Ummm… hello! I guess…

She was sitting on the couch, holding her mug tightly. Things happened so fast and it felt like a dream. It wasn't though. She sighed again, swallowing the bitterness inside as she felt the tears threatened to fall again.

Kidd sighed. He also had so many questions to ask her but he guessed that could wait and he knew she wasn't going to answer him. Her eyes were still red and puffy, sniveling every second, getting hiccups and sometimes one or two tears slid down her cheek. How was he supposed to ask if she couldn't even keep one tear from falling.

"Are you feeling better now?" He asked, staring at her.

She nodded slowly.

He sighed again, picked up his mug and took a slow sip. He watched her over the rim of his mug and saw another tear fell down her cheek. She wasn't at all.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Law was sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed with his legs pulling up, elbows rested on his knees. His hand still holding the beer and his head downcast. He didn't know what to do. His mind went blank. His chest hurt.

Never crossed his mind that she would do this to her but she really did. Remembering the name she uttered last night, suddenly his temper rose. He threw the beer in his hand with force causing the content spilled out and splattered on the floor.

"This is so stupid!" he muttered. He pushed himself up and went to the bathroom, splashed his face with the cold water. He braced his hands on the counter and hung his head. Thinking about the girl, maybe it'd be best if he didn't meet her for a while. A little time apart could clear his head.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So, are you going to tell Zoro… everything…?" Kidd asked as he stared at her. "Maybe that Trafalgar guy is curling in the corner, crying… wait!" What was he thinking, this was a serious matter here and he still had that stupid thought.

She shook her head. Thinking about Zoro made her think about Tashigi too. What was there to tell? Their situation was nearly the same. He also had to deal with Tashigi and maybe she had to, if things were called for it. She didn't want to add more trouble than she already had.

Kidd sighed. He'd be lying if he didn't blame her. Obviously, it was her fault. But Zoro was part of it too. And now, she wanted to suffer alone because of what they did. "Stupid woman!" he cursed. He really didn't know what to do anymore. Had Zoro known this, things would be better. He thought. Because, he knew very well, that guy wouldn't let this happen to her. He himself wouldn't. But it was her choice.

"Law… doesn't deserve this"

He heard her shaky voice. He looked up at her who was staring into a distant, lost in her own world. He had to agree with her. Because of her inability to handle her feelings, Law became a victim. Hearing her confessed everything, albeit he knew, there was more into it, damn, he was a bit jealous of Zoro.

She had known him before Zoro. She had loved him longer than Zoro. For fuck sake, they even spent their time together for years, longer than Zoro before he took her from him. But Zoro got the special spot in her heart for that short period. What was Zoro to her and what was him to her. He shook his head from the thought. That was in the past, he shouldn't have thought about it.

"You should tell Trafalgar… not me" He mumbled.

"I know" she slowly replied. "I should have told Law earlier… about Zoro… everything… before he came here" wiping her tears, she added, "If I have, maybe… this wouldn't be happening"

He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Now he got it, she couldn't get over Zoro for the past three years. And that Trafalgar, he pitied him. Turned out, he was just a space filler to fill in the empty spot Zoro had left. What an unfortunate guy. How could someone so sweet as her be so cruel? The worst part, Trafalgar already met Zoro. If she were to tell him everything, nothing would change.

"Well, you should try. I believe Trafalgar is a reasonable person" Kidd encouraged. That was the best thing to do, he thought. At least, she didn't let Law think that she kept cheating. The rest, just let Law decide.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

When she woke up that morning, she felt empty. She checked her phone, not a call or text coming. Well, what would she expect? A sweet good morning call after she fucked everything up? She lazily got up and went to the bathroom to clean herself. She still had to go to work.

Realization hit her, she couldn't avoid meeting with Zoro and cursed at the thought. With things going on, she wasn't sure if she could handle seeing him. Checking herself on the mirror, she could see her eyes swelled. She really cried too much last night.

As she was focusing on her task, they were called for a meeting. She wasn't paying too much attention during the meeting that Smoker kept calling her to keep her on track. After the meeting, respectively went to their table to resume their work.

