I do not own One Piece or its characters, I only own this story.

Hopeless Romantics: Chapter 55

Koala had gone home to her place after Sabo left. She lived alone in a small studio apartment and was greeted by no one when she entered.

Before she went on the walk with Sabo, she had dropped off her backpack. Koala sat at her desk, at first with the intention of doing some homework. The problem was she couldn't focus on anything and her mind kept wandering back to what happened with Sabo. Oh my god, I can't believe Sabo kissed me! And how good of a kisser he was…fuck! I didn't even try to stop him, though. I ASKED HIM TO KISS ME! How embarrassing!

She groaned and rested her face on the opened textbook infront of her. Koala was frustrated at Sabo for leaving like he did. I thought he said he understood…but he must have been kidding, right? Why did he get so mad then?

Since she wasn't getting anywhere with her homework and didn't want to think about the idea of Sabo being mad at her, Koala decided to focus on what song she would use for her dance.

After pulling out her phone, she connected her Bluetooth wireless headphones. She put them on and began to listen to one of the songs that she was considering. Since she was tense, she decided to dance along to the beat in her chair.

(Rock Bottom by Hailee Steinfeld)

What are we fighting for?
Seems like we do it just for fun
In this, this stupid war
We play hard with our plastic guns

Breathe deep, bottle it up
So deep until it's all we got
Don't speak, just use your touch
Don't speak before we say too much

You hate me now and I feel the same way
You love me now and I feel the same way
Scream and we shout
And make up the same day, same day

Oh, we're on the right side of rock bottom
And I hope that we keep falling
We're on the good side of bad karma
'Cause we keep on coming back for more
We're on the right side of rock bottom
And to you I just keep crawling
You're the best kind of bad something
'Cause we keep on coming back for more

You get under my skin
More than anyone's ever been
But when we lay in bed
You hold me harder till I forget

You hate me now and I feel the same way
You love me now and I feel the same way
Scream and we shout
And make up the same day, same day

Oh, we're on the right side of rock bottom
And I hope that we keep falling
We're on the good side of bad karma
'Cause we keep on coming back for more
We're on the right side of rock bottom
And to you I just keep crawling
You're the best kind of bad something
'Cause we keep on coming back for more
Keep on coming back for more
'Cause we keep on coming back for more

What are we fighting for?
Seems like we do it just for fun
In this, this stupid war
We play hard with our plastic guns

Oh, we're on the right side of rock bottom
And I hope that we keep falling
We're on the good side of bad karma
'Cause we keep on coming back for more
We're on the right side of rock bottom
And to you I just keep crawling
You're the best kind of bad something
'Cause we keep on coming back for more
Keep on coming back for more
'Cause we keep on coming back for more
Keep on coming back for more
'Cause we keep on coming back for more

Koala stopped the music when the song finished, "No, that's not quite right…" She knew just the song to use, though.

After spending the rest of the night practicing to the song she decided on, Koala went to bed feeling both excited and nervous for the next day.

The next morning while Franky was on his way to Iceburg's, he was interrupted on his way down the elevator in his apartment building.

"Sabo!" He shouted in surprise after seeing whose hand had stopped the doors from closing.

The blond smiled, "Franky. You goin' to Iceburg's?"

Franky raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Yeah, are you coming along?"

"If that's okay," Sabo clearly was eager to go.

The larger man struck a pose, "That'd be SUPER!"

They rode the elevator down and walked to Franky's bright yellow pick-up truck. Sabo had to take a big step into the passenger seat since it was so high off the ground. After he buckled himself in, Sabo turned to his friend, "Hey, Franky?"

"Yeah?" Franky started the engine.

Sabo cleared his throat, "Is Koala going to be there?"

Franky gave him a weird look, "Isn't that why you are coming?"

"Huh?" Sabo was confused, "You knew?"

Rolling his eyes, Franky flatly said, "Obviously."

Sabo began to stare out the window to hide his embarrassing blush. He stayed quiet the rest of the way to the club.

When they arrived, Sabo jumped down from the truck and slammed the door closed. He and Franky went inside together and took a seat at the bar. As they sat there and ordered a couple beers, Sabo kept turning around to look at the door.

"Dude, you've got to relax!" Franky clapped his hand down onto Sabo's back and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. He leaned-in closer to the blond, "She's not going to be here for another twenty minutes. Why don't you tell me what's going on?"

