The single porch light flickered as Sanji finished locking the Baratie doors. "See you tomorrow, Brook, Sanji! You two have a good night!" Franky called as he retreated to his garage a few blocks down. Sanji heard Brook return the farewell from somewhere else in the dark. He himself waved over his shoulder, not really caring if Franky saw it or not. The two of them were close enough that he didn't have to worry about hurt feelings. He yawned, sliding the keys into his coat pocket. Wow it was late. He paused to light a cigarette before trudging around the corner. He climbed the stairs wearily, up to his apartment above the bar. He was glad he didn't have to go very far. Brook lived on the complete opposite end of town.
After closing his door behind him, he flicked the light on and went to sit by an open window for a bit, letting the smoke air out. He crushed the cigarette into one of his many ash trays, and rolled up his sleeves to wash the single mug at the sink. He grumbled to himself. He almost never had dirty dishes, so he never had to stay up washing them. How had he forgotten this one? Thankfully, it was only the single cup, but still annoying. He washed, dried, and returned it to it's place before leaving the kitchen, turning the light off as he left.
His apartment wasn't big. It was just a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and guest room. He didn't really have guests, so he mainly just used the room for storage. He paused at his bedroom door, shrugging his coat off. Something was off. He didn't know what it was. Something small. Something in the back of his mind that he hadn't noticed yet. Something…out of place.
He didn't ever leave windows open when he left. And he hadn't even used that mug in the last couple of days. Someone else was in his apartment.

X

Nami woke up slowly, full of pain. She frowned before she even opened her eyes. What the hell had happened? The cop had dove toward her, moving faster than she could see, and that was all she remembered. Had he pressure-pointed her? Whatever he did, it wasn't comfortable. She had a killer headache. She groaned, reaching up to massage her temples, only to discover her hands were cuffed together. She rubbed her eyes before opening them and surveying her surroundings. She was still in the motel, actually right where she had gotten knocked out. She looked around. The room was in shambles, the shattered chair on the floor, a bullet hole by the window, and several dents and cracks on numerous walls. And a brooding cop in the middle of it all.
He was leaning against the wall, twirling a combat knife around in his hands. He looked angry. Nami laughed as she pushed herself into a sitting position, "Raven got away?" The glare he shot her was all the confirmation she needed. She just smirked, but relief washed over her. She was glad her new friend had managed to escape.
"So what now?" She asked, turning to face him. "You going to try and arrest us both?" She motioned to the cuffs around both her wrists. His eyes flicked up at her, but he didn't answer. "You know you can't drag me around, and still expect to catch her. I'll only get in your way. And you don't want that, huh."

It was all Zoro could do not to knock her out again. She was already getting on his nerves. "Where did you send her?" He interrupted. He watched her eyes narrow, and she glared over at him. "What makes you think I'm going to tell you?"
In an instant, he was inches away from her, his knife at her throat. He caught the surprise that crossed her face, but it quickly morphed back into a haughty smirk. "Oh please. Like you'd actually kill me. You're a cop, and what have I done?" She flashed him a sweet innocent face, but then grinned. "This can't really be considered self defense, can it?" She pushed the blade away, laughing, "I don't think anyone's going to be impressed that you murdered a poor innocent girl in cold blood." She batted her eyelashes. "While I was helplessly chained too." He snarled, but yanked the knife away anyway. "You're hardly innocent." He hissed, returning to his seat. She was right, unfortunately. He couldn't kill her, no matter how much he wanted to. "So where is she?" Nami blew him a kiss and giggled. He ground his teeth. She was really irritating.
"As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. I can't drag you around while I'm tracking her." He watched her warily. "You'll only slow me down, and I know you'll be nothing but trouble." She nodded, "Good to see you've got some semblance of a brain." He glared at her with all the spite he could possibly manifest, and she returned it, doubled. The two of them held each other's glare for a few more seconds before Zoro growled, turning his attention back to his blade.

Nami groaned like a bored teenager, and rolled onto her back, kicking her feet up in the air, and humming to herself. She could see the cop attempting to ignore her, and the mounting frustration as he failed. She hummed even louder, watching him carefully. He seemed to project a very serious, intimidating version of himself. But she sensed that he was really just clumsy, and short tempered. She had done her fair share of underestimating, so she did her best not to look down on him. After all, he had managed to track Raven all the way here, and somehow figure out that she was in the hotel. But at the moment…
"All right, shut up!" he snapped, slamming the knife into the floor, unable to stand her anymore. "Watch what you're stabbing there! That's my wood floor!" She watched his eyes practically bulge out of his head in pent up frustration. "That's it! I've had enough of you!" He got to his feet brushing himself off. "I don't need your help to track Raven down anyway, so you can just stay here and rot!" He stormed out of the room, and she called after him. "Wait, you forgot your handcuffs!" His head appeared back through the door, "Keep them! They look better on you anyway." He gave her a sly grin before disappearing again.
Nami sat still and listened for a moment, just to make sure he was gone. She heard the lobby door slam in the distance, and smiled to herself. "Idiot." She muttered, reaching up to pull a bobby pin out of her hair.