Although she sat in front of her desktop, doing her work, she couldn't stop her mind from wandering to Law. All she needed was to explain things to him. But would he hear her out? Would he spare some time to listen to her? Not that she wanted to give excuse or asking for forgiveness, he deserved to know everything she didn't tell him in the first place. Now she regretted it for not telling him and not being so honest.

A thud on her table jerked her. She looked up just to see Tashigi smiling down at her. "Tashigi-chan!"

"You're spacing out a lot" Tashigi stated as she propped her head on her hand and stared at her.

Nami smiled as she continued on her task. "Too many things inside the head" she added.

"It's lunch time" Tashigi reminded her.

"Eh?" Nami surprised and looked at her watch. "Ah, yes" she saved her work. The both got up and headed to Vivi's table, bringing her along to join them for a lunch.

Nami wondered why Tashigi chose the big round table when there were only three of them but didn't ask any further when she saw Sanji and the rest queuing at the counter. Seeing Zoro with the rest of them made her uneasy.

"I'm sorry Tashigi, Vivi… I think, it be best if I just stay at the office" suddenly she spoke. "I don't feel like eating"

Vivi and Tashigi looked at her.

"Are you sure Nami-san? Our orders haven't been served yet" Vivi asked.

"Just give it to Luffy" Nami said as she quickly rose and walked off.

Vivi and Tashigi left speechless at her weird behaviour but none of them say anything until Sanji and the rest came.

"I thought I saw Nami-san" Sanji said as he sat next to Vivi.

"She went back to office" Vivi replied.

"Where's Zoro?" Tashigi's turn to ask.

"He was with us… eh? Where did he go?" Luffy confused. "I swear he was with us" he stated.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

As she expected, she couldn't bring herself to face Zoro. She had successfully avoided him during the meeting, and now she didn't want to risk her free time seeing him. As she walked past the large notice board, she remembered the time when Zoro caught her falling and had his "little moment" with her. Because of that little moment, all the sensation she felt when she was with him returned. Maybe that was the reason she couldn't push him away.

"Nami, why don't you join them"

A voice had Nami turned around and saw Zoro heading towards her. She averted her gaze to the notice board.

"What happened Nami?" He asked.

"Nothing. I was just pretty tired lately. After all, I drank a lot last night" she lied hoping he would buy it.

"Really?"

"You know Kidd… he always had his way to celebrate things…" she mustered her strength to look at him. At least, she looked confident. Oh well, he didn't seem to buy that.

Zoro chuckled. "He couldn't even drink much to make you drink that much"

"Why are you here?" She changed the subject. "I thought you are joining them"

"I rather spend this short time alone with you" He answered.

Oh, how she loved it when he said that. If only things were different.

"Tashigi must be waiting for you" She stated as she headed to her table.

Zoro frowned as he examined her. Deep inside, he knew she wasn't happy. Troubles written all over her face. If it was about Law he understood, but concerning about Tashigi, it was his job. Not her.

"Something happened between you and Law?" he asked.

"Nothing. We are just fine" She replied as she pretended to busy herself with her previous work.

Seeing her had no interest to talk, he decided to just leave her and went straight to his office room. There was no need to press her on something she didn't want to talk about. Sooner or later, she would talk about it.

Few weeks later…

As she exited the entryway of their office building, she cursed. It was raining heavily and getting herself wet just to get to the bus stop was not a brilliant idea. Maybe she should just wait until the rain had stopped.

She leaned against the wall, watching as the rain pouring down. That brought back memory, the first time she saw him. She sighed. Her heart suddenly clenched when she thought about Law. How was he doing? She wanted to call him, but she afraid he wouldn't pick her call. She wanted to text him, but would he reply her? No, would he even read that?

Now she started to wonder if Law ever thought about her for the past few weeks like she did. Of course she wouldn't expect him to call or text, but had it ever crossed his mind? Or wasn't Law even thinking about her.