The blond sighed and rolled his eyes, "I don't really have a choice, do I?"

Franky grinned, "Nope."

Sabo groaned, "Ugh… I need to apologize to her, okay?"

"What did you do?" Franky was scolding him.

"I misunderstood things," he took a long chug of his beer.

The blue-haired man stared at his younger friend, with compassion in his voice, Franky guessed, "She doesn't like you, does she?"

Sabo glared at him, "No, why does everyone think that?!" He shook his head, "Whatever, anyway… I think she feels the same way I do, but…"

As his voice trailed off Franky studied him quizzically, "But what?"

He turned and looked at his friend, "Sometimes I don't get her."

Franky burst into laughter, "Uhahaha! Of course, you don't! You barely know each other!"

Shrugging his shoulders, Sabo escaped Franky's embrace, "I'm sick of hearing that as an excuse!"

"Sheesh, okay!" Franky held up his arms in defeat, "I didn't know it was a touchy-topic."

Sabo slumped over onto the counter, "I'm sorry, Franky… I just really like her… I've never felt like this before."

The older man sighed, "I know you do, Sabo."

They both drank their beers in silence for a moment, then Sabo confessed, "We kissed yesterday."

Franky turned to him with his eyebrow raised, "Tongue?"

"Ohhh, yeah," Sabo was grinning with a slight blush on his cheeks.

"Impressive," Franky nodded in approval then took a drink of his beer.

Iceburg came out from behind the bar and after spotting Franky, he sauntered over to where he was, "Franky, how's it going bro?"

"Hey! It's SUPER!" He struck a pose and laughed, "I told you about this girl who wanted to try-out, Koala. She's going to be here in a little bit."

Sabo shifted uncomfortably in his seat, causing Iceburg to question him, "What're you doing here, Sabo?"

Instead of letting Sabo answer for himself, Franky chimmed in, "He's got a thing for Koala."

Iceburg raised an eyebrow at his brother, "Really?" He looked back at Sabo and observed his body, "Have you ever considered performing, Sabo?"

The blond's face turned bright red, "W-what?! NO! Why would I?!"

Both brothers stared at Sabo wide-eyed, then exchanged looks with one another before bursting into laughter.

Sabo only blushed more, "Hey! What's so funny?!"

Franky calmed himself down and teased, "If you and Koala wanted to, you could perform together."

One may think that idea would intrigue Sabo, but more than anything it embarrassed him. His face felt so hot from blushing, he tried to cool down by finishing off his beer. When that didn't help, he decided to get a breath of fresh air, leaving the two brothers laughing at his misfortune.

When he stepped outside, he closed his eyes and inhaled a large breath of air. Sabo wanted to clear his head and feel at peace. He didn't notice a certain girl approaching until she spoke, "Sabo?"

He opened his eyes and turned in the direction of her voice, "Koala."

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Koala stared at him curiously.

"I'm sorry about yesterday," he began. Sabo swallowed the lump in his throat, "I misunderstood things and I got upset, that's why I left."

Koala only stared back at him. Her expression gave nothing away, but Sabo could tell there was something she was hiding behind her eyes.

"The truth is, we don't really know each other very well. On one hand, I feel so comfortable with you that I feel like I've known you forever, but, we only just met." Sabo sighed, "I hope we can change that, even if we can only be friends, I want to get to know you better."

She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

Sabo's spirit was beginning to feel crushed, "Koala, please!" He reached out and took her hand, then kneeled on the ground infront of her, "I was jealous. On Friday night when you wanted to know what was bothering me, it was the idea of you dancing for everyone to see."

His confession made Koala's expression soften and she waited for more.

He shook his head, "It was wrong for me to feel that way. You don't belong to me and you never will. You are your own person, you can make your own decisions, and that is something that will never change. I would never want to stop you from doing something that would make you happy. If you still want, I'd like to be there to support you, as a friend."

Koala sighed, "Stand up." When he complied, she felt relieved, "Next time you ask someone to be your friend, I'd suggest making it look and feel less like a proposal."

Sabo frowned, "Oh, shit. I'm sorry…"

She laughed it off, "Don't worry about it." Koala smiled shyly and tucked her hair behind her ear, "Thank you, and actually—I would really like for you to be there."

His heart skipped a beat, "Really?"

"Yeah," Koala nodded and smiled, "Come on, I don't want to keep them waiting."

