A/N: Zero101~ Sorry for the wait. The chapters from here on out might get slower due to multiple problems.
I need more ideas, open to opinions.
Chapter 9. Nami's Concerns
Waking up the next morning was...odd to say the least. He felt bad that he couldn't convince Chopper to take back his room, but the little doctor just waved him off and said he'd sleep with Zoro in his bed.
Which sounded weird in his mind. Doing what came naturally, he fixed breakfast and prepared to get ready for school, only just noticing the absence of his teacher.
Groaning, he made his way down to Zoro's room. Some example he's setting, stupid marimo.
He didn't know how to feel when he pushed open the door and took in the scene before him. Zoro and Chopper were both still asleep, snoring. The older lying on his back while the doctor's head nestled on his shoulder, Zoro's face was buried in Chopper's shaggy brown hair with his arm wrapped around the boy's shoulder.
He wanted to scream at the man for clinging to a child in such a way, wanted to kick the mans ass until he apologized to the little doctor. He was forced to stop though when Chopper yawned and rose up, Zoro's arm fell from his shoulder with a soft thump.
Chopper rubbed his eyes and sleepily ganced over at him. "G'morning, Sanji." tired eyes scanned around the darkened room. "What time is it?"
Trying to remain calm, he answered. "'Bout 6:30. Zoro needs to wake up and get ready. And I got breakfast made." He had to ask. "Do you two...normally sleep like that?"
Chopper yawned again, stretching his arms above his head. "When I have nightmares I usually sleep in here." The boy suddenly grinned. "Zoro doesn't know it, but he cuddles in his sleep."
He immediately felt embrassed and ashamed for thinking that someone like Zoro would actually do anything bad to a child. Now I need to apologize.
He watched as Chopper shook Zoro. "It may take a few minutes for Zoro to be coherent enough to get up."
"Why's that?"
Chopper glanced over, hand still on the mans shoulder. "He said he hasn't slept since your house burnt down. My guess it's been so heavily on his mind that he hasn't been able to. Come on, Zoro. You're going to be late for work."
Shit...now I really have to apologize.
Zoro shot up, eyes wide in panic. Chopper gripped his shoulder. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
"Zoro?"
"What time is it?"
He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Time for breakfast, idiot swordsman."
Zoro blinked before a sworl crossed over his face. "What'd you call me?"
"You make it so easy. Now get the hell up and eat. I got to finish getting ready for school...and you need a shower."
oOoOoOoO
"I forgot to mention it earlier, but you're excused from school today." he said, taking his seat at the table next to Chopper after getting ready in record time.
Sanji almost dropped his mug. "What're ya-"
"I've already talked it over with Shanks and Mihawk, and both are fine with you staying here for a few days." he stated, slowly enjoying Sanji's well made breakfast while Chopper reached over for more juice. He groaned at the glare he received from the irate blond. "It's probably for the best."
Three...Two...One...
Sanji gritted his teeth, repying. "I told you I don't need to be coddled. I can handle going to fucking school. My friends need to know I'm okay!"
He sighed, putting his fork down. "You've got an opportunity to stay home and you're actually arguing to go to school? What the hell happened to kids these days? Most would love to have someone, a teacher no less, tell them to stay out of school." He threw his eyes over to Chopper. "Wouldn't you like a day off every once 'n a while?"
Okay, bringing the little doctor into the conversation didn't really help the argument, he noted when Chopper shuffled awkwardly in his seat.
Sanji stood up, gathering his bag. "I am not hiding in your house, marimo."
He snorted. Well...he's gonna be pissed then...
Standing up and gathering his bag also, he gave a sidelong glance at Chopper, who nodded his head. He shrugged his shoulders, making his way to the door. "Well, suit yourself. Come on, Chopper, I'll drop you off real quick." Chopper grabbed his things and rushed out the door first. He gave Sanji one last look before making his way too. "Since you're all about leaving, there's something I need to warn you about..."
Sanji, who was looking for something, gave him a weird look. "What's that?"
"You won't be going anywhere without your keys. Seeyoulater!" he added quickly as he ran out the door and to his car. He could just barely make out Sanji's profile in his rearview mirror, throwing what appeared to be one of his kitchen chairs at him. "Shit."
Chopper glanced over, shaking in fear. "I don't think he liked that."
"Oh well."
That went well...
He sighed.
He's gonna be a little bitch when I come home.
oOoOoOoO
"You mother fucking asshole!" he shouted at the retreating truck, not caring that he had just broken one of his teachers chairs, adding more to his debt. "How dare you leave me here!" he stomped back inside the house.
He is so going to pay for this!
oOoOoO
"Where's Sanji?!"
"Is Sanji okay?!"
"Did Sanji's house really burn down?"
"Is Sanji dead?!"
He was getting a headache with all the chatter that filled his class, almost regretting not allowing Sanji to come and defuse the drama.
