Hot & Cold

One month. Law thought as he adjusted the tie to his suit. One month since Neo had been taken away from him. One long month they haven't been intimate with each other. And that was going to change tonight. They were going to finally get the shard after one month of listening to rude customers complain about getting the wrong meal-which they didn't-, of female serpents flirting nonstop with him even though he told them time and time again that he was married, hot dishes and cold drinks being spilled on him, kids throwing food like wild animals, and indecisive people who had no idea how to make up their minds about anything. All of it was going to be over tonight one way or another. Either they were going to get the shard or he was going to unleash his Devil Fruit powers on all the crazy morons here. He was hoping it was the first one but the second option was a very close second.

He glanced over at Nami's makeshift changing room that was also her bedroom. The curtain had been pulled around her so she could get dressed and so could he. He had finished a minute ago and had already opened his own curtain. His eyes dropped down to the monkey. It was sitting lifelessly near the smothered out fire. Everything had been planned out to the very last detail two weeks ago. Before heading off to the restaurant to met up with Bindy, they were going to disguise and leave their stuff, monkey included, at the edge of the forest near the mansion. That way once they had finally retrieved the shard he could warp them out, get the stuff, and then leave this place. Neither of them were comfortable with leaving their weapons behind, but they didn't have a choice. No weapons other than the guards were allowed on the grounds due to the constant kidnapping attempts.

Finally, Nami's curtain was jerked back. She too was dressed in the same black and white outfit that he was. It apparently was the thing the restaurant employees wore when catering to clients. It wasn't a bad outfit, just stiff and annoying. At least they didn't have to pay for it. Bindy's dad took care of that. A light touch of guilt wondered through both of the pirates when they were ordered. They were only going to be worn once and then get discarded. But it had to be done. Bindy and the restaurant would be fine.

"Man, this thing is so ugly," Nami said, looking her outfit over. "I hope we don't have to stay long at this place. I'm getting so annoyed with having to serve people."

Law absolutely agreed with her. Leaving was long over due. "At least it'll be over tonight."

"I hope so," Nami said. "I don't think I can handle another day here.

"We should get going," Law said. He adjusted his vest while stepping over to the monkey. He knelt down and addressed it. "It's time. You're going to be staying at the edge of the forest like we talked about. If we're lucky it won't take us more than a couple of hours to find the shard and get back to the forest. Then you can take us to Neo like you said you would."

Law stood back up. He grabbed his sword then led the way to the edge of the forest. Once they had gotten to the right spot, they tucked their weapons underneath some shrubs, making sure they were completely hidden within the small spot they had dug out. Pushing the dirt back over it, they laid some leaves and grass back over it so it looks like it wasn't disturbed. The monkey then climbed up on a near by tree. As far as they could tell no one ever came to this forest, or at least the areas they had been in and scouted out. So they figured their stuff would be fine where it was. Covering was probably unnecessary but they didn't want to take the chance of someone getting a wild idea and wondering over this way and discovering their weapons.

Side by side they headed off to meet with Bindy. Their walk was quite one. They typically were. But this time it was different. It was filled with tension and heavy desire to finally get out of here. They both felt like running to the restaurant so they could make this go faster, but both knew if they got there quicker it still wouldn't get them any closer to getting the shard. They still had about an hour before they left. They still had to load everything in the transporter carts then drive over to the mansion.

Chatter of the ball was heavy over the city. Everyone was talking about it despite not going to it. Some were gathered together to have their own little ball complete with music, dancing, and foods that people had brought to share. The restaurant, however, was silent with the exception of the kitchen. Shouts and commands were given as the people rushed around to get last minute preparations out of the way. The two pirates joined in. Not only because they were suppose to, but mostly because it would help time go by faster. And for the most part, it did. But not enough for Law.

They climbed into the transportation carts, that basically looked like glorified golf carts, and they were off. Bindy addressed them once more. She said, "Well, this is it. We're finally going to get this done. I can't thank you enough for all the help you've given us."

"It was our pleasure," Nami lied.

Law fought back a desire to roll his eyes despite the fact he knew she was lying about it. There was nothing pleasurable about it at all.

"Just remember how you're supposed to address the owners of the house. Master Draco, Mistress Draco, and Mistress Malinda. Everyone else you can just address them as yes sir or ma'am."

"You got it. And worry it's all going to be fine." Nami nodded. "We'll address them properly. Right, Tra?"

Law frowned and narrowed his eyebrows. He didn't like having to address people with such respect like that. He was sick of biting his tongue with rude customers and really didn't want to deal with this prissy family they were getting ready to serve. But he knew it was necessary.

Nami sighed. "Just behave for Neo's sake."

