Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T
Note: This was supposedly for Nami's birthday last year but I didn't get to finish it on time. Not that I did as well this year. But I don't want to drag this for another more year or so. And since it's still July, I figured I can still make it work. Better late than never right?
This is for redpakwan in Tumblr. AU setting. College zeitgeist. Yet super late. Forgive me. I hope you still enjoy this.
Summary: All of their friends are present at the party tonight! Even those who she barely knows and acquainted with her only through common friends. Yet Zoro who was supposedly close to her, wasn't here!
LITTLE BITS AND PIECES OF HEAVEN
28 : Otanjoubi Omedetou!
"Ssshhhh! Quiet now!"
Usopp shushed the fidgeting and whining Luffy beside him.
"Quit squirming like an ant is biting your butt!"
"But Usopp…" the black-haired lad bemoaned. "It's taking too long. I'm starving!" His stomach made a rumbling sound and a horrified expression crossed Usopp's face.
"Shut up. Just wait for a few more minutes!"
"I can't! I can smell all the meat that Sanji cooked!" A drool dropped down the side of Luffy's mouth. "I can't resist anymore!"
"Oi! Can somebody put a fucking gag on that moron's mouth?" Sanji hissed somewhere from behind them. He had pushed the swinging door leading to the kitchen (where he was hiding) open to glare at them. "He's gonna ruin our surprise!"
"Sanji! I can't wait anymore!" Luffy shouted from his hiding spot.
"Aho! Don't you dare move from that spot or I'll tie you to a chair and make you watch us eat all the meat you specifically requested that I cook!"
"Demo…"
"Uruse!"
"Shhh! Quiet down guys!" Franky called out from beneath the bar counter. "She'll be here any minute now!"
"Usopp," Sanji drawled, throwing a handkerchief at the curly-haired lad. "Gag him if needed." He nudged his chin at the boy beside Usopp, who was pouting at being denied food.
"But he bites," Usopp complained even as he caught the hanky.
"We all have to make sacrifices..."
"Damn you!"
"She's already here." Robin announced from her position at the bar's window. The raven-haired woman was acting as their lookout. "She's about to cross the street," she added before sauntering away from her location to join Sanji in his hiding place.
"Robin-chwan," the cook greeted suavely as he opened the door wider to let the older woman inside. Then he turned and barked at the others. "All of you quiet down now! Anyone who makes any shitty noise will not be allowed to touch any of the food!"
"But, San—mmph!" Luffy opened his mouth and Usopp promptly shoved the small cloth inside.
"Everybody shut up and get ready!"
The bar door opened with a soft tinkling sound.
"SURPRISE!" They all shouted simultaneously as they popped out of their respective hiding places… well except for Luffy, who had to spit out the handkerchief in his mouth.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAMI!"
The sound of confetti poppers exploding alongside the hoots of party horns and lots of clapping and cheering immediately followed the greeting.
It was Nami's birthday. And they had planned a surprise party for her at their group's favorite bar. It had been a real challenge to pull it off since everyone was busy preparing for the university's 'hell week'—those torturous days before the summer break officially starts.
Plus, it was kind of hard to keep it hush-hush since some people in their circle are terrible secret keepers (namely Luffy).
But somehow they did. And Nami—as sharp as she is—didn't have any inkling on what was going on, given the way her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.
"Ah ma cherie!" Sanji crooned as he twirled across the room, kneeling down on one knee in front of the newcomer. He presented a heart-shaped cake with flourish—with all the candles lit up. "Otanjoubi omedetou!"
Nami looked genuinely astounded as her brown eyes wandered at the grinning faces of her friends.
She blinked a few times and her lower lip quivered slightly. "You guys…" she whispered, bringing a hand to cover her mouth.
For a moment, she looked like she was going to cry.
Then her face broke into a largest smile.
"Minna! Arigatou!" She squealed, clapping her hands together delightedly.
The loud hoot of the party horn filled the room as Franky blew on it again before bellowing, "Supeeer Happy Birthday Nami!"
That signaled another round of applause and shouted greetings as the well-wishers approached Nami to greet her up close.
