Guess who's back, back again, Dreamscape's back, tell a friend


The Misadventures of Nora

Chapter 9

Cheesecake, Hot Chocolate & Fights


"Nami?"

"What?"

"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"…"

"What about now?"

"No."

"..."

"How about now?"

"Nora if you don't shut up I'm going to kill you!"

Nora had come to the the conclusion that sailing the seas with pirates wasn't as fun as it had been made out to be.


"What are you doing?"

Opening her eyes, to see what was blocking the warmth of the sun that had been fanning over her face seconds before, Nora was met with the image of Zoro standing over her. Letting out a groan of annoyance and missing the warmth of the sun, she rolled away and out of the swordsman shadow.

"I'm trying to sleep." She said, once again basking in the warmth of the sun.

"In the middle of the deck…?" She heard him ask, shortly before she heard him let out a sigh, followed by the cluttering of him sitting down.

"Yes." She said with a huff, her eyes slowly beginning to shut. "I'm sick of sailing so I'm going to sleep to avoid it."

"That sounds like a good plan." She heard Zoro say with a yawn, the sound of his joints popping as he stretched.

It seemed she wasn't the only one who was exhausted after days filled with nothing, nothing and even more nothing. The livelier onds on the boat had provided some entertainment over the first few days but by now, even they were beginning to get bored. Johnny and Yosaku had taken to playing cards, Nami was looking over some maps, Usopp was inside tinkering with something and Luffy, well Luffy was probably off somewhere causing some sort of trouble.

"It's so peaceful." Nora said with a content sigh. She was actually surprised by this uncharacteristic silence. Normally, there would be voices and footsteps coming from all directions, arguments occasionally breaking out. "I don't hear anything. It's kinda weird/"

"It's ni-" Zoro began, only to be cut of by the sound of a yell, followed shortly by a splash as something fell into the ocean.

"That sounded a lot like Luffy didn't it?" She questioned, snuggling deeper into her own arms as she stretched out further across the deck.

"Yeah it did." Zoro said as he let out another yawn and shuffled around to get comfortable.

"Luffy!" They screamed in unison, now wide awake, snapped out of their sleepy states and running to fish the devil fruit user from the water.


"Do I even want to ask what you're trying to do right now?" Nami asked with a sigh, staring at the scene before her with a shake of her head. "I don't think I do…"

Nora couldn't really blame her for that reaction. She had had a similar one when she had first walked onto the deck and seen Johnny, Yosaku, and Usopp performing a… well she supposed that it could be called an experiment of sorts. Essentially they were trying to see just how far Luffy could stretch. Despite knowing that she shouldn't, her boredom had gotten the better of her and she had found herself taking part in the weird, albeit fun, test. Her and Usopp were in charge of the left side of his body, she was tugging at Luffy's leg while Usopp was taking care of the arm, while Johnny and Yoksaku were doing the same thing on his right side. Zoro, wisely choosing not to get involved, had sat off to the side and lent against the mast, watching as they attempted to stretch his captain from one half of the ship to the other.

"It's an experiment. You see, I'm actually a professional scientist..." Usopp said to Nami with a grin growing on his face. She got the feeling that things weren't going to go to well from this point onwards…

As she watched Usopp become more and more invested in his lie, she felt herself pale slightly. As his grip on Luffy's arm began to weaken and her feet began to slowly slide across the deck despite her best efforts to stay still, she came to terms with the fact that she had made a serious mistake.

Why do I let myself get involved with these stupid things!?

Just as that thought passed through her head, Usopp released Luffy's arm in favour of making wild hand gestures to go on with his fabricated lie. Having been to slow to release his leg, she found herself being sent flying through the air, landing in a heap along with Johnny and Yoksaku, who were groaning in pain, much like she was, and a laughing Luffy.

"That was fun!" He said with a grin as he placed his straw hat back onto his head. "Let's do it again!"

"No thanks." Nora groaned out, clutching her side in pain, her previous bruising from Jango still very evident. "I think I'll have to pass."


"We're here at the restaurant!" Came the shouting of Johnny and Yosaku. "Brother Zoro! Brother Luffy! Brother Usopp! Brother Nami. Sister Nora!"

