Chapter 8:A Party to Remember
I do not own One Piece! That will always belong to Eiichiro Oda!
Nojiko was worried about her sister especially after what happened last night. Belle-mere had not taken Nami's relationship with Arlong well and even after the incident, their adoptive mother remained upset.
~~Flashback~~
"How could Nami be so foolish," Belle-mere said. "That man has always treated her like she was nothing and then to say she is in a relationship."
"Belle-mere," Genzo said. "Nami is in more danger because I know Arlong has a violent past as well as a criminal record."
"Arlong has a criminal record?" Nojiko asked." Does Nami know about that?"
"If Nami did, she would not be with Arlong," Genzo said.
"Then she doesn't know at all," Belle-mere said becoming more upset by the minute. "Genzo, how do you know Arlong has a criminal record?"
"You know those other two food servers, Kuroobi and Chew?" Genzo asked and both Belle-mere and Nojiko nodded. "They're old friends of Arlong's and I happened to overhear them talking with Arlong. That man told them what he had done."
"What has he done?"
"Arlong beat a man to death when he was sixteen and then he was convicted of statutory rape," Genzo said.
Belle-mere really lost at that point. "My baby is with a rapist?!" She had a dark hateful look as she left the kitchen returning with the shotgun she kept in her bedroom.
"Where are you going?" Nojiko asked.
"I'm going to kill that no good piece of crap," Belle-mere replied going to the cabinet where she keeps the box of shells.
Nojiko looked at Genzo hoping the man would say something or even persuade her adopted mother not to do something this rash. He stood there doing nothing not even shown any concern either.
"Mother, please think about this," she said. "If you go and do this, Nami will hate you for the rest of her life."
Belle-mere didn't want that of course, she wanted her baby girl to come home. "I never meant to slap her," she said. "I just want her away from that man before he hurts her."
"And what if Nami is right?" Nojiko asked suddenly.
Belle-mere looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "What? Nojiko, don't tell me you are going to defend that man?"
"I'm thinking about Nami," Nojiko said feeling scared and worried at the same time. "What if she's right? What if Arlong has changed and you take his life for the wrong reasons? Maybe for Nami's sake, we should try to-,"
"I will never accept that man ever," Belle-mere said.
Nojiko looked at her adopted mother sadly before going to her room. All she could do was hope that Nami was safe and hopefully that safety would be with Arlong.
~~End of Flashback~~
Nojiko looked out the door window and blinked when she saw Arlong with his friends walking up the walkway. The man looked a little upset and his friends did look very worried. Was Nami okay? She had to know. She opened the door and ran up to them her eyes reflecting her concern for her sister.
"Please tell me she's safe?" she said gripping Arlong's arms. "Arlong, please tell me Nami is with you and that she is safe?"
~~.~~.~~
"Dude, is this really a good idea?" Chew asked as he, Hachi, and Kuroobi followed Arlong up the walkway to Nami's old home. "We all know that Belle-mere hates you."
"I don't care if she does," Arlong said. "I'm getting Nami's things."
What they expect was the door to open and to have Nojiko come running up to them with eyes full of concern. Arlong was surprised when Nojiko gripped his arms. "Please tell me she's safe," Nojiko said. "Arlong, please tell me Nami is with you and that she is safe?"
"She is," he said.
"Thank you," Nojiko said as she actually hugged him which not only him but his friends by surprise.
"Hold on here," Kuroobi said. "Are you saying that you're actually glad Nami is with Arlong?"
"If you guys were hereafter Nami had left, you would be glad she was."
"It got worse?" Hachi asked.
"Mom was ready to go and shot you," Nojiko said turning her attention back to Arlong.
"Told you Nami would have been a window at a young age," Chew said looking at Arlong."
"What?" Nojiko was confused.
"Ignore that chowder head," Kuroobi said. "Works better that way at times."
"Are we allowed to come in and get some of Nami's stuff?" Arlong asked.
"Oh sure," Nojiko said. "I'm sorry I've been just worried about Nami."
"No, it's understandable," Arlong said, "Let's get Nami's things before Belle-mere comes homes."
"Of course," Nojiko said. "Come on, I'll help you pack."
Nojiko led them to Nami's room and Arlong quietly looked around the room feeling so odd that he was in her room. Especially after she told him of the fantasies, she had about them and his eyes drifted to her bed knowing it was there that she no doubt had her little fantasy of him making love to her. He could only imagine how his sweet Nami was fulfilling her need for him, her aching desire to feel his touch. He felt the sudden desire for her stirring within himself and he was quick to rein himself in as he got control of his own hungry sexual desire for her.
'Damn, I need to get better control of myself,' he thought. 'I better start looking into places that would be a nice long get away for us or I'm going end taking her virginity sooner than I wish to.'
"Wow. Nami sure has a lot of books."
Grateful for the needed distraction, he looked to where Chew was as he crouched in front of the first of the two bookcases that were on either side of large desk that positioned in front of the sliding glass window. "We don't have time to be looking at that," Arlong said. "We need to get what Nami will need and then get out before Belle-mere shows."
That got Chew back on track.
"Arlong, can I speak with you," Nojiko said. "In private?"
He nodded. "I'll be out in the hallway," he said to the guys who all just nodded to him.
"Knowing Nami is with you, no doubt even living with you," Nojiko said once they were away from Nami's room. "How is she adjusting to it?"
"Nami is handling it better than you would think," Arlong said leaning back against the wall."
"So, this isn't stressing your relationship with each other?"
He gave a little chuckle. "It actually strengthened our relationship even if after what Belle-mere tried to pull on Nami."
"What?" Nojiko looked concerned. "You both ran into our mother?"
"Pff. Did we ever," he said. "She tried to force Nami to break up with me which didn't work."
"I can't believe she pulled something like," Nojiko was horrified at that news. "I know our mother hates you but to go and do that. Doesn't she realize that she would have been giving such emotional pain?"
