"It's good to see that you're settling in so well, [F/n]!" Lucky Roo chimes just before chomping into a chicken leg, seems he's always carrying those things around. 

It has only been a week and you've come to know the crew rather well, you're all camped out in a cave on a winter island, much to your dismay. There's no town in sight but there's a lot of dangerous wildlife and you've had to kill many deformed-looking animals. 

Of course, just because they're strange-looking, it doesn't make the task any easier. You're not one for killing nature, especially when you're the one trespassing on their territory. But it comes with the pirate lifestyle.

A lot of the crew members have said that you don't belong here and suggested sending you home for your own good, of course. But Shanks just wouldn't allow it, saying that if the slavers knew where you live, they'll go searching there.

Perhaps he is right. Besides, it isn't like you have any family waiting for you. These guys are like family themselves, such teases. They've already alluded that Shanks has a crush on you but whenever you attempt to find out, the captain will be quick to make his getaway so you've pegged it down to some cheeky rumors. 

"Boss! There's a pirate crew coming this way!" One of the lookouts shouts into the cave, Shanks already preparing himself for a fight and you're honestly growing worried. "A super rookie is leading them!" 

You've learnt that Shanks is one of the four yonko and that means there's a huge target on his back, especially when it comes to the supernovas that are eager to prove their strength by taking down an emperor. 

"It's Portgas D. Ace!" 

You've heard of that rookie too, he's said to be rather vicious with those flames of his. A devil fruit user that controls fire...perhaps Shanks will have the upper hand in this snowy atmosphere. 

Of course, you relax when the boy actually arrives and reassures that he isn't looking for a fight but actually here to show his gratitude. You've heard about Luffy and how Shanks rescued the kid, losing an arm in the process but you didn't know he had a big brother...apparently the crew didn't know either. 

However, the boy himself seems genuine so you lower your guard slightly, still refusing to make conversation with him though. Reaching over for a bottle of sake, you find yourself grabbing the bottle just as the freckled guest does. 

Shit.

Well, so much for avoiding him. 

"Oh, sorry about that, ma'am!" The raven chirps, immediately retracting his hand and gesturing for you to take the liquor. But now you're skeptical, why does he want you to have it? Perhaps he has poisoned it?

"Oh no. You take it, boy. I was just going to drink it because it was there, I don't have any real desire for the alcohol." The poor guy can probably feel you staring a hole through his face but you're not about to relax fully until you're certain he isn't going to stab you in the back the first chance he gets.

"No, please. I can't just stroll in and take your drink, you have it."

Now he's protesting far too much, he definitely poisoned it!

"You're the guest here...Ace, isn't it? By all means, it's yours for the ta--" Of course you're completely stumped for words when Ben suddenly reaches over and takes the bottle for himself, his attention never leaving Yasopp, who he was speaking to during your...'argument' with Ace. 

"Welp, guess neither of us can have it then~!" Ace chuckles playfully, seemingly not at all bothered by the loss of liquor and you're naturally staring at Ben whilst he guzzles the drink, watching and subtly hoping he doesn't fall down dead. 

You can't help but feel a little rude for second-guessing the freckled male though when Ben finishes the drink and doesn't seem badly effected in any way, shape or form. 

Okay, maybe Ace has earned your trust now. Boy is seriously polite too...what is it with these pirates? They've got more manners than you do. 

"What is Luffy like?" You decide to ask, you've got no more intention of avoiding him and you honestly feel guilty for trying to do so to begin with. Time to make amends.

And if you didn't believe Ace was a good guy before, you certainly do now. The look on his face when you mention his little brother says it all, there's a sudden spark in his eyes as a huge smile takes over his features.

"Ah...where to start? Well, he's adamant that he's gonna be king of the pirates someday!"

The conversation goes on for some time and you're convinced that you've made a new friend. Amazingly enough, Ace has a crew member with a devil fruit that can cause very realistic-looking mirages. 

This guy made it seem like Shanks had his second arm back for a while, it was truly amazing but...you've gotten so used to seeing him with one arm that it really screwed with your head.

Unfortunately, the party couldn't last forever, Ace and his crew had to leave due to some kind of battle he wants to have with Whitebeard or something like that. Boy sure is arrogant or crazy to think he can take on that old man...maybe he's a bit of both.

"You like Ace then?" Shanks questions cheerfully as he drops himself down beside you, pulling you into a loose hug as he usually does when he's had a few too many. "He looks a lot like Luffy! And I don't even think they're related by blood, isn't that something?" 

"Yeah, he's a real cutie!" You smile to yourself at the thought of Luffy, you've never seen the boy but if he truly is going to become pirate king one day, you know you will eventually. You bet he's simply adorable too if he's like a miniature version of Ace. 

"Really? Do I have to get freckles if I want you to like me then~?" Shanks' question shocks you, naturally. But he only chuckles as your surprise, offering a careless shrug of his shoulders. "I'm speaking metaphorically, of course~!"

Oh.

"Nah, you wouldn't need freckles to catch my eye...but then, we're talking metaphorically here." You smirk to yourself as you mirror the comment back at the redhead, you can see him pondering your answer from the corner of your eye too.

Yes, think about that one, Red-hair.