#zonamijukebox

[eirist]

As It Was

Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.

Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.

Warning: OOC possible. One shot.

Rating: T (A bit suggestive but tolerable still)

Note: AU. I am currently in love with the song As It Was (Prep’s version) and had it on repeat. You know that certain instance when you’re listening to it and suddenly a random scene for your OTP will just playout from out of nowhere. That’s what happened here.

I know it’s late. But this is a Happy Valentine’s ZoNa piece and my supposed entry to the ZoNami jukebox event in here.

And yes, this is a companion fic to The Cat Burglar one-shot (#30 in the Little Bits and Pieces collection). Enjoy!

Summary: She couldn’t pinpoint when was that exact moment when something between them shifted. All she knows is that it’s not the same as it was.

Nami quietly watched the scene outside from the tinted window of the car as it sped past the crowded street. The weather was a bit cold tonight, yet she was surprised to see a lot of people still loitering about enough to cause a slight traffic.

She chewed at her bottom lip—a bad habit really, whenever she feels edgy—and folded her arms on her chest, creasing the front of her coat at the movement.

“We’ll be there in a few minutes Nami-senpai.” The driver, Bartolomeo, politely informed her. They were on their way to her apartment and he must’ve sense her impatience… or saw it from the car’s rear view mirror.

“It’s alright,” Nami smiled at him. Usopp had told her before that he was in-training to become a low-rank official hence the chauffeuring them around stint. “Don’t worry about it.” She wasn’t that much in a hurry to be honest. She got nowhere to be tonight of all nights.

Her gaze riveted back outside, silently observing the people hurrying to and fro while holding flower bouquets and gifts in heart-decorated wrappers with big red bows around them.

It was Valentine’s night. And here she was, braving the traffic so she could get home after sneaking out of the party at the Mugiwara estate to spend the rest of the night soaking in a nice, warm, bubble bath with lighted candles around her and glass of expensive red wine in one hand.

Normally, she loves attending those parties and spent time there mingling and rubbing elbows with the rich, flirting with handsome, gullible guests and steal a thing or two from them before the party ends… but tonight she was not in the mood.

Maybe because a lot of guests there tonight have dates and she unfortunately and accidentally ran across some pairs cozying it up in some of the vacant rooms like five times already.

The mansion has numerous rooms! Why the hell did she keep stumbling into one that was already occupied by dry humping people?

She decided to just call it a night. Honestly, she can’t take seeing one more pair in a state of undress. She doesn’t want to barge into another quickie session or she’ll start charging them for using the rooms in the first place.

Besides, what’s with all those horny people? She didn’t see any oysters were served for dinner earlier.

Unless their gluttonous boss was able to get his hands on them… or if someone intercepted it on their way out of the kitchen…

Wasn’t Sanji-kun in charge of the food tonight?

Nami rolled her eyes when it clicked into place.

Thank her lucky stars Bartolomeo was around, ready to drive anyone anywhere at a moment’s notice. When Luffy motioned for his top men to go upstairs for a private meeting, she decided to high-tail it out of there.

Speaking of that…

“Hey Bart,” she called out to the Mohawk hair-styled man. “Got any idea how long that meeting’s gonna be?”

“Uh…” Bartolomeo scratched his cheek, looking apologetic as he glanced at Nami from the rear view mirror. “Apologies, Nami-senpai. I’m not sure about that.”

“Oh. Alright.”

“But it looks like it’s gonna take longer than usual,” he continued on. “I heard Luffy-senpai’s brother arrived earlier.”

Nami settled back on the seat, thinking. “If that’s the case, then it’s gonna take some time.” She pondered more for a moment. “Hey can you swing by Baratie first? I want to get something to go.”

“No problem, Nami-senpai,” Bartolomeo nodded. “You want me to call first so they can get it ready?”

“I’ll do it,” Nami pulled her phone out of her purse and dialled the exclusive number for the restaurant Sanji-kun had given her.

If she’s going to spend tonight of all nights alone, she might as well splurge for herself right?

