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: I want to see our favorite princess in the mix. And also because Valentine's is near. Taken by Surprise is by Varsity. Though it is not really relevant to the story, I just liked the line I included.
Summary: Vivi is in town for her yearly visit to her ever-boisterous friends, armed with her recent prospective match for Nami.
LITTLE BITS AND PIECES OF HEAVEN
32: Taken By Surprise
"So I know some guy..."
"Hold up," Nami raised a hand in a gesture of 'stop'. She tilted her head slightly and gazed disapprovingly at the pretty, light blue-haired woman in front of her. "I'm gonna have to stop you right there."
Vivi blinked, even though she's not really that surprised that Nami cut her off.
"I wasn't even finished."
"I already know where this is going," Nami continued with a huff. She folded her arms over her chest and leaned back on the leather booth seat. "I know some guy, you should meet him..." she said in a rather patronizing tone.
Vivi chewed at her lower lip, looking guilty. Well Nami is correct. That is where their conversation is heading alright.
"Fine." She then edged a bit closer to the table so she can look Nami in the eye.
"Right down to business huh?"
Of course!" Vivi beamed at her. "You did say you know where this is going right?"
Nami made an exaggerated and exasperated noise; trying to convey that she is not amused with all this.
"Oh come on," Vivi cajoled when she saw her expression. She rummaged her designer bag for her phone.
Nami frowned when Vivi just left her bag carelessly wide open as she busied herself with her phone.
How many times does she need to remind her friend that yes… there are thieves everywhere—even in their favorite quaint café? Especially if you leave your bag like that, right where there is foot traffic.
It's like inviting every possible ruffian passing by that they are free to grab whatever they want from inside.
"Here take a look," Vivi's voice distracted Nami from her thoughts. She handed her her phone excitedly. "You'll like him!" She declared looking rather proud of herself.
Nami mouthed a 'really?' as she raised both of her eyebrows at her friend.
"I think you two will hit it off perfectly!"
The orange-haired woman stared at the phone in her hand. With a sigh, she proceeded to check whoever poor soul it was that Vivi wants to set her up her with now.
Nami scrutinized the photograph on the phone.
The guy is handsome. Not really in a jaw-dropping kind of way; but's he's got nice hair, nice features and a really great smile. He gives off a really strong boy-next-door aura.
"Hmmmmmm..."
"What?" Vivi straightened up looking ever alert at her pondering hum. "That was a long 'hmmm'. Is he not up to your standards?"
"You really don't get tired of this, do you?" Nami deadpanned instead of answering the question.
Vivi grinned and shook her head.
"I just think it'd be nice if you go on a date again," she said with a shrug of her shoulders. "When was the last time you did? Please don't tell me it was with the guy I set you up with when I last visited you guys."
"Not really keeping tabs… but yeah."
"That's almost a year ago!"
"Since when did you become the dating police?" Nami set Vivi's phone down the table and cocked an eyebrow at her.
"I'm not!"
Nami childishly stuck her tongue out at her. "Still I'm amazed. Every damn time you come visit us, you never fail to have someone in your match-up bank." She grabbed her iced coffee and took a sip. "Did you make it your life's mission to find someone for me?"
Vivi looked slightly embarrassed. "Not really."
"Like I'd believe that. You've been really consistent."
Vivi twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. "I just thought it'd be nice for you to meet someone new. That is all."
And Nami laughed. Ever since Vivi started dating that journalist childhood friend of hers, she'd been in Nami's single-blessedness case.
"Believe me Vivi. I don't really have time for that now. You do know I don't like long distance relationships? It just takes a lot of work."
"But…"
" And you do realize that most guys you set me up with lives a plane away?"
That made Vivi giggle. "Actually, I did realize that. But you know with all the messaging apps now, it has been so much easier."
Nami made a face. Oh she knows Vivi will not give this one up. She can be as stubborn as her when she wants to.
"Vivs, you know how busy I am with my master's degree right?" Nami pulled her ace out. "That plus the daycare and babysitting the boys..."
"You're still babysitting them?" Vivi asked, amazed. "Don't they have girlfriends now?"
"Seriously Vivi?"
"I thought Usopp-san has a girlfriend?"
Nami nodded. "He has. And she's miles away from him still studying medicine."
"See!" Vivi exclaimed suddenly that had Nami reeling back. "Long distance relationship works!"
Nami snorted. "You're talking about the king of LDRs and one true love. Of course it'll work!"
