Silk and Sails (Shanks x OC)

Woven in Silk and Pride

I was surprised to have finished the new black cape so quickly, identical to the one he came with, only now in flawless shape and crafted from the finest, strongest silk I could find. Knowing he was a pirate, I made sure it wouldn't rip or wear down easily, even in the fiercest battles. But as two days passed, I figured he'd send one of his men early in the morning to pick it up and settle the payment. Yet, neither he nor any of his crew came-not in the morning, nor by dusk, nor even as night settled in.

That evening, as Mina and I were closing up the shop, she was about to lock the door when I teased her about her adorable pajama choice; The shirt is a loose-fitting button-up with short sleeves, decorated with cheerful, cartoonish bear faces scattered across the fabric. Just as the words left my mouth, a figure approached from the darkness. I barely noticed until he cleared his throat, stepping forward into the light.

It was none other than Red-Haired Shanks. I couldn't help but wonder why he'd come himself. Didn't  a Yonko have far bigger concerns?

In moments, I found myself back in the shop, retrieving the carefully packaged cape from behind the counter, ready for him.
"Ah, sorry for barging in so late," he said, his tone light, yet warm. "But, well...i couldn't let anyone else pick this up. That wouldn't feel right, would it?"

I handed him the package, and he opened it immediately, the new cape spilling out like a shadow in the dim shop light. Draping it over his shoulders, he adjusted it with practiced ease.

"Ha! Fits like it's always been mine," he said, spinning once to test the weight of the fabric. Then, his fingers lingered on the silk as his expression softened. "Makes me almost want to stop getting into fights just to keep it nice. Almost."

His tone softens as he runs a hand over the silk. "You put real heart into this... I think I'll owe you more than just a coin," he chuckles, twirling the cape's edge between his fingers.

I shook my head, a smile spreading across my face as pride and relief mingled within me. "I'm just glad you like it." I glanced at Mina, catching her eye. She nodded eagerly, already sensing the decision I'd just made. "No charge for this one; it's our pleasure."

Shanks seemed to pick up on the look in my eyes, understanding that even if he offered, I wouldn't have taken a single berry from him. His mood seemed noticeably lighter than two days ago, when I'd first taken his measurements. He had an ease about him, as if he was no stranger to these moments of unexpected generosity.

"No charge, huh?" He tipped his head, his hand briefly brushing the brim of an imaginary hat in a playful gesture. "You're too kind. I'd say I owe you one, but I have a feeling you don't care much for debts, do you?"

"Not from you," I replied, the words surprising me with their honesty.

At that, he flashed a wide, roguish grin, his expression warm and easy. With a small wave and a grateful nod to Mina and me, he wished us a good night before stepping out. As the door closed behind him, I realized I hadn't just made a cape—I'd left a mark, however small, on one of the world's most infamous pirates.

--

With a lighter mood than usual, I sipped my drink, savoring the quiet ambiance of Orian's bar. My nightly routine—unwinding with a few moments of peace in a place that felt familiar and safe.

Orian, ever perceptive, seemed to notice my unusually cheerful demeanor but said nothing. I suspected he was still quietly grateful for my help a few days ago. Despite paying me, he'd been in desperate need, and it had taken him days to restock and reopen the bar after the Red-Haired Pirates' chaotic visit.

As much as I liked to act nonchalant, brushing off compliments with a casual wave of my hand, I had to admit—I enjoyed when people recognized my talent, skill, and dedication. Those moments of acknowledgment fueled my passion and pushed me to keep improving, no matter how challenging the work became.

That was why Shanks' praise earlier had struck such a chord. It wasn't just words; it was the way he seemed to truly appreciate the care I put into my craft. His compliments lingered in my mind, sparking a rare sense of pride and satisfaction. Maybe that was why I'd surprised even myself by refusing payment for the cape. I'd never done that before—not once.

But as I sipped my drink, I rationalized it. He was a Yonko, after all—accustomed to flattery, free gifts, and generous treatment from those within his territories. Perhaps my gesture was nothing out of the ordinary to him, just another moment in a life filled with them.

Still, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride that my work.