Straw Hats & Shanks Arrive

Steam from his breath danced around his lips as Law breathed out. He glanced up at the trees that surrounded him. All of the branches were bare of green leaves. Only a light dusting of snow was gracing their bare branches now. The snow at his feet was ankle deep. It was freshly fallen snow from last night. And it was a bit of a pain to walk through.

He was glad he didn't allow Neo to come with him. Despite her abilities to fly, he still didn't want her out in this weather in her condition.

His heart skipped a couple beats at the thought of his love waiting for him back at their house. He wanted to hurry up and get back to her, for multiple reasons. If he knew her at all, she was doing something right now that she shouldn't have been. He had left her with the protection of the crew, but knew she could easily get them to do what she wished.

He sighed. She could easily bend him to her will as well. At least he had his captain tone and his ability to control her through his orders. But he still had very little control over her when she started batting her pretty little eyelashes at him. He chuckled and shook his head. He was so thankful that she wasn't the time to abuse such a power.

Pulling his thoughts from her to his current task, Law looked around the white forest again. He had come out here to get some more wood. They weren't running low, but he still wanted a few more piles just in case. This was, after all, a big, important time in his and Neo's life. Very important guests were coming to spend some Christmas, Holiday, or winter fun time with them. He really wasn't sure what to call it. But their guests would soon be arriving. He had to get the wood and get back home so he could make sure Neo got plenty of rest before their guests arrived. He knew it would be a lot harder to get her to rest once they were here.

After a couple more minutes of scanning the leafless forest, he spotted the perfect tree. He lifted his sword off his shoulder and unsheathed it. He then stuck the sheath into the ground and held up his hand. "Room."

Law's Room spread over the forest, startling birds and causing them to fly off in protest. He sliced his sword, countless times, through the air. His target, divided into multiple parts. He sliced his sword several more times causing the smaller branches to separate from the tree. He then sliced up the trunk of the tree into small enough logs that Neo would easily be able to lift without her crystals, despite him not wanting her too. He sighed with a smile. He was starting to miss her, despite only seeing her about fifteen minutes ago. He had to hurry.

Law continued to slice up the tree until he got the entire thing to his desired size. He then piled them up and warped himself and the firewood back to their home. The forest around him disappeared and was replaced with the ocean, their home, the view of the mountains, and the surrounding forest. He paused to take in the view.

Their house wasn't the biggest in the world, but it fit their entire crew comfortably. It had two wings, each with twenty bedrooms that had their own bathrooms. The main part of the house was, of course at the center of the two wings. Their room was located in the center of the house on the second floor so they could have plenty of privacy from the crew and guests. At the back of the center was the large library that Law had promised he would build her someday. And he made good on that promise. She had a library that had twenty levels. Each level had a balcony with soft chairs and shelves filled with books.

The outside view was just as great. There were there three mountains, about twenty miles, behind their house. A forest surrounded each side of the house, but the front of it. They had an open view to the ocean and a beautiful view of the setting sun each night from their room or the porch.

Law looked down at the ocean. The Polar Tang was currently docked alone at the large dock. Soon it would be cuddled up to other ships. He knew the Straw Hats were going to be the first to arrive. He really wished his other guests would be the first. He wanted time with them, time that wouldn't be interrupted from the loud, obnoxious Straw Hat crew.

Chatter from a couple of his crewmates walking away from the house pulled Law from his thoughts. He turned back to his firewood and warped the majority of the wood next to the house. He then warped the rest of the wood and himself inside. The cool chill of the winter air was quickly replaced with a rush of warmth and the sounds of the crackling fire in the fireplace. The wood landed beside the fireplace while he landed near the door. He tugged off his red scarf while his eyes landed on the mess that was currently taking up the majority of the floor space. In the middle of the mess, lying on the couch fast asleep was his blue hair lover and wife.

Sighing, Law placed his scarf and coat on the hooks mounted on the wall inside one of the closets. He then threaded his way through all of the boxes. The boxes that held all of their winter decorations that they were going to put up when their guests arrived.

Once he finally got to the couch, he placed his hands on his hips and frowned down at her sleeping form. She was laying on her back with her left hand resting on her rounded stomach, light reflecting off of his ring that never left her finger, her right arm was draped over her forehead almost like she had fainted or was checking for a fever. He was about to wake her up, but paused when she started to stir. He decided to wait for her to wake up on her own.

