"(S/N)! Hurry up! Coby's ship may arrive at any moment!" You chime happily, running towards the docks while your sister just walked behind you.

"Even if it arrives and we're not there to greet him, I'm sure he'll pass by our home, as always..." She muttered the last part with a smile. (S/N) had to admit that she had never seen you with such bright smile on your face. That Marine Captain had changed your life for good. 

"Yeah, but I want to see him come! Because he always arrives so early, I never get to greet him." You pouted, somehow picking up your pace. Your sister sighed and she herself started to take longer steps in order to match your hyperactive pace. 

It's been around three months since you started going out with Coby. He would come from time to time, maybe once every two weeks or so, to spend some time by your side. He would tell you some of his adventures, capturing bad pirates, and you would tell him what you had been doing.

Once, you told him that you went on excursion with your sister to the hills, and ended getting lost in the forest. That got him worrying a lot, but with a reassuring smile, you explained that, after a while, you found the original way and camped on the top. The sight was amazing, over all at night, because all stars seemed to gather there to make a beautifully starred sky. And the sunset you witnessed that evening was just breathtaking. Unfortunately, you were too busy sleeping to watch the dawn, but (S/N) did see it, and teased her about how beautiful it was for an entire week.

Also, you had even learned to cook for him! Well, just a bit. Thanks to your sister's classes, you learned to make some simple dishes for him, your favorites the ones related to bakery. You would make from simple cookies or muffins to complete pies and cakes. Then, you three would have them along a cup of coffee or tea while having a nice conversation. It was always like that, and you loved it. 

The docks finally came into sight and you couldn't help a little squeak of happiness when you saw that the ship wasn't docked yet, but as you got closer, you saw that it was heading towards the island. At least it looked to be a marine ship, so you were almost positive that it was Coby's vessel. 

Turning around, you saw that (S/N) was following you with a mischievous smile on her face. Seemingly, she also saw it. Running a last sprint, you reached the wooden surface of one of the docks, and gleefully sat on it, taking your shoes off and letting your feet splash into the water. Your sister then sat next to you, watching how the ship slowly neared to the docks. 

The closer it got, the more excited you got, sometimes even threatening to jump into the salty water to approach it sooner, but you knew that it would be a foolishness. 

The first time. That was the only thought that crossed your mind like crazy, because you were so endlessly happy to be able to greet him for the first time. You wondered what his reaction would be? Knowing Coby, you were sure that he wouldn't try to hide his extreme surprise, and probably -or kinda definitely-, a soft, pink mist would cover his cheeks while on his lips played a cute smile. You slightly chuckled at the thought, earning a side glance from the older girl. 

"They're here." Announced (S/N), and you jumped on your feet, then started waving your arms franticly, and your sister snickered. 

The person you recognized the first was Helmeppo. He was standing on deck, looking at the horizon. When he saw you, a smile appeared on his lips, as he waved back. But then, his expression changed into that one he had been wearing: a worried frown. 

They anchored the ship and put a ramp to get on the dock. You ran towards Helmeppo when he was on land again, and looked at him curiously.

"Helmeppo? Where's Coby?" You asked, feeling slightly uneasy. Maybe as a Captain, he had things to do before leaving the ship, you couldn't really know. He let out a sigh and looked up at the blue sky.

"...Sorry, (Y/N), Coby isn't in the state to visit you today." Your eyes widened, internally wondering what could have happened. Before you could ask, he spoke again. "We found some pirates in our way here and, while fighting, Coby got hurt. The captain of the pirate ship stabbed him. We were fast enough and treated him, now he's unconscious in his quarters, resting." He finished, directing his gaze to the enormous vessel. You bit your cheek hard enough to draw blood, but you didn't care, and dared to ask.

"And is he going to get okay?" Your sister stepped forward and patted your shoulder, looking at you worriedly. 

"As I said, he's now resting. His state is not critical, at all. I'm sure he will be okay, don't worry. We were even thinking of going back to the Marine Quarters, but we knew that you would feel bad it you didn't have news of us." He explained and you nodded.

"And can't we see him?" (S/N) popped in the conversation, asking with such serious demeanor that wasn't like her. Helmeppo seemed to hesitate, but then looked at your face. Your eyes were fixed on the ground, and he swore he saw your shoulders trembling slightly. 

"...Okay." 

The blond man brought you both in front of a door, while ignoring the puzzled glances some of the sailors would spare at them. 

"I think that you might want some time alone, so I won't get in. But don't be in there for too long, got that?" You nodded, and your sister reached for the doorknob, turning it and slowly opening the door. She was the first one to get into the captain's quarters, as you followed her with trembling, insecure steps. You were afraid of whatever you could just see inside. 

Looking around, you saw how everything was perfectly tidied, the paperwork was piled on the corner of his long desk, at the end of the room. To the right, a small sized wardrobe, and to the left, his bed.

You two got closer and saw Coby's sleeping form. He looked so at peace, with his eyes softly closed, inhaling and exhaling every breath through his nose, as a slight frown was settled on his features. A blanket was covering his body, but you were sure that his abdomen, the place where he had been stabbed, was heavily bandaged. 

