Chapter 8

A new day had arrived as the sun kissed the clear blue sky, its sunbeams lighting up the Red Force.

From the debts of the ship, Alexis let out a groan of complain as the sunlight pierced through the small window of her room, unforgivingly. Her head hurt so much because of the large amounts of alcohol that she ingested yesterday.

Her body needed hydration!

Grumbling, she grabbed a large white blouse that used to belong to Shanks along with tight jeans and exited her room. She walked down the long wooden hallway, barefoot, enjoying the warmth that greeted her feet as she walked towards the mess deck. She opened the door and was greeted by a smiling Benn Beckman.

-Good morning. – She said happily as she walked up to the small kitchen to get something done for her.

-Good morning Alexis.

-Did you have breakfast? – She questioned and received a negative nod from the elder man. He was reading a book, of what she didn't know. – Do you want me to make something for you?

-Can you heat me up a cup of coffee?

-Sure thing. – She smiled and began to prepare her own breakfast that consisted on toast and a large cup of coffee. After a couple of minutes she sat next to the large, grey haired man, placing his cup of coffee in front of him.

-Thank you. – He said and continued to read the book he was holding on his large hands.

-What are you reading? – She questioned in sheer curiosity as she attempted to read the small letters on the yellow pages.

-It's an adventure/romance book. – He continued to read, a smile gracing on his lips as he proceeded reading.

-I never thought you were into that. – She chuckled lightly and took a bite of her toast.

-Explain. – He looked at her with a risen eyebrow.

-I never thought you were the kind of kind to read romance books.

-I enjoy them if they have a good plot. – He took his attention away from the book, now totally focused on the woman next to him. – You thought I didn't enjoy these kind of things.

-I always thought you were the kind of man that was informed and read a lot, yes, but now romances or anything. – She scratched her chin in thought. – Maybe criminal themed books, scientific or life stories.

She received a small chuckle from Benn. She realized, as well, that it was the first time she ever heard him laugh.

-Do I look that serious?

-Sometimes, yes. – She admitted earning another amused chuckle from him. – You should lighten up more often.

-I can't. – He smiled at her and redirected his gaze to the book once again. – Shanks is too laid back so I need to be more alert to compensate his relaxation.

-Good point. – She chuckled sweetly as the image of a smiling and cheerful captain appeared on her mind.

A comfortable silence fell upon the two.

-You're a good influence to him. – He stated, breaking the silence.

-What do you mean?

-Since you've joined he seems even more concerned and more watchful towards his surroundings. – Benn smiled at her with kindness. – You awoken a side in him that I haven't seen in a long time. – He received a curious and confused look from Alexis. – It's a good thing, don't worry too much.

-Thank you I guess. – She smiled kindly and took one last bite on her toast and drank the remains of her coffee before getting up and head to the kitchen in order to wash the tableware she used.

-Alexis! – A voice came from the entrance of the mess deck. It was Joshua.

-Yes, Joshua-boy?

-When are we going to begin practice? – His eyes shimmered in excitement.

-In a second. Head to the deck, I'll be right there. – She smiled kindly at her when he received a nod from the young boy before he headed back out.

-Teaching the new kid? – Benn questioned as he took a sip form his coffee.

-Yes. He asked me to train him. – She smiled as she dried her hands on a piece of cloth. – Not that I'm against it. I encouraged him to practice and he only asked for my help.

-You're a kind hearted person. – Benn stated giving Alexis his signature smile.

-Thank you Benn. – With that she left the mess deck after reassuring that he didn't need anything else. Reaching up to deck, she saw Joshua holding a silver zulfiqar sword on his right hand. Next to him there was her ever first weapon that she received in this world: the black handled katana. She walked up to her beloved weapon and gently took hold of it on her right hand. – Changed into that zulfiqar? – She question, capturing Joshua's attention.

-Yes. I kind of like this sword better than my previous one. – He swung the sword at his side, trying out its weight.

-It's your choice. – Alexis passed a light feather thumb over her katana's blade, cutting away a small layer of skin. – As one handed sword? – He nodded in agreement. – Fighting position. – He turned to her at three quarters, facing her. His arm slightly lower, leaving his chest unprotected; his legs were slightly bent for a need of sudden movement and his torso leaned slightly forward. Alexis casually walked to him and, with her own sword, she tapped his arm raising it lightly, followed by a tap on his torso, straightening his torso upward, also turning it so that his side was facing the opponent and, placing a finger under his chin, raised his head upward. – First off, you need to work on your posture. That was the position that begged people to stab a blade across your chest.

