Summary: You hate Valentine's Day.

You're a high school teacher in Grand Line Academy surrounded by hormonal kids in their springtimes of youth who say the word 'I love you' so easily to everyone they know, as well as seeing everyone get chocolate and flowers.

Except you.

But maybe something different will happen this year?

(Nobody'sDeadAU! Yay~)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I hate Valentine's Day."

Smoker looked down at you.

"You say that every year." He commented around his cigars as the both of them walked to the school they worked at, Grand Line Academy. Smoker downed his P.E. uniform, as expected for he's the coach. You however...you could've cared less on what you wore today. There is no difference at all from what you usually wear, nor your hair style or face. No change at all. You are wearing a white buttoned up long sleeves blouse, along with black jeans/pants. You held your (favorite morning drink) in your hand as both of you continued to stroll, getting closer and closer to the school, where students were already talking rambunctiously and giving lovey dovey looks to each other.

Makes you want to vomit.

"I can't help but say it, just look around you!" You swept your arm, showing Smoker all the couples around the grounds of the school. "It's ridiculous! These kids need to learn to not say love so easily, you're basically asking your heart to be broken."

Smoker rolled his eyes. "You're being too dramatic. They're kids."

You frowned at him with crossed arms. "Even kids hearts can shatter from a relationship they thought was working." You shook you head and looked at him, noticing your neighbor was carrying a bigger bag then usual. "Hey, what's that?" You pointed at his bag, causing him to glance at it and look away while rubbing his neck.

"Decided to make a more nutritious lunch for myself today. Been feeling sick lately." You narrowed your eyes.

"It's cause of that freakin tobacco in your mouth. One is already bad, but two?!"

Smoker looked down at you, both of you entering the school already with students flooding in to go to their classrooms.

"Too bad you can't do anything now, we got class." Smoker smirked, making you blink. He turned and raised his hand in a wave behind him. "See ya, (Y/N)."

"Tch...Smobaka." You turned and walked away, a grin on your face as you walked to your classroom to unlock the door. You spotted some of your students in front of the door waving at you excitedly. Your grin widened as you neared with the keys in your hand.

"OI! (Y/N)-sensei!" Luffy waved, a bright grin on his features that almost blinded you.

"Hey Luffy, how are you? Hopefully not going to sleep for today's lesson?"

A hand reached over to pinch Luffy's cheek before he could reply, causing him to yelp in surprise. You saw that it was Nami, who had a sparking smile. The smile made you sweatdrop.

"Don't worry Sensei, I'll make sure this idiot will pay attention today. As well as make sure his dear brother—I mean Ace-sensei doesn't either!" Nami stretched Luffy's cheek out for good measure.

"Oh my. I wonder if Nami will snap Luffy's cheek right off his face?" Robin asked with a charming close eyed smile. Her comment made you sweatdrop even more and look at her in concern for her mental health. Usopp reacted for you however.

"You're so creepy Robin!" He shouted, shivers coming over his body as Brook, the tall eighties loving clothed student with an afro, just laughed.

"Yohohohoho! Robin sure is funny!"

Despite the chaos, you were growing concerned for the raven head until a small tanned hand grabbed Nami's wrist.

"AHHHH! NAAAAAAMI! You're hurting our friend!" Chopper squeaked, tears going down his face as his brown bangs got in the way. Nami sighed and let go of Luffy, who fell over and rubbed his cheek with water in his eyes.  He then quickly got up and pointed a finger accusingly at the strawberry blond yelling "Monster Nami!" Before you could stop the insanity that is quickly coming over your students, a quick kick met Luffy's head.

"Don't call a lady such a name on a day like this idiot!" Sanji growled, but then quickly floated over to Nami and asked her millions of questions with hearts in his eyes. "You alright Nami-chwan~? I made tangerine flavored chocolates for you today~."

You tried to not roll your eyes at the blond cook. You loved him like the rest of your students but he really enjoyed this holiday.

"Idiot cook." Zoro interrupted, leaning against the wall with closed eyes. Waiting to get inside the classroom. Sanji turned towards him with a scowl, but you raised a hand for him to be quiet. The blond blinked but obeyed.

You frowned in disapproval.

"Now Zoro, I won't have a student of mine that's following the way of the sword to speak like that." Zoro looked at you with wide eyes, then clicked his tongue and turned away.

"Yes sensei..."

