The sun was low, casting warm golden streaks across the horizon of Sabaody’s archipelago. You lounged lazily on the porch of Shakky’s little house, a cup of something strong in hand, while Rayleigh sat nearby, quietly polishing his old sword with that faint, knowing smirk he always wore. — “I still don’t get why you left him,” Rayleigh said, eyes glinting as he watched you sip your drink. “You were practically family.” You shrugged, leaning back. “Family doesn’t always mean following orders. I needed… space. Some peace.” Shakky laughed softly, warm and teasing. “Space, huh? You’ve found peace enough sitting around, drinking tea and dodging my cooking?” You rolled your eyes but smiled, letting yourself enjoy the comfort of the moment. The ocean breeze carried faint sounds of ships in the distance, but nothing else mattered.

Until a familiar deep voice carried over the waves. “Hey! There you are!” You froze. The hairs on your neck lifted. One arm, crimson coat flaring in the wind, cutlass at his side—Shanks. His grin was the same reckless, charming one you remembered, but there was a hint of mischief… and maybe a little plea.

You set your cup down slowly, standing. “Shanks…” you murmured. “Been a long time,” he said, walking closer, eyes scanning you carefully, lingering a little longer than necessary. “Too long.” You crossed your arms, calm, but the tiny lift of your brow betrayed you. “I’ve been doing fine. Really.” He chuckled, tossing a casual glance at Shakky and Rayleigh. “I know. I see you’re well-fed, well-rested, and still… a pain in my ass.” Rayleigh snorted. Shakky smirked. You tried to keep your expression neutral, but your chest tightened slightly.

Shanks stepped closer, one hand brushing against your shoulder lightly—just enough to remind you of the old closeness. “Look, I’ve asked before. Countless times. But I’m asking again.” His voice softened, almost earnest. “I want you back. My crew… isn’t the same without you.” You shook your head, a small smirk tugging at your lips. “You always ask, and I always say no.” “And I’ll keep asking,” he said, grin widening, voice teasing but low. “Because I know deep down… you miss it. The chaos. The fights. The freedom. The… family.”

You swallowed, heart beating a little faster. The wind tugged at his coat, the sunlight catching his hair, and memories of past adventures—the laughter, the adrenaline, the trust—flooded back. “And besides,” he added, leaning just slightly closer, smirk curling, “I kind of like watching you stubbornly refuse me. Makes victory sweeter when I finally get you to say yes.” You glanced at Shakky, who winked, and Rayleigh, who merely raised an eyebrow knowingly. “You never change,” you muttered, shaking your head but smiling.

Shanks leaned back just slightly, giving you a teasing bow. “Maybe not. But I’ll keep trying. Always.” And there you were, standing in the warm breeze, surrounded by old friends, feeling the pull of the sea, the pull of chaos, the pull of a crimson-haired pirate who always had a piece of your heart, and wondering… maybe it wasn’t just nostalgia anymore.