I still have pending requests for the 24 hours prompt. Rest assured I’m still planning to write ‘em. Just be patient. I’ll do them this weekend once I’m off work. I just can’t squeeze them after working hours. Too tired. Hahaha!
Nami wiped the sweat that trickled down her temple with the back of her hand.
It was a hot day. Not in a sweltering way but still enough to make one perspire from just a few minimal movements.
Hermikan trees have finally arrived, courtesy of her sister. Honestly, Nami was surprised that it was delivered to her and that they made it to where she was in one piece. She was actually planning to drive back to her hometown once she’s already settled in her new place and bring back a tree or two.
But Nojiko always know what to expect from her. It would probably take her a month or two before she’d be able to visit her.
So she sent her the trees.
Bless her. Nami thought. She’s the best.
She touched one of the fruits hanging from the branches.
“You’ll like it here,” she murmured at them.
Franky has allotted a place for her in the rooftop’s garden when she asked him if she can plant something there. She saw that there was a flower bed and a vegetable garden and instantly thought that her mikan trees would be a good addition to it.
The light blue-haired, slightly weird, landlord was enthusiastic about that idea and even offered to help her bring them up.
Nami cracked her knuckles and stretched her arms.
“Now,” she announced. “Time to get you all inside and up to the top.” Her eyes then trailed up the five story apartment building.
Oh boy. This is gonna that a lot of work.
“Nami?”
She turned towards the voice that called her. A beautiful raven-haired woman stepped out of the building. Her kind, blue eyes twinkled at the sight of her trees.
“Robin hi!” She greeted.
“Ara, you’re mikan trees are here finally. They are lovely.” Robin reached out to daintily touch one orange orb. Her eyes crinkled in mirth when she caught Nami’s surprised expression.
“Oh, Franky told me,” she explained. “It’s nice to finally have some company in the rooftop garden.”
“Ah!” Nami nodded. The flower bed belongs to her of course. Franky did mention it. “I hope you don’t mind. They’re not gonna take a lot of space.”
“You don’t need to worry,” Robin smiled at her. “An additional greenery wouldn’t hurt ne?”
At the mention of the word green, Nami was suddenly reminded of a certain grouchy green-haired guy…
“Do you need help bringing them up?”
Nami nodded again. “Yes actually. Is Franky available? He did offer to help me bring them up.”
Robin shook her head. “I’m afraid he’s not free today. He has some errands to do and would probably be back late.”
“Oh,” Nami glanced at her trees. “Ah, but don’t worry. I can wait.”
The older woman studied her for a moment. “Hmm… I can ask Zoro to help you.”
Zoro?
Nami groaned inwardly. She doesn’t think she’s up to owing that guy any favor.
“It’s alright Robin, I can actually…”
But Robin already has her phone pressed against her ear and was already talking to Zoro, instructing him to come down and help her.
She ended the call and beamed a smile at Nami. “There. That way you don’t need to wait for so long to get them up to their new home.”
“This is kinda embarrassing…”
“Don’t worry about it. Zoro’s actually happy to help anyone.”
That made Nami raised an eyebrow.
He is?
He doesn’t look that type.
“Oh I know he doesn’t look that type,”
Nami’s eyes actually widened on Robin’s remark. Did she like… read her mind?
“But believe me. He’s always happy to lend a hand. Even if he complains about it, he actually gets the job done.”
Nami just nodded her head. That was quite an interesting fact.
The building’s door opened and out stepped Zoro.
“Ara, that was fast,” Robin observed as Zoro approached them. “You didn’t get lost?”
“I don’t get lost,” Zoro growled at her. “What do you need?”
“Can you help Nami bring her trees up in the rooftop? Franky wouldn’t be back until later tonight.”
Zoro gave Nami a sideway glance and she just shrugged.
He made a disapproving sound with his tongue. “Fine.”
“Thank you Zoro,” Robin said, patting Nami on the shoulder. “I have to go now. I’ll leave you two to it. I’m looking forward to seeing them in the rooftop the next time I go up.”
Nami grinned at her. “Thanks Robin! You’ve been a really great help!”
“My pleasure!” Robin gave them a slight wave, before heading off. “Zoro,” she nodded her head slightly at him.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Nami watched her walk away before she felt a nudge on her shoulder.
“Oi,” Zoro was frowning at her, looking displeased at the fact that he got roped to assist her so early in the morning. “Hold the door open so I can bring them inside.”
“Are you sure you can lift them?” Nami looked skeptically at him. “It took two men to carry one down the delivery truck.”
Zoro just huffed at her, before grasping one of the trees’ pot and lifting it up…
…with almost no effort at all.
Nami’s jaw almost dropped open. Whoa?!
“Nami. The door!” He barked at her.
Nami instantly moved to open it for him, her mind reeling at the fact that this snarky man is insanely strong.
Three round trips later, all her mikan trees are now in their proper places on the rooftop.
“Hey Zoro,” she called out to him amaze that he was able to bring all her trees up by himself. “Tha—”
Her gratitude died in her throat and she tried hard to stop herself from ogling.
Zoro had stripped his t-shirt off and was using it to wipe the sweat off his body.
Damn if she didn’t admire the sullen green-haired man’s physique. She knew his arms were toned beyond perfection but seriously? His whole body as well?
It was every girls’ dream in a man.
“You need anything else your highness?”
That snapped Nami out of her stupor.
“Nothing so far slave. You did well.”
Zoro glared at her and she glared back.
“If you don’t have anything else, I’m going back down.”
Nami shook her head. “Sure. Anyway, thanks Zoro. I really appreciate it.”
“Thank Robin,” he grunted. “If she didn’t request it, I wouldn’t have come down to help you.”
Geez. Nami thought. Great looks, great body…
But his personality absolutely sucks.
Zoro draped his shirt over his shoulder and was about to leave the rooftop.
“Uh, wait…” Nami called out to him before he can reach the exit.
“What?”
“Err… I’m making some mikan juice from my trees’ fruits. Care for some?” Nami offered. Regardless of him being such a pain to deal with, she’s still grateful to him, of course.
Zoro raised an eyebrow at her.
“It’s the least I can do you know,” Nami said, scratching her cheek. “For your effort and help.”
The green-haired man stared at her before shrugging his shoulders.
Nami reluctantly lifted her head up from her comfortable position to glare at the man who was lying underneath her.
“Zoro… what are YOUdoing?!”
She was only answered with a loud yawn and the orange-haired woman petulantly raked her fingernails against the skin of Zoro’s abdomen. She felt him twitch under her, before his large hand wrapped itself around her wrist.
“Why is your hand inside my shirt?”
Nami let out a ‘tch’. “Why are you sleeping?” She questioned back, shifting from her position so she could rest her chin atop his chest. She might have dug it into his stupid pectorals a lit-tle bit forcefully… and that was deliberate of course. “We’re supposed to be watching this movie Zoro!”
The green-haired man yawned again, shuffling his body upwards slightly. “I am watching.”
“No you are not! You are sleeping!” Nami prodded his nose with an accusing finger. He swatted her hand away. “I heard you snore!”
“Pffft.”
“Mou!” Nami groaned. Zoro was never really the one with a long attention span. Movie nights with him often end up with the large man dead asleep on the couch while she finishes the rest of the film, draped comfortably on top of him, with his arms wrapped around her.
She watched as his unscarred eye drifted close again, while the hand that was initially holding her wrist, trailed up her arm almost in a caressing manner. His other arm that remained hooked around her waist the whole night began to travel down south.
Not that she is complaining. But…
Nami gave a small squeak when she felt his hand squeeze the plush cheek of her ass, before pushing her body upwards and closer to him.
“You do know the movie’s boring?” Zoro whispered lowly against her ear, his breath warm and tickling against her skin; his tone undeniably suggestive, sending shivers down her spine.
She answered him with a roll of her brown eyes. But still that didn’t stop the quirking of the corners of her lips.
Nami laughed as he smirked at her. He is so right. The movie IS boring.
Maybe they can find something else to do instead before they turn in for the night.
Zoro scowled as he stared at the door of his apartment.
“Zorooo,” he heard a faint whisper of his name from the other side of the door, followed by a giggle. “Zorooo! Open the door!”
He didn’t move from his position—leaning against the doorframe of his bedroom with his arms folded above his chest.
“I have your key idiot,” he heard the person on the other side announced, followed by some shuffling sound. There was a dull thud, as something (or at this rate, someone, most likely) hit the door.
That actually prompted him to move, grumbling as he made his way towards it before the person outside decides to bang on it and wake his neighbors up.
His hand was already on the knob and was about to twist it open, when the door suddenly swung towards him almost hitting him on the nose.
“Nami!” He hissed as his gaze landed on the girl in front him. He knows it was her on the other side of course… given the amount of messages and calls he had received from her earlier while he was fast asleep. “What the hell?”
“Hi!”
Zoro narrowed his eye at her. She had a lopsided grin on her face and her stance was kind of… wobbly.
“Did you actually drunk texted and called me?”
She looked at him blankly for a few seconds.
“I did?”
He made an irritated sound before pulling her inside, closing and locking the door.
“What do you need?” He asked curtly as he left her standing in the middle of his small living room. “At fucking three in the morning?”
She blinked at him, looking a bit confused before grinning and answering his question.
“Bed.”
