There was only one instance where Kid risked another nightmare.

His small body stiffened and his fist balled around your top, but his eyes remained tight shut.

Thankfully, you were awake, as promised.

Your hand crawled into his hair and you pressed your lips against his forehead.

«It's okay, chubby.» you whispered, gently rubbing his back «Wake up.»

The child stirred on your chest, his eyelids twitching before opening on the darkness of the cabin.

«You're still small,» you softly added before he could question the situation «but we're here.»

Kid frowned, his hand roughly wiping some crusts away from his eye before rolling on his side. He only grunted an inexplicable reply before his small snores echoed in the room again.

As long as his sleep is decent.

Killer shifted by your side, his immature voice, so different from the one you were used to, nearly startling you.

«It's not so bad.»

«Damn, blondie, I thought you were asleep already.»

«Can't sleep.»

He turned again to lay on his back, a small sigh leaving his skinny figure.

«So you've troubles sleeping too.» you murmured, fingers absently combing through Kid's red hair.

Killer hummed.

«Try to at least get some rest then.»

You closed your eyes, reviewing the types of bullets you had at your disposal in your mind and carefully deciding which ones were going to be useful against Bonney. It was a way to stay awake more than an actual preparation.

«Y/n?»

Killer's voice was low, hesitant even. You opened your eyes again.

«Yes?»

«I... can I ask you a favor?»

«Yes.»

But nothing came for a while, the child only shifted nervously on his side of the bed.

You subtly glanced down at him. His eyes weren't visible below the mass of blond hair, and his fingers were tormenting the locks on his forehead, while his lips pressed together in a uncertain line.

«Could you... hum... could you maybe sing something?»

Your forehead creased in disbelief at his request, prompting him to swiftly pull the duvet over his head, but his muttering still reached you.

«Justthoughtitcouldhelpwiththesleep.»

It took all your willpower not to snicker, your heart fluttering in your chest when you put together the scene with the image of adult Killer.

But I'm never going to tease him for this.

Probably.

«Sure.» you whispered.

Killer remained below the sheets even after you started singing.

Watch that old fire as it flickers and dies

That once blessed the ships and lit up our lives

It shone for the friends and the clicking of glasses

I'll tend to the flame, you can worship the ashes

It was strange, singing in the silence. Your voice expanded in the cabin like waves in a pond, meeting nothing but darkness in its wake.

Do you feel heavy? Your eyes drop with grief

Your spirit is wild and your suffering is brief

The lives, and the loves, and the songs are what matters

I'll tend to the flame, you can worship the ashes

The pile of sheets moved and you felt the small warmth of Killer's forehead against your ribs. Your light hand lowered into his locks. He flinched, but soon relaxed again.

What will we do when the world meets its end?

And time it is halted for friend and for foe?

Try to hold onto the time as it passes

I'll tend to the flame, you can worship the ashes

By the time your song ended, Killer was asleep.

It was nearly sunrise when the Den Den Mushi began its cry.

Both Kid and Killer groaned and stirred against you as you stretched to catch the snail from the desk.

«Yeah?»

«Y/n, it's Wire.» the monotonous tone answered from the other side «Crewmates of the Big Eater are starting to wake up, although I think it'll take some time before they're operative. What do you want to do?»

«Mmhh...» your arm wrapped around a drowsy Kid and you sat on the mattress «I can be there in twenty. Keep watching them, but only call me if they're moving before that.»

«...are you even authorized to give me orders?»

You scoffed, but before you could reply, Killer snatched the receiver from your hand.

«Just do as she says.» he grumbled.

His words were met with silence and you took the device back.

«That was Killer.»

After a few seconds, a heavy sigh sounded from the other side and the kid clicked his tongue in frustration.

«Fine.» Wire conceded «I'll let you know if anything changes.»

He hung up and you stretched your legs.

«C'mon boys, time to rise and shine.» you chimed, easing Kid down on the bed before walking through the cabin and opening the small chest with your various magazines.

Killer tagged along.

«What's the plan, then?»

«I'll find a clean shot,» you explained while your nimble fingers selected the bullets and they swiftly found their way into the firearm «Then I'll shoot.»

