A/N Yay, an update! :) thanks to those who fave'd, followed and reviewed.

CHAPTER 10

In all his years being a regular at Corazon's tavern, Law hadn't thought there was much left to surprise him. Upon opening the entrance, the sight within gave him an intense pause. Because observing the show tidily laid out before him, it was apparent he was unbearably mistaken about that.

Near the counter was Luffy who appeared to be engaged in a serious eating competition with a pink-haired woman. Ussop, Bepo and Franky were cheering for him, waving a weird-looking banner in the air while some other guys were swinging pompoms and dancing comically in an attempt to cheer for the girl.

As his gaze swept around the room, he spotted Corazon on the other side of the counter, his clothes tattered and burnt – the normal him, nothing to be concerned about. He must have accidentally lit himself on fire again while smoking.

On the other corner of the room were angry and pathetic men who seemed to be stripped off of their clothes and belongings – every last piece of it, the sight hurts his eyes. They looked as if they were robbed of their dignity and couldn't do anything but sulk at their misfortunes in life.

"Captain Law," Jean Bart courteously greeted him, he worked for Corazon as a bouncer.

Law only nodded in acknowledgement as he steps in, his eyes now had settled on the very center of the room, where a familiar girl sat upon a high stool, her legs crossed like royalty, different clothing articles sprawled out on the floor below her, Shachi and Penguin stood erect like noble knights beside her, men of different uniforms kneeling in front of her while she fanned a stash of cash on her delighted face while she took pleasure at the attention she was currently receiving.

He was completely baffled at the scene he was witnessing.

"What the hell happened here, Jean Bart?" Law stood unnoticed by the entrance as the big man closed the door.

The bouncer walked a little past him and bent to pick a standard-sized playing card. He handed it to Law and chuckled like a kid, "The girlie beat 'em folks in a poker game, not a single hand lost."

His eyes widened in shock, he couldn't contain his astonishment any longer. "She cheated?"

"Nah, she's good Captain. Been watching her all the time, might cause some trouble if she did. Caught some, but not her." Jean Bart informed, pointing at the other corner where seven people were tied up, unconscious.

Law trailed his sight back to Nami and wondered what kind of life she lived before he dragged her into their world. His brows scrunched together as he watched her take advantage of the men kneeling before her and calling her queen. She easily manipulated them into getting her the most expensive drink in the house and he bet his life Corazon was into this too.

Women who can play poker in this era usually come from a military family. Card games were for men, for soldiers, for combatants who wanted to take a break from the hostilities of battles. Now that he thought about it, he didn't really know anything about Nami. Her past, her family, her former life, even her surname were all a mystery.

He didn't bother to care at first because he had merely seen her as someone who will eventually disappear in his life. Law did not even expect she'd last this long with them without trying to stupidly escape again. He had always thought she would run away. After all, she did try once, albeit unsuccessful. If he was not in that alley by chance that day though, she would've had been a goner then.

"Cora, more booze here~" Nami slurred, her cheeks were dusted with pink hues. She had obviously consumed a lot.

"I'll get you another one, Miss Nami." Shachi raised his hand, too hyper for his own good.

"You get one for yourself and Penguin, too." She grinned and turned to look at the man groveling below her feet, obviously drunk. "Put it on this man's tab, Cora!"

"Got it, Nami!" Corazon yelled.

"Why are you listening to her, Corazon? The man didn't even approve of it." Law finally sat and leaned his elbows against the counter, eyes still glued on the girl who did not even notice his arrival.

The blond man chuckled, "It was his fault he got drunk before the girl did, look at him. He said he'll be the queen's foot stool. Certainly, buying a few drinks for the girl won't hurt." He pointed a finger, trying to prove his point.

"Captain!" Shachi saluted upon discerning his presence, one hand gripping at a mug of expensive booze he recognizes as Cora's special and it was surely pricey.

He nodded and waved his hand.

The other man ran back to Nami and whispered something to her. The said girl whipped her head and beamed at him, finally detecting his presence. She took the mug and drank it up graciously.
"Are we going home, Doctor?" She asked as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

Corazon chuckled, Shachi and Penguin giggled, the men groveling on the floor below her huffed in disappointment, Law frowned.

"I've been waiting for you. I have a favor to ask." Nami bit out as she strode down the high stool, she cheekily stepped on the poor man who declared himself as her foot stool earlier. Once on her feet, she turned to Law's two men. "I'll tell him."

The two only gave her a firm nod, wishing her good luck despite the nervousness manifesting on their faces. For a moment, Law wondered what favor she could possibly ask.

She made his way towards the doctor, leaving the ruckus she created in Shachi and Penguin's hands, uncharacteristic smile plastered on her features.

"What?" Law probed, an eyebrow rising at the girl's eccentricity.

She sat beside him, her prior confidence suddenly diminishing, "W-well, will you allow me to go to the coast before going home?" She stammered nervously. When Law did not respond, she sighed. "I could make use of your company. Luffy could have agreed but Miss Bonney there took his attention, I asked Shachi and Penguin but they said it should be up to you. The smart boys don't trust me anymore, I think." She chuckled uneasily.

"How bold, Nami~ asking Law for a date on the coast." Corazon teased, appearing behind them out of the blue.

The nurse almost jumped out of her seat, her face red and panic-stricken. It took a few seconds before her brain realizes what the peacekeeper just said. Her embarrassment flared up and she flailed her arms defensively, "T-that's not what I meant!"

Corazon laughed as he spun around and tended to another customer beside them. Nami could only pout and Law remained unreadable. "Well?" she persuaded, fingers now tapping the counter in earnest anticipation. Of course, he would turn her down. It was stupid of her to think that he would give in to her request.

"Why the coast?" He suddenly asked in a stern manner.

Startled at his unexpected query, Nami contemplated if she would tell him the truth or fabricate a heart-wrenching story – she settled for the former. "I-it's my mom's death anniversary and she's now one with the sea." She hesitantly retorted.

An uncomfortable silence sank in between them. And she finally accepted she was not able to convince him enough. She will just ask Luffy on another day.

"Let's go, then, before it gets any later." Law hoisted tiredly, "Besides, I owe you a favor from last time." He added, referring to the incident with Lami last week.

Nami's eyes grew wide like saucers. Surprised and happy, she trailed after the doctor blissfully, signaling the men around them a positive gesture.

Review Responses

Silvia Yes, indeed~ Thank you.

Chococatmarsh Hugs and kisses too! Oh, I wanted to start. Do you think their progress is too slow?

IloveCelestialIce Ahaha! Ang cute mo! Hindi, hindi. Si Cora sana. Haha! Ok na ba yung BoY? I'm waiting… *taps fingers* lol! No pressure though! Haha!

Sarge1130 Thank you for your reviews too! I really like your detailed reviews. I said this before, I'll say it again – it makes me want to rethink the plot I had in mind. ^_^