"Hn." Neo groaned and rolled halfway over onto her right side. She cracked her eyes open then blinked the blurriness out of her electric blue orbs. She stared at Law's spotted jeans before realizing she had been caught. She glanced up at him with a sheepish grin. "Um, back already?"

"Neo," Law said in his tolerant, captain tone, the tone that he only used when he was aggravated at her for disobeying him. He crossed his arms and tapped his finger on his arm.

"Yes, my love?" Neo cooed sweetly. She stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm so glad you're back. I missed you."

"I was only gone about fifteen minutes," Law said.

"But I still missed you," Neo said. She leaned into him and circled her finger over his chest. "And I know you missed me too. Or has the stressful wait for your special guests make you forget about our bond?"

"Our special guests. They're coming to see both of us," Law said. He scanned his eyes over her eyes, the eyes that were trying to make him forget she did something she wasn't suppose to. He knew he had to stand firm with her this time. "Neo, I ordered you to have the crew get those decorations out."

"But they were busy?" Neo offered.

"Neo," Law said, his tone becoming a notch deeper.

"I'm sorry, my love. But they were busy," Neo replied, pulling back from him a bit. "And, technically, you didn't order me to have them do it. You just suggested it."

"Busy doing what?" Law asked.

"Uh, stuff?" Neo shrugged.

Law sighed. He rubbed his temples before placing his left hand on her hip and his right hand on her extended stomach. He glanced down at the bumps on her stomach, the crystals that the healer woman put there to monitor both Neo and their baby. "Love, you're supposed to be resting."

"Law," Neo said. She placed both her hands over Law's hand that was on her stomach. "You're worrying far too much. Baby and I are just fine. You know Healer Zinnia's still monitoring me with her crystals. I know if I start to feel tired, dizzy, or sick I'm to sit down and call for you."

"I'm sorry," Law sighed. His eyes dropped down to her stomach, her stomach that was carrying their five months conceived child. He eyes her clothing too. She was wearing a pure white, maternity dress that Topaz had made for her. It was cut short, just above the knees, and gently hugged her chest while flowing over her growing stomach. He always thought she looked really good in white. "I just want you both to be okay. I know you're going to over do it once the Straw Hats arrive."

"Law, you know that's not going to happen," Neo said. "They might not be as protective of me as you are, but they are still fiercely protective of me. None of them will let me over exert myself. I have over twenty body guards that are going to make sure I take it easy this holiday season."

"I know." Law nodded. He kissed her forehead then rested his own forehead against her, pushing his hat up. "I'm just…"

"Stressed out because your special guests haven't arrived yet," Neo said. Law nodded. "Don't worry, love. They'll be here. You know they will. They wouldn't miss this for anything."

"I know. I just want everything to go smoothly," Law said.

"Law, things aren't going to go smoothly," Neo said with a giggle. "It's pointless to stress out over wanting things to be perfect. You know nothing in life ever is, especially when Luffy is around."

"I know," Law grumbled while thinking about how bad an idea it was to have the Straw Hats come here at the same time as his special guests. It was surely a recipe for disaster.

"How about we relax a bit together before everyone starts to arrive?" Neo asked. She kissed Law's forehead then trailed kisses down to his ear. She took his earrings and earlobe into her mouth and sucked softly, earning a moan from him.

Law chuckled when her sexual thoughts passed to him. He started to run his hands over her sides. "Neo, that and this is not relaxing at all."

"So, you don't want to?" Neo asked. She sucked on his earlobe again, earning another moan from him. She trailed her hands down his toned chest, to his abs until her fingers landed on the edge of his pants. She playfully teased him before she actually started to unbutton then unzip them. Summoning an earth crystal, she threaded a vine into his pants and wrapped it around him.

"I don't think you're giving me much choice," Law said with a deep groan. He dropped his forehead to her shoulder, using all of his will power not to thrown her on the couch and take her right there. They had guests after all. Their crew, Kailen, and the healer woman were all scattered around the house at various locations and could walk in on them any second.