Sanji—who remained kneeling on one knee before her with her birthday cake—nearly got shoved to the side by Luffy and Usopp as they both sprang towards the orange-haired girl to give her a hug.
"Oi temee you idiots!" Sanji shouted. He was barely able to save the cake from the two morons.
But the two were oblivious to his swearing as they launched into a rather off-key happy birthday song, which the others soon followed.
Nami winced slightly as Usopp and Luffy belted out the song just right at her ears. They were saved from her punches by Robin approaching and placing a party hat around her head.
"Happy birthday Nami!" The older woman greeted and Nami grinned at her, holding the party hat with one hand and trying to shove Luffy and Usopp's faces away from her.
"Thank you Robin!"
The birthday song ended rather exaggeratedly high and Nami tried very hard not to wallop both of her idiotic friends who had made it a contest to see who can sustain the last note longer.
"Enough! Both of you!" Sanji roared as he stood up and kicked Luffy and Usopp out of the way. He presented the cake to Nami again and said charmingly, "Nami-swan if you please." He motioned to the cake he was holding. "The birthday girl has to make a wish first before blowing the candles."
"Arigatou Sanji-kun," Nami smiled at him and leaned forward, tucking a strand of orange hair behind her ear. She closed her eyes, silently stating her wishes before blowing the candles out.
"I hope you wished for your prince charming to—ooof!"
Luffy excitedly elbowed him out of the way to greet her again, almost toppling the cake off the blond's hand again.
"Nami! Happy birthday!"
"Damn it Luffy!" Sanji desperately and comically tried to save the cake before it falls flat on the ground… and luckily succeeded.
Luffy ignored him and the ever-enthusiastic lad yelled. "It's finally time to eat! Sanji serve the meat!"
"Aho!" Sanji bellowed and hit him in the head. "You nearly made me dropped Nami-san's precious cake!"
"Ooops sorry!"
Robin giggled as Nami smiled wryly. Even during her birthday these morons just can't stop themselves.
"Alright you guys!" Usopp suddenly hollered from her side. "Start calling the others! Nami's happy 23rd party's about to start!"
Nami whacked him on the head… hard.
"I'm just twenty you idiot!"
It hadn't taken long for the bar to be filled with guests. Almost all of their friends and colleagues from the university attended the celebration. Not to mention, those friends also brought their own pals to enjoy a night of overflowing free food and drinks.
Not that Nami minded. She knew most of them anyway. If not, her friends definitely knew them.
Plus, you can bet she's gonna charge their freeloading asses anyway.
Her eyes roamed around the room, noting the individuals who were present. She was enjoying her beer at the bar counter and taking a break from all that socializing and thanking her birthday guests.
Usopp had taken the responsibility of acting as the DJ for the night. An upbeat music was now playing and Luffy's attractive older brother Ace had taken over the dance floor with his buddies.
Brook has just arrived from his band practice and Luffy ran off to greet him. Sanji was busy flitting around the female guests, crooning and spewing praises at them while Robin and Franky were sitting near her and was chatting with the bar owner, Shakky.
She gave a small wave at Kid and Killer when she spotted them. Both raised their beer bottles at her—a sort of silent birthday greeting. She mouthed thanks just as Luffy's attention went to them and he launched himself at the two men much to their chagrin. She wasn't really that close to the two seniors students but they're both in the same fraternity as Luffy and Zoro.
Speaking of Zoro… is he still not here?
A frown suddenly appeared on her face and it deepened when she noticed the beer coolers stocked near the kitchen doors.
"Hey," she turned to Robin, Franky and Shakky who stopped talking. "Why do we still have so much booze?" Nami pointed towards the large, still filled with beer coolers. "Considering we have a lot of guests tonight and most of them are drinkers… I'm surprised we haven't broken the fifth one yet."
"Huh?" Franky lifted his sunglasses and gazed at her curiously, before shifting his eyes to where she was pointing. Nami really doesn't get it why he still wears them indoors. She just dismissed it as one of his idiosyncrasies… they all have one after all.
"Is there a problem Nami-chan?" Shakky inquired with a smile.
"Nothing. It's just that… it's nearing midnight and we still have that many," Nami observed. "Hmm… never mind," she waved her hand dismissively. "It's probably just a slow night."
