A/n. Thank you for bearing with me through the summer break. I'm back, babes.

*

The crew was cleaning up the ship, loud cheers and laughter still echoing all over the deck, when Kid emerged from below. All the pirates fell instantly silent at the sight of his face.

«No one is to enter my fucking cabin.» the captain hissed.

The men made sure to flatten themselves against the taffrail as he marched through the deck and headed to the galley. Kid slammed the door behind himself, and the crew let out a breath.

«Well... I guess we should have seen that coming.» Wire murmured.

Heat didn't reply, his eyes trailing to the door for the cabins before his attention returned to the broom.

«Oi, Heat-san.»

It was Quincy who walked up to him, standing in front of the two officers with hands on her hips, a resolute expression on her face, her figure radiating dignity even when she was dressed in rags.

«What?»

«We have some questions for you guys.»

Heat and Wire watched as the rest of the girls gathered around her.

«We knew about the marine girl, but this,» Quincy gestured toward the captain's cabin «This goes quite beyond what we were told.»

«Right? Like, did captain Kid just leave his own cabin to her? And was she... yelling at him?» Hip asked, incredulous.

«I don't think she's a marine anymore, if that helps.» the Mohican commented, kicking a piece of broken wood overboard.

«You owe us an explanation.» Quincy said «The whole story.»

«We are also curious.»

Bubblegum approached, sided by Boogie and Mosh.

«We weren't here when this Y/n showed up.»

«I'm actually kinda happy I met her. Everyone was so hung up on her at the lair, I was feeling left out.» Bubblegum said.

«Oh yeah? And what about the fact that she saved your sorry ass?» Boogie laughed.

«Huh, I seem to recall your sorry ass wasn't doing any better.»

«Wha— say that again, I dare you!»

«Okay, shut up for a second.» Wire sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose «We will tell you. Let's go in.»

Kid barged into the galley and stood in the entrance. As expected, Killer was there.

The man had tied a bandanna around his face, right below his eyes, and used what was left of the curtains to cover the portholes, casting long shadows into the room. Whatever food they had was long gone, so Killer was simply clearing the galley from the devastation the Beast Pirates had left behind.

He didn't turn when he heard the door being kicked open. He knew what was coming.

«Why didn't you tell me Y/n was here?»

Killer leaned his hands on the counter and took a deep breath. His shoulders shook lightly, but he managed to suppress the fit of laughter.

«I'm sorry.»

«Sorry won't do.» Kid said, fiery eyes scanning his comrade's back «You knew she was here and you didn't tell me. I hope you have a good explanation.»

Killer turned and grabbed a chair, one of the few that had survived the looting. He sat and gestured for Kid to do the same.

Kid's eyes sharpened but he complied. They faced each other across the table.

«I met Y/n when I... was working for Orochi.» Killer started, a choked pause signaling his attempts to restrain his snickers.

Kid's jaw clenched for a second, but he didn't comment.

«I was hardly myself at the time. You saw me. At first, I told myself that it couldn't be her, but-- I knew.»

Killer's arms tensed, his muscles bulging as he forced himself to look at his captain in the eyes.

«She found me again at my lowest. And...»

Eventually, the SMILE caught up to him. His body was shaken by uncontrollable snickers. Kid gritted his teeth, impatiently waiting for the outburst to end. Killer's nails dug into the skin of his forearms until he was able to stop.

«I was terrified, Kid. To have her here. So I... I told her horrible things to make her go away. I thought I succeeded. Should've known better.»

Kid frowned, studying his companion.

«This doesn't explain why you didn't tell me.»

«Fafafafafa! Isn't it obvious, Kid? For the same reason I was terrified! Fafafafa!»

Killer punched the table, breaking the already cracked wood.

«When I saw Y/n, the only thing I could think of was: if Kaido gets his hands on her, you will break.»

Kid's eyes slowly widened.

«What are you talking about?»

