A/N: an AU story that takes place in a modern One Piece World. Thought it was a fresh take on a common prompt with my own spin on it. Enjoy the reading.

XXX

Nami huffed furrowing her brows examining the pictures she finished developing as she added them to a scrapbook titled 'sophomore year.' It was cliche but she couldn't think of a more fitting name after starting her second year at Grand Line University.

She was thankful to be off the campus after spending her freshmen year in the dorms; having an apartment just off campus had been a major upgrade despite having to walk farther to classes which she didn't mind too much.

Her living arrangement had been the biggest change in her life in the past year. Most of the time she had her nose buried in some book; the most important thing to her was her studies—everything else was irrelevant. Why else would she have busted her ass all four years of high school and last year just to waste it away like everyone else who only cared about drinking and partying.

Nami hadn't noticed that a pair of warm arms wrap around her nearly causing her to mess up the line she was working on while annotating notes.

"I swear if it was anyone else but you..." the orangette chuckled seeing her roommate for the past year Nefatari Vivi smile warmly at her reaction.

"Have you been studying this entire time?" Vivi asked scrunching her nose at her roommate who went back to reading and taking notes.

"Yes Vivi I have quizzes every week and I have to make sure I'm ready." She said not bothering look up.

"Jeez Nami it's not like mid-terms are anytime soon." Vivi said earning a groan from the orangette who clearly panicked at the mention of tests.

"So where were you tonight?" Nami asked glancing to see her friend removing her coat placing it on the rack near the door.

"At the football game; we actually won, our freshmen quarterback is really amazing. No wonder he was the number one recruit coming out of high school last year." Vivi exclaimed taking a seat across from the navigator.

"Mm sounds great." Nami said not taking her gaze away from her studies. She didn't know anything about football aside that Vivi was an absolute fanatic about it; the sport was much too savage and violent for her taste.

Vivi rolled her eyes tugging at Nami's arm. "Come on get up, get ready."

"Huh?" She questioned bewildered by her roommate's behavior.

"I said get ready Nami, we're going out."

"Where? I already ate Vivi." Nami said standing up after her friend pulled her other arm.

Vivi chuckled. "Our team won tonight everyone's going out. I'm going to make sure you don't hide yourself away like you did last year, now get dressed."

"Fine but only for alitlle while I still have to—"

"Yeah yeah come on already girl!" Vivi shouted happily dragging Nami into her room by the wrist.

"I can't believe we got our first win on our very first game! You played great today!" Usopp shouted throwing on his clothes for the night.

"Yeah it sure was fun," Luffy chuckled jumping onto his bed ready to pass out on the spot, "I'm so tired, I need some meat..." he said sticking his tongue out not wanting to move from the bed.

Their door crashed open as Sanji and Zoro bombarded the pair dog-piling onto the freshman captain.

"Come on Luffy we're heading out tonight. You lead us to our first victory since mid season last year so get ready!" Zoro shouted lifting Luffy to his feet.

"Where are we goin?" He asked heading over to his closet.

"There's a big frat party at the edge of campus and everyone's supposed to be there." Sanji grinned cooly before his heart eyes appeared. "I can't wait to see the fresh young Sorority girls this year!" He danced dramatically earning sweat-drops from his friends.

Usopp crossed his legs laying down, "thanks but no thanks, I'll call it a nig—"

"I don't think so long nose freshmen have to go, besides you may get lucky and take a girl home tonight. At least you have a better chance than curly brow over here." Zoro stated with a hearty laugh.

"What'd you say marimo?! Im gonna kill you!" The two fought like two animals in the middle of the room causing the younger men to laugh at their antics.

Once ready they all left heading towards the party.

"This sucks Vivi, I can barley hear myself think and I don't know anyone here." She said to her friend who swayed to the song playing over the amped speakers.

"Ah cheer up we'll leave in fifteen minutes if you don't meet someone." Vivi said handing her a refilled cup of beer. With a slightly annoyed huff she leaned against the table seeing her friend excuse herself to find a bathroom.

Left alone she huffed again watching the crowd dance and cheer at the arrival of unfamiliar people she didn't recognize. Minutes passed before Nami began wondering where Vivi had run off to debating wether to search for her.

Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp roamed the party in a group greeting their teammates spread throughout the rager. They already lost Sanji; the wide receiver and culinary major left to find the sorority sisters attending the party.

The trio walked toward the beer table near the kitchen trying to relax.

"Oi Luffy where did Zoro go?" Usopp asked seeing they'd lost the direction challenged running back.

"I swear I never know how he can run the ball effectively but always gets lost. Stay at the beer table, I'll find be back." The freshmen kicker said disappearing into the massive crowd. Luffy shrugged receiving raised cups and thumbs up by random peers that witnessed his performance on the field. The adulation and admiration didn't mean much, he just cared about being the best teammate and most of all having fun.

He leaned on the beer table examining the wild dancing of the crowds as they swayed and cheered along with the soul king's latest record.

"You here alone?" A male student asked Nami filling up a red cup.

"Yeah I'm just waiting for my friend." She said as the man's phone dropped onto the floor.

"Shit." He muttered palming his forehead for the clumsy behavior.

"Don't worry I got it." Nami said politely picking up the phone handing it to him.

"Thank you, I can be really clumsy sometimes, trade ya." He said handing her another red cup filled with beer.

She looked at it for a moment before thanking him putting her lips on the cup before feeling it violently smacked from her hand.

"What the—" She said bewildered about the freshly spilt beer now on the floor puddling around her heels.

"What's your problem jerk—" Nami was abruptly cut off as the perpetrator passed by her ignoring the comment. He snatched the man that gave her the drink's collar.

