Kagome hummed as she finished restocking a particular herb, dusting her hands off as she observed the now full shelf. It was a rather large shelf at that too, wall to wall and from floor to ceiling. Her family had grown and sold herbs for generations as well as offering their medical skills and knowledge. With hospitals though being a person's main place to receive whatever medical aid they needed, the family had taken a hit hard. They only managed to survive by providing their services to pirates. For a price of course.
Dangerous business. Especially if the government was hot on their trails.
To also help make up for the hit, they had also opened a small restaurant. It didn't hurt that they already grew their own herbs, extending their garden wasn't too much of an issue. Certain other foods were easily provided by the sea or hunted, allowing them to save the money that would have been used to pay for select cuts from the butchers. Selling the furs and pearls they managed to save also didn't hurt either.
So the Higurashi family was once again doing rather well. Their kind nature, ignore Jii-chan's grumping, made them friends to one and all. Their home was open to all, though that didn't mean they weren't fiercely protective of those they claimed as theirs. Family or friends.
"Kagome-chan, you got some people up front asking for you!" a call from outside the herb room jolted her out of her mental musings.
"Ah, coming!" she skipped out of the room, being sure to secure the door behind her. She smiled at her best friend Sango as the two made their way to where they received their patrons. "So, who is asking for me?"
Sango offered a shrug, unsure of the people. While she herself wasn't too keen on pirates, or those that the government sent out, she liked the work she had with the Higurashi family and the pay she got for her work. "Don't know."
"Oh. Well, is it for the restaurant or for something more medicinal?" her brows furrowed when Sango offered yet another shrug. Pirates? They were often tight-lipped unless dealing with a Higurashi directly, they knew the power of discretion.
Rounding the corner of the main building, a smiling blooming across her face when she recognized those that had been asking for her. "Luffy!" she ran the short amount of distance and hugged the slightly younger boy whom she considered like a young brother.
"Kagome!" deceptively strong arms wrapped around her in return in a near rib-cracking hug, the boy in question picked her up and gave her a twirl.
"Ah, put me down you!" Kagome laughed when he finally did, hands raised to squish his cheeks together in a very sisterly fashion that had his lips pouting like a fish. "Look at you, you just keep getting bigger and bigger every time I see you!"
"Maa, Kagome-!" his entire posture was slack as he whined at her treatment, though he made no move to remove her hands.
"Oh shush, you love the attention and you know it." she tipped his straw hat back a bit to allow her to kiss his brow. She always treated him like he was a brother, it didn't hurt that Souta hung on his every word with the stories Luffy regaled him with whenever they stopped by.
Slinging an arm around his shoulders, she turned to the rest of his crew and greeted them with a bright greeting. "Hey guys, how have things been going?"
The responses were warm with smiles all around. Nami was the one that spoke up first. "How's business going? Seems the family has taken on a lot since we were last by."
"It has its ups and downs." Kagome shrugged. She turned and waved to Sango, urging her to join the rest of them. "We've taken to hiring extra help since our island seems to be becoming a booming stop point. Like Sango here. And we've extended the restaurant into a small inn. Jii-chan has also become quite the trader of goods as well, despite him being senile."
All smiled at that tidbit, knowing the old man could get quite long-winded when it came to sharing stories of old myths and legends. Though he was a sharp old man, he just knew how to hide it well, even from his family. It also wouldn't surprise them if some visitors would give the old man some goods just to shut him up.
"So, what is it you guys need this time?" she cocked her head to the side as she took in the crew, counting how many there were and if they planned on staying longer than to just restock if they had enough room for them all.
"Restocking mostly." Nami offered, shaking her head when Sanji meandered over to the new worker Kagome had introduced, only to get a punch to the face for whatever pickup line he had used. "Though it might take two days, three at the most."
Nodding her head Kagome began leading them to the family restaurant. "We might have just enough rooms if you're willing to double up. Nami, you're more than welcome to bunk with me."
Said young woman bowed her head in thanks. Though Sanji was quick to take up her other side and sling an arm around her shoulders as he leaned down to her height. "Can I join the two of you as well?" his one curled brows waggled as he grinned around what was left of his cigarette.
Kagome huffed and gave his arm a pinch. "In your dreams, Sanji."
"Oh, if you only knew!" he soothed the small red spot, grinning at the look she threw him.
"I… don't know if I should be insulted or horrified." shaking her head to rid herself of that bit of information as quickly as possible, she brought Luffy closer into her side. "Come on kiddo, let's get you fed!"
Luffy could only beam up at her, glad to be once again under her undivided attention. While she was sharing some new recipes she wanted him to try out, she did have some of the most delicious baking recipes he's ever had, he took the opportunity to throw a glare over at Sanji. He had been not at all happy with how close he had gotten to Kagome, especially since Ace had already shown her his favor. It was his duty to keep Kagome safe after all from all threats.
Even if that included different men seeking her attention.
