One Piece x Reader Oneshots (NO REQUESTS)

Rebirth (Marco x Male!Reader)

The waves lapped at your heels as you stepped off the tiny dinghy and onto the white sand beach. You turned to the man at the oars and passed him a leather pouch that jingled merrily as it exchanged hands.

"Thanks for bringing me here."

"No problem, sir. Would you like me to wait a while for your return?"

You smiled wanly. "No, it's alright. I suspect I'll be here a while."

Only when the boat was out of sight did you finally turn to take in your surroundings. A spring island, by the looks of it - white sand stretching as far as the eye could see on both sides and green fields ahead. A light breeze rustled your hair, cool and fresh.

Nice place. Peaceful. They would have approved.

In the distance, you could see the outline of two great structures atop a hill. A figure, little more than a silhouette against the setting sun, stood with head bowed before them. They were alone.

With a heavy heart, you began your ascent.

Your footsteps were silent, the green grass simply springing back into shape beneath your feet without a sound. As such, the man did not notice your presence. You took the time to examine the structures. From this distance, you could at last see the names etched upon their white marble faces.

Edward Newgate. Portgas D. Ace.

"So here we are again," you said softly.

The man whirled around at the sound of your voice. His face brightened, the skin at the corners of his eyes crinkling into what was almost a smile. But it didn't last long and it was far from the smile that used to grace his features.

"[Name]. It's good to see you."

"I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. After Thatch, I... didn't want to have to go through this again so soon."

"I get it." His voice was gentle. "Come on, let's talk elsewhere."

He led you to the beach where you could see the sun beginning to disappear over the horizon. You sat down on the sand and looked out to sea. In the distance, the Moby Dick lay anchored. Marco seated himself beside you and followed your gaze.

"I told them to leave. They said they don't take orders from me," he said with a laugh. "Stubborn bastards."

"They're worried about you, you know."

His face darkened. "Oh, is that why you're here?" He turned away. "I don't need a pep-talk, [Name]. I need time."

"You're not seeking revenge?"

He sighed. "Should I want revenge? I don't know." He rubbed his face, scratching absent-mindedly at the stubble he found there. "Maybe I should, but I don't. I'm angry, sure. But I'm just... so exhausted."

"When was the last time you slept?" you asked, taking in his haggard appearance, the dark rings beneath his eyes.

He chuckled darkly. "I don't think it's the kind of tired sleep can fix."

"Only time?"

"We'll see. I feel like I've wasted enough of it already." He sighed again. "I'm too old to go chasing revenge."

You scoffed. "Who are you to talk? You don't look a day over twenty-five."

"On the outside maybe. Inside, I feel like I've lived for millennia. And that's not far off the truth either." He sighed deeply. "I'm so tired, [Name]."

You fell silent. You'd never heard him speak this way. It frightened you. Troubled, you lay back on the sand, one arm folded behind your head. After a moment, you felt Marco lie down beside you and you both stared up into the clear expanse of darkening sky.