Disclaimer: I don't owe One Piece.

"Listen Vivi. We'll give you 12 hrs to decide. Once we take back our ship at Sandora River, we'll approach the Eastern Port just once, exactly at noon, tomorrow!"

"If you want to continue travelling with us, that'll be your one and only chance to get aboard! This time though… we'll welcome you as a pirate!"

Time and time again Nami's words were repeated in Vivi's mind as she gazed out of the window to the night sky. The full moon shone upon Alubarna illuminating the scene in a way Vivi hadn't seen for years now. She had missed this for sure. She was finally home and her country was saved, and yet… memories of her time on the sea, of her time with the Straw Hats haunted her. Mr Bushido's fights with Mr Cook and Longnose' scaredy-cat act and the gullible Chopper. Her time with her first-ever female friend, Nami and… there was Luffy. The captain of the Straw Hat pirates, the man who fought to near death for her sake, saved her life and her country and fulfilled his promise to her.

"Oh, I get it! So all I got to do is kick Crocodile's ass, right?"

How could she not fall in love with the ever-happy handsome pirate? Her own personal hero? Her cheeks dusted red at her thoughts, so unbefitting of a princess. Luffy was childish most of the time, but no one was more reliable when others counted on him. He was charming and easily able to befriend people in a few hours after meeting them. He was also loyal and the best friend to have, for he'd go to any length for his Nakama.

Which was another reason for hesitation. It wasn't the only reason, for Vivi wasn't such a shallow girl that she'd leave her country for the sake of a man, but it was an added motivation.

"Still here? Well, I'm going to miss you, Vivi."

Vivi turned around to see the person that entered her room. "Papa! I… What are you talking about?"

Her father chuckled as he got closer, ruffling her hair gently. "I'm not so old that I can't see what's right in front of me, Vivi."

Vivi ducked her head. "I-Is it the right thing, Papa? Can I really leave my country? Should I?"

"Is it the right thing? Well, that's something that you have to decide yourself, not me," he said as he sat beside her, staring out of the window. "As for if you should or not…" he looked at her seriously, but his eyes held her in a gentle look. "You've already done a lot for the country. You risked your very life at fourteen to infiltrate an enemy organisation and spent two years there risking your life every day for the sake of this country before you brought back those capable of helping you save it, and you did. You've done more for this country than most rulers in its history, and both the people and I are thankful for that."

Vivi hung her face down to hide the red dusting on her pretty cheeks. She was both proud and embarrassed that her father, who she always looked up to, was praising her like this.

"How was it out there?" her father asked. "What did you go through, Vivi?"

Vivi frowned as her mind was reminded of that awful time. "I… It was really hard, Papa… I had to lie to everyone around me, even if they weren't as bad as I thought, like Mr. 9 and Miss Monday… I had to act like I was evil, and perform things that I wasn't proud of to keep my cover, and I hated it. Every day, I hated myself for what I had to do, but I couldn't stop, not when my country's future depended on it…" She was crying now, tears running down her cheeks as she was reminded of those feelings. She felt her father put his hand on her shoulder, and give her a reassuring squeeze. "I missed Alabasta, missed Alubarna… missed you and everything here… It was such a hard time for me, like I was in endless darkness, especially when I discovered just who I was against… How could I win when my enemy was Crocodile?"

She paused for a moment, taking the time to compose herself before she continued. "Then, they came… they were like a beacon of light for me when I was so lost in the darkness with no hope. Even though I was just their enemy, they were ready to protect me and fight for my sake even against a Warlord of the Sea. It was the first time that I had true friends. Carue is precious to me but he isn't someone I can talk to. They showed me sights I never thought were possible; they were pirates and yet helped anyone who needed help on their path, even the Marine Captain who wanted to catch them. " She was smiling at this point, her eyes sparkling in joy. "It was the most fun that I had in my life. I never hated being a princess, and I love my country, but they showed me that there is more to the world than that. They gave me a place where I felt that I belonged… Their kindness, their antics and their friendliness were just…"

She looked out from the window, a wistful smile playing on her rosy lips. "The sea is so vast, Papa. There are all kinds of people and countries out there that I never knew existed. I left the country before and went several places while with Baroque Works, but I never felt such freedom as I was with them and never had the same fun… It made me want to sail the sea and explore the world… " Her smile transformed into an angry glare. "I saw and heard so many things… I saw corrupt rulers and Marines. Heard and saw how little the World Government and the Marines actually care for the people or who is in the right or the wrong… It was my friends who saved Alabasta, but instead, the credit is being given to a Marine Captain who chased them around because of his pride, who cared more about his perfect record than stopping evil pirates in East Blue."