Luffy shoved his forearm in the man's neck slamming him against the nearest wall. "Are you fucking serious? You really went that low..." he growled placing more pressure on his neck.

"Hey wait a minute! Stop! Are you crazy?!" Nami yelled grabbing his arm to pry him off the helpless and overpowered student.

Luffy looked at her like she was the crazy one. "Why are you defending this douchebag; you were about to drink a roofied drink." He said turning his attention back to the accused.

"Huh? Roofies?" She questioned clearly confused by the term.

If he could face palm he would, but he couldn't blame her most women were unaware of the devious tactics of desperate fraternity men. "Your not serious are you? Ever heard of Rohyphol?" He asked using the politically correct term.

She gasped placing a hand over her mouth. "You mean he was going to—"

"That's right, this sick bastard spiked your drink while he pretended to accidentally drop his phone, he was using your kindness and vulnerability, like some damn predator." Luffy tightened his hold as the man begged to let him go claiming he did nothing wrong.

"Mind if I handle this?" Nami placed a hand on his shoulder as Luffy leaned away for her to squarely knee the fraternity member in his privates. He wheezed loudly slumping in a ball onto the floor.

"Nice." Luffy said giving her a smile.

"Thanks." She couldn't help returning it.

"Hope you didn't miss m—Oh you've met a friend." Vivi friendlily waved to the raven haired freshmen.

Vivi's mind immediately melted as she realized the amazing quarterback had been talking with Nami. Her mouth nearly dropped to the floor as she gaped between the two until an imaginary lightbulb popped above her head.

"Oh my gosh," she swooned, "your Monkey D. Luffy the amazing quarterback—you played sooo awesome today." She said with sparkles in her eyes.

"Uh...gee thanks." He grinned rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. Nami's heart leapt seeing the toothy grin decorate his features. It suited him well in contrast to the dead serious demeanor he showed moments earlier—she decided she liked it.

Vivi smiled warmly that he humbly accepted her praise. She noticed Nami hadn't moved from where she stood just oddly staring at the freshmen. Vivi rolled her eyes at her friend's unusual shyness, she usually wasn't like that at all.

"So Luffy have you met my friend Nami already? She hardly leaves our apartment, you should take her out." Vivi said with a grin wrapping an around Nami's shoulders to bring her closer to Luffy.

"Vivi!" Nami shouted in terror balling her fists at her sides in shame.

"Hey Bellamy you alright?! What the hell did you do to him?" A group of frat boys asked confronting Luffy.

"Your friend's a bastard so I took him out with a little help." He said with a smirk glancing back at Nami.

One of the boys stepped up helping Bellamy to stand on his feet. "Wait a minute isn't this—"

"You're that hotshot frosh quarterback! Wow you played a spectacular game today bro!" One of the frat boy said before receiving a slap from one of his brothers.

"There you are shitty captain!" Sanji yelled emerging from the crowd with Usopp dragging Zoro by his collar who held numerous alcohol bottles in his arms. "Woah who are your friends they're so lovely!" Sanji swooned spinning around the two women.

"Oi drink up captain, I hunted down this secret stash I found in a room." He said shoving a bottle into Luffy's chest while chugging from an opened one greedily.

"By 'hunted down' he means getting lost and stumbling upon the stash by chance." Usopp snickered earning a death glance for Zoro causing him to squeal and raise his hands up defensively.

"Hey assholes don't ignore us!" Bellamy shouted earning the group's immediate attention. The frat boys took a step back seeing all sense of humor fade from their expressions.

"Who the hell are these clowns?" Zoro set the bottles down on the table preparing for a confrontation.

It didn't take long for Bellamy to put it together. "W-wait a minute you're Roronora Zoro the running back who made all-world team last year. You're Vinsmoke Sanji the wide receiver that made the all-conference team two years straight. Monkey D. Luffy the quarterback named the number one recruit in the nation, you've never lost a game in high school." Bellamy exclaimed as his group took a step back knowing they were messing with some extremely dangerous people.

"Hey what about me assholes?!" Usopp shouted angrily catching their attention.

"Why are you guys hanging out with the water boy?" One of the boys from the back questioned earning snickers from the monster trio.

"Shut up! I'm the kicker for God's sake show some damn respect!" He screamed with a demon face.

"Luffy...what did these punks do to piss you off so much?" Sanji asked lighting a freshly rolled cigarette. He knew in order to set off his captain one of them must've done something truly despicable.

"This bastard right here spiked Nami's drink when she wasn't looking." Luffy stated glaring directly at the perpetrator; everyone in the vicinity shifted on their feet.

The four athletes aggressively confronted the frat boys threatening to fight them on spot.

"Don't think I won't take a game suspension for knocking your bitch ass out." Zoro spat at one of them causing him to squeak in terror.

"You low-class dirty bastards, I should fillet you punks for attempting to do such a thing to a lady!" Sanji growled nearly biting his cigarette in half from anger.

"Just say the word captain." Usopp said not taking his deadly glare off the group.

Nami and Vivi stepped up trying to separate the groups. She thought the bastards would get what was coming to them but she didn't want people she barley knew to get in trouble on her behalf.

"Stand back." Luffy said placing a hand protectively over Nami's torso putting her behind him. She stayed close wondering how the situation would play out.

"You guys should leave, we'll deal with this lowlife internally. We don't want a regretful incident to occur." One of them spoke trying to deescalate the tense situation.

"Alright, but if you don't deal with him I will." Luffy said not breaking his glare from the others. "If I see him come near her again you will hear from me."

"You'll be hearing from all of us." Zoro added throwing a large beer keg over his shoulder.

