This is the dress that reader will wear to the ball. I looked for hours trying to find the right one. 😅😅😅. Also this chapter is going to be A LOT longer than my usual length. Enjoy! ❤️

You'd been walking for over an hour and no store you found was opened.

"Great...at this point I may as well just show up in my dress formal uniform. But I'd probably get thrown out." Right as you were about to give up you saw a stall, it had clothes in it and it was opened. "Here's praying there's a dress in there."

"Good evening young lady! What is it that you are  looking for?" An older lady was sitting in an armchair. She was missing some teeth, but she smelled like mint and coffee, plus she was friendly.

"A dress for tomorrow's ball."

"Quite the late invitation wouldn't you say?" She side glanced you. You merely shrugged your shoulders.

"I guess. Can you help me?" She looked you up and down and smiled.

"Can I ask you to trust the process?"

"The what?"

"You don't seem like a very trusting person. So I'm asking you to place a little faith in me." You didn't know where this was going but decided to go along with it. When you have the old lady a nod she urged you to come closer.

"Give me your hand." You hesitated, but you figured the old lady was harmless so you walked over and gave her your hand as requested. She took it in her two wrinkly ones.

"Ah, so much pain...so much. It's a wonder you haven't succumbed to it yet."

A fortune teller...wonderful.

"Oho but what is this? Hope! Determination! And oho ho! Love?"

You blushed at that but shook your head.

"Ah denial of your own feelings...ah I see why. Your own thoughts are working against you. Let's see. Mhm mhm. Oh that's a nice memory...what beautiful colors. Alright this next part is going to sting."

"Sting? Ouch!!" She'd cut your hand and gathered the blood under her nails. "What was that for?"

"Hehehe you'll see." She took down a piece of white cloth then proceeded to spread your blood across it. You felt it was a little weird but didn't say anything.

She started to moved a thread through the fabric, before you could ask, something amazing happened. Colors started to dance around the white area and completely cover it. She grabbed some beads and then some silk.

"Stitch-stitch no mi. Memory dress."

A devil fruit?

Another flourish of light and the next thing you saw was a beautiful dress.

It was a one shoulder dress, with the one strap being comprised of the black fabric and beads she'd tossed down. The bodice would keep your breasts tightly bound without showing any cleavage, on the side opposite of the strap was another beaded design. The black only went down to where your hips would be, after that is where the color came in. It looked like the sunrise you'd seen with Captain Koby, the morning after the Kid pirates attacked. With its hues of yellow, orange, pink, red and purple.

"This is beautiful..."

"Just like the person who will wear it. This dress was made from your pain and hopefulness. Your heart may not be where you wish to be, but your legs continue to move forward." While you didn't necessarily agree with the enigmatic woman you still smiled.

"How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing. All I ask is that you return to me the morning after the ball at dawn. That's all I ask."

"But this is stunning! Please let me at least buy you dinner." You didn't like getting free stuff especially when someone had done something to beautiful.

"Not at all. In fact I ask that you don't tell anyone where you got this dress."

You were about to ask why when you remembered she'd used a devil fruit ability to make it. The WG would consider her a threat, she could easily recreate military clothes if she wanted to. Your guess she rarely ever used it for that reason alone.

"Alright." She wrapped it up for you in a box and handed it to you.

"One more thing young lady. I'm a lot older than you so I know a little more than you. So take my advice. Give people another chance. Especially someone who goes out of their way to make you smile, and give comfort."

You clenched your teeth, before taking a breath.

"I'll try...thank you again."

Walking back to the ship you passed by a bar and saw a familiar back, it was the young Capatain. He seemed drunk, you looked around and saw Grount walking over to him. As long as he had a friend with him you didn't need to worry.

-Grount's POV-

This was stupid. They were both stupid. She continued to build up the walls Koby tore down, and he couldn't find the patience when she was insecure about her own self worth.