She looked at her father, her eyes going steely blue. "It made me want to see the rules of the other countries and what other mistakes and atrocities that the World Government is hiding. I want to help those countries the same way Luffy, Nami, and the others helped me save mine."

Cobra gave her a proud smile, his hand, still on her shoulder, tightened. "I'm so proud of you, Vivi. You've left a scared sheltered little girl, and you came back a strong woman. You have more strength in you than you realise, and you think I will stop you after hearing all of this? After knowing what you went through? Or see the way you smile when you're with the Straw hats?"

"B-But? What about Alabasta? About being a princess?"

"You've already done a lot for us. Saved us. I'm not so old that I need you to take my place right now. The princess of Alabasta gave enough for her kingdom, and it's Vivi that should decide what she wants in her life."

"I…"

"Do you want to regret it? Regret never leaving with your friends? To never experience that happiness or achieve your dream? To never be with the man you love?"

Vivi's head shot up at the last part, her eyes wide and her face as red as a tomato. "W-What are you talking about?"

Her father laughed. "You think that I don't know when my own daughter is in love? You look at him the same way I used to look at your mother, or how she looked at me. I don't think anyone with eyes can look at you and not see your feelings for the Straw Hat's captain."

"Papa!" Vivi exclaimed, feeling really embarrassed at being read so easily.

Her father looked at her sadly. "I have to say that while he's a pirate, I can't think of a better man for my daughter. I got a measure of what a man he is, how much he cares for you and his friends and I have no complaints that don't involve his piracy. However, know that this will be a hard path for you, Vivi. If you go after your man and dream, then you might never set foot in this country again, and I might be forced to go as far as disown you," he said, making her gasp, but he stopped any retort by raising his hand. "Of course, that will only be officially for the sake of the country. You'll never be anything more than my precious daughter and I'll forever be proud of you regardless of your choice."

Vivi bit her lips, feeling incredibly conflicted. "I… Then doesn't that mean I… shouldn't leave?"

Cobra shook his head. "I'm simply giving you the picture without being idealistic about it, Vivi. However, it's up to you to decide. As a king, it might be bad for me to say this but… I care more about you than anything else in the world, Vivi. As a father, your happiness is my number one priority, so keep that in mind when you decide."

He kissed her forehead gently. "Your heart has already decided, you only need to let your brain agree with it. Forget your hang-ups, for they're not important as your happiness. You've already given us everything and did more than most would do in your position. Think about your own happiness for once, Vivi, and follow your heart. I'm sure that you'll never regret it."

Vivi closed her eyes and thought back to her memories both in Alabasta and with the crew. It didn't take much time, her heart practically screaming at her. She opened her eyes, giving her father a big smile. Kissing his cheek, she stood up and went to pack her things. "Thank you, Papa. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, my precious daughter."

"You're wrong though," she said, giving her father a look over her shoulder, a wide grin adorning her face. "I'll set foot on Alabasta again. No one is going to stop the Pirate King from visiting any island he wants."

[00000000]

"I went on a little adventure," she said as she stood on the cliff, staring at her precious friends sailing on the Going Merry. Carue stood beside her, her ever-loyal pet, with her bag just near her foot. A wide smile was on her face, with a few tears wetting her brilliant eyes as she said her goodbyes to her country and people.

"It was a journey of hope across a sea of despair… having left my home country, the sea that I faced was vast… It was hard to believe just how many strong islands and wonders existed out there."

