Queen of the Pirates

College AU Filler Chapter 4

I settle back against Luffy's chest as he's leaning back against some pillows. There's wrapping and tissue paper strewn around the room from the countless presents that were opened. An exquisite aroma is wafting in from the kitchen where my parents are working on an amazing Christmas meal. A couple speakers around the room are playing Christmas music. My heart is full of love for every single person in this room, and I'm so glad that I get to spend the holidays like this.

After making it home from the train station, we had one of the best homemade meals that I can remember in recent memory. My parents wanted to hear everything about our times at college, so we talked for hours while filling our stomachs. There was laughing that left tears in our eyes and sides hurting; moments where I wanted to throw something at Ace but Luffy held me back; times where I was wondering how the hell I got through a whole semester away.

Then it was time for my parents to head to bed, so the four of us went to the living room to pass some time before we were tired. Ace put on a movie, but I don't even think any of us paid a single second of attention to it. We just wanted to be with each other, talking about absolutely nothing, and passing out in the living room without changing into pajamas. It was the greatest way to spend the first day home.

When we woke up, we were a bit sore and groggy, but it didn't matter. We were home, and it was time to do whatever we wanted without worrying about anything. I wanted to shower in full privacy, so the boys went off to town for all the snacks they've been missing. They're adventure lasted longer than mine, so I got to spend some much-needed one-on-one time with my mom. Once the boys finally returned home, it was time to fall into the routine of having no routine at all.

One of the things I missed most about being home, other than my mom's meals and my dad's stupid jokes, was being able to fall asleep in Luffy's arms. We risked it a couple times in the dorms when I was beyond stressed, but those days could be counted on one hand. Now that we're home, that is the only way I will fall asleep at night. My parents trust that Luffy isn't up to any funny business with me, so we don't have to sneak around every night or panic in the morning. I have a feeling that when I can move out of the dorms, I won't hesitate to room with that boy.

It is now Christmas morning, and the entire crew is spread out around the living room. They all arrived two days ago (besides Koala, Makino, Vivi, and Perona who all had families to see, and Bonney and Kidd who just didn't accept my invitation), and we've had an amazing time finding places for everyone to sleep. In years past, we weren't the first place for them to celebrate holidays, but a lot can change over the years. This is the only place for them to go, and our home is always going to be open for them.

"Merry Christmas, my sweets," Luffy whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of my ear.

"Merry Christmas, my love," I breath out.

"I know that all of these presents said they came from Santa, but I know that your parents were the ones behind it," Usopp speaks up. The awe of the morning finally sliding away. "Would it be bad manners to still thank them for the gifts?"

"A nice card where you can write a little note might be good," Kaya snuggles into Usopp's side.

"Or you can sing with me later," Brook laughs. "The piano has been calling my name since I got here."

"You can just thank them for everything," Nami rolls her eyes. "No need to single one thing out."

"Not to throw my dad under the bus or anything, I mean he did make sure everyone had a comfortable place to sleep, but it was mostly my mom getting the gifts, actually. She didn't do it to get any kind of praise," I speak up. "She did it because she genuinely loves all of you. Her heart has so much room in it, and she's worked hard to get to this point where she can give as much as she wants."