"Embrace the glorious mess that you are." -Elizabeth Gilbert

"Are you cold?"

"No. You?"

"It's getting better."

Minette and Chopper sat side by side, watching the waves break against the ship and carry them along their course.

Chopper moved closer and Minette marveled at his warmth. "This isn't fair."

Chopper laughed. "If it were a coat, I'd give it to you, but it didn't come with a zipper." Chopper shifted, stood, then sat in Minette's lap. He wrapped her arms around himself along with the blanket to trap in as much heat. "Better?"

Minette hummed, tightening her hold and shoving her face into the fur between his neck and shoulder. "Much."

Chopper laughed again, squirming slightly. "Stop! That tickles!"

Minette only giggled, then sighed as she lifted her head to look out to the ocean. Her eyes traveled to the stars, the once dark blue sky fading into light as the sun began to rise. Her gaze stopped on the single brightest star straight ahead and she smiled, pleased that she didn't have to get up and correct their course.

Nothing but the waves below and Luffy's loud snoring from the sleeping chambers interrupted the silence, then: "Mouse," Chopper spoke, "Why don't you sleep?"

Minette's gave broke from the horizon as dread clawed up her spine, but only for a second. She shook away her thoughts and smiled. "I just don't get tired, I guess."

Chopper didn't seem to like her answer as he frowned. He said, "Do you know what insomnia is?"

"No."

"It's when someone is really, really tired, but their brain won't let them sleep. And not sleeping is bad. After a few days without rest, the body can go into shock and that person can die."

Good thing I can't die, Minette thought.

"Okay. Good to know."

"It's not okay, Mouse. I'm… I'm trying to say I'm concerned about you."

Minette looked down to Chopper. "Me?"

"It's just, everyone expects you to stay up and watch the ship all night long. You said it yourself, that's the job you have on the ship, I just don't want anything bad to happen to you because of it."

"Chopper… You know I can't actually-"

"I know. I know," Chopper sighed. "But just because you can't die doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful. This body is the only one you have, so why not treat it nicely after all it's been through?"

Minette sat speechless as Chopper's words sunk in. She never thought about it that way, sure, with every wound comes a scar, but she never once thought of trying to preserve what parts of her have yet to be marked. For a long time, it was kill or be killed and she can't remember when that fact changed.

"You like the people in this ship, right?" Chopper continued.

"I love them."

"Then they probably don't want to see you get hurt just as much as you don't want to see them get hurt. Everyone on this ship knows you can't die, believe me, but the thought still scares them - still scares me - because what if, one day, you don't get back up?"

Minette didn't respond.

"Scars tell stories, Mouse, and as much as you pretend you don't have them and try to hide them under your clothes, the people closest to you still know what you've been through and what type of pain you've had to endure to get them. Everyone here sees them and are sad, and decide not to pester you about them, but I'm not going to stand back and watch you earn more. I don't mean to be rude, but I don't like playing pretend. That's how people get hurt."

Minette's heart blared in her ear drums, increasing in volume when Chopper's words died out, but it's rhythm never stuttered or raised. Her heart only swelled and pinched and moved oxygenated blood through her veins. It warmed her toes and fingers, fevered her face, ears, and neck; and finally, erupted into flames from Chopper's unconditional care and compassion. She was sad, yes, but also - for some reason - over the moon. Her nerves were shot, her stomach turned, but she couldn't find the words to express how she feels; instead, Minette smile, hugged Chopper closer, and closed her eyes.

"Don't worry," she said, "I sleep."

As time passed, Minette watched the golden sun rise over the horizon and cast away the shadowed sky. Chopper snored softly in her lap, easily falling asleep moments after their conversation ended, and Minette didn't care to move him - nor wanted to. Chopper was warm but not just externally, internally, as well. He is warm hearted and loving and has been since she first opened her eyes and officially met him; which led her to wonder how he was ever confused for a monster to begin with. If only the people on Drum Island had given him a chance, his life would've been different, but she couldn't make herself wish he had it easy at the time. If Chopper had never gone through such terrors, he would've never became a doctor, would've never met Minette and cure Nami of her disease, and would've never join the crew.

I'm so selfish, Minette thought.

Under her, the wood creaked and moaned before the hatch flipped open and Sanji's shimmering smile graced her presence. Minette returned the smile with a silent giggle as to not wake Chopper.

