Chapter IV: Joy to the World Part 1
Part 2 should be up Christmas Day or the day after, at the latest! Excuse my tendancy to not update as fast as I could! School has been a bitch and tell me how I contract a virus on on Christmas Eve? But, guess who got $50 worth of Barnes & Nobles gift cards? *smiles*
Oh, and the beginning is due to iceyxrain00 who left a lovely review, and demanded that Luffy be out of bed and causing chaos. I couldn't help but agree more:)
Song of the day: Christmas Time is here, sang in that Charlie Brown Christmas special. I love this song:)
Disclaimer: I'm tired, I'm sick, and too exhausted for my own good. So stuff it, I don't own. *pouts*
I hear that in many places something has happened to Christmas; that it is changing from a time of merriment and carefree gaiety to a holiday which is filled with tedium; that many people dread the day and the obligation to give Christmas presents is a nightmare to weary, bored souls; that the children of enlightened parents no longer believe in Santa Claus; that all in all, the effort to be happy and have pleasure makes many honest hearts grow dark with despair instead of beaming with good will and cheerfulness.
-Julia Peterkin
12 days 'till Christmas...
Pediatrician and part-time nurse, Kobato, hummed merrily to herself as she reached up high to hang colorful decoration near the hallway ceiling. Even on the accommodating step-stool, she still had a tough time reaching it.
Maybe I should have let one of the young, more able, volunteers do it,she thought to herself whilst almost stumbling off her precarious perch atop the stool. However, Kobato loved the holidays and everything they entailed, including decorating. She found it much more satisfactory to embellish the hallway of the Pediatric Wing with her own two delicate hands.
Especially now, as she hung up the beautifully homemade snowflakes in all different color and shades of construction paper. Kobato had arranged a special holiday activity for the children in her wing to make their own snowflakes and write their Christmas wish on the back. It was marvelous seeing the imaginative - if not somewhat sloppy - cutting that came from the kids' creative little craniums.
Just as she was about to bend down and pick up the next stack of snowflakes, when the thumping sound of footsteps approaching nearly made her tumble from her stance. Arms flailing with a mute cry, she caught herself just in time. What in the world..? she wondered as the erratic footsteps grew closer and closer.
"LUFFY!" Came the blaring cry from down the corridor. "Get back here!"
Ah, Kobato concluded, blinking with sudden comprehension. That explains it then.
Just as she conceived this, a blur of pale blue hospital gown and raven-hair sped past her, blustering through the pristine hall on bare feet. Huffing and puffing with agitation, he glanced over his back at the impending figure of his elder brother.
"Never!" he cries, indignantly. Ace growls lowly in the back of his throat.
"Luffy," he begins, voice laced with gruff annoyance and underlining threat. "Take you medicine!"
"I don't wanna!" Luffy shot back childishly, sticking his tongue out for good measure. "It taste worse than dirt!"
"How would you even know what dirt taste like?" Ace shouted exasperatedly.
"'Cause you shoved my face into the ground when I was seven an' and made me eat it!" The younger recited crisply. Ace took on a quizzical look while considering this, then smirked with obvious remembrance. Before he shook the fond thoughts away in favor of the chase.
"Don't care. Now get back he you lil' runt!" Ace demanded.
"Nooo!" whined Luffy.
Kobato sighed wistfully, as if this was a normal occurrence here. Which, since the boisterous cancer patient had been cleared for strenuous movement, it has been. Kobato was already accustomed to the loud, cheerful 'shishishis' ringing through the rooms and halls, and the youthful sneak rummaging and wandering through all wings of the building.
To be honest, she quite liked the rambunctious young man. For one, he brought light to this sometimes dreary atmosphere. And most of all, because she has seen his bring a smile to many of her young patients. And that, she concluded indubitably, was truly the best gift of all.
x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x
"Oi, Luffy!" Ace called, ducking into another patient's room. No sign of his brother.
"Damn, brat," he cursed under his breath. "Making me search for him. So fussy.."
"Luffy, where are-?" Ace cut himself off when he ducked into a seemingly empty room and instead found a young occupant staring at him with wide, content eyes.
"Oh." he excused, bowing politely. "Excuse my intrusion."
"It's okay," the girl accepted, smiling at him.
"Ah, I was looking for my brother," he explained somewhat sheepishly. "Have you seen anyone?"
"Nope," she chirped. "Sorry."
"That's fine," he told her, smiling reassuringly. "Thank you for your time. I'll get out of your hair." And with a curt wave, he raced down the hall to continue his search of his rowdy lil' brother.
x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x
"The coast is clear," the young girl whispered discreetly. "You can come out now!"
With a mute whoop of victory, Luffy sprang from his hiding place behind the dresser. "Ha! Stupid Ace!"
