A/N:Part 2&3
"A bye week? What in the world is that Luffy?" Nami questioned nibbling on her pen taking her hazelnut brown eyes off of Luffy's english papers to meet his onyx gaze.
"It means instead of a game this weekend we get to visit our families!" He said barley able to contain his excitement. Spending this time with Ace and his teammates was something he looked forward to doing all semester long.
Nami blinked a few times witnessing his cheerful attitude. Although they'd been official for a few weeks she still had yet to get over his positive charm, it made her stomach flutter. "That's great Luffy," she said with a smile, "are you going to see your grandpa?"
He laughed wrapping an arm around her shoulder, "No way! I'm going to visit my brother Ace at his game and he's going to show me a good time on his campus." Luffy couldn't help hug her tighter spreading his enthusiasm.
The orangette leaned into his shoulder knowing how much he cared for his brother; Luffy talked about him constantly showing a deep admiration for the senior defender attending Impel Down University. She couldn't help shudder thinking of 'her' Luffy going to a university renowned for it's athletic prowess however was just as notoriously known for it's crime rate, violence, and wild parties.
"Promise me you'll stay safe okay?" Nami hooked her arms underneath his glaring directly at him.
"Of course, I'll be fine—Ace will be there after all." Luffy chuckled earning a grin from the orangette.
"And you'll text me until I fall asleep." She said sternly jabbing him in the chest causing him to chuckle even harder kissing her forehead. He pulled back to examine her features; even with reading glasses on and her hair pulled into a wrap she was still very beautiful threatening to take his breath away every time he looked her way.
"Alright you have my word." He said pulling Nami tighter to him as she crashed her lips against his. He couldn't help suppress a groan not yet used to feel of her soft sweet lips. She squealed happily as he dipped her backwards laying loving kisses on her sensitive neck and collarbone as she released a series of giggles.
XXX
"You played great today Ace! I've never seen anyone that could play defense like you." Luffy said chugging from his bottle while throwing an arm around his brother's shoulders. Ace wrapped his arm around Luffy's shoulder holding his balance up as they hobbled down the streets crowded with raging students celebrating their shutout victory.
"Na, It's all thanks to coach Whitebeard Luffy...the greatest damn man that's ever lived!" He said raising his opened bottle guzzling down the rest.
The pair stopped at a wild house party
meeting up with Ace's teammates who stood in the front yard shotgunning beers around a table."Well I'll be damned if it ain't Portagus D. Ace and his baby bro!" Marco shouted as the rest of the team gathered around them giving praise to the elder of the two.
Jozu arched a brow at Luffy, "you're a little out of your depth kid, your school is like kindergarten compared to this one." He said passing out more beer cans to the team while cracking his own open.
"Lay off Jozu, my little brother is a man now, he's got a little girlfriend." Ace grinned proudly before bursting into laughter with the others. He couldn't help hunch over pointing to his younger brother's sour face.
That reminded him; Luffy checked his phone reading Nami's message that had been left unread for roughly ten minutes.
"I'm glad the game went well. What are you up to now?"
"Just hanging out with Ace and his friends. What about you?"
Ace snatched the phone away before Luffy could react reading the lovey dovey messages out loud to his crew.
"Ace give it back damnit!" Luffy desperately tried to reach his phone. It was useless as Ace held his hand atop Luffy's head preventing him from obtaining it back.
"Isn't that just adorable they send hearts back and forth." Ace bellowed to his crew finally handing the phone back to Luffy before hunching over again from laughing so hard. His teammates held onto one another trying to contain their laughter.
"Don't worry kid, your big brothers have your back; you guys have smashed before right?" Marco asked placing an arm around Luffy's shoulders.
"Smashed?" Luffy asked with raised eyebrows examining the group.
The bandits face palmed as Ace tossed Luffy a beer. "Better drink up this is going to take awhile."
After explaining what intercourse was to the freshmen it finally clicked in his head. He folded his arms finally finishing his second beer, "so are you sure if I do that it will work?"
"Come on now Luffy, we all are seniors that play ball, we get laid constantly you can trust the hell out of what we say." Ace said with a smirk before he pulled out a few bottles out of nowhere. "But...since she's your girlfriend and it seems she really cares about you. The first times supposed to be special for her so you make a promise then and there not to do with anyone else."
"Oh Luffy your such a strong football player please carry me like a princess." Jozu said poorly imitated Nami voice as he draped a hand over his forehead dramatically fainting into the arms of one of his teammates.
