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shikkearu · 4 years

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Part 24: Anniversary

- "Come to Buu!" Moria cheered. - "No Mamma!" Hancock clapped her hands. - "You gotta choose, Pappa." Shanks shouted from the side.

Mihawk sighed loudly.

They stood in a row just waiting for Perona release Zoro. She had come up with the idea while they waited for the rest of the people to show up to their little gathering on a beach she had gone a lot to with her husband. Mihawk had thought it was a stupid idea, have a competition like this of who was Zoros favourite grandparent. It was demeaning to call him like a dog so he took no part other than stand there. Everyone else had gotten excited by the idea. They had actually bet on who was the favourite. Most money went onto Mihawk since he spend the most time with him, but Moria was a close second.

- "Ok, Zoro. Just go to your favourite grandparent." Perona softly whispered to him and released her hold of him. Zoro toppled forward and looked at the cheering adults. Then he started to walk. Morias and Hancocks cheers got even louder whilst Mihawk rolled his eyes. Zoro walked and then he turned and walked away from all of them. Everyone held their breath. He walked a bit forward and then stopped. He looked around confused.

- "Where are you going idiot?" Ace ran to Zoro and turned him around to face the adults again.

But Zoros pride had gotten hit and he sniveled. He ran straight back to Perona and hugged her. Everyone pretty much laughed. Zoro had inherited his bad sense of directions from his father.

- "Zoro just got distracted. He's got a lot on his mind." Perona hissed protectively. - "Did anyone bet on Perona because she is clearly the winner here." Shanks laughed loudly.

Everyone shook their heads and Shanks laughed even louder.

- "Just me then. Okay, pay up."

Mihawk glared at Shanks. Even if the thing had been stupid he should have bet on him.

- "Sorry, Hawky. Nothing personal."

Muttering people paid up. Hancocks sisters drove to the parking lot. They had picked up Chiffon, Lola and Absalom. Absa rushed out of the car as quickly as he could, followed by Lola. She would have chased him around, but was stopped by Chiffon, who just shook her head. The two Boas were visibly bothered by the car trip. Another car drove up. From the passenger side stood up Cindry. She rushed off to hug Perona who had let Mihawk take Zoro from her. It had been awhile since the last time they had seen each other. Her acting career was sky rocketing at the moment so she was very busy most of the time. From the drivers side stood Law which surprised Perona.

- "Oh, you know Law?" She wondered outloud. - "Yes, but we're just friends. I was gobsmacked when he told me you two had gotten into contact." She looked at Perona and petted her hair slightly. "Are you jealous?" - "Of who?" Perona looked at her in a bit of disbelief. - "I came here with a dashing male and you wont even lift a brow." She smirked. "Quite cold." - "Well I came here with a dashing male as well." Perona tilted her head towards Mihawk. - "Perona, I didn't know you were into dilfs." Cindry gasped dramatically. Perona laughed and shook her head.

- "Seems like everyone is here. Let's head to wards the beach." Hancock announced excited. - "Is that the Empress?" Cindrys eyes glittered and she headed towards Hancock.

- "Hey." Law came to Perona. - "So you and Cindry are friends?" - "Sort of." He smirked. "She didn't seem too excited of our relationship." - "There is no relationship, stupid." - "Oh we aren't friends?" He was amused. - "I didn't mean it like that." Perona snarled and blushed slightly.

Law patted her head and started to go down to the beach with the others. Absa came to Perona quickly.

- "Why is he here?" - "We are friends. I've been messaging him this spring." - "I don't really like him." - "Because he is not a womanizer like you?" - "Ouch. But he definitely is one. He's just sneaky about it." His face went a little disgusted. "Not very sure if he's even trying to hide it." - "Well good thing I'm not planning on a romantic relationship with him." Perona huffed. "He's ok if you get to know him, just has a little bit of a jerkish side to him." - "Jerkish is mildly putting it."

- "C'mon you two! Don't keep us waiting." Lola shouted loudly.

- "In a bit!" Perona shouted to her, before looking back at him. "You need to turn her down properly." - "I've tried." he groaned. - "Not in a joking banter way. Proper sit down way." - "Yeah, I'll try." he sighed and started to moved down to the beach.