They went into the club and went up to where Iceburg and Franky were waiting. Franky noticed them first, "Hey!" He turned to his brother, "Iceburg, Koala is here."

Iceburg turned around and smiled, extending his hand, "Koala, nice to meet you, I'm Iceburg."

She shook his hand and smiled warmly, "Nice to meet you, too."

The next ten minutes were spent getting the music and stage ready, Koala also went into a dressing room and changed into a black leotard and tights. A pole was placed at the center of the stage as her only prop and the music began to play as the three men watched Koala walk to the front of the stage.

(Starving by Hailee Steinfeld)

Koala kicked her leg above her head when the song began and rolled her body to the beat.

You know just what to say
Things that scare me
I should just walk away
But I can't move my feet

She wriggled her body and arms from side to side, while keeping her feet in place.

The more that I know you, the more I want to
Something inside me's changed
I was so much younger yesterday, oh

Bobbing her head, Koala turned to the side and performed a back handspring, then landed on her feet and continued to dance.

I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you
Don't need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo
By the way, right away you do things to my body
I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you

She moved her hands down her sides and sashayed her hips. When the beat dropped her turned to the side and began to twerk.

I didn't know that I... I didn't know that I... 'til I tasted you
I didn't know that I... I didn't know that I... 'til I tasted you

Grabbing onto the pole, Koala twirled around it and dropped to the floor. She stuck out her ass and popped back up.

By the way, right away you do things to my body
I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you

Koala pointed to Sabo, smiled, and winked.

You know just how to make
My heart beat faster
Emotional earthquake
Bring on disaster

She turned her back to them and swayed her body from side to side.

You hit me head on, got me weak in my knees
Yeah, something inside me's changed
I was so much younger yesterday, aye
So much younger yesterday, oh, yeah

Koala lifted her body up and twisted herself around the pole until her torso was parallel to the ground and performing the splits.

I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you
Don't need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo
By the way, right away you do things to my body
I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you

She maneuvered herself easily, spinning around, while keeping her legs apart.

I didn't know that I... I didn't know that I... 'til I tasted you
I didn't know that I... I didn't know that I... 'til I tasted you

When one of her feet touched the floor, Koala pushed herself back and performed a cartwheel. She sensually moved her hips and caressed her neck and chest.

By the way, right away you do things to my body
I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you
You, yeah, 'til I tasted you

Koala pointed out at Sabo again, then shook her hips to the beat.

I didn't know that I... I didn't know that I... 'til I tasted you

By the way, right away you do things to my body
I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you

She slowly swung around the pole, popped, and locked it.

The more that I know you, the more I want to
Something inside me's changed
I was so much younger yesterday

When the song finished, Franky and Iceburg turned to look at Sabo. The blond's mouth had fallen open and his eyes were wide with wonder.

Iceburg chuckled to himself, then called out to Koala, "That was great! You can perform this Friday if you want!"

Koala smiled up on stage and Franky dragged Sabo up there with him when he went to put the pole away backstage. He had picked it up with ease and left the two alone.

She began to walk towards the dressing room she used, then Sabo grabbed her hand, "Wait." When she turned around, Sabo pulled her into his chest and cupped her face in his hand.

As they stared into each other's eyes, Koala confessed, "Maybe I don't want to just be friends."

Sabo's heart stopped, then began pounding in his chest and his lips curled into a smile, "Tell me what you want and I'll give it to you."

"Kiss me," she breathed.

Without any hesitation, Sabo leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. They opened their mouths to each other and began to rub their tongues against the other's. He pulled Koala's body closer and gripped her hip tightly as his fingers combed through her hair.

The way Sabo kissed her made her feel lightheaded, Koala lost herself in him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him in closer. Her lips left his and Koala began kissing his scarred cheek.

"Koala," he sighed softly.

She moved her mouth to his ear and whispered, "Follow me."

Sabo opened his eyes to find Koala walking away towards the dressing rooms. He quickly chased after her and followed her into one of the rooms. After closing the door behind him he turned around, "Wait, are you going to change?"

Koala was about to pull the strap of her leotard down, but stopped, "Yeah, it is a changing room."

He blushed, "Koala, I don't think I should be watching this," Sabo turned away and was about to leave the room.

"Sabo," her voice was soft and sweet, causing him to turn back around. "You can leave if you want…or you can stay and watch me change." She glanced down at his crotch, then smiled, "I can tell you want to stay."

