Hello again.

Well, as requested by my viewers, I made up another fluffy chapter. With some hints of foreshadowing. For some reason, I really like bringing in characters that don't get along of screen time. Maybe I just like working with under developed characters, but I also liked how this chapter came out.

I hope everyone likes the more lighthearted aspect of the chapter. Its a little shorter than some of the others I've done, but I'm fine with that. So on we go.

"I still don't understand why I can't come with you. Why are you going there anyway?"

"Don't whine, Mi Pequeña. It doesn't suit you."

"I'm not whining! Virgil get off that bubble before you float away." the huffy reply made Mihawk's lips twitch slightly. It was unusual for Tamara to argue with him, he was finding it quite amusing.

Sabaody Archipelago was possibly the last place he wanted to take his Lady. It was too close to Mary Geoise for his taste. But between the option of leaving her on the Mangrove island for a short time or taking her to Marineford, Mihawk's decision was easy. There was no way he was risking her gaining more attention from the Marines than she likely already had. If they learned of who she really was, what she was capable of, he wasn't sure what would happen. Likely nothing good.

Thinking of the message he'd received, the request to attend a meeting at the Navy's Headquarters, he couldn't quite stop the small thrill of excitement. The Straw Hats were quickly becoming quite notorious. He was truly curious to see what the reports had to say on the growth of Roronoa Zoro. The swordsman was rapidly gaining an impressive bounty, Mihawk wanted to know if the price was genuine or something that was being falsely created by the Government. That was only reason he was willing to heed the call they sent to him.

"Dealing with the Marines is part of being a Shichibukai. I'm accustom to it, distasteful as it is."

Tamara puffed out a breath, wrinkling her nose in displeasure, "It's not like they'll take away your title just cause you don't show up to some stupid meeting. They need you far more than you need them. I don't want you to go."

Mihawk blinked a bit, not from her words, but rather from the tone of it. Her voice cracked a little, unease and the beginning of fear filtering into the notes. He stopped walking, causing her to pause beside him. Tamara ducked her head, hiding her face with her hair and hugged her arms across her chest.

Understanding hit him suddenly, making guilt twitch in his chest. Stepping closer, Mihawk placed a finger gently under her chin, tilting up her face. Her expression was dark, eyes haunted and dim. Brushing his thumb over her cheek, he spoke earnestly,

"I won't be gone long, beloved. No more than a day, two at the very most. You are sorely mistaken if you believe I am ever going to leave you alone again. Be at peace, Mi Pequeña. And don't you dare apologise."

Her mouth closed from it parted position, cheeks flushing. Her insecurity was understandable, he felt a bit silly that he hadn't picked up on it earlier. After all, she'd only been reunited with him for a short time, it was only natural that she would be a bit clingy for the next little while, worried about being abandoned or forgotten. He'd spent so much time on his own that remembering that not everyone was as hardened as him was difficult sometimes.

"Promise?"

"You have my word."

Reassured, she relaxed and rubbed her cheek against his palm before seeming to realise what she was doing. She blushed deeply, averting her gaze from his. Mihawk felt his chest clench tightly, unconsciously sliding his hand behind her head, his thumb brushing a sensitive spot behind her ear that made a small shiver run through her. He was tempted, so very tempted, to lower his head and brush his mouth against hers. How sweet she would she taste? Were her lips as soft as the rest of her skin, or softer?

He managed to push away the urge with immense difficultly. She wasn't ready for that yet, he needed to be patient, hard as it might be. Instead, he leaned in and pressed a kiss softly to the top of her head in a gentle touch of comfort and affection. She sighed softly in response, reaching up to hold his hand with both of hers.

"Thank you."

Simply nodding in return, Mihawk stepped back and continued forward, dodging around a resin bubble that slithered out of the ground. He'd made port on the lawless side of the island, docking in Grove 20. Currently, they were moving through Grove 16. The large sign warning against the Marines, as well as the dead body strung up on a crucifix were ignored, though Tamara looked to the corpse with a bit of sympathy. She was still a kind hearted person, despite everything that had happened to her.

"This island isn't sanctioned with the Government?"

Mihawk hummed lightly, "The Marines like to think so, but as Sabaody is the only island close enough to the Red Line to allow for preparation into the New World, it is immensely difficult for them to maintain order."

"How do people even travel to the New World anyway? I didn't realized the Red Line was so big. Is there an entrance like Reverse Mountain somewhere along it?"

Before Mihawk could answer, an angry shout filled the air, "Government Dog! You dare to trespass here!?"