A haggard-sounding chef answered her call. She reached inside her purse for her lipstick while she was enumerating her requests. Her fingers snagged an unfamiliar object and she pulled it out to look at it.

Nami stared at it for a long time. When the call ended, she already made the decision on how to best enjoy herself tonight.

------------------------

The scenery outside the window changed as the car made a smooth turn to the right and began an uphill climb. They had left Baratie about fifteen minutes ago and was now driving along a rather lonely road with thick trees bordering both of its sides.

There wasn’t any lamp post on the area and only the head lights of the car illuminated what was ahead.

But Nami wasn’t afraid. Not a bit. The road was private that was why no one was allowed to use it. A few minutes passed and a black, large gate loomed before them.

“Nami-senpai,” Bartolomeo called her name to get her attention. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Nami grinned at him. “Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re off the hook.”

“But…”

“Just trust on this me alright?”

Bartolomeo looked hesitant but Nami only motioned for him to continue ahead.

He nodded weakly, just as the gates opened for them. He drove the car inside and in a few more minutes, he was circling the driveway and pulling to a stop in front of a dark house.  

He stepped out of the car in a flash to open the door for Nami and assist her in getting out.

“Thank you,” she winked at him. “And don’t worry I’ll handle it,” she assured him with a pat on his shoulder.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay here Nami-senpai?” Bartolomeo asked again in an uncertain tone. He swallowed a lump in his throat. If something happens to her, Luffy-senpai and the others would make sure he wouldn’t die a peaceful death.

“Yup,” Nami nodded as she scanned the house in front of her while Bartolomeo waited nervously beside her with the paper bag from Baratie and the bouquet of flowers the wonderful head chef Zeff had given her.

She slipped out the keys she found in her purse earlier and she could swear Bartolomeo’s eyes widened as looked at her.

“Y-you got the keys to this house?”

She winked at him again and brought her forefinger to her lips, a sign to keep his mouth shut about it. Nami motioned for him to hand her the food and the flowers before heading towards the front door.

“Just try not to rat me out ok?” She reminded him before slipping the key inside the lock. 

------------------------

The temperature outside seemed to drop some more as the night wore on. The tall, thick trees surrounding the vicinity didn’t help with that at all… they only made it colder.

But Nami seemed oblivious to it as she turned the key. Either it was tolerable or she doesn’t mind because of the coat she was wearing. There was a clicking sound as the key unlocked the door and she pushed it open.

What idiot still uses only one lock for their front door when keypad locks are a thing now?

Not that any of those will stop her. She can pick a lock and override a keypad as easy as one, two, three.

She stepped inside the foyer, just as Bartolomeo pulled out of the driveway to head back to the mansion-slash-headquarters in the Mugiwara estate.

Nami flicked a switch to her right and the whole floor was immediately bathed in warm white lights.

“I’m home!” She announced in a sing-song voice to no one in particular. She snickered at that. She knows the house is empty… save for her. With one hand, she was able to shrug off her coat and left it on the couch.

Nami caught sight of her reflection in one of the mirrors lining the wall that was separating the living room and the dining/kitchen area. She had to admit, she looks dazzling tonight in her sparkling gown. Too bad no one will be able appreciate it.

Her high heels made click-clacking sounds against the marbled floor as she made her way to the other part of the house. She set the paper bag and the flowers down on the kitchen counter top and looked around.

It was really a gorgeous house and it was a shame it was not being appreciated enough.

She had seen enough of it to fall in love with it. With high ceilings and glass walls, it had a great view of the outside especially at night time where you can see the city lights.

And you can also see the Mugiwara estate from there. Which is no surprise at all because the area where she is now, belongs to them.

The house was smack in the middle of thick trees, giving it enough privacy. And it didn’t matter if all the lights were on because it can’t be seen from the outside. You won’t even know it is there.

It was a perfect hideaway place.

Nico Robin told her that it was Franky who designed and built it. That’s why everything inside and outside was set to perfection.