She smiled, her fears and awe but a comforting memory now, and her future promised untold happiness. "Plants and animals that I had never seen before… Sights that I never imagined even in my wildest dreams… the music of the waves, were quiet at times and sometimes, they were fierce, laughing to tear apart my timid feelings and hopes."

Vivi's smile got impossibly wide as she continued. "Then, in the midst of the dark storm, I came across a single small ship. The ship pressed me onwards from behind and said "Can't you see that light ahead?". The mysterious little ship that never lost its way in the darkness, crossed over monstrous waves as if dancing, never defying the sea, and yet the ship's bow always heading straight ahead, was like a beacon of light and hope for me when I thought my dreams were all but destroyed when I knew who my enemy was."

She could see them. See their faces as they looked at her in anxious anticipation. She locked eyes with Luffy, and even through the distance, she could see the hope and care in his eyes. They still weren't sure that she was going to join, but they wouldn't be disappointed in the end. She just had to say a few words for her country, and give credit to the real heroes.

"History may call it a myth…. The World Government might lie all they want about who liberated this country." Even over the Denden Mushi, she could still hear the gasp and shock from the people in the plaza, even the Marine Ships stopped in their tracks. "The one who stopped Crocodile and his organizations weren't the Marines, but the crew of that little ship. The Straw Hat Pirates!" she announced, letting the world know the truth. She knew that this would bring chaos, but wasn't that the Straw Hat way?

"They were the ones who extended their helping hand to me, even knowing who the enemy was, called me a friend and said "Depend on us, we're your friends. Let us kick Crocodile's ass for your sake". They didn't care for reward or danger as they risked their life for my sake, for their friend's sake. They fought because they care for me and because they saw what Crocodile has done to our Kingdom, to Yuba. The Marines may want to cover it up because they're pirates and because they did nothing while Crocodile trampled all over Alabasta, but it was this little pirate crew who defied all odds and saved us, all because they saw me as a friend."

"I love my country too much! That's true, and it's what gave me the strength to continue in the darkness, but… Forgive me, I can't stay here, not when the ones who called me friend leave," There she said it. She could hear the shock ripple through the crowds, and it hurt her, but it was nothing compared to the happiness she felt as she saw the smiles she received from her dear friends now that they realised that she was coming with them. "I'm sorry, but I want to sail the open sea, and see other countries. I want to help those in need just like I was helped and I want to be free with my friends to experience everything the world has to offer. So, please, forgive me, people of Alabasta, you'll forever be in my heart and I promise that I'll come back again, but my heart is telling me "Go, go out to sail with your precious friends and see the beautiful world shining under the sunlight"!"

Her eyes were determined as she gazed at her goal. This was the final act, the end of one journey and the start of another. "So, Luffy!" she called out his name for all to hear. The world needed to hear that she chose to join out of her own will. "I ask you this, not as the Princess of Alabasta, but simply as Vivi! Will you and everyone else please call me your friend once again? Will you accept me on board your ship as your new crewmate?!"

Will you please accept my feelings?

"Will you please extend that hand again, and take me out to the sea, and show me the world?"

She saw Luffy give her his impossibly wide smile. The one that shone like the sun in the dark, and always managed to make her heart skip.

"OF COURSE I WILL!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, his words echoing through the sea and island. Even those listening to her should've heard it.

He then extended those arms of his, wrapping them around her waist and Carue as she was carried out towards the Going Merry. She laughed from the bottom of her heart, seeing the happiness she felt reflected on the faces of her friends. She may have left home, but she was only going to her other home.

She landed on the deck.

"Everyone! I'm here! I'll never leave you guys again!" she announced as everyone cried out her name, and was immediately glomped by Luffy and Nami followed by everyone else.

[00000000]

Luffy sat on his favourite seat on Merry's head staring out at the black water of the sea. It always amazed Luffy how the sea's colour would change to be as black as his hair while it normally was that beautiful blue colour. Today was a fun one, beginning with their escape from Alabasta through the blockade, getting a new crew member, but most importantly was that Vivi joined their crew officially. That last part specifically brought a wide grin to his face.

