บท 16: The Baratie

Now dressed for the occasion Hiko and Nami stood near the bow of the ship as the Baratie came into view. Stepping through the doors of the restaurant everyone turned to look at the new arrivals, the Baratie was famous for attracting pirate who would often cause trouble with the chefs. Though that was not the main reason why everybody openly stared at the duo entering the door, as Hiko and Nami walked up to the concierge people whispered amongst themselves talking about what a Fish-man was doing here. With his hearing, Hiko easily heard what they were all saying but he didn't care what they said, " Table for two, please. "

The thin man at the podium flinched back at Hiko's voice before he nodded stepping out and gesturing in front of him, " R-right this way. " Nami let out a small giggle that stirred the hearts of all men there, ' So the Baratie still has waiters I wonder how long before they all flee. ' Hiko pulled out Nami's seat like a gentleman before seating himself, " If you need anything just call me and all be over right away. " Hiko didn't pay any more attention to the waiter as he looked at Nami, " Well did I do a good job. "

Covering her mouth as she laughed Nami nodded, " It was well worth the wait, If what I'm smelling is the food I can't wait to order. " Smiling Hiko grinned, " I hate to ask this but, what do you want to do after we defeat Arlong. " Nami's smile faltered for a second before it came back, " I always dreamed of drawing a map of the world. " Hiko nodded as he expected as much, " How bout we head to the grand line, we might need to pick up a few more crew members. "

" And by that, I assume you mean other wives. " Hiko laughed at Nami seeing right through him, " Maybe if we come across anyone that you approve of. " Both of them laughed good-naturedly as the discussion changed to other matters, they eventually ended up ordering multiple dishes. Nodding adamantly the waiter hurried off to the kitchen, " There's an order for two Lobster Thermidor and three soups at table three. " A tall man with short blond hair looked over as he simultaneously prepared the food, " I want to get out of this kitchen, I'll take the order to them myself. "

Nodding the waiter turned around rushing to attend to the customers, Hiko and Nami were well into the bottle of wine they had ordered but Hiko was naturally resistant to all forms of poison. Nami had a slight flush to her cheeks but she still was coherent enough to maintain proper etiquette, Hiko sentence trailed off as he spotted what might be a problem, Sanji Vinsmoke was carrying their order, his eyes solely focused on Nami.

Nami saw Hiko's change in expression and looked behind to see the tall man staring at her with barely contained lust. Not paying the man any more attention Nami closed her eyes as she tried to ignore the man, " Two Lobsters and soups for the man and beautiful lady. " Sanji placed down the pates before he kneeled in front of Nami, " I just want to say I can now die a happy man as I will picture your face as I move on into the afterlife. "

Nami looked down at the strange man before she frowned, " Please leave, I'm afraid for your health, my husband tends to be rather forceful when men try to court me. " Sanji looked over to see Hiko was staring at him with a look promising death, " R-right...my apologies I'll leave you to your meal. "

Sanji rapidly stood up and walked away quickly, " At least he has a good sense of when to give up. " Nami chuckled, " You don't have to worry about guys like him I only have eyes for you. " Hiko took Nami's hand in his and kissed it lightly, " I'm too lucky. " Nami and Hiko started to eat their meals in silence, Nami thanked Hiko over and over again for bringing her to such a wonderful restaurant.

Leaning back Nami patted her stomach, " That was such a good meal if were going to the grand line we need a chef. " Hiko nodded as he took a pouch full of berries and left it on the table, " Let's go. " Nami smiled as she took Hiko outstretched hand, as they walked towards the door it was suddenly opened by Marine soldiers. Walking through the now open doors was a man with light pink hair, dull skin, and a metal brace on his fist. Lt. Fullbody looked around the restaurant when his eyes landed the duo exiting the restaurant, ' What is a fine lady like her doing with a fish-man, don't look so high and mighty. Ah, I guess it's up to me to teach you a lesson. '

" You there fish-man your under suspicion of being part of the Arlong Pirates, come along peacefully and everyone here can go about there day. " Everyone stopped eating and stared at the scene in front of them when Fullbody made his statement the duo stopped thinking that a full-on fight was about to break out. Until the duo resumed their pace as if nothing had happened, " Didn't you hear me, stop at once or I'll be forced to act. " When the two didn't stop Fullbody frowned, " I warned you. "

The lieutenant lunged forward with his fist cocked back aiming for Hiko's face, Hiko watched Fullbody's movements with barely concealed boredom. Letting go of Nami's arm Hiko grabbed the lieutenant's head and slammed him into the wall. As Hiko let go of the body a bloody trail was left behind as Fullbody slide to the floor.

" Did you have to be so violent. " Nami walked over to Hiko retaking her place on his arm, " He compared me to a fish-man and Arlongs crew, I would have killed him but I don't want to be blacklisted by the marines. Nami shook her head, " You still beat a Lieutenant your at least getting some sort of bounty. " Sighing Hiko walked pass the two Marines who wouldn't shut up about there captain's health, " It was bound to happen at some point, there are too many idiots in the world.