Chapter 2
Two years later
In the buzzing streets of Skypiea, a certain moss headed man is seen roaming on the streets with no idea where he currently is. Oh shit, where the heck is that damn hotel? This place sure sucks at giving a tourist directions. Sigh, I wouldn't want to call the guys. They'd just blame my sense of direction. Kid and Killer will most likely laugh at me while Franky and Usopp tease me. Chopper and Traffy will most likely want to prescribe me with some weird medication that I don't look forward to. I swear I am not that dense in directions. The roads are just confusing, that's all. Sigh. I was sure I saw the hotel somewhere here. He kept on wandering around town for half an hour more before deciding to give up.
"Argh! This stinks." He muttered under his breath. Suddenly, his phone rang with a 90s metallica song. He scowled, knowing who the caller is before picking his phone up. "What do you want, dartboard? Miss me already?"
"Where the heck are you, shitty moss brain? Everyone's here and you're the only one left. I was sure you landed over an hour or so ago, right? You're lost aren't you?" He yelled frantically at me.
His brow twitch at the statement. "Shut up Ero-cook. I am not lost. The road is just confusing." He mumbled the last part rather silently.
"I knew it. You're lost. Don't worry about it. I've sent Luffy and Usopp to pick you up. Share us your location, stupid shrubbery. We'll see you soon."
Before he can retort a reply, the blond already hung up his phone. Stupid curly brow. I swear I'll cut him off the next chance I get. He thought absentmindedly with a slight pout on his usually stoic features. When he was about to share his location, a certain unique giggle caught his attention.
Wait, I know that voice. He starts looking around him, left and right trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. Forgetting what he should be doing, he put his phone back in his back pocket and continued searching for the voice. He walks along the pave way, following the now a much clearer voice.
He walks more for about five minutes before stopping in front of a garden themed café. Right there, in front of him is the woman he hang out with about two years ago, the woman who told him about her dreams, and the person who accompanied him for almost a day until they got separated by their destination.
"I guess this is it, Ms. Robin. Thank you again for accompanying me throughout the day. I am sorry for bumping into you earlier. I hope I've made that up…" he didn't even get the chance to finish his sentence because suddenly, a soft and gentle lips was pressed lightly against his. He was left dumbfounded. Blinking and trying to sort out his current haywire mind. "I am glad that I read the book while walking just now or else, I wouldn't have met you. I hope destiny cross our paths again, Mr. Zoro." After whispering those words, she flash the most beautiful smile I've ever seen before turning around and enter the boarding gate.
I have no idea why I didn't have the guts to ask for her contact number that day. To say I regretted it would be an understatement. I felt remorse at my own cowardness. It's not that I can't easily get her number. With the many contacts my friends have – I am not keen in collecting business un-related numbers, I am sure I am able to get her number in no time. Somehow there's a voice in the back of my head saying that I should at least be man enough and ask her in person and not through any other third person. Sanji was irked at my actions; saying I let a once in a million chance got away. Turns out, Nico Robin was known for her kind hearted and selfless personality. She is seen to always join any humanity projects whenever an agency invited her. I guess it kinda suits her soft and calm demeanor.
Ever since that small encounter, I've always keep track on her activities. I am not a stalker, don't get me wrong. After reaching Kuraigana that day two years ago, I asked my assistant to gather all the magazines or any published books related to Nico Robin. I wanted to get to know her through those mediums. I even embarrass myself by subscribing to a few of the fashion magazine applications all because I wanted to receive latest news regarding Nico Robin. I ended up being a laughing stock for the guys for almost half a year. Still does though, whenever we have our bro time. If I have any free time to spare, I'd look through the History channel I've also embarrassingly subscribed and search for any related interviews regarding her latest findings. Even without any free time to spare, I'd ask my assistant to record those interviews so that I could watch them in a later time. Of course I'd just leave her non-stop questioning unanswered.
There was also a time when Sanji and Luffy invited me to attend a fashion show somewhere in Dressrosa. Apparently, Sanji's love interest at the time was one of the model while Luffy had to go cause his fiancé was one of the main benefactor for the event. They said I might get another chance to meet her. However, luck was not on my side that time. Turns out I had to accompany my father to a rather important meeting in Wano Kingdom. I've always been a busy man throughout my life – work is always a priority than my personal interest. That is also one of the many reasons why I couldn't afford to tie myself with any relationships or commitments. Hence, the cowardly act of not asking her number that time. I also don't want to deal with women crying for my attention and giving me extra headaches. I've had enough headache just dealing with my little sister; and sometimes my assistant.
I didn't realize I was so engrossed in my thoughts until I crash into someone; making the both of us fall flat on our backs. "Oi! Watch where you're going. Stupid ass." That person throw curses at me before picking himself up and walks away. During that little incident, I can see that everyone sitting outside of the café was curious as to what had happened. Some even took pictures and showed to the person next to them. I sigh in defeat, why do I always have to bump into someone whenever I meet her? This is just a stomp on my pride. I lay still on my back, facing the warm cloudy day.