"Of course Nami your so beautiful, you're my one and only." Marco said spiking his blonde hair imitating Luffy to the best of his ability. He turned his back to group wrapping his arms around his body before making fake kissing noises causing the group to laugh loudly again while Luffy frowned slightly at his older brothers' roasting of him.
"Alright, alright time to lay off our little brother we had our fun—pass these down everyone gets one don't be greedy." Ace spoke handing out bottles of alcohol to the bandits.
"Now it's really time to party." Marco shouted gleefully as the crew clanked their bottles together toasting to their latest victory.
"To victory!"
"To Whitebeard!"
"Bandit Pride!"
Shots continued to be poured and consumed as the group's words were completely unintelligible. They made their way out onto the street blending into the massive crowds heading to different house parties spread out on every corner of every block.
"I'm happy knowing you're with your brother and having fun. I miss you."
Luffy's heart rate quickened seeing his girlfriend's text. He still wasn't quite used to texting back usually having his trusty kicker roommate pull the strings; the last thing he wanted to do was send something awkward making her distance herself from him.
Ace glanced over at his brother lagging slightly behind his group reading from his phone. He rolled his eyes snatching the device from his brothers hands roaming his eyes over the texts from Nami.
"Hey Ace what the hell are you—" Luffy caught the phone swiftly after Ace tossed it back with a grin.
"I miss you too babe. Thanks for checking in on me, I can't wait to see you."
Luffy stared bewildered at Ace's text seeing the text bubbles immediately pop up and her response appear before his eyes.
"Babe? That's a new one, I like it. I wish you were here with me right now. When you get back there's something I need to tell you babe :)"
"Woah..."
"Woah is right little bro, she seems like a nice girl best keep it that way." Ace said wrapping his arm around Luffy's shoulder. "Now come on, the parties await."
Luffy and Nami exchanged a few more texts telling each other goodnight. The quarterback reassured her he would return back to campus in a few days to see her again. Luffy reluctantly put his phone away wanting to text her all night but he knew she was tired from studying all day—he was happy to let her sleep.
"Now this my friends is the jackpot!" He shouted pointing at the large mansion filled with loud music and people flooding in and out screaming loud obscenities at one another. The party looked like it was just reaching it's peak.
The group despite already drinking enough beforehand went overboard drinking everything in sight eager to dance, play games, or simply meet new equally drunk people. Luffy threw his around arm around Ace's shoulder after they'd won a few rounds of rage-cage drinking themselves silly.
"Luffy... I never said this enough but...I love you baby brother...me and Sabo...no matter what you hear me..." he said as the brothers clung to each other meeting with the group to leave the massive party.
"I love you too Ace, when we make it pro we'll finally live the lives... we talked about since we were kids." Luffy said earning a warm smile from his brother.
Ace's demeanor suddenly became serious as he glared at three individuals and a crowd coming in through the front doors. "Luffy get behind me." He said pushing his brother behind his back.
"Ace what's up?" Luffy asked with an arched brow unsure of the situation.
The three time all-world quarterback rallied his teammates confronting the Marineford Admirals, the reigning college world champs from the previous year.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Ace questioned glaring at the senior defender and his teammates.
Akainu smirked seeing the team they sought out confront them for their intrusion of their territory, "surprised to see us huh? It shouldn't be a surprise after we beat your asses in the championship game."
"Because your school pay the refs cheating bastards." Marco growled chugging from bottle.
"Why don't you and your buddies pack up and get the hell off campus before you get mauled, this is our territory." Ace states taking a threatening step toward the group.
Borsalino stepped up willing to go to bat for his teammate. "Unfortunately this is the plan, we've come to run your noses in our victory, we own your territory now since we won."
"Screw that!" Luffy voice broke through the crowd. "You guys are a bunch of pansies! Get the hell outta here Marineford scum, this is bandit territory!" The freshman could barley contain his anger at the arrogant admiral team thinking they could waltz into enemy territory and expect to suffer no repercussions.
"You heard the kid, get the fuck outta here admiral scum." Jozu snickered causing his group to chuckle.
"This kid look's familiar..." Kuzan spike scratching the back of his afro yawning like he'd just woken up. "Oh I know now, your the son of Monkey D. Dragon, the general manager of the number two pro team on the world."
"Tch I don't know him, I just have his name." Luffy spat as the Whitebeard bandits brushed past the admirals leaving them in their wake.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Your just like your coach Whitebeard, a disgrace, just another loser." Ace stopped in his tracks hearing Akainu's words.
"What the hell did you say?" Ace turned back toward the admiral team forcing his group to stop halfway onto the street.
"Ace come on let's go he ain't worth it." Luffy protested trying to drag his brother into the street with the moving crowd.
