Foxfire here with the next chapter. We've got a flashback for you all, because it's been a while. And it's someone you haven't seen before! You'll see who once you start reading. Ok...like line three. I know there will be questions. I'd answer them here, but that would be a spoiler, so either wait a few chapters for the A.N answers to your questions, or ask in a review, and I'll P.M. you the answer. Lots going on here. Um, let's see...what CAN I cover? Oh, Turkish tea is very good, I tried some today. Wait, that's got nothing to do with the chapter. Oh, I've got a few more chapters for this that are in the drawing-board phase, and again, thanks to Bard for their help as usual I'll be going back over older chapters and editing for grammar/spelling if I've spotted mistakes and maybe tightening up one or two small things that I'm probably the only person who notices over the next few weeks. That's about it.

Question of the chapter: "Teas or Coffees?" Teas! LOVE tea! Seriously, green, red, black, herbal, you name it. I like my leaf-juice.

One year ago

"Thank you, sir." The teen smiled brightly, brushing back her dark chestnut hair as the cabby pulled to the side of the street and let her in.

"No prob, no prob. You visiting, ya? Family?"

Vivi replied easily, "I'm with my father on a business trip. I thought I'd take in the sights while he was in a meeting."

"Ah, Good! Good City! Lots of sites! Where to first?: She recognized the accent now as the driver pulled into traffic.

"If you could, I'd like to go down to Time Square?" She replied in Turkish, earning a surprised look.

"You're Turkish?"

"No, Israeli. I've been to Turkey, though. It is a lovely country." Her mocha eyes warmed at the memories.

He pulled back over to the side, "Yes, yes it is. Well, here we are, Miss. Enjoy your trip, but please. Be careful."

"I will be. Thank you." The girl looked at the fare and added another ten to the amount before handing it over before climbing out of the car, "Have a great day, sir."

He pulled away with a wave, and then she was alone. A grin broke out across her face, nothing like the polite smiles before that were so mature for her age. This one was much more appropriate for a teenaged girl on an adventure.

New York City was amazing, just like Vivi had heard. Her cousin who lived and worked in the United States of America had been the one to convince her father to let her come with him on his trip. Her father Cobra was a well respected diplomat who had been in talks with the mayor of New York recently on behalf of the Israeli Embassy. He'd been making great strides, though he'd made enemies as well. So Vivi could understand why he was hesitant to let her explore the city she'd heard so much about.

Really, she could.

She just hoped he understood why she just had to see it for herself, this beautiful city. Something she couldn't do with Igaram curtailing her every move. So, she'd done what every teenager did in that situation. She'd cut out while her father was at a meeting. Igaram thought she was back at the hotel, an upset stomach ruining her plans. The somewhat odd man had been willing to nurse her, but she had oh so kindly insisted he enjoy a day off and see the city for himself. Leaving her free to slip out, of course.

Time Square was loud, bright and full of energy, even this early in the day, and Vivi took her time enjoying the atmosphere. She followed the general flow of the crowd and soon found herself winding her way down one street full of shops with the most adorable clothing. No, no, I shouldn't. Papa will notice if I buy something, I'm sure. Maybe tomorrow I shall get to go shopping, though. From there, she wandered with no real destination in mind. They'd been in the city a few days already and her father had already taken her to see the Statue of Liberty. After his meeting tomorrow morning, the plan was for them to go sightseeing together and finish the day at a fancy restaurant something she was really looking forward to. Vivi didn't want to spoil it by visiting the places first without him. Her thoughts drifted for a while as she watched an elderly woman feed the pigeons, a whole crowd of birds surrounding her.

Hunger called her to a food cart where she picked up two kebabs and a water. Looking around, the area was a lot different than the neighborhoods by time square. From where Vivi stood, she could see graffiti coloring the walls of a nearby building. A truck drove past covered as well. She hid a smile.

"New York is such a colorful place," she said to herself as she continued to walk.

There were men were coming in her direction. Idly, shifted slightly so as not to be too close to them on the sidewalk, "Excuse me."

As she passed, she once again was amazed at the freedom of fashion in America, where people could go around dressed so outrageously. On of the men reminded her a lot of that peanut mascot from the canister in their hotel room...with an eggy twist. The other was just as odd with a variable mane of hair and fangs. Vivi thought it was called body modification... but she wasn't sure. Either way, it was something she was sure she'd never see back home, and she resisted the urge to turn and stare. It would be rude, after all. Which is why she didn't realize until half a block later that they following her.