X

Raven was casually leaning against the wall, watching the bartender, Sanji. Nami had told her exactly where to go, and who to find. So here she was. He was right in front of her, standing stock still, and oddly tense. She guessed he had realized she was here. After all, she had left him a few clues. She watched him drape his coat over a chair just inside his room, and roll his sleeves up. He was already tall, but his slim build made him look even taller. Nami was right, he really didn't look like much. Was he really a strong fighter?
As if to answer her question, he whirled unexpectedly, his leg coming up surprisingly fast, and directly at her face. She twitched as it slammed into the wall by her head, just above her shoulder. She had just managed to deflect it, her hand resting on his ankle. She looked up at him and smiled. Just like Nami had said, he practically melted upon seeing her.

Sanji's eyes widened he minute he saw the beautiful intruder. She was leaning back against the wall, one of her arms crossed under her chest, and the other on his ankle, deflecting his kick. He instantly dropped his leg, "I am so sorry! I didn't hurt you, did I? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I hurt a lady! Especially a beautiful lady such as yourself." He took her hand and kissed it gently, and she laughed. It was a beautiful sound. "Don't worry, I'm not hurt." Her voice! It brushed against him like the wings of an angel. He looked back up at her face, memorizing every perfect detail. Her hair fell down around her slim shoulders, her aquamarine eyes shining in the dim light.
She was breathtaking, and it was all he could do not to faint on the spot. He could never forget her face. In fact, he already remembered her perfectly. Raven. She was the woman that cop had come looking for earlier. She was even more enchanting in person, even if she was a little banged up. He reached up and brushed her wrist, where a slight bruise was showing. Actually, now that he was really looking at her, it was obvious that she was a little ragged. "Who did this to you?" He murmured, gently examining her arm, and several other small wounds that he could see. She glanced up at him, and he heard her take a shaky breath. Whatever had happened, she clearly needed attention.
"No, nevermind, you don't have to tell me now. It's clearly bothering you. Come sit down for a while." He hit the light switch in his room and motioned to his bed. "Please, make yourself at home. Can I get you something? Some tea? Or coffee maybe?" She gracefully slid past him, "Some coffee would be nice. I hope you don't mind, I helped myself to some water earlier." Sanji waved it away, "Don't worry your pretty head. I'll get right on that coffee." She smiled sweetly as he backed out of the room, turning back toward the kitchen.

Raven smiled as Sanji vanished from her sight. He was very kind, and surprisingly trusting. Was it really just because she was a woman? She laughed quietly, he was a funny man, that was for sure. There was no way he could know who she was. And that fact only made this situation even stranger. Because if he did know who she was, why was he so gracious to someone who was a wanted criminal? But if he had no idea who she was, why was he being so hospitable to someone he didn't know? Whatever the case, he was odd to say the least. If he didn't really care who she was, that was fine by her. She wasn't particularly interested in sharing.
The bartender reappeared, with two steaming cups of coffee. He took a sip of one, and handed her the other. She took it, offering him a smile in return. She sunk onto the soft mattress, sipping the warm drink. Sanji fell onto the chair by the door, tossing his legs up over the armrest. Neither said a word for a few moments, but eventually Sanji broke the silence, "Raven."
She froze at the single word.
He wasn't even looking at her, just casually sipping his coffee. She stared up at him, trying to gauge his reaction. He didn't seem at all upset. He looked back at her, and their eyes met for a moment. Raven didn't move a muscle, but her entire body tensed. A grin split Sanji's face, "Was I right?" She only blinked, slowly. "How do you…" She trailed off, not sure if she wanted to know the answer. But he only shrugged, "There was a cop that was in the bar earlier. Said he was looking for you." Raven stiffened, "What did he tell you?" She could feel her mind and body transitioning into survival mode. Would she have to fight Sanji off too? She had already been in enough fights for the day.
However, he just shrugged again, looking down at the cup in his hand. "I don't really give a damn what he said." He took a sip. "Doesn't matter to me." Raven couldn't help but smile. "He kind of pissed me off anyway. Damn Mosshead." At that, she burst out laughing. He looked up at her in surprise. "I like your laugh." He said, grinning. He pushed himself up, tossing his feet back to the ground. "Whatever the reason you're wanted. I don't care." He offered her a big smile, "But I'll help you. I like you, Raven." She smiled, and returned his smile. "I like you too, Sanji." Internally, she sighed. He wouldn't be so quick to help her if he knew the darkness she carried with her. He wouldn't be so smiley then.