"I know. And I'll address them like I'm suppose to." Law's expression lightened at the sound of Neo's name. Just a little bit longer and he would finally be able to hold her once again. His eyes wondered over to the edge of the forest. They were coming up fast on the mansion and the place where their weapons were stashed. So far he didn't see anyone out there. It would be dark soon so there shouldn't be anything to worry about. He exhaled. Everything was going to be fine. Just a little bit longer and this would be over.

They arrived. Only to stop at the gate for it to be opened, and they were inside. The carts pulled around to the back of the massive house that stood ten stories high. Nami gaped at it while Law couldn't care less on how it looked. Finally the carts pulled to a stop at the back of the mansion. They started unloading the carts and headed inside. Bindy's dad barked out a few orders on how to properly serve the people here, stuff they already had been told, before finally allowing them to move out into the ballroom to serve the guest.

The small cart Law pushed had a squeaky wheel, but it was only a minor annoyance compared to the people he had to deal with. Besides, the cart was going to be pushed to the side. He was going to be carrying around trays of food so it didn't matter. They pushed through the undecorated servants halls. The farther they got down the hall the more they could hear the orchestra playing and people talking happily.

Nami exhaled. "All right. Just keep it cool for a little while longer. We'll find the shard and be out of here in no ti-" The woman's voice trailed off when they finally entered into the ballroom. Both their eyes widened upon what they saw. "H-how…you have got to be kidding me!"

Law eyed the area with distain. All of the walls were covered in mirrors, from wall to wall and from floor to the ceiling. Just about every inch of the mansion's walls were covered in mirrors of all shapes and sizes. Finding the mirror wasn't going to be as easy as they thought it was going to be.

They barely noticed Bindy walking back over to them. She asked, "What's wrong? Why are you just standing there staring? We have a job to do."

"What's with all these mirrors?" Nami asked, breathless. She couldn't peel her eyes away from the mirrors.

"Oh, Mistress Draco has a bizarre obsession with mirrors," Bindy replied like it was nothing out of the ordinary. "They're all over the mansion, in every single room and hallway. She really likes to look at herself. I guess it's a hobby of sorts."

"A hobby?! This is crazy! How in the world are we ever gonna fi-" Nami bit her lip to keep herself from spilling out the real reason they were there.

"What's wrong?" Bindy asked.

"Nothing," Nami replied. "I'm just a bit shocked is all. I've never seen so many mirrors before."

"Okay," Bindy said slowly. "I didn't think they would bother you so much. I guess I should have told you about them. But you need to ignore them for now. We have a lot of work to do. So let's just get to it."

"Of course. Sorry I got distract." Nami nodded.

"It's fine," Bindy said as she walked off.

"This is crazy," Nami said. "How are we going to find this thing?"

"We'll just have to check all the ones we can while we're serving the food," Law said. "Then we'll have to figure out a way to check the rest in the house. At least the one we're looking for doesn't reflect anything. It still should be fairly easy to find it with that on our side."

"I guess your right. But how are we going to be able to search for it when we have to serve these people?" Nami said. "It's not like we can disappear. And surely there are guards wondering around the entire mansion to make sure no one's sneaking around."

"We'll think of something," Law said, but he wasn't sure he believed it. The walls were also lined with armed guards. And with how many times their daughter has been targeted, there was no way a family like this wasn't going to keep every inch of their house guarded. It wasn't going to be easy at all to look for or find their shard while being waiters. Since there was a specific hallway they had to go through there was no way of wondering into others rooms and just claiming they got lost. Plus there were those two guards they first met when they got here. He was sure they were still around here somewhere. The guards could say they saw them on that first day and that would only make things worse for them. They were going to need a way to wonder through the house without raising suspicions. They needed to become guards.

The orchestra silenced. It was followed by a staff being tapped on the floor to gather everyone's attention. It worked. Everyone, including the servers, looked up to the top of the grand staircase. A chamberlain stood at the top. He shouted over the large room so everyone could hear him clearly. He said, "Announcing Master and Mistress Draco!"

The silence was filled with chatters of praise when the two owners stepped out of the double doors at the top of the stairs to be seen by everyone.

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate this joyous occasion of officially presenting our lovely daughter into society," Master Draco boomed in a deep and loud voice. He was fairly tall, broad serpent. His scales were a dark blue and he had black hair. He was wearing a purple robe with a couple thin white striped down the middle of it and a large broach fastened at his neck.

"Yes, thank you all for coming," Mistress Draco greeting softer than her mate. She was wearing a purple velvet dress that matched her husband's robe. Her maroon hair was long, pulled back in a thick braid, and her scales were a dark pink. They stepped aside to allow the chamberlain announce their daughter.