"We have plenty of time. You know you want me," Neo whispered, in her seductive tone she only used for moments like this. She pressed a light kiss to his ear, causing him to shiver, before retaking his ear into her mouth.

"Geez, Neo," Law groaned again at the sultry sound of her voice and when she tightened her vine on him. "I can't, ugh, Room! Shambles!"

…

Neo giggled when they landed in their bed, both undressed and under the covers. She mumbled against his ear, "That's still cheating, my love."

"It's your own fault," Law said while trailing kisses across her face and down to her neck while he spread her legs apart with his knee. "You know better than to tease me like that. You got this coming to you for doing that."

"Hn." Neo groaned and rolled her head back when he started working his way with her, tantalizingly slow. She dug her heels into the bed before wrapping her legs around him, begging for more. "Says the one who's teasing me now. Do you have to do it so slow? This is torture!"

"What?" Law asked innocently. He sucked on her neck a couple times before adding, "We have to take it slow. I do not want that healer woman interrupting us. I won't be happy if she does. Right now, all I want is you."

"Hn." Neo groaned again when he backed up his words with actions. "You two are just never-uh-going to get along-hn-when it comes-ah-to me, are you?"

"Nope," Law mumbled against her skin. He nipped, licked, and sucked her neck, enjoying every single moan and groan he could pull from her.

"Traaaaaaaaaa! Neoooooooo!"

Law paused. He groaned and tucked his eyes into Neo's neck at the sound of the all too familiar, currently unwanted, slightly muffled voice shrieking out to them from outside the house. "No. Not now. Why now? Why?"

"Hm," Neo hummed. "They're early."

"Traaaaaaaaaa! Neoooooooo!" Luffy called again.

"I'm going to kill him," Law growled.

Neo laughed, her chiming bells ringing out through their room. She said, "We better get up."

"No!" Law about snapped.

"But, Law, they-"

"They will be taken care of by the crew," Law replied. He turned his eyes to hers and pressed his hips to hers again. "We have a few minutes before the crew, or the Straw Hats, comes looking for us. You got me so hot right now. I want you for as long as I can have you."

"Law, we-ah ha-have plenty of time later t-tonight," Neo said, trying to stay coherent.

"Do you really want to stop? You're as hot as I am," Law groaned while trailing kisses over her neck.

"N-no! K-keep going!" Neo ran her hands through his hair. "A few more minutes! Don't stop! Not now! That's so good!"

"Good," Law mumbled before sucking on her neck again.

…

"Hm." Shachi hummed from his spot on one of the library couches. He lowered the book he was reading from his face and glanced towards the door that let them view into the living room. He could see the silhouette of Luffy's straw hat passing over the window of the door multiple times. "The Straw Hats are early."

"Captain's not going to like that," Penguin said. He turned the page of his own book and crossed his legs. "I wonder where they are. Neo was so excited that everyone was finally going to get to see her library."

"The captain headed out a little while ago for some more fire wood," Bepo said. "I thought I heard him return a minute ago."

"You did," a crewmate said while passing by the room. He stopped to look at his crewmates. "But the captain warped them from the living room so…"

"Right," Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin said at the same time. They all knew what that meant. And they all knew not to question or think much on it.

"So go let them in," Shachi then said.

"You go let them in," the crewmate said before heading on down the hall. "I've got to go finish fixing up that one sleigh."

"You still don't have that think fixed?" Shachi asked.

"I'm working on it!" the crewmate's distance voice said before a door opened and closed.

Shachi then glanced over at Penguin and Bepo. He asked, "So who's going to go greet them?"

"Why don't you?" Penguin asked.

"Why don't you?" Shachi shot back.

"I'm at the really good part," Penguin said, waving his book.

"Well, so am I," Shachi said, waving his own book to imitate Penguin.

"I'll go let them in," Bepo said, wanting to avoid a fight to whose book is more interesting that he knew was coming. He stood up from his chair, tossed the book he was holding onto the seat, and then headed for the living room. He glanced around the house as he went, wondering where the rest of his crewmates were. He paused when noticed all of the boxed in the living room. He shivered at the lecture he knew was coming from their captain later. They were supposed to get those boxes out for Neo. He shrugged it off. He knew Neo would easily get them out of trouble when the captain was ready to turn on his fury towards them. He stopped at the door and opened it. "Hey, Straw Hats."

