I know that anything I say will not be a good enough excuse for why it's taken me almost a year to update… But on a good note, most writers who don't update for this long usually never update again, yet here I am Gomen-Nasai!
Flitwick: Nope we don't own One Piece, the genius Eiichiro Oda-san is the creater whoop!
Chapter 14 Why Do I Miss You So?
Nami looked at the multitude of pencils stuck to her ceiling. Things could be so boring when you had no life. She simply went to class, came back to the dorm and changed into her pjs. Then after her homework was done she mindlessly threw pencils at the ceiling.
Katelyn walked into the room, frowning at Nami's leisurely activity.
"You know, they better not charge me for you doing that to the ceiling!"
"I'll pay it all if they do." Kate sighed frustrated. Of course Nami would be sad for a while, but it had been three weeks already, she was getting sick of her moping.
"Get up, get dressed, go do something outside of the dorm at least! This is ridiculas, I miss Luffy and Zoro too, but I'm not being a drama queen about it!" Katelyn said angrily.
"I'm not just moping, and for your information a lot has changed for me these past three weeks! My two best friends in the world, Luffy and Zoro are not talking to me. Usopp and Kaya are living like they are honeymooners! And even Sanji is gone, he's been over to Arabasta for every weekend since Zoro and I broke up. My whole lifestyle has changed, all my friends are changing!" She cried.
Katelyn's face took a hurt look as she sat on her own bed,
"And what am I? Chopped liver, Nami you have me, and you need to man up. This is all a pert of growing up, not everything is always going to be the same ok? Instead of complaining and being all depressed, you should be happy for your friends. Kaya and Usopp are happy, Sanji is finally in a relationship… As for Luffy and Zoro, maybe they'll take their heads out their asses and realize what pricks they're being. And know this ok, you got me. I'm still here, you and I are friends Nami, come on let's get out of this room!"
Nami nodded, and then shook her head to clear it. She was being moppy, and Kate was her friend. When did she become so self involved? Granted it did suck that her and Zoro were no longer speaking, not to mention odd that Luffy had the silence as well. But there was too little time in life to waste it on sadness.
"Where did you have in mind?"
"Wanna go swimming? There's an indoor pool over on 5th and Broadway."
"Sound's like a plan!" Nami rushed to the showers, how long had she been wasting away in her own filth? Long enough to crave this hot shower, try as she might though, she still couldn't get Zoro out of her head. Was he dating Tashigi now? Did he even still care about her?
The wedding was only two weeks away and Ms.R had reassured her that she and Kate were still wanted at the wedding. But then she'd actually have to see Zoro, and her heart ached so badly just thinking about him, what would she do when she saw him again?
"Maybe we can find dates for the wedding?" Kate said as Nami came back from the showers, Nami turned to her with a shocked expression.
"Why?"
"Why not? We have no boyfriends, and it would look so lame to go date-less, come on!"
"I'll think about it…" Nami grumbled as she dressed and packed her swimsuit.
The pool wasn't too crowded, not many people must have liked to swim mid-November. Nami grinned, and then winced as she realized that had, in fact stretched a muscle! No more sadness for her, well at least no more depression. The deep end was mostly empty except for Kate and herself, there were a couple of kiddos in the shallow end, but other than that the place was empty.
Two young guys walked in and dove in the deep end, one wearing sunglasses, swam over to them.
"Hey do you two go to GMU?" He asked, they both nodded, still a little weary of strangers.
"Hey I don't bite, the name's Johnny, this is my buddy Colby. I think I may have seen you at a fencing meet. What is your name?"
"You very well may have, I have a bo- er a friend on the fencing team. My name is Nami and this is Katelyn, nice to meet you."
The pool excursion ended up going well, so well in fact that they planned to hang out with Colby and Johnny the following day as well.
Nami fidgeted in her desk, for once she actually wanted class to end, and it hadn't been like that for three weeks! But Johnny had invited them rock climbing, and that sounded fun. She was happy, but her thoughts still would lead to Zoro. She still thought he was the most handsome guy on the planet, and so charming and sweet, at least he was. Never in all her life would she have thought he would cheat on her. He probably thought the same of her.
Sanji and she hadn't really been emotionally in it. It was purely physical and not that great either. But if he could forgive her for Sanji, she could forgive him for Tashigi. Well she would, if he would even talk to her. But maybe she was just being a silly romantic. What if Zoro didn't want to see her? Ever, like what if he decided she wasn't worth the trouble? Why else would he not be talking to her for three weeks?
