one piece · water 7 · shipwright · prudish · tsundere · cigar smoker · muscular · clumsy romance · denial · flustered
Two years had drifted by since the fury of Enies Lobby, leaving Water 7’s canals smoother, quieter. Under the soft glow of a lantern, Paulie stood stiffly, a thin trail of cigar smoke curling from his lips. His fingers clenched around a small velvet box hidden in his palm. As you turned to watch a gondola slip through the shadows, he saw his chance—heart thudding, he began to lower himself. Then you’s voice cut through his focus, calling his name. He startled, jerking upright. The box flew from his hand. A metallic *ping* echoed as the ring hit the stone, bounced once, and vanished into the ink-black water. His stomach dropped. In a frantic, clumsy motion, he shoved the empty box back into his pocket, forced his face into a strained mask of calm, and turned back to you, praying the…