«Kaido wanted you to submit. Isn't this the reason why he kept us all alive? Fafafa! He wanted you to bend. If he or Orochi were to use us against you, so be it. We were prepared, and I had the hope you could endure that. We all took you as our captain willingly, we expect you to respect it. Fafafafa! But Y/n? She made no such choice. And even if she did... Fafafafa! I thought she was the key to make you fall. If anyone on Kaido's side were to realize...»

«That's fucking bullshit!» Kid barked «I wouldn't--»

«Fafafafafa! Cut the crap, Kid!» Killer threw his head back and laughed, only to stare at Kid again, grin noticeable under the cloth «Look at me in the eyes and tell me that you wouldn't cave. If the Beast Pirates dragged Y/n in front of your cell, held her down, and made you watch while they do whatever the fuck they want to her--»

«Okay, shut the fuck up, Killer!»

«Fafafafafa!»

Kid snarled at the broken table, hand tugging at his hair.

«When we broke free, it took me some time to recover.» Killer continued once his cackling waned down. He seemed calmer now that he confessed most of his sins «The crew was in danger and I needed us to prioritize them. I knew mentioning Y/n was going to throw you off. I was going to tell you after we rescued our people.»

Kid's jaw clenched and his fiery eyes burned holes in the floor. He waited for the anger, and whatever else was there, to gradually lower its grip on him. Eventually, he raised his gaze to his first mate.

«Never keep things from me again.»

«I promise.»

Silence fell in the room for a few seconds.

«If you're here, it means it didn't go well.» Killer ventured.

Kid shot him a glare.

«You must be a genius.» he grunted «She freaked out, she's... angry.»

«Fafa. About how we left her?»

Kid rested his forearms, flesh and metal, on his thighs.

«Yeah.»

«Did you explain the whole story?»

«I tried!» the captain sprang to his feet, unable to stay still any longer, circling the room like a caged animal «I tried but it only got worse! I'm no good with this shit!»

Killer leaned back on his chair and crossed his arms.

«Try again.»

Kid turned to him abruptly.

«Ex-fucking-cuse me?»

«Try again. Try harder. Tell her everything. Grovel, if you must, do whatever it takes to get her to forgive you.»

«What the fuck, Killer? You're telling me what to do? She came to you first, and you shoved her away!»

«Fafafafa! Fafafa! I know, and I have my own groveling to do, but you're the one she wants to hear it from.»

«You don't know what the fuck you're talking abo--»

«I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE HER.»

Killer jerked to his feet so fast the chair flipped and crashed on the floor. His snap shut Kid's mouth for a moment.

«You are going to lose her, Kid. We are all going to lose her, because you can't face your own feelings.»

Kid's livid eyes widened on his first mate but he didn't move, his heavy breathing the only thing shaking his body rhythmically.

«We?»

«Yes, we.» Killer didn't falter «I talked to Heat. She saved everyone. They were all rounded up for execution, no way out. It was Y/n that broke in, neutralized the enemies, and freed them. We wouldn't have made it in time.»

Pained surprise washed over the violent emotions in Kid's eyes.

«You owe her your entire crew, Kid.»

The captain bared his teeth in a painful grimace, his trembling fist raising in front of his face before bursting through the wall.

«Fuck. FUCK!»

«Fafafafafafa!»

Killer's uncontrollable laugh cut through Kid's chest even more, surges of rage and pain threatening to trigger his berserk side. But he refused to give in to it.

With nails digging into his palm, he forced his mind to take a hold of itself. He had let his crew down long enough. What did they endure because of him? Killer's state was enough of a reminder. And you...

After a pause long enough to calm his outburst, Killer faced Kid once again.

«Back then, I told you Y/n would be an useful asset for the crew. Now I think we need her.»

Kid shut his eyes and leaned his forehead over the crater in the wall.

«I can't do this shit right now. I have to go take Kaido's head.»

Killer's jaw clenched for a second, but he focused on maintaining a careful control over his breathing.

«It's your choice. Just... don't think we're Y/n's only option.»

A sliver of amber reappeared through Kid's eyelids and he peered at Killer.

«What?»

«Just because she's probably not a marine anymore, it's not like she has nowhere else to go. I'm sure Trafalgar would not turn her away, for example. He said she even found allies here in Wano. My bet is Diez Drake. He wanted her in his crew already.»