"Stay back Luffy." Ace commanded. In a flash he stood before Akainu exchanging punches with the admiral's team leader.
"Ace!" Luffy shouted seeing the Impel Down and Marineford teams get into an all-out bloody brawl. Luffy dodged flying bodies and flying bottles trying desperately to reach Ace.
"Whitebeard is the greatest don't you ever insult the man who saved my life!" Ace's voice broke through the crowd. Luffy finally rubbed his knuckles after taking out two men that stood in his path.
Akainu drew his pistol aiming it directly at Ace's forehead.
"You think this is the first time I've had a gun pointed at my face?"
"So you know what this means?" The safety clicked off indicating the firearm was live.
Ace smirked not fearing his death he'd lived with no regrets. Akainu sensing his courage kicked Ace's chest sending him back onto the porch steps before he pointed the gun elsewhere.
"Luffy get down!" Ace screamed.
Luffy's eyes widened as he felt his body slam into the ground and gunshots echo in the night sky sending screaming crowds of people in every direction.
Time seemed to slow down for Luffy as he clutched onto his brother's back. The loud screams and shouts drowned out as he lifted Ace to his knees trying to hoist her m to his feet.
"Come on Ace, we gotta go..."
"L-Luffy...d-don't freak out..."
Luffy shook his head trying to no avail to bring his brother with him, "Ace we have to go, get up."
"I-I can't feel my legs brother." Ace said softly clutching onto his brother's shirt.
"W-what no no no...I-I'll go get help."
"No!" Ace clutched onto his brother tighter keeping him in place. "I don't have much time left..."
"Ace..." Luffy said trying not to let his emotions take over. "Don't talk like that! You're fine! We both have dreams of making it to the pros! We're getting there together just like we talked about!"
"That's going to be my only regret..." Ace coughed out blood onto Luffy's shoulder unable to hold the trauma from the bullets in his body. "Is to not see your dreams come true..."
Luffy felt warm liquid drenching Ace's back and soaking his hands. "Ace..." Luffy said letting tears fall from his face.
"It's alright Luffy...don't cry for me...you need to stay strong for everyone. For grandpa, Sabo, your friends..." Ace struggled to breath through ragged breaths. "Thank you Luffy for loving a good for nothing like me...I love you brother."
"Ace...Ace...hold on the ambulance is here Ace! ACE! AAACCCEEE!" Luffy screamed bursting in tears clutching his brother's still form. He didn't even flinch when the police and medics arrived in an instant his world was shattered.
XXX
"Hi Luffy its me again, I'm just calling to check in on you. I miss you call me back."
"Luffy I've been calling and texting all morning. If this is a prank it's not funny I'm really worried please let me know your okay."
Nami huffed plopping onto the couch; the more she tried to immerse herself in schoolwork the more her mind drifted to Luffy. Usually every morning they would exchange texts and occasionally a call to check in making sure to share plans for the day. She really hoped he was still returning tonight like he previously planned.
She curled up onto the couch checking her messages every other minute on the verge of calling again. Vivi opened the door slamming it shut causing her to jump up in surprise.
"Nami did you see the news this morning?!" Vivi shouted snatching the remote from the coffee table.
"No why what's going on?" Nami asked glaring at her friend's unusually serious demeanor.
"We're still gathering details on Impel Down University shooting committed at the early hours of the morning."
Nami immediately turned toward the tv as Vivi turned the volume up.
The victims of the shooting were Portagus D. Ace and Monkey D. Luffy. The elder of two passed away and was confirmed dead at the scene while his younger brother was taken to a nearby medical facility there is no word on his condition..."
"No no no Luffy!" Nami screamed dashing for the door wanting to be by his side.
"Nami stop." Vivi held her friend tightly unwillingly to let her go.
"Please I have to find him...he..." she couldn't help breaking down into her the bluenette's arms collapsing to her knees.
Vivi held Nami for what felt like hours until she fell asleep from the endless crying and sorrow breaking her heart.
Over the next few days Nami walked around campus in a zombified state only staring directly ahead in the classroom and lecture halls. She had yet to be updated on Luffy's condition nor received any texts or calls back. Would if he never returned to school? It would be an understatement to say she was in a fragile situation.
She exited her last lecture for the day cutting across the grass of campus not caring her peers' complaints about blocking their sun.
"Usopp! Usopp!" She shouted catching up to him as he stopped to look over his shoulder.
"Hey Nami." He said with a slight smile.
"I was wondering if you've seen Luffy around, I'm really worried about him." She said following his strides when he sat down at a nearby bench.