"Hey!" Luffy cried instantly stepping into the house without an invitation.

"Come on in," Bepo said to the rest of the Straw Hat crew.

"Thanks," Nami replied. They followed their captain into the house while mumbling their own gratitude for being let inside. They inspected the cozy foyer of the house. It held two closets that would easily accommodate both their crews coats and shoes, if chosen to take them off.

"So where are they?" Luffy asked once Bepo and his crew joined him in the living room. He had his hands planted on his hips and looking around for Law and Neo.

"They're busy at the moment," Bepo replied. He looked at the additional wood sitting by the fireplace. The fire was small, but not too small. It was the perfect size to warm the house while not suffocating with his fur. Neo was sure to keep the temperature at a steady temperature for them all. "The captain was outside chopping up some wood. I'm sure they'll be here in a minute or two."

"Wow! This place is amazing!" Nami exclaimed as she looked around the impressive room. Other than all of the boxes in the room, there were two L shaped couches with rectangular coffee tables in front of each of the wings, eight large armchairs would hold two people snuggly-or Jean Bart alone-and small round coffee tables on each side of the chairs and two floor to ceiling bookshelves.

"Indeed. It is very impressive," Robin said. She looked to their left were there were two open doors that lead to the dinning room and the kitchen. She turned her eyes to straight a head of them led to the hallway that led to the guest wings and right into the library that Neo constantly talked about. Her eyes then pulled to the right where a staircase led up to the second floor balcony.

"I would offer to take you on a tour, but Neo really wants to do that herself," Bepo said. He hung his head. "I'm sorry."

"No worries," Franky said. He walked into the living room and sat down on one of the couches. He crossed his legs while putting his arms on the back of the couch. "We can wait."

"How is Neo doing?" Chopper asked. His tone and eyes were filled with concern. "Is she having any pregnancy troubles?"

"She had a bit of an issue last month," Bepo replied, without thinking.

"What?!" The Straw Hats gasped. Robin was the only one who didn't scream, but her eyes clearly showed she was equally concerned about their friend.

"Is she all right?!" Sanji asked.

"How's the baby?!" Nami asked.

"What happened?!" Chopper demanded. "Where is she?! I want to check her out!"

"Was it something serious?!" Brook asked.

"Answer us!" Zoro said.

"Say something!" Usopp shouted. "We're seriously worried here!"

"Calm down, everyone. Neo and the baby are-" Bepo said, but not fast enough.

"Neo! I'm coming!" Luffy cut him off while making a mad dashed off through the living room. He bolted down the hall that led to one of the guest wings, leaving a trail of dust behind him.

"Uh," Bepo blinked. Soon muffled curses and shouts came from disgruntled Heart Pirates as Luffy bolted into every single room he came across followed by several bangs and crashes of stuffy the rubber man knocked over.

"That guy," Zoro grumbled while rubbing his temple to try and stave off an on coming headache that his captain was creating.

"But Neo is fine, isn't she?" Robin asked, way calmer than anyone else. She walked up to the bear, anxious for his answer.

"Yes." Bepo nodded, grateful that at least one of the Straw Hats could remain calm. "She was just over doing it a little bit with playing with the Yeti and the Snow Fairies. It put the baby in a bit of a stressful situation and caused Neo to get extremely tired and dizzy. Everything settled down after a day of forced rest. Since then Healer Zinnia has been monitoring her closely. As long as Neo remains calm and doesn't over do it, she's been fine."

"Well, that's a relief," Nami said with a sigh.

"I'm so glad," Chopper said with tears streaming down his furry cheeks. "But I still would like to speak with the healer about this. I want to help keep an eye on Neo's condition while we're here."

"Neo!" Luffy screamed as he ran past the living room and down the hall to the other guest wing. More muffled curses, crashes, and threats were heard for the havoc he was causing.

"Now if only we could calm him down," Brook said.

"I don't think that's going to happen until he sees Neo," Sanji said. He then recalled something that Bepo had said. "You all have a Yeti and Snow Fairies here?"

