Life is too short to drink bad wine.

[John Taylor]

It had been a week sailing since the Baratie dine and dash, and the supplies weren't low but some fresh fruit and other items wouldn't go amiss, it was why they were heading in the general direction of an island hoping to hit either Micqueot or Lyneel whichever was nearest, it was then and only then in the distance it could be seen, land and hopefully a chapter to add into their adventure.

John wandered through the door to find his captain, she was like a breeze always welcome but never able to be seen, it was quite confusing but then they'd not really done much talking about themselves only about what to do next and who to recruit.

It wasn't a surprise to not spot anyone about inside at first glance, so John thought just in case he did miss her hiding on purpose or accidentally to announce there was land up ahead. "We're nearing land, Ellie best get dressed if your snoring away in here."
John smirked, if anything he'd get a boot thrown at him in the next five seconds.

[Eri Tokito]

Eri had loved her new company on her ship, the one cabin on the small boat big enough for a small bed and a chair. John usually let Eri sleep inside, whether it be because she was his captain or he was just purely being a gentleman, she didn't know but she loved him for that. It had been a week since she had first met John on the ship Baratie and their little eat and dash, and Eri was hoping that they would reach land soon as she desperatly needed some new clothes.

As girly as that sounded for a pirate, Eri still liked dressing up nicely, although albeit in clothes which she could fight in easily and the clothes which she had now were all beginning to stretch and fade from wearing them for so long. So, knowing that they would soon hit land she had decided to take a nap inside, knowing that John would keep watch for her.

Asleep happily, she was soon disturbed by the only door being open and a voice calling out her name. Groaning slightly she rolled over under the covers, mumbling out, "go 'way...'m sleeping..."

When she didn't hear him leave the small cabin she rolled over, opening her eyes with a soft groan as she stared at the man standing there smirking at her. Pouting as she blushed slightly, her cheeks pink as she whined out, "but I'm comfy!" Seeing his smirk still plastered on his face she merely grumbled out, "fine, fine am going to get chaged...sheesh, can't a woman get her sleep around here?"

Pulling back the covers she stood up, not at all noticing the fact that she had only slept with a shirt on, her underwear in clear view for the other man to see. Padding over to the small chest which held her clothes she asked with a cheeky grin, "well? Are you expecting a strip tease or something or are you going to leave?"

[John Taylor]

It was like waking a child, even though he said one thing just his presence seemed to mentally argue with Ellie, it was very useful as he stood there making sure she actually got up and didn't just stand wait for him to leave and flop back under the covers, she obviously wasn't an morning person since it was roughly eight in the morning when he'd summoned his captain from her slumber.

John chuckled as she rose from her pit of pillows grumbling about something or other. "Just think we can quickly get our things we need and then take a five hour nap, well ten hours for you maybe and set off again."

He looked at his scantly clad captain in half interest half comedy, he mused at her slowly until the cheeky words of a strip tease was uttered, it would be fun to stay but he was a gentleman enough to give a lady privacy to change at least, but not with having a bit of fun before hand as he plucked some underwear from side of the chest and plonked it on her head."Maybe next time captain, your bunny undies were made more for comfort then winning the hearts of men."

With that he gave her a gentle pat on the behind directly on the said bunny and casually exited the cabin, turning to blow her a wake up kiss just to cheer her up a bit more.

[Eri Tokito]

Eri didn't even notice the fact that she had worn her bunny undies on, the incredibly comfy ones which pretty much had no sex appeal what so ever. So when John had to point that out to the young girl she blushed tomato red and squeaked loudly, near but backing up against the back wall when he patted her on the bum, the underwear which were on her head slidding off and slumping onto the floor.

Quickly snatching them up from the wandering eyes of her crew mate, Eri merely yelled out, face flustered, "You are such a perv!" When he merely chuckled and walked off, blowing her a kiss from the doorway she merely puckered up her lips, using her devil's fruit power to summon up a small gust of wind which blew the door shut, her face still bright red as she continued to hear John laughing through the thin wooden walls.

Mumbling under her breath as she quickly changed into a pair of tight black leggings and a china style dress which split up her thighs on either side, and quickly fixing her messy bed hair in the mirror, she made her way out of the cabin. Ignoring the man who stood on the deck, she walked to the bow of the boat, pering over the side as she squinted at the land in the distance, her arms holding her steady from falling over board.