Perona looked the scenery over and sighed. - "Is there a beach like this where you're at?" She wondered in her head as she trekked down

----

They were sitting at a small wooden dock with their feet in the water. The tadpoles nibbled their toes. There was a gap between them, large enough for a person to sit between them with ease and maybe a little space to spare. Anxiously he kicked the water and looked at her coyly.

- "I- Can I hold your hand?"

She looked at him wondering. Any other guy she had dated had never asked permission for such a thing. But he was shy and kind.

- "Why?" She teased him. - "I don't know- Or I do but- Aargh!" He blushed and covered his eyes with his hands. "I've been thinking all day how pretty your hands are."

She blushed slightly. He couldn't even look at her. What a cute and sweet boy.

- "Never mind. I don't think I'd be able to. You're too much for me. Gotta built up my resistance." He looked far into the ocean.

He set his hands on his side. What she could see of his face, was deep red in color. She slowly inched closer to him. He was shaking. He knew she was moving closer, but didn't turn or say anything. She took his hand into hers and he started shaking uncontrollably. He curled into himself. His face was even deeper red.

- "Horo horo horo! You're so cute." He looked at her in agony. - "You're the cutest!"

She too blushed and looked away. It must have looked silly to a passerby. Two people barely holding hands and dying out of embarrassment.

He was the kind of guy she never imagined she would fall in love with.

----

That day was a bit cold and she stood on the same dock as they had been years earlier. She had wished for a finer weather, but you couldn't choose it in advance. At least it wasn't raining or awfully windy. Maybe it might get warmer as the day progressed. Mihawk walked to her only wearing a white dress shirt and long dark pants. She had to wear a cardigan over her shirt not to feel cold.

- "What are you doing here by yourself?" - "Just reminiscing the first date." - "What did you do here?" He looked down at the murky waves thrashing against the poles of the small dock. - "Just sat and talked. You know he was awfully shy back then. Couldn't even hold my hand properly." - "Sounds like him." Mihawk hummed.

They stood there on the dock and for a moment it all was serene and calm.

- "The others have set the things already. They're wondering where you are." - "It's a bit... suffocating." She sighed "To be there surrounded by so many people... Dunno. Maybe I'm just being sensitive today."

Perona started to swallow tears. The idea had been so good, but right now it felt weird. Weird to be happy and talk of all the memories of her husband. After all it was the day he had died a year back.

Mihawk pulled a tissue from his pocket and offered it to Perona. Grateful she took it and blew her nose. At least Mihawk knew how she felt and even if he didn't, he was there and that mattered the most.

- "Please." She whimpered and moved towards him, lifting her hands as a sign for him.

He met her halfway and closed his arms around her. She grabbed onto his shirt and sniveled. Heavy tears fell onto his shirt as she pressed her cheek against his chest.

- "Let's go back to the others. I don't think he would have liked us to wallow in grief like this." - "He probably wouldn't have." Perona snorted squeezing against him. - "No, he would have." he let out a short bitter laughter. "I've told you how much he was like Hancock. He would have died of a broken heart."

Perona separated from Mihawk and looked at him. How could he say such things?

- "He was stronger and better than me." - "Well he was better than you in many ways, but..." Mihawk slightly brushed her cheek. "He could have never been as strong as you have been. Such mental strength doesn't run in the family. I hope Zoro got some of that strength from you." - "But I've been leaning onto you all this time. You've lend me your strength." she insisted.

Mihawk shook his head. He had quickly found it to be quite the opposite. He lend strength from Perona more than he wanted to admit. He turned and started to walk away.

- "Let's head back."

She rushed to his side and took a hold of his hand, but he shook it off. Perona pouted unhappily.

- "Just today. Please, Mihawk." - "I don't want people to make false assumptions of our relationship." Especially one certain red head." he scoffed. - "So mean." Perona huffed and tried to grab onto his hand again. - "I'm not your personal comfort pillow." he grunted, "Didn't you invite that Law-guy here for that?"

Mihawk hadn't meant to say it. It just slipped. He didn't understand why he felt so angry and jealous thinking about that man. When Perona had said they should invite Law too, the surge of pure hatred, that filled his heart, was unreal. He didn't know this man enough for such hatred to be righteous, though he could remember what Absalom had said of him of him during Christmas and it had been concerning.

