Update time !, I'm all fired up after spending a day at the sea side with my friends and going on crazy fast rides at the theme park. I'm an adrenalin junkie :-D. And i'd like thank everyone who reviewed especially yaoifan 124, Ho-Ho-Noa, and luffy-chanxcrew you guys rock!. And in answer to luffy-chanxcrew's questions yes i'm planning to add Ace into the story at some point but not as a love rival but as an over protective big brother. And as for Zoro kissing Luffy...it's coming just gotta build up the momentum. Hopefully this chapter is easier to read, I've done my best to improve the grammar etc so please enjoy the story and let me know what you think ^^
Disclaimer : I don't own One Piece or Pirates of the Caribbean unfortunately :-( so please don't sue me I have no money and I won't give you my Easter eggs :-p
On with the story ! ^/\^ * happy Itachi face *
As darkness crept into the small flat the silence was disturbed by the rustling of covers as an occupant began to stir. Luffy liked sleep but he also loved his precious meat and in a toss up between the two the meat won through. Shoving his covers off he shuffled down the hallway at a snails pace letting of a yawn stopping momentarily to peer into Usopp's room. Finding no sign's of life Luffy continued into the kitchen, coming to a stand still in front of an overly large fridge.
The fridge itself probably cost more than everything else in the flat and the straw hatted slayer loved it so, quickly checking if anyone was around he grinned 'the cost is clear' tanned arms enclosed as much as the fridge as possible. A scared cheek resting against the cool metal a contented sigh filled the air.
"Luffy your not hugging the refrigerator again are you?." sheepishly Luffy let the fridge go 'how dose he ALWAYS know' a chuckle escaped his lips.
Opening the fridge in awe Luffy scanned the selves, pulling out two burgers he decided to make both himself and Usopp chicken burgers, all he had to do was use the grill. No great task for one who defeats the dammed on a nightly basis, no problem for a super slayer right. Usopp was drifting between sleep and being awake in no rush to get out from under his warm covers figuring Luffy needed some more alone time with the fridge. A smell drifted his way 'that smells bad ... it smells like ... gas?' shooting out of bed like a jet fulled rocket he tore into the kitchen turning off the gas on the grill spinning round he pointed a condemning finger at a certain super slayer.
"LUFFY HOW MANY TIMES MUST I TELL YOU DON'T TOUCH THE OVEN GRILL OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT INVOLVES FLAMES AND GAS!."
Luffy lolled his head backwards to look at Usopp from his position on the couch "ah but it's easy, your so mean Usopp" his face falling into a pout. "Luffy ... YOU DO NOT JUST TURN ON THE GAS AND WALK AWAY!. If i hadn't of smelt it in my dreams we'd be poisoned by gas or blown up if you'd remembered to light the thing eventually!". Usopp turned away exasperated 'Luffy is shortening my lifespan i just know it !' massaging his temples to quell the ensuring headache that was to come he made his way over the the sofa "I see your pretty much healed up ... that super healing of yours is really something else."
"Mmm I always feel much better after some sleep..." Luffy trailed off biting his lower lip.
"Something wrong?" a small feeling of unease built in Usopp's stomach, Luffy almost never hesitated. He looked up through his messy ebony bangs regarding Usopp carefully "ummm well...it's like...you know.." he sighed as he struggled with his words.
"I can't get him outta my head" Usopp paled he had a good idea where this was going and had no idea how to handle it.
"...Who can't you get outta your head?" knowing the answer all to well Usopp cast his plain eyes downwards.
"I've been thinking about it for a while now and.." Luffy pulled himself up on his elbows, stomach down on the couch to see Usopp better "I'm not sure if you'll like it.." he answered dully.
Breath catching in his throat Usopp struggled to keep calm 'I can't freak out, it's not that weird a vampire and slay - oh who am I kidding that guy will kill him!, not before he uses Luffy, don't freak out, don't freak out, DO NOT FREAK OUT smile!.' Usopp plastered the most uncomfortable smile on his face known to man.