You walked towards him and put an arm around your student familiarly with a grin, not minding the blush that quickly overcame his face. You leaned towards him with a playful grin.

"You can poke fun at Sanji later okay? Heck, I'll join you. It's Valentine's after all." You saw Zoro's lip form to his own grin, and gave a strong nod. You let go and looked around with a frown.

"Where's Law guys?"

They all shrugged. Until Franky spoke up, a new hairstyle today being a mohawk.

"He's SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPER late!"

Your brows furrowed, knowing that Law has never been late before. Unlike Luffy. You shook your head, and turned the key into the lock of the door and opened while turning towards your student's as you walked in with your drink in your hand.

"Now, just put your homework on my desk guys and—" you stopped once you realized their faces were slack in shock, some of them with their eyes wide. You rose a brow, while taking a sip from your cup and began to turn towards the room.

"Whats wrong-PFFGHHHT!" You spit out your drink in a dramatic fashion, dropping your bags as you stood with wide eyes and open jaw, frozen.

There were flowers everywhere in the room.

As well as the SeX Ed teacher, Doflamingo who was grinning and leaning on your desk.

"Well," he clapped his hands,"that reaction was more then I hoped for. Look at you, spitting your drink all over the floor!"

All the students were chattering in a mix of shock and excitement at the spectacle. But all you could do was stand there bewildered looking at the amount of flowers in the room, all over the student desks and yours. The type of flower that was the most prominent however was (fav. flower). You share that piece of information rarely, so you're genuinely surprised.

"I...u-uh what?" You asked lamely.

Doflamingo chuckled and walked over to where you stood still trying to process this whole situation. He tilted your head up, seeing your pink cheeks.

"Fufu~ what a face..." He leaned by your ear, tone low. "Makes me wonder what other faces you can create when we're alone."

Your red face turned to a scowl, you punched his chest.

"DON'T SAY THAT IN FRONT OF MY STUDENTS PINKIE PERVERT! GET OUT!" You pushed him out of your classroom, your students clearing the doorway as the blond just laughed. You were confused at how quick he was to comply, but you were too flustered at the moment to care enough. When you finally pushed him out, he turned around. He pulled his glasses down for you to see his eyes, and winked with a smirk before turning around to walk away while chuckling to himself.

Your eyes were round at what you just saw. You never saw his eyes before today. They were...

'Pretty,' you thought with a blush.

You walked over to your desk, spotting a note attached to a large bouquet of (fav. flowers) on your desk. You picked it up and read it.

'Heard you don't like Valentine's Day. Let's see if the beauty of these flowers that can't compare to your smile can change your mind? Mm~, little (Y/N). Happy Valentine's Day.' -D.D.

A blush rose on your face as you snorted, laughing at how corny it was. Of course the pinkie would do something like this. Despite how corny it was though...

You put the note on the table and grabbed a (fav. flower) getting a small whiff, a calm smile on your face.

It made your heart feel warm.

You coughed when you noticed some knowing looks across the room, quickly getting to work.

"L-let's start shall we?"

Their knowing looks only turned to knowing smiles at your stutter, but you decided to ignore them.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

It was nearing the end of your first period when a knock was heard on your door. You went to open it, spotting a disheveled Law. You blinked at the state of his clothes and was about to ask him about it, as well as why he was late, until he interrupted you.

"There's something outside for you." Law grunted, pointing a thumb out into the hallway before squeezing through the doorway past you. You frowned, peeking outside the door, only to see nothing. You won't call Law a liar however, so you stepped out and looked around. Multiple steps were heard, and you can only turn around towards it with wide eyes and your guard up before a large body fell over you. Both of you fell onto the ground with grunts. You were about to tell the person off until you saw blond hair and reddish brown eyes.

Your jaw went slacked as both of you and Corazon turned red.

Corazon quickly got up, picked up the oddly shaped box that fell on the floor and handed it to you shyly.

You blinked and got up as well, slowly taking the box. Spotting the note on it, and seeing it was a heart shaped box.

'Happy Valentine's Day (Y/N) ^.^' you read, making you giggle at the face Corazon drew. It was messily drawn, but it was adorable. Corazon took out his notepad and wrote on it, presenting it to you.

'Sorry about Law being late, that was my fault.'

You smiled at him, teasing. "I imagined. But how?"

He flipped through his notepad, and presented it to you.