- "I've told you there's nothing going on between us." she frowned at him. - "Sorry, I'm just worried that's all." - "Ugh, don't be. I can handle myself."

She took a couple of skips to make some distance and went to talk to other people, some of her husbands friends were there too, which was nice considering how they hadn't really been in touch the past year aside from the funeral. Law was the only one, so Mihawks reaction just angered her more. Stupid old man, she can handle herself just fine. Didn't need him sticking his nose to everything.

Zoro rushed to Perona and demanded to be picked up. The amount of people was starting to tire him and Buu or Mamma were not as good as Mommy. Perona lifted him up and sat down at the table. Law came to her.

- "You want something to drink?" he asked politely. - "Oh yes, please." she sighed still bit annoyed by Mihawks antics.

Law quickly returned with two beers.

- "Aren't you driving?" - "I won't tell, if you won't" he held a finger to his lips. - "Please don't. You know how I feel about alcohol these days." She chastised him. - "It's because of him, isn't it?" Law nodded towards Mihawk who was drinking some juice as he talked to Shanks. Shanks had volunteered to take pictures and was showing his equipment to him. - "Or maybe it's because of you." Perona rolled her eyes. - "Fair point. Alright I go take these back. Would you rather have some juice then?" - "Yes, please. Oh and some for Zoro too."

Law quickly returned with some juice. Dragon was busy barbecuing and soon there would be some real food.

- "You seem close to him." Law remarked as he handed her her juice. - "Well Zoro is my wonderful little bean." she looked at the child on her lap and smiled. She did not want to take part in what Law was insinuating. - "No, your father-in-law." he kept going. - "Today is some sort of weird jealousy day, instead of a day to commemorate my husband." she groaned and threw him a glare. - "Hmm? I'm not jealous. It just seems weird." - "Nothing weird about us being friends." - "Does he know that? I saw how he hugged you back there at the dock." He cringed. "I was coming to get you and saw that." - "Can we talk of something else?" She looked back down at Zoro. "All these people rather talk about relationships than your daddy and it's quite tiring." she kissed the top of his head. - "Daddy?" Zoro looked at her confused. - "Umm here." She picked her phone and showed a picture of him and his father. "That's you and that's daddy."

Zoro fumbled a bit with the phone, carefully looking at the picture. But as he did, he accidentally swiped the picture away. Zoro didn't really understand why it made him feel so distressed and he started to sniffle.

- "Oh no, Zoro. Please don't cry." she tried to calm him.

Law sighed and picked up Peronas phone and put the picture back.

- "There's your dad. He went nowhere."

Zoro calmed down and looked at the picture again. Looking at the man made him feel happier, but he just didn't remember ever meeting this person called Daddy. Maybe he would meet him someday. Mommy at least liked him a lot.

----

Soon the food was served and everyone started to converse as a group. They listened to stories, cried and laughed remembering this person who had touched all of their lives, even if by little. Once they were done and it was starting to become a bit darker, they decided to go to the grave yard. Most people had brought something to the grave and it looked similar to the way it had been during funeral. Perona felt like crying. Mihawk was beside her holding Zoro and she tried reaching for his hand, but before he could react, it was Law who grabbed and squeezed her other hand. She looked at him confused, but then smiled. She whispered a small thank you and looked back at the grave. Mihawk felt like his heart had suddenly been eaten by a black hole. He shouldn't be so jealous, why was he like this?

They bid everyone a farewell and everyone left as they had gotten there. Mihawk and Perona were the last ones to leave.

- "This day was really good after all." She sighed. "My heart feels somewhat lighter."

Mihawk hummed in agreement.

- "You know it's nearly been a year you two started to live with me." - "It's been good even though the circumstances were not." Perona smiled a little bit. "I don't think we should hold a party for that."

Mihawk smiled and he took hold of her hand as a sign of solidarity. It felt so warm and good to hold it, but she shook herself off way too soon for his liking.

- "I'm tired. Let's go home."