"To be all honest, I don't think she even cared," Arlong replied. "Belle-mere wants me out of Nami's life that she doesn't care if would cause her emotional pain, but I do. I'll do anything to make Nami happy and I've done that so far. I'm making sure she can do her navigational schooling on-line and being supportive in her new career as my assistant manager."
"Nami is what?" Nojiko looked at him in surprise.
"My new assistant manager," Arlong said. "I offered her the position and she was more than happy to take it. She even got me into a catering gig today."
"I didn't think you even did that."
"I never bothered with it but how can I say no to your sister?" he gave a little laugh. "Knowing I'm taking some business away from the Baratie it will be worth it."
"So, is this yours or her idea?"
"All hers and I've being supportive since she did come up with some interesting ideas," Arlong said before he looked down the hall. "Which reminds me, I still need to tell the guys about the new changes and Nami being their new boss as well."
Chew poked his head out from Nami's room. "You wouldn't have like an empty box or that we could use?" he asked. "Even a garbage bag?"
"You didn't mess this up, did you?" Arlong asked getting a little concerned.
"Dude, I just realized we forgot to bring some boxes or even bags," Chew said.
Arlong facepalmed. "Of all the-," he muttered. "How did could you forget?"
"Not my fault," Chew said. "Kuroobi distracted me."
"What?!" Kuroobi's shout was easily heard. "The hell I did, you lazy ass!"
"Guys, can we not fight?"
"Shut up Hachi!" Chew and Kurrobi both yelled.
Arlong sighed and was a little surprised that Nojiko giggled. "Excuse me," he muttered walking swiftly down the hall. "Hey! Are you guys trying to embarrass me?" he asked the moment he stepped into the room.
He was surprised they had done something. Nami's clothes were lying on the bed with Hachi being the guard dog since there was a pillowcase that appeared to have something in it and Arlong had a good guess that might be. On the desk was a decent pile of books to which Arlong knew that had to go through before they could even leave.
"Chew go help Nojiko quick," he said. "Kuroobi go be the watch out while Hachi and I take care of the books. I want to be out and gone in ten minutes."
"Gotcha," Chew said with a grin and he left the room. "Hey, sexy girl!"
"Stop hitting on every girl you see, you damn idjit!" Kuroobi yelled at him as he was quick to follow.
"Come on dude what's your problem?!"
"I swear those two will need a damn babysitter," Arlong said as he went to the desk.
Hachi merely nodded. "They fight like some married couple," he said. "You don't think they're gay, do you?"
Arlong burst out laughing just as Chew came back with a sturdy box and a couple of garbage bags. "Care to let me in on the joke?"
"Nope." Was Arlong would say before focusing on the pile and was quick to pick out what he figured Nami would need for any research once she started her schooling.
"Hachi, take care of the books," he said before he turned to see Chew pull out a pair of panties from the pillowcase. "Damn it Chew, leave that alone!"
"Come on," Chew said looking innocent. "Don't tell me you aren't curious?"
"You are such a pervert," Arlong snapped at him. "You really need to get yourself a girlfriend."
"Hey, I would but then I would be breaking all those single ladies' hearts."
"You sound like that skirt-chasing friend of Nami's," Arlong said. "And just hearing that makes me want to puke."
"Hey guys," Nojiko said looking in. "I just got a text and my mom says she will be home in twenty minutes."
"Let's hurry and go," Arlong said as he picked up Nami's clothes.
~~Twelve minutes later~~
Arlong closed the gate on his jeep. "That's it," he said with a sigh. "Now to get back home." He turned to see Nojiko walking up with a basket of tangerines. "What is this?"
"I know Nami will be missing these so I figured-,"
"That's sweet of you," Chew said flashing Nojiko a smile. "Nami is lucky to have a sweet and beautiful sister like you."
Nojiko blushed a deep red as Chew's remark. "Thank you," she said.
"Let's go, Romeo," Kurrobi said pulling him to their car.
"We'll see you back at the apartment," Arlong said as he took the basket. "Hachi, can you get the door?"
"Sure," Hachi said. "Hey guys, can I get a ride back with you?"
"Better hurry then," Chew said.
Hachi opened the door and then hurried off. Arlong sat the basket on the passenger seat before closing the door. "I'll make sure Nami calls you later," he said to Nojiko. He wasn't expecting the older girl to lean forward and plant a kiss on his cheek. He stared at her in honest surprise. "What was that for?"
"For looking after my sister," she said.
~~.~~.~~
I wish Arlong had told me where he and guys were going," Nami said trying not to worry. "I don't like worrying over him."
"Now you know how I felt back then," Tiger said. "Don't worry they'll be here. Never known those boys to miss a meal."
"Are you ever going to stop talking about Nami's sister?"
"Dude, she is damn hot."
"How about the both of you shut up?" came Arlong's irritated voice. "You're both are starting to give me a headache."
Hachi came into the kitchen carrying the basket of tangerines and placed the basket on the floor. Before Nami had a chance to even speak, Tiger beat her to it. "You guys went over to Nami's house?" he asked. "Did all you have a damn death wish?"
'If I told you, you would have tried and stopped me," Arlong said as he carried the box containing Nami's books to their room. He had sat the box on the floor stood and turned to find Nami standing just within the doorway. "I just have to get your clothes from the jeep."
"Arlong please wait," Nami said stepping in front of him. "I want to talk about this."
"There is nothing to really talk about," Arlong said.
"You could've gotten hurt by Belle-mere," Nami said feeling a little upset but grateful for the risk he took to get her things.
"Don't worry," Arlong said as he caressed her arm giving her a loving smile. "Nojiko was the only at the house and she helped us."
"Nami, you have a really super-hot sister!" Chew yelled from the kitchen.
Hearing Chew, she stepped out from the bedroom to stare at him in shock. Chew just grinned unapologetically and poor Nami turned back her man to look at him.
Arlong stood rubbing his temples in annoyance, "I'm sorry about him."
"Please tell me you did not let him near my sister," Nami said.
Kuroobi butted in at this point. "Oh, believe me," he said. "I tried to keep him away from her."
