Chapter 45: Spending Time With Hancock.........

Soon after Luffy left, the rest of them also left the throne room after discussing the next course of action.

But while everyone was sleeping, Hancock was walking around the mansion while thinking of today's events. Elder Nyon told her to send him off as soon as possible, because he was a dangerous man.

But there was still something holding her back, and that hesitation alone gave her pause. She clearly told the old hag that she would think of her proposal over the night and give her decision tomorrow, but why?

" Come to think of it, that man Luffy wasn't there with us, while we are discussing." Boa Hancock gasped slightly in shock as a sudden thought struck her like thunder.

" Was the reason for my hesitance somehow cause by his lack of presence on the situation? " She couldn't believe it no she wouldn't believe it. The idea itself left the Kuja Empress simply speechless, " Is my decision really depends on what that man's stance is? Preposterous! " she denied.

Why would she value the opinion of this man, whom she had hardly known for a day, more than even her sisters or her own opinion? Hancock grew tired. She entered into her chamber towards the comforting sight of her bed. " Perhaps sleep will bring me the correct answers I seek. "

.....

The next morning.

Luffy flew directly towards the castle to grab a breakfast. Everyone was already waiting for him, so as soon as he arrived they started eating.

** Luffy you should, leave this place. **

' Why, is something wrong? ' Luffy asked as he knew Kurumi could sense the danger better than him.

** Yes, this woman is currently emotionally unstable. Even though you told me that you like her but i think you should stay away form her. **

' Hmmm, but why am i sensing a trace of jealousy in your voice??? '

** Idiot...then do whatever you want. I am going to sleep, so don't wake me up. **

Luffy smiled a little and didn't say anything further. After having the breakfast, suddenly Luffy stepped forward.

Hancock met his deep red eyes and found herself strangely fixated within their depth. Hancock's legs began to feel a little weak and her face slightly warm.

" I know that this is sudden but can you please let me stay here and help me in training. " asked Luffy while looking at her eyes.

' If only it were so easy. ' Elder Nyon thought to herself wearily. She of knew how difficult it was to persuade Hancock of anything that she was reluctant to do. The woman's personality suited only to her needs and that of her sisters, but not much beyond that.

A light blush dashed across Hancock's cheeks, making her usual beautiful features even more mesmerizing if it were possible. " If that is what you truly wish…then I shall do wherever you desire. " Her declaration threw the sisters and Elder Nyon aback with sheer surprise. They started open-mouthed at the spectacle as their Empress, acting like a love-struck young maiden.

Luffy smiled and took Hancock's hand and said, " Thank you very much, it really means a lot to me. " This caused the Empress face to turn red and blush even harder. Then he let go her and sat down.

Elder Nyon was as equally perplexed as the Kuja sisters, trying to rationalize the strange scene. She looked closely at Hancock to gauge her face and reactions.

The Empress had a look of fawning on her features and a faint red hue stained her cheeks. Her eyes would shyly peek at Luffy when he wasn't looking and she constantly toyed with her fingers. It was an action so unlike Hancock.

" What could've brought about this sudden change of character? " Realization struck the elder like a bolt of thunder. The elder Kuja gasped, " Of course! Hancock is suffering from Lovesickness. It's the only explanation." Nyon said as both sisters became worried hearing this.

The elder heaved a weary sigh as she leaned on her staff. She then looked at Luffy who had somehow found a way to bring out a softer side of Boa Hancock, other than her usual cold and hard demeanor.

" I don't know how you did it, but you actually managed to dig your way into Hancock's heart. That was something that I had feared was lost forever in her deeply troubled past. For our Empress's sake and that of our nation, I pray that you aren't the type of man who would take advantage of this. " she muttered to herself.

After that they went down to the village and see the many wonders it had to offer. At the end of the day they went to watch a play that was reenacting the scene where Hancock and her sisters victoriously escaped from the celestial dragons.

Hancock knew that there were people were watching the play as well but she felt as if it were only Luffy and her watching. She enjoyed that idea very much. After the play ended, Luffy and Hancock started to feel drowsy.

Luffy also felt like he was going to knock out any second so he turned towards her. " Hey Hancock, I'm starting to get tired myself I think i'm going to head back to the palace now. So let me bring you back with me. " Luffy said.

" But you're getting tired I don't think it would be best to not fly back in your state of mind. " Hancock told him but Luffy just grinned.

" Don't worry I am not going to fly back " he said. " Then how are you going to do it- " Before she could finish Luffy asked if she trusted him, which she obviously did.

He smiled and said, " Ok then we'll be going now. " Luffy said and directly took her by her waist. " Wait what are you- " Hancock was about to say before they instantly vanished from the village and now back to the palace where Sandersonia, Marigold and Nyon were. The three screamed nearly having a heart attack when Hancock and Luffy appeared out of thin air.

Hancock was at a loss of words for what she had witnessed. When she regained her composure she asked him, " How did you do that? " Luffy said casually, " You can call it teleportation, one of my abilities." He smiled while giving a thumbs up. Afterwards he left the speechless ladies and went to sleep because he knew that he would have a big day tomorrow.