You sat on the bench swing that hung on the back porch with your feet tucked up and a fresh cup of coffee in hand. It was just passed noon but the sun had yet to make an appearance on this gray autumn day. Ace and Sabo worked setting up chairs and tables even clearing a place near the fire pit for a small dance floor.

"You could help a little." Ace scoffed wiping his brow.
"I thought this party was for me, Freckles. The honoree doesn't set up the banquet." You chuckled adjusting your sweater.
"Don't call me that, stupid." he crossed his arms.
"Oh sweet come back, Spot."
"Seriously F/N?" Sabo deadpanned while Ace fumed.
"Nobody put a quarter in you, Blondie."
"That reference is so old, the only reason we know it is from growing up around you." Sabo quipped.
"Back in my day there was this thing called a payphone..." Ace mocked in an old lady voice.
"You little shits. I'm gonna tell Pops." you warned.
"Tell me what, lass?" the old man pipped ducking through the doorway with his o2 tank.
"Nothing." you muttered shifting on the swing to make room for your father.
"You brats stop harassing your sister." he scolded as both men scoffed.

You stuck out your tongue.

"And you, F/N, let your babies be."

You couldn't help but laugh though you'd been caught as well.

"Sorry babies!" you called earning more pointed looks.
"Some things never change." Pops laughed, "Thatch just got back, why don't you go inside and see if he needs help?"
You stood with a sigh, "Aye captain."

It was noisy in the house again as you could hear all of the guys in the kitchen chatting while they unloaded groceries. Your stomach fluttered hearing the low voice of the bartender. All sounds ceased when you pushed the door open.

Thatch was bent into the refrigerator while Luffy placed cans and produce on the counter. The greenette watched you enter quietly averting his eye as you briefly met his gaze.

"You must be F/N!" a blond you hadn't met before chimed from the opposite entry that led to the front of the house.
"Uh.. Yes." you mumbled suddenly feeling a little self-conscious under his sparkling blue stare.
"I'm Sanji, it's so lovely to finally meet you. We've heard so much about you," he gushed swiftly taking your hand and placing a kiss on your knuckles, "you're even more beautiful in person!"

You blushed.
The bartender cleared his throat.

"Sanji, lay off." Thatch grumbled.
"He's fine," you nodded to your older brother, "nice to meet you too."

The blond smiled brightly a soft rosy flush rising to his cheeks.

"That's Zoro," Luffy interjected pointing at the green haired man.
"Nice to have a name to the face," you chuckled nervously extending your right hand.

His hand slipped over yours as his gaze swayed back to you effectively stifling your breath.

Why did he make you feel this way?

"You've met before?" Sanji asked.
"F/N?" Luffy called after a few seconds of silence.
"Ah, yeah ... Kind of. Shanks and I met at the pub where he works the other night. And he did wander into my room this morning." you reluctantly pulled away from his grasp.
"Well now that introductions are done, it's time to put you guys to work!" Thatch clapped his hands, "F/N - mise en place , Sanji trim the meat, Zoro the dry rub is in the pantry behind you, Luffy you're washing dishes as we go."

Everyone began to shuffle around the kitchen. You began chopping vegetables and placing them in separate containers as requested. Sanji stepped next to you eyeing your knife work. It was obvious you'd been taught by your brother, but some of your cuts were a little shaky. Slowly he reached over to adjust your grip.

"Oh..." you breathed, surprised by the sudden contact.
"If you hold it from the base of the blade you'll have better control." he murmured lowly.

Someone sighed behind you.

"Awe Zoro is here? Why didn't anyone tell us?" your freckled brother stepped into the room, "You could help us move some of this shit around."
"Sure." Zoro muttered, "If it's ok with Thatch?"
"Yeah yeah," the brunette replied, "We can handle this."

The afternoon passed quickly as eventually only you and Sanji stayed in the kitchen to help Thatch. Luffy ended up creating more work than really helping. Marco got the grill ready and had food cooking by the time guests started to arrive.

There were so many faces that you recognized, and also quite a few that you didn't, like all of Luffy's friends. They were a particularly interesting group and quite diverse you might add. The two women, Nami and Robin were very sweet, but you could tell not much got passed them. Nami actually seemed to hold Luffy's attention and keep him from being too disruptive. It was quite amazing to witness.

A few drinks in and you'd been sucked into the dance floor by your brothers, even Luffy had a turn - stepping on your feet all the way. You never did get a chance to actually teach the youngest to dance. Shanks stepped in shortly after, tugging you around expertly, hand slipping to the small of your back.

"Like old times wouldn't you say?" he chuckled.

"I don't know how you're still so nimble after all those sake bombs."

"I'm always better after a shot or two." he spun you an reeled you back in, "Looks like you have a couple of admirers this evening, aside from myself of course."

You failed to fight a flush, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"The blond with Luffy, which I'm sure you noticed. He's been quite obvious about it." He nodded toward Sanji having a smoke near the fire pit.

"And the other?" you asked almost hopefully.

He searched the yard for a moment before thumbing toward a slender raven haired male with rather dark circles under his eyes. Your heart sank a little.

"I haven't even met that guy."

"Were you disappointed? I think plenty of ladies would like to have a promising surgeon checking them out." he teased.

You rolled your eyes, "You don't have to make fun. There's no way that guy was checking me out."

"Suit yourself." he shrugged.

Finally the song came to an end and you made a quick exit. Between the alcohol and cardio you needed to find a quiet place to cool off. You were stopped a few times to chat on your way to the front porch where you claimed one of the three rocking chairs and let out a sigh letting the night breeze cool you down. You rocked slowly enjoying the peace when you heard someone slowly approach.

"Is this seat taken?"