28:: Secret's Revealed and One Man's Suspicion

I took out the lemon in this. Actually I never wrote it. I can’t write lemon, only violence and gore. If you’re a pervert then go ahead and head the . . . “alternate” version of this chapter on fanfiction.net. That’s the only place I’m posting it

One more thing, I will be re-writing this after I finish it, tweaking up some details and what-not. Please be completely honest with me. Also, if you have any questions about this book, small details you’d like to know then ask now. I will be answering all of them at the very end.

Lastly, I have the next chapter written up for this (one of the chapters I wrote months ago, just because I needed it out of my head). Comments, votes, and fans, please :)

You know, that never really works . . .

Whoa I’m on a roll with these! Is that . . . two chapters in two days?!

 

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He rolled off of me, exhausted as I was after what we did. My hands shook slightly as I ran them through my hair, attempting to get the wet strands off my sticky forehead.

I have nothing to say.

“I admit it, I’ve been fantasizing about that for a couple years now, but whoa,” he gasped as his heart rate slowed down. My own pounded in my chest, slowing down a few beats at a time.

I sighed, too tired to really talk. I jumped slightly when his bare arms wrapped around my moist waist and pulled me into him. He buried his head into the crook of my neck.

My eyelids were heavy and I was just too damn comfortable. The room was dark, only lit by the lamps outside the hotel window in the street. The fog clung to that window, blurring the light and making it even dimmer than it already was. The room was warm and comfortable with soft sheets and cozy blankets. I was going to fall asleep an second now.

“I know what happened,” he whispered into my ear.

I my eyes flew open, sleep out the foggy window. “Wha-?”

“Seven years ago. What happened those months you disappeared. Where and how you got this,” he traced the scars on my back, making me shiver despite the warmth.

The air left my longs in a might whoosh as the blood rushed from my face. My calm hands started shaking again as I clutched the sheets to stop them.

“What do you know?” I whispered.

“As much as I could,” And then he told me. He told me everything that had happened to me. Well, the basics that is.

Throughout the tale my face got paler, maybe blue. I didn’t know. I just know at some point I stopped feeling anything and just listened. His words we’re true. All of it. I didn’t feel my hands clenching so hard that my nails dug into the pad of my hand and made them bleed, or the fact I forgot to breath half the time, making my breathes short with my increasing heart rate. When he was done I sat up and buried my face into my hands. I was ashamed.

He sat up to and rubbed my back and I flinched away from his touch.

“There are a few things I would still like to know,” He said, gently placing his hand on my bare back and massaging up and down my spine. I felt his smooth pace stutter over my juttering spine.

“Like what?”

“Where . . .?” he left that sentence hang in the air. I knew what he meant. I raised my right hand, palm out so he could get a look. His eyes widen, never really noticed it.

Along the inside of my wrist were scars. Pearly white scars that criss-crossed so much over the same spot, jaggedly cut and varying in different levels of pressure; that it looked like a grotesque sun. So many of them made one large, rough scar right on top of my artery. Some ran into my palm, others ran halfway around my wrist.

“You . . .” he took my hand and ran a thumb over the bare skin, “You did this?”

“Well no shit,” I attempted to lighten the heavy mood.

He cracked a smile. Just a little though.

“And your tattoo,” he traced the lines of the tree on my back.

“It says it all, doesn’t it?” I said. His finger lightly circled the apple, and then traced the tree’s dead branches to the owl.

“I know an owl’s wisdom. I don’t really know about the tree and apple.” He guessed.

“I’ll give you time to think about it,” I said, lying back down.

Silence. He didn’t move.

I was still tired, but my brain wouldn’t let me sleep. After a few minutes, Sano leaned back and snuggled against me again, pulling me to him.

“Making sure I don’t get away?” I mumbled sleepily.

“Mh~Hm.” He sighed.

I stayed up a bit, listening to his breathing deepen as he fell asleep. The alarm clock on the bedside table read that it was sometime after one. I sighed and closed my eyes, humming a lullaby softly as I slowly drifted off to sleep.

~~

I was in the shower. It was a nice shower, with tiled walls and floors with a glass door and water that didn’t just have cold and semi-cold. And as a musician, of course I sang in the shower.

Top of my lungs, I was pulling out the end of one long note. Sano had left early to get some breakfast for us. I panicked for a second when I woke up and he was gone, bed cold. But he left a note. SO it wasn’t all bad. So I decided to take a shower to get the muck off of me.

“Ooooh~~!” I sang out. If anyone walked in at that moment they would have thought I was singing some gorgeous song with long notes and shit. Well think again.

