===XXX===XXX===XXX===
"Jaggy! Jaggy! Jaggy!" Kidd can only groan upon hearing the loud voice of Luffia followed by the door slamming open. He wonders how is she not tired of doing the same thing over and over again. "Let's go practice - "
She stopped midsentence as soon as she saw Kidd's arm sling. Her mouth was wide open before laughing out loud.
"HAHAHA! What happened to you?! Shall I sign that?" She asked pointing to the arm sling.
"Fuck off, why don't you?" Why is he friends with this woman again?
"Zoro! Zoro! Look, Kidd's injured!" She sounds too damn happy which pisses Kidd off. Her eyes are shining as if Kidd became an amusement.
"Huh. What happened?" Zoro walked into the room and as if following a routine, his feet brought him to Kidd's cellar and took one of the alcohols available. At this point, Kidd is tired to tell him not to keep drinking from his collection, but whatever.
"Shits happened." Kidd shrugged in response to Zoro's earlier question.
"If you're injured, you can't practice with us! That can't happen!" Luffia said while walking towards Kidd, a permanent marker on hand. Kidd's right hand automatically grabbed her right arm to prevent her from signing his arm sling. "Let me sign it, bastard!"
"Hell, no!" He shouted at her. She continues to struggle just to sign the arm sling. While the two of them are wrestling like idiots, Zoro and Killer remained sitting comfortably and was conversing as if nothing is happening around them. "Zoro!" Kidd shouted at the green-haired man, asking for help because Luffia's stubborn as hell.
"Luffia! You don't want to injure Kidd more than he already is."
"But Zoro! I just want to sign it! It is required that I do so!"
"Fuck, who required you to do that?!"
"Myself." She had the guts to answer him.
"Luffia, why don't you get some instead of signing that? It's not like Kidd will be wearing that arm sling for long." Zoro said.
"Eeeh? When will you take that off?"
"In a few days. To be honest, it's already good as healed - "
"Don't let Doc hear you say that." Killer warned which earned a glare as an answer from Kidd.
"Oh, why don't we throw a party once your arm sling's been taken off? My treat at my house!" Luffia happily suggested. Zoro is having a bad feeling about her suggestion. It seems her plan to hook Sab and Kidd up is already in motion. "This weekend! What do you say?" She asked while smiling brightly at him. Kidd made a mistake of looking into her dark eyes - eyes full of innocence that no one can say no to.
"Fine. Make sure you have my favorite food and drinks!"
"Deal! It will be fun, I promise. Shishishi! It's going to be a pool party! Night swimming with lots of food and drinks!" She can imagine how fun it will be this coming weekend.
"Yeah, yeah." Kidd said before excusing himself so he can go to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Luffia went downstairs to get food from the bar's kitchen or more like to annoy the kitchen staff. This leaves Zoro and Killer alone.
"That party is a bad idea." Zoro said.
"Why?"
"She's trying to hook Kidd with her sister." Maybe Killer can't remember that night when Luffia suggested that Kidd should hook up with Sab.
"Oh, yeah. I remember she said something like that but I thought you and Law are against that idea?"
"For reasons, I don't know, Law agreed to that ridiculous idea. I don't know what's going on her mind to try to hook Sab with Kidd." Zoro said before drinking vodka.
"Wait, what did you just say?"
"Huh?"
"What did you say her sister's name was?" Killer clarified.
"Sab."
Killer was silent for a moment before a smile slowly forming on his lips, his mind is slowly connecting dots.
"Sab. By any chance, is she a Doctor from RGH? Blond, sassy, and smart?"
"Yeah, she's a Doctor and the Director of RGH. You know her?" With that question, Killer laughed out loud in amusement, shocking Zoro as a result.
"Talk about a small world. I can't believe this. You're asking if I know her? Shouldn't you be asking if Kidd knows her?"
Zoro caught what Killer is trying to say to him.
"So, they know each other?"