He shook his head solemnly placing his book bag down, "sorry Nami but I haven't seen nor heard from him. Every time I tried to call him it just goes to voicemail and he hasn't answered my texts."
"I know what you mean, he hasn't responded to me either," she said solemnly staring at her hands tucked into her lap, I just want to know he's safe thats all."
Usopp placed a hand on her shoulder reassuring the solemn girl, "Luffy's...doing alright I'm sure of it even with...what's happened..." he said trailing off staring off at the nearby marble fountain wondering if his roommate was truly okay.
"If you see him can you let me know." She said exchanging numbers with the kicker.
"Of course I'll let you know right away." Usopp said giving the grieving girl a hug. He didn't need to ask to already know she was taking Luffy's loss like it had been her own despite only knowing him for a few months. He should've known how close they were, he occasionally texted as Luffy sometimes when the quarterback became nervous.
Usopp couldn't help frown watching her walk down the brick path toward the library. Even though Luffy was grieving heavily the least he could do is text her back telling her he was fine—she was really worried about him.
XXX
"Luffy are you sure you want to suit up? You won't start because you missed this week of practice but it'd be good for everyone to see you out there." Franky spoke as they sat in his office discussing the potential game day options.
"I'm fine let me suit up." Luffy said glaring directly at his coach not willing to take no for an answer.
"Okay, go on and get ready." Franky excused the freshman as he left without saying another word. Franky couldn't help wonder if he was truly okay after not mentioning a word about what happened; but he wouldn't bring it up unless Luffy did.
"Oi Luffy! You're finally back everyone's been worried about especially Nami." Usopp stated placing a hand on Luffy's shoulder to which he shrugged off. "I-I'm really sorry for your loss..."
Luffy turned to look at him nodding in response before going back to opening his locker. Usopp's mouth opened to say something but immediately snapped shut unsure of how to proceed from here.
Zoro and Sanji greeted the captain earning the same treatment as Usopp.
"Oi shitty captain don't shut us out! We're your friends! We're here for you...!" Sanji was interrupted by Zoro who grabbed the back of his jersey.
"Don't bother him curly brow, he'll come around soon give it time; Besides there's still a game to play." He said giving one last glance toward the quarterback before leaving followed by a distressed Sanji.
Usopp stayed behind sighing, "its fine if you choose to shut us out but I'm letting you know right now it's not uncool and not fair to shut her out." The kicker said releasing another heavy sigh before following the others onto the field.
After being left alone he sighed trying to keep his emotions in check. He drew another shaky breath continuing to dress in excruciating silence.
Nami sat in the student section with her usual group wondering where her number six was. She clutched onto his letterman jacket tighter hoping he would emerge from the tunnel.
"There he is!" Vivi shouted pointing excitedly to Luffy jogging out onto the field joining his team. Vivi had been relieved to witness new life spring into her friend after seeing her walk around in a funk for the past week.
"Luffy!" Nami shouted hoping he would eventually see them sitting in their usual spots.
XXX
Coach Franky snapped the pen in his mouth seeing his quarterback whiff on another throw as it landed in the arms of a defender.
"Alright that's It! Monkey! Monkey!" He said grabbing a hold of the freshman, "get in there."
Luffy jogged out to the huddle relieving the backup from his duties.
"It's about damn time." Zoro said relieved to see his captain back in the game.
Unlike before Luffy's once enthusiastic voice turned cold as he gave the team their responsibilities breaking the huddle. Not much had changed during his tenure in the game. Passes that would normally be completed landed harmlessly on the turf. He took more heavy hits than normal as if he lost his awareness for the game he once loved. Overall he looked like a shell of the player that took the field two weeks prior.
Regardless of everything they were still in the game thanks to Zoro's career game all he had to do was keep the ball in their possession.
On the next play Luffy scrambled down the field after not seeing anyone open. The moment he stepped out of bounds he was hit very late by a defender. "Running our of bounds Monkey? You really are a weakling probably why you let your brother die." He spat through Luffy's face mask earning a growl from him.
In a flash Luffy ripped the foe's helmet off cracking his knuckles again the man's mouth drawing blood. The helpless opponent could only tear Luffy's helmet off before receiving more strikes to head starting to cower away.
The sidelines cleared as the teams threatened to start an all out brawl between the two universities. Yellow flags flew into the air from the referee pockets decorating the turf. Luffy had to be restrained by a few of his teammates being ejected from the game.
Luffy knocked over a cooler of water before heading toward the tunnel exiting the game officially.
Nami has the urge not to cry seeing the literal pain surge from the depths of his heart. She hardly recognized the sweet, carefree, man that she held in her arms when they fell asleep watching some movie.