"Good morning, Squeak," Sanji whispered.

That's a new one, Minette thought, but the young girl smiled nevertheless. "I didn't hear you get up. How long were you awake?"

Sanji pulled himself from the hatch to sit on the edge. His long legs hanging from the hatch opening. "Not too long, my dear. But I did make hot chocolate for you and the good doctor. Come down and warm up while I cook breakfast."

"Alright," Minette smiled and watched as Sanji lowered himself back down and disappeared within minutes of his arrival.

Adjusting Chopper, Minette wrapped his in the blanket before carefully setting him on her back and tying the corners of the blanket around her shoulders and hips, the two knots meeting at the middle as the fabric criss crossed around her chest and held Chopper flush against her back. With that done, Minette stepped down, closed the hatch, and started her descent.

Feet safely planted on the deck, Minette avoided her unconscious crew members (Luffy, Usopp, and Zoro) as she made her way to the kitchen, and smiled at the fact that someone thought to bring out blankets to cover them during the night. It was probably Vivi since there was an abandoned one - which Minette assumed to be Sanji's - and because Nami flat out didn't care enough to think of it when it's happened before.

Entering the kitchen, Minette was immediately enveloped in the warm room and the strong scent of breakfast and hot chocolate. Walking to the table, she untitled Chopper from her back and laid him down then waded the blanket and shoved it under his head before turned towards Sanji.

Walking up behind the chef, Minette tugged on his pant leg and was carefully lifted and sat on the counter. Smiling, Minette looked to the pan Sanji was mixing. "What's that?"

Sanji handed Minette a warm mug with a smile. "This is hot coco, and this" - he pointed to the pan with his wooden spoon - "is potatoes, garlic, maple syrup, parsley, and bacon."

Minette scrunched her nose.

Sanji laughed, "But, I've seen some little mouse pick out the meat from her dishes and give it to Luffy without anyone else seeing." He bopped Minette on the nose, earning a giggling from her. "So, I've separated meat from non-meat on either side. Plus, I don't think Chopper eats meat anyway."

Taking a sip of her hot chocolate, Minette hummed with content. It was much better than the one Zoro made her not too long ago, but she shouldn't tell Sanji that. It'd only start a fight between the two.

Minette giggled at the thought, then: "Can I stir?"

"Be my guest. Just remember, that's your side, and that's their side. Don't mix together unless you want to pick out the meat."

Minette giggled, "Alright."

Taking the spoon from Sanji, Minette started stirring as Sanji did his best to detangle Minette's hair with the hairbrush Nami left in its own drawer for this soul purpose. As Minette stirred, Sanji hummed a song she's never heard and carefully worked out the knots. On occasion, Sanji would reach over to pinch some seasoning to sprinkle in the mix or adjust the stove flame. It was peaceful in the kitchen, even when Usopp found his way inside.

"Mornin' Mouse, Sanji," Usopp stretched and sat beside Chopper. By now, the reindeer was awake and sipping his hot coco with glee. "You too Chopper."

"Morning," Minette and Chopper hummed.

Sanji turned to Usopp. "Foods almost ready. Got any hot sauce left?"

"Yeah," Usopp frowned. "But it's for my special attack."

"Why do you need it for your attack?" Chopper asked.

Minette giggled, "He likes shooting it in the enemy's eyes."

"Ouch!" Chopper gaped.

"Whatever it takes to stay alive, my friend!" Usopp puffed his chest. "In fact, there was with one time where all I had to defend myself was just one bottle of hot sauce!"

Minette giggled but Sanji interrupted before Usopp could spiral into his story. "Yeah, yeah. I'll buy ya a new bottle at the next town if you're that low. All I need is a teaspoon."

"Oh," Usopp said. "Then that's fine." The long nose dug around in his bag before tossing the bottle to Sanji, which the cook effortlessly caught with one hand.

"You blow things out of proportion, don't you?" Chopper asked.

"Hey!" Usopp glared. "I'll have you know, I once wrestled five purple back gorillas at the same time!"

"What?! Really?!"

Minette giggled.

"Yup! Infact…"

Drowing out Usopp, Minette looked to Sanji as he carefully poured the orange hot sauce into a silver measuring spoon. Just before it could spill over the edge, Sanji handed it to her and every slowly, Minette drizzled it into the pan. They high fived, and Nami walked in with Vivi.