Zoro looked at her incredulously. She woke him up all because she needed a place to sleep?
Her apartment was just a goddamn floor away from him!
He watched as she sluggishly attempted to remove her small pink crossbody bag around her, throwing it clumsily on his couch before slipping off her heels and shrugging off her jacket.
Or at least she tried shrugging it off.
“Damn it Nami,” he growled as he took a step closer to her to help her remove it. “Are you actually plastered?”
“Hmm… no.”
“No my ass,” Zoro muttered under his breath. He watched as Nami shook her head and the expression on her face clearly told him she regretted doing that.
“If you hurl on my floor, you’ll fucking clean it.” He warned, throwing her jacket next to her bag.
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
She actually had the audacity to use an overbearing tone on him even if she was on the brink of keeling over any time soon.
“This is the first time,” Zoro said with a huff as he went to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.
The minute he did, Nami staggered toward his bedroom and unceremoniously plopped down on his bed.
“Oi!” Zoro immediately went after her, the glass in his hand still half full. “Damn it Nami!” He cursed as he set the glass down on his bedside table. “Even drunk, you can still be such pain in the ass.”
“Don’t be mean Zoro!” She whined, lifting a leg to kick him. She only ended up kicking at the air.
“No throwing up on my bed!”
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
Zoro sat on his bed, scratching his head as he watched the orange-haired woman nestled herself deeply into the comfort of his pillow.
He wished he had the strength to just kick her out of his bed and his apartment.
But of course he doesn’t have. Besides… he can’t. And… he won’t.
Not when drunk Nami is a once in a lifetime opportunity he had been blessed (or cursed) to witness.
“Zorooo…” she whined again, nudging his shoulder with her bare feet rather forcibly. “Don’t sleep!”
“I am awake!” He swatted her feet with his hand and it fell back on his bed bonelessly. “Go to sleep Nami.”
“No!” She groaned woozily. “I still have to tell you I like you so don’t you dare fall asleep on me.”
Huh?
Say what now?
Zoro stared at her in disbelief for probably the umpteenth time in the span of twenty minutes from the moment she barged in his apartment.
This woman makes him want to pull and tear all the hairs off his head.
Why does she need to do this while she’s DRUNK?
Her feet nudged him again, prodding lightly.
“Do you like me too?” Nami asked in a rather diffident tone as she looked at him with eyes still glazed from inebriation. Yet there was this earnest look on her face that makes him want to answer truthfully.
Zoro can’t help but shake of his head at absurdity of it all.
“Yeah. I do,” he admitted with a chuckle. Honestly of all the times she can be honest with him, she chose now while she’s drunk as a skunk and would probably forget everything when she wakes up.
“Oh.” Nami said a bit breathlessly, not expecting a positive answer. Then she seemed to brightened up when she realized what his answer was. “Oh!”
She giggled, in a girlish manner that was totally unlike her usual self.
And she suddenly pounced on him, enveloping him in a tight bear hug.
Zoro was taken aback by her unexpected movement that they almost fell on the floor.
Thankfully they didn’t.
Then Nami suddenly scrambled to get off him and his bed.
Zoro had to grab her by the arm to steady her as she staggered slightly after standing up abruptly.
She giggled again, smiling as she drowsily stared at his hand on her arm.
“I need to shower,” she suddenly announced.
“Huh?”
“I need to shower,” Nami repeated before letting out a hiccup. “So we can celebrate by having sex.”
She pulled away from him and she started singing, nonchalantly discarding her remaining clothing on his bedroom floor as she made her way towards his bathroom, leaving Zoro staring at her, with his mouth hanging open and his brain short-circuiting.
Nami groaned as she sleepily trudged towards her kitchen to make herself some coffee.
Why in the world did she agree to a 7:00 am meeting with that artist? What’s his name again? Usa… Uso…
Whatever. She’ll know of it later. When she actually have the energy to care.
She stared blankly at the kitchen window as she placed her favorite mug on her capsule coffee machine and pressed a button, its hum automatically breaking the silence inside her apartment.
The sky outside was still dark. And surprisingly, the early morning cacophonies of sounds that Nami was used to were absent. No chirping birds, no barking dogs, no honking automobiles, no rumbling of the morning train in the distant… not even the shuffling of hurrying feet as people start to make their way to their own respective jobs.
It was like everything outside is on mute.
Honestly? She could get used to this kind of mornings in this new town.
The machine’s humming stopped and she waited a few seconds before grabbing her now-filled mug. The enticing smell of the coffee wafted to her nose as she made her way towards the sliding door leading to her rather small balcony.
She took a deep breath of the fresh dawn air. It was so different from the air of the city.
Leaning on the railing, she brought the mug to her lips, preparing herself for that familiar sensation brought about by the first sip of coffee as it awakened all her senses.
She continued to quietly take small sips of her beverage as she looked on at the winding footpath that traversed the wooded park behind her apartment complex, waiting for any signs of life as the light from the solar lamp posts flickered slightly, as if indicating they would immediately switch themselves off the moment the sun finally shows itself.
A rhythmic, tapping sound suddenly broke the silence. Nami paused and strained her ears to see if she was hearing it right.
The footsteps sounded like it was in a hurry.
And just like that a tall, green-haired man appeared from the right of the footpath—sweaty and panting heavily, his toned arms pumping at his sides in a leisurely way as he slowed to a stop just dead center to where her line of vision is directed.
He raised his head upwards, trying to catch his breath, pulling one wireless ear bud out of his left ear.
His earrings glinted slightly at the movement. He took two deep breaths, drawing Nami’s eyes towards his strapping chest. Which was pretty damn obvious in that tight, black running tank he was wearing.
Then he suddenly tilted his head towards her direction, sensing that someone was watching him.
Nami tore her eyes off his chest and their eyes met. All she could do was blink as she realized that she was looking not only at a finely-toned but also a rather good-looking fellow.
The man held her gaze for a minute. His handsome face expressionless before he let out a huff, shoving the ear bud back to his ear before resuming his run.
Nami wiped the sweat that trickled down her temple with the back of her hand.
It was a hot day. Not in a sweltering way but still enough to make one perspire from just a few minimal movements.
Hermikan trees have finally arrived, courtesy of her sister. Honestly, Nami was surprised that it was delivered to her and that they made it to where she was in one piece. She was actually planning to drive back to her hometown once she’s already settled in her new place and bring back a tree or two.
But Nojiko always know what to expect from her. It would probably take her a month or two before she’d be able to visit her.
So she sent her the trees.
Bless her. Nami thought. She’s the best.
She touched one of the fruits hanging from the branches.
“You’ll like it here,” she murmured at them.
Franky has allotted a place for her in the rooftop’s garden when she asked him if she can plant something there. She saw that there was a flower bed and a vegetable garden and instantly thought that her mikan trees would be a good addition to it.
The light blue-haired, slightly weird, landlord was enthusiastic about that idea and even offered to help her bring them up.
Nami cracked her knuckles and stretched her arms.
“Now,” she announced. “Time to get you all inside and up to the top.” Her eyes then trailed up the five story apartment building.
Oh boy. This is gonna that a lot of work.
“Nami?”
She turned towards the voice that called her. A beautiful raven-haired woman stepped out of the building. Her kind, blue eyes twinkled at the sight of her trees.
“Robin hi!” She greeted.
“Ara, you’re mikan trees are here finally. They are lovely.” Robin reached out to daintily touch one orange orb. Her eyes crinkled in mirth when she caught Nami’s surprised expression.
“Oh, Franky told me,” she explained. “It’s nice to finally have some company in the rooftop garden.”
“Ah!” Nami nodded. The flower bed belongs to her of course. Franky did mention it. “I hope you don’t mind. They’re not gonna take a lot of space.”
“You don’t need to worry,” Robin smiled at her. “An additional greenery wouldn’t hurt ne?”
At the mention of the word green, Nami was suddenly reminded of a certain grouchy green-haired guy…
“Do you need help bringing them up?”
Nami nodded again. “Yes actually. Is Franky available? He did offer to help me bring them up.”
Robin shook her head. “I’m afraid he’s not free today. He has some errands to do and would probably be back late.”
“Oh,” Nami glanced at her trees. “Ah, but don’t worry. I can wait.”
The older woman studied her for a moment. “Hmm… I can ask Zoro to help you.”
Zoro?
Nami groaned inwardly. She doesn’t think she’s up to owing that guy any favor.
“It’s alright Robin, I can actually…”
But Robin already has her phone pressed against her ear and was already talking to Zoro, instructing him to come down and help her.
She ended the call and beamed a smile at Nami. “There. That way you don’t need to wait for so long to get them up to their new home.”
“This is kinda embarrassing…”
“Don’t worry about it. Zoro’s actually happy to help anyone.”
That made Nami raised an eyebrow.
He is?
He doesn’t look that type.
“Oh I know he doesn’t look that type,”
Nami’s eyes actually widened on Robin’s remark. Did she like… read her mind?
“But believe me. He’s always happy to lend a hand. Even if he complains about it, he actually gets the job done.”
Nami just nodded her head. That was quite an interesting fact.
The building’s door opened and out stepped Zoro.
“Ara, that was fast,” Robin observed as Zoro approached them. “You didn’t get lost?”
“I don’t get lost,” Zoro growled at her. “What do you need?”
“Can you help Nami bring her trees up in the rooftop? Franky wouldn’t be back until later tonight.”