"Yes! Oddly enough, she was the one who injured him." With that statement, Zoro started laughing as well. For all the years that he knew the sisters, he is fully aware of their capabilities.
"How? Okay, I know she can do it just fine, but for Kidd to be injured by a woman. That's gotta be first."
"Kidd even gave her access to his house."
"What?!" That's the most shocking news Zoro heard. Kidd never lets anyone in his house unless he trusts them. "Are they dating?"
"I wish they are, only if they stop being in denial. I am telling you, the sexual tension when they are together is unbearable."
If this is the case, it looks like Luffia is right on her hunch to hook them up. Law must be aware that Kidd and Sab knew each other that's why he agreed.
"Huh. And Kidd doesn't know that Sab is Luffia's sister?"
"No. This is the first time I heard of it. Damn. This weekend's party is going to be entertaining, I'm telling you."
"Looks like we have something to look forward to, then." And that, they raised their glass of alcohol as if to toast the upcoming party.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
"A party? Here? Why?" Ann can't help but ask Luffia when she said she will be throwing a party this weekend. Not like she minds.
"Jaggy got injured and he is finally free from the arm sling, so I'll throw a party for him then hook him up with Sab!"
Ann choked on the juice she is drinking as soon as she heard what Luffia said. The two of them are in the SHI's basement for their daily practice for the upcoming race. They decided to start the practice after her vacation. Today is the first day of their official practice while Sab will start tomorrow after organizing a few events and meetings.
"What did you just say?!"
"Hook Sab and Kidd." Luffia looks so damn proud of what she said, smiling widely at Ann.
The eldest of the sisters can only gape in shock at the youngest. She can't believe that Luffia is serious about this idea. She thought that she had given up at all, but it looks like she is not.
"Luffia - "
"They will look good together, I am telling you! If they don't like each other, there's nothing I can do, but it's worth a try! We can't leave Sab as single. She needs to date too." Okay, that was kind of thoughtful of Luffia to think of Sab's welfare.
"I don't know about that idea, Luffia." Ann is still not convinced.
"Come on! It will be fun. Invite Marco too! The more the merrier!" Every time there's a celebration, Luffia never forgets to invite Marco over.
"Alright, I will ask him if he's free this weekend."
"Also, don't tell Sab about this plan! This is a surprise for both of them. Shishishi!"
Ann can only sweatdrop at her sister's shenanigan. It's not like she can stop whatever Luffia is planning. Maybe it won't be a bad idea to hook her twin sister to Kidd. Ann will just make sure to threaten his manhood if he dares to hurt Sab.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
"No!" Sab's voice resonated around Koala's living room.
"Why not? Come on! It's not like you have anything better to do." Koala said.
"Why the hell do you want to go to his club?" Sab asked, exasperated because of what Koala asked earlier. She wanted to go to Red Rockers. After the incident that happened before, Sab is not keen on going back there. Besides, as much as possible, she would like to reduce the amount to time she needs to see the Barbarian.
"Why are you so adamant in not going back there? We know the owner and it's not like they banned us from stepping in that club."
"Tell me, what do you want to do there anyway? Last time I checked, you are the not fond of clubs."
"Okay, so I found another lead about this drug lord." Sab should have figured it's related to the underground world again. "The lead is not pointing me to the Red Rockers, but the rival club nearby."
"Alright. The lead is not in the Red Rockers, but why the hell do you want to go there?"
"I'll ask Kidd and Killer if they knew about the owner of the rival club. Being rivals, they ought to have a few information about their rivals."
Sab can't help groan at Koala's explanation. Helping her is nothing new, but since this involves going back in that Barbarian's territory, she'd like to avoid it as much as possible.
"If you want to ask them, go ahead. Don't drag me into it."
"With you around, getting information from Kidd is easy. Just annoy him, then he will give the information willingly."
"Not if he annoys me first."
"Come on. Let's go." Koala grabbed Sab's hands, dragging her to the bedroom. "Get dressed. Let's go."