Without a word Nami left going off on her own to find her grieving friend leaving the other two behind despite their protests.
When she reached the usual tunnel she met with the head trainer Tony Chopper who stood attending to another injured player.
"Excuse me Chopper have you seen Luffy?" She asked with an urgent tone lacing her voice.
"Oh Luffy? The dean and athletic director came and got him a few minutes ago, they're going to decide his punishment." The reindeer said solemnly hoping his friend would be alright.
"I see, thank you." Nami said returning Vivi and Tashigi who stood at the tunnel thankful they found her.
XXX
Nami jogged toward the freshmen dorms after receiving a text from Usopp telling her had collected a few things before leaving although he still wasn't talking.
"You lost the game for us today shithead!" A student shouted at the unresponsive man while being held back by girlfriend.
"Come on leave him alone, let's go." The woman said tugging on his arm desperately trying to get him away.
"Hey! You think you're better than me because you play football! He-!" Luffy snatched the student's collar hoisting him off his feet.
"Do you want to be next?! You want to end up like the other guy?!" Luffy lifted the man higher ignoring the woman's pleas to let him go.
"Luffy stop please." Nami clutched him from behind burying her face into his back. Immediately he relaxed releasing the man; the couple ran away from him as fast as they could.
"Luffy your scaring people...your scaring me..." she said softly feeling his shoulders drop and his loud exhale.
"Nami...I'm sorry, you know I'd never hurt you..." he spoke feeling her tighten her arms around him.
"I know...I missed you so much." She smiled slightly when he turned around to face her embracing her back.
"I really missed you too," he said shaking his head, "I thought you wouldn't want to talk to me...I'm a failure..." Luffy rested his forehead on her as she hugged him tighter.
"How could you think that? I was so worried about you and you're not a failure..." she whispered.
He jerked away taking a step back surprising her, "but I am Nami...I...I-I watched my brother die protecting me...I couldn't save him..." silent tears ran down his cheeks.
Nami stepped closer fearing he would leave. "Talk to me Luffy don't push me away, help me understand?"
"You can't!" He yelled halting her tracks for a brief moment before softening his tone, "You can't..."
"Your wrong!" She shouted back catching his eyes. "I do understand Luffy..." Nami clutched his sleeves glaring at him.
"When I was young my sister and I was adopted by an honorable policewoman, her name was Bellemere. She was my everything and one day someone from her past who she locked away in prison escaped tracking her down. To protect us she tell us to hide and to not come out until someone came to get us. We felt helpless hearing the struggle between them, the next thing we knew the police found us. Bellemere gave her life to stop the intruder from finding us and I blamed myself for years and didn't think I'd find real happiness...until I found you." Nami exclaimed wrapping her arms around his neck. "So please don't push me away, tell me what happened Luffy."
Luffy's eyes widened hearing her confession, he had no idea she'd been through something that traumatic especially at a young age, he couldn't imagine losing Ace that young—he wouldn't have made it. "I'm sorry Nami..." Luffy embraced her back tightly slightly lifting her feet off the ground.
Nami cupped his cheeks staring into his onyx eyes, "please will you tell me?" She questioned searching his slightly solemn expression.
"Yes." He said placing his forehead against hers.
XXX
"Thanks for walking me home..." Nami said softly unwilling to let go of Luffy's hand as their fingers tightly grasped onto each other's.
"No problem I was happy to, thank you for listening to me." He said still showing a solemn expression despite opening up to her.
"Luffy do you want to come in?" She asked after a few moments of silence leading him into her apartment.
"What's up? Do you want to study or watch a movie?" He questioned before she crashed her lips against his pushing him roughly into the door slamming it shut.
He instantly melted into her kiss wrapping his arm around her waist pulling Nami closer. Luffy groaned feeling her tongue part his lips slightly caught off guard from her passion.
Their limbs became entangled as she lead him to her room. Having only slept shirtless with one another and only participating in a few sexual activities thus far; the mood now was completely different. Having emotionally shared one another's pain they were able to finally break the last barrier that was holding them back.
Nami heartily laughed as Luffy scooped her up in his arms nuzzling into her neck. The pair fell on the bed releasing chuckles before wasting no time claiming each other's lips. They discarded their clothes continuing to share their feelings toward each other.
Once naked Luffy wasn't exactly sure where to go from here. He groaned loudly feeling Nami's hand pump him furiously making him grow in her touch. He could fall Nami start to guide him between the warmth between her thighs before she pushed him away slightly glaring up at him.
