I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Time went by fast. Lutricia were as often at Luffy's place as she was home. She liked being there and she got close to Makino, who helped her with women stuff. Shanks was relieved not to go through all that stuff with her. Whenever Lutricia was home, she hung out in the kitchen with her laptop, talking or joking with Thatch.

It was mid-November as Lutricia realized that she indeed had fallen for their cook. She sat in her room and looked at the mirror, brushing her hair. Lightly she bit her lip, wondering what to do now. It was the first time she had falling in love and it just had to be Thatch. Thinking about it, it didn't surprise her that much. He was friendly, kind, good-looking and always there when she needed him.

However, she had no clue how he felt about her. Did he only saw her as a friend? Or only as the daughter of his boss? Or did he have deeper feelings for her? Lutricia did not know what to do or how to act around him now she had realized what she felt for him. He would probably find out that something was wrong. She gazed at the clock. 8 a.m. She found her phone and made a call.

'Makino.'

"Hey Makino, it's Lu. Do I disturb you?"

'No, not at all. What is it?'

"I've just realized that I'm in love and I have no idea what to do now."

' … So you've falling in love? It's a nice feeling, isn't it?'

"Yes, but …"

'If you want I can come over in an hour.'

"That would be nice. I really need your advice."

'Then I'll come. See you.'

"See you."

Lutricia hung up and took a deep breath. Luckily it was Sunday and Thatch was not coming today. It was his day off and he was going to spend it with his family. So she could get advice from Makino how to react around him the next day. And what to tell her dads, if she had to tell them anything.

She readied herself and went downstairs. Zoro and Shanks always slept in on Sundays, but Mihawk was up, sitting in the quiet kitchen, having breakfast and reading the newspaper. She smiled and said good morning, before making breakfast to herself. She felt the eyes of Mihawk on her, but shrugged it off, until she was seated.

"What's with you?" he asked.

"… I just have some problem," she said, avoiding his eyes.

"Something I can help with?"

"Uhm, I don't think so. I called Makino and she'll come around 9. I need the advice of a woman," she said.

Mihawk smirked. "I see. Boy trouble?"

"Kind of."

"Very well then. I'm glad you befriended Makino. She'll help you with that kind of stuff, where your father and I can't. Not that I don't want to help you with that, but something are better to talk with a woman about, when you're a young woman," he said.

Lutricia smiled. Mihawk was always so understanding. He was also calm and didn't freak out, when she said it was involving a boy. Her dad however would have been close to faint, thinking of her dating or having trouble with boys. She smirked, while eating. From her mother she knew that fathers always would want their little girls stay little for as long as possible and they didn't want them to grow up and going out with boys.

"You shouldn't let your father now that you're in love. Not yet," said Mihawk.

"Who said I was in love?" Lutricia looked stunned at Mihawk.

"No one said that, but your body betrays you and especially your eyes," he said.

Lutricia blushed. "You're too observant, Mihawk."

Mihawk smirked. "It does suit you though. Just be careful."

She blushed even more and looked down at her food. She hadn't thought of the possibility that Mihawk knew. Hell, she just realized it this morning. However, she was glad that he knew and that he would support her. Did he knew who she was in love with or did she just show signs of being in love?

"If he likes you the same way, you should probably say it to Shanks right away. Hiding it would only make things worse. Your father would surely understand you, once he calms down. Don't worry. I'll be on your side. He knows what will happen, if he hurts you or force you to do something you don't want to," said Mihawk.

"You know who?" she looked at him.

"I know. Just promise me to take things slowly. Don't rush, Lutricia. You're still young and you have a lot of experience in front of you," he said, folding the newspaper.

Never had she thought that Mihawk would be so calm about this matter. He was so protective over her, watching the boys that visited them. And know he said it was fine she dated Thatch? It didn't make sense, unless … Unless he knew that Thatch might have the same feelings for her. Or that he doesn't and therefor there was no chance that she would date him.

"Now you sound like mom. She always said that to me," she smiled.

"She must have been the most wonderful woman on earth. Looking at you I know. Not everyone could raise a lovely, caring and kind woman like you," he said.

Lutricia smiled. "Don't let daddy hear you say that. He wants some honor too," she grinned.

"It's our secret then."

-x-

As Makino came, she and Lutricia went to Lutricia's room. After the talk with Mihawk, Lutricia was still confused, but happy to know that at least one of her dads was on her side, letting her get some experiences. However, it also was confusing that he knew even before she knew. It was so typical Mihawk.

"So who did you fall in love with?" Makino sat on the chair, while Lutricia sat on her bed.

"Thatch," Lutricia blushed.

Makino smiled brightly. "Ah, I see. Well, he is good-looking, can cook, has ambitions and is a caring and kind man."

"Yeah. And the way he smiles and sings when he is cooking … I love to watch him cook. It's so clear it is what he loves the most," said Lutricia and lied onto her bed.

"It has hit you hard on. Oh I remember the first time I fell in love. His name was Dalton," sighed Makino.

"Did you date him?" Lutricia gazed at her.

"For 8 months," she answered.

"How did you start to date?"

"Well, a friend of mine helped me. I was really shy back then, so I didn't have the courage to ask him out. Besides, back then, it was the men that should ask you out. The way to gain their attention and to let them know you're interested is hard. Today is far easier," said Makino.

"I don't know how to let Thatch know that I want to be more than just friends," she said.

"Why don't you start with asking what kind of interest he has, besides cooking?" asked Makino.

"He loves his family and he loves to sing … That's what I know," said Lutricia.

"Then ask what kind of music he likes and so on. And don't forget to tell a little more about yourself," smiled Makino.

"Do you think it will work? I mean, what if he doesn't like me like that?" Lutricia looked insecure at Makino.

"Then that's just bad luck. I know it's harsh, but you'll get over it and fall in love again. Love is not always forever," said Makino.

Lutricia smiled. "Have you told Luffy?"

Makino smiled. "Not yet, but soon. I think tonight. After all he deserves to know," she said.

"So it's that serious?"

"It is. I don't fear his reaction, because I know he'll be happy, but … We weren't sure what it was until now. We talked about it last night, when Luffy slept over with Usopp."

Lutricia smiled. "He'll be so happy. And I'm so happy for him and you."

"Thanks Lu. I do wish you'll …"

A knock on the door interrupted her and Lutricia sat up.

"Come in," she said.

"Morning Lu. Hello Makino," said Shanks with a smile.

"Morning daddy."

"Morning Shanks."

"You should have said we got a guest this early, Lu," scolded Shanks.

"But I just invited her this morning, because I have some important stuff to talk about with another woman," said Lutricia.

"And it couldn't wait, I guess. Sorry for interrupting and for being asleep when you came, Makino."

"It's alright, Shanks. You work hard and you should enjoy your weekend as you pleases," smiled Makino.

He grinned at her, before leaving the room. Lutricia exhaled slowly. She loved her father, but if he knew the real reason why Makino was here, he would get a heart attack. In his eyes, Lutricia was still a girl and not a 15, almost 16, year-old. One month from now and she would turn 16. And the weekend after, there would be a great Christmas Ball. She hoped she could go as Thatch's girlfriend.

"So got any idea on how to win over his heart?" Makino looked at her.

"Somewhat. Thanks Makino. You're a great friend," smiled Lutricia, before she went over and hugged her.

Makino chuckled. "Every time you need it, I'll help you."

Yep Lutricia fell in love with Thatch. Will she tell him? And what will Shanks do? And Mihawk? Will they accept it, if Lutricia and Thatch started to date? Or will they be against it?