COAST - Luffy x Reader

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

HIHI

More fluff in this chapter... Living for the fluffy stuff ykyk. Still putting a lot of emphasis on the idea that with the strengthened bond comes hand-in-hand the idea that (Y/n) is getting more comfortable with her inclusion with Luffy and the crew as a whole – She's starting to come more into herself as a character, not holding herself back so much or considering herself as separate from the others... Though it does take some time to develop still. Either way, we love to see it.

I listened to Walk This World With Me, by The Home Team, at least five times writing this chapter. It's one of the songs that have heavily inspired some of my writing with (Y/n) and Luffy, and for sure one of the main themes I consider that somewhat describes their early relationship (particularly from (Y/n)'s POV). I love that song sm ;-;

I was actually super excited to post this. Has my whole heart. I love them.

Happy reading!! <333

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There's a rhythmic brush of straw scraping the floorboards, soft in the undertones of the wind and sea. The wood is worn with years of usage, the beloved vessel of the Going Merry having many an unspoken voyage before it had taken on the task of escorting The Straw Hat Crew from one adventure to the next. It's difficult to dislodge the dirt within each weathered groove, to pry the bristles into each miniscule crack – and I have to accept the fact that the deepest clean I'll get will only show at face value – but all the same, it's satisfying to explore a vacant corner, or lift a disregarded box, sweeping the broom so that a scattering of grime sprinkles into the open and out from their hiding spots.

The last few days had passed relatively quietly, not much to be said about their events other than the appearance of a rogue Sea King. The creature was swiftly dealt with thanks to Luffy's excitement and Zoro's swords; sliced and diced into rare-cuts that were expertly prepared by Sanji for our dinner that night (a strange meal that had the consistency of fish, yet somehow managed to taste like some sort of red meat). Aside from the beast's appearance, the peace was kept, and maintained... So much so that, in comparison to the overwhelming business of our most recent travels, the days were becoming almost boring.

If the crew was growing restless, then Luffy was practically running circles around the ship, antsy for the delivery of something fun and new to happen. The captain zipped around from one part of the ship to the next, bothering and bugging anyone he laid eyes on, and burdening his pick with the requirement of keeping good company. More often than not the ones he naturally seemed to loiter around were Chopper and Usopp, the two best options to serve as 'playmates' with all of his boundless, unperturbed energy. Bothering Nami was practically a death wish, and the same could be said for Zoro – meanwhile, Sanji and Robin always seemed to keep themselves entertained by other means... Therefore, nearly every day I had heard the trio of boys giggling and shouting from somewhere on the boat; sometimes playing, sometimes arguing, but always wreaking havoc.

As for me, I'd held suspicions that Luffy's jitteriness and impatience was starting to rub off on me, despite him not actually spending much time with me recently. I wasn't on my period anymore, however the days drew on longer than ever, and I couldn't find the means to keep still – Whether it be helping Chopper, Usopp or Sanji – Chatting with Nami, or Zoro – Or even conjuring up more theories on the reasoning behind my arrival with Robin – I'd finish up one thing, and immediately seek out the next.

In a way, I felt it was necessary. Helping out the others was the best way I could contribute with no skills of my own, and they seemed to appreciate it... But when there wasn't anything left to help out with, a quiet thought gnawed at my conscience. Uselessness. Keeping busy held it at bay, yet this latest development of my own sheer restlessness made it even harder to do so.