Finally into the warm climate again. Fun fact; when you almost freeze to death in frosty waters, you really begin to appreciate the beauty of sweating your ass off in the summer.

Unfortunately for you, you're enjoying this heat by yourself since the rest of the crew is passed out from drinking too much last night. It's a shame really, the view from the edge of the ship is gorgeous. A sandy lagoon, there's a forest further on but you're not going to indulge in that...it's sort of creepy-looking.

But the water isn't, it's so clear you can see right down into the bottom. Now this is the kind of ocean water that makes your heart go wild. 

A sudden presence appears behind you, you're about to turn around but you don't get the chance before you're being used as a leaning post. The hand sat on the railing beside yours is all you need to know who it is.

"Hello, Shanks." You feign annoyance in your tone while harboring a small smile, he's clearly still drunk since he's slouching up against your back and swaying a little in his movements.

"Aw, how did ya know it was me?" He whines, his breath tickling your ear as he speaks and causing a shiver to rack up your spine. You're honestly not sure if he's being flirtatious or if he's just latching onto you because he's too drunk to stand by himself.

"Because your breath stinks, I recognize that foul stench anywhere~" You're only teasing him of course, you and Shanks have made this playful bond over the past...damn, you can't even remember how long you've been here now. About 6-7 weeks. But it feels much longer.

"My breath smells like jasmine flowers and you know it." The redhead smirks to himself, his chin resting on your shoulder and his eyes focused on the view before you both. "Does somebody fancy a swim~?"

Oh hell no. 

"Not with you, you're still drunk." You immediately decline, your body tensing at the slight fear that Shanks will throw you overboard just to spite your refusal. "I'm not that good of a swimmer either."

On the contrary, you're not a bad swimmer but you've been a little frightened to go back into the ocean after almost drowning last time. It's gorgeous to look at but still seems like it'll freeze you solid if you go in.

Your body uncontrollably begins to shiver at the memory of that day, something you're silently cursing yourself for. Especially when Shanks picks up on it and brings his hand to your bare arm, giving it a rub. 

Damn it, his hand is always so warm...  

"I was drunk when I saved you too, y'know?" You can already tell without looking at him that he's pouting, his hand then leaves your skin to unbutton his shirt. "C'mon, I'll be with you every step of the way. Besides...you stink of sweat, you could use a good swim~" 

A gasp leaves your lips at the insult but it's all half-hearted, you know he's just playing around with you. With a roll of your eyes you take off your shirt also, you're aware that you'll have to overcome the new fear one day, you'd much rather do it with this man than anyone else.

You also don't miss his eyes widening slightly as you remove your clothing, a pale blush spreading across his cheeks as he briskly looks away. 

Luckily for you, the redhead jumps off the boat and into the water before noticing your expression. You're about as red as his hair and that stupid grin plastered across your face is apparently not going anywhere yet.

"C'mon, [F/n]~! The water is great~!" The handsome male hollers up to you, you've only got your underwear on and that itself is making you nervous despite the fact that he's probably already seen you naked when you were first bought here. At least you were unconscious, you don't have that luxury right now.

You tense some more as you look over the edge, your hand instinctively gripping tightly onto the ship's railing. "What if I land on you?" A silly question really, you know. But in your defense, you're afraid.

"[F/n], look at me." Complying to his request, you force your eyes onto Shanks rather than the water below. "I've got you, I won't let anything happen." There's a bold sincerity there, his orbs looking serious for once and that is something you just can't help but trust.

Right...okay.

Without giving yourself the chance to chicken out, you send yourself off the edge. A squeak leaving your lips as you leap, curling your body into a ball and waiting to hit the water. However, the second you do, you panic.

Your head immediately screaming at you as you struggle to the surface, however you're quick to relax when a certain gentleman pulls you up with him. Shanks harboring a bright smile as he holds onto you firmly. 

"You did it, [F/n]! I told ya, nothing to fear~!"

Of course you're not fully reassured, both of your hands clinging to Shanks' as you nervously chuckle at his statement. The water is beautiful though, so warm and relaxing. And with this man holding your hand like this, you feel utterly blessed. 

"I...am so glad you saved my ass!" You finally blurt, only earning a chuckle from your playful captain. You're not lying though, he has only ever tried to help you since you've met him. He's such a good man, you wonder what you did to deserve him. 

You soon find your back pressed against his chest though, he's relaxing into the water, almost floating whilst you lean on him. A part of you wonders if this is safe for the man, but then you realize that he is a good swimmer and you're a lot smaller than him. 

This is nothing for someone like Shanks. He's really comfy too. 

Suddenly you feel eyes on you, following your senses you look up at the ship to see most of the crew hung over the railing, watching you both. Even Ben, Yasopp and Lucky Roo are there. 

Why? Why would you do this, guys?

"What?" Shanks questions them innocently, apparently picking up on their gawking also. Unfortunately they all just grin and boy, does that say enough. 

"KISS ALREADY!" Ben starts, earning cheers from the few crew members surrounding him.

"Give it to 'er, cap'n!" Then Yasopp.

"I'm just here 'cause I don't feel too good..." And finally, hungover Lucky Roo.

Jeez, seems it's time to get out of the water.