#dracule mihawk #mihawk #perona #one piece #OP #onepiece #ミホペロ #mihopero #mirona #Irreplaceable #fanfic

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shikkearu · 4 years

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Part 23 : Best day of the year

She felt warm lips on her cheek and she woke up to the darkness and her husband caressing her side. - "Happy birthday, Perona." He whispered and littered her with soft kisses. She tried wrapping her arms around him, but he chuckled and got out of her grasp. -"Just a moment," he smiled and left the bed before coming back and softly putting Zoro on top off her chest. "I think he wants to congratulate you too." - "My precious little prince? Thank you Zoro." She started to unbutton her shirt. - "As usual leave everything to me. And I mean everything. No nappies or stupid things like that. Just the best he can offer for you. Today I'll bake you a cake and Moria said he would be over. You know for the-" - "I know." She smiled. "For the best day of the year."

Perona sighed.

Even if she had promised in her mind to start fully living, somehow she wasn't really feeling like starting it just yet. Making arrangements for the anniversary party was making her feel gloomy. She wasn't really feeling it even if everyone she had invited were encouraging of it.

Hancock and her family was invited too. Dragon had offered to barbecue there and Shanks had promised Mihawk he would film the thing. Shanks had a lot of memories of Mihawks son even if the two of them weren't that close. Perona felt bad she had not known earlier, she would have invited him at the wedding and the funeral, had she known, though Mihawk did say that Shanks didn't feel bad about it, but she would apologize anyway the next time she'd see him.

A year was closing in of her husbands death, but there was one thing even closer: Her own birthday.

Any other year she would have advertised it and kept noise, but not this time. She didn't want to have it at all. It just meant she was ageing while he was frozen in time. She was older than him already and now...

She felt sick just thinking about her birthday. Last year they had excitedly just spend the whole day together and celebrated as usual. She hadn't even gotten a present from him, since they had decided to save money, just in case there was going to be a rainy day. Now most of what they had saved had gone into the funeral and bills. Her balance right now would be near zero had not Mihawk stepped into the picture.

She owned him so much.

Not money, that he had made sure for her to understand, but still she felt indebted to him. He had helped her financially, provided food and shelter, been there as emotional support. Yet through it all he didn't ask for anything back. Even to be supported back, he didn't ask for, but he definitely needed it. She wanted to somehow pay him back, but it felt impossible. Even though they had celebrated his and Zoros birthdays, she wasn't giving him the same opportunity. She felt bad about that too, but no amount of feeling bad would make her want to celebrate so she kept silent.

To avoid it, she tried keeping herself busy and the birthday might just fly past. No problem at all. Maybe Mihawk might ask later if they missed it, but she hoped he wouldn't notice. Right now today was just another day of hanging around the house with Zoro, tending to his needs, doing the chores, getting a little bit of time for herself, which she honestly didn't need as she would have just thought about her past birthdays and the happiness she had had. Why had she been so big on them in the past? Big parties, lots of advertising, OH WHY!? Just the memories were making it so hard this year.

- "Mommy." Zoro snapped her out of her thoughts. - "So what's the best you can offer for me today?" She kneeled beside him as he was on his potty waiting for her to whipe. -"Poopie." He said as he lifted his bottom a bit to let her do her job. - "It smells like one, doesn't it? Smells like eww." - "Eww."

His playful mimicking made her smile as she pulled some new diapers on him and then went to clean the potty as he look from the side sucking his thumb a little. She picked him up and put him on a stool by the sink. He held his hands out while she washed them for him.

- "Humgry." He announced as she dried their hands. - "Pappa will be home soon. Is it a big hunger?"

Zoro nodded leaning out his tummy slightly moving from side to side.

-"Biiig hunger." - "You want cookies?" - "Yes." Zoro nodded and patted his tummy. - "Cookies it is."

They made their way into the kitchen and Perona gave Zoro a cookie on his plate before lifting him on his chair. From the fridge she took out a carton of milk and poured some for him in his sippy cup. She watched as Zoro ate and sipped his milk while waving his chubby legs in the air.

She felt content with this day being mundane. Even if everything else would turn badly, she would still have Zoro and she would do her best to keep him with her. He was keeping her happy and busy. She wouldn't need anyone else than him to live a joyous and fulfilling life. A lie she told herself, slowly making it reality.

She sighed a little. She wanted to see Moria at that moment, but at the same time didn't. He was always there for her birthdays, but this year she wished he wouldn't be. She dreaded the idea of Moria coming over, when she was feeling so weak. She had kept her mouth shut, hoping he'd forget in his rush. So many needed him and she played that fact to her benefit.