He slammed a textbook down. "Everyone take your seats!" When all he recieved was a few disgruntled stares, he opened his book to the page they were working on. "Sanji Black is just fine, and will more than likely be here tomorrow."
He didn't say anything about Sanji staying at his place, since he techinally wasn't supposed to. It was against school regulation. Well, normal regulations anyway. And that it would bring even more attention that neither of them needed or wanted.
Sighing, he turned to his class. "Sanji will be back tomorrow and it would probably be in his best interest if everyone didn't bother him too much on the subject. He doesn't need anymore stress than he is already under." The door to his room burst open, and the redhead girl that was a part of the blondes group stomped in. He blinked in confusion as she stomped up to him. "Uh...can I help y-"
"Where the hell is Sanji?!" Nami demanded, getting right up in his face with her finger jammed against his chest. "I know what's going on with the bike repairs payment, so that means he's more than likely with you." she added in a low whisper, trying not to let the rest of the class hear.
Weird that he has female friends that truly care about him...
"Let's take this out in the hall." he suggested calmly, walking towars the door. Nami followed quickly after him and he shut the door. "Since you know about our arrangement...Sanji's at my place." he scratched the back of his head, getting flustered. "He's probably going to stay there until everything gets settled out."
Nami crossed her arms and gave him a suspicious glare. "That's awfully kind of you, considering you two hate each others guts.
It sounded worse when you put it that way...
He was quiet for a moment, picking his words very carefully. "I've learned enough about him to know that he's a pain in the ass teenager who irritates the hell out of me...but who 's lost everything and needs a place to stay. I'm not a heartless person, if that's what he's told you. I wouldn't wish anything like this on anyone."
At that, she appeared to soften up, and gave a small laugh. "Nothing like that. Just that you're lazy and a horder."
He smiled. "You and the rest of your group are welcome to visit whenever you wish. If you want to take the rest of today off and see him at my home...here, give me your hand."
Putting his glasses on, he pulled out a pen, took her hand and started writing down his address. She made a strange shrieking sound. "What're you doing?"
Giving her a bored stare, he said. "It's my address." he stood back up to his full height. "I'd actually really apprieciate it if you all were to go see him today." he chuckled. "He's pretty pissed off at me and I'm hoping this'll kinda even it out."
oOoOoO
"Wow, Zoro's gotta nice place." Usopp muttered, walking into the living room. Nami was inspecting the pictures on the walls in the halls, while Luffy was running in and out of rooms, yelling about how awesome the place is.
"I'm sorry about not being too presentable." Sanji said, still wearing Zoro's sweats and shirt. He turned towards Nami. "And might I say you look lovely!"
Luffy stuck his head around the corner. "This place is awesome!" then ran off again.
Hearts appeared in his eyes as he gazed upon Nami, who had taken a seat on the couch. "Oh, Nami. Were you so concerned for me to actually come visit me at our behemoth teachers home? Oh, how I love~ you!" he spun around and attempted to hug the redhead, only to be stopped by her boot in his face.
Crossing her arms, Nami gave him a once-over. She smiled. "At least now I know you're okay. Zoro really wouldn't tell us much about what happened."
He snorted, standing back up. "I thought he'd be saying that I was a mess over the whole thing." Seems like something that the smug bastard would do.
Nami watched as Usopp went to explore the house with Luffy before speaking again. "Are you okay? I mean, you've lost pretty much everything."
He grinned, twirling on the spot. She's worried about me! "Your concern fills me with such joy, Nami-swan!" he took a seat next to her, still grinning. "Of course I'm fine, my dear. There's no need to worry about."
She continued. "Is Zoro treating you okay? It's kinda weird that he's just letting you stay here."
He frowned, leaning back in his seat. "He's...okay, I guess." he crossed his legs, his finger tapping his knee in thought. "I think it's kinda weird too." he glared, remembering how the man had left him here. "I'm pissed he left me stranded here today...but I guess I can see where he was going."
Nami groaned,and threw her head back. "It was crazy. I felt kinda bad for Zoro, he looked miserable that he wasn't able to teach anything. Having to hear all the exaggrations on how you might be dead or that someone has a hit on you."
"I heard my old man mention something about a string of fires breaking out...I guess I never imagined it to happen to my house."
The two remained quiet for a while, their friends running from room to room filling the silence. Nami finally broke it, leaning over towards him. "You going to be okay-"
He cut her off, chuckling to himself. "There's nothing to worry about, my dear."
"-I mean about staying here?"
...
He hadn't really thought about that, though he hadn't planned on staying at his teachers house for long. "I think it'll be okay for a few days. I probably won't be here for too long. I'm pretty confident I can find a new place to stay soon."
"It might actually be better for you to stay here as long as you can." At his disgusted stare, she continued. "You can save your money and build your life back up. And, in light of things, I'm pretty sure Zoro will call off the debt of his bike now."
He grinned. "You think so?"
She smirked. "Only 'cause your services will now be switched over to rent."