Vivi bounced excitedly at her seat, still pleased that her point was proven. "It'll work if you want it to work."
"Exactly!" Nami agreed. "But only if you want to. And I don't want to."
Vivi frowned slightly at her stubbornness. "You're gonna make this hard don't you?"
"Yep!"
"Just try and meet him once? Please?" Vivi pleaded. "He's flying here in two weeks' time for a seminar. You'll be able to see each other personally!"
"Why are you being so persistent about this?" Nami narrowed her eyes at her. "Wait, do you want me to act as his tour guide? You really suck Vivi."
"I didn't mean it like that!" Vivi protested, her face turning red. "Of course you'll take him to places, but not like a tour guide!"
Nami snickered as Vivi tried to clarify what she meant. Oh, it was really easy and fun to mess with her.
"Vivs. You know I'm really busy. I don't think I can give him a tour of the best places here in town."
"That is such a lousy excuse."
Nami threw her head back and laughed. "You do know the boys will tear him apart when they meet him?"
Vivi chewed at her lower lip again. Okay… that really didn't occur to her. The guys can be really ruthless when it comes to their favorite orange-haired woman's prospective dates and suitors.
"Snaji-kun will be really, really unhappy with this." Nami mock-pouted. "I can already hear him swearing and threatening that guy."
Vivi noted that there was a triumphant glint in her warm brown orbs. But she will not let her get away that easily.
"You know I can talk to Luffy-san and the others to play nice," she proposed.
Nami's expression faltered; the glint in her eyes gone in an instant. Vivi can't help but grin inwardly. Nami maybe the guys' favorite, but they can still never say no to Nefeltari Vivi when she requests something from them.
"Really?" Nami looked amused. "You'll talk to Sanji-kun about not breaking any ribs? Or Luffy or Zoro not inviting that guy to a fucking fistfight? Good luck with that."
Vivi pursed her lips. "Anything can be handled diplomatically you know."
"Like diplomacy's gonna work on them." Nami sniggered. "They are the type to hit first and never asked any questions."
Nami is right. Those guys can be really hot-headed. And once they are in the zone, there's no stopping them.
Sometimes Vivi wonders if they are really the reason why Nami's previous boyfriends didn't really last for more than a year. They can really be intimidating when they want to.
"You know," Vivi began. "They adore looking out after you, But seriously, don't they have their own relationships to attend to?"
"Those guys?!" Nami asked incredulously. "Well, except Usopp. Are you seriously our friend? You know them. You know how they are!"
Vivi squared her shoulders. "Well… we are older. So there are probably some changes here and there, I mean look at Usopp-san!"
Nami was still looking at her like she has grown two heads.
"Seriously they are not dating anyone?"
"What in the world even gave you that idea?"
Vivi scratched her cheeks, looking contemplative. There was a hint of red on them. "I mean, they're not bad looking. I'm pretty sure a lot of ladies would be interested."
Nami was gaze was actually starting to bore holes through her.
"Uhm… I do know Boa Hancock and Kozuki Hiyori you know."
She watched as Nami pressed her lips together at the mention of the names. "Hancock is Luffy's number one admirer, everyone knows that. But our idiot wouldn't give her the time of the day."
"Really?" Vivi asked rather enthusiastically.
Nami looked at her oddly.
The blue-haired woman immediately signaled for her to continue.
"As for Hiyori…"
There was a scowl on Nami's face that made Vivi raised an eyebrow.
"Zoro dated her once. Just once. And that's because their family is hosting that kendo event in Shimotsuki town. She needs an escort for that if I remember correctly. I wouldn't even classify that as an actual date." Nami grumbled the last sentence almost incoherently.
Vivi sweat-dropped. "Okay… no need to be intense about it." That topic really touches a nerve in Nami whenever it is brought up. She never understood why and she never asked about it.
Mainly because whenever she tried before, Nami just casually dismisses it, that is, if she's not trying to avoid the topic at all.
And Vivi just gave up about it completely. Nami and Zoro are always at odds with each other. It's their normal mode of interaction, almost as normal as breathing. Maybe their antagonistic attitude towards each other extends up to the people they date.
She realized Nami was looking at her with eyes sharp and it almost made Vivi tremble. She instantly changed the topic.
"How about Sanji-san?"
"Sanji-kun?" Nami pondered about their blond friend for a moment. "He loves every woman Vivi. You should know that. He's for every woman out there."