"Maybe those guys are still warming up." Robin observed Ace's group and the Luffy's fraternity acquaintances, who were all shouting and hopping on the dance floor. Good thing Luffy and Ace's other brother, Sabo, is out of town. Or there'll be chaos in that floor now.
Shakky leaned down the counter and propped her chin on her hand looking at Nami with a glint of amusement in her dark eyes. "It's probably because Zoro-chan's not here to start a drinking competition."
Nami's eyebrows disappeared behind her bangs. So that confirms it.
"Oh? He's still not here?" she asked, trying to be casual about it—even if she already noticed that her green-haired friend was nowhere in her party. "Really? Of all days to be M.I.A?"
"He's probably late just like Chopper," Robin said with a soft smile, refraining from teasing the younger woman since it was her birthday. She had seen the disappointment flashed across Nami's brown eyes earlier. It was for a fleeting moment but it is there.
"He better have a damn good reason why he's not here," Nami grumbled, folding her arms across her chest. The nerve of that guy, missing one of the most important days of her life.
"Just relax girly…" Franky winked at her as he handed her another bottle of beer to replace her empty one. "He'll be here. This party's compulsory and has booze after all." He guffawed, opening another beer bottle for himself and taking a drink.
"Compulsory?" Nami repeated, cocking one eyebrow.
"Yep," Franky nodded. "We made it mandatory for all invitees to attend so we'd have more heads. As we promised Shakky when she let us use her bar for your party's venue."
Shakky winked at her. "Once the supply beer runs out, you have no choice but to buy here."
Nami snickered. "I'm surprised you even let them bring beers from outside."
"Not really," Robin chuckled. "Those are from Shakky's as well."
Said bar owner winked at Nami again.
"Damn," Nami just shook her head disbelievingly. Shakky's negotiation and money skills are way beyond awesome!
Franky grinned. "So let's just wait for him. Besides, what's a party without any drinking competition started by Zoro?"
Nami nodded her agreement even as she huffed. "He has to get his ass here first before anything else. Or I'm gonna start charging by the minute."
Franky winced at that while Shakky and Robin giggled. Nami was notoriously known for her habit of charging outrageous amount of belis whenever she thinks the situation calls for it. Almost everyone in their circle owes her a certain amount that just keeps increasing as time goes by.
"Hey!"
Usopp suddenly appeared near them. "Got any more beers?"
Nami eyed him warily. "Weren't you supposed to be on the other side playing songs and entertaining us?!"
Usopp made a face at her. "A guy could use a break you know. You're not exactly paying me for my services."
"I thought you said you'd do it free for Nami since it's her birthday," Robin reminded him as Franky went to the coolers to get him a drink.
"I did?"
Nami narrowed her eyes at him. "You still owe me my gift you idiot."
A sheepish laugh escaped Usopp. "Well consider my dj-ing skills your present then."
"Cheapskate."
"Oi!"
"Here ya go long-nose," Franky handed him his request.
"Thanks Franky!"
"Aren't you going back there?" Shakky inquired as she lit up a cigarette.
"Nah. I'll take a break." Usopp answered. "I just auto-played a playlist. It's not like those guys really care about what's blasting on the speakers."
He shifted his eyes towards the dance floor where the crowd was getting louder and rowdier. "Besides… I swear I'm not gonna be surprised if a fight breaks out in a few seconds."
"Why?" Robin queried with an amused smile. "Too much testosterone?" As unruly as the guests may get… they wouldn't dare or lest they acquire Shakky's wrath and forever be banned in the place.
"More like too much Luffy."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
"Thank Kami Zoro's not here." Usopp gushed. "One less of a headache."
"You do know if he's here someone can actually rein Straw Hat in?" Franky said matter-of-factly.
Usopp waved his hand dismissively. "I know that of course. Anyway… Zoro's like really, really late isn't he? Has anyone tried to call him?"
Both Robin and Franky shook their heads.
A horror-stricken expression crossed Usopp's face. "Oh shit wait! Did someone inform him about today?!"
Nami eyes were sharp as they zeroed in at her curly-haired friend. "You didn't tell him about today?"