Her days without Law, she felt so empty and lonely. She wanted to see him so bad. But what if he didn't want to see her. The very idea pained her heart. But she wanted to tell him everything. There was no need to keep them secret anymore now he knew.

She had been so selfish and because of that, she ended up in a very complicated situation. She had betrayed his trust and loyalty. She would expect Law wouldn't forgive her. She was ready for that. If they were to end, she didn't want things to end this way. She knew none of her confession could make up for what she had done, but at least, she wanted to be honest with him, with herself.

Her hands reached for her face as she wiped away the small tears in the corner of her eyes. She was determined to tell Law everything. Maybe, being separate for few weeks wasn't that bad. During that time, she had been thinking a lot as well as preparing herself mentally.

Outside the window of his office, Law closed the curtain. It had been raining for the past few days. It didn't do him good as the rain reminded him of Nami. And it hurt him more when he remembered what she did to him. He ran his hand through his hair. How in the hell he was going to get through this?

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Nami mustered her strength to dial Law's number. As she put the phone on her ear and listened to the tone, her heart thumped pretty fast. Would he pick it up or not?

When she heard his voice at the other end, she burst into silent tears. She missed him so much she forgot her purpose to call him. She held her phone close to her ear as she cried softly. She wanted to hold him so bad.

"Why?"

His question broke the silence and reminded her why she called him. She cleared her throat before she uttered.

"To-Law, Can we… meet?"

She could hear his low sigh followed by another silence. Her heart beating like crazy waiting for his response.

"Where and when?"

Her heart relieved with the response and she informed him, hoping he would spare some time for her. His answer wasn't disappointing though, after giving her a short good bye he hung up.

Law leaned against his chair. Probably that would be the last time they met. It pissed him off but, for some unknown reason, he wanted to know her reasons knowing he would really hate it.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

She waited nervously at the park. Sitting on the bench, her eyes looking around searching for him. Her fingers fumbling with each other as she wondered how would she greet him once he arrived.

"Nami"

Her heart skipped a beat when she heard his voice. Slowly she looked up to see him standing in front of her. There was a pause before he took a seat next to her. She craned her neck so she could look at him and noticed the gap between them. Now that felt like a stranger.

"How… how are you?" she stuttered, looking at him hoping that he would look at her.

"Do I look fine to you?" he looked at her before glancing away.

Her head downcast as she swallowed hard. She chewed her lower lip and her eyes occasionally stole glances at him. "… that…"

"If you want to apologize, I thought you've done it last time" he cut her off. "I'm not here to hear your another sorry" He looked at her briefly. "Tell me Nami, how long have you been keeping this from me?"

She turned to him who was looking away from her. She could see the muscle in his jaw clenched. She had been thinking so much what and how to tell him, but turned out, thinking was much easier than doing that. Since she couldn't She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she opened her mouth.

"Zoro and I…"

He looked at her from the corner of his eyes, noticing her hands clamped together tightly.

"We… have known each other long before I met you."

He snapped his eyes at her, a bit taken aback of the revelation she just made. Keeping silence, he let her talk about her past he never knew. A part of her she never told him.

"And we met again here…" she wiped her tears. "I thought I was able to forget him… but the spur of the moment, I realized I couldn't... that I ended up… sleeping with him"

For a second, his head snapped at her, his eyes widened in shock, his mind went blank. He wasn't able to think properly. What did she just tell her? What did he just hear? Forget about the text messages, she just went overboard. The image of Zoro and her together, being intimate, it ripped his heart out.

"So, that's how it is" he mumbled in annoyance. "That's the one thing I don't want to hear… but Nami, you…" he let out a low sigh. "Feels like I've been fooled. "

"No! No! Don't say that" She denied. "I don't mean to… Law, I just… just…"

"The spur of the moments?" He said sarcastically. "That's not an excuse. You still have feeling for him… else you won't end up with him… in the bed" he emphasized the last phrase.

She swallowed thickly.

"I checked you phone" He confessed. "That night…"

She looked at him back. That was how he knew.