"L- listen Luffy, whatever you wanna do is...ok by me, I just...want you to be happy."
Luffy's face lit up "really!, so we can watch Pirates Of The Caribbean tonight!."
Usopp dropped almost hitting the floor, jumping up with wide eyes "W-WHAT!."
Luffy grinned kicking his feet back and forth "yeah I can't stop thinking about Captain Jack Sparrow he's SO COOL!, I wanna be just like him and Shanks, he was a pirate too isn't that cool!."
Usopp grasped the top of the sofa to steady himself 'so the whole time he was talking about Pirates Of The Caribbean!,' red tinted his cheeks in embarrassment, frowning he grabbed a cushion out from under Luffy whacking him with it repeatedly.
"Your far to obsessed with those movies, and pirates AND SHANKS!."
Outside their small apartment Zoro paced back and forth in the alleyway 'just take one quick look then leave it's simple!' he'd been there for an hour but lacked the courage or madness in his opinion to get close enough to see in. 'Do it, no one will have to know, just one look then I can leave! do it, do it, for god sake just do it!.'
Hastily he peaked in a window, dark eyes widening slightly at the sight of Luffy laughing and rolling around uncontrollably as Usopp attacked him with a cushion. 'He looks so good like that...sprawled out on his back, shaking from laughter and his face flushed, with his shirt riding up over his smooth stomach-' reeling backwards Zoro smacked himself. 'NO NO NO, I did not just think that...about the slayer!.' Unfortunately in his rashness he did not see the bins that he collided into creating an almighty crash.
Sitting up cursing his own stupidness Zoro paused and watched a stray dust bin lid make a break for it finally clattering down making one last unpleasant noise before it hit the floor. Knowing there was no way his stupidity went unheard he bolted, throughing himself behind a dumpster just in time as the small window to his left opened. Usopp stuck his head out sighing in frustration.
"Hey Luffy the bloody foxes were in the bins again!." Zoro peered cautiously out from the side of the dumpster, accidentally rustling the big bags he was sat amongst.
Usopp glared in the dumpsters direction "SHOO GET OUT OF HERE!, dam things always making a mess!."
Zoro snuck a glace at the hunter who was shooing away imaginary foxes, mentally smacking himself 'what am I doing here?, if anyone else knew... and what is that smell?, I'll do the honorable thing and stake myself!.' His thoughts were interrupted as a loud voiced pierced his metal rant, Luffy hung out of the window peering around curiously almost falling out.
"It's ok Luffy I the great hunter Usopp scared the stupid foxes away!." Zoro watched Luffy turn back to regard the hunter.
"But I like foxes Usopp!." Zoro's heart would have stopped all over again if it had beat as Luffy's eyes peered straight at his hiding place. 'Shit dose he know!.' Pulling back Luffy retreated into his flat closing the window behind him, judging he was safe Zoro screwed his eyes shut and banged his head against the dumpster mumbling "stupid stupid stupid!."
"Usopp i'm going, do you want anything?" Luffy shouted as he slipped his sandals on and adjusted his hat.
"Yeah get me some bags of salt and vinegar crisps will you?, oh and Luffy..."
standing up happy eyes sparkled. "I know, I know stay outta trouble, I'll be back soon I promise!" waving his hand dismissively Luffy closed the door behind him.
Stepping out under the dim street lights he set off whistling a happy tune, the area they lived in was nothing special a bit of green dotted here and there, the odd abandoned sofa or burned out car but what area didn't have a few of those. Luffy glanced around noticing that the streets were mostly abandoned. His gaze continued upwards, it was a clear night so countless stars littered the midnight blue sky. A light breezed rushed past Luffy ruffling his spiky bangs, nights like these were were his favorite.