Sanji saw Raven stiffen as there was a knock on the door. The poor darling. She must be so nervous. "Stay here, I'll go check it out." She nodded, her face drawn. He slid from the room and made his way back to the kitchen. Who would be at the door this late at night? Franky maybe? Brook? He was a little nervous. Did someone else know Raven was here? What would he do if it was that idiot cop again? Whoever it was, if they thought they'd be able to take Raven away easily, they had another thing coming.
He paused behind the door, took a deep breath, and pulled it open. He was bombarded by a flurry of a person, and the door slammed shut again. "Where is she?" Nami gasped. She was out of breath, and looked like she had been running. "Ah, Nami my darling!" He reached out to give her a hug, which she smacked away like always. "What's wrong? You look like you've just run a mile." She glared at him, "I have, you idiot. I booked it all the way over from the motel. Now where's Raven." Sanji paused, "Who?" Nami's eyes flickered over with worry. "She didn't make it? Oh no!" She walked to the windows, and stuck her head out, mumbling to herself. "Where are you? Please be safe." She leaned back against the wall, chewing on her fingernails. Sanji cleared his throat, "Listen, Nami, uh…" He didn't get a chance to finish before Nami screamed happily.

Raven laughed as Nami ran and jumped onto her. She surprised herself by hugging the ginger back. "I'm so glad you're safe! I didn't know if you had gotten here or not. I was so worried!" Nami was practically gushing. Raven smiled down at her friend. "I'm glad to see you got away yourself." Her face fell as worry brushed her, "But where's Zoro?" Nami blinked, confused for a moment. "That cop?" Raven nodded. Nami's face twisted into a sly grin "Who knows? He stormed off, all mad 'cause I wouldn't tell him where you were." She giggled. Raven sighed in relief. "That's good. I'm just glad you're not hurt." Nami gave her a look, "Oh come on, an amateur like that wouldn't be able to hold me down. Not for long anyway." Raven chuckled. That she could believe. Nami was a firecracker, that was for sure.
Sanji interrupted them, offering Nami a drink. She accepted it, and Raven noticed the slight blush in her friend's cheeks. She smiled to herself. The two looked good together, and actually complimented each other nicely. As she watched them together, she felt a slight pang of emotion. Deep in the pit of her stomach. A sense of longing. She wished, with all her heart, that she could just live such a carefree life. That she could smile so easily, without putting up a facade. She looked away, the sight of them just a little too painful. She knew it was impossible. She could never be happy.

X

Zoro seethed in the front of his SUV. That Nami had really gotten under his skin. She was infuriating without even trying. He sat back, glaring out into the night. He had driven to the edge of town after leaving the motel. It was too late to do any sort of hunting tonight. Raven would have to wait until the morning. He glanced around at the abandoned streets. This little town might prove to be a little more troublesome than he had originally thought. He would be the laughing stock of the entire Police Force if he let Raven slip through his fingers here. In such a primitive, small place.
He growled in the darkness, glowering at the shadows. Where was he going to start? No one had told him anything so far, and Raven knew he was here, so she would be extra careful to stay out of sight. This place had its ups and downs. Zoro knew he could not count on any of the townspeople for help. He was alone here. Hunting for a witch who already had people under her spell. It was him vs the town. But, being so isolated from the rest of the world, Raven could not leave here without him noticing. The buses were few and far between. He could catch her there, easily. And any other vehicle suddenly leaving would not escape his eye. Raven had shelter, as long as she was here. But the minute she tried to leave, he could prey on her with ease. They were at a stalemate, the two of them. Trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
He flinched as an alarm broke the silence of his brooding. He glanced down in confusion. One of his tracker monitors was blinking on a screen otherwise blank. He frowned. There shouldn't be any trackers within a mile radius. The only one he had activated close by was on Nami, sown to the collar of her shirt…
He smiled, an almost evil grin splitting his face. He knew it would prove useful to mark the cat burglar. She had escaped the handcuffs remarkably fast, actually not all that surprising. And where would she be going at this hour of the night? To a certain escaped Blackbird, was his guess. He smirked as the blinking light slid into a building he had visited just that morning. The Baratie.

Thanks for all the reviews on Chapter Two! I loved your feedback!

XsAkUrApeTalsX: I'm glad it was intense! I love writing fight scenes, so I'm glad I portrayed it the way it was supposed to be x)
And I'm sorry for all the technical fighting terms I used in there. I hope you still got the general flow of the battle?

JJ (for some reason, it won't let me put your full name): It makes me really happy to hear that you like this fic :D That means so much omg, thank you!
I'm so sorry that this is confusing at first! But I'm glad it cleared itself up for you :}
Aw Yiss! It makes me much happy that the fight scene had you on the edge of your seat. Mission Accomplished!
I work hard to keep everyone in character, so thanks for the compliment! I try :D

capritacorn: I hope I cleared things up for you last chapter, and this one two. I don't want to confuse you .
And YAS isn't Nami cool? I wanted to give her a bit of spotlight!
Whew! I'm so happy I managed to keep everyone in character. I always worry about that :|
Sorry, but this chapter doesn't have any Zoro & Robin interaction. It's coming soon though! I promise!

vi ChaN91312: I'm not entirely sure what "pre-ts" means, but they are before the two-year break in looks, it that's what you meant. They're a little older than they would be in the anime, but oops :\
When you say you like my story, the sun shines on me, thank you so much.
And I read your review about single-line dialogue like literally this morning, and it was too late to re write the chapter *sadness* But I will definitely try that next chapter, thank you for the tip!

Okay! Please Review this chapter also! I love to hear from you all :D