Double or Nothing: Chapter 12

Unlikely Friendship

Kuina smiled as Nami stared back at her. "It's a good day today isn't it?" She asked, making her partner in crime scowl even more. "Sure we didn't get their bounty, but we have a new ship!" She cheered, earning her a groan from the woman,

They didn't just leave the island with all the treasures they had stolen, but also made off with the Donquixote Familia ship. Her old fishing skiff simply couldn't cut it anymore, not with all that gold around. Of course, they had to hastily paint over the jolly roger of the infamous Warlord or they might have to answer some uncomfortable questions. She just wished they did a better job as it was an eyesore

Turning towards said eye store, Kuina grimaced, "Yeah, we really need to replace that sail." Not only was the thing a fire hazard given the tar they used, but the black clashed heavily with the whites and pink of the ship.

"God damn it Kuina," Nami whispered as she buried her face against her palm before letting out a pained groan.

"What? Black doesn't suit Fla Migo," Kuina argued as she pointed at the bow. While a sensible ship would have a simple bowsprit, the ship that the Donquixote Pirates brought with them had a finely carved Flamingo as a prow. It was garish, it was impractical, but by god did Kuina love it. It was everything that Kuina dreamed of for a ship. Still, there was room for improvement.

Staring at the figurehead, she mused, "We should definitely give them a pair of sunglasses." While their new ship was adorable, she would need something to protect her eyes as well as make her cool. She's going to be a pirate hunting ship after all.

Seeing Nami's scowl, she hastily corrected, "Using my share of the money off course." She drove a hard bargain, taking a sizable chunk of the loot, but she still left her with enough money to be silly. Several Hundred Million Berries was still a large chunk of change.

Of course, there were some people who were out to ruin her fun. Splashing in her large bucket, Baby 5 shouted, "Her name's not Fla Migo! She is the Espiritu de Dressrosa and you will not give her sunglasses!" For a prisoner, she was quite the spirited girl.

"That name sucks and you know it!" Kuina shouted back. Clearly, the woman had no taste and so did their captain. How could they ruin a perfectly good ship with such a horrible name?

The Donquixote pirate would remain oblivious to this as she stuck her tongue out. Doesn't she realize how ridiculous she looked especially with how they had her wrapped up? With her body wrapped in chains and forced to sit in a tub of water, she looked like some mummy taking a bath.

Unfortunately, to make sure she doesn't drown, her head was kept above the water. This meant that they can't gag her given how she can just through by transforming her head. Thankfully, the woman hadn't done anything funny given her relative freedom.

"Now where was I?" Kuina hummed before snapping her fingers, "Oh right." Turning back to Nami, she asked, "What kind of shades should we give her?" They simply can't give her any normal shades after all, "I'm leaning on the ones with the pointy ends, but a pair of Aviators would be kind of nice…"

Her musing would be cut short as Nami grabbed her by the shoulders. "Kuina," Nami started as she started shaking her, "I'm happy that we have a proper ship that doesn't pitch and roll when we hit a big wave." Gritting her teeth, she shook her harder, "I'm also happy that we have more gold than we could possibly spend in a year."

As Kuina struggled not to lose her breakfast, Nami roared out, "What I'm not happy about is the fact you brought her along with us!"

It was admittedly a spur of the moment judgement, one that led to the Donquixote pirate now being their captive. For their purpose, she was worthless. She was dead weight at best and a liability at worst, but Kuina simply had to take her in. Aside from her own biases, could she really live with herself if she couldn't help a cute girl like her?

Right now, she simply had to live up to her decision and roll with the consequence. "Come on Nami, she's harmless!" She argued as she slipped out of Nami's grasp, infuriating the cat burglar further. Weaving and dodging around the woman's grab, she grinned, "And I can't leave her there with all those men. What do you think they'd do to her once they untie themselves?"