That makes me sound like some sort of nun. Nora thought with a small snort before she realised what exactly the pair had just been announcing,

Glancing up with a grin, she let out a sigh of absolute relief when she realised that they were in fact at the Baratie. Packing away her journal and writing gear, she went and stood besides the others to look out at the floating restaurant. Snapping a quick picture, she admired the beautiful ship and it's brightly painted exterior. She'd never seen anything like this before and she doubted that she ever would again. It wasn't everyday you came across a floating restaurant that looked like a fish. She imagined that when Sanji's, or perhaps it was better to Duval's, face was added to the ship that it would look even more unique. Hopefully she'd be able to come and revisit the restaurant just to see that.

"What do you think everyone?" Johnny asked excitedly, his arms open and presenting the ship to them.

"It looks amazing." She said as the others voiced their own compliments and excitement towards the ship's exterior.

She couldn't stop herself from smiling fondly at their excitement, not that she was in a better state. After having spent so long out at sea, without any stops at other islands, she was ready to go somewhere different. As much as she loved the Going Merry, she didn't particularly like sailing. The one good thing that had come out of everything though was the fact she had found her sea legs, well to some extent at least. She still found herself getting nauseous every once in awhile but she was able to mess around, eat and actually function like a normal person now.

Noticing that their ship had been covered by a shadow, Nora brought her focus back to the current situation and turned to her right, feeling a look of distaste come onto her face. Besides them a navy ship, Fullbody's navy ship, had come to halt. Sending glares in the ship's direction, she waited for the annoying 'Iron Fist' to make his appearance, deep down hoping that he didn't.

The sooner he makes his appearance, the sooner you get to see Sanji beat him up. Nora thought to herself, trying to look on the bright side of things as she idly played with the necklace that she still wore around her neck. For some reason, she felt as though she should keep it on. She was yet to figure out why that was: something about it just felt special.

"It's…" Usopp began, his mouth dropping in shock. "The marines!"

"When did it…?" Luffy asked with his own jaw dropping. She could actually understand his reaction though, the ship had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. She was sure the oceans had been clear a few minutes beforehand.

"Lucky us." Nora drawled out with an unimpressed face as Usopp began to stress over the prospect of getting attacked. "I wonder what sort of eccentric marine we'll meet today."

"Hey!" Johnny yelled out to the marine ship, even though they were yet to see anyone on deck, something that made her shake her head. "We ain't pirates over here!"

"I'm sure they'll believe that." She said, her mood only dampening more so when Fullbody appeared on the deck. "That sounds exactly like something a pirate would say to not get captured."

As much as she was glad at the fact that she would soon be able to do something other than sailing, meeting with yet another corrupt marine did rain on her parade a bit. If only she could have just gone in, eaten, and not seen the marine.

"I'm the lieutenant of the marine headquarters known as Ironfist Fullbody." He suddenly yelled down to them. "Who's your captain? Name yourself."

This is going to get interesting. Nora mused, leaning back with her arms crossed and getting comfortable to watch the events play out.

"I'm Luffy." He said in a rare moment of seriousness, his own arms crossed and a frown on his face. "I just finished making my pirate flag the day before yesterday."

"As blunt as ever." She whispered to Zoro, letting out a small laugh as he shook his head in reply.

"H-He said the day before yesterday." Johnny, said letting out a nervous laugh.

"Good one!" Yosaku replied with a nervous laugh of his own, gaining the attention of the marine lieutenant.

The only thing Nora could do was shake her head and watch on as Fullbody recognised the bounty hunting pair and began to make some rather insulting comments. Watching on as said bounty hunter pair decided to attack the marine, only to be beaten and thrown back onto the Going Merry within seconds, bounty posters flying from their pockets.

It won't be long. She silently reminded herself. Sanji will kick his ass.

"You sure you guys aren't super weak?" Luffy asked, staring down at the bloody and bruised duo.

"The hell are you two doing?" Zoro said with a shake of his head as the pair tried to justify themselves.

"Don't worry guys." She said, sending a grin accompanied by a thumbs up to the pair. "You did better than I would have."

"Consider yourself lucky pirates! I only came here to eat at the restaurant." Fullbody yelled down, recapturing their attention. "But consider your lives forfeit the next time you run into me when I'm not off duty."

While the others continued to fuss over Fullbody's threat and the marines, Nora noticed Nami kneeling on the floor and looking at the bounty posters that had scattered and questioning Johnny about them. She felt her heart sink slightly as Nami's picked up one particular poster. Arlong's poster. If she could do something to stop Nami from running away, from thinking that she didn't have their support, she would have. But she didn't know what to do or what to say. She could only stand and watch like the outsider she was. She once again felt useless.

"We're in deep guys!" Usopp yelled as he frantically pointed towards the marine ship. "The bastard's aiming his cannon at us!"

