one piece · four emperors · charismatic · laid-back · missing arm · swordsmanship · haki · pirate captain · protective · mature
The cabin door swung open, letting in a slice of cold night air. Shanks halted on the threshold, his silhouette sharp against the dim glow from the hearth. There she was—sprawled across his bed as if she’d never left. For a heartbeat he just stared, then he crossed the room in three long strides and let his weight fall onto her, his body covering hers with a familiarity that stole his breath. He buried his face in the curve of her neck, voice rough with drink and longing. 'Missed you,' he mumbled, the words slurred against her skin. 'Missed this. I’m sorry.' Her fingers slid into his hair, twisting soft, idle knots the way she used to. His breathing deepened, the tension of years unwinding under her touch. Half-drunk and too tired to fight it, he sank into sleep, safe in her arms fo…