The more Killer talked, the more Kid's muscles tensed.

«Fafafa! Fafa! Even Kaido could take her in, if he knew that she single-handedly sailed to Wano and freed our crew.» Killer inhaled «But she came to us. Our only luck is that she doesn't know her own value.»

Kid didn't reply nor moved from his position. The blond waited in the penumbra of the room until a chocked growl escaped the captain.

«Leave me alone.»

Killer sighed.

«Fine.»

He turned and walked to the door of the galley, pausing one last moment before getting out of the room.

«She won't wait for you forever, Kid.»

Then he closed the door behind him.

«This is... a weird story.»

House nervously eyed the girls to each side of her.

Most of the crew had reunited in one of the common rooms, sitting on whatever was available. All the eyes were on Heat and Wire.

Boogie frowned.

«So the boss was like... really into this marine girl, huh?»

Heat and Wire exchanged a glance.

«I guess you could say that.»

«Well, you've seen her!» Leo said «Came in like a bomb, killed all those Beast Pirates with a few arrows.»

«Duh, she had the element of surprise.» Hip scoffed «Any of us could have pulled that shit in her place.»

«Doubt it.» Pomp muttered.

Papas shook his head with a laugh.

«You have seen nothing yet.»

«Okay, but still!» Mosh interjected «I don't understand. If the boss liked her so much, why did he dump her?»

«That's a good question.»

The Mohican was balancing on whatever was left of a chair, slowly swaying back and forth.

«Killer-san came to the men's quarters one night and told us we were gonna let Y/n down at the next island. No one was to let her know or ask any questions, that was the boss' final decision.»

A strange silence wrapped around the room.

«I thought the boss was never gonna let her go.» the Mohican murmured, almost to himself.

There was a pause after his words. Some of the men seemed dejected at the memory.

«She sounds pretty pathetic, if you ask me.»

All gazes darted on Hip. The woman crossed her arms on her chest and leaned back on her seat.

«This... marine, she was the captain's prisoner for weeks. He enslaved her, fucked her, then threw her away, and now? She runs back to us? Puts herself in Kaido's grip to save the boss?» Hip rolled her eyes «Looks to me like she lost it and became a pretty good pet. Obsessed with the captain, that is.»

Her words were received with tense glances, until Emma's low voice broke the silence.

«It's mutual though.»

Hip's gaze flicked on her.

«What?»

Emma shrugged.

«I mean, it's pretty obvious. You were there too, you saw the captain.»

Hip grimaced but Quincy agreed.

«And we all saw how he was different back in the lair, after we met up again.»

«So why did he let her go?» House asked, turning to Heat.

It was Wire who answered.

«Killer-san didn't tell us exactly. She was... unstable. Hard to handle. The whole crew was influenced by her crisis.»

«How could she not be?» Heat grumbled. He hesitated, eyes scanning the crew briefly before dropping to the floor

Pop turned to him.

«If you got something to say, just spit it out, man.»

Heat shot a glare at Pop and the pirate flinched. Still, after a few seconds, Heat talked again.

«I think... the boss wanted for her to be free. To be whole again.» he paused «Even if it meant he had to let her go.»

Hop scoffed.

«Are we talking about the same captain Kid here?»

«You weren't there, Hop.» Leo's gaze rose to her «You don't know Y/n and you haven't seen them together.»

«So is she going to stay?»

Everyone turned to Dive. The little woman eyed her comrades.

«Is she part of the crew now? Like, the captain's girlfriend?»

«Surely didn't look like it, judging by the boss' reaction before.» Hip muttered.

Wire stood, signaling the end of the conversation.

«Like Killer-san would say, don't think about it. Just roll with whatever happens.»

Heat mirrored him.

«And don't start any shit with Y/n. Now let's put this ship back together before the boss decides to unload his frustration on us.»

The Mohican let out a brief laugh as the men started to walk out the common room.

«Yeah, girls, go easy on Y/n. She's really not bad if you give her a chance.»

Hop shrugged.

«Don't worry, we won't break your precious marine girl.»

