Credits: the art above is from ceejindeed, an amazing artist very dedicated to the Kid Pirates - you can find him on twitter, instagram and many other platforms.

*

«If I recall correctly, I told you not to come to Jaya.»

«You recall correctly.» you confirmed, wiping the cane of your rifle.

«So why are you here?»

«Because I didn't listen. And admit it, sensei, for once I saved your ass.»

Aojiki's long breath condensed in a cloud of vapour.

«Akainu is right. I'm not a good example to follow for my subordinates.»

You chuckled, re-assembling your weapon.

«[Y/n].»

The voice he used made you raise your eyes, a concerned veil lingering in them.

The Admiral looked right back at you, studying your gaze, exploring your days by his side with his memory.

«There's somewhere we need to go.»

You frowned.

«I thought we were supposed to be back to Marineford immediately.»

«We'll take a little detour.»

Aokiji headed to the shore, and you hurried by his side.

«Do you trust me?»

The question had your heart pounding so hard you stumbled on your feet.

«I... of course I do, sensei.»

He just hummed in reply.

Once you reached his bicycle, he briefly turned to you.

«There is something I want you to have. Once in your hands, it will be your choice what to make of it.»

«Huh... fine, I guess?»

Aokiji's eyes rested on your face for a few seconds.

There was a question in his gaze, who knows if for you or for himself. He never voiced it, and you never asked.

The bright light of the sun cut through your dreams, forcefully invading your mind.

A hoarse groan left your throat as you rolled in the knotted sheets.

The night before had been difficult, with the fever coming and going. You couldn't fall asleep for hours, so you read the childhood booklet. That ancient tale lulled you into sleep again.

The infirmary was empty, but the pirates were clearly audible on the deck. The whole ship was awake and lively.

Trying to move your body one muscle at a time, you found out your conditions had improved a lot since the day before.

God bless that miracle doctor.

A big bucket full of clean water and a bottle of dry shampoo were waiting for you on the floor of the desert infirmary.

God bless him double.

You took your time to lay your feet back on the ground, then slowly stood, never letting go of the headboard.

Your legs were shaky at first, but your body responded well.

The ship rolled gently while you washed yourself. Coarse laughter and vulgar shouts echoed from outside.

Once clean, you wore the fresh clothes someone left on the chair and reached the door.

For some reason, when your hand was on the doorknob, your heartbeat became very perceptible.

How am I supposed to act now? Nonchalant? Hey guys, sup?

You shook your head with a sigh.

C'mon, [Y/n]! Too many thoughts! No more, okay?

Pushing the door open, you stepped on the deck.

The nearest men immediately turned to you.

«Marine girl!»

The dumb grin deforming those ugly faces tugged at your guts once again.

«Yo guys. Sup?»

Yes, [Y/n], play it cool.

Three of them surrounded you.

«How do you feel? Are you okay?»

«I'm f--»

The air was squeezed out of your lungs when a huge pirate grabbed you from behind, literally lifting you several feet from the ground.

«YOU DAMN WOMAN!» he uttered in your hair.

«Booka, let her down! Can't you see you're killing her?»

«Oh shit, I'm sorry!»

He carefully put you back on the ground, but he had to grasp on your arms immediately after because you almost lost your balance, coughing hard.

Not so cool anymore.

«I'm okay, I'm okay.» you panted, trying to push the worried men away from you «Just don't do this ever ever again, will ya?»

Booka rubbed his nape.

«Of course, I'm sorry. Please, don't tell the boss.»

Yes, this will be the first thing I'm saying to Kid when I see him.

«[Y/n]!»

The group opened up to reveal Heat fast approaching, his marked arm waving in the air.

It was hard to tell with him, but you could swear he looked happy. And he wasn't limping anymore.

A small smile threatened to tug at your lips.

«Hey, Heat. How you doing?»

«I'm fine.» he replied, patting your head «How about you?»

«A little sore, but I'm pretty much okay.»

«Good.»