"Koala, you are being reckless about this investigation."
"That's rich coming from you." Sab did not answer because she, too, had been reckless before when she was fairly involved with Dragon's organization. As she is no longer as active back in the days, her reckless actions have been limited.
With reluctance, she accepted the dress Koala asked her to wear. It's a halter top red body-fitting dress that cuts right in the middle of her thigh.
"Where did you get this dress?" Sab asked while looking at the reflection. It doesn't look bad, but it's not something she will wear as a first choice.
"Do you like it? That suits you."
"Compliments won't take you anywhere. After getting that information, we will get out."
"Don't worry. We won't be going to that rival club. We'll just go to Red Rockers then maybe have a few drinks before going home."
Sab eyed Koala suspiciously. Last time she visited the club, she never bothered to dress up like this. But this time, she's acting odd. Instead of voicing out her assumptions, Sab shrugged it off. Maybe, she's wrong.
The drive to the bar is fairly short given it's just a few blocks away from Koala's apartment. As usual, the line is pretty long. Normally, new customers will have to line up just to get inside and Sab would have done the same had it not been for Koala dragging to where the bouncer was.
"Wait - why - " Sab did not have the chance to finish her question because the bouncer just let them in without a question as if he's expecting them. This action earned a lot of protests from the people waiting in line but a glare from the bouncer shuts them up. It is fairly known that the bouncers will only let someone in if the person is someone familiar with the owner or if they are VIPs.
As soon as they are in, Sab can't help scrunched her nose at the sight. It's kind of suffocating to see a lot of people dancing in one place, but this is a club, what does she expect?
"Come on." Again, Sab was dragged to the second floor where the owner's office is.
"Are the staff in this club expecting us?" Sab asked when she noticed that the staff are not questioning their presence on the second floor, especially when they are walking towards the owner's office.
"Don't know. But it's a good thing. It will make things easier." Koala answered.
Little did they know that Killer instructed the whole staff to let Sab pass through - no questions asked. Of course, Kidd is unaware of this action.
Arriving in the owner's office, Koala knocks on the door which was opened by Killer. As soon as he saw them, he let them in without asking why they are in the office.
Kidd, on the other hand, looked up only to see the person he least expected to see in his office. He was in doubt if he's seeing things, but no. It's Doc Sab.
"What are you doing here?" That question came out naturally.
"I am not here by choice if that's what you're thinking. I am here because this woman won't shut up until I accompany her." Came a sarcastic and cold reply from Sab.
"Yeah, that explains why you're dressed like that."
"I don't think there's anything wrong with my dress. Would you like me to show up in my pajamas?" That shut up Kidd. Not because he doesn't have any retort, but because he the image of Sab wearing his shirt played in his mind. It's distracting.
"So, what brings the two of you here?" Killer asked after the short banter between Sab and Kidd.
"We are here to ask a few things about the rival club. So, here's the thing..." Koala was explaining what she's been up to and why she needs help.
She's trying to convince them that providing information to her is beneficial to Kidd's business as well. If by any chance, they can stop the illegal transactions going on in that rival club, and if they can get solid evidence enough to get the owner arrested, the Red Rockers will have fewer competitors.
While Koala is trying to convince them, Sab remained silent while stealing glances at Kidd from time to time. And he's been doing the same thing. As soon as their eyes meet, both will immediately look away.
Even though Koala and Killer noticed how the two are kind of awkward, they did not say anything. Instead, the conversation continued.
Kidd was kind of adamant in telling them anything, but in the end, he provided a few information that could be vital to what Koala's been investigating.
"Alright. I have a few more questions, but I'll go to the bathroom for a moment. Please excuse me." Koala was in a hurry and did not even wait until any of them can acknowledge her excuse. She bolted out of the room as if escaping from something.
It did not take 2 minutes before Killer excused himself which leaves Kidd and Sab in the room.