He gave her a smirk from the door.

«Actually, I was talking more for your sake.»

You had been laying on the dirty floor of the cabin for god knows how long. The tears had dried on your cheeks, but the pain inside you didn't fade.

The ship was rolling gently on the coastal sea of Wano, low creaks punctuating the waves in the dark room.

What now?

Your mission was accomplished, the Kid Pirates were safe and free. Going for Kaido again, no doubt. Were you going to fight alongside them? The sole idea of leaving had your stomach crumple, but the idea of staying...

A few knocks echoed in the cabin.

«Y/n?»

It was Killer's voice.

You closed your eyes at took a deep breath, then pulled yourself up, sitting on the wooden floor. Your hands ran up to wipe your face.

You knew you looked dreadful, but, to be honest, you cared very little. Still, you forced yourself to rise to your feet.

«Come in.»

The door opened and Killer stepped inside, slowly closing it behind his back.

For a few seconds, nobody talked.

Killer stared at his hand lingering on the doorknob before inhaling.

«I need to talk to you.»

A sudden tension shot up his body and he started snickering uncontrollably. He sealed his lips for as long as he could before the laughter broke free.

Your eyebrows flicked. His outburst did not seem to end, so your figure slid to the corner where your satchel rested.

«I found this.» you murmured over his snickering, picking up the bag and walking to him «I'm not sure why I took it. If I hadn't, you would have probably found it earlier.»

You pulled the striped helmet out from the satchel and offered it to him.

Killer stopped laughing. His slanted blue eyes darted on you and you froze for a second, a memory of snow flashing in your mind.

"You are the trash we left behind."

He took the helmet from your hands and stared at it. Your eyes lowered.

«Sorry about the SMILE. I didn't know.»

The pirate kept his gaze glued to the mask. You sighed and took a step back, but his massive arms suddenly wrapped around you and pulled you harshly against his chest.

In a moment, you were enveloped in warmth.

«You stupid, stupid woman.»

Killer's voice was hardly more than a growl.

You blinked, once, twice, a hundred times. Your heart started pounding.

«Why are you apologizing, when I'm the one who should be crawling at your feet?»

A knot formed in your throat and your fingers gripped at his kimono. His hold grew even tighter and you felt him gritting his teeth, his chin on top of your head.

New tears prickled at the corner of your eyes but, as fast as it had started, Killer released you and moved away, his hands quickly lowering the helmet on his head.

You were left standing in the cold of the cabin, the warmth of the instant rapidly leaving your body.

After a second, you turned your back at him and brusquely wiped the tears from your eyes.

«W-What do you want, Killer?»

There was a moment of silence.

«I came to apologize.»

You inhaled.

«Why bother? Everything you said about me is true.»

The memory had the muscles in your face tense. Your hands balled into fists as you moved away from him.

«Nothing I said about you in the snow is true.»

You closed your eyes and slowly turned to him.

«Killer--»

«I said those things because I knew it would hurt you. Hopefully enough for you to leave, away from Kaido's territory. But it didn't work. Of course it didn't work. You're too stubborn to give up.»

«So seeing me was the worst thing in the world.»

Killer fell silent. You opened your eyes and fixed them on him.

«Even in that situation, being a slave, a murderer, a SMILE victim, separated from your crew, I was the thing that had to go away.»

«Y/n...» Killer choked down a laugh and his hand grabbed his helmet in frustration «Shit, how can you be such a great sniper and yet be so blind?»

"All your skills revolve around sight, and yet you're so blind."

He took a deep breath and controlled the shaking of his torso.

«I wanted you to leave because I couldn't afford you to get captured. Kid had been resisting Kaido for so long. Fafafa! Yes, seeing you there was scary, because you are the key to break him.»

You frowned at him for a few seconds.

«I seriously doubt it.»

«That's why you're blind.»

«YOU DON'T GET TO TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!»

If your sudden roar startled him, Killer didn't show it. You gritted your teeth and pointed a finger at him.

«You come groveling to me like this now that your fucking crew is free and I can be an asset against Kaido. It's convenient, huh, that I'm a dumb puppy shuffling at your feet?»