"W-what is it?" He asked unsure of what was wrong. If she was having second thoughts he wouldn't have minded, she was too important to just want for reasons like this.
"Luffy do you still have that thing that fell out of your pocket awhile back?" She questioned sitting upright on the bed. Luffy raised his brows in contemplation before nodding and disappearing back into the hallway.
Nami inwardly panicked jumping up from the bed heading into the bathroom shutting the door quietly. Upon flipping on the light she began fumbling with her makeup bag making sure to reapply it. She took out the ponytail letting her orange hair fall down pat her shoulders. Taking once last glance at herself she gave a small smile before darting back under the covers awaiting Luffy's return.
Luffy finally came back shutting the door behind him; "I found it." He said placing it on the bedside table.
"Good now come here." She commanded as she roughly grabbed his neck forcing him down onto her naked form. The pair explored each other like inexperienced teenagers getting used to the opposite sexs' bodies. It was sloppy but it made up for it due to the immense emotional and physical passion the couple showed to one another.
Nami could feel a familiar ache and emptiness return wanting to feel the way her friend's would describe. Butterflies made their way into her stomach refusing to leave.
"Luffy I'm ready." She said grabbing the condom and tearing it open. She placed it over his length stretching it down to cover him entirely.
"Now it's okay?" He asked still lost in bliss only focused on the warmth protruding from her legs. With a nod from the orangette he slowly entered her earning a loud moan.
"Luffy." She whined as he hit a wall.
"Nami, there's something...should I stop?"
"No! It's okay...keep going."
The couple spoke between ragged pants; Luffy hit her core as she threw her head back feeing him fully penetrate her walls.
"Nami...you're bleeding." He said trying to back out of her.
"Luffy," she whined placing her legs around his waist, "it's supposed to happen like this...just please let's keep going."
"But I don't want to hurt you..."
"Luffy...you can never hurt me..." she said softly wrapping her arms around his neck bringing their exposed chests togethers.
Soon the couple gave their virginities to each other in a rapid exchange of lovemaking. It didn't last too long but it didn't need to; this was just the beginning of their journey together.
They snuggled into one another continuing to passionately kiss exploring each other's mouths letting sleep overcome them within minutes.
XXX
Nami sat in the four story library humming along with her favorite song while twirling a pen around her fingers. She didn't notice Vivi sit down until the bluenette waved a hand in her face peeling her attention from her studies.
"Morning." Vivi said with a warm smile handing Nami a triple skim cappuccino just how she like it while keeping a salted caramel mocha for herself.
"Morning." She waved with a warm smile.
"Someone looks happy today." Vivi said with a knowing smirk noticing the orangette's unusually bubbly mood.
Nami chuckled, "what do you mean? I'm always like this Vivi." She said placing the academic items in her backpack.
Vivi just rolled her eyes. "Suuure, so you're telling me this has nothing to do with last night." A hint of a smile played at the younger woman's lips.
Nami couldn't contain her shy smile and heavy blush as taking her reading glasses off. "Maybe it does." She said meeting Vivi's gaze.
Vivi snatched Nami's hands viciously glaring into her chocolate eyes. "Spill it now. Everything." She stated commanding her roommate tell her about what happened after she abruptly left the room the previous night.
"I don't even know where to begin..." Nami said squeezing Vivi's hands tightly trying to contain her excitement. The blush still hadn't gone away even as she avoided her friend's gaze staring out the large windows.
"Just start from the beginning, and don't you dare leave out any details Nami." Vivi said sipping from her mocha anticipating her friend's explanation a her unusual behavior.
Nami let out a sigh meeting her friend's gaze, "it was like fireworks..."
—
Luffy stood in the middle of the locker room finishing his apology to the team about his behavior the past weekend costing them the victory. The team graciously accepted the genuine gesture before returning to work, they had another game to prep for.
Usopp, Sanji, and Zoro approached their newly reinstated captain welcoming him back with open arms.
"Hey, guys. Sorry I was a jerk..."
"Sorry?" Zoro questioned with an arched brow. "You had every right to be angry after what happened. Although since we lost my career day didn't mean shit so you owe me one." He said with a smirk.
"Yeah we're always here for you Luffy if you ever need to talk to us we have your back captain." Usopp patted him on the shoulder happily.
"It's not us you should be apologizing too. I heard you treated Nami like a jerk I swear if didn't apologize already, she was worried sick about you—" Sanji growled as Luffy's cheeks reddened at the mention of his girlfriend.
"Oh yeah, of course I apologized..." he said rubbing the back of his neck turning away. The trio exchanged looks wondering why he was acting that way. They couldn't think on it anymore due to their workouts being next on the schedule.