You turned to him, your index finger tapping the center of his forehead.

«Right here.»

The boy snorted and pushed your hand away.

«Don't underestimate her, Y/n.»

«I won't. I promised, remember?»

«Mh.»

Killer nibbled at his inner cheek before a childish call averted his attention.

«Kira.»

The blond turned to the bed, where Kid was now sitting in his oversized clothes. When their eyes met, the redhead pointed at the door with a brusque tilt of his head.

Killer let out a breath and headed outside.

«I'll be on deck if you need me.»

You watched him leave before tightening the holsters around your waist.

«Bidy.»

«Yeah.»

You walked up to the bed and crouched down so your face could be at the same height as Kid's.

His amber eyes were round but solemn as he stared back into yours.

«Dott lose.»

A faint smirk tugged at your lips.

«I won't.»

He stretched his arm to put his small hand on your cheek before briskly leaning in and pressing his immature lips against yours.

After a brief moment of surprise, you couldn't help but smile into the kiss.

Kid sat back, his face so flushed it was almost a smooth transition from his hairline, but you still followed him to peck his forehead.

«I'll see you soon, captain.»

The toddler scoffed, a flustered grimace taking over his childish features as you left the cabin with a chuckle.

«We came as close as we could, but now we're watched for sure.» Booka explained when you reached the taffrail «It'll be hard to lower a lifeboat unseen.»

«Then don't.» you carelessly replied «My weapons are waterproof.»

«Are you planning on swimming?» Killer asked, skeptical, straddling the balustrade beside you. Your eyes flicked on him.

«Why not? It's a short distance and the water is beautiful. Besides. Who's gonna fish you out if I don't?»

«Wha...?»

Your hand sprang on his arm in an iron grip. His body tensed up instantly.

«Y/n.» he slowly spoke «Don't you fucking--»

With a curt movement, you pushed him overboard.

Killer didn't make much noise while falling, beside a small splash when he hit the water.

Booka and you stood by the taffrail in silence, your mouth desperately crumpled to hold back your laughter.

«I hope it's still funny when you're dead.» Booka murmured, his dead eyes fixed on the sea.

The grin had meanwhile won the struggle and conquered your features as you handed him the end of a rope.

You dived and entered the water just as Killer resurfaced, messily flailing to keep himself afloat.

«Y/N!»

A joyous cackle erupted from your chest as you emerged beside him, your arm wrapping firmly around his thin waist, ending his struggle against the water.

«Revenge!» you laughed, quickly securing the rope around his body.

He was soaked and trembling in rage, a mad, twitching grin spreading on his lips as he looked up at you.

«You're dead meat, kitty. You know you are.»

You snickered again and wiped Killer's drenched hair away from his face, finally unveiling his eyes.

They were slanty, furious, and as blue as the sea around him. The sun hit the brine that shone on his tanned features.

I wish I could see them more often.

His livid smile morphed into a snarl as his cheeks flushed red.

«Stop staring at me!» he growled, brusquely flattening his hair back over his eyes.

«See ya, blondie.»

You let him go and waved up at Booka, who started to hoist Killer back to the ship.

«Huh, Killer-san! I'm sorry! I had nothing to do with it!»

You were still laughing while you swam away.

«I'm so hungover! Bring me another pizza!»

«Captain, we finished our money...»

«Then raid the place, you pussies! We're pirates, for fuck's sake!»

Bonney pounded her tankard against the wooden surface of the table and burst in a coarse cackle.

Maybe she wasn't just hungover, she was still straight up drunk.

«Hey, you.»

Her hazel eyes trailed the steps of one of the waitresses. The woman had long blue hair and luscious curves beneath the loose uniform.

«You're juicy. Come here.»

Bonney pushed her chair back and patted her thigh. The waitress offered her an excited giggle.

«Huh, captain?»

One of her men dragged himself across the stained floor of the inn and pulled at the pinkette's suspender.

«What is it, Gudwigh?!»

«Didn't we talk about finishing the Kid Pirates off now that their manpower is cut low?»

Bonney snorted, a loud grin spreading on her face.

«What's the rush? The effect of my power won't vanish unless they come face me. Ah! I wanna see them trying.»