"Oh, I honestly thought he's still in touch with Pudding-san even after that whole family debacle last year…"
A curious look crossed Nami's features. "Actually I really don't know about that…" her eyes suddenly widened. "Hey do you know something? Your families are like in a one royal, social circle right?"
"No I don't." Vivi replied promptly. "I just thought they are because that's all Sanji-san was talking about when I visited last year… well except for you and that lady in the bread store a couple of blocks away and that lady in…"
"Stop," Nami raised her hand again. "We'll be here all night and you'll still not be finished with that list."
Vivi laughed at that. "So they are all single as well."
"Yeah and no, don't even think about matching them up." Nami warned her. "It will be disastrous I tell you."
"I'm not planning to!"
"I know you Vivi," Nami stare at her seriously. "And I also it's gonna end up as my headache not yours. So I'm saying don't!"
"I didn't know you're their mother now."
"What can I say? They are idiots. They need someone to look after them."
And Vivi smiled. There wasn't any bite to Nami's statement. In fact, it was even said out of affection. She maybe harsh with her words but she cares deeply for them. All of them.
They are a rowdy bunch when Vivi first met them in high school, with Nami looking like the only one with all the brain cells despite being the only girl in the group. They were loud, boisterous, they get into trouble most of the times but they welcomed her in their circle without any care about who she was, where she's from or what she even does.
There was no prejudice in them. No judgment. It doesn't matter if you're the lowest of the low or the highest of the high.
Plus their loyalties know no bounds. They had proven that over and over again. They would really go out of their way for a friend, no questions asked.
"Earth to Vivi," Nami called out, snapping her fingers in front of her. "You're spacing out!"
"Sorry!" She apologized, bowing her head. Vivi mentally chastised herself for that. She didn't need to be formal with Nami but old habits die hard.
Nami just choose to ignore her slip. She's already used to it.
"So, going back to this guy I want you to meet."
Nami's jaw dropped open slightly. "Oh we are not done?"
"No."
Nami groaned. "Seriously? Do I really look like I can't get a date on my own?"
"Well your taste in men kind of borders to…" Vivi hesitated to continue. Nami surely knows what she's gonna say. No need to voice it out. Besides if you can't say anything nice, it's better not to say anything at all right?
The woman in front of her smirked. "Tough-looking, troublesome guys?" She continued for her. "You know how I like it rough," she joshed, winking at Vivi, who flushed at the innuendo.
"Nami!"
But Nami only laughed at her.
Vivi just shook her head at her brashness.
Well… to be fair, if Nami wanted a date she can get anyone she wants. She's pretty, smart and talented.
She's a damn hot package all rolled into one and any guy would be lucky to have her.
Except… she kind of have an affinity for the bad boy type. And it often leads into trouble and usually ends up in a fistfight with either Luffy or Zoro or Sanji and sometimes the unwilling Usopp.
Maybe if Nami dated someone a bit… distant from that usual bad boy type she likes. It wouldn't end up with their friends engaged in a scuffle.
That's one of the reason why Vivi makes it to a point to set her up with the nicest guys she can find.
She made a sudden grab for Nami's hands squeezing it really tight and Nami winced at the pressure. Vivi's grip sure is strong.
"What is it now?"
Vivi leaned towards the orange-haired woman. "This is the last one and I promise you. I won't bug for the next year or so if this doesn't work out."
"Really?"
Vivi nodded. "Yes. I promise." She smiled at Nami. "He's a great guy. And I just thought it'd be nice for you to meet him… see what happens you know."
Nami eyed Vivi warily. Of course she'd never say no to her. Her friend was just too enthusiastic with this. And truth be told most of the guys she introduced to her are as she said… great. Really great guys.
It's just that… they are not—as Sanji-kun likes to put it mildly—her cup of tea.
Besides, she actually kind of… have something going on right now…
"So will you meet him?" Vivi interrupted her musings as she prodded Nami for an answer.
Nami glanced at the photo on Vivi's phone and sighed. "You're not gonna release my hands if I say no right?"
"Yes."
"Ugh…"
"Looks too bland for her," A deep voice suddenly piped in.
Both of them looked up just as Zoro unceremoniously dropped down the available space beside Nami; earning a squeak from her as the sudden, heavy weight bounced her off her seat slightly.
"Zoro!" Nami automatically yelped at the man.
"Zoro-san!" Vivi greeted the newcomer, releasing Nami's hands. Then her brows drew together when she recalled his comment. "Uhm... I'm sorry but what did you say?"
Nami guffawed at her question. "That means Zoro doesn't like him." She pointed at Vivi's phone.