Zoro gave Nami a sideway glance and she just shrugged.
He made a disapproving sound with his tongue. “Fine.”
“Thank you Zoro,” Robin said, patting Nami on the shoulder. “I have to go now. I’ll leave you two to it. I’m looking forward to seeing them in the rooftop the next time I go up.”
Nami grinned at her. “Thanks Robin! You’ve been a really great help!”
“My pleasure!” Robin gave them a slight wave, before heading off. “Zoro,” she nodded her head slightly at him.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Nami watched her walk away before she felt a nudge on her shoulder.
“Oi,” Zoro was frowning at her, looking displeased at the fact that he got roped to assist her so early in the morning. “Hold the door open so I can bring them inside.”
“Are you sure you can lift them?” Nami looked skeptically at him. “It took two men to carry one down the delivery truck.”
Zoro just huffed at her, before grasping one of the trees’ pot and lifting it up…
…with almost no effort at all.
Nami’s jaw almost dropped open. Whoa?!
“Nami. The door!” He barked at her.
Nami instantly moved to open it for him, her mind reeling at the fact that this snarky man is insanely strong.
Three round trips later, all her mikan trees are now in their proper places on the rooftop.
“Hey Zoro,” she called out to him amaze that he was able to bring all her trees up by himself. “Tha—”
Her gratitude died in her throat and she tried hard to stop herself from ogling.
Zoro had stripped his t-shirt off and was using it to wipe the sweat off his body.
Damn if she didn’t admire the sullen green-haired man’s physique. She knew his arms were toned beyond perfection but seriously? His whole body as well?
It was every girls’ dream in a man.
“You need anything else your highness?”
That snapped Nami out of her stupor.
“Nothing so far slave. You did well.”
Zoro glared at her and she glared back.
“If you don’t have anything else, I’m going back down.”
Nami shook her head. “Sure. Anyway, thanks Zoro. I really appreciate it.”
“Thank Robin,” he grunted. “If she didn’t request it, I wouldn’t have come down to help you.”
Geez. Nami thought. Great looks, great body…
But his personality absolutely sucks.
Zoro draped his shirt over his shoulder and was about to leave the rooftop.
“Uh, wait…” Nami called out to him before he can reach the exit.
“What?”
“Err… I’m making some mikan juice from my trees’ fruits. Care for some?” Nami offered. Regardless of him being such a pain to deal with, she’s still grateful to him, of course.
Zoro raised an eyebrow at her.
“It’s the least I can do you know,” Nami said, scratching her cheek. “For your effort and help.”
The green-haired man stared at her before shrugging his shoulders.
Nami reluctantly lifted her head up from her comfortable position to glare at the man who was lying underneath her.
“Zoro… what are YOUdoing?!”
She was only answered with a loud yawn and the orange-haired woman petulantly raked her fingernails against the skin of Zoro’s abdomen. She felt him twitch under her, before his large hand wrapped itself around her wrist.
“Why is your hand inside my shirt?”
Nami let out a ‘tch’. “Why are you sleeping?” She questioned back, shifting from her position so she could rest her chin atop his chest. She might have dug it into his stupid pectorals a lit-tle bit forcefully… and that was deliberate of course. “We’re supposed to be watching this movie Zoro!”
The green-haired man yawned again, shuffling his body upwards slightly. “I am watching.”
“No you are not! You are sleeping!” Nami prodded his nose with an accusing finger. He swatted her hand away. “I heard you snore!”
“Pffft.”
“Mou!” Nami groaned. Zoro was never really the one with a long attention span. Movie nights with him often end up with the large man dead asleep on the couch while she finishes the rest of the film, draped comfortably on top of him, with his arms wrapped around her.
She watched as his unscarred eye drifted close again, while the hand that was initially holding her wrist, trailed up her arm almost in a caressing manner. His other arm that remained hooked around her waist the whole night began to travel down south.
Not that she is complaining. But…
Nami gave a small squeak when she felt his hand squeeze the plush cheek of her ass, before pushing her body upwards and closer to him.
“You do know the movie’s boring?” Zoro whispered lowly against her ear, his breath warm and tickling against her skin; his tone undeniably suggestive, sending shivers down her spine.
She answered him with a roll of her brown eyes. But still that didn’t stop the quirking of the corners of her lips.
Nami laughed as he smirked at her. He is so right. The movie IS boring.
Maybe they can find something else to do instead before they turn in for the night.
Zoro scowled as he stared at the door of his apartment.
“Zorooo,” he heard a faint whisper of his name from the other side of the door, followed by a giggle. “Zorooo! Open the door!”
He didn’t move from his position—leaning against the doorframe of his bedroom with his arms folded above his chest.
“I have your key idiot,” he heard the person on the other side announced, followed by some shuffling sound. There was a dull thud, as something (or at this rate, someone, most likely) hit the door.
That actually prompted him to move, grumbling as he made his way towards it before the person outside decides to bang on it and wake his neighbors up.
His hand was already on the knob and was about to twist it open, when the door suddenly swung towards him almost hitting him on the nose.
“Nami!” He hissed as his gaze landed on the girl in front him. He knows it was her on the other side of course… given the amount of messages and calls he had received from her earlier while he was fast asleep. “What the hell?”
“Hi!”
Zoro narrowed his eye at her. She had a lopsided grin on her face and her stance was kind of… wobbly.
“Did you actually drunk texted and called me?”
She looked at him blankly for a few seconds.
“I did?”
He made an irritated sound before pulling her inside, closing and locking the door.
“What do you need?” He asked curtly as he left her standing in the middle of his small living room. “At fucking three in the morning?”
She blinked at him, looking a bit confused before grinning and answering his question.
“Bed.”
Zoro looked at her incredulously. She woke him up all because she needed a place to sleep?
Her apartment was just a goddamn floor away from him!
He watched as she sluggishly attempted to remove her small pink crossbody bag around her, throwing it clumsily on his couch before slipping off her heels and shrugging off her jacket.
Or at least she tried shrugging it off.
“Damn it Nami,” he growled as he took a step closer to her to help her remove it. “Are you actually plastered?”
“Hmm… no.”
“No my ass,” Zoro muttered under his breath. He watched as Nami shook her head and the expression on her face clearly told him she regretted doing that.
“If you hurl on my floor, you’ll fucking clean it.” He warned, throwing her jacket next to her bag.
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
She actually had the audacity to use an overbearing tone on him even if she was on the brink of keeling over any time soon.
“This is the first time,” Zoro said with a huff as he went to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.
The minute he did, Nami staggered toward his bedroom and unceremoniously plopped down on his bed.
“Oi!” Zoro immediately went after her, the glass in his hand still half full. “Damn it Nami!” He cursed as he set the glass down on his bedside table. “Even drunk, you can still be such pain in the ass.”
“Don’t be mean Zoro!” She whined, lifting a leg to kick him. She only ended up kicking at the air.
“No throwing up on my bed!”
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
Zoro sat on his bed, scratching his head as he watched the orange-haired woman nestled herself deeply into the comfort of his pillow.
He wished he had the strength to just kick her out of his bed and his apartment.
But of course he doesn’t have. Besides… he can’t. And… he won’t.
Not when drunk Nami is a once in a lifetime opportunity he had been blessed (or cursed) to witness.
“Zorooo…” she whined again, nudging his shoulder with her bare feet rather forcibly. “Don’t sleep!”
“I am awake!” He swatted her feet with his hand and it fell back on his bed bonelessly. “Go to sleep Nami.”
“No!” She groaned woozily. “I still have to tell you I like you so don’t you dare fall asleep on me.”
Huh?
Say what now?
Zoro stared at her in disbelief for probably the umpteenth time in the span of twenty minutes from the moment she barged in his apartment.
This woman makes him want to pull and tear all the hairs off his head.
Why does she need to do this while she’s DRUNK?
Her feet nudged him again, prodding lightly.
“Do you like me too?” Nami asked in a rather diffident tone as she looked at him with eyes still glazed from inebriation. Yet there was this earnest look on her face that makes him want to answer truthfully.
Zoro can’t help but shake of his head at absurdity of it all.
“Yeah. I do,” he admitted with a chuckle. Honestly of all the times she can be honest with him, she chose now while she’s drunk as a skunk and would probably forget everything when she wakes up.
“Oh.” Nami said a bit breathlessly, not expecting a positive answer. Then she seemed to brightened up when she realized what his answer was. “Oh!”
She giggled, in a girlish manner that was totally unlike her usual self.
And she suddenly pounced on him, enveloping him in a tight bear hug.
Zoro was taken aback by her unexpected movement that they almost fell on the floor.
Thankfully they didn’t.
Then Nami suddenly scrambled to get off him and his bed.
Zoro had to grab her by the arm to steady her as she staggered slightly after standing up abruptly.
She giggled again, smiling as she drowsily stared at his hand on her arm.
“I need to shower,” she suddenly announced.
“Huh?”
“I need to shower,” Nami repeated before letting out a hiccup. “So we can celebrate by having sex.”
She pulled away from him and she started singing, nonchalantly discarding her remaining clothing on his bedroom floor as she made her way towards his bathroom, leaving Zoro staring at her, with his mouth hanging open and his brain short-circuiting.
Nami groaned as she sleepily trudged towards her kitchen to make herself some coffee.