"I wonder if we'll sink." Nora said, deciding to channel her inner Robin.

"Don't say things like that!" Usopp shouted in horror before letting out a yelp. "He fired!"

She laughed slightly at his reactions. He had no idea what was waiting for him with the arrival of Robin. She'd manage to say things that were much more terrifying.

"Leave it to me!" Luffy yelled, jumping to stand on the ship's railing. "Gomu Gomu no Balloon!"

Nora watched on his amusement as Luffy's body inflated and Johnny, Yosaku and Usopp watched on in shock at the scene in front of them. Her amusement only grew when Fullbody glanced back to them in shock.

"You can have your cannonball back!" Luffy yelled out, only for that not to happen.

"Nice aim Luffy." Nora said, watching as the cannonball crashed into the Baratie. "Maybe say things like that after you successfully do the thing."

"Just who are you giving it to, you dumbass?!" Zoro yelled as a hole formed in the roof of the Baratie while Nami sat back and groaned at the stupidity of the situation. All while this happened, Fullbody made the choice to back off and head into the restaurant, something she caught briefly from the corner of her eye. She knew this wouldn't be the only time he'd run away today.

"Would you look at that!" Nora spoke with a slight laugh, pointing to the Baratie. "Looks like some of the chefs are coming to get you Luffy!"

"I didn't mean to do it!" Luffy cried out, staring at the sight in horror, trying to back away.

"Where do you think you're going?" Nami said, taking ahold of the captain. "Go down there and explain what happened!"

And with that, Luffy was dragged off by the chefs to meet Red-Leg Zeff.

As the others took seats on the deck and around the ship, intent on relaxing, Nora decided that she couldn't bear to stand another moment on the boat doing nothing, especially when their was the Baratie right in front of them! Making a quick decision, she stood and moved to get off of the ship.

"Where are you going?" Zoro said, opening one of his eyes to glance at her curiously.

"I think I'm going to go in and have a look around." She responded, stopping briefly to answer his question. "I'm curious about this floating restaurant..."

"Shouldn't we wait to find out what happens with Luffy?" Usopp asked, watching her get off of the now docked ship.

"Knowing Luffy, it won't just be a walk in, apologise and leave sort of thing." She said with a small laugh. "We could be here a while so I might as well make the most of it."

"Don't cause any trouble!" Nami yelled down to her. "Luffy's already caused enough for us."

"Don't worry." Nora said sending them a wink. "I'll be on my best behaviour."

With shaky legs, she made her way from the docks and onto the main ship. Pausing at the door, she felt a rush of excitement take over her. Not only would she be seeing Sanji, the future chef of the Straw Hats, but she'd also be seeing Red-Leg Zeff. All while reading and watching One Piece, she had constantly found herself having a fascination with the previous generation of pirates. How their stories, their interactions, led to the current story. How everything just seemed to link up so well. Being here at the Baratie was a reminder of the fact that this was real. She really was here and all those people she'd thought of as fictional characters were real. It was quite strange to think about, really.

Shaking off her thoughts, deciding that now was not the time to have a massive freak out over the old pirates, she opened the door to the restaurant and walked in. She nodded appreciatively as she glanced around, the interior was as beautiful as the exterior. It was clean, classy and the smell… The smell was amazing. She couldn't wait to try some of the food. This restaurant reminded her of the places her father would drag her to, yet at the sametime, it was completely different. Sure it was classy and served amazing food but something about it just seemed more homey, less stiff. She didn't feel as though she was constantly being watched, people waiting for her to make one small mistake, for her to eat too fast or too slow, and provide them with something superficial to gossip about.

"Oh waiter!" She heard a voice yell, souring her mood instantly and taking away from the welcoming appeal of the restaurant.

Glancing over she saw Fullbody, along with his date, seated at a table looking as smug as ever. It was then that she saw the 'waiter' making their way towards the table. Realising what was about to happen, Nora walked further inside and took a seat. She made sure to get herself a seat that allowed for a good view of what was about to go down of course, excitement and anticipation coursing through her veins. She wasn't going to want to miss any of this.

"Can I get you anything miss?" One of the Baratie's staff came over to ask her with a smile.

"A slice of chocolate cheesecake please." She replied, only glancing down briefly at the menu, glad to have the opportunity to sate her sweet tooth. She'd figure out how she was going to pay for this later. "Oh, and a hot chocolate."

