[Vivi nods. Rice is easy.] All right! We'll have some rice, then. And maybe a sandwich? [Never mind that those don't exactly go together. Sandwiches are easy too.]

[She hopes someone else will be home when they get there; having another person to help her convince Zoro that he should stay with them would be a big help.]

Well. We may have fish. I suppose I could try making some... [Sounding a little uncertain about that because she's never prepared fish before.]

Hm. Maybe just a compromise with tuna sandwiches; how does that sound?

[Lady. Okay, technically that's probably a little rude, but it's Zoro, and coming from him right now, Vivi can't see it as anything but adorable.] It's Vivi.

[She smiles as he repeats her name, glad he seems to be warming up to her. Maybe it won't be too hard to convince him he should stay.]

We're almost there. [She points to House 6 in the near distance, and idly wonders whether Zoro's sense of direction is the same even as a child. Is it possible it could even be worse?]

Quite a few people live there. [She glances down at him, again taking in the state he's in--there must be some clothes that would fit him, left over from other crew chibifications. And, frankly, he's on the filthy side.]

Hm. Maybe while I'm making lunch, you might like a bath?

Well, you'll need to wash up before you eat anyway. [Vivi states this as if it's an obvious fact.] And it'll warm you up. You must be a little cold in this weather in those clothes.

[She raises one finger as if a thought just occurred to her.] I think we may even have some nicer clothes for you to wear. Those are getting a little ragged, don't you think?

[She beams at that, despite it not exactly being an enthusiastic agreement.]

That's the spirit! I'm sure it'll feel wonderful. [And here they are! Vivi pulls open the front door and holds it for Zoro.] After you!

[Well, he sure isn't wasting any time. Vivi breezes right past him, heading for the downstairs bathroom.] This way.

[She pauses on the way to fetch a couple of towels and a clean washcloth from the linen closet, then enters and presents the oversized tub with a flourish. Actually, she'll just begin running the hot water for him, and casually add a dose of some citrus-scented bubble bath. In fact, the shelf in tub is lined with all manner of scented soaps and shampoos--technically, this is the girls' bathroom--and while Zoro's free to help himself to whatever, Vivi pulls out a few of the less-floral varieties assuming Zoro will find those most acceptable. You're going to have to pass a sniff test before you can eat, kiddo.]

[Satisfied, she turns back to face him, handing over the washcloth.] I'll get you some clean things to wear. Take your time and be sure to wash well. Oh, and be careful of your wings. [That last warning may be unnecessary, but she doesn't suppose he's used to them yet.]

[yes, delicious marimo stew Vivi wastes no time in scrounging around for some suitable clothes. It doesn't take long to find a t-shirt and some pants that may be slightly too big, but if need be, he can use a belt and roll up the cuffs. They're clean and in good shape; that's the important thing.]

[She pauses outside the bathroom door before knocking, listening for the telltale sounds of sloshing water. Satisfied he's in the tub, and hasn't managed to drown himself yet, she raps sharply and calls out:] I'm coming in!

[Yeah, you know what Zoro? You're eight, so deal with it. Vivi pays him little attention anyway, laying out the clean clothes for him, grabbing up his dirty ones to burn, and tossing down an extra towel to soak up the small lake he's created on the bathroom tile.]

Here are some things for you. Do you need anything else? [What she can't imagine, but it doesn't hurt to ask.]

All right. I'll go start making lunch, so take your time and come to the kitchen when you're done.

[And she's gone. You are safe once again. For now.]

[In the kitchen, Vivi sets the rice to cook on the stove, then begins making the sandwiches. She keeps an ear on the bathroom while she works, because she's not exactly sure she should trust lil' Zoro to find the kitchen on his own.]

[Vivi hears that query as she finishes opening a can of tuna.] Over here!

[She takes a few steps toward the doorway to wave him over, and nearly trips over Pumpkin as the cat twines around her ankles--purring loudly and obviously hoping to score some tuna of her own. Vivi laughs and scoops a small amount from the can with her fingertip, stooping to offer it to Pumpkin. Sanji is clearly not the only one who spoils the cat. >.>]

[Zoro gets an encouraging smile when he comes into view. So there was a kid under all that dirt.] Isn't that better? Hm, I'll have to find you a belt for those pants, though. After we eat.