Hello, guys! I am officially back and ready to continue this story. I have to say when I saw all your reviews and comments I was really surprised and happy. I mean like, wow, I'm so glad you enjoy the story so far and I am really thankful for the support. This new chapter is based on a suggestion made by a reviewer of the story and I think it really helps in the build-up of the characters (plus, I feel a little rusty after all this time and I think a milder chapter, without that much of a drama will help me get back in the game). All your reviews and questions are always welcome. Hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter 8: Now What?

"WAKE UP MORON!"

"Ouch! Why do you have such a bitch Nami?" Zoro asked rubbing his head where a huge lump had appeared after the mikan-head's strong punch.

"This is due to your stupidity and lack of wit. Anyway, you've been sleeping for about 20 hours, baka. I think it was about time to wake you up. Besides, we have to get ready for school", Nami said without being even remotely upset about her friend's words. She didn't really think Zoro considered her a bitch, it was just something he did to get on her nerves.

"Fuck that, I don't wanna go. School's shit anyways", he said reaching for the green blanket and pulling it over his head. He didn't remember throwing a blanket over his body last night, so he assumed Nami or Luffy or even Vivi just put it there. He didn't even remember falling asleep for that matter.

Before he managed to return to his slumper, Nami violently grabbed the blanket taking it from him and leaving him in the chilly temperature of the living room that morning. That's when Zoro realized he must have fallen asleep on the couch. That also explained his backache. "You are coming with me to school for two very important reasons: one, you are my ride there and two, I thought the whole purpose of your enrollment in high school was to have a cover-up. Since I assume that you don't want to blow it, you better get ready", Nami stated matter-of-factly.

Zoro contemplated her words for a bit and realized she was right. He couldn't blow this. Not if he wanted to find out the truth about his mother's death. So, with sleepy eyes he made his way out of the couch, streching and yawning. He noticed Nami exiting the kitchen with a cup of coffee in one arm and her bag in the other. She was already dressed in her clothes from two days ago when he first met her back at that bar. She seemed tired, but beautiful, nonetheless.

"Here, this is for you. I promise, it helps with the sleepiness" she said in a soft, caring voice. Zoro gladly took up on her offer and reached for the mug with the steaming hot brown liquid. He took a sip and he immediately felt the effect of the coffee kicking in, warming up his insides and making his eyes look a little less sleepy and more alert.

"Luffy and Vivi already left to grab something to eat before the classes start for the day. Apparently, all the food from yesterday is gone and Luffy woke up hungry and rushed Vivi into getting something for breakfast from the bakery next door. I'm 99% sure it's his fault you are out of groceries" Nami informed Zoro. "So, that just leave us two to get ready and get going. I am already on fleek as you can see, so that just leaves you to get ready. And you better hurry, we have to be there in about 20 minutes or so, moss-head", Nami said in pride while mocking her childhood friend.

"I don't have to spend two hours into gettimg ready as you probably do. I'll be back in 5 minutes", Zoro said as he left the mug on the coffee table in front of the sofa and started heading to his room to get ready. As he was walking, he heard Nami scream "That's the bathroom, you moron!"

The town they lived in was not very big at all. That meant there was only one high school for local teens to attend. This was the one Nami and Zoro were heading to, driving in Zoro's car. The car suited the green-haired man. It was a totally black sports car, designed for races rather than for chill driving in the city. However, it was a perfect fit for the athletic, challenging and competitive man. Inside the car there was barely any sound. Both Zoro and Nami did not find it in them to consume themselves into talking. It was still quite early in the morning and they would rather save their energy for something more substantial than small talk.

"Wrong turn, Zoro" Nami said with a sigh. She still could not believe how a person could have such a terrible sense of direction. "You know, if you just followed my direction we would have been there 10 minutes ago. You mistakes are just detouring us" she continued annoyed with the young man next to her.

"Would you just shut up? You are the one to blame for this. You keep distracting me by annoying the hell out of me" Zoro bit back. It was true; she was distracting him. But not because she was annoying. Well, she could be annoying at times, but Zoro's real problem was the way she made him feel. Although he had some female friends, his relationship with them was nothing like the relationship he had with Nami. It was...different. He was distracted by her presense. By the way she smelled like fresh oranges. By the way her mikan hair shined in the light. By the way her smile lit up her entire face. By the way her eyes sparkled with happiness when she looked at him. By the way he found her body, oh so tempting. He was losing control and he did not like it. In a way, he was angry with her for causing all these newly developed feelings and thoughts in his heart and mind. He felt a bit weird thinking about them.

But then he remembered how nice it was to lie down next to her. To have her arms tangled around his body. To feel her body heat due to their close proximity. The way he felt in peace around her. No, he could not be mad at her. But he was confused. These feelings were confusing.

"You baka, that was another wrong turn!" Zoro snapped out of his thoughts and finally paid attention to the road. That was what he was talking about earlier. The mere thought of Nami distracted him. "Are you okay? You seem a bit out of it" she asked him concerned.

"Don't worry, witch, I am alright" he said and turned his face to look at her. He smiled at her with a very genuine smile and he noticed how her feautures lit up instantly.

Nami loved it when Zoro smiled at her. She did so even before their reunion because she knew Zoro would only smile to her. He was never good with expressing his feelings, but when they were together he did not really care. Nami always thought he hadn't smiled to another person other than her, not even his mother and she wasn't wrong. She was special to him so she got to see special things taking place before her eyes.

She knew, though, the feelings she had for him when she was a kid were nowhere near her feelings after reuniting with him. She could not help but be attracted to the man. Not only physically, but also emotionally. He was her best friend since forever. She always loved him for his amazing character and his kind heart. But she knew, after meeting him for the first time in years, that this was bound to change. It was natural. They changed and the dynamics of their relationship were bound to change as well.

"We are here". This time Zoro was the one to bring Nami back to reality and save her from her consuming thoughts. As they took their bags and left the car, they had no idea what-so-ever how similar the thoughts in their minds were that morning.

Okay, guys. This was my new chapter. As I have been a little rusty, I decided to write something like a filler episode that builds more on the characters and background story. I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews and ideas for the story are always welcome as well as constructive crticism.

-Theodora