As the waiter scurried off, she turned her attention back to the fight that she knew would soon break out between Sanji and the marine lieutenant. She watched on with growing amusement as Sanji flirted with Fullbody's date making him grow more and more irritated. Nora couldn't blame the woman for being seemingly bored of her date, corrupt marines really weren't a good type.

Nearly there… Nora thought in satisfaction, watching Fullbody plant the bug in his meal. Soon he'll be done for.

"Hey!" Fullbody yelled out with a furious tone. She was beginning to get seriously sick of hearing his voice. "Is it customary for this restaurant to serve its soup with insects?!"

She wasn't usually a fan of liars, or people like Fullbody in general, but this one time, she was glad for his actions. If it led to him being beaten up, then it led to her being happy. She had always thought that way growing up. Constantly being surrounded by those who lied for their own benefit or for childish revenge. Rather than acting on it, she'd always chosen to simply watch on in amusement as their plans crumbled. It seemed that the whole dying thing hadn't changed that aspect of her.

"What's this damn bug in my soup?!" Fullbody yelled as Sanji quickly snapped out of his brief confusion.

"Pardon me sir, but I'm afraid I do not know." Sanji replied, the perfect gentlemen. "I'm not very knowledgable about the many types of insects."

Nora laughed along with the other patrons of the restaurant, grinning widely as Fullbody's anger and embarrassment grew. It wouldn't be long before he snapped and she got to the see the show that she'd been waiting for.

And there it is. She grinned, watching the moment that he snapped and swung his ironfist at the table, destroying it.

"That's not very appropriate behaviour of a marine lieutenant, now is it?" Nora asked with a smirk, filling the shocked silence that has swept across the room. "Not as refined as you pretend to be, huh?"

Now, under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have dared to say a word like that to someone who would be more than willing, and capable, to attack her. Despite being quite pathetic overall, he was a marine and he was much more physically capable than her. She knew she was smarter than him but that wouldn't help her in a real fight. The only reason she decided to comment was because Sanji was there, already preparing to attack marine. She didn't need to worry because she wasn't the focus of this fight so she'd run her mouth all she wanted. She didn't care for corrupt officers of the law.

"You were on that pirate ship." He spat at her in disgust, his anger at boiling point. "I'll deal with you afterwards."

"If you manage to make it past the chef then please, do your worst." Nora replied, childishly sticking out her tongue. "I'm look forward to it."

"Now you…" He said, clenching his fist as he turned back to Sanji. "Seems like you have no idea who you're dealing with."

"Your chocolate cheesecake and hot chocolate." The waiter from before said, placing the food from before onto the table, completely unfazed by the fight. "Enjoy."

"Thank you." Nora said with an appreciative smile to the waiter.

Now with her drink and her cake, she watched on as Fullbody grew more and more aggressive while Sanji stayed in a calm, yet irritated state. Both Fullbody's date and the other chefs tried to stop the pair but it was too late. She knew that the moment he had destroyed that table and wasted the food, that had been it. Taking bites of her cake and the occasional sip of her drink, Nora watched on as the marine lieutenant, for lack of better words, had his ass handed to him, all while the others watched on in horror.

"Remember this… going against a cook on the seas is the equivalent to suicide." Sanji ground out, his teeth clenched around his cigarette and his hand gripping Fullbody's head. "Don't you dare waste food."

"I guess he won't be dealing with me." Nora mused aloud, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

It was then that one of the other chefs on the Baratie, Patty if she recalled correctly, made his arrival. It was quite humorous to see the pair of chefs arguing, especially considering that Sanji had yet to release his grip on Fullbody. As they continued to bicker about the treatment of the customer, said marine eventually escaped from Sanji's grip and huddled on the floor.

"What's with this place? How can there be a restaurant that ill-treats it's customers to this extent…?" Fullbody spoke from the floor, his anger once again peaking. "I'll close down the restaurant! I'll report this place to the government!"

"And admit that you, a marine lieutenant, was beaten by a chef?" Nora said, picturing how well that would go down with the higher ups. "I'm sure they'd just love that."

"I'll capture you and then report this damn restaurant!" He yelled, pointing an accusing finger at her. "You damn pirate?"

I'm not even going to bother saying it. She thought with a shake of her head. No one seems to listen to me when I do.

"You're going to report us, are you…? Well then, I guess I have no choice but to kill you right now." Sanji said staring down at Fullbody with a fierce glare. His attitude suddenly did a flip though when he glanced in her direction. With hearts in his eyes and hands clasped like a schoolgirl, he gestured wildly to her. "And there is no way I could let you go near such a gorgeous woman!"

