A/N: Hello all! This is my first fanfic, so please read and let me know what you think! :)
Chapter 1: Victory High School
"Luffy! Hurry up, or we'll be late!"
"Coming!" The teen called back as he grabbed his bag and rushed out of his bedroom.
"What took you so long?" There was an impatient edge to the voice.
Luffy smiled cheekily. "Gomen ne~ I overslept!"
Ace looked at his brother's wrinkled, messy clothes and sighed. Luffy never changed, even now as he was going into high school. That's one thing Ace liked about him, his consistency.
Ace then set about straightening him up, tucking in his plain white shirt, that somehow already had a stain, and redoing his tie. "Because you overslept," Ace stood back up, towering over his brother. 'Lu's height is another thing that hasn't changed,' Ace thought with an inward smirk. "You missed breakfast."
The grin instantly disappeared from the younger's face. His childlike expression changed to one of complete horror as panic filled his obsidian eyes. "How am I supposed to last until lunch?!"
Ruffling his brother's dark hair, Ace sidestepped him and moved towards the front door. "You'll manage for one day."
"Accceee!" Luffy whined at the contact. "I'm not a little kid anymore, don't do that." He stuck his bottom lip out in a pout, crossing his arms.
The older D. chuckled at the sight of his brother. Even with his uniform somewhat fixed, Luffy still looked like a child. He had a thin frame, and was small but somehow still muscular. Luffy's longish black hair was more like a mop, and it was clear to Ace that his brother didn't even brush his hair that morning (no thanks to how he had just messed it up further).
Luffy's eyes were narrowed in a playful way, and his mouth created a pout that Ace found both irresistible and adorable. There was a small scar under his left eye, but it only added to his boyish charm. His overall face had a feminine look to it, and the teen had been mistaken as a girl on a few occasions.
Ace focused in on the delicate pink lips, wondering if they were softer than they look– 'Come on Ace... let's not think about that today...' He felt his heartbeat quicken and heat rush to his face. Turning his back on his brother and opening the door, he quickly avoided Luffy's questioning gaze. "Let's go."
Forgetting both food and his irritation at Ace, Luffy picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. "Hai, hai!"
With that, the siblings left their small two-bedroom apartment and walked down the stairs to the parking garage. Living on the second floor, the two didn't have far to walk as they soon reached Ace's motorcycle.
Moving to the compartment at the back, Ace grabbed out a helmet and tossed it to his brother who easily caught it. The older then picked his up before he put it on, fastening the strap under his chin.
Luffy did the same as he hopped on, pretending to steer the motorcycle. "Hey, Ace, how about letting me drive to school today?"
Ace slid Luffy back and climbed on in front of him before replying, "As if." He stuck the key in the ignition and the motorcycle roared to life.
Luffy pouted again as he wrapped his arms around his brother's waist as the older steered out into the busy street.
Ace smirked as he felt the warmth from his younger brother's arms and stomach against his back. Bringing his attention back to the road, Ace wove in and out of traffic, making Luffy cling tighter. Other drivers honked at him as he sped up.
"Ace! Shouldn't you slow down?" Luffy had to yell in order to be heard over the noise.
Wind buffeted the older's face, just below the helmet's visor covering his eyes. "It's fine! Just hang on!"
At those words, Luffy's grip instantly tightened for fear of falling off. Ace smiled as his brother brought himself closer.
Luffy was everything to Ace. He was the center of his world, and Ace loved him. Much more than a brother should. But at least he didn't have any adults getting in his business.
Shanks was the closest thing the two had to a parent, but he was almost always away with work. Ace was pretty sure the business their guardian dealt with wasn't legal, but he pushed the thought to the back of his mind as he usually did.
Still, there was Gramps, but he was seldom around, being a Navy Admiral and all. Though when he did show up, the brothers would hide, trying to avoid his 'fists of love'. Ace shuddered remembering Garp's last visit. He could still feel the sting of the old man's 'love punches'.
