Aside from the hat that concealed your wrapped hair, you had to wear a bandage around your chest and an extra-sized shirt to cover your forms.

Deeming it too loose, Kid actually re-applied the bandage himself, despite you shouting that he was trying to squeeze your lungs out of your throat, let alone your breasts.

You were now sending silent glares at him while marching on the dock with most of the crew.

At least it wiped out the embarrassment of having almost called him "captain"...

You bristled and decided not to go over and over it in your head.

However, all the thoughts faded away the very moment your feet touched the ground.

It felt it was forever you had been rolling on a ship. It was never a big deal for you, but it was good to be on land.

A subtle relief crept in your guts.

When you were forced on Eustass' ship, you thought you would die there. Even after the fear dissipated, you didn't realize that thought was still buried in some corner of your mind.

A pair of fingers snapped in front of your eyes.

«Oi, wake up, cabin boy.» Booka called. A malicious grin entered his features «Cabin boy. I'm gonna enjoy this.»

«Shut up.» you grumbled.

Most of the men were talking, excited to visit the black market once again before setting sails. Some had planned to drop by the brothels for "a quick hi" to their favourite women.

The thin relief you felt quickly turned in light nervousness when you entered the town.

Pirates and bandits were stepping aside at your passage, not wanting to be in the way of Eustass Kid.

Many stopped to the border of the street to stare.

It was no common thing to see the complete top ranks of the crew altogether.

You felt scanning gazes crawling on you, the little cabin boy among those huge pirates.

Your quick fingers lowered your hat to hide your eyes and you glanced at Kid, who was walking slightly ahead.

He seemed to enjoy the fear of the people, his stride was rhythmic and confident as he made his way into town.

Killer was by his side, enigmatic as always, while the other men proceeded proudly right behind, flashing aggressive smirks all around.

How the hell did I end up in a situation like this?

Your colours of observation tingled and you looked at the road in front of you.

What looked like a group of flashy-dressed thugs was marching in the opposite direction, and it appeared clear that they weren't going to cede the way to the Kid Pirates.

The one in front was a man with a prominent belly, more than ten feet tall, with greasy black hair pushed back, sunglasses and a big cigar hanging from his fat lips. He wore a gangster suit and a lot of golden rings.

His lackeys walked all around him.

Your eyes sharpened when you noticed the two young girls in chains that followed. They were wearing nothing more than silky underwear, and their faces were lowered under the whistles and dirty comments of the crowd.

«That one is Du Rewald.» Heat whispered, bending over you «He's a big shot among the slave-traders. He has a lot of men under his command here.»

«You don't say.» you hissed, eye fixed on the criminal.

When the two groups came to face each other, you all stopped.

«Eustass "Captain" Kid and his top ranks.» Rewald croaked with an ugly smile «I heard you were in town. I didn't expect to see the entire group at once, though.»

Kid tilted his head, his upper lip curling in annoyance.

«Ah? Got some problem with that?»

Rewald shook his head with an amused expression.

«Not at all, it's always a pleasure to see infamous people like you around. It means the market flourishes.»

«You are in the way.»

Wire and the Mohican put their hands on their weapon as a warning.

The man chuckled and raised his hands.

«Hotheaded as always, I see. But it wouldn't be a great idea to touch me, Captain Kid. You know how much of this place is under my control.»

Killer crossed his arms.

«Let us pass, then, and there will be no problems.»

«Of course!» Rewald say «I was just happy to take a look at your crew, it's a rare occurrence.»

Even if his eyes were covered by the shades, you felt them gliding from Booka's imposing figure to you.

«Oh? You brought with you a little cabin boy?»

His words caused the crew to tense up.

You tilted your head, staring back at him.

«Oh? You brought with you your little fetish?» you mocked his voice, hinting at the girls.

To your surprise, he let out a coarse laugh.

«Feisty! I can see why you keep around your little boy, Eustass!»

Kid bared his teeth as his fist clenched, but before he could do anything, the guy beside Rewald took a step forward.

«Sorry boss, but I must correct you: that one is not a boy.» he purred.

Your eyebrows furrowed.

He was a slim guy with silver hair and sharp features, and a strange glow covered his irises.

«He's not? Interesting!» Rewald uttered.

A few low growls started to rise from your part. Metallic jangling began to sound in the background.