He was glad that Vivi decided to join them in the end. Luffy didn't want to imagine what their journey would be without her on his side, he didn't like the idea of it. He figured that it'd not be as fun as it'd be now. Vivi was funny, strong, and had amazing willpower and drive. He admired that she went to join the enemy side for the sake of her country at the age of fourteen and had the strength to stand up against someone like Crocodile.

Luffy didn't know why, but he was thinking of Vivi more and more with each passing day. He didn't know when it all started, but he at least knew it increased when Vivi stood and declared that they needed to find a doctor for Nami despite being worried about her country. She continued to surprise him and awe him from there; the way she proved herself as a real royal unlike Wapol, or when she taught him to discard his pride and recklessness for the sake of a Nakama, or when they fought on the sands or even when she stood up, despite her fear, to one of the Warlords of the Sea. She was truly amazing.

Whenever he'd think of her or look at her, he'd feel his heartbeat increasing, his stomach doing weird things, and generally just being happier than normal. He didn't really understand any of it.

Maybe I should ask Nami about it… Somehow, I get the feeling that I shouldn't ask Sanji. He thought with a frown.

He heard a sound from behind, the footsteps of someone walking on the deck. He turned around and his frown melted into a wide grin as he saw it was Vivi.

"Luffy!?" she seemed to be surprised to see him there. "I thought that you were asleep already."

"Didn't feel like it," answered Luffy with a shrug.

"Anything on your mind?" she asked as she got closer.

He looked at her before averting his eyes. "No… you?"

"Not really. I just feel restless here. It's my first night as an official crewmember and I just left my country."

"Ah." He didn't know what else to say, afraid that if he asked her if she regretted leaving her country, she'd say yes.

"It's so beautiful…" suddenly said Vivi as she looked out at the sea. "It's so different than in the day… Can I sit here?" she suddenly asked, referring to the empty space beside him on Merry's head.

If it was another, Luffy would've easily shut them down as it was his special seat. However, he found himself not minding if it was Vivi. "Sure!"

She sat down beside him gracefully, and Luffy already was feeling Goosebumps on his skin for some reason.

Needing to distract himself, he asked. "So, how was your first day as a pirate?"

Vivi smiled, and his stomach started doing backflips. "It was great! As soon as I joined, I had to fight to escape a blockade by Marines! And the sea is so beautiful!" She frowned a little. "I'm not sure about Ms All Sunday joining, but," she looked at him again with her bright smile. "As long as you trust her, Luffy then I have no problem with her."

Luffy grinned widely at her, and for some reason, he saw her cheeks go red. "Trust me, she may have worked with Crocodile, but I feel that you two could be great friends!"

"Maybe… I was your enemy after all when we first met."

Luffy laughed, remembering that Vivi. "I'd not really call you an enemy back then," he said between laughs. "You took yourself out on your own! You were so funny!"

"Hey!" Vivi yelled at him in fake indignation, swatting his arm while blushing in embarrassment. "I wasn't that bad!"

"Remember that time you danced that silly dance to trick Zoro?"

Vivi's face went bright red, which in turn made Luffy's cheek feel a little hot, and she buried it in her hands. "Stop it!"

Luffy laughed more before he was joined by Vivi, laughing together for a few moments before they calmed down.

A moment of silence passed with Vivi staring at the sea and Luffy staring at her. He noticed her hair. He liked her hair, he decided. Its colour and how wavy it was, it reminded him of the sea and the sky and it looked best when it wasn't tied up, but looking free like the sea.

"I don't regret it, you know… leaving my country," Vivi suddenly said, breaking the silence. "I know I'll miss it every day, but I'd regret never sailing with you more than that."

Luffy smiled happily at her words. "I'm glad that you're coming with us, Vivi! I don't think it'd be the same without you around."

Her bright red face made a comeback. "But the others would still be here, Luffy!"

"So? They aren't you! Just like there is only one Zoro or one Nami, there is only one Vivi!" he exclaimed passionately. "Just thinking about it, with you not being in the crew on my side… I don't like it!" he yelled his honest feelings.