She looked for a cab to hail, but of course there were none around. A glance over the shoulder showed the ugly expressions on their faces, reminding her that she was alone, and while she wasn't exactly helpless, she was at a disadvantage. Vivi didn't know what they wanted, or if they were armed. That was her biggest fear, that they had guns. Knives she could deal with, Pell had seen to that. She waited until she'd rounded another corner and was momentarily out of their line of sight before taking off at a dead run. It didn't matter where she was going, only that she lost them. Unfortunately the man with the monocle was faster. She'd barely made it half a block before a hand closed on her wrist, jerking her to a painful stop.

"OW! Let go!" She yelped, tugging her arm free. Vivi backed up against the wall, trying to remember what her cousins and her bodyguard had taught her about defending herself even as she stood tall. "Why are you bothering me? I have done nothing to you."

"Oh yeah? You're here, ain't ya-gah?" one of the two men sneered down at her his fangs giving him a weird lisp.

His partner made a rude gesture,"Oui. We wouldn't want any sand-rats to settle here!"

She felt her cheeks flush again. This...this bigotry! How can there be people so...so... to her shame, tears were threatening to fall. These men were some of the oddest people she'd come across, and yet they were so mean. This was not a side of the city she had wanted to see, and she wished more than anything Igaram was here. Particularly when the one man, the one with the shades, took a threatening step forward.

"We'll teach you to stay in your own country-gah." He cracked his knuckles.

"There you are!" Black messy hair, a beat up hat resting on the back as a hand grabbed hers and started to lead her away from the wall "You didn't have to come looking for me you know!"

"Hey, you! Excuse-moi, we were busy here!" the monocled man snarled.

The one holding her hand glanced at her over the shoulder, a pout on his face. Vivi noticed a scar under on eye, "Eh? Oh, sorry. Hurry up, or we're gonna be late, k?"

"You're that Luffy brat, aren't gah?." the boy with the hat nodded, "You know this chick?"

Vivi attempted to hide her nervousness. She'd never seen this boy before in her life, though she appreciated what he was trying to do.

"Yeah! Of course! This is Bluebell. She's a friend." Luffy chirped happily.

The others apparently didn't believe him, "Bluebell? You expect me to buy that shit? Why you covering for a Sand-rat, gah?"

"Sand rat?" His head cocked to the side, "OH! That would be a rat made of sand, right? Bluebell isn't made of sand...do you have a naked tail?" he looked very serious about the question when he looked at her.

"N-no...?"

"Are you done with your friends, Bluebell? Cause, we're gonna be late for that thing if we don't go now."

"What 'thing', s'il vous plaît," the other man asked, still blocking the boy's way.

The boy pouted and pulled out his phone. He gave her an apologetic look before returning his attention to the screen as he looked through his contact list, "Let's see...ah, here he is..."

"We're still waiting for an answer."

"I know, I just gotta call Zoro and let him know we're gonna be...," the phone was at his ear, "Zoro! Shishishi! Didya get lost?..." they boy's grin grew wider, "yeah, I know. Bluebell wasn't where I told her to meet me! We're gonna be late because...what's that beeping?...you can't hear it?...ah, I forgot to charge my phone, shihishi. Well. We're on our way... huh? Ok..." He hit the speaker on his phone.

"...so you guys know. Shut up, speakers on. Listen up, Luffy, Bluebell, you guys better hurry it up. Ace is out looking for you, 'cuz you're LATE. And charge your phone, you moron!" the line went dead.

"..it died. We gotta go, bye!" Luffy grabbed her wrist again and dragged her between the two men, pushing past them. She noticed that both of them looked vaguely nervous now and wondered why that was.

Vivi was forced to jog after the other who still held onto her wrist for two whole blocks. Finally, when she was about to stumble, the boy slowed down and let go of her. He turned to face her, the biggest grin on his face as he watched her catch her breath. His brown eyes danced in merriment, and a funny chuckle escaped him. It soon became a full blown laugh, and Vivi found herself laughing right along with him as it dawned on her what had just happened.

"That was...just like in the movies..!" She panted between laughter. "Amazing!"

His grin just got wider, if that was possible, "I know! Luffy."

Vivi blinked at the hand thrust in front of her, it taking a moment to process that he was introducing himself. She'd never had someone do so in such an informal, actually rude manner, but it suited him. She took the hand, "Vivi."

