COAST - Luffy x Reader

56. Baby Showers

Hellooooo

Been very busy recently, I'm sure everyone feels that as well lol. Exam season was always chaotic in college... Hope your exams are going well, or have gone well if you've taken them already :))

This is a chapter that I've had in the plans for a while, and I'm a bit nervous on how it will be received?? Idk. I'm probably overthinking it.

Regardless, I want to once again thank you all for everything <333 We hit 400k reads recently. I'm always so incredibly happy that everyone loves the story so much, both new and old readers alike. I still can't even believe how far this project has come sometimes lol. 

(We're hosting a small event in the discord server as well, I believe I mentioned that last chapter... But just in case anybody missed that, here's a reminder!)

You guys are amazing. Happy reading <333

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The makeshift-bunker's ceiling towers overhead the masses, a pattern of criss-crossed steel beams – a built-in protection method meant for stability. If the storm, Aqua Laguna, ever chose to crash down upon the higher grounded parts of Water 7, then these such countermeasures would provide the townspeople with proper shelter. That sort of thing had become unheard of during these last few decades, though protocols were mandatory in order to avoid worst-case scenarios. Nobody wanted the past to repeat itself; The memories drowned beneath waves, which reigned successful in reclaiming the land during events years prior.

There were many of these fortified structures spotted around the highest places of Water 7 in order to house each and every civilian during Aqua Laguna's annual event. It was nothing new, clockwork to those who'd spent most, if not all of their years living amongst the canals and cramped housing – and the area in here was treated in that same respect. Everyone had their own space, designated by blue sheets cast across the floor, mimicking the grated beams above in close-knit squares. Sleeping mats, survival supplies... Not a single person was ever unprepared, although if they were, then they could count on those in the vicinity to aid their troubles. 'It takes a village,' as they say.

Yes... It was close-quarters – a little too cramped, the air heated by warm bodies, restless to return to their homes – but it was doable, and necessary. The best they could do was try to relax, helping the time pass by spending the hours with family and friends as the lanterns glowed hazily above.

"A-qua La-guna, A-qua La-guna, A-qua La-guna is coming for you!"

Some chose to entertain themselves, treating the destructive weather-phenomenon lightheartedly so that the youngest of the crowd wouldn't be too badly frightened. The adults aided in making a game out of it, singing simple songs as if they were makeshift nursery rhymes, dressing themselves in white sheets, and gave chase–

"We're Aqua Laguna!"

"Here comes a big wave!"

For others, they chose to fill the empty air with talk of current events – ones not so cheerful in comparison.

"So, do you know what's going on with those culprits?" An older man, tanned skin wrinkled, light-brown hair dusted with grays, crossed his arms with a frown.

"I heard they haven't been caught yet." A younger man responds, recognizing the conversation to be one about the notorious Straw Hat crew. He bears a similar expression, and the irritation clashes with his brightly colored raincoat.

The older's eyes clench shut, a disappointed grimace surfacing at the news. "Still on the loose... Ugh, that's no good."

The children, fleeing their parents with smiles that gleam in the dim light, pass by, rowdiness overpowering the glum atmosphere. Another conversation is overheard nearby.