'Law was making sure I didn't get a single stain on my clothes. And to put out all the fire from them too. I had to keep changing clothes.'

You were already laughing before you finished his sentence. At his adorable pout, you laughed even more.

"Sorry, sorry! I'm just surprised on how much trouble Law went through for you today." You cleared a tear from the corner of you eye, facing him. "But why though?"

You saw the blond blush, shakily writing on his notepad and showing it to you while turning his head away.

'For you.'

Your face turned red. Corazon then pointed at the box and signaled for you to open it. You did.

And it was a beautiful sight.

There were more heart chocolates then anything, you looked up to question him about it. You felt a face nuzzling your hair and froze. Corazon leaned back to see your face, which was scarlet. He then gave a dorky grin, and leaned to your ear.

"You have my heart." He said smoothly, soft like silk. Before turning away and walking, falling over of course. Despite your red face and shock, you quickly helped him up with another laugh. Scolding him to be more careful as he only gave you another dorky grin and a peace sign. You led him to his Calculus classroom with little hassle. As you walked, your face got redder at one thought.

'His voice is so sexy!'

But what's happening today?!
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

It was now lunchtime, everyone is eating in the cafeteria or classrooms enjoying this day filled with love. Couples sharing their gifts to one another, kissing in the hallways.

And that's why you're on the roof. You were laying down cloud gazing with arms behind your head. You forgot your lunch but you didn't really care, the chocolates that Corazon gave you were quite filling. Or is it from the leftover shock of seeing flowers in your classroom from the pervert?

You internally shrugged, not caring enough with your relaxed state.

A smile formed on your face, eyes serene. The clouds look so beautiful today. You heard the door to the roof open, a cheerful voice following soon afterwords when red hair covered your gaze to the clouds.

"Hey (Y/N)! Sitting up here again I see?" Shanks asked with a grin. You sat up, scratching your neck as you looked up at him.

"'Sup Shanks. And I do this every year on this cursed day." You gave him a pout. "And you covered the clouds with your hair."

Shanks laughed and sat down next to you with that bright grin of his. Luffy's grins almost blinded you, but Shanks...well, you had to cover your eyes from how beautiful the man's grin is. As well as for you to not blush. Like you're doing now.

"Sorry about that! Say, mind if I join you? I brought food!" He took out a bento for you, and a bottle of alcohol for him. You sweatdropped.

"...that's your food Shanks?"

"Yup!"

"Er, okay..." You took it from him and began eating. The both of you gave casual conversations between bites and sips. It was fun. Both of you were now done, and laying down to watch the clouds go by. Shanks turned his face to you, brows furrowed.

"(Y/N), why do you hate Valentine's so much?"

You shrugged.

"I don't know. It just annoys me. All these young couples everywhere, showing off their love for the whole world to see." Your eyes turned half lidded, distant as you looked up at the beautiful cotton balls of the sky. "Like...aren't you supposed to show off your love every day? Why only one day of the whole year? Can't it be every day where you make your loved one feel special?"

Shanks was silent for a moment. His brows were furrowed and lips to a frown. You felt a drop fall on your nose and noticed the sky was crying.

Shanks got up and put a hand out for you to grab, saying for them to be under the tent-like structure until it passes. You didn't mind waiting for the rain, so you complied and followed him. It was quiet as you guys waited, both of you watching the sky. At least you were. Shanks was deep in thought about what you said surprisingly. Isn't he a Philosophy teacher? You were speaking the truth. Why not every day?

"You're right." He spoke up, looking down at you with his autumn brown eyes. You blinked. "You're right about that. Why don't people treat their loved ones like they're your entire world every day?"

You frowned and looked away. " I don't know. That's what I'm saying."

Shanks hummed, a smile on his lips. Those smiles of his that makes you shudder from how kind they look.

"I think you'll find one."

Your face morphed into confusion.

"Find what?"

Shanks leaned his head against yours, eyes still on you as your face turned red.

"You'll find someone that'll treat you like you're their world." He reiterated for you, voice kind and eyes gleaming.

"Just look around you, and you'll see." Shanks pulled away, gave a gentle kiss to your forehead and whispered "Happy Valentine's Day". Soon walking away with a wave. The rain already gone as you stood there like a fish out of water.

You swear a fly is going to go up your mouth if this day keeps giving surprises like this.

Without your knowledge, someone held a bag with two bentos inside the building. Holding it tightly once they realized they got beat to it. They sighed, and walked away with a whiff of their cigar. Perhaps next year...