"Nice to meet ya, Vivi!" He put his hat on, "So, you lost? Zoro gets lost all the time."

"No! No...I'm...visiting the city with my family. I thought I'd do some exploring on my own, and, well..." She looked around and realized that she really didn't have a clue where she was at the moment. The area around them did look a little seedy, but actually better than it had when she'd been cornered.

"You're lost." Luffy laughed, which she huffed in reply. "Why not call them?"

Vivi blushed. She'd left her phone back at the hotel. It was a new model, and it had a gps tracker built in. A tracker that her father frequently used to check up on her with, even though she'd asked him not to. "I, uh, forgot it."

"Hmmmm. Too bad. I'd offer you mine, but, it died." He held it up and wagged it around before pocketing it again.

"Well, I can just hail a cab, then. Thanks again for the help." Vivi smiled brightly. Hailing a cab was really her first choice anyway, even if she did kind of want to cry now that the shock was wearing off.

Luffy gave her a surprisingly serious look before shaking his head. "No taxies around here. Nearest place to catch one is the docks or over by Sanji's. I guess you could come to my place to use the phone, but I'm already late..."

"No no, I couldn't..." She felt a twinge of panic. Luffy seemed harmless enough, but her cousin had told her many dangerous people looked that way to lure victims to them. The boy apparently didn't notice her apprehension, however as he once again grabbed her hand. "Where are you taking me?!"

"To the party, of course!"

She gaped, "P-party?"

"Yeah! I've kinda planned this party, you should stay! You'll love it! There'll be lots of food, Sanji's a great cook. Everyone's gonna be there. Maybe."

"What's it a party for?" She trotted after him, not really being given much of a choice. She had to smile when he acted like she should know who everyone was.

"Um...I forgot. Shishishi." He waved his other hand, "Who cares? It's a party! Sanji's pops, well, he's not really his pops, but kinda...he's fixing up the place for some big-wig tomorrow, so we've got the whole place to ourselves! Isn't that awesome?"

"Luffy, I don't understand, what place?" The neighborhood around them was much nicer as the two slowed to a walk.

"He'll let you use the phone to call your family, too. But you should stay for the party!" He pointed to the doors of a fancy restaurant, a sign in the window stating 'private party'. Vivi's eyes traveled up, taking in the fancy script of Baratie, the very same restaurant her father had made reservations at for the next day.

She gaped at Luffy, "You, you've got to be joking."

"No, you really should stay! We're friends, right?" Luffy looked at her confused as he pushed open the door.

She was tempted to drag the foolish boy out when the rather large group inside looked up. Everyone seemed to be just waiting around, and a good number of them seemed to be dangerous people. A man with vibrant green hair looked away from an argument with a blond fellow to see who'd opened the door, a sour look on his face. Vivi quickly put a hand on Luffy's arm to drag him out, diplomatic apologies already on her tongue.

"Hey!" Luffy shouted, grinning.

"You're late." The green haired man grumbled, "Ace'll be by in a few. He was looking all over for you."

"Gesh, you idiot, what the hell happened? You forget your own party?" A girl with red-orange hair gripped, a smile on her face.

"I got hungry." He shrugged, leading Vivi into the room. The blond man pulled out a chair for her and had poured her a drink before she could say no, "Then I saw Bluebell being bullied, so I stopped it."

One man who was sitting backwards on his chair chuckled. He was also blond, but only had a tuft of hair on the crown of his head, and the most laid back expression Vivi had ever seen. She was instantly wary of him, and to her shame, he could apparently tell, for he winked at her before smiling at Luffy. "Rescuing damsels, now, Luffy?" He turned his smile to her, "I take it you're 'Bluebell'?"

Vivi nodded, causing both the sleepy looking man and the man sitting next to him with a pompadour hairstyle to laugh. The other man slapped his friend and said, "Luffy strikes again. Told you it was gonna be a person, Zoro. Pay up."

"Ch. Luffy, where the hell did you get Bluebell from? And you? What the fuck is your name, anyway?" The green haired man snapped at the two of them while he crumpled a twenty and tossed it at the two laughing men.

"HEY! Moss-head, don't talk to a lady like that!" The other blond kicked his chair.

"Shut up, shitty-cook! You thought it was a cat." He snapped back.

"Now, now..." a teen with a very long nose interrupted, pointing to her, "you're scaring blu...eh...sorry. I don't know your name."

"It's Bluebell!"