"You guys allowed Chew near my sister?!"
Arlong scooted back in shock of the yelling while Hachi looked nervous. "Why is that a bad thing…?"
Nami looked at Hachi. "Hello?" she said. "What do you think Belle-mere would do let alone feel if she ever found out, especially if my sister and Chew started dating?"
"Oh right…"
Arlong shook his head a little at Hachi and then turned to her. "It's alright Nami, it's not like Chew scored a date with her, he was just being Chew as usual."
"I hope not," Nami looked at him. "Because anything happens to her I'm blaming you."
"Me?! If anything happens it's Kuroobi's fault. He's the one that always sticks with Chew," Arlong said with a huff. He looked at Chew. "You better have not done anything stupid."
Chew put on an innocent smile, "Me? Do something stupid? Come now I know better than that."
"You better," Arlong said. "Because I'm not having my relationship screwed because you did something very stupid."
"I won't promise," Chew said.
Arlong gave him a firm nod. "Let's walk together Nami," he said wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"I would like that," she said wrapping an arm around his waist.
"We'll be back in a few moments," Arlong said.
~~Down at the jeep~~
"It feels like this whole day should have been one very crazy dream," Arlong said as he leaned back against the open gate.
Nami wrapped her arms around his body holding him tightly listening to the steady beating rhythm of his heart. She felt his arms wrap her as he rested his chin on top of her head. "I know what you mean," she said. "Arlong, can I ask you something?"
"You know you can ask me anything," he said. "I have nothing to hide from you anymore."
"When you and the guys were out Tiger and I talked about you a little bit more," she said. "Tiger said you and Shyarly haven't spoken to each other since you came out here. Don't you miss her?"
He gave a long sad sigh closing his eyes for a few moments before opening them. Nami was looking up at him and he didn't hide the sadness that reflected in his face. "I do miss her, but we didn't see eye to eye on something and we haven't spoken to each other since that day," he told her.
"Then why haven't you tried to repair your relationship with her? Don't you want to have her back in your life?"
"I'm pretty sure Shyarly will have nothing to do with me," Arlong said sadly. "Nami, you have to remember I was pretty messed up during that time and Shyarly would probably only remember the drug-addicted brother she had. You might be right, but I don't what I would do if Shyarly rejected me. She has every right to after what I did to her."
"We don't know that," Nami said. "Arlong, how can say that if you don't know if there is any truth to it? Your sister may actually be missing you and I think you should try to by being her big brother again."
Once more Nami had found a way to humble him and he realized how right she was when it came to the matter. He reached up cupping her face with his hands leaning down to capture her soft lips in a tender kiss that was deep and passionate that made Nami feel weak in the knees. "How did I become so lucky to have a beautiful girl like you come into my life," Arlong said looking into her eyes.
Nami said nothing as she took her right hand reaching up to caress his face and was surprised when he started nuzzling her hand. This was a side she had never seen before as her fingers brushed the nose ring piercings that were firmly secured before she traced the length of his angular jaw then down his throat to move to his chest resting over his heart. Never would she have dreamed that she would be with a man like him. A man who was so cruel and abusive with a very violent nature to the man who he was now, so loving and sweet willing to do anything for her. Oddly Arlong reminded her of the beast from Beauty and the Beast tale that Belle-mere use to read to her at night she was little. How strange that she was comparing him to the misunderstood beast who changed as well because of Beauty's love for him.
"Arlong, did you mean what you said earlier?"
"We talked about a lot of things earlier today," he said brushing her cheek with a thumb. "Remind me about which of things we talked about?"
"About marriage," Nami said. "Did you mean what you said? About wanting me as your wife?"
"Yes, of course, I meant it," Arlong said kissing her lightly on the lips. "Nami, I love you with all my heart and I would gladly make you my wife."
"And what about children?"
"Yes," he said. "God yes, I want children with you. As many children as you want."
Hearing him say that made her so happy to hear it all and she gave him a loving kiss. "I love you so much, Arlong," she said. "I would like at least three children if you're okay with that."
"I love you too Nami," he leaned forward to give her the most passionate kiss he could ever give her. "I would be happy to give you that many children if you wish for that."
Nami smiled as she kissed him again and Arlong moaned in her kiss as his hands moved slowly down to her hips pulling her firmly against him. Nami was starting to moan herself when Arlong's cell started buzzing and with a frustrated groan, Arlong pulled his cell from his pocket. "It's big Brother," he said before he answered it. "Yeah, bro?"
"How long does it take you two-,"
"I'm sorry," Arlong said. "Nami and me…we kind of got distracted."
"Are you sure you two didn't-,"
"Ah come on bro," Arlong said with disgust. "We're would never do that out in a public. Sheesh!"
"Well get your butts up here since dinner is getting cold."
"We'll be up in a few," Arlong said as he grabbed Nami's clothes before hanging up. "We're late for dinner."
They passed Chew who for some reason had a happy grin on his face causing the couple to stop. "Chew where you are going?" Arlong asked.
"Dude, I got a date," Chew said.
Arlong looked at Nami in surprised and she asked him, "We bother heard that, right?"
"Yeah," Arlong said.
Chew scowled a little in annoyance. "I take offense to that! I'm perfectly capable of getting a lady," he said.
"You sure you're not paying for her?" Arlong asked.
Chew scowled some more, "Ha-ha very funny dude, the only paying I'll be doing is for dinner."
"You're paying…" Arlong looked at him.
"…for dinner?" Nami asked in shock.
"Yes!" he cried throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Why is this so hard?! I have a date and I'm paying for dinner!"
"Well, we need you here because we to tell you and Kuroobi something," Nami said.
"Oh, come one can't it be later?" Chew complained a little. "I don't want to keep her waiting!"
"Let him go Nami," Arlong said. "Kuroobi will probably tell him or hell, maybe even drag him into it."
"Ugh, Fine, fine you can go," Nami said giving a little wave before smiling slightly. "But I want to meet the girl that's got you paying for dinner soon."
