Cooking With Penguin

Neo closed the book with a hard thump. Sprawled out on the couch she stared up at the ceiling. Being on this sub she's learned about a whole new level of boredom. And having only a few books to read didn't help anything either. Sensing out where her brother was she found him one floor down, in the training room if she wasn't mistaken. With a heavy sigh, she forced herself off the couch, placed the book back on the shelf, and left the rec. room. Reaching the two set of stairs her attention divided. The stairs on her left lead up to the second level. The level where the captain's quarters was and her birth medallion. The stairs on her right led down to the fourth level where her brother was.

Her eyes focused on going up. Last she knew the captain was down in Bepo's navigation room. They were going over plans or something. She wasn't sure. She was only half paying attention when Shachi and Conner were talking about it in the rec. room earlier. She did, however, sense Bepo still down there. With a gulp, she headed upstairs. This might be her only chance to look around for her birth medallion. Reaching the second level she listened for any signs of the crew. Nothing. She stepped upon to the level. Slipping down the hall she paused at the captain's door. Her conscience decided to try and talk her out of it. She was, after all, invading someone else's space. And respecting someone's personal space was something her parents taught her. But this was different. Something of hers had been taken. She had a right to get it back. Shaking it from her head, she entered into the room. It was her medallion after all.

His scent greeted her upon entering. Glancing around she found his room clean but for some books and papers scattered on his desk. "Clean freak apparently."

She stepped over to his desk. Running her eyes over the books she wasn't surprised to find they were medical. Ignoring them opened the desk drawers in search of her medallion. Nothing but a bunch of notes on medical procedures and plans to take down someone named Doflamingo occupied the drawers. She closed them and stepped over to his closet. It was full of hoodies. "Someone's obsessed with a certain style of clothing."

Pushing them aside she found no place for a medallion to be hidden inside. She even ran her hands over the pockets of his jeans. Nothing. With a sigh she put everything back where it was, closed the door, and looked around the room. The bed was her next destination but pushing up the mattress and checking the pillows she found nothing. Then she entered into the bathroom and found nothing as well. With another, defeated sigh, she left the room. "Maybe he's keeping it with him? That would make sense. At least while he's on the sub. I doubt he'd risk taking it off the sub when we're on land. Or maybe he gave it to one of the crew to watch? Is it possible they have a safe onboard?"

Heading down the stairs, Neo tapped her fist on the wall. She wanted to hit the wall out of frustration but knew that would draw attention. That was something she didn't want. Stepping off the last step she crashed into a solid force. "Ouch."

"Maybe you should watch where you're going," Law said. "That way you won't crash into anyone."

Neo growled. "Or maybe you could?"

"I was." Law smirked.

"Then why didn't you step aside?" Neo crossed her arms over her chest.

"I wanted to see your reaction," Law said.

"Jerk," Neo said.

"So what were you doing up there? I thought you were in the rec. room," Law said.

"Is it a crime for someone to walk around the sub?" Neo asked.

"Depends on what you were doing," Law said. "Were you in my room searching for you necklace?"

Neo gritted her teeth and tightened her arms. How was it possible that that was the first thing he asked? Settling her shaking nerves with a deep breath, she said, "No."

Law stared at her. "I'm having a hard time believing you."

"Oh? And why's that?" Neo leaned against the wall.

"Because the necklace belongs to you," Law said. "And with how important it is for you I know you won't just sit here quietly and not look for it."

"Maybe." Neo shrugged. "Or maybe I'm just biding my time."

"Perhaps," Law said. "Either way I don't have to worry about you finding it. I put it in a safe place where you'll never find it."

"So you say," Neo said. "What is it you want from us?"

"I already told you I want the truth," Law said.

"And what good will that do you? It's not like we're part of your crew," Neo said. "Whatever your goals are, we can't and won't help you with them."

"That's a possibility," Law said. "Another one would be you just falling into my plans since you two are here. I'm highly interested in you and your brother's ability to control plants. You actually might be a good addition to the crew."

"Don't count on it," Neo said. "We have our own problems to deal with."

"So you have said," Law said. "Still you are on my sub and you will do as I say. Even if that means fighting with us."

