Red Invasion~ Mihawk x Reader- Day 12

    You look up at the mansion and move closer to your captain, looking around nervously. Shanks just laughs heartily. "No need to be nervous ___, his bite is much worse than his bark," Shanks chuckles.
    "What if he bites?" You ask worriedly. Shanks just shrugs and knocks on the door as you hide behind him. There's a long pause, but before you can relax, the door opens to reveal a sleepy but still intimidating world's greatest swordsman. Your eyes widen and you shrink behind Shanks more.
"Red Hair? What's the meaning of this?" Mihawk questions peering at the crew behind Shanks.
       "Merry Christmas Hawkeyes! We've come to party with you!" Shanks chimes brushing past the swordsman along with the crew, all filing in except you, too nervous to come in. Mihawk frowns and sighs, about to close the door but stops spotting you.
      He opens his mouth to say something but a booming crackle of thunder makes you fall to your knees, holding your head in fear. Mihawk blinks in surprise. Inside Shanks stops at the sound and looks for you before looking back and spotting you.
     "Oh no, ___, it's-" Shanks stops, eyes widening in surprise as Mihawk calmly picks you up and carries you inside, closing the door. You hug the warlords neck, shaking in fear.
     "Red Hair, I don't recognize this member of your crew." He comments carrying you over to your captain.
    "That's ___, she's new, we saved her from Wardog a few months back." Shanks says, patting your shoulder and easing you into his arms. "Thunder scares her, reminds her of whips." He adds softer rubbing your back gently. Mihawk blinks.
    "I see... Well since you're going to do it anyway make yourselves at home, but you better be fine tomorrow." He informs Shanks as he walks away. Shanks smiles a bit, rubbing your back.
    "It's okay ___," He breathes, making you blink and relax. You blush and hop out of his arms.
    "Sorry Captain..." You bow  nervously.
    "Why don't you go sit in the library and calm down," He murmurs putting a hand on your head. You nod and start for the room he indicated. You ease in, swiftly taking notice of the tall loaded bookshelves. You let out an awed breath moving closer to one, eyes scanning over the letters on book spines.
      You frown and sigh, if only you could read it. The thought made your scars burn. You touch the back of your shoulder and shift.
     "Are you interested and in reading any of those?" His voice makes you look back at Mihawk. You blush slightly and shift.
    "Yes, but I..." You glance at the books. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude..." You murmur.
     "You're not... Would you like me to read one to you?" He asks quietly, stepping beside you. You blush more in embarrassment.
     "I don't want to bother you... Wouldn't you prefer to party with captain?" You inquire.
     "I came in here for peace and quiet. Do you see any you think might be good?" He asks curiously. You shift, skimming over them before hesitantly touching a slender lavender colored book with silver lettering. "That's a good choice, come," He murmurs taking out the book and going over to sit down in a chair. You look around for a place to sit nearby, shifting uncertainly until a thunderous boom makes you hit your knees and cover your head again.
    "Sorry master..." You manage out of habit. Mihawk stops and looks down at you sympathetically, coming over and picking you up again. You hold onto him and relax a bit. He frowns rubbing your back and taking a seat in the chair with you on his lap. He glances at your face before opening the book.
     "It seemed as if the stars themselves adored the kingdom of Solis, she often sat on the rooftop to stare at the night sky. However tonight was a special night...." He begins to read. You relax more and peer at the book, trying to find the words as they smoothly came from his lips. You rest your head on his shoulder as he reads.
      Shanks peers in at the two of you and smiles pulling back. "It worked, let's get going, make sure you leave all their presents and ___'s clothes," He tells his men.
     "I'm gonna miss that woman, she was an awesome cook," Lucky Roo comments.
     "Ah we'll come visit next year, I'm sure she'll be healed by then." Shanks assures with a grin. They smile and do so swiftly while Shanks leaves a note for you and Mihawk.
     "Alright, let's take a break before chapter seven.." Mihawk murmurs leaving a marker on the page before closing the book. You blink and get off his lap, blushing lightly. He gives you a slight smile stands, pausing briefly. "They're awfully quiet..." He murmurs going out. You blink and follow him out stopping when you find the place empty.
      "Did they leave?" You ask as Mihawk picks up the note Shanks left and gives a slight chuckle.
      "Yes, apparently leaving you with me was his plan all along, he thinks I can help heal your trauma... He says they'll miss you, have fun with Mihawk, and they'll be back next year," He rumbles. You blink and shift.
      "Oh, okay then... But if you don't want me here..." You trail off looking down sadly.
      "Of course you can, come, we'll place your gifts in your room." He rumbles picking them up.
       "My gifts?" You murmur looking at the boxes.
       "They have your name on them." He says guiding you into a large bed room.
       "This is my room?" You ask, he nods setting the gifts down and watching your face as a wave of emotion hits you. Tears come to your eyes. "I'm so happy..."
     He smiles coming over and cupping your cheek, "Merry Christmas ___."

*One Year Later*

   "I see them! Can I Hawky~?" You gush hopping excited.
   "Of course mi amor, knock him off his feet." Mihawk rumbles kissing your cheek. You grin and dash out of the mansion at the  red haired man.
    "Shanks!" You cheer leaping at him, he catches you with his one arm laughing heartily.
    "___! Is that really you? You've changed," He grins.
    "Yep! Come on! The foods already ready!" You chime hopping back with a grin.
    "It is? I'm surprised," He comments.
    "Hawky said I shouldn't hold my breath in case you didn't come, but I told him you wouldn't let me down." You giggle, making him blush lightly.
     "Of course I wouldn't- Hawky? Are you two that close now?" Shanks raises an eyebrow.
     "Mhm~ He says we're lovers now." You blush giggling as you lead them in. Shanks gaps at you.
     "Lovers!?" He echoes.
     "___..." Mihawk blushes slightly, overhearing.
     "Oh, did you want to hide it?" You ask with a slight frown.
     "Of course not mi amor, I just didn't expect you to tell them so soon." He breathes kissing you.
    "Okay then, come on in Red Hair pirates! And merry Christmas!"