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Ah! I'm free!" You shouted in joy, trying to rush to prepare for your Kendo club for it is now after school. For some reason Mihawk asked you to bring your sword for the student's teaching today. You questioned him on why the day before, since the kids already saw it. He only gave you a blank 'Bring it' before hanging up on you through the phone. Your sword was already in the gym specifically for the club. Well, clubs. There's technically two clubs, one Japanese style and the other Western. You typically teach the students together, but when you teach the styles, the students get to pick what they want to learn.

You better hurry up and go already.

The announcement speaker in your classroom rang.

"Miss (Y/N)," a familiar calm voice called, making you already groan, "Come to my office. Now."

You cursed to yourself, collecting your things to go to the Vice Principal's office like you were a kid. You accidentally spilled your drink on your pants. Making you curse even louder. Hopefully he won't see...you walked into the Administrators office area and went to knock on the Vice Principals door that read 'Lucci'.

"Come in." The apathetic voice said. You walked in, seeing Lucci relaxing on his red cushioned sofa that was in the room while drinking wine. You rose a brow.

"Isn't that against the rules?"

Lucci directed his dark gaze to you, tilting the glass up to take another sip.

"I read the rules very carefully, unlike some." Your face twitched. "Alcohol is only prohibited during school hours and school events."

You frowned, looking at him in suspicion with crossed arms.

"Wasn't there something about no alcohol being in school grounds too?"

Lucci's eyes narrowed, making you shiver. A 'coo~' was heard over your head, and a flap of wings which landed on Lucci's shoulder. Hattori looked at you unblinking.

"Come here."

You scratched your neck in discomfort.

"Uh, I'm fine here. Thanks."

With a blink, you see him in front of you, tanned face close to yours making you back up onto his desk. Bad mistake, since he trapped you there with his arms by your sides.

Woah, you're an idiot.

"You see where being cheeky gets you?" Lucci scolded, tone changing from cold to mocking. He leaned in to your face, dark eyes trapping (e/c) ones. "Gets you trapped in the eyes of a predator." He smirked darkly. "And that's where you are aren't you?" Hattori cooed and flapped his wings in agreement.

You held back a shudder, and openly glared at him.

"Can you tell me why you called me here Lucci?"

Lucci frowned in disappointment, and tilted his head towards the back of his desk, backing away from you to stand to the side with crossed arms. You rose a brow at his behavior but went behind his desk to see what he wanted to show you. There was a huge pink cushion on the floor, but your eyes caught a little ball of fluff that was moving. You got closer and squatted down.

And you immediately melted.

You gave a high squeak and went to pick the cute kitten up gingerly. Their fur was soft to the touch, and you felt their strong purr through their chest. It immediately took a liking to you, letting you pet its head softly, even letting you hold it like it was a baby. You noticed a bow around its neck, and some words on it saying 'Happy Valentine's'.

You looked towards Lucci with anime tears flowing down your face.

"It's so cute~." You whispered excitedly, too scared that the kitten will jump off of your arms if you're too loud. Lucci looked at you oddly, but then turned his head away as you smiled at the adorable cute kitten. It was so freakin cute.

"It's a girl." Lucci spoke up, still looking away from you and the kitten. "I saw it stranded a few days ago without a mother."

You looked at him, bewildered that Lucci would go out of his way to rescue a kitten. Perhaps he's more caring then you thought. He does have a bird. Lucci then finally looked towards you, locking gazes.

"And it's yours."

You looked at him, put the kitten down softly on the pink cushion, and jumped Lucci. You felt Lucci stiffen with your arms around him, but you didn't care. You were just thankful at this kind gift, this gift you never imagined of getting. You snuggled your face on his suit with a smile.

"Thank you..." you pulled back, your bright smile on your face with closed eyes. "Thank you Lucci!"

Lucci smirked and curled a finger around a strand of hair.

"Don't thank me yet. You will now receive your punishment."

Your brows furrowed in confusion as you stepped away from him.

"Say what?"

He pointed at your stained pants and his wrinkled shirt respectively with a sadistic glint in his eyes.

"You didn't think I wouldn't notice did you?"

You groaned, already accepting the fact that the man probably already has a tight skirt ready for you to wear the rest of the day.

The kitten mewling at you to hurry up and dress so you can pet and hold it made it a lot more better though.

