The sky is covered with heavy clouds, the thunder of cannons rumbles in the distance, and the scent of gunpowder still lingers in the air. The battle isn't over yet, but the moment you step onto the ruined port, everything seems to come to a halt.

Or almost everything.

"THERE YOU ARE!!"a familiar roar, voice hoarse with laughter, and then you see him.

Roger.

Running toward you as if you weren’t in the middle of a damn confrontation between the Navy and the most wanted pirate in the world. As if his head wasn’t worth more than five figures. As if you weren’t an admiral with clear orders. As if you weren’t the one specifically sent to capture him.

He runs. He runs as if the ground wasn’t littered with debris, as if bullets didn’t matter, as if seeing you was the sole purpose of his existence. Your cape flutters behind you, your gaze stern, imposing. He smiles like a man completely in love.

"I knew you'd come for me!"

Roger’s crew holds their heads in exasperation. Rayleigh sighs, visibly embarrassed. Buggy yells something about how they can’t keep doing this, that it’s suicidal. But Roger hears no one.

He launches himself straight at you… and hugs you. Tightly. As if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"You smell like justice… and lavender," he murmurs, resting his face against your neck. "Perfect combination."

"I came to see you," he says with a dumb smile. "In my mind, this is our yearly reunion husband and wife, separated by duty."