Thinking again of Luffy, Ace wondered how his first day of high school would go. Being three years older, Ace would be a senior this year, so he wouldn't have any classes with his brother. 'He might have some with that ginger though...' Luffy's redheaded friend, Nami, flashed through his mind. She was a nice girl, who had a fierce temper at times. Ace was wary of her. He didn't particularly dislike her, he just didn't want her taking his brother away from him. But because the two constantly hung out, Ace figured that some of her girliness had rubbed off on his younger brother. Ace didn't particularly dislike that fact.
He remembered the times his brother would go out shopping with Nami, returning after a few hours with many clothing bags in his hands. Nami would even call the boy out to get their hair done. He smiled as he recalled that one time when Luffy came back with perfectly, curly, girly looking hair.
Ace was pulled out of his thoughts as the school was nearing on the left. Finally slowing down, he drove past the front gate and into the student parking lot.
Luffy's arms released their grip and retracted to his sides, making Ace frown. Taking off their helmets, the brothers put them up and walked up to the school.
"Well Luffy, this is the place where you'll spend the next four years, Victory High School." Ace gestured to the large building behind him.
"Soo cool!" Luffy beamed, taking in the five floors that made up his new school. The first floor contained the gyms, cafeteria, extracurricular classes, workrooms, etc., but no core classes. The second floor had classrooms only for freshman, the third for the sophomores, and so on.
Ace chuckled at his brother's reaction. Luffy had never really been one to like school, and usually had poor grades (except for history, strangely). But now that they're at the same school, Ace figured that he could help him study for his classes, bringing the two closer.
"Luffy!"
Ace snapped back to the present as he turned to see who called his brother.
"Nami!" Luffy yelled back, as the redhead came running up to him, pulling him into a soft embrace.
Fire lit Ace's eyes just watching the two in front of him, and he felt a vein pulse in his forehead.
Nami turned around suddenly, greeting Ace, whose outer appearance had returned to normal. Though inside, he was jealous of this witc–... lady who could hug his brother so easily.
"Luffy, what class do you have first?" Nami turned her attention back to her friend as she held her schedule in her hand.
"Let's see..." Luffy murmured as pulled the paper from his back pocket. "History with Ms. Nico Robin."
Nami gave a little bounce of excitement. "Me too! Come on, let's go before we're late!" And with that, she snatched his hand and started pulling him to the school.
"Okay. Bye Ace!" Luffy grinned dumbly and waved as he was literally dragged away.
'Damn it, Lu. How could you let her touch you so easily?! While I have to restrain myself everyday...' Ace's dark thoughts continued as he waved back. Once his brother was out of sight, his smile slowly faded, and his eyes narrowed. Begrudgingly, he set out with heavy feet to his first class of the day.
"Hey Ace, woah–! You look like hell."
Ace turned his head slightly to see the flaming red hair of his friend. "What do you want, Kid? I'm in no mood right now." He let out a loud sigh.
Kid nodded his head in understanding, spiky hair bobbing with the movement. "Problems with Luffy again?"
Sighing again, Ace muttered, "Yeah." He told Kid about his feelings for his brother, hoping that the redhead would tell him to back off. But being the twisted idiot Kid is, he only supports him and his love. "Not just Luffy today though." His eyes lowered when he thought of that witc–... lady.
"The witch giving you trouble again?" Kid raised an eyebrow.
Damn. His friend knows him too well.
"You know," Kid continued. "You should just confess to him."
Ace whipped his head around, shocked, staring at Kid. "Are you crazy!? If Luffy finds out, he'll hate me!"
Kid closed his eyes and held up his hands, showing he meant no harm. "Just saying. It would be better for you to tell him sooner, otherwise, he might find a new love interest. This is high school, after all." Leaving his advice at that, he picked up his pace. "Hurry up dude, or we'll miss the bell."
Thinking it over, what Kid told him made sense. If Luffy does like him, he might choose to hide it, the way Ace is. He also might try to get his mind off of Ace by finding someone new. Though Ace was still reluctant, he didn't want anyone else touching his innocent brother.
"Coming!" Ace said, quickening his step while making up his mind. 'Maybe Kid isn't such an idiot after all.'