There was an awkward silence between them that remained for about 5 minutes. Ever since that day when she slept over, there has been an undeniable awkwardness when they are alone. Granted, the two of them are still arguing about petty things, but when they ran out of arguments, there's nothing but awkward silence between them. Sab can't even make proper eye contact with him and this never happened before!
"My arm's healing. You don't have to drop by to take care of my chores." Kidd broke the silence with this statement.
"There's still a day left."
"It doesn't matter. I'll be busy and won't be home that much anyway, so there's no use for you to drop by." Sab would have argued more but what's the use if she does? He's firmly saying he doesn't want to see her anymore.
She should be happy. The tedious job of doing house works for him will be no more, but why does she feel sad now that it's gone? There's a slight pang inside her that she can't properly explain.
Is she insulted because her services are no longer needed? No, she thinks not. That's too petty.
Maybe...
No. No. She mentally told herself. She refuses to believe that this particular thought is the reason why she feels a little sad.
"Alright. I'll be leaving then." She said before standing up.
"Why the rush? Are you going somewhere after getting the information here?"
"There's no need for me to be here in the first place, so I better get the hell out."
"So, you're going somewhere give you're dressed like you are going to a party." His tone is getting too sarcastic for Sab's taste. The conversation started with their tones somewhat sounding civil, albeit a little awkward. But now? It feels like they are arguing about something they can't explain.
"It's none of your damn business where I chose to go after here." Sab's tongue is getting sharper and so as her tone. She's just... mad. As for why she's mad, she can't explain. She just is.
Maybe it was because of the way he is asking the questions. Maybe because she felt sensitive after being told that she's no longer needed. Maybe...
"Why are your answers so damn rude?"
"My answers fit your questions properly. I am just speaking the truth that it's none of your business."
"What? Can't answer a simple question? Maybe you guys are going to that rival club to get yourselves in trouble. Don't tell me you're planning to get close to those fuckers?" Their voices are getting higher, almost shouting at each other.
"If we get close to them, that's still none of your business. I won't answer that question because I don't want to. Take it or leave it, I don't fucking care." This is not the usual way Sab answers someone. Whenever she's pissed off, her mouth spouts a lot of cursed words. Sensing that the conversation is not going anywhere, she opened the door to get out of there.
As soon as she stepped out of the office, Kidd followed her, madder than ever.
"Need I remind you of what happened here last time?!"
"You don't need to remind me! We are aware and it will be our choice, not yours. So fuck off, why don't you?"
This got Kidd mad. This is the second time she told him to fuck off.
"Fine! Go get in trouble for all I care!"
The two of them are shouting in a hallway. Thank goodness that there is no one walking around, or else the scene will be too shameful of them. Good thing that the rooms in the hallway are all soundproof or else, the people inside will hear the shouting contest between Sab and Kidd.
This is the first time that the two of them are arguing this intensely. They argue a lot, yes, but not to a point that both of them are too mad at each other.
"Yes, we will be in trouble but you won't hear me asking for your help if that's what you're worried about!"
"Are you fucking serious?!" Kidd can't believe what he heard.
"If we get in trouble, your name will not even be mentioned at all, if that's what's bothering you. Anything I do, you will not have anything to do with it!"
"What the actual fuck?!" Kidd's seriously getting mad now. How petty does she think he is to think that he's worried about getting involved if she gets in trouble? Does she think that he's selfishly thinking about his welfare than hers? "You're seriously thinking like that?! For fuck's sake, Sab!"
"This conversation is going nowhere." Sab said.
"It is going nowhere because you're missing the point!"
"I don't have anything to do with you, right? My business is my business. My chores with you are over. Then, let's leave it at that. Let's leave each other alone and pretend we don't know each other." Annoyance got over Sab's head that she spoke before thinking. The last sentence was too much and she realized it a little too late. Even though they are not close friends, to say that they need to pretend not to know each other - to forget everything is like saying that she regrets meeting him. That she wants to forget everything.