She unwrapped the bouquet Zeff has given her so she can replace the almost withering flowers in the vase on the middle of the dining table. She’s going to make the most of her stay here, so that means everything has to look good.

Nami discarded the flowers in the trash and proceeded to set the dining table with the exquisitely made, hand-crafted plates she was sure Sanji-kun was the one who was responsible for.

Come to think of it. This house has something from everyone from Luffy’s core group. She’s sure the flowers from earlier were Robin’s flower garden.

She moved purposely for the next few minutes: setting the table, selecting an expensive red wine from the wine collection, pouring some in her glass before proceeding to arrange scented candles in strategic locations and dimming the lights to give the place a more subdued ambience.

Everything was perfect.

Then she left the kitchen—one hand holding her wine glass while the other clutched the bottle—and she went upstairs. She casually strode towards the empty bedroom and headed straight to her main objective.

Because hands down, this place has the best bathroom, the best bathtub, along with the best view for a relaxing bubble bath. It would honestly put any expensive hotel to shame. 

All thanks to Franky.

She raised her wine glass in salute to her comrade before downing it and proceeding to prepare a luxurious bubble bath for herself.

A few more minutes and a blissfully content Nami was submerged in the large tub, wine in hand, eyes closed while a soft music played from the bath’s hidden speakers as the calming scent of the candles she lighted wafted in the air.

It feels like she was being lulled to sleep. It was so soothing. She could honestly live like this for the rest of her life.

At times like these, she can’t help but think that working for the Mugiwara family was one of the best decisions she ever made.

How long had she been with them? Two years? Two years since that green-haired man walked into her bar and whisked her away in a world more dangerous than before.

She had honestly thought that was the end of the line for her. But surprisingly—and thankfully—it was her excellent skills at thieving and treasure hunting that saved her.

And when they found out that she’s also a genius cartographer. That sealed the deal.

When she was brought in the presence of the Mugiwara family’s head… to say she was shocked was an understatement. He wasn’t what she was expecting. Nor what she heard through the grapevine. Especially when Monkey D. Luffy made an offer to her to join the ranks of those working directly under him.

After all, it was a waste to not to put all of her skills and knowledge to good use.

She made a choice to join him.

And she loved every minute of it.

Though there was a price to pay… she had to let go of her bar, as joining him would definitely place her in a tight spot with the other families who usually frequents the place. It would definitely make her a target and put her in more danger.

It broke her heart to shut it down. The bar was something constant in her life. It was her safe place despite how crude and violent her customers were. But she understood that sacrifices need to be made if it will bring her closer to her dream. And if she played her cards right, she might reopen it again in the future.

“Why are you here?”

Nami’s eyes shot open at that voice. Deep and cold as ice. It send shivers up and down the spine and not in the most pleasant way. She had seen men tremble at the sound of it. Seen enemies almost shit their pants when they hear it.

But…

Nami pouted at the intrusion. She moved her head slightly towards the bathroom doorway and her eyes settled at the tall, green-haired man who seemed to appear out of nowhere. She inwardly cursed at how stealthy Roronoa Zoro can be. She didn’t even hear a car pulling up the driveway.

She just threw him a smirk, batted her eyelashes at him and purred, “Welcome home baby.”

Zoro just scoffed at her attempt to tease him. She grinned as she settled back in her bath and watched him marched inside, removing the cuff links from his shirt and dropping them haphazardly on the sink countertop.

Nami rolled her eyes at his carelessness. She’s pretty sure he’ll be losing them in the next few days. Just like all the cufflinks that came before them.

“Why are you back so soon?” She wondered out loud when he started to pace around the room, shedding articles of his clothing like a snake and leaving them on the tiled floor.

He had the gall to snort at her question. “It’s my house.”

Nami puffed her cheeks at that. “So? Shouldn’t you still be at the meeting?”

One steely eye narrowed at her as he began to pull at his tie. “Shouldn’t you be anywhere but here? This is called intruding you know.”

The orange-haired woman only chuckled at that. She shifted from her relaxed position, resting both of her arms at the tub edge so she can watch him idiotically try to choke himself with his tie.  