With all the gold they had, they really didn't need to bring in the Legionary Pirates. There were simply too many of them to bring and calling for the Marines wasn't an option she relished given who they attacked so they did the only logical thing; They left them behind in chains. Given that Buffalo was with them, they'll probably escape that island… maybe.

Speaking of the man, he probably woke up right about now and definitely pissed. While that might have been a problem earlier, right now, they were simply too far away for that to matter. It wasn't like he was familiar with the Sea even if it was far less hazardous to navigate. He'll take some time to find an island and report what happened to that deal and at that point, both her and Nami would be long gone.

Still, Nami wasn't quite convinced as she huffed, hands on her knees and bent over from her attempts. Glaring up at her, she hissed, "Have you forgotten how she almost took your head off!"

"She almost did," Kuina admitted. Even now, she could feel her body hurting from the punishment the two New World Pirates as well as her own recklessness caused, but she doesn't see the problem with that. "But I'm alive, ain't I?" She asked.

Throwing her hands up in the air, Nami marched off, fuming in frustration. "I can't believe this," She grumbled, "How is this taking care of her!"

Admittedly it wasn't as they were basically kidnapping her, but Kuina had her reasons. She liked Baby 5 and it was criminal to leave her in the hands of the Donquixote Pirates as a hapless follower. The longer she could keep Baby 5 away from her crew, the better,

"Trust me Nami, it's better this way," She tried to reason with her partner. Aside from having a hostage, there really was no sugar coating that part, it meant there would be one less pirate chasing after them. It would take some time for the Donquixote Pirates to descend on the East Blue. "Besides, it's better than throwing her in the ocean," She shrugged.

"You were going to throw me in the ocean?!" Baby 5 shrieked out as she started to struggle against her bonds, splashing water on the deck.

"No! We're not going to throw you in the ocean so don't panic, ok?" She assured the girl before sighing. This was going to be a long and hard journey. "But it was worth it", She reassured herself. Turning over to Nami, she winced at the sight of the girl sulked near the railings. She was pissed…

Walking over, she sighed, "I know… she's a bit dangerous, but she's a good girl." As Nami looked at her in disbelief, she grinned back, "And besides, do you really think I wouldn't have a plan?" Baby 5 was still deadly and formidable, but she had weaknesses, kinks in the armor that was usually her devotion to her captain.

Nami hissed as she leaned against the railing before her head slumped over. With a sigh, her partner asked, "Why do I have the feeling that I'll regret this…"

Patting her on the back, Kuina chuckled, "Trust me, it'll be all worth it..."

-x-x-x-

While Baby 5 was still panicky, thanks to the water submerging her, she quickly ran out of steam. Kuina still made sure to top up her water so she doesn't do anything funny. Now soaked, Baby 5 looked miserable and a bit hungry as well with how loudly her stomach rumbled.

Blushing, the girl looked away as Kuina grinned. Approaching the girl, Kuina knelt down before poking her on the cheeks. Still, the pirate remained adamant, refusing to even acknowledge her so she kept poking her. Pursing her lips, Kuina considered it a moment before flicking her on the forehead, "Hey"

Finally catching her attention, Baby 5 turned towards her before she hissed out, "What?"

"You're getting quite hungry, aren't you?" She pointed out. She had to hold back a smile as she saw the girl getting flustered at something so simple. If she hadn't fought her, she would have doubted that she was a pirate.

"I'm fine," She chalked it off with a huff yet her stomach would say otherwise as it let out a loud rumble. Blushing, she insisted, "I'm just a bit peckish." Kuina had to roll her eyes. She was being both adorable and silly right now. "Besides, once Buffalo rescues me, I can finally get some real food and not what slop you're dreaming of feeding me!" As such, she rewarded her with another flick on the head.

"Quit it!" She hissed in annoyance as her teeth turned to razors.

Snorting, Kuina bopped her on the nose for her troubles. While she admired the fight in her, Kuina had to remind her that it was already over.