"Why on earth wouldn't you say anything Koby? Why couldn't you have just told the higher ups, 'hey I already have someone in mind to take. And I can't go with anyone else.'?"

"Cause I hadn't asked her yet, I was going to when I gave her the bracelet but she walked off before I could." He hiccuped, Grount was getting a headache.

"I feel like an older brother trying to set up his best friend with his little sister. You two just need time a lone and talk about your feelings."

"We almost kissed once..."

Grount must've misheard.

"What?"

"The time before we went to talk to the Warlord...we were talking and we were getting really close. Hrup. She looked so beautiful, she made me something special she smelled so pretty and then we were called for an attack. Whenever we get close it seems like the universe gets in the way of us getting closer physically."

Wait what? That day that Koby looked sick, the day that they both went to the infirmary.

Holy shit!!!!

"Wait....so then the reason why you avoided her after that?"

"I got embarrassed...I didn't even tell her that I love her and I tried to kiss her. That's not the correct way..."

"I don't think there's a rule book with how a relationship is supposed to start buddy."

"Mmmm. Notte."

"Notte?"

"That's what she reminds me of. A beautiful starry night with a crescent moon hung in the sky. The sight always brought me tranquility."

"You have a pet name for her already? Dude ask her out already!!!!"

"I can't I messed up... I got mad at her for not coming to the ball. I hurt her feelings."

"Dude didn't you hear? She's going! She'll be there tomorrow night!!!" This was great! They could somewhat go together. But when he looked at his friend he noticed he wasn't paying attention. "Hey Koby?" He was passed out. "You've gotta be kidding me."

These two were going to be the death of him.

<Reader's POV>

"Okay...and done." You'd left your hair in braids all day long. When you took them out you added some avocado oil to your hair and the curls the unfurled were decent. You decided to go with your hair down since you usually wore it up in a ponytail. You had black flats that you put on, and put on your dress. After applying some mascara and tinted lip gloss, you took a look at yourself and decided you looked good enough to attend the ball. You grabbed at your wrist that had the bracelet Captain Koby had given to you, deciding last minute to wear it. Grabbing your sash you made your way to the hall.

"Well don't you clean up nicely." You heard a voice. Turning you saw Helmeppo, he was wearing a simple black tux, with his hair in a low ponytail and a fedora hat. He also wore his Justice jacket.

"So do you." You complimented. He really did look good. You started walking again before you felt him grab your wrist.

"Where are you going?"

"The banquet hall."

"Why?"

"Vice Admiral Smoker said I needed to go."

He didn't seem to appreciate that answer, he took note of your other hand with the piece of jewelry on it, and his eyes widened. After that he walked next to you. When you got to the area where a carriage would take you to the venue, you saw Vice Admiral Smoker and Rear Admiral Hina arguing.

"C'mon Smoker-Kun I can't go by myself! I'll look like a loser!"

"Why didn't you take Full Metal or Django then? Either one of them would be thrilled."

"No way! You're not much better but your a thousand times better than them."

"I said-oh Dr. L/N I see that you found something to wear. You look nice." At his words, all eyes suddenly moved to you. You withdrew with the attention suddenly on you.

"What? That's what her face looks like?"
"She looks great!"
"She should wear her hair down more often!"

You quickly walked to the carriage saluted your superiors before taking a seat towards the back.

Get in. Clap for him. Congratulate him. Return the dress. Go to bed.

You repeated this mantra in your head until you arrived at the banquet hall for the celebration. It looked like a giant greenhouse but instead of normal glass, you were met with stained glass with designs of he ocean and ships. It was absolutely beautiful.

"Wow..." you couldn't hide your amazement.

"Hey Y/N!!" You jolted to see Grount running down the stairs towards you. He looked really handsome. He was wearing a navy blue tux and his white justice jacket. Plus he also had his sash to show his rank and achievements. "Hey you look awesome! That dress suits you perfectly. I saved us some seats wanna walk in with me?" He held out his arm. You were stunned for three reasons. 1. He wasn't being mouthy, 2. He cleaned up really well, and 3. He called you by your first name again.

