I'm so sorry for not uploading yesterday, but I had some trouble with my internet. But here's the next chapter, a day late. Please enjoy.
Some weeks passed. She was happy, but from now and then she thought of Shanks, Mihawk and Rayleigh. She missed them. The nights they spent, talking and just cuddling. She did so with Marco too, but he was so different from them. She realized soon that even if she loved Marco with all her body and hearts, she also loved those three men. So she decided to talk to Marco about her feelings.
"Marco my love," she said from the bed, was she was sitting.
"What is it -yoi?" he asked, looking up from his paperwork.
"I need to talk to you," she said, somewhat serious and sad.
Marco laid down the pen and sat next to her, looking at her. "I'm listening," he said.
"I've been thinking of Shanks, Mihawk and Rayleigh lately. I miss them and I've come to realize that I do have deeper feelings for them than just friendship. I love you with all I have, but I also love them somehow. It's confusing, distracting and irritating," she said.
Marco smiled and let his fingers go through her hair. "I've just been waiting for you to realize that, my love. I know who you are and how free you are. I love you for being free and live like there is no tomorrow. I'm not jealous. I know that you want to spend time with me. You once told me that even though you like Shanks, Mihawk and Rayleigh a lot, you couldn't just stay for long time. But you stay with me. You let me see you drink blood. You tell me stuff, you haven't told anybody. That's how I know that you love me more than anyone. I understand your urge to be with other," he said.
She leaned her head against his shoulder. "It somehow scares me how much you know me. Even more than I understand myself sometimes. And that's why I love you so much. I can be who I am, without being scared of losing myself or be left alone. You'll stay with me no matter what," she said.
"You're leaving tomorrow aren't you?" he asked.
"Yes. Have some Intel to do."
"Go visit Shanks. I'm sure he misses you too. Spend some time with him. I'll be here waiting," he said.
She looked at him and saw he meant every word. She smiled and kissed him. First gently and then more passionately. She couldn't have asked for a better man in her life. Marco was all she had longed for, for so long and she couldn't believe her luck. Ed had been right all those years ago. Now she could see it. She made him lay down, as she kissed him. His arms were wrapped around her, as he kissed her eagerly back. This kiss told him everything.
"If I'm free to go wild, so are you Marco," she said, looking in his eyes.
"Lu... You're the best," he grinned.
"I know. But it's only because you're the best too," she grinned.
Marco smiled and kissed her again. No matter what, he had falling in love with her, because she was so free and did as she pleased. He wouldn't mind her being with shanks, Mihawk, Rayleigh or another one. It was just who she was. As long as he knew she would come back to him and be with him. Tell him how she grew up, how she lived until the war and what her dreams were. He loved listen to her and talk with her about stuff like how corrupt the world seems to be and how good it felt to be free.
"So how long will you be going?" asked Thatch, as Lucinda prepared for her journey.
"I'm not sure, but a few weeks," she said.
"Be careful," said Ace.
"I know. Thanks for worrying," she smiled.
Marco kissed her. "I'll miss you," he said.
"And I'll miss you. And of course all others," she smiled to them.
With that she jumped into her boat and looked once more at Whitebeard. He looked concerned, like he didn't want her to leave, but knew there was no way out. She wasn't sure herself if she could pull it off on her own.
"Ed. I might contact you if I need more help," she said.
"And I'll send you help," said Whitebeard.
She nodded and left. All commanders waved their goodbyes, before going back to their duty or whatever they were doing. Marco and Ace were the only one to watch her small boat sail off to the horizon. They knew she could handle the sea and that she could take care of herself, but lately not only Blackbeard had been interested in her, but also Big Mom and Kaidou. There were too many enemies out there. Luckily for her Shanks was there to protect her too.
The Island was small and known for being a pirate resort. The royal family wasn't a part of the world government and was against what they stand for. And this Island was known for its strong female warrior. Most of them cable of using Conquers Haki and the other two Haki also. Some people from this Island were infamous pirates, but mostly they stayed on their Island. Lucinda knew she had to step carefully.
She walked down the street and into a bar, known for having pirates around. She spotted him right away, but that wasn't difficult at all. His bright red hair was outstanding no matter where he went. He was shameless flirting with women around and Lucinda shook her head lightly. Shanks wouldn't change at all, but she didn't want him too. She walked over to him, nodding at Benn, who smiled to her, before she jumped onto Shanks lab.
"I've miss you, my dear," she said, before kissing him.
Shanks wrapped his arms around her and kissed her eagerly back. "Wow, my love. Broke up with Marco?" he asked.
"No. He told me to be myself and free. He has nothing against me being with others. I fact he was wondering when I was giving in to my urge, being with you or one of the others," she said.
"So he understands you and has nothing against you being with me. You scored Jackpot," he grinned.
"I sure did," she said.
"So did you miss Shanks that much that you had to leave the ship?" asked Benn.
"Not really. I have some Intel to do, but I wanted you to know, so you can watch my back. It's not going to be easy," she said.
"So you didn't just come because you missed me? You need my help too?" Shanks smiled, before stealing a kiss from her.
"Yes. So want to help me out?"
"Of course, my love. Better than just sitting around," he grinned.
Benn, Yasopp and Lucky Roo also looked eager. That was what she loved so much. No matter what, she could always count on her friends. Sitting on the lab of Shanks, she told them what she needed help for and made them understand how dangerous it could be. Shanks shrugged it off, saying it wasn't more dangerous than living freely as men of the sea. Their life was in danger every day.
"Well, why doesn't Whitebeard help you?" asked Shanks.
"Oh he does, but we can only entrust few with this, so therefor I ask you for help. I have to step carefully, since Blackbeard isn't the only one after me. Kaidou and Big Mom also want my head. I got the help of Jinbe, Namur, Kingdew, Curiel, Izo and Vista. The other commanders wanted to help too, but we can't have all high commanders out there at once. You know that Ed isn't in his prime, so someone has to protect him. Ace is still learning how to control his Haki and understand it. Marco and Jozu are both Devil's Fruit users, which isn't quite a good thing against Blackbeard. So we needed some commander and non-devil's fruit users to stay behind too," she said.
"You're too smart. Well, we'll help. Blackbeard is a threat to us too," said Shanks.
Lucinda smiled. She was happy they agreed. It was a most welcome adventure in Shanks life. Relaxing and partying all time could be boring and he wanted some action and not only in his bed. He started to caresses her back and stomach, kissing her neck and shoulder from time to time. He had missed her and she could feel it. And tonight she would give him what he wanted, because it was what she wanted too.
So they are going to make a move against BB.
I know some of you might think she's unfaithful, but her and Marco have an open relationship now. Some of you might not like it, but I really don't care. Lucinda had an affair with Shanks and Mihawk for long, so she has some feelings for them, though she had denied it most of the time. And after all she's a pirate, living for today, not worrying for tomorrow and have no regrets. She takes what she wants ;)