Luffy x Hancock: Complete Isolation (RM)

Winter Approaches

It was a slightly chilly night, but Luffy and Hancock found comfort in the heat of a small fire. Luffy hadn't built a shelter, so they were to sleep on the grass around a fire pit. Before they slept, however, they sat on logs, and caught up.

"Luffy. I've missed you. I left Amazon Lily under the care of Sandersonia and Marigold for a few days." She explained, twirling a strand of silky hair.

"I've missed ya too Hancock. You always give me stuff to eat" he chuckled, his mouth watering.

She blushed. He missed me? We're practically married. She frowned. "Unfortunately I come with nothing. Rayleigh advised me to let you hunt for yourself."

He groaned. "I guess no dinner then. Still, I'm happy to have someone to talk to. Rayleigh left almost 3 weeks ago, and monkeys don't make good friends."

"Preposterous! I'll cook you dinner at once!" She stood, looking for ingredients, but was interrupted.

"It's part of my training. If my observation haki falters, I gotta skip dinner. Maintaining this discipline is what'll make me strong enough to protect my friends."

She sat back down. Though she was opposed, she understood. She felt guilty, knowing she was responsible for his failure. "I understand."

Crickets chirped and the fire cracked. Leaves skidded on pale grass, and their breaths were gentle. Noticing the intruding silence, she spoke. "So how do you occupy yourself? And how do you survive winter?"

"Well recently I haven't occupied myself at all. And this is my first winter alone. Rayleigh would always have us watch a fire in shifts."

"What about rain or snow?"

"I usually make blankets out of the crap ton of sacks he gave me, and fill them with leaves to keep me warm"

Having been to Ruskaina before, the empress was familiar with the seasons. Winter was approaching. She couldn't allow him to sleep on dirt and leaves, or wake him while he rested to watch a fire.

"Winter is approaching Luffy. How will you prepare?"

"I have to stock up on food, since fruits and game are less abundant during the winter. I need to collect firewood as well."

"Hmm... I shall build you a permenant shelter, and better bedding. I'll start at once."

"No! Don't do that!"

"Luffy..."

"It'll interfere with my training. How about you teach me, and give me instructions? It'll help alot."

"Of course."

"We'll begin tomorrow. I'm sorry you don't have a nice place to sleep. I know you're royalty and all."

"Nonsense. I'll endure what I must."

The empress grabbed a bag of leaves and covered herself, slightly conflicted. Leaves and dirt were unbefitting of an empress. She vowed the day she escaped her imprisonment that'd she'd only rest on satin and silk. But this was for Luffy. I suppose it isn't that bad. Tomorrow we'll have better arrangements.