Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shit shit shit shit!! I'm gonna be late! FUCK!! Why did I decide to do my assignment at the last minute AND get caught in that cocky motherfucker's ragebait-fuelled race?! Now my car's all scratched up, I got like two hours of sleep, AND I'm not gonna make it to my first class!! For someone with such a critical thinking degree, you sure do not think Remi.. 

Sprinting down the road to Sabaody University, I’m in one hell of a state, trying to fix myself up while trying not to make a fool of myself again by rocking up to class late looking like I skydived off the Red Line Canyons: braids all over the place, zip-up jacket on the verge of dragging along the ground, one shoelace untied, backpack half-open and munching down on some quick 2 minute noodles. By some miracle (or the so-happened convenience of living 10 minutes away), I was able to reach campus looking somewhat okay, only mere meters away from the lecture hall, panting like I just ran a triathlon. 

“I made it… finally, with like 7 minutes. Let me fix myself real quick”.

As I was dusting myself off and wiping off any excess sweat formed, some random trio making a ruckus walked past me.

“It's 8:30 in the morning, is there ANY reason for these dumbasses to make such a noise?!”, I mutter to myself. 

I took the mere amount of seconds I had to scope them out.

Shorty on the left seems quite energetic, but boy does he have a high noise level...with a huge appetite too, why the hell is he chowing a whole rack of ribs for himself?? That kind of greed SICKENS me. Blondie over there seems chill, I guess. Plus he has a cute smile...wonder what's up with the scar on his eye though. 

But the last one caught my eye in particular: the middle man. Tall, black graphic tank top, army-patterned cargo pants, a tattoo down the upper left arm, long wavy black hair, nicely tanned skin and freckles along his cheeks down to his shoulders. It felt like seeing a hand-crafted man made by God himself. Snapping out of my mesmerised state, I quickly finalised my fit and walked into the venue.

Seating myself around the left middle side of the lecture hall, I take out my books, laptop, and stationery, not being too bothered by the fact that the rest of the row is empty.

I'm not tryna sound like a pick-me, but why? I don't think I look THAT menacing…right? Or is it the vibe I give off?? Eh, who cares, just leave it. 

It was kind of hard to make friends in this new chapter of my life. Like yeah, I had friends that at Loguetown High, but most of them moved to Dressrosa Uni, leaving me here (not intentionally of course, everyone had their reasons, so I couldn’t stay mad). My dad always used to emphasise this sentence a lot: “Friends are networks. You never know when that one friend could be the reason your ass isn’t on the guillotine, y’know. Sabaody Uni is where all the networking is at. I didn’t make you apply there for nothin Mi” (his nickname for her).

Yeah, it’s just you missed a crucial point dad, the people here are stuck up; they look at loners as though they’re aliens, so there’s no point in trying in the end. Better off fending for myself than relying on someone else.

While all this self-bickering was going on, the freckles guy was staring at her from a distance (the trio sat at the very back so they could continue goofing off). Where have I seen her before? She looks way too familiar… no forget it, the semester just started two weeks ago, there are a lot of people whose faces I haven’t registered yet. But even so, why do I feel like I’ve seen her before, like we’ve been in the same vicinity?

“Oooo~ does someone have a thing for miss lonesome? This ain’t like you, dude”  The blonde teases at freckles on his left who is blatantly staring at me. Rude, let me just ignore them. Not worth my energy anyway. He snaps out of his state and starts snapping back at the blonde. “Oh, like you’re any better when you see Koala!! Stay in your lane Sabo!” While all this bickering is happening, the gluttonous one is just laughing and eating more food (is his bag just full of food?!) without a singular fuck to give.

After a long day of information overload, sprinting across campus, and a shit ton of assigned homework, I finally trudged my ass back to my res. Collapsing on my bed with an elongated sigh, it was finally time to call it a day,

“What a day, now I got 3 assignments due on Friday AND I still gotta fix up that scratch on my car,” I groaned at my shitty to-do list, debating which one sounds bearable. Eventually, I made up my mind.

“The car sounds wayyy more entertaining than a coding project right now.”

A grin formed on my face as I began to change out my sweaty clothes into something more comfortable, grabbed my keys, headphones, and speaker, as I jet off to “The Spot”.

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Rolling up the warehouse door, I roll my car into a wide open, hella spray-painted, run-down warehouse; filled with mechanical tools, spray cans, albums, manga, and many more a 19-year-old would want in her dream room. Parking the car in the middle of the warehouse, I jump out with some Saint Jhn blasting through the speakers as i analyse my car.

It's a black 1969 Ford Mustang GT-500. now you're probably wondering how in the almighty FUCK a 19-year-old was able to get their hands on such a beauty. It was surprisingly easy but unbelievable..

*some few months ago*

It hadn’t started glamorously, my car-seeking journey. I'd scraped savings from shifts at the music store and nearly given up when online and physical prices were skyrocketing my puny budget. My dad wasn't helping either with the "uni-suited" options he threw on the table.

I kept begging my dad for a car after i got my license but his offers didn't give y'know? so i took matters into my own hands and contacted a friend of mine that i knew from middle school. 

I take my phone up and dial the number he gave me then. I wonder if he still remembers me... or if this is the right numbe-

"YOOOOOO!! what's up Rem!! Long time no see!!" I hear a voice boom through my phone, nearly tearing my eardrums into 50 pieces.

"Damn, you still remember me Franky?! it's been like what, 7 years? How you been dawg" 

"oh y'know...SUUUUUPERRRRRR!!!! i found this new crew to hang with now, i'm like their official mechanic and they're cool as fuck! I'm sure our boss would dig your vibe"  The blue-haired jock energetically replied back.

"That's so cool Frank!! especially since you've BEEN wanting to take your mechanical skills somewhere good. Listen dude i got somethin to ask"

"What's up??"

"Got any spare cars that you aren't tinkering on right now that i can drive?"

"You asked at the right time, i swear an hour later i was gonna say we ain't got shit,” Franky laughs through the phone, "but yeah i got one, why?"

"Keep your hands off of it. send your addy i'll be there ASAP no Rocky"

"uhhh..okayy then. I'll see ya then Rem! SUUUUUUPEE-"

I cut the call and grab my hoodie as i take my board down to Franky's place.

Now if could talk about mechanics, Franky would be my go-to guy, I'd say. The guy could patch up a toaster and make it purr. A few late nights in his workshop, a couple of junkyard parts later, and suddenly the Mustang was alive, like it came straight out of the factory.

From then on, the car wasn’t just a ride. It was my ticket. My freedom. My way out of being just another broke uni kid.

**Jump back to the present**

My reminiscing came to a halt when I hear some cars and loud obnoxious music drifting around my garage, interrupting my fix-it time.

UGHH are you fucking kidding me, NOW?! And I bet it's those fuckers again..

I go find my oni-shaped gas mask to put around my lower face (cuz ya girl has to keep her identity secret y’know) and exit through the side door to see who decided to bark up my tree tonight, and to no one’s surprise, its them again. They stop with their drifting as their ‘main man’ exits his car, a red spiked-up Toyota Hilux, all mechanised up like it was the apocalypse. 

“Y’know Eustass, with the amount of times you’ve swung by my place it’d look like you want me to be your boss or somethin, the fuck you want?”

The huge redhead picks up on my statement and laughs it off.

“Like anyone would be under your bitch ass rule, and its Kid to you, punk” he pokes at my forehead “, you know what I’m here for so just hand it over twerp.”

“Where’s my reward then Kiddo? Cuz I ain’t giving this out for shits and gigs”

He gets ticked off with the name but pays no mind to it as he beckons one of his men over. The tall blond with a mask and blue attire comes over to drop off the duffel bag with bands of Bellies. I pick up the bag and go through the racks to make sure I’m getting what I’m giving.

“….Give me five minutes”

I come back out with 5 boxes full of engine amplifying chips to hand over. 

“Okay you got your shit now fuck off, today ain’t my day Jaggy,” shooing him and his crew away so I can continue my maintenance check on my car.

“Yeah yeah I’ll go but NOT cuz you told me to. Yo Killer! let's head out, I wanna go over our plan again regarding RH”

RH?? Don’t tell me he means… THAT man’s crew.. he’s spelling trouble for himself.

I couldn't catch any more of their plans because I didn’t want to seem intrigued, but them going for one of the most notorious crews of the underground spells suicide for them. Plus I can’t lose my best customer…fuck I’m stuck: do I go undercover to see if they mean it or do I mind my own and go check out a nearby street race…? Nope. Street race. Not gonna risk my life for that jackass.

So then I go back to my car to fix it up, taking my sweet time to make sure it looks as good as her driver, hehe, before heading to Thriller Boulevard (where the race’s happening).

To be continued...

Chapter Text

**A driver’s POV**

Three cars come zooming down the straight as loud music booms through various car speakers, crop tops, neon sneakers, and more skin than clothes — the crowd pulsed like one big bassline, vibing to whatever track was blasting. And what would a street race be without the backdoor illegal deals? It was a tight three-way finish, but a white Lexus LFA took the crown, followed closely by a blue Toyota Supra and a yellow Chevrolet Camaro.. The three cars drift around after an intense race and finally come to a halt. Out of each car retreats three different men, one with an orange balaclava exiting the Lexus, a blue and white decorated bandana-covered man exiting the Supra, and a yellow & red cap-bandana combo leaping out of the Camaro.

“No fair Fire Fist!! You braked too early to totally cut me off there! I would’ve won this race no doubt had you not driven so violently!” The Camaro driver lunged at the orange mask.

“Oh you wanna talk about violent?!” I snap back, “Let’s talk about how you almost scratched up my car for a bit of —AND I QUOTE— ‘brotherly bickering’?! What kind of infamous street racer has ZERO regard for their car, Straw Hat?!” I lashed back.

Seeing the two bickering made the blue bandana guy have to barge in to stop the fight before it became physical.

“Will the both of ya quit it? What’s done is done, we can’t go back in time and undo the bullshit each of you was pulling, “ He doesn’t get to finish before the stragglers from the race finally cross the line.

“Besides, you gotta give credit where it's due — this guy!" He points at himself egotistically, "For being the most tactical driver, had you two not battled recklessly for first, I would’ve dusted your asses ASAP no Ferg.”

The other two look at him in disbelief before lashing out at him too. 

“Watch it Flame Emperor! All we gotta acknowledge is that I won the race and that’s that! So stop being whiny losers and -”

“BOOOOOOO~!!”

I was interrupted by Straw Hat booing me like a sore-loser child, which ticked me off and made me lash out at him even more.

**back to Remi’s POV**

By the time I arrive, the race is already over. Great. With a sigh, I look around, hoping there’s still another one coming. I tap the shoulder of a random girl.

“Yo, did I miss all the races or is there still hope for me?”

She turned to me with half a pizza stuffed down her face, rocking long pink hair, an under-eye piercing,  some ridiculously short shorts, and a bear-themed crop top.

“You missed out on a fucking epic race, but there’s still another one comin’ so leave me and my pizza alone will ya?!” She sassily replied to me as she strode off looking for another food vendor.

Rude, plus she was talking with her mouth full. Who has that kind of fucking audacity?! jeez..

While I weave my way through the crowds of cars and people, I manage to make it front stage, except not of another upcoming race, but of three random guys bickering tooth and nail about the race they just finished. I try to pay them no attention when I notice the symbols on their cars. My heart drops, then picks up speed like it got electrocuted at the hospital. I couldn’t believe what my eyes were perceiving. 

Wait a second WHAT?! What the hell?! Representatives of the Eight Ko? At some random street race?!

I rub my eyes and focus on each symbol on each car to make sure I’m not hallucinating from spray paint fumes and leaking petrol. I turn my gaze to the Lexus. No doubt, that’s the Whitebeard Ko, anyone can recognise that moustache from anywhere. Next up, the blue Supra. The Rev Arms?! That’s a super rare sight to see them here, they’re usually doing stuff super undercover, the government’s trying to get their heads. I finally analyse the Camaro. The Straw Hat crew?? I know how spontaneous they usually are from rumours, but I didn’t actually think one of their own would show up here of all places…

Taking my gaze off the cars, I look up at their respective owners. You can tell a car to its owner, I don’t know how to describe it, but by sensing their “spirit,” you can connect the dots pretty well. Watching them bickering, something told me to actually try to get a glimpse of who they could be, judging from their broad appearance alone, it looks like they have a strong bond between each other, almost brotherly…

Before I can dwell on the trio further, the MC, Moria, calls for the final round of racers, dragging me out of my thoughts. With that, I left the front row of the crowd just to gaze at cars and chow some banging street food.

**Fire Fist POV**

After what seemed like an eternity, thrashing the other two dimwits, I notice a girl with an oni gas mask disappear into the crowd while the MC announces the final race commencing. She seemed familiar, but for someone who’s a master of gears, the ones in my head are extra slow right now.

Without creating suspicion on why I’m suddenly quiet and staring off, I snapped out of my thoughts and got in my car to move it off the track. Flame and Straw Hat follow suit after hearing the announcement.

After I get out of my car, I try to observe this girl from a distance, but my view is being rushed with random girls approaching me, trying to hook me up with them. I’m not, nor ever will be, interested in that kind of stuff, but if it gets me information for Shiro Pops, I'll do what I must.