You smirked and took the arm he offered.

"Sure. You don't look too bad yourself."

"Ah thanks. Well let's go support our friend shall we? Hey Helmeppo why you being a jackass hurry up. The other guys are here too."

And there's the potty mouth. Figured it wouldn't last too long.

He tugged you along chatting away about nonsense.

"How much do you think all this costs? What kind of food do you think they'll serve? How many drinks is too many? Do you think the food will be spicy? I'm not good with spicy food."

You didn't even bother to answer and just let him ramble.

"Hey Koby!" You stiffened you couldn't help it. After what transpired between you two at the beach you felt too ashamed to see him.

"Grount and Y/N-San?" When you finally looked at him you were struck stupid by how handsome he looked. He was wearing his military formals. It was white and blues, with gold accents. He was also wearing a black headband instead of his usual floral one. His boot were even white.

"Hey Y/N, you may want to close your mouth before you drool." Grount chuckled when you closed your mouth. You weren't the only one who was staring. The young Captain was also staring at you.

"You look beautiful Y/N-San." You flushed at the compliment.

"Ahem. Thank you Captain you also look dashing tonight. Congrats on your award." You saluted. Still feeling a bit awkward. "Also I am sorry about not RSVP'ing on time. Next time I'll do better with my time management." You released Grount and bowed an apology.

"Please Y/N-San!!!"

"Koby-Sama! Are you ready-who's this slut?"

Wow...what manners you have. She's not at all how I thought she'd be. She seems really young.

"Lady Daisy please these are my friends. Captain Grount and Dr. L/N." Captain Koby tried to smooth over but it didn't seem to help.

Lady Daisy was in fact pretty. Blonde hair, blue eyes and pale skin, all the markings of a noble. She was very childlike though it made you wonder how old she was.

"What is a doctor doing here?" You kept your face neutral and simply kept quietly.

"I was invited." It was the only explanation you gave.

"Hmph. Koby-Sama we need to get ready to walk! I can't wait to pin you!"

Koby flinched it was barley there but you noticed it.

"Daisy!!!" You heard a deep voice yell. Causing you to jolt and lady Daisy to hide behind Koby.

"Papa..." someone was in trouble.

"How dare you forge my signature! How dare you dishonor our name! How dare you!"

What the hell is going on?

"But Papa you weren't going to let me come or be with Koby-Sama!! I love him!"

"You think you're attending this event after all the trouble you caused and made me look like a fool??!! You're 13! You're being taken home this instant!"

"But Papa..."

"NOW!"

She ran off crying with a butler. The father pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I'm sorry Captain Koby my negligence caused this, I honestly didn't think she'd do this."

"No no sir...it fine as long as no one was injured it's fine." His body language was now relaxed and eased. It seems the Captain wasn't fond of the Lady Daisy.

"But Captain now you don't have a partner to walk with you, pin you or dance with you." The poor guy was flustered.

"Yes he does. Her." Grount pointed at the top of your head.

"Me?"

"Why not? You guys are friends. Koby knows the steps and you'll give him a nice little speech before you pin him. I mean you were also there you even treated him."

"Yes...YES! Miss please? My daughter made a mistake and I'm sorry for that, but now everything can be righted if you do this."

"Sir, Grount please don't try to force Y/N-San to do this..." Captain Koby was in a panic, trying desperately to give you an out.

Suddenly the old woman's words popped back into your head.

Give people another chance. Especially someone who goes out of their way to make you smile, and give comfort.

"Captain." You grabbed both sides of your dress and attempted doing a courtesy. You'd never tried on before you hoped you were somewhat correct. "May I have the honor and privilege of being your partner for the evening? I promise not to embarrass you." You didn't move from your spot not even when you heard footsteps.