"You can't be serious." Neo's arms dropped to her side.

"I am serious, Miss Neo," Law said. "And I see no reason why your brother won't agree to that since he'll want to protect you no matter what comes our way."

"So you're going to use us," Neo said.

"You can look at it that way if you wish," Law said. "Or you can look at is as survival. He would be defending you whether you were on my sub or not, correct?"

Neo seethed, her hackles rose. Her mind spun with his words. He was actually using her brother's protectiveness against them.

"Why don't we go speak to your brother about this?" Law turned and headed for the stairs.

"About what?!" Neo stomped after him.

"About you two being on my sub and what you'll be doing for me," Law said.

"You're unbelievable," Neo said. Still she followed him all the way to the training room. Pausing at the door she wondered how he knew her brother was in here. She then brushed it aside. Someone probably told him or he came in here himself already. The sounds of a fight pulled her attention. Her mouth dropped open when she saw her brother sparring with Conner.

"I don't think Miss Neo approves of your sparring session, Kailen," Law said.

"Huh?" Kailen paused and looked over at his sister. "Oh, sorry. I should have told you. I'm just trying to keep busy."

"He's a great sparring partner," Conner said, his bare chest heaving up and down.

"Was there something you needed?" Kailen asked walking over to them.

Neo's eyes drifted down to his chest. Sweat was running down his skin so it was obvious he had been doing this for quite a while. She locked eyes with him and frowned.

"What?" Kailen asked.

"Nothing." Neo pulled her eyes away from him.

"Miss Neo and I were talk a few minutes ago and I think it's time we cleared things up a bit," Law said.

"Okay." Kailen looked at Law.

"While you two are not part of the crew you two are still under my orders as long as you are riding on my sub," Law said.

"Understandable," Kailen said.

"And while you are here you will be helping us on the sub and off," Law said. "That means you will be fighting a long side us."

"You can't do that!" Neo said.

"I'm sure you won't have a problem with this since you are already protective of your sister," Law said.

"Of course." Kailen nodded.

"Kailen! You can't agree to this!" Neo said.

"Neo, it can't be helped," Kailen said. "I'll be protecting you anyway so it doesn't really matter. And he is giving us a ride to Sabaody."

"He is not giving us a ride! He's conning us into serving him until we tell him what he wants to know!" Neo said.

"You can look at it how you wish, Miss Neo," Law said. "But this is how it's going to be."

"I understand," Kailen said. When Neo growled at him he added, "Even though I don't agree with it."

"As long as we understand each other," Law said.

Kailen nodded.

Law nodded back then turn to leave. Pausing he turned back with another smirk. "By the way, Miss Neo."

"What?"
"If you want to sneak around the sub to look for your necklace, you can do that," Law said. "But if you don't want someone to know about it you should learn to keep your body under control. It was too easy to notice your deep calming breath and the tightening of your arms over your chest."

Neo's jaw fell open. So he had known what she did.

Law left the room.

"You snuck into the captain's room?" Conner asked.

Neo ignored him and rounded on her brother. "How could you agree to that?!"

"It's not like I had a choice," Kailen said.

"Of course you have a choice!" Neo said.

"Oh?" Kailen crossed his arms. "Does that mean you're willing to leave your medallion behind?"

Neo flinched.

"Neo, I understand this isn't an ideal circumstance," Kailen said. "But the captain did bring us on his sub no matter how it happened. He could have left us out there."

"He only wants to use us," Neo said through gritted teeth.

"Maybe," Kailen said. "But he is taking us to Sabaody. And you will be on your best behavior until them. Sneaking into his room? Really? Remember we don't have a lot of options here. And we have to find our godfather before it's-"

"Fine! I get it! I'll play the good little hostage and do as I'm told!" Neo spun on her heels and marched away from him. Behind her she could hear Kailen sigh and Conner whistle.

"Dang," Conner said. "She's a regular little spitfire, isn't she?"

"Sometimes," Kailen said.

And that's all she heard. Their voices faded away as she reached the stairs. Stomping up each one she headed up to the main floor in hopes to get some fresh air. Luckily the large door was open. Stepping out onto the deck, she paused before releasing a frustrated scream.