Vivi looked at him in shock for a moment before her face was as red as a tomato, though she was smiling brilliantly. She suddenly leaned forward and planted her soft lips on Luffy's cheeks. Luffy's brain short-circuited for a moment, the feeling of Vivi's soft lips almost stopped his heart. It was almost as good as eating Sanji's food after being hungry… maybe even slightly better.

"What was that for?" he exclaimed in shock, having not been kissed like that since he was a little kid when Makino used to embarrass him.

Viv giggled at him. "That was a thank you for helping me save the country and defeating Crocodile."

"Why though? Your father already gave us food!"

Vivi's smile dipped for a moment. "You don't like it?"

Luffy hurriedly tried to explain, raising his hands in surrender. "No! Yes! I mean… it's just… weird."

"Oh?" she raised an eyebrow, her mouth quirking up a little. "You don't mind me doing it more?"

"I don't mind!" he replied immediately before he could even think.

Vivi smiled so brightly it lit up the night sky before she gave him another kiss.

Another moment of silence passed before Vivi broke it. "Look there, Luffy!"

Luffy looked where she was pointing, his eyes widening at the scene. Below the black waves, golden dots started appearing, growing closer and bigger. When they got closer, it appeared to be some kind of a school of fish with a glowing golden stomach, soon a thousand fish appeared under the Merry before out of nowhere they jumped out of the water revealing that they had little wings that made them float in the air for a moment before they fell down again. Rinse and repeat.

It was something decidedly magical, like little stars that appeared in the night.

"It's beautiful~," said Vivi, still looking at the fishes.

"Yeah," nodded Luffy before turning to Vivi only to freeze at seeing her awestruck face, the blush on her cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes and the way the golden light played on her hair and skin. Yeah… beautiful. His mind added on his own. Luffy always understood what beauty was, but for him, it was always just a category. This girl was beautiful, this one wasn't. Somehow though, at the moment, he felt that he wasn't simply assigning Vivi to a category, but something more.

Vivi seemed to notice his staring and turned around to face him. Their eyes met and there seemed to be something heavy hanging in the air that Luffy couldn't identify. He saw the steely resolve in Vivi's eyes as she leaned forward, and much to his total shock, pressed her lips to his. Luffy's brain froze harder than when he tried to do maths as a kid. If he was sure of something, it was that this was certainly much better than food. Much, much better.

It ended too soon to Luffy's likening. He didn't really understand the difference as not a single person had kissed him like that before, not even Makino when she teased him. He liked it though, that's for sure.

"Vivi, wha-"

He was cut off by Vivi putting her soft delicate finger on his lips, silencing him.

"You know, Luffy… I joined because I wanted to sail the sea… with you," she said, her blush deepening. "I wanted to see the world and help those in need like you've helped me… I think I have another dream or goal, though I might have serious competition, that I want to pursue," her smile widened, turning mischievous. "To become the Pirate Queen one day."

Luffy froze in shock for a long moment, his jaw hitting the floor as he stared at her before he collected himself and yelled. "Hey! The one who is going to be the Pirate King is going to be me, Vivi! Even if it's you trying for it, I won't allow it!"

To his surprise, Vivi burst out laughing. She pressed another kiss to his cheek. "Oh, don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll work it out eventually, Pirate King~" she said playfully before she put her head on his shoulder snuggling into his side.

Luffy was silent for a long moment, not getting what she meant. "Hey, Vivi! Explain what you-" he stopped mid-sentence as he heard Vivi's soft snore. He looked down and saw her sleeping peacefully.

Ah… whatever, I guess I can let her rest for now…

[00000000]

AN:

Well, there is a criminal lack of VivixLuffy fics in the fandom. Seriously, what's wrong with this fandom? Only 9 VivixLuffy fics but 179 AcexLuffy? On FFN. Even harem fics barely use Vivi.

Well, seeing the lack of taste, I decided to do something about it myself. While I'm unable to write a full OP fic at the moment (for various reasons), I thought to write at least a one-shot for this pairing.

That aside, I hope you liked this one. If I do get to writing my own OP fic, then this chapter will be used as a base for Vivi joining in it.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and please follow, favourite and leave a review.