The green-haired man smirked. "Too pansy. You got nothing new Vivi?"
Vivi was quiet for a moment, glancing back and forth at them. "Uhm..."
Nami didn't bother waiting for Vivi's reply. Zoro's question probably caught her off guard. She smacked his thigh. "Why are you late? Did you seriously just woke up? I told you to come here an hour ago!"
"Why does that even matter?" Zoro groused. "I'm here now aren't I?"
"And the others?" Nami glowered at him.
Zoro shrugged his shoulders. "Later than me from the looks of it."
She puffed her cheeks disapprovingly. "You guys are the worst. Did you tell them Vivi's here?"
"I thought you told them."
"Ugh. I really can't leave anything to you," Nami complained as she pulled out her phone from the back pocket of her jeans.
Vivi was observing them with keen interest, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Zoro and Nami's perpetual squabbling are always entertaining to watch. She secretly enjoyed their constant back and forth.
Nami threw him an evil glare before scooting away to call either Luffy or Usopp, Vivi wasn't sure.
Zoro just snorted at her behavior before turning his attention to Vivi. "Nice to see you again Vivi."
"Likewise Zoro-san," Vivi bowed her head politely. She was always a bit formal when addressing him even if they've been friends for a long time. It's probably because of his kendo background that brings out her traditional and polite upbringing.
His finger tapped her phone lightly and her attention were drawn to it. "So is this Nami's newest victim?"
Vivi pressed her lips together but she still nodded.
Zoro just grinned evilly. "Why set her up with that? If you want pansy, there's shit cook."
Nami elbowed him on the ribs as hard as she can. "I can still hear you even if I'm ordering Usopp to get his and Luffy's ass here right now!" She held her phone a few inches away from her ear and they can hear some shouting in the other line. She ended the call and raised her fist to hit his arm. Zoro caught her hand before she can even land a hit.
The tug of war began as Nami tried to pull her hand away but Zoro held on to it with a vicious grin on his face.
Vivi was left to watch them again.
Apparently nothing has changed with her friends. She can only imagine how chaotic it will be once Luffy and the others get here.
She chose to just ignore the two and took a sip of her coffee. Then something occurred to her and she tilted her head to side in wonder.
"So Zoro-san," she called to the green-haired man. "Are you're like her date approver now?" Vivi interrupted their bickering as she held her phone up. They turned to stare at her, then at her phone before going back at each other.
A grin appeared on Zoro's face again, this time a bit malicious. One that certainly promises nothing good for Nami.
"Vivi!" Nami looked at her, horrified.
Zoro's deep laugh sounded out from their booth. "Seeing how most of the time I end up in a fight with her so-called boyfriends… I think I get a say on this."
Nami snarled from beside him. "I honestly think you all are doing it deliberately."
"Can't help it if most of them are asses."
Vivi couldn't stop herself from exclaiming. "See! Even Zoro-san thinks your taste in guys is awful."
"Hey I didn't say that!"
"Sounded like that is what you mean." Nami said through gritted teeth and she narrowed her eyes at him.
"Don't put words in my mouth witch!"
Vivi sweat-dropped again as they started another round of argument like she wasn't even there. She sat silently for a minute before deciding to intervene.
"Alright stop it you two!" Vivi ordered and surprisingly the other two immediately obeyed. "No need to quarrel about this and no need to make any decision right now." Her eyes rested on Nami as she slipped her phone back in her bag.
"Just let me know your answer before I leave town alright?"
Nami nodded warily. "Fine.
"If you wanted someone like that, why not date ero-cook?" Zoro commented smugly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Surely would save Vivi the trouble."
"Why are you picking on me today?" Nami grumbled in protest as she gave him a flinty side-glance.
"I'm not."
"Zoro-san, you and the others should really stop picking on the guys I set Nami up with."
"Tell that to Usopp. And Luffy."
"Oh gee pointing fingers huh?" Nami said in a mocking tone.
"I never said anything about those guys you are dating." Zoro drawled, sending an infuriating smirk on Nami's way and Nami responded by pulling his ear.
"Hey! Let me go woman!"
Vivi watched them for a few seconds. Then she stood up and brushed off some imaginary dust on her skirt.
"Where are you going?" Nami inquired, still pinching Zoro's ear as he slapped her hand. "Luffy and the others will be here soon."
"Feels like you both are gonna start another round of your argument so I'll just go to the ladies' room." Vivi said with smiled.