"Yeah sure," Chew said nervously. "I'll make sure of that. I'll catch you guys later." He quickly takes his leave.
Nami looks to Arlong. "What's he so nervous about?"
"I have no idea," Arlong wraps an arm around her. "I really have no idea."
A few minutes earlier…
"You notice every time Arlong and Nami go off, it's longer than a few moments," Kuroobi grumbled.
"Arlong is happy," Hachi said looking at his friend. "I'm glad he is happy."
Chew was about to crack a joke when to his surprise his cell started ringing and when he glanced at the caller, his eyes widen in surprise. 'No way," he thought. 'this can't be her."
"Are you going to answer that?" Kuroobi snapped at him.
"Oh yeah," he said. "I'll just take out it on the balcony." He was quick to step out onto the balcony.
"Took you long enough to answer," said a female voice on the other end.
"Nojiko, I…well that is," Chew stammered trying to come up with an actual answer. "I didn't really think you would…Uhm, you know call."
"Wow," Nojiko laughed lightly. "For a guy who is a smooth talker, you got nervous."
"Well, I didn't think you were serious when you asked for my number," Chew said rubbing the back of his neck. "So, like what's up?"
"Well, I really need to get away from my mom and I was wondering if you were available for dinner?"
Chew blinked in surprise. "No way! Nami's super hot sister just asked me out?!' "S-sure," embarrassed that his answer was a squeak because of the nervousness in his voice.
Nojiko giggled some and to just to hear that, got Chew's heart racing. "I can't believe a cute guy like you is so nervous," she said.
"You think I'm cute?" Chew wasn't sure if he should feel offended or surprised. "I thought I was always sexy."
"Is that what other girls have said or what you think?"
'Damn, the girl knows how to go for the throat,' he thought. "What I always thought. So, I'm not really sexy to you at all?"
Nojiko might have realized she had hurt his feelings. "Chew, I didn't mean to hurt you," she said apologetic. "The guys I have dated thought they were sexy gods or something along those lines."
"Sounds like you were dating Adonis guys," Chew said. "Yeah, guys like that are major assholes and I've seen enough of them."
"Yeah, the story of my life right there," Nojiko said. "I didn't mean to insult you either because I think you are cute which you are."
Chew couldn't but grin. He had to give the girl points there. "So, did you have a place in mind?"
"I'm not really and I don't want to eat at some restaurant."
"Have you ever tried street food?" Chew asked.
"Somehow I missed that."
"What?! You're telling me that a beautiful sexy woman like you has never tried street food before?"
"No," Nojiko said.
"You are tonight, and I know a good spot that has the best street food around," Chew said.
"Really?" Nojiko said.
"Girl, I'm the expert when it comes to stuff like that," Chew said proudly.
"I'm looking forward to our date then."
"Same here and I know the perfect place to take you."
"Really?" Nojiko said. "Where would that be?"
"You know of the Ameya Yokocho?" Chew asked.
"Yeah, it's between the Ueno and Okachimachi station. I have never been there yet but I know where it is."
"Good. I'll meet right outside the entrance."
"Okay, I'll see you there," Nojiko said before hanging up.
"Sweet, I have a date with Nami's sister," Chew said happily to himself as he stepped from the balcony. "I'll see you guys later."
"Where the hell you are going?" Kuroobi asked in surprise.
"I have a date and I'll see you later, buddy."
"A what?!" Kuroobi was shocked. "Chew get you damn ass back! What date and who the hell is she!?"
~~.~~.~~
"Do you guy that Chew managed to get a date?" Arlong asked the moment he and Nami entered the apartment.
"Yeah," Kuroobi said angrily. "How did that luckless Romeo suddenly get lucky to get a woman?"
"Let's not worry about it," Tiger said. "Nami and I didn't work together on dinner so you guys could let it get cold."
Arlong looked at Nami in surprise. "You made dinner?"
"Tiger helped," she said. "We're supposed to be a couple, right?"
"You know we are," he said. "I guess I didn't expect you to do certain things around here."
"You expect Nami not to do anything while she's living here?" Tiger asked.
"No," Arlong said looking a little embarrassed. "I thought you know we would all sat down and make a new schedule for around here."
"I don't mind helping and you're my family," Nami said before she whispered to Arlong. "Besides when we get married, we'll be doing this, right."
"You know we will," he whispered back with a smile. "Let me drop these in the bedroom and we'll eat dinner."
~~Few moments later~~
"So Nami and I talked about this and we're getting into the catering business," Arlong said halfway through dinner.
"We're what?" Kuroobi looked Arlong as if he hadn't heard him right.
Nami reached over to take Arlong's hand giving it a slight squeeze. "I managed to get Arlong Park's first catering gig."
"How did you manage to get him to go along with that?" Kuroobi asked Nami.
"You act like I wouldn't agree with her," Arlong said.
"We know you," Kuroobi said as he pointed to Tiger then Hachi and finally himself. "You said you would never ever change or even add anything."
"I know I said that, but that was…a long time ago," Arlong said. "Besides maybe it is time I did some changes."
"Changes?" Hachi said. "What kind of changes?"
"Why should this bother you?" Kuroobi asked him. "You don't have a job at the restaurant?"
"No, but I do have my Takoyaki stand and what's wrong with wanting to know?" Hachi inquired. "Maybe I want to help out to."
"Nami will be starting out as the assistant manager for Arlong Park as well."
"WHAT?!" Kuroobi, Tiger, and Hachi all shifted their attention to a red-faced Nami. "Nami is going to be a boss under you?"
"Even that coming from you sounded so wrong," Arlong said to Kuroobi. "I usually expect something like from Chew."
"When he hears this," Kuroobi said. "You won't be hearing the end of the jokes from him."
"So, if Nami is going to be the assistant manager," Tiger said. "What will you do about a dishwasher?"
"We already have that taken care of," Nami said.
"Genzo is getting demoted from food server to dishwasher," Arlong said.
"Damn," Hachi said. "Had to do something bad to get that."
