Chapter 6: Quarrel Over Authority

" No." Her answer was the same, she wouldn't budge on bit when it came to this situation." You won't get one taste until you ask nicely enough AND when it's finished. Then and only then, will you have my permission."

" Oh...come on..."

Glaring and tightening her hold on the spoon, Momo stood her ground," Not a chance."

" Please?"

As much as she wanted to whack him the look he was giving her made her think of the previous day's adventure. To see him with such a sorrowful expression then go right back into commander mode. Honestly he was quite amazing...or she thought so at least.

So caught up in her thoughts Momo barely noticed, from the corner of her eye, that Shanks was attempting to steal a taste. A vein pulsed across her forehead as she grabbed hold of his face, pinching his cheeks and stretching them.

" I said you could have a taste after it was finished! How many times do I have to say it before it goes through that thick head of yours! I don't like repeating myself!"

Not trying to laugh the pirate struggled against her agrression," Owowow..."

" Did I make myself clear?"

" Crystal!"

Releasing his, now red face face, Momo defiantly placed her hands on her hips," You can't sneak nothing past me...I have eyes in the back of my head, not to mention I have a very keen memory."

Rubbing his face and thinking Shanks smiled," Someone had to sneak something past you at one time or another...if not, I bet I'll be the first."

" Give it your best shot glutton!"

Turning on his heels to get to the stew Momo all but fell as she grabbed his cloak in an attempt to pull him back. Aye, that she did too! Or rather...that was his plan. Just as she pulled he turned and placed a playful kiss on her forehead before escaping whatever wrath she'd throw at him.

It wouldn't have made a difference if he'd stayed or let, she was at a loss for words and could barely move. Sure the first thing she thought of was keeping him from the stew...but never in a MILLION years had she expected to get a kiss from him.

Clutching her head while trying to stop the dizziness she felt, Momo let out a cry," NOW WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO AFTER WHAT HE DID!"

Little did she know that the infamous red head stood outside the door with a rather accomplished grin," A return kiss would be nice."

Instantly her face lit up the same shade of red as his hair," Not a chance..."

" Be that way...but I snuck something past you..."

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Never had she felt so embarrassed or upset since she was sold to Captain Eiwamoto. Never! Sitting at her desk while the crew ate and laughed away the troubles of the day, Momo tried to figure out her own mysteries. It doesn't amount to anything, she thought, it was just so he could prove a point. But as she figured that was the whole reason the remark he'd made after...about the return kiss...blew it all away.

Carefully untying the ribbon keeping her braid together, Momo mindlessly combed through her sea green lockes. No matter what conclusion she came to...the more confusing the issue seemed to get. Throwing her hands up with an exasperated sigh, she gave up.

How was she supposed to figure out a man she doubted even knew himself without falling into confusion! The world around her made no sense at all! Never in her entire life, did she think that she'd feel so odd.

" Argh!" Momo cried, ruffling her own hair." What's wrong with me?" A light tapping on the door caught her off guard but she stomped over, more than a little irritated." What do you want!"

Shanks stood with Kyoko asleep in his arms, which both were surprised was still sleeping after her outburst," Had a bit too much fun...thought I'd bring the tyke back."

" T-thank you..." Taking the little from his arms Momo smiled and placed her in bed, tucking the blankets around her tiny frame." Sorry...about the shouting. I have things on my mind..."

Giving an almost sheepish grin the pirate gave a polite nod and started before her remembered," Almost forgot! We should come across land by tomorrow morning. A nice village...or so I've heard."

After giving it a moment of thought Momo smiled and looked away." Thank you Shanks..."

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Personally...I would never be able to leave Shanks. Maybe because I obsess so much...did something I thought would be impossible. Heheh! I've finally collected 23 beautiful images of Shanks(or images that have him in the picture(and then some))! All different but equally as cute! MSN groups rock! Thank you all::dramatic bow and tears: Without you I'd be nowhere...

The wittle kiss was unexpected, eh? Good...I hoped it was. You know...I was thinking it would be a cool idea to have an RPG about this story. :shrug: Or an RPG revolving around Shanks' group entirely. Could always add it to my forum...

Chapter 7: Land! Momo finally leaves the ship but isn't surprsed when Shanks and his crew follow suit. Only for a day until their supplies are full again. But does a familiar foe still lurk about?

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