Chapter 4: Lullaby of Angels

Sitting on the edge Hikaru kicked her feet back and forth, despite his somewhat cold extior Zoro wasn't such a bad guy. He wasn't much on conversation but he tried, so she appreciated his effort none the less.

" How long have you and your sister been living without your mother?"

Perking a little the red head thought about it," Ever since I was about four years old...the Mayor back then made our mother leave. I don't remember why but...I don't think she's dead."

Taking a moment to process her story the swordsman averted his attention to the sea," I guess she's the person you're searching for, isn't she?"

" Yeah...I'm hoping we run into her..." Hugging up to her knees Hikaru sighed." But it's hard for me to remember what she looked like and I'm sure she doesn't look the same. Older...she'd be much older. I still remember a lullaby she used to sing to me before she left...wanna hear it?"

A little unsure of what to say Zoro gave a quick nod," Sure."

Clearing her throat Hikaru readied herself, singing a few little tunes from this song and that song until she felt her voice was where it needed to be." Baby angels play at sea, singing tunes of harmony. Baby angels in my arms, sing for me the melody. Tiny wails that touch the sky, hearing the innocence He smiles...sing for me angel, please..."

Just as Zoro finally thought of something to say a mischievous giggle shattered the moment. It had never occured to Hikaru that her little sister could be spying on her conversation—but hearing the door close confirmed it. Turning the same shade as her hair the elder sister turned to Zoro," Please excuse me...I'm sorry if I bothered you."

" No...not at all."

Although she smiled on the outside, on the inside she was ready to give her sister a piece of her mind. Opening the door with vehemence etched in her eyes, Hikaru began to lecture her sister on eavedropping, all the while Hikari continued to laugh.

Rubbing at the tears that fell from her eyes, due to laughing too hard, Hikari smiled," Enjoy the attention you're getting, it's not often gorgeous guys give you a moment of their time. Especially the serious types like, Zoro."

" Eh?"

" Hahahahaha! You're so naive it's funny!" Clutching her stomach and laughing as hard as before she had a hard time gaining control over another spasm of laughter." Okay...you did see the way Zoro looked at you?"

Blinking Hikaru shook her head," No..."

" Sanji...please tell me you noticed how he looked at you?" Trying to get more comfortable she went on." I mean, if you didn't see Sanji then you're hopeless—don't tell me...you were blind to that too...? Oi...I'm younger and I know guys better than you do."

Face burning from embarressment the red head scratched her neck and kept her gaze directed towards her hands," I-I did notice...Sanji, I mean. It was hard not to...once he got off the ship he started flirting with us."

" Well...you can have them all to yourself for all I care...I don't want to lose my indepence. Besides I'm not ready for a relationship...especially with guys three or more years older than myself."

——

" Something smells heavenly..." murmured Hikaru entering the kitchen the next morning with a giggle." I should have guessed it was you Sanji...forgot you were the cook...again..."

Despite being busy the blonde greeted her with a sweet smile," To get a compliment like that from an Angel...would make me look rude to ask for your help."

" No it wouldn't...but I'm sure you've cooked by yourself a lot..." spoke the red head, taking an egg from the counter." Why would you even ask for my help?"

" Just because I'm a professional doesn't mean I don't like recieving help every now and then."

Realizing the truth behind his words Hikaru just smiled," Yeah...every now and then, I guess, it wouldn't hurt." Between the silence and the sounds of the pair cooking the girl couldn't help but think about what her sister said the previous night.

Sanji glanced up, wiping his forehead with his leeve," You wouldn't mind kneading the dough and putting it over the fire, would you?"

" Hm? Oh...OH! No I wouldn't!"

It was flattering to recieve so much attention from guys, knowing full well she really didn't have much time for it when it was just her and her sister living at Natsu. Besides, not many people walked by their house to begin with, what would have been the chances of men 'accidently' stumbling across them? Slim to none! Honestly, living in Natsu restricted them from many earthly pleasures—they hardly ever sold chocolate and when they did it was expensive.

" Hey, you're going to burn yourself!"

Snapping back to reality, Hikaru jerked, in the process burning her right hand," Ow! Owowowowow!"

" Here...let me take a look..." Making sure to be gentle, Sanji examined the burn before placing a wet cloth over it to sooth the pain a little." There. If you didn't want to help you did—"

" No, it's not that I didn't want help, I really want to!" she explain before turning a little red in the cheeks." I, uh, just had a lot on my mind...I'm sorry for the trouble."

" Hey..." spoke the cook, taking a row of bandages from the table to wrap her hand." You're no trouble at all...in fact your a great help but it would probably be a good idea if you went to rest a bit. Relax." With a nod Hikaru strode to the door when Sanji called for her again." Do you like chocolate?"

Blinking in confusion she gave a small nod," Y-yes...we could barely afford it in Natsu but...I did like what I tasted of it. Why?"

" I'm just curious."

——

Muahahahahaha! Hikaru-chan had her 'moment' with Zoro and Sanji::giggle: I'll have to think of something with Luffy—wait I got the perfect idea::evil laughter: I'm innocent! I swear!

Okay, the seriousness of the plot will start to emerge when they arrive in another village that's connected with 'The Kingdom of Time'. lol I cheated with my village names...stealing the japanese words for each season—which oddly enough goes into the 'time' plot. Yaayyy! 'Random' pirates start appearing too!

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