He did, well his dick did. Sabo sighed, "I've never seen a woman naked before."

Koala began to laugh, "Sabo! I'm not going to be naked!" She pulled her leotard down to reveal a sports bra underneath, "See?"

His cheeks turned crimson, "Oh, well, that's okay… You can change."

She stifled her laughter and removed the leotard and tights, so she was only left in her bra and underwear. Koala pulled on the skirt and blouse she had on before, "All done."

Sabo nibbled on his lower lip, his eyes were dark as he stared at her. Eventually, he smirked, "You're really strong."

Her eyebrow twitched, and she punched him hard in the arm, "HEY THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU SHOULD TELL A GIRL AFTER SHE CHANGES INFRONT OF YOU!"

"OWWW!" Sabo rubbed his arm and scowled at her, "Well, it's true!"

Koala rolled her eyes, "Seriously? Most guys would just say that I look 'hot' or something."

"I don't want to be like most guys," he sighed, "Koala, I really like you. When I look at you, I see so much more than a pretty face. I like you for you and nothing else matters."

She blinked at him, speechless. After a moment, she shook her head, "Luffy was right about you."

"Luffy?" Sabo questioned, confused. Then he got worried, "What did she say?"

Sighing, "That you are super nice and understanding, and you aren't the type of guy who'd cheat." Koala looked down at the ground and frowned.

"Hey," Sabo pulled her close, "Don't be sad…"

Koala shook her head, "Sabo, I'm afraid."

He tilted his head, "Why are you afraid?"

Her eyes fell, and she shrugged, "I don't know…"

Sabo tilted her chin up, "You can tell me." His voice was soothing and calm.

"I'm afraid of getting hurt, again." Koala's lips quivered, and her blue eyes began to pool with tears, "You think I'm confident, but that's just an act! The truth is that the one person who ever gave a damn about me got bored and found someone else!" A sob broke through her, "I've been terrified that if I get close to someone again, I will just end up losing them, too."

"Shhh," he hugged her against his chest and kissed the top of her head, "It's okay."

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm crying." She shook her head and wiped at her eyes, "I'm not sad…and when I am with you…" Koala looked up into Sabo's mismatched eyes, "Everything comes so naturally and feels right."

He smiled gently, "Yeah, it does."

Koala sniffled, "But I'm afraid of getting close to you, only to end up losing you in the end."

Sabo tightened his arms around Koala, "I understand."

She bit her lip and pulled away from Sabo's embrace, "After I left Kohza, I wanted to stay away from relationships—and I have…"

Taking her hands in his, Sabo gazed into her eyes, "Koala, we don't have to rush into anything. I won't be going anywhere—now that you are in my life, I don't want you to leave it. Like I told you earlier, I want to be your friend. If that turns into more," Sabo began to smile, "Well, that'd be even better."

Her cheeks were pink, Sabo thought about how he had never seen anyone look so perfect. Koala's dark blue eyes were even more vivid from her crying as she held his gaze. When she began to smile, his breath caught in his throat and the butterflies were back in his stomach. "Sabo?"

He cleared his throat, "Yeah?"

Koala's eyes fell to his mouth. She licked her lips then pulled his face down to hers and kissed him with all the passion she had been holding back. Immediately, she felt Sabo's arms around her, holding her tightly to him. Moving her hands from his cheeks to his neck, Koala used her hands to pull Sabo's mouth closer.

It was different from the other times they'd kissed. Sabo could feel her emotions, it was as if she was telling him how she really felt. He couldn't control himself and began to feel his dick grow into a large erection. She was going wild with her tongue, twirling it around his, expertly massaging it, and Sabo began to wonder what it would be like to have her mouth around his member.

Sabo groaned against her mouth and continued to kiss her back with as much enthusiasm. His hands wandered down to her ass, he spread his fingers and squeezed the soft flesh beneath her skirt. When Koala moaned in response to him grabbing her ass, Sabo felt encouraged. He pulled her into him and pressed his erection against her body.

Her eyes flew open and their lips broke apart, "Holy shit!"

"I'm sorry!" Sabo removed his hands and took a step back, "Was that too far?"

She raised her eyebrows and stared at him in disbelief, "No." Koala took a step closer, wrapped her arms around his neck, and smiled, "I was just surprised."