Today just couldn't feel like a birthday, no matter what. She wouldn't be able to deal with the guilt that joy would bring.

- "More!" Zoro demanded. - "Aren't you being a little glutton?" she laughed and went to get him another.

Normal quiet day was enough.

-----

- "I'm home." Came Mihawks calm, but strong voice. - "Welcome home." Perona greeted back.

She was in the living room with Zoro just watching him play as he would make angry noises if she tried to take part or if she didn't watch. So she kept on watching kind of getting lost to her thoughts at the process so having Mihawk back home was a welcome change. He was another welcome distraction. Trying to pass her birthday quietly was getting to her.

- "Hello!" Zoro waved before continuing playing. - "How was work?" She hummed.

There was a strange bit of silence, so she turned to look at him. She could have sworn there was a bitter sorrowful look to him. Like he was regretting something.

- "That bad?" she asked and Mihawk nodded. - "Hughf!! Mommy!" Zoro tapped Peronas lap. - "Yes, yes. I'm looking." She laughed and turned back at him.

She could hear Mihawk slump upstairs. She wondered what had happened.

Maybe... maybe he knew about her birthday?

Perona shooked her head. - "Brrrrr a doggy!" Zoro laughed and shook his head. - "Just like a doggy." she smiled feeling bit less uneasy. - "Pat pat. Pat dog." Zoro stood up and patted her head. - "Wof wof" she barked.

- "So will it be dog food for todays meal?" Mihawk was back down to ask.

Perona kept barking feeling her heart a little cold. No, today she should have... Just no.

- "Hmmm?" He cocked his head and walked up to them. "Zoro, what do you want?" He patted Peronas head. - "Cookie. Big hunger." Zoro said gleeful. - "Thats snack, not real food." Mihawk hummed. "Guess I'll just think something myself."

He was just about to go when the doorbell rang, so instead he headed for the door. Perona knew who it was and braced herself, while praying to herself that it wasn't Moria.

- "Oh Moria? What are you doing here?" Mihawk looked at the giant of a man.

Perona wanted to crawl under the sofa.

- "What am I doing here? Kishishi, you must jest." Moria snickered, but after getting a blank stare back he frowned. "It's Peronas birthday, of course I'm here."

Mihawks eyes grew wide for a second and he turned to the livingroom and walked straight up to Perona and Zoro. He stared at her and Moria got in a bit awkwardly. They didn't need to say anything, just Mihawks burning gaze to the back of her head was enough to break her.

- "I don't want to celebrate." She said meekly and hugged herself. "Not when he... I just don't."

This was enough for Mihawk to understand so he sighed and looked over at Moria.

- "I see. Then I'm just visiting my grandchild." - "Right on time, I was just asking what to make for dinner." - "Hmm, how about spaghetti?" Moria signed towards the kitchen. - "Sounds good..." Mihawk looked a little confused but nodded.

He gave Peronas head a pat and Moria picked up Zoro while they all went to the kitchen. Perona stood up and went for her room. She laid on the bed and covered her face.

It felt awful.

Why were they so understanding, when she had denied them the right to celebrate her birthday? She would have been pissed off beyond belief any other year, but right now she just felt hurt. She was hurt because they both just gave up so quick, but also thankful they did.

- "I'm an idiot." she groaned. "Stupid idiot."

She sulked there and listened to a cheerful explanation from Moria, but it got covered with Zoro going buck wild. It was not everyday dear Boo was over. Perona sighed and got up. Like Moria had said, he was just there to see his grandson, nothing more. So there was no reason to sulk like this. She walked to the kitchen and gasped feeling tears rise to her eyes. Moria was making bagels while, Zoro and Mihawk looked from the side.

- "You've got an interesting birthday tradition." Mihawk smiled to her. - "You shouldn't have-" she started to grumble, but Moria cut her short. - "Of course I did! I've done you your birthday bagel every year and I'm not going to miss it this year." He stated.

Perona just broke into tears and went to hug Moria.

- "I'm sorry, dad." she rubbed her face against him. - "It's fine. We understand why you wouldn't want to celebrate, but do you think he would have wanted you to stop, when he knows how much you love birthdays?" - "No, he wouldn't, but this year... It hurts." - "We'll just keep it small." Moria rubbed her back. "Is that ok?" - "Yeah, thank you." she looked up and smiled. - "Happy birthday, Perona."