«Yes, but what if they leave the island...?»

The smirk on Bonney's mouth didn't falter in the slightest as she brought the tankard to her lips.

«Eustass Kid won't run with his tail between his legs, not even in his current state. They'll come.»

The man pouted, unconvinced. Bonney turned back to the waitress.

«Come on, babe, what are you waiting fo--»

She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes suddenly darting to the high windows that lined the bar.

Her right-hand man raised his gaze on her, perplexed.

«Captain?»

«Hush!» she hissed, her face now taut «Something is wrong.»

The silence in the place stilled for a moment.

Then Bonney ducked, but not fast enough, and a bullet pierced her shoulder, killing the pirate behind her and finally plunging into the wall.

Fuck. That bitch is lucky.

You clicked your tongue and slid into the shadow of the bush, a mile from the inn.

It would have been a clean kill if your haki's alarm didn't go off the instant you pulled the trigger.

The smart thing to do at the moment was pouring a rain of bullets on her crew, but your Observation alert was still pounding in your head. And the reason was not far away.

You felt the rumbling inside before hearing the sirens.

God, you hated those sirens.

It was like the sky turned black with the hell that was coming.

The first explosion roared somewhere on the shore behind you. The earth shook.

Buster call.

The chaos exploded into the inn as well.

Most of the staff disorderly fled outside. Screams and racket filled the streets as people flooded the port and ran towards the docks.

«Captain! Are you okay?!»

The second in command of the Bonney Pirates grabbed her arm and pulled her down to the floor.

«What happened? A marine?»

«No!» Bonney spat, pressing her hand on the bullet wound, cold sweat already soaking her body «It was a sniper. That bitch from the Kid Pirates...! I should have thought about her!»

The male pirate frantically looked around.

«We need to get back to the ship!»

All the windows burst in a myriad of glassy fragments.

«She's shooting at us!»

«Stay down! As long as we're out of her firing line, we're--»

Your kick right in his face shut the pirate up, sending him flying on the other side of the place.

Yep, I came with the bullets.

Sorry, Killer, but this is a code red.

«You fucking bitch!»

Bonney's glowing hand swung inches from your nose as you ducked backwards, but you also caught a glimpse of her smirk widening.

«I don't need to touch you, babydoll.»

A sharp pain ran down your spine, then radiated through your whole body.

Fuck.

I messed up.

The breath was cut in your lungs and you tumbled against a table, crashing into bottles of booze. The pain was almost unbearable as your limbs retracted into your body, even if it lasted only a few seconds.

«Damn, I didn't take enough years off!» Bonney barked, her hand jerking back to her wound.

You gritted your teeth and rolled under the nearest table, avoiding the slash of one of his crewmates.

«Kill the bitch now!»

The guns were heavy and too big for your grip now, the finger barely reaching the trigger. You glanced down to your body.

Great. An early teen.

«Thank you for bringing me back to the happiest time of my life!» you sarcastically yelled from your precarious hiding spot, messily shoving one of the pistols into its holster to hold the other with both hands, but the belt slid down your thinner waist.

Fuck them clothes.

They were too big and hindered every movement.

An axe landed on the table, splitting it in half and trapping you in a cloud of splinters.

Your ears were ringing, you didn't know if from the last hit or the bombing outside.

I need to knock Bonney out.

«Come here, babydoll, let me see that pretty face.»

«This pretty face is not for you!»

The Big Eater was never famous for being smart, luckily for you.

Sure, reducing your size hampered your actions, maybe your skills, but not your haki, nor aim. At least not with such a short distance.

You dived out of the destroyed den and shot a powder bullet in the face of the closest pirate, the one with the axe. A nimbus of smoke quickly spread around the chaotic bar, hiding you from sight.

They started to cough and curse heavily.

«Where is she?!»

«Find the sniper!»

You couldn't see a thing either, but Bonney was easy to spot with just a pinch of Observation. It was fast depleting your diminished stamina, but the place was small enough.

You dodged a couple of blind blows and grabbed the pistol tightly with both hands before rising the weapon and firing into the smoke.

The earth trembled again, with more rage this time, and you stumbled on your clothes, over a whimpering body.

Your face landed on something very soft.