“Hmmm… I wouldn’t call that intruding if I have your keys.” She declared in a cheeky tone.

Zoro stopped fumbling with his tie and glared at her. “Why do you have my keys?”

She sighed exasperatedly, leaning her head on one arm. “Because you are an idiot?”

“I’m not an idiot!” He immediately retorted and Nami threw her head back to laugh at his expense.

“Only idiots leave their keys anywhere for others to grab.” She threw a smirk his way and he frowned at her.

“I’m pretty sure you nicked that from me.”

“Oh,” Nami feigned surprise at his accusation. “Me? Steal something from Roronoa Zoro’s person? Hmmm… you flatter me.” She winked at him.

It is fun seeing this usually unrattled man get flustered whenever he’s up against her in a war of the words. Working for Luffy made her realize that Zoro wasn’t all that he seems.

He wasn’t all ruthless, uncaring and cold. That was reserve for their enemies. And also, for the newcomers who still have to gain his trust. Kami knows how long it took for her to acquire it. And it wasn’t that easy. How many times did her life had to be on the line and he had to save her ass before she was finally able to crack his supposedly impenetrable shell?

Too many to count.

But once she did, once he was able to look at her without that distrust in his eye... his company had been nothing but pleasant and rather enjoyable much to her surprise.

Especially when she realize how easy it was to take him down a peg or two.

“Stop fumbling with that, you’ll end up choking yourself to death,” she lost her patience when he still—for the life of her—cannot figure out how untie his tie. “Come here and let me!”

Zoro just glared at her. Again. He’s really unamused at how she’s getting too comfortable with bossing him around.

Nami, likewise, glared back. Oh he doesn’t scare her anymore like when she first met him. He had used up all that privilege in one go.

“Do not make me stand from here and pull you by that tie!”

Grudgingly he obeyed her, moving closer and leaning down so she can help him.

“That wasn’t so hard was it?” Nami narrowed her eyes at him as she worked on the knot around his neck. The silver tie looked so sleek on him. Too bad it can also be the cause of his death.

“How can you have difficulties with something as simple as this when you can maim anyone without even looking their way!” She complained when she was done. He muttered something under his breath. She wasn’t sure if it was gratitude or an expletive.

He pulled the tie away from his neck and grumpily threw it on the sink.

Nami eyed the innocent article of clothing that was now officially the bane of Zoro’s existence.

That cool persona of his was just really a front. Away from the frontlines, he was a downright bumbling… idiot.

“Need any help taking off your other garments?” Nami innocently offered. Now she wasn’t really sure if he can unbutton his shirt without turning it into a sort of battle royale.

His face colored and he spat out a really loud ‘no’.

Nami sniggered. “Come on Zoro. We are way past modesty here. See? You’re already undressing yourself right here while I’m taking a bath baby.”

“Stop calling me that!”

She burst out laughing at his outburst.

“You witch!”

“Yeah I know. Can it Zoro.” Her shoulders were still shaking as she tried to dwindle down her laughter. Boy, he was really making her night.

“Why are you still here?” Zoro was practically snarling his question at her. He’s probably had enough embarrassment for the night, care of her.

“Be nice Zoro,” she hummed as she settled back again on tub, lifting a feet up and playing with the bubble foam. She glanced at him and he was now leaning back at the sink, glowering at her. “And here I stopped by Baratie on my way here to get you a steak.”

“A steak?”

“Uh… steaks?” She corrected when he sounded dissatisfied.

He folded his arms over his chest and asked crankily. “Why?”

“Nothing much. I figured I needed to bribe you so I can use your bathtub.”

“You’re already in it.” Zoro pointed out.

“True,” Nami agreed. “Thought the meeting’s gonna take long enough for me to slipped out of here without you knowing and just leave you something as a thank you.”

“Didn’t take that long,” Zoro grunted and he reached beside him to pull open the smartly hidden cabinet which stored liquor bottles. He grabbed a glass and poured himself a drink from a bottle he just randomly grabbed. “Besides, Bartolomeo ratted you out.”