-It was that bad?

-Leaving your chest unprotected… Yes a bit. – She smiled deviously at him and returned to the place she was standing before. She took hold of the katana's handle on both hands, bended her knees and turned her torso in order to face Joshua sideways. – Remember to never rush to your opponent. It will be your biggest mistake. – Joshua only nodded, taking in all the information like a sponge. – Stay put and calm, waiting for your opponent to make a move. – She took a step to her right side and Joshua responded this move with a sidestep as well. – Read your enemy.

-What if he doesn't show anyth… - He was cut off by a sudden rush of wind that passed by him and cold steel against his throat. In a split second, Alexis was behind him with her katana against his neck.

-Never get distracted. – She lowered her sword, unleashing Joshua from her grasp. – An enemy always shows something even if it is the minor of things, there's always some move that can be read and can help you figure out his next move. – She began to walk away, back against him, so Joshua seized this opportunity and attacked her from behind. She easily blocked his swing, resting her blade against her back. She pushed him back, making him lose balance and returned to her fighting stance. – Never attack someone from behind. It's shameful for someone that declares himself a swordsman. – She sighed at the boy's impatience. – And you need to make less noise while attacking.

-Teach me, then.

-It's too soon still. – She stated and lunged towards him, swinging her katana. He blocked her attack… Barely. – Be quick. – She swung the sword to her left and he blocked it once again. – Be decisive. – Another swing to her right and he blocked it again. A cocky smirked appeared on his lips. She raised her sword above her head and prepared to strike but he blocked it once again. She slid the blade until it reached the guard of his zulfiqar and laughed her shoulder against his chest, catching him off guard and leaving him breathless. – And don't be so full of yourself. – He fell to the floor and she pointed her sword to his face. – It will be your death.

With that being said, whenever Joshua would get up and prepared to attack he would only lose to her. As the lesson progressed, the red of the Red Hair Pirates woke up, complaining with the loud noise but when seeing whom it was making the noise, the pirates chose to ignore it and go to their business. Benn and Roo were at the deck, watching the two newest members fighting against each other in amusement. They had to admit Alexis was skillful and Joshua had a very strong will and potential to become better. The ship was regaining its lively spirit as every other day but not everyone was awake yet. There was one man missing.

Shanks.

After a full hour of fighting one another, Alexis declared the lesson as finished. As a side training session she ordered Joshua to train his swing and dodging speed while he wasn't practicing with her. He gladly obeyed and instantly went to practice. She chuckled at his strong will to get better before walked to the mess deck.

It was almost lunch time and she was very hungry.

As she entered the mess deck she found Yasopp frolicking by the large room and heading to the kitchen. His eyes began to shine in happiness when he spotted the slim red haired woman enter the room.

-Hey Alex-san! – He cheered as he messed around with pans and food.

-Hi Yasopp. – She sat down on a chair next to the kitchen and analyzed everything Yasopp was doing. – You are going to make lunch?

-Yeah, it's my turn so I have to. – He laughed and continued to cook.

-My, my. I never thought you knew how to cook.

-Don't underestimate me Alex-san. – He pointed a knife at her in a playful manner and she raised her hands in the air joining in on the joke. They both laughed. – I have to. I used to cook for a woman I met when I was on land. – He smiled at the reminder of the long nosed woman he had laid for a night and got her pregnant with the child he was so proud of. – She was so beautiful and became the mother of my pride and joy.

-Your child? – Despite already knowing, Alexis was willing to listen to Yasopp's story about his son, Usopp.

-Yes. – He placed his hand on his chest. – He has my blood. He is an adventurer and a great pirate.

-I believe so, Yasopp. – She chuckled lightly, remembering the tons of episodes where Usopp would flee or hide in fear. Although, she had to admit, he could be brave sometimes and could be a very interesting character.

The sharpshooter began to talk about Usopp, praising on his piracy skills and abilities that were passed to him by Yasopp himself.

As he was finishing whatever food that he was cooking (that smelled wonderfully), pirates began to flood the mess deck, hungry expressions on their faces as they served themselves to whatever amount of food they wanted and shoved it in large amounts into their mouths.

Roo and Yasopp sat near Alexis with plates overflowing with food and began to chat happily with her. Benn later joined followed by Joshua but still, no Shanks. Was he suffering from a strong hangover? Or were the events of last night that kept him thinking? A small blushed found its way to Alexis' cheeks so, in order to hide it away, she lowered her face, letting her hair cascade by her sides, concealing her expression.