"Announcing Mistress Malinda!" Two guards opened the double doors. A tall, slender young serpent stepped out. Her scales were a soft pink, her hair a few shades darker and her eyes a soft red. Her dress was white and shimmered in the lights. The crowd clapped as the younger boys in the crowd cheered and whistled.

"She seems very popular," Nami said while holding a round tray of food in her hand. She pulled her attention from Malinda and started to serve the guests their appetizers.

Over the next couple of hours, the pirates continued to serve the guests while doing what they could to check the mirrors in the ballroom. So far they couldn't find the one they were looking for. If it was in this room, it was one of the ones that were too high up for them to see if they reflected anything.

Suddenly, the joyous laughter and happy music was broken by the sounds of shattering glass and people screaming. The guests pulled away from the large windows. Standing there were over thirty people dressed in black from head to toe. They wielded all sorts of weapons from swords to bo staffs. The guards charged in. Weapons clashed as more screamed filled the air from the guests scattering around, trying to get out of the way. The intruders scattered, causing more panic. And in the panic, one of them grabbed Malinda.

"Ah! My baby! Someone save my baby!" Mistress Draco shrieked out over the rest of the pandemonium, her trembling hands over her mouth.

"Guards! Stop them!" Master Draco shouted, more composed but equally as upset as his mate.

…

"Now's our chance!" Law claimed as he dropped the tray he was holding and warped his and Nami's weapons into his hands.

"Our chance for what?" Nami asked as he threw her weather baton at her. She fumbled with it before finally securing it in her hands. She didn't get an answer. Law was already running after the one who grabbed Malinda. She ran after them. "Hey! Tra! What's going on?!"

Law didn't bother with answering her or paying any attention to the guards as they tried desperately to fight off the intruders. Done with wasting time in running, he formed his Room and warped himself out into the yard, landing directed between the kidnappers and the wall. Using his surprised arrival, he used his Room and sword to separated their body parts, freeing the girl. He watched as they struggled to over come their surprise, but his powers were so unusual they just stayed there floating in the air. They didn't even speak. Something he thought was odd. Usually his victims always cried out in surprise. So why were these being so quiet? Something about this didn't seem right.

"What the heck, Tra?!" Nami demanded when she finally caught up to him. "You could have told me you were going to do that!"

"I wasn't expecting it," Law said.

"Like heck you weren't!" Nami snapped.

Law, ignoring the irate woman, sheathed his sword and walked over to Malinda. He paused when he noticed her expression was lacking in fear. In fact she was glaring at him. Another thing that was out of place.

"Malinda!" Mistress Draco cried as she and Master Draco came running up to them with a few guards following.

"Mama!" Malinda's expression instantly changed upon hearing her parents' voices. She became distressed and cried as her mother dropped to her side and pulled her into a hug. "Mama! Oh, Mama, I was so frightened!"

"I know, my poor baby. There, there. Mama's here." Mistress Draco stroked her daughter's hair. "My poor sweet baby."

"Well, I don't know who you two are, but you sure know how to fight," Master Draco said as he eyed the severed men.

The guards stood around, curiously and in complete shock, trying to figure out how these intruders were still alive. "How is this possible?"

"Is it witch craft?"

"They're not dead?"

"I must insist you join my guard. We could really use a strong guard like you to protect our daughter. With this ability of yours, you'll be unstoppable and came protect my daughter at any cost. Please? If you can protect my daughter like you just did I insure that you would be pay handsomely, very handsomely. I spare no expense when it comes to my daughter's safety."

"I accept under one condition," Law said.

"What is that?" he asked.

Law nodded at Nami. "She becomes a guard as well."

"I do?" Nami raised an eyebrow at him.

"Despite the fact she might not look it, she is very powerful herself," Law said.

"Hey!" Nami protested.

"Well," Master Draco said, stroking his chin while eyeing Nami. "I don't know. She doesn't look like she can handle these multiple kidnappings on my daughter."

"I assure you she can," Law said.

"Oh, very well then. We could use all the help we can get." Master Draco waved an arm towards the mansion. "I'll see to it that the captain of the guard sets you up with the proper attire and gives you a full tour of our property."

"Thank you! Thank you!" Mistress Draco smiled through her tears. "You have no idea how traumatizing this whole ordeal has been. Malinda, say your thanks."

"Of course, Mama." Malinda turned her eyes to the pirates, clear contempt for them shown despite the sweetness in her words. "Thank you so much. I shall sleep a lot better with you as my guards tonight."

"Come, my child. Let us get you inside. You must rest now." Mistress Draco helped her daughter stand up and they headed back inside the mansion.