"We do." Bepo nodded. He waved for the crew to follow him farther into the living room. They all sat down around the couches, Zoro choose to sit on one of the chairs to accommodate his swords better. "Neo befriended them shortly after we arrived here. At first, they thought we were here to kill them or trap them. Apparently, a lot of people are trying to do that for profit."

"That's terrible," Nami said.

"Yeah. But since we moved here, we've been protecting them," Bepo said. "They're really grateful for it."

"So what do these Snow Fairies do?" Chopper asked.

"Create snow and ice," Bepo replied. "People want them to use for snow resorts or as exotic pets."

"So they want to turn these fairies into slaves?" Brook asked.

"Yeah." Bepo sighed. He then smiled. "But we haven't had any trouble. With the reputation of our captain and crew, no ones really been around here since we build this house here."

"I'm glad," Nami said with a smile.

"Let's just hope Luffy doesn't find out about them," Zoro said. He placed his hands behind his head and started up at the ceiling. A sweat drop formed on his forehead as they all had the exact same thought.

"That's not going to happen," They, including Bepo all said. "He's going to cause trouble with them."

…

"We better hurry up," Neo said while pulling her dress back over her head. "We need to stop Luffy from driving everyone crazy."

"Yeah, yeah," Law grumbled. While pulling on his jeans he thought about the muffled shouts and bangs they've been hearing for the past few minutes. He was at least relieved that the rubber man didn't find their room yet.

Neo adjusted her dress then turned her back to Law. Lifting up her hair up to reveal her zipper, she asked, "Would you mind?"

"Sure." Law pulled his own zipper up before taking a hold of hers. He placed a kiss on her back before pulling the zipper up. As she released her hair, he slid his hands over her arms and kissed her neck. "You really should just let me kill him."

"No, my love," Neo said. She tilted her head to give him better access to her. "You're not killing Luffy. We love Luffy."

"You love him. I barely tolerate him," Law mumbled against her neck.

She turned in his hold and pecked his lips. "Come on. Let's go before Luffy finally finds his way to our room."

"Fine." Law let her take his hand and guide him out of their room. "But if he, or anyone else, stresses you out and causes problems with your pregnancy, I will kill them."

"Yeah. Sure you will," Neo giggled. She knew full well that he wouldn't kill anyone. She loved the Straw Hats, and he did too despite refusing to admit it on a daily bases. Plus, he wouldn't do anything to upset her. Of course, that didn't mean that he wouldn't separate body parts. She knew he would do that without hesitating and, depending on her mood, she would most likely find it really funny. "Besides, I think you'd have some competition with Healer Zinnia and Godfather on who would kill them first. But neither of you would since none of you want to upset me."

"Speaking of Red Haired," Law said. "When is he going to be arriving?"

"Judging from his location, he's about an hour and a half away from here. I can't wait. I feel like I haven't seen him, in person, for ages," Neo replied while focusing on the red haired man's location.

Law nodded. It had been over a year since they had seen the man in person. He opened their door for them and they stepped out into the hall. She glanced across the hall and into the door that led to her library before leading them both towards the stairs. She squealed happily when she finally saw the Straw Hats down in their living room. Her eyes lit up with joy at seeing her friends. "Hi, guys!"

"Neo!" They called back.

Neo summoned her wind crystals. Before she could use them, Law warped them down to the living room. He then gave her a disapproving grunt for almost using her crystals unnecessarily. She smiled and shrugged innocently at him before she broke away from him. She rushed over to her friends just as they rushed over to her. Chopper was the first to jump into her open arms. Or he would have if he didn't pause in fear of hurting her and the baby. She gave him a sympathetic grin before picking him up and hugging him. "Chopper! You don't have to be scared of touching me! I'm not going to break!"

"Neo!" Chopper cried. Tears ran down his furry cheeks as he hugged her. "I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"Of course not," Neo replied. She hugged him for a few seconds longer before moving him to her hip, like she was holding a baby. She then accepted hugs and kisses from the rest of the Straw Hats. "It so good to see you all!"

"It's good to see you too, Neo," Usopp said. "Sorry for the early arrival. Luffy wouldn't stop bugging us until we caved into him and headed here."

"It's all right," Neo replied, giving the sniper a one armed hug. "You're always welcome here."