Calling out to John she asked, "which Island do you think it is?"

[John Taylor]

John laughed when the door shut behind him with a moderate slam, he didn't really see her devil fruit in action often since there was no need to use it all the time, although she could of turned into wind to avoid the pat on the bum he gave her, but he thought nothing of it just that waking up probably never helped concentration.

He plucked a folding telescope from his pocket and pulled it out fully giving the island a browse as to see whereabouts it was they were about to land, the areas he could see weren't exactly helpful but there were many wine barrels wherever he did look, so from process of elimination he assumed it was Micqueot.

It was then he noticed out the corner of his eye, someone who was not best pleased with him John did think he did bully her a bit when waking her up for food and such but it was in the way a friend would if anything, besides he'd always do something nice the next time he'd see her, soon enough the question was asked. "Looks like Micqueot, Cap'n take a look see what you think."

He hands her the telescope to look through, deciding whilst she checks to make up for today's bullying and places a white camellia hair brooch in her hair and gently hugs her with a pad of paper in his hand with some breakfast options on. "So Captain shall I make a heading to the island or would you prefer breakfast first?"

[Eri Tokito]

Eri knew that her devil fruit was a Logia type and could pretty much turn into wind at will to avoid attacks but really, did you know what that did to her hair? It was fine in battle when one rarely cared about appearances when you were on a thin line between life and death, but otherwise Eri rarely used her abilities other than just conjouring wind. Besides, it was so much easier when everyone just under estimated her due to her age and child-ish looks and near but always tried to kindly push her away...little did they know just how much of a complex Eri had about her height and maybe she got more than a bit angry.

When John handed her the telescope she took it with a small pout, glaring at her crew mate and friend as she promptly pressed the eye piece against her face and looked through it, seeing the island and agreeing with the deduction that yes, it was Micqueot. "I agree," Eri said as she surveyed the island, noting that John had carded his fingers through her short brown locks and she could feel the clip which he put in gently.

Pulling the collapsable telescope away from her face she turned to face the teasing man, a pointed look on her face as she crossed her legs at the ankles and leant up against the side of the boat, her expression one which said, 'that all?'

When he hugged her with an offer of breakfast Eri visibly brightened, hugging the taller man back as she said with a slight squeal. "You know all too well how to just take my mind off being angry huh John?" Eri said as she un-wound her arms from around his waist and took the paper which had some bread, cheese and grapes in it.

Picking a grape off the vine she lifted it to John, conveying for him to open his mouth as she popped it in, smiling happily, saying with a grin, "good boy. A little reward for being so kind. Now I want you to go get your own food now because I sure as hell ain't giving up more of my food for you. I want to try landing soon and I want us both on our best incase of...well, anything."

Eri grinned at him, shooing him off as she lightly kicked him in the butt as he walked past, revenge for earlier as she turned her attention back to the blue oceans which lapped at the boat, the rocking motion rythmic and soothing as the sun shined brightly ahead.

[John Taylor]

John smirked at her, he knew how to make Ellie smile and that was one of the things he thought was important, a happy ship was a good ship even if it was only him and the captain aboard but then it meant he could do things like this without outside eyes gazing their questions and opinions at them.

The squeal was cute and the breakfast wasn't much but it was the freshest pieces on board, they would have something nicer if need be on mainland,and despite already have eaten earlier on he obeyed his captain letting her pop a grape in his mouth, a sarcastic yet honest and true smile back at her, the thought if he should bark in return or chase after her and her precious food, but it was probably best to let his captain actually win these things.

He chuckled at her as he was nonchalantly kicked in the behind lightly, the sound of the grape crunching in his mouth the most prominent sound he heard along with the crashing gentle waves, as John headed to the wheel and made a course for the island's dock aiming towards the smaller boats, there was no pirate flag on their ship yet it didn't matter but it was helpful for things like this, and it saved being chased by the marines too.

John gently sang to himself whilst grasping the wooden spokes on the wheel, turning it softly as he chose the lines in the sea, he could steer a ship but navigation wasn't something he could do the only reason wouldn't crash into the docked ships was mainly due to the calm wind and calmer sea beneath, but the song he knew kept him more at peace. "Every time I look at the sky after the rain, I think of the past when I was only a crybaby, I was frantically going after, someone's back, And saying 'I wanna become stronger'."