"Smells great in here, Sanji," Nami smiled, standing beside the chef and Minette as Vivi took a seat across from Usopp and Chopper.

"Almost done," Sanji sang. "Just a bit more salt and it'll be ready; so why don't you give Daddy a kiss and take our little mouse to the table."

Minette giggled as she watched Nami back away from Sanji's puckered lips before kicking his shin and punching his cheek. Pulling Minette from the counter, Nami walked to the table. "Not in your wildest dreams."

Sitting in between Usopp and Nami, the long nose turned to her. "Quick, Mouse! How many bowes was that?"

"It was-" Nami covered Chopper's mouth.

"Um," Minette hummed, looking Sanji up and down as he struggled to stand straight. She turned back to Usopp and held up two fingers. "Three times."

The room surrounded itself in soft chuckles.

"Well," Vivi smiled, looking at her two fingers. "She's not entirely wrong."

Minette smiled, proud of herself as Usopp tassled her hair. "We'll keep practicing," he said.

When Sanji announced breakfast was ready, it was as though that was the trigger to a bomb. In seconds of that announcement Luffy shot through the kitchen doors, Zoro quickly following behind so Luffy wouldn't eat his share. Everyone at, sharing little conversation here and there, but Minette couldn't help the laugh the she saw Luffy's face when she said she didn't have any meat to pick of her plate - it was as though she offended him in some way.

After breakfast, Nami waited for Sanji to be done cleaning the plates before calling everyone outside to the main deck.

Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper sat on the steps; Vivi, Nami, and Sanji stood; and Zoro sat against the railing - pulling Minette into his lap.

Nami leaned against the staircase railing, "We need to make up a plan. We'll be docking at Alabasta soon."

"What is Alabasta?" Chopper asked.

"It's the country where Vivi's father rules."

"Yeah," Usopp nodded, "Except there's this guy named Crocodile who's trying to take over the country right now."

Sanji blew out a puff of smoke, "And Crocodile is one of the Seven War Lords of the sea."

Chopper looked puzzled, "Oh, okay. Mouse explained some of this to me last night, but what's a War Lord?"

"They're pirates who were given authority by the World Government," Nami said.

"The government actually supports pirates?"

Everyone visibly tensed. Even Zoro's arms tightened around Minette as to comfort her while her bowed her head.

"Yeah," Usopp sounded disgusted. "The Seven War Lords are pretty powerful. You see, they go around defeating other pirates one-by-one. And that's why the government supports the War Lords. The idea is to have the pirates get rid of all the other pirates."

Smiling, Luffy said: "I'm really looking forward to meeting this Crocodile guy."

Vivi crossed her arms. "Crocodile is considered a hero back home. He helps get rid of the pirates who attack Alabasta. However, his good deeds only appear good on the surface. He is an evil man. In truth, he's manipulating the citizens of Alabasta to bring about a civil war so he can take over the country. No one has realized that Crocodile is doing it. Not the people. Not even my father."

Luffy smashed his fist into his palm. "Right, well this should be fun. All we have to do is beat up that Crocodile guy."

"Yes," Vivi sighed. "But in order to do that, we have to avert the war in Alabasta, then get Baroque Works out of the picture."

"Baroque Works?" Chopper hummed.

"Oh yeah," Usopp drawled. "You don't know anything about them either. To be honest, I don't know what's going on with them myself. They have a really complicated system of agents, bosses, and partners."

Minette sighed, "To sum it all up, a lot of bad people are working under Crocodile. He's the boss over all of them. We ran into them a few times on our way to Vivi's country."

"Miss. Minette's right," Vivi nodded. "We don't need to go into detail, but there will be at least thirteen pairs of assassins trying to stop us once we step foot on country soil. We need to be careful at all times."

"Okay. I think I understand," Luffy stood now. "So when are we going to in Alabasta so I can beat up Crocodile?"

Usopp sighed, "He don't understand one bit."

Minette giggled.

"Well," Zoro smirked, "If Baroque Works' soul objective is to take over Alabasta then I can guess what that must mean."

Sanji blew smoke through his nose. "The rest of the agents and the subordinate are probably-"

"On their way to Alabasta as we speak," Nami glared at the deck.