Well it is Sanji… She thought with raised eyebrows. I shouldn't be that surprised.

At this statement, Fullbody's eyes widened in terror while some of them yelled from the sidelines in attempt to stop Sanji. She did catch some of the older chefs shaking their heads at the boy's words towards her though.

"God it just gets me so angry… to see a damn spoiled brat like you!" Sanji yelled out, the chefs quickly jumping in to hold him back, Nora was surprised that he hadn't managed to break free from their grips. "Just who the hell do you think you are?"

She almost laughed when she noticed the tears in Fullbody's eyes but with much effort, she managed to hold it back. He looked like he was about to wet himself! The effort she put into not laughing was put to waste when Luffy, followed closely by Zeff fell through this roof. She watched on as the pair stood and glanced around, laughter falling from her lips.

I'm really loving the Baratie so far. She thought with a small chuckle. This is amazing.

"This is all your fault, you damn brat!" Zeff turned to yell at Luffy once he had realised what had happened.

"You destroyed it yourself!" Luffy yelled back in anger, glaring at the ex-pirate.

Taking this moment to take out her camera, Nora captured an image that she felt perfectly embodied the Baratie arc. In it, Fullbody was on the floor with tears in his eyes, Sanji was being held back by some other chefs, Luffy and Zeff were arguing while the patrons watched on in horror. She knew when she looked at the image in the future, it would almost feel as though she was back in the seat, eating the chocolate cheesecake.

It almost looks like a renaissance painting… She mused, momentarily tuning out the chaos around her while admiring the photo and taking a sip of her drink. The Fibonacci Spiral would line up with this.

"Ah! Isn't that the guy who fired the cannonball earlier?" She heard Luffy asked to himself, catching her attention. "Why's he all bloodied up…?"

"Because he disrespected the chef." Nora said, bag in hand as she moved to sit besides Luffy on the floor. "It was quite an interesting show."

"Oh Nora, you came in? Where are the others?" Luffy asked, turning to her with a smile. "Do they have meat here?"

"The others are still on the ship but I think they'll be here soon enough." She began answering his questions, returning his smile. "I didn't get any meat but I'd assume that they would have meat."

"And you!" Zeff yelled, making them glance upwards as he sent a kick into Fullbody. "Get the hell out already!"

"I think he regrets coming to this restaurant." She said, watching Fullbody groan in pain. "I kind of feel sorry for his date. I wonder if she'll be left to pay…"

"Patty! Sanji!" Zeff yelled at the two chefs who were once again fighting. "If you're gonna fight then do it in the kitchen!"

Watching as the events took place, she frowned slightly when she realised that she wasn't sure of what exactly came next. She knew that Gin and then Don Krieg would appear at some stage but she couldn't remember when… Like clockwork, a marine came bursting through the entrance yelling about an emergency and giving her the answer she had been searching for.

"Forgive me sir but…" The marine said, wide-eyed with blood dripping down his face. "He's escaped from the ship's prison!"

"This place sure is noisy." Luffy said from besides her with a huff.

"We did choose a very busy day to stop in." Nora replied, letting out a laugh. "Perhaps it's just your fate to get into trouble like this."

"The underling of the pirate Krieg has escaped!" The marine yelled in horror. "It took seven of us just to capture him in the first place, but now he's gone!"

She didn't think that that was the best thing to yell out to a restaurant full of terrified customers but it was obvious he was panicking so she couldn't put too much of the blame on him. Also sure seven people sounded like a big deal but thinking about how thousands of marines at Enies Lobby wouldn't be enough to hold off Luffy, she wasn't that impressed.

"That's impossible! He shouldn't even have the strength to move!" Fullbody yelled at him, in a state of denial. "He was on the verge of death when we captured him three days ago! Not to mention he hasn't had a single scrap of food since then!"

And there it was, another reminder of why she really was not a fan of Fullbody and other corrupt marines like him. The unjust treatment that they took part in truly disgusted her.

As the restaurant goers began to cause jump up, terror across their faces, she felt herself tense up at the shadowy figure that appeared behind the marine. Just as he had been about to ask for his lieutenant's forgiveness, the sound of a gunshot echoed through the room. She grimaced at the sight of the marine falling to the ground, blood pouring from the wound.

"Be careful Nora." Luffy told her, standing up in alarm to face the figure that she was Gin.

"One customer coming this way." Patty said, staring down the man.

"He better not start trouble in my restaurant." Zeff ground out with a glare on his face, Sanji standing besides him and remaining silent.