Ω Ω Ω
"Let's go Luffy! Why are you being so slow today?" Nami groaned as she dragged her friend up the stairs to the second floor.
"I can't make it..." Luffy gasped for air. "No energy... need food..."
Sighing, Nami released his wrist. "Let me guess, you overslept and didn't have time for breakfast." Luffy nodded and she sighed again. "Fine, I'll buy you a snack if you hurry."
Luffy instantly perked up at the word. "Food?"
"Yeah," Nami rummaged through her purse. "Here's a dollar. Go buy something at the vending machine."
"Thank you Nami!" Luffy suddenly launched himself at his friend, hugging her while wrapping his legs around her.
Nami patted his messy hair. "Yeah, yeah. Might as well put some meat on your bones. You're skinnier than me!"
"Thanks again!" Luffy let go and his feet barely hit the floor before he went running up the stairs to the vending machine.
Nami shook her head and followed. When she got to the vending machines, Luffy was sighing happily and throwing the candy wrapper in the trash.
"What the hell?!" Nami shouted as she bonked Luffy on the head.
"Ouch!" Luffy exclaimed in mock hurt.
"How did you eat that so quick? Please tell me you chewed."
"Oh, I guess I forgot."
Nami sighed again as the two began walking towards their first period class.
"Nami!"
The two turned their heads to see a smiling girl with bright blue hair.
"Vivi! Do you have history first too?" Nami returned the smile.
The blunette nodded eagerly. "Yep! It's so good to see you again."
Luffy watched the interaction of his friend and the girl. She was the same height as Nami (both being taller than him), and they had about the same build. Her hair was pulled neatly back into a high ponytail with shining blue eyes to match her hair colour. By the smile on her face, Luffy knew that she would be easy to get along with.
Realizing that Luffy was being silent, Nami turned to him. "Luffy, this is my friend Vivi. I met her at cheer camp over the summer."
Luffy looked at the girl again. It took a few moments for the information to sink in, but when it did, his face immediately lit up. "I'm Luffy! Nice to meet 'cha!"
Returning the smile, Vivi nodded. "The pleasure's mine. Nami has told me a lot of nice things about you."
Clasping her hands together, Nami decided the introductions were finished. "Okay! Now that that's settled, let's go to class."
The three had been awkwardly standing just outside of the doors to their first period class. Looking around at the people trying to get past them into the room, Luffy and Vivi agreed. Finally entering the class, Nami pointed to three empty seats over by the window. Yet it wasn't long before they were stopped by a loud, blonde classmate.
"Pretty ladies!" He swirled around Nami and Vivi, hearts in his eyes. "Who's this bastard punk?" He snarled suddenly, glaring at Luffy.
Nami rolled her eyes while Vivi giggled. "Luffy, this is Sanji. I also met him at cheer camp."
Luffy tilted his head in confusion. "Are there boy cheerleaders too?"
Shaking her head in frustration, Nami sighed for the hundredth time that morning. "No. He just came to watch us."
"Yes, I'm Sanji. Now what the hell are you trying to pull on these beautiful ladies?" The blonde whirled around to loom over Luffy. Luffy, on the other hand, was staring at the weird swirl on his eyebrow.
Said boy simply grinned up at him. "Nothing~ they're my friends!"
Nami nodded at Sanji for confirmation and Vivi smiled for being included as his friend. Seeing the girls' reaction, a vein darkened on Sanji's forehead and his eyes began blazing. He opened his mouth, no doubt to yell at Luffy some more, but was cut off by a deep voice.
"Oi, shitty cook, give it a rest."
Luffy turned to see where the gruff sounding voice had come from. Over by the windows where they were going to sit, lounged a carefree looking guy. He was leaning back in his chair, feet on the desk in front of him, arms crossed behind his head. The guy was glaring over in Sanji's direction. Yet Luffy couldn't tear his eyes away from his unusual moss green hair.
"And what do you want, you shitty marimo?" Sanji returned the death glare, and both men seemed to light up in flames.
Taking an unconscious step back, Luffy watched as the two threw insults back and forth.