When I could tell that none of these girls had anything I wanted, I brushed them off to go for a second attempt, but as if the universe wanted to humble me, the WG Cops pulled up to the venue. Great, just what I fucking needed, another code 483.

The whole place erupts into chaos as people scatter back into their cars or the shadows of the night. I jet back to my car, somehow managing to escape as I drive back to the Moby, having some 6LACK on while my thoughts run wild.

She looks interesting. Witty, even. Maybe it’s time I test her on the street to see if what I’m perceiving equates to what energy she emits.

To Be Continued…

Chapter Text

The next day in Informatics, I’m half-ignoring my lecturer while tinkering with my booster chip code. Probably not the best idea, but it beats pretending to care about another “weekly practical.” While I’m stuck in my zone, I see that same trio come in late again in my peripheral, clearly not being aware of their loud intrusion. Them again?! I thought I only shared one class with them? Don’t tell me we do the same course?! Someone tell me it's a prank... I mentally facepalm but pay them no attention.

**Ace’s POV**

I know we’re late but could you blame us? After we scrambled from last night’s race, Pops assigned me more undercover work, making me pull an all-nighter. Can’t say the same for my brothers, but here we are. As we make our way up the lecture hall to find our seats we see the same girl that piqued my interest the other day, hunched over herself, coding her life away where we usually sit. It took me a little by surprise but let me try to be as polite as-

“HEY! Those are our seats! Move it hunchy!!” Luffy barges in front of me and aggressively points and confronts her. This jolts her out of her zone, and she stares at us in shock, as well as the surrounding students who heard him.

Of course Luffy had to come in and ruin a normal request.

I shove my younger brother’s head away and corrected him. 

“What my brother MEANT to say was we weren’t expecting you at where we usually sat. Is it possible if we can slide in there?” I point to the rest of the open row.

“Oh— yeah no worries, sorry ‘bout taking your seats,” she says as she gets out of the row to let us pass through.

While we shimmy through, Sabo nudges at me suggestively, raising and dropping his eyebrows at me to which I smack the back of his head to quit his nonsensical thoughts. Either by sheer coincidence or Sabo being Sabo, I end up sitting next to the girl. I try to inspect her without being too obvious. She seems cool, now that I'm looking at her up close...

Taking my mind off her I decide to try to focus in this class. While making notes, I get a text on my phone from my plug about new imports for Pops, I mentally confirm the date and location of the sale before continuing my supposed “note-making”.

**Remi’s POV**

That curly-haired guy keeps sneaking glances at me. Kinda annoying, but whatever—I’ve got bigger problems. My burner phone lights up: new order, 20 chips. Great. Another sleepless week. Yay me.

When class ends, I throw on my headphones and bolt before anyone can stop me. But as I leave, I notice the same freckles-boy flat-out staring. What’s his deal?

*at the music store*

Fifteen minutes later, I burst into Music for the Soul, the store where I work.

“Yo Brook! My playlist’s turn on the speaker this time,” I say as I toss my bag under the table and snag his phone out of his hand to change the store’s music to something more my style.

“Oh my! Hey Miss Remi, next time you wanna change the vibe, ask me before snatching my phone yohohoho!” Brook jokingly reprimands me as he ruffles my braids. 

“Watch it Brook! You know how long it took for me to style my hair like this?” I say as I swipe his hand away and fix them up, “You wouldn’t like it if I ruffled your afro now, would you?”

He throws his hands up at my threat, letting out a small laugh. For someone pushing sixty, he lives like he’s still twenty. Always joking, always soulful, never judgmental. Maybe that’s why he took me in. He’s got some mysterious “other job,” he never wants to tell me about, but here, he’s just the record-store guy.

After our little bickering, we started doing business as usual: selling some vinyls, CDs, and instruments. Anything musical, we've got it. Don’t even know where Brook was able to get half of this stuff, but I don’t question it. When you live as long as he has, it just makes sense.

“Oh yes before I forget, ” he mentions after re-tuning a nearby violin, “I have to do some stuff after we close shop, so I won’t be able to do our usual churro night by the river, are you fine with that miss Remi?”

“Don’t stress it Brook, I won’t be upset cuz I missed out on a single churro night.” I say while organising the music books.

*later*

As the sun starts to rest, we start getting ready to close shop. Just as I was about to close the door, I spot a few cars pulling up, blasting music, weapons flashing. Their leader looked as if “music junkie” were a person — tall, obnoxiously loud, and all wrong. Why us? We don’t have anything that they’d want..

I fumble with the lock, ready to barricade, but Brook rests a hand on my shoulder. His voice drops low. “Miss Remi, sneak out the back. There should be a blue and black motorbike by the bins. Use that to get out of here.”

“What about you, Brook?” I whisper back, “Not to be rude, but I can’t leave the elderly to deal with this alone.” This Brook is new, I've never seen him this serious in my few months of working here.. 

“Trust me…besides,” he says as he straightens his posture and pulls out his prized shark-shaped guitar and heads towards the door, “I haven’t properly tested this bad boy out yet.”

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Running as slickly and quickly as I can to the back door, I take a peep over my shoulder to see what Brook meant by “haven’t properly tested” his guitar. He holds his guitar as though it were a sword, and pinch me if I’m dreaming, I saw him sheath a sword from the guitar and accelerate at a speed I’ve never seen before towards the approaching gang.

My store manager’s a swordsman?! That was NOT on this year’s bingo card.

I snap out of my momentary awe and hastily open the door to find the bike and, lo and behold, I see the bike parked up against the garbage bins, exactly how Brook described it. As I approach the bike, I notice the initials on the bike look oddly familiar: BF-78. BF? Isn’t that….Fran-

Before I could finish my thought, I see the boss of the gang roll up to where I was trying to escape and had cornered me.

“Aaaapopopopoo~, you got nowhere to run now, missy, ” the lanky man snickered, “give up now and surrender this store to the Kaido Ko, and I might consider not making you Kaido’s underling.” 

Okay, now that pissed me off. I know it’s not much, but Brook started this store from the bottom up with his friends before they gradually started catching incurable diseases because of Kaido Ko’s factories. I’m NOT gonna let that threat slide. After he made that threat, the anger within me snapped into fuel — no way was I letting him win. I jumped on the bike, revved it hard enough for me to do circles around the area to create smoke and I dashed off in the dust, dissociating the man before he realised that I vanished. Thank you so much Brook. I owe you big time.  Please don’t end up in deep shit.

While I’m driving this bike, I’m thinking of where I should lay low for the night, considering they know my face. My res? Nah, you’re just asking to have your head on a silver platter. Garage? Then they’ll find out your alter-ego. I glare up at the streetlights, cruising through the empty street with a single emotion, annoyance. Then it clicks — the bike. Of course.. I know where to go.

**After about 30 minutes of driving**

I arrive at Franky’s warehouse and hide the bike around a corner so it wouldn’t be found out. I warily check my surroundings as I head closer to the main entrance when I notice a whole bunch of cars parked around the warehouse. Does he have guests over? What’s going on?? I observe each car as I get closer to the entrance. A green Dodge Viper? A purple McLaren Artua?!. Damn?! These are fancy. Who the fuck does he have over? Out of curiosity, I change my original route to find a way to get to a high-up window to see the owners. I find a ledge that has a thin window opening, so I perch up there to peep through. When I say my eyes were blessed with ethereal faces I’d be understating my observation. These people were stunning, even in the comfortable clothing they wore; they just screamed importance. While adoring the people, I recognise a face I’ve seen before, and I’m not talking about Franky. Is that?! Is that that shortie who yelled at me yesterday?! How does Franky know him?! Wait a minute…is that… the same red cap that shortie from the race the other day was wearing?! 

It seems my spying comes to an unexpected stop as the window cracks a bit at how hard I’m pressing my face against it as it makes a sound, making that whole group of people turn my way and my heart drops to hell. I somehow manage to spin away from the window, still on the ledge, but now fearing for my life since I let my curiosity get the best of me. This is why we stay in our lane Remi. Without second thought, I start jetting it back to my res, disregarding the hidden bike, without realising I dropped one of my tester-chips I was going to experiment the boost on.

I slam my room door shut, lock it, yank the blinds down, and throw on some chill music—trying to drown out the chaos racing in my head, and to make sure I’m not visible from ANY possible viewpoint. My heart’s still racing, but I need to recollect myself from the mess that was the past few hours.

“Okay, okay, okay, let's recap,” I mutter, calming my adrenaline-drugged body. 

“First: Brook is apparently an experienced swordsman. I mean it's awesome as fuck but NOT what I expected from a 60-something-year-old who looks like he wouldn't harm a flower. Second: why the fuck does Kaido’s crew want to own Brook’s store? Third: how the hell does Brook even know Franky, let alone have a bike from him? And lastly, was that shortie from class an important figure in the underworld?! He was wearing something that resembled what the up-and-coming Ko has worn in pictures that circled the underground. Who the hell is he?”

I sigh after trying to wrap my head around this conundrum and decide to continue the chips’ code and my homework. “I’m better off not looking too deep into it.” I groan and drag my hands down my face. I reach for my tester chip when I realise my pocket feels a bit too empty. 

“…No. No no no no no no!!FUCK! Can this night get any worse?!” I cry out and flop back onto my bed, my back hand covering my eyes. 

”Why did the customer say TWENTY chips? TWENTY!! Could’ve done like 10 and that’d be sufficient money for me and power for them.” The music fills the frantic vibe of the room, but it can’t cover the fact that somewhere out there… my chip is missing.

**Back at Franky’s warehouse— 3rd person POV**

“Did you guys figure out who was spying on us?” A ginger lady stood up from her seat, talking to the two men who had just reentered the warehouse.

“I’m so sorry Nami, my sweet. We could’ve if Mosshead here didn’t somehow, by I don’t know what magic, end up losing his sense of direction when we left the building.” The blond smoker points back at his green-haired partner as they walk up to the table.

“Says the curly cook who dropped to their knees in mesmerisation when their ‘lady radar’, ” he air-quotes, ”went off while looking for them.” Clearly and successfully, rage-baiting him. “But we did find this chip. Franky, heads-up,” he tosses the component over to Franky for him to analyse it. He catches it and heads to his work table, setting the mysterious chip under his lamp, disassembling it as he cracks it open. 

Nami sits back down in disappointment while another woman goes over to comfort her.

“Oh yeah, Franky, didn’t you say Brook was coming tonight?” The older woman mentions to him. “He was supposed to come by about an hour ago. You don’t think something bad happened to him, do you, like maybe a kidnapping or assassination?”

“Woahh, no need to go so dark Miss Robin,” he says, a bit startled by her dark thoughts, then goes back to deconstructing the chip as he responds, “I am a bit concerned, but let’s put faith in our friend, I’m sure he’d want us to trust his reasons as to why he’s late. Right, Luffy?” He turns to his boss, who’s not really listening since he’s face-deep into some lamb shank.

“….just trust him, okay?” Franky reassures Robin before they turn their attention back to Nami, continuing their discussion.

An older man with a massive sun tattoo on his chest stands up to add his ment, “If we’re gonna go through with this plan, we need the proper backing. And by that, I don’t mean low-ranked gangs, I mean some experienced gangs. Luffy, “ he pulls the captain’s head away from his food, “Call your brothers. We could discuss an alliance-”

“No.”

The older man is taken slightly aback at his quick answer.

“Luffy!! What do you mean, no?! This could be extremely beneficial for us.”

“Ace is too busy with his missions given to him by old man Whitebeard and Sabo, being the chief of staff of the RA, sure as hell won’t be available, ask someone else Jinbei,” Luffy says, sounding somewhat reasonable for an idiotic boss.

At his station, Franky tilts the chip to catch the light—and frowns and talks to himself. “It’s not just a booster. This is custom work. Someone with serious skills built this.” He observes. The oni logo etched into the motherboard gleams back at him. 

“Whoever dropped this,” Franky mutters, eyes narrowing, “wasn’t spying on us by accident.”

To be continued…

Chapter Text

“Ughhhh last night was a nightmare~  why the fuck am I even here again?” I groan to myself, with my head laid down on my arms trying to somewhat focus on my lecturer yapping but simultaneously trying to catch up some z’s from last night. Because of that anonymous order I got the other day, my dumbass decided to pull an all-nighter on refining that chip code before I finalise building the remaining 15 chips. Big mistake. I forgot that I had a compulsory tutorial class and a practical test today. Fucking fantastic.

“Just a few more minutes, Remi. You got this” I try to motivate myself as I sluggishly sit up straight, not realising an unknown presence next to me.

“Hey, you okay?” The stranger tries to strike a conversation with me only to end up striking a fear bolt that made me yelp a bit.

“Woah! Sorry, didn’t mean to scare ya. I’m Ace, I’m in your informatics class remember?” My tired eyes look at him, the gears in my head slowly turning trying to recognise him even though I’m like 65% still asleep. 

“The other day~?” He tries to jog my memory, “when me and my brothers joined your row cuz you took our seats?”

“Ohhh it’s you, ” the spark in my brain lights up and I snap my fingers at the realisation, “oh yeah, yeah I remember. okay so your name’s Ace. Got it. I’m Remi. “ I extend my hand to him to shake it. “Sorry, couldn’t get much sleep last night. Y’know how tedious our projects can be haha”. 