This day...isn't turning out so bad.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Come on (Y/N)-sensei! You can do it!" Tashigi yelled to the side, eyes filled with fire as she watched both her teachers swords clash against one another.

"There's no way, Mihawk-sensei is proclaimed the best in the world! Go Mihawk-sensei!" Helmeppo denied, tone haughty as he continued to shriek.

Zoro scowled. "You guys don't know who's going to win. From what I noticed, they haven't fought against each other in awhile."

"Seems you do have a brain up there weakling." Kuina smirked, making Zoro turn red and sputter in anger as she held a small kitten between her hands. "You're right. It's anybody's win with those two."

You and Mihawk shared a smirk, both of you with your swords glinting outside from the sun to do this duel that Mihawk proposed in front of the whole class once you finally arrived with a black skirt now on instead on pants. You thought he was joking, since you always asked him to duel you with no luck. Him always saying no. But now, today of all days, he proposed it. Deciding it to make it a lesson for the whole class, and to show them what a real duel with real swords look like. So far it's been pretty even, but you still haven't shown the technique you've been working on.

The both of you were taking a moment to analyze each other, to see who shall attack first. Large swords shining from the sunlight.

You jumped forward, making a feint to his left arm. Planning to try to get his right hand. He didn't fall for it, parrying your sword away from him and moving for an attack of his own. Both of your swords continued to clash, blocking and parrying. With constant feinting and dodging. When Mihawk almost caught your sword hand with his sword, you decided to do it right now. So you leapt up high into the air. Higher then you've gone in years, not since you were with the others in their 'dirty' past and before you stroke a deal with the government and officials. Since the sun now caused your form to shadow and make you hard to see, you quickly turned your sword around. The back of the sword where it's facing Mihawk, and you swung down. Your slash going in total silence as Mihawk squinted. He widened his eyes, but once your form left in front of the sun, he spotted the slash that was only one foot away from him.

But he deflected it away and towards your falling form in quick precision. You cursed, having no control of how slow you're falling. You got the idea to use your sword's momentum to dodge, making a random attack towards the side for the attack to miss just in time. You were too busy on that attack, that you missed one that hit your hand, causing you to drop your sword and falling to the ground with a 'thump'. You were glaring up at the sky, Mihawk's form over you. Golden eyes staring at you.

There was total silence, not one student wanting to break the tension that they sensed.

A small proud smile spread throughout the swordsman's face.

"You almost had me there, (Y/N). It really has been awhile hasn't it?" You looked at his smile, and laughed. Grabbing the hand that he offered to pull you up, you stood. Still laughing with a sheepish grin, happy about the praise with the golden eyed man laughing along with you from the long awaited duel. Your hands still connected.

"...WHAT THE HELL?!" Zoro barked with round eyes and a sweat drop.

Helmeppo was shuddering in fear. "H-h-he's laughing...?!"

Tashigi own eyes were wide behind her glasses. She went to clean them and put them back on, but there and behold, there still was a smiling Mihawk. "Mihawk-sensei is smiling..."

Kuina was the only one silent, observing. She spotted her teachers holding hands and smiled in understanding. "I see...I guess even the world's greatest get lonely sometimes."

Everybody turned towards her, confused.

"WHAT?!" They yelled, Kuina just waving them away with a teasing smirk.

"Nothing, nothing."

Now that you were both done, you saw Mihawk's sleeve cut open from the attack. Your hand that was held by Mihawk quickly went towards it to touch it, eyes wide.

"So that's what you meant..."

Mihawk nodded.

"Perhaps if you worked on your speed, you would've won."

"Woah..." You couldn't help but say, leaning closer to inspect it. When you drew so close you felt his breath moving your hair, you looked up. Seeing only golden eyes and smooth pale skin, you quickly moved back in embarrassment. Muttering a 'sorry', Mihawk didn't let you go from his hand however. You rose a brow, seeing him lift it up to inspect it. The skin was red where he slashed with the back of his sword for you to drop the buster sword, but not cut. Nonetheless, to your shock, he kissed it. Softly. Gently.

All while looking at you with those piercing gold eyes.

"You've received your gift of a long wished duel," he murmured against your skin, making goose bumps appear. He smiled at you, eyes filled with care. "Happy Valentine's Day, mi amor."

Your face turned into a tomato, it didn't help that Kuina whistled and your kitten meowed.