"Hey that's ours—"

"Tch try and stop me." The running back said heading toward the door with the group trailing closely behind.

The six students walked through the empty campus back to Sanji and Zoro's apartment at the opposite edge of campus a couple blocks from Nami and Vivi's.

Nami walked with Luffy silently watching as Usopp talked to Vivi about his long distance relationship with Kaya who was off studying as a surgeon at a top medical school. The juniors at the front of the group argued non stop about petty minuscule things, it was actually pretty entertaining.

Luffy noticed her shy gaze, "I'm Luffy by the way." He said breaking the somewhat awkward atmosphere between the two properly introducing himself.

"Oh I'm Nami." She said offering a warm smile towards him. "Thank you for earlier by the way, what you did back there."

"Of course, I just wish I could've done more for what he tried to do to you. Those are the type of people I hate the most." Luffy's serious gaze returned earning a slight tint from the orangette.

She placed a hand on his arm making him look at her. "Seriously Luffy thank you; I couldn't imagine what was going through that creep's mind." She said with a shudder holding her arms."I feel like I owe you. I wish there was someway I could repay you." Nami said earning a loud laugh from the man as he clutched his stomach.

"Don't be silly you don't owe me anything Nami, I was happy to do it." He grinned placing his hands behind his head.

Luffy halted his walk seeing her standing in his path. "No seriously Luffy, I'll really feel better if you told me how I can pay you back."

The two started following the group again lagging farther behind as their voices grew more distant. "Huh? Pay me back? Oh you mean with money?"

"No," Nami shook her head inwardly kicking herself for sounding greedy, "I don't have a lot of money." She said softly gazing at her feet.

"It's cool I don't want your money."

"Well what do you want?" She asked immediately biting her lip realizing how that question came off.

Luffy scrunched his nose glancing up at the sky in deep thought before showing her a toothy grin. "Food." He simply answered earning a relieved grin from the orangette.

"Oh, I can do that no problem." Nami said with a smile. "What kind of food do you like?"

"Meat! Lots and lots of it; Steak, Ribs, Tri-tip, pork-chops, burgers..." he trailed off starting to drool listing all the delicious meats his mind could process at the moment.

Nami giggled seeing the younger man's childish behavior wondering how he could've been the same person who wore that fierce stare earlier.

The orangette let out a nervous sigh feeling her palms become sweaty. "Well...how about I take you out to get meat sometime..." she said nearly causing her breath to hitch, she was technically asking him out on a date.

"Woah really?! That sounds great I never get to eat meat that often, thanks Nami!" He said with a goofy grin causing her to giggle again.

"Don't mention it's the least I can do."

"Hey you guys! What are you guys talking about?! Vivi asked running up to the pair nearly throwing them off balance.

"Vivi don't sneak up on me like that!" Nami shouted earning another laugh from the quarterback.

"So Nami we're all going to Tashigi's place do you want to go?"

"Um no thanks Vivi it's getting late I need to get some sleep for tomorrow." She said much to the dismay of her roommate. Suddenly after the events of tonight she wasn't in the mood to suddenly start drinking again.

"Hey Luffy?"

"Yes?"

"Be a pal and walk Nami home for me would ya? You'd be doing me a huge favor." Vivi stated with a sweet smile holding her hands together imaging the two's innocent conversations.

"Yeah sure, I'd be happy too." Luffy said with his signature grin before Nami could protest. Her cheeks couldn't help heat up as she glanced up at him.

"Text me when you get home." Vivi said hugging Nami and waving to Luffy before jogging after the others who were a good distance away.

"Luffy, you've already done enough you don't have to walk me home if you don't want to...I'll be fine." She said not daring to look into his onyx eyes.

He simply laughed again drawing her eyes back to him. "Come on I really don't mind Nami."

The pair walked in comfortable silence for the most part only asking basic questions to better familiarize themselves with one another.

"Well this it." Nami smiled weakly reluctant to let their time together end.

Luffy walked her up to steps waiting for her to go outside.

"So how about next Saturday I take you for that lunch I owe." She suggested ascending the first few steps.

"Sounds good." He said watching her approach the door. For some unknown odd reason he felt his heartbeat quicken.

"Oh," just as the key unlocked the door she descended the steps gathering her courage grabbing Luffy's shoulders giving him a peck on the cheek.

"That's for being sweet." She said giggling before heading back to the door. In truth it had been for all he'd done that night. Starting with how he dealt with the creep from the party, told her she didn't owe him anything, and graciously walked her home—she came to the conclusion he was different.

"Hey Nami wait—" he called halting her movements the moment she cracked the door open. She inwardly panicked hoping he wouldn't ask what her mind refused to believe he would.

"I was just wondering if..." he spoke scratching the back of his head nervously. She shifted on her feet uncomfortably knowing her hopes were about to most likely be dashed. "You wanted to go to my game Saturday..."

"What?" Nami placed a hand over her heart not sure if she heard him correctly.

"I want you to come to my game this weekend. I know you don't like football but I'd really like it if you came..." he said gazing softly into her chocolate orbs threatening to lose himself in them.

"Oh," she said softly surprised by his innocent request, "of course I'd love to go." The sophomore couldn't help but hide a wide smile.

"G-great I'll see you after then." He said letting out an inward sigh of relief.

"Yeah see you then, good night Luffy." Nami opened the door fully stepping inside the apartment giving one last glance to Luffy who was backing away slowly with a large smile spread across his features.

"Goodnight Nami." He waved as she shut the door. Luffy leaned on the nearest tree in order to reign in his emotions. The mystery feeling in his chest came back in full force. He glanced at Nami's door once last time with a wide grin before heading to his and Usopp's dorm.