Glancing around uninterestedly, he noted that a mid-sized group of thugs had crawled out of the woodworks. Many of them carried quivers filled with arrows and almost all of them had a red and white feather stuck in headgear. All of them looked ready to attack and the one who'd shouted was strutting forward. The so called leader was a large man, with a muscular torso and oddly thin limbs. He wore an obnoxious green shirt showing off shoulders that appeared to have studs sticking out of the skin.

Mihawk didn't even pause in his strides, continuing forward. Tamara walked in sync, not even blinking at the displays of aggression. The duo's lack of response enraged the head of the gang, veins popping up on his forehead and a muscle twitched below his eye.

"Don't you ignore me, you bastard! Do you know who I am!? You're dead! Men! Take them down!"

Battle cries and howls came from the subordinates. Several started to charge forward with bladed weapons and clubs, while others notched arrows from the roots of the Mangrove trees. Mihawk finally paused, exhaling through his nose in irritation.

"Can I try?"

He angled his head towards Tamara in slightly surprise, as the forms of the men closed in around them, "Hmm?"

She slipped the whip from her hip, smiling down at the weapon softly, "I could use the practice. Do you mind?"

"By all means."

His Lady beamed happily. She bent her knees in a low crouch, before leaping up into the air, gaining a fairly impressive amount of height. He still ducked down slightly, just to be safe. Twisting agilely, Tamara twirled like an elegant dancer, letting the leather length spiral outwards from her position.

The flying bodies of the attackers never knew what hit them. An ear cracking snapping filled the area, making Mihawk wince a bit as the high pitched noise assaulted his sensitive hearing. Men were sent sailing through the air, red marks and whip slashes lining their skin even as they crashed into the ground and tree trucks with impressive force, cries of distress and surprise being the only thing they could do in response. Nina was quite powerful, though he knew that from first hand experience.

Tamara landed softly on her toes, spinning in place and lashed out with the living weapon. The Black Mamba awoke, glinting scales growing as she silently directed the serpent to encircle and trap four of the archers that had been ready to shoot. The screams of terror from the men were highly amusing, especially when she yanked on the whip, sending the captured attackers sailing into their comrades on the opposite side.

It was over in seconds. A small amount of dirt fluttered through the air, but otherwise the only other thing that moved was the obnoxious man that had initiated the assault. Who was standing with the biggest look of shock on his face and his jaw literally on the ground.

"Roll your shoulder more next time. You'll generate a stronger strike."

She rotated the mentioned joint as she replaced the weapon on her hip, "It was my first time, gimme a break."

"There's always room for improvement."

The two walked past the stunned leader without acknowledgement, continuing on as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

"So where are we going anyway?"

"You'll see soon enough."

The building hadn't changed much since he'd last seen it several years ago. It still had the same spherical roof, though there was more moss growing on it now. Tamara snorted softly at the sign hanging above it, but said nothing. Mihawk pushed open the wooden green door without hesitation, unsurprised to see the slim black haired women inside swing a powerful punch at a bleeding man three times her size. The sound of flesh on bone nearly made him wince. Four others were already unconscious on the floor.

Shakky looked up as the door opened, face impassive as always. As she turned and saw the dark clothed Shichibukai standing in the entryway, her eyebrows arched up and she pulled out the lit cigarette from her lips with two fingers.

"Well now, I haven't seen you for a long time, Mihawk. How've you been?"

Stepping inside, he inclined his head politely towards the barkeep, "Shakuyaku."

"How many times have I told you to call me Shakky?" she exhaled a plume of smoke with a sigh, "Some things never change, I suppose."

The groaning man on the floor raised a quivering arm, a small bag of money dangling from his fingers. Shakky calmly took the bag before driving a kick into the patron, sending him sailing through the open doorway. Tamara jumped backwards, forced to rapidly dodge the flying body as she'd just started to step inside. Her head spun to watch the man roll down the incline comically.

Shakky tilted her head towards the small blond before looking to him with a knowing smirk, "Or maybe not. Be a dear get rid of the rest, would you Mihawk."

Tamara looked back at Shakky with some apprehension, glancing over to Mihawk for reassurance. He waved her forward, silently moving around and tossing out the other bodies before closing the door to the bar. Shakky had moved around behind the counter, already pouring a glass of wine, sliding it over to him as he sat down.

Without saying anything, he took a sip from the drink. Tamara sat next to him and Shakky's attention shifted, "Introduce us, Mihawk. Don't be rude."

"Now that is an amusing statement, coming from you. Tamara, this is Shakuyaku."

