A Place to Call Home

Monkey D. Luffy — Adoptive Father AU

The sun was beginning to set when the Thousand Sunny reached the harbour.

Luffy had gone ashore with Jinbe to collect supplies, leaving the others to prepare the ship for departure. He was walking through the quieter part of the village when he noticed a little girl sitting outside a closed shop.

She was very small, probably around three years old. Her dark hair was untidy, and she was holding a little stuffed rabbit against her chest.

Luffy slowed down.

"Hey, sweetheart. Are you waiting for someone?"

You looked up at him.

"My mummy."

"Where is she?"

You pointed down the street.

"She went there."

Luffy glanced in that direction. The street was empty.

"How long have you been here?"

You held up three little fingers, although you weren't entirely sure what they meant.

Luffy crouched in front of you.

"Have you eaten today?"

You shook your head.

He studied your face for a moment before taking off his straw hat and placing it beside you.

"Come with me. We'll get you something to eat, alright?"

You hesitated.

"Are you gonna leave?"

"No."

He said it simply, holding out his hand.

"I'll stay with you."

You eventually took it.

Aboard the Sunny

Nami immediately noticed the little girl holding Luffy's hand as he stepped onto the deck.

"Luffy? Who's this?"

"Her name's Charlotte. I found her in the village."

You stood close to his leg, looking at all the unfamiliar faces.

Luffy rested a hand on your shoulder.

"Don't crowd her. She's tired."

His voice was calm but firm. The crew gave you some space.

Robin introduced herself gently, Sanji brought you a warm meal, and Chopper checked that you were alright. Usopp tried making conversation, while Franky promised to show you around the ship.

Brook gave you a polite greeting, Jinbe welcomed you aboard, and Zoro simply nodded from where he was sitting.

You eventually settled beside Luffy at the dinner table.

Every now and then, he'd quietly cut your food into smaller pieces and move your cup closer so you could reach it.

"You like it?" he asked.

You nodded, your cheeks full.

"Good."

Nami watched him for a moment.

"You seem to have taken quite a liking to her."

Luffy looked down at you.

"She's little. She needs someone."

There wasn't any joking in his voice.

Later that night

The ship was quiet.

Luffy sat on the edge of his bed while you stood between his knees, struggling to pull your blanket around yourself.

He noticed and helped you, carefully tucking the edges beneath your arms.

"There. Better?"

You nodded.

He moved a strand of hair away from your face.

"Are you sleepy?"

"A little."

"Come here."

He lifted you onto the bed and sat beside you, allowing you to lean against his side.

You played with the fingers of his hand for a while before looking up.

"Daddy?"

Luffy looked down.

"Yeah?"

"Can I stay with you?"

He was quiet for a moment.

Then he gently rested his hand on your head.

"If that's what you want, then yes."

"Forever?"

He looked at your little face.

"Forever."

You seemed satisfied with that answer and rested your head against his chest.

Luffy pulled the blanket over you and stayed beside you until your breathing became slow and even.

A little later, Nami quietly opened the door.

"She's asleep?"

Luffy nodded.

"Yeah."

"Have you thought about what you're going to do?"

He looked down at you, carefully moving your stuffed rabbit away from your face.

"I'm keeping her."

Nami smiled faintly.

"I thought so."

Luffy looked towards the doorway.

"I'll look after her."

There was no grand declaration or dramatic promise. He simply meant it.

He had spent years searching for adventure and freedom. Now, he had someone who depended on him, and he intended to be there for every part of it.

He lowered his head and kissed your forehead.

"Get some sleep, Charlotte. I've got you."