Nami held her heart in place leaning on the door trying to contain her emotions. This experience had been uncharted territory she'd been fearful to explore.

"Saturday..." she said with a giggle forgetting about her studies laid about on the dining room table heading to her room.

XXX

Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi stood in the stands among student section watching as the team ran onto the field hyping one another up.

"Which number is he again?" Nami asked unsure about the sporting spectacle. Wearing helmets and jerseys everyone looked the same out on the field.

"He's number six, see he's right there." She said pointing to the student athlete standing on the nearest sideline of the field talking with an assistant coach.

She couldn't help smile seeing him stand proudly among his teammates.

"Wow Zoro does wear the hell out of that uniform." Tashigi stated evenly causing the other women to gape at her insinuation.

Is that Usopp?" Nami questioned pointing to the field of play seeing a kicker placing a pigskin ball on the tee.

"Oh yeah Usopp is the kicker, he always does this to start the game or after our offense scores." Vivi said watching as the ball kicked off.

"Offense?" Nami furrowed his brows in confusion not knowing much about the game.

"Don't worry It's simple, I'll explain it to you as the game goes along." Vic smiled throwing her arm around the orangette's shoulders.

"So Usopp really is on the team, ha! I totally thought he was lying when he told me that." Tashigi snickered before cheering out Zoro's name as he, Luffy, and Sanji sat on the nearest bench facing toward the field.

Zoro's eye opened widened noticing the overtop cheerleading of his girlfriend. He gave a wave back earning his teammates' attention.

"Oi shitty marimo it's almost time for us to go in what the hell are you— MY LADIES!" Sanji yelled with heart eyes seeing the trio waving to them.

Luffy and Usopp turned their attention toward the waving trio in the stands. "She came." Luffy said to himself waving back to them before the three ran onto the field leaving a cheering Usopp on the bench.

"He saw us." Nami said to herself watching the monster trio take the field. The synchronized chants of the fans were drowned out by the rapid beating of her heart.

As the game went on Vivi patiently provided a play by play of what was going on whenever Luffy ran onto the field. Nami went from confused and overwhelmed by the game in the first quarter to becoming completely enthralled in it by the last quarter.

"THAT'S RIGHT LUFFY SHOW EM' BOSS! GOOO! GO!" She couldn't contain her excitement accidentally spilling some her drink on a fan in front of her.

The fan scoffed wiping the water of his shoulder. "Jeez lady I get it your excited for your boyfriend but that doesn't mean you spill stuff on other people." He said before going back to yelling obscenities at the opposing team.

Nami's eyes widened realizing what the fan had said to her. She stopped her cheering abruptly feeling her heart start to quicken again thinking about her mysterious feelings toward the spiky raven haired man.

"Come on Nami," Vivi elbowed the orangette, "its the last quarter you need to cheer on your boyfriend." The bluenette snickered at her comments seeing a blush appear on her friend's cheeks.

"Knock it off!" Nami yelled causing Vivi to laugh even harder. Nami couldn't help clutch her chest seeing number six get slammed hard to turf by a bigger stronger athlete known as a defender.

She couldn't help feeling hurt when she saw him suddenly go down hard. Although he got up virtually unscathed she didn't ever want to see him go through that again.

With the away team leading by four and the precious remaining seconds ticking down. The home team called a timeout after Zoro's gritty run stopping the clock with a few seconds left about five yards out from the end zone.

"Well what do you bros think?" Franky asked taking his headset off as the monster trio ran up to the sidelines.

"Don't throw it to swirly brows." Zoro declared earning a growl from the receiver.

"Shut up! we're not running it that's for damn sure turf-head!" The pair butted helmets growling at one another.

Everyone in the huddle turned their attention to Luffy who kept his eyes shadowed under his helmet, "I got it." He said with a smirk as the group huddled together tighter discussing their final play.

Nami and the others stood in the stands watching the team get into formation on the field in between the hashes. "I've never been so nervous in my life, I really can't stand this." She threw her hands on her head trying to unsuccessfully relieve her anxiety.

The crowd quieted down exponentially as the head referee blew the whistle indicating the team could run a play. However something strange was happening with Luffy. He grasped his helmet leaving the center who held the ball and approached the sidelines yelling at head coach Franky.

"What's going on?" Nami asked unsure of the events unfolding in front of her.

"This is not SUPER! What do you mean you forgot the play?!" Franky screamed throwing his large play-sheet on ground beginning to stomp on it furiously.

The defenders standing opposite of the trio's team looked at one another confused by the unusual antics.

Zoro stood in Luffy's original place yelling at the captain, "Oi captain you really are a hut idiot." The moment those words left the running back's mouth the ball snapped into his hands.

The back sprinted to his left drawing nearly every defenders attention as they dashed for his position.

Three defenders tackled the back bringing him to the ground but not before he pitched it to Sanji who was running the opposite direction heading for the far side of the end zone.

The crowd stood on the feet in shock and awe watching as two defenders threatened to take him out cutting off his path toward the end line.

In a matter of moments he tossed the ball out of his hands willing to take a massive hit from the two opponents.

The crowd held their breath as the ball made its way in the end zone ending up in the hands of an unguarded Luffy who caught it with ease winning the game.

"Touchdown Grand Line U Pirates!" Came the voice of the PA announcer on the megaphones around the stadium.

The crowd erupted in screams of joy across the stadium; the first few rows of seats emptied as fans from every walk of life stormed the field crowding the celebrating team with the trio at the center of attention.

Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi hugged one another happily squealing in joy at the amazing trick play. The three couldn't help jump up and down with excitement seeing their team get the victory.