[Eri Tokito]

Eri happily ate her food, leaning up against the side of the boat as she smiled to herself, popping another grape into her mouth. She had seen John give her a smile earlier and she was glad that she was with John, the man although being a tease and more than a meanie sometimes was great company. Eri was glad that she had him for a first mate and knew that the two would be close, even if they really didn't know all too much about one another.

Finishing off her breakfast as she noted that John began to steer tha boat towards the on-coming island, the docks ahead as Eri made her way to the helm where John would be. On the way there she ducked inside quickly, dropping the paper which held her food in a small bin onboard, stopping by the door to grab her boots before heading back out into the sunshine.

Walking towards John Eri manuveured herself to put her boots on over her sock covered feet, swaying slightly with the motion of the boat as she finally completed her task and continued on her way. Reaching John she stood beside the man who was steering the boat, giving him a wide grin as she said, "well, another adventure awaits huh? Wonder what will happen this time..."

[John Taylor]

As the dock grew ever closer, it would be only a few minutes until they would be walking the streets of Micqueot and living the second chapter of their adventure, who knew what would happen to them, be it good or bad something usually happened to them.

He nodded to the people guiding him to a certain area to place the boat, it seemed good enough as the boat gently turned slowing down and eventually stopping facing outwards so if they did need to run off they needn't waste time with difficult turning maneuvers, either way they had managed to dock now and the only thing to do now was explore the island and see what happens.

John looked at his captain and smirked. "Be it good or bad, bring it smiles or tears, it's the next step to our goal.." He looked towards the sea and stretched. "And we'll get to try some interesting wines here too."

[Eri Tokito]

Eri returned the man's smirk with a grin, the man had docked the ship perfectly and had made sure that in case of anything, they could make a quick escape. Eri was glad that John was smart, she would never have thought of that. "Yeah," Eri replied as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, the wind ruffling her hair, "I can only say that -and hope- that we will be able to have at least some fun here...otherwise I will be severly disapointed that there was no adventure...that would suck...alot."

Laughing aloud at her own antics she skipped back inside, hearing what John said as she quickly grabbed a few hundred beri for them to spend, knowing that they would need to stock up on food as well as well as having some money to buy whatever they fancied. Heading back out she replied, "wine would be nice. And I would hope that they would at least have some decent wine...isn't Micqueot known for it's wine?"

Handing the man some notes she merely checked that everything was in it's right place incase someone came and decided to nick a few things, before jumping over the side of the boat onto the small woodden dock.

Turning to look back at her friend and first mate she grinned widely, "oh...this is definetly going to be fun!" She quickly turned and skipped off down the street, gaining looks from passers by at the energetic and bouncing girl.

[John Taylor]

John nodded he personally didn't want too many bad experiences in their adventure but if they did have them they could only learn from them to avoid them in the future, although now was a time for some relaxation and most likely some tipsy movements when he headed back to the ship.

He nodded at Ellie's question they were known for their wine, which was good because John liked his wine, mainly sake but other types were in the list as well. "If we're lucky they may have a wine related festival going on, might be able to get some good stuff dirt cheap."

It was a pleasant thought getting good things for low prices as John watched his captain hop off the boat and inform him of the first opinion of the place, it was good that it'd be a fun place just as long as she didn't get too drunk and throw up on him later tonight. "Meet at that café in say, five hours or so for some food."

He gave her a gentle wave off as he watched her skip off down the streets, John casually hopped down onto the dock and handed the dock-man a few hundred beli to make sure no-one but he or Ellie were to go on the ship, you could never trust words but money bought trust easily, as John walked towards the bustling and noise of the city they had stopped at.

[Eri Tokito]

Replying with a grin at John she said, "oh let's do hope they have some nice clothes as well! These really are starting to wear out...oh, and definitely some new underware...meanie..." Eri poked out her tounge at the man as she left the boat, happily heading off as she yelled back, "OK! See you then John!"