"Look at you!" Nami squealed. She took Neo's hand and took in the blue haired woman's extended stomach and the glow she held. "You're glowing!"

"You're absolutely beautiful," Sanji said before pecking Neo's cheek.

"The charmer as always," Neo replied while kissing his cheek at the same time he kissed hers. "Are you ready for some heavy winter cooking?"

Law cleared his throat and crossed his arms. Neo glanced over her shoulder at him and stuck her tongue out. 'I am cooking with Sanji. There's nothing you can do or say to stop me.'

'I can easily order you to not cook.' He shot her a smirk when she flinched at his threat.

'You will not order me to not cook.'

'Uh huh. Keep it up, love. And I'll punish you by doing this…'

Neo's face flushed upon his shared sexual thought.

"Oh my gosh! Neo! You're all red!" Chopper shrieked. "Sit down! Immediately!"

"I'm fine, Chopper," Neo replied with a small squeak in her tone. She cleared her throat. "I'm fine."

"You. Sit. Down," Chopper ordered. He pointed, with authority, to the couch.

"Better do as he says," Franky said, plopping back down on the couch. "He's been worried about you since we set sail here."

"All right," Neo conceded. She walked over to the couch and sat down. "But only for a moment. I really want to show you all around."

"Don't worry about that," Chopper said, looking Neo over. "You can show us around the house later. Right now, you're resting."

"It would probably best to wait for Red Haired to get here," Robin said, sitting down beside Neo. "Then you can show us all around together and not have to do it twice."

"I suppose that make sense." Neo blinked. "And it would make you all happy."

"It would," Chopper said with a firm nod.

"Neo!" Luffy then shout as he ran back into the living room. He paused when he saw her. Tears spilled out of his eyes. He ran over to her with his arms extended out wide. "Neo! I was so worried about you!"

"Hold it," Sanji said as he and Zoro jumped in their captain's way and planted a foot, each, in the rubber man's face.

"Don't be stupid, Luffy," Zoro said. "You can't go jumping on her like that. She needs to take it easy."

"Let me go! I want to hug her!" Luffy cried. He waved his arms and legs wildly, trying to escape their hold.

"Then be gentle!" Sanji shouted. "If you're not, and you cause trouble, we'll cuff you with sea prism stone handcuffs!"

"Hey! That's harsh!" Luffy complained. He stopped struggling and frowned.

"Are you going to behave?" Sanji asked, but it was too late. Luffy had slipped passed him and Zoro and was now hugging Neo.

"Neo!" Luffy exclaimed. He rubbed his cheek against hers while smashing Chopper in-between them. "I've missed you so much! I was so worried about you!"

"Let me out of here!" Chopper begged, but Luffy didn't move. "You're squashing me! If you hurt Neo, so help me, I'll sedate you for an entire year!"

"Excitable as always, isn't he, Captain?" Bepo asked while he and Law stood off to the side just watching the display before them.

Law sighed, aggravated at Luffy's behavior. Slicing the rubber man up was becoming more and more likely.

"What's going on in here?" a female voice asked.

"Huh?" Luffy asked when he looked to the new voice. He blinked at the deep green, streaked with grey, haired, glasses wearing, and white lab coated over brown trousers and a button up maroon shirt, woman before him. "Who are you?"

"Luffy, everyone, this is Healer Zinnia," Neo replied. "She's the one who took care of be back on Luminous when I was poisoned."

"So you're the one who saved her," Nami said.

"I am." Healer Zinnia nodded. She narrowed her eyebrows, crossed her arms, and leaned against the doorframe. "It's nice to meet you all, but I would greatly appreciate it if you all would keep it down."

"Is there a problem?" Chopper asked.

"Not yet. But the Princess's blood pressure is slightly higher than I want it," Healer Zinnia said. "Please, tone it down a bit."

"So, you're the healer that Neo and Law have told us about," Chopper said. He jumped off the couch and walked over to the healer. "I would really appreciate it if you would tell me everything that's been going on with Neo's pregnancy."

Healer Zinnia blinked down at the reindeer. She then looked over at Neo for conformation. She asked, "Is this what you wish, Princess?"

"Yes, Healer Zinnia," Neo replied. "It's fine. Go ahead and tell him whatever he wants to know."