Kuroobi blinked, "Shit, he must've been the one that caused all the crap between you and your mom."
"Can we please not talk about it?" Nami asked lowering her head.
"Of course, we can," Arlong said gently to her. "We do need to discuss some ideas for our first catering gig."
"Wait," Kuroobi said. "We already have a catering job, with who?"
"My high school friend Vivi is throwing a reunion party and I managed to get the catering job away from the Baratie," Nami said.
"You snagged this," Kuroobi said amazed. "We managed to get a catering job from the Baratie?"
"Yes, we did," Arlong said with a satisfied smile. "Right now, I open to some ideas and even suggestions for this as well as a menu."
Everyone came up with their suggestions and ideas. Of course, Nami went and brought out a notepad and pen and wrote down everything which included the items that were the popular and best sellers at the restaurant. The wildest suggestion that was offered as an idea was street food which is very popular.
"Of course, Chew would have to be on a date," Kuroobi said. Seeing Nami's puzzled look he explained it to her. "When it comes to street food, Chew is a damn master for it. I swear he practically lives on it."
"Remember when he took us to the Ameyoko Market?" Tiger asked.
Arlong groaned. "Don't remind me," he said with a moan. "Twenty different varieties of sake."
Nami was giving Arlong a look of shock, "Tell me you didn't?"
"Oh, he did," Tiger said with a chuckle. "Took this poor fool a good two days to recover and he never left the hotel room."
"I said not to remind me," Arlong said annoyed. "I still owe Chew for that one."
Nami couldn't for the life of her picture Arlong drunk but the way he is getting teased, she had no doubt it was the truth. She rubbed his back something she knew he was grateful for. "So, Chew is the expert on street food?" she asked.
"Expert does not describe Chew," Hachi said. "Master of street food does."
"I swear he has visited every place that has street food in Japan more than twice," Kuroobi said.
"So, we need to decide what would be the most popular food to include into the catering menu," Arlong pointed out.
"That would be Chew's area of expertise," Hachi said.
"Except the dumb shit isn't here when he should be," Kuroobi grumbled. "He would just have to get a damn date to of all things."
"Can't do anything at that until he gets back," Tiger said. "Could talk to him tomorrow and see what he might have a suggestion on the popular."
"We really don't have a choice because we're supposed to hear from Vivi about this and I want to be ready with prices and a menu," Nami said.
"Don't worry," Arlong assured her. "I'll make sure we're ready when she decides to call us or you about the party."
~~.~~.~~
It was very late in the night when Nami got ready for bed and was surprised when she emerged from the bathroom that Arlong was not in bed. She came out to the living to find him on the couch with a notebook going over the figures for costs along with their ideas and suggestions for the catering party. He even had a list of items that were the best money makes from the restaurant.
"Why are you still working on this?" Nami asked him. "It's late, come to bed and we can both work on this tomorrow."
"I'll come to bed once I have all these figures and costs taken care of," Arlong said before he rubbed his eyes some.
"Arlong the numbers can wait," she said softly walking to him. "And look at you, you're tired and your eyes are starting to look red."
"Another ten more minutes," he said. "Ten more minutes and I'll come to bed."
Nami crosses her arms in a huff and thinks for a moment, then she got a brilliant idea. She gently rests her hands on his shoulder blades taking note of how tense he felt before leaning down and whispering in his ear. "If you come to bed right now, I'll give a massage."
That caught his attention as the notebook and pen were placed down on the seat of the couch. "Massage?" Arlong quietly looks at her. "What kind of massage are we talking about?"
"Weeeell I was thinking we could start off with a back massage first," Nami said coyly. "Maybe something of you's good-,"
"Nami if I didn't know better," he said look at her slyly. "I would swear you're trying to seduce me."
She gave him an innocent smile. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. We'll see," she said heading back to the bedroom hoping he'd follow.
Seeing her innocent look followed by her little seductive walk, Arlong felt his hungry desire stirring. "Ah hell," he muttered getting up more than eager to find out how far his sweet little Nami is willing to go.
~~.~~.~~
The water main was fixed overnight and every business on the effected block was more than happy to get themselves up and running. Of course, any restaurants were less than thrilled knowing they had lost money especially since some customers had gone to the Baratie and that hurt them some since their loyal customers decided to stick with Zeff and his restaurant.
At Arlong Park, it was normal back to business or so the staff thought. They had gathered in the kitchen waiting for no doubt Arlong to have one of his hisses fits over the losing money and being closed for the night as well. They did notice that Nami was there and not only that she stood between Kuroobi and Chew something they all found strange. Had something happened and they were not aware of it?
"What happened last night did not help the whole block and that the Baratie managed to steal a few customers from a few restaurants around here," Arlong said the moment he stepped from the office. "And yes, its damn sucks." That managed a few small laughs. "Aside from that, a couple of changes are now happening."
"What kind of changes boss?" their only cooked asked nervously.
"First off," Arlong nodded to Nami. "Nami is now assistant manager."
"What?! No way! Damn! Who's the new dishwasher then?" came the reactions from the staff.
"Genzo," Arlong narrowed his eyes at the man.
"Yes?" Genzo wasn't batting an eye but the few people around him moved some.
"Word got back to me that you threaten to have Nami fired from here."
"Dude, that was not a smart move," Chew said.
"Totally not smart," their cook said.
"Because of that little ass move of yours," Arlong said. "You're demoted to the dishwasher."
"Dishwasher!?" Genzo was mad and he looked to Nami before shifting his attention. "Why am I not surprised that Nami was promoted since she is dating you."
The silence that followed was that of surprise and shock not counting Chew or Kuroobi and they glared at Genzo. "Dude be grateful you still have a damn job," Chew said.
"Genzo," Nami said taking a step forward. "Chew is right, and you should be grateful that you still have a job here because Arlong was more than willing to fire you. I was the only one who suggested you be made the new dishwasher."
Genzo said nothing as he just glared at Nami before looking away. Even though Genzo had revealed that Nami and Arlong were dating no one bothered to say a word and were more curious about what Nami had planned as their second boss.