Bindy walked over to Law and Nami. Her eyes filled with wonder showing that she had apparently seen what Law had done. "Wow. That was incredible. I know you two said you can fight, but…Wow!"

"Sorry, I guess we won't be able to work for you anymore," Nami said.

"Don't worry about that." Bindy waved her hand. "You've done more than enough for us. We won't have another event like this for a while so things will settle down and we might be able to get more workers. Besides, I'd take the job offer too if I had your kind of skills." She looked over at the still divided kidnappers as they were being hauled off. "Amazing. Maybe working here will help you get your memories back. Maybe you did something like this before?"

"It's possible," Nami said, noting that Draco was waiting for them with a slight annoyance on his face. "Sorry, but we need to get going."

"Oh, yes, of course," Bindy said. "I'm sure we'll see each other at some point."

"Uh, yeah," Nami said despite knowing they wouldn't. "See you later."

Law leaded the way over to the serpent waiting for them. Heading back inside they found maids were already sweeping up the broken glass while the guests muttered nervously.

"I'm sorry but I must end the party. My family needs time to recover from this. Please, see yourselves out. And that you very much for coming," Master Draco announced. "Volos?"

"Yes, sir?" Volos, one of the serpents they had be when they first arrived here, walked over. His eyes widened upon seeing the pirates.

"These two are our new security guards," Master Draco said. "Supply them with the proper gear and show them around the grounds."

"Of course, sir." Volos nodded. He turned his attention back to the pirates when the boss walked off. "Well, this is a surprise. I didn't expect to see you two like this."

"Yeah, same here," Nami said.

"Well, come with me and I'll get you set up with your uniforms and you can tell me what's going on," Volos said.

They gave him a condensed version of what they had told Bindy about their memories and how they ended up getting a job here. Surprisingly, the serpent accepted the decisions of his boss without complain. The pirates thought it was a little too easy for this to be happening, but they weren't going to complain either. This job got them what they needed. And they took advantage of it. While being showed around the mansion, they looked into as many mirrors as they could.

It wasn't until later that night after the owners had gone to bed did they get their chance in searching the manor better. Nami used her weather baton to create clouds to view some of the higher up ones while Law used his Room to bring some down to him. Both were getting agitated after search for over half the night for the correct mirror.

"Maybe she doesn't keep it out here in any of the halls," Nami said, glancing in a mirror. "We still have a lot of rooms to search. Let's think about this for a moment. This shard would be different from the rest. So it would probably be put somewhere special."

"And where would that be?" Law asked. "Her bedroom? You want to go in there?"

"We might not have a choice," Nami said.

"Let's just keep looking for a while longer," Law said.

Nami sighed. Maybe he was correct. They should jump to conclusions just yet. Turning to another room, he reached for the doorknob. They walked into the room. Both jumped when an unexpected voice spoke out to them. "I was wondering how long it was going to take you two to get here."

A light clicked on, revealing Malinda wearing a simple shirt and pants. Sitting in her lap with her hands over it was their shard.

Nami and Law stared at it, both ready to pounce on it.

"Before you think about taking this from me," Malinda pulled out small rectangular box with a red button on its top, "consider that all I have to do is press this button and all of the guards will come to this room." She smiled when they relaxed. "I was wondering why you two kept looking at my mother's mirrors at the ball. It didn't take me too long to realize you were looking for a certain one. I assume this is the one you are looking for considering it's the only strange mirror my mother has. Why wouldn't it be this one?"

"What do you want?" Nami asked.

"I want you two to get me out of here," Malinda replied.

"What?" Nami gasped. "What do you mean?"

"You," Malinda pointed at Law, "foiled my escape plans earlier. To make up for that, you have to get me out of here. I know you can do it. I saw you appearing in front of us out of no where."

"That would explain why you weren't upset over being almost kidnapped," Law stated.

"What do you mean?" Nami looked at him.

"Before her parents arrived she wasn't upset at all over being kidnapped. In fact she was upset that we stop it from happening. She only turned on the water works and pretended to be upset when her parents arrived," Law explained. "All of these kidnapping attempt happened on her orders. Am I correct?"

Malinda smiled.

"But why?" Nami turned her eyes back to Malinda. "Why set up your own kidnapping?"

"You're a smart man to have figured that out so quickly. It was all for fun." Malinda shrugged. "This place is so boring. I'm tired of all the rules, dresses, makeup, balls, my parents doting over me…it's beyond annoying. I hate it. I'm being smothered here. I'm not allow to do anything without them following me around or having guards follow me around. I want to have fun. I want to have a real life. I want to experience life." She paused for a beat. "And while we're on the subject of confessing, I'm also responsible for Bindy's restaurant not about to keep people hired on there. I was paying people off to quit or threatening them into quitting. I was trying to stop that ridiculous ball my parents wanted from happening. Unfortunately, you two morons came along and that plan crumbled. I was forced to go to the stupid ball again and be ogled over. I can't have fun if I'm stuck behind these stupid walls. I want out of here. And you two are going to help me with that."

