𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽| 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉ℯ𝓇 18

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Author's note at the end of the chapter!

"Who would have thought?" Yasopp uttered, the beer between his lips. A satisfied sigh left his lips, his tone filled with mishchief, "Beautiful and talented!"

Benn's lips curved into a smirk, chiming into the conversation. "Don't forget healing hands as well."

Seeing everyone compliment her mother, Aisha raised her little glass in the air. "Mommy is super cool!"

Everyone cheered while raising their glass of beer in the air Rue felt her face grow hot at all the attention she received.

As they sat down at an open bar, the crew enjoyed the festivities as they drank away into the night. Aisha had orange juice, but to feel included it was poured into a smaller beer glass, which Rue found cute. She smiled as she watched her daughter enjoy herself.

Another song was played by the musician; the tempo slower than the usual upbeat nature, a romantic tune. The crowd began to form again. However, Rue noticed there were couples, going up to dance.

The Red-Haired Pirates watched from the sidelines all seated at an open bar. While their drinks were being served, amusement surrounded the atmosphere as many suitors came; all of them attempting to ask the silver-haired woman for a dance. Rue rejected every last one of them with the same answer.

She was a married woman with a child.

For many it worked, however, unfortunately, not every man could take the hint. This not only annoyed Hanabi as she watched this happened, but if she stepped in, Yue was certain heads would go flying.

While the redhead drank his beer, suddenly, he was tugged to the side, drops of beer slipping from his glass.

Rue linked her arm with Shanks while she pressed her cheeks against his. She gave the numerous suitors a smile, her acting in motion. In a soft tone like a whisper, she uttered, "I'm really sorry, gentlemen, but my husband wouldn't appreciate it if I danced with someone else."

Shanks almost choked while the crew laughed harder at Rue's unexpected plan. Yasopp and Lucky Roux frantically slamming their palms on the table as they threw their heads back, howling like wolves. While other crew members had mischievous grins spread on their faces.

"When's the wedding captain?" Benn voiced, his words added more fuel to the fire while the Yasopp chuckled at his captain

Shanks payed his men no mind, pulling the silver-haired woman closer to him.

Rue froze as his arm wrapped around her waist pulling her close to his chest. Rue didn't dare look up, the scent of booze filling her nose. Her suitors noticed the taller male.

Though his lips spread into a smile, the men felt the coldness emitted through it. "My wife already said no." They flinched from the harshness of Shanks's tone. "Didn't anyone tell you when a lady says no, she means it."

His aura was enough to scare them off. Rue sighed in relief as the small crowd of men deteriorated and left from her sight.

As she was about to pull away, Shanks tightened his grip on her waist. Lifting her gaze, Rue met Shanks's eyes dancing with amusement. A teasing smile on his face, "I'm your husband now?"

Rue felt her face grew as hot as a sauna as she quickly created distance between them. "S-sorry, I-I just wanted them to leave." She fidgeted, placing with her fingers as embarrassment engulfed as Shanks chuckled deeply.

"So you used me to get them away from you," Shanks placed a hand on his heart, fake hurt at her words. " I can't believe you."

The crew and Rue's friends watched from the sidelines. Benn chuckled watching the silver-haired woman trying to explain herself. Yue was smiling from ear to ear seeing their interaction while Hanabi was the least excited, her face as soured like a prune.