«So you don't believe me.»

Your arm dropped against your side.

«I believe that I thought something about you all, and then you left me behind.»

Killer moved a step toward you.

«Didn't Kid tell you why we let you go?»

«Yes. Because I was cuckoo.»

He laughed at that. Courtesy of the SMILE but, after a few moments, a tired chuckle escaped your lips too.

«Probably still am.»

You let yourself drop on the ruined bed.

This time, Killer managed to cut it short. Maybe he was getting better at controlling it. After the laughter died down, he took the time to regularize his breathing. Then he moved closer and sat at the opposite end of the mattress.

«I'm sorry for what I said that day. Meeting you messed me up even more than I already was. But I need you to believe that I didn't mean any of it.»

You swallowed, stubbornly looking at a spot on the floor. He continued.

«Do you know why I've always been cautious about you?»

«You mean back when I was a prisoner and you wanted to throw me in the sea?»

«Yes.»

You glanced at him.

«It's because I knew from the get-go that you were dangerous.» he said.

"Now that I know you, I see that putting you in Kid's cabin, that night, could have only one possible outcome"

«Still, I underestimated you then, and I made the same mistake here. I thought you were going to cause Kid's downfall, instead you saved our entire crew. I should've known better.»

He turned his head to face you.

«Y/n, you're one of the strongest warriors I know. Your only weakness is that you cannot see it.»

A tight knot formed in your throat. You ran your hands through your hair and pulled your knees up against your chest.

«I swear to god, Killer, if you're trying to manipulate me into staying and fight with you...»

«I wouldn't need to. I already know you're gonna fight.»

You frowned at your legs.

«Right. 'Cause where else would I go?»

«You're not a marine anymore, are you?»

You shook your head.

«Good.»

«Good? Hell, Killer, don't make me rip your mane off just when I'm starting to like you again.»

He chuckled. Maybe for real this time.

A new silence settled in the room for a while.

«Y/n, it's not my place to tell you why we left you. That's up to Kid, even if he sucks at it. But he will get his shit together and do it. For you, he will. I'm just here to ask you to give him a little more time.» he sighed «I know it's unfair and we have no right to ask you for anything, after all the crap we put you through. But I just--»

Killer's voice broke and a torrent of laughter crushed his words. It was so sudden that you flinched.

You watched him trying to catch his breath again, but this time it took several attempts, and even when he managed to talk again, he spoke so fast it was hard to understand him.

«We just don't wanna lose you again.»

You chest tightened.

Do I allow myself to believe him?

First Aokiji's white back, then Kid's, as red as blood.

He lied to me before. He made me believe there weren't other women on the ship. He hid papers from me. Although it's not like I don't understand why he did it.

You pressed your palm over your eyes as Killer's laughter died down.

« I'm very tired.»

«Then sleep.» he stood «I'll have you called when we dock.»

«Okay.»

He walked to the door.

«Killer.»

«Yeah?»

You shook your head.

«My first guess was wrong, but one day I'll understand why you wear that mask.»

He paused for a few seconds.

«Sleep, Y/n.»

You did sleep for hours, in the half-destroyed bed. A dreamless sleep, for once. Your body and mind were exhausted. The slumber was so deep that you didn't feel the big hand on your shoulder until it shook you lightly.

Your eyes snapped open and you recoiled, hand helplessly searching for the rifle and back flatting against the wall.

Heat immediately retreated.

«Sorry.»

You stared at him with heavy breaths for a second, before the events from the day fell back into places in your head.

«Huh... no, it's fine.»

So Kid did not come here at any time.

«We've touched land. Killer-san knows a place nearby where we can stock up.»

«Okay.»

«Also. There are hot springs, everyone is going to take a dip. If you wanna join.»

You blinked at Heat and he shrugged.

«The girls have their own spot.»

Right, "the girls".

You weren't looking forward spending time with them, but you also longed for a bath of any sort.

«Heat, how come there are people in the crew I've never seen before?»

«We weren't full ranks when you... stayed with us. The boss sent the girls to secure alliances and resources. Some of the guys too.»

