(A/N: A little one-shot idea I decided to throw out there because there's not enough Shanks/Makino.)

"Ma-chan"

Makino leaned her back against the bar and watched as Captain Shanks took one last look at Party's Bar. They would be leaving at midday on the morrow.

"So, you've come to say goodbye, then?" Makino did not mean for it to come out so coldly.

Shanks looked up in surprise at her uncharacteristic tone. Makino forced a cheery smile.

"Thank you, Miss Makino for welcoming my men," Shanks said, smiling back. "After being scorned and spat on by other similar establishments in other similar ports it was . . . very nice. I wish I were better with words so I could just begin to express how much you—your bar—means to m . . . my men." Shanks cleared his throat then ambled up to the bar and stood before its proprietress. He leaned closer and said in a low voice, "that kid, Luffy, is going to become a great pirate someday."

Makino looked up at the captain, warmth flooding her features and her body. He was so kind and so near . . .

"Don't tell him I said that, he'll get cocky."

"Captain, I . . ."

"Shanks."

"Shanks . . . I wish you could stay longer." There. She said it. Embarrassment overtook her and she lowered her gaze, a blush stained her cheeks.

Shanks' eyes shone with a new softness and a gentle smile graced his face. He raised his hand and lifted Makino's chin. Her heart beat faster. The hand under her chin moved to cup her cheek and he brushed her lips with his thumb. Shanks felt her shudder and lean into his touch.

"As I said, I was never good with words." The pirate captain swooped down and enveloped Makino in a sweet and thorough kiss. She pressed back and slipped her arms about his neck, hugging him to her, afraid to let go. Shanks embraced her just as tight.

"Thank you, Ma-chan," He whispered against her lips.

"Who gave you permission to call me 'ma-chan'?" she asked, trying to sound indignant.

"You did."

"Me?"

"When you kissed back."

The End

(A/N: I hope you enjoyed that bit o' fluff!)