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"(Y/n)! I've got some big news!" She looked you in the eyes and smiled her mischievous signature smile.

'What the hell has she done this time?'

"I-.... (Y/n)?" She cautiously whispered

"yes?"

"I don't want to alarm you but there are two strange men in your home. One's buff Goldilocks and the other looks like a paled drag queen" Liv was glaring daggers and Kid was sending them right back.

"They're not strangers, they're my guests! Can you please try to be nice?" You pleaded.

"These wouldn't happen to be the guys who tried to tear down the town last week now would they?" Liv raised a curious brow.

"Maybe?" You chuckled nervously whilst she gave a disapproving look. "Oh come on Liv, they needed medical attention and no one was coming forward to help them. They didn't try anything, they just made a threat so that they could get a doctor!" You sighed.

"Ever considered the fact that they're both wanted pirates! (Y/n) they definitely deserve what they got coming!" Liv pointed to them.

"Sorry Liv but if the whole basis of your argument is based on the fact that they work under the name of pirates then you need to change your point of view." You crossed your arms over your chest.

"But-!" Liv started.

"No one got hurt Liv! They literally just asked for medical care! If the only sin you can find is their name then that's just rubbish. Please remember that they're human and the last time I checked none of us are perfect!" You huffed stubbornly.

The room was silent for a moment. Your whole posture showed that you weren't budging on the topic. Kid and Killer both watched you in awe as you defended their case. Alivia stared at you for a moment pleading with her eyes, but then sighed in defeat.

"You would've made a very nice businesswoman (y/n)... I still don't trust them but I won't do anything cause I trust your judgement" she smiled and placed a hand on your shoulder.

"Thank you Liv" you relaxed.

"As for you two! If I find out that you've done anything to my little sister here, then I will find you and murder you in your sleep!" She growled.

Killer nodded whilst Kid held a blank poker face.

'Better hide those bruises' you instinctively pulled down your sleeves.

"Liv why don't you sit down in the living room and tell me what's going on? Can I get you a drink?" You suggested.

"A tall glass of water will be fine, thank you" she smiled at you before going to sit down in the living room.

You sighed "are you guys ok?"

"That was the most normal reaction we've seen this week" Kid smirked.

"We're fine (Y/n).... Those things you were saying?" Killer placed a hand on his hip.

"Don't worry about it!" You smiled. "And don't get mad with Liv. She's had a really bad experience with pirates..." you looked in her direction.

The men remained silent. And waited for you to regain your senses.

"Right! You guys don't have to sit in the meeting if you don't want to. It'll probably be boring." You smiled as you made your way to the kitchen to get some drinks.

"Ok then. We'll be upstairs if you need us" Killer said as he ushered Kid upstairs.

You watched as Kid slowly trudged upstairs. You just about managed to hold back your laughter.

'He's literally a Kid'

You picked up the two glasses and brought them into the living room where Liv was sat, impatiently drumming her fingers on the seat. Her legs were crossed and she rested her chin on her wrist, which was leaning on the arm rest.

'She's definitely still in business mode' you noted.

You placed the drink in front of her and sat down across from her.

"How was the business trip Liv?" You smiled.

"I'm not exactly sure yet. It all depends on how well you take this news" she sighed as your eyes widened. "I should probably start of by saying that this is an interesting opportunity that you should take into consideration."

"What do you mean by that?" You cautiously asked.

Liv took a sip of her drink and placed it back down in front of her. She then looked at you seriously.

"As may have heard (Y/n), our business deals are what keeps this small island alive. As of recently we've managed to secure many deals that'd allow this place to steadily grow but still remain under wraps. Especially from navy eyes. Four days ago I hosted a very prestigious meeting for some very powerful people. At this meeting I hosted, it was your cakes and buns that were served."

"Ok?..." you nodded not exactly seeing where this was going. "Was it not to their liking? Oh no... did someone get sick!" You started panicking.

"Actually, it was much worse. They loved them." She stated with a sympathetic sigh.

"... Forgive me, but I'm struggling to see the problem here. Isn't that a good thing?" You raised a brow.

"Yes it normally would, however now two of those people want to start a partnership with your bakery"

"... Forgive me but I'm still struggling to see the problem here. You've set up many private partnerships with my bakery, what's the difference?" You asked just before you started to drink.

"Well these people have the power to put your bakery on the map."

"Alivia! You already know that the last thing I want it to be put on the map! Did you explain that to them?" You tried to recover.