“Yeah I hear you, umm I wanted to ask, “ he starts hesitantly as he shifts in his seat a little, “can you please…tutor me?”

I stare at him like he just popped a bullet between my eyes.

“….huh? You want me…to tutor you? Why not that blondie you’re usually with?”

“Oh you mean my brother Sabo? As much as I would, he’s a shit ton busier than me with his part-time and he also needs to make sure my younger brother, Luffy, is not causing too much trouble” he scratches the back of his wavy hair, “sorry, I just realised I family dumped you lol” he chuckles. y’know for someone with such a “cool guy” demeanour, he’s quite the over-explainer. Kinda cute. He then waves his hands up to me in regret, “But if you can’t then I totally u-“

“Sure.”

He pauses then stares at me blankly when I gave him my answer. 

“… really?!”

“Only if I get a little something back” I raise my hand making a money motion.

He smiles at me and grabs my hand to shake it. “Deal. Thank you so much Remi. In return I’ll take your notes for this class. Only today though” he winks at me and takes my notepad from my resting arms. I don’t argue back as I collapse my head back to my arms to continue sleeping.

After class, I head to one of the on-campus piazzas to get myself a snack when I see Ace and, who I assume to be, his brothers making a ruckus and eating like it’s an all-you-can-eat in the middle of the piazza. I pay no mind to it as I get  a burger meal with Mountain Dew and head somewhere to recheck the notes he made for me. I find an empty table near a wall and open my notebook to see he actually kept his word. Impressive, I lowkey thought he was just playing around to try flirt with me. At the bottom of my notes I notice he put his phone number with a little doodle of a flamed skull. Cute, he doodles too. I smile then snap out of it. Wait wait WAIT, I can’t be crushing on this guy now, plus I’ll be seeing him more for tutoring fuckk. Get yourself together Remi, you’re in it for the cash that’s IT. he’s just a guy I’m tutoring. Nothing more. Don’t make it weird. I type the phone number in my phone and text it to make sure he isn’t pranking me.

Me:

Hey, is this Ace from earlier??

…typing

Unknown:

Yea, I can assume this is sleepy Remi then🙃

Me:

starting with nicknames already😭

when do u want this tutoring shit to start😋

Ace🔥:

Im usually busy at night

wb Thursday afternoons like 3-5pm👀

Me:

‘Kay, B50 per hour😜

Ace🔥:

😀…

Can’t I get a "hot guy" discount😓

Me:

dont get ahead of urself😭

i gotta get my bag up dawg 🤑these meals aren't gonna be paid by themselves

Ace🔥:

Ur cheeky…🧍🏻‍♂️

Fineee😓

Me:

😝

See u tmrw, my place🫡

*sends res address*

Seen

I close my phone, put it on DND and decide to open my laptop to go over my notes for the prac test later on. Better safe than sorry.

**Ace’s POV**

Once she sends her last text I save her number and continue eating while Sabo and Luffy are arguing on which dangerous fish would be the tastiest if it wasn’t so hazardous to catch. While I’m slurping some slushy, I notice Remi sitting by herself. She likes her alone-time a lot huh? Maybe I should introduce her properly to my brothers. I was about to stand up when I properly look at her table and her body language. She looks locks in, better not then, damn it. I then get a text from Thatch.

T🙉:

Ace, I got intel on Teach tryna switch our guys over to his crew around small races, better check it out..

Me:

Bet. Any new races in the area??

T🙉:

I got one tn by Galley

Me:

On it.

I set my phone down and look at my brothers then peek a glance at Remi. He’s getting outta hand, Thatch is lucky he got away with just a grazed shot on his ear but fucking hell, for him to start his own organisation and try overthrow Pops is a low blow..

Sabo sees me deep in thought and occasionally sneaking glances at Remi so he pushes my head over to snap me back to reality.

“Something bothering ya? Or rather someone?”

“None of your business dude” I wave his hand away, “just that I got a new tutor”

Sabo cheers me on as Luffy looks at us, confused on why his conversation got side-casted.

“Fucking finally! Now you can guarantee graduation in case this street life collapses” he slings his arm around my shoulder and aggressively shakes me. “So who’s the lucky bastard who has to deal with you?”

I hesitate but then I decide it’d be better them knowing now than them making stupid assumptions. 

“It’s Remi.”

“…who?” Luffy asks with half a burger stuffed down his face.

“The girl you outed in class the other day” I try to explain to him. With how he’s looking at me it doesn’t look like it rings a bell.

“The one you called ‘hunchy’” Sabo pinches his nose in annoyance at his brother’s terrible memory.

“…ohhhhh! Her.  Hunchy’s gonna teach you?!” He swallows his burger.

“Just until I get my grades up a bit better yeah, she seems reliable” I say tossing my slushy cup in the nearby bin.

“Oh so it’s NOT cuz you have the hots for her huh?” Sabo suggestively nudges me.

“Get a life dude ew” I push him out my face, “and no, just cuz she intrigues me doesn’t mean I wanna get in her pants bro”

“…sure Ace, sure” Sabo rolls his eyes and finishes his meal.

“Welp I gotta go to class, make sure you two make it home in one piece” he stands up and points at us two like we’re kids.

“Whatever unc” I roll my eyes and stand up, “c’mon Luf, let’s go” I say as I pull his hood to make him stand up.

“Owowowow!! Watch it Ace! Robin got me this! Don’t yank it like that!!” Luffy snaps at me as he grabs the hood out my grip. I chuckle and ruffle his hair as we head out the piazza. I give Remi one more glance before we head back. These tutoring sessions are gonna be a lot more than just getting my academics up it seems…

To be continued…

Chapter Text

**Ace’s POV**

The day of the order arrives. I decide to call Marco and Deuce in case it’s a setup or another gang tries to jack us. We start heading towards the arranged location of the deal: Fishman Docks. Once we arrive, I pull my balaclava on before jumping out, the others following suit as we scan the area for any potential threats. Coast is clear. We start strolling to the area where we finalised the deal and try to find anyone who matched the photo given to us by Pops.

“About damn time you arrived. Started to think old man Whitebeard’s crew was starting to lose their touch.”

A voice echoes through the empty docks, causing all three of us to slightly jump and raise our guards again. I look around for the voice’s owner, but given how pitch black it is due to the very few operating street lights, it doesn’t make my job any easier.

“Yoo-hoo! Up here boys!!”

We all turn our heads to see a silhouette sitting on the edge of the lighthouse roof with their legs dangling over before standing up. The person then started slowly walking along the edge and continued, “I take it you’re Fire Fist. “They then flick a token right into my chest. I catch it and analyse it. A gold token with a demon face on it. “You’re the Phoenix”, they flick another one to Marco, which he caught nonchalantly with one hand, “And you’re…huh. Never seen you around bluey”, they flick one to Deuce.

“Bluey?! Why I’d oughta-“ Deuce gets enraged, but I hold him back, patting his chest, suggesting he calms down.

“Look, we just need the chips, then we’ll be out of your hair. That’s all.” I try to quicken things up, “So can you please come down and we can settle this thing ASAP?”

“Oh I know.” They replied and stopped walking. The figure then jumped off the edge and landed right next to their car, which was parked under a working street-light, leaning their arm on the hood, “just thought I’d take some of your time for taking a whole lotta mine.” 

I now see the figure more clearly. It’s a woman, in a colourful Oni-shaped gas mask. Just like the description. I gesture to Marco to hand the duffel bag of money to me and I start heading over to her when Marco grabs my shoulder, “Be careful. We still don’t know what kind of stunts she may pull.” I nod assuringly as I get closer to her while the other two hold up their weapons.

“Woahhh woah whoa, pulling weapons on lil ol’ me when I myself am unarmed? It’s giving pussy behaviour,” she mocks us as she puts her hands up defensively, “You thought I was gonna kill you lot? It’s about the money gang, I don’t give a rat’s ass about challenging y’all.”

I stop in my tracks and gesture with my hand to them to lower their weapons before staring her down. I toss the duffel bag to her side.

“Look, their weapons are down sweet, now can you be a doll and hand the chips over?” I say with a hint of cockiness as I see her eyes contort with disgust.

“Don’t ‘sweet’ me jackass. We ain’t close like that. Gross.” She rolls her eyes before picking up the duffel bag and rummaging through the money to see if it’s up to standard. Once she’s done, she heads to the boot of her car to get the box of chips. While she does that, I look at her whip. Maroon leather seating, custom white rims for the tyres, and a high-tech car radio. She knows her stuff. I then peer into the back and notice a backpack. Must be a student. My eyes follow the bag to her keychains. Is that a Bleach keychain?? She must REALLY love an-

The box dropping in front of me snaps me out of my peering as she stares at me, cross-armed. 

“You know it’s rude to stare inside a stranger’s car, right?”

“Can you blame me? Gotta admire a fellow car junkie’s car, especially if it’s a pretty girl's car,” I replied with a bit of charisma.

She sighs and tosses the bag into the passenger’s seat before entering and turning the car on. The engine roars in the quiet night as she turns up her music. I stand back as she starts rolling out, but before she leaves, she rolls her window down. 

“Next time you try to flirt with a girl, don’t make it painfully obvious you want her to fawn over you, ruins the taste. Bleh,” she makes a disgusted facial expression before she drifts out of the docks and into the night.

“Well….that went….Good,” I say, watching the car disappear while Marco and Deuce walk up behind me.

“Next time, just say you want to do a one-on-one deal bro. That was awkward even for me to watch." Deuce pats my shoulder and heads to his car.

“Yeah, Fire Fist. You honestly could’ve taken care of this yourself, given your cocky and impulsive behaviour-yoi, “ Marco brushes my shoulder as he heads to his car, “but the deal’s done, and clearly you have the hots for her-yoi” He smiles suggestively before driving away, Deuce following suit.

“HEY! I DO NOT LIKE HER LIKE THAT YOU ASSES!” I yell back as I stroll to my car. Whatever. They just mad that I actually CAN get bitches. I get in and drive back to my place. 

**Remi’s POV**

As I’m driving back to my garage, I think back to that interaction. What was that dude’s deal anyway? He can’t possibly be THAT flirtatious and cocky to any woman he meets, can he? Nope, he deffo can be. He gives that energy. Plus, why’d he bring those two bozos anyway? They didn’t even help whatsoever.

As I get closer to my destination, I see two WG police cars on my tail. Again? Bro, there are so many other criminals on the GL, and they decide to jump MY ass. I immediately swerve a corner on the closest street to try to evade them, but they manage to hit it just as well as I did. Okayyy so they’re not amateurs.. let’s see what they’ve got. I crank down my music as I gear up my car and drift off into different corners, swerving with maximum efficiency and jolting down the straights as I try to get off the police’s TS radar. After what seemed like an eternity of rubber-burning and intense swerves, I manage to get off their scent and decide to park in an alleyway. Fucking finally, oh my gosh. Better find another place to lay low for now. After contemplating who to crash with, I decide to ring up Brook. I’d choose Franky, but after what I went through at his warehouse the other day, I’d rather not.

Ringing…

Ringing…

“Good evening, Miss Remi. What brings you to call me at this hour?”

“Hey Brook, listen um..” What sounds believable enough for me to stay with him for the night?? Ooh, hope this works…

“… my res got a cockroach infestation, so they asked all residents to be sent home for the night. Since my dad’s across the country, can I crash at yours tonight?” I hate lying to him, but I can’t let him know about this job. Never..

“Oh, Miss Remi, as much as I would gladly take you under my wing, I unfortunately cannot tonight.”
“What?! Why?”

“Some personal problems have arisen which I have to take care of tonight. Terribly sorry for inconveniencing you.”

“*sigh* Don’t sweat it B, it happens. Hope you take care of that thing, good night,” I defeatedly say.

“Good night, Miss Remi”, he says before ending the call.

Great. NOW who do I talk to?!

As I scroll through any possible contacts, I see a name that pops up. Maybe he can help me out. Wait, but you barely know him. Why bother? UGHHH, why can’t I ever not overthink things?!?! Fuck it. I'm doing it. IM DOING IT. I hit the call button, and I sit anticipating his response.

Ringing….

Ringing…

Ringing….

Damn, is he asleep? I knew it was a lon-

“Hey Remi, you good?” the voice yawns as he answers.

“Hey, I know it's sudden but… can I crash by your place tonight?” I ask upfront, hoping he would accept.

“Uhh, sure.”

“Wait, REALLY?! Oh my soul thank you so much, I owe you big time,” I cheer to myself in the car.

“Don’t sweat it, I’ll ask my brother to set up the couch, I’ll send the address”

“You’re a lifesaver…okay got it, be there in about 20, bye and thank you”
“No worries, bye Remi” he hangs up.

I turn on the ignition and immediately start heading to his house. At least I can be at ease. Or so I thought…

To be continued….

Chapter Text

After about 20 minutes of driving, I arrive at the address. Huh, it's a condo. Wasn’t expecting that. I park my car in a dark alleyway just up the street, grab my duffel bag of clothes and toiletries, and head to the building. I go in and head to the sent address number and knock on the door. As I’m waiting patiently, the door opens up to an exhausted, tall, blonde man with his hair disheveled.

“Who are you?” He yawns and scratches his eyes. Did I just wake him up?

“Oh I’m sorry to wake you, I’m Remi. I’m looking for Ace, he told me I can stay the night over~?“ I explained to the man at the door.