Usopp looked guilty. "I think I forgot,"
Robin raised her hand. "I did tell him. And I'm pretty sure Luffy did as well."
"Whew! Thank heavens for you Robin!" Usopp sigh in relief as Nami punched him on the shoulder.
"Ouch!"
Robin just smiled. "Luffy wouldn't let Zoro miss Nami's birthday of course."
"Yeah. That's why he isn't here now. That moron." Nami complained, glaring at Usopp who flinched under her gaze.
"Hey I said sorry," Usopp rubbed the back of his neck. "He's just been kinda busy lately it's hard to catch him. Honestly, I haven't seen him for like a week now."
"That's what cellphones are for you idiot," Nami groused. "So you can send him a message to remind him of important stuff!"
"Like your birthday party?"
"Yes!"
"But Robin said she already told him," Usopp whined. "So he should be getting his ass here by now. He's a grown man after all."
"Unless of course he got himself lost…" Franky reminded them. "Anyway well know if he's here. Sanji's been blissfully happy all night. Let's just wait for his—"
There was a noise coming from the entrance as another group entered the bar. The sound of Chopper's voice excitedly calling for their names got their attention.
From the looks of it, the medical students had just been released from Dr. Kureha's clutches and they all headed straight to Shakky's bar for the party.
"Oh wait there's Kaya!" Usopp perked up when he spotted his girlfriend just right behind Chopper. "I'll talk to you guys later." And just like that he ran off.
Nami sighed inwardly. Of all days not to show up and it looks like Zoro will chose this one which means a lot to her. She had been looking forward to this day too. It's always fun to see her friends try to make it fun and special for her in their own clumsy ways.
Especially Zoro.
Ever since they'd known each other, he never missed her birthday. It doesn't matter if he had no gift for her… he always make it to a point to be one of the first to greet her.
And sometimes the last as well.
But today… she still hadn't heard from him. No call… not even a message!
It wasn't easy to miss. Not when you've been waiting for that particular person to greet you.
Nami squared her shoulders. Now is not the time for the birthday girl to be down in the dumps.
There's still time before midnight after all.
The party was already in full swing. The sixth beer cooler was already opened. There was a lot of drunken shouting, singing and dancing happening inside the bar. Nami was pretty sure that they'll be seeing Luffy's brother Ace dancing on one of the tables along with Franky any minute now.
Yet no tall, scowling, green-haired man made an appearance.
She glumly stared at the sprinkle-rimmed birthday martini in front of her. Shakky made it for her birthday. But neither the cute-looking, celebratory beverage nor its taste can make the sinking feeling in her stomach disappear.
It was past midnight. And Zoro is no show.
No calls, no messages… no anything!
Idiot probably forgot her birthday!
All of their friends are present at the party tonight! Even those who she barely knows and acquainted with her only through common friends.
Yet Zoro who was supposedly close to her, wasn't here!
Nami clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. He's gonna owe her for this big time!
She didn't realize that Shakky was just right in front of her, chin resting on the palm of her hand, watching her.
"Don't worry about it Nami-chan," Shakky suddenly spoke up. Her eyes were still glinting with the same amusement as before. "I'm sure he'll show up."
Nami instantly turned red at that. "It's not…. that's not…" she stammered. But then she gave up. No use trying to hide it. The look on Shakky's face clearly tells her that she knows what's in her mind (or who, to be exact).
A determined look crossed Nami's features. "If he doesn't… I swear I'll charge him so much, he'll sell his soul to the devil just to pay me!"
That made Shakky laugh out loud. Luffy's friends are always so interesting. That is why she is fond of them.
"He wouldn't miss this for the world. Late he may be," Shakky stated in a mysterious tone and smile like she knows something that Nami doesn't.
Nami just gaped at her.
Then Luffy was suddenly hollering at the other end of the room.
"Zorooooo!" He was bellowing loud enough to drown the already deafening noise in the bar. There were shouts of protests and swearing as the young man pushed his way across the crowd to greet his friend. "Zoro's here!" Zorooo! Oi did you got lost again?"
"Shut up Luffy and get off me!" A voice growled.
Nami perked up at the familiar gruff tone.
