So here's the next chapter. For those not liking yaoi, I will recommend you not to read on. There is no lemon, but a pairing. So now you've been warned.
I won't do disclaimer for each chapter.
"I've hired a cook. He'll be taking care of our meals. You know how I'm in a kitchen," her father said.
"I can help out," she said, her voice somewhat empty.
"I know, Lutricia, but you will have school and soon friends," he said.
"Sure," she said and rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure of it. I know some of the kids. All nice and openhearted," he said.
She didn't respond as she continued to watch the streets and houses, as they drove by them, to his mansion. Her father had a high position and earned a lot. He didn't care that much for money, but he could give her what she needed and mostly what she wanted. Which wasn't much. She was not a tech-freak or gadget-freak. Sure she had an android phone, a tablet and a laptop, but that was just that.
As she walked into the mansion, she was met with a scent of curry. She tilted her head lightly, but kept going. She had some of her stuff and she brought it straight to her room. Her father brought the rest to her room and helped her unpack. Together they went to the kitchen.
"Welcome back, Shanks," said a young man with red-brown hair. His hair style was a Pompadour.
"Thanks Thatch. Meet my daughter, Lutricia. Princess this is our cook Thatch."
"My condolence for your lost Lutricia," he smiled.
"Thank you Thatch," she answered and turned her head. "Hey Mihawk."
"Hello Lutricia. My condolence," he said.
"Thanks," she said.
Mihawk nodded and turned back to the newspaper. She sat down and took out her book. Shanks sat next to Mihawk and started to annoy him, so he slowly laid down the paper and turned to Shanks, only to meet his lips. Lutricia smiled slightly. She could still remember when her father told her that he had found his true self and his soul mate. That he had found his soul mate in a man had shocked her, but she was happy for him.
"Get a room," snorted a familiar voice.
Shanks rolled his eyes lightly and turned to the newcomer. "Don't ruin the mood Zoro," he scolded.
"Whatever. Hey sorry to hear about your mother, Lutricia," he said.
"Thanks," she said and turned back to her book.
Thatch was not unfamiliar with the cold air Zoro brought with him. He didn't like his adoptive father being with Shanks, but the kid just had to deal with it. Thatch thought it was great that Shanks had found love. And Lutricia seemed to be alright with it. She was a really beautiful young woman and she had just started to blossom.
"Dinner is served in 10 minutes," announced Thatch.
Lutricia stood up and walked out. She brought her book back to her room and as she turned around she saw Zoro standing in the door. She sighed, not really ready for him right now. They didn't get along very well.
"I'm really sorry for you. If you need a shoulder to cry at, just knock," he said.
Lutricia was first taken aback by his word, but then remembered that Zoro had lost his parents in an instant too, when he was only 4 years old. When he was 6 years old, Mihawk adopted him. She walked over to him and hugged him. He embraced her too and they stood so for a couple of minutes.
"Thanks Zoro," she said.
"No problem, Lutricia. Now let's hurry or dad would be more irritated," he said.
She nodded, not really being hungry, but she wouldn't be rude towards the young cook. So she went to wash her hands and headed back to the kitchen. The table had already been set and she sat on her usual spot. Shanks by her side and on Shanks' other side Mihawk. It was a round table and Zoro would sit next to his father, leaving a spot free.
"I hope you like curry, Lutricia," said Thatch.
Lutricia gave her father a small smile, but then turned to Thatch. "I love curry," she smiled.
Thatch smiled and put the food on the table. Mihawk sat with a glass of red wine as always. Lutricia took the water, even though there was soda on the table as well. She wondered how her father and Thatch know each other. Thatch had been hired while they were to the funeral and her father had helped her after the death of her mother. Getting the furniture and stuff sold or stored.
"I'm glad you can help us out Thatch. You know how I'm in a kitchen," grinned Shanks, as the cook sat next to Lutricia.
"Almost hopeless. I really wondered how you could live so healthy and long without almost a none existence of cooking abilities," said Thatch while shaking his head.
"Take away," said Lutricia.
"You know me a little too well Princess," smiled Shanks.
"Not what I would love to eat every day," said Lutricia.
"Which I thought, so that's why Thatch is helping us out," said Shanks.
"And I'm glad to do so Shanks. Can't have your lovely daughter go on with your diet," said Thatch.
Lutricia smiled. So Shanks had hired him for her sake. So typical her father. She couldn't help but feeling loved. He cared more about her wellbeing than his own. She wondered why Zoro seemed to be so healthy then.
"It's better than the wannabe cook's food," comment Zoro.