It was only three days until the wedding, there was still no word from Luffy or Zoro, 4 ½ weeks! She and Katelyn were waiting for Johnny and Colby at the pub, Kate looked a bit nervous as she sipped her coke.
"What's up girly?" Nami asked, patting her on the back.
"I umm, I kissed Colby the other day." She sighed, playing with her straw. Nami looked at her wide-eyed. It was no secret that both Johnny and Colby liked the girls, but Nami had no idea that Kate liked him back, she thought she still had feelings for Luffy!
"Don't look at me like that! I don't know what I was thinking, I don't like Colby like that. I mean he's really nice and a cutie. But I still can't get Luffy off my mind. What do you think that means?"
"You really liked Luffy, and you did date him for a while. I mean you lost your virginities to each other didn't you?" Kate nodded.
"And same for Zoro and me, it's hard to forget a first love." Nami sighed, but Katelyn grinned.
"You do realize that is the first time you said love right? I knew, I knew it! You do love Zoro, I mean you did… Or you still do? I'm confused."
"You're telling me." Nami grumbled, just then she spotted Johnny and Colby, and waved them over. Unfortunately she and Kate's conversation would have to wait until later.
Colby bounded over with a couple flowers in his hands, he placed them in Kate's arms.
"What are these for?"
"Just something to match your beauty, too bad I couldn't find anything close, just these." He smiled. Kate gave him a smile, but it was tinged with a bit of worry. Nami started zoning out and was rewarded with a poke in the forehead by Johnny's finger.
"What's cookin' good lookin'," He grinned.
"Oh, yeah we were going to ask you guys if you wanted to go to this wedding with us? Its in like 3 days." Nami said.
"Sorry for not telling you sooner, but we were contemplating going alone, it's a friends wedding, but we're in the brides party." Kate chimed in.
"You guys are brides maids? Of course you can't go alone! We'll go with you I even have a tux, what about you Colby?"
"Yup, and I would be happy to take Kate-chan anywhere!" Colby smiled with a faint blush on his cheeks. Katelyn smiled at him, but then turned to Nami with a pained look on her face.
"Boys I know we said to hang out today, but Katelyn and I have some things we need to take care of, can we plan to meet before the wedding? At Kaya's apartment, say 9am?" Both boys nodded eagerly, it was obvious that they were head over heels for the girls. Kate gave Nami a questioning look, she didn't recall any 'things', they needed to take care of.
Once they were out of hearing range Nami whispered fervently.
"Kate we have to cut this off after the wedding. Well at least I will, I know its been a month but a little part of me still thinks Zoro will come around."
"I know its been a little longer with Luffy and I, but I didn't think it ended so bad that we would never talk again! I'm still in love with Luffy, is that bad?" Nami shook her head sadly and they both headed over to Kaya's for some much needed R&R.
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Nami, Kaya and Katelyn looked at themselves in the mirror.
"Yup, its official, we are some damn hot bitches!" Kaya grinned. As good as she looked Nami was still sad, Zoro was supposed to be standing behind her, telling her how amazing she looked, instead.
"Kaya, you are the most beautiful girl ever, I just love how that bridesmaid dress looks on you!"
"Nami you look like a model!" Johnny said.
"Katelyn you are as beautiful as an angel!" said Colby. Nami had to admit she was nervous, she had to tell Johnny that they were just going to be friends and that was all, it really wasn't fair to him if she still had feelings about Zoro. It was worse for Katelyn, she had actually kissed Colby, well not since that 1st time, but the boy had to have some feelings.
They had talked it over with Kaya, and she agreed to give Zoro and Luffy some more time, after all they had all been friends for so long. Plus she figured they were planning something, but they were zip lipped about it, they wouldn't even tell Usopp.
"Wow, how lucky am I to stumble across 4 of the most beautiful women in the world?" Sanji grinned, he had Vivi on his arm. "You all ready to go? I have a car waiting downstairs."
This was it, the wedding of Luffy's father, and Zoro's mother, Nami really did feel out of place. But on the other hand Luffy and Ace were like brothers to her and Shanks like a father. But now all the bridesmaids were going to be in the same room as the bride, Zoro's mother! She had talked to her over the phone, and that's when she reassured her that she was still in the wedding party. But now she was going to see her in person and it was a little terrifying.