Why in the world did she agree to a 7:00 am meeting with that artist? What’s his name again? Usa… Uso…
Whatever. She’ll know of it later. When she actually have the energy to care.
She stared blankly at the kitchen window as she placed her favorite mug on her capsule coffee machine and pressed a button, its hum automatically breaking the silence inside her apartment.
The sky outside was still dark. And surprisingly, the early morning cacophonies of sounds that Nami was used to were absent. No chirping birds, no barking dogs, no honking automobiles, no rumbling of the morning train in the distant… not even the shuffling of hurrying feet as people start to make their way to their own respective jobs.
It was like everything outside is on mute.
Honestly? She could get used to this kind of mornings in this new town.
The machine’s humming stopped and she waited a few seconds before grabbing her now-filled mug. The enticing smell of the coffee wafted to her nose as she made her way towards the sliding door leading to her rather small balcony.
She took a deep breath of the fresh dawn air. It was so different from the air of the city.
Leaning on the railing, she brought the mug to her lips, preparing herself for that familiar sensation brought about by the first sip of coffee as it awakened all her senses.
She continued to quietly take small sips of her beverage as she looked on at the winding footpath that traversed the wooded park behind her apartment complex, waiting for any signs of life as the light from the solar lamp posts flickered slightly, as if indicating they would immediately switch themselves off the moment the sun finally shows itself.
A rhythmic, tapping sound suddenly broke the silence. Nami paused and strained her ears to see if she was hearing it right.
The footsteps sounded like it was in a hurry.
And just like that a tall, green-haired man appeared from the right of the footpath—sweaty and panting heavily, his toned arms pumping at his sides in a leisurely way as he slowed to a stop just dead center to where her line of vision is directed.
He raised his head upwards, trying to catch his breath, pulling one wireless ear bud out of his left ear.
His earrings glinted slightly at the movement. He took two deep breaths, drawing Nami’s eyes towards his strapping chest. Which was pretty damn obvious in that tight, black running tank he was wearing.
Then he suddenly tilted his head towards her direction, sensing that someone was watching him.
Nami tore her eyes off his chest and their eyes met. All she could do was blink as she realized that she was looking not only at a finely-toned but also a rather good-looking fellow.
The man held her gaze for a minute. His handsome face expressionless before he let out a huff, shoving the ear bud back to his ear before resuming his run.
Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T (Though there are to watch out for words)
Note:I think I honestly suck at drabbles. This was a drabble request but I kinda got in the mood to write a bit longer and it ended up as a one-shot. For @ravenandcat. Here is one of your requests. Though I had to tweak the gangster-looking part and the drabble part. Enjoy!
Well yeah. This could probably be a multi-chapter fic. Probably.
Summary:Nami knew right there and then that trouble had walked straight into her bar.
Nami had been observing the man from the moment he first entered the establishment.
He is sitting alone on the far booth—alone and quiet. His back was facing her but she could still make out a hint of greenish hair against the subdued yellow light of the lamp fixtures.
What initially caught her attention when he first walked in was his well-built physique and imposing atmosphere.
He exuded danger and confidence in every step he took. If the bar was jam-packed tonight, he would’ve halted all chatter and activity just by his presence alone.
In the dim light she cannot clearly make out the features of his face from where she was situated but she’d bet every beli in her possession that he is rather handsome.
He is exactly the type she would love to spend days in bed with.
He didn’t bother walking up to the bar counter to ask her for anything, nor did he made any signal that he wanted one like most of her patrons would do. He just headed straight into one of the farthest booth and sat there.
Nami was already used to all kinds of people coming into her bar. Most use the place for clandestine meetings or under the table transactions. She had played the part of the oblivious bar owner perfectly over the years.
She couldn’t care less about their agendas to be honest. Clean or not, legal or illegal… as long as they bought liquor and food and not cause trouble for her and her business, they’d never hear anything from her.
The soft tinkling of the door’s bell snatched her attention away. Her eyes moved from the man to the entrance as two of her customers step outside into the quiet night.
Nami frowned slightly as she wiped the drinking glasses clean before arranging them underneath the counter.
That’s strange.
Slow nights are rare for her bar. It was always bustling with activity and drunk, noisy regulars. But tonight… it was surprisingly near devoid of customers.
Saved for the man she was observing earlier.
Could it be?
Two days prior, news had spread that a prized artifact was stolen from one of the East Blue mob families’ estate—right underneath the noses of their esteemed security team, which were hired solely to guard the recently dug out relic.
That incident actually ignited a confrontation between two of the families—who were both vying to get their hands on the priceless item—as one accused the other of stealing what would’ve been the ‘greatest archaeological find’ in this side of the sea.
Not that Nami cares about all that shit. Those people are only waiting for a reason to maim each other for a long, long time now and realized they could use this opportunity to their advantage and wipe each other out.
If she is correct… then that is probably the reason why most of her patrons are absent tonight. They are all busy shooting each other in the faces right at this moment.
She let out a sigh as tugged her apron loose, leaving it on top of the counter. At this rate… it would probably be better to just close earlier than usual before any fighting finds its way to her bar and she gets drag into the fray.
Artifacts—like the one stolen—often fetch a hefty amount in the black market. A lot of the filthy rich want to get their hands on such rare items that they are willing to pay no matter how high or even what the price are.
Especially if it has something to do with the lost treasure of the legendary Gol D. Roger.
And that’s actually the part where Nami cares.
According to her resources, the recently found item contains a clue, pointing to the treasure’s whereabouts.
Just imagine how much that would cost in the black market!
No wonder the mob families are willing to off each other for it. She definitely understood where they are coming from.
And just imagine if SHE successfully charted its location and FINDSit!
Turning around, she opened the display counter behind her and grabbed one of the expensive bottles.
There are feats worth celebrating after all. Nami thought with a smile. She would enjoy a drink after she close up the bar—her own private celebration.
To a wonderfully done stealing stint! She mentally congratulated herself. And just right under that stupid long nose of the Mugiwarafamily’s so-called head of security.
He is no match for the cat burglar herself!
But first things first.
Nami poured one of the best (and yeah, a bit expensive) whiskeys of her bar in a lowball glass.
She had to send her remaining customer away.
Balancing the tray and drink in one hand, she sauntered towards his direction.
As she approached him, she realized that this is the first time she had seen this green-haired man in the area. Despite how deep her intelligence and connections regarding the families and the underground world… she had no idea who he is.
He doesn’t look like he is a gangster or that he belongs to any of the mob families. But somehow his intimidating presence would make one think twice.
Nami’s instincts were telling her that there are no random strangers in this dangerous world.
He looks pretty much like a damn normal business man relaxing after a long day, with the sleeves of his black shirt rolled up, dark grey vest, no coat…
She nonchalantly set down the glass of her finest liquor in front of him. “It’s on the house,” she said cheekily. “I’ll be closing up soon, sor—"
And she hesitated. Her eyes zeroed in on a rather expensive watch on his wrist that only someone from one of the old crime families would be capable of wearing.
"Cat burglar.“
And Nami stiffened immediately at the moniker, the smile on her face instantly disappearing.
She slowly lifted her eyes to look at the man’s face.
Nami watched him downed the drink like it was nothing but water and set the glass back down the table just as an amused yet cruel smirk appeared on his lips.
The slight dipped of his head when he greeted her made the three earrings on his left ear glint as the dim light of the bar reflected against them. Cold grey eye met hers. And the scar running vertically along his left eye made her skin prickle.
And that was when Nami realized… her bar wasn’t empty for the reasons she were initially thinking.
When he stood up and towered over her. Her breath got caught in her throat.
She heard stories. She heard rumors.
She heard about a one-eyed man with a scar on his face, whose skills with killings were unmatched that almost all of the mob families are terrified of him.
She heard of his ruthlessness.
She heard of him. Even if she had never before seen him in flesh.
But she heard of HIM.
When she stole the artifact from the Mugiwara family’s estate, she never imagined someone as high-ranking as him would be sent out.
Nami knew right there and then that trouble had walked straight into her bar.
And there was no way to escape it.
Roronoa Zoro—the right-hand man of the Mugiwara family’s head—had personally come for her.
He could feel the scowl pulling the corners of his lips down… feel his remaining eye narrowing to a slit as his irritation begin to rise.
The stupid cook always riles him up—even more so when he is twirling around madly like the lunatic that he is… crooning praises at any woman who tickles his fancy.
Like what he is doing right now at the orange-haired navigator as their group headed towards Zoro’s.
That… annoys him even more.
His scowl automatically deepened. And his face scrunched into a more infuriated expression as he folded his arms across his chest.
The low growl that escaped his throat made Usopp—who was standing beside him, waving enthusiastically at the approaching group—flinch.
When the sniper saw his face, he cowered and promptly scooted away from him to a safe distance.
He continued to glare at Nami, who was smiling amusedly and was surprisingly tolerant of the twirling pest around her.
Why do they have to bring that shitty cook back?
Nami’s eyes met his and the amused smile on her lips turned into a vicious smirk when she saw his expression.
Zoro glowered at her when she deliberately continued basking at the attention swirly brows were showering her, going as far as affectionately patting the cook’s cheek.
It made the perverted kappa swoon and made a vein tick between Zoro’s already furrowed brows.
The cheeky witch really knows how to push his buttons.
“Why so grumpy Zoro?” She asked when she was finally near him.