“Yeah I know him, he’s here. You can come in if you like, I’ll go wake that dumbass up,” he reassures me as I enter their unit. As I enter, I try to make out his facial features. Wait, that scar?! I recognise it. It’s that guy who Ace is always around. Do they live together?! Kinda gay if you ask me..

“Oh I didn’t catch your name by the way,” I try to make small talk with him as I sit on the couch and he flicks on the main room’s lights.

“Sabo,” 

He yawns as he scrapes his feet towards what I can assume is Ace’s room. “You can get water by the fridge if you’re thirsty,” he points to the fridge before he enters his room. I nod as I stand up to grab some, but before I get to the kitchen, I hear rummaging noises from the bedroom where Sabo just entered. I turn my head and, as if on cue, I see a body fly out of the room and smack bang against the wall, which startled me quite a bit. 

“Next time you impulsively invite someone over, maybe I don’t know. LET US KNOW TOO?!” Sabo stomps out of the room to a sleepy Ace on the floor, only now waking up. He grumbles as he rubs his head and stands up to get back at Sabo.

“My bad bro. I can’t leave a friend out on the street without shelter. It was sudden and I was like 80% asleep, ” he points his finger into Sabo’s chest. He then glances my way and nonchalantly waves at me, “Hey Remi. Sorry about scarface making a ruckus, just be glad Luffy isn’t awake right now.”

Luffy? Does he live with two people?

And as if the heavens heard Ace mention his name, Luffy slams open his room door, sleepwalking towards the fridge, barging past me to grab some food. Okayy, so that happened, and i've seen him around Ace at uni too. So his clique is just his brothers?!  interesting..

“Can I assume that’s Luffy?” I whisper-shouted at him, pointing at the hungry sleepyhead. The two older ones nodded their heads.

Sabo sighed and dropped his anger at Ace, “forget it. It’s too late for this bullshit. You’re lucky we don’t have class tomorrow, I’m going to bed. Nice meeting you Remi.” he then retreated to his room.

Ace then walks up to me, holding up his hand for what I can assume is a dap up. “Sorry ‘bout that, you know how brothers are,” he tries to laugh it off, scratching the back of his head.

I then finish his dap up replying, “Well…that’s a way to know a bit about who I’ll be tutoring, ” I chuckle, “but it’s cute. So all three of you live together?”

“Yeah, our foster mom, Dadan, sent us here when we all got into the same university. Pretty sure she was fed up with our mischief and rowdiness.” He put his hands down, then looks at Luffy who’s now sat in the corner of the kitchen. “But I’ll take it over anything else; they’re my family,” he softens up before turning back to me. “You’ll let me know if you need anything, okay? There’s a blanket and pillow by the couch, you know where the kitchen is, the bathroom’s at the end of the hallway. We, well, mostly Sabo, try to keep it clean.” 

“Thanks, Ace. Again, sorry for the sudden request, all my options weren’t available, and guess the coin landed on your table.” I apologise and rub my head. He softly hits my shoulder and chuckles.

“Thought I told you not to stress about it. I know my brother Luffy would’ve done the same.” He then walks off to go back to his room and waved me off. “Good night Remi.”

“Good night Ace,” I say before turning to look at the gluttonous mess on the floor that’s Luffy. I smile it off before heading to the couch to change into a baggy top and ski pants. He’s a lot kinder than what he showcases..

Before my eyes shutters closed, I spotted a portrait on the TV shelf. It looks like it’s the three of them messing around. I smile, but then notice a figure behind them, and I become a bit wary. Is that…? Nah, no way.. I doubt that’s THE vice-captain of the WG police, Garp. How would that make sense? My sleepiness took over me, and I fell asleep. Rather worry about it tomorrow.

*the next day*

 I wake up, surprisingly, earlier than the three brothers. I sit up and stretch, and then head to the curtains to let some light in. I open the curtains to the bright, blazing sun as if I were getting sent to heaven. I wince back at the brightness. Damn, is it midday?! Thought it was earlier..

After I turn around to redeem whatever sight I lost in that moment, I look at the condo and actually take in the space. It’s actually comfortable, very spacious, and, surprisingly, not as messy as I assumed.  I walk over to the kitchen, Luffy still fast asleep on the floor holding a drumstick bone and an almost empty milk carton, and step over him carefully to the fridge to get some water before heading to the kitchen island. As I’m sipping my water, spacing out every now and then, I hear a door open and turn my head toward the sound. Oh, Sabo’s awake. He trudges over to the kitchen to start making some cup ramen. He turns over to me, hair even more disheveled than when i first saw him, eyes barely open, and voice stuck in morning mode, 

“Morning Remi, seems you woke up before the rest of u.s”

“Yeah, guess so. I was low-key expecting at least one of you to be wide awake before me, but seeing you like this tells me that you guys sleep like rocks.” I joke before taking another sip of my water.

“Well, you got something right, “ he giggles, pouring the water into the cup before sealing it, “especially Ace. If he’s not knocked out cold during the night, he’s knocked out clean mid-classes.”

“Is he okay? That’s a lot of sleeping, even for me.”

“Yeah, it’s fine. narcolepsy” 

I nod at the revelation and look down at my cup, turning it in my hands.

“Sorry for intruding so suddenly again, and thanks for helping me out. I know it must feel off helping a stranger you just met.”

Sabo pours out the excess water before putting the flavour sachets in his ramen and then sitting beside me.

“Don’t sweat it Remi, any friend of my brother is a friend of mine, plus Ace wouldn’t just do this to any new friend.” 

“What do you mean by that?” I turn to him as he slurps up his breakfast.

“He takes interest in you, actually, since like a few weeks ago,” he casually says, food in his mouth and all.

“Took interest…in me?? Yeah, and pigs can fly,” I scoff and roll my eyes, “what’s so unique about me that he’s been eyeing me for WEEKS? I’m not all that he thinks he sees in me,” I twirl my cup around before finishing it off. I stand up and wash the cup before heading to the bathroom with my duffel bag. “I’ll be out y’all’s hair in about an hour, don’t wanna step out feeling greasy,” I laugh off before closing the door.

There’s no way he actually took an interest in me. ME. Of all people at Sabaody. Nah, maybe it's just cuz I’m gonna tutor him. Yeah, that’s it. Sabo said he’s had his eye on me for weeks. Is he stalking me?? DOES HE KNOW OF MY OTHER LIFE?? Is he hiding it so he can hand me to the WG?? I need answers…

Once I finish washing up, I thank Sabo once again for letting me stay.

“Tell Ace I say thank you as well and that his first lesson’s on the house.”

“Tell me what?” He says as he walks out of his room, half-naked and head all disheveled. fuck is he BUILT. figured he gymed, but WOW is it working. He looks at the situation before yawning and heading our way. “You’re leaving already?”

“I don’t wanna impede anymore, looks like yall want a chill Saturday and i respect that.”

“At least stay till lunch, please, I just woke up,” he bargained.

“Ace, it’s already lunch hour. Plus, I have things to do.” I try to reason with him, but then he grabs my forearm before I make my way out.

“Then, can we do our lesson now to get it out of the way? Think of it as repaying the favour I just gave you,” he raises his eyebrows and smirks a bit at me.

Well, he’s persistent..

“…fine, but lemme get my school bag and put this one away,” I cave in.

“Huh?? Who’s doing wha now..?”Luffy grumbles as he sits up against the kitchen drawers. All three of us look at him before I eye Sabo.

“I thought you said Ace was the rock sleeper?” I whisper to him.

“It’s interchangeable,” he whispers back.

I chuckle as I head out to get my backpack. Their bond is strong, I can feel it. It must be nice having siblings.

**Ace’s POV**

After Sabo closes the door, I head back to my room, but he halts me.

“Not so fast, mister, “ he grabs my shoulder, “What was that all about? Didn’t wanna say goodbye to your girlfriend?” He coos at me.

“She’s not my girlfriend, dumbass.” I shake his hand off my shoulder, “ Plus, I invited her in; the least she could do is thank the invitee.”

“Sureeee~ and you decide that by holding the tutor session here, where we have Luffy?" he points at Luffy, who’s now cross-legged at the couch, watching a show on beetles.

“…I’ll do it in my room then,” I turn to Sabo, arms crossed.

“Like that makes it any better… You’ve fallen for her, haven’t you?” he raises his eyebrow at me. I get a little blush and shake it off.

“HAVE NOT!! It’s just we don’t have other options on where we can work,” I defend myself.

Sabo then points his hand out to the kitchen island, “You can always tell Luffy to watch his show in his room or hang out with his friends, you know?” He smirks and nudges my chest, “That’s why I’m the strategist of the trio. Have fun I guess.” He heads back to his room, leaving me ticked off at his antics. I haven’t fallen for her, she just seems like a compelling person, is all..

“Who’re you talking about??” Luffy turns to me with a mouthful of chips.

“You seriously didn’t notice the airl that was in this room for the past 2 hours?” I cross my arms looking at Luffy disappointingly.

“I sensed another presence, but it didn’t seem like it had harmful intent, so I brushed it off. Is she your friend?”

“Yeah, she’s gonna tutor me.”

“Really? Then I’m her friend too,” he smiles, stuffs some chips in his mouth and turns back to the TV.

Nice to know that both my brothers accept her at least..

**Remi’s POV**

As I’m heading back to their unit, my mind can’t stop thinking about it. The space feels cozy, but I can’t get too comfortable. Can’t let what happened last time happen again..

To be continued…

Chapter Text

I knock on their room door again, and Luffy lets me in. I say my hi’s again and sit at the kitchen island with my laptop and notebook out. I look around for Ace, but I don’t see him in the main area.

“Hey Luffy, where’s your brother?” I ask him while he’s looking through his stag beetle collection.

“Sabo went out with Koala for some errands, Ace fell asleep again in his room,” he says, not looking in my direction.

This idiot tells me to stay for tutoring and he’s asleep? I mentally facepalm as I begrudgingly head to his room.

“It’s this one, right?”

He looks at the door I’m pointing to and nods. I turn to the door, and just when I’m about to knock, I can hear mumbling going on behind the door. He’s probably on the phone. And here I thought he was fast asleep. Just when I drop my hand to head back to the kitchen, I hear a mention of Whitebeard and Blackbeard. Wait…are my ears playin’ with me or did I just hear two Eight Ko’s names?! Nah, I’m hearing things…

I shake my head as I head back to the kitchen and sit back down by the island, deep in thought on whether I heard right. Luffy notices my change of demeanour when he wanted to show off one of his beetles.

“Did you call him? Remi?” He pops his head into my view to snap me out of it.

“Huh?”

“Did you wake Ace up?” He sits next to me.

“Uh, oh yeah, no, I didn’t. I could hear he’s awake.” I try to brush it off.

“You okay? You seem a bit off, ” Luffy says as he leans down to peer at my face properly.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about uni stuff. You know how it is, “ I try to divert the conversation when Ace walks out of his room with his laptop and books. “Hey Luffy, your brother and I are gonna be studying, so can you wait in your room for a bit?” I put my hand on his shoulder, “Thanks for checking on me, though, ” I smile at him. He smiles back.

“Okay! Don’t steal my brother too long though, shishishishi, “ he snickers as he heads to his room, passing by Ace. Ace looks back at his younger self before lifting his head to me at the island. The books slap down on the table as he drops himself on the chair next to me with his laptop open.

“Okay, teach, I’m ready for a boring two hours, “ he playfully jabs at me.

“Haha, very funny, watch me change your grades from a 20 to a 70, “ I jab back as I open the slides on my laptop.

“Ouch, for the record, it’s a 40, not a 20, “ he playfully winces at the jab and remarks as if that’s not a bad grade nonetheless. This is going to be a long two hours..

*two hours later*

“..and that’s how these relationships between these databases are inheritable and these are aggregative, ” I point at the different UMLs on the screen, hoping he understands.

“Ohh, I always got them confused. Thanks for that one," he sets his pen down on the counter, "you aren’t that bad of a teacher, y’know? Maybe I did pick right, ” he smiles and nudges my shoulder as I roll my eyes.

“You’re just lucky I can dumb things down better for you to understand and that I'm doing this one free of charge, “ I boast as I close my books and laptop, checking my phone for the time. “Okay, I gotta go, still gotta go to my part-time. Gotta get my cash up somehow.”

As I stand up, Ace also stands up to follow me down to the parking lot, “I didn’t know you worked part-time? Where do you work? Maybe I can stop by and brighten up the mood, ” he winks at me as we walk side-by-side.

“I literally told you in our first text convo, “ I roll my eyes, “but I work at Music for the Soul, it’s like 15 minutes away from uni. Plus, the vibes are already fine with just me and my manager, Brook. Nice try, though, “ I remark as we trek down the stairs. When we reached the parking, I decided to part ways with him, but before I could walk away, he grabbed my forearm. 

“Can’t I escort you to your car at least? My job feels incomplete if we part here, “ he pleaded with a flirty tone.