"Nami, come in here, have everyone else wait outside." Ms. R soon to be Mrs Redhair called. Panic caused her heart to beat at a faster than normal rate, she looked at Kaya and Katelyn but they just shrugged and ushered her towards the door.
"Nami, why do you look so scared? Shouldn't that be me, I mean I am getting married today!" She laughed.
"I'm sorry Ms. R. It's just that since Zoro and I have broken up, I just don't know how you'll take me."
"Honey, same as always, you munchkins have been running around my house since you were in diapers. I love you like a daughter regardless of what my pig-headed son thinks. Ha, now don't give me that look, I love Zoro, but I also know when he's being stupid." Ms. R got up and took Nami's hands in her own. "Don't give up just yet, I have a feeling he's just a little confused, but you two are good for each other, great for each other, just like Shanks and I! Now let's get this wedding started! Girls come on in!"
Kaya, Katelyn, Vivi and a few other girls came in, this was it, the ceremony was about to start! The pipe organ music began to play so Nami and the other bridesmaids lined up. She wasn't in the front so she didn't see Zoro right away, but when she did she had to keep herself from gasping.
How had she not found him attractive in HS? He was smiling broadly and chatting with Luffy. Was he sad at all? She did a quick scan around the room to see if Tashigi was there, and she wasn't, to her relief. What in the hell would she do if Tashigi were there? Because the only thing that could mean was that Zoro was dating Tashigi!! She was walking up towards the alter with all the other bridesmaids when Zoro caught sight of her. His smile faltered and he glanced away quickly.
She thought her heart was numb to the hurt associated with Zoro, but when it gave a painful tug there was no question about it. He was still weighing heavily on her mind.
The music started and Nami looked to Ms. R. coming down the aisle. Her face was in a beaming smile that matched Shanks perfectly.
"Now go ahead and read your vows my children." The priest smiled. Shanks cleared his throat and began.
"Charlotte, I met you years ago, when we were both at different places. Now I know that look, yes its true my place was very unworthy of yours. I was a scurvy sea dog, not ready to settle down. And you didn't chase me, you didn't try to catch my eye, but that was exactly what happened. After you rejected me I couldn't stop thinking of you. I cleaned up, I became a gentleman, all for you my love. And now in this past year and a half we've been together, I can't imagine being more happy than I am now. Our kids get along, we get along, we just belong together." He smiled and nodded for Ms. R to go.
"Shanks, you caught me off guard 3years ago when you did ask me on a date. We were at one of the kids functions and you thought you were too smooth. That memory holds a fondness in my heart, because you never gave up. You came to me again as a friend and got to know me that way. Then as things progressed I got to see what an amazing guy the skirt chaser had turned into. Shanks I love you so much, you are there for me through everything including this cancer. I'm sorry for ever doubting you. Now that I have you nothing will keep me from you. Together forever." Tears were shining in Ms. R's eyes and Zoro's as well.
Shanks beamed like he won a million bucks, and boy did he feel it. Luffy was pumping one arm in the air while the other hugged Zoro, and Ace just smiled.
"I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride."
"Go dad go!" Luffy shouted. Shanks gave an affirmative nod and did just that.
"Alright girls, line up behind me!" Mrs. R shouted. Nami and the rest of the single girls were in mass formation. The bouquet arced and landed neatly in Kaya's arms. She smiled brightly, and Usopp became a deep shade of crimson.
"You kids, so young!" Mrs. R laughed. A super stretch limo courtesy of Kaya, rounded the bend to pick up Mr. and Mrs. Redhair. Next came Kaya's midnight blue stretch limo. Kaya quickly ushered the girls in, then gave a curt nod to Usopp. He nodded back and dashed off.
"What's the hurry Kaya? It's not like we're gonna be late?" Nami complained, the flowers in her hair had gotten all muddled with the shoving and pushing.
"Yeah and don't forget about Colby and Johnny!" …Outside the Limo…
"Hey Johnny? What are you doing here?" Zoro asked casually, Usopp had informed him and Luffy that they were going in Kaya's car.
"Oh Zoro, that was your mom right? I'm here with a date." Zoro nodded, he was confused although, which other girls had come and brought Johnny?
"Colby! Wow, what are you doing at my dad's wedding?" Luffy grinned as he roped the boy into a hug.