"You are being very silly right now," She scolded her. They were bounty hunters, not monsters. Now that the battle was won, there was no need to torment her any more than was needed. "Anyways, you clearly look miserable soaking there so tell you what," Sitting up, she offered, "If you help me make some food, I'll let you go."

Silence descends on the ship as both Baby 5 and Nami stared at her in bewilderment. "Are you insane!?" Nami blurted out before she hastily tried to helm. The girl worried too much for her own good. She really had to relax.

"What, I could use some help in the Kitchen," Kuina replied before gesturing at Baby 5, "And besides, can you say no to a face like that?"

Nami stared at her in confusion before she turned towards Baby 5. Slowly, her brow rose up as a look of disbelief graced her face. There, sitting on her tub was the woman, now all starry eyed at them. "...You want my help?," She asked.

For a moment, she looked so happy, before she shook her head in, "No! I can't… I-I mustn't!" Still, despite her indecision, she saw that need in her; That want to please them just to satisfy that deep hole inside her heart.

It was almost painful seeing how starved she was of love that the merest show had her turning like this. This almost self destructive desire was also why she had to take her away. Underneath all those blades and weapons was simply a girl looking for people to appreciate her. Giving her a warm smile she offered again, "I could use an extra hand."

Eyes clenched, Baby 5 tried resisting before her shoulders sagged. As she shook her head, she huffed, "Ok, fine! But I'm doing this just because you'll clearly fuck up my meal and not because I want to, got it?" As she glared at her, Kuina chuckled.

With a flick of her sword, the tub and her chains turned to driftwood and scrap metal, freeing her. As the woman stared at her in disbelief, Kuina reached out, offering her a hand, "I'm glad to have you on board Baby 5."

Staring at her hands, the woman sighed as she reached up and held on. "Don't think I'd forgive you because of this," She muttered as Kuina hauled her up to her feet.

"Of course," Kuina replied with an easy going smile. While she knew otherwise, she let the girl's pride be for now. Huffing, Baby 5 turned before marching towards the stairs leading to the deck below.

"There should be some shrimp left in the freezer," Baby 5 hummed as she gestured for her to follow, "How do you feel about some Paella?"

"That would be amazing," Kuina replied as she trailed behind. As she stepped below deck, she turned back at Nami and winked at her. "Told you it'll work," She mouthed.

"You two are insane," Nami replied as she slumped on the helm. Kuina laughed. Maybe they were, but Kuina liked it this way. It was simply more fun like this!

-x-x-x-

As it turned out, Baby 5 didn't just know how to cook, she was an amazing cook. Digging in her plate, Kuina all but moaned at the wonderful explosions of flavor in her mouth. The fluffy rice, the fragrant scent of saffron and the meaty goodness of the seafood was to die for. She had to hold back tears as mumbled out, "I need more."

Beaming with pride, Baby 5 chuckled, "Now Kuina, don't talk when your mouth's full." Kuina just couldn't help herself. She needed more of her cooking, not after a lifetime of eating plain meals for sustenance. This, this was how she wanted to live, to be pampered by this divine goddess.

"Where have you been all my life," She moaned as she stuffed her face with some slices of Hamon all the way from Dressrosa. The sweet, nutty flavors mixed in with the salty treat paired was tempered by the subtle flavors of the paela.

Nami snorted, hiding a smile as she dug in as well, but far more sedately. "This is very tasty," She hummed, chewing well and appreciating each bite, "Who taught you how to cook?"

"I learned from the best chefs that Dressrosa had to offer," Baby 5 answered before she sighed out fondly. Cupping her cheeks, she recalled, "The young master spent no expense in training me. He even invited some chefs from Totto Land to help me in my culinary journey."

Kuina nodded appreciatively. Let it not be said that Dofflamingo doesn't know how to take care of those closest to him. Swallowing, she noted, "You're master really must care for you huh?"