"I know I shouldn't have done that… but, If I don't, then, I will never find out". He leaned against the backrest, "Say… If I never found out..., do you think you will tell me?"

Words stuck in her throat. She didn't even dare to look at him nor meet his eyes. Not even dare to answer him, because she didn't know if she could.

"But, I understand now" He said as he straightened his back and looked at her. "To you, I am just a space filler"

"No Tora! You are not" She shook her head as she glanced at him.

"Then, what am I?" He raised his voice, staring deep into her eyes.

"You are still important to me, believe me... I wasn't lying about how I feel about you" She replied sincerely, "I wasn't… You are the very reason I regained my strength. You are the very reason I was able to breathe and feel alive again..."

"I was..." He corrected her. "Before you meet him again"

She stared at him as if she wanted to say something, so much things but her tongue felt numb.

"Why did you lie?" He brushed his face as he let out a heavy sigh.

"I… I don't mean to… keep things from you… it was just…"

"I found it out way earlier than you expected, huh?" he cut her off. "It's okay, it's way better. The sooner the better..." he added as he looked at her.

"I don't know how do you feel about it… but I hate it!" He stated. "I hate it so much…". He closed his eyes. The image of Zoro and Nami flashed in the forefront of his mind. "Disgusting" He flinched at the thought, "I simply don't like sharing"

She bit her lower lip.

"How can you do this to me…" He asked regretfully. "I thought I am the only one… no, I thought you could be mine someday. I thought I would be the only one you need… turned out, I am a no body to you… just a no body to you" he said in a low voice.

It moved her when he said but at the same time, it pained her. Her lips quivered as she looked at his face, her jaw tightened, trying to hold her tears but failed as it slipped down her face.

He turned his face away and curled his fingers into a fist. "It looks like I can only dream, right?". He stated as he pushed himself up. "Dreaming to be with you" He looked down at her, staring deep into her eyes, "You. The woman I love more than anything" His eyes downcast. "It was short. But thanks for making me happy" as he walked forward.

"Law…" Her voice thick with emotion as she called him and held his wrist.

He stopped and spun to face her. The look he gave was so cold she could only feel his pain when she looked at him. She lost all of words knowing she was the cause of his pain.

"I'm so disappointed I can never look at you the same again" he said "Probably, this is the best… you can go back to him for all I care" then he turned on his heel. "That is what you want the most"

Her grip loosened. Did he just end it? She couldn't believe it. For a long while, she stared as he left. The distance between them widened with every step he took. She wanted to run after him, but her body refused to move at all until he disappeared from her sight.

Her vision blurred. Tears started to fall without sound. She won't blame him. She wouldn't, she just deserved that. She told herself she was ready for this, but the real experience hurt more than what she had thought it would feel.

Instead of walking directly to her house, she took the junction led to Kidd's apartment instead. She didn't feel like staying at her house.

Standing in front of his apartment, she knocked the door but he didn't seem to be in the house. She leaned against the door and slowly slid down to sit against door, pulling her legs close to her chest. Maybe she should just wait for him.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Nami?"

She looked up and pushed herself up. "Kidd, you're here"

"How long have you've been here?" He frowned.

"Just few minutes ago" She lied.

"What are you doing here?" He asked as he opened his door. "I thought you have my key. Why not just walk in?"

She just shook her head as she followed him inside and made her way to the couch.

"What would you like for drink?"

She heard him shouting from the kitchen. "Anything can do" she shouted back.

Later, Kid came with a bottle of Grey Goose with glasses in his other hand. He set the glasses and bottle on the table and took his seat next to her.

"What gives?" he asked, pulling the plastic-topped cork out and poured it into the glasses.

"Nothing! Just wanted to drop by" she lied bringing the glass to her lips.

Kidd glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. He knew she lied but he didn't bother to ask either. Sighing he took his drink.

Setting the glass on the table, she drew her legs to her chest, burying her face in her knees. She let out an audible sigh before she spoke.

"Kidd… I told Law everything…"

He stopped downing his drink and glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. For a while, he did nothing, as if he was processing her every word. Then he chugged down the rest of the drink.