“Shut up witch.”
“Ah. Not happy to see me?”
“…”
That catty grin again.
Trust him. Nami will definitely get what she deserves later.
Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T
Note:For@bloodshot13. You wanted a Japanese Festival. AU. So here it is. I must say it is an awesome suggestion and would be a pity if it’s only going to be a drabble. Besides the story itself wanted to be a bit longer so I yielded. Enjoy!
I used the Japanese Tanabata Festival for this hence the title. And for wordplay reason as well. I think this festival is a good choice of setting for these two’s not-so-perfect first date.
Summary:Not all first dates are perfect. And with Zoro and Nami… this shouldn’t come as a surprise at all.
“You’re late.”
A pout appeared on pinkish lips before a familiar I-knew-it-look appeared on Nami’s face as she stared him down.
Zoro scratched the back of his head. “It’s nothing new,” he retorted—a bit weakly though—trying to justify why he made her wait for him for a good fifteen minutes.
“I shouldn’t be surprised,” she deadpanned. “It’s a miracle you even made it here.”
Zoro glared at her for that comment.
Nami glared back… more viciously. “Zoro, this place is just a ten minute walk from your apartment! Fifteen from mine and I still got here before you!” She explained with a huff.
“I’m here now aren’t I?”
Nami regarded him with eyes promising excruciating pain solely for him.
“If this is your idea of dating a girl, you definitely suck Zoro.”
“Oi!”
It didn’t occur to the green-haired idiot that Nami hated standing alone at festival’s entrance, waiting for him to arrive. It didn’t helped that a lot of couples who passed by gave her lingering, wondering gazes before whispering to each other making her feel uncomfortable.
“Let’s just go,” Nami spun around to leave him still scratching his dumb head. “We’re wasting time.” She said it in a rather curt tone that made Zoro feel dread coiling inside his stomach.
Damn it! They barely made it past the festival entrance and Nami’s already mad at him.
It only took three strides for him to catch up to her as she entered the festival street. It was filled with people of all ages. Japanese lanterns hung overhead lighting the whole place, along with decorations made from colorful papers in different shapes. There were ornamental balls with their colorful streamers everywhere while stalls for food, games and other items for sell bordered both sides. Children ran around them, as their parents breathlessly tried to catch up, warning them that they might get lost.
“Oi Nami,” he called as the orange-haired girl pouted her way through the festival’s jam-packed and noisy street. “Come on. Wipe that sulky look off your face.”
“Hmph!”
“Fine!” He huffed, feeling his temper flare at her tantrum.
Nami tried to hurry away from him and Zoro rolled his eye as her effort was futile while wearing a yukata.
He followed her with a scoff as she continued making her way through crowd, ignoring the stalls around them. She was heading at the end of the street where a bridge leading to the temple was situated. It was lit up with the same lanterns that were hanging above them. Bamboo trees lined up its sides decorated with tanzaku in different colors.
“Nami.”
“What?!” She hissed barely glancing at him as she continued walking, her wooden sandals clicking angrily at every step.
“Why are you angry? I arrived here didn’t I?”
She stopped in front of a stall selling candy apples and chocolate bananas and stared at him in disbelief.
The idiot had forgotten that they agreed to meet an hour earlier than what their friends had set so they could enjoy the festival together without any interruptions.
Nami didn’t bother reminding him of that. What’s the use? Instead she just pressed some fingers to her temple to subdue the impending headache that is Zoro.
They still haven’t made it past ten minutes together and she’s ready to kick the living daylights out of his moronic ass.
“Ugh. I give up,” she groaned after a few seconds, shoulders slumping dejectedly.
“What now?” Zoro growled at her.
Nami lifted her eyes to glare at him again. This was supposed to be a sort-of-‘romantic’ evening between the two of them.
They finally agreed to try and move their relationship one step further a week ago… from long-time friends to lovers finally…
She thought that this festival is the perfect opportunity to test the waters for their first ‘date’.
Did she honestly she believed things are going to be easy with this man? Not when it looks like Zoro still has to grasp the concept of ‘dating’.
This will definitely take a lot of work. A damn LOT of work!
She let out an exasperated sigh and Zoro’s brows furrowed.
“Let’s just go hang wishes on those bamboos and wait for the others so we can enjoy this festival.” Nami mumbled as she turned away from him for the second time that night, practically giving up the thought that they can pull off anything akin to a date at this festival.
Zoro frowned at what she said. Wait for the others so they can enjoy tonight?
Her statement actually hit a spot.
Weren’t they were supposed to enjoy this together? Wasn’t that the plan?
He ran a hand along his hair in frustration and followed her silently.
This time Nami was not hurrying away from him. She strode ahead in a cool manner, head shifting left and right as she observed the stalls lining the street.
His frown deepened.
Ok, maybe it’s his mistake for being late. But it’s not his fault he kept ending up on the other side of the street from the where the festival is taking place! It was too crowded and the directions posted for its location were confusing.
He had circled the area thrice before he spotted Nami—looking really pretty in her mikan-patterned, light-green yukata with her hair up in a side bun and decorated with a bouquet-like kanzashi,its dangling beads swinging slightly from her movement.
There were curling wisps of her orange hair framing her face and it made him want to reach out and touch them just to feel their softness against his fingers.
Zoro clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, mentally chastising himself as he recalled the look on Nami’s face earlier as she peered in the crowd waiting for him to show up.
It dawned into him that he didn’t like that expression on her.
He reached out to grasped her hand in his, stopping Nami in her tracks.
“Hey… I’m sorry ok?”
Nami looked surprised with what he said. She looked down and blinked at their joined hands disbelievingly before shifting her eyes up at him.
Then she pursed her lips as if trying to stop herself from smiling at him.
“You’re an idiot Zoro.”
“Yeah, I know.”
This time she didn’t fight the smile that wanted to appear on her lips.
“I should’ve expected this,” she said with a roll of her eyes as she squeezed his hand that was still clasping hers. “Next time… I’ll just pick you up in your apartment to save us time.” She stared straight in his eye, daring him disagree with her.
“Fine.” He answered and Nami looked startled at how easily he agreed. “If it saves me from your pouts and sulking as we—OUCH!”
Nami deliberately stepped on his feet with her wooden sandal with a cheeky smile on her face.
“I’ll make you regret saying that.”
It was Zoro’s turn to groan.
She tugged at his hand, urging him to continue moving forward into a less crowded spot near the bridge.
“Honestly… I’m looking forward spending this time with you,” she admitted quietly as they stood near the stall that sells tanzaku.
“I know,” he nodded and gazed at her seriously. He reached out to touch the curling wisp of her hair with his fingers. He was right. It was soft. “Me too.”
This one hour spent alone with him is precious for her and it is the same for him. They are still at beginning of their relationship… their friends still doesn’t have any inkling about the change in their status yet.
Nami had the right to be pissed at him earlier because he just wasted some of what was supposedly their time together.
They smiled at each other before Nami gave the sleeve of his yukataa rather hard yank.
“Let’s go Zoro! We still have a lot to do before the others are here.” Her tone immediately turned domineering as she pulled him towards tanzaku stall. “We need to hang our wishes on those bamboos first!”
Zoro just snorted and she grinned back at him.
“And you still have to treat me with some yakitoriand candy apples!”
“Hah? Why should I do that?!”
“This is a date Zoro! The guy usually shelves out the cash when you’re out on a date!”
“You witch! You’re just trying to get back at me for being late!”
Nami gave him her most dazzling smile.
“That too… And we still have to check all the stalls with those games. You promised me goldfishes remember?” She pointed at the stall for goldfish scooping.
“I have?”
“Yeah… you did…” Nami glowered at him. “You’re bragging about your scooping skills the other day. And we made a bet on how many you’ll really be able to catch.”
Zoro laughed. That they did. “Fine, I’ll catch you some alright?” He conceded and gave her a soft smile that made Nami melt on the spot.
He reached for her hand again as she lead them towards their first agenda for the night.
They still have half an hour to enjoy their date without their cheeky friends intruding. Well… if worst comes to worst… he and Nami can just sneak away from them to enjoy the fireworks and the rest of the festival together.
Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T
Note:This was supposedly for Nami’s birthday last year but I didn’t get to finish it on time. Not that I did as well this year. But I don’t want to drag this for another more year or so. And since it’s still July, I figured I can still make it work. Better late than never right?
This is for @redpakwan. AU setting. College zeitgeist. Yet super late. Forgive me. I hope you still enjoy this.
Theomedetou in the last part actually has two meanings. In case you are familiar with the Japanese language, you’ll get the implication. *winks*
Summary:All of their friends are present at the party tonight! Even those who she barely knows and acquainted with her only through common friends. Yet Zoro who was supposedly close to her, wasn’t here!
“Ssshhhh! Quiet now!”
Usopp shushed the fidgeting and whining Luffy beside him.
“Quit squirming like an ant is biting your butt!”
“But Usopp…” the black-haired lad bemoaned. “It’s taking too long. I’m starving!” His stomach made a rumbling sound and a horrified expression crossed Usopp’s face.
“Shut up. Just wait for a few more minutes!”
“I can’t! I can smell all the meat that Sanji cooked!” A drool dropped down the side of Luffy’s mouth. “I can’t resist anymore!”