"Yeah," Vivi seethed.

"I see," Luffy hummed, "So in that case, we just go beat up Crocodile and then-"

"That's enough Luffy. Just let it go," Sanji sighed.

"Yeah. Okay."

Nami turned to Minette, checking the loge poss before meeting her gaze. "We're still on course, but how long to you think i'll take us to get there, Mouse?"

Minette reached forward, placing her hand on the wood on the beck and chewed her lip. The current they were riding isn't as strong as she'd like it be, but soon it'll cross paths with a current from the east and gain speed, though, that won't happen for a little while it the breeze remains static.

Minette sighed, sitting back against Zoro's chest, and crossed her arms. "Depends on the weather, really. Could be tomorrow sunrise or afternoon, but tomorrow for sure."

"Good," Nami nodded with a smile, then looked to the sky. "If your talking about the wind, it'll pick up tonight, so make sure to keep Merry on her course."

Minette giggled, "Who do you think I am? I'd never let that happen."

Zoro's low chuckle shook her frame as everyone else laughed at her comment as well.

When everyone went off to entertain themselves, Zoro settled down for a nap as Usopp sat across from the pair.

"Hey, Mouse. So, I've noticed you've worn the same torn pants from the first day we found you."

Self conscious, Minette felt her face heat up and looked away. "Yeah, well," she muttered, "You don't seem so concerned about Luffy or Zoro not changing their clothes."

"Oh, I am," Usopp nodded, "They stink."

Minette giggled.

"But, you're a girl and Nami changes her closes all the time and even shares with Vivi. I just find it kinda unfair that you don't have any of your own."

"So what are you saying?"

"What I'm saying is…" Usopp reached behind his back as a bright smile pulled at his lips. "I've got these for you!" Revealing the thing behind his back, Usopp showed Minette light blue jean overalls that had a modified waste to fit hers and cut off pant legs to make shorts.

Minette's cheeks immediately hurt from smiling so big. "Oh my gosh!" she squealed.

"I know it's not much," Usopp sighed with content, "But they used to be mine when I was around your age. I fixed them up a bit so they'd fit you better, and Vivi said Alabasta was really hot so I made them into shorts. Thought, the legs would've been too long away. It's alright if you don't wear them, I just thought - Umph!"

Squeezing Usopp in a tight hug around his neck, Minette squealed again. "I love them! Thank you Usopp, you're the best!"

"W-Well, you know me. The amazing Captain Usopp." The long nose wrapped his arms around her tight, but not enough to hurt her.

Letting Usopp out of the embrace, Minette jumped to her feet and grabbed the overalls. "I'm gonna go put them on. I'll be right back!" And with that, Minette ran off.

Zoro chuckled, scaring Usopp into attention. "I thought you were sleeping!"

Zoro smirked at the sharp shooter, then chuckled again. "Ya did good Usopp."

Usopp stared, then: "You're sleep talking, aren't you."

Zoro closed his eyes with another chuckle. "Yup."

Then, from behind, Minette emerged with her light blue overall shorts reaching her upper thigh and light grey hoodie tucked in. It was a perfect fit, though, a bit baggy around her slender legs. Not to mention, her hair was balled up into twin buns on either side of her head, her bangs framing her soft face perfectly as she glowed with happiness.

"Hey, Usopp, look! Look!"

Usopp turned only to freeze. He expected her to be cute in them, as she is in everything, but not this adorable.

"Don't it look cool! I'm just like you know!"

Nami was behind her, comb in hand, and Usopp figured she must have done the girl's hair while she was away. But his attention was brought back when the redhead laughed. "What'd I tell you? You rendered them speechless, Mouse. Even Zoro."

Minette giggled as she turned around and gave Nami and high five. "Let's go show Sanji and Vivi!"

"Alright!"

Usopp watched them march up the steps and into the kitchen before a loud squeal from the cook filled the sky.

Laughing, Usopp turned back to Zoro only to freeze from his glare. "I'll kill you if anything happens to her while she's wearing those shorts."

Usopp gulped, "I'll watch her like a hawk."

Luffy walked over from his favorite spot on Merry's head and sat on the steps. All three of them were watching Sanji dance with the giggling girl in his arms. Both laughing and carefree.

Then, Luffy glared. "No one's gonna touch my cute little sister."