"You've got to be kidding!" Nami shouted.

"I know you can do it." Malinda pointed at Law. "As I already said, I saw you appearing in front of us before we could get to the wall. And I know you brought that sword of yours to you with whatever you used. You didn't have it before. And if it were too close to the grounds the guards would have found it and took it. I don't know who you people really are and I really don't care of finding out. All I want is for you two to get me out of here. Tonight. If you do that, I'll give you this mirror. Do we have a deal?"

"Do we really have any choice?" Nami asked.

"Of course," Malinda said. "You can choose to do it or not do it."

"Fine. We'll do it. Room." Law formed a room and warped them into the forest.

Malinda took in a deep breath of the forest air. She spun around a couple of times. "Finally! Freedom! I have freedom!"

"Give us the shard now," Law growled, holding out his hand for it.

"Very well." Malinda handed him the shard. "A deal is a deal. I can't thank you enough for setting me free of my prison."

"What are you going to do now that you're out?" Nami asked. "Where will you go? Your parents will be looking for you as soon as they notice you're gone."

"I'll be long from this sector before they even noticed I'm missing. And those who attacked the mansion tonight are friends of mine that have been trying to set me free," Malinda explained. "They might not have been able to handle Mr. Grumpy here, but they can handle everyone else just fine. They'll escape from the guards in no time at all. I know where their hideout is. I'll just go there and wait for them. Then, who knows? We'll travel all over! And when the Time Spheres start working again we'll leave this place and go see other domes. So, later!"

"She's just crazy," Nami said as Malinda ran off.

Law didn't hear her as he stared at the shard in his hand. His heart was pounding so hard in finally being able to see his love again. His eyes blurred. He felt the shard being pulled from his hands, but didn't try and stop it.

"Huh?" Nami lightly gasped when the forest disappeared and was replaced with a smaller one and a clock shaped house. "Where are we?"

Law's heart skipped five entire beats. He could sense her.

…

Neo was sleeping on the couch when suddenly her eyes snapped up. She shot up from the couch, startling everyone.

"Neo, what's wrong?" Chopper asked.

She didn't reply. She summoned her wings and flew over to the door. Flinging it open, she flew right out and into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck while her legs went around his waist. "Law!"

Law dropped his sword the second he saw her. Once she was close enough, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her as tightly to him as she could. "Neo…"

Neo lifted off of hims and instantly closed her mouth over his.

"Hey, you two finally made it!" Sanji said as he and the others rushed out the door.

"Captain!" Shachi cried.

"All right! Tra and Nami made it!" Luffy cheered.

"Nami!" Chopper ran up to his crewmate and jumped onto her arms.

"Chopper! Luffy! Sanji!" Nami caught the reindeer and smiled. "Wait. What's that thing hanging on your cheek?"

"Sanji cutie!" the thing on Sanji's cheek purred.

"This is Celeste. She's one of the Time Sprites that's been taking care of Neo while we've been gone," Sanji said.

"What?" Nami asked.

"I'll explain later in detail," Sanji said. He chuckled when his eyes drifted to Law and Neo's heated kiss. "I'm sure we all are happy for you two, but, um, if you are going to continue doing that you might want to consider getting a room first."

The need for air and their burning lungs was the only thing that separated them. Neo smiled lightly as she dragged her hands through his hair. He pecked her lips. She took his hat off and placed it back on him where it belonged. He smiled and pecked her lips again. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," Neo replied softly.

"Come on," Sanji said. "We better exchange stories now."

Neo wrapped her arms back around him, pressing her lips to neck, sucking gently, as he started to carry her over to the chairs were the rest of their friends had sat down. At that point she had no choice but to unwrap her legs from him.

Shachi picked up his captain's sword and followed them over to the chairs. He sat down near them, keeping his hold on the sword while they clung to each other. He turned his eyes back to the others as stories of what's been happening were exchanged.

…

"I'm so glad you're here," Neo whispered.

"So am I," Law said. "We're never going to be separated again."

"There is something I need to tell you," Neo said, pulling away from him a bit.

Worry shot through his eyes. His hand went to her stomach. "Is our baby-"

"Our baby's just fine," Neo said, placing her hand over his. "Chopper has been monitoring us both since he got here."

Law sighed, happy to hear that news.

"It's about Pendulum," Neo said. "He…he took me back to the past. I saw you. When you were…"

"Shh." Law pressed his finger to her lips, silencing her. "I know he did. I remembered you and the others."