The tall woman sent a mildly annoyed look towards him before smiling at his Lady, "Call me Shakky, its a pleasure to meet you Tamara."

"You as well, Shakky-san."

He was sure Tamara found it unusual that he was allowing Shakky to treat him so casually, but that was fine. She'd understand soon enough. As per normal, there was a paper laying out on the counter. Inhaling a mouthful of smoke, the former pirate tilted her head toward him.

"So, have you come to try out my top shelf? I've got a real premium vintage, but it'll cost you. Or are you bored and stopped by to spar with Silvers again?"

"Who stopped by to do what now?" The new voice, coming from the back rooms and male in tone drew Mihawk's attention. Walking into view came the elder man, round glasses giving of a shine as he looked over the two patrons in the bar.

Mihawk smirked without thinking, "Hello, Rayleigh."

The Dark King returned the smug look, before quickly shifting his attention to Tamara, his constant smile climbing even higher. She moved away a little when the tall man leaned over the counter and purred flirtatiously, "Well hello there, lovely lady. You are absolutely stunning. Why in the world are you hanging around with this boring youngster? Can I buy you a drink?"

Tamara flushed darkly from the compliment, completely caught off guard, "Umm...?"

Her flustered state was rapidly replaced with alarm when Mihawk smoothly grabbed Yoru and swung the massive weapon down at Rayleigh. Which given his position was also directly above Tamara. As expected, the first mate swiftly pulled his own double edged sword, blocking the overhead strike easily. The shrieking sound of metal filled the air and Tamara rapidly scrambled backwards with a squeal, watching with wide blue eyes as the two men strained against each other.

Shakky calmly puffed out a plume of smoke before blandly commenting, "Take it outside boys. If you put a hole in my walls, I'm taking it out of your hides."

She really hoped that she eventually got used to the weird situations Mihawk seemed to constantly walk her into. He really needed to start warning her about somethings.

As Mihawk and the elder swordsman he clashed with calmly headed outside, closing the door behind them, she turned to look at Shakky. Who was still casually leaning on the bar enjoying her smoke and now had a glass of whiskey by her elbow.

"Is that normal? Do they always do that?"

Shakky chuckled lightly, "Typically yes, though not usually this soon. Mihawk's rather possessive of you. How long have you two been dating?"

If Mihawk brought her to this bar just to see how embarrassed she could get, she was going to have a few choice things to say to him. Feeling her face start to burn, Tamara stuttered, "Uhh...w-we're...I-I mean...Umm..."

Were they dating? Could one actually consider a Shichibukai to be a boyfriend? Was that even a term you could use? Giving up, she simply sunk down into the cushioned seat of the booth behind her, covering her face and groaned dramatically. Shakky seemed to get quite the kick out of her reaction, laughing softly.

"I apologise for my husband. He loves alcohol and women, not necessarily in that order."

Eager to change the subject, Tamara dropped her hands, "It's okay, I just wasn't expecting it. Most people don't say much to me, Mihawk-san intimidates them too much."

"Of course he does."

Shakky flicked her cigarette into a tray, knocking off the ashes. Studying the young girl sitting in her bar, she let her mind work and tried to figure out the puzzle that Mihawk had brought through her doors.

"How do you know Mihawk-san anyway? You seem very comfortable around him, which in itself is unusual."

Tamara climbed back to her feet, walking over and sitting back by the bar. Since Mihawk had left his drink behind and had saw fit to swing his sword over top of her head, she didn't see any problem finishing off the wine. She hummed softly in approval, which made Shakky look happy.

"He's been an on and off rival with Silvers for years. Nothing too terribly serious, Silvers simply doesn't have the same strength he used to in his younger years. Age catching up to him and all that."

"He still very impressive."

The barkeep chuckled lightly, "Don't let Mihawk hear you say that, I rather like my husband without any new scars."

She flushed lightly again. Tamara wasn't sure if she should be annoyed that Mihawk was so willing to lash out at anyone that paid attention to her, or flattered that he was opening claiming her as his. Pushing the thought aside to be dealt with at a later time, she refocused on Shakky as the dark haired woman spoke again.

"I'm not surprised that Mihawk's heading to Marineford, but I wasn't expecting him to drop by with a companion. The Government's quite up in arms since Crocodile was defeated. A lot of things are changing, I certainly hope they don't do anything rash in an attempt to keep their image intact."

Tilting her head, Tamara questioned that comment, "What do you mean?"

Shakky inhaled again, pushing over the paper to her. Picking up the folded journal, she saw a picture of a grinning boy wearing a straw hat, as well as the image of a stern faced man with short green hair. The headline read, 'Wanted: Dead or Alive'. Tamara recognised them as members of the Straw Hat Pirates.