«Is there something else that I should know?»

He stared down at you from his imposing height, his locks hanging around his face like curtains.

«Yes.» he said, cautiously «The boss was unapproachable for weeks after we left you. I'm not sure why he did what he did, but I know it cost him.»

Your heart thumped. You took a deep breath.

«Show me where these hot springs are.»

Heat walked you down the ship and to the barren shore. It was quite cold in that region, the earth was covered in sleet. It didn't take long to hear the men's cheers.

There were wide, oval craters in the ground, fuming with hot water. Most of the guys had occupied the biggest one. They soon came into view into the conifer wood. The joy of being free and together again was evident as they yelled, dived and wrestled each other in the water, all completely naked.

«That's something I rather not see.» you grumbled.

«The girls are over there, behind the hillock.» Heat said.

«Y/N! OI, Y/N! COME JOIN US!» the Mohican yelled from the guys' spot.

«What?! Do you want to be killed by the boss?!» Papas yelled.

«Eeeeh, it's just some harmless fun!»

«Y/N! Y/N! LOOK AT THIS!»

Booka stood at the edge of the crater, completely naked, and assumed a fighting pose.

«So?! Am I thicc of what?»

«Y/n, come with us, we're cooler than the girls!»

«Just don't tell the captain!»

Heat glanced at you.

«I can shut them up.»

You shook your head, refusing to look at the naked pirates.

«Nah, let them be.»

«Y/n! Oi, Y/n!» Leo yelled.

«Are you ignoring us?!»

«C'mon, we just wanna hang out!»

«Come here!»

«Y/n--»

«SHUT THE HELL UP!» you exploded, hushing them at once «OR I'LL NAIL YOUR TINY DICKS TO YOUR FOREHEADS MYSELF!»

There was a moment of silence, then all the men burst in coarse laughter.

«I told you she's something else.» the Mohican elbowed Bubblegum.

You scoffed and started heading down your way before noticing Heat's steps had faltered. You glanced up at him.

The pirate was pressing his hand onto his mouth. He immediately recomposed himself in his stern demeanor, but for a second it looked like he was chuckling.

Your eyebrow flicked up.

«Heat?»

«Ah-hem, nothing. Go down that way and you'll find the girls' spot.»

«Isn't it weird that the guys tried to peek on us only twice so far?» Hip asked, relaxing against the rocks that lined the spring.

«The reason might be here.» Hop murmured, hinting at the movement between the trees.

You emerged from the vegetation, dusty kimono on your shoulders and long bow hanging against your side.

The six women in the water stopped whatever they were doing and turned to you.

Your lips tightened in a line and you approached the spring. You stripped down to your underwear before shooting a glare at them.

«Do you want me to strike a pose for you? Look at your own damn tits.»

The smallest one chuckled.

«I can see why they like her so much.»

«Hey, do you talk to captain Kid like that?» a curly woman asked.

You finally lost all your clothes.

«Only when I'm in a good mood.»

This earned a few more giggles as you entered the water.

The high temperature immediately provided some relief to your sore muscles.

There was a certain distance between you and the group, but you could still feel their eyes skimming over your figure.

«What?»

«We're just curious, marine girl.» a long-haired one said.

«I'm not a marine anymore.»

«Right. Y/n, isn't it?»

You frowned, sliding into the water up to your chin.

«What about telling me your names, for starters?»

«Fair enough. I'm Quincy.»

«I'm Dive!»

«Emma.»

«I'm House.»

«I'm Hop, and this is Hip.»

«Yeah, I'm never going to remember all that.»

Hip scoffed at your insolence, but House seemed amused.

«I like her. She's small and feisty.»

«Like me!» Dive chimed.

«So tell us, girl.» Hop said, her long eyes not leaving you «Why did you come to this miserable island for our crew?»

You stared back at her for a few seconds before replying.

«I won't tell you shit. And before you turn all aggressive and pirate-y on me, please remember you owe me your life.»

Her eyebrows flicked up. A few of the other girls whistled.

«You must have loads of friends.» Emma commented flatly.