“As kind as that sounds, it’s fine, I don’t mind. You’ve already done enough for me,“ I reason with him. “Bye, Ace. See you around.” I turn around as he slowly lets go of my arm, watching me retreat into the parking, noticing my keychain on my bag. He takes a mental note of it before he returns to his place. When I’m no longer in his view, I let out a long sigh as I take a different turn to head to my hidden car, tossing my stuff into the back seats and sinking into the driver’s seat. I reflect on the past few hours, “if he’s associated with Whitebeard or Blackbeard, then it’s a possibility I’ve seen him before, maybe not by face but through a deal…” I try to connect the dots, but my thoughts are interrupted by an order text:

Unknown number:

30 super chips by month-end, deliver to Thriller Boulevard to a man in a penguin cap.

Me:

Got it.

I can’t catch a break, man.  Rub my face as I turn on my engine and head back to my res. I don’t think I could go back to my job for a bit after that incident a few days back. I pick up my phone and text Brook:

Me:

Hey Brook, I won’t be able to make it to today’s shift; some stuff came up. Sorry😓

Manager B🎻:

Hello Miss Remi😇don’t stress it I understand, even if you might be lying to me😂

Take as much time as you need, business isn’t as hectic so I don’t mind😁

Me:

You’re such an angel thank you so much🫂 remind me to owe you some tea and biscuits sometime 

Manager B🎻:

I’ll put it on my calendar🤩

I close my phone, smiling as I turn into my residence. I head up and into my room, close the door, and change. You know what, I need to get some fresh air, let’s head up to the rooftop. I change into something comfortable and take my toolbox and laptop as I take the lift up to the rooftop to work on the order. While I’m up there, I see someone else walking around the vicinity. It’s a man. Tall, dressed formally, blonde hair covering an eye, curly eyebrows, and smoking a blunt. Another chain smoker.. nothing new. I pay him no mind, but it seems I caught his attention because he suddenly came striding over to me like I’m his long-lost wife.

“Who’s this cutie my eyes have bestowed upon me? You are certainly a beauty to behold in a world full of dicks and moss heads, “ he kneels to take my hand and kiss it. I pull my hand back after his gesture, slightly freaked out.

“Oh, hello. I haven’t seen you around here. You also live here?” I try to divert the conversation.

“Also?! I must be living under a rock not to have picked up your presence in this building, how belittling of me, “ he hits his forehead before shaking the idea off, standing up and giving me a bow. “I go by Sanji. By looking at your cute features, I’m guessing you’re a first-year?”

“How did you know?? And I’m not cute, I think you’re blinded by love. “ I dismiss.

“That indeed I am, mon cherie, “ he says, sitting down next to me, causing me to instinctively change tabs to not let him see my work.

“What are these pretty hands and smart brain working on?”

“Oh, just some uni work, wanted to do it with some fresh air instead of—“

Grumble grumble. FUCK! I swore I ate something at Ace’s place…did I??

“Oh my bad, “ I dismiss my stomach’s grumble, but clearly, Sanji did not. His face becomes slightly amused at my body’s noise, and he bows slightly.

“M’lady, it seems you have garnered an appetite, “ he smirks at me.

“What’re you talking about? “ I laugh nervously, “I’m not that hungry right-

Grumble grumble 

“…that was a passing truck, “ I lie.

“My dear, I can tell a rattling stomach like the temperature of a pork roast. Allow me the pleasure of cooking you something to satisfy your hunger. You know you cannot perform your best without the nutrients, ” he lightly flirts, but is being genuine. 

I don’t want him to get the wrong idea, like yeah, I’m hungry, but it’s not like I want him to get the idea that I'm letting him into my life. He’s being over-respectful to me, not that I hate it. Maybe he’s doing it to get something out of me, keep your guard up..

“If you wanna, then be my guest, “ I say nonchalantly at his request, “but I don’t know you well enough to go to your room with you; I don’t know your true intentions.”

“No fret, ...“ he gestures for my name.

“Remi”

“Remi dear, I understand. I’ll be back in a jiffy, your taste buds are about to be met by Grand Line’s best first-rate cook’s meal.  I won’t let you down,“ he turns to head to his room, but he starts skipping and spinning around like I accepted to be his love. I scoff-laugh it off. Now there’s a love-blinded cocky cook in the building? Is there anyone I HAVEN’T met that isn’t quirky??
When I was about to head back to the chips’ code, I got another text. God, who could it be now?!

Yamao👹:

Yo Daemon, got a race for you bestie🤑

My eyes light up, and I grin cheek to cheek when I see it’s my bestie from Onigashima.

Me:

About fucking time😭 all these orders plus my hectic life has me spiralling like a mf

Where’s it at??

Yamao👹:

Punk Hazard factories, next Saturday.

U up for it or you finna pussy out👀

I thought about it for a bit. The chips are due in two weeks, 30 is a lot...and it HAD to be super chips. But I need to let loose for once. Need to clear my mind from the batshit chaos that has happened recently..

Me:

Make sure my spot’s reserved😌

Yamao👹:

Ayyy, you're awesome like my role model Oden😝

See u then Dae🫡

read

*20 minutes later*

Sanji steps out of the elevator and starts moving elegantly toward me to give me his promised dish. He places it next to me, pulling me out of my focus zone.

“Here I present something small yet fulfilling, loaded with nutrients for a smart girl, “ he winks at me, to which I eye-roll but lightly grin, “ three mouth-watering chicken fajita tortillas.”

I gaze down at the plate and observe the dish. They're neatly organised with some sour cream on top of them, a small message written in, what I assume to be, jalapeño sauce, saying “bon appétit <3”

“Thank you, Sanji, “ I accept the plate, “you didn’t poison this, did you?” I joke.

He gasps and puts a hand on his chest, “Now, why would I poison a lovely lady’s dish? Be it friend, foe, or stranger, my moral code is to always feed the hungry.”

I form a small smile at his remark, slightly moved by where his morality stands.

“I’m assuming you’re doing food sciences?”

“Yup, gotta be the best of the best and achieve All Blue status in the cooking world”

“Well, I hope you get it, “I raise my fist for a fist bump, to which he finishes it. The aroma of the fajitas is getting the best of me, so I decide to take a bite…and when I tell you I levitated, it’s an understatement. It was like my taste buds and soul ascended to heaven, swam with the angels, and returned into my vessel with elation.

“This is amazing, what the fuck?! And you made this in 20 minutes?!” I look up at him in utter shock at his meal.

“Told you you’re about to have your taste buds blown away, ” he smiles, takes a drag of his blunt, and winks at me before turning around, “see you around, madam Remi,” he waves off as he heads to the elevator. When the doors close, I stare at the food on my lap in complete awe. This is the best thing I’ve tasted in my life. Puts my cooking skills to shit..

But snapping back to reality, I realise now I have to complete some assignments, code up some chips, AND oil up my driving skills for the upcoming race. Fuck, I have a long week ahead of me…

To Be Continued….

Chapter Text

**a week later**

The day of the race arrives, as I finish coding about 15 super chips, which weren't easy with the added pracs this week being made by Einstein itself. After freshening up from a long day at uni, I change into my favourite night-out fit and text my friend to tell him I’m on my way.

Me:

Yo Yama!! I'm omw man, you finna be there??

Yamao👹:

Wassup Dae😌 yh imma be there, ur race is in about 2 hours so take ur time g

Me:

Bless up🙏🏽

Once I finish packing my backpack with my laptop and some extra cash, I strut down to my car and bolt to the venue, blasting my music as I drift along the streets of the Grand Line. Punk Hazard Ltd. The sign blinks in a colourful purple and white in the clear night, as I pass my car under it and slow down to weave through the busy crowd. As per usual, lots of car enthusiasts, music blasting, this time a lot more drug dealings since it’s not registered under WG protection. When I park my car near one of the factories, I step out, gas mask on, and walk around to see the track I’m working with. While getting myself a spiral potato stick, someone snatches me to the side of one of the food stalls.

“What the-“

The person places their hand over my mouth and leans closer to my ear; my body tenses up, ready for any sudden attacks.

“Keep quiet if you know what's best for you, wouldn't want you freaking out around Oden's successor,” the person whispers against my ear, a playful tone laced within their words.

I spin around, and all the fear and suspicion I had earlier melted away as I see my homeboy, Yamato.

“Bro, what the fuck man, you scared me, “ my lips perk up into a smile and dap him up, “long time no see dude, how you been?”

The taller male finishes my dap up and pulls me into a hug, “oh y’know, dad being a dick, looking up to my GOAT racer Oden, and bein’ reckless as usual, “ he shrugs it off, “it’s been too long Dae. You ready for the race?”

“Uh, is the sky black tonight?” I joke, “Of course I’m ready, maybe a lil rusty but you know I gotta keep my streak up.”

We start walking around the venue as cars race and people chatter.

“Do you know the lineup I’m against?”

“Not much. word around is that we got some adventurous rookies and a few veterans tonight, so this ain't gonna be a walk in the park, “ Yamato breathes out as we stop to get him some onigiri.

“Eh. Rookie? Veteran? I’ll whoop their asses in no time. I even got new upgrades for my whip, “ I point back to my car as we walk, “I don’t think I’m gonna lose this one.”

“Whatever you say, short-stack, ” he ruffles my braids and pushes my head down as he chows down on his food. I follow up by flipping him off, only for both of us to laugh it off. Night races are like my home away from home, where I feel the most free. Just racing and enjoying the reckless, exhilarating, awesome night in contrast to my messy, long, and excruciating days. Remi doesn’t reside here. Daemon does. And right now, she’s having the time of her life before the peak of the night arrives; walking around with her homeboy, eating random junk food, and catching up on life. 

Yamato’s someone I met while I was a rookie in the racing world. We raced one time, and he absolutely smoked me, so I challenged him to multiple mini-races to up my skills, and as time went by, we started warming up to each other. Though we went a little personal, we never spoke of our daytime aliases, just for the sake of safety. You know how sketchy name-revealing can be in the underworld.

As the time for my race to start grew closer, I started noticing more cars rolling up. I’m guessing they’re my opponents. I examine each car rolling up when two in particular widened my pupils: a yellow Camaro and a white Nissan LFA. I vigorously shake Yamato as I see the cars roll up.

“Dude dude dude!! Do NOT tell me I’m racing THEM?!”

Yamato is a bit annoyed at my actions, but looks at the cars I’m referencing, “Yeah, they are. Why? You wanna chicken out?” He gave a knowing laugh, nudging my side with his elbow.

“Nah, bro, I’ve seen them before. Particularly the LFA driver, ” I reply back, “back at Thriller, I think he tried to approach me, and when I dealt with him about a week ago, he tried to, “ I fake hurl, “flirt with me.”

“Oh hell nah~” Yamato contorts his face in disgust, “you bet your ass he’s gonna mess with you this race when he finds out you’re racing too. My advice, ” he places a hand on my head, “open that gap. No. Matter. What.”

I nod as I look back at the two cars rolling away with the rest of the fleet.

The time of the race starts, and we all line up across the line as the crowd clears the street. And by some weird antics made by the universe, I end up next to the LFA driver and on my left, a hot pink Mercedes AMG, marked with the Donquixote logo on the door. Oh fuck no, is that the Joker?! Why is he here?! Oh, I am SO fucked.. no. No, you’re not. You got this. Whilst recollecting my thoughts, the LFA driver rolls down his window to try, what I assume, to flirt with me.

“Well, if it isn’t the cheeky demon dealer? Never got your name from the other night, cutie. You got a real demon on you tonight, “ he teases, trying to mess with me.

“Shut it, Fire fist, ‘less you wanna eat my dust and exhaust tonight while I easily steal a victory, “ I focus straight, ignoring his fiery gaze on me.

“Oof, did I strike a lil nerve, sweetie? Can’t a guy try buddy up with the badass racer?” He continues. I rub my hand down my face and roll up my window as the flag-girl struts her way to the line.

“Okay, people, rules are simple: make it to the finish line. Anything’s allowed except for armed weaponry. Vehicle weaponry is allowed!” She shouts out as she raises her bandana, “Winner earns themselves 500 000 Bellie!!” I rev up my engine as do the rest of the lineup, waiting excitedly for the drop.

“On your mark!!”

You are gonna win..

“Get set…”

Don’t let you’re opponents scare you. You are Daemon! The most badass racer of the GL. Let's fucking..

“GO!!”

She drops her bandana, and we all pull off. Me, Fire Fist, and a green Dodge Viper getting the faster reaction. The race starts. I gearshift up my car as I get a better pull away, but Fire Fist doesn’t let me go so easily as he catches up. First up is the sharp turn into the Blazing Boulevard. Temps are usually hotter here, so tire management is key. I pull off the turn with ease as I drift it smoothly, following up are Fire Fist, the Viper, the yellow Camaro, and so forth. Two cars couldn’t hit it right, causing them to crash into one of the factory chimneys. Now, when it comes to tire management, I consider myself a pro. I manoeuvre the fiery road with ease, dodging the dragon machinery that was designed to be obstacles. Once I get past them, I look in my rear-view for any opponents catching up, but instead of behind me, I see Fire Fist next to me. Wait, how in the fu-

“They don’t call me Fire Fist for shits and giggles, sweet cakes!!” He yells across as he blasts off into the next sector of the race. I curse him out as I see what he means: his wheels are fire-resistant, meaning they can handle extra-hot temperatures like F1 tyres, and he’s customised his car to focus more on a flammable shell than the internal technology. Now fuelled with rage, I speed up, flying past the obstacles and catch up to him, with the pink AMG following close by, who’s being chased by the Camaro. What happened to the green Viper?? Looked like he could've been trouble for me. No way he could've gotten lost...