Ignoring the threat, the man clapped his hands together.

«You see, Mejel here is an ability user. Let's just say his eyes can see... beyond several layers of things.»

Several... wait, WHAT?!

The silver-haired guy licked his lips, his hungry gaze travelling up and down your silhouette.

«Indeed. And I can tell she's been well taken care of.»

Rage and disgust exploded on your face, but before you could react in any way, somebody grabbed you from behind and pulled you back. A moment after, a thick line of Kid Pirates closed in front of you, with Heat, Wire, the Mohican and Booka shaking in fury.

«You. Are. Fucking. Dead.»

That was Kid's voice.

Weapons of any sort swirled over your head.

«Hey! You can't touch me, Eustass Kid! The whole town will be hunting you down!»

You weren't even listening, body trembling in indignation.

Without waiting for the pirates to attack, you grabbed a gun from Leo's belt and jumped on Heat's shoulders, who was standing right in front of you.

«AND THIS IS HOW MUCH I CARE, YOU SCUM!» you yelled, before firing.

The bullet got him exactly between his eyes, and you were surprised by how easily his brain blew up.

That guy actually messed with the Kid Pirates counting only on his influence?

The crew was taken aback for a moment, while Rewald's men froze.

«You know, [Y/n], that guy really was a big shot.» Heat quietly said.

«Yeah, I mean, we were gonna kill him anyway, but you should think!» Booka added, tapping a finger on his own forehead.

You turned your angry face to meet Kid's gaze.

He was looking right back at you, and he was smiling.

By his side, Killer sighed heavily.

His scythes snatched out of his gauntlets and he used his impressive speed to dash among the enemies, slashing them open in a few seconds.

All of them, with one exception.

He grabbed the neck of that Mejel-guy before he could run away (like the two girls immediately did).

«Are you fucking crazy?!» he screamed, terrified «You killed Du Rewald! You're done for! Hundreds of men are gonna be on you in no time!»

Killer just tightened the grip enough to choke the words in his throat, then turned to his captain.

«Kid?»

«Oh, yes. This one is mine.»

A mad sadistic joy deformed Kid's face when he approached the guy, taking over Killer's grip.

The crowd that had gathered around started to yell, someone excited for the show, someone shouting that Rewald's men were coming.

The Kid Pirates extracted their weapons, ready for the fight.

«Let me go!» Mejel squeaked, colour long gone from his face when Eustass Kid towered over him.

«I don't think so, my dear. I hope you enjoyed the view before, because it's the last thing you'll ever see.»

You quickly averted your gaze when you saw Kid's fingers approaching the guy's eyes. Horrible screams followed immediately after.

«Can we go now?» you whispered in Heat's ear.

Gunshots started to sound around you, along with the inhuman screams.

«Yes.»

You settled on Heat's shoulders as he moved away from the crowd.

«Heat! You have half an hour before the situation explodes!» Killer called behind him, while the crew engaged new enemies «Be at the ship by that time!»

«Will do!»

«Honestly, I was hoping to do this with a bit more of peace.» you cursed, quickly shuffling among the items of the jeweller while Heat knocked a couple of attackers out.

He kicked them out of the shop and locked the door.

Broken shelves and glasses were scattered all over. The owner had already escaped trough the backdoor.

«We have a few minutes, maybe.» Heat informed, crouching by your side.

«Great, just great.»

You didn't even have the time to take a look at the woman, now that the whole town was hunting the crew down.

«Won't she be in danger if you go to her now?» you asked, hands still busy going through the exposed stuff.

«Not if I pay attention. She's under Stussy's protection, people don't mess with hookers here.»

«Good.»

Some new hustle became audible outside.

«Found anything?»

You muttered something, eyes landing on two small glowing objects.

«Wait.»

You took the little package to examine it further.

«I think I have it.» you murmured, opening your hand in front of Heat so he could see «If you like them, that is.»

He blinked at the two little earrings.

They were small but sparkling, with veins of different shades of blue running through them.

You weren't an expert, but the price on the tag told you they were very precious.

«I like them, I guess. But aren't they tiny?»

«Tiny is good. She could wear them all the time, but also conceal them, which is... okay for her profession. Wait, does she even have long hair?»

Heat nodded, taking the earrings in his big hand.