"Do you think that's why you found me?"

"I don't know," Law said. "It's possible that I subconsciously remembered you went I found you. But this changes nothing. I love you and I always will."

"And I you," Neo said.

"Ah, you two are so cute together. I can see why she loves you so much," an unfamiliar voice to Law's ears said.

Law turned his eyes to Neo's shoulder where the voice came from. He saw a tiny person sitting on his love with sparkling eyes. With his own eyes narrowing in on the thing, he pinched it between two fingers and lifted it off her. "Don't touch her!"

"Calm down, love." Neo placed her hand on his wrist. "She's a friend. She, her brother, and Celeste have been keeping me company while we waiting for you all to come back."

"So protective," Velocity swooned. She placed her hands to her heart as Law released her from his hold.

"I officially disown you," Elian reported while he watched his sister float dramatically down to the ground in pure bliss. "Anyway, I'm sure you two are tired from your journey. We have showers and attire inside if you wish to use them."

"A shower sounds great," Nami said while standing up. "I smell like cooking oil."

"I'll show you the way. My sister's kind of busy," Elian said, shooting his still swooning sister a disapproving look. "Princess, I'm sure you'll take care of your helpmate yourself."

"Would you like a shower?" Neo asked. Her eyes dropped down to his guard uniform. "Why are you wearing that?"

"I could ask the same of you." Law tugged on the shirt she was wearing before standing up with her in his arms.

"Not my style," Neo said. "But it's all we have. Let's go up to my room."

Law nodded and carried her inside the house. Following her direction, he managed to make it to her current room and over to the closet. He sat her down and captured her lips once more before letting her get him a towel and washcloth. He then let her led him over to the bathroom. Reaching into the shower, he turned it on then turned back to her. Smiling, he hooked his fingers into her pants and pulled them and her underwear off. When he stood back up, he pressed a kiss to their growing baby then proceeded to take off her shirt and bra. After shedding his clothes, with her help, they stepped into the water.

Neo bathed him in between their kisses and roaming of their hands.

"I think I'm about to break the no sex in the shower rule," Law said through heated pants. "It's been far too long."

"Maybe there's something I can do about that," Neo said, fumbling for the knobs to shut the water off. Once it was, she summoned her wind and fire crystals. Simultaneously, she dried them off and flew them back into the bedroom.

…

"One month and two days," Usopp grumbled. He hammered in his ice pick with each word he said. "One blasted month and two blasted days."

"It had been quite a while since we've been here," Brook said. He looked around the room they were in. They hadn't gotten very far with this place. And their patience was wearing thin. This wasn't work they were use to. This over all wasn't a place they were use to.

"I want to leave!" Usopp growled. "Chipping at ice then going back to the house to sit and stare at the walls! How can anyone live like this and be happy?! How can they be happy with doing nothing?!"

"It is rather boring compared to our pirate lives," Brook said. "How about a song? That'll cheer you up."

"I don't want to hear a song!" Usopp snapped. "I want to get that shard and get out of here!" He tossed his tools to the ground. They clattered angrily at the treatment. "I'm sick of this place! I want to go back to the Sunny!"

"I know," Brook said. "But we don't have any choice."

…

"Here you go, Papa," Bijou said as she handed her father a cup of hot steaming liquid. He thanked her as she pushed herself upon the ice desk in the lobby. Leaning over, resting her elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand, she watched the two of the new workers that have been with them for just over a month. Curiously, she watched as Usopp yelled something at Brook. "Papa, what do you really think of those three workers with us?"

"What do you mean by that?" Gnash asked taking another sip of his drink.

"Well, it's just, they've been here for a month and two days," Bijou replied. "Yet we really don't know anything about them. They don't seem to care about talking about themselves while we've told them everything about us. And what's with the monkey they always have with them? Usopp said that thing is their pet. But they don't ever play with him. They don't feed him or walk him. They do nothing. I don't think I've even seen it eat on its own. They came here with no money, no place to live, no proper winter attire…"

"Enough, Bijou. I'm sure they have their reason for not telling us about themselves," Gnash said, as he started chipped away at the ice again. "If they wish to tell us why they are so down on their luck they will. Now, I know I've taught my daughter not to pry into one's life. So don't you go bothering them with all of your questions."

"I'm not prying, Papa," Bijou replied. "I'm just curious. Bepo's kind of cute. He can be so oddly timid at times. I'd like to know more about him. Maybe…I don't know…hang out on a more personal level than what we have been doing."

"All right, back to work, young lady," Gnash said after clearing his throat. "You're here to work on this building not work on getting a date."