Zoro followed, always careful to stay silent and out of sight, he didn't want the slayer to know he was there, he himself didn't even know what he was doing there. Finally he stopped as Luffy entered a small 24 hour convenient store. Cautiously Zoro peered in watching as the slayer fussed over all the different ice cream flavoures clearly having great trouble picking just one. As Luffy bounced up to the counter with his sea salt ice crem Zoro made his way quickly into a nearby alleyway. Hitting his head against the wall he questioned 'what am I doing?, now i'm stalking him.'
"HI ZORO!" the teen shouted appearing abruptly from the entrance. Zoro nearly jumped out of his skin when Luffy's loud happy voice echoed throughout the narrow alleyway "What are you doing here?."
Zoro blinked a couple of times, readjusting himself "nothing really."
Luffy closed the distance between them awkwardly adjusting the bags he had. "I'm glad you guys got back ok, it's ashamed you couldn't see the sunrise...it was really beautiful."
Zoro decided to make a quick exit, talking to the slayer was not part of his plan, no the talking part would need much more planning. As Zoro readied himself to leap upwards he glanced at Luffy once more, noticing something he hadn't before "you don't have any weapons on you?."
Luffy flinched in surprise "ah no... it's my night off, i'm kinda tired, I just came to get snacks, ha ha honestly I forgot to bring weapons."
Zoro gave a nod before disappearing on top of the building. As he made his way across the rooftops he couldn't help but overhear some vampires nearby. Pausing at the mention of the slayers name he stiffened as they discussed the unpleasant things they planned to do to the cute little slayer.
As they left in the direction Zoro had left Luffy he punched the floor of the roof where he had knelled 'he can look after himself.. and since when do I care what happens to him anyway.' Standing he shook his head to clear his mind, words the slayer had said resurfacing in his mind. "I'm kinda tired... I forgot my weapons." Sighing out loud Zoro spun around and hastily made his way back to the alleyway.
Luffy stared up at where Zoro had disappeared, disappointment swimming in his large eyes, turning around he had almost made it out of the allyway when he heard a thud behind him. Before he could turn the teenage slayer felt arms encircle his waist and lift him off his feet in an instant. A surprised gasp slipped out as his bags fell out of his hands. Almost instantly the bags were caught. Luffy's entire body jolted as he felt himself flying upwards, only moments later everything became a blur as he saw passing rooftops.
Twisting Luffy struck out at his captor, narrowly missing him "Z-ZORO!" brown eyes grew larger. Not getting so much as a reaction unsettled the teen greatly, thoughts of previous times Zoro had the upper hand on him forced an outbreak of wriggles. Luffy pulled and pushed at the arm around his waist, gasping as it tightened painfully around him.
Deeming they were at a safe distance Zoro stopped, glancing downwards at Luffy "geez stop struggling so much or do you want me to drop you idiot?."
Luffy looked up through his dark bangs frowning "put me down Zoro!."
The green haired vampire scowled 'that's how he acts after I saved him?' a playful smile crossed his lips. "Whys that slayer?, don't you like being at my mercy?...perhaps I should just drop you from this height then yes?."
Luffy's grip tighten slightly as he looked downwards to find he was dangling at the edge of a very tall building. Uneasily he looked back up at Zoro cautiously. Feeding off of the slayers reaction Zoro smiled, his fangs peeking out from his top lip. Luffy shuddered upon seeing them, almost feeling the pain they had caused him before he panicked. Zoro pulled them away from the edge as Luffy struggled violently lashing out at all angles.
Zoro tightened his grip suddenly causing Luffy to gasp out losing air, his struggling stopped as he fell forward in his already sideways position.
"Relax slayer...it's... my night off as well" struggling with his emotions and feeling embarrassed he hid his face.
Luffy calmly shifted in Zoro's arm. 'This is the first time anyones held me like this...' Luffy smiled, it wasn't entirely unpleasant. Now that he knew he wasn't going to die he felt somewhat safe and strangely comfortable being held by the vampire.
Noticing the slayers body relax, Zoro stole a quick glance at him, frowning slightly as his view was blocked by the slayers straw hat.
"Well I might as well take you home." Not waiting for an answer Zoro took off into a light dash hoping effortlessly over rooftops.
