Wowwwww it's been awhile huh, my apologies it's annoying how real life gets in the way of fanfiction isn't it?. Lets see my holiday rocked, my aunts nearly died laughing when I licked my dessert plate clean in a restaurant...what it tasted really good!. And I got more free from the nice waiter. I resisted trying my own slaying abilities out on a a guy when he called me a child when I was trying to get into an tourist attraction thingy, I'm nearly twenty...he had no idea how close to death he was XD
I'd like to thank everyone who reads this story and people who reveiw, I genuinely appreciate it. Special thankies to Clolot (your review made me laugh, I hope you enjoy this chapter). DragonSpy (Your profile rocks, believe it!). EnchantixFae (I also just started my first year at college, hope it's going well and enjoy this chapter).Hmmm seems alot of ppl like the Buffy vibe in this story, yes I'm planning to have super awesome characters resembling Buffy baddies. I'm so proud of this story now. Please enjoy this chapter of Ice and snow, named after the infamous love story in DN Angel.
Disclaimer: Don't own One piece, could you imagine if I did XD
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now
(wish right now, wish right now)
-Airplanes
"Great, were going on a undead vacation!, better get extra sunscreen for them while they get acquainted with our necks!."
"Aw come on Usopp, it'll be fun!." Luffy pouted batting his eyes like a deprived puppy. Whilst pawing occasionally at the hunter cutely, no one could resist Luffy's ultimate attack, super slaying cuteness of doom.
Huffing the slingshot using teen shrugged the other off, "we can't leave Luffy, think about the city, every bad ass around will come to take over whilst were gone!."
"Nuh uh, the watchers have totally got it covered, Grampa contacted me and said so."
Usopp scoffed, the watchers was not a particularly happy topic for him. It was true enough they probably had the ability and resources to look after windmill city but the hunter didn't trust them. Mostly cause he's dubbed them as ancient, cold, evasive bastards but he had his reasons. The one reason in particular was that despite their duty, to help the slayer they never did anything of the sort in reality. The hunter grimaced at particularly unpleasant memories of both himself and Luffy being in dire need of assistance from them and were left to such a horrible fate under watchful eyes.
"Luffy, you know that everthing is just pieces of history joted down on a piece of paper to them. I very much dout they'd risk themselves to protect this city."
"Aw come on, don't be like that, Gramps promised me...if there's any trouble we'll come straight back I swear!."
...
And that's how I the great Usopp now find myself on a train. I'm quite sure it's some massive conspiracy between Ace and Zoro, just cause I'm a wimp dosent mean I'm stupid. Well whatever the reasoning I guess a holiday can't be a bad thing, better yet avoiding all slaying and hunting duties. Just for a little while of course, it would be nice to be normal and relax just for awhile. So here I am with my hyperactive best friend, who I'm now positive might explode from the sheer excitement of the whole thing.
Looking up from the pages of his tatty diary Usopp sighed. "Luffy, seriously sit down and take a deep breath before you pass out. Your actually making me feel dizzy."
"But, but look, it's ALL so COOl!." Withthat the straw hatted teen pressed himself up against the cool glass, stupidly fogging up his own view withhis breath.
"Yes it's all real interesting Luffy." Though his words dripped with the utmost sarcasm he went unheard or ignored by the hyper teen. Relaxing his tensed muscles the hunter shuthis eyes, a small smile crossing his lips. It was kind of nice to get away from the city, something new and hopefully non dangerous. They could both use a little break from the whole save the world thing. Sometimes putting everything else first was a real drain, a barly passable social life, no money and no future was enough to convince the hunter they deserved a holiday. Not that he would ever admit it to Luffy of course, one of them had to be the prim and proper sensible one after all.
"We'll have lots of fun together, hanging out and and uhh, having lots ah fun!." The teen tried to contain his excitement and appear mature to the hunter, failing that he offered a bubbly grin.
"No hanging out with vampires is not nor will it ever be FUN. Honestly you make the most awkward and un natural situation happen if you want it bad enough!," Usopp said flatly. It was one of Luffy's many bazaar and unexplainable talents but that didn't mean the hunter had to like it.
"I still don't see why they had to come along."
"But Zoro suggested the holiday Usopp." Luffy grinned broodily, making like outlines against the glass.
"And you don't find that just a little strange?, mr personality wanting a holiday, with everyone along for the ride." Usopp responded dryly, "I don't see it happening."
"Well it is," Luffy chided jokingly. "Besides...Zoro's just mysterious, you'll like him the more you get to know him Usopp." The teen said tentatively, staring off into space with a blank expression.
"I still don't get why you made such a big deal about us taking the day train, we shoulda taken the night one with them."
"Because slayer boy I don't fancy being stuck in a small carriage when they get the munchies. Night will come around soon enough and you'll have your boyfriend breathing lifeless air down our necks in no time."
...
The train itself was fairly impressive, it's huge bulking structure ensuring both speed and safety. It's thick steam of smoke fogging up the crisp air, not that any passenger cared, as long as the inside was warm the outside was of little interest.
"What cha reading?." Luffy drawled childishly.
Finding himself a tad more defensive of his book and it's contents bland eyes looked up suspiciously. "Nothing..."
"Tch," Luffy groaned before shuffling to sit upside down, catching his hat as it fell from his head. In actions far to swift and surprisingly calculatedly sneaky Luffy grabbed the book grinning wildly. "Me thinks you got a thing for slayers!."
Gruffly the book was pulled away from tanned fingers, "I've told you before it's good research. You know the writer of this show was knowledgeable about our world. The facts in here are pretty much all true and anyway I saw you with this loads of times training by yourself!."
Deciding to annoy the other teen Luffy smirked stretching out, "I was just looking at pictures of Spike!."
The look the slayer was meet with caused a loud eruption of laughter. Luffy always did take a particular liking to the blond trench coat wearing vampire. Mostly cause the said vampire was the very embodiment of coolness.
"Plu-leaseeee Angel is so much cooler!." Usopp opted to prove his point by flicking through the pages before finding a very cool pose by the soluful vampire. Straight locks of ebony shook as the shorter teen laughed once more as his friend jabbed at the photo as if it was the holy grail.
"That figfht between Xander and Harmoney, it was so funny I nearly wet myself!," Luffy shouted happily, still laughing at the mere memory.
"Wayyyy to much information Luffy, but yeah it was pretty funny."
'Probably about as good as I coulda done it,' the hunter added sullenly in his mind. Opting to vent some frustration he pounced, Luffy wasn't the only one who could do surprises.
Usopp couldn't help but catch others looking at them disgustedly with side glances. Rolling his eyes he deliberately flashed them a smile whilst straddeling his best friend. He knew exactly what it looked like to others but having fun with someone your close to was nothing to be ashamed off. The long nosed of the two had no qualms when people assumed things about their relationship, he took a sort of strange comfort in knowing Luffy was to innocent to notice.
...
"Ano Usopp, it's snowing outside!." Luffy called his face pressed flat against the glass in the most unflattering of manners.
Turning Usopp tiredly glanced outwards yawning, "it's fine, our stop is still long off and sunny."
Wide creamy brown eyes dulled, Luffy really wished the hunter would show a little enthusiasm, after all who didn't get slightly excited at the sight of fresh snow. Luffy slumped backwards into his seat, glanced indifferently at his friend before returning his gaze to the winter wonderland.
The scenery started to blur together into a fantastic white before long. The straw hatted teen sat bolt upright as his eyes locked onto something in the distance. As it got closer Luffy saw it, and it saw him.
"Usopp, LOOK OUTSIDE, I see something!."
The hunter would have perhaps be inclined to do so however since it was about the millionth time Luffy had said those words he had long since lost interest. With his eyes still shut he hummed, "mmm there are lots of things outside Luffy."
"No no no, we have ta stop!."