Bijou giggled as she hopped off the desk. She wondered back over to her work spot and picked up her stools, settling back into her work.

…

Usopp groaned before letting his face slam against the ice wall. He slid down it and flopped onto the icy floor. "I can't do this anymore. My arms hurt so much. I think they're about to fall off. I'm so sick of this all. I'm sick of ice. I'm sick of snow. I'm sick of the cold. I quit."

"You can't quit now," Brook said while pausing at chipping the ice away. He looked over at the hard working bunnies before looking into the room where Bepo was. The bear was chipping away at the wall where they knew the shard was with the monkey standing near him. They all wanted to chip away at that section but when they tried it the bunnies said they needed to be working on other pairs and separated them from Bepo. "We're working as hard as we can to find the shard. Just be a little bit more patient. I'm impressed that they keep doing this day after day. They must have very strong bodies."

"Oh shut up!" Usopp snapped. "You should already know that by now!"

"My, my, aren't you cranky." Brook laughed.

"Cranky?!" Usopp jumped back up to his feet. "I have every right to be cranky! I'm sick of this place! Didn't you hear me a minute ago? My arms are about to fall off! My nose and lips are beyond chapped! I'm going to need an entire boatload of lotion to get it soft again! I'm sick of this place! I want to go back to the Sunny! I want to see our friends again! I want to know for sure that they're all right! And I'm sick of eating rabbit food and fish! Seriously! When we finally do get back I'm forbidding Sanji from ever serving vegetables and fish again! I want steak! I want some sea pig meat! I want meat! Do you hear me?!"

"You sound just like Luffy." Brook laughed again.

"Will you stop taking this so lightly?!" Usopp jumped on the tall skeleton and started to strangle him.

"What are you doing?!" Brook asked.

"I'm going to kill you!" Usopp said. "That's what!"

"But I'm already dead," Brook said.

"Shut up!" Usopp growled.

"Excuse me?" an unfamiliar voice rang out from the entrance of the building. "We were sent here from the foundation."

"Huh?" Everyone stopped working and looked at the group of six bunnies that just walked into the ice building carrying tools.

"Hey, Pops, I'm abo-" Kobet came walking out of the room he was working in and paused when he saw the new workers. "Who are you?"

"What's going on?" Tippy asked as he and Jigsaw started down the stairs. "Who are you?"

"We're from the foundation," the worker said again. "Sorry for taking so long to get here."

"But we already have help from the foundation," Bijou said as she looked over at Brook and Usopp.

"Looks like the jig is up," Brook said calmly.

"Oh crap," Usopp cursed as he pulled himself off Brook.

"Wait this doesn't make any sense," Tippy said. "You three said you were from the foundation and now more show up claiming the same thing."

"What jig? Who the heck are you people?!" Jigsaw demanded as he tapped one of his tools in his hand.

"Oh, well, you see," Usopp stuttered as he tried to think up a lie.

…

Bepo, unaware of what was going on just a few feet away from him, smiled as he chipped away the last bit of ice to reveal the shard they were after. He pulled it out of the ice and peered into the reflection-less object. He then turned and ran over to the others. Without thinking he shouted out the good new. He said, "Hey! I finally got it! We can leave now!"

"Great! Let's go!" Usopp said as he grabbed Brook and ran over to the bear. He grabbed the shard from Bepo and shook it. "We have you! Now get us out of here! Do you hear me?! Let's go! Now!"

"What do you have? What's going on? Just who are you people?" Gnash asked as all the bunnies started moving towards them.

They all looked upset and confused. Bijou looked hurt. She looked at Bepo and asked, "Bepo? What's going on? Did you lie to us?"
"I'm sorry." Bepo ducked his head.

"You lied to us?" Gnash narrowed his eyes at them.

"Calm down." Brook held up his hands. "We meant no harm."

"You three had better start talking," Gnash said as he held out his ice pick to the three pirates. "I mean now! Who are you people? What was you're real reason for being here?"

"Talk now! Or else we're going to beat it out of you!" Jigsaw said.

"Ah!" Usopp shouted. In his hysterical dance he didn't notice the monkey taking the shard from his hand. "I don't wanna die! Luffy! Sanji! Zoro! Someone save me!"

"Hey, Usopp," Brook tapped the sniper's shoulder. "We're no longer in the ice hotel."

"What?" Usopp paused midair. He looked around the warm weather dome they were now in. "Wow. We're really not there anymore. This is so great." He started taking off his parka. "We can finally get rid of these things."

"Hey! Usopp! Brook! Bepo!" Luffy called out to them as he left the house. "You guys made it!"

"Luffy!" Usopp turned to his captain just as Luffy pounced on him and Brook. "I'm so glad to see you!"