«Oh, so that's the reason you guys are not working.»

Everybody turned at the tall dark-caped man.

You quirked one eyebrow.

«It's nice to see you too, Wire.»

He shrugged.

«I see your near-death experience didn't restrain your sharp tongue.»

«Never.» you confirmed.

«If you can retort, you can probably work too.»

«Work?» you rolled your eyes «I saved half of your asses, if anything I should be captain of this freaking ship.»

You knew your timing was not the best when all eyes flicked on something (or someone) behind you.

Feeling a movement, you shut your eyes, waiting for what was coming, and yelped when you were lifted from the scruff of your neck.

«Well, hello kitty.»

«Hello, Killer.» you groaned without turning.

At least it's not Kid.

«Are you doing okay?»

«I was doing better before meeting you.»

«Rude.» he commented, letting you down «Be grateful you're still recovering.»

«Or what, you would drop me from a very high place?»

«Probably. You always manage to land on your feet anyway.» he shrugged «Such a good kitty.»

You shot a burning glare in his direction.

«I've already mentioned you're first on my killing list, haven't I?»

«Several times.»

Most of the pirates weren't sure if they could laugh or what.

It was rare to see their second in command in such a teasing mood. Killer didn't use to interact much with the lower ranks, and not that way. Just Heat and Wire were following the scene with slightly amused faces.

«Anyway,» the blond continued «Kid said you had to go to him when you were back on your feet. He's in his workshop.»

Oh.

You didn't know why, but hearing his name gave a squeeze to your insides.

Your dreams were tormented that night, and you didn't remember them very well. Captain Jack was there, and you were part of his crew... it's just that Captain Jack was in fact portrayed by Eustass Kid.

«Oi. Did you hear me?»

«What? Oh, yeah, sure. Kid, workshop, I go.»

Killer nodded, and with a rapid gesture he ordered the men to go back to their tasks, so the group quickly dispersed.

Heat and Wire stayed by your side, though.

«[Y/n]?»

«Mh?»

Heat hesitated, rough fingers playing with a blue lock.

«The boss is not in his best mood yet. Just... try not to tease him too much, okay?»

You blinked at him.

«When did I ever tease him?» you questioned, before turning and walking to the workshop.

Wire shook his head.

«Let's lock all the metal weapons in the basement, yes?»

You took a long deep breath before knocking to his door.

«I fucking said not to disturb me!» Kid's voice growled from inside.

Well, off to a good start.

«So can I just go away then?» you asked. Your voice sounded smaller than you wanted.

There were a few seconds of silence.

«Come in.» he finally said, tone low and dangerous.

Trying to calm your heart down, you slid inside the workshop.

The light was weaker there, his red figure taking up most of the huge desk.

Kid was focused on some small mechanic device, a resolute expression hardening his features.

He didn't lift his eyes, but pointed his wrench to a small trunk on the side of the room.

«There.»

«Nice to see you too.» you murmured, approaching the piece of furniture.

No reply.

However, any remark died on your lips when you saw the objects on the trunk.

«These...!»

Your high-mobility boots were there, and they looked... unusually intact.

«Did you... did you manage to fix them?» you whispered, a hand reaching the closest one, probing the material with your fingers.

«Maybe.» he grumbled, letting go of the tools and leaning back against the chair «They need to be tested.»

Taking a careful look, you noticed a few changes to the levers and buttons on the side of the shoes.

«That's why you're here.»

You turned to Kid.

«What?»

«None of my men have feet that can get inside those things.»

You sneered.

«You don't say.»

«Put them on and come outside.» he ordered, standing.

His eyes never fixed on you.

What's wrong with him?

You followed him to the deck and sat on the stairs to the upper level in order to put the boots on.

«They look a bit different.»

«I couldn't replicate the original mechanisms, so I adapted them.» he coldly explained «The basics are the same: you can adjust the trajectory shifting your weight and the propulsion with the levers. I put some eject dials on the sole as stabilizers, but I have to see how they work.»