Final chorus.

“You make me so hot Make me wanna drop It's so ridiculous I can barely stop I can hardly breathe You make me wanna scream You're so fabulous You're so good to me!”

Oh yeah. I am singing that song. After sex.

“You make me so hot Make me wanna drop It's so ridiculous I can barely stop I can hardly breathe You make me wanna scream You're so fabulous You're so good to me baby, baby You're so good to me baby, baby”

I was in the zone!

“You’re so good~!”

I finished the song and shut off the water. The first thing that reached my ears besides the dripping water was clapping.

“Whoo! Encore! Encore!” Sano cheered outside the bathroom door.

“Douche bag!” I laughed, trying to be angry but failing.

“Beautiful!” he laughed.

“You’re just jelly!” I wrapped a towel in my hair and grabbed another one for my body.

“Very,” he snickered.

I quietly unlocked the bathroom door, paused, and then slammed it open. The door hit Sano, who was practically pressed against the bathroom door.

“Ow!” He yelped, rubbing his face.

“You had it coming,” I nodded. The aroma of food reached my nose. I bound into the room and practically knocked the trays of food over to get to them. There was a jug of apple and two glasses (like hell I’m sharing), some Dutch pastries, two bagels with a side of cream cheese, a fruit bowl, and a large plate of scrambled eggs.

“Ketchup?” I asked.

He sighed and pulled out some packets from his jacket pocket.

We ate in silence, not really minding it at all. But at the same time there was something weird about it. Something was off with Sano. If someone looked at us they’d see a happy couple, but they have to look closer. The slight twitch of his jaw whenever he spoke to me, the fact he paused longer than usual to respond to something, how he looked at my eyebrows instead of my eyes, and worst is how his touches didn’t linger as long as they used too. He was perfectly fine last night, now what’s wrong with him?

“What’s up?” I turned to him and swallowed the rest of my bagel.

“Nothing’s wrong.” He’s looking at my eyebrows.

“I know I have beautiful hair but look down. My eyes are here,” I waved my hand in front of him and pointed my dark eyes out.

“There’s nothing wrong. I’m just a bit stressed about work,” He sighed.

I knit my eyebrows together, not believing him for an instant. And as stubborn as he was I wasn’t going to get a better answer. I tested my luck anyway.

“Just tell me. There’s something else,” I huffed.

“Nothing! I swear! Just my job okay!” He waved his hands in worry.

“Then look at me,” I growled.

“I am!”

“The eyes,” I pointed, well jabbed, my finger towards my eyes.

His eyes slowly met mine; dark brown seemed to soften like melting chocolate.

“That’s better,” I smiled. There was still something wrong, but I couldn’t get my finger on it.

~~

An officer under Sano informed him that he had a meeting to attend too after breakfast, also ruining our day together. Since we couldn’t be together today, he offered to walk me to the ship where I can get some proper clothes and what-not.

“Shame, I wanted to show you more moves I have up my sleeve,” he sighed as he trekked through the busy cobblestone street. I am starting to like this island. The city was beautiful and the people were friendly enough. I mean if I likes the quite life then this place would be perfect.

His Den Den Mushi rang. He pulled it out of his Marine coat (it was a blue shell with white stripes and had golden earrings. I always thought it was cute how people dressed their Den Den Mushis like them).

“Rear Admiral Hiracuze,” he answered. There was a pause, “I’m on my way.” He hung up.

“Whut? They want you now?” I asked.

“Yup.” His shoulders slumped. “We’re at the docks anyway.”

I pouted, “Aww!”

He rolled his eyes and planted a kiss on my lips, “You’re being clingy.”

“You don’t like?”

“I love,” he grinned and jogged off. “I’ll see you later Delilah.”

The hated mark of “Justice” was imprinted on his back, the watery sunlight peeking through the grey clouds and reflected off the white of it. I turned away and headed for the Going Merry bobbing silently in the waves.

I climbed aboard and was met with silence. They’re probably all out right now.

“Where have you been?” A deep voice asked.

I twitched slightly and looked to the source. Zoro was leaning against the railing on the upper deck.

“Sleepovers honey,” I grinned, “Where’s everyone.”

“Out looking for you. Shopping in Nami and Robin’s case,” He got up and stretched. “You look like crap.”

“Thank you. You’re beautiful too, Zoro,” I said sarcastically. I was clean, yes but my clothes were a wreck.

“There’s something  on your arm,” he came over and tugged the sleeve of my jacket. There was indeed something on my arm.

“Is that-?” He arched an eyebrow.