"A pirate?" Luffy asked, staring as he made his way in.

"Seems that way." Nora replied, watching on carefully. "From Don Krieg's crew."

Everyone one watched on, the air thick with tension, as Gin made his way through the entrance and into the restaurant. The customers looked like they were about to sprint at any second while the chefs were ready to jump at any second. She wasn't the biggest fan of being stuck in the middle of it all but as far as she could remember, nothing would happen. Yet.

"Anything will do. Just bring me some food." Gin said, sitting down and placing his feet onto the table, looking absolutely exhausted. "This place is a restaurant right?"

She watched as Patty walked over to the pirate, shocking the guests of the restaurant with his brash way of welcoming him to the restaurant. She had to give him props for trying. Gin however did seem to feel the same way, not that she could blame him either. She felt awful after not having eaten for a half a day and he hadn't eaten for three whole days.

"Pardon me dumbass…" Patty asked upon Gin's demand for food, the well meaning but nonetheless terrifying smile on his face. "But do you have any money?"

Why is everyone so violent in this world? She thought, shaking her head as Gin threatened the chef with his gun. She could only wince slightly at the sound of Patty hitting the pirate and breaking the table. Honestly let's just relax…

"Woah!" Luffy said, mouth open in shock. "He's pretty strong!"

"I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that." She agreed with a grimace. "Although I don't know how to feel about the people cheering."

Still kneeling on the floor and playing the tough guy act, she watched as Patty continued to attack him, telling him if he wasn't paying then he needed to leave. Glancing up slightly, she watched Fullbody sneak out through the entrance among the chaos. She once again felt a surge of hate towards the marine. One of his men had been shot and he'd just left them. If that wasn't bad enough, he'd just left someone who was a dangerous pirate alone with civilians! She remembered when she had first read One Piece she had hated him but it wasn't until now, when she was actually there, that she realised just how awful his actions truly were.

"Now then ladies and gentlemen!" Patty yelled out, doing a curtsey while Gin was passed out on the floor. "Please enjoy the rest of your meals!"

As Patty dragged the beaten pirate out onto the deck that surrounded the ship, she watched as both Luffy and Sanji watched in.

"I wonder where he's going." Luffy stated, watching as Sanji rushed to the kitchen.

"He looked a bit suspicious." Nora said, noting the way he had been moving quickly, no doubt to get food for the pirate. "He's back. That was quick."

"Let's follow him!" Luffy said in excitement. She could already see the all too familiar interest pooling in his eyes. "He's interesting don't you think?"

"Nami told me not to cause any trouble though." She replied with a sigh yet nonetheless followed after him as he made his way out to see Sanji and Gin.


"He really is interesting." Luffy whispered from besides her, for once managing to keep his voice down.

They were sat atop a higher level on the Baratie near the railing of a balcony as they looked down and watched the interactions between Sanji and Gin. It was quite a heartwarming sight but unfortunately Nora couldn't enjoy it as much as she would have liked to. Being outside the ship had reminded her that she was, in fact, on a boat and that realisation mixed with the chocolate cheesecake wasn't to good.

"He's kind." She agreed through the quesiness, thankful that it wasn't as bad as it had been when she had first got stuck on the tiny rowboat in Shells Town.

"Looks like I found a good cook." He said with a laugh, this time loud enough for the pair below to hear.

"They heard you." She drawled out as the pair whipped around at the sound of his voice. "This could be classified as causing trouble you know?"

"But he's lucky!" Luffy said with a grin, turning back to talk to Sanji and Gin again. "You got some food!"

"I apologise on behalf of him." Nora said, groaning slightly and leaning her head against the railing.

"You were almost about to die before to!" Luffy said with a bellowing laugh. "Hey cook! Join my crew will ya? Be the cook for my pirate ship!"

"Pirate ship…" Sanji said in confusion, glancing at the boy in disbelief, he then turned towards her with his lovestruck expression coming back. "That's right! That marine accused this lovely lady of being a pirate before!"

"That right!" Luffy said, jumping down to join them on the lower level. "She's my crews writer!"

"So you're really pirates?" Sanji questioned, glancing between the pair, Luffy now sitting on the railing while Nora stayed where she was, watching on. "So why'd you try to fire a cannonball at the restaurant?"