When I was about to pick myself up, a voice I know so well shouted my name in a sing song. "Oi, Zoro~! Why are you on the streets? Are you sleeping on the streets again?!" a rather comical and stupid statement came out from the non-other loud mouth, Luffy. "Yeah Zoro, why were you on the streets? What happened to your jacket?" Usopp continued after catching up with Luffy.
I grunted in response. "I wasn't sleeping you morons!" I bellowed at them. Luffy just laugh his ass at me before pulling me up. "You're stupid Zoro. Shishishi!" he kept on laughing for a few more minutes. After Usopp calms his senses, "Anyway, let's get going now. The party will start in a couple of hours and it wouldn't be complete without the best man." Usopp reminded. "FOOD!" Luffy shouted as they start pulling my arms; each of it on Luffy and Usopp.
Realizing we're moving away from the café, "Wait, wait. I have something to do." I said in a panicked tone, trying to release myself from their death grip.
"Eh? What do you have to do here? Are you hungry? We are going to eat later, Zoro. Let's go!" Luffy said before continuing his tracks; hands never leaving mine.
"Yeah Zoro, we're going to eat soon. There's a lot of great sake and wine too. You're going to love that place." Usopp continued before he too, starts pulling my hand again.
I only manage a slight glimpse on the café and I saw Robin staring at me. When she noticed I was looking at her, she quickly hide her shock demeanor and replace it with a cheeky flying kiss before waving at me. I only manage to return her an awkward smile before redirecting my focus on the road again. Damn, I was so close to her. So damn close and yet, still too far for me to reach. I'll be sure to look for her afterwards. I am not going to let this chance slip from my fingers again.
"There you are, you shitty Marimo!" Zoro was greeted by a hard booted kick on the face by a rather angry blond. Lucky for him, he was accustomed by the dartboard's way in greeting him. He managed to block the kick with his hands before pushing the flaring blond aside. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Stupid curly brow!" I snarl at him.
He huff his annoyance before putting a cigarette on his lips and starts smoking. Blowing the smoke to my face; I am sure he is trying to tick on my nerve before speaking up. "I am starting to question my sanity on why on earth did I choose YOU of all people to be my best man."
I smirked at him, "Ah well, do you want me to list out the reasons why you love me so much, blondie?" I chuckled at the look he gave me. We almost got into another brotherly fight again before Franky stood between us. "Ow! Super Zoro-bro just got here and I am sure he needs to take a shower and get ready. Did you bring the item, Zoro-bro?"
"Yeah, I brought it. I need to take a nap for a while…"
"You are NOT going to take a nap again, shitty Moss for brains. You've had enough of them to last your whole life. Go get ready." Sanji fumed.
"Jeez, calm down bridezilla. I know you're all pent up for tomorrow's event. Chill. It's going to be fine, Sanji. Trust me. Okay?" I said as I put my arms around his shoulders, trying to calm his senses.
He ran his fingers through his golden locks before nodding. "Pff, I'll be fine Marimo. Go and get ready already. Take whatever naps you need, whatever." He mutters out before walking away from the lounge room.
"Roronoa-ya, where were you just now?" Traffy inquire.
"Yeah Zoro, where have you been? We didn't even receive any location in our messenger. We were so worried." Chopper continued with an almost teary eyes.
"Zoro-san must've gone wandering in town looking for the hotel by himself before getting lost. Yohohoho." Brook add in.
"Knowing the bastard, I kinda agree with Brook here. Or, he just ended up napping somewhere on the streets. Again! Hahahaha." Kid burst into a boisterous laugh, followed by a silent chuckle from Killer.
"Shishishi. We found him sleeping on the streets. Hahahaha." Luffy kept on laughing while chomping on some food he found in the luxury penthouse kitchen.
"Luffy, for the last time. I was NOT SLEEPING!" I bellowed at him but there is no hints of real rage; just annoyance.
"Then what were you doing laying on the streets, Zoro?" Usopp inquire after stealing some of the fruits from Luffy.
"Hey, that's mine! Go get yourself, Usopp." Luffy pouted. Usopp just snicker at him before eating the fruit whole.
"I was distracted with my thoughts before I bumped into someone on the streets. I was about to stand up before these morons found me." I explained after making myself comfortable on the L-shaped cushioned chair.
The guys nod their understanding before they resume doing whatever it was they were doing before; probably doing some final check up on the party list before it occurs tonight. I give the small wrapped box to Franky, in case I forgot about them later. After that, I played with my phone for a while, wondering how in the world I can look for her again before giving up and decided to look for Sanji instead. Knowing that emotional princess, I am sure he needs some knock in the head to gain some senses. I found him outside the penthouse's balcony, smoking for what seems like the fifth or sixth cigarette for the day. From the look on his face, I know his thoughts is wandering somewhere else.
I nudge him on the side – a gesture we usually do whenever one of us is distracted in thoughts. "You okay there?" I asked after making sure I've gained his attention.
He didn't answer me. Instead, he just looks away towards the now orange sky, his face a little distracted. I let him gather his thoughts for a bit, not wanting to interrupt knowing it's a huge step he is about to take. After twenty or so minutes later, he finally speaks up. "Am I doing the right thing, Zoro?" He said in distress. I can also sense his hesitance, a rare trait shown to others. It is one of his vulnerable side usually shown only to me or Luffy.