In the athletic weight room facility Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp trained in a group. It was like any other hour long session they'd had during the season except their quarterback and leader had a different air about him this morning.
Luffy exhaled loudly setting the barbell with two hundred twenty-five pounds on the rack above the bench watching his friends and teammates completing their own exercises.
Usopp held a barbell with moderate weight doing numerous calve raises. Sanji stacked weight plates on a tall box jumping onto the stack until he grew tired. Zoro completed his tricep and bicep workouts with heavy dumbbells dropping them on the floor with loads clangs before they surrounded their freshmen captain boxing him in while he sat up on the bench.
"Oi what's up guys?" He asked with a wide grin not understanding their behavior.
"Alright what the hell's up with you? You've had that stupid grin spread across your face all workouts, it's freakin me out." Zoro said crossing his arms wanting to get to the bottom of this.
"I hate to agree with moss-hair but he's got a point, there's definitely something diffident about you." Sanji added scratching his goatee.
"Yeah and you never showed at the dorms last night, where the hell were you man?" Usopp asked as the trio inched closed interrogating their leader.
Luffy internally struggled about telling his friends about what happened. The last thing they'd heard from him last week was the tragic news. Now here he sat plastered with a grin he couldn't hide all because of her.
"HEY! YOU WANT TO BE CHAMPIONS NEXT YEAR OR NOT!" Coach Franky yelled breaking them from their huddle.
"Y-yes head coach." They answered standing up straight to address their authoritative figure.
"Alright SUPAH! Now fall in line and get moving we got wind sprints, OW!"
The group nodded furiously running to the rest of the team to the indoor facility.
"Luffy hold up." Franky called halting the quarterback's tracks waving him over.
"Yeah coach?" Luffy questioned arching a brow; it was rare to receive a one on one talk with the coach. He hoped he wasn't being punished for missing a week of offseason workouts.
Franky lifted the dark tinted shades from his face staring directly at the freshmen. "It's alright if you need more time off, the school told me about..." he paused looking away for a moment. "So if you ever need to talk I have your back son." He said placing a hand on Luffy's shoulder.
Luffy couldn't help slightly smiling knowing he had the support of his coach. "I'll be alright, I have my teammates. Thanks coach."
"Good," he said with a smile slipping his shades back on, "NOW GET MOVIN! DON'T JUST STAND THERE, WE DON'T WALK ANYWHERE YOU BETTER RUN ON THE WAY TO MY FIELD!" The coach shouted chasing after the quarterback making sure he sprinted to join his teammates.
XXX
The Grand Line University Pirates were down on the scoreboard by two points and were currently driving their offense down the field to win the game.
Luffy found Sanji a few times and handed it Zoro before calling a timeout as time nearly expired. He couldn't help frown coming off the field at the conservative approach from coach Franky. They were fighting for first place on their respective conference but after losing a game they wouldn't get a chance to go to nationals—in his mind they should risk it all but he had to listen to his superior.
"USOPP! USOPP!" Coach Franky screamed throwing his headset on the ground trying to find his kicker who was busy hiding behind the head athletic trainer Chopper.
Nami, Vivi, and Tashigi sat in their usual spots cheering the team on with Kaya placed between them. She had gotten a rare weekend off from her studies this semester and wanted to catch Usopp's game. She didn't understand most of it and only really seemed interested when the kicker ran onto the field.
"Look there he is Kaya!" Nami said placing a hand on her shoulder pointing to the kicker who jogged nervously onto the field.
"Usopppp! Usopppp!" She yelled waving furiously hoping he would eventually notice her cheering.
"Luffy I want you in on this one you'll be the holder calm your buddy down." Franky said watching the starting quarterback jog back onto the field.
"Usopp looks nervous you think he got this?" Zoro asked seeing Sanji shrug.
"If he doesn't he'll be trashed the rest of the year. It's unfair but being the kicker is a delicate balance. In moments like this he could either be the school's clown or hero." Sanji exclaimed earning a nod from the running back.
The opposing team took a timeout seeing the kicker knees shaking hoping to put him on ice and further diminish his confidence.
"Come on buddy you got this." Luffy said facing the kicker. "It's just like practice."
"No it's not Luffy, I've never kicked this distance before I'm nervous out of my mind... I-I might have to fake an inj—"
USOPPPP!" The kicker turned his attention to the familiar voice noticing Kaya waving to him with a happy smile on her face.
His eyes widened remembering that she said she'd come to his game today. His teeth gritted and his knuckles tightened as the man's knees stood tall. "Hold the fuck out of the ball Luffy, we're going to win this thing."