Usopp heard a ruffling noise he simply presumed the teen was just being energetic as usual. "We can't stop the train cause you wanna chase a bear or something Luffy." He smiled to himself before opening his eyes, Usopp paled slightly as his slayer had gone. A habit that Luffy had seemed to be getting into more and more. Before any further thoughts or actions could be made the train let off a high pitched scream, before jolting. Usopp barley registered the brakes clinging to the rails as he and many other passengers were flung forwards at the sudden stop.
Shuddering to himself Usopp gathered his broken body up, pinching his noise in both frustration and to fix the bend in it. "Tell me he didn't." He moaned to no one in particular. Something told him to look outside, a look of disbelief crossed his features as he saw Luffy outside in the snow, running around blindly.
Turning to the enraged passengers he gave off an uneasy smile, the conductor soon found his way into the menacing crowd.
'I better do something before they literally kill us.'
"Uhh, please excuse him, he's...special."
"Meaning?, " the conductor boomed, his mustache flicking up at the notion.
'Meaning he is the chosen one to stand alone against the darkness and so on.'
"He's insane," Usopp offered, cracking a long crocked smile. Well he couldn't very well tell them all the truth now could he. The lanky teen knew full well that even if he were to disclose the true nature of his friend no one would believe him anyway.
Less than a minute later the hunter found himself being thrown off the train by an angry mob. Despite the freezing snow he was grateful for the soft landing. "H-Hey you can't just leave us here!."
"As far as were concerned you nor your friend never got on this train," the conductor sneered, followed by the passengers who seemed to be enjoing the situation a little to much.
"B-ut w-well freeze to death out here!." Usopp squeaked, surly they were all joking.
"Have a nice day," the conductor tipped his hat sarcastically before slamming the door firmly shut. Usopp flung himself against the cool metal beating it inexpertly with his fist. His protests went unheard as the train once again took off, leaving him and Luffy stranded.
"YOU BASTARDS!, what ever happened to human fucking decency?." Usopp screamed at the disappearing train, he knew they couldn't hear but he was far to worked up to care. They were bastards plain and simple. The hunter once again found himself in the snow as his legs gave way, his breaths ragged, causing little white puffs to fog his view.
In an attempt to calm his erratic heart he rubbed his mittens together in a calming motion. Anybody would think by now Usopp the faithful side kick would be relatively used to his slaying friends stupid tendencies. He was, but real life wasn't like a t.v where everything always worked out and ended with cheery music in the background.
No the teenage slayer Monkey D Luffy was firstly a total idiot and Usopp would never cease to be amazed by the teens constant advances in super human stupidness.
Usopp scanned around for anything non white. A flew moments of scanning he saw a familiar figure charging through the think fallen snow. There was Luffy, bounding through the snow like a small excited puppy. Left, right, horizontal, diagonal, north, east, west and south. Finally the teen slowed grabbing his legs in a sloughed support.
The ebony haired teen looked to Usopp whining, "I LOST IT!."
Slowly the hunter pulled himself up, ignoring his limbs that were already aching from the cold. Taking the heavy slow steps required he approached the snowbound teen. With one quick and perfect motion he whacked Luffy round the head. Not enough to cause damage but enough to show his frustration.
"Oww," Luffy stumbled backwards, losing balance in the uneven snow, landing on hit back side. Huffily the teen glared upwards, "wht cha do that for?." Usopp promptly knelt down in the snow matching the teens level. "Because if I didn't I just might have killed you instead. Because you got us thrown off the train in an Iceland. Because you have put us both at high risk of FREEZING TO DEATH TO CHASE SOME GOD DAMN ANIMAL!."
Luffy remained perfectly still, his eyes slightly dilated at the rant he had just been subjected to. Un sure of what to do next the teenage slayer offered an un easy, apologetic small smile.
Usopp scowled, rolling his eyes before standing, brushing off clumps of snow that had attached to his legs. Deliberately he avoiding looking at Luffy, his annoyance still boiling within him. It wasn't his fault, Luffy really was super stupid sometimes and Usopp always shared in the consequences.
"Well we can't stay here, lets try walking along the tracks. Hopefully we'll come across shelter and help." Without waiting for the shorter teen to stand he took off, trudging through the snow.
...
"Ano...Usopp I'm sorry but I really did see this weird raccoon thing wearing a hat."
The hunter remained silent, no matter what his companion said he was still in a sour mood. They had been traveling for hours now and the snowfall had worsened, the icy breeze refused to give up as it whipped past the two mercilessly. Figuring the snow obsessed slayer was either trying to be cute or make some kind of joke Usopp ignored him. 'Raccoons don't wear hats anyway.'
Luffy frowned, Usopp really was ignoring him, true the cold weather probably didn't help the situation much but the teen still sulked. Henever could be himself when he knew he had upset someone important to him. Then an idea popped into his head, with it the hunter would see how sincerely sorry he was.
"Usopp...I love you!."
The curly haired teen stopped dead in his tracks, turning to face Luffy cautiously. "Are you totally delirious already?," he questioned in a half sarcasdtic, half genuinely curios tone.
Luff shook his spiky dark bangs from side to side. "No but you are one of my most important people in the world...your my best friend." Bowing slightly Luffy continued, "sorry about earlier...that was dumb."
Usopp flushed, his cheeks heating instantly. "J-jeez okay already, it's not like I'm gonna leave ya or not like you anymore." Affectionately the hunter placed his mittened hand onto the teens straw hat, dusting off some snow. Noting as his friend peered out at him from his dark bangs Usopp hurriedly glanced away. Touche feely moments just weren't on his can do list.
"A-anyway well freeze on the spot if we don't move." Taking a few quick steps away as he felt a small tug on his puffy jacket. 'Oh god don't tell me we have to do the awakward I love you dude moment here!.'
"Luffy I," pausing the slingshot using teen noted how flushed Luffy looked. In fact sweat was building upon his skin, his breathing irregular and his body was shaking. "Holy shit, are you ok?." Usopp embraced Luffy, feeling the shorter teen relying totally upon him to stand up. It was only now that he really noticed, Luffy was wearing cropped cotton trousers, a thin patterned red shirt and what the hunter feared the most was hidden by knee length snow.
As if reading his friends thoughts Luffy grinned, "I'm wearing sandal's."
Admittedly the hunter now felt bad, he had been so wrapped up in ignoring the teen he failed to notice how much danger his friend was in. Hurriedly he whipped off his own jacket, dressing Luffy in the already heated material.
"W-what no it's yours Usopp I'm fine really." Luffy weakly argued, it would had been a more convincing lie had he not had his eyes shut.
"It's fine, you need it more, now get on." The hunter motioned for him to wrap his arms around and accept a piggy back. Luffy took few uneasy, pained steps back, "n-no you can't."
"YES I CAN Luffy, I can't normally do a fucking thing to help you normally so don't you dare refuse me now!."
Luffy complied motionlessly, burring his head into Usopp's thick scarf, his hands unconsciously tightening. Usopp continued onwards, listening as Luffy mumbled something into his ear.
"Zoro will come,"
"don't wanna put you down but I doubt we'll be rescued."
"Uh huh, our stuff's still on the train...Zoro, Sanji, Robin and Nami will find out and come after us real soon."
Surprisingly to the hunter that was a fairy true assessment, hope of rescues helped the curly haired teen to speed up. "Then we'll just have to stay alive till they get here then."
...
At the soonest darkness Zoro found himself half dragging his friends to the station, why Nami and Robin had so much luggage was beyond him.
The train ride grated on his worn nerves further, his inner self constanly reminding him of a purpose for this torture. The image and voice of Portas D. Ace still fresh in his mind.
"Ill get straight to the point, I need you to get Luffy outta this city, as soon as possible."
Feeling rather taken back Zoro frowned, "why?, and why are you asking me of all people?."