"Better late than never you dumbass," Sanji was saying from somewhere. "Thought you got lost and ended up dead and decaying on the other side of the town. Tch! Too bad."
"You wanna go cook?"
"Unfortunately I'm busy and don't have time for you. Go scat."
"Temee…"
"Zorooo!" Luffy whined, pulling the taller man away from Sanji and towards the bar counter where Nami was. "Why are you're sooo late? Come on! You have to greet Nami or she'll be mad at you and charge you so much money it'll break you!"
A vein popped on Nami's forehead as Shakky chuckled.
"Nami! Nami!" Luffy all but dragged Zoro towards her as Nami schooled her face into a neutral expression. "Look who's finally here!"
"I can see that Luffy," she huffed and narrowed her eyes at Zoro. "You're late."
Zoro scratched the back of his head as Luffy released him and started pestering Shakky for a drink like the one she has. "Sorry… got tied up."
She raised an eyebrow at him. He was still in his after training ensemble—track pants, zip up hoodie, sports bag. It looks like he just came from Mihawk's dojo or his gym workout or both.
"I just needed to take care of something," Zoro was saying. "Anyway, happy birthday."
"It's already past midnight idiot! Technically my birthday's done."
Zoro glanced around him. The party is still at its height. "Apparently the celebration is not."
She pursed her lips at his observation. "You better have a good reason why you just got here."
"Shit. I'm gonna owe you big time for this aren't I?"
"You bet your ass you already do." The grin on her face was so evil that Zoro couldn't help but think she really is the devil incarnate.
"Hey Zoro!" Luffy suddenly appeared between them. "Jaggy's looking for you. Come on! Come on!" He was referring to Kid whom he fondly calls by that nickname. He hooked an arm around Zoro's and pulled him towards where their other friends are and away from Nami—much to the latter's disappointment.
"So why are you late?"
Zoro flinched slightly as Nami surreptitiously appeared beside him. He was standing outside Shakky's bar, enjoying a few minutes of silence while drinking his beer. He had sneaked out of the party to get away from an already sugar-high and tipsy Luffy and the boisterous, smashed guests as well.
"Thought I already told you I had something to take care of."
"Important enough to miss my party?"
He paused halfway to bringing the bottle to his lips. From the corner of his eyes he saw a displeased expression appeared on Nami's face.
Zoro sighed inwardly. He should've known she was not going to let him off the hook that easy.
"Hey if it's that important, then I have no complaints." Nami raised both of her hands in mock-surrender.
He didn't answer and instead took a swig from his drink.
"Just thought you were out busy with a date."
Silence.
"WHAT?!"
Zoro had sharply swiveled towards her that Nami took a step back, hands still raised up in surrender. He was practically snarling at her.
She was teasing him of course. It was always fun to rile him up. Besides, he deserves it after making her wait for such a long time… intentionally or not.
Plus… she kept hearing snippets all night from their friends about why he's been so busy recently (to the point that nobody has actually seen him) and why he was constantly absent at their recent group gatherings.
He's dating someone. Stupid Usopp has whispered to Kaya and Chopper just as she was passing them on her way out to answer a phone call from their friend Vivi.
It made her insides twist and turn when she heard it.
To think he'd pick his date over her—his long-time friend?
What a jerk. She will wring his neck. Definitely.
She was so distracted with what she heard that she wasn't able to enjoy Vivi's enthusiastic greeting. And when she saw him stepped outside the bar to quietly enjoy the beer in his hand, she decided not to let the opportunity slip.
Zoro's face was scrunched into a frown as he glared at her. "Where did you even get that idea?"
Nami bit her lower lip. "Usopp." She unapologetically throwing her friend to the sharks… or shark.
Zoro's face darkened. "What did he say?"
"He said you were dating someone. So I assumed that's the reason why we weren't seeing much of you lately and also the reason why you are late for my birthday. And not just because you were running around in circles again."
The green-haired man studied her for a moment. His lone grey eye fixed intently on her. "Is that stupid long-nose making fun of me again?"
Nami blinked dumbly at his question. She's not really sure what he meant by that.
This time Zoro's frown had turn into a full blown scowl. "What the hell is that idiot up to now? I'm not dating anyone!"