"So, what is the other change?" asked another food server.
Nami glanced back Arlong who gave a nod of encouragement. This was her idea and it was fair that she reveals it. 'Arlong Park is having started the catering business and we also have our first catering job as well," she said.
"Are you serious?" their cook looked excited. "We got a catering gig?"
"Nami managed to get it for us," Arlong said proudly. "So, if there anyone here that wants to earn a little in their paycheck you can help at the party."
"Will we be getting other help around here if we do or just on the catering end?"
"Probably both depends on how this goes," Nami said feeling a little concerned.
"I have a cousin and my little brother who be willing to work," the cook said. "My cousin has a double smoker and grill that is set up on a trailer."
"Your cousin," Chew looked over at the cook. "That wild cousin of yours?"
"Chew, you were at one my cousin barbeques. You remember that?"
"Oh yeah," Chew said nodding. "Damn good food and he won some competitions too."
"You know it," the cook said proudly.
Neither Nami nor Arlong expected the staff to recommend other family members let alone their neighbors but surprisingly they did. Chew knew of a couple of former street food cooks who would more than willing to be part of the catering end. The rest of the week was focused on cleaning up the catering menu and the prices which Arlong did some looking into. When Vivi paid a visit, she was more than pleased with the menu as well as the prices. The only not happy was good old Nezumi since he had to work twice as hard to get the orders finished and dealing Nami made the man more frightened then ever especially with the threat of Arlong Park finding a new supplier. Nami did insist on a test run before the party just to be on the safe side and though Arlong grumbled some, he went along with her.
The test run happened during a festival and against Baratie and a couple of other unknown restaurants with catering businesses. Surprisingly, their test run proved successful and some future business as well. Just seeing that success pleased Arlong and knowing how happy that made Nami as well as thrilled.
~~A month later~~
Word had gotten around about Vivi's return home party and there was a large gathering of friends and their family' members the night of the party itself and thankfully Vivi's father offered to pay for the food since it was a good guess not everyone could afford to pay. The biggest surprise was when Nojiko showed to help something that surprised Nami but she grateful for her adopted sister's help.
"What do you think you're doing, Straw Hat?!"
Nami heard Arlong's angry yell and hurried to where Arlong had pulled Luffy from the food line. She sighed as she massaged her temples. Arlong had not forgotten the little noddle incident and as well as saying the food at the Baratie was better. It didn't help that Luffy being Luffy had tried to steal food instead of asking for someone to sneak him a plate.
"I'm hungry," Luffy said upset."
"Not my problem," Arlong said. "Do you think I had forgotten that insult you said to me." Luffy didn't answer and Arlong didn't expect him to either. "Seeing how you think the Baratie has better food then you won't getting any of this food because you're banned from it."
Upset Luffy wailed, "What am I supposed to eat?"
"You have two choices here," Arlong said. "You can either apologize and I'll let have the food or you spend the whole evening eating those damn cup noodles you love so much. I did see a store a few blocks back but I won't be supplying any hot water if you go that noodle route."
Nami had told Arlong that Luffy had a bad love when it came to cup noodles something, he ate a lot of during high school and that was something he had not forgotten. Nami stood off to the side watching and waiting to see what the outcome would be from this incident.
Luffy shifted his attention toward the food and after what seemed to be an eternity, he decided. "I'm sorry for insulting you," he said keeping his voice somewhat low.
"Apology accepted," Arlong stepped back. "You get at the end of the line and no trying to take more than anyone else either."
"You want me to watch him make sure?" Nami asked.
"If you want," Arlong said with shrug. "I don't think Straw Hat will cause any trouble. I might let him take some of home if he behaves that is."
"I'll tell him that and he might behave for that." she said with a little laugh.
The party remained quiet and everyone was enjoying themselves. That was until Crocodile showed uninvited and it appeared that Luffy was more than ready to give the man a smackdown as he walked up to Vivi while some people were at unease at the sight of him. It had been some time since Nami had seen Crocodile and it didn't appear that he had changed much at all still looking the same since the time Vivi and he had dated during high school.
"Hello Vivi," Crocodile said being as polite as ever. "It's good to see you back home again."
"What are you doing here?" Vivi asked.
"To be truthful," he said. "I wanted to see you again and I missed you as well." He held out a box that had air holes and was tied with a beautiful red ribbon bow. "I even brought you a gift something you always wanted."
Curious Vivi took the box and after opening, it gave a gasp. Inside was the cutest little baby duckling she had ever seen. She scooped the duckling upheld him close to chest as she gave the little duckling kisses on his little head. "I'm going to name you Karoo," she said.
"I didn't forget that you wanted a pet duck," Crocodile said. "I'm glad you like him."
"Thank you," Vivi said before she planted a kiss on Crocodile's cheek.
"That's one way to fix a broken relationship," Arlong whispered to Nami and Nojiko as they watched Vivi take Crocodile's hand leading him off to a private table.
Nami only nodded her eyes going over to the portable dance floor that was brought in by the DJ hired for the party and she still owed Arlong a dance. 'Later,' she thought. 'I'll ask him later when the party starts to die down some."
"Who's that?" Nojiko asked looking toward the man who came in and was looking around.
The newcomer was dressed in the traditional kimono which was red with white and black square designs that he left open showing off the slight muscular build he had. He had long black hair trailing back was a top knot. The most interesting thing about him was the lightning-shape scar that reached over his left eye.
"Oi Jimbei!" Luffy had shouted waving his hands excitedly.
"Oi Luffy," the man called Jimbei said as he waved back as he headed toward Luffy.
"What the hell is he doing here," Arlong said looking like he was about to lose it completely.
Chew, Kuroobi and Hachi came over all them looking very worried.
"Shit when did Jimbei get here?" Kuroobi asked.
"He just walked in," Nami looked at Arlong and the look in his eyes was no good. He looked like he was ready to explode and that wouldn't be good if he lost that temper at the party. "Arlong, let's go and talk."
"I don't feel like damn talking," he said with anger in his voice.
