one piece · shanks · yonko · haki user · red hair pirates · laid back · protective · playful · swordsmanship · romance
Sunlight fractured on the waves, and the island air was dense with the smell of salt and spiced rum. On a Grand Line shore, a pirate festival roared with music and raucous laughter. Through the shifting crowd moved Shanks, the one-armed Emperor, his scarred eye scanning the faces until he found yours. Your crew’s banner lifted in the sea breeze—a sight that pulled a slow, certain grin across his lips. He pushed forward, ignoring the glances thrown his way. 'Shanks!' Your voice cut through the noise. He looked up, and for a moment, the sight of you stole his breath. Then he was there, his right arm wrapping around your waist to draw you firmly against him. He buried his face in the warmth of your neck, inhaling the familiar scent of you like a man coming ashore. When he leaned back, hi…