“Tch! I knew he would,” Nami said, playing with the bubbly foam in front of her. “He’s more scared of you than me.”

“Hnnn…”

“Don’t be too hard on him. It’s not his fault you lost your keys.”

Zoro was halfway into bringing his glass to his mouth to drink. “I’m not. And I told him I know you filched it.”

Nami smiled haughtily at him. “Maybe you should stop leaving it carelessly anywhere?”

“Tch.”

“Can I have my me time now Zoro?” She shot him her signature pleading look that never fails to make any man a putty in her hands… well except Zoro. “I promise I’ll get out of your hair as soon as I’m done.”

Zoro scrutinized her from the rim of the glass he’s drinking. Then he sighed.

“Fine. Do whatever you want.”

She blew him a kiss. “Thank you! Feel free to enjoy the steaks I brought. They are inside the paper bag. I already set the table for you in case you want to eat like you’re out on a date tonight.”

“It’s not a date if you’re alone.” Zoro grunted.

“Oh?” Nami intoned as a Cheshire cat grin lit her face. "Want me to call for someone to accompany you?” She offered in sickeningly, sweet tone.

Zoro pinned her with an icy glare.

“Or do you want me to accompany you?”

Zoro was silent for a moment, observing her. Then he set his glass down on the sink countertop and folded his arms over his chest.

“And what will that cost me?"

Nami leaned against the tub again so she can look at him straight in the eye, resting her arms against the tub’s edge. This time her grin is more mischievous than ever. And so is the look in her brown eyes.

"Diamonds from Jozu Island.” She answered without missing a beat.

The green-haired man stared down at her with a serious expression on his face. He looked like he was contemplating. Then he pushed off the sink and moved to approach her.

Nami was absolutely beaming as she gazed up at him.

It was just a joke. She just wanted to see him lose it at her inane request. It just feels sooo good to tease him. She wasn't even sure anyone can when she first met him because he was so... expressionless.

"Consider it done."

She stared at him incredulously. Her jaw dropped open from astonishment at his answer.

"Eeeh?!"

"You want it. You'll get it."

That was all he said before he leaned down and captured her lips with his.

Stunned she maybe at what he said, she was still able to return his kiss eagerly. To be honest, she had been craving for it, for him, all night.

She was searching for him back at the party all night with the intention of pulling him in one of the deserted rooms. But certain responsibilities had prevented her from doing so. She then decided to just head back to her apartment and call it a night.

When she realized she had his house keys… she changed her plans. It was a long shot since Luffy’s meetings are notoriously long. She had little hope that Zoro will come home tonight.

But thank her lucky stars…

She couldn’t pinpoint when was that exact moment when something between them shifted.

All she knows is that it’s not the same as it was.

He only need to ask her and she would gladly join him for a late night dinner downstairs, even without those diamonds. She didn’t fix it just for one after all.

His fingers tangled along her wet hair and she vaguely felt him almost lifting her out of tub with the way he pulled her closer to him as he kissed her deeper. She fervently opened her mouth for him, so she can taste the alcohol he just had—still on his tongue—and him again and again.

When he pulled away, Nami can see familiar heat behind his grey eye as he looked at her intently. She was still pressed against him. The front of his black shirt was now wet.

“Been wanting to do that all night.” He drawled before planting a soft peck on her lips. “Join me downstairs?”

Nami grinned. “Hmm… why don’t you join me here first?” She suggested, licking her lips as she traced his with her thumb. “You can either you take your clothes off or I will step out of this tub and make a mess on the bathroom floor.”

Zoro answered her with a smirk as he started unbuttoning his shirt.

She moved away from him so she can watch him undress and admire every inch of his insanely toned body.

When he joined her in the tub, she was immediately in his arms.

“I still want those diamonds Zoro,” she whispered to remind him.

Zoro stared at her amusedly before giving her that half-smile she immediately fell in love with the very first time she saw it.

“I know.”

Her laugh was cut off by his lips pressing into hers again.

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