The team enjoyed their achievement on the field for a few minutes longer eventually starting to head into the locker room.

"Come on girls let's go congratulate them." Tashigi said pulling them along with her toward the exit.

A half an hour later the team emerged into the large tunnel leading to campus encountering loved ones that awaited their arrival.

"There they are!" Vivi shouted as the four friends emerged from the crowd walking toward them.

"My ladies came to greet me after a hard fought victory!" Sanji said opening his arms and making a kissy face for one of the women to run into his arms. He felt gusts of wind pass him but was determined not to let it deter him.

Nami sprinted as fast as she could toward the unaware quarterback who nearly got tackled by the force of her hug.

"Woah Nami." He said softly being completely caught off guard by her hug. He couldn't help return it wholeheartedly keeping her tight to him.

Despite holding Tashigi close Zoro glanced out of the corner of his eyes holding a smirk on his face witnessing their display of affection.

"You played great." She said in his ear before finally pulling back but keeping her arms around his neck.

"We all played great it was a team effort, thanks for coming to support us it meant a lot to me." He said with his signature toothy grin causing her to blush furiously. She couldn't help want to claim his lips right then and there until a voice broke them out of their moment.

"Why didn't I get a hug?" Sanji cried dramatically hunching over to show his sorrow for not receiving any love. Even Usopp got more attention receiving a hug from Vivi.

"Sanji great game man." Some of his passing teammates said coming to embrace him.

"NO! Shut up I don't want adulation from you guys just the ladies!" He shouted earning loud laughs from them. The group couldn't help chuckle as the girls each gave him hugs putting him in a love struck mood once again.

"So where we going to eat? I'm starved right now?" Zoro asked scratching the back of his hair with a yawn.

"How about the star station diner? It's usually great after the games." Vivi suggested earning an immediate approval from the receiver.

"Guess we're going to the diner." Luffy said chuckling a happy smile accompanying his face.

"Just remember this one's on me." Nami said firmly jabbing a finger in his chest. She couldn't help leaning her shoulder into his chest wanting to feel closer to him.

XXX

The diner had been just like the group anticipated; Rowdy and completely at max capacity. The only reason they were able to get a table was because of the owner's recognization of the monster trio players much to the anger of Usopp.

Once seated they were swiftly served all kinds of food receiving praise from everyone that passed the table. In their own little college town the four were considered celebrities among the inhabitants on and off campus.

The three women were trying not to be too repulsed by their horrible table manors; they ate like animals. Although it was understandable since they eat minimally during the week and burn numerous calories due to their strict athletic schedule. Nami couldn't help laugh nervously checking her wallet hoping she had enough to cover Luffy's expenses.

"Slow down you guys, you act like you haven't eaten all week." Vivi chuckled modestly eating her burger and fries.

"It's because we haven't." Luffy stated earning the women's attention.

"What do you mean by that Luffy?" Nami asked turning to look at the quarterback who was only focused on gorging himself with the assortment of meats laid out before him.

"It's complicated."Sanji said catching everyone's attention. "Even though we bring millions of dollars worth of revenue into the school with our games we don't see a cent of it. Although our education is free we only receive minimal benefits to live off of—"

"—In other words we're flat broke. We get essential meals but no revenue to eat until we have full stomachs, we're always hungry." Zoro said guzzling his mug of beer down and immediately signaling the waiter for another one.

Tashigi sighed softly, "I told you there should be something you could do isn't there someone to talk to about that—"

"No unfortunately not, the organization we play for is owned by rich billionaires that couldn't care less about our situations; only about their pocketbooks." Usopp spoke going back to eating his chicken pasta and pesto noodle combination.

They was a deafening silence at the table with the only sounds of chewing, coughing, and clanking of forks.

"Ahhhh!" The table jumped at Luffy's shout of glee as he leaned back in his seat with a full stomach looking like he gained twenty pounds. "Man that was good, hope I got room for desert." He laughed.

"Luffy! Were you even listening to any of that?!" Vivi shouted bewildered about the man who seemed only focused on eating.

He looked contemplative for a moment before answering, "listening to what?"

Everyone at the table face palmed wondering how he was the same person that made all those spectacular plays during the game and lead his team to a victory with his game winning catch.

Nami couldn't help hide a smile as he scratched his head in confusion. She liked that nothing truly bothered him and he enjoyed simple pleasures in life.

"Even if we don't get a lot it's alright with me," Luffy smiled catching everyone's attention again, "I don't need money I enjoy playing for my teammates that's enough for me." Luffy chuckled again holding his full stomach.

Vivi smirked widely seeing Nami's smile grow as her eyes roamed the laughing raven haired boy; she'd never seen that look from her roommate before.

As the day went on the group all chatted happily after finishing their dishes full of food. The owner insisted they didn't have to pay due to the win promising to keep it that way if the team kept it up. The diner staff asked for picture with the trio to the annoyance of Usopp.

The group of students walked back onto campus just as the sun started to set over the sky.

"Where are we going to party tonight?" Usopp asked turning back to face everyone.

"Wherever the pretty ladies are at!" Sanji danced in a circle causing everyone to roll their eyes at his antics.

"Nami do you want to go out tonight?" Vivi asked turning to face the orangette.

"Oh no, I think I'm going to stay in tonight, I have a lot of studying to get done." She said rubbing her arm shamefully. More than anything she wanted to go out with her friends but after the incident earlier in the week it'd be awhile before she felt comfortable going to another party.

"Oi Luffy you owe me a drinking night tonight!" Zoro shouted catching his captain's attention.

