Hello all!
Thank you reviewers!
Madame Rodoshe - I can't wait to see what happens in the manga.
10th Squad 3rd Seat - I know! I really hope, that if she does show up again, she's not as annoying.
Alice (Guest) - One Piece needs more strong women. And I mean those that don't rely on Devil Fruits. And Nami doesn't count because she's a main character, lol.
Angel wolf11021 - Why thank you! :)
Shiningheart of ThunderClan - Ah, I understand. It might be better that way because instead of reading the chapter as it comes out, you can read a bunch at a time! Well someone's gotta be the one to start them. XD
And thank you favouriters and followers! **mauls with love**
**DING-DING-DING** This fic has now hit 100 favourites! You readers are awesome~! And the view count keeps getting higher and higher. I love you all so much!
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The Abridged Arc
Meow
Law was worried. Very worried. For the past few days Rayne had been acting very strange. She would leave the hotel early and come back late. No one knew where she went or what she did. As someone who loved to sleep, this was very strange behaviour. She would even rush through her meals. When he asked her if something was wrong she assured him that everything was fine.
The Heart Pirate captain had had enough.
Being as quiet and stealthy as he could be so early in the morning, he followed after his cook as she left the hotel. After several blocks and rows of stores and houses, she finally turned down an alleyway. He stayed near the entrance as the girl moved some papers to reveal a box. She reached in and pulled out a small black ball of fur.
"This is what you've been doing?"
Rayne nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Law's voice. "Damn it, you scared the shit out of me! Don't do that!" The cook stood with the kitten in her arms and cuddled it to her chest.
"Where'd the fur ball come from?" Law walked closer to the girl.
"I was wandering around like usual when I heard some commotion from this alley. When I walked in, I saw some little boys bullying this kitten." She glared off to the side. "I've never before wanted to kill a child but I was close." Then she sighed. "I just kicked them around a little, left some bruises and sent them running. I've been looking after this little guy since."
"Why didn't you bring it back to the hotel? Or the ship?"
"I didn't want to get too attached. I mean, it's not like it'd be a good idea to have a kitten running around the submarine. I was also trying to find it a home, but no such luck yet."
"Why do you always do this?" Law sighed in irritation.
He grabbed the back of his cook's neck and ushered her out of the alleyway and back to their hotel room. He didn't let go of her until she was sitting on the bed looking very confused.
"You don't need to internalize everything and keep things to yourself. You always assume the worst and it ends up being a big headache." The girl flinched as he glared down at her. "Ask me. Ask me if you can keep the kitten."
"But-"
Law cut her off by gripping her chin hard between his fingers. "I said: ask."
"Can I keep the kitten?"
"Yes, Rayne-ya, you can keep the kitten." With a sigh, he released her. "Was that so difficult?"
The cook looked down to avoid his gaze. "I'm sorry."
His light grey eyes softened as he reached out again and ran his fingers along her cheek then under her jaw, tilting her head up. He bent down and pressed his lips to hers briefly.
"I'm not the first to say these things to you, am I."
"No. But I can't help it. It's easier to think the worst rather than think of the best outcome then be let down. It hurts less."
It was then that Law discovered a new side to his cook. She had been disappointed by people so often that she was borderline pessimistic where other people were involved. No matter how much she may come to trust him, there will always be that doubt inside her. It bothered him that it existed, that he wasn't there in those times in her life when she needed someone to lean on.
She had been forced to rely on no one but herself. But when people needed her, she always supported them no matter the consequences.
The kitten meowed in Rayne's lap, drawing their attention.
"Have you thought of a name for it?"
"Well, seeing as how it's a boy, I will name him Killer."
"Seriously? Naming him after my rival's first mate?"
"Oh, shit…right. Never mind then. How about Oreo?"
"Oreo?"
"It's a cookie that's black with white icing in the middle."
"I feel sorry for the cat."
"Hey, I'd be nice if I were you or I'll teach this little one to claw your important captain stuff."
Law laughed at the suggestion, knowing that his cook meant what she said.
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I think Law spoils Rayne too much. _
How many of you thought pervy things when you saw the title of this chapter? XD
Next chapter will be up on Sunday the 5th.
I'll Be Gone - Arc Progression
Arc Three - 100% complete
Arc Four - 3/21? chapters written
Arc Five - basic plot and character sheet complete
Arc Six - possible Punk Hazzard Arc?
Arc Seven - possible Dressrosa Arc?
Arc Eight - no idea, waiting on Oda-sama