Yes, I'm already updating. Yes, I have a thing for pairings that aren't quite crack, but aren't quite… not. Yes, there will be some actual Strawhat crew goodness in the next chapter.

Theme: Breathe Again

Characters: CP9, focus on Kalifa and Lucci

Pairings: LuccixKalifa

-x-

It had been a sunny day, a reprieve from all the rain that had plagued the town they were in since they first arrived. After paying for the medical procedures for Lucci, they had enough left over to shop for clothes (which Kalifa desperately needed, since all she had now was Jyabura's battered old shirt), and other things.

Her and Kumadori were the ones forced to shop, apparently because she is a woman, so it's "her duty". She knew none of them actually believed that and just used it as an excuse. And Kumadori? He lost at Rock, Paper, Scissors, so they shopped while Jyabura, Kaku, Blueno and Fukurou, the bastards, got to drink tea or coffee, or whatever.

Kumadori and Kalifa had stopped for a rest halfway through the shopping trip, where Kalifa decided for a smoke and to read a bit of her book she had just bought. Hattori, who had been resting on her shoulder until now, went to see what Kumadori was eating, which he got a piece of, because deep down everyone knew Kumadoi was a softie.

Just as Kalifa made to put out her cigarette, Hattori suddenly perked up, and started flying away.

"YOYOI, WHERE'S HE GOING!?" Kumadori asked/screeched, clearly confused.

"Get the others, and meet me at the hospital," she gasped out, before setting off in a run.

-x-

Lucci blinked his eyes open, and slowly tried to sit up, which proved to be a hard task. He was bandaged all over, and couldn't remember why. He delved into his memories, trying to figure it out.

Steam… A giant's hand, a straw hat…. And then it hit him. Straw Hat Luffy had defeated him. But where was he now…?

Unfortunately, he didn't have time to dwell on it as Hattori flew in through the open window on his right. He let a smile out that was usually reserved for the bird. He savored the feeling of peace that he never got in his live as leader of the CP9.

But that was ruined as soon as Kalifa burst through the door, actually running for once.

-x-

"Lucci!" Kalifa exclaimed, but quickly got her voice under control.

"Kalifa," he stated, turning his emotionless gaze at her. Kalifa looked down, calming herself before her emotions took over. She had never been the most prone to that, usually Jyabura and Kumadori taking that spot, but right now she didn't know if she could contain them. She chose her next words carefully.

"We… I… thought you would never breathe again," And with that, the flood gates let loose. For the first time in 15 years, she cried.

-x-

Lucci watched on in apparent shock as Kalifa cried over his wellbeing. He had never seen her cry before, and was torn between comforting her or scolding her for being weak.

He settled for both.

"Kalifa, crying makes you weak. Did you really think I was going to die? I thought you smarter than that. Now dry our idiotic tears before the others get here,"

Kalifa nodded, understanding the point that he was trying to make. She wiped her eyes quickly, un-fogging her glasses on the way.

Well, it looks like the only one I come undone for is you, Lucci, Kalifa thought. She would've pondered on this thought further, but it was at that moment that the rest of the CP9 burst through the door.

"You'll never guess what Jyabura and Kaku did to earn money for your medical fees, chapapa!" Was the first thing out of any of their mouths.

"You shut up!" Jyabura growled, trying to zip Fukurou's mouth closed. Kalifa took this opportunity to blend in the background to let the rest of their group (family) to talk with him.

The only proof of their former conversation was the wordless smirk he threw at Kalifa when he thought no one was looking.

"Hey, why are ya smirking at Kalifa? You got blackmail on her or something?" Jabura, who had never been the most observant person, took this oppurtunity to try it.

"You could say that," And hell broke loose.

"YOYOI! Did she do something stupid?"

"MAN! Did you get naked pictures of her?"

"That's sexua harassment.. ugh..." Kalifa groaned, but decided to not even try.

-x-

I have a tendency to pair up bad guys. Not kidding. Like, for example, Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine's Day makes me melt.

By the way, anyone got any requests? I'll take 'em all, even if I don't support the pairing.