"Naia! Wake up!" Naia groaned as a small weight rested on her stomach. "Come on! Before it gets cold."

"Luffy! Don't wake her up like that." Sabo whispered furiously. "It's supposed to be a nice morning!"

"But the foods gonna get cold," Luffy whined.

"He's got a point, Sabo," Ace agreed. "If she doesn't wake up, the food will go to waste."

"Boys? What time is it?" Naia rubbed her eyes as she sat up. She drifted her gaze to the window where the light was just shining into the room. "Why are you up so early?"

"You're asking too many questions," Luffy pouted. Naia raised an eyebrow at him as he moved to the edge of the bed.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" The three boys shouted. "Will you be our valentine?"

Naia's eyes widened as she took in the tray of food. The bacon was undercooked, and the toast was no longer toast, but she could feel her eyes sting as happiness welled up in her chest.

"Boys, you didn't have to do this," Naia croaked.

"Do you not like it?" Ace asked hesitantly.

"Like it? I love it." Naia snatched the three boys into her arms, tears streaming down her face. "It's the nicest thing anyone has done for me."

"It's okay, Naia, there will be lots of these times." Luffy patted her head, and Naia was reminded of all the times they had ahead. "Can we play on the beach today?"

"Of course, little king. Whatever you so wish." Luffy giggled as she tickled his sides. "First, why don't you boys help me eat this breakfast? Eating together is always more rewarding."

"Yosh!" The boys didn't hesitate to dig into her breakfast, and Naia could care less as Luffy held out a piece of bacon to her. She felt a pang in her heart as they crept closer to her. She never wanted this to end.

The sun was shining high in the sky by the time they had left her bed. The boys were skipping in front of her, singing some sort of song. Birds flew overhead, adding their own sounds to the music the boys were making, but the echo of the waves had never sounded so sweet. The town was abuzz with all sorts of activity. Couples stood on the streets, lost in their own worlds or laughing as their children ran around. A few stopped to stare at her as her small family made their way through the village. Naia offered a polite smile, but the whisperings could be heard regardless. Even if they were not her own children, people loved to gossip about anything. Naia shifted the bag further up her shoulder when a tug on her skirt brought her attention to Ace.

"Here," Ace mumbled, his cheeks turning a lovely shade of red as he thrust a small flower at her.

"Thank you, my little firecracker." Naia smiled gently, placing a small kiss on his cheek. She relished in his sputtering and more apparent blush. She tucked the flower behind her ear as they continued on their way. Let the people talk. Naia was happy, and so were her boys. In the end, that's all that mattered.

Shanks' ship stood proud in the harbor, but the pirates were nowhere to be found. Most likely, partying at Makino's bar. Her eyes lingered in the direction of the bar; flashes of the past overlapped the present. Naia shook her head. It was no use to reminisce on the past. She had been doing that a lot lately.

"Naia, hurry up, or we'll miss all the good spots!" Luffy tugged on her skirt.

"Lu, we are the only heading this way," Naia mused, and sure enough, the beach was barren of anyone else. They made their way closer to the water, so Naia could keep a better eye on Sabo and Ace while they went swimming. She made sure Luffy was entertained with supplies for building a sandcastle. Eventually, the older boys joined in, bringing all sorts of rocks and seashells to decorate the rather large castle they were making. Naia couldn't help but grin as the water seemed to flow around them. Never touching, but getting just close enough to provide wet sand and water for the moat. The ocean was thriving at being played in again, so innocently and joyfully. These were the moments she and her family lived for.

"Naia, you should go swimming too," Luffy tugged at her curls. "I'm sure your fins could do with a cleaning."

"Lu, I haven't been in that form for years," Naia said, ruffling his hair. "Besides, you expect me to leave you all alone?"

"No!" Luffy grinned as he presented a piece of coral to her. "I took this from Shanks' ship the other day."

"Luffy!" Naia gasped. "You shouldn't steal from your friends!"

"He can get another one, and I want to go down with you!" Luffy pouted. "I wanna see you again."

"Lu," Naia admonished. "You will apologize when we get back."

"Does that mean yes!?" Luffy bounced with excitement. "Ace! Sabo! Come back!"

"Isn't today suppose to be my day?" Naia groaned. "Why am I doing what you want to do?"

"Because you also wish to swim."

"You four always look like you have the most fun." Naia blocked the sun with her hand as she looked back at the pirate captain. "It makes me jealous."

"Shaaanks! You ruined it!" Luffy whined. "Now, I can't go!"

"Can't go where?" Shanks tilted his head.

"Go swimming!"

"Luffy, I thought you'd forgiven me for that," Shanks pouted.

"Forgiven but not forgotten," Luffy grumbled. Naia giggled as the boy turned away with his arms crossed.

"It's not funny!" Shanks exclaimed, taking a seat next to the boy. "Come on, Luffy, you have cool powers now! Isn't that better?"

"You said I can't be a pirate if I can't swim!"

"He's got you there, Red."

"Don't side with him! You're supposed to help me!" Shanks whined. Naia raised an eyebrow at him but winced as the sun glared into her eyes. She really should've brought her hat.

