Chapter 3: Temporary Cook

Scurring about the ship little Kyoko nervously kept watch as Momo argued with the cook. To make up for the the trouble they were causing and to thank Shanks and his kindness towards them, she would prepare their meals until they were able to leave.

" I won't take your job away!" persuaded Momo, hoping to win the argument." It won't be forever...and—and think of it as a short vacation away from the kitchen! Wouldn't that be nice? I think it would...wouldn't it be nice if this kind man took a some time off, Kyo?"

Jerking up she nodded vigorously," Yes, yes! It would be really nice!"

" Besides..." Continued the woman with such sweetness it might have convienced ever the best actor in the guild." You look tired, this time off would give you some time to relax and think up new recipes!"

Just as the cook began to counter Kyoko squeaked, indicating that someone was already standing at the door. Only meeting for a brief moment she recalled his name being Ben, a very...very tall man and Shanks first mate.

" Is there a problem?"

Tilting a bit as Kyoko ran behind her Momo gave a curt nod towards the cook," I would like to cook in his place...my way of thanking the crew and captain for all that you've given us. And, of course, for saving our lives. Yet...I think your cook fears I'll take his job away for good...which I assure I won't."

Glancing in the cook's direction Ben just shook his head," You don't have to—"

" I want to, please? Just until we're able to leave?"

" I don't see a thing wrong with that, I'm sure Shanks wouldn't mind either."

Happily clasping her hands infront of her chest Momo smiled," Thank you very much, Ben. I promise the food will be to your liking."

" She cooks really good..." came Kyoko's whispered back up." Cap'n Eiwa wouldn't let anyone but Momo cook..."

Mainly because no one else on board could cook, thought Momo remembering how bad the food tasted when she ate her first meal with the crew. How they managed to survive was beyond her...

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At dinner Momo and Kyoko served the crew, and even the cook who wasn't impressed by the dishes. Which didn't surprise the girl a bit...she did temporarily take his job away.

" Alright, dig in!"

A long silence started to make Momo uneasy, maybe they really didn't like her cooking...

Looking up from his plate, mouth still full, Shanks grinned," This is great!"

Yasopp, which she was a little startled by the first time she's ran into him because of his sometimes wild outbursts, spoke next," No wonder that captain of yours wasn't willing to part with you!"

The rest of the crew gave compliments, laughing merrily and some even started singing(the result of too much grog). Momo felt a little more at ease and found herself singing along with one of the songs the men were singing, slurred as it was. Even little Kyoko clapped along, enjoying the food as she did so.

Nothing about the ship, it's captain, or even the crew made her want to leave.

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Pulling up a chair in the small room they'd been given, Momo watched as Kyoko slept peacefully. How it seemed possible to sleep so well while pirates roamed around the ship...she wasn't sure. Shrugging she untied the ribbon holding her hair in a braid and worked it loose.

Taking her diary from the pouch where she hoped it would be safest, Momo looked around for a pen and found it on the nearby desk.

' Dear Diary,

Ever since Shanks brought us aboard his ship...my image of pirates has changed. Unlike Eiwamoto and his crew...there's a since of peace. I won't think too much into it but...I think Kyoko is having second thoughts about leaving. As far as I'm concerned if she chose to stay I wouldn't have to fear for her safety.

For me...well, I still want to leave behind piracy and start my life anew. I pray that I don't run into my father...I doubt he's even still living. I still wonder what happened to my younger brother. I wouldn't doubt if father sold him too.

I suppose that's all for today...but I think something interesting might happen so if it does...I'll be writing.

Momo'

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Another diary page by Momo-chan. No indications as to anything yet and not much talk from the crew but I will be working on that. More of Shanks from now on because...well...he's adorable. :smile: right now though I'm just getting the characters personalities down pat. Yeah...that's it. :sweatdrop:

I think I'm going to let Momo discover that Shanks is missing his right arm in the next chapter. That or when the sto—OKAY! Uh...won't spoil anything...but I'll think it over. lol

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