Chapter Text
Your mother was the most beautiful woman in the world. That wasn’t just your opinion either, she was renowned across the East Blue for her looks. People would buy her wanted poster from market stalls, pin her face to the wall of their bar, sing songs about her gorgeous purple hair and her buxom frame.
She sailed with the Red-Haired Pirates for only a few months before she was famous. However this meant that many felt entitled to her time and then, to her body.
The Red-Haired Pirates were notorious for their drinking, then for their violence if their princess was harmed. None more than their captain Shanks, who many speculated was in love with her. They assumed it was unrequited, that a woman like Violet would never stoop so low as to love a pirate like him.
It was hard for her to leave Shanks. But the life growing in her belly meant that life on a boat with rationed food and battles near daily was impossible. She knew she had to settle down at least until her child was born and could hold their own on a rocking ship.
After a lengthy discussion with her lover, she decided to settle down in Windmill Village, working the bar with Makino. The Lady Violet was now a humble barmaid, so pregnant she had to sit down every hour to catch her breath.
The one benefit to being so uncomfortable was the doting from Luffy. The young boy had taken one look at her, then the ship taking off, Jolly Roger signaling the Red-Haired Pirates. In exchange for her many stories about being a pirate, and Shanks’ most trusted confidante, Luffy would run errands, help her clean the bar, and care for the animals on the island.
He even found her now beloved pet wandering the coastline. The fluffy white cat was also pregnant, and took a liking to the curly haired boy. Duchess was mightily protective of her new mistress, sleeping on the bartop and hissing at anyone who gave off bad energy.
When the time came and Violet was ready to give birth, Duchess had to leave her kits behind and find Luffy. She had seen how fast the boy could run and he knew what to say to Makino to get help. Once he took off, she returned to her Violet, resting on her chest and purring whenever she cried out in pain.
Your mother also believed she was the funniest person in the world. Your entire life she teased that you looked just like her, eyes, nose, skin, even your ears, but you had your father’s hair. “I did all the work but all they see is Shanks.”
You hated how everyone only ever noticed your hair. Your mother was kind and loving, and when she took out on the sea, she protected you with all her might. You looked just like her too, and yet, your deadbeat dad was the protagonist in your story.
It also drove you mad that your brother idolised him so much. When Shanks was gone, Luffy would tell you secondhand of their great adventures. When he was on the island, Luffy abandoned you to hang out with the crew.
For a while, your only friends were the kittens, Toulouse being your personal favourite. Marie would stay with her mother in the house, pampered and adored. Berlioz and Toulouse would run through the village with you, playing with sticks, wrestling each other until they tired out. You would then escort Berlioz home and Toulouse would follow you to the bar. You would help where you could, wiping down seats and scrubbing the floor.
Then you would go home and entertain yourself where you could, usually reading books about pirates and swordsmen and gunfighters, dreaming of one day doing the same.
After so many rejections from Shanks, Luffy grew disheartened and moped around the house for days. Late one night, you heard muffled sounds from his room. You and the kittens poked your heads around the door. He was under his blanket, the spot where his shoulders would be shaking violently.
“Luffy?” You crept inside, lifting the kittens onto the bed.
“Go away.” His voice was hoarse. He sniffed loudly and took a shuddering breath.
“Are you alright?” You sat on the edge of the bed, watching the kittens play.
“I said, go away!”
You sighed loudly and pressed your hands into the mattress to push yourself off.
“Wait.” He said, removing the blanket from his face. “I’m sorry.”
Your poor brother’s face was red and salt-stained, snot and spit covering his cheeks. You took a hanky from your pocket, cleaning him as best as you could.
The kittens crawled up to his chest, settling down to sleep. He gave a soft huff of a laugh then looked at you properly.
“I’ve been mean, I’m really sorry. It’s not fair that he hates me, it’s not fair that he ignores you. So you need me and I need you. We have to stick together.”
You smiled softly. “I’ve really missed you Luffy.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
The next time Shanks returned to visit, he was surprised not to find Luffy on the dock bouncing with excitement.
He made his way to the bar, ready to ask Makino what was wrong. There he found you and Luffy playing pirates, using finger guns and stick swords to battle the fearsome giant Violet of Windmill Village, trusty cats by your side.
He whistled to get your attention, gave you all a pleased laugh then released a war cry, joining the fight on the side of his “giant” lover.
His crew watched, happy to see the four of you. Your family, together again.