She turned her face slightly just to mumble, "He was so hurt and mad… and…"

"It's okay! It's okay!" Putting his protective arm around her shoulder. "Everything will be all right…" he assured as he squeezed her shoulder. She needed not to tell more, he knew how Law felt.

She nodded slowly. "Probably, that's the end of us" she added.

Slowly he pulled her so that she leaned against him. "Don't say anything anymore…" he could feel her slight nod against his body.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Law closed the door behind him and slowly leaned against the door as he scanned his house. He wasn't sure if he did the right thing. But the moment she told him about her and Zoro, he couldn't accept it. He really couldn't. How should he react to that? Forgive and forget everything? They were two different things. He might be able to forgive her but he couldn't forget what she did to him. Even thinking about that, his heart clenched painfully.

He let out a devastated sigh as he trudged into the living room. Slumping his worn body on the couch, he stared at the ceiling. Part of him regretting he never asked about her past. He had so many chances to do so but never did he take one. If only he had done that earlier, maybe things would turn out differently. But what was the point regretting now? He realized then, she had never been so open to him. She never had. He was a stranger to begin with.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Kidd almost jumped when he felt his phone vibrating inside his pocket. He pushed himself to stand as he fumbling inside his pocket, fishing out his phone.

Nami downed the remaining of her drink as she listened to the conversation.

"Nami?" He looked at Nami.

She shook her head pleading Kid not to tell whoever was over the phone she was there.

"No" Kid complied and then after several long moment, he hung up.

Nami glanced at him until he sat next to her. "Who?"

"Mary"

She frowned in confusion. "Who the hell is Mary?"

"Your sister" he replied as he put his phone on the table. "She's home"

She fell silence.

"She said she called and text you but you didn't pick or reply her" He added. After a long pause, Kidd looked at her in surprise, "Don't tell me you…"

"Can I?" She cut him off. "Please?"

He stared at her for a long while and then brushed his hair. "Ahh… I can't let you wander alone too"

"As much as I'm happy she's here, I don't want her to see me in this state too" She reasoned. "You can sleep in your room… I can sleep here"

"Are you sure? I don't want you to bitch about the hard couch that you can't sleep comfortably" Kidd mumbled.

"Umm… You are right. Maybe, you are supposed to sleep here. Let me take your room… I'm a woman after all"

"You only say that when it is very convenient for you" He said irritated "But, it's okay… just today, it's okay"

She smiled, somehow she felt, part of the weight lifted from her shoulder.

"Mom already reserved a restaurant for the dinner" Tashigi informed as she arranged the files on the table.

Zoro who was leaning against his chair, staring at Nami through the glass. She looked so focused on her screen. She had been keeping her distance lately, as far as he noticed. But he would not question her about that. He already could expect her answer.

"Zoro-san?" She called him again after she realized he didn't give her any response.

He let out a sigh as he straightened his back. "I don't think I can attend the dinner"

She stopped as she turned to look at him. "What?... But why?"

"I just don't feel like going"

"That's…"

"I never promise, though I'm sure my parents will be there" He said without letting her finished her sentence.

"But… but… Zoro-san… this..." She tried to convince him to go, "There are still time, you can think over it again"

"I give so much thought about it" He replied shortly.

She stunned at his answer as she looked at him. She had assumed this already judging by the way he behaved lately. Yes, this irritated her. "It's not like you give it a thought… you've been planning not to come in a first place, don't you?"

Zoro looked up at her. Probably she was right. The moment he got the invitation, he had the feeling he won't go. And as the time came nearer, he felt like he didn't want to go. It was a good thing she brought up the subject. He let out a heavy sigh as he averted his gaze from her.

"Is it hard for you to come?" She asked being impatient.

"I think, we can still talk about this later" He changed the subject as he rubbed his temple.

She let out an exasperate sigh, "I don't know what has gotten into you lately. But Zoro-san, you hardly ever spare some time for me" she waited for his response but none. "You don't even see me during lunch or after work or even short break. You don't even call or text back"

"Your point being?" He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes.