When Koala tried to kiss him again, Sabo pulled back, "Why were you surprised?"

Koala's cheeks were red from her blush, "Uh, it's just…" She glanced down at the outline of his dick through his pants, "It's big."

"Oh!" Sabo began to blush himself and scratched the back of his head nervously, "Umm, I hope that's okay…"

A giggle escaped her throat, Koala covered her mouth with her hands to stop herself from outright laughing. She smiled at him playfully, "Yeah, that's okay."

He shifted on his feet, feeling embarrassed and wishing he knew what he was doing. Sabo sighed and changed the subject, "Do you want a beer?"

She looked at the time on her watch, "Sabo, it's noon on a Sunday."

Sabo shrugged, "Do you want one or not?"

Koala shrugged and nodded, "Yeah, why not?"

They left the dressing room and went back into the main part of the club. Sabo led Koala up to the bar and ordered them each a beer. When they were placed infront of them, Koala picked her mug up and chugged half the glass in one go.

She ended up finishing the rest in a second gulp, then slammed the mug onto the counter, "Another, please!"

"Goddamn!" Sabo shouted, "Do you always drink like this?"

After the bartender filled her mug back up, Koala took another big gulp. She wiped her mouth off with her arm and turned to Sabo, "What can I say? I like beer."

He raised an eyebrow at her as she picked up her mug and took another drink. Sabo sipped his own and teased, "Geez, it's only noon."

Koala hit his arm, hard, "HEY!"

"OWW! THAT HURTS!" He shouted back.

"Well, you shouldn't tease me for drinking when you're the one who suggested it!" Koala glared at him as she finished the rest of her beer.

Sabo rolled his eyes and rubbed the spot on his arm where she hit him, "I think you underestimate how strong you are…"

She scoffed, "Maybe you are just a pansy."

The bartender was back and filled Koala's mug for a third time, then Sabo watched as she tossed it back in one attempt. He looked back at his own beer and took a long drink, but still had over half left. When he turned back to Koala, he saw her taking a sip from a refilled mug, "Am I going to end up needing to carry you home?"

"HA!" She threw her head back and laughed, "I can handle myself, just fine."

"Koala…," his voice was soft and concerning, causing her to look at him.

His eyes were sad, worried, Koala hated it. "What?!" She snapped.

If Sabo was surprised by the tone of her voice, he didn't show it. Instead, he remained calm and composed, "I'm here for you, always."

Her body relaxed and she turned away. Unsure what to say, Koala picked up her beer and finished it off.

Sabo decided to let it go and picked up his own mug to take a long drink. They sat together in silence as Sabo finished his second beer and Koala got a refill and finished her fifth. The bartender came back and refilled their mugs and the silence continued as they drank those.

Eventually, Koala cleared her throat, "Thanks."

He turned when he heard her voice, Sabo wasn't sure if her cheeks were flushed because she was embarrassed or from the alcohol, but Koala looked cute. Smiling slightly, Sabo shrugged, "It's nothing."

"It's not, though." Koala turned and captured his gaze, "No one has ever said the things you say to me before."

"What about Kohza?" Sabo questioned.

Koala shook her head, "He wasn't like that…"

Now curious, Sabo asked, "How did he propose?"

That caused Koala to close her eyes and groan, "We had gotten into a fight. I don't remember what about, but he ended up making me cry. To make me stop, he suggested we get married and I was too much of an idiot at the time to realize it never would work between us."

"Fuck, Koala, I'm sorry." That was the most un-romantic proposal story he had ever heard.

She just shrugged, "It's whatever." Koala took a long drink from her mug then placed it on the counter and turned to face Sabo, "I'm not upset we aren't together anymore, it wasn't a good realationship."

Sabo shrugged, "Still," he gazed into Koala's dark blue eyes, "You deserve better."

Koala gulped and turned away to take another drink of beer.

"You deserve to be happy, Koala." Sabo hesitated, but confessed, "I hope I can make you happy someday…"

After covering her face with her hands, Koala groaned, "Damnit, Sabo! Stop making this so hard!"

He stared at her, puzzled, "What?"

She turned to him again, "Why can't you just be like every other guy in the universe and be a complete asshole?"

"You want me to act like an asshole?" Sabo was so confused, Koala was proving difficult to understand.

"Ughh, noo… I just," Koala pursed her lips and furrowed her eyebrows as she glared at him. She huffed in frustration, "You keep making it really hard to not fall for you."