"Shut up, Luffy!" Everyone chorused, and Vivi laughed. The tension she had been aware of melted the moment she did.

These people weren't scary at all, she realized. They were just different, very different then she was used to. "I'm Vivi. Vivi Nafriti. If it wouldn't be too much trouble...I'd like to join your party, and if I could, use your phone?"

"No problem, Princess." The one blond replied, walking over to the counter and picking up a cordless phone.

"Ignore Sanji. He calls all women 'Princess' or 'Goddess'. He's basically a nice guy, though." The red haired girl smiled, "I'm Nami, by the way. The scowling guy with green hair is Zoro, the dude with the nose"

"Hey!"

"is Usopp, and those two are Marco and Thatch...sorry, I'm still not sure which one is which."

"Marco's the pineapple and Thatch is the banana!" Luffy grinned. Everyone stared at him for a moment before Usopp cracked up laughing.

"That's...just so you...Oh God..." He stifled it under the harsh glares he was getting, "eh-hum, so, Luffy...why 'Bluebell?'"

"Because I think..."

"Oy, Luffy! You little shit, I spent an hour looking for you you know!" A voice interrupted from the doorway.

"Ace! Don't you think her hair would be awesome if it was dyed?"

The guy came forward. He had black hair and dark eyes, with lots of freckles across his face. The look he gave Vivi as she held the phone was definitely one she recognized. It felt like he was judging her soul, but unlike the looks she'd received from politicians, she didn't sense any expectations from him. In a way, it was even more frightening than Marco's sleepy gaze. Then Ace grinned sardonically at her and the moment passed. I've been judged, "Yeah, a bluebell color, right?"

"That's got to be a brother kind of thing..." muttered Usopp.

"Bullshit, I've got siblings. That right there? That's an Ace and Luffy kind of thing. Scary shit, right there." Thatch returned.

Ace ignored them as he sat next to Luffy and rested his arms on his brother's head to get a better look at her, "So you're 'Bluebell' huh?"

"Yes. My name is..."

"Vivi Nafratiti, daughter of Cobra, diplomat extraordinaire here on business for the week. Right?" She nodded, impressed and a little frightened at the same time. Ace smirked, "Saw you on the Israeli news I think it was day before yesterday. Cute dress you had on, by the way. So, who'd you save her from, Lu?"

"Ace, you know everything!" Luffy grinned into the table, ignoring the weight of his brother's arms as Sanji put food in front of him, "It was those weird guys from Big Mam's crew."

Zoro shook his head, "They're getting out of hand. Last week the broke into a mosque, and I've heard rumors of them attacking anyone with a middle-Eastern accent."

"No kidding! A few deli's have actually shut down because of them. Shali's family moved; they threatened to kill him." Usopp put in.

"Well, Vivi. Anyone outside this room asks, you're Bluebell. You've been Luffy's penpal for the last couple of years and when he found out you were coming to New York, he threw you a party. Got it?" Ace asked her, getting a nervous nod, "Cool. Listen, it's just for around here and in the, uh, bad parts of town. You paying attention Luffy?"

"She's not my penpal, though..."

"Idiot..." Nami thrust a piece of paper under Vivi's face and handed her a pen, "Write something. Anything."

"Ok." She thought she understood what the other meant to do, Thank you again for saving me - Bluebell "There. Here you go, Luffy."

The boy read the note, then grinned, taking the pen he scribbled something on the back before handing it over. Looking at it, it read, You're welcome! Let's be friends! - Luffy

"Now that that's all out of the way, let's party!" Usopp cheered, raising his cup, "To old friends, new friends, and friends you didn't even know you had, kampai!"

Vivi took a drink with everyone else before remembering she still hadn't called Igaram like she'd wanted to. Excusing herself from the table she walked over to a quieter place and made the call, leaving a message on his phone asking if he'd pick her up. She'd barely put the phone down before Nami had snuck up behind her and swung her around into a spinning dance while the guys clapped along. Afterwards while she sampled some delicious food prepared by Sanji, who was apparently a sous-chef, Usopp told tall tales of adventure on the high seas. Marco laughed and then started spinning a tale about being a soldier during a war, only for the whole thing to dissolve into a argument over Halo's Red vs Blue instigated by Luffy and Thatch.