"You are ignoring me" She pointed out. "I've been meaning to discuss about this with you long ago, but you always said you don't have the time, and now all I hear is that you don't want to come… that's unfair"

"I never said I agree either" he broke in.

"You don't agree?" She snapped. "We never talk about it and you said you never agree?"

"Must it be now?" he retorted.

"When else?" She asked back. "I asked you to come and see me last week but you didn't even come... I waited for you during lunch but you didn't even show up. I came here just now because I want to talk, but you don't even see me here until I talk to you. When else?"

Instead of answering her, he grunted and returned his attention to his work, completely ignoring her.

Yes, she had been very patient for the past few weeks, but he was still being an ass. She could never understand him. Turning on her heel, she dashed towards the door.

Nami lifted her head up in shock when she heard a loud bang. She saw Tashigi exited Zoro's room and walked out of the office angrily. After a long silent moment, each and every one of them looked at each other having the same question inside their mind.

Nami glanced briefly at Zoro's office, noticing he was still focusing on his work or whatever it was. Just what the hell did he just do? With that thought, she continued her work.

Inside the office, Zoro let out a sigh and leaned against the backrest. Once again, his eyes fell on her. He didn't care about Tashigi, her family or his own family, but what mattered to him was Nami. Her alone. Somehow he saw he had no chance now that Law had returned. He should stop pursuing, he knew, but he couldn't. He just couldn't.

Just when he thought she returned his advance, she backed out again. He knew this was coming, be he still didn't want to let her go this time. He wanted her back and he really meant it. If only she could hear his inner thought.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

After that incident, things had been so dull in the office especially when Tashigi and Zoro bumped into each other. Tashigi did tell her and Vivi about what happened between them. She pitied her, but she couldn't even give her a good advice what to do about that situation. At least, Tashigi didn't find out about them, yet.

Vivi once told her that this was the first time they argued like that and the longest time they didn't speak with each other. She stated it kinda awkward. Nami didn't feel that so, but deep inside she knew, it was because of her Zoro behaving like that. If only she didn't return his affection, things would be different.

And she, had been missing Law day by day. Missing what they once shared. But what could she do to fix that? Law ignored her completely. Nojiko blamed her for that too, not that she didn't admit. But it was too late when she realized that. And once again, guilt burned in her heart thinking how hurt Law must have felt. The damage was done, she could only feel sorry for the betrayal, the hurt and the lies she committed.

As she was tidying her table, she felt like someone approached her. When she lifted her head, her eyes met Zoro's. She smiled a little and stuffing her belongings into her bag. Acting like normal, but it was harder than she knew.

"Stop acting Nami" Zoro said firmly. "No one is here"

She stopped her work and looked at him. "I am not…" she denied.

He raised his brows. "Then, when are you going to stop avoiding me?"

She frowned "Do I look like I'm avoiding you? Sorry then"

He let out a small chuckle and stared at her. "What had been bothering you?" he asked softly as he brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers.

She jerked a little at his response. Why did she have to react to that simple touch. Slowly she brought her hand his and slowly pushed it away. Probably this was the right time to say it. No one was there in the office, she bet everyone already left. She stared at him for a brief moment before she spoke.

"I've been thinking about it Zoro… I haven't said anything yet because I see you are always so busy…"

Zoro waited for the explanation he could see written on her face. It wasn't like he was busy, she was the one who kept herself busy. But he didn't intent to say that out loud.

Taking a deep breath, she let her gaze slide from his face to the table. "Law and Tashigi… the both of them don't deserve this…" she had been thinking about that and she thought this would be the best for them. It didn't matter anymore, she already lost Law and she didn't plan to lose Tashigi either. She had to do it now or she won't be able to it later. She didn't want to wait anymore. "I am uncertain where this relationship leads us"

Zoro's face remained impassive and he asked, "Are you afraid?"