"He seems to be okay." Your sister whispered, but you didn't answer in any way, although you had acknowledged what she said. "We should be going now, before Helmeppo kicks us out." She slightly jocked, hoping a positive reaction from you, but you only nodded softly and turned around. Catching a glimpse of your eyes, she saw that they had lost the excited and joyful glint they had been holding that morning. 

Helmeppo was waiting outside, arms crossed over his chest, and his head went towards you two when the door closed behind you.

"Thanks for letting us visit him, we hope he gets better." (S/N) said and bowed. Helmeppo nodded, and watched how your sister passed past him, but you didn't move. Sighing deeply, you looked at the blond.

"C-Could I come to see him until he wakes up? Just twice a day, and I promise not to be a burden." He looked at you with what you could tell was a frown, and you cringed. "...Please..." 

"I don't know if it's a good idea, we should sail away as soon as possible..." You looked back down, feeling a pang in your chest, and Helmeppo sighed. "...But I guess we could stay here some days so he recovers peacefully..." Your reaction was immediate, as you lifted your head rapidly and looked at him with a soft, thankful smile. Helmeppo just sighed again. "...Garp-san's going to slaughter us..."

That evening you went to the ship again, stayed by Coby's side for a while, then went back to your house, hoping that he would, just maybe, wake up the next day. The two next visits ended the same, and you were starting to worry badly. 

It was now the third day, and that morning he wasn't awake. That afternoon your sister had prepared (Favorite dish) but, much to her worry and dismay, you almost didn't touch your food. It was simply incredible how Coby had changed your life, such a young, simple boy. Yet you were utterly worried about him. When she finished her food, (S/N) looked that you weren't to eat at all, so she sighed and got up.

"Please, could you pick up the table and wash the dishes?" She asked softly, and you nodded without uttering a sole word. She was worried too, because you almost never talked, just if it was completely necessary. 

Then, some knocks echoed through the house, and (S/N) looked at the lobby with an annoyed expression.

"Okay, I will go to open, just, please, do your chores. I swear that if it's that flower seller I..." You couldn't hear the rest of her curse, but it brought a smile to your face. The first one that came since the bad news. After a lot of thought, you ended acknowledging that crying over it wouldn't fix anything. You had faith on Coby, and knew that he would get over with this. He was stronger than that. So, as your sister had asked you, you started to bring the dishes to the kitchen while you heard your sister opening the main door. 

You heard nothing but your own steps and some voices for a moment, before a gasp startled you, coming from your sister. 

"(S/N)!" You squeaked, leaving the glasses you were holding on a nearby table and ran towards the door, just to stop dead on your tracks. You swore your eyes would just come out of their sockets as you were greeted by a warmhearted smile. 

There out, Coby and Helmeppo were waiting to see if your sister would come from her surprised and dazed state, and would let them pass, the pink haired male supporting his weight on a cane. The blond man was surely there to help him if something unwanted occurred. 

"Coby? You woke up..." You muttered as your lips unconsciously curled upwards and he grinned sheepishly. But then, a frown set itself on your eyebrows, and you advanced further until you stood in front of the slightly taller man. He looked at you with a mix of surprise and worry, as he wondered himself why would you get that expression. And then, without any warning, you softly slapped him on the back of his neck, making him flinch.

"Ah! What-" He stopped when he saw fresh tears running down your cheeks nonstop, and his eyes softened.

"Silly! I was so worried about you! Don't do this again!" You babbled, then covered your red face with your hands, sobbing into them. Slowly, he approached you and embraced you as he could with the cane, pulling you into him while his free hand ran up and down your soft hair. You clutched his shirt, crying into it, and mentally slapping yourself for breaking down in front of him, but you couldn't help it. 

After a while you had finally calmed down, given your now even breathing, and you pulled away from Coby. He smiled down at you and wiped the restrains of tears, making you giggle.

"Then... you missed me?" You smirked up at him and nodded, while he looked away with a blush. Then, your gaze obscured again.

"...But I couldn't greet you..." You muttered, and he looked at you curious. Your eyes dove into his round ones, a bit ashamed. "I wanted to greet you because I never got to do that, but even now that you aren't fully cured, you had to come and see me." He frowned a bit, but then patted your head and laughed half-heartedly. 

"You don't need to do that! I love to come and see you, but I would have been really surprised if you came to greet me." You nodded and smiled, while he cupped you cheek fondly. "Besides... Even if you don't come to see my arrival, I will always love you, no matter what." He reassured, before tucking his head to steal a soft kiss. You smiled against his lips and wrapped your arms around his neck.

"That's my sister..." (S/N) muttered, and you pulled away, turning your head and glaring at her, although she just laughed it off. "By the way... (Y/N)..." You looked at her curiously and let out a questioning sound. "Those dishes aren't going to wash themselves..." She smiled evilly and you glared at her again, while the two marines sweat-dropped.

"What a way to ruin the moment..."