You've been getting odd looks from people on this island since you've arrived, sure you might have punched a barmaid but the looks were being passed before you laid a hand on her.

Maybe you're being paranoid, that barmaid really got to you. Kept getting real close with your captain and as much as that bothered you, you wouldn't have done anything about it...but then she just had to go and 'accidentally' spill a drink on you. 

Accident, my ass...

Well, at least Shanks didn't mind. Sure, he didn't praise you for it but at least he didn't scold you either. Boy, if he did, you would have ripped that girl's head off and threw it in the fire.

 And although no one has the balls to kick a pirate out of a bar after hitting somebody, you still didn't feel like sticking around. The atmosphere was beginning to make your stomach turn, just skanks everywhere trying to get laid. 

They're disgusting, do they not realize how desperate they look? And Yasopp has a kid, for heavens sake! 

Your raging thoughts stop when you feel an odd weariness, there's people all over the place and only some are giving you looks as they pass now but there's something else, something specific nearby. You can feel it in your bones.

Taking a nonchalant glance to the right you spot a man in the distance holding a camera, aiming it directly at you. However, before you have the chance to react the flash happens. 

Fortunately for you, someone stepped in the line of sight as the photo was taken so it most likely didn't catch you. There's a slight pause before you look up at the man and realize it's Shanks, he looks...pissed off though.

Naturally you assume it's about the barmaid, up until he turns and faces the photographer in the distance. The poor little guy looks mortified to say the least. "Get lost." Shanks growls quietly but amazingly enough, the guy seems to hear...or he can just read facial expressions.

Without wasting another moment he toddles off with his camera, Shanks slowly seeming to relax as he wraps his arm around your small frame and pulls you in for a loose hug.

"Seems you've been seen in my company one too many times so you'll most likely have a bounty soon." Your captain warns you quietly, gently beginning to guide you back toward the ship. His face still looks serious and slightly worried.

"So he was trying to get a picture? That's fine with me, it's just his job after all." You try to reassure, there's a type of heat radiating from Shanks' body now and it's not the same heat you're used to feeling. It's hotter, he's stressing over this. "I'm a pirate now, you know. I was bound to get a bounty eventually." 

Suddenly he stops walking, a sigh leaving his lips as he tightens his arm around your frame. "I should've let you go when I first met you." Your brows furrow at this statement, way to make you feel unwanted. "I wasn't worried about the slavers, I know they wouldn't go for the same target twice...I-I just didn't want you to leave. Now you're forced to live this life." 

Forced?

"You speak as if I wanted to go home." Your remark clearly surprises the cutie, his brow quirks and his mouth falls ajar. You're honestly surprised that he hadn't guessed this already, you've never once said you missed your old boring life. "Hey, I'd rather stay with you any day...A-And the crew, of course."

A slight spark suddenly shines in the redhead's eyes and that small but charming as hell smile spreads across his lips, his stare landing on your face. You feel like he's searching deep into your very soul right now.

"Are you speaking metaphorically?" He questions playfully, tugging you closer and leaning in far too close to your face, his breath fanning your skin. He smells like alcohol but it's oddly pleasant for you, the smell has become a little reminder of him.  

"Oh, you know I only speak in metaphors." You jest but before you get the chance to laugh about your teasing, you find Shanks' lips pressed against your own and his arm wrapped firmly around your waist, pulling you against his strong chest. 

For a split second you're stunned, not sure what to do. But you soon find yourself melting into the kiss, your arms wrapping around his neck and your fingers tangling themselves in his red locks. It only makes your heart flutter vigorously when he smirks into the kiss before deepening it. 

Damn, I hope the crew doesn't catch us and ruin the moment again.