And Nami's face brightened at that. Good thing they were outside and the entryway of the bar was dimly lit or he will see it.
So Zoro was not really dating anyone? She fought the urge to smile. She's gonna choke Usopp's neck so hard later.
"Nami," Zoro growled out. "Is that idiot making fun of me again? Because I swear I'm gonna hang him by his feet and we're not talking about a tree this time!"
"Uhm… I don't think so Zoro," Nami's lips trembled and she threw back her head and laughed. She recalled how Usopp spread a gossip about the older lad's dating his 'bokken' before and Zoro literally strung his feet together and let him dangle from one of the trees lining up the front of their complex.
Zoro let out an irritated 'tch'.
"So you're really not out with someone?" Nami probed when she finished laughing. Of course she had to be sure. She still doesn't know the reason why they've been seeing less of him lately or why he was late for her birthday party.
"No," Zoro muttered. "I don't have time for that."
"Oh good," Nami folded her arms across her chest, eyeing him sternly. "Because it that's the reason why you showed up late for my birthday, I will raise your current debt amount so high you will be serving me eternally."
He just smirked at her threat.
"And I'll never forgive you."
That made him glower at her. An unforgiving Nami is hard to appease after all.
She gave him a cheeky grin before swiping the bottle from his hand and taking a drink from it.
He glared at her, unimpressed with her antic as she childishly stuck her tongue out at him.
"Be glad it's your birthday witch." He muttered as he grabbed the bottle from her.
"Like I said Zoro, it isn't anymore," she reminded him. "That's how late you are. You missed the whole day of it." She was still peeved at him for that. Just a bit though.
She watched him as he exasperatedly rubbed the back of his neck.
And she smiled.
She was still glad he was personally here for her birthday. She can live with that.
There was a sound of pitter-patter coming from above them. And it didn't take long for them to realize that it started raining.
They remained silent, watching the rain splatter on the street and on the pavement. Inside the bar, they could hear someone hooting. Probably Franky as he was on his eighteenth bottle when Nami stepped outside. And that was minutes ago. He's most likely on his twentieth or twenty-first.
"Oi." Zoro nudged her shoulder with his own, prompting her to look at him. He was suddenly standing a lot closer to her than before.
"What now Zoro?"
He pulled his hand away from the pocket of his jacket and almost shoved it in her face.
"Happy birthday," he mumbled, diverting his gaze straightaway to avoid looking at her.
Nami was taken aback at the object in his hand. It was a small light orange box with a silver ribbon tied around it prettily.
She stared at it, then at him. Even in the dim light she noted the blush that appeared on his cheeks.
Truth be told… a blushing Roronoa Zoro was gift enough for her birthday.
But of course she wouldn't say no to the present he was handing her.
She made a grab for it before he decides that she's taking too long in accepting it and retract his hand.
"Aawww... you didn't have to," Nami cooed and laughed when the blush on his cheek deepened and spread all over his face.
Cute.
"Shut up witch and just open it!"
"I'm really surprised you're able to get me a present to be honest," she giggled. "And a fancy one too I might add."
Zoro grunted something that she didn't quite catch. She was far too busy untying the ribbon to pay any mind to whatever it was he's grumbling about.
When she opened the box, she didn't fight the gasp that escaped her lips.
Inside was a necklace. With a dainty thundercloud pendant.
She took it out… and a warm feeling suddenly washed over her making her cheeks tingle.
It was beautiful. It was perfect.
Nami lifted her eyes so she could look at him. Zoro was still engrossed on the empty street across them, watching the rain splash down on the ground with the droplets exploding everywhere.
It was really thoughtful of him.
"Thank you Zoro."
He gave her a flinty side-glance. There was a smirk on his lips as he turned his attention back on the road. "It's nothing witch."
She glanced at the necklace again. She recalled they have a private joke back in high school that started one afternoon while watching an animated series on the old television set in Luffy's house. Nami loved one of the characters who had a knack for predicting the weather and whose weapon can conjure thunderclouds that produce lightning which the character uses to electrocute her enemies.
"It'll be really handy to wield that. I can use it to electrocute your asses whenever anyone of you pisses me off. Especially you," she recalled poking his cheek harshly. "You're so goddamn hard to wake up whenever you are asleep."
