One Piece x Reader - One Shots, reactions, headcannons, etc. CLOSED

100K Special - 5. Shanks (NSFW)

Tropes:
Friends with benefits
One sided love
Word count: 5295

A/n: MINORS this is your warning that this story contains NSFW content. Extensively.
Secondly I'm sorry guys. 9/10 0f these stories are gender neutral, but not this one. She/her pronouns.

So guys, we're at 5!! It's Shanks, someone I've had a few requests for and I've written for him many times, I love the man so much!! He used to be my number one back in the day, but now he's at 5, so I'm curious who you guys think will be at number 1!!

———

The deck of the Red Force was alive with laughter and the clink of tankards. The crew had gathered under the blanket of a star filled sky, their spirits high after another successful venture. Lanterns swung gently in the breeze, casting golden light across the weathered wood of the ship. Someone had started a shanty near the bow, and others joined in, their voices rough but hearty.

You leaned against the railing, the cool breeze brushing your face, a drink cradled in your hand. The night was perfect, lively, but calm in its own way. Shanks's laugh rang out from the center of the crowd, loud and infectious, drawing your attention like a magnet. He was telling one of his wild stories, gesturing animatedly while his crew hung on his every word.

From where you stood, you could see the way the firelight danced in his hair, a vivid red halo against the darkness. You hated how easily he stood out, how effortlessly your gaze found him no matter where he was. You took a sip of your drink, willing yourself to look away, but your resolve crumbled the moment his eyes met yours.

His grin widened, and he tipped his head slightly, a silent acknowledgment. No one else noticed the subtle exchange, and you were grateful for that. This was the nature of what you had, quiet, unspoken, and hidden in plain sight. You felt the heat rise in your cheeks and quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in the horizon.

The night wore on, the crew growing louder and drunker with each passing minute. You laughed at their antics, but your mind was elsewhere, your thoughts tugged in the direction of the man who now seemed entirely too far away.

When the first of the crew began stumbling off to their hammocks, you decided it was time to make your exit. You stretched your arms over your head, feigning a yawn, and made your excuses.

"Off already?" Shanks called from the center of the circle, his tone light but teasing. "Some of us need sleep to function" you shot back, the corner of your mouth twitching upward. "Unlike certain captains who thrive on rum and bad decisions".

The crew roared with laughter, and Shanks grinned, holding up his drink in mock salute. You turned and made your way below deck, your heart racing for reasons that had nothing to do with the teasing. Your cabin was quiet, the soft creak of the ship's wood the only sound as you slipped inside and closed the door behind you. You lit the small lantern on the desk, its warm glow filling the room. You barely had time to settle before the door opened again.

Shanks stood in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame, a smirk playing on his lips. "Leaving early to avoid me, were you?" he asked, his voice low but amused. "Maybe I just needed some peace and quiet" you replied, arching a brow. "Didn't expect the circus to follow me."

He laughed softly and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The sound of the latch clicking sent a shiver down your spine. Shanks didn't waste time with pretence, he moved toward you, his footsteps steady, his presence filling the small space.

"You can call me a lot of things" he said, stopping just in front of you "but a circus? That hurts". You rolled your eyes, but the smile tugging at your lips betrayed you. "You'll survive your wounded pride".