Sabo began to grin like an idiot, "Are you saying you're falling for me?"

Her cheeks turned bright red and her mouth fell open, "I never said that!"

He smirked sexily, "It was implied."

Holding each other's gaze, Sabo and Koala both refused to look away. Koala then brought her mug back to her lips and before she took a drink, she said, "Fuck you."

Without missing a beat, Sabo asked, "Would you like that?" His eyes were dark and his voice husky.

Koala turned away and shifted in her seat, thinking, Yes, yes I would. But I can't tell Sabo that! She stayed quiet and finished the rest of her beer.

He chuckled, "I'll take your silence as a 'yes.'"

She rolled her eyes and rested her chin on her palm, chosing to ignore him while the bartender refilled her mug for a sixth drink.

When her drink was filled, Sabo scooted his barstool closer to hers, "For the record, I'd really like to fuck you."

If she'd had beer in her mouth, Koala would have spit it out. Her eyes were wide as she whipped her head around to face Sabo. When she saw the look on his face, she wished she hadn't because as soon as she did, Koala felt herself become wet. Sabo had the sexiest smile Koala had ever seen and his scent intoxicating, but she had to keep her composure.

Koala raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Oh, Sabo, Sabo, Sabo." She shook her head, "I doubt you'd be able to handle it."

The smile he had disappeared as did his confidence, "Yeah, you're probably right."

Koala was alarmed, but mostly disappointed, "Really? You're going to give up so easily?"

He turned away and rested his elbows on the counter and rubbed his temples, "Well, it's true—I'm a virgin, remember?"

"Oh, shit, I forgot!" Koala honestly had forgotted and explained, "I'm sorry, you were just so smooth… I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

The corner of his mouth curled upwards, "You thought that was smooth?"

She placed her hand on his bicep and smiled seductively, "Mmmhmmm, you're making me feel really…" Koala leaned close to Sabo's ear and whispered, "Naughty."

Sabo's eyes wandered down her body, he couldn't see any cleavage, but her blouse was tight against her large breasts. The skirt she was wearing left her smooth, muscular legs visible and Sabo wondered what it would feel like to have them wrapped around his body…

When his gaze returned to her eyes, Koala's heart began to pound in her chest. The look in his eyes was unexpected and unfamiliar to her, it was adoration. Sabo was unlike anyone she had ever known, whenever Koala was with him she felt complete. It was almost as if Sabo was what Koala had been missing in her life before, why she wasn't whole. She could see it in his eyes that he felt the same way.

They both began to lean in for a kiss, but were interrupted, "Get the fuck away from my fiancé!"

Koala immediately recognized his voice, her head spun around and she spotted him approaching them, "Kohza?! What are you doing here?! How did you find me?!"

As soon as Sabo heard his name, he stood and put himself between Koala and her ex. He was a fairly muscular guy with short blond hair and a scar over his left eye. "Listen, we don't want any trouble. You two aren't engaged anymore, Koala can talk to whoever she wants." Sabo was calm as usual, but there was firmness to his voice and he spoke in a commanding tone.

Seeing Sabo in his way, Kohza furrowed his eyebrows, "Who the hell are you?!"

Koala stood up next to Sabo and asked him again, "Kohza, how did you find me?"

He turned his attention to Koala, "You didn't really think I'd let you leave, did you?" The way he smiled at her made her feel sick, "You don't belong here, you belong at home with me."

Sabo glanced over at Koala and noticed her face had gone white. When he turned back to Kohza, he saw him reaching out to pull her towards him. Instinctively, Sabo grabbed Kohza's arm, "You need to leave. Now."

Kohza yanked his arm away, "Again, who the fuck are you?!"

Seeing an opportunity, Koala blurted out, "He's my boyfriend!"

That only pissed him off further, "Boyfriend?!" Kohza grit his teeth together and glared at Sabo, "Did she tell you she's engaged?"

Sabo was too surprised that Koala had called him her boyfriend and stayed quiet. Instead, Koala countered back, "I left you after I found you in bed with that other woman!"

"We never got to talk about it!" He shouted back, "You didn't let me explain! I love you!"

That's when Sabo lost it. He hurled his fist into Kohza's face and broke his nose.

When Kohza removed his hand from his face, there was blood, "WHAT THE FUCK, MAN?!"