«But how are they supposed to remind her about me?»

You chuckled, an amused smile spreading on your lips.

«They are the same colour of your hair, you soft brute.»

He moved his zombie face to you.

«My hair?»

«Yes. And you have pretty remarkable hair, if I can say.»

One of the glasses of the shop exploded, and a couple of men forced their way in.

«Okay, time to go! Are they good or not?» you yelped, jumping aside to avoid the gunfire.

«They're good.» Heat stated before scooping you up and running through the backdoor.

Something else caught your attention last moment, and you snatched it up without thinking.

It took a while to lose the gangsters running after you. You had to take some articulate turns to go unseen and then reach the place unnoticed.

More than once you crossed a road where someone from the crew was involved in a fight. While you gasped every time, Heat didn't seem too concerned.

«Don't worry [Y/n], this happens almost all the time we come here.»

When you finally reached your destination, he let you down at the corner in front of the building.

«There she is.» Heat breathed, peering from behind the wall.

You stuck out to take a look.

There was a slim woman in a lather bustier in front of the house, with long dark locks arranged in small tresses, black lipstick and a wide tribal tattoo that covered her left shoulder and the side of her neck.

Yup, seems Heat's type alright. Maybe the dry head would have actually worked.

You felt his body stiffening.

«Okay, wait here now. If you get attacked, just yell. Do you have enough bullets?»

«I'm fine, go!» you scream-whispered, pushing him ahead.

He flashed one last worried glance at you, before walking to the woman.

You followed him with your eyes.

Another man reached the woman first, grabbing her wrist and her chin to shove his lustful grin in her face.

She got along, at first, answering with a lascivious smirk. However, when she caught sight of Heat in the corner of her eyes, you saw her face crumbling.

At the same time, Heat's massive muscles twitched under his skin.

Someone is gonna get his ass kicked~

You smiled absently.

The woman tried to wiggle free from the grab, but that guy pulled her in his chest.

Heat was quick in reaching them and simply breaking his arm, giving the man no warning.

He fell on the ground, howling in pain, and the pirate knocked him unconscious with a kick in his face.

He probably broke several bones in his skull too, you just couldn't see from that angle.

Okay, I'll remember that before I call him soft again.

Heat pulled the woman aside and said something.

You couldn't hear the words from that distance.

She had a tormented expression, biting down her lower lip, eyes frequently escaping Heat's.

Cupping her face with his hands, he gently forced her to look at him.

From her expression, it was obvious she had some sort of feeling for the pirate too.

«Come on, woman, don't be so difficult.» you muttered to yourself.

She tried to pull the tough-girl demeanour, but her eyes got humid when Heat's hand reached out to his pocket and showed her the earrings.

Her trembling fingers brushed on the two little jewels, flushed face not daring to meet Heat's.

You would have never expected from yourself to have a fluttering heart looking at something like that.

You watched as the blue-haired pirate helped her wearing the earrings, but averted your eyes when he pulled her in a deep kiss.

You didn't want to intrude in such an intimate moment.

Your haki warned you just in time for you to dash aside and avoid the gunshots that suddenly erupted from behind.

«That's the fucking cabin boy of the Kid Pirates!» a voice shouted behind you.

You abruptly turned, shoving your index finger to your lips.

«SHH!» you hissed at the three armed men.

Their aggressive faces were briefly bent by a hint of confusion. They looked at each other before deciding to charge you right away.

However, the pause was enough for you to lock your aim at the three of them and take them out as soon as they turned to you.

When their bodies hit the ground, you peered again at the scene beyond the corner.

The gunfire had startled the woman, who had jumped right in Heat's arms. He was hugging her, but flashed a worried glance in your direction.

You quickly answered by holding your thumb up and gesturing him to take his time.

«Quick, behind that building! I heard gunshots!»

Voices and steps reached you from not too far away.

Oh, for fuck's sake! Can't a pirate confess in peace?! What the hell is Kid doing?

You groaned silently and slid on the other side of the building to face the opponents before they could interrupt Heat again.

It was a group of six now.

They were all wearing those flashy suits, brandishing different kind of weapons.

Sawing you, they stopped a few feet away, snarling.

«You're Eustass' cabin boy. You fucking killed the boss.»