"Let's go," Nami said and Arlong started to protest. "NOW!"
Arlong looked at her but obeyed though he was still sulky over it.
~~.~~.~~
She took him right to his jeep where she had him sit on the bumper. "What is wrong with you?" Nami asked worried over Arlong. "You almost lost your temper."
"Seeing that ass is enough for me to do it," Arlong said angrily. "I can't believe him has the nerve to show up here."
"Who is he?"
"His name is Jimbei and he's a friend of Big Brother's," he said. "I haven't seen him since…" Arlong started to choke back tears as Nami wrapped her arms around him rubbing his back. "I haven't seen him since the day Shyarly left me."
As much as she wanted to ask Arlong more about it she decided against it for now. The party still needed their attention. "Why you don't stay here and get yourself calm and collected?"
Arlong nodded.
"You've changed since last saw you."
Nami and Arlong looked up to see Jimbei standing not very far looking uncomfortable as he rubbed the back of the neck. Arlong had a look of hate and Nami had to get in front of him keeping her hands firmly on his shoulders. She could feel how tense he was and his body tremble with rage that was building.
"Please," Nami said. "You need to calm yourself,"
Arlong didn't hear her as his mind drifted back to that day, the day he lost everything.
~~Flashback~~
"Arlong."
Arlong looked up as his baby sister followed Jimbei as they entered the old warehouse where he was staying and glared at them. The drugs he was taking had him stoned out of mind making any judgment ungraspable.
"What are you doing here?" he said angrily as he rose unsteadily from the beaten-up couch.
"Shyarly is worried over you," Jimbei said. "Your nasty drug habit is causing her great worry."
"Really?" Arlong said with a sneer. "From what I see is that you're after my sister, Jimbei."
"What?" Shyarly looked at her older brother. "Arlong you know Jimbei is a friend!"
"Why would you think I would have an interest in your sister, you stoned damn fool?" Jimbei said. "I can assure that I do not."
Arlong though wouldn't listen and blinded by his own drug-induced illusions he took a wild swing at Jimbei. Jimbei easily avoided him and came back with a powerful uppercut that sent Arlong flying backward into a rickety old table that became nothing but kindling as he landed on it. Arlong sat up wiping his bloody nose with the back of his hand before a spat a good bit of it to the floor.
"Is that all you got?" he said before charging at Jimbei.
"Your stupid idiot," Jimbei said as he sides stepped Arlong and brought a fist into the back of his head.
Shyarly screamed for them to stop as Jimbei literally beat her brother senseless.
"STOP IT!" she screamed as tears poured down her face.
Jimbei heard backing away from Arlong who laid on the dirty concrete floor coughing up blood. He shook his head as he turns back to Shyarly stopping her from rushing to her injured brother. "Don't," he told her.
"Jimbei, he's my brother," Shyarly said.
"He's not worth the tears," Jimbei told her. "He won't change as long as you keep running to him. It's time to walk away from him."
Arlong looked up just as Shyarly her eyes filled with sadness turned and walked away. The sight of his sister, his last connection to the woman he ever considered his mother, walking away broke his heart. "Shyarly!" he screamed as he felt his heartbreaking. "SHYARLY!" he keeps screaming her name over and over long after she and Jimbei left. Arlong realized suddenly he was truly alone.
~~End Flashback~~
"I lost Shyarly because of you," Arlong almost screamed at Jimbei. "I lost the only family I had left."
"It was your fault because you had to be some arrogant punk," Jimbei said.
"You always were a stuck up, a pompous bastard who thinks he is so much better than everyone else and that everyone should all listen to you."
"That's enough," Nami said angrily. "The both you take a damn powder until after the party. Is that understood?"
Seeing Nami's angry expression Arlong and Jimbei merely nodded nether one wishing to speak Feeling the two wouldn't try of killing each other, she returned to the party to make sure everything was still going smoothly. There were people going to the dance floor and she was a little surprised to see her sister dancing with Chew, but she shrugged it off. Chew had no doubt asked her sister for dance and there was nothing wrong with that.
"Nami-Swan!"
She glanced up as Sanji came up to her and held out his hand to her. "Will you dance with me?"
"Sanji, I said I was in a relationship with someone," she said politely.
Sanji had been trying ever since high school to woo Nami and still tried because he did not believe she had a boyfriend. "Even if you were telling the truth, I have yet to meet him even if he was here."
Nami saw Arlong quietly rejoining the party and checking on everything like he always did at the restaurant and she knew she stilled owed him a dance. "Fine, I'm going to ask him for a dance right now," she said to Sanji who still didn't believe her. Arlong looked up as she came up to him and held out her hand. "Care to dance?"
Arlong looked at her in surprised but he smiled as he took her hand walking with her to the dance floor where Nami requested for Jonathan Young's metal version of Cascada's "Every Time We Touch". The moment the song started both Arlong and Nami forgot about the world around them as they danced, not giving a care about anyone else. They only saw each other and that was all that mattered. They moved as one and when the song ended, they shared a kiss.
Her friends looked at her shock as she walked back with Arlong their fingers entwined. "Arlong is the guy I'm seeing," she said.
"REALLY?! HIM?! You said you hated him Nami-swan!" Sanji could barely control what he was feeling.
"Nami," Luffy said looking at Arlong with anger. "You always said he was a bad man especially the way he treated you."
Arlong suddenly felt super uncomfortable at that moment with all the stares of judgment on them. 'Her own friends will hate her because she is with me.' He thought.
"He isn't the same man and I love him with all my heart," Nami said. She didn't care if the looks or the words of concern she got she knew the man she loved was a big sweetie with her. "He's a much kinder man and he's even made me the assistant manager. The catering was mu idea and Arlong let me have it."
"How could you do this to me?!" Sanji said shocked.
"What does that mean?" Nami said looking right him.
"We're friends and you took business away from the Baratie!" Sanji said angrily. "Also, you're dating him!"
"Sounds like someone isn't happy because Nami chose a man who was a far better choice and isn't a skirt chaser either," Arlong said.