This is...

«Ehe... Here you are... babydoll.»

I missed again?!

No...

It was the earthquake, Bonney must had lost her balance just in time to prevent the bullet from hitting a vital spot.

You really are lucky, Jewelry Bonney.

Your face rose from her bosom, causing a tormented huff to leave her chest.

You did get her though. She was hardly moving now, and her wheezing was ragged.

But if she touches me, it's over!

The shadow of her hand emerged from the smoke. You desperately tried to crawl away, but your oversized clothes got in the way and you fell on your four again.

Fuck, I—

Bonney's soft, cold touch leaned on your cheek.

You froze on top of her.

And nothing happened.

After you waited a proper amount of seconds, your vitreous eyes slowly lowered on your rival.

The dust had started to thin out, and you could distinguish her sweat-soaked features.

She was smiling.

«I'm sorry, babydoll.» she whispered «Should've aged you. I knew it, but, eh... you're way too cute for that.»

You swallowed thickly and watched her passing out.

A sharp pain pulsed in your core, earning a yelp from you and making you crumble aside. Another bomb fell, closer.

«Damn, Bonney.» you grunted, nails digging into the beams of the floor.

Your limbs were the right size now.

Fine. I'll spare you. We're even.

«Time to bolt.» you grumbled, collecting your guns and limping out of the inn.

It was a mess of smoke and destruction outside.

The whole island shook and contracted below the continuous bombing, although...

It's coming from the North. It's all coming from the North.

Normally, a Buster Call was carried out with warships surrounding the island in question completely before the operation was set off, so no one could escape from any shore.

There were a couple of vice admirals, though, that would always attack from one side, in order to give civilians a chance. Or pirates, in this case.

You heard a ring.

A bomb dropped on the hill nearby.

It felt like your eardrums exploded together with the forest.

A piercing brightness invaded your brain through your eyes and you were hurled away by the blast.

The only thing you could do was balling on yourself to try and protect your body, even a little bit. It was a matter of time before something hit you.

Among the brutal force that shot you away, you felt a curt tug to your wrist.

The next thing you knew was something hard and cold enveloped you and dragged you down to the land (or the sky, you couldn't be sure), before a warm presence pushed you between itself and the ground, anchoring you in the midst of the blaze.

«I'm here, birdie.»

It was the ring in your head, maybe.

You gritted your teeth and buried your face into the soil.

It took a while for the atmosphere to settle. Kid protected you with his own body and metal the whole time.

«Y/n.»

You could barely hear his voice above the whistle in your ears.

Your crumpled fingers found his flesh bicep you squeezed.

All your joints were wedged together, your skin covered in cuts and mud. Eyes didn't see, ears didn't hear.

«Kid. I didn't— I couldn't k-kk...»

His arm wrapped around your waist.

«You did good, birdie.» he rumbled «I'll take it from here.»

Kid crossed the woods towards the Eastern shore, then the crowded, panicking banks in a matter of minutes, all the way with you pressed tightly below his fur.

When the frenzied people became a nuisance, Killer appeared out of nowhere and started slicing whatever came too close.

Bombs were now pouring on the whole island, painting red darts through the black sky before landing in a blast.

The cold wind helped clear up your mind. The more time passed, the more your senses came back to you.

It was a relatively smooth escape from there.

You reached the edge of the bank where you could spot the Victoria Punk in the distance. The ship was lingering a few miles from the shore, still quite safe from the enemy's fire.

Kid locked on it with his powers and brought both you and Killer on board, kicking down some pleading men that tried to grab onto him as well.

«Set sails, catch the wind!» the captain yelled once his feet touched the deck.

«Wait!» you uttered, voice still hoarse «Is everybody here? Heat?»

«We're all here!» Leo confirmed from the upper deck.

It wasn't difficult to elude the Marines since you were already outside their pincer maneuver and they had their hands full with the ships that did not make it out in time.

You walked to the stern of the Victoria Punk to give a last look to the sinking island, now a spot of fire in the darkness of the sea.

«Well, goodbye John's Dockyard, it seems.» the Mohican sighed, leaning to the taffrail beside you.

You hummed, eyes glued to the burning dot.