Luffy continued to celebrate the evasion of his brother and the icky substance, causing the girl to giggle at him. He stopped when he heard her impish laughter and grinned at his new ally.
"Thanks!" he said gratefully. "I'm Luffy! Who are you?"
"My name is Soran," she greeted kindly. "Why were you running from your big brother, anyway?"
"He wanted me to take the some yucky medicine," Luffy grumbled, sticking his tongue out in obvious distaste. "No way in hell."
"I know what you mean!" Soran agreed, making a little disgusted face of her own. "It tastes really bad sometimes!"
"I know, right!" Luffy exclaimed mutually, finally finding someone who understands.
Soran giggled again, seemingly amused to be in his presence. Being the curious teen he was, he glanced down at what the girl ahd been busy doing before he burst into her room in search of a place to hide.
"Wow!" he spoke in awe. "Those are really good drawings!"
"You think?" Soran asked, eyes glowing with a grateful gleam.
"Definitely!" he told her, honestly amazed. "You're a really good artist!"
"Thank you!" Soran beamed appreciatively, slightly blushing a light rose color at his sincere compliments. The current picture in her sketch book was in regards to the upcoming holiday, bright arrays of red, green, and gold ink scattering across the realistic portrait of a fabulous Christmas tree.
"Yosh! I love Christmas!" Luffy relayed, smiling at even the tiniest thought of the merry holiday.
"Me too!" she agreed with a fierce nod and even fiercer smile. "The candy canes, the decorations, the snow!"
"And spending time with family!" He added, remembering past holidays with his relatives. However, at this, Soran's cheer melted just a bit and she smiled albiet a bit awkwardly.
"Actually," she elaborated, "I don't see my family at Christmas." Luffy blinked in apallment, unable to imagine a Christmas without family, surrogate or not.
"How come?" Luffy asked.
"Well, my parents were Russians who died back in our home country. In their will, it said I should go live with my aunt and uncle and cousin here, but when I arrived, the address was wrong 'cause they moved. I didn't know where, so I was sent to an orphanage. Since then, it's just been me," Soran explained, with slight sadness ebbing at her voice.
"That's horrible!" Luffy spoke truthfully. "No one should be alone on Christmas!" he declared vehemently.
"It's not so bad," she consoled him, her smile terribly fake and forced. "It does get a bit lonely but...I'm okay. Really."
Luffy didn't believe that for one second. Although orphaned himself, he can't envision a Christmas without anyone beside him. Vaguely, he can faintly recall a time when this was the case, and shivered due to the memories. Even though he has mostly forgotten, the recollection still haunts him.
And not only that, after conversing with his new friend a while longer, he found out her reason for being in the hospital was that the poor kid had been diagnosed with a Urinary Tract Infection. Luffy was not sure of the exact details of the illness, but knew they weren't all that pleasant.
Luffy couldn't help but feel sympathy for the lonely girl. He didn't get why people felt so bad for him, when there were people like Soran suffering more. Isn't Christmas the wonderful season of giving?
It was then that most precious and joyous idea popped into his bubbly lil' head. The sheer force of it caused it him to smile and chuckled in newfound glee, much to the delight and confusion of young Soran. Now, besides causing ultimate chaos and spreading joy on earth, Luffy had a new mission this holiday.
To make sure Soran had the best Christmas ever!
8 days 'till Christmas...
"Sanjiiiii!" An obnoxious voice bellowed through the store, causing more than a few heads to turn in the direction of the despaired yell.
"Sanji..." Usopp moaned miserably, eyes brimming with over-dramatic tears. "What am I gonna do?"
"Oi, be quiet Pinocchio, I'm busy right now." The blond scolded whilst he delved through numerous racks of fashionable blouses. "I'm trying to find a gift for my precious Nami-swan!"
"That is exactly my dilemma!" The long-nosed teen proclaimed. "I want to get Kaya-san something extra, extra special! But, I don't have the money!" Usopp released another despairing sigh. He was facing one the most prominent problems of the yuletide season; shopping.
Sanji, trying to enjoy his search for the best present possible for his lovely girlfriend, couldn't help but be annoyed by his buddy's mopey mood. He too knew of the shopping angst one felt when trying find the perfect gift for that special someone. And the anxiety and anticipation of the gift you would receive from them. It was all utterly nerve-racking.
"Listen, Usopp," the empathetic blond confided, "you and Kaya-chan love each other, so it's not price that matters. Just get her something from the heart and she will undoubtedly love it."
Usopp picked up his sorry head from it's slump and digested that for a moment. Grinning, he realized what the wise womanizer meant. "Yosh! Thanks, Sanji! I think I know what to do now! Ya' know, you are pretty insightful when you want to be!" Usopp chuckled, before charging from the department store.