«Yes, I am quite popular.» you grumbled.

«Oh, come on, don't be such a bitch.» House said with a smile «We just want to know more about you. We heard so much from the guys!»

«The one thing I really want to know is how you got the boss to spare you in the first place.» Quincy said.

You hated being the focus of attention, but most of them did not seem hostile. Not even the one you insulted, for the most part. The only exception was the short-haired woman (Hip?), who hadn't said a word to you, not even her name. She just lay against the rocks and stared at you with hatred.

You hummed at the water.

«I thought I was gonna be tortured and die.» you heard yourself say «To be honest, I'm not sure what happened. Kid— Eustass didn't...»

You closed your eyes and sighed.

«I don't know. I had to fight alongside the crew. Somehow the lines got blurred.»

The crew playing and singing on the deck.

The men that made you dance.

Killer's hand on your head.

Kid's sadistic smile, but in bed, as he held you against his chest.

«I guess I was just trying to survive.» you murmured.

The girls exchanged some glances.

«Okay, next question.» House said, ignoring the heavy atmosphere brought by your words.

It kinda made you smirk.

«How's the captain in bed?»

Then you snorted and inhaled some thermal water as a result. They laughed as you coughed it out.

«He's... a lot.» you grunted.

«That was a given but, like, how much of a freak is he?»

«I mean, did he tie you up?»

«Whipped?»

«Were you ever scared for your life?»

«Did he care that you cummed?»

«How many times in a row did you go?»

«Does it always hurt with him?»

I've got a headache.

«Oh, give the girl a break.» Hop stopped them.

«Sorry, I guess we're just super curious.» Dive grinned «There were many stories of broken hookers.»

You frowned in thought. There was no way you were going to answer all those questions, but...

«It didn't always hurt.»

Silence fell in the clearing.

The wood was growing dark, crickets started calling each other in the grass.

Hop looked at you, then hinted at the rest of the group.

«It's getting dark. We better head back to the Punk.»

They started moving out of the spring.

«Wait, I have a question for you too.» you said, halting them «Why do you follow Kid?»

The six women turned to you once again.

«He saved my life.» House said after a while.

«He didn't care that I'm a woman, as long as I can kick asses.» Quincy.

«He's the man that's going to be king of the pirates.» Hop.

«He saw me in action and told me I should join the crew!» Dive.

«The Kid Pirates are a freak show, but also the only place I can belong to.»

Your eyes met Emma's. Her face did not betray any emotion, but she spoke so genuinely. She returned your gaze.

«I think that's a good enough reason to stay.»

Your eyes dropped to the water.

«We'll have more time to get to know each other.» Quincy said, almost softly «For now, let's just go back.»

Most of the guys had already returned to the Vicoria Punk when you reached the ship, wrapped in your old kimono. They were organizing a raid to a base nearby.

The girls quickly got ready and joined in. You were about to head back to Kid's cabin to retrieve more arrows, but Heat called you on deck.

«You can sit this one out, Y/n.» he said while the other men prepared what little armament they had behind him «You've done enough already. The boss and Killer-san are going to lead us, but we need someone to stay on the ship.»

Your mouth twitched.

«And that someone is me?»

«Plus a few others, but yeah, we could use your Observation.»

Looks like Kid really doesn't want to have me around, huh.

«You know that you shouldn't get caught. You have to--»

«Neutralize the master snail, yes, Killer-san instructed us.» Heat interrupted «We know.»

You shrugged.

«Fine.»

The hustle on the deck suddenly quieted down. You shifted your weight to glance behind Heat.

Kid had emerged from his workshop and stood on the lower deck.

The moment you saw him, your heart started drumming in your chest like crazy.

You hated it, you hated that was the effect he had on you. Having him so close again. So close you could go up to him and touch him, but at the same time so unreachable.

The crew retracted a little at Kid's fiery gaze, but his eyes only briefly skimmed over them before landing onto you.

«I need to talk to you.»

You swallowed, blood ringing in your ears. Without a word, you walked toward him.

«In my workshop.» he said, leading the way in.

You followed him inside and he closed the door behind you.