Surprised Luffy gasped " I-I can walk!."
Zoro's dark eyes dropped, "...it's ok you're light." Luffy blushed slightly and figured he'd just enjoy the moment while it lasted.
...
"Were here" Zoro said in rather a distasteful tone, clearly upset that the journey was so short. Letting Luffy down he shoved the bag's he'd saved into tanned arms. Luffy blinked in surprise to find he was indeed at his front door.
"That was SO COOL!" turning to face Zoro a grin plastered on his face.
"You're like a little kid slayer" Zoro smiled 'he hasn't run inside like I expected him to.' The teen eyed the door nervously, he wanted to go inside but he also wanted to stay with the vampire who'd carried him home.
Pushing aside the strange nervous feeling that continued to build inside of him Luffy grinned "thanks... Zoro."
The green haired vampire was having an inner conflict of his own, he wanted more. Briefly he wondered if the slayer would let him inside though all thoughts of that were shoved away at the thought of the slayers best friend. Who in Zoro's mind was probably waiting inside with holy water and a base ball bat.
Luffy scratched his cheek awkwardly, when a realisation hit him "ne Zoro...how did you know where I lived?."
Zoro glanced up panicked, he couldn't help but notice a small knowing smile creep across the slayers face. Luffy stumbled backwards into his door as his straw hat was pulled over his eyes. By the time he'd readjusted it his vampire visitor had gone.
Laughing to himself Luffy glanced once more up at the stars 'Zoro's a funny guy.' Almost dancing he opened the front door and made his way to the kitchen.
Usopp looked away from the t.v "you seem pretty happy something good happen?." Teasingly his vioce got higher "did the store guy give you extra ice cream again?."
Placing the bags on the counter Luffy nodded "mmhhm something like that" grabbing the item's he wanted he hoped over and settled himself next to Usopp on the sofa. Usopp regarded Luffy with a curious glance but figured it was nothing, hitting the play button he grinned as the hyperactive slayer gave a cheer as film began, Luffy and pirates went together like ice cream and well more ice cream.
At a local vampire friendly establishment Nami, Sani and Robin sat discussing Zoro's crush whilst downing a few drinks of first class blood.
"Next time we see Zoro we need to be supportive."
Sanji took a sip of his drink wrinkling his nose at the thought of not teasing the uptight swordsman."But Nami san it's so fun" his voice overly whinny.
"Mmm I agree Nami" Robin smiled crossing her legs, her fish net tights glowing in the changing lights.
"That's right, Zoro needs our full support on this!" Nami wagged her finger at Sanji who rolled his eyes in response.
"Why the hell should we?, his silly crush is his own dam problem!". Sanji paused and took a long calming drag of his cigarette "Personally I hope he tries to feel the slayer up and slayer boy stakes him for it." A grin crossed his lips "that'd be so funny."
Nami sighed "your not getting it Sanji, we need to support Zoro because...well um" pausing to find the rights words "...because Zoro has great trouble expressing love."
Sanji was about to make a sarcastic remark when an annoyed voice cut in "not unlike some other vampires I know." The group looked up to find Zoro standing above them with his arms crossed scowling down at them.
"Eh whats that supposed to mean stupid marimo?" Sanji questioned frowing back.
"Your an idiot" Zoro liked to get straight to the point and those words seemed to fit what his inner Zoro was thinking.
Sanji jumped up to engage Zoro in combat when Nami pulled out a vacant chair next to her "sit down and have a drink, I'm paying."
Zoro eyed Nami carefully she NEVER paid for anything, she normally had her endless legion of admires pay 'she's up to something...but if I get a free drink I don't care.' He seated himself pulling the chair further from her in defiance. Nami ordered Zoro a drink and returned her gaze to his.
"Tell me when did hell freeze over?" his voice dripped with venomous distrustful.
"Zoro i'm just trying to be nice" Nami answered in her fake angelic voice.
Zoro scoffed "yeah right", Nami frowned but relaxed again."So did you see him?."