Luffy glanced out of his peripheral to see Nami's gaze studying him anxiously awaiting his answer. "Sorry Zoro I have a lot of work I'm already behind on, I'm staying in to study tonight."

"WHAAATTTT?! Sanji, Usopp, and Zoro shouted upon hearing their captain's declaration earning giggles from Tashigi and Vivi.

"Who are you and what've you done with our shitty captain?!" Sanji screamed grasping his hair in astonishment.

"Seriously man have you lost it? You never want to study or have turned down an opportunity to party, especially after a win. You feeling alright?" Usopp questioned examining his captain thoroughly making sure he wasn't sick.

"I'm fine, I've just been behind lately and could use a little help." Luffy said scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. Being around Nami for a short amount of time he really liked how smart she was, he liked how simplified she broke things down for him—he hoped she would be willing to help him out.

Nami's heart was beating out of her chest as she rubbed her arm nervously wondering if they should study together. Vivi nudged Nami with his shoulder urging her to make the first move.

"Luffy," she called earning his gaze as the others moved ahead giving them more privacy, "I could help you study if you want."

"You will? That'd be great Nami thanks." He said with a grin.

"No problem Luffy, I'll be glad too." She said returning his smile.

The group smirked amongst themselves overhearing their sweet exchange. Vivi couldn't help inwardly squeal thinking how adorable they were together.

When the group crossed campus Luffy and Nami branched off heading toward the girl's apartment just down the road.

"Hold up Luffy." Zoro stopped the captain a few meters from Nami keeping their conversation private. "Take this." He said quietly slipping a condom into Luffy's opened palm.

"Huh whats this?" He asked staring at the sexual item.

"Just keep it, it'll come in handy later." Zoro said with a smirk watching as the clueless quarterback stuck it in his pocket. "Make me proud." With that the running back turned on his heel leaving with the group.

"Your a lucky bastard shitty captain!" The pair heard Sanji yell when the group disappeared into a gathering crowd of riled up students.

XXX

"Nice place, it's way better than me and Usopp's room in the dorms." Luffy said taking a seat on the table pulling a laptop out his backpack.

"Thanks, I am glad l don't have to live in the dorm anymore." She said opening her own laptop taking a seat next to Luffy. "So what do you need help with?"

Luffy pulled out a few stapled pieces of paper holding it in front of her as she scooted closer to him.

Nami put her glasses on reading the professor's note at the top. "Ah I see, you need it proofread."

"Yeah I'm not very good at english..."

"Don't worry I'll proofread it, and show you how to correct the errors." She said putting on her glasses leaning towards him until their shoulders brushed up together.

"Thanks Nami." He said softly as she glanced at him for a moment. Their eyes searched one another's for a second before getting back to their work trying to play it off.

Nami circled the errors showing him what he wrote wrong then showed him the correct way to write to it in pen. It didn't take to long for her to correct his work finally handing it to him.

"Well you're all set," she placed a hand on his shoulder standing up to stretch, "Im going to shower, I'll be back. Now hurry and finish okay?"

"Okay thanks again Nami your amazing." He said beginning to type away swaying his head side to side after putting his headphones on jamming to his favorite musician the soul king Brook.

Nami closed her door leaning her back against it giggling to herself. Her heart nearly leaping out of her chest remembering his goofy smile and childish behavior; it still baffled her how he was such an elite athlete—he was far different than the other one's she vowed to stay away from.

She felt an unfamiliar heat pool between her legs thinking about him in her dining room. Shaking her dirty thoughts from her head she went to take a cold shower.

Luffy laid his head on the table after finishing his essay trying to stay awake while reading his assigned chapters. Nami appeared around the corner with a tank top and thin night shorts causing his eyes to widen as he turned back to his book drawing his eyes away from her.

"Do you want to help me with something?" She asked pulling a deck of notecards out of her backpack seeing his bored expression.

"Yeah sure." He said as she handed him the cards.

Nami impressed him even more with her uncanny memorization of the index cards he held in his hands. He couldn't even remember the names after reading them, she was truly remarkable.

The pair studied some more letting time pass as the sky darkened and it became late. Luffy stretched as he finished putting away his academic items into his backpack.

"Man that took forever, thanks for all the help Nami."

"Of course I'll be glad to help you anytime." She said placing her own books back into her bag.

Luffy stood up throwing his backpack over his shoulder preparing to leave. "Well since I'm done I guess I'll get going..."

"Wait Luffy..." she called as they met gazes. "Will you um...wait with me until Vivi gets back?"

Luffy blinked a few times before setting his backpack on ground taking a seat. "Sure I'd be happy to wait with you. Since there's no more studying what do you want to do?" He asked innocently immediately causing heat to rise to her cheeks.

She couldn't help wondering what his reaction would be if she asked him to make out. "Do you want to watch a movie?"

"Sure." He said simply as they made their way over to the couch. When given the option to pick the movie Luffy furrowed his eyebrows at the selection. He'd never heard of most of them only recognizing a select few. "How about this one?"

Nami shook her head furiously at the movie. "No! I really hate scary movies."

A toothy grin came over Luffy's face as he pointed to her startled expression when she approached him. "What's wrong? You a scaredy cat." He laughed holding a hand over his stomach.

"I'm not a scaredy cat!" She growled with a demon face punching him in his cheek only causing him to laugh harder. Nami blushed that he didn't judge her true self and didn't mind her short temper even when she hit him.

"Y-you don't mind me hitting you."

"Nope."

"W-well if you keep saying stuff like that you better get used to it."

"So we can watch this?"

"...yes." She said with a sigh preparing herself to watch Vivi's favorite horror movie.