Next up is the Snowy Slip-N-Slide, where your drifting skills will make or break your race. Now I can’t lie, it’s no try best suit, but I know I CANNOT fuck this up, not when I’m sandwiched between Mr. Flame boy and a Donquixote. I push away my fears as we speed down the mountain of ice, which was formerly another factory chimney. Lots of sharp curves, knife-like icicles, and a shit ton of snow dunes block our paths, but we manage to manoeuvre through. Well, the pink car in particular had it simple, since they wanted to act like Spiderman and could shoot extra-reinforced strings out of their car to basically skip over all the obstacles. No fair!! They basically jumped half the track. All these power-ups the other cars have garnered push me over the edge and leave me with no choice. Fine, if y’all wanna play extra dirty, let's play extra dirty..

We reach the final stretch of the race, a straight across a lake of poisonous waters from a failed experiment from way back. I’m now somehow behind Fire Fist, the Donquixote, and, by I’m not sure what kind of luck, the yellow Camaro. I take a breath as I flick open my middle compartment to reveal one customised single-use tele-chip I made for myself, etched into the car’s systems, ready to be activated by the scan of my thumb. I wait patiently for the perfect opening where the spacing is just right between me and the leader.

Not yet…

The finish line is within view.

Not yet..

The three cars are now neck-and-neck.

Now.

I scan my finger, and the chip starts digitalising my car into the quantum world and pushes me forward in time that which teleports me to the front of the trio in less than 3 seconds, just far enough to be able to gear up and break open the gap, securing my win. Let’s go!!! However, my win was cut short by some jackass using a massive magnetic force from their vehicle, moving all the cars into the air, and having the win handed over to them.

“Wai,t what?! I was gonna get the win. Who the fuck-“ as I peer down to the ground, I see a red spiked-up pickup truck. “EUSTASS KID YOU FUCKASS BASTARD!!” The redhead just glides across the finish line, cackling away as he drops our cars with no respect as we finish off the race. I get out of the car while he’s celebrating with the ladies and his gang and yank him by his red coat.

“You are so gonna pay for that, you fucker, “I snark up in his face.

“Oh, like you’re any different, what the fuck kinda technology was that? None of that was sold to me?!” He retorted.

“None of ya busine-“ I snap back when I take a glance at his missing left arm. “The fuck happened to your arm?”

He pulls his coat over it and yanks himself out of my hold, “None of your business, twerp. Now fuck off, “ he ends off before getting back to celebrating. With a defeated yet ticked-off sigh, I turn and walk back to my car, while doing so, another figure walks alongside me.

“That was a neat trick you pulled, coulda sworn you had this race in the bag, so what are we sayin'? Wanna hang with me, maybe get some food while we're at it?“The man tries to lighten my gloomy mood. I glance over and see it’s Fire Fist.

“Oh fuck off, dude, I don’t need your pity, “ I walk a bit faster to shake him off.

“Hey, I’m just tryna give you the benefit of the doubt, “ he stops up ahead of me, “good race though, you were more slippery than I anticipated, “ he grins and raises his hand for a sportsmanship handshake. I reluctantly shake it. 

“Okay, so can you leave me alone no-“

“HEYY!! ONI GIRLY!” The man in the yellow Camaro shouts out at me. Great, another stick in the mud. “You were so cool! Especially that teleporting thingy you did! Can you show me how to do it?!” Though I can’t see his face, his eyes alone gleam with curiosity at what I can do.

“If you wanna know, you’ll get your answer when I’ve dealt with you, “ I exhale sharply and walk away.

“What do you mean by ‘dealt with me’? Are you gonna fuck with my crew?! Oi! Get back here, oni girl.” His voice turned from curiosity to anger as he started getting closer to me, and Fire Fist had to hold him back.

“No, you dumbass, I mean I deal out upgrades, “ I continue walking away, “ask flameboy over there.” And with that, I leave them and head to my car. 

I turn on the engine and make my way to a less crowded area of the venue and perch myself on my car roof, Yamato walking up from behind the car.

“Y’know I still fuck with you even if you lost to that bastard, “ he reassures me as he leans against my car, looking out at the crowd of people.

“I know. Just fucking hate him for pulling that stunt, ” I huff out, “I don’t even think that came from his car, I think he cheated. “

“Rather not look into it, for your safety, “ Yamato calms me down, “y’know that bastard does anything to get a win, even if he plays dirtier than his hygiene.”

 I crack a smile at his comment, “Yeah, I guess so. You a real one for being level-headed for once.”

“What’re you talking about? I’m always level-headed, “ he defends himself.

“Yeah, until your idol Kozuki Oden comes up in conversation,” I eye-roll and kick the back of his head lightly. We both laugh it off and sit in silence, watching the lively crowd and driving cars. Yeah, I have more chips to code, but that’s tomorrow’s problem; I’m enjoying the now: no tutoring, no classes, no stressful assignments. Just me, Yamato, the vibrant nightlife, no strings attached. At least, from my side…

To Be Continued…

Chapter Text

**Fire Fist’s POV**

“What does she mean by ‘upgrades’?” Strawhat asks me, calming down out of curiosity. I let him out of my grip to explain that she develops enhanced chips for cars and sells them. Some enhance the speed, others somehow enhance the wheels’ traction, and so on so forth.

“Yeah, but with what I’ve heard and what she sold to me the other day, what she pulled off tonight was new, “ I ponder to myself, “never seen that one before.. are you even listening to me?!” I realise the younger is drawn to another interest: the food stalls. “You’re impossible sometimes. “I defeatedly sigh as we head to one of the food stands.

While we were munching on our food, we saw a fight break out between the Donquixote car driver and Pirate Hunter.

“Well, if you weren’t so stuck up, you wouldn’t have placed 5th, dumbass!” The black bandana’d man shouts at the buff blonde punk-cut, clearly not giving two shits about his identity.

“Says the dimwit sword-modded moss head who took a wrong turn when the track was clearer than your view mirrors!” The blonde barks back.

“Motherfucker you skipped most of the track thanks to your boss's mods. My boss had this race in the bag if it wasn’t for your nepo car mods, Bellamy. “ Pirate Hunter snaps back, “You’re not even worth the mods to your boss, I bet.”

I sigh and look at Strawhat, “You aren’t gonna intervene with your crewmate?”

Strawhat looks at the two bickering and shrugs his shoulders, “I can’t control him. When he becomes like this, it’s usually out of loyalty to me. I appreciate it, but not every instance must I be victorious; there are times when a man mustn't fight or argue to protect his friends.”

“When did you become so poetic?” I bump his shoulder, turning away from the situation.

“Oi, I may not look like it, but I can read people really well— IS THAT A MEAT KEBAB STAND?!” His attention diverts to one of the stands that’s selling skewered meat, he then bolts over, leaving me slightly stunned but not surprised at his antics. I should head back, this was just to get some air..

 BANG!!

 I look around to see a body on the floor. Not just anybody. Wait a second..! No, no NONONONO !!

I sprint over to the pool of blood while the whole place runs amok.

“Thatch!! What’re you doing here?! Nononono, this can’t be happening, somebody call an ambulance!!” I try to aid him in any way possible while the blood waterfalls out of the middle of his chest. He weakly grabs my hand, which is trying to slow down the bleeding in an attempt to calm me down.

“Sorry, Ace.. I wasn’t…careful enough, “ he weakly responds, “Blackbeard…he’s getting more power…I tried to get more information...but he found me out and what kind of mods I carry...” He then moves his hand to grab my tank top to pull me closer. “Take him down, but don’t be reckless about it.. Teach is sly..don’t do it..” Before he could finish his sentence, he passed out from blood loss.

“Thatch…THATCH!! Hey! Stay with me, man!! DON’T DO IT WHAT??” I start shaking at him, trying to wake him. No luck. I carefully yet hastily put him on my back to find an ambulance, but everyone’s too much in a panic to help out.

“Fire Fist!” I hear a voice scream out, I frantically look around to see Strawhat waving at me with a younger boy beside him with a first-aid kit. If I remember correctly, that’s his crew’s medic. I dash over and carefully place him down.

“Thanks, bro. Thank you, uhh..”

“CCL Chopper, ” the younger replies as he checks his pulse and closes up any wide blood flows. “He’s barely hanging on, better take him to the hospital, cap??” He looks up at his captain and, with no further words, he puts Thatch’s body in his car, while I stand up, gaze on the floor, fuelled with revenge and anger. I walk to my car without a word uttered.

“Fire fist?” Both Chopper and Strawhat look at me, confused by my sudden change in demeanour, but I don’t look back at them. 

“I gotta go.” I start my car engine, and my car screeches as I bolt out of the venue.

No one kills one of my crewmates and walks away scot-free..

I take off my balaclava and ring up pops on the change of situation.

Ringing…

Ringing…

“Hello, son? You rarely call me. What’s going-“

“Thatch got smoked by Teach. I’m going to set things right.”

“Slow down, son, you gotta think it through. Blackbeard’s extremely powerful now, scarily close to my level of strength. You cannot rush in headfirst.”

“But what about your name, your family?”
“I care for my family; you are a part of it, too. That’s why I’m telling you to slow down and think. Rushing Teach is asking for a death sentence. You need to be prepared.”
“How though?? Am I not hella strong enough now?”

“Allies.”

“What?”

“You need allies. Back-up. Someone you trust with your life. Not just your brothers. Someone technically advanced to help you and your mission.”

I stay silent for a while. Pops has always been one to look out for his family, even at his senile age. He has managed to garner the trust of many districts, so much so that they use his name as protection. I guess I have no choice but to go with it.

“Fine. I won’t rush Teach”

“That’s my boy. I will arrange for Thatch’s medical aid so long. Be careful.”

“Will do Pops, bye.”

I hang up the phone as I cruise through the empty streets. Someone technically advanced?? The only people I know that are tech geeks are Usopp, Luffy’s crewmate and… a light bulb lights up. I grin as I take out my burner phone and text the person in mind.

Me:

I need 5 simple chips. 

Fishman docks 

Sunday. 01:00

Number:

Hungry for more I see.

You Whitebeard lackeys sure do love me

Me:

Nope

this one’s just for me sweets 😏

Number:

🫥... can I smash your face in after you get the stuff

Me:

Is it a deal or what??

Number:

Fine

The aftershock of the event has now reshaped itself into something more...heated, something that burns hotter than the flames of pain. I put my phone away and head to Whitebeard’s building. I need to break the news and what my plan is, going forward. Meanwhile, on the other side of the GL…

**Remi’s POV**

“Things have been getting messier with some criminal crews rising to power, “ I state as I head to the Onigashima district.

“Yeah, haven’t gotten much news about it though, since my dad’s hellbent on me staying in Onigashima, ”Yamato rolls his eyes and leans his head on his perked up elbow on the car window. “You'd better stay safe, Dae, this isn’t fun and games anymore.”
“Pfft, when have I ever not stayed safe, Yamato? “ I confidently scoff, “The streets know not to mess with the number one chip dealer of the GL.”

Just as I’m turning the corner to the back-ends of Onigashima, my burner phone gets a buzz. “Yo, can u get that for me?”
Yamato picks up the phone as I park in an alleyway, just a little downtime before he has to sneak back into his neighbourhood.

“Some rando is doing a chip order.”
I groan out and hit my head on the wheel, “Not another one~”

“It says simple ones by Sunday, “ he reads the text out. I raise my head in slight relief as I gesture for the device.

“Not too bad. Lemme reply real quick”

After I put my phone back in the compartment, I unlock the doors for Yamato to head back.

“Make sure you don’t get BTA’d by your dad, “I joke as he stands in front of the car.

“Bro, I ain't scared of my dad, plus I won’t get caught….again, “ he replies as he waves me off. 

Now on my way back home, I realise I still have a test that counts toward my semester mark tomorrow. Why does the universe actually hate me this bad?! I heavily sigh as I turn up my music and whiz back.

When my residence is within view, I slow down and turn the next robot. But while doing that, I see a blonde scarred man walking with a brunette. Is that Sabo?! Fuck! I duck my head so he can’t recognise my face in the street lit night, but I think I was too late as he registered my face and the car and headed to stop the car, the brunette woman was confused at the situation.

“WAIT! Wait wait! Remi, is that you?!” He shouts out and jogs for my car.

“Umm, who’s this Remi? Never heard of them, “ I change my voice and scramble for my mask, but before I could, I accidentally swerve the car and almost crash into a tree. Luckily, I broke fast enough but not fast enough to find my mask as Sabo’s standing next to my window, bowing down to my level. 

“Are you sure? Cuz I recognise that hairstyle and face anywhere, “ he smirks, looking at the back of my head, since the front is showing a look of messily being caught. I give up the facade and turn to him.

“Okay, so it is me, what do you want? A sticker?” The look of defeat could not be more evident on my face, “Why’d you chase after me though? Isn’t that a bit excessive in front of your girl?” I gesture to the brunette standing behind him who’s now slightly blushing. He looks back at her with a soft smile and turns back to me.

“I guess so. That’s Koala, we’re now dating, “ he points back at her, “but I didn’t stop you to just introduce my girlfriend.” He leans both arms on the car door. “I stopped you to hear your reason on why you’re driving an infamous dealer’s car.” He raises an eyebrow. What?…WHAT?!  I snort out a small laugh.