Ace sighed, rubbing the back of his neck out of habit. He took a long chug of his pint, he could feel inhuman eyes upon him. He hadn't wanted to discus such matters near Luffy, the pub seemed to be his best bet. Besides the older D brother had a fondness of such places, the think intoxicating air, the buzz of people and the alcohol on tap made it all the more appealing.
"You can't tell Luffy but...I'm searching for someone, Marshall D. Teach, he killed a crew member in cold blood and abandoned the whitebeards. Now I'm certain he's trying to join the warlord's. What would be a good way to gain favour from them?."
"The hell if I should know," Zoro spat, taking a swig of blood he calmed, thinking it over. Ace inwardly cringed as the vampire slammed his glass down, cracking the bar and shattering the glass. "You don't mean Luffy!."
Slightly curled hair fell over Ace's eyes as he nodded, staring darkly into his own glass. "I'm pretty sure he wants to kill Luffy, after all anyone who kills a slayer gains instant fame and respect, nomatter how young or new the chosen one might be. He's a fucking coward!."
Zoro remained silent, he was feeling exactly the same, he knew Luffy was strong but there were some demons in the world he just wasn't ready to face.
"That's why I need your help, get Luffy away from here. It's common knowledge he lives in this city, Teach will show up sooner of later."
"I'll say it's a holiday, the hunter, Sanji, Robin and Nami will come as well, that way he's protected by more than just me."
Ace offered an appreciative smile, "thank you, as soon as I kill Teach I'll let you know." Gaining eye contact he adjusted his hat affirmatively. "It won't but if something goes wrong...promise me that you will protect Luffy, no matter what happens until he is ready."
"I promise."
...
Hours passed, it was well into the night before the train Zoro, Sanji, Nami and Robin were on arrived. Stepping out onto the mostly empty platform Zoro scanned around, grunting as he was shoved aside by a certain blond tobacco lover.
"Strange, thay said they'd be here," Nami stated loosening her stiffened muscles.
"Nah they probably just feel asleep at the hotel, traveling tires humans out." With a crackle a flame glowed in the darkness briefly as Sanji lit his ciragette. Glancing around broadly he tooka drag, ruffling his short blond hair with his other hand impatiently. "Lets just go already."
"No, they said they'd be here," Zoro couldn't help but be a little unsettled. It was probably nothing, he wouldn't put it past the two to be sprawled out in some hotel in town. But he just had to check before leaving the station, as of recent times his small hunches were not things to be ignored.
"Robin, what train did they come in on?," Zoro question, she was after all the type who made it her business to be a know it all. With a small smile she pointed to a train on the other side of the station. "I believe it would be that one Roronoa san."
As they walked over a smile found it's way to Sanji's lips. "Oh look the conductor's still there, bet he can tell us where our happy meals went. Zoro side glared at the blond, knowing full well that neither the slayer nor the hunter would appreciate that joke.
"Excuses us," Nami called out in her pleasant luring tone of voice. The chubby conductor turned, straightening himself upwards, "yes...how can I help you miss?." Nami could instantly tell the guy was a perv, he was staring straight at her cleavage totally ignoring the fact that she had a face, a very nice one in fact had he bothered to look.
Sensing the feisty red heads impeding wrath Robin cut in, "were looking for two people, both in their teens, one has a long nose and the other a destintive straw hat. They were on this train correct?."
The highly unattractive conductor paled slightly before hurriedly composing himself. Little did the man know the four before him were far more perceptive than he could ever imagine, not one of them had missed his slip up. "N-no sorry young miss, no passengers like them today."
"Oh really?," Sanji drawled, the conductor flinched in shock as the blone was standing on his left leaning casually against the cargo door frame. With one outstretched finger he lifted up a familiar bag, despite only Zoro seeing it before they could all smell the slayers sent. "Isn't this their stuff mister conductor."
"Uu-h-hh w-well um, maybe it's hard to keep track of all my passengers."
"Bullshit!," the conductor let out a silent scream as he was slammed against the train. His eyes locked in terror as he stared to dark predatory ones. Zoro tried to make sure he didn't splatter the man on the side before he got his answers. It was now clear to all of them that the conductor knew or had done something to Luffy and Usopp.
Running her smooth hand along rough skin Nami smiled at the mans fear. "Why don't you tell us what happened hmm?."
"I-I really d-don't recall t-them."
Sanji sighed, "lets speed this up," leaning close to the man he smiled, showing off his large overly threatening canines. "Answers now, if you lie we will know and we will kill you."
The grubby man paled, his heart threatening to stop beating as the four before him looked no where near human anymore.
...
"Hey Luffy, what is that?."
Tanned features unburied from the thick material that sheltered him. Wincing at the bitter wind Luffy shielded his eyes hoping to see in front better. "It...um kinda looks like a...bunny?."
"A giant bunny...so I'm not the only one hallucinating."
Wriggling slightly the freeloading teen squinted harder, "it's getting closer...I don't think we'd both imagine the same thing."
Usopp grimaced darkly, "well it better be a mirage Luffy because it's- oh my sweet mother of god, LOOK AT IT'S FUCKING HUGE ASS TEETH!."
The two were quickly shadowed by the huge looming figure, it momentarily blocked the vicious howling wind though human blood still ran cool. Stumbling backwards slightly Usopp winced, he was beyond tired and he knew Luffy was unlikely to stand against it. Feeling his companion tighten his grasp the hunter trembled, 'so this is how it ends...I never woulda guessed this, death by bunny.'
"Usopp, drop me and run now!."
"Like hell Luffy, " huffing with great exuberance the long nosed teen shook his head feverishly. His eyes mirrored a giant paw slamming down at them, instinctively Usopp turned fully shielding Luffy. The shorter teen falling into the snow as the heavy blow collided with fragile humanity.
"USOPP!," the bunny monster snarled with eager excitement as it dove in for the instant kill, the fresh scent of blood driving it wild.
"GET DOWN", Luffy barely caught a glimpse as he grabbed his friend and curled up in the snow. His eyes never leaving the ball blurring into the beast at full speed slamming the monstrosity backwards. Sitting sorely up Luffy stared in in wonder as another monster stood with it's back to him. The two beasts clearly eyeing each other up, despite being the slayer the teen felt his body lock up in anticipation. The hissing and growling continued before the bunny creature seemed to loss interest, Luffy figured it had not long fed since dry blood matted it's think fur. Creamy brown eyes widened as he noted fresh blood sploshed against it's fur, following the droplets Luffy gasped as it lead to Usopp.
"USOPP, USOPP, GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF, ARE YOU OKAY?." Shacking the hunter desperately Luffy made no effort to hide his hysteria. The stench of blood making him deeply nauseous and striking a fear of the most painful variety.
"Let me take a look, I'm a doctor."
Luffy stared up defensively, uncertainty and hopefulness shinning all to obviously in his eyes. Slowly the teen shifted backwards, his eyes not exactly trusting.
The huge creature leaned down, gently examining the hunters body and wound. Nodding a few times the beast looked into trroubled eyes. "I can't do much to help him here, we'll go back to the castle."
Swaying slightly Luffy buried his hands in the snow to steady himself, ignoring the fact he was already half frozen. "You can help him though right?, please do everything you can for him, please!."
The beast with a distinctive blue nose drew back slightly, shaking of his unease he looked the teen over, sighing to himself solemnly the creature nodded. Luffy let off a breath of relief before totally losing his grip on reality. As inelegantly as possible he fell forward like a drunk, burring his head in the snow with a dull thud.
...
"Doctor. Kureha, Doctor. Kureha, these people need our help!."
A woman who appeared considerably old turned disgruntledly upon the summons. Her long gray hair swishing dramatically like a hair care advertisement. Her outfit seemingly for someone one-seventh her age, a navel ring, a belly skin, a purple blazer and hipster pants. A look clearly no normal person would wish to attempt.
"What have I told you about bringing strays in here?." She stated in a crude uncaring tone, taking a ceremonious swig from her bottle of rum. Which currently she held in a vice like grip of doom, a secret of her youthful body, at least that was the local superstition.