Nami shook her head. "It's just… it feels so wrong. I meet Tashigi almost every day… I'm ashamed I can't even look at her in the eyes" she sighed as she sat down, "I feel like I am the worst kind of person… acting like nothing when I obviously lie… talking to her like I have done nothing wrong... it leaves a nasty taste in my mouth"

"I never ask you to take responsibility of my action" He mumbled lowly.

"It's not that… Zoro, please understand... It's more than that… you and I… simply put, someone needs you just as much as someone needs me" she lied. But part of it was true, on Zoro's side. Not her.

"Are you upset?" He asked, "Do you think I do this without thinking about the consequences?" he looked at her, "I told you already, I don't care about others…"

"But I care…" She cut him off as she stood and looked at him. "I care… I know there's no excuse for what we… I did. It's unacceptable…" She bit her lower lips, "I'm disgusted with myself… so please, just let me go." she pleaded. This was the best she thought she could do.

After a long pause, Zoro finally spoke, "Is that what you think is right?"

She slowly nodded as she looked in front of her. She couldn't even look at him. She knew this probably would hurt him. But it was just for a while. He would be fine.

She jumped when she felt a hand wrapped around her shoulder and pulled her backwards. Trying to fight against his grip, she growled, "Wait, what are you doing? Zoro, let me go!"

"I will" he whispered against her ear causing her to shiver. "I let you do what you think is the best at the moment." He tightened his grip around her when he felt her struggle. "But, come back to me when you decide you don't deserve him. I will always waiting for you here"

Just when she wanted to end everything, why he had to say that. Why he still wanted to wait for her, he wasn't going to make things easy for her. Mustering all her strength that almost had abandoned her when he held her, she broke all contact as she uttered, "Don't… just don't…"

Slowly she turned on her heel and walked away. Zoro only watched as her figure disappeared from his sight. If only he could do one thing.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

She stepped out of the elevator when she heard someone called her name. She then spun around just to see Usopp leaned against the wall with his hands in his pocket. She could see the guilt written all over his face. And then she smiled. "You heard?"

"Sorry… I didn't mean to" His head downcast as he walked side by side with her towards the entrance. "I was happened to return to the office, but then.."

"It's okay…" she cut him off.

He made his way to the office but then he stopped when he heard voices. As he peeked, he saw the both standing near Nami's table and sensed the intense atmosphere around them. He wanted to wait but then when he saw Zoro wrapped his arms around her, he decided to leave. Out of curiosity, he asked. "You and Zoro… were…"

She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes and let out a chuckle. "It was in the past… before I met you guys" she explained. "Things didn't work out well, so he called it off."

They were silent until they stepped out of the main entrance, and she jabbed him, "Wanna go and have a cup of tea?" she asked.

Usopp nodded nervously.

"Bet you want to hear all the story, right?" she guessed.

He looked at her, surprised by her question. "Is it okay?"

She shrugged. "After all, I need someone to talk to"

He was a bit surprise knowing about her and Zoro's past. Who knew, his two friends had some dark secret they didn't want to tell anyone. And they kept it well, not in Zoro's case though. He studied her as she sipped her tea.

"Please Usopp… don't tell anyone" she pleaded as she settled her cup on the table.

"No… I don't plan to… Don't worry Nami. Your secret is safe here" he pointed to his chest as he assured her. "You sure are lucky to have met this Law guy" he complimented.

"Right?" She smiled, hiding the pain she felt at the mention of the name.

"What are you doing right now, Law?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Law put his groceries into the fridge. He saw her that evening with one of her colleagues heading to the coffee shop near her office. When he saw her, the pain in his chest and stomach whipped through him. It had been weeks since they met. He thought a lot had changed or was it just him? Although he still mad and pissed off, he still wanted to make sure she was okay, even if he just did that from a certain distance. She was, once an important person to him.

He plopped himself on the couch as he stared at his surroundings. Certain time he missed her but never he made an effort to call or text her. He thought, he didn't have to do that. They had nothing to talk about anymore. What he missed was just the memories with her they once shared. Perhaps.