“There are many people on these streets with this car model, what makes you think I drive Daemon’s car?”

“I never mentioned the dealer’s name, “ 

“…” you IDIOT!! I mentally facepalm.

“Please don’t mention this to Ace or Luffy or anyone else you know, “ I bring my hands together as I plead to him, “for your safety and mine.”

“Never planned on doing so, don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with us, “ he brings Koala into his hold by the waist.

“Thank you, Sabo, “ I let out an unknown breath I didn’t know I was holding, but then I realise something, “Wait, how do you know of Daemon?? That’s an underground thing…” my eyes widen, “DON'T TELL ME YOU’RE WORKING FOR WG?!”

He raises his hands in defence, “oh no no no. I would rather hang myself than work for the government. “ he chuckles and admits, “Since we’re finding out more of each other, may I?” He turns to Koala to confirm if he can disclose what he’s about to say. She looks at me, then at him, and nods. he smiles and brings her closer, “We’re part of the RA. I’m Flame Emperor.”

My mouth drops at the confession. Shock is an understatement. “YOU’RE PART OF THE RA?! AND YOU’RE THE FLAME EMPEROR?!”

“Shhhhh, not so loud, ” he tries to hush my shock to which I oblige. 

“Sorry, sorry.. but what?! That’s crazy! Do Ace and Luffy know?” I become more curious.

“That’s all I can give on the free trial, unfortunately, “ he straightens up and steps back from the car. “But now that we know of each other’s alternate life, it stays between us, right?” He winks and puts a finger to his mouth. I nod and start the car again, slowly entering my residence while the couple kindly salutes me as they continue their night walk.

What another crazy night..I feel like Sabo has ulterior motives though…we can’t possibly just admit stuff like that and not want something from one another..

To Be Continued…

Chapter Text

*The next day*

The quiet buzz of the fan in the store keeps me in my day thoughts as my quiet shift passes through the calm afternoon. Is still don’t feel at ease with someone I know being aware of my identity. Sabo of all people too. Why did he have to coincidentally be in the same vicinity as me? Hopefully I don’t see them aga-

The bells on the door cling as three people walk in, Brook greeting them cheerfully as always. I still don’t pay too much mind to them.

“Why hello Mr Luffy!! Quite odd seeing you here. I see you brought some friends.” He gleefully exclaims.

“Oh yeah you haven’t met them! These are my brothers! This is Sabo” he gestures to the scarred blonde.

“Nice to meet you Brook, my brother tells me you’re quite the musician” he bows to the older.

“Oh stop, ‘twas but a wonderful time, now I’m just your average music salesman, yohoho.” He smiles at Saab’s compliment.

“And this rough-nut is-“

“Ace?”

The four of them turn to me, now that I’m out of my daze, realising that the people I didn’t want to see today are right by the door.

“Oh, hey Remi” he waves while the other hand rests in his pocket, “Didn’t know we would catch you on your shift. Lucky us.” He ends off with a cheeky tone.

I walk out from the pay desk towards the group to join their conversation.

“Miss Remi, you know of these three?” Brook turns to me.

“Yeah, I’m tutoring one of them and we happened to do similar modules at Sabaody uni. What brings you guys here actually?” I turn to the trio and question.

“Wanted to check on my sexy tutor is a-, “Ace attempts to flirt but Luffy jumps in front of him.

“I wanted to talk to Brook about something and wanted to check out his new store! I didn’t know you worked here too, that’s awesome” he projects, Ace rolling his eyes behind him.

“I told you that I worked here, Luf. At least, I told one of you three… I think? But yeah, you can talk to Brook, it’s an empty day today so we don’t expect customers”

“Bold of you to speak for me, Miss Remi, but I shall let it slide for now, “Brook retorts jokingly as him and Luffy head to the back.

“Feel free to look around, just don’t steal anything. We’ve already had enough criminal activities around here past few weeks” I suggest to the older brothers as I head back to the counter to relax and read some manga. They shrug and start wandering around, looking at various things from instruments, vinyl to music books. Not quite the encounter I was anticipating but it beats being chased around by cops and gangs.

After a few minutes, Ace brings to the counter a bright blood orange electric guitar and places it on the desk, looking at me with a smug yet playful look.

“Can a fine shyte like me acquire this guitar to impress the hoes?” He jokes.

“Oh, so you play guitar?? What can you play, Merry had a little lamb?” I jab back with a grin, glancing at the guitar, “You picked a good one though, this one’s been made with some Adam’s wood, rarest material in the GL.” I inspect the guitar, placing my bookmark in my manga and putting it aside.

“Guess I have a good eye for beauties, “he winks at me.

“Calm down flameboy, you just got lucky. “That line earning him a flat reaction from me, “but are you actually gonna buy this? It’s quite pricey I’m not sure it’s in your price budget as a student”

“Nah, just wanted a reason to talk with you outside of uni stuff, “he casually drops, shrugging his shoulder and putting it back, “how long you been working here?”

“‘Bout a few months. I got lucky with Brook, he’s such a sweetheart when he’s not fawning over women magazines, “I chuckle, falling back into my chair, thinking back to my manager, “one of the few people out here that liked me from the get-go, despite my whole ‘keeping-to-myself’ persona.”

“I know someone else that likes you!” Sabo suggests while looking at the woodwinds, causing Ace’s tanned freckled face to burn a little.

“Would it kill you to not bug in!” Ace shouts back at the blonde, ready to square up. I freeze up a bit, but I snort a little at his defence. Not so confident and flirtatious now I see...

Turning back to my manga, I go back into silence, humming a familiar tune I heard earlier while reading. Ace calms down when he saw me go quiet and leaned over the countertop.

“That’s a nice tune you got going on, who’s it by?”

I sway in my chair, turning the next page, “oh it’s by kwn, she’s such an icon. You should listen to her recent album with all due respect, some bangers in that”

“Okay, kwn. What song in particular?” He leans over closer trying to catch glimpses of the manga while also listening to me.

“Hmmm” I ponder a bit, “try ‘stand on it’ and ‘eyes wide open’, but honestly listen to whatever.”

“Hm, noted. Woahwoa--“he loses his balance while leaning over and faceplants onto the counter, further falling then meeting the floor, legs dangling in the air. I stand up suddenly at him and the papers around flailing everywhere.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” I try to stifle a laugh but crouch down to help him, bringing his legs down to the ground for him to lie down properly. I examine his face for any injuries or any concussions.

“Yeah, I’m okay, nothing serious— “he halts at how close our faces are to each other. We stayed in that position for a few seconds before I back up hastily.

“Good to know, good to know” I quickly remark, standing awkwardly and fixing myself up while he lays there, with a little blush spreading over his face. I then turn to go find a first aid kit.

“Just so you know, I fell intentionally hehe, “he remarks as I retreat to the back. While on my way there, Sabo makes a comment.

“You know he actually finds you cute, why don’t you go for him?”

“Cuz, I don’t want him to find out, “I look around and move closer to whispering proximity, “that I indulge in criminal activity. It’s for his sake not mine.”

“I don’t think that’s the real reason. “He shakes his head, as if he can see through some bullshit that I’m supposedly hiding. “How long are you gonna keep this up though? He finally finds someone that doesn’t hate him from the get-go, someone he could possibly lean on, and you’re keeping your walls so high? You’re only hurting each other,” he continues, looking through the music books, peeking glances at me. I don’t reply. Do I tell him this? Well, he already knows I’m Daemon, plus he seems trustworthy…

“…The last time I let down my walls, they broke me so bad I had to move region and start anew. Forget my past and everything,” I look down after confessing. We stood in silence before I broke it.

“Forget it. I should help him.” Before I disappear into the storage room, he says words I would expect the least from him.

“We’re here if you need emotional comfort; you can rely on us.”

I look back at him and say nothing as I close the door to get the kit.

I get back to Ace, who’s now leaning against the counter, and place the kit next to him.

“Okay, got any scars, scratches, or bleeding?” I examine him. He lifts his finger to circle his face.

“Luckily my good looks saved most of my face, “he smiles, but then is betrayed by a streak of blood leaving his nose. I sigh and shake my head as I retrieve some cotton to stop the bleeding and place some ointment on some faint scars on other parts of his face.

“Are you always this reckless?” I remark, cleaning off any leftover dust.

“I thought I said I purposefully fell; it was all part of the plan, “he confidently retorts.

“Uh-huh, sure,” I finish off and step back, “just be more careful, okay?”

“Okay, for you,” he murmurs that last part. I wanted to ask what he said, but Luffy and Brook exited the backroom after what seemed like forever.

“ACEEE!! Can we stop by a deli~ I’m hungry~” Luffy shouts out as Brook, and now Sabo, follow behind him. The silence Ace and I were in was now broken. He huffs out a sigh and crooks up a smile.

“Little brothers— you gotta love 'em” he comments while getting up, earning a small chuckle out of me. “Why not ask that cook friend of yours, Sanji?” Sanji? He knows that lovesick cook? Small world...

“I texted him and he yelled at me about my gluttony,” he pouts, reaching the entrance of the store. Ace and Sabo just sigh in disappointment. The two older brothers look at each other before looking down at their youngest.

“Well then, I guess we've got no choice, “Sabo huffs out.

“Bye Remi, bye Brook,” the three wave off as they make their leave. My manager and I reciprocate and wave back.

“Be sure to buy something here next time yohoho. But it was good meeting you!” Brook exclaims as they close the door. Wow, what an afternoon. I go back to the register and start calculating today’s earnings as Brook heads to the door to flip the sign to “Closed” and we start closing the store for the day.

The sky now painted a beautiful indigo/blue as Brook and I stand outside the store, ready to part ways.

“Wait, how do you know Luffy? That was so unexpected, especially at your wise age.” I joke.

“Oh, he helped me out of a tough spot. Quite peculiar thinking someone your age helping an old soul like me yohoho” he reminisced, “but he’s a good guy, he won’t judge you for who you really are on the inside. You shouldn’t lose them Miss Remi.” He puts a hand on my shoulder to reassure me. “They seem like good people.”

“Okay no need to go sentimental on me, “I chuckle, brushing his hand off my shoulder, “see you next week Brook! Stay safe and have a good night!” I wave him off.

“Same back to you Miss Remi. Have a wonderful night!”

I smile walking back to res but think back to what Sabo said in the shop.

“We’re here if you need emotional comfort; you can rely on us.”

I know he’s being genuine but it’s not that easy. I’ll find out as time goes by, it’s too early to turn to them.

To Be Continued…

Chapter Text

***Gurgle gurgle…***

Welp that’s a sign, off to the nearest petrol station. I divert off my usual walking route to grab a snack by Tom’s Petrol station, some calm music playing through my earphones, enjoying the serene night; no cars, no dodgy deals, and no one attempting to jump me…as far as I can tell. Upon arrival, I head in to grab some chips and a drink when three large men barge into the shop, causing me to jump behind one of the shelves. And it wasn’t even ordinary men, which makes this scene more worrying.

“Ara~ and here I thought I saw a cutie in here, I might be tweaking.” The tall man with a short fro and dark shades remarks.

“I think you might be on something Kuzan, ‘cuz all I see is a regular *cough cough wheeze* convenient shop at a petrol station,” the one on a horse-shaped moped commented back to him. “Teach, why are we even here? We got plenty of food and petrol back at base.”

“Because I wanted to try out my new toy, and hell, this place barely has people, so I’m doing the government a favour zehahaha,” the chunky bearded one in the centre cackles as he heads to the centre of the store. New toy?? What is he talking about? Nah, fuck that, I need to dip..

I evaluate the situation and start carefully crawling around the shelves so that I can somehow pay and leave before things turn south. I’m not about to get into an altercation with the Blackbeard Ko of all people. I take a peek and see Teach, who I can assume is their leader, bring out a round silver ball with a fingerprint identifier on the top.

“What the fuck? Oh hell nah,” I mutter to myself, ducking back down and stealthily jumping to the cashier's side. I toss the money over and duck back to another shelf due to how loud the coins decided to be. The other two men, Kuzan and uh…Mr sick glanced in the direction of the sound, causing my heart to race. I stayed silent for a little longer, hoping that they would disregard the sound and look back at their leader, but oh, hell was I wrong. The sick guy started slowly approaching the area, which isn’t good since I’m also there. Fuck fuck fuck, go away go away go away!

“Q! what’re you lookin’ at?! We gotta test this shit out!” Teach yells at his subordinate.

“My bad Teach *cough cough* just heard a weird noise. Thought someone was there,” the man, Q, apologised as he headed back to his original spot.

“Never thought I’d thank a Ko for saving my life, let alone HIM of all people,” I whisper to myself as I make my way out the back and make a run for it. Not even 20 seconds later, I hear a massive rumble and when looking back, I swear it looked like a demolition boulder smashed through the building, because there was no remnant of the station whatsoever. Just crackly sky blue bolts that surround what used to be the station.

“THAT’S his new toy?! Where?! How?! “Without questioning further, I continued my sprint back to res.

By the time I reached res, my mind still couldn’t decide if that explosion was real or just a sleep-deprived hallucination. Once I arrive I catch my breath, standing by the automatic doors, slowing down my heart to actually recall what the fuck the past 5 minutes were. Hearing loud mumbling, I lift my head to find two people arguing by reception, head butting and everything. I just sigh and waltz in to head to my room, passing by the two when one of them took their eyes off the latter and stopped me.