"But we have to help them, were doctors!." Rolling her eyes the woman gestured upwards past the winding stairways. "Put em in separate rooms, Chopper you treat the one with the crazy head gear."
Glancing down the blue nosed creature nodded, it was indeed rather strange head where. Especially in such a snowy climate, straw and snow simply didn't go.
...
'It's been a few hours now, I've done all I can. I better leave before he wakes up...I don't wanna put him into a comatose state of fear.'
Chopper gathered his things before morphing into his smaller self, it was a very convenient trick. For being a doctor opposable thumbs were utterly critical, the tiny doctor couldn't imagine how much harder it would be without them. As his large round eyes swept across the teen he smiled, he had feared his injuries would have been worse but for some strange reason the injuries were mild.
'Most humans would have developed frost bite by now...how lucky.'
As Chopper smoothed out his patients bed sheets he froze, large questioning eyes stared at him unblinkingly. Staring back in horror he expected a reaction as the teens lips moved he feared the worst.
"Beauty and the beat, I like that movie and da talking tea pot!."
"U-uuh exscuse me?."
"It's a good movie," Luffy smiled, "I'm nice and warm now, I can feel my toes!."
'He's a little...different.' Pulling back Chopper gazed around as if expecting something, mostly the screaming in terror part. Luffy pulled himself up, turning onto his tummy, careful not to let the cold air under the sheets.
"You were big...and now your small." Curiously the mystified slayer rubbed his chin doing his up most best to impersonate reasonable thinking. "Are you like a magical raccoon then?."
"I'M NOT A RACCOON, I'm a reindeer see!." The small creature abrasively turned showing off his hoofs and antlers, giving a tiny waggle he spun once more. Upon the clueless look that covered his humans companions face he sighed before hopping up on to a chair. "I'm a were reindeer, I don't fit in with normal reindeer and humans also reject me, I don't fit in anywhere...cause I'm like this."
Leaning forward bluntly Luffy giggled before offering a wide smile. Chopper flinched slightly as fingers ruffled a tuft of fur poking from under his hat.
"I TOTALLY KNEW YOU WERE REAL!."
"..Excuse me?,"
"you know the abominable snowman, I did my whole essay thing on you last year and the teacher failed me cause she said I can't tell the difeerence between real and legend." Luffy snorted at his own comment, like a high school teacher knew what was really happening in the world. It was a little condescending actually, having someone try to teach when they themselves could not distinguish between facts and fiction.
"Arent't you gonna scream and throw things at me?."
Luffy blinked owlishly before grinning, "dudes don't normally scream."
"They do when they see me," the creature stated. Grown men spazzed out like little children when they saw him taking a stroll through the forest.
"I should be thanking you, but firstly names, I'm Monkey D Luffy." The teen smiled warmly before sticking his hand out. The red hat wearing doctor stared dumbfounded at the hand, slowly he stuck his little hoof up, jolting slightly as the teen shook it vigorously. "Whats your name?."
"...Tony Tony Chopper."
"Okay then," shuffling Luffy bowed his head, "thank you for saving us Chopper!."
Instantly the slayer looked up in worry as he heard choked sobs, the small reindeer couldn't hide the tears streaming down his cheeks. "Ahhhh I'm sorry did I do something wrong?."
"N-no," the reindeer choked between sobs hurriedly wiping the endless tears away. "I-It's ju-st that n-no ones ever t-thanked m-m-e before!."
Luffy fell backwards onto the bed, "no way really?, you can't have met many decent people then."
"I just wanna be the best doctor I can be but perhaps that's wishful thinking, all my potential patients act as if I'm death itself or something." Sighing the little reindeer stared at his hoofs, "I just...wanna help people but I'll never be accepted...I'm not normal." Shaking his bramble fluffy fur he looked up waving his hoofs jokingly offering a strained smile. "Ah sorry I don't know what I'm saying really..."
"come with me!."
Choppers head snapped up so fast his hat toppled at the sudden notion. "W-what?,"
"yeah I've decided just now, your gonna be one of my friends." Luffy grinned ecstatically before leaping into the air taking a peter pan stance upon the bed. "Yeahhhhhh we'll go on adventures, see the world, beat bad guys and help people everywhere!."
The tiny doctor just stared at the teen wide eyed, "t-the worlds to dangerous, e-especially for a human!."
Laughing airly the teen pulled his hat back slightly, "I'm not normal either," jumping highly Luffy let himself fall down on the bed bouncing into a cross legged sitting position. "I'm the slayer!, "
"t-the o-o-one who kills v-vampires and s-stuf?."
"The one and only," leaning in the tan teen smiled honestly. "I know what it's like to not fit in Chopper but it doesn't have ta stay that way, I've found people who accept me just the way I am, you can have that, starting with me, I'd like to be your first friend!."
The timid doctor sucked in a few breaths, his eyes glittering with hidden tears. "O-Ok," instantly he felt himself clamped, his eyes widened as he felt Luffy embrace him happily, tanned fingers ruffling fluffy fur. "And with your awesome doctor skills I know we'll all live to see another day!."
Hastily the fluffy healer pulled away his face heating and his body doing a little embarrassed dance. "You bastard that doesn't make me happy at all!." Luffy stifled a laugh as that statement couldn't be further from the truth.
"B-but ah I never said I'll go with y-you, I c-can't." Chopped picked his hat from the floor dusting off any dirt that clung to it. Sleekly he replaced it upon his head, grateful for the security it offered.
Chopper twitched as he heard the teen hop off the bed, following the footsteps in his mind the reindeer looked up. He wasn't sure what to expect, sadness, anger, rejection but instead he was meet with a charming smile. Gesturing out the window Luffy inclined to the endless secenery. "Look out this window, haven't you ever wondered whats just out of sight?." The teenager slayer knew from personal experience, people who had adventure in their hearts, who wanted to become better looked longingly out of their windows.
Turning Luffy smiled warmly, "take a good long look, think about what you really want, sleep on it and give me your answer tommorow."
As the tiny timid doctor stared up in wonder he couldn't help but be drawn into the teens presence. The slayers deep bronze eyes sparkling with the promise of mischief and un equaled adventure.
...
Hours slipped by like grain's of sand in an hour glass, Luffy found every moment difficult. Looking to his sleeping friend he briefly wondered if he could do anything to help. As his thoughts produced ideas the tan teen found himself remembering a particular story, one where someone awoke another from a deep sleep.
Deciding it was worth a try the straw hatted teen hovered over the bed, licking his dry lips as he puckered up.
Usopp vaguely felt his mind reboot, a small alarm going off somewhere deep inside his senses. As he forced his eyes opened he immediately sheirked, batting Luffy head on with his fist.
"Hey it worked your awake!."
"...Luffy?, wha...why are you spinning?."
"I'm not, was the awakening kiss from snow white or sleeping beauty?."
Impossibly round eyes blurred as the hunter tried to focus on a dizzy reality. "How the fuck should I know, I'm neither by the way so if I ever catch you doing that again I'll personally retire you."
Luffy cast his eyes downward a little unsure at what to do. His slim fingers nervously pulling and curling around the bottom of his jumper. Usopp groaned before slumping backwards into waiting pillows.
"How do you feel?."
Fixing his straw hat wearing friend with a stupid look the hunter droned out, "I've been better."
"You shouldn't of done that, not for me."
Usopp rubbed his aching head in a attempt to ease his discomfort. "No because it's you Luffy, besides it was cool getting to be the hero for once." Punching the shorter teen playfully he grinned, "just...remind me never to do that again."
Standing straight Luffy clicked his heels together in a navy salute "gott cha!."
Fiddling with a few stray locks the more than ordinary teen plonked himself on the edge of the overly clean and clinical bed. Aside from the gray stone walls pretty much everything in the room was white, everything else in the room was bland and thoroughly un homely.