"They aren't the first ones to show up in the news. A lot of other rookie pirates are appearing, ones that are very strong and making a big impact. It's shifting the balance of the world, making the Marines nervous. There's talk that a new era is approaching, one the will make Roger's look childish in comparison."

Tamara swallowed, swirling the contents of the glass and thinking deeply. Shakky seemed to know a lot about the world. So despite having just met her, she spoke the question that had been weighing on her for some time.

"Is Mihawk going to get pulled into all of it? Is it dangerous for him to stay as a Shichibukai? I mean, I know how strong and capable he is, but still...it could end up being that the entire World Government turns on him or something. I just...I'm worried about him."

Shakky reached out a patted her hand gently, smiling to herself. This girl cared for Mihawk on a level even she didn't fully understand. Still too innocent and naïve to completely comprehend her own emotions. But that was fine, there was time for her to come to terms.

"I wouldn't worry too much, it'll likely be years before anything major happens. Unless there's a big change somewhere along the line. Have faith in him and in yourself. From what I can see, there doesn't seem to be much the two of you can't handle. You mesh very well together."

Tamara flushed again, "It's complicated."

"Love always is. I know first hand. Now then, why don't I show you to your room and get you settled in."

"Ehhh?"

Shakky laughed again, "That's why Mihawk brought you here. So you'd have a place to stay while he heads to the Navy HQ."

Thinking back on what Mihawk had said in the grove, Tamara felt her heart lighten. He'd promised he wouldn't leave her alone, and he meant it. She really should have more faith in him. That was something she'd work on. Smiling softly to herself, she slide off the stool and followed Shakky into the back, "I have a few pets with me. Is it okay if they stay too?"

"I love animals. So does Slivers."

"Gold Roger's first mate! Are you being serious?"

Rayleigh smiled lazily, long fingers flicking out the cards towards the others seated at the table. Evening had fallen on Sabaody and Shakky had closed up shop for the day. As such, the grey haired man had settled on pulling his two guests into a game of poker. He did love to gamble and it was fun to see if he could out bluff Mihawk.

"Of course I'm serious. But that was years ago, I'm retired now."

Tamara stared at the tall male with wide blue eyes, barely able to believe her ears. As Rayleigh picked up the cards in front of him, she finally got her brain working again, scooping up the cardboard rectangles and glancing over them.

Turning her head, she sent a sidelong look at the stony faced man sitting beside her, "You really need to start warning me about these name drops. Who else am I going to run into that's gonna to shock me?"

"If I started listing off all the acquaintances in my circle, you'd probably end up in a coma, Little Thing."

Rayleigh snickered at the Warlord, "Did you just make a joke?"

"Of course not. I'll raise."

Mihawk hadn't picked up his cards like the rest of them had, instead choosing to leave them face down on the table, only lifting the corners to glance at them briefly before pushing forward a small stack of coins to the center. Looking back over her cards, she decided to try a little bit of a bluff herself, deliberately pulling her teeth over her lip before speaking.

"I'll call."

Shakky folded with a sigh, puffing on her smoke and Rayleigh called the bluff. Seeing as she was sitting across from a literal living legend, she simply had to dig a little more.

"So what was he like? The King of the Pirates? Was he really as bad as everyone seems to make him out to be?"

Fortunately, the former pirate didn't seem to mind the question, "Roger was my Captain, my best friend and my partner. We had a lot of adventures and times together. He could be a real bastard sometimes, but I wouldn't have had him any other way."

The way Rayleigh spoke about his deceased Captain made Tamara smile. It was warm and wistful, filled with happiness. She wondered if she'd be able to speak in the same way about Mihawk when she was as old as him. She hoped so.

"Alright, read 'em and weep. Two pairs."

Mihawk calmly flipped over his cards, showing three Jacks. Tamara set her hand on the table making both men look over at the Flush she showed. Rayleigh howled with laughter as she pulled the stack of coins in the center to her side of the table.

The game and conversation went long into the night, till everyone was getting tired or drunk. Except Rayleigh, who -despite his age- seemed to have boundless amounts of energy. After everyone started to head to bed, he bid them a good night, heading out with intentions of continuing to drink and gamble at some other location.

Despite her fatigue, when she walked into the small bedroom, Tamara found herself unable to rest. She lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling and tossed around the mattress. Finally she sighed deeply, her mind simply refused to stop working, even though her body was tired. Probably too much excitement, Rayleigh's stories were still running through her head. Sitting up, she reached over and gave Virgil a soft stroke, hearing him purr contently but he continued to snooze happily.