"Something bothering you?"

Neo jumped at Penguin's voice. She whipped around to find him watching her. "Where did you…?"

"Oh, that's right. Bepo didn't bring you out here," Penguin said then pointed to his left. "The sub deck is kind of like a porch that wraps around a house. Though it doesn't go all the way around."

Confused, Neo walked over to see what he was talking about. The deck did go on farther back than just where she was standing. It was almost a U shape deck. "Oh." She turned from him and walked to the end of the deck. "I'll have to remember that and not scream out my frustrations until I know I'm alone." Reaching the rail, she crossed her arms over it and stared at the horizon. The wind teased her hair and ruffled the sails. She glanced back at the sail finding the same odd smiley face. "Your captain has a strange obsession over that smiley face."

"It actually comes from another man's Jolly Roger," Penguin said.

"So he stole it," Neo said. "Such a pirate thing to do."

"I wouldn't say that exactly," Penguin said. "Ours is different from his."

"So who is he?" Neo asked.

"Uh, I'm not sure I should answer that." Penguin glanced at the door.

"Why?" Neo turned to him and leaned back against the railing.

"The captain, sort of, has a history with the guy I'm talking about," Penguin said. "It's very complicated. And I don't feel right talking about the captain's past without his permission."

"Loyalty," Neo mumbled. That was one major characteristic she loved in people. And it was something that could cause her to actually like this guy, or even this crew if they were loyal enough and showed it.

"So, mind if I ask why you're upset?" Penguin asked.

"Do you really have to? I mean it should be obvious," Neo said.

"Ah, you were speaking with the captain again," Penguin said.

"And my brother. Who suddenly seems to not mind that we're being held hostage here and is now sparring with your crewmate Conner," Neo said.

"Why would you be upset with your brother? I mean he's only doing it to keep busy," Penguin said. "Being on a sub or ship for long periods of time can get very dull and boring."

"Are you suggesting we become friends with you all?" Neo looked at him.

"Would that be a bad thing?" Penguin said. "It's not like you have anything better to do. And it's going to take a long while to get to Sabaody."

Neo sighed and looked away from him. He had a point.

"Look, uh, Miss Neo, I'm heading down to the galley right now to start on dinner," Penguin said heading for the door. "If you want you could come and help."

Neo didn't move. At the moment she wasn't sure what she wanted. She was still an emotional wreck from the death of her parents and Atlas's betrayal. Closing her eyes she imagined her godfather and what he would say or do in this situation. It was obvious that he would focus his energy on taking Atlas down and purify the darkness crystal. However she couldn't do that while unable to use her crystals. But this wasn't about her crystals. This was about her, the situation they were in, and the crew. None of this was really their fault. Kailen was only doing what he needed to do to protect her. And despite the fact the captain of this crew was a complete and total manipulative jerk, the crew has shown themselves to be rather friendly. Maybe it was time for her to show them the same. While this was a pirate ship this was still their home. And she could be a better guest.

Pushing away from the rail, she headed back inside and down to the galley. Entering into the galley she found Penguin pulling out some pans. When he saw her he said, "Did you need something?"

"I guess I want to help," Neo said.

"Oh, okay. Come on over," Penguin said.

"What were you thinking about making?" Neo walked over to him.

"Ravioli," Penguin said. "And breadsticks with a side of salad."

"Sounds good. What would you like me to do?" Neo asked.

"Well, the ravioli needs to be stuffed before we do the salad," Penguin said. "Some ravioli is going to be stuffed with meat. Will that be okay with you?"

"Yes, it's fine," Neo said. "I have some experience in cooking with meat."

"Okay. The aprons are in that drawer." Penguin pointed to the drawer near her.

Neo opened it. Pulling out one she tied it on then washed her hands before joining Penguin over by the island. He had everything already set out.

"We're also going to be stuffing some with cheese," Penguin said. "Conner requested it. He loves cheese."

Neo nodded. Laying out a sheet of dough she started placing some cheese on it. "Listen, Penguin, I'm sorry that I'm being so snappy. I know this isn't the first time I've apologized for it. But I really am going to try harder and be nicer. Well, to at least you and the crew. Your captain I can still do without at this point."