"Usopp! Brook!" Chopper replied, joining Luffy. "You're finally here! This is great!"

"We can't wait to tell you what's been going on!" Luffy said with a huge smile.

"You won't believe what we've been up to as well," Brook said.

"Hey! Bepo!" Shachi said, coming out of the house. "Neo's going to be so happy to see you!"

"Where is she?" Bepo asked. "Is she all right?"
"She's fine," Shachi said. "She's taking a nap with the captain."

"The captain's here?" Bepo said, his eyes lighting up.

"Yeah." Shachi nodded. "Blackleg and Nami are here as well. They're in the kitchen with the sprites."

"The sprites?" Usopp asked.

"Never mind that for now," Shachi said. "We'll exchange stories over lunch."

"Lunch?! Yes! We finally get some of Sanji's cooking!" Usopp said, drool ran out of his mouth live a river. "I can't wait!"

"It won't be what you're use to," Chopper said. "They have different food here."

"As long as it's not rabbit food or fish, I don't care," Usopp said.

As the group headed inside, the two remaining former ice workers took off their heavy coats and ditched them on the ground. Once inside, Bepo walked over to the couch where Law was holding Neo close to his chest. The captain had his left arm around her, snuggly tucking her into his side, and his right elbow was on the armrest with his cheek resting against his fist. Both had their eyes closed in peaceful slumber.

Law opened his eyes when he sensed the bear near. A smile formed on his lips. "Bepo."

"Good to see you too, Captain," Bepo greeted him as he kneeled down to look at Neo. He blinked a couple times and tilted his head at the sleeping woman in his captain's arms. He smiled upon seeing how big Neo's stomach was now. "Are they healthy?"

"They are." Law gently shook Neo, knowing she would want to know the second the rest of their crew arrived.

She hummed and shifted closer to his warmth from the disturbance before opening her eyes. She blinked in confusion at his smile before following his eyes. She smiled when she saw Bepo. Jumping from the couch, she hugged the bear. "Bepo! You're here!"

"Neo!" Brook and Usopp said.

"Brook! Usopp!" Neo held out her hand for them to come over to her. They obeyed and joined in on the hugging. "How are you? Are you hurt?"

"We're a bit sore from having to carve out an ice hotel," Usopp said.

"Ice hotel?" Neo summoned her solar crystal and engulfed them in it.

"You can talk over lunch," Sanji said, appearing in the room with Celeste still clinging to his cheek. "It's ready."

"Great! I'm starving!" Usopp jumped up from the floor and ran into the kitchen. The others followed at a slower pace. "It smells so good!"

Sitting down, the group once again exchanged stories on what they had gone through.

"Man, that guy really likes to torture us, doesn't he?" Usopp leaned back in his chair, his stomach now full of food. "I wonder what he really wants those shards for."

"We'll probably never know," Nami said.

…

"Bepo?" Neo wondered out onto the balcony of her room that they all were still sharing. "What are you doing out here?"

"Nothing," Bepo replied. "Just thinking."

"About Bijou?" Neo asked.

"Yeah." Bepo nodded.

"You're concerned about lying to her like you did," Neo said.

Bepo nodded again.

"You liked her."

Another nod.

"I know you feel guilty." Neo wrapped her arms around his, leaning against him. "But you don't have to. You had to do it. There was no other choice."

"I know," Bepo said. "And I'll do it over again just to get back to you."

"We all would," Neo said. "If she knew the truth, I'm sure she'd understand why you did it."

"I just wish I could tell her now," Bepo said.

"I can understand that," Neo said. "But you can't. We most likely won't ever see this place again once we're done here."

"I guess you're right," Bepo said.

"So, no more worrying?" Neo asked.

"No more worrying." Bepo smiled.

"Good," Neo said.

"Neo, time for bed," Law said from the door.

"You coming?" Neo asked.

"No, I'm going to stay up for a while longer," Bepo said.

"All right then," Neo said, pecking his furry cheek. "Don't stay up for too much longer."

"Yes, Captain," Bepo said.

Neo walked away from him. She slid her arm around Law's waist as his went around her shoulders. She climbed in bed first. Settling down, she glanced back over at Bepo. "Will he be all right?"
"He will be," Law said. "He'll forget about her in time."

"I'm just glad she wasn't a polar bear," Neo said honestly. "Can you imagine what he'd be like if she was?"
"I can," Law said. "So I'm glad as well that she was a bunny instead of a polar bear."

"We're close to getting everyone back," Neo said. "I hope they get here soon. I'm ready to go home."

"They'll be here soon," Law said. "Now go to sleep."

Neo nodded. Snuggling down into his side, she closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift off to the beating of his heart and Luffy's snoring.