"Of course!" Baby 5 nodded happily, "The Young Master takes care of those who serve him well." Though that was easier said than done, Kuina noted, but kept it to herself. Smirking, the woman teased, "And he'll be very cross if he heard that you peeked up my skirt,"

Kuina pouted as she twiddled with her thumb. "I already said I was sorry," She mumbled. She might have done it to win, but she definitely took it a bit too far being such a perv to the woman. Still, how could she resist her? Grinning, she teased, "In my defense, you are drop dead gorgeous."

Nami coughed, thumping on her chest, before glaring at Kuina while Baby 5 let out a sound almost akin to a whistle. With her face red, Baby 5 crossed her arm before turning her head away, "I'll forgive you, this time." Eyeing her, she warned, "But if you ever do that again, I swear I'll have your head, got it?

Kuina grinned as she dug into her meal once more. "I won't make any promises," She replied between each chew.

Unable to hold back her composure, Baby laughed. It took a bit of work, but she was finally at ease. Even Nami looked like she was enjoying it as she sported a wry smile of her own. As Baby 5 turned her attention back on her meal, she sighed, "You know, I really wished we all met under different circumstances." Sporting a pained, almost melancholic smile, she lamented, "I would have love to have you two as my friends"

"Who says we can't?" Kuina asked. As Baby 5 tried to argue, she cut her off, "Yes we fought, and yes, you're still a pirate, but should that stop us from being friends with you?" Staring her in the eyes, she declared, "We might part one day and we might meet again in battle, but no matter what happens, you'll still be this wonderful girl I met out here."

As Baby 5 eyes watered, Nami smiled, "You are also kind of adorable you know that? For a pirate that is."

"Why are you making it so hard for me to hate you two!" Baby 5 whined as pressed her forehead against the table before covering her head. Letting out a muffled cry, she wailed, "I need to do my job, but that means hurting you two and I just can't…"

As Nami gave the pirate a comforting, Kuina's attention trailed to the box she had hidden inside her coat. She had hidden the fruit in a more discreet package, one she could keep close. Pulling out and laying it on the table, she hummed, "Your boss really wants this fruit huh?"

Drying her tears, Baby 5 nodded. "He was willing to buy it out from those pirates you know," She told them. That had Kuina's brow raising. The two were more than enough to deal with all those pirates yet they were merely there to get the deal done? She could almost hardly believe it, but Baby 5's tone told otherwise.

This fruit was very important to Doflamingo. Sniffling, Baby 5 added, "If I don't return with that fruit, I'm not sure I could ever see him face to face ever again."

Stroking her chin, Nami asked, "If… that is if we offer this fruit, do you think your boss would be willing to pay us for it?"

"Oh yes," Baby 5 nodded eagerly, "He will be angry, but it would be a better alternative than losing this fruit again."

As Nami grinned, Kuina grimaced. She never had planned or thought she was going to do this, but something told her she's going to regret this if she didn't take it. "I'm sorry about this then," Kuina apologized before she opened the chest.

Eyes widened, Baby 5 reached out, trying to stop her. Even Nami had a look of horror as she reached up and pulled at her hair. "Wait, no!" Still, it was far too late.

Mouth wide opened, she popped the fruit in her mouth before biting down. There was no way in hell that Doflamingo would rest if he was willing to go that far. The only way she could make sure that no one ever touches this fruit was to have it as her own. Afterall, they have to pry it from her cold dead hands if they want it.

As her tongue felt the slimy, almost mucus like texture of the fruit, she almost choked. Grabbing her face, she forced it down as the two looked at her in despair. Swallowing, she blanched as this heavy feeling settled on her stomach. "Oh god," She coughed, "That was horrible!"

Still, the deed was done and she could feel it become a part of her. She was now a devil fruit user, something which Nami made her know she was not happy about Before she could even blink, Nami was already on her, shaking her once more while Baby 5 despaired.

"My billion berries!" Nami cried, weeping tears of pain, "Give me back my berries…" Pinned down beneath the woman and having Baby 5 crying over in the corner, Kuina started regretting her action. Maybe she should have thought this through.