Penguin chuckled. "The captain can have that effect on people."

"Is he always such a manipulative jerk?" Neo asked.

"No, not really. Unless someone has something he finds interesting," Penguin said. "And you two fit that bill."

"Lucky us," Neo said.

"I'm not going to try and push you into talking about your past, Miss Neo," Penguin said. "But if ever you do want to talk about it, I'm a pretty good listener."

"Uh, thanks," Neo said. "And its just Neo. You don't have to call me Miss. I don't really care much for such formalities."

"Sure thing, Neo." Penguin smiled.

"So, who taught you how to cook?" Neo asked.

"I'm mostly self taught," Penguin said. "I started around the age of eight. My mom was working a lot so I had to fend for myself when she was gone. It's not something that I absolutely love, but you have to eat to live."

"Is that how you became the crew's cook?" Neo asked.

"I guess you could look at it that way," Penguin said. "But when we first started I was the only one who had the better cooking skills. The captain could cook a bit, but he mostly does grilled fish and onigiri since it's his favorite. Bepo has some skills too but his fur is always falling in the food. So we were stuck on either eating the same thing everyday, eating food half covered with fur, or I could do the cooking. We chose me."

"Logical choice," Neo said.

"Since then we just haven't really took the time to find an actual chef," Penguin said. "But if we get more crewmates I hope we do. While I like cooking enough to do it I don't want to always cook and cook for such a large crew. Fifteen people is more than enough."

"And we're only adding to that. Sorry," Neo said.

"Don't worry about it," Penguin said. "Two more isn't that much. Beside it's better when I have help in here."

"I'll help when I can," Neo said.

"Only if you want to. I don't want to force you into doing this," Penguin said.

"It's fine," Neo said. "And as it has been pointed out, it's not like I have anything else to do. I've already read all the books in the rec. room seven times each."

"Seven times?!" Penguin dropped the small ball of meat he was rolling in his hands. "Are you serious?! You haven't even been on the sub for a month yet!"

"I'm a fast reader. I love reading a lot," Neo said. "I got it from my mom. She was a big reader too."

"And what about cooking?" Penguin asked. "Is it something you love as well?"

"It is." Neo nodded.

"Who taught you?" Penguin asked.

"My dad." Tears filled her eyes, blurring the meat she was rolling in her hands.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you," Penguin said. "We don't have to talk about them. It's obviously upsetting you."

Neo flinched. With the back of her arm she brushed away her tears then started rolling the meat again. Several seconds later she glanced over at Penguin, wondering if he figured out that her parents were dead. After all she said her mom was a big reader. That should have been a huge tip off that her mom was dead or at least gone. But if Penguin picked up on it he didn't show it. Neither of them said much after that. They both kept busy with their current task. The silence gave way for her mind to drift back to the very first time she had started cooking.

Carefully stepping down the stairs with her short legs, Neo made her way down to the living room. The banging of pots and pans from the kitchen had told her that her dad was already up and getting breakfast ready. She too had gotten up earlier than usual due to having to go to the bathroom. And instead of going back to Kailen's room, where she had been sleeping, she decided to venture downstairs instead with the intention of playing.

"Neo, you're awake early," Rylan said when his daughter wondered into the room.

"I had to potty," Neo said. "What you doing?"

"Getting ready to make breakfast," Rylan said.

"Can I cook?" Neo asked.

"Of course you can." Rylan smiled. "Pull that footstool over here and step upon it."

Neo walked over to the small footstool they had near the wall. She pushed it over to the stove and stepped upon it. Her eyes roamed over the ingredients on the counter. "Pancakes."

"Yes, that's what we're making," Rylan said.

"Yes!" Neo chirped.

Rylan summoned a crystal. Engulfing the red crystal coils on the stove with his glow they started glowing red. "Remember the coils are hot now. So don't touch them."

"Hot," Neo said.

Rylan placed the pan over the coils. "Why don't you stir up the batter for me? I'm not sure I got all the lumps out of it."