You moved your doubtful eyes to him.

«This is not very reassuring.»

«Just fucking do it.» he hissed, slightly startling you.

Maybe you forgot how scary Eustass could be.

«Fine.» you mumbled, getting back on your feet «Oi, you there!» you yelled at the pirates in your way «Move!»

«Hey girl, you don't get to tell us...»

Their retort died soon when they saw Kid's eyes behind you.

They moved away.

Okay, let's do this.

You started to run along the deck to gain the necessary propulsion before the jump, then you tried a high backflip.

It was easy to turn the levers using your feet, but you weren't used to the dials.

The force was too much, so you got too high, shut them down, dropped too fast and barely managed to land on your feet.

«Fuck!» you cursed, clumsily stumbling in front of the whole crew.

Not so graceful, uh?

But now you had a rough idea of the power you had to deal with.

Okay, let's try again.

The second backflip was better. The third was in control.

Next, you tried to get higher, using the minor mast as a landmark of your progress.

You were so focused you didn't notice an unusual silence had fallen on the ship. All the pirates were following your movements.

When you managed to use the little ledges on the mast to fly all around it, you knew you mastered them.

A long, joyful shout left your chest as you jumped through the air like you had wings, wind in your hair, sun on your face, light like a bird. Like you used to be.

«YESS!»

And, suddenly, all the shit inside you was gone, and flying was the only real thing left.

Killer was watching from below, leaning against the mast.

«What do you think?» Wire asked, approaching. His eyes were also fixed on your radiant spinning figure.

«That girl.» Killer said «We should have thrown her overboard before it was too late.»

Wire hummed.

«But it is too late now.»

You should have known better than stupidly flying around like a freaking grasshopper.

That was the first thought when two of the main dials on the left foot suddenly shut down.

The second thought was always about your dumbness for getting so far from the mast, a looot of feet from the ground, so there was nothing to grab.

With the propulsion from only one boot, it was not possible to glide down efficiently.

You tried your best, but eventually you started gaining too much speed.

The crew watched you fall with wide eyes.

«Shit!» Wire hissed between his teeth.

Killer had already dashed forward to intercept you, but once you lost every control on your fall, you instinctively cried for help. And the single word you uttered stopped his run.

«KID!»

His head immediately turned to his captain.

Kid was on his feet, but the very moment you called his name, his hand jerked towards you.

«Attract!»

Your trajectory changed instantly, and you gently landed in his arms, your fists clenching on his vest.

«YOU DUMB GIRL!» he snarled «I told you they were unstable! Why the hell did you--»

«That. Was. FUCKING AMAZING!!» you yelled, throwing your arms in the air.

And Killer saw it, for the first time.

A genuine, innocent, bright grin spreading across your face.

No sarcasm, no bitterness, no ill-concealed pain.

After being stunned for a second, his concern immediately moved to his captain.

He knew he had a point when Kid suddenly dropped you on the wooden floor.

«Ouch! Crap!» you yelped, hitting the deck with your butt.

The grin was broken by the ache entering your features.

«What was that for?» you grunted, shooting a resentful glance at Kid.

He looked confused (confused?!) for an instant, then quickly turned his back at you, clearing his voice.

«There was too much stress on the dials. I need to work on them some more. And maybe it's possible to increase the sensors on the soles to refine the balance...»

«Yeah, yeah.» you sighed, taking the boots off.

Kid snatched them away from you almost before you were done.

«I'll call you for the next test.»

And with that he disappeared in his workshop again, slamming the door behind his back.

You were still staring at it, not sure about what just happened, when Wire grabbed your arm and pulled you up to your feet.

«Something broken?»

«My butt hurts.»

«Your butt is fine.» the Mohican commented.

Killer, Heat, Wire and half of the crew turned to him.

«W-What? Look at it! It's a fine ass!»

«Don't look too hard. For your own good.» Heat suggested.

You addressed Killer, still massaging your backside.

«What's wrong with Eustass?»