In any other situation she would have taken the time to yell at Luffy and remind him that she wasn't on his crew and that she wasn't a pirate but this time, she didn't. Instead, she took out her camera and watched as the three talked, quickly capturing an image. This was the moment that Luffy and Sanji met and she knew she would treasure this photo just as she treasured the rest. It showed Gin sitting straight, empty plate in front of him, Sanji leaning leisurely against the side of the ship, smoke coming from his cigarette and Luffy perched atop of the railing.

"Hey Luffy." She called down, briefly interrupting the conversation. "I'm gonna go back in so they don't think I've done a dine and dash. Try not to cause any trouble."

"Okay!" He replied, waving as she made her way back into the restaurant. "Get me some meat while you're in there!"

As much as she wanted to stay and watch the three interact, something about her being there just felt wrong. She didn't want to interupt, to ruin the moment so instead, she had decided to leave. She didn't have a reason to be there so she wouldn't be there. And also she was slightly concerned about the dine and dash part, those chefs were pretty scary.

"Oi." She hear a voice say as she wandered her way back through the corridors, causing her to tense up slightly. "Come here brat."

Turning around, feeling ice running through her veins, Nora was met with the sight of… a very tall chefs hat. Letting out a sigh of relief when she realised it was Zeff, she slowly walked over to him in confusion, wondering what he wanted. She didn't think she'd caused a scene or done anything that would make him need to talk to her. The corridor she was down right now wasn't blocked off or anything, she didn't think she was going somewhere she shouldn't have… Perhaps it was about Luffy? He had just run off. As she tried to convince herself that she wasn't in trouble, a sudden thought dawned on her.

What if they thought I really did dine and dash?! She thought as she paled slightly, coming to a stop before the ex-pirate. I'm gonna die aren't I?!

If she hadn't been so busy freaking out, perhaps she would have noticed the look of recognition flash through his eyes.

"Whatever I did, I'm sorry!" She squeaked out. When he began to laugh in response, a frown crept onto her face. "Is… Is everything okay?"

"Don't look so troubled." He said, his laughter dying down. "I was simply curious about the necklace."

"The necklace…?" She asked, lifting it up to get a look at it. "What about it?"

"I met someone once who had the exact same one." He said, laughing slightly at a memory that she didn't know. "Told me it was rare and that I'd never see another one."

"I guess they were wrong." She replied, assuming that it must have been some old lady with an necklace that she had bought overpriced at some market.

"I don't know about that." He muttered so quietly that Nora only just heard it. His calm exterior suddenly deteriorated as if he had remembered something important. "You were with that straw hat kid weren't you? Where'd he run off to?!"

"Just out there." She said, gesturing to the door she had just come through and cringing as the man rushed out their in anger.

Sorry about that Luffy… She thought, hoping that he didn't get to much of a lecture. Now I should go back and see if the others have come in yet…


"Nora!" She heard her name being called out across the restaurant.

Turning in the direction that it had come from, she smiled upon seeing Nami, Zoro and Usopp seated around a table and enjoying some food and drinks. Walking over, she slid into the seat between Zoro and Nami, grabbing a piece of bread and beginning to eat it.

"Where've you been?" Zoro asked, looking at her curiously.

"You better not have caused any trouble!" Nami said, letting out a happy sigh as she took a sip of her drink. "Everything tastes delicious here so I'd like to stay on their good side."

"That's going to be hard with Luffy working here for the next year." Nora replied with a small laugh. "It won't be long before they kick him out of the kitchen."

"A whole year?!" Usopp cried out, his jaw dropping. "How are we going to go to the Grand Line if he's busy being an errand boy!?"

"That idiot." Nami groaned while Zoro let out a hearty laugh.

"I'm sure everything will work out well in the end." She said with a smile laugh of her own. "And if not, at least the food will be good."

"Speak of the devil." Zoro said, grinning as he watched his captain walk down the stairs.

"I told you they'd kick him out soon." She said with her grin growing. "Who would have known it'd be this soon?"

"Hey errand boy!" Nami called out, just as she had done to Nora before with a grin and a wave.

"Heard from Nora that you have to work here for a year." Usopp said, smirking and letting out small laughs of enjoyment."

"Would it be alright to redraw the ship's flag?" Zoro asked, leaning back to face his captain with a smirk.

"Maybe then I'll actually be able to stay on the next island." She said, grinning teasingly at the pirate captain, much like his crew. "That doesn't sound to bad…"

"You leave me here to work and go off to eat delicious foods all by yourselves?! How selfish!" Luffy yelled at them in return. He then pointed an accusing finger at her. "And you said you'd get me meat!"

"Sorry about that Luffy." She said with a laugh, patting his shoulder. "I don't think Zeff would like seeing you eating instead of working."

