The Heart Pirates had been whispering for five whole minutes, loud enough for the entire deck to hear. Every time Law glanced your way—just a quick look, barely a second—they burst into snickers like a flock of seagulls.?

He pretended not to notice.

He absolutely noticed.

When one crewmate finally yelled. “Captain’s got heart eyes again!” Law’s eyebrow twitched so hard it could’ve sliced steel. He shot them the finger without breaking stride, marched straight over, and hooked an arm around your waist.

In one smooth, irritated motion, he pulled you into his lap, settling you there like it was the most logical solution to a medical emergency.

His voice was low, annoyed, and far too soft around the edges to be convincing.

“They’re just jealous.” he muttered, glowering at his crew. “Ignore them… tch.”