The food tasted wonderfully and she enjoyed it so very much until the last bite.

Along with the following mini food fight that Yasopp gladly began.

Everyone took shelter on stumbled tables and used some small benches to deflect the attacks from the others.

It was so fun and fulfilling living the pirate life. Sure they could be childish sometimes but they knew the true meaning of nakama, trust and loyalty.

After lunch and a couple more instructions added to Joshua's training, Alexis offered to help clean up the mess the pirates did in the mess deck: food was splattered on the walls and on the floor; broken plates were found on some corners; spilled ale and sake on some tables. It took nearly half an hour for Alexis, Yasopp and Joshua to clean up the mess.

Throughout the day there was no sign of enemy ships or any major threat. Only the occasional sea king that was easily defeated by the Red Hair Pirates and its meat stored for future needs.

The sun was beginning to set, red and orange colors bathed the previous blue sky, threatening the return of yet another night of a clear sky.

And to Alexis displease: no sign of Shanks.

Sighing, she got up from the deck floor and walked back inside the Red Force, towards her room initially but instead of facing a small and chipped off door she was now standing in front of a luxurious double door.

She knocked.

No answer.

She knocked yet again.

A complaint was heard from the other side before the door was opened to her revealing a handsome shirtless Shanks to her. His chest rose as he took in a deep breath and rubbed his eyes, trying to push away the horrible headache he had.

-You've been sleeping all this time? – She questioned with a soft and low voice, trying not to cause pain to her captain.

-Trying too. – He answered in a husky tone as he looked at Alexis form. She was wearing a long white blouse and shorts that weren't visible since the blouse was way too long for her. Her perfectly sculpted legs were exposed to his eyes delight but he forced himself to look at her grey eyes. – You're all too noisy.

-Sorry… - She smiled nervously and chuckled. – We kind of got into a food fight and some sword fight as well but that's another story.

-Sword fighting? – A teasing smirk danced on his perfect lips making Alexis blush.

-Shush now you pervert. – She slapped his arm lightly, earning a soft chuckle from the captain before her. They fell silent, just staring at each other and taking in each other's image, recording it permanently in their heads for future needs. Finally, Alexi sighed. – Is there anything I can do for you captain?

-It's Shanks and I'm actually kind of hungry. – He finally admitted and turned around to fetch his white blouse that had been sloppily thrown to the king sized bed.

-I'll get you something then. – She rushed to answer but before she could take a step a hand took hold of her shoulder.

-Don't worry too much. I'll go there. – He sounded to kind to her. They both headed towards the empty mess deck. Shanks sat after some complaint from Alexis' part about him not being completely well and that she would offer to make him something. Alexis quickly prepared him a simple dish: fried rice. She placed the plate with food in front of her captain which he quickly devoured. As he finished Alexis gaze, that until then was fixated on him, drew to the kitchen and stared blankly at it. – Shanks…

-Hm…? – His mouth was filled with the last bites of food but he quickly swallowed it.

-About yesterday… - Her face began to blush lightly causing her to look down to her hands. – I'm… I'm sorry…

-About what? – His face seemed completely innocent towards whatever she was mentioning, almost as though he didn't remember what she was talking about.

-About the… Last night when I… kissed you. – She finally managed to say as the blush on her face deepened. Shanks only smiled deeply and it was now his turn to compensate for his stupid stunted poise of last night. He placed his hand on the back of her head, he made her look at him and leaned to her, placing a sweet and kind kiss on her lips, almost as kind as he was. He could taste the saltiness of the meal she had cooked him on his lips. She was caught off guard and her eyes were wide open in surprise but yet she enjoyed having his warm lips against hers. Seconds after he separated his lips from hers and looked into her grey orbs.

-Don't be sorry. – His voice came out so inviting. – I enjoyed it. – He sounded so honest as he spoke these words that made Alexis shiver in delight under his touch. – But if you're still unsure of yourself, we'll take things easy. Step by step, okay?

She nodded before she planted an innocent kiss on the corner of his lips, earning a kind and simple smile from his part.

-Thank you captain.

A/N:

Well this is the eighth chapter and I had so much fun with it! If I could I would make it longer but then I'd have to cut it in more chapters in order to not make it too long for you guys.

Anyways, thank you so much for everyone that's still reading this story. I'm very thankful :)

I do not own One Piece

I only own Joshua and Alexis :3

Have a very nice day people!