"He's my son. I will always be on his side."

"Well, in that case, let me try to woo you to my side," Shanks smirked, placing his beloved straw hat onto her head. "Maybe, this will help with the sun."

Naia's eyes widened at the feel of the hat. It had been on her head before but on the rarest occasions with Luffy. Luffy was even gazing at the move in wonderment.

"Y-yes, thank you," Naia stammered, her hand caressing the brim. "Are you sure?"

"I have a feeling you'll take good care of it." Shanks winked at her. "Now, what is it that I actually ruined?"

"We were going to go swimming!" Ace exclaimed.

"But now, we can't!" Sabo slumped.

"I hardly believe I would stop you from doing so."

"It's not that, Red." Naia motioned for Luffy to hand over the coral. "Luffy was feeling adventurous, apparently. I suggest you keep a better eye on your belongings."

"Is this?" Shanks blinked as she placed the coral into his hands. "When did you do this? Do you even know what this does?"

"It's the only way I can get in the water! It was a surprise for Naia!" Luffy explained earnestly. "She hasn't swum in a while because she's always taking care of me."

"Lu, that's not-"

"Then how about we all go swimming?"

"No." Luffy glared up at the man. "It's for family only!"

"You wound me, Anchor!"

"I think you've offended him, Red," Naia giggled. Luffy stuck his tongue out at the pirate captain before taking off after his brothers. The smile stayed on her face as their joyful shouts and squeals echoed across the beach. She and Shanks fell into a comfortable silence as they watched the boys chase each other across the sand. Ace sticking his tongue out when he waded into the water away from Luffy. Naia's brows furrowed when they nodded to each other and then split up. It wasn't long before they started piling their findings in front of her.

"Am I missing an important date? A birthday?" Shanks asked.

"No, not at all," Naia hummed, "They're going a little overboard today."

"What is today?"

"Stupid Shanks!" Luffy shouted as he placed a rather beautiful stone in front of her. "It's Valentine's Day!"

Shanks' eyes widened as his gaze flickered over to her. Naia waved him off. It wasn't all that special of a day to her, but her boys were undoubtedly making it one.

"That would explain all the couples," Shanks said sheepishly. "And why Makino kept glancing at me."

"I believe it would," Naia hummed, turning her gaze to the treasures her boys had brought her. "She's probably prepared something for you, so you should hurry back."

"I'd rather be here." Naia pulled her eyes to the man's face. It was open and honest. She tilted her head.

"I already have a valentine."

"You've already been asked?!" Shanks slumped his shoulders. "And here I thought I still had time!"

"I've been asked by three gentlemen, actually," Naia chuckled.

"And you said yes to one of them?" A smile spread across his face.

"I said yes to all of three." Naia stuck her tongue out at him.

"Steep competition then," Shanks observed. "I will have to put all my effort into it."

"Into what?" Shanks shook his head before fiddling under his cloak.

"How about this!" He pulled out a beautiful red rose. Naia felt her cheeks heat up as he presented it to her. "Not enough?"

He pulled out another one, and another one and another. Naia felt her confusion grow as he kept pulling roses out from his cloak. It wasn't until there was a dozen in his hand did he stop.

"Shanks," Naia breathed, taking them cautiously. "They're lovely."

"Not as lovely as you are," Shanks hummed. Naia didn't have it in her to huff as she brought one of the buds to her nose. The fragrance graced her sense of smell, and Naia sighed at the pleasantry of it.

"You flatter no one with such cheap pick up lines."

"And yet it couldn't be more accurate," Shanks said softly, his hand reaching for a stray curl. He twisted it around his finger, pulling slightly to bring her closer. "The roses compliment your beauty."

"Shanks-"

"Did you really think I would forget a day to appreciate you?" Shanks raised an eyebrow at her.

"I didn't think it was a necessary day."

"It's not, but I can't pluck up the courage to tell you how much I admire you, so I thought I'd rather show you," Shanks rambled, his cheeks turning a delicious shade of red. "It seems kind of lackluster now, but-"

"Thank you, Shanks," Naia whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her lips grazed his cheek as she pulled away. "I've never received roses before or flowers for that matter."

"You're welcome," Shanks said, frozen in place. Their eyes met, and Naia felt herself freeze. The world fell away as they stood still. The sound of the waves seemed to get further away as they stayed in their own little world. "I think I love you, Naia."

"What?" Naia breathed, eyes wide in wonder.

"Voyages that used to cause me so much joy have made me restless. When I think about it, you are the only thing that comes to mind. I miss your smile directed at me. I miss the sound of your laughter, the way your hair blows in the breeze." Shanks tugged on a curl as he moved to cup her face. "The way you fit against me and how your kindness has inspired me to be a better man."

"Shanks," Naia floundered. "I-I-"

"You don't have to say anything." Shanks smiled, placing a hand on her head. "All I ask is, will you be my valentine?"

"Of course." Naia smiled, giving a light kiss to his cheek. "Only if that means you are mine."

"Without a doubt."

A/N: Some light fluff that will hopefully bring a smile to your face. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Whether you are having a self-love night or a night with someone special, I hope it is fantastic either way!