“Cream cheese,” I yanked my arm away. “Will you excuse me, I’d like to change.”

“They’ll be back at lunch. Nami wants to talk to you,” he said as I turned and disappeared into the girl’s room.

He didn’t believe me. Actually, I think it really is cream cheese. Or not once I got a better look at it.

I stripped and changed into a strapless black top with my white zip up, black and white finger-less gloves that went up to my elbows, an arm band with my Jolly Roger on it, ripped dark blue skinny jeans with a silver studded belt and a white belt holding Chouwa no Warai and black dance Nike’s (ooh changing it up a bit). I didn’t really feel like wearing my hat. I ran a hand through my hair and deemed myself awesome.

There was a commotion on deck. Shouts and thunks followed by pounding footsteps as someone stomped down the stairs. I hurriedly tied the purple fabric around my hips and through a belt loop, wanting to jump out of the porthole. I knew fully well who it was.

“Rhythm!” Nami slammed the door open, “We were worried sick! Where the hell were you?!”

“Vegas,” I said bluntly. Too late (AN: oh God that used to be my number one “where are you?” answers!).

“Like hell,” she snapped, “For making us worry you’ll have to pay up. 5,000 Beli.” She held out her manicured hand.

“Are you fucking with me? Because it’s not a funny fuck,” I pulled my head through my goggles and placed them around my neck.

“I’m not. Argue and its 10,000. Or,” her chocolate eyes drifted to the ruby crescent moon earing, “You can give methat.”

“Hell no! And why so much?” I crossed my arms, really starting to debate if I could fit through the small port hole.

“For each crew member you worried. 10,000.”

“There’s only seven others.”

“Yeah 1,000 for them and 3,000 for me.” She waved her hand, as though expecting the money.

“Broke, babe. Sorry.” Lie.

“Wanna make it 50,000 Beli?” she challenged.

“No.” I slumped my shoulders and dropped my head.

“Then pay.”

“But-“

“PAY!” Okay, she was getting scary now.

I paid up, leaving me with barely any money for a meal.

“Fudge,” I looked into my near empty wallet. I actually earned that money through hard work, and she just swiped it from me.

I glared over at her as I sat down for lunch. Zoro took a seat next to me and Usopp sat on my other side.

“Did she get you too?” Zoro asked.

“Broke. Not in debt, though,” I grumbled, stabbing the red fish with risotto and a wine/cheese combination sauce with my fork.

He snorted, “She’s going easy on you.”

“Because I’m woMAN!”  I over-exaggerated the last syllable.

He just laughed at that. Then he was serious again. Damn what’s with all the seriousness lately?

 “I still want to know where you went last night. Luffy came back late and said you’ll come a bit later. Sanji stayed up waiting for you. When you didn’t show he was pretty depressed,” he had lowered his voice so only I could hear.

“Sano’s in town. We met up in a tavern downtown and had a few drinks. I stayed at his place because it was closer and was really late,” I hissed under my breath.

“Had a couple drinks and went to his place?” he growled. Luffy was trying to eat everything, causing a ruckus between him, Usopp, Chopper and Sanji. Nami and Robin were absorbed in a conversation, but I had a feeling Robin had an ear somewhere nearby.

I felt my face pinken slightly, “So? We did it. Have a problem?”

He looked taken aback at my words.

“We did it twice,” I smirked, “and he let me top at one point.”

He looked away and stabbed his own food.

“Oi shitty marimo! You better not be wasting food!” Sanji yelled.

“Of course Sir Dumbass,” he took a bite and chewed loudly. I noted he was holding his chopsticks tighter than he should.

“Rhythm we’re still going shopping, right?” Nami asked.

I sighed, “Sure. I’m not buying anything though.”

“Fine with me,” she shrugged and looked away. Oh that scheming bitch . . .

“Rhythm-san we saw a store you might like,” Robin said.

“Oh really?” The three of us were soon absorbed in a conversation of the different stores we’ll hit and what we’ll get.

A few times my eyes drifted to Zoro, who was stubbornly looking anywhere but me.

~~

After lunch we all set out again. Sanji went to go flirt while Zoro decided to find a blacksmith and Usopp, Chopper and Luffy went off to the Swat Meet they found earlier.

Out shopping with Nami and Robin wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. We hit some girly stores, yes, but we also found the perfect store for me (AN: the One Piece Hot Topic). It was fun browsing there but I couldn’t get anything. Nami was trying on clothes there, which were goth punk rock style. She surprisingly managed to pull it off. Finally I crumbled. I had Nami buy me one of the most awesome jeans I’ve ever seen in my life. Black and white vertical stripes.