"Y/N-San?" You looked up to see him standing in front of you smiling. He put one hand to his heart and the other out to you. "It would be my honor to have you stand by your side."

Your breath hitched and you felt like crying. You took his hand and he brought it through his arm both of you walking to where he would need to walk out from.

"I will go and let the announcer know to change the name. Oh what is the young lady's name?"

Grount smiled, he couldn't be happier for his two friends. He almost wanted to vomit at how sweet they were towards each other it made him tickle, but he'd let it go.

"Her name is Dr. L/N Y/N. Her rank is Major General."

"Major General? But she's so young!"

"What the hell does age have to do with anything huh?"

"Uh nothing...I'll go-go let them know."

-A few minutes later-

"Hey Grount!" Bonham was waving at him from his table, he waved back and went to sit with his friend. "I heard that the young lady who was supposed to escort Koby forged her daddy's signature to be able to meet him. Now he has another date?"

"Hahaha oh yeah I was there for the whole thing. And as for his new date. You know Dr. L/N?"

"The one who got promoted to Major General at 15? Uh yeah who doesn't know who she is?"

"That's her."

"Oh well at least it's someone who knows him."

Oh it's more than that. But I'll keep that to myself for now.

"Announcing Captain Koby and his partner Major General Dr. L/N Y/N."

There was an audible gasp and then a loud round of applause. When the two walked out Koby had the stupidest grin on his face like he wanted to smile bigger but couldn't, and Y/N had a slight blush on her cheeks. As they went to to stage, Koby pulled out her seat and when he sat next to her and stared at her. She gave him a sideways glare and pointed for him to face forward. He chuckled and did just that.

Something happened while they were waiting!!!! What was it?

<Before walking out>

When you got to the waiting area before you were announced you needed to apologize.

"Captain Koby I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For what I said yesterday. I was feeling rather bad about myself and I took it out on you and I'm sorry. Truth is...I don't feel I deserve to stand next to you. I-I feel like a drag you into the shadows while you radiate light and hope wherever you go. It's the same as a year ago during the Paramount War. Those feelings have gotten stronger. And I, I have never inspired that kind of feeling in others...and when you gave me this..." he lifted your wrist to show the bracelet he gave you, "I felt that you saw me in a way that I could never see myself and I got scared. You deserved to be treated better and I'm sorry."

You felt a huge weight lifted from your shoulders expressing how you felt. Now if was time to show him your true feelings, like you wanted to do for the past month.

Koby was dumbstruck. It was the first time you'd ever told him of how you truly felt. He felt so stupid not noticing it sooner.

"Y/N-San I forgive you. And I would..." he didn't get to finish the sentence. Cause you had gone on your toes and pecked his lips. It surprised him so much he went stiff. When you went to withdraw he placed a hand on the back of your head and brought you back to his lips.

The kids started out tentative, and slow. But the more confident he grew the deeper he made the kiss. Now you had your arms around his neck, and he had his around your waist.

"Mmm." He licked your lips and you opened your mouth a little more, now your tongues wrestled.

"I love you Y/N-San." He breathed still holding you close.

"I love you too." He pecked at your nose, you were about to go for another kiss when the announcer began to speak. "Ahem. That's our cue sir."

"Koby."

"That's our cue Koby."

"Yes Y/N-San."

"Y/N."

He kissed your cheek causing you to blush then you both walked out.

How am I supposed to keep my lips to myself all night? I just want to kiss her forever.

These were Koby's thoughts.

How am I supposed to concentrate? Why didn't I wait until after the ball to kiss him? I'm an idiot!

Were Y/N's thoughts. It was going to be a long night.

Oh my gosh!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!! They got to kiss and express their feelings for each other!!!!!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!! The next chapter we'll be seeing a little more of the ball and Koby and Reader taking about their relationship. We will also be getting into the fight for the Fleet Admiral position.

I hoped you enjoyed this chapter!!!

Stay safe and healthy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️