Luffy prepped the movie while Nami made the popcorn putting it into a large bowl for the two to share. She plopped on the couch as he started the movie preparing to turn the lights off.

Her eyes nearly bugged out of her skull seeing Luffy taking his jeans off.

"Luffy! What are you doing?!" She asked peeling her eyes away holding hands in front of her face to shield his body from view.

"I'm just getting more comfortable."

"You can't just take off your pants idiot!" She yelled refusing to peak an eye open.

"Why? I have shorts underneath..."He trailed off folding his jeans in his hands.

"Oh." She said slightly relieved and embarrassed when her attention was taken away by something laying on the floor, she immediately recognized it.

"Luffy why is that on the floor?"

"Hm? Oh this?" He picked up the condom lying on carpet examining it. "What is it?" He asked locking eyes with the orangette.

"You're telling me you don't know what that is?!"

"No, Zoro gave this to me before we separated, he said it'd come in handy later—whatever that means." He laughed again placing his hands on his sides.

"You mean you don't know what it's for?" She asked folding her arms and arching a brow at him.

He blinked a few times, "nope no idea, I was disappointed I thought maybe it was gum."

Nami blinked herself hearing his comment feeling her arms uncross and the tension leave her body. She broke out into uncontrollable laughter causing him to raise his eyebrows at her.

"What are you laughing at?" He said scratching his hair in confusion.

"Nothing you idiot, now put your stuff away and come sit down—it's about to start." Nami said watching him excitedly run to his backpack putting his belongings away before sitting down next to her.

She glanced at his toothy grin and the proximity at which he sat from her. Everything about his actions earlier told her he was truthful. The protective walls she built around her for years to keep away foul men was instantly torn down by this man—she was really starting to take a liking to him.

It wasn't long before Nami started to shake with fright burying her head in Luffy's chest causing him to humourously chuckle wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She ended up staying like that watching the movie from her comfortable position on his torso.

The orangette reached her hand in the bowl at the same time as Luffy touching his hand softly. He withdrew his hand for a moment before interlocking their fingers softly; without a second thought she grasped on tightly bringing their interlaced hands to rest on his lap.

Luffy began to feel tired from the overall day but was far too excited about the mystery feelings returning in the pit of his stomach. On instinct he placed his chin on Nami's head hoping she wouldn't mind, the horror movie was now the farthest thing on his brain.

"This feels nice..." he murmured softly causing her to raise off his chest to stare into his onyx eyes.

She searched his eyes feeling everything in her fibrous being telling her to take a chance for once in her life. "Did you mean to say that out loud?" She questioned making a soft humming sound as she kissed him softly.

Luffy's eyes remained widened for a moment before relaxing into the kiss returning her curious passion. It only lasted a few seconds but it was more than enough to set both of their nerves on fire, their bodies begging for each other.

Nami's chest heaved rapidly as she tried to not hyperventilate feeling the heat in her legs return. "That was my first kiss." She confessed adorning crimson cheeks.

"Mine too." Luffy said pulling her closer to him. "Do you want to do it again?" His gaze flickered from her lips back to her hazelnut chocolate eyes.

Wordlessly she crashed her lips into his wrapping her arms tightly around his neck as he placed the popcorn bowl on the coffee table a few feet away. He wrapped around Nami's body tighter laying the orangette gently on the couch settling between her opened legs.

Their tongues battled for dominance settling into a slow dance savoring one another's distinct tastes. Luffy could hear her let out soft whimpers as he instinctively kissed her jawline and neck while she leaned her head back begging him to continue his assault.

His hands found her calves running up her smooth legs stopping just above her knees, he didn't dare go any higher. Without warning as if sensing his hesitation she gripped Luffy's hands roughly moving them higher to her warm luscious thighs earning a groan from him.

She moaned feeling his rough calloused hands firmly gripping her upper thighs threatening to reach her backside. She cupped his cheeks guiding him back to her lips before placing her hands above his waistline running them along the hardened abdomen.

The pair's tongues sloppily fought in each other's mouths. The hot friction between them was beginning to become too much for both of them; the need to strip clothes was begging to take over. Nami's eyes widened feeling an unfamiliar sensation poking her toned stomach. She broke the kiss gasping when she saw Luffy's hardened length rubbing her most sensitive area with only a few layers separating them.

The hot crimson burning on her cheeks returned tenfold as she started to moan louder. Luffy groaned feeling himself become strained from the growing tightness and unfamiliar heat. Their kisses came faster containing more ferocity than ever, it was now apparent how repressed their sudden feelings were.

Nami couldn't take it anymore as she felt a dampness start to consume her panties. She squirmed in pleasure pushing Luffy up to sit up; He obeyed letting her up.

Luffy wondered if he'd done something wrong. He couldn't see her hidden expression under her bangs after she forced him to get up.

"What's up Nami? Everything ok—" he couldn't finished as she tackled him onto the other side of the couch claiming his lips again. She roughly ground her hips into his earning groans from him.

On instinct she reached her hand down grasping his strained member; in response he firmly grabbed her ass giving it a squeeze as she moaned into the deep kiss.

Nami sat up still straddling him as she guided his hands up her stomach and to the her back brastrap willing to show him how to unhook it.

"Nami wait—"

"What is it?" She asked softly leaning down so they were nearly nose to nose.

"I-I don't just want you for this...I want this because I like you..." he said honestly wanting her to understand his words.

She giggled at his sweet words already knowing exactly what he meant. "I know, your different which is why I want this...and I like you too a lot."

Without another word they attacked each other's mouth grinding their hips together in a messy rhythm.

"Ha, Luffy..." she moaned as their joined hands reached the back of her strap.

