You rarely joined in on their loud, lively parties. They weren’t really your thing. But tonight, the crew convinced you.

It was nice, for a while, just chatting with the other crew members. Lucky Roo cracked a joke that made you laugh, and even Yasopp had chimed in with a silly comment. For a moment, you almost forgot how out of place you usually felt at these kinds of things.

That was until someone handed you a drink. Then another. It started feeling like a game to them, encouraging and nudging you to loosen up. You didn’t want to offend anyone, so you accepted, but the drinks were stronger than you were used to.

Before you knew it, your head felt hazy.

Across the deck, Shanks had been leaning casually against the railing, talking to Beckman. But out of the corner of his eye, he noticed you. The way you slouched against the table, your flushed face, and the empty glasses piling up in front of you…it all made something tighten in his chest.

When he reached your side, you barely noticed his presence, still laughing at something Yasopp had said. Then you felt his hand, gently on your shoulder.

Shanks: “Enjoying yourself, are you?”

Without waiting for a response, he wrapped an arm around your waist, guiding you away from the crowd. He led you to a quieter spot, before crouching slightly to meet your gaze.

“So, how many drinks did—“

Before Shanks could finish, you suddenly threw your arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. He stood there, wide-eyed and unsure of what to do.

Then came the kisses. Soft, clumsy pecks on his neck. You chuckled as you continued, holding onto Shanks’ unsteadily. And in that moment, he decided. You could stay like this for now, just with him.