«Okaaay, first of all: I'm not "Eustass'".» you said, mimicking the quote marks with your fingers «Second of all... no, I suppose I am a cabin boy today.» you sighed.

The one in front squinted at you.

«Are you making fun of us?»

«Listen, I've got exactly six bullets apparently, which means that I'll be grateful if you just get away and–»

He scoffed.

«Boy, if you think you can get passed my haki with that old–»

«DON'T INTERRUPT ME WHEN I'M TALKING!» you snapped, blowing his head up.

A string of wind wiped the dusty street, now adorned by another corpse.

«Ugh, I guess I interrupted him too... my bad.» you grumbled, rubbing your nape.

One second after, the other five jumped on you, yelling in rage.

You did your best to gain time, dodging their blows and trying to lure them farther, but soon you had to consume your bullets to get rid of them, because the noise was attracting more of their comrades.

You had just finished and were adjusting the hat over your hair when a new team appeared from the nearby street.

«You must be fucking kidding me...»

You dodged the first two shots by diving on the ground and rolling to the side, close enough to use the now unloaded gun to hit the first opponent's ankle as hard as you could.

He let out a pained yelp, bending, and you smashed the butt of your weapon on his forehead.

He went down, but three other men were ready to jump on you.

You jerked back.

At that moment, a bundle of flames suddenly erupted from the corner, engulfing the enemies.

You leapt on your feet, turning.

«Heat!»

The pirate grabbed your arm.

«We're out of here.» he breathed, throwing you over his shoulder and running away.

«Wah! Wait!» you squeaked, chin bouncing on his back before you could support yourself with your hands «Grab a gun!»

Without slowing down, he snatched up a weapon from a fallen opponent, handing it to you.

«Sweet.»

«FUCKING STOP THEM! Catch the Kid Pirates!» someone yelled, as numerous gangsters invaded the street behind you.

Well, the street was technically behind Heat and in front of you, but whatever.

People were retracting on the sides to let the thugs pass.

In the chaos, you noticed the woman with the tribal tattoo swiftly getting in the middle of the road and stabbing a knife in one of the men's throat. He went down like a sack of potatoes, and she waved dramatically in your direction.

«I'LL WAIT FOR YOU! I PROMISE!»

You waved back.

«THANK YOU CUPCAKE! I'LL BE BACK!» you yelled.

«[Y/N]!» Heat choked.

«Sorry, I couldn't resist.»

From the last glimpse you caught of her face, she looked very confused.

Bullets began to whistle around you.

Heats quickly turned to breathe another bundle of fire and bar the way, but new enemies poured in from the side streets.

«Shit!» he hissed.

«Just go on, I got this.» you shouted.

You used the first bullet to break a huge sign hanging from an inn. It fell over the front group chasing you.

The second bullet was for the guy you spotted in the second line, who happened to have a belt of explosives strapped on his shoulder.

Heat jumped when the explosion blew away several gangsters at once, his arm tensing around your torso.

«Uops, a bit messy!» you shouted over the ring in your ears «But this is not the ideal position to take aim, you know!»

«If this is what you do when it's not good, I don't wanna know what happens when you're comfortable!» he shouted back.

Despite your actions, the enemies multiplied on your heels.

That guy was not kidding when he said that he had half of the town at his disposal, after all.

«Hum, Heat?»

«I KNOW!»

Finally, the dock came on sight.

After firing another couple of bullets (dealing as much damage as possible), you stretched your neck to take a look.

Another huge number of gangsters were trying to assault the ship, but the crew was keeping them at distance, while preparing to set sail at the same time.

Actually, you noticed that they were already getting farther from the dock.

WHAT?!

«HEAT, YOU IDIOT!» Booka screamed from the deck, throwing two enemies over the railings «GET YOUR STICHY ASS HERE, OR WE'RE LEAVING WITHOUT YOU!»

Heat dashed towards the shore, where a line of gangsters turned to you.

«What are you doing?!» you cried «We can't make it!»

At that moment, a giant hand of weapons and blades obscured the sky, crushing dozens of enemies the second after.

Heat chose that instant to put all his strength in a jump towards the ship.

You gasped and shut your eyes, fingers clenching around his vest.

Just when the parabola of your flight was descending, he managed to grab the railing with his free hand.

The crew exploded in cheers, pirates laughing and shouting insults at the men on the docks.