"Nami..." he whispered onto her lips earning another kiss.

The moment the brastrap began to tug the apartment door clicked. In a flash the two broke their kiss and were on opposite sides of the couch watching the television screen.

"Hey you guys I'm back!" Vivi shouted slightly buzzed from her partying with the others. She scratched her cheek with a finger noticing the oddly distant behavior between the two and a certain heat in the air of the room.

"Hey Vivi." Luffy waved with a friendly smile.

"Oh Vivi, your back early how was the parties?" Nami asked sweating profusely as she stood up to hug her friend.

"They were awesomely wild, but I have to spend most of tomorrow in the library I didn't want to be out too late." Vivi stated arching a brow at the unusually nervous behavior of her friend.

"Well it's getting late, I have an early team meeting tomorrow." Luffy said grabbing his backpack heading for the door.

"I'll see you later then." He said as the pair shared an awkward fumbling hug unsure wether to kiss each other on the cheek due to being completely new to this.

"Yes see you later." Nami said with a small smile watching him open the door with a nervous laugh.

"Bye Vivi."

"Bye Luffy." The bluenette chuckled watching the door shut.

"Well it's getting late I better turn in." Nami fake yawned starting to walk away.

"How far did you guys go?" She asked stopping the orangette in her tracks.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about..."

"No? Well at least fix this." Vivi realigned Nami's hanging bra strap causing her to jump back with a slight blush. "Nami come on you sly girl; the late night movie, awkward shy behavior, and your messy appearance."

"HEY—"

"You guys totally made out." She said with a chuckle.

"Did not!"

"Oh so you've gave yourself that?" Vivi pointed to a purple bruise on Nami's neck giggling behind her hand.

Nami scoffed before storming to her room, "goodnight Vivi." She said shutting the door.

"Goodnight Nami, sweet dreams." She chuckled turning to the still playing television. "Hey I love this movie." Vivi said slightly drunk grabbing the bowl of popcorn plopping on the couch to watch the rest of the film.

XXX

Luffy opened the door quietly only to be startled by his roommate. "Where the hell were you? Do you have any idea what time it is?!"

"Jeez Usopp what are you my mom?" Luffy questioned throwing his bag near his bunk before plopping on the bed.

"Luffy! We we're all worried about you! You were at a girl's house for almost several hours! You've never done that before." Usopp shouted dramatically wanting to hear about his night.

"Well it was great." Luffy said simply plopping onto his bed.

"I'll bet."

"What makes you say that?"

"Uhhh..." Usopp held a hand mirror to Luffy causing him to inwardly shout noticing his face and neck. Nami's lip stick stained kisses were plastered all over him. "Better wipe that off before the team sees tomorrow although I'd love to see Sanji and Zoro's reactions." Usopp snickered handing Luffy a wet towel.

Luffy glanced at his phone hearing it vibrate. "Oh no..." he inwardly panicked seeing the text.

"Can't stop thinking about tonight :)"

"Usopp! Usopp! I need your help!" Luffy screamed throwing his phone to his roommate.

"Alright alright let the expert handle WOAH, what the hell?!" Usopp rubbed his eyes pouring water into them not believing it was real.

"Do something!"

"Alright! Calm down I got this!"

"Let me see! Let me see!" Luffy shouted growing impatient as he read Usopp's response.

"I can't stop thinking about it either, I'll call you tomorrow :)"

Luffy panicked shaking Usopp's shoulders seeing the typing bubbles at the bottom of the screen indicating she was coming up with a response. "Usopp you probably screwed this up, she's gunna think I'm clingy!"

"Shut up and trust me!" The pair's arguing came to a halt hearing the phone vibrate again.

"Yes! I would like that, maybe we can meet up. I would be happy to take you out for breakfast I still owe you remember?

Luffy didn't breath or move a muscle as Usopp typed back starting to sweat from the exertion of crucial energy.

The quarterback's eyes bugged out of his skull seeing Usopp's next few texts exchanged. He threatened to break the phone and never use it again.

Sounds good, can't wait until then. I'll call you when I'm done with workouts so we can get together."

I can't wait either, goodnight Luffy."

"Goodnight Nami 3"

"USOOOOP!" What the hell why did you send the heart you dope!" He screamed strangling the kicker who clutched the phone desperately as the text bubbles appeared. The pair went silent hearing loud bangs coming from the next room over.

"Hey! its really hard to masturbate with you two yelling like that, keep it down!" The voice said before going silent. Luffy and Usopp exchanged a disgusted look before the phone vibrated.

"3 :)"

"See Luffy you can trust me with this type of stuff. I'm not in a five year relationship for nothing, I do this constantly." Usopp said with a confident smirk plopping onto his bed handing Luffy his phone.

Luffy's heart quickened as he roamed over the few texts thinking of tomorrow and what could come next out of their blossoming relationship.

"Don't screw it up either man, it seems like she really likes you." Usopp said flicking his lamp off to get some sleep.

"Thanks Usopp, I screw a lot of things up but not this." He said softly not taking his eyes off the heart she sent back.

"Mmm Good; now don't you dare do what that guy is next door or I'm kicking you out."

"I wouldn't dream of it..." Luffy's eyes still hadn't left the texts.

"Good night man."

"Night."

Luffy laid down in his bed reading the texts over and over running the moments they shared earlier. He couldn't help but want to experience more with the new emotions he was slowly starting to understand. He let out a sigh turning off his lamp with one thought on his mind—college is complicated.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. It's certainly different but I always try to make sure every tale is unique in its own way. Also despite its composition I always try and put in a morale in the overall story. The next part will be slightly darker. (Pt. 1 of 3)