"Okay." Neo grabbed the bowl and mixing spoon. With the bowl and counter still too high for her, she summoned a wind crystal and pulled the bowl down to her leave. Curling her small figures around the spoon she mixed it. "Finished!"

"Let's see." Rylan glanced into the bowl. "Very good, Neo. Now help me pour some into the pan."

Neo lifted the bowl with her winds. Rylan helped tilt the bowl until the right amount poured into the hot pan. "It done yet?"

"We just got it in there," Rylan said. "You have to watch the edges of the batter. Once you see it getting golden brown and bubbles appeared on top you can flip it."

Neo watched the batter. When the edges started to turn her dad handed her the spatula. With his hand guiding her, she flipped the pancake over. "I did it!"

"Yes. You did." Rylan nodded. "You're growing up to be such a good girl. Would you like to try it yourself next time?"

"Yes!" Neo nodded.

After the pancake was finished, Rylan moved it to the plate then poured more batter into the pan.

This time Neo turned it herself. It flopped. Half of the pancake slid off too soon. She whimpered.

"It's okay, Neo. That was a good try," Rylan said while smoothing out the pancake.

"But I ruined it," Neo said, tearing up. "Godfather said it's not good to waste food."

"That's very true. But you haven't wasted anything," Rylan said. "The pancake is still good. It'll only look a little funny. All you did wrong was you didn't flip it fast enough. You can try again when this one's done. Okay?"

"Okay."

"That's my girl." Rylan brushed her tears away.

Neo sniffled at the memory. That pancake was an ugly mess but her dad ate it anyway and told her it was the best pancake she had ever eaten. After that she was determined to make the perfect pancake for her family. It took several tries, most pancakes ended up deformed or burnt, but she eventually did it. Then she went on to wanting to make other dishes and hasn't stopped since. Well, not until her parents were killed.

"You okay, Neo?" Penguin asked.

"Yeah." Neo brushed her tears away. "I was just thinking about the time my dad taught me how to cook pancakes. I messed up a lot of the time. But I eventually got the hang of it."

"I can tell you've gotten really good at cooking," Penguin said as his ran his eyes over her perfect ravioli. "You look like such a pro standing there."

"I've made this dish before," Neo said. "My dad owned a restaurant back home. He loved to cook as much as mom loved to read."

"So you had a good teacher," Penguin said.

"Yes." Neo nodded. "He wasn't number one back home but he was really good. But most of the time people only went to his restaurant because of me."

"Why would they do that?" Penguin paused and looked at her.

"Oh, um," Neo stuttered. She had slipped. Her heart raced as she tried to think of a way out of this.

"Oh, I get it," Penguin then said. "They came to see you, didn't they? You're so cute how could they stay away?"

"Yeah, that's right," Neo said. Well it was the truth. Sort of. Most only they went since she was a royal and Rylan was her dad.

"I think we're about done here," Penguin said.

"Oh, I didn't even notice." Neo eyed the ravioli. All of them had been completed.

"You must have had some fun talking to me then," Penguin said.

"Actually, I did," Neo said. So much so that she didn't feel as sad as she did before. Knitting her eyebrows she wondered why. Sadness had basically had her taken over a few minute ago. She looked at Penguin. He was busy seasoning the ravioli that he didn't notice her looking at him. Was it possible that his man, this pirate, had something to do about that? Did he cause her to feel better?

"Would you mind starting the salad while I start cooking the ravioli?" Penguin asked.

"Sure." Neo stepped over to the vegetables. "Have they been washed?"

"Yes, I did that first thing," Penguin said.

Neo picked up the head of lettuce and started pulling it apart.

"You're pulling it apart?" Penguin asked dropping some ravioli into his pan. It sizzled upon hitting the hot oil.

"It'll keep it from turning the edges brown," Neo said. "If you cut the lettuce with a knife the cells inside bust. That's what causes the lettuce to turn brown."

"I didn't know that. My mom always cut it up," Penguin said. "I'll have to remember that."

Finishing up with the lettuce, she grabbed a carrot and a knife then began to shave off the carrot into the lettuce. A few minutes past and she was done. "There. What about dressing?"