When Vivi disappeared from their sight, Nami finally released Zoro.
"Serves you right," Nami muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and looking like she was about to sulk.
Zoro was rubbing his ear. Thankfully she didn't pull at the one with his earrings. Or she might rip them right off his ear.
"So," he began, as he continued to rub at the abused part . "You didn't tell her?"
He was answered with a cheeky grin.
"Not yet," Nami hummed as she stirred her iced coffee using straw. "Thought it would be fun to see what she's got for me this time." She rested her elbow on the table, cradling her chin on palm of her hand as she looked at Zoro. "You're not jealous?"
Zoro scoffed. "Why should I?"
"Tch. You're no fun." Nami pouted as she poked him on the chest. He swatted her hand away. "But I know you will be… eventually."
"Dream on woman." Zoro muttered as he eyed her disdainfully. He grabbed her hand that was still continuously poking him. "Don't you dare try it deliberately though."
"Me?"
"I know how your devilish mind works Nami."
Nami laughed. She pushed herself off the table and reached out to squeeze his face with her hand to steal a kiss or two that left him red and sputtering angrily at her.
Vivi stepped out of the rest room and bowed politely at the woman waiting for her turn. It really didn't take her that long; she just needed to check if she looks presentable since the others will arrive soon.
She walked past the glass partition that was separating the lavatory area from the booths. From there, she can see that Zoro and Nami are now talking normally (a surprise in itself) instead of squabbling as usual.
Though she's not just sure if it was about the guy she wanted Nami to meet because they do look a bit serious.
And Vivi stopped short. She realized that they were now sitting close to each other, with Zoro's arm draped casually over the back of the leather seat.
Nami was grinning cheekily at him. From the looks of it, she's probably teasing him given the way the older man's brows were furrowed. She knows how Nami loves doing that just to piss the usually stoic man off.
She watched Zoro's face crumpled in irritation as Nami's started poking at his chest.
A thought struck her while she continued observing them. Come to think of it… something seemed different between those two today. Something she couldn't put her finger on.
Or maybe it's just because she hadn't seen them for a long time?
Nami was still poking at Zoro's chest and Zoro probably reached the end of his rope because he grabbed Nami's hand to stop her. The orange-haired woman laughed even as he was saying something to her.
Then Nami reached out and squeezed Zoro's face in her hand before nonchalantly giving him a kiss.
Vivi's eyes widened and a squeal of surprise escaped her.
Did… did Nami just kissed Zoro?
She watched Zoro sputtered and turned red from embarrassment at the display of affection.
Are… are they together?
Nami looked unperturbed at his reaction and instead kissed him again.
They… they probably are!
Vivi's hands automatically flew to cover her mouth to stop a louder, longer squeal from escaping.
Sweet heavens they are!
And Vivi felt her face heat up in mortification. She'd been persistently trying to get Nami to meet and date a guy right in front of her boyfriend!
Oh no!
She stiffly made her way back to them, trying her very best to act nonchalant and to keep a straight face—even if it was so obviously red.
And thank her lucky stars because before she was even near their booth, Zoro stood up and grumbled something at the still laughing Nami before leaving and heading towards the café counter.
Vivi then reclaimed her spot across Nami silent as ever, fiddling with her thumbs under the table to keep herself calm.
"So about that date," Nami began as soon as she sat down.
"Uhm…" Vivi struggled to maintain a neutral face as she nodded. Her cheeks were already twitching as she was trying so hard.
Nami peered at her face, sensing that something was wrong with her.
"Are you al—"
"Uh… I don't think I'll set you up with him." Vivi cut her off.
Nami raised an eyebrow. "Oh, ok." She then glanced furtively at Zoro, who was ordering at the counter. Vivi saw it and she did the same.
Then she coughed lightly to get Nami's attention.
"You know…" Vivi started to say, just as she felt that her face was near it's limit. She let a teasing grin spread on her lips. "You could've just told me you're with Zoro-san already. That's why you're too 'busy' to date anyone."
Nami gaped at her.
Vivi stole a glance at the tall man again, then dealt the killing blow as casually as she can, refraining from looking at Nami and busying herself with stirring her coffee.
"I saw you kissed him."
She let that linger in the air between them as Nami seemed to turn to stone at each passing second.
Vivi lifted her cup to her lips, never losing her smile. At the same time she raised her eyes to gaze at her still dumbfounded friend.
Her visit this year is going to be so much fun.
I was taken by another guy
You, taken by surprise
– The End –
R and R please.