“Oi! Can somebody put a fucking gag on that moron’s mouth?” Sanji hissed somewhere from behind them. He had pushed the swinging door leading to the kitchen (where he was hiding) open to glare at them. “He’s gonna ruin our surprise!”
“Sanji! I can’t wait anymore!” Luffy shouted from his hiding spot.
“Aho! Don’t you dare move from that spot or I’ll tie you to a chair and make you watch us eat all the meat you specifically requested that I cook!”
“Demo…”
“Uruse!”
“Shhh! Quiet down guys!” Franky called out from beneath the bar counter. “She’ll be here any minute now!”
“Usopp,” Sanji drawled, throwing a handkerchief at the curly-haired lad. “Gag him if needed.” He nudged his chin at the boy beside Usopp, who was pouting at being denied food.
“But he bites,” Usopp complained even as he caught the hanky.
“We all have to make sacrifices…”
“Damn you!”
“She’s already here.” Robin announced from her position at the bar’s window. The raven-haired woman was acting as their lookout. “She’s about to cross the street,” she added before sauntering away from her location to join Sanji in his hiding place.
“Robin-chwan,” the cook greeted suavely as he opened the door wider to let the older woman inside. Then he turned and barked at the others. “All of you quiet down now! Anyone who makes any shitty noise will not be allowed to touch any of the food!”
“But, San—mmph!” Luffy opened his mouth and Usopp promptly shoved the small cloth inside.
“Everybody shut up and get ready!”
The bar door opened with a soft tinkling sound.
“SURPRISE!!!” They all shouted simultaneously as they popped out of their respective hiding places… well except for Luffy, who had to spit out the handkerchief in his mouth.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAMI!!!”
The sound of confetti poppers exploding alongside the hoots of party horns and lots of clapping and cheering immediately followed the greeting.
It was Nami’s birthday. And they had planned a surprise party for her at their group’s favorite bar. It had been a real challenge to pull it off since everyone was busy preparing for the university’s ‘hell week’—those torturous days before the summer break officially starts.
Plus, it was kind of hard to keep it hush-hush since some people in their circle are terrible secret keepers (namely Luffy).
But somehow they did. And Nami—as sharp as she is—didn’t have any inkling on what was going on, given the way her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.
“Ahma cherie!” Sanji crooned as he twirled across the room, kneeling down on one knee in front of the newcomer. He presented a heart-shaped cake with flourish—with all the candles lit up. “Otanjoubi omedetou!”
Nami looked genuinely astounded as her brown eyes wandered at the grinning faces of her friends.
She blinked a few times and her lower lip quivered slightly. “You guys…” she whispered, bringing a hand to cover her mouth.
For a moment, she looked like she was going to cry.
Then her face broke into a largest smile.
“Minna! Arigatou!!!” She squealed, clapping her hands together delightedly.
The loud hoot of the party horn filled the room as Franky blew on it again before bellowing, “Supeeer Happy Birthday Nami!!!”
That signaled another round of applause and shouted greetings as the well-wishers approached Nami to greet her up close.
Sanji—who remained kneeling on one knee before her with her birthday cake—nearly got shoved to the side by Luffy and Usopp as they both sprang towards the orange-haired girl to give her a hug.
“Oi temee you idiots!” Sanji shouted. He was barely able to save the cake from the two morons.
But the two were oblivious to his swearing as they launched into a rather off-key happy birthday song, which the others soon followed.
Nami winced slightly as Usopp and Luffy belted out the song just right at her ears. They were saved from her punches by Robin approaching and placing a party hat around her head.
“Happy birthday Nami!” The older woman greeted and Nami grinned at her, holding the party hat with one hand and trying to shove Luffy and Usopp’s faces away from her.
“Thank you Robin!”
The birthday song ended rather exaggeratedly high and Nami tried very hard not to wallop both of her idiotic friends who had made it a contest to see who can sustain the last note longer.
“Enough! Both of you!” Sanji roared as he stood up and kicked Luffy and Usopp out of the way. He presented the cake to Nami again and said charmingly, “Nami-swan if you please.” He motioned to the cake he was holding. “The birthday girl has to make a wish first before blowing the candles.”
“ArigatouSanji-kun,” Nami smiled at him and leaned forward, tucking a strand of orange hair behind her ear. She closed her eyes, silently stating her wishes before blowing the candles out.
“I hope you wished for your prince charming to—ooof!”
Luffy excitedly elbowed him out of the way to greet her again, almost toppling the cake off the blond’s hand again.
“Nami! Happy birthday!”
“Damn it Luffy!” Sanji desperately and comically tried to save the cake before it falls flat on the ground… and luckily succeeded.
Luffy ignored him and the ever-enthusiastic lad yelled. “It’s finally time to eat!!! Sanji serve the meat!”
“Aho!” Sanji bellowed and hit him in the head. “You nearly made me dropped Nami-san’s precious cake!”
“Ooops sorry!”
Robin giggled as Nami smiled wryly. Even during her birthday these morons just can’t stop themselves.
“Alright you guys!” Usopp suddenly hollered from her side. “Start calling the others! Nami’s happy 23rd party’s about to start!”
Nami whacked him on the head… hard.
“I’m just twenty you idiot!”
————————-
It hadn’t taken long for the bar to be filled with guests. Almost all of their friends and colleagues from the university attended the celebration. Not to mention, those friends also brought their own pals to enjoy a night of overflowing free food and drinks.
Not that Nami minded. She knew most of them anyway. If not, her friends definitely knew them.
Plus, you can bet she’s gonna charge their freeloading asses anyway.
Her eyes roamed around the room, noting the individuals who were present. She was enjoying her beer at the bar counter and taking a break from all that socializing and thanking her birthday guests.
Usopp had taken the responsibility of acting as the DJ for the night. An upbeat music was now playing and Luffy’s attractive older brother Ace had taken over the dance floor with his buddies.
Brook has just arrived from his band practice and Luffy ran off to greet him. Sanji was busy flitting around the female guests, crooning and spewing praises at them while Robin and Franky were sitting near her and was chatting with the bar owner, Shakky.
She gave a small wave at Kid and Killer when she spotted them. Both raised their beer bottles at her—a sort of silent birthday greeting. She mouthed thanks just as Luffy’s attention went to them and he launched himself at the two men much to their chagrin. She wasn’t really that close to the two seniors students but they’re both in the same fraternity as Luffy and Zoro.
Speaking of Zoro… is he still not here?
A frown suddenly appeared on her face and it deepened when she noticed the beer coolers stocked near the kitchen doors.
“Hey,” she turned to Robin, Franky and Shakky who stopped talking. “Why do we still have so much booze?” Nami pointed towards the large, still filled with beer coolers. “Considering we have a lot of guests tonight and most of them are drinkers… I’m surprised we haven’t broken the fifth one yet.”
“Huh?” Franky lifted his sunglasses and gazed at her curiously, before shifting his eyes to where she was pointing. Nami really doesn’t get it why he still wears them indoors. She just dismissed it as one of his idiosyncrasies… they all have one after all.
“Is there a problem Nami-chan?” Shakky inquired with a smile.
“Nothing. It’s just that… it’s nearing midnight and we still have that many,” Nami observed. “Hmm… never mind,” she waved her hand dismissively. “It’s probably just a slow night.”
“Maybe those guys are still warming up.” Robin observed Ace’s group and the Luffy’s fraternity acquaintances, who were all shouting and hopping on the dance floor. Good thing Luffy and Ace’s other brother, Sabo, is out of town. Or there’ll be chaos in that floor now.
Shakky leaned down the counter and propped her chin on her hand looking at Nami with a glint of amusement in her dark eyes. “It’s probably because Zoro-chan’s not here to start a drinking competition.”
Nami’s eyebrows disappeared behind her bangs. So that confirms it.
“Oh? He’s still not here?” she asked, trying to be casual about it—even if she already noticed that her green-haired friend was nowhere in her party. “Really? Of all days to be M.I.A?”
“He’s probably late just like Chopper,” Robin said with a soft smile, refraining from teasing the younger woman since it was her birthday. She had seen the disappointment flashed across Nami’s brown eyes earlier. It was for a fleeting moment but it is there.
“He better have a damn good reason why he’s not here,” Nami grumbled, folding her arms across her chest. The nerve of that guy, missing one of the most important days of her life.
“Just relax girly…” Franky winked at her as he handed her another bottle of beer to replace her empty one. “He’ll be here. This party’s compulsory and has booze after all.” He guffawed, opening another beer bottle for himself and taking a drink.
“Compulsory?” Nami repeated, cocking one eyebrow.
“Yep,” Franky nodded. “We made it mandatory for all invitees to attend so we’d have more heads. As we promised Shakky when she let us use her bar for your party’s venue.”
Shakky winked at her. “Once the supply beer runs out, you have no choice but to buy here.”
Nami snickered. “I’m surprised you even let them bring beers from outside.”
“Not really,” Robin chuckled. “Those are from Shakky’s as well.”
Said bar owner winked at Nami again.
“Damn,” Nami just shook her head disbelievingly. Shakky’s negotiation and money skills are way beyond awesome!
Franky grinned. “So let’s just wait for him. Besides, what’s a party without any drinking competition started by Zoro?”
Nami nodded her agreement even as she huffed. “He has to get his ass here first before anything else. Or I’m gonna start charging by the minute.”