Zoro's eyes narrowed "ohh that's so romantic, a midnight reandevous under the stars!, spill it marimo did you get to first base with the slayer?." Sanji sang making goggily eyes at his arch enemy.
Doing his upmost best to ignore the blond idiot Zoro looked at Nami "why do you even care what I do?."
Robin cut in "curiosity Roronoa kun," Zoro frowned at her.
"They say curiosity killed the cat but it can also kill noisy assed vampires as well" Zoro spat in aggravation.
Ignoring Zoro's little mood swing Nami questioned "so Zoro did you tell the slayer that you like him?."
Zoro almost spat out his mouthful of blood, coughing the remaining thick liquid down. " O-of course not!."
Nami rested her chin on her palms "Why not?."
Zoro rolled his eyes "because it's wrong and he'd freak out and...and I don't even like him!."
Nami shook her head her silky orange bangs falling perfectly into place moments later. "You can't help who you like, besides he might like you back."
Zoro snorted, a slayer falling for a vampire that was impossible.
"You should defiantly tell him how you feel" Nami twirled a strand of her hair round her finger.
At that moment Zoro snapped "exactly why are you so adamant about it anyway!" his hands slamming on the table.
Nami smiled in response "I like him."
Before Zoro could retaliate Sanji cut in "You should ask him out." Zoro paused slightly taken back at the comment.
"You'd better hurry and ask him out Zoro" his dark eyes snapped to hers "oh yeah whys that?."
Nami paused examining her perfectly polished fingernails "cause if you don't I will."
Zoro's eyes widened "you like him...that way?." Nami gave a soft nod and stood, leaving the three alone as she closed the door.
Zoro was doing a good impression of a goldfish "my oh my Roronoa kun seems like you've got some competition." Robin spoke clearly amused 'a love triangle how interesting.'
Zoro could barly contain the mixture of emotions he was feeling so he opted to freak out and tug on his hair 'SHE LIKES HIM, OF COURSE HE'S GONNA PICK HER OVER ME!.'
"I - I don't believe it, well thats just great what the hell am I supposed to do!."
Sanji yawned "we already told you ask him out, it's not that hard, if he says yes then great, if he says no then at least you know and can move on."
Zoro stopped tugging on his hair and just stared, this was not the same Sanji who makes his life misery, no that advice was intelligent and right? 'that's it the worlds gone mad.'
Sanji sighed at Zoro's lack of response, he stood up smoothing out his suit. "You know i'm right, grow a pair and do it or you might regret it later and you don't need anymore regrets" with that said Sanji left.
Zoro was stunned he didn't know how to deal with any of it, slowly he turned to the one remaining group member who was smiling creepily at him.
Swallowing the shattered remnants of his pride he asked "any suggestions how I should go about it?."
Robin smiled "just be yourself Roronoa kun and perhaps give him something a gift of sorts."
Zoro ruffled his hair uncomfortably "a gift?, like what?."
Robin thought for a few moments "perhaps flowers or maybe chocolates, something that will make him happy, good luck swordsman san." Getting up and waving she left Zoro to his thoughts, he had alot of planning to do.
At that moment on the edge of windmill city a dark cloaked figure stood his red nose shinning menacingly in the moonlight.
"So this is where the slayer lives?."
A cloaked figured appeared out of the shadows standing shakily next to the speaker.
"Y-yes captain for sure!."
A gust rushed past the two as if foreboding danger, the hooded captain laughed his painted face twisting into a cruel crooked smile.
"I'll be seeing you soon Monkey.D Luffy!."
Dun dun DUN a cliffhanger !. Well I think you all know who the new villain is...it's Rudolph the red nose reindeer!, no not really but it would be funny. Any who I know there wasn't really any fighting but there's lots of fights to come so no worries. Next issue will Zoro ask Luffy out or will he be to late and lose him to Nami?, what dose the cloaked captain have planned for Luffy?, will Usopp ever be truly rid of those imaginary foxes find out next time!