She knew she should be scandalized, after all they ate with their hands more often than not and spoke with food in their mouths. The comments and language used were also much harsher than anything she was used to hearing, save for the occasional movie. The thing was, Vivi was having a blast. She'd always admired her cousins for their freer lifestyle while she'd diligently trained to be the ideal diplomats daughter. She realized right away that these were the 'uncouth masses' her father referred to with pity, but she saw nothing to pity them for. In fact, she wondered if her father couldn't learn a thing or two about what good his talks were really doing from her new friends.

It was in the middle of Luffy trying to teach her a drinking song, they were only drinking Fanta!, that Igaram rolled in like a storm cloud. The man who'd been part bodyguard and part confidant took one look at her with Luffy's arm casually draped across her shoulders and his expression turned black. Luffy, of course, didn't notice.

"I'll have one whiskey, one porter, one rye, And bring me some cider I'll give that a try, Bring me two rums, one buttered one cold, And bring me a scotch at least seven years old...Hey, Vivi, you stopped singing! We just got to the best part, too. Who's that?" He pointed his bottle at the now furious man.

"Unhand the lady, you, you lowlife." Igaram hissed.

Everyone went silent. Sanji picked up her plate with a nod, "Looks like your ride is here. I'd ask if he wants to stay, but I don't think he does. Want a pirate-bag?"

She shook her head before turning to her guardian, "Igaram, it's not what it looks like."

"Vivi get in the car. Now. We will discuss this later." He continued to glare at the party goers who just watched him with what seemed to be amusement for some strange reason.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I had a wonderful time." Vivi politely curtsied before exiting the building and entering the car. She knew she was in for a long lecture.

Igaram didn't let her down, "Out with a bunch of hoodlums! I thought you were sick, Vivi. Honestly, I'm so disappointed in you. And that boy! He was being way too forward with you, I should tell your father. How dare he put his arm around you like that! Though I shouldn't be surprised. What is this country coming to, where they let their minors get drunk and molest people like that?"

"He wasn't drunk," she began, only to be interrupted.

"I beg to differ. He was singing a drinking song!"

"Igaram, he was drinking Fanta, first off. Secondly, you don't know Luffy. He doesn't like alcohol."

"Hrmp. I'm sure you two got really cozy then." He admonished, "Vivi, honestly, the scandal!"

"Nothing happened, Igaram. If you must know, Luffy saved me from some thugs while I was out exploring, and yes I know I wasn't supposed to be out on my own. My new friends already read me the riot act on that one."

The silvery blond glanced in the rear view mirror at her, a look of appraisal in his eyes as he took that in, "Good, then I don't have to."

"I was cornered by two antisemitic, and Luffy just dragged me out of the situation. You should have seen him, Igaram! It was just like in all those movies you and I watch, where the man pretends to know the woman? He didn't even throw a punch, just lead me away. I think though that Papa needs to know about some of the things I heard."

"Oh? Like what?"

"Israeli shop owners being run out of town in the lower income areas. Usopp said it was anyone who looked even remotely 'middle eastern' who were being persecuted. The others said it was worse towards the docks."

Igaram was silent for a moment, "Let me deal with that, Vivi. You will keep your mouth shut about this little escapade, young lady. Your father would have my head if he found out."

Vivi spent the next day more than a little afraid that her father would bring up her little adventure while the two of them explored the city together. Their bodyguards trailed behind at a discreet distance as the two admired the displays on fifth avenue, and she pointed out the fancy little shops she'd seen the day before. When Cobra finally led his daughter to the well lit doors of the Baratie Vivi shot Igaram a grateful look over her shoulder. The man had apparently kept quiet, sparing her the inevitable fatherly lecture.

She smiled to see Sanji as their waiter, and rolled her eyes slightly as the blond winked at her when he pulled out her chair, "Welcome back, 'Bluebell'." He continued louder, "My name is Sanji, I'll be your waiter for this evening. Please, if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask. Tonight our special is a braised lamb shanks en croûte served with a selection of fresh vegetables steamed to perfection."

"That sounds delectable," Her father interrupted, "Tell me, what have you in the way of appetizers and soups?"

"Sir, this is the Baratie. Just ask for it, and we will provide it. Though if I may recommend our onion soup for your consideration. It's very good." Sanji passed over five sleak looking menus.

Opening the portfolio, she wasn't surprised to see many of the items in the appetizers had been served yesterday. What did surprise her was the prices on the menu, everything from ten dollars to over the entrees. This was truly a place that catered to everyone, just as her father had said. As Sanji took his leave, Vivi politely suggested a few of the more interesting things she had sampled that her father would enjoy. The moment they were ready, Sanji was there taking the order before whisking away, the polite unobtrusive waiter. Nothing like how he had been the day before. She hid a giggle.