"Hey!" Sanji yelled.
"He's got a point," Zoro interjected. "You chase skirts too much curly brow."
"Shut up you moss head!" Sanji pointed a finger at Arlong. "What makes you think you can ever make Nami-swan happy?!"
"I've made her happy so far," Arlong said smugly then he grinned. "Very happy." To which earned him a smack on the arm from Nami. "What?" he looked at her. "You know I have in more ways-,"
Nami shuts him up by putting her hand over his mouth. "That's enough out of you now," she said with a heavy sigh and a shake of her head while Sanji looked like he wanted to die.
Arlong simply moved her hand and whispered, "You know I make you very happy." Before grinning.
Nami didn't know if she should be mad or laugh but was smiling a little. "God, you're childish."
"Maybe," he said. "You can't say you don't love it."
"Heh, no I can't," she said with a smile, completely forgetting her friends were there for a moment."
Arlong, not caring that her friends are there, wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her closer and gave her a deep passionate kiss knowing that will get Sanji's pride.
Sanji, of course, let out a wail of pain falling to his knees. Zoro snickers at Sanji's state while Robin and Vivi were both smiling, one at the sweet scene the other in amusement. Franky, of course, was crying at how cute it was. Arlong and Nami were to absorb in their kiss to even notice.
"I HATE MY LIFE!" Sanji wailed and fell onto his side, curling up slightly.
Zoro was just standing laughing until his sides hurt.
"SHUT UP I HATE YOU TOO!" Sanji yelled at him angrily and Zoro fell over laughing even more.
~~.~~.~~
Vivi's return home party despite the craziness that had happened turned out to be a very successful night and there were many compliments on the food and service something both Arlong and Nami were more than pleased with. The couple was more than happy especially since their catering business managed not only to get a few more customers but also a few more orders.
Nami's thoughts went to the fight the almost happened between Arlong and Jimbei and she decides the two needed to sit down and talk. Trying to get the two to make up after so many years and knowing the two would probably start arguing even with her there.
"Are you ready to go home?" Arlong asked looking more than ready to go.
"Not yet," Nami told him as she walked past him, looking for and finding Jimbei.
The man had remained and was quietly sitting at a table. She walked up to him and glanced back at Arlong who had followed her. She pointed to the chair that was the closest to her and with a scowl on his face, Arlong took the seat. Both men sat there looking at each and both way to stubborn to budge from their points on who was at fault.
"How the hell can you two still be at each other's throats after so many years?!" Nami said angrily. "Were you two once close friends?!"
"He turned Shyarly against me," Arlong said.
"For you to think that even happened was all an illusion of your drugged-up mind," Jimbei argued.
"Are you calling me a liar?!" Arlong yelled. "I know what I saw!"
"All you say as a result of paranoia!" Jimbei yelled back, in a very firm tone. "What would I ever gain from turning Shyarly against you?"
"You wanted her, didn't you? You had a thing for her and don't deny it."
"God are you just that thick-headed or did the ODing cause you brain damage?" Jimbei replied nastily.
Arlong was on his feet. "You want a throwdown you shit?! I'll kick your damn ass!"
"I'm not going to fight you. You've already proven in the past you are no match for me so sit down before you make a fool of yourself."
"Mr. High and mighty is admitting he's scared for once!" Arlong said with a laugh.
Jimbei shook his head and turned to Nami. "Honestly how do you put up with him?"
"Leave Nami out this you, damn ass! This is between you and me!"
"You are wasting your breath then. I don't know how many times I have to tell you I am not interested in your sister."
"Grow the hell up the both of you," Nami said as she smacked them both on the back of their heads.
Rubbing the sore spot on his head, "Jimbei started it!"
"Don't be dragging me into your relationship problems your arrogant ass," Jimbei said.
"I don't have relationship problems you stuck up asshole!"
Once more Nami hit them again losing all patience with the pair. "You used to be friends! Brothers! Why can't you get along again?!"
"Because he started the whole mess back then, Nami," Arlong said.
"I did nothing wrong! I was only trying to help!" Jimbei said angrily.
"Who said I needed help?" Arlong snapped back.
"You had already overdosed once already. Shyarly was worried to death!"
"Did Shyarly know about Arlong ODing the second time?" Nami asked Jimbei.
Jimbei shook his head. "No. She never found out about that."
Nami looked at Arlong. "Should I tell him or would you rather Tiger tell him how you honestly almost died?"
Hearing that got Jimbei's attention. "You almost died? I didn't know about that part, only that he had Oded again."
Arlong could only look away feeling worse because he knows that Nami now knows about it. He was also upset at Tiger for going behind his back and showing Nami that photo. "Big Brother had no right to tell you to let alone show you that damn photo."
Nami frowned a little, "I guess not…but would you have ever told me?"
He looked at her fighting back tears of shame. "Would you even still love me if I ever did? Could you say that you want to be with someone like that?"
"Yes! I still love you, Arlong, that's why I'm still here," Nami said. "I know the truth and it hasn't changed a thing."
"It hasn't?" Arlong said looking at her. "You're not ashamed of me?"
She shook her head. "I'm not. I still want to be with you no matter what happened in the past."
Arlong got up walking up to her and hugged her tightly. "You don't know how much I love you."
Nami smiled as she hugged him back. "I can take a guess," she said before whispering, "I will gladly marry you when the time comes."
Hearing that made him so happy that he stops being so sad. "I would marry you now if possible," he said.
She grinned, "Maybe one day."
"I hope that one day is soon," he said.
"Me too."
Arlong looked back at Jimbei. "Jimbei…I'm sorry," he said.
Jimbei was a little surprised to hear the apology. "I accept your apology and I'm sorry too."
Arlong gave him a small grin. "We good then?"
Jimbei grinned as well. "We are."
So Vivi's party was full of surprises and it appears Arlong Park has succeeded on it first catering job. Arlong and Jimbei have managed to repair their shattered friendship as well. So, remember to Read and Review.