Zoro woke with a start, the sound of the doorbell breaking into the quite room. He slipped out from the bed. Grabbing the shirt that hung on the back of the chair, he put it on as he made his way to the door. Once he opened the door, he raised his brows.

"Morning" Tashigi greeted him with a smile.

For a short while he paused before he invited her inside, "Come on in" Zoro said lazily tilting his head. Tashigi stepped into his house and looking around his empty house.

"Why are you coming?" Zoro asked as he headed to the kitchen.

"Emm! Nothing! I thought I just drop by" She replied. After a long silent without any response, she spoke up. "I just want to say sorry"

"What?" Zoro appeared from the kitchen with canned drinks. "This is all I have… if you want to make coffee…"

"It's okay" she said, accepting the can he held out to her. She cleared her throat. "About last time… I'm sorry" she mumbled. "I shouldn't have mad at you"

Zoro looked at her. He actually forgot about it had she not brought it up. It had been a week since they fight but he never made any effort to make things up because he thought it wasn't really necessary. "Oh! I forget about it already" he replied as he sat on the couch.

"Zoro-san"

"Tashigi"

They spoke at the same time.

"Um- well, you first" she suggested.

Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, "Tashigi… I think a lot about it. I didn't say this just because of the last argument. It's more than that…" he stared at her confusion look and finally made a confession that sure would break her heart, "No matter what, I just can't love you"

Stunned, she just stared at him. That was so sudden and she had not expected that. Her breath hitched slightly at the statement as she tried hard to fight the tears that burning her eyes. Was she unworthy of his love that he could easily cast her aside? It hurt so much.

"You are truly a good friend and I don't want to hurt you more than I already did" He continued as he looked at her intently. What came next was expected. Tears slipped down her cheek as she averted her gaze from him.

"Tashigi, you deserve someone better. Not someone like me" He let out a sigh. "I can only cause you pain"

She was speechless. Zoro was so cruel. She couldn't talk but only let her tears fall down. She lost the bet; she could never win him over even though three years had passed. She wiped her tears. The thing she wanted to tell him was all buried deep inside her heart at the revelation. "Do you still need some time to…"

"It's not about time… it's about my feeling. And yours too." he paused for a while. "I just can't return your feeling"

She closed her eyes. This was all too much. She loved him and still did until now. But what could she do, he never once gave his heart to her. She was lost before she even bet to herself. He turned silent as he let her fill the silent with her sobs.

Once Zoro closed his door, Tashigi stood and leaned against the door, sniffing. Wiping the remaining tears, she formed a little smile. Thing would be so different from now on. How could she take it… or how could she take his rejection?

"Jerk! You don't even say sorry" With that, she left.

Inside the living room, Zoro sat and buried his face in both of his palm. He knew, he made the right decision. Not because of Nami, but for his own feeling. He could no longer lie to himself, no longer had to hurt himself for pretending to love a girl who truly loved him in return. He knew he did not deserve Tashigi's love and concern for he never had the right from the very beginning.

I… procrastinate a lot :3. I'm so sorry to those who have been waiting for this fic. I was utterly sad with the recent chapters happening around Law that I couldn't get my brain to work on this fic. Those chapters really make me sad and then, my fic didn't help too because I really fuck Law up this time around. Anyway, thanks for the read, review and favorite. You guys rock!

Mrs. ToraLaw : Here's the update

Silentitanz : Here's another update. Sorry for making you wait that long. And, I think, by reading this, you know who she'll end up with.

Eluce : yes! An update

Wolf-X26 : Yes he loves her.

Chopper-chi : This one is less intense I believe.

KakashiXSakura16: Don't worry. I'll wait patiently.

Skyviolet15: I know what you mean. And I think you will get a slight idea who ends up with who.

Secret Otaku19: Sorry sorry sorry sorry! Writer block sucks…I take up your advice and I couldn't stop shipping her with Zoro.

Guest : Probably, I should say sorry to you first. *bow down*

P/S: I fucked up everything here, don't forget to check up my new lawna fic entitled "The one who asks for nothing"