Nami tapped on his shoulder, giving the frightened teen a start. "And that's Zoro, Sanji's cousin."
"Hey! Don't say that out loud! I refuse to be related to this damn dartboard brow!" Zoro took his feet off the desk and sat up, looking even more pissed, this time at Nami.
"Calm down, Zoro. It's not that big a deal."
Luffy then glanced at the tan guy sitting next to the appropriately named marimo. He had short black hair and double piercings in each ear. His sleeves were rolled up at the elbow, revealing many dark tattoos across his forearms and hands. Dark eyes matched the dark bags underneath them. His chin sported some stubble, showing that he hadn't shaved in a while.
'Maybe he's trying to grow a beard?' Luffy questioned his own logic. But he couldn't help but feel a little jealous at the man's ability to even grow facial hair. He felt the same way to Ace, who had to shave regularly. Yet Luffy couldn't even grow leg hair.
Sighing, Zoro slumped back into his chair at his friend's words. "You're right, Law."
But Sanji found a problem with the direction of Zoro's last outburst and refused to let the matter lie. "Be nicer to a lady when you speak, katana freak."
Zoro's eyes, which had recently closed, snapped back open in a glare at his cousin. He opened his mouth again but before he could speak, something crashed at the front of the room. Luffy and Nami jumped, and they turned around while all other talking quieted as eyes traveled over to the one who made the noise.
A tall woman with narrowed bluish black eyes stood at the podium. She wore a dark zip up vest and a long pink skirt. Long black hair was pulled back and held up by a pair of sunglasses. Her small hands gripped a heavy textbook against the wood, indicating the source of the disruption.
She smiled as the room grew completely silent. "Thank you for your attention, class. My name is Nico Robin, so you will address me as Nico-sensei. Is that clear?"
Luffy gave a bright smile and was the only one in class who vocally responded. "Hai, Nico-sensei!" Luffy could feel Nami's eyes on him, and heard another sigh in her direction.
Seeing as some students were still standing, their teacher spoke again. "You may take your seats now."
Vivi led Nami and Luffy over to the empty seats by the window, next to the guys named Zoro and Law. Vivi took the first seat, Nami behind her, and Luffy at the end next to Zoro.
"Now class, turn to page 83 in your textbooks."
Luffy pouted, pulling the heavy textbook out from under his desk while other students did the same. He glanced over at Zoro, who was settling back down, arms crossed behind his head.
"Who can tell me what year World War II started? Anyone?" Their teacher began the class. "How about you, marimo-san?"
Zoro's eyebrow twitched, but he knew he couldn't start trouble with his sensei. So he shot her a deadly glare instead.
Silence enveloped the class until Luffy's hand shot up. "1939."
Zoro jerked his head around. 'What the hell? How did this guy know that? He looks like a complete idiot! ...And kind of cute...'
"Very good, Luffy-san. Now who knows when it ended?"
Luffy's hand went up again, smiling this time, realizing that she already knew his name. "1945."
"Looks like you remember your history class well from last year." Nico-sensei smiled before continuing on with her lesson.
Luffy felt a pair of eyes boring into the side of his head, so he turned to see a stunned Zoro. "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's remembering dates!" He whispered to his neighbour, grinning.
Zoro only grunted acknowledgement before he relaxed back in his seat, closing his eyes again to apparently shut out the lecture. Luffy glanced at the tan guy on the other side or Zoro, whose dark gray eyes were watching him intently. He figured the man was looking at him to be friends with him, so he gave Law a wide smile. Said guy chuckled at the goofy student, making Luffy grin more. 'I have a lot of interesting classmates this year, and the day's only just starting!' He turned back to the front, only to see Nami facing him, sighing again.
She then leaned in and whispered, "You should stay away from Zoro and Law. They're giving me bad vibes, and I've heard some pretty bad rumours about them."
"Shishishishi! It's okay, Nami! I think they're good guys!" Luffy whisper/yelled back.
Nami pulled away to sit back properly in her chair. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
Well, that concludes the first chapter! Yes, the story rate is slow, but I promise that things will start picking up soon.
Read and review! ^-^