«Who the hell are you?!»

Kid's bark called for your attention and you both turned to the small crowd of men on deck.

«Huh, boss, this is Amina. She's my, huh...»

«Girlfriend. I'm his girlfriend.»

There was a woman among the crew: long dreadlocks, luxurious clothes and a tribal tattoo on her neck and shoulder. She was standing beside Heat.

The blue-haired pirate seemed tense, his eyes flicking nervously from the woman to Kid, now towering over her.

«This should be fun.» the Mohican sneered, sitting onto the railing.

«You brought your little whore on the ship?» the captain hissed, his sharp gaze moving onto Heat.

«I... had no choice.»

«Does this look like a fucking cruise to you?»

«No, but--»

«Let's just drop her off at the headquarter.» Killer mercifully interceded «She can make herself useful with chores until then.»

Strange, you assumed Killer would be in a shitty mood as well, after the daily misadventure, and yet he seemed to have slipped back into character already.

Kid nostrils flared, but he eventually scoffed.

«Whatever. Don't be in the way, woman, or you'll end up feeding the seakings.»

Amina turned to Heat with a half smirk.

«Charming.»

Suppressing a smile yourself, you walked over to palm Heat's arm.

«Yo, Nii-chan. You have no idea what you missed today.»

The pirate looked down to you. His face didn't change, but you could recognize a glimpse of relief playing at the corners of his eyes.

«Y/n. This is Amina.»

«I already had the pleasure.» you flashed her a wry grin «Hi, Cupcake. I told you I'd be back.»

Her initially confused gaze suddenly lit in realization.

«You're the cabin boy from that time!» she turned to Heat «So she's also the crewmate you can't shut up about?»

Huh?

Your eyes moved up to the pirate and a faint blush dusted his cheeks.

«She's our sniper.» he muttered, hand running up to mess with his locks.

«Nice to meet you.»

Amina frowned lightly.

«I guess.»

Your eyebrows flicked up.

Watch your tongue, woman. I'm being nice for Heat's sake, but don't rub me the wrong way.

«Oi, Y/n, come give us a hand for dinner!» Booka called from outside the galley.

You threw her a last glance and headed toward your nakama.

The day had started to clear up again now that the Buster Call was just distant noise.

Your fingers brushed against the taffrail and you lingered by the sea.

As a marine-turned-pirate, destruction and death weren't new to you. But there was a certain violence in the void left behind by the Government you could never grow accustomed to.

Damnatio memoriae. Not just as a punishment, but as a tool to keep the world under their control.

«What are you thinking about, so intensely?»

You nearly jumped as the deep voice rumbled by the side of your face.

«Killer!»

He had leaned over you from behind, his mask inches from your cheek.

An iron grip suddenly closed over your shoulder and you froze.

«You wouldn't.» you slowly spoke.

«I wouldn't?»

«We're moving. This is New World, deep sea.»

«Hmm.»

A droplet of sweat lined your temple. His hot breath was softly fanning your face from the holes in his mask.

His hold on you twitched and you squeaked. Then something horribly similar to a chuckle shook his chest.

«Don't worry, kitty.» he mused «Vengeance is a plate served cold.»

Killer let you go and walked away. You could physically feel his nasty grin still on your skin.

Damn you, blondie.

«You know, I liked you better when you were small!» you barked to his back.

«I liked you better when I was small too.» he answered with a wave.

You had just started helping the guys out with dinner, when the captain barged into the galley and grabbed your wrist.

I can't catch a break today.

«Oi, Kid!»

«You're still dirty as fuck.» the redhead growled, dragging you out and below deck.

He fleshed you his smug grin, tongue darting out and licking the corner of his mouth.

«Gotta clean up, birdie.»

«Yeah... I don't think your intents are pure.»

Indeed, he brought you in his cabin, and then towards the bathroom.

«Wait, I can wash up by myself!» you protested, pointing your feet.

Of course your resistance only excited him more.

Kid turned, his cruel grin still plastered on his features, and grabbed your whole figure with his mechanical arm, blocking your arms along your sides and leaving your legs to kick around aimlessly.

«Dammit!» you growled.

«Fuck, this feels good.»

He brought you close to his face.