Luckily, the club was relatively empty, but the three of them were beginning to make a scene. Sabo stood his ground and pointed towards the door, "Get out."

Kohza glared at Sabo, then pointed at Koala and said, "This isn't over," before turning around and exiting the club.

When Sabo turned around to Koala, her eyes were wide, and she appeared to be in a daze. Sabo grew worried, "Koala, are you alright?"

She blinked a few times and sat back down on her bar stool. Koala grabbed her mug and finished it off before grabbing Sabo's and drinking that as well. Then she combed her fingers through her short, orange hair and rested her elbows on the counter, "Not at all."

Sabo wasn't sure what he should do, he was worried that Kohza knew where she lived. He didn't want her to stay at her place if it meant he could find her. Koala called me her boyfriend…is that what she really wants, or did she just say that to make him mad? Fuck, I don't understand her!

After taking his seat beside her, Sabo cleared his throat, "If you don't feel comfortable going home, you can stay at my place."

Koala slightly turned her head to look at him, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Sabo was more than sure, he didn't want Kohza getting anywhere near Koala.

Her shoulders relaxed, and she let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you."

He tried to ease the tension and teased, "What're boyfriends for?"

Immediately, her cheeks turned red and Koala covered her face in embarrassment.

Sabo laughed it off, "Don't worry, I know you were kidding."

She bit her lip and their eyes met, "I'm sorry for throwing you under the bus like that."

With a smile, Sabo shrugged, "Don't worry about it. I was happy to help."

Her eyes fell to the counter and her voice was soft as she spoke, "If you weren't here, he would've made me go with him."

The image Sabo conjured in his mind of Kohza dragging Koala out of the club by force was unsettling. Through clenched teeth, Sabo assured, "I'm not going to let that happen."

Koala noticed Sabo had his hands balled into fists and placed her hand on his, "Sabo…"

When his gaze met hers, Sabo's heart stopped. Her eyes held so much emotion, his chest ached.

"Why did you punch him?" She finally asked, curiously.

Her question surprised him, "He said he loved you, Koala." She stared back at him in confusion, Sabo knew he had to explain further, "Kohza doesn't love you and he never did. He tried to control you and tell you what to do. He mistreated you and cheated on you, then thought he could fix it by explaining himself. Koala, if he really loved you he wouldn't have hurt you like he did."

Although Koala had tried to tell herself the very same thing, it was completely different having someone else tell it to her. The fact Sabo had figured all that out, especially after meeting Kohza once, was a little embarrassing. It made her feel silly for not leaving him sooner. Their entire relationship was extrememly unhealthy and Kohza was very manipulative. Having him burst in the club and act the way he had was confirmation of that.

"Koala," she turned to look at Sabo and he smiled, "I will never treat you like that."

She smiled back, "I know."

His cheeks turned red from Koala's response. Sabo glanced away and rubbed the back of his head, "So, do you need to get stuff from your place?"

"Oh, yeah…let's stop there," she began to take out her wallet to pay for her drinks.

Noticing what she was about to do, Sabo quickly slapped a few bills down on the counter, more than enough to cover the cost. He then grabbed Koala's hand, "Do you need to use the restroom before we go?"

Surprised she hadn't thought of it herself, Koala blinked, "Uh, yeah."

Sabo watched as Koala went into the ladies' room and waited for her near the exit.

When they stepped outside, Sabo reached for her hand and smiled as Koala laced her fingers with his. He looked down and saw her blush, "You are very beautiful."

Koala turned and peered into his sincere eyes, then looked away, blushing even harder.

AN: Hey everyone! Here is another reaaaally long chapter (6,100 words or so). I don't know what you prefer, long or short chapters, but I think it is really exciting to write a long one.

For concerns about Koala and Sabo being OOC: I have been trying to have Koala's relationship with Kohza and her experiences growing up in foster care to be similar to her enslavement in OP. Sabo is more of a representation of the freedom she experiences as part of the Sun Pirates and a member of the Revolutionary Army. As for Koala dancing for an audience: Since she had previously been in a relationship where she was not allowed to do things for herself, dancing is a way of self-expression for Koala. Being able to perform is something Kohza would not have allowed her to do, but since she is no longer in that relationship, she sees it as an opportunity for her to heal.

Please leave a review and let me know what you think of the story. Stay tuned, there is more to come!

xoxoLadyLiberal