"Glad you like it Zoro. And you Lutricia?" asked Thatch.
"It's really great," she said, eating a little more.
Shanks looked at her with a worried gaze. She hadn't been eating well since she got the news. He placed a hand on her lab and smiled to her and she sent him a small smile back. It was good to see that she at least tried to eat something and Thatch was good, even though he was young.
Thatch did notice that Lutricia didn't eat much, but he understood why, so he wasn't offended. Mihawk also noticed this and looked at Zoro. He was worried about both kids. Lutricia's lost had reminded Zoro of his lost. Zoro never said anything, but Mihawk saw it in the boy's eyes. However Zoro ate as usual.
"Thanks for the meal," said Lutricia and placed her cutlery on her plate.
"You're welcome," said Thatch.
After all had finished, Lutricia brought her own stuff to the sink. Thatch told her it was alright and that he would do the dishes. She could just relax. She smiled and left the kitchen. Zoro followed her. Shanks sighed, knowing it would be hard for her, but she would get through it. Mihawk took the hand of Shanks.
"She'll be fine. Give her some time," he said.
Shanks nodded and leaned against Mihawk. Thatch cleaned up and made some coffee for the men.
"She is a nice girl, Shanks. Mihawk is right. Give her some time and just be there when she needs you," said Thatch.
"I know, but that's the problem. I can't get out of this business trip. I have to leave in five days," he sighed.
"We'll take care of her. She's my daughter too," said Mihawk.
"I know, but I wish I there was someone else that could do this trip," he said.
"Lutricia understands, doesn't she?" asked Thatch.
"She does, but she's sad. She needs me right now and I have to go," Shanks looked irritated.
Mihawk placed his hand on Shanks' lab and looked into his loves eyes. "Go to her now."
Shanks nodded and left the kitchen. Mihawk sighed. Shanks worried too much about his daughter. A trait Mihawk loved about him. However Lutricia was a strong young woman and she would get through it. And she had him too. Shanks seems to forget that from time to time, but maybe he just didn't know that Mihawk and Lutricia shared a bond too. Mihawk could still remember the first time he was introdced ti her. Lutricia had wanted to visited her father for a weekin her summer holiday. She was 14 years old. It's was when Shanks first introduced Mihawk as his lover/boyfriend. Lutricia had smiled and been happy for her father. The third day he and her had talked about stuff, while Shanks had been shopping. Lutricia wasn't with Shanks, because Shanks was out to buy a surprise for her.
"Lost in memories?" asked Thatch.
"Are you done?" asked Mihawk, ignoring Thatch's question.
"I am. I'll be back around 10 a.m.," said Thatch.
Mihawk nodded and Thatch left.
-x-
Shanks knocked on the door to Lutricia's room. She asked him to enter. She sat on her bed and was reading a book. Shanks walked over and sat next to her. They had barely spoken this day, even though they had spent a lot of time in the car together.
"I wish I could stay home with you, Princess," he said.
Lutricia laid the book down. "I know, daddy, but I understand why you have to go. And I'm not alone. Mihawk is here too," she said.
"You barely know him. I just want you to feel safe," said Shanks.
"Daddy. Me and Mihawk are alright. I trust him and I can see how happy you are with him. Don't you worry about me. I'll be fine and we still have four days, before you have to leave," she said.
Shanks smiled. "I love you, Princess. Do you need anything?" he asked.
She blushed a little. "Did you do the transfer to another doctor?" she asked.
"Yes. Are you sick or so?" he asked worried.
"No I'm fine, but I need more Birth control Pills," she said.
"But you're just 15, Lutricia. Don't tell me you've already…"
"Hell no, daddy. It's just to help me get through my monthly period with as less pain as possible. Or else it will be hell for me and all others," she said.
"Oh. Then I'll call him Monday and make sure you get some new," said Shanks, feeling relieved.
"Thanks daddy. How long will you be going?"
"Only 10 days this time," said Shanks.
"10 days… I'll be fine," she said and hugged Shanks.
Shanks smiled and put his arms around his daughter. She was so strong and good. It tore his heart apart that he couldn't stay until she was somewhat alright, but he needed to go. That Lutricia understood it, made him just feel more guilty, but also proud of her.
"Bring me something back," she said.
"Of course Princess. And if you need anything, Mihawk can help," he said.
Lutricia nodded.
Having a teenage daughter is not going to be easy for Shanks. Well at least not having her 24/7. Up until now she have only been visiting from time to time.
Luckily for Lutricia she get's along with Mihawk very well, so when Shanks leaves for the business trip, she won't be completely alone.
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