"I did try to deter them from the idea but they were both very insistent. I couldn't flat out say no like I normally do because if we upset those people in anyway they have the power to wipe this place of the grand line." Alivia sighed.

"What? who on earth were you talking to?" You raised a brow.

You started to drink in order to calm yourself down.

"That would be representatives of Donquixote Doflamingo, king of Dressrosa and Big Mama."

You spat out your drink and started to cough violently.

"There were many other powerful people there but they were the ones that wanted to form a partnership" Liv continued as she passed you some tissues.

"When you said important business people, I was expecting just a bunch of rich snobs. Not Kings and Yonkos! And whatever happened to I hate pirates!" You shouted.

"Just because I work with them doesn't mean I like them. Besides, it's mostly filthy pirates and world government dogs that run the trade deals nowadays..." Liv sighed. "But that's not important right now. I tried to delay the inevitable, and we all came to a consecutive decision."

"Which was?..."

"Each one will be coming over to inspect your bakery for themselves. If the baking is to their liking they will personally offer you an exclusive baking partnership" She concluded, as she finished her drink.

"A king and Yonko's representative are visiting the island... That sounds like a lot of effort for just a few buns..." you sceptically asked.

"I think you're right. But that's all I could do (Y/n)."

"Do you know how long I have?" You clutched the tissues in your hand.

"I'd say approximately two to four months" she replied.

'And the good news just keeps on coming' you sighed as you held your face in your palms.

"(Y/n)... I'm asking you to do this as a friend." You looked up at Liv.

"Please remember that you are living for yourself. Not for anyone else. I know how much you love baking; I see the joy it brings you. This... this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don't just throw it away for some people who you haven't seen in almost a decade."

"Ace came!" you snapped. "So I won't turn a cold shoulder to Luffy."

There was a moment of silence. You felt bad that you'd snapped at your friend, but she had no right to doubt your bonds with Ace and Luffy. Alivia had a sympathetic look, but she knew that her time was up.

"I know..." she sighed.

She stood up and walked over to you. You stood up as well and you both hugged. At that moment no words were said for the simple reason that they didn't need to be. You both knew that work affairs stayed separate from your real relationship. And that was that.

"I'll show myself out. You have a lot to think about" Liv smiled as she made her way to the door. "And (Y/n)... I'll do my best to support you no matter what."

After one last smile Liv closed the door behind her, and you let yourself relax.

'Shoot! I forgot to ask what they look like. Curse our awful news circulation. I guess there will always be another time.' you sighed.

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"Alright Kid I think you're good to remove all your bandages now" you smiled as you started to put your kit away.

"About damn time..." he grumbled and you laughed. "Go to sleep already firecracker"

"Likewise... night Red" you said as you walked out and closed the door behind you.

Kid smirked at the nickname. He still hated it, but it sounded nice coming from you. It was routine now that you would come in just before you went to bed to check on wounds and replace bandages. You'd just finished dealing with Kid and now you were going to check on Killer.

"Killer? I'm coming in!" you called as you pushed open the door.

To your surprise no one was there. It was empty.

'Where is he? Bathroom?' you guessed.

As soon as the thought came to your head the universe decided to make you hate your very existence. Killer entered the room wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist, In his hand he was holding his mask. His hair was still dripping with water droplets and his body was practically glistening in the moonlight, which was shining through the window. Even in bandages the man was ripped. But the only thing that had your attention were the two sparkling emeralds you glimpsed amongst a sea of blonde.

'(Y/n)! You're staring!' You quickly reminded yourself.

"AGH! Killer I'm so sorry I didn't know that-! I mean I just thought that-! I would never have intentionally-!" You sputtered as you quickly did a 180 degree turn covering your completely red face.

"I-I p-promise I didn't see anything!" you confirmed.

"It's ok (Y/n), I already know that you wouldn't do something like this on purpose" he nervously laughed

A small from his mask was enough to tell you that he had quickly placed it back on. "I just forgot to bring my stuff to the bathroom and I didn't realise you were in here. That's all."

"R-Right! That makes sense! Don't worry I'll leave now! you can just knock when you've finished getting changed" you squeaked as you started to turn around.

"Don't bother with that (Y/n), Just stay there and don't turn around!" Killer ordered.

'Is this guy for real!?' You screamed.

"I really should just go Kill-"

"You can turn around now" Killer said.

'That quick!' you spun round with shock all over your face.

You were met with a shirtless Killer, wearing his traditional mask and black joggers. He moved to sit on the bed with a white towel on his head, patiently waiting for you to do your examination and assessment. You wanted to say something but no words formulated in your head.