Someone grabbed you and pulled you on the deck, allowing Heat to climb over the railings.

Still unsure on your feet, you look up at the man holding you, meeting Wire's blank face.

«You sure cause a lot of trouble for a tiny woman.»

«How is any of this my fault?»

He rolled his eyes and you succumbed at the adrenalin that was still pumping in your veins, jumping on the railing and showing your middle fingers at the livid enemies left behind.

«SUCK IT, ASSHOLES!» you yelled before bursting in laughter, joining the rest of the crew.

In an impulsive gesture, you pulled the hat off your head, allowing a cascade of hair to fall on your shoulders.

The dying light of the sun kissed your face when you turned to search for Kid, without even realizing it.

He was leaning against the main mast, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his pale face.

For a fraction of a second, when your eyes met, Eustass Kid looked lost.

It lasted so briefly you weren't even sure you saw it, though.

He shook his head immediately, wild hair following his brusque movement. When he raised his head again, his face was curled in a scowl.

You frowned, not sure about what just happened.

Booka grabbed your waist and violently pirouetted you around with a sneer before putting you down on the deck, where you almost stumbled and flew on the floor.

«BOOKA!»

«Watch your balance, you little flying sniper.»

You glared at him, grabbing the railing for support.

You looked around, eyes scanning the crew, still all fired up.

«...Leo, Kai, Killer...»

«Oi, girl. Are you... counting us?»

You gasped, not having noticed the Mohican approached you from behind.

«I'm not!»

«You totally are!» he uttered, pointing his finger at you.

A gentle hand landed on your head.

«Don't worry, [Y/n]. We're all here.»

You grimaced and swatted Heat's arm away.

«I know. I don't care.»

«Suuure.» the Mohican snickered, jumping away to avoid your kick.

He stuck his tongue at you before walking away.

You huffed, leaning heavily on the railing.

The sun was setting behind John's Dockyard, already several miles away.

«Thank you.»

You raised your eyes on the pirate beside you.

Heat looked away, nervous hand messing with his locks.

«It went well. I think. She... she said she has feelings too. Sorta. I'm not sure.»

You quirked an eyebrow at him.

You wanted to reply with a snarky remark, but the sharp words died on your tongue.

You sighed, instead, a defeated smile relaxing your features.

«She definitely has feelings for you, Heat. I saw it, it was clear.»

He pressed his lips together, a bright blush spreading on his face below the dark marks.

You moved your tired eyes back to the sun, which was painting golden glares on the sea.

The Kid Pirates were scattered on the deck, laughing, talking and attending the ship.

You could hear Kid giving orders towards the bow, and the metallic sound of Killer sharpening his blades.

You closed your eyes, deeply inhaling the salty breeze.

A moment in time.

Nothing more than a moment in time, forever craved in my memory.

Heat leaned by your side.

«[Y/n]... you also grew as an orphan on some random island, didn't you?»

«Hm? Why?»

He hummed.

His usual sad expression had settled back on his face.

«It's a pity we weren't on the same island as kids.» he said, gaze lost in the sea «Whatever shit you went through...»

You felt the sudden treacherous sting of tears behind your eyes.

«It doesn't matter!» you interrupted, pulling a lock of hair over your face so he couldn't see you «We all went through different shit. Hell, I'm pretty sure you faced more shit than I did.»

Heat shook his head.

«That's not it. I just wanted to say...» he took a breath, tilting his head to watch the sun slide beyond the waves «I wouldn't have minded being your brother.»

A tight knot tugged at your throat as you lowered your face, letting your hair shielding your crumbled expression.

You bit down your lower lip, shutting your eyes.

«...and I wouldn't have minded being your sister.» you whispered.

You didn't know if a small smile bent his lips before he lightly patted your head and walked away.

You didn't move for what felt like ages.

The evening had already fallen on the New World when you slowly headed to the cabin.

«Oi, birdie.»

The captain's deep voice gave a squeeze in your chest.

You raised your eyes on Kid's suspicious face.

«Where do you think you're going? Dinner is almost ready.»

You clicked your tongue, a finger hooking the collar of your shirt.

«I have to take out this damn band. I can't even feel my boobs anymore.»

«Really?»

The devilish smile slowly spread on his dark lips.

Uh-oh.

«Maybe I can help you with that.»