"I don't think we have any," Penguin said.

"What about olive oil?" Neo asked.

"Yeah, we have that." Penguin nodded to the cabinet on the other side of the fridge. "You put that on instead of dressing?"

"Yes." Neo nodded and pulled out the olive oil. "It's healthy for you too. It helps protect the heart from air pollution and lowers blood pressure."

"The captain will love that," Penguin said.

"Why?" Neo walked back over to the salad.

"He's the crew's doctor, remember?" Penguin said. "On his orders our meals are always a healthy balance. We're not allowed to eat too much junk food either."

"Sounds very strict," Neo said. "As well as being a jerk he appears to be a control freak."

"Not at all," Penguin said. "The captain is just looking out for our health. And it makes sense considering the lives we lead."

"I guess you have a point," Neo said. "If I had a crew I would want them to be as healthy as can be." She gnawed on her bottom lip. She actually did have a crew, her godfather's. And she did want them to be healthy. Though she didn't have much control over that when they were sailing. Plus they drank quite a bit and Benn smoked. Pressure built behind her forehead. Thinking about them was making her worry again. "So have you guys ever come across any of the emperors? Like Shanks?"

"No," Penguin said scooping out the ravioli and adding more in. "We're from the North Blue. Or most of our crew is. We've picked up six crewmembers since having been in the Grand Line. They're all over the place. I doubt we'll see any of them. Kaido and Big Mom stay in the New World most of the time. I think only Red Hair and Whitebeard spend a lot of time in Paradise."

"The New World, huh?" Neo mumbled. There was a chance that their godfather was there right now. But they needed to know for sure first. It would defeat the purpose going there if Shanks and the crew were in Paradise. "Godfather, where are you?" She spoke louder and added, "Do you know anything about a pirate called Monkey D. Luffy?"

"You mean Straw Hat Luffy?" Penguin asked.

"Is there another?" Neo asked.

"No, I don't know much about him," Penguin said. "I know he's caused some trouble for the marines. Why? Do you know him or something?"
"No, not really," Neo said. "Mostly by reputation. You know, things I've heard."

"If you're interested in Straw Hat I'm sure we'll run into him at some point. Most likely at Sabaody," Penguin said. "That's where all pirates head before going into the New World."

"Still it's going to be a long while before we get there," Neo said.

"Really all depends on the kind of trouble we run into," Penguin said.

"Yeah." Neo nodded.

"So you seem to be feeling better," Penguin said after a short pause in their conversation.

"I am. Thank you," Neo said.

"For what?" Penguin glanced at her.

"I think cooking with you made me feel better," Neo said. "I don't feel as sad as much."

"I'm glad I could help then." Penguin smile. "You can cook with me at any point in time."

"Thanks a lot," Neo said. "I might take you up on that. Sitting around doing nothing is going to drive me crazy."

"It won't be as boring once you start becoming friends with the crew," Penguin said. "I guarantee you won't be bored for long, especially when we start landing on islands again."

"Yeah, because that last one was oh so much fun." Neo rolled her eyes. "I can't wait to get stabbed again."

Penguin chuckled. "So you do have a sense of humor. I was wondering there for a while."

"Oh, hush." Neo flushed and turned away from him. "Finish the cooking."

"Yes, ma'am," Penguin said.

Neo could feel him smiling but didn't bring attention to it.

"There all done!" Penguin announced a little while later.

"So how do you gather the crew?" Neo asked while setting the food on the tables.

"Like this," Penguin said walking over to a voice pipe she had missed near the door. "Hey, food's ready. Come get it while it's hot."

"That's handy if not lazy," Neo said.

"Maybe," Penguin said.

Within a few seconds the pirates started wondering into the room. Their voices chatting about whatever it is they were doing or what their plans for future islands were. Neo stood back and watched them fill their plates before sitting down herself. Then Kailen came into the room with Conner. She looked at him. He looked back.

"Come on." Conner elbowed her brother. "Let's eat. It smells so good."

"It is good. And so is the salad," Archer said. "Actually, the salad is a lot better. What did you change, Pen?"
"The one who made it." Penguin pointed his fork at Neo.