«He's just moody, don't worry about it. You're still recovering, go lay down.»

The pirates were returning to their duties, scattering around the deck.

You stared at them for a while.

I'm a marine, a prisoner, a bitch they provided for their captain. So why do they act like they care?

Eyes down, you shuffled to the infirmary.

A thin, little voice inside your head blew the answer in your mind.

"Because they do"

"The tale of Captain Jack" was still on the nightstand of the infirmary.

Your fingers lightly traced the outlines on the cover.

Killer was a thing, but the rest of the crew probably didn't know about the children's book in their captain's cabin.

Why do I care? It's not my problem if Eustass' privacy gets ruined. Eustass Kid's fucking PRIVACY! Have I lost my mind, worrying about something like this?

Nevertheless, you were already sneaking out the room, book secured between your arms, heading to his cabin.

I wonder what I'd say to the me of two weeks ago. No, she'd probably just shoot me in the head. That's who I am.

You bit down your lower lip.

...or who I was.

You slid inside his empty cabin and reached the desk, trying not to look at the bed.

During your first night captive, the fear of what that bed was holding for you tortured your mind.

By the time you left the book on the desk, someone stepped inside and you froze.

«What are you doing here?»

Kid's voice was harsh.

«I was, hum, returning this.» you replied, turning to him.

The redhead just snorted, opening a chest in a corner and pulling out some working tools.

You quietly observed. When he was done, he just headed back to the door.

Fuck this!

In a surge of rage, you grabbed the first thing coming under your hand (being a manual of mechanic) and threw it at the pirate, hitting his back.

The book fell down with a loud "thud".

Kid stopped.

«What the hell is wrong with you?!» you shouted.

There were a few seconds of silence, in the still air of the cabin.

Then Kid resumed his path towards the door and opened it.

WTF?!

«You know what?» you barked «If you're not going to talk to me, or even look at me, you might as well release me and let me fucking go!»

He stopped again. Then took a step back inside and slammed the door closed.

Okay, maybe that wasn't the smartest move.

Eustass Kid finally turned to you, his blazing eyes digging burning holes in your face.

Here he was, looking at you.

You flattened against the desk as he came closer, too close, close until he painfully pressed you back.

The captain towered on you, furious.

It was hard to breathe now.

«Kid, don't--»

«Why did you come back?»

You blinked, not sure you understood.

«What?»

«Why did you come back?»

His amber eyes weren't letting go of yours.

You tried to swallow and failed.

«I... I don't leave battles unfinished.»

«Bullshit.» he hissed, pushing you more against the desk.

«Kid, stop.» you whispered, pressing your hands below his chest to make him back off a little.

«Why did you come back?» he repeated, unfazed «Why did you jump in the sea?»

Why? Why did I do that?

You groaned, finally shutting your eyes in frustration.

«Kid, leave me alone!»

«Not until you fucking give me a reason.»

«A reason? You want reasons now?»

You raised your face to him again, and now your eyes were burning too.

«Then how about you give me some, then?»

«Girl, I'm warning you...»

«Why didn't you rape me?»

His painted lips tightened. Wrinkles appeared on his forehead.

«I did.»

Your hands slipped back and grasped at the edge of the desk as you lowered your head.

«No. No, you didn't.» you whispered, already tasting the salty tears in your throat.

Because that was an admission to yourself, more than something you had to tell him.

For a while, the sound of your breathing was the only thing audible in the cabin.

Kid finally stepped back, allowing you some room.

«I have work to do.» he grumbled, turning. He didn't move though.

You turned as well, so you could recollect yourself.

Your eyes dropped on the booklet. Instinctively, your fingers reached the childish figure on the cover.

«I never noticed before...» you murmured «Captain Jack has red hair too.»

His metallic hand grabbed your arm and harshly pulled you against him, where his other hand titled your face up to meet his furious lips.

Every feeling you might have felt was replaced with fire.

Your body reacted on its own, arms desperately wrapping around his neck, hungry tongue rolling on his.