Walking over the window, Tamara open the pane, stepping onto the frame. It was a little tricky to grab the edge of the overhang, but she was a lot stronger than she used to be, and hauled her body up on to the roof with little trouble.

Padding to a flatter portion, she sat down on the singles. Looking up, she could see the stars shining down, reflecting off the resin bubbles as they rose into the sky. A massive full moon lit up the inky darkness, gleaming down through the great canopy of the huge trees. Far off, the lights from the amusement park sent multi-hued beams of color dancing and spinning, making everything look incredibly beautiful, like something out of a fairy tale.

"What are you doing up here? You should be sleeping."

Tamara jolted at the sudden appearance of Mihawk, turning to give him a glare as he walked over the peak behind her. He'd swapped out his black coat for one of his white shirts and his sword was safely stowed inside. He calmly moved over the shingled roof, with grace that would have made Virgil jealous, coming to sit beside her.

"Are you going to keep do that?"

"When you start wearing your shoes like a regular person, I'll stop sneaking up on you."

Sending a sidelong smirk towards him, she redirected her attention to the heavens. Mihawk was sitting close enough that their shoulders brushed. Somehow, having him next to her reminded her of how tired she was and Tamara found herself leaning against him, resting her cheek on his upper arm. She inhaled softly, breathing in the scent of metal and spice that always surrounded him.

"Thank you," she murmured softly.

"For what?"

"For bringing me here, introducing me to your friends. It's nice, meeting people in your life that mean things to you. Kind of opens things up a bit, makes everything feel...I don't know, more real I guess."

Mihawk shifted, bringing his arm around her lower back. He lay back flat onto the roof, folding his free arm behind his neck and Tamara let him manipulate her till she was curled against his side, her head resting on his shoulder.

"'Friend' might be a bit much, I'm not sure I've considered Shakuyaku and Rayleigh in that sense before. Truthfully, before you, I'm not sure I considered anyone a friend since I was a child."

Tamara moved her head slightly, looking up at him. His golden eyes were locked on the sky, fingers softly rubbing small circles on her back that both soothed her and made her shiver. There was comfort, being this close to him, a sense of security and safety. But there was also a thrumming, underlining sensation of desire and heat. Part of her really wanted nuzzle into the bare skin on his neck, to trail her fingers over the sculped muscles shown off by the open faced shirt. She really didn't know how to handle that urge, so she buried for the time being.

"Mmm, well regardless, I'm glad to have met them. It's nice...makes you seem more human, less 'Strongest Swordsman in the World'."

"I am the Strongest Swordsman in the World."

She snorted a little, feeling her eyes starting to droop, "We'll need to work on your humility next."

"Good luck with that."

A soft hum followed that comment, "Where are we going next, once you get back?"

"Wherever you wish."

Tamara felt sleep pulling at her, but she still wanted to talk, "I'd like to see more of the world. Everything is so much bigger than I ever thought it was. It's exciting and fun."

"I haven't been to the Diamond Reef in sometime, it's quite remarkable to see. It always glows, even during the day. Or we could travel down to Fishman Island. You did say you wanted to see Mermaids, didn't you?"

Tamara nodded, replying without thinking as her mind started to shut down, "Anywhere is great...as long as I'm with you..."

Mihawk looked down at the sleeping woman and smiled in a way unnatural for him, pulling her closer, brushing his chin lovingly against the top of her head as the two drifted off to sleep in the muggy air of the mangroves.

From the darkness, shrouded by the shadow of the massive mangrove, a tall figure cloaked in a cape with a hidden face looked out at the two bodies resting together on the roof. Without a sound, this intruder vanished, leaving nothing behind but wind.

So how'd I do? Does anyone have a cavity yet? Well good, cause things might get a little crazy after this. While I'll be adding in some fluff chapters, I think its time to move onto the next plot point. I'm not sure how many more chapters I'll be doing, we'll have to see what happens.

In any case, we're still going for a while. I'm somewhat debating doing a sequel, once I'm done this story, but it honestly depends on my drive. But as always, I like to give shout outs. So lets get onto it.

Cookie-koko: I'm always glad to see your comments Cookie. Thanks for the support

Guest: You guys rock, thanks for sticking with me.

TheComprehensiveJellyfish: As per your request, more fluff. Enjoy. XD

Tnancemst22: All the fluff. Thanks for the review.

Nevermorea: I also love me some Law. He's an awesome character. Thanks again for sticking with me.