"Very well, Princess," Healer Zinnia said. She head back out the door and beckoned for Chopper to follow her. "Let's go to my office. We can talk in quiet there."

"All right!" Chopper nodded before following after the older woman.

"Boy, she really is loyal to you, isn't she?" Nami whispered as she leaned closer to Neo. "She really has an air of authority and attitude about her."

"She just worries a lot," Neo replied. "I think it's mostly because I'm her princess."

"That make sense," Robin said. "Royalty often gets special treatment."

Neo laughed nervously. "I'd rather she didn't do that. But I can live with it."

Just then a cool blast of cold air flowed into the room. They all looked up to see two people walk into the living room a minute later. One the Straw Hats knew, the other they didn't.

"Well, it looks like we have a full house," the one they didn't know, a man with green hair, said.

"Hey, guys!" Topaz greeted them with a smile. "Wow! I didn't expect to see you for another hour or two!"

"We caught some good wind," Sanji replied before hugging the orange haired woman. "You're looking good."

"Thanks, Sanji," Topaz replied while returning the hug.

"So who's the guy?" Zoro asked, eying the stranger.

"This is my brother, Kailen," Neo replied. "Kailen, this is Sanji, Zoro, Usopp, Franky, Brook, Luffy, Robin, and Nami. Chopper just left the room with Healer Zinnia."

"Hey!" The Straw Hats greeted.

"Wow!" Nami exclaimed. "You didn't say you're brother was such a hottie!"

"Huh?!" Everyone in the room gasped.

"Did I hear that right?" Usopp asked. He twisted his pinky finger in his ear. "Did Nami really just say a man was hot? That's not normal!"

Kailen laughed. He took Nami's hand in his and kissed it. He said, "It's very nice to finally meet you all."

"Hey! Don't kiss her hand!" Sanji snapped. "You're not allowed to do that!"

"Shut up, Sanji!" Nami growled while punching Sanji. She then turned her attention back to Kailen. Her cheeks burning red as her eyelashes fluttered at the Elemental man before her. "It's nice to meet you too. Ignore him. He's a moron."

"Am I dreaming?" Usopp asked. "Is this really happening? Nami's only ever expressed interest in money. I don't recall a single time she's taken a real interest in a man."

Luffy laughed. "So weird! Nami's acting weird!"

"Good grief," Zoro said before closing his eye. "I don't want to deal with this."

"Perhaps it's the warm setting of the fire?" Brook asked. He got up from the couch and pulled out his violin. He pulled the bow across the string and played a soft song for them. "This warm, wintry setting we're in is very romantic. We could been seeing the beginning of a romance blooming."

"No chance there," Usopp, Luffy, Sanji, and Franky said at the same time in the same dull tone. "This is just a dream."

"Perhaps," Brook said while he continued to play his song.

"I'm going to go back to the library since we're doing nothing here," Bepo said to Law. "I want to finish my book before all the real fun starts."

Law nodded. He watched his navigator walk off before walking over to one of the windows. He stared out to the ocean. The Sunny was now snuggled up beside the Polar Tang, looking like they have always belonged beside each other, like they had been life long friends. Or maybe he was just dreaming. Ships couldn't be friends.

"Law," Neo called softly as she walked up to him. He put his arms around her shoulders while she put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. "Don't be so anxious. They'll be here."

"I know." Law nodded despite still eyeing the outside world for his special guests.

Neo sighed. She pulled away from him. Taking his hand in hers, she forced him away from the window and over to the couch. She guided him into the corner then sat down with him, tucking herself into his side. She pecked his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. She said, "Sit here with me and enjoy the music."

Law looked around. Brook was standing near the fire, looking very calm while he played his tune. His eyes drifted from the skeleton and over the rest of the Straw Hats. Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Franky were already snoozing to the soothing melody flowing through the warm room. Robin had her eyes closed, but he knew she wasn't sleeping since there was a light sway of her head to the music. Nami and Kailen were sitting together on the couch, talking to each other like they weren't strangers. He then looked down at the woman in his arms. She has fallen asleep against him. He pressed a kiss into her hair then wrapped his arms around her and let his eyelids drift closed. Perhaps Neo was right. There was nothing to worry about. His special guests would be here before he knew it. And everything would be just fine.

