat's and Wire's incredulous faces «Am I awesome or what?»

Attack to Onigashima starting next chapter. Probably.

Author's note:

There's a disclaimer I want to make for this chapter. There is a scene where birdie is shown to physically attack Kid out of rage – granted she knew she wasn't going to hurt him, and this is a story about violent pirates in a violent world – this is still an unacceptable behavior and should not be romanticized in anyway in real life. Just because birdie is the protagonist of this story, it does not mean that she isn't flawed, nor that I, as the author, approve of everything she does. It's true that she is evolving as a character, but she is not perfect and she will never be. You're obviously allowed to love her, hate her, or anything in between (just like any other fictional character), just remember not to transfer such feelings on the author (or anyone else).

Peace out. ✌