He lifted you and pressed you against the wall, frenzy fingers opening your shirt, while your fingers dived in his hair, pushing the goggles away.

Your lower abdomen twitched when you felt his touch on your chest, sliding under your bra and roughly fondling you, making you moan in the kiss.

Kid took the chance to move his mouth and dive it in the crook of your neck, biting and sucking, sending a million shivers down to your figure.

You ripped his vest apart, exposing his scarred muscles, greedy hands travelling all over them.

Your heart began to pound uncontrollably when he tugged down your pants and the air hit your skin.

«Kid, Kid please.» you whimpered in his ear, brushing your wet lips against it.

He grunted, holding you with one arm and freeing himself from the slacks with the other.

«W-Wait...!» you gasped, feeling his hardness against your thigh.

He shot a blurred glare at you, stray red locks falling over his eyes.

«What?» he hissed.

«The condom. Use it. Please.»

Kid cursed between his teeth and hesitated for a second.

«Fuck. Fine.»

He let you down and tugged a drawer open so hard you dreaded he destroyed it.

Well, he did.

His movements were hectic while he pulled the small envelope out and opened it.

You observed him shoving it on while catching your breath against the wall.

«Don't you relax, birdie.»

He quickly grabbed and lifted you again, earning a yelp that transitioned into a moan when he bit your breast.

Your legs latched around his waist and you felt him aligned to your entrance.

His eager mouth moved up to your ear.

«Can... can you take me?» he groaned.

Your nails dug into his shoulders and you buried your face in the crook of his neck.

«Just... go.»

He used his grip on your hips to adjust your position, then he pushed himself inside you.

You muffled your ragged scream against his rough skin, nails deeper in his muscles.

«Fuck.» he hissed in a broken gasp.

For the first time, the pleasure overcame the pain. A wave of electricity made you bump yourself against his waist, and he took it as a signal to keep going.

Holy shit!

The sensation overwhelmed you, the wet mounting pleasure covered the pain and you just wanted more and more.

Your loud moans filled the cabin while your sweated bodies smacked against each other.

«K-Kid, I...!»

He speeded up and that was it.

You came, your twitching triggering his own orgasm.

Suddenly empty of every energy, you abandoned yourself to the after waves inside you, trying keep your arms around his neck.

Luckily, he didn't let you go, holding you up with his metallic hand while the other removed the condom and threw it in the bin.

You were panting against his chest. His heart was pounding.

«Shower?» you managed to whisper.

Sleep almost dragged you away.

Your half-closed eyes travelled on the red marks you left on his back.

I wonder how many marks he left on me.

The sound of the water flowing woke you up a little, and you realized you were in the bathroom, still in his arms. He seemed to carry you around effortlessly with just his metallic prosthesis.

«Aw, you sleeping, birdie? Was that too much for you?»

His cruel sneer was back on his lips.

Good.

However, you reconsidered when he shoved you under the icy water.

«WAAH! KID!»

He burst in laughter before adjusting the temperature and stepping inside.

«Awake now, uh?»

«You jerk!» you blurted, shaking, arms tight around your body.

He poured some hair wash on your head and you shielded your eyes.

«Whaddaf-- I can do it myself!»

The pirate just snickered in response before lathering his own hair.

You turned your back to him with a pout and started to scrub your body as best as you could.

What am I doing? If this is so wrong, if I became a despicable person, if I deserve to die now... why does it have to feel like this?

Like I can be...

The moment you felt the tears sting the corner of your eyes, your fingers quickly ran to your face, brushing them away.

But a strong arm surrounded you from behind and pulled your back against his body.

«Eustass...?»

He buried his face in your neck and held you tight.

You choked on your breath.

Your heart started pounding like mad, which he could certainly feel, since his arm was just above it.

You didn't move and neither did he.

It took a while for your mind to accept the position you were in.

That Eustass "Captain" Kid was holding you.

You, shitty orphan from a shitty island.

And you were not cold anymore.