«Hem...»

He grabbed your wrist and dragged you below deck, basically shoving you in his cabin and slamming the door behind.

«Look, Kid, I know you're a horny beast, but I'm not sure I can take you right n–»

His fingers reached for the edges of your shirt and he harshly tore it apart, tossing the shreds on the floor.

«Bullshit.» he hissed «Besides, you said you need help.»

«Well, that's one thing I never said.» you gasped, eyes widening when you saw his hand reaching for the knife on his belt «What the hell are you doing?»

He showed you his fangs in a creepy smile.

«Helping you.»

Before you could wiggle away, he moved the blade near your chest, cutting the bandage open with an expert movement.

A shiver traversed your body when your torso remained completely exposed.

Kid put the knife back and grabbed your shoulders, hungry eyes travelling on you.

«You were right. Look how red your tits are.»

You gulped and moved your arms around them, blushing heavily.

«Jerk.»

He snickered, slowly pushing you toward the bed.

«You look tired, birdie. Lay down.»

«Sure, I feel perfectly safe and relaxed.»

But you were indeed too tired to put up any kind of resistance. Plus, to be completely honest, a slick sensation had started to spread between your legs.

Being naked in front of the red beast was already enough to make your muscles shake in anticipation.

Kid gave you a curt push and you fell on the mattress with a little yelp.

He immediately straddled you, licking his lips.

«So you cannot feel your boobs, hm? Let's see what we can do about that.»

«K-Kid...»

You had to cut your protest short, though, because his hot mouth closed on your right nipple, warm tongue savouring it in sloppy circles.

His flesh hand crawled on your other breast, groping and massaging, fingers playing with the most sensitive spot.

You fought to muffle your moans, squirming under his touch while your hands ran in his hair.

His cold metallic fingers curled around the line of your slacks, pulling them down your thighs.

...and something hit the floor with a small "thud".

Kid moved his face a few inches from your chest to take a look.

«What's that?»

You frowned, confused by the pleasure that blurred your thoughts, then realization flashed in your mind.

There was something that caught your attention, back in the shop that afternoon, and you slipped it in your pocket without thinking.

Like you always did.

Crap.

«I-It's nothing, it's...»

But Kid had already lifted himself on his elbows, stretching his hand to collect the little object from the floor.

He brought it in front of his eyes and frowned.

«A lipstick?» his amber eyes moved on yours.

You sat, grabbing the sheet and pulling it over your naked torso.

«Yeah, I... I found it in town.» your murmured.

Why the hell did you feel so flustered? It wasn't like you did anything compromising.

He raised a sceptical hairless eyebrow at you.

«Do you even wear makeup?»

«Not really, but...»

Your gaze went back to his.

I'm too tired to be tough now.

«...you do, sometimes, don't you?»

Kid's eyes sharpened, as he rolled the lipstick in his fingers.

He stared at you for a while before speaking again.

«Why did you take this?»

His voice was low, his words pointed.

He made it sound like you did something terrible.

«I just took it without thinking.» you blurted, sensing the tension building up «I guess because it's the same shade of your fur and... the same you have on your bounty poster.»

You turned your face away.

Several seconds passed with nothing happening.

You grimaced.

Why the fuck did I have to pick up that damn thing?

You were about to climb down the bed when you heard him uncapping the lipstick.

Kid grabbed your chin and forced you to turn your face back to him.

And there it was again, that unreadable expression, but so intense you felt your stomach melt.

Your eyes glued together and his thumb lightly tugged at your lower lip while he used his other hand to slowly drag the lipstick over your mouth.

You let out an airless gasp, heart pounding in your chest, unable to move your eyes from his.

Kid painted every inch of your lips before carefully leaning the lipstick on the nightstand.

He then loomed over you, staring at your face.

Your chest was raising and lowering faster, not enough oxygen seemed able to reach your lungs.

He kissed you, slowly and deeply, tasting the wet warmth of your mouth for as long as he liked.

Your fingers travelled on his chest and up his neck, leaving paths of goosebumps on his pale skin.

When he pulled back, dark red smears were adorning his lips.

His amber eyes were covered by a layer of humid lust as he smiled, tongue crawling out to collect some of the paint.

«I do like wearing lipstick.» he whispered, before pushing you down on the mattress.