A/N: This chapter reveals a bit more about Athe's past ... XD yay!

RR: Reviewers Response

Tammi: Seriously, she is coming. Just in a while ... -hides- Alli is coming though!

Sanji-luver: -sweatdrops- No, not in that way ...

Mr. Thumbsup: Really? -sweatdrops again- I guess I'm very predictable ... XD He does it again this chapter ... so sad. But I know in a future chapter (like 2 ahead or something), he doesn't eat ... wait for it ... MEAT! At least I don't think so ;)

Thomas Drovin: I guess the letting go thing is significant but not significant ... does that even make sense? XP

I went to my bed to sleep. Tonight, Sanji didn't come into bed with me, he had to make a snack for Luffy, and so he wouldn't raid his food supply overnight. Already, it was dwindling. Pretty predictably.

I slipped into sleep like a fish would into water. Very soon, I was dreaming.

I walked in a sun-lit grove, and flicked my elbow-long hair behind my ears. Instead of my normal black hair, my hair was a glorious burgundy, and I was about two or so inches taller – just about Zoro's height. The small figure I had come to address at Kitsune sat under a tree, twirling a hair around a finger.

"Well, hello there," he said, catching sight of me.

I waved. "Hello, Kitsune-sensei."

"Now, Naomi-san, how are you?"

I smiled. "I'm fine. Where are the others?" I asked of the trickster god.

Kitsune grinned mischievously. "They're coming. Don't worry, they're coming."

I glanced sidelong at him. "What do you mean, they're coming?" I suspiciously probed, narrowing my eyes slightly.

"I meant what I said. They're coming."

"In the meeting place or in Non-Reality?"

The fox god laughed. "You really are one shrewd girl."

"And you really are one annoying fox god. You still didn't answer my question, Kitsune-sensei. Where and when?"

The fox's face grew serious. "Where and when is of no concern to me, Naomi-san. Just know this – you will find them somewhere. You're going now, Naomi-san. I'll see you sometime."

"Kitsune-sensei, just one question before I leave. What happens if I win the bet?"

As I faded away, the sights and sounds growing more distant by the second, I could have sworn Kitsune smiled, "Non-Reality life beckons you."

What did he mean by that? The question spiralled around in my head, as I fell through a vortex; by the power of someone shaking me persistently back in Non-Reality.

"Athe-chan!" someone shouted. I had a good idea of who it was. "Wake up! Its morning and Sanji's making us wait for breakfast until you show up!"

"Hello, Luffy-sama," I said without opening my eyes.

"WHAT! How'd you know it was me?"

Now opening my eyes, I looked at him mysteriously and wiggled my fingers. "It's magic," I said, deciding to tease him.

"It's WHAT?"

"Magic. Shh, it's a secret." Putting my finger to my lip, I hopped out of bed and shooed Luffy out. I proceeded to dress, but something made me decide to not wear my usual tank top and pink mini, or the outfit Nami had previously picked out for me – the black dress and stilettos. Instead, I rummaged through my wardrobe, looking for a matching outfit. Finding an acceptable outfit, I donned it quickly.

"Athie-swan! Are you ready?" Sanji shouted.

I quickly whispered, "Baka Baka no Waves!" then communicated with Sanji via my Devil Fruit powers.

I'm coming, Sanji-kun. Don't let Luffy-sama eat the table while I'm not there.

As I walked out, I could hear all the usual sounds – Sanji and Zoro fighting – "Baka swordsman!" "Dart-board eyebrow!" – Nami hitting them on the head – "Ow! Why'd you have to do that, wench?" A bit far from the Nami-swan I got yesterday, huh? – and Luffy and Usopp begging for … wait for it … MEAT!

I stepped into the room, and immediately Sanji turned to face me. His eyes bulged – because of the outfit I was wearing. The tank top I normally wore was replaced with a burnt orange, long sleeved crossover top, cut low which accentuated my bust (did I ever mention mine could rival Nami's for size?), matched with a black miniskirt over three quarter leggings. If it was slightly lewd – well, stuff them.

"Wow, Athie-chwan!" Sanji was literally gobsmacked. His heart-eye was beating at a millions miles per second.

I shyly smiled. "Do you like it? I mean is it too revealing or anything?" I wrung my hands anxiously.

"Not anymore than Nami-chan's," Zoro muttered. Unfortunately for him, Nami heard him and whacked him on the head with her staff.

"Ow! That hurt!" he whined pathetically. Nami then turned to him with a 'do I care?' look on her face which shut him up straight away.

"Athie-chwan! You look so beautiful, like a goddess of lore!" Sanji proclaimed. My smile grew less shy and more confident.

"Really?"

"Yes, my darling." Sanji rushed over to me, and held my hand. "Athie-swan, my sun, my only reason for living …"

While Sanji was mouthing niceties at me, my mind flicked back to what Zoro had said. "Nami-chan." My smile grew wicked at all the things I could do … I even felt sorry for the First Mate.

"Um … Athe-chan?" Nami asked.

I looked at her questioningly.

"Can you make Sanji-kun serve us some breakfast? We're starting to get really hungry here." True to her word, I heard Usopp and Luffy's stomachs rumbling, and Zoro snoring.

Still holing my hand and praising me, Sanji still knelt proposing style. And Luffy and Usopp were starting to get impatient.

"Even better, Nami-chan. I'll get it for you myself."

Gently replacing my hand with the slumbering Zoro's, I rose and fetched the breakfast from the kitchen. Nami held in giggles. Sanji was praising Zoro still, not realising the I had disappeared.

And as I re-entered the room, Zoro woke up and Sanji noticed the hand was calloused. The two jerked back instantaneously. "Hi again Sanji … I went and grabbed the meals for you …"

"Athie-chwan, you didn't have to do that!"

I smiled. "No, but I did. Luffy-sama and Usopp-san were getting hungry."

Zoro rolled his eyes. "Luffy's always hungry."

"Zoro-kun!" I yelled, shocked.

"What?" he grunted.

"You didn't use honorifics!" My eyes widened.

"Yeah, so?"

"You know them this well?"

With a confused look on his face, he answered, "Yes. I have been sailing with them for a while now …"

The other Mugiwaras broke into laughter. I stood there, and realised how stupid I was being, and joined into the laughter. As I was serving the plates ("Sanji-kuun! I'm going to serve breakfast today!" "Anything for you, Athie-swan!"), I realised you didn't need honorifics for your nakama. They're special, and closer than anyone.

My nakama are my One Piece.

A/N: Well, kinda filler, but still necessary. XD Oh yeah, this is set after Laboon and before Whiskey Peak. Just Vivi and Mr. 9 didn't come with them. -sigh- That just reminds me of the stupid dub. -stabs dub repeatedly- Anyway ... If you're wondering Naomi is actually my name ... and a common Japanese / Hebrew name ... In Japan, it's pronounced Now-mi, and in English it's pronounced Na-o-mi. The scary thing is, my French teacher calls me Now-mi! XD And she's a fag and not even remotely connected with Asia in any way!
Next time on Cursed Love ...

The Straw Hats discuss something they haven't discussed with their cleaner.

Next instalment ...