"Shit"
oOoOoO
"Did you find out anything?" he asked as he sat down in Mihawk's house, gently setting his case by his feet.
"It's always a pleasure to see your smiling face. Or is the lack of expression simply for me?" The man stated, leaning back in his seat with his feet on the desk.
Like you have any room to talk.
"Tell me, how did Sanji react to you leaving him at your home. I'm almost certain that it was an...interesting experience."
He groaned, crossed his arms on the older mans table and laid his head down. "He broke one of my chairs..."
"That is to be expected, I suppose. Now...about my research." he glanced up as the man spoke. Mihawk turned his laptop around, showing him a picture of a young man who attended school there a couple years ago. "I believe this is the young man you were looking for."
A dark smile appeared on his face as he took in the boys, remembering the twisted glee the guy had as he watched Sanji's house burn to the ground.
Mihawk smirked. "Now you just need proof."
He stood up. "You got an address for me?"
"You're not going there today, are you? With the way you're grinning, I'd be afraid of giving you the location for the fact he may turn up...missing."
He shook his head. "Not today. I have to work out a few things. Make some plans..."
Mihawk chuckled, giving him the address. "Don't get caught while you're disposing of the body."
"I'm not going to kill the guy."
"Hmm..." the man turned in his chair, giving him his back.
Zoro turned to leave. As he shut the door behind him, he could've sworn he heard Mihawk mutter 'pity'.
I feel like I narrowly escaped becoming an asset to murder...creepy-ass fuck.
He sighed.
And I have to train with him.
oOoOoO
It's been about two weeks since he began to live with his teacher, and surprisingly, it hadn't been nearly as bad as he thought it would've been. He'd managed to convince Zeff to allow him to work during the week; and have the weekends off if it wasn't too busy (as long as his grades stayed up), and Zoro didn't seem to mind that he had pretty much taken a lot of his time.
He still hadn't gotten used to Zoro's kindness yet. When he had nearly wiped out his checking account to purchase a new wardrobe, the man had actually paid out of his own pocket to make sure he had enough clothes and supplies. Zoro had officially moved him into the spare room that Chopper used on Sundays, helped him decorate, etc.
He even managed to get the man to spar with him everyday after work to stay in shape (he was pleased that Zoro was impressed with his talent in Capoeira), though he wasn't allowed to watch Zoro train when he was over at Hawkeye's place. Something about it being 'sacred' or 'private' or something. He smirked. He just didn't want to be seen when he got his ass kicked.
He was happy that the scene with his place going up in flames had died down and everything was back to normal...except for one thing.
He hadn't gotten laid in weeks...which was a long time for him. On this fateful Saturday, he was contemplating on bringing over one of his girlfriends for a little fun while Zoro was out training.
Waking up early so he could cook breakfast, he wondered how he was going to ask his teacher if he could do this. Hey, marimo! While you're out playing, is it okay for me to bring over a beautiful lady for a quick fuck? He had a feeling that that wouldn't work.
He didn't want to piss off the man that opened his home to him.
"Morning." The man in question yawned as he took a seat at the table. Zoro had finally stopped glaring at the empty spot on the floor where one of his chairs had sat. He rubbed absently at the scar over his eye and glanced over at the clock. "Why're you up so early?"
"I'm used to waking up this early to go to work." He chuckled, setting a plate of eggs and bacon before Zoro, earning a muttered 'thanks' in return. "It's habit. I'll probably get over it before long."
How to ask...
He watched as the man took a bite. "Hey, Zoro..."
Zoro looked up, fork halfway to his lips. His eyes completely focused on him. "Hmm?"
His eye twitched. Fuck, don't look at me. "I was wondering..." this is the man who's let you into his home. He was really wanting to kill his inner voice as it continued to try to make him feel guilty.
Zoro put his fork down, tilting his head slightly in confusion. "Is everything okay?"
After a few seconds...Fuck it, I'm getting laid. "Is it cool for me to invite some friends over?"
...
The man blinked, before giving him a deadpanned look. Busted, I knew that wouldn't work! He knows the people I hang out with. What if he asks who? I can't lie worth shit! Fuck, he's still looking at me funny. He bailed out."I mean...it's okay if you don't..."
"I don't care if you invite anyone over, I said that this is just as much your home as it is mine until you find a place." Zoro stated calmly. "I don't want you to feel like you can't do anything while you're here."
He doesn't suspect nothing? He blinked. I'm in the clear?
He was still sitting at the table when Zoro left to go prepare himself for his session with Hawkeye. Zoro looked over his shoulder at him as he grabbed his swordcase and two extra blades (which he still hadn't gotten to watch how the man used them) and tucked them under his arm. "Don't break anything, k?"
He snorted. "Whatever, shithead.", and watched as his teacher left. As soon as Zoro pulled out of the driveway, he pulled out his phone. And stared at the number of the girl who was always willing for a little fun.
Am I really going to do this?
...
He dialed. "Hey, Mika. You busy?"