You think it just made it worse as you now put both hands against your steamed face.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

You sat with a blank face in a limousine, facing another coworker that was smoking another one of his spicy cigars in front of you, your kitten on your lap playing with your bag straps.

All you wanted to do was walk home. You were so tired from all these odd happenings that made you happy on a day that you're supposed to hate. Like, really? Really, really, what is happening?! When the club was done you left in front of the school gates to go walk home like you always do, only to see a limousine stop in front of you, a scarred Crocodile ordering you to come in while grabbing onto your arm while asking mid question!

WHAT THE HELL?!

You looked at Crocodile, brow constantly twitching in annoyance. The only person that can possibly top Doflamingo from his odd actions that hinder you, would be this one. Crocodile caught you looking at him, and rose a
brow.

"Need something? Why are you looking at me like that?"

You rose a shaking fist, face covered in tick marks.

"You're asking me what I need...? I NEED TO FREAKIN KNOW WHERE WE'RE GOING YOU KIDNAPPER!!!" You snapped, eyes a flamed. Your kitten jumped cutely, almost falling off your lap from the shock. You immediately felt guilty and tried to catch her before she fell, but were beat to it. Crocodile held the small kitten in his hand, gazing at it with a critical eye, cigar held in his other hand to not suffocate the poor animal.

"Who gave it to you?" The ex-mafia, now History teacher, questioned. Watching the small kitten sitting on his hand calmly while tilting her head at him curiously.

You hmphed, and turned away from him. Angry at the man for not answering your question.

"I'll tell you if you tell me where we're going."

Crocodile sighed. "Stubborn as ever I see," Crocodile commented, turning silver eyes on you, "a bakery."

You looked at him, blinking stupidly.

"Huh?"

Crocodile turned away, putting the small kitten on his huge lap. You almost didn't see it from how small she was compared to the History teacher. "I don't like repeating myself. Now answer the question."

You frowned at his behavior, but shrugged it off. You should be used to it by now. Like the others, you've known him for years.

"I know what you said, I'm just confused why we're going there. You hate sweet things." Crocodile said nothing, only looking at you expectedly to answer his previous question. You huffed and leaned back onto the limousine cushioned chairs, staring at your little kitten trying to go towards you from Crocodile's lap, only to keep falling over clumsily. It made you smile.

"Lucci did."

Crocodile looked down at the kitten basically rolling all over his lap from lack of grace, putting his cigar back in his mouth as he handed you the kitten gently back to you.

"That's not like the shitty vice principal at all."

You nodded, petting the kitten as she gave cute purrs. "I know right? Weirdo. Can't get a read on him. Even after all these years..."

"Oh?" Crocodile smirked, taking a whiff of his spicy cigar and slowly blowing out the open window. "And can you get a read on me?"

You rose a brow at his tone. "Considering we're going to a bakery, sadly, no. I can't."

Crocodile chuckled, amused. The limousine then stopped, Crocodile exiting it and holding the door open for you. You asked if you could take the kitten, with some hesitance, Crocodile nodded. You walked out with your kitten in hand and looked around, only for your jaw to drop. It was Pudding's Cake Shop! The best and most expensive bakery in town! You felt like a kid and was about to rush in to order some sweets for yourself, but got halted from a hand on your shoulder.

"Not so fast, you eager brat. Put this on." Crocodile put his black jacket over your shoulders, making your cheeks pink. It smelled like spice and musky cologne. You look up at him bewildered.

"You're dirty." He said simply, giving you a once over. Spotting dirt stains on your blouse and skirt from your fight with Mihawk. "...I'm not sure if I even want to know. Stay close."

Both of you entered the shop, which was filled with couples, the line being long within the famous bakery. You deflated in disappointment, causing Crocodile to look at you questionably.

"The line is long..." You answered his unspoken question. Crocodile chuckled, amused.

"You think I'll be willing to stand here for an hour for some sweets? No," Crocodile raised a hand to a worker, the worker recognizing him, and quickly telling him to go to the front of the line where another worker was standing. Crocodile motioned you to move forward. You felt guilty about skipping all these people but the fact that Crocodile planned this out so thoroughly made your lips quirk up in happiness and your cheeks warm. When you arrived at the front, you couldn't but release a 'Woah' in amazement.