"Ah!" pratically lunging Luffy tugged on the sheets, "what day is it?, what time?."
"Uh well...Friday and night by the looks of things...kinda hard to tell here."
Groaning Luffy sloughed over nuzzling into his friend, "I bet I'm missing Dexter, I wonder who he's killing tonight."
Usopp furred his eyebrows, "I think it's disturbing."
"As apposed to our own lives?," Luffy grinned teasingly waggling his own eyebrows. Giving off a small shiver he scrambled further up the bed, before slipping in beside Usopp and pulling the covers close.
Was it so wrong to enjoy things that had a parallel to life itself. Alot of shows and books depicted lives of fantasy and fiction, for a few very special indiviaudals their own lives were as close to make believe as possible. So for Luffy to enjoy a show about a serial killer who by day was a person and by night a hunter wasn't so strange. The reality of the world was that there was no ultimate good or evil, people had to draw their own lines in the black and white world outside.
...
"This is ridiculous they could be anywhere!."
Zoro dug his feet into the snow, hissing out in annoyance. Spinning around harshly he gestured, "you didn't have to come!."
Nami frowned before shrugging, "well if I didn't then you'd be lost two as you have absolutely NO sense of direction!."
The spiky haired vampire glanced at the snow finding himself extremely tempted to do something incredibility child like and un vampire like. Robin remained unfazed, her crystal blue orbs surveying the area. If nothing else her geographically knowledge held some importance. They were only struggling to trace the hapless teens because of the weather, in the time it had taken to arrive a snow storm had kicked up, throwing the kingdom into a blur of white.
Sanji rolled his eyes as he watched his so called friend storm away, apparently Nami had beaten him in making and using a snowball. Letting off a dejected hiss the bond vampire snapping his cigarette in half, despite numerous attempts to light it the blizzard rendered such a lurixoury impossible.
"Logically speaking, they should have headed along the tracks in an attempt to find shelter."
Before Zoro could come back with another witty sarcasm Nami interjected, "the storm was recent, there's a good chance they found shelter before hand."
"But where?," Zoro spat, everything they said was obvious to even him. 'I knew I shoulda given Luffy a flare gun or something.'
A wisp of black and blond passed him , Zoro squinted, "where are you going pervert, were not done yet!." Sanji pointed to his left, "I'm going to the castle to have a decent smoke, you can get eaten by Nessie for all I care!."
"Nessie lives in Scotland retard!, in case you can't tell this ISN'T IT!."
Auberon eyes locked with topaz, Nami slapped her forehead in exasperation, Robin did nothing but smile in amusement. "There's a castle, " Zoro paused letting his grip around the blonds shirt loosen. Glancing at Nami, Zoro followed her nod, instantly he pulled Sanji close. "Why the fuck didn't you say something earlier?."
Punching Zoro off, he re fixed his suit little a gentleman. "Only just saw it and you might have two if you weren't so busy bitching!." Nami and Robin made their way past the two ignoring the ensuring war that was to come.
...
Luffy lay still half liddly staring up at the ceiling. He had lost his match with the witch doctor to stay elsewhere, old women were not a force to be messed with. Giving off a pent up sigh Luffy shut his eyes tiredly, his mind a complete blank. When he heard what sounded like an elephant charging up the stairs he pulled himself up, sleepily rubbing away his tire daze.
He jolted as the door flew opened and something green pounced on him. At a total loss of logic Luffy gasped, losing his breath entirely as he was pulled into a strange embrace. Before his limbs were pulled at like crazy, upon getting a better look Luffy's jaw fell opened, "ZORO?."
The porcelain vampire continued to vigorously inspect tanned body parts. Luffy gave off an embarrassing squeak as his feet were pulled up, the bandages looking somehow bigger than before. Leaning over Zoro pulled Luffy's hat away landing a well placed punch to the teens skull.
"OWWWWWWWWWWWW THAT HURT ZORO!." Luffy fell backwards, wriggling around on the bed crazy whilst gripping his head. He'd never openly admit Zoro's crazy vampire strength sometimes caused his more pain than intended.
"That's nothing compared to what I'm planning to do to you, do you need constant babying slayer or do you have some kinda of ridiculous death wish?."
Sitting back up in a flash the teen snatched his hat back, holding it close to his being. "I don't need babying, it wasn't all my fault."
"Nooooo course not things just kind of happen to you don't they?."
"Duhhh I'm the slayer."
"...Luffy sometimes I still want to kill you, this is one of those moments."
...
"Jeez I can't believe that stupid hunter, heading totally in the wrong direction with you in bad shape an all. Seriously he's completely useless, always messes up and-"
"ZORO, SHUT UP!. Don't you dare talk bad about Usopp, I won't stand for it you hear me!."
"But Luffy he's SO-"
"DEPENDABLE, he's never once let me down. He puts up with me, supports me, heals my wounds, hangs out with me. He knows me totally and still says by by side. He's not as strong as me or you but still sticks it out with me, so I don't have to be alone anymore!."
Zoro remained perfectly still, feeling himself gain anger deep inside. Why the teen was so defensive was beyond the swordsman understanding. The conversation had quickly gone sour, something that Zoro couldn't help but find aggravating. Evidently relations of the friendly kind between a vampire and human was extremely challenging, the fact Luffy was the slayer pushed it beyond reason.
"He carried me, for hours through that snow, he gave me his jacket cause I forgot mine. Usopp is a hero so DON'T YOU DARE CRITICIZE HIM ZORO!."
Squaring solidly up to the teen the vampire frowned. "Well if he's so great why are you here with me, clearly it's him you should be with."
Luffy shuddered in anger, quickly the teen gripped his wrist keeping it forcefully in place. His entire body wanted nothing more that to reach out and whack the abrasive vampire in the face. Judging by the look in Zoro's eyes Luffy could tell the vampire was tempted to do the same.
"Stupid Zoro, TOTALLY STUPID!." With that the teen turned and ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Frantically he darted down the hallways looking for a stairwell, anything that would increase the distance. He let out a frustrated cry as he tried to run faster down the stairs without tripping, his heart pounding mercilessly in his chest as if it were going to burst.
Luffy was unaware as he slammed into a taller figure, stumbling backwards he looked up through messy bangs.
"Slayer?," Sanji looked the teen over, his voice laced with concern. Brazer eyes darted to the figured next to the blond, Robin also stared at him questionly.
"I-I..," his voice caught as an intense wave or emotion course through him, Luffy felt his eyes burn with tears that threatened to fall relentlessly. Turning he scrambled back up the stairs and stumbled forward only to be stopped by a firm hand gripping the neck of his shirt.
As he was jerked back Luffy wailed in desperation, kicking and thrashing. "Let me go Sanji, Just let me go!."
Sanji flinched at his loud voice but otherwise ignored him as he wrapped an arm around the tanner teen. Pulling him into a soothing yet firm embrace Sanji waited for the teen to tire.
As Luffy's protests quieted both vampires looked at each other with unease as strained sobs were chocked back. Neither considered themselves as emotionally qualified, such feelings were mostly a human tendency. Sanji would never point it out but he felt the shivers that racked through Luffy. "What happened to you?."
"N-Not-thing I d-don't wanna t-talk about it!." Turning Luffy tried to hide his shame, he didn't want people to see him, not even his friends. "Please...just let me go ok?."
Luffy flinched as he felt a cold hand stroke his face, his eyes snapped opened to be met with a fantastic blue. "You are deeply upset, " Robin stated calmly, her voice slightly softer than normal. By the observant look she was giving him he guessed that in her own way she was trying to be of some comfort.
Smiling at her Sanji started walking up the stairs, his hand holding the teens wrist in a way not to case harm but to prevent escape. Luffy blushed as he was lead up the stairs as if he were a small defiant child that had just been scolded. Looking hopefully to his side he held in a groan as he felt Robin brush against him, if he broke free it was unlikely he'd get very far. Despite her calm nature he felt that when provoked Robin could be darkly terrifying, all of which was conviently hidden behind a polite smile.