Franky winced at that while Shakky and Robin giggled. Nami was notoriously known for her habit of charging outrageous amount of belis whenever she thinks the situation calls for it. Almost everyone in their circle owes her a certain amount that just keeps increasing as time goes by.
“Hey!”
Usopp suddenly appeared near them. “Got any more beers?”
Nami eyed him warily. “Weren’t you supposed to be on the other side playing songs and entertaining us?!”
Usopp made a face at her. “A guy could use a break you know. You’re not exactly paying me for my services.”
“I thought you said you’d do it free for Nami since it’s her birthday,” Robin reminded him as Franky went to the coolers to get him a drink.
“I did?”
Nami narrowed her eyes at him. “You still owe me my gift you idiot.”
A sheepish laugh escaped Usopp. “Well consider my dj-ing skills your present then.”
“Cheapskate.”
“Oi!”
“Here ya go long-nose,” Franky handed him his request.
“Thanks Franky!”
“Aren’t you going back there?” Shakky inquired as she lit up a cigarette.
“Nah. I’ll take a break.” Usopp answered. “I just auto-played a playlist. It’s not like those guys really care about what’s blasting on the speakers.”
He shifted his eyes towards the dance floor where the crowd was getting louder and rowdier. “Besides… I swear I’m not gonna be surprised if a fight breaks out in a few seconds.”
“Why?” Robin queried with an amused smile. “Too much testosterone?” As unruly as the guests may get… they wouldn’t dare or lest they acquire Shakky’s wrath and forever be banned in the place.
“More like too much Luffy.”
Everyone nodded in understanding.
“ThankKami Zoro’s not here.” Usopp gushed. “One less of a headache.”
“You do know if he’s here someone can actually rein Straw Hat in?” Franky said matter-of-factly.
Usopp waved his hand dismissively. “I know that of course. Anyway… Zoro’s like really, really late isn’t he? Has anyone tried to call him?”
Both Robin and Franky shook their heads.
A horror-stricken expression crossed Usopp’s face. “Oh shit wait! Did someone inform him about today?!”
Nami eyes were sharp as they zeroed in at her curly-haired friend. “You didn’t tell him about today?”
Usopp looked guilty. “I think I forgot,”
Robin raised her hand. “I did tell him. And I’m pretty sure Luffy did as well.”
“Whew! Thank heavens for you Robin!” Usopp sigh in relief as Nami punched him on the shoulder.
“Ouch!”
Robin just smiled. “Luffy wouldn’t let Zoro miss Nami’s birthday of course.”
“Yeah. That’s why he isn’t here now. That moron.” Nami complained, glaring at Usopp who flinched under her gaze.
“Hey I said sorry,” Usopp rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s just been kinda busy lately it’s hard to catch him. Honestly, I haven’t seen him for like a week now.”
“That’s what cellphones are for you idiot,” Nami groused. “So you can send him a message to remind him of important stuff!”
“Like your birthday party?”
“Yes!”
“But Robin said she already told him,” Usopp whined. “So he should be getting his ass here by now. He’s a grown man after all.”
“Unless of course he got himself lost…” Franky reminded them. “Anyway well know if he’s here. Sanji’s been blissfully happy all night. Let’s just wait for his—”
There was a noise coming from the entrance as another group entered the bar. The sound of Chopper’s voice excitedly calling for their names got their attention.
From the looks of it, the medical students had just been released from Dr. Kureha’s clutches and they all headed straight to Shakky’s bar for the party.
“Oh wait there’s Kaya!” Usopp perked up when he spotted his girlfriend just right behind Chopper. “I’ll talk to you guys later.” And just like that he ran off.
Nami sighed inwardly. Of all days not to show up and it looks like Zoro will chose this one which means a lot to her. She had been looking forward to this day too. It’s always fun to see her friends try to make it fun and special for her in their own clumsy ways.
Especially Zoro.
Ever since they’d known each other, he never missed her birthday. It doesn’t matter if he had no gift for her… he always make it to a point to be one of the first to greet her.
And sometimes the last as well.
But today… she still hadn’t heard from him. No call… not even a message!
It wasn’t easy to miss. Not when you’ve been waiting for that particular person to greet you.
Nami squared her shoulders. Now is not the time for the birthday girl to be down in the dumps.
There’s still time before midnight after all.
————————
The party was already in full swing. The sixth beer cooler was already opened. There was a lot of drunken shouting, singing and dancing happening inside the bar. Nami was pretty sure that they’ll be seeing Luffy’s brother Ace dancing on one of the tables along with Franky any minute now.
Yet no tall, scowling, green-haired man made an appearance.
She glumly stared at the sprinkle-rimmed birthday martini in front of her. Shakky made it for her birthday. But neither the cute-looking, celebratory beverage nor its taste can make the sinking feeling in her stomach disappear.
It was past midnight. And Zoro is no show.
No calls, no messages… no anything!
Idiot probably forgot her birthday!
All of their friends are present at the party tonight! Even those who she barely knows and acquainted with her only through common friends.
Yet Zoro who was supposedly close to her, wasn’t here!
Nami clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. He’s gonna owe her for this big time!
She didn’t realize that Shakky was just right in front of her, chin resting on the palm of her hand, watching her.
“Don’t worry about it Nami-chan,” Shakky suddenly spoke up. Her eyes were still glinting with the same amusement as before. “I’m sure he’ll show up.”
Nami instantly turned red at that. “It’s not…. that’s not…” she stammered. But then she gave up. No use trying to hide it. The look on Shakky’s face clearly tells her that she knows what’s in her mind (or who, to be exact).
A determined look crossed Nami’s features. “If he doesn’t… I swear I’ll charge him so much, he’ll sell his soul to the devil just to pay me!”
That made Shakky laugh out loud. Luffy’s friends are always so interesting. That is why she is fond of them.
“He wouldn’t miss this for the world. Late he may be,” Shakky stated in a mysterious tone and smile like she knows something that Nami doesn’t.
Nami just gaped at her.
Then Luffy was suddenly hollering at the other end of the room.
“Zorooooo!” He was bellowing loud enough to drown the already deafening noise in the bar. There were shouts of protests and swearing as the young man pushed his way across the crowd to greet his friend. “Zoro’s here!!!” Zorooo! Oi did you got lost again?”
“Shut up Luffy and get off me!” A voice growled.
Nami perked up at the familiar gruff tone.
“Better late than never you dumbass,” Sanji was saying from somewhere. “Thought you got lost and ended up dead and decaying on the other side of the town. Tch! Too bad.”
“You wanna go cook?”
“Unfortunately I’m busy and don’t have time for you. Go scat.”
“Temee…”
“Zorooo!” Luffy whined, pulling the taller man away from Sanji and towards the bar counter where Nami was. “Why are you’re sooo late? Come on! You have to greet Nami or she’ll be mad at you and charge you so much money it’ll break you!”
A vein popped on Nami’s forehead as Shakky chuckled.
“Nami! Nami!” Luffy all but dragged Zoro towards her as Nami schooled her face into a neutral expression. “Look who’s finally here!”
“I can see that Luffy,” she huffed and narrowed her eyes at Zoro. “You’re late.”
Zoro scratched the back of his head as Luffy released him and started pestering Shakky for a drink like the one she has. “Sorry… got tied up.”
She raised an eyebrow at him. He was still in his after training ensemble—track pants, zip up hoodie, sports bag. It looks like he just came from Mihawk’s dojo or his gym workout or both.
“I just needed to take care of something,” Zoro was saying. “Anyway, happy birthday.”
“It’s already past midnight idiot! Technically my birthday’s done.”
Zoro glanced around him. The party is still at its height. “Apparently the celebration is not.”
She pursed her lips at his observation. “You better have a good reason why you just got here.”
“Shit. I’m gonna owe you big time for this aren’t I?”
“You bet your ass you already do.” The grin on her face was so evil that Zoro couldn’t help but think she really is the devil incarnate.
“Hey Zoro!” Luffy suddenly appeared between them. “Jaggy’s looking for you. Come on! Come on!” He was referring to Kid whom he fondly calls by that nickname. He hooked an arm around Zoro’s and pulled him towards where their other friends are and away from Nami—much to the latter’s disappointment.
————————-
“So why are youlate?”
Zoro flinched slightly as Nami surreptitiously appeared beside him. He was standing outside Shakky’s bar, enjoying a few minutes of silence while drinking his beer. He had sneaked out of the party to get away from an already sugar-high and tipsy Luffy and the boisterous, smashed guests as well.
“Thought I already told you I had something to take care of.”
“Important enough to miss my party?”
He paused halfway to bringing the bottle to his lips. From the corner of his eyes he saw a displeased expression appeared on Nami’s face.
Zoro sighed inwardly. He should’ve known she was not going to let him off the hook that easy.
“Hey if it’s that important, then I have no complaints.” Nami raised both of her hands in mock-surrender.
He didn’t answer and instead took a swig from his drink.
“Just thought you were out busy with a date.”
Silence.
“WHAT?!”
Zoro had sharply swiveled towards her that Nami took a step back, hands still raised up in surrender. He was practically snarling at her.
She was teasing him of course. It was always fun to rile him up. Besides, he deserves it after making her wait for such a long time… intentionally or not.
Plus… she kept hearing snippets all night from their friends about why he’s been so busy recently (to the point that nobody has actually seen him) and why he was constantly absent at their recent group gatherings.