"It's a free world, we can do whatever we want." Zoro said, turning his head away while Luffy scowled and placed some snot in his drink. He then turned and grabbed said drink, going to take a sip, much to their amusement. "But I have to admit, the food here is great. Don't take this the wrong way but…"

Unable to contain her laughter anymore and not really caring for the disapproving stares of the other customers, Nora broke down in a fit as Zoro quickly jumped to place the glass to Luffy's lips. It had been so long since she had felt to relaxed and didn't need to care about what others around her thought. She may as well enjoy it while she can.

"You're drinking this glass!" He yelled in irritation, catching Luffy off guard and causing him to swallow it. She felt quite sorry for him.

"How could you do this to me?!" Luffy cried out in horror, now on the ground with his tongue stuck out in disgust.

"I should ask you the same thing!" Zoro yelled, now standing from his chair.

"You guys are idiots!" Nora cried out, hunched over the table in her fit of laughter, trying to stop the small giggles. "You're causing a scene!"

As if they hadn't been causing enough of a scene as it was, Sanji came rushing over with hearts practically swirling around him. Knocking Luffy and Zoro out of the way, he came and stood before Nora and Nami, his arms spread with a lovestruck look on his face.

"Oh no." Nora groaned, not looking forward to being on the receiving end of Sanji's lovesickness.

She'd dealt with a small bit of it earlier but this time, with Nami with her, she'd be taking on the real deal. As Sanji began to speak in a way that reminded her of Shakespeare, all she could do was shake her head. Nami didn't seem to bothered by it but she could see at Luffy, Zoro and Usopp were confused at his actions. She let out a sigh of relief when she noticed Zeff leaning against the wall and watching on in disapproval.

"But alas!" Sanji said, clutching at his heart. "'Tis tragic there is such a great obstacle standing between the three of us!"

"By obstacle, do you mean me Sanji?" Zeff said, causing Sanji to jump and let out a curse of shock, his lady killer mode being dropped.

"Thank god." She said, relaxing back in her seat. "It's over."

"It's a good chance. Just go and be a pirate." Zeff said, standing off the wall and taking a step towards them, continuing to speak despite Sanji's confusion. "I don't need a guy like you in my restaurant."

As the pair began to argue back and forth, Nora decided to take this chance to get some more of the delicious food into her. It wasn't exactly peaceful but she knew this would be the most peace she'd have for quite some time. Once Krieg and his crew arrived it would be full on. Besides, there really was no point letting all the food go to waste. When Zeff grabbed Sanji to slam into the table, she quickly grabbed her plate and accepted that she wasn't going to get peacefulness, even now.

"You can try to chase me out all you want but I'll continue to cook here, ya hear?" Sanji yelled in anger at his mentor, his statement making Nora smile slightly. He may not have realised it yet but what he was saying wasn't true. "Until the day you die at the very least."

"I ain't dying." Zeff said, turning his back and walking away. "I'll live for another hundred years."

Well if Doctor Kureha can do it, I don't see why Zeff can't. Nora contemplated with a thoughtful frown. I wonder if I'll make it to one hundred…

"Alright! He gave you permission!" Luffy said with a laugh, turning to Sanji. "Now you can be a pira-"

"As if!" He yelled in response.

I don't think I'll even make it to twenty if I stick around them…


So I just want to start of this chapter by saying a massive thank you! As I'm writing this, this story has 110 follows which is absolutely insane! When I first started this story I was convinced no one was going to read it so to have this many people who follow the story and look forward to the new chapters is just so amazing. As if that wasn't already amazing enough, the last chapter actually got 12 reviews! I love reading all of your reviews so much and to those who left some, thank you so much for taking the time to write them out and share your thoughts!

Now moving on, how do you guys feel about this chapter? I actually had a lot of fun writing this! The Baratie arc is going to provide more opportunity for me to include more of Nora's independant options so I'm super pumped for that! Plus the Straw Hat crew is really starting to come together which I love! There was actually quite a few important things to note in this chapter about her past (also her future *hint hint*). Have you formed any theories on her past yet?

Like I said last chapter, school holidays are very soon! (as in 2 days away so I'm super excited!) I have two weeks off so I'm hoping to either update 3 (maybe 4?) chapters rather than just two or perhaps just write longer chapters. Don't kill me if neither of these things end up happening!

Well anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you all for the next one (at least I hope I will). Follow/Favourite so you can know when I update and please leave a review so I know what you're thinking about the story and Nora :)