"Che. What does he mean sometimes?" Sanji grumbled. "Excuse me, miss?"
"Yes, sir?" A store worker answered kindly.
"Do you think this is a nice shirt for my darling girlfriend?" The young woman looked at the garment, perplexed.
"Sir, I believe that is a headband," she replied uneasily.
"Oh," Sanji responded, staring at the skimpy cloth in his hands. Then, with a lecherous smirk, he politely inquired, "Does it come in a smaller size?"
The fist that smacked him across the lingerie store was followed by the horrified shriek of, "Gah! Baka pervert!"
8 days 'till Christmas Pt 2...
Franky arose from bed, feeling supremely super this bright, windy morning. Although, the weather had been dropping to extremely cold temperatures, much to his wardrobe's dismay. Who said speedos in December were a health concern?
Rummaging through the fridge, Franky sipped his early morning cola while his wonderful fiance, Robin, drank her morning coffee and skimmed the newspaper. Franky usually didn't have much interest in it besides the comics, unlike his beautiful bookworm.
"What a super morning, isn't it dear?" he sang, while fastening his coat. Robin chuckled humorously.
"It certainly is," she agreed. "But I'm afraid I don't feel well enough to go into work today." Franky's cool facade slipped into that of concern for his sickly spouse.
"Uh. Still ill in the mornings?" She nodded. He huffed worriedly. "Did you get the results from your check-up?"
"Yes," she answered, with a strange smile on her face. "And according to them, I'm perfectly fine."
Franky sighed in obvious relief. "Well, that's good. 'sides, you could used some time off work anyway," he told her honestly. Kissing her brow affectionately, he walked towards the condo's front door. "Have a nice, relaxing day!"
"You, too," she responded cheerfully. Just when he was halfway out the door, she called out, "Oh! And one more thing!"
"Hm?" Franky mumbled expectantly.
"Could you pick up some diapers on your way home?"
"Sure, sure. Diapers. After work, I'll just...WHAT?"
Robin grinned helplessly and shrugged at her bug-eyes, jaw dropped boyfriend. "I'm pregnant."
6 days 'till Christmas...
Zoro stalked the streets of Fuushia City, ignorant to the holiday cheer and merry civilians passing by.
Zoro never liked Christmas all that much.
For one, there was his religion. Zoro didn't believe there was a god, but he was a devoted Buddhist. (Don't question his faith.) As most of the population in Japan is Shinto or Buddhist as well. However, like so many western customs the island of Japan has adopted, many here enjoy the tidings of December 25th.
Gift-giving, decorating trees, and an old, fat guy breaking-and-entering to leave gifts for children? Pass.
Nami had taken to calling him Japanese-Scrooge, in regards to a famous Charles Dickens novel. Zoro himself had skimmed through the English literature for an English project and actually found it minorly interesting. Three ghosts visiting a guy and terrorizing him with pure fear and remorse until he agrees to make life-altering decisions? Now, that is what he calls Christmas.
Add in a few kantana and some more booze, and hell, he wouldn't mind reading it a few more times. Dickens sure knows how to tell a tale.
However, this Christmas was different from all the rest. For this holiday season, there was something Zoro deeply desired to receive under his tree.
But the heart of his boisterous, vibrant straw-hatted friend seemed too big to wrap.
Zoro may not especially like Christmas, but he knowsthat Luffy positively adores the holiday. And that meant it was worth giving it a try. In all honesty, Zoro wanted nothing more than to boldly march into that hospital and claim Luffy as his like the primal neanderthal he was.
However, due to the difficult circumstances and the absolutely naivete of said teen, this may prove problematic. Oh, and Ace would fuck his face up with his hands. Or feet. Hell, maybe both.
Still, that did not at all hinder his attempts to at least be as close as possible to the bubbly teen. And hopefully establish some idea of how the other felt for him. For all intense and utterly confusing purposes, he honestly had no clue.
Luffy by nature was an extremely honest and blunt person. Period. He didn't have a tact bone in his body! So, if he indeed have any romantic feelings for himself, he would have shown it, right?
Of course, Luffy could be quite the little sneak when he wanted to. Fuck, he had kept it hidden that he had a deadly disease for what, more than a year? Luffy by no means was liar; but he wasn't hopeless when it came to secrets.
Though Zoro had the immense urge to be with the energetic, beautiful burst of a boy, all he could wish for in the end was Luffy's happiness. Whether he was with him or not. Albeit the though of not sent a cold tingle through his pacifistic heart.
Zoro entered the hospital in search of his dear friend and secret crush with a mission of his own: Find out what to get him for Christmas.
x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x
"Oi, Zoro!" This was all the warning the green-haired visitor received before he glomped by the approaching blur of hat and gown. Zoro, unusually affectionate, did not stray from the obviously wanted contact. In fact, he encouraged it, deftly hugging the excited boy back.