"I'm not a child," Luffy sulked quietly, still trying to free himself from a vice like grip. Remembering an animal documentary he considered gnawing through his own arm to escape, immediately he decided against it, figuring he wouldent get through his flesh and bone in time.
"I don't recall ever calling you one slayer, " Sanji responded smirking to himself, 'you are an idiot though.'
Luffy gave a few more useless tugs before huffing out loud, going up the stairs seemed longer than going down. Upon reacting the top of the stairs the teen grinned darkly to himself. "Hey whats that?," both vampires turned staring down into the empty corridor.
The teenage slayer nearly cheered as the distraction caused the blond to loosen his grip. Taking the advantage Luffy tugged hard, freeing himself before impressively side stepping Robin, laughing aloud as the two re fixed their inhuman eyes upon. Using his own inhuman abilities Luffy charged down the corridors, taking different turns every few seconds or so to throw off his pursuers. His eyes landed upon a particular door, without thinking he yanked it opened throwing himself inside. Holding his breath the teen pressed himself against the door roughly, his eyes never leaving the ancient wooded protection.
"Luffy?," the staw hatted teen froze, inclining his head to the centre of the room he returned the notion, "N-Nami?." Before the moment could be un awakward the atmospshere became tense as footsteps echoed outside the door. Not waiting Luffy dove, scrabling on his hands and knees behind and under the bed which the red headed vampire sat upon.
"Please don't bust me Nami!," he pleaded, poking his hands out from under the bed clasping them together in prayer. A loud knock interrupted the silence, "Namiii sannnnn were looking for the runt, you seen him?." Before the tangerine lover could respond Robin questioned shortly, "can we come in?."
Watching tanned arms disappear back under the bed she looked up, "uh sure."
As the two entered Luffy stilled his body, slowing his breathing and heart beat in the process. Clasping his hands over his mouth the teen watched as Robin and Sanji got closer. He knew from many experiences that even the slightest of sounds could alert them to his presence. The straw ghatted slayer grimaced at his current situation, it stirred up past memories that were not his best moments. 'At least this smells better than a dumpser.'
It had been an all to similar situation, being outnumbered and chased around relentlessly, the teen took a tiny comfort knowing that even if he were to be apprehend, his friends were probably not going to eat him. Past examples of rowdy vampires had proved be be less pleasant, that night almost a year ago Luffy had ended up in a dumpster of his own accord, it was better than been chomped on at least. Yes the life of a slayer was alot less glamerous than tv drama's and films made it out to be.
Wearing a long flashy coat may have been Van Helsing's style but pulling a rotting banana peel from his hat was Luffy's. Rather than deciding where next in the world to go the teen spent his nights wondering exactly what it was he was sitting in and if he could ever get rid of the stain and smell.
Luffy let off a tiny breath of relief as the two left after talking between themselves. He knew they were only trying to help he knew he should let them but the teen opted against it. His hand unconsciously wiping away the stained tear trail that still tingled with dampness upon his skin.
"Ok, their gone." Nami smiled at the floor before wondering exactly why she did so.
"Yeah, thanks...," waiting bordly she slid off the bed, trying to see the teen. "You know in stories it's monsters which hide under beds not slayers."
"Sorry Nami," pulling himself out, Luffy dusted off the seemingly centuries worth of dust on him. He made sure to take extra care not to show her his face as he did so. Without looking back he made his way to the door warily, just in case it was all a trap and the joke was on him.
"Are you alright?, do you...want to talk?," Nami offered tenderly, taking a few steps forward, her heels clacking against the floor rhythmically.
"Don't feel well," Luffy lied clicking his teeth convincingly. As he pulled the door handle he gave a gasp as he was roughly pulled backwards, stumbling clumbilsy he was forced to sit down on the edge of the bed. The chestnut eyed girl glaring at him sternly, "spill it slayer."
Momentarily shoving his problem aside Luffy smiled, "I'd forgot you were a vampire, almost at least."
...
"Sometimes we don't agree on stuff, sometimes Zoro says stupid things," Luffy admittedly tiredly.
"That's most likely true but maybe you take things a little too seriously because you're the slayer." Luffy looked up with surprise before a dullness glimered in his eyes. "It's only natural, two people who once stood on opposite sides of the battlefield are always gonna disagree on some things."
Nami smiled genuinely before scooting a little closer to the bummed out slayer. Brushing a few stray locks out of his eyes she winked, "the main thing is not to take it to heart. You see you were feeling guilty and defensive about your friend and Zoro was feeling frustrated and jealous, in heated moments things get chaotic."
Giving him a playful knock Nami giggled, "now go get some rest, you can sort everything out later ok?."
"Ok," Luffy rubbed his eyes which had been stinging for some time. Pushing himself up he paused at the door, taking one glance at Nami on the bed he gave a little smile and wave as he left.
As luck would have it the instant he stepped outside Nami's room he bumped directly into Zoro. Luffy skipped a breath as he tumbled backwards from the closeness. "Z-Zoro I-"
"Why were you in her room...so late at night."
Luffy filched from the coldness before glancing upwards taking in the vampires facial expression. "We were just talking," Luffy breathed a little unsure of what the vampire was accusing him of.
An emotion close to hate bubbled under Zoro's skin. Just as he had decided to find the teen hell bent on apologizing he finds him with Nami. 'As if anything could be more insulting,' callously he forced the teens chin higher. "Come tomorrow I'm outta here, then you can do what you want with whom you want slayer, I really don't care."
With a dismissive glance Zoro released the teen, walking away without sparing another glance. For a few moments Luffy stood alone in the darkness of the hallway, his steady breathing becoming more erratic. Turning directly around he took a few slow steps forward before tapping on the wooden door.
Stepping inside the teenage slayer scuffed his way up to the bed where Nami still sat staring worriedly at him. "Luffy...is something wrong?." Upon the teens total lack of response she immediately knew something was. She had heard muted voices outside but had done her best not to pry but now she was bursting with curiosity and concern. Holding out her arms chestnut eyes looked up with pleading, 'if I colud just hold him, I can take some of the pain away.'
Complying Luffy fell into Nami's embrace, his own arms hanging limply at his side still. Slowly the orange haired vampire pulled the teens straw hat from his ebony bangs, his hidden eyes now in fully view. Creamy brown eyes widened as tears fell fell in front of them. "Oh Luffy...," Nami sighed it really was heart wrenching to see the normally perky teen so unhappy so utterly unmasked and vulnerable.
The next thing she found her self tentatively stoking away the tears, such events causing her to become deeply attracted to the human in front of her. 'He's so kind, and warm...' before Nami knew it she had pressed her lips to his. Whether it was in desperation to stop the tears or for her own need she wants sure. As her lips moved against his Nami felt the suppressed sobs shudder through Luffy. Just like when she wiped away his blood the first time they met, he neither encouraged her nor pushed her away.
Pulling away she offered him a strained smile, she squeaked in surprise as his hands wrapped around her frame, embracing her fully. Luffy's eyes fell shut as he slumped down, his head falling softly into her lap. Nami let out an uneeded breath of relief as she noted the teen was asleep and no longer so distressed.
Softly she stroked his silky hair much like a mother would to her child, or how a lover would. The tangerine loving vampire found herself smiling wirily at he actions. 'Like a lover?, yeah right. Friendships the best he can offer Nami so don't fall in love.'
...
It was only till Zoro reached his room did he truly hate himself. Groaning he slumped against the wall running his hand over his eyes. "Good going now I've made it worse!."
'Why did I say that?, why am I SO fucking stupid?, now...I might have truly just lost him.'
"That Teach bastard's the least of my problems."
...