"Vivi my dear, why are you smiling?" Her father raised a cultured eyebrow at her.

"That family in the corner, it's sweet," She covered, pointing to a pair of grandparents with their grandson. Both of the grandparents were anything but sweet-looking, however. The woman was dressed like someone at least fifty years younger, and the man resembled a goat with a top-hat to her. Not to mention they were arguing over the boy's head.

Cobra looked over at the family then back at her, casually picking up his wine glass, a smile on his lips that said he didn't believe her at all, "Sure it is, sweetheart."

Luckily she was saved from answering when Sanji brought out their soups. As suggested, they had all gone with the French onion. She had not tried it the day before, but Nami had mentioned that it was one of the most popular things on the menu with all the customers. It was really amazing soup, and she could easily see why it was so popular.

Once again Sanji was there at just the right moment ready to take their bowls, but not obtrusive. Just as he was reaching for Pell's a shrill siren cut through the soft background music. Various patrons looked up and out to the windows, watching in silence as two fire trucks went racing down the road followed shortly by cop cars.

Sanji's hand rested on her's briefly, "Relax, it nothing to worry about. Enjoy your meal."

"Thank you," She nodded, looking at her appetizer sampler. She missed the look her father gave her as a result.

They were barely halfway into the appetizers when her attention was caught once again. This time by a tall waiter hastily walking over to the family she'd been watching earlier. She couldn't make out what he said, but he seemed agitated. It was only when he turned to go, leading the young child with him that she recognized the waiter as Ace with a start. His expression was strained, and she wondered what was going on as she worriedly watched the two of them leave.

"Miss Vivi, you were right, these crab stuffed mushrooms are simply amazing!" Igaram's voice broke through her thoughts. The look he gave her clearly said he'd look into it later for her.

"Yes, they are, aren't they?" Thank you. She looked at her father, "How are the scallops wrapped in beef? I haven't had a chance to try that one yet."

"Fantastic. Simply fantastic. Really you must tell me..." He paused as two police officers entered the building. They were stopped by the door by the a formidable figure in a chefs hat. He had a mustache that was braided and tied off with bows, something that stuck her as funny considering what an intimidating figure he cut otherwise. Her father explained who it was, "That's Zeff. Good man, if a bit odd."

"I see. I wonder what they want?"

Chaka's attention seemed to be on his food, but she knew it wasn't, "They seem to be looking for someone." He paused, looking up, "They've found whoever it is."

"Zeff's not happy. They're going to make a scene if this keeps up. Looks like it's that kid." Pell nodded to a young looking teen with dark hair who was exiting the bathroom with the little boy who'd disappeared before.

Vivi did a doubletake, "L-Luffy?" she gasped.

The boy looked like he had a bad cold. he was coughing so hard. She noticed that his hands were also bandaged, and one arm had a warp that vanished under his long sleeve. The teen grinned at her when he spotted her, the effect lost as he almost doubled over coughing in the middle of it. The boy walking beside him practically dragged him over to the table and sat him down. She noticed that at some point another place had been laid, and it didn't look fresh, either. Vivi was confused by this, even when the police approached the table.

"Luffy Marshall?" One officer asked. The teen just nodded, drinking some water to quell his cough. "May I ask your whereabouts earlier this evening?"

"What is the meaning of this? Isn't it obvious he's been here with us?" the older man puffed, "Honestly."

"Yeah, and I call you a quack! Gesh. Some detectives, huh, Tony?" The woman's tone was scathing, "Luffy happens to be our friend, and we were treating him to a nice meal for a change. I'm a doctor, and I don't like the sound of that cough. Thought some rich food would do the trick."

"And the bandages?" The officer rested a hand on his belt, attempting to be intimidating, though it was apparent that public opinion was not on his side for some reason.

"Luffy was my patient today!" The little boy piped up, "I'm gonna be a doctor!"

Vivi smiled at that, the boy was absolutely adorable when he said that. Not that she doubted for a moment that he would make a great doctor some day. She barely noticed when Sanji placed her Entree in front of her, she was so entranced by the drama a table away. She did notice Ace carrying over the main course the that very same table, however.

"What are you doing here, Ace Marshall?" The officer seemed surprised to see him.

"Working. Excuse me, you're in my way, actually."