"Hey, Luffy," he greeted against the other's soft brow. Kami, his hair was so silky even unbrushed, tickling against his chin. And his warm breath hot against the skin on his neck...
Whoa! He inwardly scolded, wailing at his own dirty thoughts. Control yourself! ...Or myself. Damn teenage hormones!
While Zoro grumbled to his inner self, Luffy unattached himself and pulled Zoro into his unoccupied room. Dragging the swordsman over to his bed, he proceeded to show him the mess and array of papers scattered all over the white sheets.
Staring quizzically at the scribbled mess of notes and doodles, Zoro deadpanned, "What's all this?"
Luffy beamed brightly in that 'I'm glad you asked' kind of look. He then began to tell Zoro of his flee from his medicine wielding brother and his meeting with the friendly girl, Soran. After explaining how depressed she seemed at being alone for the holidays, Luffy decided to concoct a plan so that she would be surrounded by people and presents on the joyful occasion.
It was by far one of the most selfless and thoughtful things he had ever heard of. Barely new this sweet girl, and he was already fiercely determined to give her the best holiday ever. So focused on this, Zoro didn't even get a chance to ask him what he wanted for the holiday.
"-and I'm planning a surprise Christmas Eve party in her room! I'll invite kids from this wing and our friends and maybe some people from her orphanage!" He finished, out of breath from his quick, jumbled words. "You'll come, won't you Zoro?"
"Of course," he told him, without any input from his mind at all. The words just slipped out as soon as he saw those beautifully pleading eyes.
"Yosh! Your the best, Zoro!" He couldn't help but feel his insides slightly warm at the complement, despite his best efforts. "I want this to be the supremest party ever!"
"I'm sure it will," he chuckled, eyeing the youth who was currently scrutinzing a list of important party-needed accessories. After a minute or so, he quieried, "Hey, Luffy?"
"Hm?"
"Any idea of what you want...for Christmas?" That managed to catch the straw-hatted boy's very depleted attention. Luffy blinked, cutely but incomprehensively, at the question.
"Who, me?" he squeeked dumbly.
"No, Matt Damon." He muttered sarcastically. "Yes, you! Something you would really want this year."
"Oh..." Luffy murmured idly, truly pondering the simple question and mulling it over in his mind.
"Well..." he began uneasily. "I guess, more than anything, I wish my...cancer would jus'...ya' know..." Luffy trailed off quietly, letting the heart-wrenching confession hang in the air. This nearly broke Zoro's little black heart, for he to desired nothing more than to take away all his love's pain. If only he could...
"But..." Luffy interjected, ceasing his helpless regrets. "That is...selfish, don't you think? Sure, I really do want it to all just disappear, even though I know it doesn't work like that. But well, I look at kids like Soran and I think 'they are suffereing even more than me. Wouldn't it be great it someone helped them, too?' I mean, Christmas is the time of giving, so I suppose helping someone else would make me the happiest."
Zoro just stared at the abundant source of joy and care in front of his, utterly amazed by his words of incomparable kindness. He didn't think Luffy had a selfish bone in his body. It wouldn't be so horrible for him to want his cancer to go away; in fact, that was an entirely normal and understandable wish. Of course, Luffy just had to be so breath-takingly different from everyone on this whole freakin' planet.
It was part of the reason he loved him so much.
And if making if helping someone less fortunate would make him most happy, then by the blood in his veins, Zoro would make it happen. Although, he was not exactly certain how to go about doing so.
Nevertheless, salvation to his questions came while he was trekking through the hospital corridors in pursuit of a vending machine. (The little meat-guzzling monster had demanded sustenance from the god-sent machine.) Whilst walking through the halls, he stumbled upon the various decorations hung up by the kindly nurse in this wing.
One snowflake in particular caught his attention. It was an intricately carved flake, made out of pale yellow and gold construction paper. What really made his eyes stop and do a double take, was the neatly written name on it: Soran. On each of the snowflakes, there was also that child's unique Christmas wish.
Some wanted puppies, some the newest video game or console. Some wanted peace on earth, other's wished for the ability to heal or cure their's or their precious person's illness. Soran's was a bit more difficult to accomplish; almost impossible, actually. Without any proper information to go by, one would probably see this yearning as a lost cause...
However, for the unwittingly loyal and brutally determined demon, known as Roronoa Zoro, nothing was considered impossible.
Haha! Done! Hope you all enjoyed! Second part will be up by later today or tomorrow, I swear! This chapter brought to you by the meds that kept my sickly mind up late enough to finish it:)
Oh, and happy birthday to me niece, who turned seven this Christmas Eve! Reviews are your gift to me! Happy holidays!