"Yosh! That's what I like to hear!" Luffy said as the whistles blew and everyone got into formation.
"Bring us home Usopp." Luffy said turning back to the center to receive the ball. Usopp gave one last glance toward the stands before turning his attention to ball on Luffy's hands. Even as a defender leapt over the formation to knock him out, his eyes held no fear despite knowing he was going to receive a big hit.
Usopp blacked out not knowing wether his kick went in or not; however he kept the smile on his face knowing Kaya came to watch him—that's what truly mattered in that moment.
The kicker inhaled sharply being hoisted up by his teammates.
"We won Usopp you did it man!" Luffy yelled in his face mask shaking his jersey. Usopp watched the opposing team walking toward the tunnel leaving the stadium and could see the fans storming the field.
Zoro and Sanji hugged one another before the running back threw him off the ground. "You do that again I'll kill you curly brow!"
"Eh?! You did that to me! I should kill you, you damn bastard!" The two pushed one another roughly on the way to congratulating their teammate. Usopp was hoisted on the others' shoulders being celebrated as a hero for winning a conference title.
Kaya met Usopp when his teammates dropped him in front of her.
"You came." He said breathlessly taking a few steps her.
"I'm so proud of you." She launched into his arms earning cheers from all around them.
In the midst of the chaos Luffy found Nami waiting for him. He ran over to the orangette hurriedly, picking her up just above her knees; He spun her around happily earning chuckles from Nami.
The couple embraced placing their foreheads together. Even if he lost it would've mattered but it wasn't everything like before. Nami's words rang true and changed his outlook and reignited his love for the game. He played for something much bigger than winning and losing which would take him farther than his talent and work ethic ever could.
"Thank you Nami..." he said softly into her ear examining his taped wrists which read R.I.P Ace in permanent marker.
"You'll never have to say thank you Luffy...but your welcome." She whispered back placing a kiss on his lips.
XXX
The usual group along with Kaya and a few sorority girls shared beers in the backyard huddling around a fire.
"They're so cute." Nami cooed in Luffy's ear keeping her eyes on Kaya and Usopp.
"Huh?" Luffy said scratching his head in confusion unsure of what Nami meant as she sank deeper on his lap forcing him back onto the chair.
"I mean them Luffy..." she said gesturing with her head the couple. Kaya giggled as Usopp told her the stories he'd had over the past semester. "They're like how we used to be..."
"We're still like that..." Luffy stated picking his nose with a pinky.
"Stop doing that!" Nami shouted showing a demon face causing him to burst out laughing. "It's not funny!" She hit his cheek with her fist repeatedly trying to get his attention.
Luffy tightened his hold around her ignoring the steaming bumps on the side of his face. "Nami I want you right now." He whispered in her ear causing the orangette to shiver from the sensation crawling through her body.
"What's with your sense of timing?"
"I don't know I just really want to do it with you right now."
"So much?"
"Yeah so much."
"Well don't keep me waiting then." She giggled leading them by the hand toward her room.
"Have fun you two!" Vivi shouted causing both of them to freeze chuckling at being caught trying to sneak away.
"Luffy make sure you wear protection I don't trust that witch." Zoro stated earning punches on his head from a furious Tashigi. He didn't even blink when Nami's shoe bounced off his face.
"Luffy you lucky bastard!" Sanji shouted with heart eyes holding two sorority girls against him.
The group raised their beers bidding the couple good night. The pair landed on the bed attacking their respective partner's lips throwing their clothes on the ground. It didn't take long before they tore up Nami's neatly made bed with their heated sex.
It didn't matter that she wanted to become a professional photographer after graduating. It didn't matter that he wanted to go professional a year early to leave school at the same time as his girlfriend and not risk injury. Nothing really mattered in the moments they shared except the ones together with their friends and each other. This is what going to university was about; it became about forming connections that lasted a lifetime. The past nor future mattered, it was all about living in the present, overcoming obstacles together, and the transition from adolescent to adulthood.
"Wow that was great..." Luffy said pulling his girlfriend to rest on his chest.
"Damn right it was, you're amazing. I didn't think college could be like this." She said nuzzling into his neck.
"Me neither...me neither shishsi." He chuckled placing a kiss on her lips before they passed out into oblivion keeping their loved ones and each other in their thoughts—the past nor the future mattered.
A/N: Next series of stories are going to be one-shots before going into back to the three chapter format. Like A Pro 42 if your reading this bud it may take awhile but I will make that request a three chapter story. For everyone I hope you enjoyed the reading.