The next night fall Zoro decided he'd had enough, fighting with the teen simply wasn't worth it. That and the fact that everyone in the castle seemed to be watching him with disapproving eye's. His own judgmental friends he could ignore, but a crazy old lady and a hat wearing reindeer, that bothered him, it was creepy.
"If your wondering," Zoro turned, the hair on his neck standing at her voice. "Luffy's in my room, for once forget your stupid misguided pride and apologize." Without another word Nami brushed past him, her porcelain features as cold as the ice outside.
With great unfamiliarity he made his way, his foul mood deepening by the second. No matter what Zoro never meant to hurt anyone and least of all Luffy. It was just that the slaying teen got under his skin in a way no other could.
Zoro's mind jolted as he caught a flash of familiar colouring, hurriedly he caught up, turning out directly in front of his target. "Hey..."
Luffy showed shock before huffily glancing away, withdrawing slightly he remained silent. "Listen Luffy, I know I don't always do or say the right thing but you should know it's all coming from a good place...kinda." Groaning he ruffled his wild green bangs, "what I'm trying to say is I'm sorry, if...that I upset you. I just...worry about you." Zoro sighed, his eyes falling shut in hopes that he wasn't saying further insults, his understanding of humans was extremely limited. Even when he was alive he never understood people very well, his entire persona was that of a loner.
"You...worry about me?, why?."
Dark eyes opened, his cool hands resting upon tan shoulders forcing eye contact. "Your not immortal Luffy, you can die and you can get hurt," letting out a sigh he continued "your human."
Luffy frowned "do you dislike that about me?."
"No, I just want you to take better care of yourself, cause I can't always be there."
Before the teen could protest he was pulled into a tight embrace, his eyes widening in surprise. His heart skipping a few beats as his breath caught unexpectedly.
"Please Luffy, your the slayer and death will always be apart of you but no matter what stay alive." Zoro's long pale fingers ran through charcoal black hair, holding the teen as close as possible.
Luffy's eyes softened, gazing over with emotion, Zoro was surprised as he felt warm arms encircle him, tender hands gripping his shirt almost desperatly. "You too, if Zoro's with me everything will defiantly be alright. If I lost you...it'd be like...losing the whole world!."
The swordsman smirked as the teenage slayer buried his head further into him, "if Zoro went away..." Luffy choked, failing to continue the words that caused him so much pain. Before that moment he had never really thought about, Luffy never let himself think it.
"I don't know why...but I really don't want you to go away...I don't know why."
"I won't go anywhere Luffy, from now and forever I'm with you." Pulling the teens shoulders back the vampire took advantage of his now exposed face. Tilting Luffy's head upwards Zoro pressed his lips to his, smirking as the teen leaned into it accepting.
"Stay with me tonight" Zoro smiled as Luffy's face heated at the suggestion.
"I'll be satisfied with just holding you slayer."
"R-really?."
"Yes, for now." Zoro winked at the teen laughing as Luffy caught on.
"N-no way stupid Zoro, I'm sleeping all by myself tonight!."
"Oh no your not," Zoro instantly knelt down picking the teen up and throwing him over his shoulder. "You already agreed, it's binding!."
Luffy flailed " I NEVER AGREED!" the teen jolted and twisted his face burning crimson "y-you just touched my butt!".
"Yes it's quited lovely" Zoro then preceded to his bed room, not taking any notice of the teens high pitched protests. He mused at thought of others hearing them, the slayers little freak out probably causing all kinds of less than innocents thoughts.
Upon entering the room Zoro kicked the door shut before throwing Luffy on the bed, Zoro couldn't help but admire how good the teen looked sprawled out on his bed. 'How many dreams have I had about this,' he mused to himself, the object of his affection would probably be more adamant to leave if it was broadcast.
Luffy pushed himself up into a sitting position, blinking rapidly before scrambling un elegantly across the bed making a hasty break for it.
"Hey!," Luffy turned as his ankle was caught and he was pulled across the sheets effortlessly. Struggling crazily the teen gasped as he was pulled into the vampires lap with embarrassing ease.
"Your not getting away, so relax slayer." Zoro smirked upon the teens shyness and panicked actions, deep down he knew Luffy was ok with it all, afterall the teen would make it clear with a stake if he didn't want it. No Luffy was just shy, surprisingly enough, when it came to love or romance the teen was practically clueless.
Settling down into a lying position a smirk found it's way to his lips as Zoro pulled the still defiant and struggling slayer down as well. Sensing Luffy was tiring Zoro nuzzled into his neck affectionately, kissing exposed smooth skin tenderly. Un consciously Luffy relaxed at the notion, his rigid body loosening as he calmed.
"Luffy..." Zoro breathed huskily into a trembling ear.
"Don't let anyone else do this to you." The teen flushed a deeper red, graceful his back was to the vampire to hide his turmoil. A small smile creeped onto pink lips, Luffy couldn't bring himself to make a sound but simply made himself more comfortable in the vampires arms.
...
Nami gave a tiny laugh as she continued down the hallway, the couples little spat echoing through the massive bulky castle. She momentarily came to a stop as she saw a peculiar thing coming her way up the stairwell. As their eyes met Nami felt words slip, "why...do you have fluffy pink mufflers on your ears?."
The blond vampire raised his eyebrow before falling into a casual stance. "To try and drone those two out naturally."
Nami couldn't help but grin idiotically at the swooning vampire. "But we have intense hearing, mufflers are pretty much useless to us."
Taking a few puffs of his cigarette the blond shrugged, "worth a shot right?."
...
"Now this is where you should be, sleeping with me not your ridiculous excuse of a human brother." Zoro briefly paused as he felt a slight change in Luffy's breathing and body. Something that could be easily overlooked and perhaps would had been if he were less observant.
"Something wrong?."
"Ace...never said goodbye."
"Oh," Zoro inwardly groaned, emotional things were not his speciality. Especially as he himself had seriously considered throwing a 'the bastards gone' party complete with alcohol and banners. "He never meant anything by it slayer, he's just...spacey...like you are."
Turning over onto his back the tanned teen frowned, "like me?."
"Yes like you," Zoro pinched his nose in frustration as the teen next to him frowned harder. "When you were at my apartment you left without saying goodbye didn't you?."
Luffy thought for a few moments, "uhh...I guess so."
"and you did'nt mean anything by it right?."
"No."
"So there you go your exactly like your brother...congratulations your both idiots." Withthat said the porcelain vampire pulled away and lay with his back to the still silent teen. Ebony bangs danced as the teen wriggled at the loss of contact, sighing Luffy rolled over sitting up slightly leaning over the taller occupant of the bed. "Sorry Zoro, it's just..."
"what?," plale lips droned tiredly.
"I miss him." Luffy whispered softly, his true and honest longing showing through in his gentle tone. Sighing aloud Zoro smiled, rolling once more and taking the teenage slayer into his embrace. "It's fine, only natural, he'll be back...pain in the asses normally show up exactly like him."
Luffy gave a muted giggle in the midst of the vampires white linen shirt. Eyeing the vertically challenged teen Zoro smirked, "you know you won't get any heat from me." That the sword wielding vampire regretted deeply, it was something he loved about Luffy the warmth of a human touch, one that he had lost so long ago.
Zoro felt warm fingers grip into his shirt more firmly than ever in a sort of defiance. It wasn't about heat, Luffy felt a different sort of soothing warmth he rarely felt from anyone. A moment that required neither thoughts or words, something so simple and right.
"Don't care, not moving."
...
The daylight hours passed once more, giving birth to nighhtfall. The limited night light filtered through the thick fluffy clouds of the winter sky, a certain green haired individual had yet to come to life. Smart black shoes clicked against the cobble stones of the castle, making their way through empty hallways. A shadow rested against the door, without waiting Sanji kicked opened the door effortlessly grinning to himself as it practically shattered on impact.