That had been so long ago. She honestly forgot all about it.
But Zoro remembered.
She blinked rapidly as she felt herself tearing up.
Such a sweet gesture. And on her special day too!
Maybe she's not gonna raise his debt and damn him into eternal servitude to her after all.
She lightly punched Zoro on the shoulder, earning a surprised glare from him.
"What the hell are you hitting me for?" Zoro hissed at her, rubbing the abused part. "I already gave you a present!"
"That doesn't mean you get a ticket away from my knuckles!" Nami countered. "That was for being late today of all days!"
"Oi! Gratitude you wicked witch!" He complained. "Do you know how many nights I've stayed behind to clean up Mihawk's dojo just to get you that?!"
Nami's eyes widened. And so did Zoro's when he realized his slip.
She finally understood now… the real reason why he was not hanging out with them lately.
Why no one had seen him these past few days.
"Sooo…" she intoned as she glanced him mischievously, loving the expression on his face when as he realized that he just idiotically revealed what he was supposed to keep a secret from her. "You actually went to such lengths just to get me this?"
She almost burst out laughing when Zoro's face turned so red and he stuttered his objection.
"N-no...I... ju-just..."
"Hmmm..." Nami hummed teasingly. "That's what you said."
"Fine!" He bit out. "Thought that gift would be good enough to cover three more future birthdays."
Nami chortled and tried to ignore the way her heart was doing cartwheels inside her chest from too much happiness.
"Do the honors Zoro," she requested as she handed him the necklace, turning around and pulling her hair over her shoulder so he can clasp it around her neck.
He didn't protest and did what she asked. His fingers felt warm as they brushed her nape, as warm as the heat that was spreading on her cheeks and sending shivers running up and down her spine.
"There."
She immediately whirled to face him. "So? How does it look?"
Zoro rolled his eye at her as she tried to dish out a compliment from him. "It looks... fine."
"Fine?!" Nami snorted in disbelief. "I swear Zoro, you can do better than that!" She looked down to check the necklace, touching the pendant while a pouting.
When she tilted her head up to look at him to chastise his lack of aptitude when it comes to flattering women… Zoro was smiling at her in a way that made her heart skip a beat.
"It really suits you."
The way he was looking at her right now made her want to kiss him.
Just like she always wanted to do.
Suddenly the bar door burst open and Luffy and Usopp ran out, excitedly (and drunkenly) shouting that the rain finally let up. Zoro immediately stepped away from her to prevent them from barreling into him.
And just like that… the one, rare moment between the two of them disappeared in an instant.
They both turned to watch the two hopped and danced in the middle of the street like a pair of lunatics. Chopper hurried past Zoro and Nami to join them.
"Oi get back here you dumbasses!" Sanji was shouting from inside.
Nami sighed. It was finally time to rein in the inebriated ones.
"I got it," Zoro said nodding at her. The corners of his lips quirked up to give her a small smile, then he stepped out on the street to restrain the three before they can create anymore disturbance that might get them all in trouble.
"Oi Nami!" Franky called out to her from the bar. "You and Zoro both get your asses here! There's a lot more to drink!"
Nami nodded as she glanced again at the green-haired man who was now effortlessly hauling up Luffy, Usopp and Chopper by their collars back to the bar as they whined and griped.
"Nami-chan?"
She looked back to see Shakky standing on the doorway. "Problem?"
"Nah." Nami grinned. "Zoro's just trying to contain the troublemakers."
Shakky chuckled. "Zoro-chan's really handy." The woman paused momentarily, as if she was studying her. Then she said, "What a pretty necklace."
Nami's hand automatically went to touch her necklace again.
"Omedetou." Shakky gave her an insinuating smile. "Now come on. You and Zoro-chan's still got a drinking competition to start."
– The End –
R and R please.
Shakky calls Luffy and Zoro, monkey-chan and Roronoa-chan when she was explaining about the Supernovas in the anime. And I'm thinking that is how she will address them in AU setting.
And another thing. Shakky's omedetou in the last part actually has two meanings. In case you are familiar with the Japanese language, you'll get the implication. *winks*