…

Law had no idea how long he had slept for. But it was Neo's excitable nature that shook him from his slumber. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes just as she pulled from his embrace, taking her warmth with her.

"He's here!" Neo exclaimed while flying to the door with her wings out.

"Neo! You better put your coat on! And stop flying!" Law called, but it was too late. Neo had the door open and flew out before he even finished. He sighed and jumped off the couch.

"Shanks!" Luffy cried as he followed after Neo, without his coat.

Law grumbled while the Straw Hats laughed at the childlike nature of Neo and Luffy. He grabbed his coat, and Neo's, and then bolted out the door. He grumbled while he watched Neo pick Luffy up with her winds and flew them both down to the newest ship that was docked with the other two.

…

"Godfather!" Neo cried.

"Neo!" Shanks called back. He jumped over the edge of his ship and landed perfectly on the docks. He held out his arms for her, which she gladly flew into.

"I've missed you!" Neo cried as she buried her face into his chest. "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too, Neo," Shanks said. He wrapped his left arm around her waist while he stroked her hair with his right hand. He then held her out at arms length to take in her extended stomach. "And how is baby doing?"

"Baby is just fine," Neo replied.

"Shanks!" Luffy called.

"Hey, Luffy!" Shanks cried happily. Neo stepped back a little bit just as Luffy pounced on Shanks, making them both fall to the docks and making Luffy's hat fall of his head. The older man ruffled the younger one's hair. "Just as lively as ever! How have you been, Luffy?"

"Great! I'm so glad to see you! It's been far too long!" Luffy said with a huge grin. "And now that you're here! The fun can really begin!"

Law was still grumbling as he made his way across the deck. He tossed Neo's coat at her, it landed on her head, and then crossed his arms over his chest. "Put that on. Now."

"Oh, Law," Neo said, pulling off the coat. "I'm nature. Cold weather doesn't bother me."

"No arguing, little girl," Law said in his captain tone.

Neo sighed and pulled on her coat. She held out her arms. "Happy?"

"No. But it'll do," Law said. He locked eyes with Shanks. "Red Haired."

"Little Pirate Surgeon." Shanks smirked.

Law twitched and scowled, but didn't say anything.

Neo giggled when Law just turned away from the red haired man. Despite know it wouldn't do any good, she said, "Behave you two."

"Yes, ma'am," Shanks said with a chuckle. He ran his eyes over the rest of the Straw Hats who decided to stay up by the house. "I see your whole crew is here."

"Yup!" Luffy nodded. "And they can't wait to finally meet you in person! Where's your crew?"

"They were busy and couldn't make it," Shanks said as he and Luffy stood up. He ruffled Neo's bangs before pulling her to his side. "But they send their love."

"I understand. I hope I can see them again soon," Neo said with a smile. "When you go back, give them my love too."

"I'll do that." Shanks nodded. He noticed the irritated look on Law's face. "Let's go back inside now. I think your lover is about to lose his mind."

"Never mind him," Neo said. "He's just worried about his guests coming."

"Of course." Shanks nodded. "This is a very special visit, isn't it?"

"It is," Neo said with a nod.

"Then I promise I'll be on my best behavior," Shanks said as he guided her and Luffy towards the house.

"Hey! What's that?" Luffy asked, pointing out in front of them.

"What's what?" Shanks questioned. He looked to where Luffy was pointing, but didn't see anything.

Law carefully scanned his eyes over the same area, but didn't see anything either.

"Uh oh," Neo said.

"What is it, Neo?" Law asked.

She laughed nervously before saying, "I think the Snow Fairies came out to play."

"What?!" Luffy shrieked. The three turned their eyes to the youngest captain when he shrieked. His arms were flapping wildly as he dodged several snowballs that were flying at him. He dodged most of the snowballs, but a couple caught him in the face before he was able to grab one of the creatures flying around. "What the heck is this thing?"

"Hey! Let me go!" The creature said while trying to squirm out of the Luffy's firm grip.

Luffy blinked in confusion. He stared down at the transparent winged creature in his hand.

Law sighed. Things just went from bad to worse. And soon his guests would be right in the middle of all this.