"You did it?" Archer look at her.

"I only added olive oil to it," Neo said. "It's good for your blood pressure."

"You seem to know something about heart health," Law said.

Neo looked over her shoulder at the captain. He walked in and sat down beside her. She didn't even notice she had sat down near his seat. "I don't. I only know what foods are good for you and which are bad. Our dad owned a restaurant after all. He taught me how to cook."

"In that case I can't wait to see what else you can cook," Law said.

Neo's pulse thundered. Frustration flooded her. She breathed in and exhaled. This was no reason to get upset. "Well, I guess you'll just have to wait and see. I haven't made up my mind if I'm going to cook for you all or not."

"Very well then, Miss Neo," Law said.

Neo glanced over at Kailen. He was staring at her with confusion. She shrugged and started eating. She wasn't ready just yet to apologize to him. That would come later once they spent more time apart.

…

Neo wrung the water out of her hair. Done with the towel she placed it back on the rack and dressed then left the bathroom. "Thank you for letting me use your shower again."

"You don't have to thank me every time," Law said, his eyes down on a book. "I told you I wanted it this way."

"Maybe so," Neo said. "But I'm still invading your private space."

"You didn't seem to mind it when you were going through my room before." Law shot her a smirk. "Besides I want it this way."

"Fine. Whatever." Neo sighed and headed for the door.

"Good night, Miss Neo," Law said.

Neo paused at the door. "Yeah. You too." She left the room, thinking about how she was going to apologize to her brother. They had separated after eating and didn't see each other until she went to their room to get a change of clothes for her shower. "Everything's so messed up. I'm not use to fighting with Kailen like this."

She reached their room and stood there.

"Hey, Neo," Shachi said passing her in the hall.

"Hey," Neo said. She stood there for a few more seconds before entering into the room. Kailen was on his bunk. She past him without a single glance. Putting up her dirty clothes, she grabbed her hairbrush and ran it through her hair.

"I'm sorry," Kailen said.

"No." Neo shook her head. "I'm the one who needs to apologize. I know it's only normal for people to get to know others. I shouldn't have got angry at you for doing that."

"No, you shouldn't," Kailen said. "But I still should have been more understanding."

Neo sighed. "Sometimes you're too forgiving."

"Maybe," Kailen said. "I just hate fighting with you."

"I do too," Neo said. "But it will get better."

"I noticed," Kailen said. "You appeared to feel a little better."

"I do." Neo nodded. "Somehow, cooking with Penguin made me feel better. We even had a decent conversation with each other. And…"

"And?" Kailen probed.

"I think I actually like him," Neo said.

"That's good," Kailen said. "You going to cook with him again?"
Neo hummed. She still didn't give that much thought since they ate. But she found she did want to cook with him again. "I think I will."

"Good," Kailen said. "It'll be good for you to get cooking again."

"Especially since I've already read the books here multiple times," Neo said.

"We'll get you more books," Kailen said.

"How?" Neo put up her brush and walked over to him.

"The captain and I spoke again before we came to the galley," Kailen said. "While we're technically not on his crew, he's still going to pay us."

"Why?"

"I guess mostly because we need things," Kailen said. "He'd have to buy stuff for us anyway. It will be easier this way."

"I guess so," Neo said. "So are we done fighting now?"

"Yes." Kailen smiled. "We are."

"Good." Neo walked over and flicked the light off. By the time she got back to Kailen's bunk he was already moving over to give her room. She crawled in beside him. "I really do love you, Kai. You're the best big brother ever."

"And I love you," Kailen said. "You're the best little sister ever."

"Even when I annoy you?" Neo asked.

"Yes. Even then," Kailen said. "Now go to sleep."

Neo snuggled down into his warm, letting him lull her to sleep.

…

Kailen stayed up for a little bit longer to watch her sleep. He knew it would be good for her to get more involved with the pirate crew. She was a lot more social than she realized. The only thing he was worried about was her relationship with the captain. He hoped, at least, they would become more civil to each other. Though he wasn't really sure if he wanted them to come more than that. Though he wasn't really sure why. With a sigh he brushed the thought aside and closed his eyes.