«You're so small and helpless now, aren't you?»

His head jerked back just in time, and your teeth snapped an inch from his nose.

«Maybe not so helpless.»

His smile never wavered as he took your chin between his fingers, even when you snarled.

«How does it feel, my little birdie?»

He didn't let you the time to answer, however, his mouth angrily devouring yours and muffling any protest with his tongue and lips.

Good.

This feels so good.

Before your brain could connect again, the threw you into the bath, already filled with water.

«Gah! What the hell, Kid!»

His rough digits only approached you again to tear off your clothes and toss them aside.

«Wha--»

«Now, that's how I like you.»

Kid's smirk lowered on your neck, painted lips brushing against your skin sending goosebumps running all over your body, his hands running down your arms.

«You don't like me otherwise?» you teased, eyes falling closed as your naked torso pressed against his.

He chuckled against your neck.

«Why do you think I never gagged you, even when it's all you deserve?»

«Why?»

A small click echoed in the room and your eyes widened.

«Because I like the way you squeal.»

You gave a curt tug to your hands, only obtaining to make the cuffs around your wrists clang.

«...shit.»

Kid laughed, quickly discarding his own clothes.

«Okay, big brute, remember I helped you when you were tiny!» you rambled, backing up against the wall.

«Oh, I remember.» he grinned, squirting some liquid soap on his flesh hand «In fact, I'm gonna return the favor.»

«W-Wait, Kid, don't you dare! No, stay away, stop, STHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAP!»

Suffices to say, tickling was not the only torture you had to endure that night. The two of you missed dinner.

Hours later, you woke up on Kid's chest.

The Victoria Punk was rolling gently on the dark waters, the moonlight filtering through the porthole.

A soft groan left your lips and you stirred, immediately halted by the soreness of your body.

Your skin was marked all over by bruises, bites and dark halos.

Damn you, Mr. Bastard.

His fingers crawled in your hair.

«You did good today, birdie.»

Despite your aching muscles, a weak smile curved your lips.

«And look at my reward.»

«You love it.»

Despite the mock in his voice, his mouth brushed gently against your head.

«I'll let you sleep in tomorrow.»

«You liar.»

The captain smirked, leaning back on the mattress, but his hand kept on toying with your hair. You closed your eyes.

«Hey, Kid.»

«Hm.»

«I wanna ask you something.»

«Hm.»

«When we reach Laugh Tale. When we find the One Piece and you become the Pirate King.»

His fingers stopped. Your stomach clenched lightly and you swallowed, forcing yourself to continue.

«If we're still alive by then...» you nibbled at your lower lip «Do you think...»

...

«Spit it out, Y/n.»

«Have you ever thought about what comes after?»

Kid shifted to look at you.

«What do you mean?»

You avoided his gaze, fingers sliding down his scar.

«Do you think... we may have... kids or something?»

The silence that followed had your guts twirling.

Dammit.

«Birdie...»

Kid exhaled, his hand leaving your hair to rub his eyes.

«Forget I said anything.» you grumbled «It's not like I've got baby fever, it was just a random thought.»

«I didn't know you cared about this stuff.»

«I don't.»

«Where did it come from, then?»

You pressed your face against his pecs.

«It's just...» you pouted «You were kinda cute as a child.»

His breathing hitched for a moment, his incredulous gaze darting on you.

«Cute?»

«Yep.» you tilted your chin to meet his eyes «I wouldn't mind a baby like that.»

He stared at you for a while before his arm suddenly wrapped around your smaller figure.

«You crazy woman.»

«Ehe.»

«I never thought I could care or mind for a tiny human. I hardly know what a parent means.» he added, voice turning serious «But...»

The captain hesitated, a thin scowl entering his features.

«...a kid would be lucky to have you as a mother.»

He spoke so fast and low you had trouble catching all the words. Your heart started racing in your chest.

«So...»

«If we're still alive by then,» he grumbled, averting his eyes «I'll think about it.»

An uncontrollable grin spread to your lips. You buried your face below his collarbone.

«Okay.»

«You'll have to make me King of the Pirates first though.»

«Okay.»

*

The song birdie sings is a rendering of "Ashes" by The Longest Johns.