Your kitten released a small meow, agreeing with you on how delicious all the sweets looked. The worker came with a smile to take your order, but then frowned when they saw your kitten in your hands. Stating that no animals are allowed in here. You expected that, but was about to tell him off anyway until Crocodile spoke up.

"Is the kitten on the floor?" He asked, silver eyes on the worker.

"Uh...no. But—"

"Is the kitten touching the food?" Crocodile interrupted, eyes now narrowed.

"N-no, but s-sir—"

"Did you touch the kitten with those hands that are supposed to be giving sweets to the lady and not fiddling with your collar?" The worker let go of their collar with a jump, complying with a shaky 'Yes sir' and asking what you would like. You blinked, and picked two (fav. pastries), glancing questioningly at Crocodile to see how much you can get. He nodded at you for you take as many as you want, making a huge smile form on your face. Asking for three more of (fav. pastry). Crocodile gave you a look, judging you for not getting more. But just handed the money over to the shaking nervous worker. As the both of you walked to a table outside the shop, you were looking at Crocodile, brows furrowed and eyes analyzing. Crocodile caught your look and rose a brow.

You smiled, finding what you were you looking for in your analysis.

"Thanks Croc-y."

Crocodile frowned at your odd look, looking away. "Happy Valentine's Day brat." Before the both of you sat down, you gave him a quick hug while being mindful of your kitten and let go to sit down. Crocodile was frozen, eyes wide from your action. You didn't pay mind to him as you quickly dug in to your pastries. You heard him tsk at you from your messy eating, feeling a thumb clean the corner of your lips. You stiffened and looked at him, spotting his concentrated heated look. You turned red.

"U-uh...thanks?"

Crocodile hummed, licking the creme off his thumb while looking at you. "Too sweet...don't know how you can eat this but," he smirked, almost turning into a haughty grin,"I don't mind cleaning up for you. Tell me anytime to clean your mess. I'll oblige."

You were quiet for a moment. (E/c) eyes went round, your neck and face quickly turning red once you connected on what he exactly he meant.

"W-w-wh-what?! NO!" You grabbed napkins to take the creme off around your lips that can pass off as something else.

"...You're scaring the kitten..."

"Shut up!" You sputtered.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

You finally arrived home! Crocodile kindly dropped you off in front of your house, even though you were still red at what he said in the limousine. You had leftover pastries in one hand, and your kitten in the other, your shoulder supporting her that was still covered by Crocodile's jacket. Apparently he wanted you to keep it. You walked towards your house, looking to your right to see Smoker's house next to yours. You stopped walking, making your kitten look at you curiously.

You haven't seen Smoker basically the whole day.

You frowned, deciding to first drop your stuff off at your house, but keeping the kitten on you as you went to knock at Smoker's door. It took a few knocks for him to answer, opening the door while having no shirt on.

You widened your eyes.

"O-oh. S-sorry Smoker, um..." Your cheeks were warm as you tried to keep your gaze away. Smoker's expression was flustered and surprised.

"(Y/N)? Shit, sorry. Hold on." He stepped away from the door for a moment, you hearing muttered curses along the way as he searched for a shirt. He came back with a shirt now on, asking you what was wrong. You told him the truth.

"I haven't seen you all day Smoker...today of all days. You know hanging around you makes me feel better."

Smoker scratched the back of his neck. "I see...but you seemed busy today. Was your day good?"

You thought about everyone's kindness. The flowers in your classroom, which added a beautiful scent to the room and made it colorful. The chocolates in shapes of hearts, each tasting more delicious then the last within a box that had a note with a cute messily drawn face. The cloud gazing that made you feel so much better about yourself and this holiday in general. This cute kitten in your hands, that always meows for your attention, almost likes it's previous owner does. Your long awaited duel with Mihawk, the best fight you've had in awhile since you retired from your last profession. Then the cute bakery and most delicious sweetest pastries you've ever had.

You didn't even realize you already had a pleased smile on your face when you answered him.

"Yeah...Yeah, I actually had a great day!"

Smoker smiled around his cigars, but it looked sad in your eyes.

"That's good. I'm glad."

You frowned. "You don't sound like you are..." Smoker directed his gaze towards the kitten in your hands.

"You got a kitten." He stated plainly, making you concerned. Something is wrong and you wanna know what.

"Can I come in Smoker?" Before Smoker could reply, you ducked under his arm that was leaning on the doorway to get in. Looking around, you spotted Smokers bag he was carrying earlier while Smoker closed the door muttering how impatient you can be. You remembered him saying that he made a nutritious lunch because he was feeling sick. You turned towards him, putting down the kitten to let it roam around the living room.