He’s dating someone. Stupid Usopp has whispered to Kaya and Chopper just as she was passing them on her way out to answer a phone call from their friend Vivi.
It made her insides twist and turn when she heard it.
To think he’d pick his date over her—his long-time friend?
What a jerk. She will wring his neck. Definitely.
She was so distracted with what she heard that she wasn’t able to enjoy Vivi’s enthusiastic greeting. And when she saw him stepped outside the bar to quietly enjoy the beer in his hand, she decided not to let the opportunity slip.
Zoro’s face was scrunched into a frown as he glared at her. “Where did you even get that idea?”
Nami bit her lower lip. “Usopp.” She unapologetically throwing her friend to the sharks… or shark.
Zoro’s face darkened. “What did he say?”
“He said you were dating someone. So I assumed that’s the reason why we weren’t seeing much of you lately and also the reason why you are late for my birthday. And not just because you were running around in circles again.”
The green-haired man studied her for a moment. His lone grey eye fixed intently on her. “Is that stupid long-nose making fun of me again?”
Nami blinked dumbly at his question. She’s not really sure what he meant by that.
This time Zoro’s frown had turn into a full blown scowl. “What the hell is that idiot up to now? I’m not dating anyone!”
And Nami’s face brightened at that. Good thing they were outside and the entryway of the bar was dimly lit or he will see it.
So Zoro was not really dating anyone? She fought the urge to smile. She’s gonna choke Usopp’s neck so hard later.
“Nami,” Zoro growled out. “Is that idiot making fun of me again? Because I swear I’m gonna hang him by his feet and we’re not talking about a tree this time!”
“Uhm… I don’t think so Zoro,” Nami’s lips trembled and she threw back her head and laughed. She recalled how Usopp spread a gossip about the older lad’s dating his ‘bokken’ before and Zoro literally strung his feet together and let him dangle from one of the trees lining up the front of their complex.
Zoro let out an irritated ‘tch’.
“So you’re really not out with someone?” Nami probed when she finished laughing. Of course she had to be sure. She still doesn’t know the reason why they’ve been seeing less of him lately or why he was late for her birthday party.
“No,” Zoro muttered. “I don’t have time for that.”
“Oh good,” Nami folded her arms across her chest, eyeing him sternly. “Because it that’s the reason why you showed up late for my birthday, I will raise your current debt amount so high you will be serving me eternally.”
He just smirked at her threat.
“And I’ll never forgive you.”
That made him glower at her. An unforgiving Nami is hard to appease after all.
She gave him a cheeky grin before swiping the bottle from his hand and taking a drink from it.
He glared at her, unimpressed with her antic as she childishly stuck her tongue out at him.
“Be glad it’s your birthday witch.” He muttered as he grabbed the bottle from her.
“Like I said Zoro, it isn’t anymore,” she reminded him. “That’s how late you are. You missed the whole day of it.” She was still peeved at him for that. Just a bit though.
She watched him as he exasperatedly rubbed the back of his neck.
And she smiled.
She was still glad he was personally here for her birthday. She can live with that.
There was a sound of pitter-patter coming from above them. And it didn’t take long for them to realize that it started raining.
They remained silent, watching the rain splatter on the street and on the pavement. Inside the bar, they could hear someone hooting. Probably Franky as he was on his eighteenth bottle when Nami stepped outside. And that was minutes ago. He’s most likely on his twentieth or twenty-first.
“Oi." Zoro nudged her shoulder with his own, prompting her to look at him. He was suddenly standing a lot closer to her than before.
"What now Zoro?”
He pulled his hand away from the pocket of his jacket and almost shoved it in her face.
“Happy birthday,” he mumbled, diverting his gaze straightaway to avoid looking at her.
Nami was taken aback at the object in his hand. It was a small light orange box with a silver ribbon tied around it prettily.
She stared at it, then at him. Even in the dim light she noted the blush that appeared on his cheeks.
Truth be told… a blushing Roronoa Zoro was gift enough for her birthday.
But of course she wouldn’t say no to the present he was handing her.
She made a grab for it before he decides that she’s taking too long in accepting it and retract his hand.
“Aawww… you didn’t have to,” Nami cooed and laughed when the blush on his cheek deepened and spread all over his face.
Cute.
“Shut up witch and just open it!”
“I’m really surprised you’re able to get me a present to be honest,” she giggled. “And a fancy one too I might add.”
Zoro grunted something that she didn’t quite catch. She was far too busy untying the ribbon to pay any mind to whatever it was he’s grumbling about.
When she opened the box, she didn’t fight the gasp that escaped her lips.
Inside was a necklace. With a dainty thundercloud pendant.
She took it out… and a warm feeling suddenly washed over her making her cheeks tingle.
It was beautiful. It was perfect.
Nami lifted her eyes so she could look at him. Zoro was still engrossed on the empty street across them, watching the rain splash down on the ground with the droplets exploding everywhere.
It was really thoughtful of him.
“Thank you Zoro.”
He gave her a flinty side-glance. There was a smirk on his lips as he turned his attention back on the road. “It’s nothing witch.”
She glanced at the necklace again. She recalled they have a private joke back in high school that started one afternoon while watching an animated series on the old television set in Luffy’s house. Nami loved one of the characters who had a knack for predicting the weather and whose weapon can conjure thunderclouds that produce lightning which the character uses to electrocute her enemies.
“It’ll be really handy to wield that. I can use it to electrocute your asses whenever anyone of you pisses me off. Especially you,” she recalled poking his cheek harshly. “You’re so goddamn hard to wake up whenever you are asleep.”
That had been so long ago. She honestly forgot all about it.
But Zoro remembered.
She blinked rapidly as she felt herself tearing up.
Such a sweet gesture. And on her special day too!
Maybe she’s not gonna raise his debt and damn him into eternal servitude to her after all.
She lightly punched Zoro on the shoulder, earning a surprised glare from him.
“What the hell are you hitting me for?” Zoro hissed at her, rubbing the abused part. “I already gave you a present!”
“That doesn’t mean you get a ticket away from my knuckles!” Nami countered. “That was for being late today of all days!”
“Oi! Gratitude you wicked witch!” He complained. “Do you know how many nights I’ve stayed behind to clean up Mihawk’s dojo just to get you that?!”
Nami’s eyes widened. And so did Zoro’s when he realized his slip.
She finally understood now… the real reason why he was not hanging out with them lately.
Why no one had seen him these past few days.
“Sooo…” she intoned as she glanced him mischievously, loving the expression on his face when as he realized that he just idiotically revealed what he was supposed to keep a secret from her. “You actually went to such lengths just to get me this?”
She almost burst out laughing when Zoro’s face turned so red and he stuttered his objection.
“N-no…I… ju-just…”
“Hmmm…” Nami hummed teasingly. “That’s what you said.”
“Fine!” He bit out. “Thought that gift would be good enough to cover three more future birthdays.”
Nami chortled and tried to ignore the way her heart was doing cartwheels inside her chest from too much happiness.
“Do the honors Zoro,” she requested as she handed him the necklace, turning around and pulling her hair over her shoulder so he can clasp it around her neck.
He didn’t protest and did what she asked. His fingers felt warm as they brushed her nape, as warm as the heat that was spreading on her cheeks and sending shivers running up and down her spine.
“There.”
She immediately whirled to face him. “So? How does it look?”
Zoro rolled his eye at her as she tried to dish out a compliment from him. “It looks… fine.”
“Fine?!” Nami snorted in disbelief. “I swear Zoro, you can do better than that!” She looked down to check the necklace, touching the pendant while a pouting.
When she tilted her head up to look at him to chastise his lack of aptitude when it comes to flattering women… Zoro was smiling at her in a way that made her heart skip a beat.
“It really suits you.”
The way he was looking at her right now made her want to kiss him.
Just like she always wanted to do.
Suddenly the bar door burst open and Luffy and Usopp ran out, excitedly (and drunkenly) shouting that the rain finally let up. Zoro immediately stepped away from her to prevent them from barreling into him.
And just like that… the one, rare moment between the two of them disappeared in an instant.
They both turned to watch the two hopped and danced in the middle of the street like a pair of lunatics. Chopper hurried past Zoro and Nami to join them.
“Oi get back here you dumbasses!” Sanji was shouting from inside.
Nami sighed. It was finally time to rein in the inebriated ones.
“I got it,” Zoro said nodding at her. The corners of his lips quirked up to give her a small smile, then he stepped out on the street to restrain the three before they can create anymore disturbance that might get them all in trouble.
“OiNami!” Franky called out to her from the bar. “You and Zoro both get your asses here! There’s a lot more to drink!”
Nami nodded as she glanced again at the green-haired man who was now effortlessly hauling up Luffy, Usopp and Chopper by their collars back to the bar as they whined and griped.
“Nami-chan?”
She looked back to see Shakky standing on the doorway. “Problem?”
“Nah.” Nami grinned. “Zoro’s just trying to contain the troublemakers.”
Shakky chuckled. “Zoro-chan’s really handy.” The woman paused momentarily, as if she was studying her. Then she said, “What a pretty necklace.”
Nami’s hand automatically went to touch her necklace again.
“Omedetou.” Shakky gave her an insinuating smile. “Now come on. You and Zoro-chan’s still got a drinking competition to start.”