“Remi?”

I was about to yank my arm away when I spotted curly eyebrows and blonde hair; it was Sanji.

“Sanji?” I slow down and turn to him. “What’re you doing here? And who is this?” I point to the one-eyed, mint-haired man.

“Don’t worry about this mosshead. Why are you out of breath? Something happen?” he turns to me, holding my shoulders to calm my breathing.

“Oi cook! We’re not done here!” the green-haired yelled at Sanji, but he ignored him.

“No, it’s fine, I just came back from my shift and wanted to be back in one piece. I don’t wanna interrupt…whatever’s going on between you two.” I back up, waving away the question. “Oh yeah, before I go, how do you know Luffy?” From what I can recall from earlier, Ace mentioned asking Sanji to cook something up for him.

“Luffy? You know our capta-“before the green one could continue, Sanji kicked his groin to shut him up.

“What he meant to ask was our friend. Yeah, we’ve been friends for like two years now. Small world, haha, “he tries to play it off. He’s not slick, and the other one? Yeah, that’s a dumbass…

My body started to feel the weight of exhaustion wash over me, so I had to leave the two to their thing, but once again, Sanji is persistent.

“Don’t tell me that’s your dinner, mademoiselle?” he points down at my chips.

“Yeah, so? Just something to keep my stomach occupied while I work,”

“Working again on an empty stomach?” Sanji lets out a whiff of smoke from his blunt, “Now you’re starting to act like this meathead, and we can have two mossheads. You’re eating with us whether you like it or not. “He grins as he takes my hand and the mint-head by the collar up to his room.

What the? I never—you know what, free food’s free food…

On our way up, I decided to address the mint man who’s been surprisingly quiet this whole trip.

“So…what’s your name?”

“…Zoro. ”He states, only glancing my direction, “so you know this lovesick cook?”

“Only talked to him once, we met on the roof, and he cooked me something just for just. Is he usually like this?”
“Only around ladies or starving people. Otherwise, he’s just like any other guy, only blinded by love.” He rolled his eye.

“I see.”

We finally arrive at Sanji’s room, and when we enter, a wave of mouthwatering aromas hits our nostrils, and a properly cared-for, average Loverboy room is in our view.

“Okay, you two sit on the bed, I’ll be done in about 30 minutes. “He gestures us to the bed, giving Zoro a bit more aggressive force. Once we plop on the bed, Sanji turns on some jazz and gets away with cooking.

To say the silence was painful would be an understatement. You couldn’t even cut the tension with the sharpest sword known to man.

“Are you usually this timid or…?” I try to break the silence.

“Don’t have much to talk about.”  He huffs out, leaning back against the bed.

“I see…oh yeah, what did you mean by Luffy being your captain?” I question, his eyes remaining closed.

“Oh, that, he’s my leader. We made promises to each other, so long as I help him achieve his dream.”

“What do you mean by ‘leader’? Is he part of some kind of gang or something?” Before I could squeeze out any more information from him, all I heard were snores.

“This nigga fell asleep mid-conversation?” I stare into the fourth wall, then at Sanji, “Is he always like this?”

“The not talking part, yes, cuz he’s shy but won’t admit it.” He huffs out, taking a drag of his roll,” the falling asleep part, I think it’s cuz the bastard’s booze kicked in.” He rolls his eyes at his friend and goes back to cooking.

“What about the ‘captain’ thing? Is that true?”

He remains silent for a bit before turning back to me with a gentle smile on his face. “We think highly of Luffy, but captain’s a stretch.  Don’t worry your pretty brain too much about it, just sit back and enjoy the ambience.”

Copying Zoro’s position, I lay on the bed, enjoying the flavourous aromas in the air and warm feel, taking out my laptop to work on not only the super chips that are due next Saturday, but that flirty fucker Fire Fist’s too. When can I ever catch a break…

“Okay, dinners served! Enjoy the wonders of some beef bourguignon~” he brings out our bowls as I sit up and shake Zoro awake. “M’lady,” he bows down, handing me my dish and kicks the latter to take his. I take my bowl, thank him, and place my laptop on the side, which Sanji takes a glance at.

“So, you’re a coder? You, Frank,y and Usopp would get along with each other quite well.”

My ears perk up, closing my laptop in the process. Can’t let them stare too long… “You know Franky?? As in the buff sunglasses guy who screams ‘super’ at every opportunity he gets?”

“Yeah, wow what a small world,” Sanji leans back in awe. Crazy, Franky never mentioned knowing Sanji or Zoro. Mental note to ask him sometime.

The rest of my time there was quite homey feeling; I’d talk to Sanji about a few things like what exactly I studied or different kinds of cuisines, on the occasional I’d talk to Zoro about stuff like ninjas or some of his interests, then of course the, what I can assume, regular bickering between the two like they’re an old couple. The only other time I’ve felt this content with strangers was back home.

Handing my plate to Sanji, I start packing my stuff and head to the door.

“I promise I’ll cook for myself, so you don’t have to.” I joke, lifting my hand up for a fist bump.

“Well, either way, you’re welcome to my room anytime, not only for my amazing meals, “he winks at me, reciprocating my bump. My lips curve up and roll my eyes as I bid Zoro goodbye, even though he’s dead asleep on the bed. Well, l at least now I have a res buddy, but the Luffy thing isn’t sitting right with me. Might need to bring it up to him…

Ace🔥:

Yo you free tn? I wanna show you smth😉

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Plopping down on my bed, I let out the heaviest sigh known to man while staring at the ceiling.

“Finally, I can rest. After this mindfuck of a day, a girl can get some sweet shuteye.”

Bzzt

Bzzt

Bzzt

My phone starts buzzing more as I try to drift to sleep. Can it wait till tomorrow?? Tossing and turning in my bed, I try my best to ignore it, but I give in.

“Okay, who the fuck is buzz-- oh fuck“my eyes widen at the surplus of texts I received from a singular contact

Ace🔥:

Yoooo Remi??

Ace🔥:

Miss tutorrrrr

Ace🔥:

Heyyy

Ace🔥:

Helllooooo

Ace🔥:

Answer por favorrrrrr

Ace🔥:

I know where u live ~~😏

Ace🔥:

Well Sabo does but I’ll get that info somehow someway

Ace🔥:

R u asleep?? If so its fine don’t stress it ill show u another time🥲

Talk about persistence…

Me:

 sorry my phone was on DND and I was about to fall asleep😭

 whatchu wanna show me???

The silence in the room was playing with my heartstrings. No reply. For a solid 10 minutes. I almost gave up when my phone buzzed again

Ace🔥:

Oh mb, fell asleep😅 but its only if you’re social battery’s fine

Don’t want you being depleted while showing you this, chama~

Thing is, though, it’s already been a long day; the trio rocking up to my workplace, Teach illegally demolishing my favourite petrol station, and forced dinner with Zoro and Sanji. This could be another chance to hang out with Ace outside of uni again, could be a chance to figure out if what I heard the other day was correct…

Me:

I don’t mind, even if its just for 5 min

Ace🔥:

You sure??

You can pull out if you want, I’m not gonna cry like a baby over it

Me:

Just spill it flameboy🙄

Ace🔥:

*sends an address*

See you in 20😙

Shutting off my phone, I sit up and stare blankly into the void. This is NOT a date. He doesn’t like you like that. Stop thinking like that. He just wants to show you something. HE DOES NOT LIKE YOU LIKE THAT. After mentally preparing myself, I grab a hoodie and my keys and walk down to my car. The quiet halls of my res letting my thoughts scream out is not very encouraging or helpful, they are saying “TURN BACK!” “TELL HIM YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND” “WHAT'S GOTTEN INTO YOU?!”

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS ALL FOR SOME GUY YOU BARELY KNOW?!

The last one shook me up a bit. I’m not wrong, though. I barely know this guy. We’ve had at most 3 interactions with each other. Feels a bit too suspicious to go somewhere I’ve never been. I knock my head against my wheel to shut up my mind as I turn on the ignition and head to the place.

Upon arrival, I park my car a block down and make my way to the specified location: Skypiea National Park. ‘Closed’. After viewing the sign and the locked-up gates, I look around to find not a single person on the premises.

This guy must be fucking with me. He must be because there’s no way you call me out here just to ghost-

“BA!!” I screech and jolt back, landing on my ass as he jumps down from the fence in front of me. “Didn’t think you’d show up, glad you did though,” He teased, crouching down to my level with a childish grin.

“I take time out of my night to hang out with you, and you start it off by scaring me? Almost frightened the melanin out of me, jackass!” I huff out, crossing my arms and diverting my view from him. All he did in response was laugh and stand back up. So he’s cheekier than I thought. Not that I thought he was in any sense mature. He reached out his hand, which I eventually grabbed, and helped me up,

“It would’ve been boring if you just saw me nonchalantly waiting by the fence, don’t you think, Gracinha?”

“Gracinha? What are you, Spanish?”

“Nah, Portuguese. It means ‘cutie’, which I believe matches the description” raising his eyebrows, he finds an opening through the fence and slides through. Once through, he gestures for me to crawl through, but I’m a bit sceptical, not moving from my spot.

“So you wanna break and enter? Do you want to go to jail?”

“C’mon, it’ll be worth it, I promise, “he ushers his hand to me, “you’ll be safe with me, I swear.”

After some thought, I give in and crouch through the opening. He pulls me up, and we start walking around the area. It’s designed in such an interesting way: the majority of the park has something called gralouds, which is grass with the fluffiness and colour of clouds. This surrounds the whole area, sprouting out various forms of life from viny trees to beautiful pink & white wild roses. This landscape stretches all over the park except one spot, the far east, where it has the most luscious greens you could find in the GL: Upper Yard.

I wonder why Ace brought me here at night when it’s available during the day.

Wandering around in silence, not sure whether it’s awkward or comfortable, I break the silence.

“So…what made you bring us here at night when the park’s available during the day?”
“Patience, gracinha, there’s a perfect explanation, but for now, “ he picks up one of the roses and places it between my braids, “enjoy the peaceful night walk. Oh, look at that!“ he points across us into the lake to some sparkly, jittery electric balls in the river. He runs up to it, leaving me behind.

“Hey Ace, wait up!”

He slows down and crouches down to view them. “They’re Enelites!”

“Enelites?”

“Yeah, little critters who come out at night to have fun and ‘act like God’ in the river. I thought they were a myth!” his eyes glisten with pure joy, like a child opening his best Christmas gift ever. It put a faint smile on my face.

“So this is what you dragged me out here for?” nudging him so he loses balance. He regains it, a small chuckle escaping his lips.

“This was just a little…bonus if you could say,” grunting back up, he continues to stroll off, me following suit. “What I want to show you will blow your mind so good, nothing could top the feeling.”

Reaching the Upper Yard, we start scaling up the huge vine stalk in the centre. Ace pulls me up to a sturdy spot.

“Okay, now close your eyes,” he places his hands over my eyes before I could even protest. We start turning around, and when we halt, he whispers against my ear, “You ready to have your mind blown?”

Mind blown?? That’s an overstatement, don’t you thi…

With my eyes peering open, they’re bestowed upon the most ethereal view of the GL, the city lights glistening in the clear night sky, various major spots sticking out like lilies in a lake, and to top it off: the beautiful full moon looking over the whole city like it’s a guardian of the night. My mouth couldn’t close, and my eyes shone out like the LEDs on a car. Clearly, Ace was having the time of his life because he leaned back on the stalk, being satisfied with his surprise.

“Told you it’d be mind-blowing.” Moving over to sit on the branch, legs swaying underneath him. Snapping out of my state, I too move down to sit on the branch. The calmness of the night engulfing the atmosphere between us.

“This is where I go to breathe, “he confesses, tone shifting from cockiness to something more genuine, “when the world is batshit crazy and life feels like a fuckery, this is the place that allows me to breathe. To let my mind slow down while the world moves faster. My idea of freedom.”

I remain silent, hearing him rant. This feels…enough. But why would he rant to me? He has his brothers, no? We’re merely acquaintances.

“I hear you on the batshit world. “Heaving out a heavy sigh, I continue to enjoy the view. “I just don’t get why you brought me out here. We barely know each other.”

Ace glances at me, then back at the city.

“I guess it was a gut feeling? I’m not sure, something in me spoke of bringing you here. Plus, this is a way to get to know each other better, huh, sweetie? There’s that playboy energy again..

“Okay, way to ruin the vibe,” I scoff out, but not out of irritation, more out of playfulness. “ ’Kay, so whatchu wanna know about me? I’ll tell ya, but we gotta do dares for the questions we’d rather avoid. Deal?” I turn to him with my pinkie out. He turns back and leans back on the stalk with a cocky grin on his face.

“Okay, chica, you’re on. “ he reaches out his pinky and seals the deal. “I’ll start.”

…

*crackle crackle* *crackle crackle*

Before he could get his question out, four little Enelites were hanging above us on a nearby branch. We both look up, then at each other, before we start scrambling down the stalk before they could electrocute us. Well, there goes our fun, peaceful game. While making our way down, we’re laughing up a storm as though we’re teenagers again. It’s as though he’s bringing out a teenage-hood I could’ve experienced, and I don’t want it to end. The universe had other plans though…

To Be Continued…