The old woman rolled her eyes, brushing back her silver hair, "Before you even go on about what a big coincidence this is, if course we knew he was working, you idiot! He's Luffy's precious big brother, after all. Might as well feed the boy up right under his nose so he knows I'm doing it right. Best pace in this city to boot. Now, if that'll be all, my pasta is getting cold."

"I'd like for the two of you to come down to the station with us later..." The officer began.

"Oh for the love of..." Her father muttered, before continuing in a louder voice, "Officer, I'd be quite put out if you disturbed my evening by taking those two young men in for questioning. You see, the boy happens to be my daughter's penpal and I was under the impression that the group of us were going to be catching an American movie after his big brother got off of work today. It was a shame that he couldn't go shopping with us earlier because of his cold, but I must admit, he does sound quite a bit better already. Isn't that right, Vivi?"

She stared at her father in shock for a second before smiling, "Yes, he does sound much better, father. How did you find out about the movie, though? That was supposed to be a surprise."

"Oh, I have my sources." He smiled benignly at her.

The officer hesitated for another moment before returning to his partner's side. They both gave Luffy and Ace a hard look, only to have the older brother ignore it and the younger grin back at them. The moment the officers left, there was an awful lot of hushed whispering going on, and wait staff were bustling from table to table, most likely answering questions.

"What just happened, Papa?"

Cobra chuckled heartily, "That, Vivi, was a very well played alibi. Chaka, remember Paris? Oh, those were the nights!"

"You were quite the cad back then, sir." Chaka grinned back. Vivi decided she didn't want to know.

"You know what, I'm not even going to ask." Ace seconded her thought from his seat at the table. All four of them stared at him in mild shock as he munched on some appetizers. "What? Sanji made me a plate when I got here."

"Ace, I presume?" Her father's tone meant it wasn't a question, more of a challenge.

He waved off the challenge, "Me'n'Lu...I mean Luffy and I, sorry, rough night...want to thank you. You know, for sticking your neck out like that. It...doesn't happen alot around here, you know?"

"What about your friends over there? Or Zeff?" He returned.

"Different." Ace shrugged, "They know us, you don't. No reason for you to cover, even if we didn't do noth...anything wrong."

"Fair enough. Well then. Might I ask what exactly happened to, how do you American's say it, lite a fire under their asses?"

Ace gave out a bark of a laugh, causing Luffy's head to swivel around. As if he could feel his brother's eyes on him he waved a hand and the younger went back to eating with a shrug. He continued to chuckle for a moment however until Igaram finally asked him what was so funny.

"Sorry. It was a fire. Our building kinda burned down tonight. Burned pretty fast, too. Luffy and I were home, luckily, so we were able to get everyone else out before the place totally went up in smoke. Was a close call though, towards the end there. Of course, cops showed up right as we got old man Bennie out and overheard the old coot talking, so now they think I started the fire."

Vivi put her hands down from in front of her mouth, where they'd been hovering, "That's horrible! You should have told them you are innocent! You are a hero!"

"I'm no hero, and just because I didn't do this, doesn't mean I haven't done other things, you know? So I can see where they're coming from. It was better to just leave."

"This fire..." Pell began, "It wouldn't have anything to do with your little brother rescuing a young middle eastern girl from some thugs yesterday, would it?"

Ace froze, true fear racing across his face before melting into a mask of cockiness, "Nah. I doubt it." But Pell had his answer.

More importantly, Vivi had seen the truth, "Oh, Ace, I'm so sorry!"

"For what? Not getting the crap beat out of you, or worse? Even if Luffy had known what would have happened, he'd have become your friend anyway. That's the kind of guy my brother is, you know? Except now he's grumbling about how he should have beat them up... So seriously, don't worry about it. Next time you know better than to go exploring areas like that alone. Now, what movie do you want to go see? You're treating." He grinned.

Two additional notes. One, in my mind, the Baratie is definitely a high class place. But that's not to say that they don't have a wide menu available I think of it like a fancy restaurant with an attached bar, where you can order food from either menu if you feel like it. Does that make sense? Remember Baratie was originally started in One Piece because Zeff and Sanji's near starvation. So, I doubt he'd turn anyone away. Second little fun note. The song Luffy is trying to get Vivi to sing? It's a real song. It's called "One for the road" by the Jolly Rogers. (Yes, note the iorny there.) It's a fun song, and I'll randomly start singing it. Basically just lists booze. Great way to get odd looks from people.