When we got back the sun was setting. Or we guessed it did.  Throughout the day it got cloudier and drearier. Nami stated that a storm was coming. A big one at that.

“It won’t hit us until tonight but we should still move the ship so we won’t get the full force of it,” she explained. “Zoro get the anchor so we can move it before it gets dark! Sanji, Usopp, tie everything down on the deck! Luffy, Rhythm release the main sail! Chopper get the helm!”

“What’s wrong with you?” Zoro asked me, noticing me with a dark cloud and slumped in depression.

“She tricked me. She made me buy a cool pair of jeans. Now I’m in debt!” I groaned.

“How much?”

“8,000 Beli jeans  with 300% interest. You do the math I’m bad with numbers.”

He paused for a second, then, “2,400,000?”

“Yes . . .”

“Not as bad as mine,” he shrugged and started hoisting up the anchor.

~~

The Going Merry was docked halfway around the island. It was a remote part with a rocky outcrop to shield us from the worst. The wind was starting to pick up, enough to throw Chopper overboard.

“Oi Zoro where are you going?” Usopp called, noticing Zoro jumping over board onto the land.

“A walk.”

“You’re going to get lost baka!” Sanji yelled.

“I won’t. If I do I’ll camp out somewhere,” he yelled over the stregthining wind.

“Oi I’ll come with you!” I jumped overboard.

“Che you didn’t need to come,” he grumbled.

“Ma Zoro, your sense of direction is worse than mine. And that’s just plain sad.” I’m starting to regret not bringing a jacket with me.

“How sad?”

“I’ve gotten lost in a department store. A small one even. My friend had to page me over the intercom. It still took me forever to find my way out again,” I explained proudly (AN: true story)

“And you’re proud?”

“Very. I brag about it to my friends all the time,” I started walking backwards in front of him again.

“I’ve told you a million times not to do that!” He snapped.

“Nope. Only . . . Okay I don’t keep track,” I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my multi-pierced ear.

We were at the border of Rozentuin. At the top of the hill was a Marine base. I looked up to the brightly lit windows, eyes skimming over as though I’d see Sano stick his head out of one and wave to me.

“You and Sano, huh,” Zoro spoke my thoughts after a few moments of silence.

“Yeah. What does this have to do with anything?”

“I’m just looking out for my captain’s sister, that’s all,” he raised his hands in surrender.

I started walking normal again, the crescent moon earring swinging madly. It was still a darker shade of red than it should. The danger hasn’t passed, and it was starting to worry me.

“Really? Or are you just jealous?” It was a low blow, but it was worth a shot.

“And why would I be jealous?” he asked.

“Because look what you’re chasing after,” I waved a hand over my body. His eyes followed suit.

“No I’m not,” he denied, “Look just drop it okay?”

“Says they guy who tried to kiss me. And accomplished at one point,” I smirked. I was poking an angry tiger here. A really big, pissed off tiger.

“Oi! You kissed back!”

“Or did I?”

“Now you’re being ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous? Then drop the whole Sano and me thing and let’s see whose ridiculous,” my temper was starting to rise.

“Why should I? I was being apprehensive.”

“I don’t even think you even know what that means, moss-head.”

“Oh really? Says you whose gotten lost in a department store,” a vein throbbed on his forehead.

“Hey you shouldn’t be talking!” I don’t really think this was playful banter anymore.

“Just shut up.”

“No, I won’t,” I crossed my arms over my chest.

Wind picked up and whipped past us, making a whistling sound as the trees behind us creaked dangerously.

“I’m about ready to slice your skinny ass,” he hissed, putting his hands on his sword for good measure.

“Go ahead! But only if you leave the deal with me and Sano alone!”

“I won’t! He’s a Marine and you’re a pirate! He’ll betray you!”

“Shut up, lover boy!”

“ No you shut up! I don’t know what was with me! I don’t even want to kiss you or anyone else. I don’t even like you! You’re annoying, big mouthed, selfish, and not even all that pretty! So just leave me alone!”

My mouth opened and closed like a fish. Wait . . . wha~? For once I was speechless. Finally I managed to compose myself.

“Well, if that’s how you feel. I’ll leave you alone then,” I turned and walked briskly away.

“Good!” he yelled after me.

~~

Note to self: Boys are dumbasses and will always be. You can try anything, but they will always be idiots.

XZoroX

I am an idiot. I came across that fact when Rhythm turned and walked away. She’s not the type to cry after something like this, so I really didn’t have to go after her, right?