Kidd did not answer. Instead, he kicked the door beside him open due to his anger from her statement. Sab was shocked at his actions, but maybe the blame is on her this time.
The door opened with a loud thud, making Sab wince. The argument would have continued had it not been for the scene both of them witnessed.
After the door opened, their eyes instantly landed on the two people inside the room. A man and a woman in a very compromising position. Her legs are wrapped around his waist, causing her worn skirt to raise up, revealing her thighs. Her blouse is gone, probably on the floor. What she's wearing now is only a black brassiere.
The man is in no better state. He is topless, his belt is gone, his pants are open. Thank goodness that the two of them are still not in the main part.
Seeing this type of scene, Sab would have apologized, or maybe Kidd should because he was the one who kicked the door open due to his anger, but right now, neither of them is apologizing because of the state they are in.
State of shock.
Yes, it is shocking because the two people inside the room are none other Koala and Killer.
There was a deadly silence between the four of them. Sab was so shocked that her mouth was left gaping at Koala. Their eyes met and a silent conversation happened. Really, Sab should have trusted her assumption earlier. She had a hunch that Killer and Koala have something going on, but she said nothing or asked anything.
The silence continued. None dared to say anything but when Sab got rid of the shocking scene she saw, she immediately frowned in disapproval at her best friend before breaking the silence.
"Get dressed. We're getting out of here now! I'll be waiting for you in the car." That was her last statement before walking away, not bothering to say goodbye to Kidd at all but before she could walk far away, Kidd shouted said something that made her stop.
"So, you're going there, huh?! Fine! Go there and never come back here!"
For a moment there, Sab's eyes looked hurt. Even Kidd is also shocked for his another outburst. Without saying anything, she walked away, ignoring him.
This left Killer and Koala wondering what the fuck is going on.
"Get the hell back to work!" Kidd shouted at Killer before walking away as well. Which left Killer and Koala, still in that position with the door left open.
Like Sab and Kidd earlier, they were shocked when the door suddenly slammed open like that. That was definitely a very embarrassing situation but neither have the time to get embarrassed because of the atmosphere between Sab and Kidd. There was so much tension in the air that it was suffocating.
With frantic movements, the two of them got dressed quickly, disappointed that they got interrupted. Well, it's not like they can get mad at being interrupted, not when Sab and Kidd are madder than them.
Koala walked towards the parking lot where her car was parked. There, she found Sab standing beside her car, frowning and clearly stressed out. As soon as the Doctor saw her friend, her frown deepened. She had that disappointed scowl at Koala.
"What was that about?" Koala asked as soon as she stood right in front of Sab.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that question instead?"
"Right. Killer and I are kind of getting to know each other." She sheepishly answered.
"As your friend, I am happy for you and I know you know what you're doing but if your main purpose of coming here is to hook up with Killer, you shouldn't have brought me along in the first place!" If Koala did not bring Sab over, maybe that heated argument wouldn't have happened.
"Ok, fine. Maybe one of my reasons for coming here is to see Killer, but I brought you along because you and Kidd could get to know each other better, but judging from what I saw earlier, you two are fighting. What was that about?"
To be honest, Sab does not know where to begin or how to answer Koala's question. The arguments came out of nowhere. They were arguing and the next thing they knew they were shouting at each other, getting madder than ever.
"Sab..." Koala called out.
"I am tired. I just want to go home." Her voice is full of pleas. At this point, she just wants to sleep and hopefully forget what happened today.
"Alright, but I expect an answer tomorrow. I don't want to push you tonight, but that argument doesn't look so simple Sab."
Yes, Sab will admit that their argument is not that simple. It was a mess. Just thinking about it is giving her a headache. She does not want to think of what their arguments could mean. There's not enough energy in her body that could deal with how she's feeling right now and how she should deal with it.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
AN: To be honest, this is not how I planned to write this chapter. I just... wrote it down without thinking at all... LOL. Anyway, let me know what you think! 3