Home for Christmas

Disclaimer: Don't own One Piece.

--

December 24th

As I stand outside the galley door, wearing a heavy coat and carrying my gear with both Sora and Pingu standing beside me, I can't help but remember everything that's happened to me over the past few days. I have been through a lot more than I thought I would, trying to where I belonged, and truth be told, I doubted that I would've made it back alive...if I made it back at all. Strange that after all the guys and I have been through, that I would think that...but then again, this was different than our past adventures. Sure, there were similiar elements, but this journey of mine was pretty personal.

Why?

Well, it all started a few days ago...

---

December 21st

"DUSTY!"

The kitsune miko of the Axe-Head crew leaned to the side, exposing herself through the doorway, "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees?"

Devon, looking angry, pointed to Austin, who was laying on the floor, a large amount of random stuff on his back, including his special air-board that Azu made for him back in Water 7.

"What the hell is this? Austin told me that you made him carry all this stuff!"

Dusty grinned nervously and waved him off, "Oh, calm down, sourpuss, he's just helping me!"

"With...what...?" Devon asked, eye twitching.

"I'm glad you asked!" Dusty grinned wider and gave him a sly look, "It's almost Christmas time, right?"

The Demon King nodded slowly, trying very hard not to go and strangle his nakama.

"Well, since it's almost Christmas time, we need to decorate the ship and get ready for a major party since we got a lot of friends meeting us for the holidays. I guess you can call me Santa and he's my elf,"

Devon had it. He walked over and grabbed Dusty by the shirt and lifted her off the floor, "Kit...Austin is not an elf. If you have any willing free-labor work in gay-looking clothing that does whatever you ask of him, it's Macleod. Now, I don't mind him helping you or the others for this, but if I see him like that again, I will personally tie you up, hang you from the mast and make you a Christmas pinata...," he pulled her close to his face, "Got it, fox?!"

Dusty nodded rapidly, "G-Got it!"

"Good," Devon released her and Dusty fell onto her rear end.

"Ow, my ass!"

--

Man, I can't believe I let that baka fox girl get to me like that! Austin thought bitterly as he settled himself into a lifeboat that Azu was working on earlier that week, sipping some hot chocolate Herman had made for him, Last time I do anything for her!

A light thumping made him turn to see Pingu and Sora joining him in the boat. They waved/nodded at him and he returned the greeting with another nod. He had a good relationship with Niri's pet animals, they were unable to speak, like he was, but they were able to communicate in their own special way, like he did.

They're probably hiding from Dusty as well, Austin took another sip of the hot cocoa in his mug, Can't say that I blame them. I mean, she's nice and everything, but damn, she's annoying! How the hell has she survived this long without getting shot?

Pingu looked at him and the look on his face before turning to Sora.

"What do you think he's thinking about?" the blue Sky Fox asked his flightless companion.

The penguin shrugged, "Beats the hell out of me, I can never understand that kid,"

Austin downed the rest of his hot cocoa and already began to pour himself a new cup, Man, what I wouldn't give to just get away from all this for a few days...no annoying fox miko, no one screaming at each other for one stupid reason or another, anything like that... he blew the cocoa so he wouldn't burn himself then took yet another sip. He swallowed and looked down at the mug of hot cocoa.

Damn, Herman makes great hot cocoa... he looked at his backpack and his custom Dial-powered board that rested in the boat with them, No way am I letting that kit lay a claw on these! She'd probably use it for something stupid...

--

Hours later, after the sun went over the horizon, everyone was having an early Christmas party to prepare themselves for the upcoming holiday and visitors. Herman made a great table of food, Dusty and DJ were performing while the others laughed, danced or pigged out. Austin and the two animals were no where to be seen.

Devon shook his head as he took a drink of grog, "Great, we're having a party and my brother's too pissed at Dusty to have fun,"

Kirsty patted her husband on the back, "Austin's not like that...at least not usually. Just give him some time and he'll come out and have fun on his own,"

"I hope so, I'd hate for him to miss out on the fun," Devon burped lightly and began to drink again, "Good stuff...,"

Kirsty could only giggle at him.

Meanwhile, Niri was looking for Pingu and Sora.

"Nice view, Niri,"

The former Marine, who was on her hands and knees looking under tables, growled and launched a backick. Seconds later, a high-pitched yelp, followed by a loud thud and moaning sounds was heard. She crawled out from under the table, her search unsuccessful, to see Azu laying on the deck of the Ocean Dreamer, holding his groin with both hands.

"Don't do that again, Azu," she muttered before heading off to the galley, wondering if they were eating food in storage.

Chizuru knelt down, "You okay, Azu?" she asked gently, "She kicked you pretty hard...,"

Azu winced, "Dude, she crushed my chestnuts!" he whimpered in a high voice, "Both of them...,"

"So you're okay, then?"

"I think one of them popped...,"

As the party went on, Austin and the two animals were enjoying what solitude they had from the miko of their crew, fast asleep in the lifeboat, snoring quietly. While they slept, a certain drunken martial artist/shipwright wandered nearby, staggering from side to side with each step, his face red from the alcohol.

"Great...," he hiccuped, "Great party...I can't...," he hiccuped again, "I c-can't wait for the real party...!" he took one last swig of his liquor before falling over flat on his back. As he fell, he hit a release switch and almost immediately, the lifeboat made a splash as it hit the water, a splash that wasn't heard due to the party. With their nakama either drunk or unaware of their situation, Austin and the two animals quietly drifted into the black sea of the Grand Line, heading towards an unknown destination.

All alone...

--

Kilnorc: Awright, a start to this years CotA Holiday fanfic special. May not be much, but I promise it gets much better as it goes on. Hope you guys enjoyed and see ya next chapter!