Test the Waters (Cracker x Reader)

The Princess and the Swordsman

Cracker was patient with you for the remainder of the time on the ship. He dealt with you crying yourself to sleep on him that morning, staying put and even falling asleep himself until you both got up around midday so as to not completely throw off your sleep schedule. You had your usual after mission moodiness for the remainder of the time, staying more quiet than usual as you tried to reconcile with what you'd done.

You did force yourself to meet up with Keira at least once each day, making sure she took care of herself and trying to get her to open up to you a bit. Basically doing the same thing for her that Peros did for you. It got easier as you thought up a way to ensure she'd be safe. There was no way you could help every poor soul the Charlottes picked up but you could at least try to help her. She was more willing to talk to you than you thought, making things that much better.

She told you quite a bit about herself but you wouldn't talk much about your own past before becoming a Charlotte, deciding some things were better left unsaid. It felt better to bond over things other than your mutual introduction to the family. Though you found she could be very stern at times, Keira had a good sense of humor and, like you, a strong connection to what she considered to be family. You were glad to make her at least a bit more comfortable in her situation.

Cracker didn't like you spending so much time with her instead of him, showing off a jealous streak you didn't know even existed. As soon as night fell each day, he'd take you to the bedroom and take you until the only thing that could pass your lips was pleasured cries and his name, telling you how much he missed your company the entire time. Needless to say, Keira didn't have to think too hard to figure out you two were a couple. Her personal cabin was too close to not hear what was going on each night.

By the time the ship docked at Whole Cake Island she was more than eager to leave in hopes of not having to hear you two ever again. But just as you did, she became visibly more distressed the closer you got to the palace. You were confident you could help her though. While she worried, you went over your plan again and again in your head. It was simple but you weren't sure how Big Mom would react to it.

Soon enough you three stood in her throne room, a few other siblings present so they could catch a glimpse of the new addition to the family and hear who she'd be paired with. You glanced around the room yourself, satisfied with what you saw. There was one particular person you wanted to be there and sure enough, they were.

"As efficient as always (Y/n) and Cracker!" Big Mom boomed happily, watching Keira shift around uncomfortably under her stare. "Now what's your name young lady?"

"K-keira." She stuttered, carefully avoiding eye contact with the much larger woman.

"Keira, I'm sure you understand you'll be wed to one of my sons. Now the question is who..."

"I think I can help with that." You spoke up, drawing the attention of the entire room.

"Really? And do you think whoever you have in mind would like you deciding for them?" She said with a slight attitude but it was a better reaction that you expected.

"I can't say. But I have spent some time with Keira on the ship and I think I know someone she'd get along with well and I think he'd like her too if he gives her a chance." You spoke confidently, wanting this to work more than anything.

"Alright," She grinned devilishly. "Humor me."

You couldn't help the hopeful smile that spread across your face. "I was thinking Raisin. They have a lot in common and I know he's not married."

The man in question looked at you, wide eyed and confused. He never mentioned if he liked the idea of marriage or not but that was probably because if he did, it wouldn't be up to him who he'd marry. You were betting your relationship with him that he'd be okay with this. If not, you'd be losing the closest thing you had to a friend within the family. But there was no other person you'd pick for Keira. Peros was a close second but he had a wicked side she didn't need to be exposed to. Though a fighter, Raisin was a good man all things considered. There was no one else you were confident wouldn't try to hurt her.