They got to the table to give the bagels a taste. Perona cried as they tasted just as good a they had the first time she had ever eaten one.

-----

The people around Perona were beaming. The weird doctor was happy too as he was explaining things. The purple onion man was the happiest.

-"You're getting out today, isn't it grand? I got you new clothes, but we'll keep the old ones too." Onion gave her a shiny toothy grin.

She tugged her gown with pastel coloured bears on it. She looked up at him and smiled.

- "Ah not that one. The ones from before, ah never mind. You'll remember them eventually. Do you like this one?"

Onion held up a bright red dress with white collar and she jumped and squealed. Yes, she loved it. With a little help from him she was in the red gown. She jumped up and down happily. She was very happy. She grabbed onto onions out stretched hand and they started walking. Walking out of the pale room with coulourful pictures and her bed. She could see the other kids wave and she waved back. But when they were at the door, she grabbed onto it's frame and wouldn't budge. Onion looked worried.

- "Did you forget something?" - "Scary." - "Oh there's not going to be any tests today. You're getting out, remember." Onion smiled and knelt down. - "No tests?" - "No tests. We're going to walk down this aisle all the way to the doors and then we'll go outside. Outside might be scary but you've been there before so there's nothing to worry about."

Onion patted her head, and let her hold his hand again. She was happy to go. Tests were scary even if the ladies were nice. Onion was the best. Onion was safe.

- "Oh Perona, are you getting out today?" A nurse walked towards them. She nodded and the lady looked happy. - "Good, I thought I might have missed you going. Hold still, I've get you a gift."

She knelt down and slowly combed Peronas hair with her fingers. She reached into her pocket and took two red ribbons. She tied them onto her hair. Perona shook her head and laughed as two big tails swung and bounced.

They were getting nearer to the exit with every step. She had a vague idea on what to expect, but remembering things was hard. The doors slid aside and they stepped outside. It was bright and loud, overwhelming really. She grabbed onto onions leg and he laughed. Onion started taking big steps with her clutched onto his foot and she too started laughing. They made it to the car and she bounced excited as she got front seat. It was her first time inside a car.

They stopped at the yard of an old creaky house. She looked up and down excited but anxious. Together they stepped inside. She explored the house with onion and eventually they were together in the kitchen. He was making something that smelled so mouth watering. She had never ever smelled anything so good had she?

-"Here's for you, a hot bagel."

He put it in front of her and she wasted no time as she devoured it. He chuckled amused.

- "Was it good?" He asked. -"Thank you, Onion." She nodded profusely. - "Ah, no no, It's Moria remember. Not onion, Moria."

Perona laughed as he tried to make her understand. Onion was funny.

----

- "I hope you're not angry." Perona said to Mihawk as they were sitting in his study. Moria was on his way home and Zoro was sleeping downstairs.

- "I'm not." he answered and looked at his collection of wine bottles. - "You should be. We celebrated yours and Zoros, but I would have just let mine go by quietly." She said depressed. Mihawk sighed deeply and took a bottle. - "I'm not angry if you don't want to do something painful. If anything I'm only a little annoyed I couldn't get you a present." he opened it and poured some into his glass. - "Having Moria over was enough of a present." - "I think so too." he offered it to her. - "I don't want that." Perona gave him a pout. - "Amuse me." he hummed. "I want an honest opinion on the taste." - "Ugh, fine."

She took the glass and gave it a sniff before taking a good sip. She crunched up her nose.

- "I don't hate wine but this is undrinkable." she groaned. "Don't tell me you like this." - "No, I had it as a present from a person who I knew loathed me. Its been years now." - "And you haven't tasted it yet?" - "Because I knew it would taste awful." He gave her a mischievous smirk. - "Ah! I didn't deserve that you baboon." She looked at him absolutely betrayed.

Mihawk just laughed at that and left to clean the glass.

- "Hey! Aren't you going to say you're sorry!?" She followed. - "No." His answer was curt and amused.

He was happy, that her gloom hadn't gotten the better of her.

#MihawkxPerona #dracule mihawk #mihawk #perona #one piece #OP #onepiece #ミホペロ #mihopero #mirona #Irreplaceable #fanfic

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