"Smoker, do you feel better? You said you felt like you were getting sick earlier. Is that why you're acting weird?" You asked, truly concerned about him. You've known him since forever after all. Smoker scratched the back of his neck with closed eyes, a defeated expression on his face.

"Can't hide anything from you can I?" He asked, going over to his bag and pulling out two bentos. He walked over and handed one to you, looking at your face to spot a reaction. You only looked at it blankly before blinking in realization.

"I was going to ask you to have lunch together on the roof that I made," he looked away with a frown, " but someone beat me to it."

You looked at him, then grabbed the bento box, opening it despite Smoker's protest of you to stop.

The bento you expected to see was nothing like what you're looking at now. The rice looked burnt, the small bread loaves looking too toasted, eggs too easy for your liking. The only normal looking food item was a lone piece of green broccoli.

"I'm not the best cook...thought we could hate my cooking together for Valentine's. It's cold now." Smoker supplied for the poor looking food. You looked at it, then went to the kitchen and searched through a drawer for a utensil.

"(Y/N), what are you doing?"

You found one and sat down, immediately eating the food. Despite its horrible taste and staleness, you kept a straight face as you ate. Smoker looked at you in shock, putting a hand on your shoulder.

"Hey! (Y/N)! You don't have to eat that shit, you'll get sick! Are you an idiot?! Stop!" He shakes your shoulder, but you continued with set eyes. You only set your utensil down when you ate every single grain and food in the box. You looked towards Smoker, wiping your lips with the back of your hand.

"Anything that Smoker makes will be delicious in my eyes!" You grinned at him, eyes closed as you felt your stomach gurgle. "Thank you Smokey! That was the best food I've eaten the whole day!"

Smoker was silent, only looking at you with wide eyes. Then put a rough hand on your head, making you look down to not see his flushed face.

"You idiot..." You laughed, then stopped when a stronger gurgle formed on your stomach. Shit.

You quickly went to the bathroom and threw upon the toilet. You heard footsteps as you were hacking and spitting, pushing your hair out of the way and holding your forehead.

"Damn, you really are an idiot! Don't lie next time (Y/N). You'll get yourself killed like that."

You weakly chuckled, spitting the bile taste away. You looked at him with your tired eyes.

"Hehe...Happy Valentine's Day Smokey."

Smoker blinked and shook his head with a smirk.

"Happy Valentine's Day (Y/N). Take care of yourself alright? People care about you."

You cleaned your mouth with tissue paper, flushing the toilet and looking up at him. A calm smile on your lips.

"Like you?" You asked, chest warm despite what you just went through. Smoker gave a small smile of his own, chuckling.

"Yeah. Like me, you idiot."

You gave a hearty laugh, cheeks pink and heart spreading warmth all throughout your body.

If you didn't know from previous years, you definitely know now.

People love you. They care about you. Some you didn't even expect.

And no gift like this thought, this truth, can trump it.

.

.

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Happy (Late) Valentine's Day~!!

^.^

This was supposed to come earlier, but I made it longer then it was supposed to be.

Anyways! I hope you guys all enjoyed!

And remember, you're ALWAYS loved. Whether from family, a friend, or an acquaintance, someone loves you're here~

Also, even though some gifts aren't perfect,(Smoker's bento) love it all the same. Effort is filled with love, so love it. ^.^

Some gifts is just a gift of presence(Shanks), just to have someone to talk to is always a gift.

A simple cliche chocolate box can go a long way(Corazon), it can brighten your day up! Especially if the giver is a dork.

Certain gifts can surprise you, not expecting someone would give your favorite flowers when you rarely talk about yourself. Yet, the person seems to know you like the back of your hand{Doflamingo(AKA, observing you to see what you like)}

Gifts can come from anyone, even from those who look cold. Yet, they can give the warmest gifts.(Lucci)

Keeping a promise is a gift too. Or the fact that you went through the promise with both of you satisfied and smiling from a fair duel.(Mihawk)

Other gifts can be something totally different. Getting pastries, then quickly getting defended because they don't want to see you sad or disrespected in front of them(Crocodile).

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS~! XD IM CURIOUS!

THANKS EVERYONE!! X3 HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE DAY/NIGHT!! XD