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"So you kept the place clean?"

"Of course I did! You told me to!"

"I just never expected you to do it, now I have to fulfill my promise wouldn't I?"

Akatora had placed the tired Rosinante on the bed in the attic that would serve as his place of residence for a while. Sengoku made him promise to take care of the boy for a couple years to help him be an outstanding marine, just as Sengoku had done for him when he was younger.

But that was that and this was this. He had more promises to fulfill as the blushing Cocoa had now backed away slowly. Unlike what she was showing beforehand, Cocoa had always been a timid girl who possessed more intelligence than courage. Her ideas about what path for Akatora to take when they were younger was what lead him to who he is now, all because she gave him the courage to move on.

"You remember my promise, don't you?"

"Um, yeah, I forgot the promise!"

"Did you now? Then why clean my house?"

Cocoa looked afraid as Akatora had followed her to the corner of the room. The door was right beside her, easily accessible if she wanted to leave right now. But she didn't.

Akatora gave her a smile that wasn't a smile as he placed his hands on her lovely cheeks, forcing her eyes to face his as he leaned closer. He pressed his forehead against hers while their noses felt each other. He felt her breathe getting faster while her hands had already placed themselves on his chest.

"I missed you Cocoa."

"I missed you too, Akatora."

*moan*

The moment she finished her words, Akatora took her lips with a passionate kiss.

"Uh!"

His hands had moved down to her waist as the two felt their bodies become hotter, though Akatora felt that it was dangerous to continue as the two weren't in their best conditions. He embraced her tightly while thinking carefully about what his next words should be.

"Cocoa, I-"

"Marry me!"

"!!!"

Akatora felt a hand rummage around his pocket where he held the case and he couldn't help but give a losing smile. He grabbed the hand before kneeling down, picking the case out himself and opening it.

"Yes! I'll marry you!"

"Cocoa! I didn't even ask yet!"

"But you have the ring already!"

"Yes! But! Fine!"

Akatora took the ring and Cocoa's hand as he placed it on her left ring finger. The excited Cocoa didn't bother about Akatora still kneeling and threw herself at him, causing the two of them to fall on the ground again.

*tsup* *tsup* *tsup*

"I love you Akatora!"

"I love you too Cocoa."

Akatora tried to stand but the weight on his chest didn't allow him to stand without forcing her down. So he used his devil fruit instead to propel his body up while making the woman holding onto him feel mesmerized at the beautiful sight behind Akatora.

"Aren't you too eager?"

"You left me for three years already! I sure as hell am eager!"

Cocoa was now in a princess carry as Akatora carried her into his room. She hadn't told him but she had been sleeping here sometimes when she missed him dearly. His things were arranged as it was when he left while the bed sheets had already been changed a few times since he left. Cocoa placed her head on his chest while dwelling on the fact that she was now engaged to her beloved man.

"Do you want to do it now? Or do we save it for later?"

"..."

The blushing Cocoa was about to say 'now' when she remembered that he would have to leave tomorrow. She wanted him to be with her for a long time so she decided to wait, as it would be more special if they were together after the fact.

"I'll wait, you'll be back for me won't you?"

"I'll be back in less than a week, that's a promise."

"Fine! But I'm sleeping here!"

"I wouldn't let you go if you asked me."

Cocoa hugged Akatora's neck while the man lied down on the bed. The two didn't even change into more comfortable clothes as they embraced each other and fell asleep.