Making her way along the main road which seemed to be lined with countless stores she paused at a rack at the doorway of a small store, a small black dress catching her eye. Touching the fabric as she looked at the full dress she knew that it was love. Asking the old woman who owned the store if she could try it on just for wear she was led into a small cubicle where she hastily changed. It fitted like a glove. The dress was short, incredibly so as it just covered her bum and a small section of her thighs, the silk material smooth against her creamy skin. The top half of the dress was a V-neck cut with the material hanging slightly off her smaller frame as the wide straps which held it up crisscrossed at the back.

Paying for the dress she wore, Eri continued on her shopping trip as she bought a pair of black high heels to match as well as some casual shirts and singlets as well as two kore pairs of pants and one more dress. She knew that she shouldn't have bought so much stuff but who could blame her? She was an impulse shopper. Sooner than she had realized, about four hours had already passed so Eri merely headed back to the cafe which John had indicated to earlier and checked into one of the rooms above the store, thankful for the convenience.

Thinking she should surprise John she took her time getting ready, carefully slipping into her new dress and heels and taking the time to style her hair and apply a bit of make up. That would show him...how dare he tease her so this morning! So she decoded to exploit one thing that she knew she could, her looks. Going down to the cafe which was knthe ground level she knew she drew glances and giggled softly to herself. Maybe she should dress up a bit more if men paid attention to her like this.

Waiting for John as she sat at one of the smaller tables at the back she waited patiently, and eventually John turned up. Giving him a shy grin she asked, "well...what do you think? Reckon I can now win some hearts?"

[John Taylor]

It wasn't long before Ellie had disappeared from sight then again he walked slow towards the shops whilst she had bounded way like a puppy after a ball, John had soon found a small area selling interesting items among which was a small leather bound diary that was actually two hidden together, it seemed like a nice item for recording their adventure so it was quickly bought.

His next stop left him in the middle of what seemed to be a festival, most likely wine as it was what Micqueot was known for even if he was wrong there was going to be some here later on, he smirked at the bustling people setting up what looked like an outside ballroom with orchestra pit and dancing areas all nestled between outside wine sellers and tables, this was somewhere to go after the meal it seemed, just after the sun had begun it's decent and the sky would be turning red.

Along the way he decided to grab some clothes since he'd need to at least be presentable on the ship and tatty old clothes wouldn't cut it, inside he found a suit the shirt itself black as well as a matching coat similar to his own with a silvery tinted trim to it which along with some everyday clothes John paid and left wearing the suit and coat, heading to the café.

It wasn't long before he reached the café only to find Ellie had beaten him there and was wearing a new dress, John was moderately speechless and it took a moment after her question, which he eventually answered. "I'm impressed, who knew my captain could be so beautiful." John smiled lightly placing his hand on the back of his chair. "Well, you'll catch many but you had mine ensnared in the Baratie."

[Eri Tokito]

Eri fidgeted in her chair as John stood silently before her, not saying a word. Maybe she actually looked strange, or that it didn't suit her? Eri was suddenly nervous but soon calmed down as John replied, blushing heavily as she turned her head to the side slightly, hiding her face from John. Stuttering out she said a bit too softly, "Uh...um, thanks John...nice-nice to know..."

What else was she supposed to say in reply? Mentally smacking herself in the face she tried to regain her composure, her eyes still downcast from her friend who stood across from her.

After she felt that she wasn't so tomato red anymore she sneaked a look back at John, noticing his attire as well. He looked good, and Eri noted that he still had some bags with him which would have been filled with shopping. "you look good to John...nice jacket by the way. Oh, and I booked us a room upstairs, I paid for three nights but we'll probably stay longer if this place has some things to do."

[John Taylor]

John silently chuckled when Ellie shot her head around after his reply it was quite cute, but he pretended not to really notice her beet red face, there wasn't anything else he needed to do but let her recover.

As he sat down he received a reply at long last it was a compliment back at his attire, placing his bags out of the way but near enough to be known if they move, he looked back to Ellie. "Thanks, thought it best to wear something decent and new to the café."

He flicked over the wine list as she mentioned that there was a room booked for three days, it seemed they'd be staying for the length of the festival unless it finished tonight, but who knew,John thought to mention that there was something going on in the square later in the night it may be fun. "After the meal, we may as well place our bags in the room and head down to the square after it seemed like something was being set up down there."