"Ah, lemme go Luffy! It's good to see you. I'm same as Johnny there, came with a date. Johnny and Colby got into the Limo first, sitting next to Nami and Kate, then Zoro and Luffy. They were a bit stunned coming in as they saw Kate and Nami. Usopp gave them no time to protest as he shoved them all in and shut the door. Kaya said,
"Go, go drive!" and the were off.
"Kaya, whats the meaning of this?!" Nami hissed.
"You're Nami's date!" Zoro said accusingly, looking at Johnny. Johnny paled slightly and nodded.
"Erm, you two friends or… er?"
"She is my girl, I mean ex-girlfriend."
"Stop!" Kaya yelled at the driver. "Hurry get in you two, I can't let anyone escape!" Kaya let her door open slightly and she yanked Sanji and Vivi inside. "Go, go, go!" The driver drove off at full speed again.
"Escape? Kaya what exactly is going on?" Katelyn said sternly.
"Obviously you guys can not handle anything on your own! I can not believe that such good friends have not been talking for more than 2 months! Katelyn, Luffy for goodness sake, it was a KISS! That is all. You didn't commit all 7 deadly sins, you didn't do anything to condemn you to live like this! You guys like each other and I don't see why its been so difficult." Luffy looked down at his hands, then he slowly brought his gaze up to look at Kate.
"Kate… I, I just…"
"Luffy why can't you talk to me? You haven't even talked to me once after that incident. Do you really like her that much?" Luffy shook his head fast, he kneeled down and crawled over to Kate, taking one of her hands.
"I have to tell you the truth, even if you despise me I just pray you won't." He took in a deep breath and sighed. "As you know Robin was in highschool with us, and we knew her when we were in middle school. But what you don't know, most of you 'cept Sanji and Zoro. Is that when I was a freshman, and she a senior we had a sort of relationship. She was my first kiss… and I lost my virginity to her Kate, not you." There was an awkward silence, Luffy winced fearing the worst, but he was surprised that she did not snatch her hand away. He looked her in the eye questioningly.
"If that's all said and done, and you're telling me that you don't still like her, why'd you just let me go? I could have gotten another boyfriend and forgotten all about you in this time you haven't talked to me! What is your excuse, what could it possibly be?!"
"I screwed up bad! I know, and all this time we haven't been together I wished and prayed you wouldn't move on. I was just trying to find the perfect way to apologize. I just couldn't think of anything that would be good enough, then I started to think that you wouldn't want me back. But Kate, I can't stand being without you! Please take me back oh please do!" Luffy let his head drop in her lap.
Katelyn tilted his head up and it looked like she was about to kiss him. Kaya was about to pump her arm in the air for a cheer, but then …smack… the sound echoed in the limo. Kate had slapped Luffy right across the face. He was so surprised he looked like he wanted to cry.
"That was for keeping me waiting for so long! Of course I'll take you back you baka! I missed you so much!" This time she pulled him by the lapels and brought him forward into a kiss. Nami smiled, but her gaze moved toward Zoro.
"Which now brings me to my second point. You two!!" Kaya said pointing at Zoro and Nami. "I've never seen a better couple, well other than the ones already set up in our little group. Like I told them, a kiss, ok so he made out with her, but he hasn't again… have you Zoro?"
"No, no way, I told Tashigi to stay away from me!"
"What, you cheated on Nami with that skank? But why, wait no! I see you are trying to do well here Kaya, but I am Nami's date. Nami haven't you had fun these past weeks? I like you, I would never cheat on you, why don't you be my girlfriend?" Johnny pleaded. Zoro's eyes widened in horror as he waited for Nami's answer.
"Johnny, it really wouldn't be fair to you. Its Zoro that I have been pining for. I'm sure you've noticed things aren't as perfect as they should be. I do like you, just not more than-"
"A friend." Johnny sighed defeated.
"Nami, you really still want me? Even though I've been an ass and haven't been there like you needed me to be?"
"Zoro, I'm tired of the speeches, yes! I missed you so much. Plus its not like I haven't made mistakes as well."
"Oh yeah, you did have sex with Sanji!" Usopp interjected.
"No, they did NOT have sex!" Vivi smiled smugly. She was glad that for once she was the one in the loop.
"What?!" Most everyone chorused.
-End-
Wow, I know its been a long ass time… and I have no excuses, but I hope this is at least long enough to make up for some… ah now I just have to update CRF!! Enjoy.
Rashger: I completely and totally understand if you do not Review