"What the fuck?," Zoro reeled upwards, glancing around in surprise, his disdainful handsome features glowing hauntingly. As his light less eyes fixed upon the interloper his eyes turned to feral slits. "What do you want?."
"Do you know what day er night it is?," Sanji winked as in a hint. All he was met with was a sightly scarier gaze, "the night you finally do the world a favour and stake yourself?," Zoro hissed. He was never one for conversation in general but just after waking he was damn right foul.
Sanji took a drag on his cigarette which hung limply between his fingers, "noooooo, seriously now."
Bring his porcelain hands to his hair Zoro ruffled, making his spikey bangs more defiant of the natural laws of gravity. "Uhhh...physical education day?."
"Tch we haven't done that in years!." Looking heatedly towards the blond once more Zoro shifted "just spit it out already or go the fuck away!."
The blond sighed, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "It's November 11th, a day you where by some unholy curse born into this world. A day that should by all rights be nationally known as unlucky day!."
Zoro promptly stood and made his way to the door, flashed a hateful scowl before literally slamming the door in the blonds face. Sanji now found himself glaring at the wood which his face was imprinted in, his cigarette clumped into a wonky pancake slipping from his pale lips.
"You better get the fuck down stairs soon or I'll be back, you here me you ungrateful bastard?." Upon the silence the blond made his exit, stepping down the winding stairwell gracefully, hin inner disarray hidden.
Nami glanced up as he entered, "how'd it go?."
"...Remind me again why were celebrating him?, I really don't see anything to celebrate." Feeling an instinctive need to groom himself Sanji refixed his golden locks. Pulling at his suit he frowned, "wheres the slayer, he'd have more luck I'm sure."
...
Zoro rolled his eyes as he heard the bain of his existence leave. He never saw what the big deal was about, after all they had all had so many, what was the point of keeping count. Returning to the bed he now noticed something, "Luffy?."
Despite the absence of light he could easily tell that the teen was not there. No lump was curled up in the sheets, no noisy of breathing, cleary he was alone. Groaning in aggravation Zoro went into the next room turning the taps for a shower. As the ice waters ran down his white skin Zoro mused how it didn't bother him, so many things about him had died, this was just another on a long list.
Making his way to the others Zoro couldn't rid himself of the frown which seemed to had glued itself to him. As he entered he stared at everyone expectingly, "are you all just gonna stare at me like idiots or what?."
In unionisation the vampire trio spoke, "happy birthday!."
Zoro felt his eyes twitch as he noted the sickly sweet tones in their voices, the perfect smiles that hid their true natures. "Nice doesn't suit you...it's creepy," he deiced aloud. Ignoring the glare of death he received from a certain blond he looked around, something was defiantly missing. "Where's Luffy?."
"Out with Chopper, they'll be back soon," Nami chided waggling her finger in a condescending way.
As the teal haired vampire turned to leave he was stopped as he felt a cold touch on his shoulder. "Leave him be, they'll be back soon so stay and try to enjoy yourself for once."
Swatting the blond away Zoro growled, "you let him go out even though it's dark and below freezing?."
"Mmm, " Robin hummed, her ice blue eyes now peering up from an ancient text. Resting her delicate hand against the tatty pages to keep her place she smiled. It was neither sweet nor sour, a look that only the dark haired vampire could pull off with ease. "Reindeer san is with him as well, I'd imagine there on their way back as we speak."
Ignoring her Zoro stormed towards the door which now lay a few meters away. "Oh my God Zoro will you just give him a break!." Nami stood, throwing her slim hands on her tiny waistline. "He'll never be happy if all you do is constantly breath down his neck, he is the slayer after all give Luffy some credit!."
Zoro stared wide eyed at her, it was rare for Nami to ever care about anything. As far as he was concerned the red head only cared for herself and was always calculated, if something didn't benefit her then she wasn't interested.
"She's right, " Sanji stated flatly. "Things will never work unless you respect him, shorty has his own life."
Robin flicked her straight sleek hair behind her as she nodded. Her swishing hair perfectly embodying herbal shampoo adverts on t.v, crystal blue eyes shimmered. "And if you try to take that from him he will leave you behind, don't forget that Roronoa kun."
Before he could find the words the entrance doors groaned as they opened. The cold night air and snow rushing into the castle madly. Staggering inside Luffy and Chopper hurriedly closed the door. Unable to contain himself and longer Luffy charged through the grant entrance hall, before skidding into the dinning room. As he stopped in front of Zoro the teen offered a enticing smile, his breaths still ragged from his excursion. Laughing heartily he held up his gloved hand, opening it instantly.
As the vampire managed to tear his eyes away from the teens face he raised an eyebrow at the object in question. Grinning Luffy lifted it higher, "sorry I'm late but I wanted to get this for you. Chopper told me about it and how even though it's super pretty it's really rare so we had to go kinda far."
Luffy gulped breath as his spiky hair bounced from his energetic actions. His cheeks still flushed a cherry red from the cold, this was evednt on also his nose and ears as they glowed red like Rudolph's nose.
It wasn't big or bright, but it was beautiful. It's blue and violet titled petals curled upwards, it's steam slightly twirled as if by an artist. A tiny peace of perfection, in such an unforgiving white land. The flower looked far to fragile to live in such harsh conditions. In a way it was the perfect contradiction, something so simple and delicate, so strong and meaningful.
"You really didn't have to trouble yourself slayer."
Frowning Luffy breathed, "silly course I did, " he paused as a breath taking smile graced his sun kissed features. "Because it's the day you were born Zoro. Happy Birthday!." Dropping the flower into waiting hands Luffy pulled back. On instinct and need Zoro reversed the notion, pulling the straw hat wearing teen close. Pressing his lips to unusually cold ones he smirked, "thanks Luffy."
Upon losing contact Luffy hurriedly covered his lips in embarrassment, he could feel all eyes on him. Staring up into charcoal eyes Luffy tried to say something, anything. His lapse in actions rendered pointless as Zoro was clonked on the head by a flash of metal. Turning to two stared at Usopp, who was now wobbling as his loss of support.
"Don't do that stuff in front ta me, I'll go blind!."
His lips broke into a grin as he eyed Zoro. "Now this is a party, where's the free food at I'm starved." Gesturing to the table where Nami and Robin sat Zoro wondered if perhaps the hunter had suffered some form of brain damage.
"Marimo why don't you get your ass over here so we can give you our crap gifts and get to the booze!." As if the confirm it Sanji waved a bottle high in the air, as he pulled a chair out and sat down.
As the vampires exchanged gifts Luffy couldn't help but laugh. Just cause they were dead didn't mean they had lost all their humanity, it was a nice refreshing reminder that not all supernatural beings were bad. The teenage slayer squeaked as he felt hot breath on his neck, "I was thinking maybe it wouldn't be so bad to give this together thing a try." As Usopp brushed past Luffy he smiled, "you coming or what?."
Luffy felt blood rush to his cheeks in pure happines, nodding affirmatively he spun around peering into the hallway. "Come on Chopper, this'll be really fun."
The small doctor fumbled nervously before taking a few steps forward following the hunters earlier example. As he found himself joining the rowdy company Chopper felt the energy, as warmth and laughter filled the room with a timeless notion. Looking up towards the hapeless teen that seemed to be centre of it all Tony Tony Chopper couldn't help but think this was what it was to have a family.
Yay, I'm done, finally!. Now I can go and sleep like a normal person :-). I added Zoro's B day in cause it's four days after my own yet another peice of useless info in my brain.
I'll do my best to get the next chapie out for Christmas, even if it's short, it'll be a little winter treat ;-).
It's hard trying to be creative, my mom keeps distracting me about a gang of foxes that might or might not be currently in our back garden. I named the little one Naruto. Anywayz it taken alot to get this done between college, a work placement and a sort of social life, I have no time!. I will defiantly continue with this story, can't stop in the middle after all, reviews make me work faster hint hint.