"When you're ready (y/n)" Killer prompted.

"O-Oh... ok!" You sputtered.

You dragged over the side table, cause you didn't exactly have a proper stool, and started to unravel the bandages. You both sat in silence, you refusing to look at Killer, because you were still red.

"...Hey (Y/n)?" Killer broke the silence.

"Y-Yeah?!" You squeaked.

'Oh for the love of doughnuts (y/n) get a grip! You're talking to Killer here!" You scolded yourself.

Killer shifted slightly. Clearly whatever he wanted to walk about he wasn't exactly comfortable with it. With that, your full focus was back. You were ready to support your friend.

"I was thinking about earlier... when your friend came..."

'Friend?... Oh my gosh Liv!'

"I'm so sorry about Liv! She really doesn't mean any harm! Like I said before, she's had a really really bad experience with pirates in the past so she's very cautious about!" You rambled.

"That's not what I was thinking about" Killer raised his hand to stop your ongoing apology. "I was actually referring to what you were saying?"

"What?... what did I say?" You looked at Killer.

"You... you really just see everything as human don't you?" Killer sounds distant.

"Well yeah? I mean unless you're fishman or giant of course, but we all bleed the same so what's the difference? We've all made mistakes and that's what links us together no matter what we look like, or what name we take" you smiled as you went back to removing the last of the bandages. "Maybe I'm just a bit too naive"

There was silence once again. This time it was your turn to be uncomfortable. You finally removed the last bandage and shuffled to throw them away, grabbing some antiseptic cream.

"What you saw just now... Did it bother you?" Killer whispered just loud enough for you to hear.

"Are you talking about the mask?" You clarified.

He stayed silent, but it was enough confirmation to show that it was definitely the mask he was referring to. You sighed and brought the fresh bandages and cream to the bed. You then sat in front of Killer and looked him directly in the mask.

"It bothered me. The fact that you have such beautiful eyes and you don't show them off to the rest of the world. I'm already jealous about your hair but now I know someone was playing favourites when they designed you" you huffed. "I don't really understand why you have the mask but if you're worried that it'll affect the way I see you... it won't. You're my friend and I wouldn't change anything about you"

"Though I really would love to see those mesmerising eyes again" you thought out loud.

"So you did see something" Killers smile was evident in his voice.

"I-I... I mean I... Uh" you flushed and averted your eyes.

'Dang it' you thought. You'd been caught red handed.

Killers chuckled at your discomfort, effectively broking the awkwardness.

'Is it really that fun to watch me suffer. That needs to change.'

You picked up the cream and started to apply some to his arm. It was a lot better than before. The skin had healed nicely but his arm was a lot more susceptible now. The veins are much easier to access so any slip ups, could be fatal.

In all your thinking you failed to hear the small beside you.

"Alright Killer I'm done with the cream. You seem to be healing very nicely. How about we let your arm breathe for a bit; no bandages, see how it feels? Hmm" your hum faltered when you met Killers eyes.

His face was plain. He was observing your reaction. Absorbing it.

Those deep pools of green left you speechless, especially amongst his sandy hair. You unconsciously raised your hand to move his hair out of the way, so you could get a better look at his sea coloured eyes. Killer made no effort to stop you. No other facial feature held your gaze in such a way and made you forget about all your problems. And as a bonus, his hair was exactly like you imagined. Silky smooth but with personality.

'This man has been using the same shampoo and conditioner that I use. What the hell os he doing differently!?' You complained.

"Killer" you smiled.

You knew he was listening so you just continued.

"Your eyes are beautiful... Thank you for letting me see them again."

In return to your comment you got a very surprised Killer. Followed by a very embarrassed Killer. He was red and clearly trying to avoid your shiny (e/c) eyes.

"You Know for someone who's name is Killer, you're really sweet" you giggled as you gently poked his chest.

Your hand was quickly snatched and tugged, bringing you into a sudden kiss. It wasn't like your kiss with Law. Killers lips gently caressed your own. It was full of affection and went at a much slower pace. It was just sweet and simple. Eventually Killer pulled away from your stunned form.

"You shouldn't tempt me (Y/n)... I'm not that nice." He whispered against your lips, just before placing his helmet back on.

Realisation kicked in as soon as you heard Killer's mask click in place. It was now your turn to be embarrassed as your face displayed all forty shades of red.

"K-Killer!" You whisper yelled.

He only chuckled as you freaked out.

'I really hate how much people enjoy my suffering... though that kind of suffering wasn't so bad'

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