"What are you hesitating about?" I asked, genuinely concern with his wellbeing.
He begins telling me how he felt in love with his soon-to-be wife and how he never wants to let her go; even though I've heard of this story many times before but seeing him so fragile at the time, I give him my fullest attention. He knows marrying someone from the entertainment industry, he have to be ready physically and emotionally. How his emotions have to be as hard as steel in order to wave off the soon-to-be rumors and etc. How any hearsay may give impact to his reputation as one of the heir in Vinsmoke Industry. He didn't know what attracts him but just being with her makes him feels complete.
She is the utmost opposite side of him. Sanji is known to have a calm and collected demeanor; except when he's around the guys. His partner, well she is a short tempered, loud and demanding witch. She is greedy, evil and bossy. Somehow, after meeting her for a couple of times, I can see why Sanji is attracted to her.
Behind those strong and bossy demeanor, she is actually a fragile woman. She didn't want people to see that side of hers and take advantage. She only showed that side of hers to Sanji and Sanji only. After listening to whatever it is that's bothering him, I look deeply into his oceanic blue eyes.
"Sanji, you might be a moron when it comes to women but for this woman? You completely fell heads over heels for her. I've never even seen you look at the way you look at her to any other women. Not even to Violet, and that is saying something. How you deeply care about her to your very core. You even ditch that damn meeting with Big Mom when you found out Nami was admitted to the hospital because of a minor gastric. A MINOR gastric Sanji and at that time, she didn't even glance at you. You almost lost your biggest client for the sake of a woman who treated you nothing but a merely stranger. Lucky for you, Charlotte Pudding loves you so much she tried her best in persuading Big Mom into keeping the deal with you. You went through hell into JUST GETTING her attention. Just her attention Sanji and it took you almost a damn fucking year. And now, she finally agrees in marrying you and you're gonna chicken out? Pfft. You're better than that, man. Heck even that blockhead Luffy is already married and that's still a shocker up to this day. I am sure you'll be fine, dartboard. Don't think too much about it." I said as I rose from my seat to head inside the penthouse again.
"Hey Moss-head." I turn around and quirk my eyebrow, a silent query to him. "Thanks. I really need to hear that, shitty bastard." He finally let out that smile he is known for. I squeeze his shoulder a bit, "Any time for my brother, stupid curly brow." I smirk before going in.
The bachelor party for Sanji was a hell of a party. Since the mastermind behind it are Kid and Franky, of course the party will be an unforgettable one. The food is great, music blasting everywhere and the alcohol; oh the great alcohol are just heavenly made. The guys know my taste very well. We enjoyed ourselves on the rooftop of the hotel up til dawn.
I always knew my alcohol tolerance was higher than any average person but last night, I hate to admit but I might drink more than I can take and the result; is a massive hangover. I can feel my brain pounding in my skull. Trying to groggily wake up, I find sleeping drunkard everywhere. Damn, what time is it? I tried reaching for my phone but somehow, I got the feeling that I left it in our rooms. Argh, damn hangover. "Oi, Killer. Oi!" I tried waking the blonde but to no avail. I tried standing up but was back on my knees again. I feel like throwing up. Yup, definitely gonna throw up. I grab the nearest bucket I could reach and spew everything that I stomach the day before. After a few more minutes of forcing out my stomach's content, I finally felt a tad bit relieve.
I lay on my back against the cold dance floor again for a few minutes, trying to calm the dizziness. After around ten minutes or so, I finally have the strength to stand up. I went to the nearest toilet to wash my face and grab a drink and aspirin. Feeling better than the last twenty minutes, I went back into the club just to see the hall messed up with drunkards.
"Oi Luffy! Wake up! Usopp! Franky! Brook! Chopper! Traf! Kid! Killer! Wake the damn up!" I kick each of them on the head, enough to get a grunt response. Looking out the window, I might say it's around noon or nearly two at most. Where the hell is Sanji? Suddenly, a memory kicked in. Oh shit! Sanji! As my head finally ease from the drowsiness, I remembered the most important part of today. SANJI'S WEDDING! Oh shit!
"GUYS! WAKE THE HELL UP! IT'S SANJI'S BIG DAY TODAY. MOVE! YOU DRUNK BASTARDS!" I kept on yelling and waking my friends up; still to no avail. I finally found Sanji laying on the floor, next to the bar. "Dartboard! Wake the fuck up!" I yelled at him, making him jerk awake and bump his head on the stool next to him. "Damn it, Marimo. What do you want? Can't you see I am still sleeping?" he tried to sleep back before I said, "Fine! Go ahead and sleep. See if you regret missing your wedding day." I smirked at his realization. I find it amusing to see my drunk best friend trying to collect his thoughts. His face is just comically entertaining.
"Oh SHIT! WAKE UP YOU SHITTY BASTARDS!" he kicked each and everyone in the club awake. "MOVE YOUR SHITTY ASSES! WE'RE FUCKING LATE!" after saying that, he race out of the club; still yelling curses and threats to us.
